WIP Wednesday: A Gray/Cliff/Reader Request
I'm still stuck on a title for this one...
You wiped a hand across your brow as you pushed the last cow from the barn to graze. Just a few years ago, you were struggling to find time to tend animals and crops while clearing the neglected farmland. Now, you had a full barn and coop, a field full of crops, and still had half the day to enjoy. Admittedly, you had the Harvest Sprites to thank. You hadn’t expected them to volunteer assistance when you befriended them, but the brightly colored sprites provided you with a much better work-life balance. Which meant more time to spend on the people who mattered. Your face flushed under the midday sun as you hustled from the farm. It was surely just the sun; it was getting warmer every day as Spring bled into Summer. Definitely not you blushing over the thought of your boyfriends. The lie was quickly apparent as the blacksmith shop came within sight and your pace increased.
It had been close to a week since you arrived in Mineral Town. You deserve a break from farm work and struggling to keep your head above water. What could be a better treat than meeting your new neighbors? The city had been far too large. People were more focused on work or their own social circles than on getting to know their neighbors. Mayor Thomas had sold Mineral Town as being the complete opposite. You entered the first building you saw. Your eyes barely registered the sign reading "blacksmith" and their hours before the door swung open. The tiny tinks of the bell were lost as a youth in a blue cap yelled at an older man. You hesitated, unsure if you should stay or if leaving would interrupt whatever was going on.
“What are you looking at?! If you have nothing-”
The older man cut off the youth named Gray to admonish him for snapping at you. The young man instantly seemed aware of his rudeness. His blue eyes still furrowed in anger as he mumbled an apology. Gray hesitantly offered small talk as if to make up for the transgression. You shook your head, telling him not to worry, as he explained that Saibara was his grandfather. A very tough grandfather with high expectations from what Gray was describing. You could relate. Your grandfather’s old farm was wearing you down to the bone, but at least the old man wasn’t breathing down your neck.
“I get it, but it IS called training for a reason.”
You had worried you misspoke when the blonde’s eyes shot open in surprise at your words. Instead of further anger, Gray admitted you were right. He even thanked you for the tough words.
You couldn’t believe how much things had changed in just a few short years since your first visit. Gray was slowly gaining his grandfather’s recognition, and the three of you, along with Cliff, had become near inseparable. Saibara gruffly nodded at you even as your eyes traveled over him to glance at the furnace. A frown slipped across your face at the empty area. Gray was always working at this time. Where could he be?
“What would you like today?”
“Oh, I’m still trying to get ahold of some mythril,” you mumbled. Mining ore had taken a backseat lately as you explored dating and spending time with Gray and Cliff instead. “Did Gray already leave for today?”
“He asked for the day off.”
“Oh,” you gasped. Saibara had grumbled but didn’t seem upset that Gray appeared to be slacking by taking an additional day. No, it wasn’t laziness. Everyone deserves breaks. You were just hurt. Gray didn’t say anything to you about having an additional day off work. You forced a smile at Saibara. “Thanks! I’ll just check around town for him.”
As you turned your back to leave, Saibara heaved a sigh of relief. Blissfully unaware of the man's odd behavior you decided to aim for the winery to visit Cliff next.

















