¸.*☆*.¸¸.*☆*.¸¸.*☆*.¸

the smell hit his sensitive nose first. ooh, fish, glorious fish! salmon! a big fat juicy one!!

kou wriggled in eiland's arms, unable to contain his excitement. who'd of thought that his sneaky suggestion as "farmer kou" would've brought such good tidings to "cat kou"?! he really should've said something to eiland sooner. he could've been dining like a king! or at least, like a nobleman's feline guest. he hopped out of the man's hold as soon as he could, circling his feet and meowing noisily while he prepared the dish.

once it was placed on the floor, kou paused. he came stand before the plate, but the idea of bending his neck down and eating it off the ground (even if it was on a nice, porcelain white plate) bothered him a little bit. his earlier excitement partially simmered as he sat down. he brought a paw to the edge of the plate and pushed against it a few times; lifting it and letting it fall back down with a tink-tink of china against glossy floor. he slowly looked up at eiland, his big eyes quietly imploring.

Eiland didn't understand cats sometimes. He thought the little stray would be excited for his new treat, but as soon as it was put on the floor, he seemed apprehensive to eat it.

Eiland's brows shot up, remaining kneeled with one hand over his knee while he assessed the situation in front of him. Why didn't the little kitty want to eat the salmon anymore? He even went out of his way to get the tastiest and freshest kind he could find. He didn't understand. The cat kept looking at him like he wanted something more, but Eiland wasn't sure what that could be. He wasn't exactly fluent in cat language.

❝Is something wrong?❞ He asked carefully as the cat bapped at the side of the plate a few times before finally jumping up onto the table and staring at him again.

It wasn't until the cat slammed his paw down onto the table a few times, as if asking for his meal to be placed there, that Eiland finally understood.

❝Oh, I see.❞ He chuckled. He never expected a stray cat to be so pompous, but he had to respect it. In a way, the cat kind of reminded him of his aunt or maybe even Juniper who only demanded the finest things in life.

He supposed he wouldn't let him wait any longer, and bent down and picked up the plate to move it onto the table instead, setting it right in front of the stray to enjoy.

❝Is this better?❞

he looked every bit the image of a miserable, sopping wet cat. his feet plopped noisily into the cabin, sand and water clinging to his soles and sprinkled over his bare calves. his usual bright green hair seemed to take on a sad shade and the cat ear "headband" he wore lay flat against his head. kou's face was hardly any better of a sight; he looked fit to sob any moment. oh, savior elliot! how cruel fate had been to poor little kou!!

he dropped his bucket near the door, no longer caring for the treasures within, and tried (rather fruitlessly) to wipe the rain that clung to his sad face away with equally wet hands and arms. when that only seemed to smear the water around, he gave up and stared woefully at the writer.

Elliott was caught off guard by the farmer's appearance. Everyone in town knew to not go out into a storm, especially so close to the beach where you could be washed away by the violent waves if not careful. He wanted to ask Kou why he was out there, but the sight of the pale now abandoned by his door told him that the other had been foraging. Possibly for seashells.

He knew he should have leaped into action as soon as Kou had come into the cabin seeking shelter, but Elliott wasn't the smartest man despite his career.

It wasn't until Kou wept for a towel and dry clothes did the writer finally come to his senses.

❝Oh, right!❞ He hastily moved towards the other side of the room, opening one of his wardrobes to pull out a fresh clean towel, which he proceeded to unravel as he made his way back to Kou's side.

❝You're quite lucky that my home is so close to the shore. I can't imagine what could have happened had I not been here.❞ Elliott could have been waiting out the storm at the saloon like he liked to do some times. He didn't want to think about it.

He wrapped the towel around Kou's body and head, and then used the edge of it to gently dab and clean the water from his face, helping him dry off as best as he could.

Once he was satisfied that Kou could handle the rest, he moved back to his wardrobe to search through his things. Kou was much smaller than him, and he deduced that any trousers would likely not fit. So he opted into a clean button up shirt that was sure to cover everything.

He handed the shirt off to the other. ❝Were you out collecting seashells?❞ He asked, noting the pale with a nudge of his head.

He didn't know why she was still talking to him. He wasn't interested in trying to make friends or get to know the new locals like the farmer who just moved in.

So when she said she would see him around, all he responded with was an uninterested, 'hm' while he continued working, expecting her to leave like she said she would.

Though when she said that watching someone handsome and smart was pretty neat, he was surprised enough to jerk his head forward in an attempt to sit up, only to forget that he was still underneath his motorcycle. He hit his head hard, making him yelp out in pain.

Groaning to himself, he wheeled himself out from under his bike to finally sit up properly and hold his head.

❝What the heeell...❞ He groaned, rubbing the spot where he banged it. How embarrassing. And the new farmer of all people had to see it happen. He had to do everything in his power to not pout while he tried to reel in what dignity he had left.

She chuckled awkwardly, deciding a little too late pointing out that she never stepped into a farm would only upset him more.

Despite how… Grumpy March sounded and looked, he was still helping her - even if it may be more for the village than for her - and was actually nicer than.

Than how other people acted towards her, one could say. After all, he didn’t try to kill Johann yet, so.

Though he looked like he was tempted to smack her on the head. But the blonde did kind of deserve it, so it was fine.

She only blinked at him agreeing to her being a bother, it wasn’t a surprise after all. But she couldn’t help but smile when he softened his own words. Yes - he was definitely softer than he let appear at first. At least, she decide to believe so !

As the tool was offered, she excitedly reached both hands to take it, slowing down at the last moment so she carefully took it from him as if it was a holy weapon.

“I’ll do my best !!!” Johann exclaimed, determined but looking happy and excited as if it was a game. She didn’t treat it as not important ! But she could help but just - enjoy it. Learning new things, working, accomplishing something with her own hands…

March may not understand how it felt for her. As if a bright light, always having to be dimmed until now, was finally allowed to shine and spread warm inside her.

With a serious expression - though the sparkles in her eyes wouldn’t vanish - the newbie farmer did what she could to mimic what she just saw and learned. Surprisingly, she was doing well. Far from perfect, not even as good as March - but good for someone who got this tool in her hand for the first time today.

One thing became clear after a moment though, one that was to be expected. She had very little stamina.

She had been training before his comrade arrived of course, even if it was magic, it was still a strain for her body. And now the manual labor…

But one thing Johann was was stubborn. As such, she decided to ignore the growing exhaustion in her body. Even when her weird ability started to pop warning, only visible by her. As if ignoring them meant she could last longer…

Of course not. And the dizziness, reaching her eyes and making them blurry, was obvious proof.

But did she stop ? No.

March watched once she took the tool and attempted to garden the same way he had. He crossed his arms over his chest, gaze flickering from the end of the hoe up to how her hands were gripping the tool each time she added pressure.

❝It's better if you have one hand at the top and one in the middle. You'll have better balance.❞ He guided, and then stood back again, making sure that she was getting the hang of it. All he could do was supervise until he was sure she could handle it. Maybe after that, he'd teach her how to properly measure the distance between each planted seed and how she should water.

Though he couldn't help but notice that she began to teeter to the side as she worked, as if she was growing more and more exhausted by the minute. Her movements slowed down, almost instantaneously. Like all of her energy was zapped from her core in an instant.

He frowned, brows furrowing together. He didn't try to stop her just yet despite his initial worries. If she really was getting tired, she would know when to stop. Only she knew her limits. He didn't want to dictate what she could and could not do.

He should have trusted his gut more, however, and should have stopped her sooner the moment he saw her stumble.

She began to sway with apparent dizziness and that's when March finally stepped forward, an arm hastily reaching out in front of her in case she actually lost her balance or fell. He didn't want her fainting on him either, and was prepared to catch her.

❝Woah, hey!❞ March called to to her. ❝Maybe you should stop and take a break. You're starting to look really tired.❞ He grumbled. The last thing he wanted was for her to faint in the middle of her fields. He especially wasn't too keen on taking care of her either.

Except he would, if she really needed him to. He wasn't going to abandon her, no matter how peeved he was about it.

@fieldsofstardew sent:

“I wish I hated you. It would make this easier.” - From drunk sad boi Shane.

They could only imagine what could be going through Shane's head. On one hand, they would be glad that he admitted to the fact he doesn't actually hate them. Although right now, they were more concerned about the state he was in.

“... Do you need to go home?” They reach with one hand to give him a gentle pat on the back, then keeping their arm around him without touching, ready to support him if needed.

He shook his head. No.

He should go home. Back to to the safety of his room where he could drink and wallow in his sadness, where no one could bother him. But at the same time, a strange lonely part of him he wasn't used to experiencing didn't want to be left alone. He didn't want to go home.

He wanted to stay.

With Bedeku.

He didn't want them to leave. If they left, it meant he would be alone with his thoughts and he didn't want that. Admittedly, too, Bedeku had a way of keeping him grounded, even when all he wanted to do was end it all.

❝I want... I want to stay with you.❞ Shane admitted pathetically, his head dipped down into his hands, burrowing his face in them as swallowed hard. He lowered his covered face onto his knees, wanting to whither away. ❝I don't want to go home. I want to stay. Please.❞

Among other things , needless to say her shed looks like a hoarder's paradise . While there are still quite a few areas needing to be set up Eileen's time has gone into making the chicken coup less humid for the approaching season , and with two out of four hens taking refuge in their own hay it's enough to prompt a visit to Robin's .

She can't speak on the saloon's behalf , but when it comes to gossip there's a few candidates that make mention of his little cabin .

❝Herbs? Well, you'll have to let me know when you have a delectable mint plant growing. I always do love adding it to my tea.❞ Elliott smiled.

He didn't want to take advantage of the new farmer when she was still trying to get herself acclimated to her new living situation, but he couldn't seem to help himself all the same. It wasn't easy getting produce in Pelican Town without Pierre price gouging and Jojamart taking advantage of the fact. Hopefully her presence meant an easier time for the lesser man.

When she apologized for intruding, his gaze dropped to the now closed journal tucked away under his arm. He laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.

❝Ah, I fear you haven't intruded on anything.❞ He brought the journal out from under his arm and opened to the page he'd been attempting to write in, only to show that it was blank. ❝You see, I often come out here to work on my novel. The problem is, well, I've yet to conjure up a single sentence, much to my chagrin.❞

❝Is it?❞ Sebastian replied, seemingly showing no interest in the conversation whatsoever. He didn't think it was as amazing as she made it out to be. It was just common work that wasn't noting.

Whether it was because he was shy or genuinely didn't care to continue engaging with her, he hardly let it be known. He continued working on his bike, having barely given her a passing glance as he did so. But he knew she was still standing there, so he continued, ❝It's whatever. Anything like this would require maintenance every once in a while.... it's better than letting it sit and rot.❞

He could tell from the excitement in Eiland's voice that this was a passion project, and the teacher in Hope couldn't help but wish to support people in pursuing the things they loved.

"I have some experience in dealing with artifacts, so perhaps I'll focus on that." He was quite excited about in in fact, it had been a while since he'd been able to do field work. It seemed moving here really had been the right choice.

"Although..." His gaze moved towards the various faults in the building which he had seen Eiland's eyes flicker towards. He had heard that the town had been hit hard by an earthquake, so he would guess that the damage must be from that. "Perhaps the wood and stone is more urgent, it wouldn't do for any artifacts to end up exposed to the elements."

The last thing they needed was to find some important piece of history, only for moisture to destroy it before it could be preserved.

Eiland's eyes sparkled, invested in the fact that Hope had experience in dealing with artifacts. Meaning that he had an interest in history. Dealings of the past were fascinating and told a lot about a region, but it also had a hand in bringing people closer together. He had a feeling that he just made a new friend.

At least he hoped.

He didn't want to get too excited and chase away the new volunteer who seemed to garner a keen interest in the museum and what it had to offer. Even if they did seem to have a lot in common.

He tried to contain his excitement with a smile, trying not to vibrate with enthusiasm as he nodded. If allowed, he could talk Hope's ears off about history, but if the other wasn't interested, he didn't want to bore him.

When the other mentioned resources and how those could be far more important, he had to agree.

❝You certainly have a point.❞ Eiland replied, tucking his fist under his chin in thought. The damage to the foundation, both the ceiling and walls, could result in precious artifacts being ruined or even destroyed by the elements. Eiland didn't want to consider those options when it was of the utmost importance that history be preserved.

❝Ah, and in regards to turning in resources, we actually have a donation box right outside the front door! Anything you collect that will help towards the museum's remodel will go in there. Once we get all the necessary pieces, we can begin the remodeling and expansion process!❞ He explained, happy to have the help and someone so willing to chip in to ensure the museum's success.

of course she recognized it. most of her fondest childhood memories had taken place in pelican town, before her father had forced their family to relocate to the city. back when she had been a carefree little girl who played in the mud and scraped her knees. the rest of her younger years in zuzu city felt like more of a blur. nothing of significance, really. aside from her mother’s passing and her father’s almost cult-like devotion to joja corp after she died. 

almost two decades later, luna still thought back fondly to the rainy days she and sebastian would chase frogs by the pond. how slimy the slippery little amphibians felt in her hands. how she’d often joke about how one day she might kiss one — lest it turn into the prince of her dreams. it was almost funny how, in a way, the frogs and toads from their childhood had led them there that day. the shared memory had brought them closer together, given them a reason to reconnect when she returned to the valley. and it had even apparently delivered luna her true prince charming. 

for a moment, she could only blink down at sebastian. the redhead couldn’t believe that this was happening; even as her jade hues locked on the mermaid pendant in his hands. a shaky exhale left luna’s lips as she gripped the umbrella a little tighter. almost cautiously, her other hand reached out to touch the pendant. “ are you — ? ” she finally let out an almost incredulous laugh, her surprise melting into a tenderly fond expression. “ are you — you’re being serious? you want to marry me? ”

He remained on the floor, kneeling before her in the mud while she gathered her bearings and processed what was happening. Marriage an enormous step for their futures, and would change the very dynamic in which they were used to. An offered bouquet meant dating, but marriage was entirely new entity, symbolized by the mermaid's pendant that proved to be quite the hassle to obtain. But it proved that he was steadfast when there was something that he wanted.

And right now, what he wanted was Luna.

He didn't rush her even though he was beginning to get nervous, but when she reached out to touch the pendant, it was as though the connection between them blossomed where the pendant brought them together. He didn't know how to explain it. It simply like magic.

He knew in that moment that she was going to say yes.

❝I do.❞ He replied, feeling silly for answering in such a way when she was supposed to be the one uttering such words. But he felt emboldened by her tender expression, and his softened in return. He kept his palm outstretched, still offering the pendant for her to take.

❝You're amazing, Luna. I can't-- I can't imagine myself being with anyone else. You helped me finally know what happiness is, when I thought it was no longer possible... When you showed up in town, I never thought I'd be marrying you some day. But now I can't imagine what life would be like if I didn't...❞

He stared into her jade colored hues, hoping, yearning, and wishing. Even more so that he may finally get off one knee and get out of the mud.

❝Please say yes?❞