[A/N]: I'm not feeling so hot, nor so happy. It's…it's complicated… so anyways, I want to thank everyone for reviewing. You guys mean a lot to me, and I appreciate it. And further news… I'm going to stop naming POV's, 'cause it's annoying and it looks corny on the screen. This chapter took awhile, because I'm moving—and we have a helluvalot of shit to pack. I'm also gonna start recommending songs and stuff, just 'cause I feel its right, plus—it'll make me happy, so roll with me. And if you know what I'm talking about… then let's strike a conversation about it. (:

Disclaimer: I don't own Harvest Moon—Natsume does. All I own are the plots. This story is based on: Harvest Moon: Animal Parade.

Chapter 2

"I can't believe I ran out of there like that," I thought to myself. "Now Kathy's gonna think I'm definably hiding something!"

Well… of course you're hiding something…

"Well, yeah, but Iggy told me not to tell anyone about him," I said to no one in particular.

But you're keeping it a secret from Chase… didn't you promise that you'd tell each other everything…?

I was a little miffed by that. I mean, wasn't my conscience supposed to be on my side; to help me out?

"HEY, AKARI," said a particularly loud voice, that so happens to belong to Luke. "Who were you talking to, just now?"

"Oh shit, he heard me…!" I panicked.

"You know that it's unhealthy for you to talk to yourself, right?" he explained, giving me a look that clearly meant 'treat-her-normally-or-she's-likely-to-go-crazy'

"Thanks, Luke—I'll keep that in mind. Anyways, where are you headed?"

He seemed to perk up at my question.

Here we go… an hour long conversation's bout to start…

"Well you see," he began, "I'm actually headed to Fugue Forest. I'm gonna go cut wood, you see—an I was wondering if you wanted to join me."

"Wow, for once the conversation wasn't so long…"

"Maybe later, I kinda wanna just… you know… chill—if you don't mind." He seemed kind of sad by my answer, but nonetheless complied.

We said our farewell's and parted ways. I made it so it seemed like I was heading towards my farm, but, actually I was heading towards the mountain. Of course, I was going to visit Iggy again.

I know, I know; it's kinda weird to go see him, since I've already seen him once that day—but I know he gets really lonely up there.

Before heading towards the Garmon Mine District, I make sure to grab a shining apple from my fridge, hoping the sudden noise wouldn't wake up my cat, Rose. But, unfortunately, today isn't my lucky day.

"MEOW!" my cat yelled, clearly stating how I was interrupting her beauty sleep.

Crap, I knew I shouldn't have come here…

"Hey, Rose. You wanna go for a walk?"

Of course, she looked at me like I was crazy. My cat was very lazy, tending to choose indoors instead of enjoying the fresh scent of open air.

But, I guess today is a day for new beginnings, 'cause my cat decided to actually come along with me.

"Huh, that's the first." I stated out loud. Even though it was more to myself, my cat replied with a 'meow'.

Grabbing a Shining Apple from the fridge, I thought to myself.

"It's not fair! I can't keep going back and forth! First, it's visiting Iggy every morning—before anyone notices I'm not home. Then spending time with Chase; then finally, spending time with the rest of my friends."

I sighed,"I wish there was a way I could do both…"

Then it hit me… what if… what if…

"AHA! I GOT IT!"

. . . . . .

"Absolutely not," was Iggy's reply, plain and simple.

"Aw, why not? I think it's a great plan! And that way, I wouldn't be so exhausted coming back and forth from here to town!"

Iggy still wouldn't budge. "No, you know I dislike humans. Why would I do anything of such to social with them?" he said, rather annoyed.

"Please, Iggy? I've never asked you to do anything; ever. So why-when I need you the most—won't you do this for me?"

He started pacing, like he always does when he's thinking. After 2 minutes of uninterrupted pacing, he sighed.

"If I do this, will you be satisfied…?"

I nodded my head eagerly, barely able to keep my excitement down.

"Alright, I'll do it. Just know this…"

He walked closer to me and took me in his arms. My face pressed against his face, I couldn't help thinking…

He's so warm… and his heartbeat is so soothing…

"…I'll only do this for you…"

. . . . . .

"Hey, Luke~!" I yelled from the entrance of Fugue Forest.

"Yeah Kari, you decided to join me huh?" he asked, giving me a hug. "By the way, who's this guy?"

The guy Luke was refereeing to is about Luke's age. He's tall, well—taller than me anyways, probably about 6'1. With shoulder length reddish orange hair, a brilliant color you couldn't find on a normal man.

He wore a red hooded jacket with blue jeans and white sneakers. His ears had three hole piercings.

The weirdest part about this was his eyes, which were just as red as his jacket.

At first, he wouldn't look up from the ground—shifting a random pebble from side to side.

I nudged him, hoping it would get him to reply back. But, unfortunately, it didn't.

"Uh… Luke, I'd like to introduce you to my friend… Igura…"

[A/N]: Okay, I know this sucks… but I felt rushed. I had finally found a better plot. But, this chapter still needs some work. I'll edit it later. Anyways, I'm so happy 'cause my birthday's next Friday! I'll make sure to add another chapter, but please wish me happy birthday! 8D