>Be you, Anonymous Pie >Yeah, your parents didn't figure out how to properly name kids until they got to your sisters >Then again, what the hell kinda name is Pinkamena? >Anyway, that's not important right now >What is important is that you're finally almost done packing for your trip to Camp Everfree >Got all the essentials: clothes, toiletries, bugspray, bearspray, carnivorous-plant spray, your favorite Darth Vader action figure... >What? >You couldn't possibly face the day if you didn't wake up to his stern, grim visage >You've just slammed your suitcase closed when you hear knuckles rapping on your door "Go away, Pinkie," you say without even looking over your shoulder >She always gets it in her head that she needs to throw you a giant party before you leave, and you always (unsuccessfully) try to find a way to weasel out of them >However, it's not Pinkie knocking on the door >You turn around, surprised to find yourself staring at the blank face of your other sister, Maud >She's the third oldest behind you and Limestone, younger than you by only a single year >"I'm not Pinkie, clearly," she states >Without waiting for your permission, she strolls into your room and sits on your bed "Make yourself at home, I guess," you say sarcastically >"This is already my home. And I want to talk to you." "Can you make it quick? I gotta head to bed soon." >Maud blinks >You know her well enough to tell that she was vaguely insulted by that >Which is unusual, to say the least >"I never get to see you anymore. You're always out with your friends..." >Maud's eyes flick towards the floor, then her gaze drifts back up to settle on yours >"...or a girl." "So?" >"That doesn't leave much time for us to spend time together." "Oh." >You scratch at the back of your head "Sorry, Maud." >"You don't have to apologize. I understand you have fun with the people I mentioned." "I guess. I didn't realize I was that important to you." >"You're my big brother. And my best friend. I've told you this multiple times." "I guess you have, but... I dunno, you know how it can get." >"I do. You're quite popular." >Maud folds her hands over her chest, her voice slightly chillier than usual >"And I understand if that popularity doesn't always leave room to focus on your sister." "That's not true! I promise, as soon as I get back from Everfree, we'll have a whole week just to hang out." >Maud blinks >"I don't like waiting, Anonymous. Especially not for two months. You know how impatient I can be." "Y-yeah, I do." >For a girl like her, the kind of girl who can perfectly sit and analyze rock formations for hours on end, she can become incredibly petulant when certain things set her off >Being ignored is definitely one of those things "But I can't just bail on Everfree. I'm a senior counselor, they're counting on me." >"I know. That's something I'd never ask of you." >Maud places a hand atop your suitcase; you're dimly aware of the fact that her palm is resting inches above your D. Vader >"That's why I'm coming with you. I've already signed up and everything." >There was no arguing with her, of course >You're pretty sure it's physically impossible to argue with Maud, it'd be like arguing with a... >Well, with a rock >"Why are you making that face." "What face?" >You and Maud are seated together in your car; as a counselor, you're expected to get to Camp Everfree on your own, which sucks >"The face you always make when you're telling bad jokes to yourself." "I am not." >"Then why are you making the face?" >You stick your tongue out at her "I'm just trying to process how weird this all is, that's all. You've never even been to camp before. You're probably gonna hate it." >"I'll hate it a lot less than I hate spending months by myself." "You're not by yourself. You have Pinkie, and Limestone, and Marble." >"Marble doesn't talk to anyone. I love Pinkie, but she can be infuriating. And Limestone threatens to smother me in my sleep if I don't let her win at checkers." "Okay, point taken." >You pull off onto Everfree Road, the winding one-lane country highway that'll travels the entire fifty-mile stretch to Camp Everfree >Trees close in around you, sheltering you and Maud in a shady embrace "But I'm gonna be busy with counselor stuff. You might not get to see me much." >Maud shrugs >"I'll find a way." "That's kinda ominous." >"It doesn't have to be." >Maud's voice drops into the low, steely tones she only gets when she's deadly serious >Which are pretty hard to distinguish from her normal speaking voice, unless you happened to grow up listening to the girl >"I'm sure you can make time for me." "I mean, I'll try my best." >A sudden pressure sink into the flesh of your thigh >You look away from the road to find Maud's hand lying atop your thigh, her fingers digging into you >"I would appreciate a promise, Anonymous." "Alright, alright. I promise." >Maud's grip on you relaxes a little >"I'm going to hold you to that." "It's not me you have to worry about, it's Gloriosa. She'll have us scrambling all over the place, getting everyone in cabins, carrying so damn much luggage..." >You glance in the back seat real quick "Uh, speaking of which, didn't you bring anything." >"No." "What do you mean no? You're staying here for two months!" >"And? I assume they're going to provide food. I'm hardly in any danger of starving." "Well yeah, but... that's not what I meant. Didn't you bring any clothes?" >"I only ever wear frocks identical to this one." "Yeah, but..." >"I can wash it by hand." "Whatever. You're so weird." >"If I lack anything, I'll have my big brother for help." "I guess that's true..." >You sigh and start doing ten over the speed limit >Right now, you want more than anything to get to camp, where things will hopefully be a bit more normal >As it turns out, the situation at Camp Everfree is absolutely normal >Meaning it's spiraling out of control, like always >A bunch of CHS students a few years younger than you are piling out, all of them laden with duffel bags full of junk >And none of them know where they're going >Gloriosa, an absolute goddess of camp direction, is standing amidst all the chaos >"Applebloom! Sweetie Belle! Scootaloo! You'll be sharing tent 7B. Give your things to Trixie over there. And you'd better not have tried to smuggle any snacks in. That girl has a nose like a bloodhound!" >The freshman girls run off, leaving a tired-looking Gloriosa to start scanning her surroundings for more campers in need of help >Instead, she spies you >"Anon!" she cries out, and her face immediately lights up >She runs over to you, throwing her arms around you in a soft, pillowy hug >Pillowy, of course, because she's built like a German supermodel: breasts the size of watermelons and thighs that could crush a dragonskull >You return her hug, relishing her familiar scent >But in like a "appreciating your platonic female friend's forest-y perfume" way, not in a creepy pheromone way "Good to see you, Glori." >"You too! Man, hard to believe it's been a whole year, huh?" "I know. Feels like I never leave this place." >"Well, I can tell ya what that's like." >She turns to Maud, who you notice is staring at Gloriosa with a distinctly unfriendly glare >Well, unfriendly for Maud that is; to Gloriosa it probably looks as deadpan as all Maud's other glares >"Hey! Don't think I've met you before. What's your name?" >"Maud Pie." >She takes a step closer to you, looping her arm through yours >"I'm his sister." >Gloriosa clasps a hand over her mouth, suppressing a squeal >"Oh, of course you are! The two of you look so much alike!" >Literally nobody has ever said that, but you don't bother correcting her >You're too busy focusing on how Maud is currently squeezing your upper arm hard enough that you've lost feeling in the tips of your fingers >"That's tends to happen amongst siblings." >Gloriosa giggles, clearly not noticing the death-glare she's currently receiving >"So sassy! You're just the cutest thing. Anon's told me so much about you." >Maud blinks >"Like what." >"Well..." >Gloriosa winks at Maud >"He may or may not have told me that *you're* his favorite sister." >Maud's grip on your arm doubles in strength >You can't feel anything below your shoulder now >After a second of incredible agony for you, Maud speaks >"Naturally." >Gloriosa looks over at you, smiling >"She's just a total riot. Want me to take her to her cabin?" >"I'd rather Anon take me," Maud replies >"Nah, don't worry. I got this!" >Maud stares at her, unblinking >"I'd feel more comfortable if Anon took me." >Gloriosa's smile falters for a second >"Oh. Then sure! She must really look up to you, huh?" she asks you "I guess that's one way you could put it." >"Ha! You two are just adorable together, oh my god. Anyway, I gotta go dig out my lifeguard stuff. We're gonna open the lake up for swimming tomorrow!" >With a wave, Gloriosa departs >As usual, the rest of your first day back at camp passes in a whirlwind >You barely have time to sit down before some new group of kids is coming up to badger you with complaints >Toilet's broken (there's no toilet in any of these cabins, so hearing that is always a real jolt of terror), beds are gross, there's bats in the ceiling, someone buried a corpse under the cabin... >It just never ends >By the time everyone is finally settled in, you and Gloriosa are sitting together, leaning against each other for support as you try not to pass out "Seriously, how do you do this every year?" >"Eventually you get used to it." "Do you have to die inside first?" >"That's one way of putting it." >Both of you heave an exhausted sigh, then stand up >"It's nice to have you back, Anon." "Yeah?" >"Mhm. Managing this place is always a lot easier when I've got help." "What about Timber?" >"Oh, you didn't hear? He met some girl from Griffonstone and decided to foreign exchange over there." "No shit? That's super cool." >Gloriosa nods, but you can tell she's not super enthusiastic about the idea >"I miss him a lot." "Oof. Seems like that's going around lately." >"What do you mean?" "Nothing, nothing. Guess not having him around makes things a lot harder, huh?" >"It does, but that's not all of it. We were always really close. Not getting to see him is a little rough, I'll admit." >Gloriosa suddenly waves her hands in front of her face, flustered >"S-sorry! Didn't mean to dump all that on you. It's not like it's a huge deal, of course. He'll be back before too long. I'm just a little, you know, down. I guess. But I'll totally manage!" >You smile at her "You got this?" >"I always do. Now let's get that barbecue started. I'm so hungry I could scarf down a boulder!" "Heh, don't let my sister hear you say that..." >"Hah, I won't. She didn't seem like she liked me too terribly much anyway." "Nah, she just doesn't express herself in the way most people do." >"I picked up on that, Anon," Gloriosa says, elbowing your shoulder. "But I can still tell when someone isn't super happy about my company." "She's... she's a little jealous, I guess." >"Of who? Me?" "Yeah. She's been kinda clingy lately. It's not like her." >Gloriosa giggles >"Sounds like she has a bit of a crush." "A crush? No, nothing like that. I'm her brother, it'd be... y'know, weird." >Gloriosa shrugs >She falls silent for a moment, staring off at the orange halo around the sun as it dips below the horizon >"There's nothing that weird about it. She's family, and she loves you a lot, and she doesn't want to lose you to someone else. It's a perfectly natural way for a girl to feel." "I guess?" >You give Gloriosa a weird look, but she's unable to meet your eyes "It's just hard to know how to deal with, is all. She's usually in her own little world. Just weird to see her suddenly so, I dunno, attached." >"Maybe she's been hiding her feelings for a long time. She could be afraid to express them, and they've been eating away at her poor heart. Now they're all just tumbling out." "That... makes a lot of sense. You're pretty sharp, Glori." >Gloriosa grins >Even in the dim, violet light of sunset you can tell she's blushing >"It's a counselor thing." >Thankfully, the conversation switches to less weird topics as you and Gloriosa walk along >She really is a fantastic person to talk to; she has all sorts of weird stories about how the camp's been holding up (including a fairly wild one about some oil tycoon trying to buy it), and tells them all in a way that makes it impossible not to laugh >When you get to the pavilion, a ring of picnic tables is already set up, most of them full of chattering campers >And, seated at one of the tables at the ring's edge, is your little sister, watching you >Gloriosa gives Maud a little wave >She doesn't wave back, but gives the older girl a slight nod >"You should go sit with her. I'm gonna get the grill running, and I'll call you in a bit to help with cooking, alright?" "Gotcha." >You and Gloriosa split up, and you head over to sit with Maud >She's alone at her table, with one hand absentmindedly stroking Boulder "Hey." >"Evening." >Chilly silence sits between the two of you >"Please don't spend the rest of the night with her." "I told you, I won't." >Maud doesn't say anything >You think back to what Gloriosa said, and you wonder what crazy, whirling thoughts might be running through Maud's head right now >She's such a stoic person in general, it really is anyone's guess as to what's actually going on behind her granite-colored eyes "I promise, as soon as this is over, we'll head back to my cabin and, uh..." >That's where you blank >It's not like you can say you'll watch a movie together, there's no TV >And Maud didn't really bring anything entertaining, nor did you "I dunno. We'll find something." >"I'm not particularly concerned with what we do." "Gotcha." >You scratch at the back of your head, at a loss for words >Despite her being your own sister, it's hard to think of stuff to talk to Maud about >Unless the subject is rocks, poetry, or poetry about rocks, she tends to be fairly mute "Have you been settling in okay?" >"I have. I went for a walk around the lake earlier. I like it a lot. The beach is made from glacial till. That's the term for little particles of rocks ground up by glaciers thousands of years ago. I like walking barefoot on it. It's soft, but strong." "Oh, nice. What do you think of the place?" >"The scenery is objectively beautiful, even if it isn't my preference. I wish we were closer to the mountains." "Hah, that'd be cool. Mountains are too dangerous for these idiots, though." >You gesture to a trio of freshman girls who are begging Gloriosa to let them borrow some gasoline so they can, quote unquote, "Get their cutie-marks in fire-eating" >Yeah, you have no idea what that means and you don't particularly care >Maud nods, pensive >"Your friend is waving you over." "She is?" >"Yes. I understand you need to help her. But please come back to me soon." "I will, I will." >You pat her hand and run over to join Gloriosa at the grill >Needless to say, the cookout goes about as well as move-in did earlier >That is to say, it's an absolute mess >You're pretty sure you've grilled well over two hundred burgers by the end of the night, and slaving over the hot grill for hours on end has left you dripping with sweat and reeking of charcoal smoke >Exhausted, you finally douse the coals and head back over to Maud's table >To your surprise, Gloriosa's sitting with her >She's even "feeding" little scraps of hamburger to Boulder, under Maud's close supervision >"You look terrible," Maud says "Thanks. You look like you *didn't* just spend your evening feeding a hundred fifteen-year-old kids >"That's true, I didn't. I think I made the correct choice in how to spend my night." >Gloriosa giggles >"You two are *so* cute! I can see why she likes you so much." >You shoot Gloriosa a "don't you dare make this awkward" look as you sit down >She responds with a "too late, fucko" look "So... yeah. I'm about ready to pass out. Please tell me I can sleep late tomorrow." >Gloriosa laughs >"You're waking up at the crack of dawn and you know it! We're gonna take everyone down to the lake, of course." "Right, right..." >You rest your head on the table, letting your breath out in a huff "I didn't even get any food..." >Maud retrieves a plate from the bench next to her, on top of which is an uneaten hamburger >"Actually, I saved some for you." "You... for real?" >You stare at the hamburger, tears of joy welling in your eyes >Normally, you'd think that making 200+ hamburgers would make you hate the damn things >But right now, the sizzling meat and flaky, buttery bun are enough to melt your heart "Maud, I sincerely meant every single time I've called you my favorite sister." >Maud is silent for a second, and the slightest hint of pink blush rises in her cheeks >Then the plate shatters in her hands >"Duly noted." >After some cleanup and a quickly-devoured dinner, you and your sister are walking towards your cabin >Your legs are rubber after spending so much time standing, and Maud notices >"You're moving slower than usual." "Yeah, I feel like hell." >Maud doesn't even bother asking permission, she just grabs your arm and slings it over her shoulders, letting you lean on her stoic figure for support "...thanks." >"There's no need to thank me." >She practically carries you back to your cabin, where you unlock the door and let both of you in >Inside, it's as plain as can be: just a single bed, a chest for keeping your stuff in, and a narrow closet >You collapse onto bed, your body almost melting into the mattress >Maud awkwardly stands beside the bed, watching you >You slap the edge of the mattress, motioning for her to sit >She does "So, uh..." >"Thank you," Maud blurts out "Huh? Where's that coming from?" >"I'm aware I've probably added to your stress by insisting I come along. And I've been difficult to manage lately. But you've still gone out of your way to accommodate me." "Of course I have. You're my sister. No matter how crazy stuff here gets, you're still the most important thing to me." >Maud's expression is unreadable, even for... well, Maud >"I feel... much the same." >Maud rests a hand on your knee, but continues staring at the floorboards >"I hope there's something I can do to repay you." "You don't gotta worry about that. You saved me dinner. Far as I'm concerned, we're even." >You smile at Maud, and she even gives you a tiny smile back >Then you sit up >The mattress groans under you as you do, and you groan along with it as you feel all eight hours you spent standing today "I'm getting real sick of smelling like smoke. I'm gonna run and take a shower. I'll be right back, okay?" >You head for the door, but Maud jumps to her feet before you can leave >"I should come with you." "Uh... why?" >"To make sure you're... safe." "The counselor showers are right over there. I'll only be like forty feet away." >Maud grabs ahold of your arm >"I should still come with you. There could be bears. Or something." "Oh, there's definitely bears. But we just assume they'll eat the obnoxious kids first." >Maud's eyelids flutter in worry "Just a joke. Relax, I'll only be gone for a few--" >"I'm still coming with." >She gets that steely tone in her voice that tells you that you won't be arguing with her "Alright, alright. You can, uh... sit outside and wait, I guess. Holler if you see any bears." >And with that you head for the showers, with Maud following close behind >A muggy summer night wraps around you and Maud as you walk down the narrow path that connects the counselors' cabins to the small bathroom/shower depot nearby >Maud stays a few paces behind you, and gravel crunches rhythmically under her shoes as she marches along >Aside from the sound of footsteps and the chip of crickets, the night is silent >It's genuinely peaceful, and you can already feel the stress of the day starting to evaporate from the back of your mind >When you reach the showers, which are narrow, cramped stalls with only a plastic curtain for privacy, you stop outside and raise your head towards the sky, admiring the glimmering expanse of stars "Gorgeous, isn't it?" >"I agree," Maud says >You notice she's looking at the gravel instead of the sky >"This wasn't machine-crushed. Someone did this by hand. It must be very old." "Kinda crazy. I wonder just how many people have walked this same path." >"If you give me enough time, I could probably estimate it." "Oh." >"I'd imagine you wouldn't be interested, though. Take your shower." >Maud takes a seat between the stalls, her granite-colored eyes watching you intently "Can do. I'll be right back." >"I'll be waiting." >You step into the stall, pull the curtain, and strip down >Getting out of your smoke-stinking and sweat-stained clothes feels absolutely great, and the water is bracingly cold when it hits your skin >You let out an audible sigh >Outside the shower, you hear gravel shift as Maud moves around "What's up?" you ask her >"Nothing." >Her voice is fainter than usual, almost breathless "You alright?" >"I am... fine." "Uh, okay." >She doesn't sound fine >In fact, she sounds almost nervous, and you've hardly ever seen Maud get nervous >Could it have something to do with how weird and jealous she's been around you lately? >Yeah, that's got to be it >Like Gloriosa talked about, she must have a lot on her mind >You'll ask her about it before you walk her back to her cabin, you decide as you shut the water off >However, just as you turn around, you realize that your dumb ass forgot to bring fresh clothes >Fuck >You could wear the nasty ones again, you suppose >But you're all clean now, and the last thing you want is to get back in the same burger-scented duds you just got out of "Hey, Maud?" >"Yes?" "Could you, uh, run back to my cabin real quick? I forgot to bring stuff to change into." >"Understood." >You hear gravel crunch as Maud stands up and jogs away >After a minute or so of standing around shivering, you hear your sister coming back >Her footsteps stop just outside the shower stall, and you pull the curtain partially back >Just enough to stick your torso out, but keeping it covering your crotch >Maud, to your surprise, is staring at you intently >But not at your face >A light pink colors both of her cheeks, and you think you can see a single dribble of sweat rolling down her forehead "Uh... so, about those clothes?" >Maud takes a second to snap back into reality, and her eyes trail their way up your body to your face >"Yes. I didn't want to keep you waiting. So I didn't grab any. Here's this." >Stiffly, she sticks her arm out and hands you one of the thin, ratty towels the camp provides >You stare at it in disbelief "You... you only brought that? What am I supposed to do with that? I still gotta walk back to the cabin." >"I know." >Maud blinks, and a second bead of sweat joins the first one >"It'll be enough. It's a short walk." "Ack. Fine, whatever." >You reach out and take the towel, wrap it quickly around yourself, and step out of the shower >Maud's eyes are still quite obviously *not* focused on your face >Now, you don't usually like to make snap judgements, but it looks a lot like your own sister is checking you out >And getting pretty into it too >The towel, already sodden from just a little water, hangs loose on your body >Maud stares at where its seam meets your hip-bone and runs her tongue along her lips >Something hot and electrifying races down your spine "I, uh... gonna get back to the cabin now." >You try to duck past your sister, but Maud blocks you >"I haven't had my shower yet, Anonymous. You should wait for me here. To keep me safe." "Are you kidding? I'm only wearing this!" >"There's nobody around." "Yeah, but..." >You're so overcome by the weirdness of all of this that you don't have much to say "Alright, alright. Just take a quick one and let's get back." >"Thank you. You're a good big brother," Maud intones >The nervous quiver is almost gone from her voice, but you can hear it in the way she warbles slightly off her usual monotone >Maud steps past you and pulls the shower curtain closed >You lean against the space between the stalls, staring at the ground as thoughts race through your head >She's checking you out; there isn't a question about that >Why? >You guess it could just be an awkward fascination; would be pretty in-character for your sister, really >Maud doesn't exactly have experience with boys >You hear the gentle rustling of fabric as your sister slips out of her clothes, followed by the slap of her bare feet against the tiled floor >It's probably just awkward for her, especially since she's probably more used to girls' bodies anyway, given how many sisters you two have >Seeing you half-naked was just-- >"Anonymous. I need your help. I don't know how to turn this on." "Huh? Are you for real?" >"The mechanism doesn't make sense. And I don't want to break it." "You can estimate the age of gravel just by looking at it, but you can't turn on a shower?" >"You're not being very helpful." "Fine. Just, uh... put on a towel or something." >"I don't mind if you see me." "What?" >"We've bathed together before." "Yeah, when we were six. Put something on." >"It's not worth the effort." "Maud..." >Muttering under your breath, you reach out to open the shower curtain >Your hand is trembling as you do so >Why are you so nervous? >She's just your awkward sister who can't figure out how to work a stupid shower knob >Nothing weird about this >Wait, no, everything is weird about this >Just don't think about it, you tell yourself >Don't think about your naked sister who's been possessive and eyeballing you all evening... >You pull the curtain aside, keeping your eyes strictly focused straight ahead >As such, all you can see of Maud is her face and bare shoulders >She watches you intently with that same flat, bored glare she gives everything >"You don't have to be so weird about this." "I'm not the one being weird." >"Yes you are. You can look at my body, Anon. I won't be offended." "Noted. Still not happening." >You flatten yourself against the wall, inch past Maud, and flip the shower on >It drenches both of you in cold water, and the sodden towel slips from your grasp >For a long moment, silence except for the splatter of water on the shower floor, nothing happens >"Nice going," Maud says "Fucking hell." >Despite the biting sarcasm in her voice, Maud's eyes still trail quite obviously downward >You turn around, hiding the front of your body against the wall >However, you can still feel your sister's eyes on your back "Could you not stare at me like that?" >"I'm a scientist. I need to slake my curiosity." >Maud takes a step closer to you >"You're welcome to do the same." "I'm good, thanks." >Maud steps away >"I see." >More silence stretches, and you get the courage to pick up your towel and wrap the soaked material around you like a loincloth "I'm, uh... I'm gonna head back now." >You scoot past her and duck out of the shower, your head in a whirl >Is what you think is happening seriously happening? >You're so distracted by everything that you practically barrel right into poor Gloriosa as you head back to your cabin >She dodges out of the way just in time, her face wide with surprise >"A-Anon?" "Oh, uh..." >You pause mid-stride, looking down at yourself "Hey, Glori." >You try to act casual "You're, uh, up late." >"It's eight-thirty." >A smug grin spreads across her face >"Interesting first day back, I take it?" "Yeah, but... not for the reasons you'd imagine." >"Oh? I dunno, I can imagine quite a bit." "Trust me, it's not what you think." >You brush the wet hair out of your eyes and take a look at Gloriosa >She looks like she just finished running a marathon; her face is red and sweat's pouring down her brow >But she's not staring at you the way Maud was, this is something else "Are, uh... are you okay?" >"Me? Totally! Just been a rough day back, and it's hard handling everything by myself. You know how it is." "I guess?" >"I just need a *long* shower now. I'll catch ya later!" "Sounds good. My sister's in there now." >"Oh?" >Gloriosa raises an eyebrow "What?" >"Sounds like you had a *really* interesting first day." "What!? No! Nothing like that is happening!" >"Like what?." "Like... you..." >Gloriosa chuckles >"I had a pretty interesting talk with your sister earlier, Anon. Sounds like you should do the same!" "Yeah... you're probably right." >Gloriosa pats your back, then runs off towards the showers "You got this!" >As soon as Gloriosa's out of sight, you run back to your cabin and change into warm pajamas >Then you sit on your bed and wait for Maud >There's gotta be an explanation for how weird she's being, you're sure there is >Eyeing you up, jealousy... >That kinda stuff isn't normal >And you know this can't be her having some secret crush on you >That kinda stuff just doesn't happen! >Maybe in Appleloosa, but not in good, honest Canterlot >You're sure there's some hilarious explanation for all of this, full of hijinks and misunderstandings >Once Maud explains what's really going on, it'll be like some weird, uncomfortable rom-com >You'll have a good laugh and just enjoy a drama-free stay at Camp Everfree >Ten minutes later, your sister shows up >She doesn't bother knocking, she just strides in with her hair wet, her frock on, and a bundle of your clothes in her left hand "Hey." >"Hey." >She sets your stuff down and sits at the other end of the bed, kicking her shoes off "So, uh, I need to ask you something." >Maud looks at you, her gaze steady >"Yes?" >You swallow, feeling weirdly jittery under the intensity of her granite irises "You, uh, have been acting kinda weird lately. Not bad-weird, just different. And, you know, I've been getting some impressions. Impressions that aren't true, I'm sure, but..." >"This is a very confusing question." "I know, I know." >You take a deep breath >Just get it out there, Anon >Ask her the question, she'll explain this is all a big misunderstanding, and you can go on with your normal life "Do you have some kinda, uh... feelings for me? Like romantic feelings?" >Maud blinks >"Yes." "...oh." >For a moment, you can only stare at your sister >Part of you is waiting for her to say "just kidding," in that same deadpan voice she always delivers the punchlines of her jokes with >It doesn't come "For real?" >"I assumed 'yes' was fairly self-explanatory." "Yeah, but... I just..." >You shake your head "Jesus, Maud. That's a lot to just drop on someone out of the blue." >"You're the one who asked." >You shoot her a look "Okay. So you have feelings for me. That's..." >"It's incredibly weird, bordering on unnatural. I'm aware, Anonymous. There's a reason I've kept this a secret for so long." "How long?" >Maud blinks >"I first noticed these feelings when I turned eleven. Pinkie threw a huge blowout party. But big blowout parties make me feel weird, sometimes. So I left. >Maud reaches into the pocket of her frock and pulls out Boulder, beginning to rotate him in the palm of her hand >"And you were the only one who followed me." "I remember that." >Your voice sounds far away; your brain is whirring so hard to try and process this that normal shit like talking kinda feels like some meat-puppet is doing it instead of you "We spent that day collecting quartz by Holder's Creek. Then I made you that necklace." >Maud nods, her eyes on the floor >"It was a very important day to me. Since then, I've felt very strongly about you." >She scoots a little closer to you on the bed, and the mattress creaks under her in response >"This is abnormal. And you have every right to think poorly of me." >She blinks again, and you notice a slight tremor travel through your sister's body >"But I need you, Anonymous. That isn't going to change." "Oh. Uh..." >You run a hand through your hair "Maud, this is a lot to take in." >"I understand." >She pats the mattress >"Maybe it would be best if you get some sleep." "I don't think I'm gonna be able to sleep any time soon." >"Understandable. I can tell I've shaken you." "That tends to happen when your little sister confesses her love to you." >Maud looks over at you >"Are you saying you don't love me in return?" "What? No, no, of course I do." >You reach out and take Maud's hand, closing your fingers around her palm "But it's a, uh... it's not that kind of love." >"Why not?" "What?" >"Why are you putting distinctions on love? If you love me, you love me." "I love you as a sister, Maud, not..." >"Not what?" >Maud moves closer, so close she's practically sitting in your lap >Her face is only inches from yours, and her breath wafts hot and sweet across your face >Up close, you can smell the faint chemical-meets-flower scent of the camp's shampoo >"There's no chemical distinction between types of love, Anonymous. I'm a woman, just like any other." "Yeah, but..." >Maud's free arm wraps around your waist, and she pulls you close, letting your body conform against hers >She's *so* soft >"But what?" "...this isn't something I can just do, Maud. I... I love you, a lot. I really do. When Gloriosa said I called you my favorite sister, she wasn't lying." >Since Maud is holding you, you can feel her heart begin to thud against her ribcage "You were always really special to me. And I want to make you happy, but this is... this is heavy." >"It is. No matter what form your love takes, I will accept it, as long as it is love." >Maud gently lays herself in the bed, pulling you down with her >She pulls the blanket over the both of you, and wraps all four of her limbs around you beneath it >Her hands come to rest against your chest, and the soles of her feet caress your shins >Your sister's face rests against the back of your neck, her warm breath cascading down your shoulders >A part of your brain whines in protest, insisting this is wrong >But it, like the rest of you, quickly sinks into the security of Maud's embrace >You curl up against her, letting yourself be the little spoon for once >Silence stretches through the room, and narrow beams of moonlight trace their way across the floor as night fully envelopes Camp Everfree >Crickets chirp outside, and a thin summer breeze makes the cabin's thin wooden frame creak >You're already half-asleep after just a minute or two in bed, a clear sign of how exhausted the first day back has left you >Maud nuzzles your neck, and her voice is like polished stone when she speaks >"Anon?" "Yeah?" >Your voice is hazy with fatigue, almost like a much comfier version of being drunk >"Earlier, you wouldn't look at me in the shower. You seemed scared to." "I was." >"Do you find me unappealing?" "Nah, of course I don't. You're adorable. Seriously. You're so fucking cute. I just didn't know..." >You voice breaks in a yawn "I didn't know what I'd do if I thought my little sister was, y'know... hot..." >"I see." >Maud squeezes you tighter again her >"If that is the way you feel, please let yourself feel it." "Okay... I'll give it a chance..." >You're already sinking into sleep, and the next words just sort of tumble out of you "I promise, I'll give you a chance." >Maud kisses the back of your neck >"I plan to hold you to this. I love you, Anonymous." "Love you too..." you manage before you pass out >When you awaken, you're groggy and your entire body feels like it's made of lead >Yesterday really took a toll on you, it seems >Your head is a bit foggy, but you get the feeling that something is missing >After a second of confused, dream-state wondering, you realize that Maud's no longer in bed with you >A jolt runs down your back as her confession last night returns to you >For a moment, you just sit on the edge of your bed, your head in your hands >Today's gonna be awkward, isn't it? >You don't remember everything you said before you fell asleep, but you don't remember telling her off >Which you should have, right? >She's your sister, after all >But... >For some reason, even now, telling her off just doesn't feel right >You get up from bed, dress, and open the door to your cabin >Maud is outside, sitting by herself on the wooden steps >She's dressed in her frock and hugs her knees against her chest >The sunrise lights up her face, and a faint breeze stirs her hair >"Good morning." "Morning, Maud." >You sit next to her, just close enough that your shoulder rests against hers >For a moment, you sit in silence, just enjoying your sister's company >Even if things are weird, you're glad she's here >There's something reassuring about being next to her; always has been "I, uh, was thinking." >"I was too." >She rests her head on her knees >"I don't want to put pressure on you. My feelings are strange. Please don't do anything you'd regret to try and make me happy." "Hah. I mean, yeah. They're strange." >"I assume there's no chance of you returning them?" "Eh..." >"I'm asking you to eliminate my hopes now. Otherwise, they'll persist and make my time here difficult." "I don't know if I can do that. Just... just shoot you down." >Maud blinks >"I see. Does that imply some feelings may exist?" >The slightest bit of hesitation enters Maud's voice >A whole lot more enters yours "I don't know." >"You're being quite vague about this." "I know. And I'm really sorry. This is just... it's a lot." >"I understand. Have I made things too weird between us?" "Were things ever normal between us? I mean, look at our family. You got the paranoid schizophrenic, the one so shy she's afraid of her own siblings, whatever the hell Pinkie is..." >"Point taken." "Weirdness between us is... it's definitely okay. I just have to figure out what I, y'know, feel about you." >Maud nods >"Last night, you said you'd give me a chance. What does that entail?" >You pause for a minute, a jumble of words forming on your lips >At that moment, though, your and Maud's hushed conversation is interrupted by Gloriosa's cheery voice, as bright as the rising sun that silhouettes her >"Morning, you two! I'm not interrupting anything important, am I?" >She gives you an absolutely salacious wink >You shoot her a dirty look "Nothing. Just sibling talk." >"Oooh, my favorite kind! Hate to break things up, but can I borrow Maud for a moment?" "Borrow? Uh, yeah. I should get ready anyway." >"Damn right you should! It's beach day today, remember?" "Yeah..." >"Means you've got a fun-filled eight hours of lifeguarding ahead of you! Hope you packed your sunblock!" >With that, Gloriosa practically shoves you toward the guard shack, then wraps an arm around Maud's shoulders and leads your sister away >Needless to say, paying attention to Camp Everfree's lake isn't terribly easy >Not only is lifeguarding one of the most horrifyingly boring jobs in existence, you also keep thinking back to your conversation with Maud earlier >What *did* you mean last night? >In the moment, you'd meant what you said >You truly do want to give her a chance >But what does that even mean? >You can't just, you know, *go for it* >Not with your own sister >There has to be some sort of middle ground, some safe, non-sexual path, some sort of-- >"Hello." >Maud's flat voice sounds somewhere behind you >You're currently seated beneath a wide umbrella, and twist around to look at her >And, for a moment, all thoughts of middle grounds and the like just vacate your head >Maud's dressed in a one-piece swimsuit, one of those minimalist "athletic" types that clings tightly to her chest and hips >And there is a *lot* to be clung to >It's not like you've never seen your sister in a swimsuit >But it's been years, and she definitely didn't look like this back when you were kids >Lithe, slender muscles run the course of Maud's body, complimenting thick, smooth thighs and breasts that look like they're actively trying to rip the suit asunder >She stands there under your gaze, and it's easy to tell she's soaking it in >For a moment, she holds her lower lip between her teeth >And when she speaks, it's easy to hear the excitement coloring her voice >"Gloriosa lent this to me. She didn't want me to miss out on swimming." "You... holy shit, Maud..." >"She seemed to think you would appreciate it." >Maud walks past you, affording you an unobstructed view of her rear, where the swimsuit is pulled tight between buttocks that could've been cut from stone >Your sister's hips sway hypnotically as she walks >In that moment, twenty kids could have started drowning and you wouldn't have noticed >"Enjoying the view?" "Gah!" >You jump about a foot out of your seat, and whirl to glare at Gloriosa >She flashes you a smug grin "You're really messed up, you know that?" >"Oh? How so?" she asks, pretending to look innocent "You know what I mean. You're encouraging her." >She giggles >"Maybe I am. But, last I noticed, you're not exactly *discouraging* her, now are you?" "I... I mean, I..." >She raises an eyebrow, her smugness raising to near unbearable levels >You cross your arms over your chest, sulking "None of this is your business." >"C'mon, Anon. You've known me long enough, right? With my campers, *everything* is my business." >She pats your shoulder >"And I'm an expert at figuring out what people need. And you two need..." "I don't need to know how this sentence ends, thanks." >Gloriosa giggles, again >"That's because you already know. You know what you want, Anon. And so does that cutie over there." "Hmph." >"Speechless?" >You turn away from her "I gotta watch the lake." >"Of course, of course. I'm sure that's all you'll be watching." >You can feel Gloriosa winking at you as she heads off, going to instruct a few of the younger kids how to swim breaststroke properly >You slump in your chair, sulking >Slowly, your eyes travel across the lake, not detecting any drowning kids... >They settle on Maud after a few seconds >Goddammit, you hate it when Glori's right >She doesn't seem particularly interested in swimming >Instead, she just paces calmly along the beach, occasionally pausing to examine a particular piece of stone, or to gently probe the sand with her toes >There's something incredibly relaxing-- and kinda adorable, you guess --about watching her >And, well... >Fuck, you feel like such a weirdo, but her body is *insane* >Her swimsuit just keeps riding up between her buttocks as she paces, until she's practically wearing a thong >A thousand kids could have drowned, and you wouldn't have cared... >Maud must have felt you watching her, because she glances back over her shoulder >You jolt a little in your seat, but don't break eye contact with your sister >She continues to stare you down as changes the direction of her pacing, beginning to walk into the water instead >What the hell is she doing? >Wait, is she... >Is she doing that trick from Sandlot? >Maud dips into the water, her arms and legs fanning confidently out from her body as she begins to swim out towards the center of the lake >And when she's about thirty feet from shore, she suddenly freezes and allows herself to sink below the waves >Several campers next to her immediately start freaking out, pointing to the spot where your sister disappeared below the water >Goddammit, she's doing the Sandlot trick >And today, you're Wendy Peffercorn >Everyone is staring at you now, waiting to see what you'll do >And it's not like you can just sit by and look like you're letting Maud drown >So you blow a single blast on your whistle and sprint into the water, diving into the lake and sprint-swimming towards where Maud went down >When you reach her, she's sitting calmly on the floor of the lake, curled in a little ball >You dive down and wrap your arms around her waist >She folds into your embrace, and you kick back to the surface, supporting your sister underneath your rescue tube as you kick back to shore >You can feel her smiling >You haul yourself and Maud to the shore, where a small crowd of campers gathers around you >Gloriosa isn't immediately visible, but you know she's watching >You just *know* >As you pull yourself up onto the beach, you lay Maud in the sand, hoping she'll drop the act and wake up >She doesn't, of course "Hey, you okay?" you ask, rather lamely >No response >She knows what you have to do next; she's even slowed her breathing, you can tell by the barely noticeable rise and fall of her totally-not-amazing-you're-not-staring-at-all chest >The crowd pushes in around you >There's only one thing you can do now >You know exactly what it is, and Maud does too >So you let your mind go blank, bend down, and mash your mouth against your sister's >Her mouth is wet, and surprisingly soft >A brief, hot burst of breath flows between the two of you >You pull away, and make a show of pretending to pump at her chest >As hard as you try to avoid touching those massive assets beneath her swimsuit, it ends up being impossible >Her breasts squish beneath your palms, and you feel a slight shiver pass through your sister's body >She coughs a little >You lean down and connect your lips to hers again >This time, she meets you in a genuine kiss >Her mouth conforms to yours, just for a moment, and her tongue flicks daringly against yours >Then, as quickly as it began, the kiss ends >Maud's eyes flutter open, and she fakes an impressive cough >You stagger backwards, your head spinning with the realization of what just happened, and the crowd presses around you >There's plenty of cheering, plenty of concern for Maud >But you're not really focused on all of that, of course >You just mouth-kissed your sister >Not really but, well... >Yeah, kinda really >And it's not the the fact that it happened that bothers you >What bothers you is that you don't feel bad about it >You're back under your umbrella, in your lifeguard chair >Maud's fine, of course >She's sitting a few feet to your right, in her usual position with her legs tucked up against her chest >Her feet and hands are buried beneath the sand, and tiny fissures form in the patch of beach above them every time she moves >"I should probably apologize to you." "Eh." >You continue watching the lake, but you're still listening closely to your sister >"You said you would give me a chance. I should have trusted you. But I can be impatient." "Damn right you can. Seriously, what were you thinking?" >"I am truly sorry, Anonymous. I took advantage of your concern for me." "That's... that's not what I'm mad about." >"It's not?" >Maud's monotone voice wavers momentarily in confusion "I mean... fuck it. I wanted the kiss too. It's probably good that it finally happened." >"..." >You take your sunglasses off and look into your sister's face >She's watching you intently, the indentations in the sand indicating that her hands are balled into nervous fists beneath it "But that was a really stupid idea. What if you'd actually gotten hurt?" >"I was confident in my abilities," Maud says, her voice trailing off in guilt "I know. But mistakes happen. What if... what if I had to go back home without you?" >Maud stares at the ground >"I... did not consider that. I'm truly sorry, Anon." "You don't have to apologize. Just please, please, don't try something like that again." >You both fall silent, then you hold out your hand to Maud >She hesitantly slips her own sandy palm into yours, and you grasp ahold of it tightly >Out over the lake, the sun is slowly moving by overhead as Camp Everfree's beach day draws toward its end >Neither you or Maud say much for the rest of the afternoon, but neither of you lets go of the other's hand >When six o'clock rolls around, the hazy light of early evening is shining over the camp, and a whistle-blast from Gloriosa cuts through the cheering and splashing >"Alright, everyone! We're gonna be serving dinner soon! Go back to your rooms and change, and we'll see you in half an hour!" >The lake empties out, as campers head back >You look over at Maud, who looks back at you "Wanna head back?" >"I suppose we should." >You stand up and she follows you, still clasping your hand >"Anonymous." "Yeah?" >"...there are many things I should say now, but I don't know which to begin with." >You shake your head "Don't sweat it. I'm... I'm just glad to be around you right now." >You give her hand one final squeeze, then let go "I'll see you at dinner, okay?" >She nods, then heads off towards the girls' changing room >When you're dressed again, you head down to the pavilion, where the picnic tables are all loaded with sandwiches, chips, and all manner of snacks >Surprisingly, a day of sitting around watching other people swim still makes you hungry >You run down towards the spread, where you see other campers already filing in >Maud is among them, dressed in her frock again >Gloriosa's not with her, which worries you slightly >Because that means she's probably-- >"Hey, Anon." >A familiar pat lands on your shoulder, and you sigh "Hey, Glori." >She matches pace with you as you head down towards the spread >Surprisingly, you don't see the same smug grin on her face that you expected "You saw everything, huh?" >"I did. You okay?" >You're surprised to hear genuine concern in her voice "Yeah, of course." >"What about Maud?" "We're both fine." >She smiles, looking relieved >"So? How was it?" "How was what?" >"Oh, don't play like that. You know what I mean. Your little *mwah mwah* with that cutie over there." "It wasn't like..." >You sigh "What kinda freakazoid psycho are you? Seriously?" >"I told you, I always know what people need. And you needed the kiss about as bad as I need some cool-ranch." >She picks up a bag of chips from the table and pops it open, happily crunching away and talking with her mouth half-full >"So? Feeling good?" "I don't really know." >"Makes sense. It's a big first step." "...you sound like you're talking from experience." >Gloriosa raises an eyebrow >"Experience?" "You and Timber. Fucking hell, you two were always weird together." >"Ew, no way. I love Timber, but he's not my type." "Wait, what? Than what's with all the, y'know, encouragement?" >Gloriosa giggles and whips out her phone >She pulls up one of those manga-reader apps and scrolls through her entire saved library >'Help! I'm in Love with Onii-chan!' >'How I Fell for My Little Sister' >'Big Bro is Just 2sugoi4me!' >Among other embarrassments "This explains a horrifying amount about you." >"Ha! Well, I'm glad to have been of assistance." >You hold your head in your hands "I can't believe I'm actually letting you talk me into this." >"I'm not talking you into anything. You want it, you know you want it, you just need a cool chick like me to tell you it's okay. And, as usual, I got this." >She pats your back >"Now go enjoy some dinner together. And if you need any more advice..." >Gloriosa winks and lowers her voice >"...or maybe a nice secluded spot in the woods..." >You glare at her >"...I can hook ya up. Sound good?" "You..." >Gloriosa grins "You're absolutely incredible, Glori. You scare the everloving Christ out of me but you're pretty awesome." >"I try my best. Now go eat!" >She practically shoves you towards Maud "Hey, you." >"Hey." >The two of you sit together on a corner bench >Campers pile in around you, chatting excitedly about all the mundanity of middle-school life >The table is so crowded that Maud sits pressed up right against you, so close that you can feel every soft, muscled inch of her right side >That frock is surprisingly thin, as it turns out... "Sorry," you say, trying to move away to give her some room >"Don't be. I like being close to you." >You moved an inch away, and now she moves one-and-a-half closer >Maud looks over at some random, awkward-kid campers, all of whom are standing around without a table to sit with >She waves over one girl with curly red hair >"You can come sit with us. There's room." "What? There isn't room for anyone else." >"There will be if I sit in your lap." >Without asking permission, she gets up and plunks herself right down on your thighs >The redhead awkwardly shuffles over and takes Maud's spot >You're not really paying much attention to her, though >Maud's ass is currently pressing against your crotch, separated by only a few millimeters of threadbare fabric >You squeeze your eyes shut, trying to will yourself not to get hard >"Something wrong?" Maud asks >She looks back at you, the tiniest hint of a wry little smile on her lips "I'm fine. Just, uh, could you hand me my plate?" >"Of course." >She moves agonizingly slowly as she twists her body to pass you your food, every micrometer of her butt's movement felt through your whole body >The sweat that begins to pour down the back of your neck has nothing to do with the summer heat >After eating, your hands just naturally end up resting on Maud's stomach >There's not really anywhere else for them to go, really >So she grabs both of them and pulls them tighter around her waist, letting herself go relaxed and limp in your grasp >A few of the campers give you odd looks >You just stare them down until they glance away >Damn kids >Once night hits, though, everyone starts to head back, dragging their exhausted bodies back towards their cabins >"Do you want to go back to your room?" "...yes." >The word tumbles out of your mouth before any second thoughts can creep in >Maud takes her sweet time standing up, and then helps you to your feet as well >The two of you walk back in silence >She stays close, walking with her side pressed up against yours >At some point, your hands find their way into each other's grasp >Back in your room, you and your sister sit on opposite sides of the bed, looking anywhere but at each other >"I don't know what comes next." "Yeah, I..." >You run a hand through your hair "I kinda don't either." >Maud cradles Boulder in her palm, spinning him in the slow circles she usually makes when she gets anxious >"I think I should go take a shower." "Yeah, uh, me too." >This time, you don't shower together >Maud takes one stall and you head into the other >But the entire time, you're acutely aware of the fact that a tile-and-concrete wall is all that separates you from your wet, naked sister >Images of her flash in your mind, and there's just about nothing you can do to block them out >You turn the water as cold as it'll go and let it splash over your face >Maud finishes her shower before you; you hear the water shut off, followed by the sound of her footsteps as she heads back to the cabin >You take a little extra time, just to cool yourself off >When you do finally head back to your room, Maud's lying in your bed >She wearing one of your shirts and a pair of your underwear as pajamas, making her look lithe and vaguely boyish >You flick the lights out and lie down next to her "G'night, Maud." >"Goodnight, Anonymous." >For about forty-five seconds you just rest together, half a foot apart, your bodies stiff as boards >Then the tension gets the best of you >You roll over, your face ending up barely a centimeter from your sister's, close enough you can feel her breath "Can I--" >"Kiss me. Now." >You don't need to be told >Your hand finds its way to Maud's face, and you mash your mouth against your sister's >She presses into your kiss, her lips locking with yours as her tongue greedily finds its way between your teeth >Both of your bodies lock together, legs and arms finding joined positions as Maud rolls herself on top of you >Her hips grind against yours, and you can feel your member straining against your shorts >A single, monotone "mph" escapes your sister's lips, and she breaks the kiss >"This is significantly better than I thought it would be." "Oh my god, yeah..." >She bends in and kisses you again, then trails her mouth down your neck, her tongue leaving a hot, wet trail over your skin >Her palm presses up against your cock, and a shiver immediately rolls through her body >"Anonymous." "Y-yeah?" >"I need this," she says as she slowly backs down your body, her face approaching your crotch >"I'm giving you one chance to stop me." "Just don't tell Glori." >"You worry too much." >Maud wraps her fingers around the waistband of your shorts and yanks them down in one swift, clean motion >Your cock immediately springs up to greet her >Maud stares at it, her eyes wide and a thin trail of saliva dribbling down the side of her mouth >"I'm impressed." >She wraps her fingers around the base of your shaft, teasing you with slow, gentle strokes >"So hard. Very appealing. I suppose our family has good genes." "I coulda guessed you be terrible at bedroom tal--" >Your words disappear in a grunt of pleasure as Maud slips your cock into her mouth >She doesn't bother starting slow, trying immediately to cram you all the way into the back of her throat >Apparently, even her gagging is monotone >Her tongue laps greedily along your length as she pumps you in and out of her mouth, her body twitching every time the tip of your cock kisses her hot, eager throat >The hand at the base of your shaft moves down to your testicles, gently toying with them >When your sister finally gets you down her throat, she speeds up instead of slowing down >Soft *shlup shlup* sounds fill the room, underscored by your muffled grunts of pleasure and the creaking of bedsprings as Maud's head bobs over your length >Almost instinctively, your hand finds its way to the back of her head and you force yourself further down her gullet >Her saliva dribbles down your body and tears streak her cheeks as you ruin your sister's throat, the pressure building up inside of you until... "Maud... w-wait, slow down, or I'm... oh, f-fuck." >Your entire body spasms as you unload rope after rope of cum into your sister's throat >She lets out a sound halfway between a choked gasp and a moan of pleasure and drinks it down greedily >Your sister collapses, keeping her face pressed up against your slimy, now-soft member, breathing heavily >"Good. So good." >She coughs, her voice feeble from the pounding her throat just took >She lets you pick her up, and you wrap your sister in a shaky hug >Your hand starts moving down her body toward her thighs, hoping to return the favor, but she stops you >"Not... tonight..." "Huh?" >"I like it... when you... make me wait..." >She nuzzles up against you, her breath musty on your neck >"Makes me... feel good..." >You wrap your hug tighter around her, feeling like nothing in the world could force you to let this girl go >"Tomorrow... though... I want... more..."