EDIT: So... I completely fluffed up this chapter... xD So if you're re-reading this shortly after this was originally posted, there's a few things changed...

This is very similar to a story I wrote a while ago with ANB's Neil and Rachel. This is the same premise... just with different characters

This version is very much more in depth which the story line. Originally, it was going to be a one shot like the first one but it clocked in at over 20K... So no

I'll be uploading a new chapter possibly everyday (if I remember) so stay tuned... (the entire story is already written so...)

Pairings: Raeger/Annie (female protagonist... She looks like the girl on the game's cover)

Bromace: Fritz/Raeger (look up Fritz's flower events to see more bromace)

Warning: Unbeta'd. All mistakes are my own.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harvest Moon (well, Story of Seasons now...). All characters belong to their respected owners.

Raeger's world was black. It had always been black. He hid behind smiles and sweet gestures; hiding the darkness he saw. He would never ask for help, never bugged his single mother or grandfather. He was the obedient child that knew of no colours.

I sighed contently, watching Lillie browse through the menu. She hummed softly, her voice music to my ears. I leaned over the counter, dishrag in hand as I absentmindedly wiped the counter.

It was a warm, Spring 1st. The winter's snow had melted and allowed green grass to grow. Dandelion seeds fluttered through the air, a gentle gale blowing over the small village of Oak Tree. I was currently inside of the restaurant that was passed down from my Grandfather; the yellow walls glaring at me and the girl.

I had just finished dealing with some other girls before the weather girl came back from the big city, some of them trying to give me their number. I could only sigh inwardly. It wasn't like I didn't like the women, it's just they aren't exactly my type…

"Hmm… I'm not sure what I want, Raeger."

I looked up at the sound of my name, staring into the eyes of the beautiful girl.

"How about I just make you some chocolate ice cream?"

She smiled brightly, her cheeks tinging pink. "You'd do that? For me? You're the best Raeger!"

I felt my cheeks light up a little, turning away to start making the girl's favourite treat. "No problem, Lillie." I don't mind making exceptions for girls I did like.

The door suddenly swung open, the bell chiming. In walked a spiky-haired redhead wearing a scarf in this weather. His green-gloved clad hands held the door open long enough for the person following him to catch it before it swung close. The freckled boy yawned as he came over to me, the bandage of his face crinkling up.

"Heya Lillie, Raeger!" he sang, smiling broadly.

I smiled gently back at my younger companion, Lillie singing a hello back.

"Have you met Annie yet? She took over the farm next to Granny's!"

Ah, yes. Veronica mentioned she put out applications for the vacant farm next to Eda's farm. I believe she mentioned she kept going back to one applicant in particular; the enthusiasm from it speaking to the older woman's heart.

Lillie straightened up in her stool, trying to see around Fritz. I could only see part of the girl's dress, the white apron on a yellow-stripped fabric.

The redhead stood to the side, revealing a shy brunette. Most of her chocolate hair was covered with a red kerchief with a yellow flower on it. Her dress reminded me of a European milkmaid, fitting quite well with the rustic outfits everyone seemed to wear here. She was looking shyly at her feet, her golden eyes half-lidded in embarrassment. Her pale cheeks were also a pinkish colour.

Something in me… clicked. I'm not sure what it was, but it made me gravitate towards the shy girl. She was only a Plain Jane in comparison to someone such as Lillie, but she still held an untapped beauty that made me want to see it. I couldn't help but feel slightly off with her standing there.

I recomposed myself, putting on my signature smile that made other girls keel over, "Hello there. I'm Raeger. I run the restaurant in this town. I'm glad to be your acquaintance."

Short, sweet, straight to the point. Good job.

"I'm Lillie! My father owns the inn, so I'm sure you already met him. You've probably seen me on television before though… I forecast the weather and I'm on a few kid shows."

The girl nodded, looking up slightly. "I-I'm Annie… I'm here to become a good farmer."

The second sentence she said was emphasised with the small spark of determination in her eyes. I'm not sure if she meant it, but it was clear to me that her intentions were pure.

Annie put her head down, her sudden rush of enthusiasm fading. Her hands were behind her back as she tried to shy away. She started biting her lip; her white teeth poking between them. For some reason, I couldn't tear my eyes away from her; she was somewhat... cute.

Suddenly, I realised that Lillie's ice cream was ready. I hastily gave it to her, losing my composure for a second. None of the adults seems to notice, causing me to relax in relief. I peered over the girl's shoulders, seeing the orange sunlight drip in through the windows. It must be evening.

"Well, it seems to be getting late. Perhaps you're hungry?"

"I- uh… I really shouldn't…"

"You betcha! I'm starving!"

Fritz hopped up onto a stool, burying his nose in a menu. Annie slowly inched her way over to him, placing herself on a stool as well. I handed her a menu, smiling at her.

"Have anything you like; it's on me."

Annie finally smiled. Her peach-coloured lips curled up slightly, her eyes sparkling in gratitude. "Th-Thank you…"

I couldn't help at her shyness, feeling my cheeks heat up slightly.

"Can I have free food as well?" the redhead asked hopefully, his eyes sparkling.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes playfully. "Fine, Fritz. You can have free food too."

This is probably the shortest chapter so far... I go much more in depth with the flower events than last time.

Feel free to review, or even make a request! I tend not to do pairings I don't like though... I usually have only one male protagonist OTP and one female protagonist OTP per game... So nothing like Fritz/Annie cuz I fully support Raeger/Annie xD

Thanks!