>>42396256
>”It feels like almost everyone I talk to is afraid of me, and I don’t know what I’m supposed to do about it – what I even can do about it.”
>Anon had been avoiding going into town lately, even with you.
>Lotta folks have been actin’ like they did with Zecora around him.
>You knew it must’ve been difficult, but you didn’t realize everypony being nervous about him was affecting him this much.
>He exhales a shaky sigh.
>”I just feel so lost.”
>He buries his face into your shoulder.
>”I don’t know what to do, Applejack.”
>It feels like a knife just stabbed into your barrel.
>There’s such a sense of despair in his words.
>He sounds so confused and scared, it just breaks your heart.
“Anon?”
>You take a deep breath, keeping your own emotions in check for his sake.
“I’m so sorry you’re goin’ through this, Anon. I can hardly even imagine how awful it must be. Never bein’ able to see your home or family again… it’s just awful, and I honestly don’t think I could do it if I was in your hooves.”
>You lift his head up so it rests underneath your throat again.
”Nopony deserves to suffer like that, ‘specially not you, ‘Non.”
>He hugs you a little bit tighter.
>You move your hooves off his shoulders, and grip his head between them.
>You position his head so you can look him face to face again.
>His eyes are red and misty.
“But I promise you Anon – I’m here to help you however I can.”
>You press your forehead into his, putting your faces close enough to share breath.
“I don’t care what other ponies say or think about you, you’re my friend ‘Non, and an honorary Apple no matter how different ya are from us.”
>His breaths are getting slower and deeper
“I’m willin’ to do what ever it takes to help you feel welcome here, and give you a place you can belong again.”
>Anon closes his eyes, taking a deep breath before moving his arms further up your neck, and giving a more gentle hug.
>”Thank you.”
>His voice is barely a whisper, but you can still hear the gratitude in it.
>You both smile.