This takes place a number of years before the AU, maybe a year or two before canon would have happened. I'd say Clay's around 13 or 14 here and Jessie's 10 or 11.
sorry if you wanted cute sibling bonding lmfao. this one got a little long so it's below the cut
"How come I get stuck washin' dishes every night?" Jessie demanded with a stomp of her foot that set her twin braids bouncing against her back. "Clay never has to wash dishes! All he does is sit around an' read!" She pointed an accusatory finger into the living room, where Clay was curled up in a recliner with a book.
"Clay's helping your daddy drive the herd downriver tomorrow," their mother replied. "He needs his rest tonight."
"I could help too!" Jessie protested. She planted her hands on her hips. "You never let me do anything fun."
"Driving cattle ain't fun," Daddy Bailey cut in as he walked in through the kitchen door. "It's hard work, and a little lady like you ain't near ready enough for it. Clay's the oldest, and he's nearly a man besides."
"I'm plenty ready!" Jessie retorted. "This is just...just...just a load of horse piss!"
"Jessica Marie Bailey!" their mother exclaimed, but Jessie had already squeezed past her father and out the back door.
Clay slid a little lower in his chair and held the book closer to his face.