Disclaimer: I do not own the Harvest Moon series or any of the characters mentioned in this story. All original characters and lines belong to Natsume Games and other respectable parties. This story is purely for entertainment purposes and not to be sold anywhere.

This is a work of fiction, any similarity or likeness to any events or persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

A/N: A fun series that I will update sporadically. So if you enjoy these kinds of stories I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you follow this story so when I do update it, then you'll know. I'll be using this story to take small breaks from my other works and just write small, funny one-shots. But that's enough of my rambles. Enjoy!

Voice4TheMute Presents

Harvest 1XX: Ann/Rick – It's complicated

"For the last time, Four-Eyes, we'll be just fine. Experience is greater than statistics." I yelled at Rick as we stood at the base of the tallest tree on Mother Hill. Already up a good length of the tree was Karen, trying to reach the top.

"Look, Tomboy I don't care if you're the world's greatest tree climber, the weakest branches are located at the top of the tree. There's no WAY you can get to the very 'top' of it. You'll brake a branch and fall to your death." Rick said, arms crossed as he stared intensely into my eyes. I started right back with the same intensity.

"Will you two stop bickering down there and climb up? Doing this alone is boring." Karen's voice said as she looked down for minute to talk to us and then resumed her upwards climb.

"You're so uptight and stubborn! No wonder Popuri hates you so much!" I said as I looked up the tree, already mapping out my best way to attack it. As I placed one hand on the tree I felt Rick's hand on my shoulder and he forcibly spun me around to face him. I was already ready to punch him square in the face for touching me, but there was a look of worry and embarrassment.

"I'm strict with her because I care, dammit!" Rick said, averting his eyes. "And…I care about you. I don't want you getting hurt, ok? Is that too much to ask." My eyes widen at his comment. I looked up to see if Karen was still lingering at the lower part of the tree but she was well on her way up. I felt myself get embarrassed by this.

"D-Dummy! You can't just go around saying things like that! I'm not your sister!" I said, trying to catch his eyes, but he was definitely doing his best to avoid my gaze.

"That's not what I mean by that! I know you're not my sister! And I really shouldn't be so strict on you! But…the thought of seeing you hurt because I couldn't protect you…" Rick said as he finally looked at me. I felt my cheeks get red as his did too. "…I just won't be able to live with myself if that were to happen." His hands were still on my shoulders, I couldn't escape his hold. When did a chicken farmer get so strong? Too many thoughts were going through my head that it was literally disabling my ability to function. The next thing I knew…

I saw Rick slowly make his approach to me for a kiss.

I arced back. I wanted to pull away… he is Karen's crush afterall! I couldn't betray her like this! Our lips, merely centimeters apart. The only things that I could say to him was a very weak, barely audible.

"N-no…"

It's then a dozen acorns rained from the sky. The sudden hit plus the situation we were in was enough to jolt us away from each other. I thought that my worst fear came alive. I thought I was ousted by my own friend. I looked up, fearing to see the angry glare of Karen. But instead I saw her and her butt climbing the branches and occasionally hitting a few acorns loose. Rick and I slowly brought our gazes from looking up to look at each other then looking away.

"Y-you're still and idiot…" I said to him, feeling embarrassed.

"Y-You're the one to talk…" He said as I looked up the tree. I looked down at Rick who was staring at me again. I felt a sharp pain in my chest as our eyes met. I knew what I had to do "What the- Dammit Ann!" Rick yelled as I did my best to climb as fast as possible up the tree.

"Get away from me Rick!" I said, reaching for branch after branch as if the tree was a linear ladder. I looked down at him, who was visibly heartbroken. I sighed, sympathizing with him. I waited until I got his attention and gave him a small smile. I saw him sigh with relief before cupping his hands over his mouth.

"Don't climb to the very top, ok? It's dangerous." He lowered his hands, smile on his face as I looked back up towards the top. With one good reach, I kept climbing up, unsure of what or where or how far I would reach but I kept on climbing.


The End…for now!