Scary Bachelorettes

It's been a few years since you married all seven of the bachelorettes. The girls have been doting over you more than usual, protective to the point of walking around you at all times. At first, it confused you before you started having more frequent migraines and ache in your back. Then the throwing up started and you got confused. Of course, you were sexually active with your wives but all of them were women…so why did you have pregnancy traits? Still, it didn't hurt to visit Harvey's clinic, under the careful eye of Maru, and check up. He was confused but positive, checking your health.

Maru stood beside you, eyes thoughtful as she looked over the examination results. Yeah, pregnant. How though? Maru felt a lick of pride in herself, she knew damn well you didn't have time to cheat, so this was either a miracle or sheer luck from her extensive love for you. Both of you went back home, sharing the news. You already have a sizeable bump, your back sore. The reaction was…immediate and explosive. 

"Pregnant!?" Haley exclaimed, lips parted. She laughed happily, maniacally, walking up to you. Her hands cupping your stomach. 

"Wait, how?" Leah asked, eyes narrowed in suspicion. You couldn't have found someone else, as they were quite literally stapled to your side, so this must have been them. Or maybe…

"Blessing from Yoba!" Emily gasped, eyes crazed. She clasped her hands, eyes reverent. "A little babe as a token of our love!" 

"I knew it," said Abigail suddenly, her eyes dark and hungry. She walked around you, finger on her chin. "I didn't waste time for nothing with that stupid book! It worked!" Abigail smiled, her teeth glinted in the sunlight. 

Others looked at her confused, Sandy making a thoughtful hum as if already realising what happened. Haley held up your belly gently, eyes sharp and annoyed at Abigail, despite living with her for years now. 

"The hell are you talking about?" Haley asked, thumb running over your navel. She was much more worried about your back, her blue eyes sharp. 

"Well, as you know, I was working on my magic ancestry," stated Abigail, her back straightened. She smiled, eyes glinting with something proud. "I evoked a mix of blood from true love and asked for a pregnancy. I expected to get pregnant but honestly, I don't care about pedantics," she explained, "So the baby is mine. Obviously."

A beat of silence passed before others shifted, Penny sighing happily. She walked closer to you, head to your bump, face ecstatic as if she got everything she could ever want from this life. Maru held your back, her and Haley supporting your spine as you sighed. You did ask for a child, though you didn't expect to carry it. Oh well, at least you were ready for a child with the crib and new room. 

Suddenly, Haley perked up, eyes narrowed at Abigail. "Wait, yours?" Haley sneered, unknowingly evoking territorial need from other bachelorettes. 

Abigail blinked before huffing incredulously. "Duh, my magic, my baby," said she confidently.

"You said it required fornication and desire for a child, so all of us fall into the possibility," noted Maru, her words deceptively cold as she glared at Abigail. Maru's fingers squeezed the small of your back, kissing your nape. 

"Fornication? Maru, it requires true love!" Emily laughed, her form flowing closer. She cupped your face in her palms, running thumbs over your cheeks. "A true love from me" 

That only made the tension worse. 

"Wait, hey, no, we all had sex with her and loved her. Anyone here could be directly tied to the baby," huffed Leah, arms crossed and eyebrows furrowed angrily. Emily and her were always the second most interested in having children with you, so they took this seriously. Well, the second most interested because of Penny. Penny nuzzled your belly, her eyes hooded and smile dopey. 

"Honey, I can feel them kicking," she whispered reverently, not at all needing to argue about the child. Her whole being said, 'this was mine' without apparent aggression. She kissed the navel, smile small and true. "How do they look, I wonder?" 

"Like me, probably," Haley stated, words sharp. Maru huffed, directly meeting Haley's gaze. 

"I'm pretty sure the child will look like me, blonde hair gene rarely passes," Maru grumbled, making Haley bristle. Sandy read the medical file, a crease appearing between her eyebrows. 

"Might look like anyone here, considering we have seven people and wild magic," she said, voice soft. Sandy then grinned, her eyes mischievous. "Though the babe will probably look like me. After all, I slept the most with the farmer." 

Emily giggled but Leah gasped, eyes narrowed and broad shoulders tense. She poked a finger at Sandy, her words low.

"If that was the case, the child would be ginger and green-eyed!" Leah growled out, stunning Penny and Abigail for a second. Leah then sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "My- I meant my hue. There are too many gingers here." 

"I heard some children inherit traits from grandparents too," murmured almost to herself, Maru, she seemed annoyed at the thought of Robin somehow managing to break through her child. The bickering started again, but you frankly couldn't care less, your stomach suddenly growling. You heaved, tired, catching the attention of multiple bachelorettes. 

"Yoba, I'm hungry," you grumbled, feeling a sucking feeling deep in your stomach. Penny immediately jumped up, her face worried. 

"What do you need, love? I can cook you anything!" Penny rambled quickly, her eyes worried. You huffed out a laugh, failing to be moody despite the irritation from hormones. 

"Spicy eel and strange bun," you say, already knowing what you wanted. Penny nodded eagerly, her eyes full of love. 

All your life, you lived in a happy bubble, never hurt or used. Some people might call it luck, but your sister, Max, knew better. It was she who protected you from bullies in school and threatened your ex if they didn't leave you well off. Max was older and always felt protective, but you were just as clueless as her parents! She wasn't sure why the curse ignored her, but it seemed to hit you twice as hard. Not only did she have to look after a younger, clueless sibling but also parents who didn't understand the simple dangers.

So when you left to live alone on a farm left by your grandfather, she supported you reluctantly. Frankly, she wished she could just follow you, but she was busy at work. Parents sent you gifts and best wishes but she needed to check on you face-to-face. She had the opportunity to visit you served on a golden platter: you found a new friend. Wait, no. Friends? 

Max immediately gathered her things and took Mom and Dad with her, coming to Pelican Town. You greeted her with your usual dopey smile and a hug, though now there were multiple women by your side. Your parents immediately gushed happily, shaking hands with the women. Max knew better than to trust them immediately, though, something in the air was wrong.

"Oh, look! Our baby is looked after by such nice ladies!" Mother exclaimed, her smile warm and dopey, just like yours. Father smiled crookedly, shaking hands with wide-eyed Leah. 

"Whoa, strong grip! You can lift a person over your head for sure," noted Father, his eyes a bit too unguarded. Mother already walked to you, exchanging a hug. 

You smiled happily, turning to your parents and hugging them, eyes closed. Finally, you stepped back, introducing the women.

"Mom, dad and Max! Those are friends I talked about, they live here in Pelican Town," you said, both of your parents nodding eagerly. Max, however, stood apart, eyes narrowed at the women. 

Leah smiled awkwardly, her tall form tense as she prepared to impress your parents. Haley stood with disinterest, already spotting Max, their eyes meeting in a silent evaluation. Maru coughed into her fist, surprised at friendliness from your parents, her mind already noting Max as a threat. Emily smiled simply, holding hands with your mom. Penny held a welcome basket, face kind as she assessed her future family-in-law. Abigail was the most nervous, shoulders tense and high, eyes darting between all of them. All of them quickly noted your parents' chill demeanor. As they turned to another woman who looked like you, they froze. 

When there is a family, there is gonna be a possibility of a number that goes out the usual equation. Max was that alteration. Her face looked so much like you, yet her eyes were sharp, deeply intelligent. Her form tense and jaw set in a way that said she watched them much harder than your parents could. 

"ᵂʰʸ ᵗʰᶦˢ ᵐᶠ ˡᵒᵒᵏˢ ˢᵒ ᵐᵃᵈ"

Emily was first to break the ice, as always, walking to Max and taking her hand in hers. She smiled, the same casual smirk, ready to flatter the sister. Max, however, interrupted her.

"Awfully touchy, huh?" Max asked sharply, surprising everyone. Just by that question, she managed to show her intentions and beliefs. Emily's smile faltered for a second, for the first time in a while, before she grinned knowingly. How fun.

"Farmer doesn't seem to mind," noted Emily and before Max could gasp offended you gasped yourself. 

"Max, cut it out! Be nice," you chastised your older sister, walking to her. You pinched her cheeks, making her cold eyes soften.

"Just bein' careful," she murmured, words muffled by your pinch. That small opening in Max's assessment allowed bachelorettes to take her in instead. 

Maru smiled at your father, head tilted. "You take a lot from your parents, farmer," she said, glasses covering her eyes and expression. "Very…generous," she continued, smiling politely.

"More like oblivious," huffed Haley, eyes looking over Max with sharp amusement. She slipped into a mean persona quickly, masking her obsession. 

"Now, Haley, they are still parents of our dear farmer," reprimanded Penny gently, her eyes terrifyingly knowing. She hooked her arm around your mother's, smile small. "Pliable is good, in right hands," she noted, earning a polite but confused look from your mother. 

"Thank you?" Mother said, her eyes blinking slowly. Max stiffened, her eyebrows furrowed as she looked over Penny more closely. At first, Max didn't even notice Penny but that one sentence from her made her reevaluate the woman closely.  

"Oh, right! This is Penny," you introduced them to each other. You then turned to Leah, smiling. "This is Leah, the tallest one is Emily and this is her sister Haley. Oh, and this is Maru and Abigail," you said, pointing at each woman with a small smile. Max watched them closely, she nodded.

Max already noted weird hollow eyes in Leah, weird shame in Haley, the way Maru's glasses covered her expression, Emily's creepy smile, and Abigail's restless energy. Penny…Penny had an aura of something too dangerous for Max to even begin to decipher. The sheer confidence Penny had in her eyes as she looked at you, the transparency in her seemingly questionable actions, made Max worried. Your palms clapping snapped Max out of her stupor, all eyes on you.

"I should show you the farmhouse!" you exclaimed, pulling your parents forward down the bus road. The group moved with you but Max stayed close to your side, her eyes glaring at the women and subtle ways their obsession bled through. Leah squeezed her fingers time to time, specks of red under her nails. Haley walked confidently, her eyes searching the tree line. Emily walked slowly, her grin wide as she watched Max back. Penny talked of your everyday life to your parents like she knew every detail of it. Your parents didn't find it weird, obviously, gushing about the attention you received from Penny. Abigail's palm rested on her sword, her shoulders hunched and head tilted. Maru studied your parents, carefully taking their attention to secure their good side for the future. 

As all of you neared the house, Max froze, noting three women waiting there. They looked older, their faces lit up at your presence. Max watched carefully, noting how the tall, red-haired woman watched your body with hooded eyes. The green-haired woman bit her lower lip, watching you walk and the third woman with a braid grinned, waving her hand. Max stiffened beside you, concerned at the blatant stares. 

You perked up, smiling and pointing at the older women. "Mom and dad, Max, this is Robin, Caroline and Jodi. They are my friends too, they help me with the farm," you say happily. Mother and Father gasp in delight, walking closer and introducing themselves. Jodi smiled knowingly, her head tilted as she nodded with hooded eyes. Caroline's eyebrows furrowed worriedly at their lack of concern, her smile warm. Robin stared intensely at your parents, understanding where your looks and demeanor came from. Your parents were seemingly even more clueless, staring blankly and looking at them like they were saints. Finally, Max reached the small talk, making all three women straighten.

Seeing your face with a sharp, knowing look was surreal, usually you just smiled dopey and resembled a golden puppy. Max, however, looked more like a wolf, her eyebrows knitted together as she sneered at them. 

"I see you found nice married women," said Max, remembering your letters about them. She remembered how they breached your boundaries (breaking into your house to cook you breakfast), how they acted too buddy buddy (gifting you things a bit too expensive and caring after you). Max had none of that, seeing right through their nurturing persona. Those were manipulators, silver-tongued foxes and intelligent people. Max wished she had the evidence to say so but she decided to stop at a glare. You sighed, knowing how hostile your sister was.

"Max, come on," you plead, walking to Jodi and holding onto her arm. She cupped your waist, her smile wider. "They're good, I swear! You don't need to worry," you reassured Max, her shoulders tense. 

"Uh-huh," she huffed, staring at Jodi's grin. 

"They help me look after the farm," you explained, pointing at intricate woodwork. "Robin gave me house upgrades, it never looked better with grandpa," she then showed pastries and food plated outside on a long table. "Jodi and Penny made you all food, isn't it nice?" you said softly, looking back at the barn. "Others help me with animals and crops! Please give them a chance," you pleaded, giving her best puppy look.

Max stood tense for a few seconds, analysing the house, food, and frankly beautiful garden. At last, all tension left her shoulders, a familiar dopey smile on her face. 

It seemed the time passed more quickly than your romantic endeavours. First, you asked out the bachelorettes, surprised to find them willing to share. More than that, you managed to catch the eyes of older women of the valley; Jodi, Robin, Caroline, Pam and Marnie asking you out themselves. More than that…Olivia, Susan, Scarlett, Claire and Sophia got a bouquet from you, too. As you married bachelorettes first, you started visiting the outskirts of the Pelican Town. You caught the eye of Alesia, Camilla, and Jolyne, managing to date…many women now. It wasn't long before you had 19 wives, the house becoming bigger by day, thanks to Robin and Leah.

As divorce papers went through for Robin, Caroline, and Jodi, you were already married to Jolyne. Despite the marriage, their obsession still somehow eluded you. Each day you woke up happy, tending to each woman as a good spouse would. Whenever they fought, you managed to find a common ground, perhaps they understood that fighting over you might cause you to escape their clutches. 

Morning came through a haze of sleep and a tangle of limbs, warm breath coating your nape and shoulders. You yawned, sitting up slowly, feeling a few disappointed murmurs from the nest. Scarlett held onto your leg, her lips parted. Penny nuzzled into your neck, eyebrows knit together. Sophia's arms circled your waist from behind, with Leah hugging her with her arm over both of you. You felt your pillow shift, realising you were lying on Robin's stomach. With a slow movement, you climbed out, avoiding Abigail, who slept horizontally on the bed, snoring.  You already heard cutlery clack and plates shift in the kitchen, Caroline moving together with Jodi and Claire. Claire noticed you first, smiling gently, waving her fingers. As you walked closer, she kissed your nose, hugging you tight, her lanky form taking in your warmth. She was always cold in the morning, so you made sure to hug her for a few minutes. Jodi elbowed Caroline, smiling gently.

"Well, ain't this an adorable sight? Claire sure does get all the affection first," Jodi said, seemingly joking, though her words sounded jabbing. Claire only nuzzled further into your neck, fingers shaky.

"We made pancakes," Claire murmured, leaning back with soft eyes. She looked as tired as ever, yet a dark glint of fire sat deep in her eyes. Ever burning for you. Caroline walked closer, pinching your cheek.

"How about you call early birds and protectors for breakfast?" Caroline asked, her head tilted. You blinked, suddenly remembering your bed being slightly more spacious. You nodded, snagging a pancake on the way outside.

Chill run up your spine as you walked out, eyes narrowed at the warmth of the sun. You stretched, chewing the pancake. A small chuckle came from your left, which made you turn. Olivia stood with Pam, both drinking already. Pam walked closer, patting your back, grin dopey as she held onto ale. Olivia walked elegantly closer to you, kissing your lips, lips sweet with her wine. 

"Morning, darling," she said, her form leaning against Pam. "Aren't you early?" 

"Probably Caroline cooking loudly again," grumbled Pam, though her smile never left her face.

"Need to call others for breakfast, you should come in," you said, nodding at the door. Both of them met eyes and nodded. 

"Of course, darling. Do try to come back before coffee turns cold," called after you, Olivia, already dancing playfully with Pam. 

You walked further to your barns, entering one to check on your cattle. You blinked, watching Marnie hold a cow calf and point at its different body parts, explaining something to Haley and Susan. 

"You got up early?" you asked in awe, watching Haley jolt at your voice. All three turned, the tiny cow babe escaping Marnie's grip. Haley stood up, excited, almost running to you, her form clad in overalls today. She was covered in dirt, her hair pulled into a ponytail. Haley pounced into your arms, your arms holding her up. She laughed into your ear. 

"Susan and Marnie showed me farm life, I told them I wanted to learn more about it," she said, kissing your cheek. She pointed at the calf. "You know she is gonna be an adult soon?" 

"Huh," you murmured, eyes wide. You haven't known there was a way to see so. 

"Yes, the horns are quite big already," nodded Marnie, smile warm. She walked with Susan, her hand touching your arm. Susan instead lifted both you and Haley, making you gasp. 

"How are you feeling, dear?" Susan asked, her thick arms hugging you close. You felt squished in warmth, Haley nuzzling your neck. 

"Break-fast," you stuttered, voice muffled from Susan's bicep. She gasped, putting you down.

"Already?! Marnie, we must go, I'm starving," she said, lifting Marnie and Haley into her arms and running out. She knew you wanted to call others still. After checking in with your animals, you walked out to the edge of your farm. Stray trees were a start between the farm and forest, familiar shapes moving between them. Before you could call out for them, someone hugged you from behind, blue hair tickling your cheek. You turned, meeting eyes with Emily. She was breathless, running through the woods with Jolyne and Alesia. Speaking of, both of them appeared from the treeline, Jolyne wiping at her brow and Alesia fixing her bow string. Alesia nodded curtly but Jolyne smiled broadly, grabbing you into a hug. You exhaled, another lung-squeezing hug. 

"Good morning!" Jolyne boomed, her arms strong. Alesia didn't say anything, though her eyes were set with intensity on you. 

"Morning," you said with a soft laugh, hugging her back. She smelled faintly of pine and something crisp, her abdominal muscles tense against your stomach. "Jodi said to call you all for breakfast," you murmured, face pressed to her strong neck. 

"Have you called everyone?" asked Emily behind you, her voice strained as Jolyne continued to hold you in her arms longer than usual. You turned to her.

"Yes, I just need to find Maru and Camilla," you said, hearing a sudden crackle of magic. All of you turned to see Maru standing beside Carmilla, both of them animatedly talking about science behind magic. Jolyne walked forward with you in her arms, Alesia and Emily following. Maru turned, clicking her tongue at Jolyne, holding you. Camilla only smirked, her lips curled. She telephoned in front of you, pulling you down to her level to kiss you deeply. You gasped, hearing Alesia huff at the possessive display. Camilla's tongue explored your mouth, overwhelming yours. She pulled back a few good seconds later, spit connecting with your lips. Jolyne grumbled something about 'lack of tact', her fingers gripping your form tight. Camilla just smiled, wiping her lipstick from your face. 

"Much better," she mused, patting your cheek. She finally turned to walk to the house, somehow knowing that it was time for breakfast. The small group walked back to the house after her, Maru explaining what they both were researching to Alesia, who looked a little less than enthusiastic. 

Warm air inside the house warmed your cheeks, Jolyne finally letting you go. You walked to the kitchen, noting all of your wives in there. Olivia talked with Jodi about their plans for the weekend: they wanted to visit the city with Claire. Haley ran after Abigail, who had stolen her maple syrup, both of them arguing already. Penny sleepily drank coffee, head leaning against Leah's shoulder. Maru was already talking Caroline's ear off, Caroline peacefully drinking her green tea, unbothered. Scarlett devoured her pancakes while worried Sophia watched her gulp them down like nothing. Robin and Jolyne discussed the perimeter of the farm, both women talking quietly. Camilla ran her fingers down Susan's arm, who simply waved her fork around, explaining winter crops. Alesia and Claire huddled close to the window, slim women sharing a few curt words. Marnie cooked eggs for other late arrivals, Pam standing beside her, grunting occasionally at her questions. A few 'a bit of pepper might do good' and 'don't be greedy with milk' came from their conversation. 

A slender arm wrapped around your shoulders, pulling you in. Emily kissed your temple, her words hushed. 

You have been running errands for most of your week, collecting some money. So on friday you decided to finally treat yourself to a cold beer. You rarely drank this much, though, gifted the beer by Gus. Before long, you started feeling lightheaded, smile growing dopey. Poor Gus realised something was wrong when you started flirting with Emily just a few minutes in. Your face grew red, form swaying as you tried miserably to climb over the bar counter.

Emily was faster, jumping in a clean arch to steady you in place, her palms pleasantly cool against your burning skin. You smiled and nudged your nose into Emily's neck, feeling her hug you closer. Emily made a delighted sound, something between a coo and a laugh as she let you lean into her. Needy and drunk. Somewhere in the room, a heavy presence stood up, Leah appearing from the shadows by your other side. Leah said something to Emily, her eyes narrowed. Emily laughed, light and teasing, sharply retorting with something that made Gus's eyebrows rise. Leah scoffed, jabbing a finger in Emily's direction and quickly pointing to the door after. When both of them seemed to reach some sort of conclusion, Abigail appeared out of nowhere, pressing you to her.

You leaned into Abigail, palming her back as you hugged her, happy to feel warmth. Now, both Leah and Emily were arguing with Abigail, the purple-haired woman, smug as she lifted you up into her arms. She, however, felt Haley pull away her attention, now both of them arguing loud enough to part the haze of alcohol around your head.

"You want to take advantage of her!" said Haley, her words sharp. You instinctively pressed into her side, feeling her hands settle on your hips possessively. Abigail only scoffed.

"Look who is fucking talking!" sneered Abigail, lips parted.

"Abby, language," sighed Maru, appearing beside her. You deftly swirled into her arms, hearing her breath hitch. She held you close, lips pressed to the crown of your head, mumbling something about 'awfully affectionate'. Abigail gasped, pointing at Maru with a huff.

"You are thinking of it too!" Abigail retorted, making Maru's lips twitch.

"Too?" asked multiple bachelorettes, staring at Abigail. Abigail blinked before visibly deflating. Then the arguments started again, loud voices startling you. Soft hiccup left you, startling the young women in turn. Pillowy arms suddenly reached to pat your head, pulling you into an equally soft chest. Immediately, you calmed, nuzzling into Jodi's sternum. She cooed gently, calming you, fingers threading through your hair. Robin and Caroline swam in your vision, hushed chastising coming from them. Dangerous, planned properly. Maru tried to argue with her mother but the older women already pulled you out of the saloon, leaving both Maru and Demetrius confused behind. Though the two of them were confused for different reasons.

Chilly air lapped at your burning cheekbones, stars winking down at you through blurry gaze. Robin managed to lift you into her arms, holding you curled in her strong arms. Muscles shifted beneath you, fingers cupping your nape gently as Robin whispered something to you. You couldn't make it out, nudging your face into her shoulder. Someone's fingers lifted your head, Caroline's shadowed gaze meeting yours as her slender digits pressed into your chin. She smiled reassuringly, moving your head side-to-side.

"…weight?" she asked, her words muffled from the pounding of your head.

"Mm?" you asked back, eyes hooded.

"Are you lightweight?" Caroline repeated, following Robin, who held you like you were the most precious thing in the world.

"Yah," you grumbled, head pressed to Robin's shoulders heavily. She shifted her hold, letting you rest more comfortably against her. She clearly enjoyed your affectionate side, her nose pressed to your temple.

"You shouldn't drink so much then," chastised Jodi, though she didn't sound too mad. You heard a creak of a door before feeling the soft bed under your body, your bed. Robin set you down softly, though you didn't want to let her go fully. Instinctively, you reached for her neck, hugging as if your life depended on it. Robin heaved out a startled grunt, body leaning into you awkwardly. Jodi and Caroline stayed behind, waving goodbye at you behind Robin's shoulder. Moonlight flashed in the dark sky over their features.

"Hun," she tried gently, her hands cupping your elbows. You didn't budge, peaceful in her hold, warm. Robin didn't push back at all, enjoying the touch a bit too much. Only when footsteps approached the bed did Robin pull back, if only a tad too fast.

"You look guilty, Mrs Robin," said a soft voice, Penny's words weirdly cold. You turned in time to watch Robin scramble to put a respectable distance, Penny tucking you in. "I can take it from here."

Spring, Derby of the Ferngill, sunny day that ended too early for you. You were a promising racer, winning medals all over the country. Yet that particular day, that particular race was too straining. Your ankle twisted, sharp pain hitting you just as you rounded the last circle. Harsh breaths, the hit of footsteps, and distant wail, all you heard before losing consciousness. Later, medics told you the injury was too much, the strain dangerous. 

It was a low place for you, to lose prospects with such sudden clarity was awful. At that time, you found grandpa's letter, wondering if leaving the old life would make you feel better. You came to Pelican Town, surprised at the lack of umes, so it made others curious. 

The bachelorettes were curious at first, an uma in their small town. Then curiosity grew into obsession, as it does with them. It didn't help that you saved Vincent from a speeding Joja track, your quick reflexes helping. It made you fall too hard into their hearts.

When Haley realised you were an Ume, she immediately asked for a photo session. She must make a collection of the beautiful horsewoman, she just must. Haley would be blunt about her interest, complimenting your ears and cute tail. She will take photos twice as hard, sitting by, waiting for any movement to capture. Haley would consider your idol past as intriguing, viewing you as a breath of fresh air. 

Penny actually is a fan, though she doesn't say so until later. She knew she saw you from somewhere, then she remembered the magazine excerpts, the famed whispers over the radio. She had a hidden notebook of each won derby, each photo from a magazine. She will view your injury as a way to keep you dependent, believing only she can help you. Penny is afraid of you leaving, so she makes you dependent, insisting she needs to help you.

Emily is ecstatic, you're a gift, must be! The injury was a turn of destiny. Yoba brought you to her, clipping your wings so she could nurture you. She sees you the same as her parrot, which means she needs to look after you. She will help with your leg, hold you up when you walk, anything to show that she was your destiny. Emily doesn’t see your injury as something to change, rather believing it was a turning point. 

Maru is the different side of the same coin as Emily. She also wants to fix you, help you recover but with the thought of gifting you the ability to run. She doesn't believe in lost cases and her arrogance doesn't help her belief. Maru will try all methods known to humanity to fix your injury, anything from recovery exercises to a metal brace. If you were already prepared to leave the racing world before, her insistence will drive you crazy. Maru doesn't let you give up purely because she cannot take a loss for her mind. 

Leah sees your injury and hardship as something raw and artistic, a deep well of inspiration. She will ask to draw you, painting deep swells of colours as you pose as a muse. She will encourage vulnerability, slowly pulling you to open up. Though the motivation for it is deeply selfish. Leah will scoff at any other bachelorette trying to sympathise, only she could truly understand you.

Abigail is immediately curious about your past. An athlete, an Uma that promised to be a winner in the future. Abigail will romanticise your past, curious about the thrill of the race. Unfortunately, her obsession will make her push you to strive for better, even if it hurts you. She will ignore your injury, trying to make you run again. 

Bonus:

Caroline 

“You’re better like this. Here. Stable. Where I can understand you.” It's hard to justify being so much around you but the injury made Caroline find a reason. She is helping but underneath that she slowly usurps control over your life. Her life is monotonous, lonely so she seeks your life. Caroline will make sure to be close to you, inviting you to a tea party and simply sitting by your porch as you work. She feels the need to shape you up, work out your problem to depend on her. But unlike bachelorettes, she is wiser, her tactics dangerously working. 

Robin

"If I’m not helping… then what am I to her?"  Robin feels the need to fix your life, to make your strain easier. She will change your porch steps to make them lower so you wouldn't fall, she will add paths to your house that eases your strain on other leg. Hell, sometimes she is willing to walk around with you in her arms. Robin has a hard time showing her care without using carpentry. She has to fix your house, she has to rebuild your furniture to be lower.

Jodi

"If I’m not here… who else is going to understand her like I do?” Jodi is envious that you could make a choice in life and change it so drastically. She wishes she could change her own life, so she clings to you like an inspiration. She will come by your farm, seeking peace. Internally, though, she only stays because of her obsession. You're a living example of starting over, she needs you, she needs this. 

The day started with the rain, the glass of your windows fogged up as the pitter-patter of water ran down them. You knew you should have worn a coat at least, or maybe covered your head, but alas, whether from laziness or forgetfulness, you went out uncovered. That should have been the first red flag for the women in the valley. Your idle sneeze should have been the second. Unsurprisingly, the next day you fell ill, form swaying and nose running. 

Emily saw you prance through the rain like you were a mermaid. Well, you weren't, so the next day she sat by your bed with a knowing grin. Emily might be a bit crazy, but she is still quite caring. She will tuck you into bed, doting over you as if you were a hurt parrot. Her palm was gentle as she checked your temperature and brought you water. Occasionally, she would even dance for you, making you smile and making your sickness more manageable. Emily will make sure to put her magical stones around you, gifting you energy to recover. What you wouldn't notice is her taking your hair while you slept, tucking it away to further mix it with the healing ritual. 

Maru will make sure to check your vitals and health, taking on a 24/7 role of a nurse. Maru would give you pills and check your temperature, all the while acting cold and focused. At some point, she would stare at you quietly, hand pressed to your damp forehead, eyes worried. She wouldn't admit it, but she was scared for you, not wanting you to overexert yourself. If you tried to sit up or move, she would immediately push you back down, saying resting was 'doctor's orders'. 

Haley broke into your house again when she saw you lying on your bed with a fever. Haley scoffed, her eyes irritated at your audacity to not look after yourself. "Unbelievable," she would mutter, sitting by your side. Haley doesn't usually look after someone, but reluctantly, she did make sure you get well quicker. She cursed you out, of course, trying to heal you through care. Deep down, she feels fear, worried she is losing you. She couldn't lose you. 

Penny is not the type to hide her fear, no, she will cry over you for hours. It doesn't really matter that you are okay, fever isn't commonly lethal. She would hiccup while checking your temperature. Cooking you soup and changing your clothes. Expect to eat gallons of soup, which would probably worsen your state. Penny wouldn't leave even for the night, sleeping by your side, her eyes red. 

Leah is quiet with her worry but she doesn't hide it. She will pat your feverish body with a warm, wet cloth and clean your sweat. Leah wouldn't shy away from looking after you, even offering to help you take a bath. Leah will use all herbs known to yoba to heal you, silently rubbing ointments on your nape. Leah will scold you when you get better, smiling at your health. 

Abigail is panicking, badly. She isn't particularly careful, and your illness makes her jumpy. If you as much as grunt, she will be around you in an instant, giving you water and worryingly asking you thousands of questions. She will go out of her way to check up on you, asking other bachelorettes for help. Abigail would fight the rain if she could, that would be easier than watching you rest helplessly. She will sit by you night and day, tucking your hair behind your ear while exhaling shakily. 

Bonus:

Heat ran through your body, uncomfortable dampness clinging to your skin. You rolled side to side in your bed, eyes heavy with exhaustion. Somewhere between the dull ache in your head, you heard the door open. Three silhouettes came by, one kneeling on the floor as she looked at your face. Another already rummaged through the kitchen while the third silhouette palmed your forehead. 

"…sick," you heard someone say through haze, worry etched into each word. Someone nodded, standing up. You felt warm and steady hands lift you into a comfortable position as another hand brought a bowl to your lips. The steam curled over your nose, smell dull from the illness. You parted your lips weakly, feeling warm broth enter your mouth. It was pleasant and tasted heavenly against your parched throat. Someone cooed into your ear, teal hair tickling your nose. 

As you drank the broth, warmth settled into your weary bones, your body curled against the hard planes of Robin's body. She tucked your hair behind your ear, gently patting your cheek. Your bleary eyes focused on the honey brown hair, gentle blues holding your gaze. You blinked, your head finally calming its migraine. Warm palm cupped your face, Robin's thumb rubbing your cheekbone. Caroline already tried to tug your clothes off. 

"Huh?" You managed to squeeze out, eyes blinking. 

Thick, syrupy ale swirled in the pint glass, foam bubbling with gentle pops. Pam's head rested against the counter, her eyes glassy. She narrowed her eyes, noting a blurry dark silhouette through the golden-brown liquid. She rubbed her thumb, cleaning the fogged-up glass, noting a straw hat. Finally, Pam lifted her head just as a cup of water slid closer. Pam blinked, furrowing her eyebrows, preparing to tell the person off but halting as she met eyes with you. Pam hiccuped, confused by your presence, her lips parted. You smiled, nodding at the glass of water. Pam wanted to argue but you already left, leaving her frustrated and weirdly happy. She turned back to stare at the clear liquid, her grasp shifting as she gulped down the water to lighten the alcohol already swirling in her stomach. Pam felt the muffled buzz in the back of her head quieten, your presence or just the water calming down whatever demons she tried to drown. Pam blinked, staring at the pint thoughtfully. Why was the young farmer wastin' time lookin' after her?

Pam is quite open in her obsession, not in a way that she outright says it but in a way where she constantly openly protects you. Unlike most women in the valley, she is loud about most of her things, which is just who she is. Pam considers you the one good thing in this damn town and treats you accordingly. Every backward glance or mean word about you immediately alerts her. Pam is quick to become aggressive towards anyone who sullies your name. 

Pam doesn't believe people easily, she doesn't understand it when someone spends their time on her. She is aggressive and drunk most of the time but damn if she isn't loyal. Pam will see you as a stranger at first, a person who talks to her sometimes and gifts her food. She doesn't trust you at first, she didn't have much money, didn't have her youth or looks yet you persisted. Take your time with her, otherwise she would snap at you. 

Pam is protective, she always is with people she cares about. She might not be the best at compliments and comfort, but she will always watch you walk home from the bus stop. Pam would protect the perimeter, walking the gravel to be closer to you. Pam stops by your form, still leaning over the coop, trusting and vulnerable. Pam felt guilt eating at her, feeling like a vulture preying on a young thing, uninvited and desperate. She wiped her palms down her pants, feeling nervous sweat bead at her temples. "Farmer," she called sharply, eyes scanning the treeline for threats. "You shouldn't turn your back to the dark. Work can wait 'till mornin'," she grumbled, her fists clenched tight. Pam watched you straighten, eyes wide under the straw hat. Something dark twisted deep in her, her mind screaming her to protect the only good thing in the whole alley. 

Early on, she snaps at your kindness, she isn't a charity case. Though with each small gift, each gentle word, her walls chip away. Your persistence gains her drunken jabs at first before loyalty locks onto you with fierce strength. 

Pam will stand idly by your door sometimes, drunk, her shoulders tense. She says she is protecting the perimeter and watching out for any 'shady folks,' but in reality, she just desperately needs to be around you. She sees you as a better person to be, someone to use as a light out of her difficult life. Pam hadn't been in love since her husband left her but even the tiniest of affections sparks her need for something strong and true.

She would be guilty, in between her drunken flirtation and frustrated jans, she would be guilty. Pam doesn't remember how to show love in a healthy way. She knows how to knock on windows at night to give you food she made for the first time in years. She knows how to huff young boys out of your personal space. But simple communication? That is almost impossible. Pam admits that she failed Penny in more ways than one and she shows her true affectionate core to you at some point.