Sorry for the long wait! I've been working on the larger picture of the story – mapping out how the chapters are going to go and such. Thank you all for your patience, and thank you so much for following, faving and reviewing!

I know that in the game, Agate is introduced as she moves in shortly after Annie does. But I love Agate, and for the purposes of this story, she has lived in Oak Tree Town for a few years.

Hope you enjoy reading!

Soft lips pressed against hers, and butterflies danced in her stomach. Heat flooded every synapse in her body as firm hands found her waist. She trembled as she was pulled into his warm body. Their kiss deepened, and the world was no longer apparent around her; this moment right here, right now, was all she could comprehend as her feelings consumed her.

She gasped as the warm, strong hands slid up her waist to rest on the soft skin over her ribcage. She felt unstable and safe at the same time, like a skydiver who knows they will land safely. She never wanted this to stop.

"I love you," he whispered against her lips, their breaths mingling together.

"I love you, Raeger."

I love you. The words made her heart swell; he loved her!

Annie opened her eyes, and frowned. The warmth dissipated immediately. Raeger wasn't really here. She'd been dreaming.

She sighed. Her feelings for him were disturbing all aspects of her life now. She felt like she was constantly thinking about him, and now she couldn't even escape it in her dreams. She couldn't deny her feelings for him anymore, not when they were such a large part of her life. And he didn't even know. Did he ever even think of her?

Tiredness still clinging to her, Annie imagined a scenario where she confessed her feelings for him. Where he smiled at her admission and scooped her up, kissing her and holding her close.

Annie shook the thoughts out of her head. He'd done nothing to hint at any feelings he may have for her. He was just a good guy, helping her get settled in a new place.

It took some effort to push the thoughts of Raeger to the back of her mind, but she needed to get started on her farm work. Annie rolled out of bed, careful to leave Rusty sleeping peacefully on the covers. She put out a few food scraps for him to eat when he woke up. She'd have to get some real pet food from town soon.

Annie rooted through her nearly empty fridge for breakfast. She grabbed the food container Raeger had given her the past night, and stuck a fork in, eating a small bite.

Oh Goddess, that's good. Annie all but moaned while stuffing the rest of the spiced pie on heaping forkfuls into her mouth.

Raeger knocked on her door as usual before he began helping her on the farm. She tossed the empty pie container in the trash, wiped her mouth, and greeted him a bit shyly. She couldn't seem to stop looking at his lips, and thinking about how they had felt pressed against hers in her dream.

She got a start on watering the crops while Raeger cared for her animals as usual. She met him in the barn after she was done, and affectionately patted Hanako while watching Raeger brush her. Hanako headbutted her side affectionately, and Annie laughed.

"You really love your animals, don't you?" Raeger asked, smiling at her as he usually did.

Annie rubbed Hanako on the head. "Yeah, they really grow on you. They all have unique personalities and once you get to know them, they're amazing." She was looking at her cow with affection in her eyes.

Raeger didn't reply and Annie realized he was staring at her.

"W-what?" Annie stuttered, remembering how he'd looked at her as she dreamed.

He shook his head abruptly. "Nothing. Alright, I think I'm done here. Do you need help with your crops or anything?"

"Nope, watering is one thing I can do. Thank you for your help." She sneaked a look at him, and marveled at how handsome he was, for the hundredth time it seemed.

"You're welcome," he murmured, swatting at a fly that was pestering him.

Annie stifled a laugh. "You're not used to work like this, are you?"

Raeger looked at her. "Never really done anything else besides cooking, so no, I'm not. I don't mind it though. It's an experience. And you need to rest your wrist. How is it, by the way?"

If she was honest, it seemed to be almost healed. However, when would she see Raeger if not when he came to her farm?

"Quite a bit better, but it still hurts," she answered, only lying a bit. It did still feel stiff and it hurt if she moved it after resting it a long time. "Sorry to make you come out here every day. I know you work a lot."

Raeger held up a hand. "Nah, it's no problem at all. Glad to help."

Annie almost wished he would be rude about it, so she wouldn't like him so much. She went to grab a full jar that Raeger had milked from Hanako, but he laid a hand on her arm to stop her. Her skin heated and she pulled back as if he'd shocked her. Raeger looked at her with an eyebrow raised. "I've got it. You okay?"

"Mhm."

Annie watched as he hauled four jars of milk to her fridge. She held the front door open for him, trying not to admire the way his biceps rippled. He wasn't overly muscled, but he was a lean kind of strong. Annie could tell he did some sort of strength training. She doubted being a chef created much upper body strength.

Raeger was staring at her.

"Uh, what?" Annie blurted, realizing he'd been speaking.

"I said, can you get the fridge for me? My hands are full."

"Oh, sorry." Annie rushed forward and pulled the door open, stepping aside as he placed the jars on the middle fridge shelf.

"You okay?" He asked her for the second time. "You seem off today."

"I'm fine!" She said too quickly. She fiddled with her long, dark blonde hair. "I uh, didn't sleep well I guess."

"Ah. Sorry that I woke you."

Get a grip on yourself, Annie scolded herself mentally. This was just a boy. Another person like herself. Why did she act like a flighty, brainless bird around him?

She realized she was spacing out again. "Er- do you want some coffee?"

"Sure, that sounds great." He sat at her table and drummed his fingers on the wood surface as she brewed coffee for them both.

"How do you take yours?" Annie asked as she dumped sugar in her own.

"Just a bit of sugar and milk."

She stirred the two finished brews and set a mug in front of Raeger, sitting beside him.

Raeger took a sip, paused, and swallowed. He looked at her and laughed. "In what world is this a bit of sugar?"

Annie blinked. "Oh! Uh, shit. Shoot. That's mine." She swapped the mugs, embarrassed.

"Like a bit of coffee with your sugar?" He teased her. She rolled her eyes at him and took a sip. Realizing she had her lips where his were seconds ago on the cup, she felt a funny twist in her chest, and inhaled, breathing hot coffee into her windpipe. She stood up, knocking her chair over and hacking violently. Raeger stood up with her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Shit, you o-"

"Mmm fiiine," Annie murmured, her voice rasping.

Raeger, realizing she was alright, bursted into laughter. "I feel like if I leave you here alone today you might kill yourself."

Annie glared at him, but meeting his eyes that were brimming with amusement, she cracked, and grinned at him instead.

Annie silently vowed to avoid any more embarrassing moments, and wiped tears that clung to her lashes from her coughing.

"So. What're you up to tonight?" Annie asked.

"Going out of town, dancing." He gulped the rest of his coffee and set the mug on the table.

"Oh, you can dance?" Annie felt herself wishing she could go with him.

"Well, sort of. My friend asked me to go with her."

Her? "Who, Dakoda?" Annie asked a bit too harshly.

Raeger blinked. "No, Amanda. You haven't met her, she's from out of town."

A date? "Well I guess that makes more sense than you going on a date with Dakoda."

"Well, actually..." Raeger started.

"You have?" Annie finished for him, incredulous that he would date such a bitch.

"Yeah. Hey, she can be fun." Raeger got up and took both their mugs to the sink.

Annie didn't thank him. How many dates did this guy go on?

They walked to her front door in silence. Annie didn't look at him, surprised to feel a bit of anger. If he dated so many girls, then how could she possibly make an impression good enough to win him over? And even if she could, would it just be a one night stand? Was Raeger like that with the girls he dated?

"Thanks for the coffee, Annie," Raeger said while opening the door, a smile on his face.

"Mhmm. Anytime."

He hesitated, then walked out and shut the door.

Annie let her frustration get the best of her, and banged her forehead painfully on the wall, regretting it instantly.

The front door cracked open. Raeger peered at her. "Are you killing yourself alrea-"

"Get OUT!" Annie wailed at him, smacking his face with flailing hands. Her wrist brace made contact with his cheek, and she stopped, worried she had hurt him.

All Annie could hear was the sound of his laughter as he shut the door and walked away. She gritted her teeth and covered her ears.

Why, why did she have to like him?

The day promised to be beautiful; a cloudless denim sky hung above the young farmer as she walked, a fresh breeze blowing away the late spring heat.

Annie, though she did try, couldn't stop thinking about Raeger's date with that girl tonight. So, she decided to busy herself by going into town. Dr. Marian had asked her to come in to the clinic around now to have her wrist reexamined, anyway.

She walked into the guild building, waving at Veronica as she walked back to the clinic. She opened the door and saw Marian sitting with Angela, the nurse, chatting. They turned as she approached them.

"Ah! Hello, Annie dear." Marian stood and motioned for her to sit. "How is your wrist healing? Let's have a look."

Annie sat and removed the brace from her right wrist. She stretched her stiff hand, and held it out for the doctor. He got her to do some movements with her wrist - rotating it, flexing it back, and making a fist - and then asked her if there was any pain. There wasn't.

Guess Raeger won't be coming to my farm anymore, she thought glumly. Although maybe that was a good thing for her.

"See, good as new dear! Just take it easy with it. No heavy lifting or strenuous activity with your right hand, alright? And be sure to come back if you have any more trouble," Dr. Marian told her.

Annie nodded and smiled, thanking the quirky doctor. She put the brace in her bag, and went to the general store, where she bought some cat food and treats for Rusty.

As she left the small shop, she heard her name being called, and turned to see Fritz and Agate sitting on a bench with shopping bags among them. Agate was waving her over.

Annie walked over to the pair, and noticed Fritz was avoiding her gaze. Agate was smiling brightly at her, her soft brown eyes glowing. Annie felt a bit of her stress lower just by being near the spirited girl, and she smiled genuinely back.

"Hey, Agate." Annie looked at her companion. "Hey, Fritz."

He glanced up at her, his eyes showing his uncertainty. "Hi."

Agate plowed right through the awkwardness. "We were just looking at Cabin Country's booth! They've got tons of cow treats on sale really cheap." She held up a bulging bag. "I stocked right up. They're a great way to win over the trust of the cows that people bring to the safari."

"I might grab a few then. I haven't bought any yet, since they're kinda pricey and I haven't exactly made much money so far," Annie said, sitting down next to the brunette.

"Oh, well here! I've got plenty." Agate beamed, dumping a dozen or so treats into Annie's bag.

"Thanks!" Annie smiled back at her, feeling happy at the friendly gesture.

Fritz stood and kicked his foot in the dirt by the bench. "I've gotta get going. Bye, Agate. Annie." His voice cracked a bit on Annie's name.

Annie murmured a goodbye. Clearly he still felt something for her. She felt guilty. The poor boy was a sweet guy... But she couldn't feel anything for him. Not when she felt what she did for Raeger.

Annie realized her thoughts were drifting to him again, and turned to Agate. "Well, what are you up to now?"

"I was just on my way home, actually. I got some tea leaves at the marketplace and I want to try making Earl Grey." Agate grabbed her bags. "Wanna come try some?"

"Sure!"

The two walked to the west end of town where Agate's pretty house stood. Agate awkwardly tried to unlock her door as she chomped bag handles in her mouth and held the others haphazardly on her other arm. Annie laughed, and took the bags from her mouth so she could unlock the door, then set them on her counter as they walked in.

Annie glanced around the main room of the house at the colourful furnishings and decorations, most of them animal themed. Hummingbird wind chimes hung by a window which was adorned with rooster themed curtains. Three porcelain cats sat on her windowsill, small, medium and large.

Agate got to work making Earl Grey tea out of her tea leaves and boiled water. As the leaves steeped, the two sat at Agate's kitchen table (on chairs with animal patterned cushions).

"So. How did you end up becoming a ranger?" Annie asked.

"I grew up on my parents' farm. With cats, dogs, horses, cows, pigs, chickens, and pretty much every animal you could think of. My dad's a veterinarian, so my life was pretty entangled with animal affairs. It's hard to be that close to them and not love them, y'know?"

Annie nodded and agreed with her. No matter how hard her life here was, she felt she could do it for her animals.

"From there, I had enough experience to do pretty much whatever I wanted with animals. I saw a job listing here and took it." She grinned. "It's perfect for me here."

"So you've always known what you wanted, then," Annie said, a bit jealous of the girl's confidence in her ambitions.

"Mhmm." Agate took a sip of her tea. "What made you decide to come here?"

Annie told her of her yearnings to leave the city behind. Agate nodded occasionally, listening intently. It felt good to have someone to talk to. She knew she had Raeger to talk to, but her feelings got in the way of feeling anything akin to friendship with him.

"So you always knew what you wanted, too?" Agate asked.

"Well... I thought so. But lately I'm not sure. I know I've only been here a month or so, but sometimes I get so homesick that I don't know if I chose right," Annie confessed for the first time.

Agate nodded immediately. "Me too. I mean, I was like that at first. It slowly got better as I met people here and got into a routine. Don't worry yet, Annie." The girl smiled warmly. "I think you'll do fine here."

Annie smiled back, feeling the first seeds of friendship being planted. It was nice to simply sit and talk to someone with common interests and ambitions. The two chatted while sipping tea. They talked about their homes, animals, and eventually the topic changed to men.

"So, how's Raeger?" Agate asked casually.

Annie blushed and sipped her tea to cover her embarrassment. "Uh, good."

Agate looked at her slyly. "Is he a good kisser?"

"Wh-what? I don't know!"

Agate laughed at her embarrassed facial expression. "I'm just teasing. I saw the way you looked at him at the bar."

"Oh. Yeah, he's pretty great," Annie admitted, groaning internally. It seemed there was no way of getting him off her mind.

"He's cute." Agate looked at her pointedly. "You should do something about that."

"I... Want to," Annie admitted. "He's been so kind to me though, and I don't want to ruin that. And he's going on a date tonight."

Agate nodded. "He dates a lot. Never seen him have a date with the same girl twice, though."

"Yeah, that's another thing. He dates a lot. I don't really want to be just another date, you know? Or a one-night stand, or whatever it is he does."

"Well if a one-night stand happening is all you're worried about, you'll be fine." Agate paused for a beat, looking a bit awkwardly at Annie. "I, uh... Had a thing for him too, a few years ago. I think most of the girls who come here have, to be honest. I asked him on a date, but that was all that really happened. I think he dates to be nice, not to find a girlfriend or whatever. Couldn't even get a goodnight kiss from him."

Annie wasn't sure whether to be relieved or not. On one hand, it was reassuring that he probably wasn't looking for one-night stands, if what Agate said was true... On the other, did his casual dating mean he wasn't open to anything else? He could be so confusing.

"The tea's really good," Annie stated, not-so-smoothly changing the topic.

Agate laughed, not being swayed. "I think you should ask Raeger out. Or, get him to ask you out."

Annie rolled her eyes. "If you had to ask him out just to get a date, how am I going to get him to ask me?"

"Dress fabulously. Put some perfume on. Get his attention. He'd be a fool not to ask you out."

"Hah. Thanks, Agate." Annie finished her tea in one gulp, before it could cool.

Agate narrowed her eyes. "I'm serious. Someone needs to break in that horse."

Annie laughed, and as the two chatted, she could almost forget that Raeger was out with another girl that evening.