Chapter 4 is up guys! Sorry about the third one! I hope this one makes up for it! I tried to be more descriptive! Sorry if there's any incorrect spelling. A big shout out to all of the readers and reviewers! Thanks for everything! Keep doing what you are doing! Thanks! ;)
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harvest Moon: ToT or any of the characters.
Akari's POV
It was noon. The sun was bright and it was very hot. One of the hottest days of the season, I think. It was a great day to go outside and take a swim. I loved summer, but the heat was a little much sometimes. The end of summer was near. We had to live it up. Kathy, Renee, and I had plans to go to the beach and take a nice long swim. A girl's day. I was on my way to go meet them.
I had my sun hat and glasses on. I wore a purple bikini and black flip flops. Of course, while walking, I wore a bathing suit cover-up. I didn't want to walk around town in just a bikini. One slut in this town is good enough. *cough*cough* SELENA *cough*
Luke and Selena had their date. Luke's been a little distant ever since. He's been stuck up her ass. It's only been a few days since then, but I haven't seen him as much as I usually do. I remembered the day we went swimming in the Caramel Falls. I smiled to myself. I couldn't deny how great his biceps were. He was so strong and I got to see him shirtless! Selena's probably seen more than that. Already! Ugh, they make me sick.
I finally made it to town and it was kind of empty. Everyone must have stayed inside because it's so hot. I was walking past the Inn when I saw Chase exiting.
"Hey, Akari! What are you doing today? Going swimming?"
"Yea. It's like the hottest day ever! What else am I suppose to do?"
"You could come and hang out with me…?" Was he asking me on a date? Sort of?
"That'd be great Chase!" A smile came appeared on his face. "But, I'm suppose to meet Kathy and Renee at the beach."
"Ohh, that's cool. Well, I guess I better let you get to it." He turned and slowly started walking away. I felt bad for him. He seemed sad. I didn't like it.
"Umm, wait! Chase, would you like to join us?"
"Really?" He started smiling.
I nodded.
"Okay! Great! I have to get my trunks. I'll meet you guys there in about 20-30 minutes?" He turned and ran off to his house, I'm assuming.
'Great. I hope Kathy and Renee don't get mad that I invited him…'
I continued on my way until I made it to the beach. Kathy, Renee, Toby, and Owen were laying on the beach. Kathy and Owen were beside each other, talking. Renee and Toby were really close, but silent. They had smiles across their faces. They would be sooo cute together!
I cleared my throat. Everyone turned to see me. Kathy stood up.
"Hey, Akari! We didn't think you'd ever get here! Where ya been?"
"I was talking to Chase. So, what happened to girl's day?"
"Akari, I told Toby that we were coming here and he already had plans to be here today too! He brought Owen with him that way Kathy wouldn't be alone."
"What am I suppose to do then?" I really wanted to see their reactions.
"Owen invited Luke!" My jaw dropped. This was going to be fun.
"What? His ass-plug isn't going to 'drop by'? Kathy walked closer and leaned in to whisper in my ear.
"Is that jealousy, I hear?" she turned and walked off back to Owen.
"NO! It's not! Plus, I just invited Chase!"
"Did I hear my name?" Chase walked up behind me. "Hey guys! What's up?"
"Chase, my man! Nothing much! Just chilling with some fine ladies! Wanna join?" Owen said as he jogged over to Chase slapping his hands.
"Why not? As long as I get Akari." He looked over to me. I started blushing. Renee elbowed me.
"I think he likes you."
"How would you have ever guessed that, Renee?" She giggled and shrugged her shoulders. This was going to be an interesting day.
"Chase, Toby! Come over here! Game plan!" Toby, Chase, and Owen huddled together.
"Game plan for what?" Kathy was clueless. So was Renee and I. We huddled together.
"What could they be planning?"
"I don't know, but I think we should all watch our backs." Laughter came from the small group of guys.
"Umm, guys, I think we might be in trouble." Rene looked a little scared.
"Maybe we should go on and get in the water." Kathy and Renee nodded. We began to strip down to our swim suits. I looked over to the guys and saw that they were doing the same. My eyes fell on Chase. He didn't have a body like Luke's, but his body was still breath taking. He caught me staring at him and waved. I turned away.
"Pick your jaw up dear." I didn't even notice Kathy walk over beside me. I laughed, embarrassed.
Kathy, Renee, and I started making our way towards the water. It was really beautiful out here. The ocean was just sparkling and waiting for us to jump in. it was so hot that I actually think I started sweating on the walk from the beach to the ocean. We were just a few yards away when we heard Owen call out, "NOW!" Renee, Kathy, and I all turned in unison to look behind us to see the boys running to us. I seen Owen pick up Kathy, run and throw her into the water. Renee and I started to run away. Chase fell and I started laughing. After that he wasn't anywhere close to me. Toby caught up to Renee and picked her up and threw her in. I couldn't help but laugh. I turned to see where Chase was. As I turned around, I saw Chase flying towards me. He could really run. I started taking off but I started tripping so I slowed just a tiny bit. I didn't think that Chase was so close. He then grabbed me. "I got you! You can't defeat Chase!" He held me bridal style. He smelled, surprisingly, good. It was almost intoxicating.
"Put me down!" He started laughing. "Sure thing!" he tossed me into the water. I kicked furiously and surfaced. All three boys were laughing. Kathy, Renee, and I gave each other the 'look'. That was our game plan signal. We nodded heads and dove in for the attack. We climbed on top of them trying to push their heads under water. Owen tossed Kathy off. Renee actually succeeded in the mission. I, however, was pulled off and shoved underwater. Chase then pulled me up, "Have you had enough little lady?" He held me in his arm for a moment. I looked up to see him staring at me with his beautiful purple eyes. "Not even clo-"
He then let go and went underwater. He was under for quite sometime. I was slightly impressed by his swimming skills. Which was kind of ridiculous, it was an island. You should have known how to swim with all the water surrounding you.
When Chase finally came up for air, his hair was soaked. He didn't have his pins in, I noticed. He flipped his hair back. Damn. He was pretty hot. Before he caught me looking, again, I turned to see what the others were doing. Renee and Toby were just swimming and talking. Kathy and Owen were wrestling in the water. They started splashing one another. Chase started swimming back to me. I splashed a little water at him. He began to laugh. He looked real cute when he smiled. He looked happy. I guess that's what smiles are meant for.
We all played in the ocean for a while. That's when Luke decided to make his appearance. He even brought her. I really wasn't surprised. "Hey guys! What's up?" Everyone got out of the water and crowded around them. I joined. "Akari! How's it going?"
"Good! How about you, guys?" Selena nodded. "Good!" Luke called out in his voice, oh-so-happy. He wrapped an arm around her. Eww. Kathy noticed my expression. "Hey, why don't we all go swimming again?" There were random shouts of "Yea!" and everyone was talking.
"Lukey, I am NOT going in that water!"
"Selena, come on! It won't bite you!"
"It might." I clasped my hands over my mouth. Whoops!
"Excuse me, what did you say?"
"Ohh, nothing." I said all innocently and started heading towards the water. She stomped her foot in the sand.
"Luke, I'm not going!" She ran off to the Inn. Chase called out from beside me.
"Aren't ya gonna go get her, bro?"
"Nahh," Luke shook his head. "She's always mad at me. Let's get in the water!" Luke ran and picked me up and threw me on his back. "Luke! PUT ME DOWN!" I started beating on his back with my fist. He lifted me up off his back and tossed me into the water. I couldn't help but laugh. Big, goofy Luke was back. I missed him so much. I had the feeling that I wouldn't see him like this. I wouldn't see him when he would be all goofy and silly. Just because of Selena. I sighed and then continued in on all the fun.
Everyone started swimming and splashing. It was WILD! There were random yells and screams. Everyone was having a blast. Luke and I started racing each other. We raced about 5 times. I beat him once! Just ONE time! It was kind of pathetic. I couldn't hide how proud I was though. I did it! I beat Luke!
After the races, everyone went against each other. We divided up into teams. The girls against guys. We attacked each other with water. Luke and Chase ganged up on me. They both picked me up, swung me, and threw me. As soon as I surfaced they attacked me with splashes of water. Everyone had misfits of laughter.
That went on for a little bit. I was getting a bit exhausted. I wasn't a great swimmer. I didn't even swim much. I was starting to pay the price. Chase went over to talk with Owen. He left me and Luke alone. Luke splashed me a few times. He laughed and laughed. I loved hearing his laugh. It was so great! every time I heard it, no matter when, it put me in a great mood!
"Did you have fun today, Akari?" disturbing my thinking.
"Yea, I did Luke! Don't you think you should go apologize to Selena? Or whatever?"
"I will later. She's always mad at me. She gets mad if I start walking with the wrong foot!"
"She sounds so peachy and sweet!" I rolled my eyes. He laughed. We grew silent. Luke looked over to Chase and looked back at me.
"Akari?"
"Yea?"
"What's 'hooking up'?"
"What do you mean?"
"Chase said that I should hook you and him up. How do I do that?" I was a bit confused. Chase wanted to get with me? I guess I should have known. He gave out pretty strong hints. I blushed.
"Why are you red, Akari?" I touched my face.
"I'm n-not!" I smiled. And giggled a little.
"What's so funny?" I laughed some more.
"Luke, 'hooking up' can mean different things. In this case it means that he wanted you to put in a good word for him. Like encourage me to go out with him."
"Like, on a date?"
"Yea!" He looked like he understood a little more.
"What are you gonna do?"
"I think I might give him a chance. Not yet, but soon. I mean, he's a really sweet guy and look at him! He's pretty good looking!" His smile kind of faded. It soon returned.
"If he hurts you, I get to beat him up?" I giggled some more.
"He won't hurt me!"
"He might!"
"Okay Luke! You can beat him up!" He fist pumped the air. I laughed even more.
"Wanna race again?"
"Sure! You're gonna be destroyed this time!"
It was about 6 o'clock when I became hungry. I think everyone else did too. I know Owen did.
"Ohh, my Goddess! Guys, I'm sooo hungry! When can we eat?" Everyone started agreeing with nods and yells.
"Hey, I can go get some food from the Inn, bring it back, and we can cook it over the fire."
Everyone agreed.
Luke's POV
"Hey, I can go get some food from the Inn, bring it back, and we can cook it over the fire and grill." Chase said. Everyone agreed.
"Hey, Chase! I'll come help ya!"
"Thanks, Luke."
We left all the others screaming and running around. I loved Waffle Town in the summer. The ocean was great! I loved being with all my friends. Especially my best friend, Akari! She was so much fun! She tried so hard to beat me in the races. She won once. She was so proud! I was proud too! Of course, I had to slow down a bit. She was so tiny! I knew she wouldn't stop until she won. I hated to see her sad. She looked sooo much better when she was smiling! She looked happy! Like when I brought up Chase. She was so excited for some reason. She couldn't stop giggling. I never got what it was with girls. Why they went so crazy over guys. Why would she like Chase anyways? He was a great guy, but he was a cook. That wasn't good enough for Akari. She needed a real man. Someone to protect her when things got bad. Not someone who could cook excellent food. She said he was 'good-looking', how could he be? He wasn't that muscular. Well, a lot more muscular than Akari. She was a girl though. She wasn't suppose to be huge. That would be nasty, in my opinion. I looked Chase up and down. Who has orange hair? Seriously? He looks a little girly, too. I think some one else would-
"Did you talk to Akari for me?" Chase, interrupting my thoughts.
"Yea. I talked to her!"
"And?"
"We talked about Selena for a bit."
"Luke! You idiot! I meant, did you talk about me?"
"Uhh, Yea! We did! She giggled a lot." he looked a bit disappointed. Good.
"What'd you say?"
"She thinks you like her. I kind of told her that."
"Did she look happy?" I nodded.
"Do you think I have a chance?"
"Yea, I'd say so. She looked like she likes you." He smiled. I don't know why she would. He was all wrong for her.
"So, why do you like Akari, Chase?"
"I don't know. She's fun to be around. She's so tiny. With beautiful eyes and a rockin' body!" I thought back to the day we were at Caramel Falls. She did have a rockin' body. She was really pretty. Especially with her hair wet. Just like today. Her skin was tanned, but not as much as Selena's. When the sun hit her right, she looked like she glowed. I don't think I'd use rockin' to describe it though.
We made it to the Inn and got some burgers, hot dogs, buns, chips, pickles, cheese, ketchup, and grabbed a bunch of sodas. We even grabbed some stuff to make some smores. I was going to check on Selena but she was locked in her room. I told her that she could come join us for some food if she wanted. She didn't answer. She must still be mad.
Chase and I arrived back around 7-ish with all the supplies. Chase and the girls started cooking. They started cooking the burgers on the grill and some roasted hot dogs on a stick over the fire. Chase made sure that no one touched his burgers. He was so girly. He almost bit Owen's head off when he said that Chase needed to flip the burgers.
When the food was all done, everyone grabbed what they wanted and took a seat on the beach together. Everyone was huddled around the camp fire. I took a seat beside Akari. Chase sat on the other side of her.
"How's the food Akari?""It's great, Chase! You're really amazing! You can cook anything, can't you?"
"I try too." they laughed a little.
"How's yours, Luke?" I took a bite off of one of my burgers and then a bite off of one of my hot dogs. They were actually really good. I was quite surprised.
"They're okay." Chase glared at me. He turned his attention back to Akari. We finished our food and Toby and Renee passed out the smores. They were better than the actual food! I had a love for chocolate though.
"Today was fun, wasn't it?"
"Yea, thanks for ganging up with Owen and Toby and throwing us in the water!" Akari jokingly hit Chase on shoulder.
"OW! That hurt! I didn't know you could be so mean!" I knew he was a wimp. Akari started laughing.
"You threw me into the ocean! That was mean! That hurt my heart Chase." Akari started sobbing. What did he do to her?
"Akari, are you okay? Do you want me to beat him up now?" I got up and walked towards Chase. I grabbed him by his shirt and pulled him close. "Don't EVER hurt Akari." I pulled back my fist and someone grabbed it. I looked back to see Akari's tiny hands wrapped around my fist. Her hands were so warm. I got butterflies some reason.
"Luke! I was just kidding!"
"But… you were crying!"
"It was just a joke!" I let go of Chase. Akari let go of my hand. I felt kind of… sad?
"WHAT IS GOING ON?" We all looked up to see Selena staring at us.
"Nothing! It was a misunderstanding." Akari said, I could tell she wanted all this drama to stop. So did I. I hated it.
"Luke, can I talk to you? NOW." Selena turned and walked down the beach. I looked at Chase.
"Man, I'm so sorry. I thought you really made her cry."
"It's alright, Luke, I'd do the same. You're still an idiot."
"But, I-"
"Luke! NOW!" Selena stomped on the ground. I waved goodbye to them. I mouthed sorry to Akari. She smiled sympathetically and nodded her head.
I knew I walked into a death trap. Selena wasn't pretty when she was mad.
"What happened back there Luke?"
"Chase, he made Akari cry. I thought he did. And then I was gonna beat him up but Akari told me not to 'cuz she really wasn't crying…" She looked out into the ocean. She turned back towards me after a moment.
"You were going to beat up a guy for flirting with Akari?"
"What?" I didn't even know what flirting was. Barely.
"That's called flirting, Luke! You big idiot! I can't believe you!" She slapped me across the face. "Do you like Akari?"
"What? NO! We're just friends! She's my best friend! You don't like your best friend!" I could hear Selena sobbing.
"You are never to speak to her again." What was she saying?
"What?"
"You are NEVER to speak to Akari AGAIN! Do I make myself clear?" she snapped her fingers at me.
"But, Sel-"
"Don't you want to be with me Lukey? Wouldn't you do anything for my love?"
"I-I guess."
"Good. Now take me for a romantic walk on the beach." I grabbed Selena's hand and we strolled across the beach. It was mostly quiet.
I couldn't talk to Akari anymore. What was I suppose to do? She's the only person that ever understood me. How could Selena accuse me of liking her? She was just my best friend… She didn't think I was an idiot…
Akari's POV
"LUKE! NOW!" Selena stomped her foot on the ground. Luke waved goodbye. He looked at me with his eyes full of sadness. Like a lost puppy. He mouthed "sorry". I smiled the best I could and nodded my head. He turned and walked away.
I walked over to Chase.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I little shocked and surprised though."
"Yea… Sorry about Luke. He has a big heart. He doesn't like when anyone cries."
"I know. It's okay."
I looked back at Luke and I could see her yelling at him. I had the urge to go over there and slap her, but I couldn't do that. She made Luke happy, for some reason. I couldn't take that away. I looked back at everyone else to see them all staring at either, Chase and I or Luke and Selena. What a dramatic night.
After Chase and I told everyone what had happened and everyone talked bad about Selena, we all broke up into two's. Luke was walking the beach with Selena, Toby and Renee were walking up and down the shore. Kathy and Owen were having a ketchup and mustard fight. Chase and I were left by ourselves. We found a nice place to sit on the beach and watch the ocean. It was dark now. The fire was still going and a few had flashlights. All I needed were the stars.
"It's pretty peaceful out here after all the drama dies down." I nodded my head in agreement.
"I love the ocean breeze. I never felt anything like this in the city. The stars are so beautiful."
"Not as beautiful as you are." I blushed. I could feel his eyes on me. I turned to see him. He smiled and then looked back at the stars. The breeze got a little heavier. I had thrown my bathing suit cover-up back on but it wasn't enough.
"Are you cold?"
"No, I'm fine." I had to lie. I didn't want to seem weak.
"How long have you lived on the island?" Changing the subject before he noticed.
"a few seasons. I came back last winter."
"Where'd you go?"
"Well, I grew up here, but I went away to learn more cooking skills. Yolanda wanted me to learn new things, come back and teach them to her. Which I did, for about a year."
"So, are you related to Yolanda?"
"No, she just raised me. She adopted me. My parents died in a car crash when I was 3. It was a head on collision. That's why vehicles are kind of banned here…"
"I'm so sorry Chase…"
"Ahh, it's okay. It happened years ago! If it didn't, I might not be here with the most beautiful girl on the island!" I blushed, once again. We sat in silence. I had a cold chill and shivered.
"Are you sure you aren't cold?" Before I could answer, Chase wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close. He was so warm. To warm to reject or fight back. I get cold and hot easily. I can't help it. He smelled so good. I loved it. My stomach was doing back flips. It was amazing!
We sat there for just a few minutes, but it was great. We heard Owen and Kathy screaming and wrestling. They were soaked in ketchup and mustard.
"I think they like each other."
"Owen likes Kathy." I sat up a little.
"How do you know?"
"Owen said so. Remember when were huddled together? He mentioned it. He didn't mean to. I mean, just look at them. They both like each other. A lot. You can tell by how they act." I looked back at them. They did flirt a lot. I think they were meant for each other.
I looked for Renee and Toby and saw that they were heading back to town. It was probably late.
"Hey, Chase. I need to go. It's getting late. I have a lot of work to do tomorrow…"
"Okay." He stood up and offered me a hand. I took it and he helped me up.
"I had a great time with you tonight, Akari." I smiled.
"I did too, Chase."
"Hopefully we can do this again soon, but just you and me?"
"I'll think about it. It looks promising though." We both smiled.
Chase gave me a hug and returned to the spot on the beach. I walked past Kathy and Owen. Kathy looked at me and I gave her a 'look' and mouthed that I had to talk to her soon. She nodded and returned to flirting with Owen. I smiled. I headed home.
I made it to the Maple Lake District, when I seen someone standing over the lake. They were sobbing. I walked closer to see if they were okay.
"Hello? Are you okay?" The sobbing figure turned to look at me. They stared for a moment.
"Sorry…" he said weakly. The figure ran. He ran underneath the street lamp. It was Luke.
A twist! How will Luke deal with the evil Selena? Will he be able to talk to Akari? Will he notice his feelings for her? Will Akari give Chase a chance? Ohh, sooo many questions!
Anyways, Chapter four! I hope it was better and wasn't rushed. I have school tomorrow, so I don't know when I'll be able to update again. Reviews please? Thanks!