A/N: Hello, there. Well, I know some people are actually reading this but not reviewing, because I'm forcing them to.

Hint, hint.

Not reviewing.

Hint, hint.

Disclaimer: I don't own Animal Crossing.

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I stared up at the sky. So there's an animal named Otis who lives in my town. Okay. Fine. I can deal.

The fact that there are no humans here is what's really freaking me out.

I planted the tulips by my house, gazing down at the nature and admiring my work. I must say, creativity is what I'm made of.

With that done, I head back to Tom Nook's store and await my next task.

"Well, Ally. Have you met anyone in this town yet?" he asked.

I stopped here.

Uh, no.

You want me to?

"Oh, I know you haven't! That is why I am assigning you your next task: meet the residents of Forest!"

Oh, phooey.

"Uh.. well.. why?" I ask.

Tom Nook bursts out laughing at this.

"Why? I expect my worker to know her neigbors! It's just good business."

I sigh and head outside again.

You know, the snow shining under the dawn sun really is pretty. Sure, it's cold, but really, you can't go wrong with this stuff. I exhale and watch my breath sail away in cool wisps. And that morning light makes such a great mixture of shadow and brightness! What a contrast. I would have liked to paint it if I had an easel and one of those cardboard pieces of paper.

"Ally."

I jump and whirl around.

"What are you doing? Aren't you on the job? It's kind of early to be idling around the shop."

Otis is standing there, the light shining on his gray and brown feathers.

"Don't scare me like that!" I snap at him.

He ruffles his plume in an apologetic stance. I sigh and smile lightly.

"Sorry. I'm not a morning person."

"Oh. Well, maybe I should just leave you alone for now.." he starts.

Otis turns to leave. Then, a brilliant idea hits me; why can't he show me around and introduce me to everyone?

"Otis! Wait!"

I run after him. He turns around slowly, as if expecting me to yell at him some more.

I can do that later.

"I'm sorry for being mean. I don't make friends so easily," I state, half smiling.

"Well, it's okay, I s'pose. What do you need?" he asks.

You know, I like this guy. He's direct and to the point.

"Could you show me around Forest..? Maybe introduce me to the residents? I mean, I don't need your help or anything, it's just I'm thinking ahead. You know, if I get lost, or-"

"Okay. Sure. Follow me."

Wow. That was quick.

I begin to pace after him.

The silence that ensues begins to strangle me. I decide to make delightful conversation.

"So. Um. What do you like to do around here?"

"Nothing fancy. Fish, catch insects, shop, talk to the neighbors, take advantage of the events that come around every so often."

Oh. Sounds like Forest is sort of quiet.

"Oh. So does everyone do that?" I ask him, shifting my feet in the shallow snow.

"Most everyone. I don't."

Oh. Wait, what?

"So then.. what do you do?" I ask.

He stops walking leisurely for a second, gazing up at the sky.

"Nothing much."

Huh? Why is this guy being so.. enigmatic?

"Nothing much like what?" I ask, my interest rising in him.

"Well.. I like to go to the island sometimes. And the beach is a great place to go to. The conch shells there are wonderful to listen to.." he says, trailing off.

Hm. There's a beach here. Maybe I should go there some time.

"Oh. Well.. maybe I could.. could join you?" I ask, suddenly timid.

He flicks his warm gaze at me for a second or two.

"Sure. I don't mind company every now and then."

I feel light-headed.

"Thanks."

"No problem."

I think I just made a friend.

Not that I care, or anything.

Pshaw.

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A/N: I know what you're thinking. Eeeeeeeeeeeew! She likes OTIS?! OTIS IS A BIRD! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEW!

Well, she's not going to fall in love with him or anything, so get those disgusting thoughts out of your head and get your mind out of the gutter, because that's NOT what's happening here.

Anyway, please review, anonymous or not.

Hint, hint.