Chapter 2 is now up! I hope you guys enjoy! There's more LukexAkari in this chapter. There will be much more! So, Enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility or the characters!

Many weeks have gone by and before I knew it, I was just one of the Waffle Town regulars! It was like all these people new me my whole life! All the residents were so sweet (except Gill, of course, we had a run-in at the beginning). I became friends with almost everyone, but no one could replace my best friends!

Before I was completely settled in, I stopped at Brownie Ranch to see how they did everything. I really couldn't wait to get a hold of some horses. A natural cow girl! Well, sometimes. Anywho, when I first got there I was greeted by Hannah and Cain who showed me some of their techniques for farming. Of course, I didn't understand most of them. So they just sent my to go meet their daughter, Rene. I fell in love with her! We're practically like sisters! I loved how she is with animals! And she's just so funny!

When Rene and I became closer and better friends, I was at their ranch every moment I had. Which is where I met my other sister, Kathy. She was everything I wanted to be. She was thin with long dirty blond hair. She was born to ride horses! She's amazing! I really don't know how I would describe it, I guess it's something you'll have to see for yourself! Another amazing thing? That girl can hold her liquor.

We all three become best friends. It was quite amazing how we sort of just instantly clicked. They were my heroes. I want to be just like them! Just not have their taste in guys. No offense of course.

But, I'm losing sight in something else that's quite important. Someone, rather. Luke. I couldn't deny that I held a strong attraction towards him. Especially with it being the season of summer! When he takes off his shirt because he's hot from chopping wood, it KILLS me! His muscles just gleam in the summer sun.

"STOP!" I shouted to myself while weeding my crops outside. "You can NOT keep thinking like that! We're just friends! That's all we can and will ever be! That's all you want. Right? Isn't it? You don't need some guy! You're perfectly fine on your own! It should blow over soon. Maybe a month or two? Please? Ohh, please Goddess? He's my best friend! I just need to get over him!"

"Get over who?" said a feminine voice, I instantly recognized. I looked up to see my two sisters staring at me with curious expressions.

"Kathy? Rene? What are you guys doing here? Umm, didn't you guys have to, like, tend animals or go get hammered at 11 o' clock in the morning? Hehee…he…"

'I am sooo screwed. Let the questions begin: 5, 4, 3, 2, and-'

"Akari's got a crush! Akari's got a crush!" sung Rene very child like.

"So, Akari, who do you like?" Kathy walked closer. She was backing me into the side of my house.

"You guys, of course! Duh!" Hmm, I don't think they were going to buy it…

Kathy pinned me up against the side of my house. She was a whole lot stronger than she looked. I struggled to get out from beneath her. Kathy's eyes never left my face.

"Rene, get her."

"Get me? What? What are you gonna do?"

Rene started tickling me like crazy! I couldn't break free for anything!

"Stop it! Reenneeee! STOP! Hahhaahaaa!"

"Tell us Akari!"

"FINE! FINE! I'll tell you!" Kathy let go and Rene backed off.

"For the record, I DON'T like him! I just think he's attractive!"

"Whatever Akari, just tell us who!" they both said in unison, loudly.

I turned away and prepared my self for their reactions.

"…."

"What did you say?"

"L…"

"Who?"

"Lu…"

"AKARI! JUST TELL US!"

"LUKE!" I turned to face them and they were staring at me with their jaws dropped open.

"Don't you think he's a bit of a clutz, and well, stupid?"

I slapped Kathy on her arm.

"OW!" she rubbed it back and forth trying to wipe away the sting.

"Kathy, be nice! Akari, I personally think that you guys would be adorable for each other! You guys could go on dates, have picnics under the stars, and cuddle close when it gets cold…" Rene was dazed out into her own little world. I face was in awe. She hugged herself as if she wanted someone else to do it for her. A small smile crossed her face. That's when it hit me.

"Rene, Rene. My dear sweet girl, I think that was all the proof we need to come to the conclusion that you're in love!" she began to blush.

"T-that's N-NOT true!" She turned the way she came and was heading back up the path. When Kathy joined in.

"Really? That's funny. You don't usually stutter unless you're trying to hide something. Isn't that right Rene?"

She picked up her pace. We chased after her. Kathy and I looked at each other and nodded our heads. We ran faster and tackled Rene to the ground.

"UGGGH! OWW!" Rene yelled. We flipped her over to where she was now facing us with her back on the ground.

"Payback." an evil smirk came upon my face. I dove in and started tickling Rene like crazy! She couldn't stop laughing. Tears poured down her face!

"GUYS! HAHAHAA! S-S-TOPP ITTTT! HAHAHAA! PLE- HAHAHAHHA! PLEASE?"

"Will you tell us?" asked Kathy. Rene nodded her head. I stopped with the tickling and Kathy let go. Rene stood up, wiped the tears from her face, and smoothed out her clothing.

"Well…?" I asked with much anticipation.

She whispered very soft, but clear, "Toby…"

"Awww! Can I help? I think you guys would be so cute together!" I was so happy for her! I really did think they'd be cute together! Kathy just stood there.

"Whoa! Wait! Does he like you?" Rene's smile slowly faded away.

"I don't know… I haven't really talked to him…" Silence fell upon us.

"Have you tried flirting?"

"I… I don't really know how to." Rene's cheeks turned a shade of pink.

"You should! Maybe we can teach you!" I was getting real excited! I loved playing matchmaker! Not with myself, but with others was always better! It was like watching a movie, but 3-D.

Rene nodded. Kathy smiled.

"This will be sooo much fun! And hey, Akari, when we're done with Rene and Toby, we can get you and Luke together!" she let out a huge smile!

"Haha, funny Kathy. Hilarious. So, who is it you like?"

"No one. Shall we get started?" Her face didn't turn colors, she didn't stutter, and she wasn't fumbling around or anything. So, I took her word. Even if I didn't, I don't know how I would get it out of her. Rene and I don't stand a chance up against her.

We all made our way to my house and set on the couch. I got three cups and filled them with orange juice and brought them to my guests.

"Here ya go!" Everyone took a sip.

"So, how do I flirt?"

Kathy and I looked at each other and giggled. This was going to be a fun project!

"Guys, I don't know about this…"

"Rene, chill! It's all going to be fine!" Kathy spoke as I made sure Rene's hair looked good. Rene started breathing in and out real deep and slow. We were making our way towards Maple Lake. We knew Toby would be crossing through the district soon to return home.

"Go stand over by the lake!" I told her.

"Are you sure about this?"

"YES! Now go! I think I see him coming!" Rene nodded her head.

Rene headed towards the lake and sat on the dock. Toby was heading towards his house. At first, it seemed like Toby didn't even notice her. Rene seemed to assume that too. She threw a rock into the lake. Toby looked over and saw her. She waved to him. Toby waved back and had a smile come across his face. He began to walk over to her.

"Hey, Rene. What are you doing out here?"

"Just enjoying the view."

"Ohh, cool. It's pretty out here isn't it?"

"Yea, I love it out here! It's so lovely!" Rene smiled and began walking around on the dock more.

"AWW! They're so cute!"

"Kathy, shut up or Toby will see us! Quit moving! I think he'll notice a talking moving bush."

"Fine. I'll stop at-"

"Shh!" We looked back at the cute-to-be couple. Rene was walking around on the dock and she slipped!

"AHH!" She started to fall backwards into the water. Luckily, Toby had fast reflexes for someone who slept all the time. He moved forward and caught her in his arms. He grabbed a hold of her and pulled her close. She tried to catch her breath and then she realized that Toby was holding her arms. She looked up at him, smiled, and looked back down at his hands around her arms. He followed her eyes and he instantly let go. They both began to blush. He scratched his head.

"Well, it's, umm, getting late. I guess I better go."

"Okay… Bye."

"See ya." he turned and walked off as quick as he could until he reached his house.

I looked back at Rene who was in a daze. A huge smile swept across her face.

"So, what do you think?"

"Ohh, he likes her."

The next day came and I couldn't help but think about Rene and Toby. They were so cute together. I couldn't deny the emptiness I felt. I've always wanted someone like that. Someone to hold me, to comfort me, to share inside jokes, and to just… love me.

"Now, now, Akari. You're to young to be thinking about love." I continued watering my plants and I went inside to clean up and straighten my house a bit.

"What to do now?" it was a beautiful day outside. I had an urge to go to Carmel Falls. "Maybe I could swim?" I settled for that and went to find my pink bikini with the black polka-dots. I slipped it on and pulled on some blue jean cut off shorts with a black fitted t-shirt and walked out the door with a towel in hand.

As I was walking down the path I heard someone call, "Akari! Hey! Where ya going?" I recognized that voice anywhere.

"Hey Luke!" my heart skipped a beat. 'Can you please stop doing that?' I thought. "I'm going to go swimming down at Carmel Falls." His jaw dropped.

"Can I come?"

"I don't know Luke…" I said teasing him.

"Please? I promise I'll be nice and I won't splash you much!"

"Hmm, I'm not sure…" he got on his knees and started to beg.

"Akari! C'mon!"

"Do you even have any trunks!"

"Nahh, I don't need them!"

"Luke, how are you gonna go swimming then?"

"That's why thdy invented boxers!"

"Uhh… AHH!" Luke picked me up and spun me around and threw me on his back.

"I AM coming with you! You don't own the Falls!"

"I might…" I giggled. "Ah! Haha! Luke Stop!" He threw me in the air a bit.

"I can't help it! You're as light as a feather!" he started running. I held closer.

"Luke! Slow down! You're gonna trip!"

"No, I won't! Chill Akari!"

"Fine…" I rolled my eyes. He slowed down. And he came to a stop. I realized we were there and that I had to get off of him. I really, REALLY, didn't want to. But, I sucked it up and slid off of him.

"Wanna swim?"

"Haha, yes! Hold on, I gotta get out of my jeans." I slid off my jeans and he slid off his vest and T-shirt. He was gorgeous. He started taking off his pants and I looked away. Before he could catch me. I took off my shirt and tossed it aside. I fixed my hair a bit and looked up. There was Luke in his boxers, looking at me. I'm not sure, but I think we both had the same expressions on our faces. I looked away. My face was reddening. I could feel it.

"Wow, it's hot. We should get in." He nodded. I stepped forward putting my foot in the water to test how cold it was. I then felt Luke Grab my waist, pick me, and toss me in the water. I kicked and kicked until I finally surfaced. I took in a big gulp of air and wiped my eyes.

"Luke! *cough cough* haha! Why did you do that?" He smiled.

".. I…. fell?" I got out, ran towards him and tackled him into the water. When I surfaced, I looked for him and saw him kicking underneath the water. As soon as his head reached the top, I snatched his bandana and started swimming away.

"Akari! I lost my bandana!"

"Ohh, really?" I help his bandana up.

"Hey! Give it back! I'm gonna beat you up sooo bad for this!" He started swimming towards me.

"You are? Am I suppose to be scared? Hahaha! Bring it, Bad Boy!"

He grinned. He started swimming faster. This boy could swim. I turned and started kicking as hard and fast as I could. It wasn't good enough. He grabbed my legs and brought me closer. I tried to get away. But it was impossible! He had a strong grip. He then grabbed my waist and pulled me close. I held my hands up in an attempt to keep his bandana away from him. He simply snatched it and grinned.

"Hahaa! I got it!"

"Barely… Next time you won't be so lucky." He smiled. I looked away. "ugh. You just wait."

I felt his hand slide across my waist. He was just now removing his arm. He had such a delightful touch. It sent huge shivers down my spine. I looked back to see him putting his bandana back on. He looked so cute. Whether he had the bandana on or not. I couldn't take my eyes off him.

"Ummm, something wrong?" I broke out of my daze and returned to reality. I had to think fast.

"No, there's just something on your face."

"What? Where?"

"Hold on, I'll get it." I swam closer, stood up, and splashed as much water as I could into his face.

"Akari! Hahaha! Why are you so mean?"

"UH! MEAN? You think I'm mean? Luke, that hurts. Real bad…" I turned away and hid my face in my hands.

"Akari, No! I'm sorry! I don't think your mean! Akari, look at me! C'mon! I didn't mean it! I was only teasing!" I looked over at him and started smiling.

"I know! Hahaa!" He started laughing.

"You're Awful!"

"That's why we're such good friends! Because you're just as bad as I am!"

"Am not!"

"Wanna bet?"

"How?"

"I don't know… Let me think… You think too."

A few moments passed.

"Akari, I got it! Let's bet on Gill."

"What do you mean?"

"Let's see who Gill hates more in one day. Starting tomorrow at noon."

"Hmm, I accept your bet. Prepare to lose."

What do you think? Keep going? I put Rene and Toby in here because her or Kathy and their relationships will come in help in the future of this story. So, reviews will be MUCH appreciated! Thanks guys!