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Ashley and Ally had been dating for a while now. While they started as best friends on the infamous All Stars season, it was soon after the season ended Hunter and Ally had an unfortunate breakup. It wasn't working out, hell, both of them knew it even if they didn't wanna admit it exactly, it was better off this way. Sure, they kept occasional contact through Tess, but it definitely wasn't the same. As for Ally and Ashley's relationship, it had originally started with them merely talking, Ashley gladly helping Ally through the recent event (which even though she was grateful for, Ally admittedly felt bad for pushing her problems onto the poor southern girl) and after a few years developing some less than subtle feelings toward the girl. How could she not, she was amazing in every way possible? She was sweet, strong, there was basically nothing to NOT love about the girl.
That's why Ally had been planning this for a while. A special visit to her girlfriend's farm, she knew the girl would appreciate it a lot, especially as she had yet to truly meet Ashley's family. They'd been planning this for a while, though Ally was always busy with uploading and streaming. Ashley wasn't exactly bothered, she'd learned the ins and outs of her girlfriend's house and would occasionally come on stream with her, as well as helping Ally with the occasional hate comments she'd get. She was thankful for the kind treatment, and determined to take some time off just to visit her, she'd almost immediately readied herself for the day. She'd gotten dressed, and made her way over (her viewers were already made aware of the lack of content today, and had no choice but to accept).
When she arrived, her girlfriend was busy doing her usual farm work. Ashley had always planned to teach her in return she agreed to play video games with her, maybe today was the day to return that favor. Sure, Ally wasn't used to the farm life, but if she learned to stay outside for months she surely could do this too, right? Ally approached the girl, her intentions to surprise her at first, though Ashley had seemingly heard someone approaching, as she turned around clearly expecting it to be one of her fellow family members, and went to greet whoever it would be this time.
“Howdy-”
Ashley had started, before she was interrupted by the other.
“Hey, Ashley!”
Ally yelled out joyfully. She could tell her girlfriend was shocked, as she was instead met with the voice of her girlfriend rather than a family member, Ally giggled at her expression, before quickly hugging her lover. Ashley was surprised into silence, she wasn't expecting this at all today, or even recently, though as she processed she hugged onto her as well. It wasn't like they hadn't seen each other in a long time, far from it truthfully, they just hadn't planned for Ally to visit in a while. They continued, before Ashley pulled back slightly.
“Ally? What're you doin’ here? Weren't you busy with streaming?”
She'd asked. It was a pleasant surprise, though she couldn't help but question it. Ally shrugged.
“Sure, I was. But I figured visiting my lovely girlfriend was more important.”
Ally replied. She had learned her way of valuing relationships just as much as the cameras, partially due to the girl standing in front of her at the very moment, and partially due to the friends she had made during the season that just so happened to surprisingly keep contact after the trashy reality TV show. That ending really left you appreciating the things you had, to say the least.
“Plus, I figured I owed it to you. You've done everything for me, and I wanted to find a way to do something for you, even if that meant taking a day off from my streaming career.”
She continued. They'd spent too many nights focusing on merely Ally’s hobbies, her obsessions got the best of her, and could you blame her? Ashley's expression faded into one of even more appreciation, despite the opinions their peers had of her girlfriend, she was always able to see that sweet side of her that was much more prevalent than the “whiny toxic girl who got dumped right after the show” opinion everyone else seemed to have of her girlfriend.
“Awh, Ally. Thank you- I appreciate it, but ya’ really didn't have to.”
She replied, appreciative but informing. After all, she didn't want the girl thinking she directly HAD to do something in response for her merely because Ashley had helped her, Ashley found joy in simple things, such as merely making her lover feel better. Ashley's affirmation may have soothed her nerves of needing to return the favor a little bit, but that wasn't the exact only reason
“I may not have to, but I want to. You deserve it, you know? You've helped me.. a lot. And today I'm here to help you.”
Ally replied, crossing her arms. She was determined to help her girlfriend out with the farm. Ashley couldn't believe it, she was fine doing everything on her own, but it wouldn't hurt to work with someone, especially if that someone was her girlfriend. Ashley nodded, confirming Ally had every right to if she pleased, but she couldn't go without asking.
“Are you sure?”
She asked. Working on the farm wasn't exactly easy, and though she definitely didn't doubt that Ally could help, she didn't want her pushing herself that far. Even while out in the wilderness, Ally had to admit her strengths were less of physical activity, and more of strategy.. as well as making cringy yet charming video game references every now and then. Ally's expression seemed to immediately convey she wasn't backing down from this, warranting a pleasant “Alright” from her girlfriend.
A few hours had passed, and God was Ashley right this wasn't easy. Ashley had shown her around, shown her some of the animals they were required to take care of today as well as how to use some of the farm tools. It was a learning experience for Ally, and yet they still enjoyed their time, joking around and bonding as they usually did, Ashley really had a way of brightening the room for at least Ally. She felt as though she could do well.. anything, with her around, and when most of the needed chores were somewhat taken care of, the two were left sitting out somewhere by the field. It was a long day, and certainly hot outside. Ally really should've chosen a better clothing choice, but oh well. During their experience with the farm work, Ashley had introduced her family to Ally, and even they seemed to love her. The support made Ally feel wanted, something she'd never really felt beforehand in her daily life, her mother never supported her interests, yet here she felt she could belong. A few moments had passed in silence, before Ashley had spoken up.
“So… what'd ya’ think? About the farm, I mean. ”
Ashley had asked, causing Ally to turn her head towards her. Truthfully, she'd enjoyed it. She enjoyed it alot more than she'd really expected to at all, even if it was challenging. Ally always had a way of persevering.
“It was… fun.”
Ally replied. She looked down at the ground, before continuing.
“Different, for sure… but fun.”
She paused.
“It's helped a lot, you know? I love streaming, but the feeling of not having an audience all the time is.. certainly relaxing.”
She finally ended. Ashley nodded, letting out a small chuckle as she agreed with her.
Maybe Ally really should visit her more often.