Shane x Reader (Gender Neutral)

Confession (Part 2)

Word Count: 941

It had been three days since Shane had last seen the farmer.

He wasn't sure if they just haven't left the house since then, or if they've actively been avoiding him. Whatever they were doing, it seemed like they didn't want anything to do with him anymore, which he felt like he should have been used to at this point. Although, this time, he wasn't entirely sure if it was his fault or not. It must have been.

Three days ago, the farmer had given him a bouquet of flowers. A simple gesture in Pelican Town which had significant meaning. If someone gave a bouquet of flowers to you, it initially meant that they had a romantic interest in you. Which is something that Shane would have never expected from anybody. He didn't think of it as bad, necessarily. In fact, he had felt the same towards the farmer. If he had the courage, he would have been the first one to give the bouquet of flowers, but he messed it all up.

When the farmer gave him the flowers, he sat there in complete silence. Not a single word came out of his mouth. Now the farmer must think he hates them.

He continued his brisk walk from his job at Joja Mart down to the Saloon, trudging his feet along as he did so. Even though the sun was shining bright and bringing warmth on this lovely summer day, he felt more miserable than he did before he became close with the farmer. He really needed a drink or two, even if he wasn't supposed to.

"Shane, dearie?"

He heard an old woman's voice behind him, just as he was about to open the door to the Saloon. He turned around to look at Evelyn, an old woman who lived on the East side of the town square. He never really knew her quite that well, but he wouldn't pass down talking to her. It would simply be rude.

"If you don't mind, could you help me with the garden? You see, I'm very old and frail and I need someone to help lighten to load for today." She looked at him patiently.

Despite never talking to her, Shane knew that Evelyn was a capable person, despite her age. But, again, he didn't want to be rude to someone who was older than him. The Saloon could wait a few minutes. "Sure thing." He walked towards the garden with Evelyn.

"I just need some help watering these plants," she stated. "Do you think that you could do that?"

"Can do," he replied, and despite trying to hide it, somewhat unenthusiastically. Evelyn seemed to notice and not say anything, but instead grab a watering can and hand it to Shane.

"So, I've heard from the grapevine that you and that new farmer are getting close. Is this true?" Shane lifted up the watering can, preventing anymore water from pouring out as he did so. He continued to look forward until eventually he tilted the watering can downward once again. "Yeah, it's true."

"That didn't sound very enthusiastic. Is there something wrong?"

Shane continued to water, not wanting anything to do with this conversation, primarily because it was just another reminder of how the farmer probably hated him now for what he did. "It's nothing, you don't have to worry about it."

Evelyn paused, then rested herself on the wooden border of the garden bed. "Dearie, I've been around much longer than anybody in this town. Do you think that I can't tell when something is wrong?" Shane had a plaintive look in his eyes. "There isn't anybody that I can, or would, tell your secrets to." Shane exhaled.

"A couple of days ago, they came over to the ranch and gave me a bouquet."

Evelyn smiled. "How exciting! I don't understand what the problem is."

"They're not the problem. I froze up and didn't say anything." He paused, then placed the watering can down on top of the soil. "I like them the same way, but I don't even know if I'm ready for a relationship. I almost feel sick around them, except I'm not disgusted, I just get so nervous, like I don't even know what to say. I don't know that feeling and it's terrifying."

"Dearie, that's just love."

"Well, love is terrifying."

Evelyn grinned and shook her head. "Can I tell you something?"

"Sure."

"I will never understand how you let that one get away from you."

Shane looked at her, brows furrowed in confusion. "What does that mean?"

Evelyn chuckled. "Let me put it like this." She rested her hands on her lap. "You enjoy talking to them, right?"

"Yes."

"You appreciate the time they spend with you?"

"Of course."

"Do you think that they are a good person?"

"I wouldn't doubt it for a second."

"Then what's the hold-up? I know that they must really like you, given how much they talk to you and about you."

Shane's shoulders relaxed, his gaze softening as he looked towards the ground. "They talk about me?"

"Of course they do. You have no idea how lucky you are, dearie. You would be a fool not to take someone like them, especially after how much they've done for you. You know that you feel the same way about them, so don't let your nerves get in the way."

A small chuckle escaped Shane, making his upper body jounce. He looked over to Evelyn. "Should I go over there, then?"

"Go, go. I can manage on my own."

His pockets bulged as he shoved his hands within, just before walking off. He turned back around as he did. "Thanks, Evelyn!"

"Oh, just go." She smirked.