Activities

Your buddy Norman told you someone wanted to talk to you after school. Bro didn't even specify who, just where to meet em. Hope it ain't a teacher, you're positive you did MOST of your assignments.

"Hello."

Jumping, you turn to see an unfamiliar female standing next to you. Suppressing a bitch tier scream you respond coolly.

>"H-Hi."

She sits next to you on the bench looking you directly in the eyes, her face expressionless. Is this chick the one who wanted t-

"Thank you for coming."

Cool. She is. But now you're just wondering why?

>"Norman said it was important. Not to be rude but do I know you?"

Her eyes are still glued to you as she replies.

"No, we never met."

>"Ok... Sooo, what's up?"

"I wish to be friends. Is that ok with you?"

Chick is as blunt as a rock. How do you even respond to that? This has to be a prank. Right?

>"Really? We don't even know each other."

"I know you. Anon E. Mous: sophomore, average grades, likes beef bowls, pets stray cats, has one friend, a tendency to rub his wrist when stressed, only drinks soda with a straw-"

>"Are you a stalker?"

"No. I just notice things like that when you're around me, it's part of the reason I asked you to come here."

She looks away and begins fidgeting her hands. Looking at them you can barley make out a small grey object through her fingers, she continues.

"The day I noticed you in the halls, something 'clicked in the noodle' as my sister would say. I ignored it but whenever I happened to cross your path I would be struck with curiosity about you."

Clutching her hands she looks you in the eyes again. You should feel uncomfortable but you can't help but listen.

"I started memorizing things you would do when you happened to be around me, and have nights where I couldn't keep you out of my mind. It made no sense. I've talked it over with my sister and she said to be your 'BBBFF'. I then asked Norman to tell you to come here so that I may tell you all of this."

So she has an autistic fascination with you? How? On one hand it's flattering to be noticed but good god is this weird.

>"So you just want to be friends?"

"Yes."

This screams red flag. You should say no and run, but your "nice guy" side gets the better of you.

>"Alright, fine. We can be friends."

A small smile graces her face.

"My name is Maudileena Daisy Pie but most call me Maud, thank you for being my first friend."

Jesus Christ this is a BAD idea. Now you got some autistic chick attached to you. Fucking hell Norman. This is his fault now.

>"I better head home, pretty sure mom is wondering where I am."

Standing up you stretch out.

"Of course. I will see you tomorrow Anon."

Nodding you start walking home, hope the weekend comes soon. Fishing out your phone you check the date. Monday.

>"Fuck."

 

 

Be pissed Anon, having a lovely walk to school with your bro.

"How was I supposed to know she's a freak?"

>"You serious?! The moment I saw her I knew something was wrong, how come you didn't notice?"

Norman rubs his face, it was to early for this but god help me this talk had to happen NOW.

"Look man I'm sorry, but maybe this can be a good thing? A girl is into you, that's pretty cool."

>"God dammit Norm..."

"She probably means well! If it dosen't work out just let her off easy after the first date."

>"I'm not into her!"

Norman stops walking and goes pale.

"Speak of the devil."

You look towards what he's looking at and freeze up. It's her. She's leaning against the statue in front of the school.

"See ya at lunch."

And just like that he jets to the Vestibule. Bro can run fast I'll give him that but fuck you Norman.

"Good morning Anon."

Should've ran after him.

>"Mornin Maud."

Looking back you see maud right behind you holding up a small bag.

"My sister made it this morning, I asked her to make some for you too."

>"Food?"

You did skimp out on breakfast to chew out Norm, but you're worried about what it could be. Taking the bag you open it and are assaulted by a luxurious heavenly aroma of cinnamon, inside sits four small bricks of bread covered in swirls and crumbly looking bits.

"It's Coffee Cake."

No way, she really got this made for you? Why do you feel like a jackass right now? That bad feel aside, it's probably best to give it back but you're kinda hungry now with that sweet ass smell hitting your face. Time to compromise!

>"This looks amazing, but it feels wrong to take the whole bag. Let's split it."

"But it's for you."

>"Nope, food like this must be shared."

Pulling out your phone you check the time. Still got twenty minutes. You walk over to the statue and sit against it.

>"Come over, let's knock these out before class starts!"

She hesitates but goes over and sits next to you, reaching into the bag and grabbing a piece with you following in kind and taking a bite. GOOD GOD~!

"Do you like it?"

>"This is the best Coffee Cake I ever had! You're lucky to have a sister who can bake like this!"

Despite her plain expression the smallest hint of pink graces her face.

"She means alot to me so yes, I am."

The two of you sit in silence eatin bangin pastries, despite not talking it was kinda cool just sitting here with her. Maybe Norm was right, despite her strange demeanor she's pretty chill.

"This is nice."

>"Yeah. Not bad for our first time hanging out?"

She stops mid bite and stares off into the small crowd of students, then slowly looks you in the eyes with that small smile she made yesterday.

"Yes, our first activity as friends went quite well."

A loud ringing causes the both of you to snap out of the moment. Time for Science.

>"Damn, time to roll out. See ya later."

You dust off and begin walking to class but stop when you feel a poke against your back.

"Let's walk in together, our classes are next to each other."

She did give you some bomb ass bread, why not?

>"Sure."

With Maud in tow the two of you enter the school. Guess the week won't be THAT bad.

 

 

"Good afternoon Mrs. Mous my name is Maudileena Daisy Pie, but please call me Maud."

Mom could only stare as you walk into your house with a girl beside you. Better fix this.

>"She's JUST a friend I made a few days ago mom."

"It's not that Anon, I'm just surprised you even made another friend with your crappy attitude."

Jesus mom... She walks over to us and greets Maud with a smile.

"I hope Anon isn't causing problems, and if he does you have my full permission to slap some sense into him."

MOM WHY

"Why would I hurt him? He's been quite nice to me these last five days. For example, on Thursday he treated me to lunch at Wendy's as well as desert after. He also gave me the spoon from his frosty when I accidentally dropped mine while walking back home together."

MAUD WHY

>"We'regoingtomyroomnowmomlet'sgoMaud!"

You grab her wrist and quickly drag her into your room, slamming the door and locking it. You place your head against the door and sigh, god dammit. Maud really wanted to show you something but for some reason it HAD to be at your house. Just why?

"That was rude Anon."

>"Sorry Maud..."

"I accept your apology, but you must apologize to your mother as well."

Son of a- you quickly unlock and open the door.

>"SORRY MOM!!"

Slam, lock, done.

Looking back you see Maud is at your box shelf looking intently at the decorative rocks mom bought you.

"I like the amethyst geode, the position you have it in is perfect for avoiding light."

>"Is light bad for it?"

"Yes, overexposure to strong light and or heat will make its natural colors fade. This spot it is in is perfect, cool and dark."

She gives the mineral a pat and moves over to your bed, taking a seat.

"Now, the reason I asked to come here."

From her dress pocket she pulls out a small stone and holds it up to you.

"This is Boulder, my pet rock. He would like to be held by you."

Seriously? A pet rock? What no friends does to a chick. You take the pebble in your hand and give it a look over.

>"Boulder huh? He seems... healthy."

"Thank you. I raised him with the upmost care."

Passing the rock back you plop next to her, laying on your back.

>"Sooo, is that all you wanted to show me? We could've just done this at school."

"...Yes, but I also wanted to see your home. Sorry for not telling you that, and sorry Boulder for using you for my own personal gain."

She kisses the rock and tucks him back into her dress.

"I was curious to see if we had any similar interests and I'm glad to see we do."

>"The rocks? I had those since I was a kid, had a digging phase and mom bought me that set for me to dig up in the backyard. They look cool though right?"

She looks down, her plain face looking somewhat sadder.

"My mistake, it seems I still can't find any similarities between us."

Sitting up you quickly try to fix the inevitable tears, mom will beat you raw if you made a girl cry under her roof.

>"Hold up, that's just one thing we don't click in. I'm sure we have SOMETHING in common."

Now that you think about it, despite her knowing an unhealthy amount of facts about you, you know next to nothing about her. Everytime you hung out it was just the two of you in silence enjoying each other's company.

>"Tell me, what do you enjoy."

"Being with you."

>"O-other than that!"

She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, must be too personal.

>"Never mind, let's just-"

"I enjoy geology, reading, tending to Boulder, making rock candy necklaces with my sister, and stand up comedy."

Blunt as ever, but that last one caught you by surprise.

>"Stand-up huh? Who do you like?"

"I'm enjoy Norm Macdonald, his private show in Nebraska is my current favorite."

Didn't expect that. She just went up a point on the cool scale.

>"He's pretty alright, haven't heard about that one though."

"Alot of his sets weren't on tv, but I found a YouTube Channel that uploads his lesser known works. Would you like to listen to one together?"

>"Sure, don't have anything else planned."

She pulls out her phone and sets up a video, digging back into her pocket she stops and looks to you.

"It appears I left my ear buds at home, do have a pair?"

You go to your desk and dig through the drawers, surprisingly you have an unopened pack of sony wired buds. Can't remember why you bought them though. Regardless you open it.

>"Does your phone have a jack?"

"Yes."

>"Dope, but the wires for these are pretty short for us to share. We can just use my pc if you want."

"I have an idea."

Turning around you stop dead as Maud lifts her dress to her knees to take off her boots, giving you a generous view of her legs. Smooth is the best way to describe them but you quickly throw those thoughts away. She then lays on your bed and pats beside her.

"I do this with my sisters when they want to share with me. It's easier."

This is a bad idea. What if mom knocks, or you accidentally bad touch her? Let's just use the computer, you got nice chairs.

"It appears my idea is causing you stress. Sorry Anon..."

How did she- looking down you see your wrist is getting red. She's was right about the rubbing thing, you didn't even notice.

>"No no it's fine! Scooch over, I'll plug em in."

Be a big boy Anon, this is nothing special. Slipping off your shoes you lay by her and grab her phone, plugging the buds in.

>"You take left, I'll hit play."

She nods and puts hers in and she puts your's in as well. Her hands are warm against your ear.

"I hope you like it."

>"Norm is good, I'm sure I will."

Shoulder to shoulder the two of you lay there, eyes closed listening to Norm complain about Coke availability. You chuckle now and then with Maud humming in content, this is surprisingly nice. Something gently wraps around your arm taking you out of the moment somewhat but you ignore it. The vibes are chill and nothing will ruin this for you.

>"Feels like our best 'activity' yet huh Maud?"

"It is."

Warm air hits your neck, well you are right next to each other so of course she's close, and it's pretty cozy. Like a warm blanket is against your right half. Wonder if mom is ok with having Maud stay for dinner tonight.

 

 

You never went to any school events, if it didn't give you credits you just stayed home and invite Norman for vidya. But this time it's different, Maud asked if you could attend a bake sale her sister is in charge of. You never asked who she was like an idiot whenever you met up and now you have the chance to meet her, probably a tubs if those bomb cakes of hers are any indicator. Time to take inventory: jacket, phone, wallet, lighter, and utility knife. All accounted for.

"ANON! MAUD IS HERE, HURRY DOWN!"

>"COMING!"

Pocketing everything you run downstairs to see Maud is in the kitchen with mom.

"These are AMAZING, she made this herself?"

Maud nods.

"Yes, she's a very talented pastry chef."

Mom notices you and vigorously waves you over.

"You have to try this Anon, these cookies are delicious!"

>"Oh I know, Maud sometimes gives me a brownie or something whenever we meet up."

Maud looks away torwards the window and starts fiddling with Boulder.

"And you never thought to save some for me? I let you live here rent free Anon, the least you can do is leave me a cupcake."

>"Sure, ready to bounce Maud?"

She nods and heads for the door.

"He'll be back in roughly five hours Mrs. Mous."

Mom dosen't even respond, going through the fridge.

>"She got the message, let's go."

Following behind you leave with Maud and begin the usual quiet walk to school, as the two of you reach the halfway point she catches you off guard with a question.

"When can I meet your father?"

You stop walking.

>"What do you mean?"

"The past five times I visited, I never seen your father. The photos in the hall suggest that the he's quite a loving man, so it's strange that I've never seen him yet."

Throat feels tight, eyes to the floor, hands getting sweaty, wrist is hurting.

"Not to be rude, I did ask your mother earlier and she changed the subject to the cookies."

>"I don't wanna talk about it."

She looks at your hands and stays quiet, the two of you just standing in silence now. You desperately try to rebottle your emotions, but let a small hic out. God dammit...

"I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to upset you."

Her voice cracked.

Looking up you see her usual plain face now welled up with tears, her lips curled. You always wanted to see her with a different expression but not like this.

"Please don't be mad at me."

>"N-no it's ok, I'm not mad at you!"

Fuck you made her cry! Fuck Fuck FUCK! What do you do! Looking around you see the entrance to everfree park, bingo.

>"Come with me!"

Grabbing her arm you lead her to the park and find a nice bench away from prying eyes, sitting by her and trying to calm her down. Slowly her face becomes it's usual plain self and you speak up.

>"Sorry for scaring you, I didn't expect you to ask me that so I kinda broke down."

"You don't need to apologize."

>"No I do. I just..."

You can't think of what to say, it's all a blank. All you can do is just put your face in your hands and sigh. Maud grabs your lap and softly squeezes, why is she comforting YOU now?

"I won't bring it up again."

>"No it's j-... fuck. Look, you brought up a touchy subject with me and didn't know, I'm not upset with you. Just mad at myself for making you upset..."

Getting up, you rub your face and look down at Maud.

>"I'll tell you about him someday. I promise."

She follows suit and takes her usual spot beside you.

"Ok."

>"Great! Now let's get to school, I can't wait to finally meet your sister."

That smile spreads on her face again.

"She's amazing."

Screw seeing other emotions. If this happy Maud is the only other one you see besides plain, you won't need to see any other.

 

 

How could you not make the connection, her last name is Pie for gods sake.

"I'm so happy I finally get to meet you!"

Your senses are assaulted by a sea of pink, body crushed in a vice like grip as two soft clouds press against your chest halting the flow of oxygen.

"You're hurting him."

Freedom! You gasp in sweet air as she releases you from her death grip hug, how are these two sisters?

"Sorry Nonny! It's not everyday your big sister makes a friend!"

Pinkie pie, everyone knows her. Her parties are apparently killer but you never wanted to go to em. Wait, Maud is the older one?

>"My ribs hurt..."

"She means well Anon, I will go get the rest of the confections."

Maud goes into the school, leaving you alone with Pinkie at her very pink stand. Seemingly from nowhere she pulls out two chairs and plops you down on one with her sitting across, behind her stand counter.

"Soooo whadja think? Maud is pretty cool right? Give me the deets!"

She slides a paper cup to you with some cookies, a hot chocolate with your favorite. Oatmeal raisin.

>"She's nice. It's kinda hard to tell how she feels though, in all honesty I thought she would be bored with me after the third day."

"No way! For a month she always talks about the fun things you do together, I'm kiiinda jealous that you're taking the spotlight over me!"

She flicks a crumb with pinpoint accuracy at your forehead and giggles.

"Just kidding! But seriously it means a lot to me that you're spending time with her, before you she would spend all her time inside studying rocks, going out with dad to study rocks, watching documentaries about rocks."

>"Maud really likes rocks huh?"

"Duh! Our parents are geologists, rocks are in our blood!"

>"Could've fooled me, you're the polar opposite of Maud."

"Rude! I'll have you know I'm quite a rock scholar myself!"

Pinkie breaks into a giggling fit with you following along chuckling. She's pretty tight. The two of you calm down and Pinkie jumps from her chair.

"Yikes, I still have to finish setting up! Get over here mister, we got work to do!"

You're dragged over the counter and put on your feet, Pinkie taking off your jacket and replacing it with a pink heart shaped apron.

"I've brought everything Pinkie."

Maud is back, holding a large box filled with goodies. Pinkie pushes you over to her and puts your hands on the box.

"Awesome! You two display the treats, I need to do a once over on the other stands."

She hops over the counter and leaves the both of you alone. Cool, now you're working for no pay. Looking back you see Maud staring intently down.

>"What's wrong? Is there a bug on the booooooo-"

Hands are touching hands are touching! Pinkie. She did this on purpose didn't she! You jerk your hands away and profusely apologize.

>"Sorry! I didn't mean too do that."

"I thought it was quite pleasant. You have soft hands."

>"Shut uuup... let's just get these thing outta the box."

No more words were exchanged while the two of you display a rainbow of cookies, cakes, and other confections. It took great willpower not to sneak a bite but you got through with no issues. Eventually Pinkie came back and gasps in delight at the your work.

"It look fantastic! Everyone else is ready for business so let's get to selling!"

She places an open sign on the counter and slide on next to Maud.

"Anon, you're in charge of the money. Me and Maud will deal out the goods!"

>"Aye aye."

It didn't take long for costumers to come roiling in, seems even people outside of school know how good her baking is. The hours fly by as people come and go, despite the task being dull seeing Maud and Pinkie smiling together made it not so bad. The sun begins to dip as Pinkie flips the sign to 'closed'.

"Phew! This year's bake sale is another Pinkie-tastic success!"

Who've thought standing in place would make your legs sore.

>"Yeah, and I now have a newfound respect for cashiers..."

Maud passes you a bottle of water and your jacket.

>"Thanks."

She nods and goes back to cleaning off the trays, then a piece of paper dangles in front of your face.

"Here's your reward for all your help nonny!"

Plucking it out of her hand you give it a read.

>"Have a free ten inch cake on us at Sugarcube Corner."

Mom coupon. Great.

>"Thanks."

"Pinkie, the tables are cleaned and folded. You can finish the rest by yourself right?"

Done already? Looking behind her you see the tables folded and stacked, she fast.

"No problemo, but what's got you in a hurry?"

"I told Anon's mother he would be home within a five hour range, it has been four and a half."

>"Geez it's not that serious. We got phones, I can always tell her I'll be late."

"I always keep my word Anon."

A chill creeps up your neck. Despite her tone not changing, there was some weight to those words.

>"L-let's go then."

You slip on your jacket as Maud hugs Pinkie goodbye. Maybe going home ain't a bad idea, legs are still kinda sore.

"Are you ready?"

>"Yeah."

And so the trek back home begins, in silence as usual. Now that you think about it why don't you talk during your walks with her? It's not like you have nothing to talk about, it can't just be me right? She's probably thinking the same thing. Never hurts to try starting a conversation.

>"You doing anything tomorrow?"

"I will be attending Church with my family, but I will be free afterwards."

>"Cool, I'm gonna go to the Round One with Norman and was wondering if you wanted to come along."

She looks up in thought and then back at you.

"Yes, that is fine with me. We'll meet there."

>"Hell yeah, you're gonna love it! I'll text you the directions."

The rest of the walk is more lively as you tell her about your plans, Maud smiling all the while.

 

 

"So I was right!"

Norman jabs your shoulder and laughs, you deserved it.

"But seriously, I thought you were PISSED at me. We didn't hang out for like a month!"

>"We're hanging out now."

"As a third wheel."

You return the jab in kind.

>"We're NOT dating! I just want to include her into our circle, it's gay to just have dudes in a friend group."

"I'm your only friend."

>"Shut up, I think I see her."

Through the crowd you catch a glimpse of Maud, but something is different.

"Dude, did she just come outta church or something? She's gonna stick out."

You've never seen a Sunday dress until now, and it looks amazing on her. A bright grey collard button up v-neck with a belt around her waist, black low-heel mary janes, and her hair in a ponytail.

"It's like one of my grandma's photos."

After another jab you run up to Maud.

>"Yo Maud! Glad you could make it."

"I always keep my word Anon."

Norman follows behind and offers a hand to her.

"You remember me, happy to have you aboard."

Maud shakes his hand.

"Likewise. I must thank you for helping me be friends with Anon."

"No biggie, lets get inside already! Got my card loaded and ready! Even sprung in extra for the unlimited play machines."

>"You mean 'I' sprung in extra, and we went halfsies on the fifty-five deal."

The three of you enter the arcade and are welcomed to the sounds of Anime girls and clanking marbles.

"I would like to see the crane games Anon, you made them sound interesting yesterday."

The seed you planted has sprouted, your chance to show off your skills to someone other than Norman is inevitable.

>"Sure. Norm, shall we go to the cranes?"

"Shall we shall?

>"We shall."

Strolling on over you begin eyeing the machines, looking for one with the highest probability for a win. Minutes pass and no dice so far, alot of the cranes use that stupid smooth cube in place of the prize making wins impossible.

"Anon! Get over here!"

Looking back you see Norman waving you over by the micro cranes with Maud crouched down to the lower ones. Running over, Norm whispers in your ear.

"She's just been staring at this one, she ok?"

Kneeling down beside her you see what catches her attention, little plush keychains.

>"Want one?"

"I do, the yellow one looks the most appealing."

>"Norm, swipe me."

This one looks easy enough, little bastard got some good grip points. You move the claw over the plush.

* click *

The claw lowers, completely enveloping the yellow rabbit thing. You hold your breath as it weakly clutches the plush and rises to the heavens. A hit! As it makes the return trip to the chute it begins to slip through the claws grasp, everything slows around you as your hard earned prize is freed from its prison. All hope seemed lost but god didn't want you to fail this day. The white hoop tag snags into the claw, saving your honor as a crane lord. With a satisfying thud, it lands into the chute.

>"Grab it from the hole there."

Maud holds the plush and stares at it, thing looks weird. It has its ears pointing up and round black eyes with a three mouth, looks so sassy.

"She seems to be having fun, I'm gonna go abuse the unlimited plays on 3rd strike."

He leaves the two of you alone, still staring at the plush with Maud. Side eying around, you notice some people staring.

>"You must really like that keychain."

"I like it, I'm just thinking. "

>"About what?"

"What to get you. It's only fair."

>"It's fiiine, think of this as being even for all the cakes and stuff you gave me."

She looks you in the eyes, squeezing the plush in her hands.

"Are you positive?"

>"Positive. Now let's go see Norm get his ass kicked."

"Did he anger someone?"

>"No he didn't, cmon I'll show you."

Standing up you lead Maud to the cabinets, the rest of the day spent playing games and laughing with your bro. Despite your insistence for her to join, Maud only watched and had that smile on her face the entire time. Eventually the card runs on empty and the three of you leave the place with rumbly tumblys.

"Now then, let's cap off the night with some eats! And we got options, BOOM."

Norman pulls out a card, a gift card to be exact. One of those restaurant cards with random places on it.

"Been waitin since Christmas for a chance to use this, a hundred bucks of free food! Where we headin?"

>"It's six right now on a sunday, so alot places might be kinda packed. Maud?"

She looks at the card and points at a name.

"This sounds interesting."

>"I don't think we have a California Pizza kitchen in our town, seeing as we aren't in California."

"We do! Place is apparently branching out to 'Bring the taste of the west coast across the US'."

>"That's oddly convenient, but I'm down to go."

"It's decided! To the car!"

"You have a car Norman?"

>"It's his moms."

"Fuck you Anon."

The ride was chill the whole way, Maud just looked out the window while you shot the shit with Norm. Soon enough he pulls up to the place, in a somewhat ritzy part of town with other hipster food joints. You point out an empty parking spot and hop out with your buds in tow, Maud basking in her surroundings.

"This place looks quite nice."

>"It 'looks' expensive. You sure that card can cover three people Norm?"

"It's pizza! We just share a pie and gets some drinks, probably forty bucks tops."

>"Fine. Let's get a table."

Heading in you're greeted by a peppy clerk who sets you all up with a booth and menus, Maud next to you and Norm across. Opening the men- JESUS FUCK WHAT ARE THESE PRICES!! You whisper yell to Norman.

>"It's twenty-one bucks for a freakin cheese pizza, and it's SIX slices! Not to mention the five dollar drinks, and don't forget sales tax and tips! Do you know basic math!"

"One, I don't believe in tipping. Two, that's what the card is for. Chill bro, we just get two pizzas."

Maud fiddles with the menu and speaks up.

"Did I chose the wrong place to eat?"

"There ain't no wrong answers when it comes to food Maud, Anon is just being a baby."

You grumble and keep looking at the menu, your mind spinning at the prices. After a while a server comes up and places bread on the table with some clear yellow stuff with bits of things floating in it.

"Hope you're having a wonderful evening, I'm Junebug and I'll be your server tonight! Would you like to start off with drinks?"

>"Yeah, we're ready to order too. We'll be doing three cokes with two margarita pizza's."

"Ok! I'll be taking your menus, we'll have it out shortly."

She walks off and Maud surprises you by starting a conversation.

"How did you meet Anon Norman."

He leans against the table and sighs, here it comes.

"A tale as old as time... I met this guy freshman year, real loner. We were teamed up for a geography paper and did it all at his house. Bit by bit I broke his loner shell and made him into the man you see today!"

>"You were persistent, but after impressing me with your collection of yugioh cards my respect for you grew."

"Impressed? Bitch you were jealous."

You're drinks come as the both of you share a laugh, Maud adds on.

"Loner? How come?"

Norman and you stop midway to your sodas, his face falling slightly.

"That's not my place to say..."

"Sorry. Did I overstep?"

>"It's fine. I'll tell you about it someday."

"Does it involve your fa-"

Norman cuts in and shoves a piece of bread in her mouth.

"Enough of the depressing shit, we're here to have fun right? I'll start off! Did you know Anon collected Winx Club merch as a kid?"

>"You asshole! If were sharing embarrassing shit did you know Norman got his nuts caved after trying to hug Rarity?"

"This bread is bland."

The night went off without a hitch. Maud only listened for most of it but you could tell she was happy, it's getting easier to tell now despite her plain half lidded stare. The pizza was mid.

 

 

>"fuck..."

Summer is here, the chains of Sophomordom are gone and there is no better way to enjoy the first day then by playing vidya. But sadly those plans were dashed when Maud asked you over to her house. You stand at the front door, too nervous to ring. She said her parents won't be home but that just makes it worse. A random guy going into in a house of girls with no parental supervision, the flags couldn't be redder.

* click *

The door swings open and a very angry lady, looking ready to to kill on sight.

"I don't know why you're just standing in front of our house, but if you don't leave our property in the next thirty seconds I'll cave your skull in."

>"SHIT I'M SORRY I-I'M LEAVING NOW!"

"Anon, you're here."

The she devil gawks at Maud and then to you.

"THIS is Anon! The way you described him made him sound like a stud, this guy looks so... PLAIN!"

Stud?

"Limestone..."

"Look at him! Plain hair, plain face, plain everything! He's like those protagonists in self insert novels! You're to good for him!"

Ouch... I hate her.

>"The hell is that suppos-"

"Shut up, I'm talking to my little sister!"

She continues to berate you to Maud, who's looking down. You've had enough of this, you should've heeded the flags.

>"I'll just go home."

"Good! See Maud, not worth a lick of time."

SMACK

Limestone freezes, Maud now has furious air about her. It was a slap for the ages.

"I should've never told you about him."

"M-maud..."

Maud moves past her sister and grabs your arm.

"Come, we'll go elsewhere."

"Maud I'm sorry!"

Ignoring her she drags you away, her sisters voice fading into the distance. Eventually she stops at a secluded alley and let's you go, her back turned to you.

"Please don't hate her Anon, she's just very protective of us."

She starts to shake slightly but continues.

"I thought she would welcome you like with Marble and Big Mac but..."

She hics. This is bad, what do you say?

"She said such horrible things and I-"

Against your better judgment you move in front of her, good god. She looks you in the eyes, tears falling freely. A face you never wanted to see again, complete sorrow.

"I s-struck her..."

You hug her without a second thought. She tenses at the sudden gesture, here face rubbing into your shoulder.

"Please don't hate her."

She quietly sobs. What shit way to start the summer, but something about what she said bothered you. The two of you stood there for what felt like hours, the sobs becoming quiet sniffs. Feels safe enough to ask now.

>"What do you mean by 'like Marble and Big Mac' Maud?"

She moves away wiping her face and reaches into her pocket, pulling out a clearish pink stone the size of a pill.

"Morganite, a type of beryl classed as a gemstone. It's why I asked you to come today."

It looks beautiful, near flawless with some scuffs. She grabs your hand places it on your palm, curling your fingers around it and clasping her hands on yours.

"It's not how I wished to do it, but I have no choice now"

>"Maud?"

"Anon, do you know that gemstones have many meanings attached to them?"

>"I guess."

"Onyx represents strength, peridot is protection, opal is inspiration."

She looks you in the eyes, a serious expression on her face and eyes slightly red.

"Though a superstition, many people believe wearing gems will imbibe their aspects into their life. I don't believe it personally, but the meanings people placed on gems I do accept."

>"What are you getting at?"

"Morganite represents the 'essence of love'. I want you to have it."

She let's go and takes a step back.

"Think of it like a metaphor, of me... giving my love to you."

You're stunned to say the least, frozen in place as your brain runs laps. Everything is spinning.

"I must go back and apologize to Limestone. Sorry for our day ending early."

She runs out the alley leaving you alone, moving over to a wall you place a hand against it and take a deep breat-

https://youtube.com/watch?v=UnDhyWnHPD0

Mind now clear you manage to trudge back home, go into your room, and plop face first into bed letting sleep take over. As you drift you lazily place the gem on your nightstand and stare at it, only one thing coming to mind.

>"fuck..."

 

 

Be Norman N. Normal.

Coolest guy in Canterlot high.

And today you're going to Anon's crib to pig out and play vidya, a tried and true tradition you do with him the first day of Summer, a day late but it's the thought that counts. Bag of snacks in hand you knock on the door, his mom answering.

"Hey Mrs. M-"

"Thank god, can you talk to Anon! He's being a little brat and won't leave his room."

Anon is in trouble, it's time to shine!

"Don't worry, I'll get through to him."

Sliding past her you stroll over to his room and give his door a hearty knock.

"Anon! Open up, I got the good shit!"

>"norm... that you?"

"You know it."

>"leave me alone..."

"I can't do that, your mom is stressin about you and I promised to fix it so let me in."

>"just go man..."

Hard way it is then. Pulling out a used gift card from your wallet, you slide it between the door and begin jostling it around the latch. Boom. Open.

"Pardon the intrusion~"

>"forgot you could that."

He looks like shit, curled up in bed staring at his nightstand. First things first you open the curtains letting some light in this dark ass room.

"Better! Now down to business."

Second, find a conversation starter. Following Anon's gaze you see a tiny rock on top of the stand. Good enough.

"Cool rock."

>"it's called morganite, a type of beryl classed as a gemstone."

"Nerd. Where'd you get it?"

>"...maud."

"Look at you! Normally it's the guy giving the girl the ring, I can hear the wedding bells now! Ha ha!"

Anon glares at you, fuck maybe that was a bad joke.

>"this isn't funny norman."

"S-sorry, but seriously man what's wrong? It's just a rock, maybe she wanted to add it to your little collection there."

A knock cuts you off and a familiar voice calls out.

"Anon."

He freezes looking at the door. It's Maud. The hell happened yesterday?

"Your mother called me, I gave her my number is case she needed assistance with you."

It's dead silent. Anon looks ready to explode, you carefully move to the door.

"Please Anon, your mother is worried about you."

It must be done, you broke bro out of his shell once and you'll do it again. Despite his pleas you reach the knob and open the door.

"Hey Maud. Anon is being a baby, I'm leaving this up to you."

>"Norman!"

"I'll be in the living room if you need me, gut tells me this is something you two need to figure out!"

Letting Maud in you take your leave to raid the fridge. It'll work out.

 

Be Anon.

Scared out of your mind. Maud sits by you on the bed, looking at the gem.

"I see you kept the morganite."

>"yeah."

You feel her gaze, but you focus on the floor.

"I meant every word Anon."

Your face feels hot but you muster a response.

>"How long have you... felt like this?"

"It was one months and eleven days ago that these feelings came to me."

>"Specific. Wait, a month ago..."

The bed shifts as she scooches closer, heart is pumping faster. Raising your head you see she's mere inches from you.

"The Bake Sale, when you touched my hands."

>" 'Something clicked in the noodle' As Pinkie would say?"

"Yes. Much like the day I saw you. Many thoughts invaded my mind, but they were more intrusive."

She grabs your right hand and runs her fingers along your wrist. Bruised and red, you wince slightly.

"It made me feel sick. We are friends, and yet I had these inappropriate thoughts of you."

>"jesus..."

"Seeing you now, I understand what I must do. It's ok if you don't have to like me back."

>"What?"

"It's quite clear that my feelings distress you. I believe it to be best that we stop meeting."

Something snapped. The indecisiveness gone in an instant.

"I must take the gem back with me."

She reaches for the gem, but you quickly cover it with your free hand.

"Anon?"

>"Listen to me."

Picking it up you hold it between the two of you.

>"It must've taken a lot of courage to do that for me, and I'm sorry."

You stand up and grab your jacket and slip on your shoes, the gem placed inside your breast pocket.

>"You opened up to me, so now I'll open up to you."

Turning back you look Maud in the eyes, that plain face really grew on you.

>"Let's go see my dad."

 

 

"I'll be in the parking lot, text me when you're ready to head back."

>"Thanks man, I owe you."

"Tell that to my mom, this ride ain't cheap."

He drives into the parking garage, you look up at the massive building behind you and see a familiar sign across the wall.

'Red Hearts'

>"Dad is a doctor, does brain stuff."

"So he works all day?"

>"In a sense I suppose. Follow me."

Heading inside the nostalgic smell of lavender and medicine hit you like brick, you approach the counter and ring the bell. A friendly lookin guy comes up and asks who you're visiting and you tell him your dads name.

>"I'm his son, Anon, last name, Mous."

"The young lady behind you?"

>"Her name is Maud Pie."

"Introducing her to pops? Good on you kid, here's your tags. The elevator in on your left."

He's not wrong, but the embarrassment still hurts. Going inside you hit thirteen and wait.

"Thirteen is intensive care."

>"I know..."

You hand Maud here tag and stick yours on.

"14C, Anon?"

* ding *

The jitters are coming back but you can't stop now.

>"Stick with me."

The halls are quiet, but it's no surprise. Your legs feel heavier with every room you pass, and soon you come up to it. Room 14C. Your hand reaches the handle, but stop when you hear a voice on the other side.

"That dang dog ruined the whole patio, you shoulda seen you're mother!"

>"Gramps?"

Pushing open the door you see the silhouette of Grandpa behind the curtain sitting by... dads bed. He moves it slightly and smiles wide.

"Anon, now ain't this something son! Your boy came to see ya."

Walking inside, your gramps see's Maud and gufaws.

"Who's this lovely little lady?"

"Good afternoon sir my name is Maudileena Daisy Pie, but most call me Maud."

"Well Ms. Pie my name Is John E. Doe, but most call me John."

He puts a hand on the foot of the bed and stares at it.

"This sleepy head here, is my boy..."

You avoided looking, you just can't do it. Even the shape through the curtains is to much. Maud goes behind the curtain and you start to feel sick hearing her whisper.

"Lord above..."

Grandpa goes back to his spot and sighs.

"It doesn't get any easier missy... I have to ask, what brings you to this neck of the woods?"

Your legs give out as you slowly slide down with your against the wall, landing on your ass with a quiet thud.

"Anon wanted me to meet his father, he told me he is a doctor here."

"And one of the best dang neurologists in town, it's ironic. All that brain know-how and now he's the patient of what he wanted to treat."

The room feels smaller and you can't stop sweating, you need to leave but your legs won't listen.

"Is it... Cancer?"

"It was. Surface level tumor on the frontal lobe, boy fought through chemo and it managed to get small enough to operate on. He was put under, but he didn't wake up when it was over."

You shakily keep trying to stand up.

"Did the surgery fail?"

"It went great, that's the problem. His doctor buddies don't know why he's comatose."

You fall over, causing them to look at you. Maud gasps and rushes over.

"Anon! What's wrong?!"

You begin hyperventilating, this is to much. You wanna go home, you want your mom.

"Good god Anon you still haven't seen your father, it's been a year son you can't keep ignoring it."

It all comes out and you begin sobbing, after building up the strength to come here you still can't do it. You failed Maud. Gramps comes over and pulls you up on your feet.

"It's hard son I know, your mom was the same way. She was able to do it and you can too."

>"I CAN'T I-I CAN'T DO IT!"

"Thank god these walls are thick... You CAN son! Just put one foot in front of the other."

The sobbing continues as you limply struggle to get away, but gramps is stronger than he looks.

SMACK

Pain. The tears stop flowing as everything seemingly stops around you.

"Dang missy, that's quite the arm you got."

She pulls you away from grandpa and drags you to the bed, you keep your eyes shut and go limp in her arms.

"Open your eyes Anon."

>"No."

"Please."

>"I can't.

"Why can't you?"

>"I don't know!"

"Then look at me."

Cautiously you open them and see Maud looking into your eyes, a feeling of relief washes over but the fear stays.

"Why are you being so selfish."

The fear is gone, replaced with guilt.

" 'You opened up to me, so now I'll open up to you.' Your words. Was that a lie?"

>"I'm so sorry..."

"I don't need an apology, I just want you to keep your word. So just tell me why? Why are you avoiding your father?"

She suddenly hugs you, her head moving away from your vision and replaced with a horrible sight.

"Please open up to me."

>"h-holy shit."

Tubes are everywhere. His nose, mouth, arms, under the balnket, he looks like a puppet. The beeping you tuned out is now loud and clear. He looks so weak, almost as if he would fall apart at any moment.

>"you want to know why?"

Your legs give out again but Maud dosen't let go. Gramps was right, she has quite the arms.

>"i didn't want my memories of him to be ruined."

Grandpa sighs and sits back down by dad.

"You really are like your mom, same reason and everything. Missy, bring that chair over here gives us some alone time?"

She let's you go and does as she's told, setting the chair by across from gramps. As Maud leaves she's looks back giving you her usual half lidded stare, then let's the door close behind her.

"Sit down son."

You keep your head hung low as you plop down on the chair.

"Look at me Anon, I'm not gonna tell you twice."

His stern tone catches you off guard making you flinch, but reluctantly you do.

"You're a dumbass if you let something like this ruin how you see your pops. I've seen far worse shit in my day, shit that made me lose sleep for years."

The tears come back as you start rocking in your chair.

"But during all that I was still crackin wise and drinking with the boys, and you know why?"

>"why?"

"I counted my blessings. I have my wife, my son, a house, my health, a heap of good that out weighs the bad. Then one day, be it a week or a year, the bad will just be a distant memory. Now Anon. Count your blessings for me."

You take deep breaths and begin.

>"i have mom, d-dad, norm, you, grandma... and maud."

" *sigh* That's a start, but even with the bit you listed off you should know now that there is enough good there that will make this easier to stomach. Now, apologize."

>"to who?"

"Your dad. Look at him and say you're sorry, for avoiding him."

Mustering up the strength you turn your head and look at dad again, but this time you don't see a sickly man on the edge of death, you see dad.

>"I'm sorry..."

You repeat it over and over till you begin choking up and slam your face into the blankets. You feel an arm wrap around your shoulder as you cry into the sheets, loosing track of time and letting a years worth of tears out. Eventually you calm down and grandpa speaks up.

"He's gonna wake up son, and when he does this will just be another bad thing left to gather dust. And when another bad thing crops up, you'll be good and ready to deal with it"

>"yeah..."

"You should head home, it's not nice to keep a woman waiting."

Maud. She's probably pissed at you.

>"what about you gramps?"

"I'll leave in a bit. Still wanna finish my conversation."

He puts a hand on dads shoulder and laughs, a smile starts to grow on your face.

>"Figures. This is probably the only time he'll listen."

Grandpa slaps your shoulder and laughs the hardest you've ever heard, a laugh so infectious you can't help but join in.

"Smartass, get outta here!"

You hug your grandpa and say by to dad, letting him know you'll visit again. Leaving the room you look around and see that Maud is still here, standing in front of a window. It's time make it up to her.

>"Hey."

She turns around and walks over to you, her eye's look tired.

"Anon. What happened?"

>"You like long stories?"

 

 

You gave Norman a heads up before going into the empty garden in front of the hospital, looks private enough. Finding a nice bench you sit down with Maud, gazing up into the sky.

>"Well. Where do I start?"

"The beginning."

>"Sounds good to me. I was born..."

Time flys by as you recount everything you can remember to her, and through it all she listened. She didn't look the least bit bored as you talk about your mundane life. First day of Elementary, loosing your first tooth, moving to this town, dad taking you to work with him, the diagnosis, the treatments, the months spent alone in your room after the operation. You were an open book letting answering any question Maud threw at you. The sun began to set as you finish up your ted talk.

>"...came up to me all serious and told me to go everfree, cause someone wanted to talk to me. The rest should be obvious."

"Very."

Yawning you slouch on the bench and look over to Maud.

>"That's it, I got nothing else to tell."

She scooches closer to you, maintaining eye contact.

"I do have one more question."

>"Shoot."

"Do you love me?"

Without missing a beat you reply.

>"Yeah. Why else would I have stopped you from taking the gem back."

Maud simply hums in acknowledgement and rests her head on your shoulder.

>"We should probably head back y'know. Norman was pretty bored when I told him we were gonna talk."

"No."

Hands in your pockets you lean into Maud slightly and scoff.

>"You said I was selfish, but fine. Maybe a few more minutes."

 

Be Anon. Sitting on a bench in everfree park.

You got your buddy Norman to tell Maud you wanted to talk to her. Bro didn't even ask why, he just smiled and did it. Hope she comes, you look like a bum with your backpack next to you

"Anon."

Jumping, you turn to see her standing next to you. Sighing in relief you respond calmly.

>"Hey Maud."

She sits next to you on the bench looking you directly in the eyes, her emotionless face looking slightly concerned.

"I was told to come here by Norman. Is something wrong?"

>"Nah. Heard you were going to Manehattan University next year, congratulations."

"Thank you, but I will miss being able to see you."

>"It's going to be fine Maud, I'll visit as often as I can! In fact, I'll be there everyday."

You pull out an envelope from your pack and had it to Maud.

"An acceptance letter?"

>"Yep, dad had a fund for me. Same place he went too actually, gonna be a doctor like him."

"How is he?"

>"Physical therapy is going great, he's already walking without the cane."

"I will ask Pinkie to make a cake to celebrate."

>"Make it a small one, he was to watch his sugar intake."

Maud nods, and looks over at your bulging bag.

"If it's ok, may I ask what's poking out of your backpack."

>"OH! It's the reason I asked you to come, you'll get a kick out of it."

Unzipping your pack you pull out a small oak case, it costs a pretty penny but it comes with partitions, a removable lid and glass cover. Placing it between each other you open the case and reveal your pride and joy.

>"I started a collection. You're dad helped me out with the rarer ones but so far I got a decent set of stones."

Maud's eyes sparkle as she sifts your collection.

"Impressive. The calcite is lovely, but the row of beryl variants is beautiful."

One by one she gently inspects the stones, giving you small tidbits on them. Eventually she reaches the one you wanted her to see the most.

"Anon, this section has a ring in it."

>"I know, it has my favorite gem."

Grabbing the ring you hold it up to her and tell her what it is.

>"Morganite, a type of beryl classed as a gemstone. It's why I asked you to come today."

Putting two and two together her face becomes flush and tears begin to form.

"I know we're gonna be busy with school, but when it's over will you-"

"Yes."

Blunt as always, but you love that about her. She takes the ring and slides it on her left hand, staring deep into the gem. Putting the case away you scooch over to her and stare at the ring as well.

"It's gorgeous."

>"Worth every penny. Your parents helped me with a jeweler and got me a good deal, but not without convincing them for their blessing."

An hour of your life that'll haunt your nightmares forever.

"Father is quite stubborn."

>"VERY."

She chuckles and leans against you, the two of you sitting in silence staring at the ducks wading in the pond. The usual thing the two of you do together.

>"Now what?"

"Hm?"

>"We're official. What do we do now?"

"We're doing it."

>"Sitting?"

"Yes, our first activity as husband and wife."

Maud snakes her arm around yours and sinks deeper into your shoulder.

>"Yeah. First of many."

 

End