Where Every Scroll is a New Adventure
We've got so many great fics to recommend for you this month! Some are ongoing wips, some completed longfics, and some oneshots. As always be sure to check the tags on AO3, reader discretion is advised! If you check out any of the works listed here please be sure to leave a kudos and a comment to show your support đŤś
sundays by @lumineve-isonline | E | Multi (1/1)
Sunnyside by F0xofspades | M | Multi (11/?)
divenire by @burekforsatoru | E | Sebastian/F Player (1/1)
In the Shadows by @angel-with-an-assbutt22 | E | Haley/Sebastian (1/1)
Daffodil by @nebraskashouse | M | Harvey/F Player (1/1)
If These Walls Could Talk by @hullygeee | M | Multi
Holding Water by @bunniemoth | E | Multi
Coming Around Again by @eemamminy-art | E | Alex/M Player (40/71)
In the End, It's Right by @annetastic1981a | E | Sam/Sebastian (13/13)
Winter in the Highlands by @aziminohi1992 | M | Lance/F Player (1/1)
Fenced In by @exoticlittlebird | T | Haley/Sebastian (1/1)
Slow Down â SDV (Alex) by @neetily | E | Alex/F Player (1/1)
The Valley by @half-unread | E | Multi (11/?)
Grease Monkey by @caelwynn | E | Sterling/F Player (1/1)
Picture Perfect by @kellycataclysm | E | Harvey/F Player (1/1)
Path to Mine by Spiritedknight | G | Sebastian/F Player (3/5)
Wildflower by @superpyodan | M | Abigail/Haley (1/1)
The Heart of Apologizing by @5cs-fanart-and-misc | E | Multi (1/1)
Emerald Starling by @glazedsnail | E | Shane/M Player (1/1)
baby seasons change, but people don't by @benjineedssleep | M | Multi (4/60)
Soldier On by @ababanerb | E | Multi (10/?)
Dance, Dance!! by @lipstickandsinsstuff-blog | M | Gen | (1/1)
We Don't Ever Talk About It by @lily-alphonse | E | Emily/Shane (3/3)
Iâve gotten a friend into A Stain and I cannot overstate how fast I texted her about this update!! Like I saw the post and my consciousness beamed directly into hers basically.
AND GODDAMN WHAT A CHAPTER
It nourished my soul â¤ď¸
Title: A Stain that Wonât Dissolve Rating: Explicit Pairing: Alex/Sebastian Tags: Hurt/comfort, aged-up characters (mid 20s), minor character death, angst, injury, grief, miscommunication, bullying, enemies to lovers, dubious consent, internalised homophobia, closeted character, past child abuse, dyslexia, antagonist farmer, unrequited love, pining, acceptance, top!Sebastian, bottom!Alex, power dynamics, happy ending.
Summary: Alex hates Sebastian â which is great because Sebastian more than returns the favour â and what starts out as revenge fantasy turns into unironic lust, which evolves into unrequited love. Alex gets a job, Sebastian marries the farmer, and both of them lose almost everything before finding each other again. A story of two mutual bullies who learn how to messily grow up.
A Stain that Wonât Dissolve - Chapter 57 - End a Fight With Flowers
In which Sebastian finally gets Alex to talk to him, but not without some pressure first, and Alex reveals a lot more than he meant to. At the end of their conversation, Sebastian presents Alex with something unexpected.
Camellia Station officially has over 500 hits!
I know thatâs not indicative of people who read it in full or individual, unique users or whatever
Still though⌠it feels like a huge milestone and Iâm proud of myself đĽš
Itâs my first long fic (and my second fic since I started writing fiction four months ago). Idk just feels special.
If youâre interested, check it out on AO3!
I did it! I finished one Rarepair Week prompt! Yay!
Here, have a teaser :)
Joja Workers Unite (Sam/Shane)
Since Shane and Sam can't unionize to get more time off they decide to do the next best thing: get married.
Of course, nothing goes to plan.
"I know our love is unconventional," Sam said, loud enough that half the store could've heard him. "But please, I want you to make an honest man out of me!"
Shane realized too late that Sam was only half looking at him. The other man's eyes scanned the aisle at Shane's back. And too late Shane realized there were footsteps coming towards them.
"Gentlemen, is there a problem here?" The sight of Morris, arms crossed and scowling, waited for Shane when he turned around.
"No issues. We're just--" Shane started, but Sam bumped him aside.
"I'm heartbroken, bossman! I know I'm being loud but my heart has literally shattered. My man doesn't want to claim me!" Sam gestured to Shane with both arms.
"And this is something you need to do at work because--?"
"Love knows no time or place," Sam said with a soft sniffle. "When the spirit of love calls, you answer. And Shane answered with a 'no'."
"Samson, I have no idea what that means and quite frankly I'm losing my patience," Morris deadpanned.
"He won't marry me, boss! My work hubs won't put a shell on it!"
"This is startling news for so many reasons," Morris said. "Not least of which is that Joja discourages employee fraternization."
"Well I have no idea what that means!" Sam was getting more worked up by the minute.
Their conversation went around in circles for a while longer and Shane couldn't be bothered to follow it. Shane started coming around somewhere in there, though, because some time off wouldn't be the worst thing. Most of his PTO had been spent nursing colds or sleeping off hangovers. He rarely used the time off for anything fun. Maybe he could take Jas on vacation? She'd been bugging him to go to the beach to collect shells, too, even though it was cold. They could do both with the time fake marrying Sam would buy him.
Shane cleared his throat. The two men stopped bickering and stared at him.
"Sam... uh... Samson? Yeah. Okay." He took a steadying breath before he faced Sam head-on. "I can see now that you're so passionate about... our love? I didn't think you were serious, but now I know... Now... yeah, I do know. So I accept your proposal."
Check out the whole fic on AO3!
So excited for this!! And I have some of my pairs picked out đ
* Fake Relationship: Shane/Sam
* Close Proximity: Leah/Abigail
* Opposites Attract: Shane/Elliott
* Forbidden Love: Caroline/Jodi
* Free Day: Haley/Penny
Still noodling on Enemies to Lovers and Second Chances. The inspo will surely come⌠maybe. Weâll see!
We have been teasing this on the server for a while now, so I am excited to announce the prompts below.
Happy writing everyone!
Curious about my writing?
AO3
Current Fandoms
Stardew Valley
Fear & Hunger 2: Termina
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
Who am I?
I'm a humble idiot. A lesbian. A writer of fanfiction. A lover of BL.
And, I hope, a father figure.
What else?
This blog is kind of for whatever. I'll post some teasers and previews for upcoming fics. I'm trying to be better at self-promotion and being part of the broader fandom community.
I mostly ship/write rarepairs.
Except Jotakak/Kajo, my beloveds.
If you're a writer in any of my fandoms, let's be mutuals!
Have a request?
Send me an ask!
I love a challenge and want to make you happy, bb :)
Give your thanks to anon!
Summary: You didn't expect leaving the life of an assassin to be easy. But upon arriving to Pelican Town to take care of your late grandfather's farm for a time, the dream became more and more tempting by the passing season, especially when a steadily blossoming romance was another factor.
Warning(s): [AU where the Farmer/Reader is an assassin and not a former Joja employee] Jio is a lil' gentler in this fic (still blunt though),âď¸Explicit scenes where the Reader kills members of her organizationâď¸(Nothing too gorey though), Gentle sex, Fade-To-Black One-sided attraction low-key (The reader likes Jio more than Jio likes the reader), Jio still has sex with them out of curiosity though.
Side Note(s): God I love former assassin tropes. I had to take extra time on this one since I was in the mood for writing a bit of a short storyline, but I hope you like it anon!
P.S: Sorry that this may not be *exactly* how you wanted it anon. I had a narrative in mind and I just ran with it đ
âThe life as a Nightingale is one that is to be lived amongst the shadows. From now on, you live only to serve this organization and to never yearn for a life amongst the sun again.âÂ
The life of a Nightingale was...lonely.
When you were of age, this was the oath you had taken. It was a harsh one but, this life amongst the dark underbellies of society was the only one you had ever known.
Your parents were assassins, from the day of your birth, all you had known was the shadows and the oath they had taken, never once being allowed to think of walking amongst the common population. You werenât afforded the opportunity to attend regular school and instead attended night school where every student in the schoolâs population was in a similar situation to yourself, a life where circumstances wereâŚunusual, to say the least. It was hard to make friends, and when you did, you werenât allowed to keep them. The chance to go on field trips sounded like something out of a fairytale and when you had finally graduated night school, the opportunity to go to college wasnât afforded to you.Â
Combined with the years of learning how to wield different weapon types, to the point where you could find a way to make a weapon out of a mere stick if you so wished. Not to mention learning different killing strategies such as the usage of poison, the use of allergens or other people around you if need be.Â
Becoming a Nightingale was a given, and when you swore to abide by the Nightingaleâs oath. It was an all too easy choice to make. Since then, youâve been a walker of the shadows. You had taken out targets from all walks of life, from the humble poor man to elites whose pockets hung so low that you feared it touched the core of the very Earth. Because of this, youâve dabbled in every type of illegal activity you could think of, some activities taking you places such as underground cities where the âcommonâ law was flipped upside down to gang-run territories where each step you made could have easily been your last.Â
Yet each and every single time, you completed your mission professionally and without too much trouble aside from a few new scars lining your body.
You never dared to dream much less think of life outside the realm of the Nightingales. You couldn't dream of a different scenario! One that wasn't rife with death and blood, shadows and silence. Where, instead of a bright moon looming above your head, there was instead a great yellow ball of fire. So, one night, when your leader had called you into their quarters to discuss your next job, you didn't have a mind to think of this job as too different than the other ones you had undertaken until...the location's name was spoken.
"You'll be taking a target known as 'Mr. Qi' located in Pelican Town."
Pelican Town? You had to repeat the name over in your head at least three times to really let it settle in. The name of the location wasn't something that whispered a more nefarious nature, nor did it strike you as a place that was familiar in the realm of drugs, gang activities, or trafficking. No, instead, it struck you as a place where you'd go fishing or maybe even farm a few plants here and there.
"It's a farming town out east. Nothing dangerous there aside from some monsters. You're to research the whereabouts of your target and kill him, he's an elusive bastard."
You cocked your brow. "And what will be my disguise?"
Your leader chuckled gruffly. "Guess."
Your gaze narrowed, racking over your brain for ideas until your jaw dropped slightly. "A farmer?"
"Inconspicuous, there's plenty of farmers there and a new one coming into town won't be unusual." Your leader sighed before they pushed themselves from their desk and went to their bookshelf, your eyes following the way their hands trailed over their collection of books and notebooks before they landed on a single parchment of paper. When the paper was handed to you, you took it with a single nod of thanks before you opened it. "Your late grandfather was a farmer, apparently, he wished to give some land over to you but your parents were against it."
You had heard conversations here and there when you overheard your parents talk late at night. However, all you understood was that your father didn't want you to go into the life of farming, that it was a waste of your potential and talents as another future addition to the Nightingales. Perhaps he was right, you'd never know but...you wouldn't deny that the idea of going to a farming town unnerved you a little. "I can't farm."
"You won't, you'll simply find the target and slit the bastard's throat. You'll return here and then get your payment per the usual. This is no different from your other jobs." You had a mind to argue but the leader's word was law. If they were to say that you needed to throw yourself from a cliff then you wouldn't have a single choice but to obey. But, this farming town was nothing more than that. A farming town.
No danger nor enemies to look over your shoulder for. No having to nearly throw yourself into the arms of death in an effort to get closer to your target or to simply get within better range of killing your target. The objective was simple, pretend to be a farmer and research the whereabouts of this 'Mr. Qi', once you had his blood on your hands and dagger, you'd collect evidence of his death and return back to your home amongst the shadows.
Nothing would be any more different than how things used to be.
"I'll be back soon," Was your eventual answer, stuffing your late grandfather's letter into your pocket. Your leader responded with a stoic nod before he dismissed you with a wave of your hand. "Report to the bus stop tomorrow night, you'll have someone waiting for you. Don't be late."
. . .
From then on...the rest was a blur, strangely enough.
When you had arrived in Pelican Town, under the sun no less. You had a pair of people waiting for you, an older man and a woman. Robin and Lewis, the mayor of the town. They were...friendly, and strange, but...this town was full of nothing but simple townsfolk and farmers. They commented on how they assumed no one would ever take your late grandfather's old farm and that they had bids from all over from people who wanted to take the place for themselves! The farm itself was a mess, with overgrown shrubs, and trees as far as the eye could see.
Creatures and critters made their homes in different spots on the farm too, for the past few days, you had spent time just trying to chase them all out! You weren't accustomed, much less ready for this life at all. It was like throwing a fish onto land and expecting them to excel without any training or adaptation prior. Yet you managed, when the farm was decent to the eye and you had planted a few crops to further sell the look, you then begun the process of looking for your target.
And, as if the world itself were mocking you, you only ran into more issues.
A wizard watched over the valley, the community building was in shambles and you were seeing jumping apples. People bothered you and talked to you at every turn, seeming not to understand that you had a job to do! These townsfolk were hopeless, you wondered how they managed to get on for so long without being dragged into the mud via monsters or their own incompetency yet.
'A mixture of the local wizard and Adventurer's Guild' You thought.
And the Adventurer's Guild...that was a totally different story.
Before you had even realized it, you had been within the town for months. You arrived in spring and suddenly, it was nearing the end of summer, the slight chill in the air already beginning to whistle along to signal the changing of the seasons. A job had never taken you this long, were you off your game? Or had you become busy with boring farm work all of a sudden? Or...perhaps you should stop distracting yourself with the whims and festivities of the townsfolk, however...they were so friendly. Even when you were so cold to them at the beginning, when you first arrived in town, you'd scowl and tell them that you weren't interested in mild chit-chat. Whenever you'd visit the Saloon in an effort to try and obtain more information on your target, people would try to talk to you and get to know you! In return for their efforts? You'd either ignore them or order them to leave you alone.
Now? You were starting to enjoy their conversations.
The way they'd show up at your doorstep with nothing but friendly intentions and gifts. The friendliness was nearly overwhelming, you had friends, for the first time in your entire life. Life amongst the shadows, surrounded by nothing but death and blood...quickly, you were beginning to prefer life under constant daylight and warmth. And your love for the daylight only grew when you had, one day, decided to wander into the forest that grew just outside Ridgeside Village.
It was peaceful and quiet, nothing but birdsong and the sound of a waterfall in the distance. Andâ "I know you're there." You said when you had stopped in front of a pond to admire the strange fish that only this village's waters contained. The stranger that decided to hide himself in the shadows of the trees...he was shocked, when he heard the news that the grandchild of the late farmer of that abandoned farmstead was coming to the valley. His lady had told him and the others to keep an eye on the newcomer. Yet rumors from Pelican Town, as well as the way you carried yourself the moment you stepped into the Ridge, said that you weren't simply a newcomer who only sought after trying to restore their relative's farmland.
Thus, the ninja decided to answer. "You saw me?" He asked.
"It was easy enough, I'm used to having to pick things out of the darkness." You answered before you turned around, only for your jaw to drop ever so slightly when the stranger had come into the light. Tall, with light brown hair that only seemed to become even lighter when exposed to the rays of the sun. Although a mask covered the lower half of his face, it wasn't hard for you to tell that he was handsome while the rest of his outfit made it clear that he wasn't a normal civilian of either Ridgeside Village or Pelican Town. And that wasn't allâ "Your ears...are you anâ"
His brow rose, his hand instinctively reaching to cover his ear despite the fact you had already seen the true nature of them. You were capable of sensing that he was watching you, not to mention being able to see the true nature of his ears? His lady was correct in ordering that you were to be observed. "Who are you?" You decided to ask.
"You may call me Jio, farmer. Who are you?"
You could easily tell that there was more to that question than simply inquiring about your name. Information that you weren't willing to give. "You may call me Y/N, I'm new to my grandfather's farm. I'm just here to restore it, nothing more." His head tilted, you were bad at lying. But, for now, he wouldn't pursue the question. It was good enough for now to understand that, while you may have been here to restore your grandfather's farm...that wasn't the entire story.
"You should turn back then, farmer. Beyond this forest, lies the Ridge. There's nothing but danger that no simple farmer such as yourself should see."
Danger? Though it wasn't shocking, you had seen the slimes and shadow people within the mines, you hadn't expected danger to lurk so closely to this village. "I can handle myself." You answered.
"Don't be a fool." He said harshly. "That is unless you don't value your life." And without another word, he disappeared in a puff of grey smoke. Yet, your interest in the elf lingered.
. . .
Having an...infatuation was an unfamiliar thing to you.
Back at your headquarters, there was no one good-looking enough to make you glance back at them twice much less make themselves linger in your mind for as long as that elf who called himself Jio did. All of a sudden, you found your feet unconsciously taking you back to the forest every other day, hoping to either talk to him or simply catch a glimpse of him as if he were some rare firefly! Your brain was torn apart, you wanted to focus on the farm but also on the friends you were making in Pelican Town, you wanted to see Jio again...to explore this weird feeling that was building up inside of your chest butâ
The mission.
The mission.
You won't forget about your purpose.
Never once had you left a mission unfinished but...what if...just this onceâ "No." You scolded yourself one night as you lied down in your bed, staring up at your ceiling while your new cat, a tiny stray that Marnie had brought to your doorstep one day, slept peacefully on your stomach. "Focus Y/N." You continued before you sat up, gently placing your cat aside as you decided to step out of the house for some fresh night air. Perhaps the light of the moon would help you refocus, help you remember that these people of the daylight weren't of your concern. That Jio wasn't your concern, as well as this feeling in your chest! And as you stepped outside, the moon's light immediately soothing your rushing mind whilst the calls of nighttime critters helped you feel more in your element.
You remembered that you hadn't checked your mail.
Yet another thing you had to become familiar with, having a mailbox...where all your personal things were sent to.
It was an odd little system.
Yet...useful, it seemed. Because when you opened the box to check inside of it, all that was contained was a single black letter. You knew immediately what it meant, and the contents of the letter only readâ "At the end of fall, one of our own shall visit you. Report your findings to them." And that was all that was in the message. A nervous sweat dripped down your back, you were no closer to finding out more information about your target than you were when you first came to this valley! You had allowed yourself to get distracted, accidentally focusing more on your disguise rather than the importance of your mission. Tonight, with the moon as your witness, you swore to yourself that your tolerance for distraction ended tonight.
You had to remain focused.
Thus, when the next day came around, you didn't allow yourself to speak to anyone. For the entire day it seemed, you had tracked down every possible lead you could think of whether it was scoping out the Wizard's tower in the wee hours of the morning or sometimes even observing the townsfolk during the night, all in the hopes that you'd spot something, anything that looked out of the ordinary.
But you found nothing, nothing aside from accidentally encountering the local drunk when he was in one of his stupors again, and having to waste time taking him home and lightly telling him off that he needed to stop drinking. And when you had laid him outside of Marnie's door, walking back to your farm to call it another failed investigation for tonight, your mind drifted back to Jio and you wondered if he knew anything. Although he didn't strike you as an assassin like you were, you knew that you both shared something in common. A something that unconsciously motivated you to skip walking up to your front door and instead make the short trip to the Ridgeside mountains, praying to whatever god was listening to you at that moment that the elf was around and willing to talk to you.
"Jio?" You softly called out once you had reached the forest.
Nothing, aside from the hooting of owls and crickets that is.
Your eyes narrowed in determination, remembering how he warned you to not venture beyond the forest and into the Ridge. Blindly walking into danger, especially when one had the courtesy of previously warning you about it, was foolish, that much was told to you constantly as you grew up, and from that, you learned to avoid unnecessary danger unless it counted towards you getting farther into your mission. Walking into a dangerous forest in the hopes of finding more information about this 'Mr. Qi' target...you decided that it had to have counted, and thus you made your way deeper into the woodlands. Slowly but surely, the calls of the night began to grow quieter...and quieter...until there was nothing left at all but the sounds of your shoes moving across the grass.
The scent in the air was strange as well.
Like an oncoming thunderstorm mixed with the familiar smell of iron and a little bit of fire smoke. You prepared yourself for a fight, your hand reaching to rest on the hilt of your weapon that you always kept on your person as you started to make your way out of the thick shrubbery and woodlands and out onto a clearing. You slowly scanned your surroundings for anything strange as your steps became slower and more calculated, wary even as you suddenly began to feel as if you were being watched.
Yet when you stopped briefly next to a tree, a snarl was your only warning before something lunged at you. Experienced, you took out your sword and cut the creature down without nary a single bead of sweat rolling down the side of your face, looking down at the slain beast however...you quickly plunged the end of your blade into its chest before it stopped its twitching andâ
A sharp clang of metal meeting metal rung out in the otherwise quiet clearing, your eyes meeting a familiar set of green. "Jio?" You gasped, taking your blade away from his own. "Apologies, I didn'tâ"
"You shouldn't be here," His voice was even more muffled now thanks to his scarf covering the lower half of his face along with that mask of his. "You've ventured beyond the Ridge, the mountain spirit's protection ends here."
Your brow cocked. "I don't need some fairytale's protection, clearly I can handle myself." You tipped your head at the fallen beast. Jio crossed his arms, in his opinion, besting a mere red serpentine beast was indeed impressive but not enough to prove that one was deserving to explore this area further. But, for you, one that had taken down the beast with ease and experience, perhaps...there was something to be gained here. "Maybe," He responded vaguely. "This area holds secrets, perhapsâ"
You stopped where the conversation was heading right in its tracks by holding up a hand. "I'm only here because I wanted to find you."
"Me?"
"Do you know anything of a...Mr. Qi? I need to find him."
He briefly heard his lady mention the name of the man, a strange and elusive man whose skin was blue and seemed to be intertwined with the very fabrics of this reality. But...why did you need to find him? "Why?"
"Does it matter why?" You retorted. "Simply tell me where he is."
Jio cocked a brow. Were you secretly an agent of Gabriella? No, maybe not, his lady wouldn't have trusted you if you were, butâyou looked panicked. You hid it well enough, for anyone who wasn't trained to pick up the signs of nervousness, you'd appear calm and perhaps even a little bit winded. But, he could tell there was something more underneath the surface. "Tell me why you need to find this Mr. Qi then," You clenched your jaw. "No."
"Then we have nothing to discuss, you should go home. It's dangerousâ"
"W-Wait." You said just as the elf turned around to probably disappear in a puff of gray smoke. "I need to find my targetâ"
Target.
The ninja hung onto the world tightly, that single word telling him more things about you than you probably intended to. That is, if you were even trying to hide it, to begin with, you were strange that was for sure. You were talented with a weapon as if you had been honing your skills for years and could pick him out from the shadows as easily as one would pick out a cloud on a bright day. The story of you being a former Joja employee...he didn't believe one word of it. "âmy organization demands it, I must find him." You continued to insist.
"Then you will continue to have no hope here," He sighed. "Even my organization, we do not know where he is. You should give up for the time, tell your organizationâ"
Your eyes shot open even wider. "No." You firmly said. "They can't no, I'm not supposed to fail. Theyâ" You words began to get choked up in your throat when Jio turned back to you, the harsh and almost commanding look he pierced into you making you snap your mouth closed and stand a little straighter as if you were suddenly placed back into the arms of the shadows, staring at your organization's leader as they scolded you for being reckless or failing at your mission. And failing as a mission? It was not tolerated.
Even now, you could still feel those lashes upon your skin.
And the memory of having to go through such a thing again, humiliated by the stares of your guildmates and your aging parents, disappointed and ashamed as they believed that they had taught you better than that. To be a perfect and willing member of the organization and nothing lessâ "Y/N." Jio spoke to you, snapping you from your thoughts before you watched him rub the back of his hand against your cheek. You shakily placed a hand to your face, gasping at the fact that you hadn't realized you'd been crying in front of a stranger.
Jio let out a heavy sigh as he crossed his arms. "...You have a chance to get away from your past."
Why was he saying this?
He should have been encouraging you to stay with your organization.
It seemed to be useful, worth it even. They instilled discipline and good skills into you. He was even tempted to go back to his lady and tell her that your organization may have been beneficial to converse with, however...he saw how much this valley seemed to have rubbed off on you. He saw it in your eyes, that your loyalty was crumbling and that a new one was beginning to forge, one that rested in this valley.
"This chance will only present itself once, take it or leave it." Jio continued. "If you are not ready to leave your organization, steel yourself and prepare to face them with the truth that you have not found your quarry." The harshness of his words made beads of sweat begin to prickle your skin and run down the sides of your face, yet, the elf offered little to no reassurance afterward and simply turned away again to disappear in a puff of smoke, leaving you alone with a monster corpse at your side and a whirlwind of thoughts running throughout your head.
To leave or not to leave?
When you looked around you, thought back to Pelican Town and Ridgeside Village...the first thing that came to your mind was the people. Their warmth and acceptance of you, how they made an effort to welcome you into their fold despite how cold you were to them firsthand. You thought of the festivities and holidays, you thought of your late grandfather's farm, and how you had realized that you loved caring for the farm, the crops, the animals, and every single hardship that came with it! Then finally...your mind wandered back to Jio and the crush you harbored for him. You thought about how you wanted to explore this feeling and find out exactly why the elf made your chest warm the way it did, why every time you met his gaze, your heart skipped a beat and you felt like your breath was stolen right from your lungs.
You wanted to see him more, get to know him.
So...you made your decision.
. . .
One that was easier to make than you had expected, of course. To stay in Stardew Valley and attempt to forge a new life away from the shadows of your organization. Although it was easier said than done, as the day to meeting a representative from your organization loomed closer and closer with each passing day, you tried to soothe yourself by thinking of how much you wanted to stay and how you were willing to do anything to achieve that goal.
Even if it cost you your life.
Life underneath the sun's warmth was far more welcoming than the coldness of the moon. And you let that line marinate in your mind all the way until the day you were supposed to meet a representative finally dawned upon you. You couldn't get an ounce of work done the entire day, and with the Spirit's Eve festival coming tomorrow night, you had found yourself trying to figure out what costume would fit you best rather than worrying yourself sick over what the representative would do in the face of you preferring your life here in the valley than back home!
You were hoping that they'd be understanding.
Surely they hadn't expected you to dedicate your entire life to the guild...were they? After all, how were you supposed to find love? Marry and have children?
How were you supposed to truly get to know the world around you if you were stuck in one place all the time?
It was madnessâ "Report your findings." The representative asked you in that same cold voice that all the members of your organization had. A black mask covered their features along with the rest of the equally colored outfit, though, you could almost see that your fellow member appeared to be...confused? Here they were in the typical attire of a Nightingale while you? You had kept on the farming clothes that you had worn throughout the day! It would've been funny had this entire situation, one that was taking place in the Ridge of all places, wasn't so nerve-wracking.
"I..." You trailed off for a moment, trying to figure out last minute if you were going to lie or if you were going to be upfront about what you wanted. "...I haven't found anything."
"Nothing?" They spoke with an even more obvious tilt of their head. "What have you been doing these last few months? Your only priority is to assassinate the target and return home, your disguise as a farmer is only something to fool the locals."
You narrowed your eyes. "I know, " you said. But I like it here." The representative was quiet for a long pause, giving you the courage to continue talking. "I want to stay. I've realized that my position in the organization isn't something that I want to be in for the rest of my life. I'm doing well here. I'm happy."
The representative was silent still.
"My grandfather entrusted his farm to me and I deserve to continue caring for it! The target be damned, I've spoken to other sources here and they said that even they haven't found the man!" The more you spoke, the more insane this all seemed. You were participating in a wild goose chase for a man who probably wasn't even real to begin with! All for an organization that probably knew this and maybe even expected you to fail! Was this a test? To see if you'd be tempted by life outside the shadows or simply want an excuse to get rid of an extra member?
You didn't even know if you truly wanted answers.
Just...anything, anything that may have helped you figure out if your organization truly cared about youâthe same one that saw you grow upâand didn't secretly want you dead. Thus, you turned to look back at your representative. "Well? Say something!"
"What is there for me to say? Traitor." Your eyes shot to their hand slowly reaching for the dagger that rested obviously on their hip. In turn, you attempted to reach for your own weapon only...in your ignorance, thinking that your organization would be so understanding, you didn't bring your weapon. And the resulting conflict was bloody as you were forced to think of a hare-brained solution and simply charge yourself at your assilant, gripping the representative's hand and trying to wrestle the dagger away from them.
All the while though, you couldn't help but think about how...all you wanted was a new life.
Certainly not...this, this eventual outcome where you stood over the body of your organization's representative with cuts torn into your shirt and your handy bloodied from constantly having to grip onto the weapon's blade until you finally got the upper hand and managed to slit their throat. "Yoba..." Was the only thing you could whisper to yourself as you looked at the corpse, thoughts of the repercussions you'd face rushing through your mind as well as the question as to how you were going to dispose of the body.
What would you do to defend yourself?
How would you defend yourself? Especially against the wrath of your entire organization!? It wasâ "So you took control of your fate." Without thinking, you directed the dagger in the direction of the voice, only getting a glimpse of the owner until you felt a presence appear behind you before an arm tightly locked around your neck, yet, not too tight to be deadly. "Calm yourself," You blushed at Jio's voice being so close to your ear.
You huffed. "I'm calm, let me go." Without waiting, you pushed yourself free of the elf, grumbling and mumbling to yourself while Jio simply eyed the corpse before looking at your bloodied and cut-up form. It was interesting to him, seeing you be completely free of that "cleanlier" look you typically had when you massacred as a normal farmer around Pelican town. Tonight, he saw a side of you that no other in this valley would be able to see unless they wished to meet their end on the exact same night.
"You're staring," You said. Jio shook his head. "You're injured, let me help."
You scoffed. "I don't need help, I need to figure out how to get rid of this body..." Perhaps you could go beyond the Ridge and dump the body in the woods there? No one would ever go beyond that point and it was a bonus as well as that the monsters would probably eat the body and effectively get rid of the evidence in the process! Yet Jio was having none of it. "Don't be foolish," He said. "I'll get rid of it, go home and I'll help you with your injuries." And...be it from your wounds beginning to hurt thanks to the adrenaline starting to fade from your body, or the fact that you were tired and stressed from what lay over the horizon from this forbidden killing.
You simply nodded your head and turned on your heels to begin walking back to your farm.
. . .
When you arrived home, the first thing you did was strip yourself of your bloodied clothes before tossing them into a hamper for later and washed as much blood you could from your hands and other small wounds across your body as you could. In the process although, you tried not to think too much about how Jio was coming over to your home for the first time...the two of you didn't know each other that well besides the few interactions you both had, all you knew was that he made you feel warm inside your chest and left you wanting more and more each time you saw a single glimpse of him. It was almost similar to an addiction except...you weren't sure if there was a cure exactly for this other strange feeling you had.
The only clue you had was to touch him.
Even placing a hand on his shoulder would have been enough, and yet...how were you going to do that? "Hello?" You suddenly heard followed along with a few knocks.
"Come in!" You called as loud as you could as you walked back into the living room area, just finishing pulling down a brand new shirt before you sat on the couch. In Jio's arms was a small basket filled with medical supplies, herbs, and potions it seemed as well as enough bandages to cover your entire body it looked like! You chuckled at the sight. "You didn't have to bring so much, I've patched myself up with lesser items." You said softly.
Jio set the supplies down on the nearby table before he sat, already gesturing for you to give him your hand. "Maybe so," He answered. "But, it seemed like this battle that ensued between yourself and your fellow from your guild seemed to have been close." You responded with a confident click of your tongue. You had been caught off guard, that was the only saving grace that the representative had and they still lost in the end! You were perfectly molded and trained to be a weapon for the guild and nothing more, to be taken down by someone who wasn't even on equal footing in terms of skills would have been an insult to your memory.
Still, Jio began to patch you up, pouring tonics over your wounds before pressing green herbs to the cuts and bandaging you up. You took the opportunity to let your eyes roam over the elf's form, a little more slowly now that you had the time to just...look. However, your focus was mostly directed to his hands as you took notice of how they appeared to be a little larger than your own, his fingers long and lithe yet scarred and calloused from possible years of wielding a weapon. Then your eyes dragged up to his emerald eyes, focused on your wounds and bandaging you up rather than looking at you the way you were looking at him. But ever vigilant, Jio wasn't unaware of your stares.
"You're staring." He pointed out bluntly.
You blushed. "Sorry," You quickly said. "I'm just looking at you, can I not?"
Jio's hands paused in their work momentarily as he considered his answer. You were an attractive person, that he would admit to himself but to be so openly admiredâit was...unusual. Not new nor unheard of, after all, Daia did the same thing to him each time they trained together but he knew that her telling him he was attractive was born from a place of playfulness rather than something genuine. As for you, however? In this moment...it made him feel warm, in a good way. Not a rush of heat born from annoyance.
"...You may," He said, almost shyly as his eyes briefly snapped to your own before looking back down again and continuing to bandage a cut on your hand.
With his permission, you continued to do so with a little more amusement in your eyes. You were in love with the way that the elf suddenly had the faintest tint of pink on his face, how his eyes seemed to struggle between focusing on what he came here to do or looking you in the eyes as well. And there were so many other tiny quirks that made the feeling in your chest continue to blossom. "...Jio." You spoke, breaking the silence. "Do you...like anyone?"
Once more, he paused. "Like anyone?" He parroted.
You nodded your head yet remained silent, anticipating his answer as his eyes narrowed in thought. "There is...one, that I'm mildly curious about." Your brow rose a little, your heart speeding up out of a sudden hopefulness. "She's fierce in combat, observant, and sharp yet surprisingly shy." Your eyes began to narrow in thought, you almost wanted to ask if he was talking about you but...you didn't want to get your hopes up too suddenly. Once you had mustered up enough courage, however, you opened your mouth. "Do you mean...me?"
He nodded his head. "I do."
You let the revelation hang in the air for a few minutes afterward. The reveal that the both of you had feelings for one another wasn't something out of a storybook nor anything decorated with rose petals and sparkles in the background. It was simply the truth of the matter, a truth that made your heart sing and your face warm while Jio simply looked to the side with his heart beating faster than it normally would! In the cult, it was drilled into his head constantly that love was something that had no priority and shouldn't take priority over any missions that the Lady gave to him and his fellows. But, for this moment at least...even if he didn't know you that well and had only managed to catch mere glimpses of you here and there when you came to the Ridge's forests.
Something about you told him that he should pursue this, just this once.
And that idea alone was only solidified when you scooted closer to him, the elf's eyes widening ever so slightly as his throat felt weirdly dry all of a sudden. "MayâMay I kiss you?"
It was unlike him to be shy. Blunt and cutthroat was a more appropriate term for the ones who knew him yet, as he slowly nodded his head. He felt like a fawn taking its first steps as he watched your head steadily move to tug his mask down before your lips were upon his own and...they were surprisingly soft. Not that he expected them to be anything else, but they felt like clouds and he could feel every single emotion that you put into the kiss. The nervousness, the tension, and the blossoming care that you held for him, and the only thing he could think about at the moment was how he wanted more.
Something that only grew as you slowly pulled back and smiled at him. "Your lips...they're soft." He whispered, strangely breathless although the kiss hadn't lasted long.
You blushed at the compliment. "T-Thank you, your lips...they're soft too."
Once more, the two of you fell into silence as each of you thought of what to do next. While you both buzzed with the feelings of budding romance, Jio spotted how your thighs clenched together as if your very body was begging for you to do something more.
Perhaps it was rude seeing as the two of you barely knew one another, your newfound romance barely even in the beginning stages yet but, the elf was suddenly curious about what other parts of your body were soft. Thus, he placed a warm hand on your thigh before he started to draw circles into your skin with his thumb. "...Can I kiss you again?" You didn't even consider the question for even a second before you nodded your head, Jio leaning in faster then you previously did, all the while his kiss had a lot more force and desire hidden underneath the surface of it. In your organization, although you were familiar with the concept of sex...it was forbidden to do so unless the intention was to create another member for the organization. Another future assassin was supposed to be the end goal always and never for pleasure. So, the steady heat that you began to feel between your thighs...while unfamiliar, it wasn't unpleasant, only serving to make you easily open your legs to the elf the moment his hands began to gently try to pry them apart so he could slide himself between them.
He parted himself from you. "Have you ever done this before?" Jio asked breathlessly before he started to pepper kisses on your face before he started to begin trailing kisses down to your neck.
A soft moan left your lips. "Ah...n-no..." You whispered as you felt your sex begin to throb more and more in tune with Jio's kisses as well as his hands starting to gently slip up your shirt.
"H-Have you?"
He considered the question for but a moment. "Once." And that's all he would answer upon the matter. You gasped when you felt Jio's hands graze across the undersides of your breasts, his hands simply touching and cupping them in his hands for a few moments before his thumbs started to gently move across your nipples. "Jio..." You breathed, his eyes glued to your expressions as he tried to ignore his own throbbing desire that begged to be free from its confines. He wanted to make sure that you were taken care of and comfortable first, his own desires could wait.
"So warm..." Jio whispered as he lifted your shirt, exposing your pebbled nipples to the chilly air of your living room before his mouth latched onto one of them. You moaned at the feeling, a breathless and soft sound that made Jio groan against your chest as he licked at your chest as if he were savoring a delicacy.
And in his eyes, it was.
The more he lapped your chest, let his hands explore your body, and listened to your moans. The more he began to believe that you were something to be savored and cared for until the very end. However, you could hardly stand to bear through the almost painful throbbing of your sex anymore. "Down there..." You begged quietly into his ear. "H-Hurts..." Jio briefly took his lips away from your breast to focus on where you claimed your pain was, a gentle smirk creeping onto his lips as his hands then traveled to the shorts you wore before he began to try and tug them off. You raised your hips to aid him, your blush only increasing as you were left only in your underwear and the obvious damp spot in the center made Jio hum in quiet amusement. "So wet from only kissing both your lips and your breast?" He poked at the damp spot, your thighs instinctively twitching in response to the unfamiliar touch. "How lewd farmer."
You blushed. "D-Don't tease..." You murmured.
He chuckled. "Allow me to play with you a little longer..." He whispered as his own hand started to reach for his pants, the sound of him unzipping his pants making your eyes shoot to his crotch before your eyes widened to the size of saucers at his length. It was long, with just the right amount of girth and leaking with pre-cum as well as twitching as if it had a heartbeat of its own! The very sight made your mouth water and your cunt suddenly ache to have it inside of you, however...as Jio continued to tease your sex and prod at it as if he were testing a new toy. You did your best to be patient in the face of your crush. "Please..." You found yourself whispering.
Jio chuckled at your begging as he hooked a finger around your underwear and started to pull them down. "Please?" He repeated with a mocking lilt to his voice. "You're begging already? We haven't even done anything yet..." He continued, trails of your slick still connecting you to your underwear even after they had been pulled down to the middle of your thighs.
It was a lewd sight, Jio thought. Your cunt clenched around nothing and seemed to leak even more of its slick now! Your clit was hard and throbbing, one swipe of his finger against it and your breath hitched and nearly stopped completely as if you had been shocked.
"Hurry." You murmured.
"Don't you want me to prepare you?" You shook your head, taking a bold step to wrap your arms around Jio to gently pull him closer to you before you rolled your hips closer to him, trying to entice him to finally fuck you rather than tease you for a second longer.
"I'm fine," You assured him. "Justâplease." You whispered. Jio hesitated for only a second longer before he pressed his lips to your own, gently pushing you to lay down on the couch before he lined his cock up to your waiting cunt before he plunged himself in. You hissed quietly at Jio's cockhead beginning to enter you, the steady feeling of feeling so full making you tighten your arms ever so slightly before Jio began to pepper kisses along your face.
"Relax," He said. "Otherwise I won't be able to move."
Easier said than done, you thought.
But...as you stared into his eyes. You found yourself relaxing more and more until Jio let out a soft moan when he was finally settled inside your cunt. The last thing he was going to do now, was let you go, especially if it was anything before the arrival of the sun the following day.
. . .
Jio was unaccustomed to waking up to the sound of birdsong. Usually, the sky was still dark when he woke up for his morning training before he'd set off to perform his patrols for the day. However...after last night's events, he awoke feeling strangely more relaxed and rested than usual, and he expected to see you sleeping soundly beside him untilâ"Hm?" He hummed sleepily, rubbing his eyes and moving strands of hair from his face when he saw that your side of the bed was empty. You did have a farm to tend to, he applauded your dedication but...he wanted to see you, talk to you more.
It was what inspired him to roll out of bed and find some clothes to put on before he walked outside and...nothing.
No clucking of chickens nor the mooing of cows. Although he saw that the sprinklers had come on and that there was evidence of you being out there due to the footprints on the ground. Something was...off.
As he followed the tracks, your footprints led farther and farther away from your farm and closer to the path to Marnie's Ranch. It was then that another set of tracks joined you before...it stopped.
He tried to steady the sudden worry that began to sneak into his being. You were a fierce combatant as well as a former assassin, surely you wouldn't have beenâno. Jio shook his head, Yoba had allowed him a newfound chance at peace, it'd be cruel of him to rip that away from him so suddenly, especially when he had given his everything to you last night and wanted nothing more than to do the same today and all the days afterward! He was willing to face any scolding from his Lady and whatever it took forward to make sure that he was ensured that he continued to see you! And that hope was his sole drive as he quickened his pace through the forest, his eyes wide and scanning for any signs of your person, perhaps you were fishing? Collecting wood or even visiting the Wizard for some reason.
Anything was better than...than the worry that was starting to take over him, especially when he started to see spots of blood.
They led further and further into the woodlands until the elf found himself in the depths of Cindersap Forest.
And, at the river's bank...there you were. Lying in a pool of your own blood that began to seep into the river's waters, turning its crystal clear colors into a murky red whilst a single dagger stabbed into your chest with a note in the center of it.
"A true Nightingale never yearns for a life in the sun. Those who do will be returned to the shadows once more, whether in death or in life."
Summary: After stumbling upon a mysterious stone on Ginger Island, Rosemary unwittingly activates a portal to an unfamiliar realm, Terraria. Pulled into a bizarre and perilous world, she must navigate its dangers while searching for a way back home. All while acquiring an unusual collection of souvenirs, including a rather explosive pet. Meanwhile, her sudden disappearance throws her loved ones into chaos, sparking a frantic search across the world to bring her back.
A/N: This story was inspired by a tumblr post from @studentinpursuitofclouds about the Farmer opening a portal to Terraria for the Meowmere and ending up stranded. I couldnât resist turning it into a full story! I love the idea of Rosemary getting isekaiâd into Terraria, unfazed, while everyone in Stardew Valley panics. Expect adventure, chaos, and dramatic reactions when she returns. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it!
The story is a bit long, so you can read it on my AO3! Thatâs right, I finally have an AO3 account after what feels like a thousand years!
Summary: Lance and Jio, complete opposites, find themselves bound by marriage into an unexpected family. Over drinks, they share stories of how their wives nearly killed them upon first meeting. What starts as mockery slowly turns into understanding, whether they like it or not, theyâre brothers now.
A/N: I donât know what came over me when I wrote this. Seriously. Lance and Jio in the same room, willingly? Thatâs basically a sign of the apocalypse. But somehow, these two disasters ended up as family, and now they have to deal with it. I imagine itâs as painful for them as it is entertaining for us. Anyway, enjoy the chaos!
The quiet hum of the evening settled over the valley, the golden hues of the sunset stretching long shadows over the land. The world seemed to breathe in this tranquil moment, the rustling of leaves filling the spaces between silence, the distant calls of nocturnal creatures stirring to life. Jio had always found solace in such stillness. It was in these quiet hours that he thrived, slipping into the unseen corners of the world where no one could reach him. Solitude had been both a shield and a weapon, a constant companion in a life built on shadows.
And yet, solitude was a fleeting luxury these days because a certain combat mage was here.
Jio had never been particularly fond of company, and the arrival of Lance into his life did little to change that. Unfortunately, life had its own plans. Whether he liked it or not, the man was now his brother-in-law. At first, their relationship could be described as awkward at best, tense at worst. It wasnât that either of them had anything against the other, not exactly. But their lives had shifted in ways neither of them had anticipated.
For Jio, it was the fact that Lance, an outsider to the world he lived in, had been sharp enough to see right through him. That had been unsettling. The moment they first met, Jio had been cloaked in illusion, his elven heritage hidden beneath a spell designed to fool even the most skilled of magic users but it hadnât fooled Lance. The adventurer had taken one look at him, his eyes shimmering with the unmistakable glint of understanding and smirked.
âYou know.â Lance had said, arms folded across his chest, âItâs a good spell. Really well-crafted but I can see right through it.â
The ninja assassin had spent years perfecting his ability to go unnoticed, had barely resisted the urge to scowl. As for the mage, he had taken this as an invitation to start asking questions.
The elf had quickly learned that Lance was persistent, annoyingly so. He was not only intrigued by Jioâs lineage but also by his profession, while the Cult of the Lady with the Red Tail was shrouded in secrecy, whispers of their existence had reached the ears of adventurers, mages and guilds alike. Assassins, criminals, ghosts in the night, call them what you will but few truly understood the reality of their work.
Lance, being the ever-diplomatic combat mage that he was, approached Jio with an odd mixture of curiosity and caution. It wasnât that he feared him, not exactly. But as a key figure in The First Slash Clan, he knew better than to trust blindly. Their interactions had remained strained for some time, both men studying each other like opposing chess pieces. Jio, introverted and secretive, had no interest in entertaining an inquisitive brother-in-law. Lance, on the other hand, saw the elfman as an enigma, one he was determined to unravel.
Which was exactly why they were here now, sitting across from one another in the dim glow of a quiet evening, caught in an unusual yet oddly comfortable silence.
It had started as an accident. Jio had been sharpening his katana in the courtyard when Lance had strolled in, carrying a bottle of wine and two glasses as if he owned the place.
âMind if I join you?â heâd asked, already sitting down before Jio had the chance to refuse.
Jio sighed. âYou already have.â
Lance chuckled, pouring the wine. âFigured itâs about time we had a real conversation, just the two of us.â
The ninja eyed him warily. âIs that so?â
âYouâre my brother-in-law. Might as well get to know each other.â Lance leaned back, swirling the wine in his glass. His gaze flickered with something unreadable, amusement layered over a deeper sense of intrigue. âHow long were you going to keep pretending to be human?â
Jio exhaled sharply through his nose. So this was where they were starting.
âI donât know what you mean.â His voice was deliberately flat, dismissive, but he knew it would do little to deter Lance.
The man merely chuckled. âOh, come on. You really think an illusion spell would fool me? I saw through that the first time we met.â He tilted his head, watching Jio carefully, as if waiting for him to confirm it.
Jioâs grip tightened slightly on the hilt of his katana, the weight of the blade a familiar comfort. Few had ever seen through his illusions so easily, let alone with such casual certainty. It was unsettling.
The mage sensing the tension, lifted a hand in mock surrender. âRelax. I donât have a problem with elves.â His gaze darkened slightly, his voice losing its usual teasing tone. âJust surprised, is all. Your kind is supposed to be extinct. Imagine my shock when I find out my brother-in-law is walking proof that isnât the case.â
Jio finally turned to look at him, studying him in silence. He could see the questions forming behind Lanceâs eyes, an unspoken list of inquiries waiting to be voiced. He knew this conversation wouldnât end here.
âI assume you have a dozen questions.â
Lanceâs grin was immediate, almost triumphant. âAt least a dozen but I doubt youâll answer half of them.â
âYouâre right.â
Rather than deterring him, the answer only seemed to amuse Lance further. He let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head as if unsurprised. The conversation lapsed into silence, the wind carrying the distant sounds of the forest. Jio was no stranger to tense silences, the kind thick with unspoken threats, the heavy anticipation of a fight waiting to break out. But this⌠this wasnât quite like that. There was curiosity, certainly, but no hostility. And for all his persistence, Lance wasnât pressing him, wasnât demanding answers. He was simply there, waiting. Offering conversation as an invitation rather than an order.
Jio could appreciate that.
Lance shifted, glancing at him again. âAlright, letâs start simple.â His voice was light, but there was a knowing edge to it, as if he had already anticipated Jioâs reluctance. âHow did you meet Cerise?â
Jio exhaled, reluctant but not entirely unwilling to answer. It was only fair, he supposed. They were bound by their relationships to the farm sisters, whether they liked it or not.
âShe wandered into Ridge Forest,â he said at last. âToo close to the barrier.â
Lance hummed thoughtfully. âAnd?â
Jioâs gaze flickered toward the horizon, memories surfacing unbidden.
The night air in Ridge Forest was thick with the scent of damp earth and pine, the hush of the wilderness disturbed only by the distant hoot of an owl. Jio moved soundlessly through the undergrowth, his senses sharp as he patrolled the forestâs edge. It was a quiet night, undisturbed by intruders until a flicker of movement caught his eye.
Someone was there.
A lone traveler, cloaked and hooded, moving steadily along the path. At a glance, she seemed unremarkable just another wanderer passing through the forest under the cover of night. Perhaps a lost adventurer, someone who had strayed too far from familiar roads. He had seen many like her before, drawn by the mystique of Ridge Forest without realizing its dangers.
With a quiet sigh, Jio stepped forward, letting his presence be known as he materialized before her in a blur of motion. His voice was calm, controlled. âYou shouldnât be hereâ!â
The dagger came fast.
Instinct flared, and Jio twisted just in time to avoid the blade as it whistled past his face, embedding itself in the bark of a tree behind him with a sharp thunk. The sheer force of the throw sent vibrations through the wood. A fraction slower and the blade would have found his skull instead.
His eyes widened slightly. Well. That wouldâve been unpleasant.
Before he could react, the woman lunged.
Jio barely managed to block the incoming strike, catching her wrist before her fist could connect with his jaw. His grip tightened, and for the first time in a long while, he found himself genuinely surprised. This wasnât a panicked traveler flailing in fear, this was an experienced fighter, attacking on pure instinct.
âAre you insane?â he snapped.
The woman halted, her posture shifting as she took in the situation. Her gaze flickered to the dagger buried deep in the tree, then back to him. With a quiet sigh, she relaxed her stance, rolling her shoulders back.
âThat was a mistake.â Her voice was steady, unapologetic but not dismissive. âDidnât expect someone to appear out of nowhere.â
Jio studied her for a moment before releasing his grip. âYou nearly took my head off.â His tone was even, but there was a dry edge to it.
She huffed softly, rubbing her wrist where he had grabbed her. âIf I meant to, I wouldnât have missed.â
Jioâs expression remained unreadable, but there was a glint of something in his eyes, calculation, perhaps a hint of amusement. Now that he was this close, her hood had slipped slightly, revealing more of her face. His gaze flickered to her eyes, twilight-hued orbs with an amethyst glow, striking even in the dim moonlight. There was no hesitation in them, only sharp focus.
Long strands of beige-blond hair spilled from beneath the hood, brushing against her shoulders. She had the kind of beauty that was easy to overlook at a distance, but up close, it was impossible to ignore, the elegant lines of her face, the confidence in the way she carried herself. Something about her now felt off, as if he had gravely miscalculated her identity.
Recognition flickered in his mind. He had seen this resemblance before, faint but unmistakable.
âYou must be the granddaughter.â
The woman blinked. âWhat?â
âThe old farmer.â he clarified. âThe one who passed years ago. Youâre one of her granddaughters, arenât you?â
Something unreadable passed across her face before she straightened, the tension in her shoulders still present but tempered.
âIâm Cerise.â
Jio regarded her for a long moment before giving a slight nod. âJio.â
That night, suspicion had lingered between them like an unspoken challenge. The way she moved, the way she had thrown that dagger, it was clear she wasnât just some ordinary farmer.
Jio exhaled, his voice barely above a murmur. âShe nearly killed me.â
Lance barked out a laugh. âSounds about right.â
Jio cast him a glare but said nothing. Silence stretched between them for a moment before he glanced at Lance. âAnd you? How did you meet Rosemary?â
Lance chuckled, setting his glass down. âOh, our first meeting was⌠unexpected.â
Jio narrowed his eyes. âGo on.â
Lance leaned forward slightly. âI first met Rosemary at the summit of Mount Kohldur. She had just finished the climb, she looked exhausted but determined.â
The heat of the forge wrapped around Lance like an old friend, the rhythmic clang of metal against metal filling the cavernous chamber. Mount Kohldurâs peak was not for the weak, its treacherous ascent tested even the most hardened adventurers. And inside the volcano, the dangers only multiplied. Monsters lurked in the shadows, the air was thick with the scent of molten rock, and the forge itself pulsed with ancient power. But for those who made it this far, the rewards were unmatched.
Lance had spent the day deep in his craft, the magical flames casting golden light across his work. His hands moved with practiced ease, binding enchantments and forging weapons for his guildmates in The First Slash. The familiar surge of magic hummed through his fingertips as he combined an Iridium Band with a Slime Charmer Ring, the glow of the spell reflecting in his obsidian purple eyes.
He was just about to move on to his next project when the heavy gates of the forge groaned open. The sound reverberated through the chamber, followed by steady, measured footsteps.
Lance frowned. Few ever reached this place, and even fewer had the strength to push open those doors alone. He turned, expecting to see one of his guildmates or a battle-worn adventurer seeking the forgeâs power.
Instead, what he saw made him pause.
A woman stood at the entrance, her silhouette framed by the golden glow of the magma pools beyond. Her breath was heavy from the climb, her rose-red hair windswept and untamed. Her clothes now dusted with soot and ash, and the edges of her short cloak were singed, faint wisps of smoke curling from the scorched threads. Her hand hovered near the weapon at her hip, her stance tense like she expected a fight at any moment.
But it wasnât the battle-worn look that caught his attention. It was her eyes, a striking shade of ocean jade, sharp and wary, scanning the room for threats. And then, just as his gaze flickered over the soft dusting of freckles across her cheeksâ
She threw a bomb at him.
Lance barely had time to react. Instinct took over as he flicked his wrist, summoning a protective barrier of shimmering blue light. The bomb struck the shield mid-air, detonating with a fiery burst. Sparks and embers scattered across the chamber, rattling the anvil behind him.
Smoke curled through the air. Silence followed. Then, from beyond the haze, a horrified voice.
âOh my Yobaââ
Lance blinked as the woman stumbled forward, her wide eyes filled with mortification.
âIâI am so sorry!â she blurted out, hands shooting up in a panicked gesture. âI thought you were a monster! I didnâtââ She groaned, cutting herself off, visibly cringing as she realized what she had just done.
Lance exhaled, then let out a full, genuine laugh that echoed against the stone walls.
The woman froze, clearly thrown off by his reaction.
Grinning, Lance dusted soot from his cloak. âIâve had a lot of things thrown at me in my lifetime,â he mused, his voice laced with amusement. âBut I have to say, this is the first time someoneâs greeted me with explosives.â
She let out a strangled groan, pressing her hands to her face. âI swear, Iâm not usually this trigger-happy.â
Lance smirked, folding his arms. âNo?â He arched a brow. âSo, you donât always attack strangers on sight?â
Dragging a hand down her face, she muttered, âI justâdidnât expect anyone else to be up here. I panicked, okay?â
Lance chuckled, shaking his head. âWell, I suppose I should be honored to have made such an impression.â
She mumbled something under her breath, then straightened, clearing her throat. âRight. Uh. Iâm Rosemary.â
Lanceâs lips quirked into a knowing smirk. âI know.â At her startled look, he inclined his head. âMarlon spoke quite highly of you, said you were quite proficient with a weapon.â His gaze flickered to the spot where the bomb had nearly incinerated him, amusement dancing in his obsidian-purple eyes. âI see now that he wasnât exaggerating.â
Rosemary groaned, muttering something about terrible first impressions under her breath.
Lance let out a light chuckle before offering a more formal introduction. âIâm Lance, from The First Slash Clan. Weâre a guild of adventurers protecting the Fern Islands.â He studied her for a moment, curiosity flickering in his expression. âThough I have to admit, I wasnât expecting to meet you under such⌠explosive circumstances.â
For a moment, they stood there, the tension easing as the embers from the explosion slowly faded into the ever-burning flames of the forge.
Jio, who had been listening with his usual unreadable patience, exhaled slowly and took a deliberate sip of his wine. His forest green eyes studied Lance with a look so measured it bordered on contemplative.
âSo...â he finally said, swirling the wine in his glass, âShe did try to kill you.â
Lance chuckles, tilting his head slightly. âYou sound almost relieved.â
Jio huffed, setting his glass down with a quiet clink. âIt just confirms my expectations.â He exhaled again, this time with something dangerously close to amusement curling at the edges of his voice. âShame. She shouldâve aimed better.â
The mage only let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. âYou wound me, truly.â
Jio took another sip of wine, watching him over the rim of his glass. âDid you look like a monster?â
Lance placed a hand over his heart, feigning offense. âIâd like to think I looked fairly respectable that day.â
Jio didnât bother hiding the way his lips twitched, but he said nothing.
Lance leaned back against the wooden pillar, stretching out his legs. âLucky for me, I immediately conjure a barrier. Introduced myself after she throw that bomb.â His smirk softened as his mind drifted back. âShe was flustered, obviously. But we ended up sharing a meal. Talking. Laughing.â
Jio shook his head, muttering, âYour wife nearly blew you up.â
Lance arched a brow. âYours nearly stabbed you through the skull.â
âFair...â
A pause. Then for the first time all night, the silence between them wasnât awkward. It was something else, something easier. Lance tilted his head back, gazing at the night sky. The stars stretched above them, shimmering like diamonds scattered across an endless sea of black. He exhaled slowly, then spoke again, this time without the usual teasing tone. Just honesty.
âYou know⌠I may be nosy, but itâs not just about curiosity.â He turned his head, meeting Jioâs gaze with quiet certainty. âCerise is important to you. Rosemary is important to me. So, like it or not⌠weâre family now.â
Jio studied him for a long moment, expression unreadable. Then, finally, he inclined his head slightly. âI know...â
Lance smirked, the easy confidence returning to his voice. âAnd since weâre family, I reserve the right to continue annoying you for the foreseeable future.â
Jio sighed, finishing the rest of his wine. âI shouldâve let Ceriseâs dagger hit me.â
Lance barked out a laugh, the sound rich with amusement. âToo late for regrets now, brother.â
Jio didnât respond, but there, right at the corner of his mouth was the ghost of a amusement before he turned away and just like that, something shifted between them.
No longer just two men forced together by circumstance, but family. And despite all the chaos that came with it, perhaps that wasnât such a bad thing after all.
As the night stretched on and the distant hum of the valley settled around them, they sat in companionable silence, bound by an unspoken understanding.
Both of them had married dangerous women and neither would have it any other way.
Summary: Cerise jumps to the worst conclusion, unleashes fury, then realizes her mistake while Jio quietly revels in the chaos.
The farmhouse stood quiet in the late afternoon glow, bathed in soft amber light. A faint breeze stirred the curtains, carrying with it the distant hum of the forest. The stillness was only broken by the slow creak of the front door as Lance pushed it open, supporting Rosemary with one arm.
âEasy...â he murmured, glancing down at her. His obsidian purple eyes softened with concern.
âTch. Iâm fine.â Rosemary grumbled, though her pale features said otherwise. One hand pressed against her side, a dark stain seeping through her shirt. Her rose-red hair, usually vibrant, clung to her cheek with sweat.
âYou took a hit from Apophis. Youâre not fine.â Lanceâs tone left no room for argument. He tightened his hold when she stumbled. âCome on, your roomâs closer. Youâll be more comfortable there.â
Rosemary scowled but didnât protest. The journey back from the Crimson Badlands had been rough. The encounter with Apophis had left her winded, the creatureâs strike tearing through her defenses and leaving a gash along her hip. If Lance hadnât been there... she shook the thought away.
As they entered the farmhouse, Rosemary glanced around. The place was quiet. Too quiet.
âHuh. Cerise isnât here?â she muttered, wincing as she lowered herself onto the bed in her room.
âShe mustâve gone out.â Lance said, fetching a roll of bandages and a bowl of water from the washstand. âWeâll get you patched up before sheâs back.â
Rosemary lay back with a groan. âJust hurry up. I want to sleep after this.â
Lance knelt beside her, his hands deft but gentle. âTry not to move. This might sting.â
Meanwhile, outside the farmhouse...
The front door clicked open. Cerise stepped inside, brushing a strand of beige blond hair from her face. Her twilight-hued eyes swept the room, noting the faint scuffs on the floor, a sign of recent arrival.
âRosie?â she called out.
A faint voice answered from down the hall.
âHey, Sis! Iâm here! Lanceâs with me!â
Cerise raised a brow, slipping off her bonnet. So theyâre back. A faint smile tugged at her lips. âLance, you staying for dinner?â
âIf itâs not too much trouble, then I accept. Thank you, Cerise.â came Lance's muffled reply.
Before Cerise could respond, the door behind her creaked. She turned and her expression softened immediately.
âJio.â
The brooding figure stepped in, his dark attire blending with the farmhouse shadows. His green eyes held their usual quiet intensity, but his expression softened when he saw her. Without a word, he closed the distance, wrapping his arms around her waist with practiced ease.
âI missed you.â he murmured, voice low and warm.
Cerise chuckled, resting a hand on his chest. âYou've literally seen me four hours ago.â
âFour hours is too long.â
A rare smile played at Ceriseâs lips. âYou're impossible.â
âI know.â
Their quiet moment lingered until Jio glanced toward the kitchen. âNeed help with dinner?â
Ceriseâs expression brightened. âIâd love that.â
An Hour Later...
The scent of a warm meal filled the farmhouse. The table was set. Cerise wiped her hands on a cloth, glancing at Jio, who was placing the last dish.
âIâll get them.â she said, moving toward Rosemaryâs room.
With her usual composed demeanor, she knocked on the door, voice calm but firm.
âRosie. Lance. Dinnerâs ready. If you donât come out now, itâs going to get cold.â
Inside, Lanceâs focused voice responded, âHold still. I know what Iâm doing.â
Rosemaryâs sharp retort followed, âEasy for you to say! Just hurry up and finish already!â
Cerise paused. What?
Her brows furrowed as she leaned in.
âAhâOW! Lance, gentle!â
âYou could have told me it hurt there. Iâm not a mind reader.â
Ceriseâs eyes narrowed, suspicion prickling at the edges of her calm.
...The hell?
âIâll do it myself!â, Rosemary snapped.
âAbsolutely not." Lance said firmly. âYouâll mess it up. Lie down.â
Cerise froze. Her expression darkened.
Lie down?
âI still want to breathe when youâre done!â Rosemary growled.
âRelax. Iâve done this plenty of times. Trust me.â Lanceâs teasing tone followed.
Ceriseâs entire body stiffened.
ââŚWhat the actualââ
âMove your legs to the side. Itâs hard to reach from this angle.â Lance murmured.
âUgh⌠Fine. Just get in betweenââ
BAM!
The door SLAMMED open.
Cerise stood there, deadly aura radiating from her, twilight eyes sharp as blades.
âWHAT. THE. HELL. ARE YOU DOING TO MY SISTER, YOUââ
The room fell silent.
Lance blinked, still holding a roll of bandages. Rosemary sat on the bed, skirt slightly lifted to reveal the fresh bandage along her injured hip.
ââŚCerise?â, Lance said slowly.
Rosemary tilted her head, confusion written all over her face. âSis? Uh⌠you good?â
Ceriseâs expression shifted from cold fury to blank realization. A faint blush touched her cheeks.
ââŚOh.â
Without another word, she shut the door with a swift snap.
âNever mind. Dinnerâs ready. Be out in five.â
Back in the Kitchen...
Jio glanced up from the plates, eyes narrowing slightly. âEverything alright?â
Cerise, face a mask of calm composure, poured herself tea. âNope.â
Jio studied her for a moment. The corners of his mouth twitched. âYou thought they were...?â
âDonât.â Ceriseâs voice remained flat, but the faintest flush on her cheeks betrayed her.
Jio let out a low chuckle. âYouâre more overprotective than I thought.â
âShut up.â
Meanwhile, in Rosemaryâs Room...
Rosemary stared at the closed door. âWhat the hell was that about?â
Lance secured the final knot in the bandage, glancing at her with a teasing smile.
âMaybe she thought you were dying in here with all that noise.â
Rosemary groaned, flopping back onto the bed. âMore like she thought you were killing me.â
Lance chuckled, brushing the strands from her face. âHer overprotectiveness is admirable. But Iâll have to work harder to prove I can handle you properly.â
Rosemary glared at him, cheeks flushing.
âTch. Shut up.â
Later That Evening...
The air in the farmhouse kitchen had settled into a calm warmth as dinner finally commenced. The aroma of Ceriseâs cooking filled the room, and soft clinks of cutlery echoed against the wooden walls. Rosemary sat at the table, pale but composed, her side wrapped in fresh bandages. Lance sat beside her, his movements calm and measured, occasionally glancing at her with quiet concern.
Cerise sat opposite them, maintaining her usual composed expression, though her eyes flicked to Lance every now and thenânarrow, warning. Lance, for his part, met those looks with a steady gaze, though the tension in his shoulders suggested he felt the weight behind them.
Jio sat next to Cerise, his posture relaxed, arms folded across his chest as he watched the others eat. Every so often, he would glance at Cerise, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. The memory of what heâd overheard from the hallway still lingered.
Cerise, however, kept her face stoic. She reached for her cup of tea, raising it with practiced calm.
But then, Jio leaned closer, lowering his voice so only Cerise could hear, his smirk deepening.
âQuite the scene you made earlier.â
Cerise froze, the cup halting just before her lips. Slowly, she turned her head, her twilight-hued eyes narrowing with a sharp glint.
Jioâs shoulders trembled slightlyâslightlyâas if he were struggling to contain his amusement.
And that was all it took.
Jio stiffened, the smirk faltering as sharp pain flared in his thigh. Ceriseâs hand, deceptively delicate in appearance, had clamped down with surprising strength beneath the table. Her nails pressed just enough to make her point without drawing attention.
Jio inhaled sharply through his nose, glancing down before giving Cerise a sideways look. But she only sipped her tea with perfect composure, not even glancing in his direction.
Lance and Rosemary continued eating in silence, pretending not to notice the exchange.
Jio exhaled a slow breath, a begrudging chuckle escaping. âNoted.â
The moment passed, leaving the room quiet againâat least for a while.
Then Cerise lowered her cup, eyes sharpening as she turned her gaze toward Rosemary.
âNow then.â she began, her tone calm but carrying an unmistakable edge. âMind explaining to me why youâre injured, Rose?â
Rosemary, who had been focused on her food, stiffened.
âUh...", She glanced at Lance briefly, hoping for some backup, but when she noticed the pointed stare Cerise was giving her, a bead of sweat rolled down her temple.
âWell, you seeââ
âRosemary.â Ceriseâs voice dropped a note lower.
Rosemary groaned, slumping forward slightly but straightening up when she realized Ceriseâs glare was only intensifying.
âOkay, okay! We had a little run-in with Apophis. It wasnât a big dealââ
âNot a big deal?â Cerise repeated slowly, her eyes narrowing further.
Rosemary laughed nervously, scratching the back of her head. âI mean... it couldâve been worse?â
Cerise didnât respond immediately. Instead, her sharp gaze shifted to Lance.
Lance, who had been quietly eating, paused mid-bite. He lowered his fork with deliberate care, meeting Ceriseâs gaze head-on.
The room grew still.
Ceriseâs look wasnât just one of inquiryâit was a silent reminder, one that said: You were there. You let this happen. Explain.
Lance held her gaze for a moment longer before exhaling softly.
âThe beast caught us by surprise. Rosemary fought well, but the wound wasnât something we could avoid. I took care of it.â
Ceriseâs eyes narrowed further, studying his expression for any sign of hesitation. Lance didnât flinch.
After a long pause, Cerise leaned back in her chair.
âHmph. I see.â
But the intensity of her gaze didnât waver.
Rosemary, still pale, glanced between the two of them, feeling the tension rising again.
âUhâCâmon, Sis. Itâs not like Lance wanted me to get hurt.â
Cerise gave a slow blink, gaze lingering on Lance for a few seconds longer before finally shifting back to Rosemary.
â...Fine. But next time, be more careful.â
Rosemary sighed in relief. âYeah, yeah. Got it.â
Jio, watching the whole exchange with mild amusement, glanced sideways at Cerise. The faintest trace of a smile lingered on his lips.
Cerise caught the look and, without missing a beat, gave him a subtle side-eye warning.
Jio chuckled under his breath.
The conversation shifted back to lighter topics, but an unspoken tension lingered. Ceriseâs sharp gaze had delivered its message clearlyâshe would always be watching.
Lance returned to his meal in silence, his hand brushing lightly against Rosemaryâs, a silent promise that next time, he would be ready.
A/N: After reading @studentinpursuitofclouds headcanon about the bachelors/ettes' reactions to being kidnapped for revenge or ransom only for their furious Farmer spouse to storm in and rescue them. I felt inspired. I couldnât help but write a version for Lance, blending it with my farmer OCs' backstories. Hope you enjoy the fic!
The moon loomed high over the farmhouse, casting its pale, silver glow across the quiet fields. The night was still, almost unnervingly so, with only the soft rustle of leaves stirred by a gentle breeze. The greenhouse stood as a lone beacon in the darkness, its glass panels faintly aglow, sheltering a world of warmth and life separate from the cool hush outside. Inside, Rosemary moved among rows of flourishing crops, the earthy scent of soil and faint hum of lingering magic surrounding her. Yet, despite the comforting atmosphere, a knot of unease twisted tightly in her chest.
Lance should be home by now.
He had left at dawn, that familiar confident grin on his face, promisingâpromisingâto return before sunset. She had believed him. Lance always kept his word. But now, as the hours stretched long past nightfall, the promise felt like a fading echo.
A message had come earlier, brief and reassuring. But Rosemaryâs instincts screamed otherwise. She brushed her gloved fingers over the rough skin of a void root. The dark, twisted form seemed to absorb the soft light, pulsing faintly with ancient magic. She tried to focus on the task at handâon the routineâbut her thoughts kept circling back to one question.
Why isnât he back?
Her pruning slowed. Water dripped from a nearby watering can. The silence grew thick.
Then it happened.
A chillâsharp and suddenâsliced down her spine.
Her breath hitched.
Her gloved hand froze mid-motion.
It wasnât a sound. Not a shadow shifting in the corner of her vision. No. This was deeper. Internal. Like something inside her had snapped.
No...
The comforting aura of Lanceâs magic, ever-present beside her own like a steady heartbeatâhad vanished.
Gone.
Her pulse thundered in her ears.
âNo.â
The word escaped her lips in a broken whisper. The trowel slipped from her hand, clattering against the stone path. A ragged cry tore from her throat as she stumbled back. Her gaze snapped toward the hills beyond the farmhouse. She reached inwardâdesperatelyâtrying to find the familiar pulse of his magic.
There. Faint. So faint.
But still there.
A gasp tore from her.
Lance...
Alive. Barely conscious. But alive. Reaching for her.
Her hands fumbled for her phone. The screen blurred before her eyes as her fingers darted across it, moving faster than her mind could process. Only one number mattered.
The line rang once. Twice.
âRosie?â, Her sisterâs voice answered calm as ever, but edged with concern. âWhatâs wrong?â
âCerise!!! I canât feel him.â Rosemaryâs voice cracked. âHis magic! itâs goneâI donât know whatâs happening, what does it mean?â
Silence.
A silence that stretched for only a moment but felt like a lifetime.
When Cerise finally spoke, her tone had shifted, cool, sharp, edged with something Rosemary rarely heard from her sister: fear.
âNo⌠they wouldnât.â The words came as a whisper. Then, sharper, cold with realization: âStay where you are. Iâll be there soon.â
Rosemaryâs grip tightened around the phone.
âThey must've took him.â
The words hung heavy in the air.
âThey took my husband.â
This time, her voice was low, dangerous, a quiet fury simmering beneath each syllable.
Cerise inhaled sharply on the other end of the line. âMost likely. If they couldnât get my Jio, their next move would beââ
âIâm going.â
âRoseââ
âIâm not waiting around, sister.â Rosemaryâs jaw tightened. Her ocean jade eyesâusually bright and warmânarrowed into cold flames of determination. âIâm getting my husband back. Whatever it takes.â
âRosemary, waitââ
But the call had already ended.
Without hesitation, Rosemary snatched up her sword from the greenhouse floor. The blade thrummed with her magic, responding to her rage. She pulled on her dark cloak, fastened the clasp at her neck, and slung a pouch of potions over her shoulder.
She stepped out into the night.
She didnât need a plan.
Only a direction.
Lanceâs faint magicâlike a whisper at the edge of her mindâwould guide her.
âHold on, loveâ she whispered, her voice trembling. âIâm coming.â
And nothing would stand in her way.
The room reeked of damp stone and stale air, a subterranean prison swallowed by oppressive darkness. The narrow space was barely lit by a flickering lantern that hung from a rusted chain in the corner, its dim glow casting trembling shadows across the concrete walls slick with condensation. The ceiling sagged low, pressing down like a weight upon the soul. The air itself was suffocating, thick with the scent of mold and the faint, undeniable metallic tang of old blood. A chill seeped from the stone floor, gnawing at the skin, while the silenceâbroken only by the rhythmic drip of water echoing from some distant corridorâfelt almost unnatural. But worse than the cold or the damp was the lingering, suffocating aura of magic that clung to every surface, woven into the very air. It was a cruel enchantment, designed to sap strength, to suppress power. And it was working.
Lance shifted in the chair he had been bound to, the rough rope digging into his wrists. His head hung low, dark pink hair falling messily into his face. A dull ache throbbed behind his eyes, sharp and insistent, growing worse with each breath drawn in the magic-saturated air. His eyes flickered open with slow, deliberate effort. His arms ached from the tight restraints that hummed faintly with the same suppressive power in the room. Even the smallest attempt to draw upon his magic was met with resistance, a suffocating weight that dulled the spark he relied on.
A breath slipped from his lipsâslow, frustrated, bitter.
The Second-in-Command of the First Slash Clan, renowned combat mage, captured.
Not by a rival clan worthy of his strength. Not in battle against some formidable foe.
No, by a group of low-ranking mafia thugs who had no comprehension of the power they were trifling with.
The humiliation stung, but it wasnât the real issue gnawing at him. His pride could endure this. What he could not endure was the knowledge he had failed. Failed to see the ambush coming. Failed to protect what mattered most. With all his training, all his magical prowess, he should have burned through these restraints with a flick of his wrist. But this roomâthe entire placeâreeked of the kind of magic meant to weaken him, suppress him, render him vulnerable.
Still, it wasnât his own fate that consumed his thoughts.
It was hers.
The realization cut deeper than any blade.
They werenât after him.
They were after Rosemary.
He had heard them, muffled voices beyond the door, carelessly assuming he was too weak, too broken to care. But he had listened. Every word. Every plan. The truth had struck him harder than any blow. They believed that taking him would draw her out. They thought Rosemary would come running, desperate and vulnerableâa perfect trap.
But they didnât know her.
They didnât know Rosemary.
She wasnât some fragile woman to be lured like a helpless bird. She had Ceriseâs blood in her veinsâthe blood of the Crimson Wraith.
And worse still, they didnât simply want to use her as bait. No. Their plan was far more twisted. They wanted her alive. They wanted to mold her into a weaponâa new puppet assassin forged from the only sister of the Crimson Wraith.
The thought made Lanceâs jaw tighten, his fingers twitching against the ropes. His entire being recoiled at the idea of anyone laying a hand on her. His Rosemary. His wife. The woman who had fought for her freedom, who had lived in the shadow of her sisterâs bloody past but had never allowed it to define her. They thought they could twist her into something she wasnât.
The audacity.
The rage brewed quietly beneath his composed exterior, his magic stirring despite the oppressive weight. He would burn this place to ash for even daring to think of touching her.
The door creaked open.
Rusty hinges groaned like a dying animal, breaking the stillness.
Lance lifted his head, eyes narrowing as two figures stepped into the dim light. One was tall, broad-shouldered, with a jagged scar slashing across his cheekâa permanent sneer carved into his skin. The other remained near the door, arms crossed, eyes dull with boredom.
The scarred man grinned, a slow, mocking curve of his lips.
âYou know.â he drawled, stepping forward with deliberate slowness. âNone of this wouldâve happened if you hadnât married that red-haired bitch. We didnât want you. You were never the target.â
He crouched, bringing his face close enough that Lance could smell the foul mix of tobacco and cheap liquor on his breath.
âWe wanted her sister. Cerise. She was... valuable to us. But she escaped. Left everything behind, dragging her little sister along like a coward.â
His grin widened, malicious satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.
âBut now? We have something better. You see, we realized something. What better way to replace the Crimson Wraith than with her own blood? Weâll take your precious wife, and turn her into the perfect weapon. Our new puppet.â
The words echoed in the damp room.
Lance didnât move. His expression didnât change. His face remained calm, far too calm.
But inside?
How dare you.
The air shifted.
Even bound and suppressed, his magic stirred, a quiet storm gathering, waiting. The ropes bit into his wrists, but they were nothing more than an inconvenience. He would burn this entire place to the ground before he let them touch her.
And thenâ
Footsteps.
At first faint, almost mistaken for an echo. But then louder. Steady. Unyielding.
The two mafia members stiffened. Their smug confidence faltered.
The pressure in the air built, thick and suffocating. The flickering lantern dimmed, shadows crawling further along the walls. The footsteps didnât slow.
They grew louder. Closer.
And thenâ
The door exploded inward.
Wood shattered into splinters. The force of the blast sent fragments clattering across the stone floor. The oppressive magic that had choked the room recoiled instantly. For a moment, the air itself seemed to fear the figure standing in the doorway.
Rosemary stood thereâfury incarnate.
Her rose-red hair blazed in the dim light, cascading behind her like a river of flame. Ocean jade eyes burned with unrelenting rage and fear, swirling with power she no longer cared to conceal. The aura surrounding her crackled with raw magicâa tempest on the brink of being unleashed.
âWhere...â, she whispered, her voice low, trembling with restrained wrath, âIs my husband?â
The scarred man stumbled back. âOh shit-!â he muttered in disbelief, glancing at his companion.
But the moment he movedâ
Rosemary vanished.
A flash of purple swept through the air. Her blade glinted once, a crescent of death cutting through the dim light. With a scream, the scarred man flew backward, crashing into the far wall with a sickening crunch. The second man barely had time to react before Rosemary descended on him with relentless precision. Her strikes were mercilessâgraceful yet devastating. Every movement spoke of years of training, of lessons carved into muscle and bone.
They had expected a weak sister.
They received a force of nature.
The second man crumpled to the floor without a sound.
Silence fell.
Lance remained still, his gaze fixed on the woman who had torn apart his captors without hesitation. His heart thundered in his chestânot out of fear, but awe. She had come for him. She had shattered their illusions. She was magnificent.
Rosemary turned.
Her gaze softened the moment it met his. The fury faded, replaced by something far deeperâfear, worry, desperation.
âLance.â
Her voice broke.
In two strides, she was beside him, dropping to her knees. Her hands reached for his face first, trembling as they brushed against his skin, as if afraid he would vanish.
âAre youâdid theyâ?â Her voice cracked, unable to form the question.
âIâm fine.â His voice was soft but firm, though his smile faded when he saw the tears shining in her eyes.
âNo, youâre not.â She gritted her teeth, glancing at the glowing restraints. Without hesitation, her fingers tightened around the ropes. Magic pulsed through her veins, rushing to her hands.
The ropes hissed.
With a surge of power and a cry laced with all the fear and rage she had suppressed, Rosemary ripped them apart. The restraints shattered into ash beneath her touch.
Lance didnât move. He simply watched herâwatched as she clung to him, as her shoulders shook.
âI thoughtââ she choked out, âI thought I was too late.â
Gently, Lance wrapped his arms around her.
âYou werenât.â
She buried her face in his chest. âI would have destroyed this whole place if theyâd laid a hand on you.â
âI know.â He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. âYou were perfect.â
âNo.â She pulled back slightly, her ocean jade eyes locking onto his, fierce even through the tears. âNot perfect. Just in time.â
And when Lance leaned forward to press his lips to hers, tender lingering. It wasnât simply relief that filled the space between them.
It was a promise.
A promise that no matter who came for them next, no matter what shadows lurked in the past, they would face themâtogether.
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I'll be writing stories and mini skits featuring my farmer OCs and their NPC lovers as they navigate mundane, romantic, or even chaotic moments during the holiday.
Additionally, with the recent release of Maggs Immersive Alex Romance Dialogue and Events (x)Spicy or Sweet 1.6 by @maggplays, I'll be writing one-shots about my new farmer and Alex, exploring their interactions in each cutscene. Since Iâve never written fanfics about Alex before, this will be a fun challenge for me. ( âšâ˝âš )
Summary: A word of advice, when the fortune teller warns of bad luck, donât tempt fate⌠or risk limping home from the mines.
Winter had arrived in Pelican Town, casting a chill that seemed to seep into everything. The cold winds whipped through the air, carrying snowflakes that fluttered down, blanketing the town in white. While most residents of Pelican Town sought warmth by the fireside or tended to their animals, Yvonne had different plans. After checking her kegs and making sure her animals were warm and well-fed, she grabbed her gear and made her way to the mines. Her goal: to upgrade her pickaxe. She might have been content with her farming, but Yvonne knew a stronger pickaxe would make her life a lot easier.
But before heading out, she stopped by Moonlit Mire Farm to visit her best friend, Aleia. Yvonne always marveled at Aleia's farmâhow did she do it? The crop fields stretched as far as the eye could see, filled with wintermelons and giant ones at that. A golden clock stood proudly by the fields, surrounded by fish ponds and sheds filled with her various wines and jams. Aleia had even raised a dinosaur!
Yvonne couldn't help but sweatdrop at the sheer magnitude of it all. Her friend truly was a farming demon. As she stood there, lost in thought, the door swung open, and Aleia appeared, brushing her roseate hair out of her face.
"Hey, Vonnie! What's up?" Aleia greeted, her usual cheerful self.
Yvonne grinned, despite herself. "Aleia⌠please tell me you sleep at night and aren't secretly a farming demon."
Aleia chuckled, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Hard work, my dear, and a sprinkle of obsession."
Yvonne shook her head. "Well, wanna come to the mines with me? I need to upgrade my pickaxe, and having an extra set of hands wouldn't hurt."
Aleia smirked. "You had me at âmines.â Let me grab my gear."
The two women set off towards the mountains, unaware of the fortune teller's warning that it was a bad luck day. They didnât think much of it, of course, as they were well-prepared for a day of mining, treasure hunting, and monster-slaying. Aleia was no stranger to the deeper parts of the mines, often coming out victorious even against the most vicious of foes. Her Galaxy Sword and skills were more than enough to protect herself and her friend. Yvonne, on the other hand, relied on her Obsidian Edge and her sharp instincts.
Their time in the mines started off fine. They encountered waves of monstersâslimes, rock golems, and batsâbut were able to handle them easily. Yvonneâs grip on her sword tightened as she swung it with precision, while Aleia made quick work of any approaching enemies, her sword flashing like lightning.
"Guess this day isnât as bad as the fortune teller said." Yvonne quipped, breathing heavily as another group of slimes disintegrated at her feet.
Aleia smirked, her face still calm despite the chaos. "Yeah, but we shouldnât get too cocky. The mines are always full of surprises."
Just as she spoke, the ground beneath them trembled, and a group of shadow creatures emerged from the cracks in the stone, surrounding them. Before either of them could react, they were thrust into a brutal fight. Yvonne barely had time to react before a creature swiped at her, sending her sprawling to the ground.
"Yvonne!" Aleia yelled, her voice sharp as she cleaved through another group of monsters. She rushed to her friend's side, but not before another creature lunged at her.
With quick reflexes, Aleia threw a bomb to disorient the monsters, using the distraction to scoop Yvonne up and race toward the elevator, her legs burning with exhaustion.
Yvonne, wincing in pain from her sprained ankle, protested weakly. "Aleia, you canât carry meâ"
"Donât argue with me, Yvonne." Aleia replied firmly, her voice barely a whisper as they both darted into the elevator. "Weâre getting out of here, no matter what."
As the elevator doors began to close, the sound of their enemies' footsteps echoed in the tunnel. The two women were in a race against time, the monstersâ pursuit growing louder by the second.
The elevator went upward slowly, and just as the doors began to open at the surface level, Aleia collapsed against the wall. Yvonne, barely conscious, rested her head on Aleiaâs shoulder.
"Iâm sorry." Yvonne whispered weakly. "I didnât mean to hold you back."
Aleia shook her head, smiling faintly. "Youâre my friend, Vonnie. Iâve got you."
Marlon found them shortly after, dragging them both back to the clinic. Doctor Harvey worked quickly, patching them up with the help of his assistant, Maru. Aleiaâs body was covered in bruises, blood staining her clothes, while Yvonneâs ankle was swollen and bruised.
The two women were placed in the same room, but they were too out of it to even realize what was happening. Maru kept watch, making sure they were stable, when suddenly the door flew open.
Sebastian and Sam stormed in, both panting and frantic. Maru held up a hand. "Calm down, guys. Theyâre resting."
Sebastian didnât listen. His violet eyes scanned the room, landing on Aleia first. "What the hell happened?" he demanded, his usual cool demeanor completely gone.
Maru crossed her arms. "Sheâs fine, Sebastian. Just bruises and exhaustion. Theyâll be okay."
But Sebastian wasnât convinced. He sat down beside Aleia, brushing her reddish pink hair away from her face with gentle hands. "Youâre an idiot." he muttered, voice full of frustration. "A reckless, stubborn, battle-crazed idiot."
Even unconscious, Aleia stirred, as if ready to argue back.
Meanwhile, Sam had already thrown himself onto Yvonneâs bed, cradling her like a lifeline. "Vonnie! Babe! Love of my life! Are you alive?" His voice cracked with panic.
Harvey arrived to check on his patients and only sighed, rubbing his temples. "Sam, sheâs fine. Just let her rest."
Sam didnât hear him. "Donât ever do that again!" he cried, squeezing Yvonneâs hand. "My heart canât take it!"
Yvonne, still groggy, blinked at him in confusion. "Sam, I think youâre suffocating me."
Sam immediately loosened his grip but didnât let go. "Oh. Right. Sorry. Still not letting go, though."
Sebastian, meanwhile, was still glaring at Aleia, muttering under his breath. "You really need to stop making me worry like this."
Maru smirked, clearly enjoying herself. "Like youâre one to talk. You used to sneak off to the mines all the time."
Sebastian shot her a death glare. "Not the point."
Yvonne, despite her pain, grinned weakly. "So⌠uh, bad luck day, huh?"
Aleia, still half-conscious, managed to lift her hand and smirk. "Next time⌠letâs just make tea or sleep instead."
Sebastian sighed heavily, rubbing his face. "Thatâs the first smart thing youâve said today."
Sam nodded vigorously, agreeing. "Agreed. No more death trips, just chill inside."
Harvey, already exhausted by the chaos, muttered, "Can I prescribe all of you a week of common sense?"
The room erupted into laughter, the tension easing with every chuckle. Despite the pain, exhaustion, and near-death experience
Aleia and Yvonne would probably do it all again.
Maybe.
âŚDefinitely not on a bad luck day.
Summary: Sebastian wakes up in the middle of the night to find his pregnant farmer wife, Aleia, indulging in her latest bizarre craving.
The farmhouse was bathed in moonlight, its wooden beams creaking softly in the stillness of the night. The air outside was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and distant ocean waves. Inside, everything was peaceful except for the subtle rustling of blankets and the faint creak of the bed as Aleia carefully slid out from under Sebastianâs arm.
She moved with practiced stealth, her roseate hair swaying as she tiptoed toward the door. But even with her best efforts, Sebastian stirred, his hand instinctively reaching for her in his half-asleep daze. Instead of warmth, he was met with cool, empty sheets. His brows furrowed. Sleepy or not, he knew Aleia was supposed to be there.
Dragging himself up, Sebastian ran a hand through his tousled dark plum hair, exhaling as he rubbed his face. With sluggish movements, he padded barefoot out of the room, eyes scanning the dimly lit hallway. The bathroom light was off. That ruled out his first guess.
Then, faintly, the warm glow of the kitchen flickered under the door.
Sebastian squinted. At this hour?
With quiet steps, he approached, pushing the door open slightly.
There, under the kitchenâs soft golden light, stood Aleia, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she hunched over the counter, caught in the act. Her cheeks were puffed up, stuffed with something. And in her hand? A piece of watermelon.
Sebastian raised an eyebrow. âCravings again?â
Aleia turned toward him, blinking innocently as she struggled to chew. âMhm!â she garbled, before finally swallowing. âI needed this.â
Sebastian let out a breathy chuckle, crossing his arms as he leaned against the doorframe. âWatermelon?â
She nodded enthusiastically. âItâs so juicy and sweet.â Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she reached behind her and grabbedâoh dear Yoba!âa jar of mayonnaise.
Sebastianâs expression immediately dropped.
âOh no.â he muttered, dread settling in. âNot this again.â
Aleia grinned mischievously. âOh yes.â
Without hesitation, she unscrewed the lid and like it was the most normal thing in the world, tilted the jar back, taking a long sip of mayonnaise like it was a gourmet beverage.
Sebastian visibly recoiled. âALEIA, WHY?â
She smacked her lips, sighing in contentment. âI dunno, Sebby. It just hits different.â
Sebastian stared at her, absolutely appalled. âYou used to do that before pregnancy, and I thought maybe, just maybe, youâd grow out of it. But no. No. The baby is only enabling you.â
Aleia shrugged before nonchalantly dipping her watermelon slice into the mayo and taking a delighted bite.
Sebastian looked personally betrayed. âThatâs an abomination.â
Aleia gasped dramatically. âExcuse me? This is peak cuisine.â
âThat is sacrilegious.â Sebastian countered.
âOh, and youâre one to talk?â Aleia huffed, setting down her watermelon and crossing her arms. âYou eat cold sashimi straight from the fridge at 2 AM like some kind of gremlin and think Iâm the weird one?â
Sebastian opened his mouth to argue but then paused. Damn. She had a point.
âThatâs completely different.â he muttered.
Aleia smirked. âMhm. Keep telling yourself that.â
Sebastian exhaled sharply before stepping closer, slipping his arms around her waist. Despite the culinary war crimes she was committing, he still pressed a soft kiss to her temple. âYou are so lucky I love you.â he murmured against her hair.
Aleia giggled, nuzzling into him. âI know.â
Sebastianâs hands found their way to her slightly rounded belly, rubbing slow, soothing circles. âHowâs our little night owl?â he asked softly.
Aleia hummed, resting her free hand over his. âOh, just making sure I never sleep again,â she teased. âApparently, our kid is a night creature like their dad.â
Sebastian smirked. âAt least they take after me in something.â
Aleia rolled her eyes before nudging him playfully. âYouâre really clingy, you know that?â
âYou like it.â
ââŚI do.â she admitted with a grin.
Sebastian glanced at the counter. âSo, is it just the watermelon or should I prepare myself for something worse?â
Aleia chewed her lip, suddenly looking very guilty.
Sebastian narrowed his eyes. âAleia⌠what else did you eat?â
She hesitated before mumbling, âPickles.â
Sebastian nodded slowly. âOkay, not too bad.â
âWith peanut butter.â
His expression dropped. âOh, no.â
ââŚAnd a little bit of hot sauce.â
Sebastian groaned. âSweetheart, thatâs not food.â
Aleia pouted, poking his chest. âSays the guy who hoards pumpkin soup like a dragon and refuses to share.â
Sebastian gasped, placing a hand over his heart in mock offense. âHey. That soup is sacred.â
Aleia grinned triumphantly before finishing off the last bite of her cursed watermelon. âThere. Now Iâm good.â
Sebastian sighed, shaking his head. âAlright, come on, weird cravings queen. Letâs get you back to bed before you start dipping pumpkin soup in ranch dressing.â
ââŚThatâs actually not a bad idea.â
Sebastian groaned.
With a laugh, Aleia wrapped her arms around his neck. âYou love me.â she teased.
Sebastian kissed her forehead. âThatâs the only reason Iâm putting up with this.â
Hand in hand, they walked back to their room, the dim glow of the kitchen light fading behind them. As they curled up under the covers, Sebastian wrapped his arms around her again, his warmth chasing away the nightâs chill.
âGood night, my love,â he murmured against her hair.
Aleia smiled sleepily, snuggling into his chest. âNight, Sebby.â
The farmhouse settled back into silence, the moonlight casting a soft glow over them. And despite the absolute madness of her cravings, Sebastian knew one thing for certain.
He wouldnât trade any of this for the world.
Summary: In the early morning, Sebastian wakes Aleia up to show her something special. Despite her sleepiness, she trusts him and follows him, leading to a quiet, tender moment.
The farmhouse was peaceful, an oasis of quiet in the stillness of the early morning. The moon hung low in the sky, its silver light illuminating the landscape outside. Stars scattered across the heavens like diamonds against deep indigo, but inside, the world was tranquilâexcept for Sebastian.
With a quiet groan, he silenced the alarm, the soft beep cutting through the silence. He rubbed his face, pushing his messy dark purple hair back with a tired hand, glancing over at Aleia. She lay peacefully beside him, her reddish-pink hair cascading over the pillow, lips slightly parted, breathing steadily in her sleep.
A playful smirk tugged at Sebastianâs lips as he stared at her. Waking her up was going to be a challenge. But the idea of sharing this moment with her made his heart race in ways he hadnât expected.
He slipped out of bed with care, dressing quickly in his jeans and favorite hoodie, the warmth of their bed still lingering on his skin. His leather jacket slid over his shoulders effortlessly, and he approached her side, crouching down to gently shake her shoulder.
âAleia...â he whispered, his voice soft but insistent.
She groaned, pulling the pillow closer to her face. âNo. Five more minutes...â
He chuckled, brushing a lock of her roseate hair from her face. âItâs not five minutes, sweetheart. You need to get up.â
Aleia cracked one eye open, her gaze instantly narrowing at him. âSebastian... Itâs the middle of the night!â
He grinned, crossing his arms. âItâs three in the morning, actually. Time to rise.â
âThatâs... Even worse!â she muttered, curling deeper into her pillow. âWhy would you wake me up at demon hours?â
Sebastian laughed, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. âBecause Iâve got a surprise for you. Trust me. Get dressed, and meet me outside.â
Before she could protest any further, he stood and walked toward the door, leaving her with little room for argument. Aleia groaned, but despite her protests, she eventually gave in. She slipped on her favorite cozy sweater and jeans, boots clicking on the wooden floor as she stepped outside into the cool night air.
Sebastian waited by his motorcycle, his posture casual, but his eyes alight with a mischievous glint.
âSeriously? A motorcycle?â Aleia raised an eyebrow. âYou better have a good reason for dragging me out here at this ungodly hour.â
He tossed her a helmet with a grin. âIâve got a good reason. Now hop on.â
She sighed dramatically but climbed onto the bike anyway, wrapping her arms around his waist. âIf I fall asleep and fall off, thatâs on you.â she muttered into his back.
Sebastian chuckled as the engine hummed to life beneath them. âIâd catch you, donât worry.â
The ride was quiet, the world around them enveloped in darkness. Aleia rested her cheek against his back, letting the wind ruffle her hair. Her exhaustion from being pulled out of bed faded slowly, replaced by the trust she had in him, the trust that had only grown stronger over time.
After what felt like an eternity, he pulled to a stop, and Aleia blinked, looking up at the at the surroundings.
âThe Summit?â she asked, her voice thick with grogginess.
Sebastian helped her off the bike, pulling a pair of blankets from the side storage. âYep. I promise, itâll be worth it. Come on.â
With his hand firmly in hers, they hiked up the final stretch of the trail, the mountain air growing thinner and colder with each step. But nothing mattered except the space between themâclose enough to feel the heat of his hand, to hear the quiet rhythm of their breaths. It was just them, and the world was waiting.
When they reached the peak, Aleia gasped, awestruck by the view that stretched before her. The valley lay below, bathed in the faint light of the approaching dawn, rivers reflecting the stars. The sky itself seemed to be awakening, shifting from dark to lighter shades of purple and orange as the first touch of the sunâs rays began to bleed across the horizon.
Sebastian spread a blanket across the cool ground, patting the space beside him. Aleia sat down beside him, rubbing her arms against the cold. Without hesitation, Sebastian draped his jacket over her shoulders, pulling her into his side.
She exhaled, resting her head on his shoulder. âOkay, I admit it. This is pretty amazing.â
âI told you.â he murmured, his lips curling into a satisfied smile.
Aleia looked up at him, a playful glint in her eyes. âSo... You just decided, âHey, letâs wake up my wife in the middle of the night, make her trek up a mountain, and then show her the sunriseâ?â
Sebastian gave her a teasing grin. âPretty much.â
âYouâre the worst.â she groaned, nudging him lightly with her shoulder.
âAnd yet, you married me.â he replied, his voice smooth, full of quiet pride.
She rolled her eyes but couldnât suppress the smile that tugged at her lips. Her hand found his, their fingers lacing together as they both stared at the sky in silence. The world around them was so still, so peaceful, and for the first time in a long while, Aleia felt completely at ease.
Then, slowly, the sun began to rise. The sky shifted from dusky purples to shades of pink, gold, and fiery orange, bathing the landscape in warmth. Aleiaâs breath caught, the beauty of it overwhelming. She couldnât look away.
âItâs beautiful...â she whispered, her voice soft, as if afraid to disturb the moment.
Sebastian, however, wasnât looking at the sunrise. His eyes were on her.
âYeah.â he murmured, his gaze never leaving her face. âIt really is.â
Aleia turned to him, her heart skipping at the tenderness in his expression. His deep midnight purple eyes were filled with something she couldnât quite name, but she could feel it, love, perhaps, or something deeper.
âI meant the sunrise, dork,â she teased, her voice affectionate.
Sebastian smirked, that same playful spark returning to his eyes. âThe sunrise is nice,â he said softly, âbut you, Aleia⌠Youâre breathtaking.â
She laughed, her cheeks flushing. âOh my God, that was so cheesy.â
He chuckled, leaning in close, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, âYou love it.â
ââŚI do.â she admitted with a smile, warmth flooding her chest.
Sebastian cupped her cheek with one hand, his thumb brushing gently over her skin. âI love you, Aleia.â
Her heart soared. She leaned into his touch, her own hand coming to rest on his. âI love you too, Sebby.â
And as the sun continued to rise above them, painting the world in its golden glow, Sebastian leaned in, pressing his lips to hers in a slow, lingering kiss. The world felt like it paused for just a momentânothing else mattered except for the two of them, together, here, in this perfect slice of time.
When they finally pulled apart, Aleia grinned, resting her forehead against his. âOkay, fine. Waking up early was worth it.â
Sebastian chuckled, holding her closer, the warmth of his embrace making the morning chill feel miles away. âTold you.â
They sat there in comfortable silence, watching as the sun bathed Stardew Valley in golden light, knowing that whatever challenges the future may hold, they would always have each other and moments like this one.
Mod: "Maggs Immersive Sebastian Dialogue and Custom Events Spicy or Sweet" by @maggplays
The sun is up high in the cloudless, brilliant blue sky, its warm rays kissing the white sand of the beach. The sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore mixes with a gentle breeze, creating a peaceful and perfect atmosphere. But there's something more. A rhythmic melody fills the air, its captivating notes drawing a small crowd of passersby.
Curious, people gather around the source of the music, their eyes locked on four young friends who are playing their musical instruments. Sam strums his guitar with skilled fingers, creating a mellow and resonant sound. Next to him, Sebastian passionately plays his keytar, adding a hint of modernity to the tune. Aleia's nimble hands move over the strings of her mini harp, producing a soft and delicate melody that intertwines with the others. And finally, Abigail plays her flute with a joyful expression, her sweet and high-pitched notes completing the harmony.
People listen intently, their faces lit up with appreciation and delight. The friends play with a natural and easy chemistry, as if the music flows through them like a second language. They move in sync, their eyes sometimes meeting and exchanging grins. The crowd is captivated by the beauty of their performance, and some even start to sway and clap along to the beat.
And as the last notes of their performance echo through the air, the friends let out sighs of contentment. They exchange smiles, their eyes sparkling with a mixture of satisfaction and pride. The crowd around them applauds enthusiastically, the sound mixed with the cheers and whistles of appreciation.
Mod: "Maggs Immersive Sebastian Dialogue and Custom Events Spicy or Sweet" & "Maggs Immersive Sam Romance Dialogue and Events (x)Spicy or Sweet 1.6" by @maggplays
A/N: Got this idea by my boyfriend's midnight musings. I find it pretty amusing and it inspired me to write this. This is my first post for this year, 2025. Enjoy! đ
Summary: Lance couldn't resist the urge to have a late-night chat with his sleep-deprived farmer.
It's currently night time in the Highlands, and after a late-night expedition exploring the cliffs and caves, Rosemary is too tired to go home, so she decides to sleep at her boyfriend's outpost. Lance doesn't mind, at least he gets to spend time with his beloved farmer. As they're going to sleep, the mage can't help but have random thoughts crossing his mind.
"Sweetheart, would you still love me if I were a worm?", Lance quietly asked his sleepy girlfriend.
Rosemary grunted and turned over in his arms, looking at him with her tired turquoise eyes. "What brought this on?", she asked, her voice heavy with sleep. Lance knew why he loved this woman. Instead of complaining about the late hour or ignoring him until he shoved her awake, Rosemary genuinely cared and took his late-night musings seriously - it was just part of who he was.
"I dreamed I was a human.", Lance said with total seriousness. "Like, just a regular human with no magic whatsoever."
"Sounds mundane.", Rosemary mused, trying to stay awake despite her drowsiness. Lance nodded and continued, "It was okay, but then I met you in that dream. And you were different, too. You were a warrior, strong and beautiful. But you wouldn't speak to me, just ignored me completely. It was like you didn't even know who I was."
Rosemary frowned but remained silent, thinking through Lance's words. He could tell she was trying to make sense of his dream-induced thoughts.
Lance took a deep breath and continued. "And the next thing I knew, I was a worm, just wriggling around in the earth. I thought 'How did this happen?' And you know what I realized, Rose?" Lance asked, pulling her even closer to his chest.
Rosemary nodded, her eyelids starting to feel heavier with each passing second, but she knew she needed to stay awake to hear his thoughts. She had learned that Lance's dreams were never really about the literal transformations he experienced but rather about some underlying fear or worry he had within him. And so, she listened.
"It was because you didn't love me as a human.", he revealed, his voice cracking slightly. "And since you didn't love me, there was no way you could ever love me as a worm. You wouldn't even acknowledge me in the dream, no matter how much I tried to talk to you."
Rosemary only rolled her eyes at Lance's revelation. She could see how upset he was and tried to comfort him. "Oh, love..." she began, but Lance cut her off.
"But then I thought, what if we were both worms?", Lance asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. Rosemary rolled her eyes again at his persistent questioning. "Then we'd be digging the earth together forever in wormy marriage," she replied, before yawning heavily. "Does that make you feel better, love?"
Lance's face broke into a broad smile, and he nodded. "Yes, I think it does," he said, relieved that he could confide in his girlfriend. "I'm sorry for waking you." he apologized, feeling a little embarrassed. Rosemary gently caressed his cheek, telling him it was okay. "It's alright." she reassured him.
Finally, she couldn't help but ask, "And what about you, love? Would you still love me if I was a worm?"
Lance pretended to think deeply about her question for a few moments, then answered seriously. "Worms are the most detestable creatures on Earth. I could never love you if you were one," he said with disdain.
Rosemary's mouth dropped open in surprise, then she burst into fits of laughter. She playfully hit him with a pillow for his blunt answer. "Don't be so mean, Lance!"
Lance grinned sheepishly, realizing his mistake. "Alright, I admit that was a bit harsh there." he conceded. "But you have to admit, worms are pretty repulsive."
Rosemary couldn't refute his point. They were both exhausted, and their random musings were starting to wear thin. But Lance wasn't quite done yet.
"Seriously, what would you do if we both suddenly woke up as worms?" Lance asked curiously.
Rosemary sighed, resigned to the fact that she wouldn't be getting back to sleep anytime soon. "Well..." she began thoughtfully, "I suppose we'd have to adjust to our new wormy lives together. I bet we could dig tunnels in the earth and make a cozy nest for us."
Lance nodded, somewhat impressed by her practicality, but still found worms repulsive. "And what about us as worms? Would we still... you know." Lance's voice trailed off, unable to articulate the rest of his question.
Rosemary giggled, guessing where his mind was heading. "Lance, we'd be worms. That's not exactly an ideal situation for that kind of activity. But who knows, maybe we'd still manage to find our own wormy way to show affection," she said with a chuckle. "Let's rest now, okay? We can continue these wild thoughts in the morning. I have a feeling you'll be even more ridiculous when you're not sleep-deprived."
Lance chuckled, realizing his tired mind was indeed making the conversation more bizarre. "Yes, you're right, love," he said, hugging her closer. "Let's get some sleep, and we can laugh about all of this in the morning."
Rosemary snuggled up to him and smiled. "Good night, Lance. I love you, regardless of whether you're a mage, a human, or even a worm."
Lance leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. "I love you too, Rosemary. Sleep well."
As the two drifted off to sleep together, wrapped in each other's arms, the conversation shifted from magical transformations to the simplicity of their love, proving that it surpassed all boundaries, be it human or worm.
A/N: Here's another inspired fanfic from Maggs Immersive Sebastian mod, its based on one of its cutscenes. There's even a hint of Sam X OC. Although, I should've post something on Christmas but I was too occupied with my cake business. To compensate for that, I will be sharing fanfictions that are related to Christmas or the Feast of the Winter Star from Stardew Valley. This is a pretty lengthy fanfic. Enjoy!
It's a beautiful morning in winter, and after finishing her daily farming errands, Aleia decides to pay a visit to her friend Sam's place to drop off some packages that Jodi ask for. She knocks on the door and enters, finding Sam strumming his guitar on the couch. The guitarist looks up and smiles when he sees Aleia, putting his guitar aside and standing up to greet her. "Hey! Aleia! What brings you here?" he asks, his voice warm and friendly.
Aleia walks over to him, holding out the packages in her hand. "Just dropping off these for your mom, Jodi." she replies, returning his smile. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
"Nah, not at all." Sam shakes his head. "Come on in, I don't mind the company."
He gestures for her to sit down on one of the chairs and plops back down on the couch. Aleia takes a seat, setting the packages down on the coffee table. She notices that Sam's eyes seem to be studying her a bit more closely than usual, and she wonders what's on his mind.
"Speaking of company." Sam says suddenly, breaking the silence. "Have you heard about the new songs Seb and I have been working on?"
Aleia's curiosity is piqued and she shakes her head. "No, I haven't. I didn't know you guys were working on something new." she replies, her voice tinged with interest.
Sam grins, looking excited. "Yeah, we've been writing like crazy lately." he says, his voice full of pride. "Sebastian has been writing some amazing stuff, and we've got some killer new tunes that we're really proud of."
Aleia raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Really? That's great." she says, her interest growing. "What kind of stuff has Sebastian been writing?"
"Well, that's the thing." Sam leans back on the couch, a sly look on his face. "It's not the usual stuff he writes. Most of his songs are dark and moody, all about feelings and life. But lately, he's been writing some love songs."
Aleia's eyes widen in surprise. "Sebastian, writing love songs? That's not what I would've expected from him." She can't help but feel a mix of disbelief and curiosity.
"I know, right?" Sam laughs. "That's why I was so surprised when he showed me what he was working on. I've known that guy since we were kids and in all that time, he never even hinted about liking anyone. But now, it's like he's suddenly woken up or something."
Aleia's mind is buzzing with questions, but she tries to keep her expression neutral. "What do you mean?" she asks, her voice light and casual.
"Well..." Sam shrugs, "Seb has always been kind of reserved and quiet, you know? He doesn't talk much, and he keeps to himself. But lately, it, seems like he's more interested in what's going on around town. He's been talking more, mostly about you, actually."
Aleia's heart skips a beat, and she hopes that Sam doesn't notice her reaction. "Me? Why me?" she asks, her voice betraying a hint of surprise and nervousness.
"Hell if I know." Sam says with a shrug. "But I can tell you one thing, Sebastian has never been interested in anyone before now."
Aleia's ears feel warm, a slight blush appearing on her face. She can't help but wonder if Sebastian really feels that way about her, and she's both intrigued and slightly embarrassed by the thought.
Sam continues, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You should hear some of those songs he's been writing. They're totally sappy, and they all have a certain someone in common."
Aleia's heart beats faster at Sam's words, and she can feel her face getting warmer. She can't believe what she's hearing, but she can't deny the fluttering in her stomach either. She doesn't know how to respond, so she just laughs awkwardly instead.
"I didn't believe it either but" Sam says, his voice dropping lower. "Seb, who's never even hinted about liking anyone before, is suddenly writing sappy songs. It's really something to see. I should say that even though the lyrics are really unusual for Seb, the songs are freaking amazing. There are some crazy swells and breaks in there. So it's pretty hilarious to see him so flustered over you."
Aleia swallows hard, trying to keep her voice steady. "I see." she says, hoping that she doesn't sound too nervous.
Sam grins, enjoying the effect his words are having on her. "I mean, he's really good-looking, right? So it's not like he couldn't get a date, he's just never been interested. But then you came to town."
Aleia can't help but feel a flutter in her stomach at Sam's words. She wonders if it's true, if Sebastian really does feel that way about her. A part of her is flattered, but another part is a little scared of what it all means.
Sam continues, his voice a mix of amusement and teasing. "It's wild to see, my best bro is finally in lo-!"
Suddenly, Sam cuts off and freaks out, "YOU DIDN'T HEAR THAT, I SAID NOTHING! Forget that last part! Seb already hates that I can't keep a secret."
Aleia can't help but chuckle at Sam's reaction, her nervousness momentarily put at ease by his frantic behavior.
"Anyway..." Sam says, quickly recovering his composure. "Come by next Saturday when we're practicing here at my house. Tell me what you think of the new tunes! I bet it'll blow you away."
Aleia smiles, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation at the thought. She nods, "Sure, I'd really love to hear the new songs."
Just then, Sebastian appears in the doorway, and notices the two, "Oh.. hey, I uh... I can come back later." He starts to turn around, clearly uncomfortable being in the room with them.
Sam grins at Sebastian's appearance. "Huh? Hey Seb, don't leave! C'mon, I was just telling Aleia about some of our new songs, let's play one and see what she thinks!"
Sebastian glares at Sam, obviously annoyed that his friend is being so carefree and candid about his songwriting. He looks over at Aleia, his expression neutral, but his eyes betraying a hint of nervousness.
Aleia gives him a small smile, not wanting him to feel uneasy. "I wouldn't mind hearing one of the new songs." she says, trying to sound nonchalant.
Sebastian hesitates for a moment but then eventually sighs, nodding his head. "Alright, if you really want to hear it." he mutters with a small smile as walk towards to his piano keyboard.
Sam jumps up, picking up his guitar from the couch, "Yeah, let's do this!" He grins at Aleia and Sebastian, clearly eager to get started.
Sebastian takes a seat in front of the piano, adjusting his fingers on the keys. Sam positions himself next to his friend, his guitar ready to start playing. The pair exchange a look, silently communicating their readiness to begin. Sam starts strumming the opening chords and Sebastian follows, his fingers dancing over the keys with practiced ease.
As the music fills the room, Aleia is surprised at just how beautiful it sounds. The melody is captivating and the two instruments weave together perfectly. She can't help but close her eyes, getting lost in the music.
The song continues, the notes growing more intense as the lyrics start to come in. Sebastian's voice is deep and passionate as he sings the words, and Aleia's heart skips a beat at the emotion in his voice.
Aleia opens her eyes, her gaze fixed on Sebastian. His eyes are closed as he sings, a look of concentration and vulnerability on his face. She can't help but feel as though the words are being sung directly to her.
The song continues, the lyrics become more intense and personal, and Aleia can feel her heart racing in her chest. She can't help but notice that the words seem to express a deep longing and admiration for someone special.
The song reaches its climax, and the notes become even more intense. Sebastian's voice rises, full of raw emotion, and the music seems to fill the entire room. As the final notes ring out, the room falls into silence for a moment, and Aleia's heart pounds at the beauty of it all.
Sam glances over at Aleia, a big grin on his face. He's clearly proud of their performance. Sebastian, on the other hand, seems tense, like he's awaiting her reaction.
Aleia is still processing everything she just heard, her heart racing and her mind buzzing. The intensity of the song has left her feeling a mix of emotions. She looks at Sebastian, her eyes meeting his for a moment before she looks away, feeling suddenly shy.
Sam, sensing the tension in the room, breaks the silence first, "So, what'd you think? Pretty great, huh?" Sam asks, his voice a little too cheerful, obviously trying to break the discomfort.
Aleia takes a moment to steady her voice, "It...it was incredible. I-I had no idea that you could write something like that." She glances at Sebastian, who looks relieved, but still a bit on edge.
Sam claps his hands together, clearly satisfied with her reaction. "I told you it was good! Even Seb here can write a good love song when he wants to." he teases, winking at Sebastian, who blushes and rolls his eyes, still a little embarrassed.
"Shut up, Sam." Sebastian grumbles, his face reddening a little but unable to hide the small smile on his face. Aleia watches the interaction, a smile forming on her face as well.
Sam laughs and jabs Sebastian's shoulder playfully, teasing him even more. Aleia can't help but chuckle at their banter. It's clear that the two have a long friendship and a close bond. As the two boys continue to tease and banter back and forth, Aleia takes a few moments to collect her thoughts and steady her racing heart. She has a lot to process after hearing that song, and the emotions it had stirred in her are still coursing through her veins.
Just then, Sebastian suddenly interrupts the lighthearted banter, addressing Sam with a sly grin. "You know, you're one to talk about love songs. When are you going to finally confess to that blonde farmer you've been crushing on?"
Sam's reaction is instant, his face blushing as he scrambles to deny the accusation. "What? No! I don't have a crush on her!" he exclaims, his voice a bit too high pitched.
Aleia's ears perk up as she hears Sebastian mention "blonde farmer." The only farmer with light blond hair that she knows of is her friend, Yvonne. A smirk forms on her face, and she can't resist joining in on the fun.
"Oh really, Sam?" she says, a teasing tone to her voice. "You have a crush on my fellow farmer friend?"
Sam looks panicked, his face turning a deeper shade of red. "No, no, no, it's not like that at all! I mean, she's a really nice person, and also pretty, sweet and very hardworking, but I don't have a crush on her or anything!" he protests, his voice a little too loud.
Sebastian lets out a hearty laugh, enjoying his friend's embarrassment. "Yeah, sure. You just happen to blush every time she's around and stare at her like a lovesick puppy."
Sam glares at Sebastian, clearly annoyed by his friend's relentless teasing. "I do not look at her like that! And I definitely don't blush every time she's around!" he insists, his voice faltering a little.
Aleia can't help but find the whole situation amusing, especially with Sam's vehement denials. She glances at Sebastian, who is still chuckling at his friend's discomfort. Despite Sam's protests, the emo seems unconvinced. He raises an eyebrow at his friend, a sly smile on his face. "Right, right. You just happened to know her favorite food, her favorite color, and every detail about her that only a boyfriend would know, but you don't have a crush on her."
Sam's cheeks turn even more red, and he looks like he's about to explode from embarrassment. "I...I just pay attention, that's all. Anyone could figure that stuff out if they spent enough time with her." he mumbles, avoiding eye contact.
As if on cue, there's a knock on the door, and everyone turns to look. Yvonne, who just so happens to be the farmer with blond hair, is standing at the entrance with a puzzled expression on her face.
Sam, who is still trying to calm his reddened face, stammers out a greeting. "H-Hey Y-Yvonne. W-What brings you here?"
Yvonne notices Sam's flushed cheeks and gives him a concerned look. "Are you feeling okay, Sam? You look like you're running a fever." she says, taking a step closer to him.
Sebastian tries to hide a smirk, finding the whole situation amusing, while Aleia bites her lip to hold back a laugh.
Sam quickly shakes his head, trying to brush off Yvonne's worry. "No, no, I'm fine. Just...a little warm, that's all." he replies, his voice cracking a bit.
Yvonne isn't convinced and reaches up to feel his forehead. "You sure? You feel a bit hot to me." she says, still looking concerned.
The room is filled with an awkward silence as Sebastian and Aleia try to stifle their giggles, watching Sam's flustered state. The guitarist tries to maintain his composure, but he can feel his heart racing as Yvonne's hand touches his forehead. He clears his throat, his voice slightly higher pitched than usual. "Really, I'm fine. Just... got a little distracted, that's all."
Yvonne studies him for a moment more before withdrawing her hand. "Okay, if you say so. But if you start feeling unwell, be sure to take care of yourself."
Sebastian can't resist poking fun at his friend once more, "Yeah, maybe you should rest. You do look pretty flushed. Must be those 'distractions' you've been having lately." he teases, glancing at Aleia with a smirk.
Sam shoots a glare at Sebastian, his face still red. "Shut up, Seb. I'm fine, okay? Just ignore this idiot." he says, gesturing towards Sebastian.
Yvonne looks back and forth between the two boys, clearly puzzled by their banter. She turns to Aleia, who has been silently watching the whole scene unfold. Aleia gives her a small smile, trying to hide her amusement. "Don't worry about them. They're always like this. Just ignore their teasing and they'll stop eventually." she reassures.
Yvonne nods in understanding, "Alright, I'll take your word for it." Then she shifts the topic to the reason she came here in the first place. "Anyway, I've been searching for you, Aleia. I need some help with my flowers. I'm planning to put them in my floral kegs, but I'm not sure which ones are edible. Can you give me a hand?"
Aleia snaps out of her amusement and turns her attention to Yvonne. "Of course, I'd be happy to help. Just show me what flowers you have and I'll let you know which ones are safe to put in your floral kegs." she says, her previous amusement replaced by attentiveness.
Yvonne smiles, clearly relieved to have found someone who can assist her. "Thanks, Aleia. I really appreciate it." Then she grabs Aleia's hand and waves goodbye to the two boys. "We'll be going now. Thanks for your time, guys."
Sebastian waves back, while Sam gives the girls a nod, still recovering from his earlier embarrassment.
As the two girls exit Sam's house and walk towards the farm, Aleia glances over at Yvonne. "So, you're planning to make flower-infused drinks with your flowers? That's a creative idea."
Yvonne nods, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yeah, I thought it would be a nice way to add a bit of flair to my homemade drinks. But I'm not sure which ones are edible and safe, so I need your help to figure out which flowers are okay to use."
Aleia nods, her knowledge kicking in. "Sure, no problem. I know a few things about which flowers are edible and which ones aren't. We can go through your collection and figure it out together."
As they arrive at Rosewood Farm and start sorting through the flowers, Aleia's mind goes back to the song Sebastian had sung earlier. The passionate lyrics and the intensity in his voice had left an impression on her. She can't help but blush a little as she recalls it.
Noticing Aleia's slight flush and lost expression, Yvonne gives her a puzzled look. "Are you okay? You seem distracted." she asks with a hint of worry.
Aleia snaps out of her thoughts and glances at Yvonne, quickly trying to compose herself. "Oh, I'm fine. Just got lost in thought for a moment." she replies, her voice slightly unsteady.
Yvonne eyes her skeptically, clearly not fully convinced by the explanation. "You sure? You seem a bit flustered." she states, a small smirk forming on her lips.
Aleia sighs, realizing that Yvonne isn't going to easily drop the subject. She shrugs nonchalantly and feigns a smirk. "I'm fine, really. Must be the warm weather. Let's get back to the flower picking, shall we?"
Yvonne chuckles a little, still a bit suspicious, but decides to let it go for now. "Alright, if you say so. But I'm no fool, I know there's something on your mind."
The two girls return to their work, focusing on the task at hand. Aleia tries her best to push the thoughts of that song and Sebastian out of her head, but the melody and the emotions it had stirred within her linger in the corners of her mind.
Despite her efforts, Aleia's thoughts continue to wander back to the song and Sebastian throughout the flower sorting process. No matter how much she tries to focus on the task at hand, her mind keeps returning to the sound of the piano and the intense emotions that the words of the lyrics had stirred within her.
Eventually, the two girls finish sorting through the flowers, and Aleia bids Yvonne farewell. As she turns to leave, her mind is still filled with the memories of the song and the way it had touched her heart.
Here are some screenshots:
Mod: "Maggs Immersive Sebastian Dialogue and Custom Events Spicy or Sweet" by @maggplays
A/N: After my playthrough with the new update of the Immersive Sebastian mod by maggplays, I got inspired to write this fanfic based on one of its cutscenes. And this is my made-up gift for not posting anything during Sebastian's birthday. This is a pretty lengthy fanfic. Enjoy!
Summary: Sebastian finds himself lost in memories of his time with his farmer. The experience proves to be both nostalgic and bittersweet, but ultimately serves as a reminder of the love and connection they share.
Sebastian stood in the snow-covered town square, watching the familiar, yet transformed scene of Pelican Town. The usually lively place was even more magical in winter, with every surface covered in a sparkling blanket of snow. Icicles dripped from the bare branches of the trees, and pine boughs were tied to the streetlights and garlands strung from the light poles. The air was crisp and cold, and the scent of pine and wood smoke mingled with the usual earthy smells of the town.
As the memories of the past year flashed through his mind, replaying like a film. He remembered the first time he had met Aleia, the new farmer who had moved into Pelican Town in the spring. He had been suspicious and dismissive of her, not expecting their relationship to mean much to him at the time but as the weeks went by, Sebastian's feelings towards Aleia had grown, without him even realizing it at first. He found himself looking forward to her visits to the carpenter shop, and they had developed a habit of chatting and spending time together during her "errands" around town.
Despite his usual stoicism, Sebastian found himself opening up to Aleia more and more as they spent time together. He started to trust her and look forward to their conversations, enjoying the sound of her voice and the way her eyes lit up when she talked about something she was passionate about.
In the summer, Sebastian realized that his feelings for Aleia were more than just casual friendship. He began to see her in a different light, and he couldn't ignore the flutter in his stomach when she smiled at him. Sebastian tried to push down his feelings, telling himself that it was just a phase and that he didn't want to ruin their friendship.
But as autumn arrived, Sebastian's feelings for Aleia only grew stronger. He found himself thinking about her constantly, missing her presence whenever she wasn't around. The thought of her being with someone else made him feel a burning jealousy that he couldn't ignore.
It was at this point that Sebastian knew he had to make a decision. He couldn't keep hiding his feelings any longer. But even with this realization, Sebastian still felt hesitant. How could he risk his friendship with Aleia on the chance that she might feel the same way?
Sebastian's heart raced as he tried to make sense of his conflicting emotions. He knew he couldn't keep avoiding the issue any longer, yet the thought of confessing his feelings to Aleia and potentially damaging their friendship was terrifying. He cared deeply for her, but he wasn't sure if his feelings were reciprocated, and the thought of putting their bond on the line made him feel nauseous.
In the end, by the time Sebastian gathered his courage and confessed his feelings to Aleia and to his surprise, she reciprocated. Aleia revealed that she was aware of his feelings but had chosen not to take the first step, wanting to give him time to open up on his own terms. Their mutual confession marked the beginning of their romantic relationship.
Sebastian's heart soared with relief and joy as he heard Aleia's response. He couldn't believe that his feelings were mutual, and that she had been patiently waiting for him all this time. The knowledge that she cared for him just as deeply as he did for her filled him with a sense of happiness and excitement for the future.
Over the next few weeks, Sebastian and Aleia continued to explore their newfound relationship. They spent more time together, going on romantic walks and spending cozy evenings at each other's homes. Sebastian found himself opening up to Aleia in ways he never had before, sharing his hopes and fears, and finding comfort in her steady presence. In turn, Aleia opened up to him as well, revealing parts of herself that she had kept hidden before.
Their relationship was not without its challenges, however. Sebastian still battled with his own insecurities and doubts, wondering if he was good enough for Aleia and if their relationship would last. Aleia on the other hand, struggled with her own demons, struggling to open up fully to Sebastian after having been hurt in the past. But they worked together to overcome these obstacles, communicating openly and working through their issues as a team. Through it all, their love for each other grew stronger and they supported each other through the difficult times. Sebastian found himself feeling more fulfilled and happy than he had ever been before, and Aleia felt a sense of safety and love that she had never experienced with anyone else. Their relationship was a true partnership, built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect. However, just as they were settling into their new relationship, Sebastian's thoughts turned to their future. He knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Aleia, and he couldn't help but wonder if marriage was in the cards for them someday.
One day, as they were lying in bed together, Sebastian gathered the courage to bring up the subject. "Babe." he said, taking her hand in his, "There's something I've been thinking about."
Aleia turned to look at him, her eyes soft and curious. "What is it?" she asked, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
Sebastian took a breath, trying to keep his voice steady. "I was just thinking...about us. About our future." He looked down at their intertwined hands, feeling a little nervous. "I know we've only been together for a few months, but I can't help but wonder...Do you ever think about us getting married someday?"
Aleia looked at him for a moment, her expression unreadable. Sebastian's heart raced as he waited for her response, wondering if he had rushed things by bringing up the topic of marriage. Finally, Aleia spoke up, her voice gentle but clear. "You know, I've been thinking about that too." she said, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I have to admit, the thought of being your wife someday...It's pretty appealing."
Sebastian's heart skipped a beat at her words, and a wide grin spread across his face. "Really?" he asked, not quite believing it. "You've thought about marrying me?"
Aleia laughed softly, poking him in the ribs. "Of course I have." she said, feigning offense. "What you think I'm not interested in being with you for the rest of my life?"
Sebastian chuckled, feeling a wave of relief and joy wash over him. "No, I just... I guess I wanted to make sure that we were on the same page." he said, bringing her hand to his lips and pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. "Because I can't imagine my life without you."
Aleia smiled at him, her eyes shining with love. "Yoba, you're such a sap." she teased, but her tone was affectionate. "But me too. I can't imagine being with anyone else but you. So... yes, Sebby. I do think about us getting married someday."
Sebastian felt a wave of happiness wash over him at her words. He drew her closer, burying his face in her hair. "I'm so glad." he murmured, his voice muffled. "I was afraid you might think it was too soon to be talking about this stuff."
Aleia wrapped her arms around him, rubbing her hand up and down his back. "It's not too soon." she said firmly. "We may have only been together for a few months, but we've known each other for longer than that. And I know that I want to be with you for the rest of my life."
Sebastian closed his eyes, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. He couldn't believe how lucky he was to have found someone like Aleia, who was willing to talk about their future together and was just as committed to their relationship as he was. "I love you." he whispered, hugging her tighter.
Aleia snuggled closer, resting her head on his chest. "I love you too." she replied, her voice soft and sweet. They lay there for a while in comfortable silence, basking in the warm glow of their feelings for each other and pondering the possibilities of their future together.
Sebastian stood outside, the rain drenching his hair and clothes. He walked towards the beach, his feet splashing through the wet sand. The tidepools shimmered in the distance, their shallow waters teeming with sea life, he noticed an old mariner standing in the rain.
"Ah, I can see it in yer eyes. There be someone special in yer heart. Just so happens I'm sellin' a mermaid pendant.", the old mariner said as Sebastian approaches him.
Sebastian's eyes fell on a small, shimmery necklace that caught his eye. It was a mermaid's pendant, its iridescent surface glinting in the dim light. He felt a surge of excitement as he looked at the pendant. He knew the legend behind it, and the fact that an old mariner was selling it at the beach seemed like a sign. Finally, he made up his mind and bought it.
As Sebastian made the purchase, the mariner gave him a knowing smile. "This is a special pendant, lad." he said, his voice gravelly but kind. "Give that to yer intended and they'll know exactly what you mean."
Sebastian felt a shiver run down his spine as the old mariner spoke. He knew that this pendant was meant for his lover, and the thought of giving it to her made his heart race with anticipation. He thanked the old mariner and tucked the pendant safely away in his pocket, the rain still falling around him.
Sebastian walked back towards his home, the sound of the rain and the sand under his feet the only sounds in the otherwise quiet night. He thought about how he would surprise Aleia with the pendant, and how he would ask her to marry him. The thought of proposing to her both thrilled and terrified him and he felt a mix of emotions stirring inside him.
As he reached the doorstep of his home, Sebastian took a deep breath and shook himself off, trying to dispel the rainwater from his hair and clothes. He reached into his pocket and felt the cool surface of the pendant, the weight of it a constant reminder of his decision to propose to Aleia.
He entered the house, his mind already racing with ideas for how to ask Aleia for her hand in marriage. But for now, he would keep the pendant hidden, and wait for the perfect moment to reveal it to her, with a determined expression, he hung up his wet jacket and prepared himself for the conversation they would soon be having.
The night was crystal clear, the stars twinkling in the velvety sky overhead. Sebastian and Aleia were on a night ride on Sebastian's motorcycle, the wind blowing through their hair as they rode through the valley. As they came to a stop at a secluded spot on a cliff overlooking the city, Aleia couldn't help but gasp at the view before them. The city lights were glowing in the distance, the colorful lights creating a dazzling display against the darkness of the night.
As Aleia stood there taking in the breathtaking view, she was so focused on the panorama before her that she didn't notice Sebastian sliding off the motorcycle and coming to stand beside her. It wasn't until she felt his hand on her arm that she turned to look at him, her eyes widening as she saw that he was kneeling down on one knee before her.
Sebastian's heart was pounding in his chest, and his palms were sweaty. He had been planning to ask Aleia to marry him for days, and now that the moment had finally arrived, he couldn't help the mixture of nerves and excitement coursing through his veins. He took a deep breath and looked up at her, their eyes meeting in the moonlight.
"Aleia." he began, his voice low and steady. "I have something important to ask you." He reached into his pocket and took out the small box containing the mermaid's pendant. "From the moment I first saw you, I knew that you were special. You brought a light and a joy into my life that I never thought I could have. And now, I want to ask you to share that light and joy with me for the rest of our lives."
Aleia's eyes widened as she saw the box in Sebastian's hand, and her heart began to race. She had suspected that Sebastian might propose soon, but she hadn't expected it to be so beautiful and romantic. As she listened to his words, a lump formed in her throat and tears pricked the corners of her eyes.
"Sebastian." she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I...I don't know what to say. Yoba, you're making me cry." She laughed and sniffed, wiping away the tears that were starting to fall down her cheeks.
Sebastian chuckled softly, his own eyes misty as he opened the box to reveal the mermaid's pendant. "I've been thinking about this for a long time." he said, his voice cracking slightly. "And I know that there's no one else in the world that I want to spend the rest of my life with. Will you marry me, Aleia?"
Aleia could hardly believe that it was really happening. She looked at the pendant in the box, the iridescent surface shimmering in the moonlight. Tears streamed down her face as she nodded and said tearfully, "Yes! Yes, of course! I'll marry you, Sebastian!"
Sebastian's heart leaped with joy as he heard her words, and he felt a wave of relief and happiness wash over him. Carefully, he took the pendant out of the box and placed it around Aleia's neck, fastening it behind her. The pendant looked perfect against her skin, and Sebastian couldn't help but notice how it seemed to perfectly match the color of her eyes. The iridescent surface of the pendant mirrored the deep hue of her irises, and it looked as though the sea itself was captured within the gemstone.
"It's almost as beautiful as you.", Sebastian murmured, reaching up to touch the pendant. Aleia blushed and laughed, reaching up to touch the pendant herself. "You're such a sap." she teased, but her voice was full of love and tenderness.
They stood there for a few moments, admiring the pendant in the soft light of the stars. Sebastian wrapped his arms around Aleia, drawing her closer to him. "You know." he said, his voice low and tender, "I can't wait to call you my wife."
Aleia snuggled closer to him, feeling safe and loved in his embrace. "And I can't wait to call you my husband." she replied, her voice content and happy. They stood there for a while longer, enjoying the cool night air, the sound of the crickets, and the feeling of being in each others' arms.
Sebastian suddenly snapped back to reality, realizing that he was now standing at the altar, awaiting the arrival of his soon-to-be wife. He felt a brief moment of disorientation as his memories and the present moment collided in his mind, but his focus quickly shifted to the beautiful woman who was slowly making her way towards him. As Aleia walked down the aisle, looking radiant in her white wedding gown, Sebastian couldn't help but feel a wave of love and anticipation wash over him.
This was it, the moment he had been dreaming of for so long. He smiled warmly at Aleia as she reached the altar and took her place beside him, their eyes meeting and holding each other's gaze. Sebastian reached out and took her hand in his, feeling the smoothness of her skin and the gentle squeeze of her fingers against his. He couldn't believe that this was happening, that this beautiful, amazing woman was about to become his wife.
The ceremony began, and Sebastian tried to stay present in the moment, despite the rush of memories and emotions that still swirled in his mind. He listened to the officiant's words, his heart swelling with love for the woman next to him. He exchanged vows with Aleia, promising to love and cherish her for the rest of their lives. And as they both said "I do." Sebastian felt like he was truly beginning a new chapter in his life.
The ceremony ended, and Sebastian and Aleia were pronounced husband and wife. Sebastian couldn't help the tears that welled up in his eyes as he sealed their union with a kiss. The cheers and applause of their friends and family faded into the background as he lifted his new wife up into his arms and spun her around, her laughter filling his ears like music.
They both stood there, laughing and smiling at each other, surrounded by the cold, snowy landscape of the valley. Sebastian felt a sense of completeness and contentment that he had never experienced before. He knew that there would be challenges and difficulties in their future, but he also knew that as long as he had Aleia by his side, he could face anything that came their way. This was just the beginning of their journey together, and Sebastian couldn't wait to see what the future held.
Mod: "Maggs Immersive Sebastian Dialogue and Custom Events Spicy or Sweet" by @maggplays
A/N: After playing the new Immersive Sam mod by Maggplays. This inspired me to write a one-shot. In this story, Yvonne and Sam are not yet in a relationship.
Summary: Sam and Yvonne attend the Flower Dance, where Sam is captivated by Yvonne's beauty. She asks him to be her partner, they dance, and the moment sparks a potential romance.
The picturesque town of Stardew Valley was adorned with blooms for the annual Flower Dance celebration. Everyone in town was enjoying the festivities, surrounded by the beauty of the lush gardens serving as the venue for the event, when Sam was approached by the farmer, Yvonne. She was dressed in a stunning white satin off-the-shoulder dress, accented by a vibrant blue ribbon cinched around her waist, her light blond hair now braided in a charming twin style, adorned with a delicate blue flower crown.
Sam's heart skipped a beat as he took in her loveliness. Before he could compose himself, Yvonne approached him and asked if he would be her partner for the dance.
"I would be honored." he replied, his voice betraying a slight waver. Yvonne smiled warmly and led him to the dance floor, where couples were already swirling and spinning to the lively music. As they began to dance, Sam felt an overwhelming affection for the farmer. The way she moved, the smile on her face, and the way her hair fell so charmingly on her shoulders were all incredibly captivating. The scent of her perfume, a mix of lavender and honey, filled his nostrils, making it hard to think straight.
The other guests watched them with smiles, complimenting the couple on how well they danced together. Sam was conscious of all the eyes upon them, but he was too enchanted by Yvonne to care. Every spin and step was in perfect synchronization, their bodies moving with a grace that seemed natural and effortless.
The dance continued, and as the final notes of the song faded away, Sam and Yvonne found themselves standing closely, breaths mingling and hearts still racing. The rest of the world seemed to blur and all he could focus on was her.
"You're an incredible dancer.", Sam whispered, still holding her close.
Yvonne's cheeks flushed slightly, a soft smile spreading across her face. "So are you.", she replied. "Thank you for being my partner today. I had a wonderful time."
They stood there for a moment, lost in the moment and the feelings it had stirred. Sam ached to say something more, to express the depth of his affection for her, but he found himself at a loss for words. Just as he was about to open his mouth, the sound of applause and cheering broke the spell, reminding them of the world around them.
They pulled apart reluctantly, the spell between them momentarily broken. The rest of the guests began to chatter and move back to the festivities, but Sam's gaze lingered on Yvonne, his heart still filled with a mixture of joy and longing. He knew that he would remember this moment and this dance, for a very long time.
Here are some of Sam's dialogue during the Flowe Dance:
Mod: "Maggs Immersive Sam Romance Dialogue and Events (x)Spicy or Sweet 1.6" by @maggplays
Summary: Cerise is overwhelmed by a flashback of her traumatic past, until Jio who is visiting her at the farmhouse, tries to snap her out of it. However, in a reflexive response, Cerise grabs a knife and throws it at him.
The rain poured down in heavy sheets, mixing with the dirt into a thick, slippery mud that covered her small, bare feet. Cerise huddled in the shadows of an alley, shivering in the cold night air. Her eyes darted around in the dark, searching for any signs of danger. In her arms, she held her little sister, Rosemary, barely five years old and crying softly in the storm. Memories assaulted her mind, but she pushed them aside, needing to focus on the here and now.
Cerise's ears strained to hear any sound over the noise of the rain. She knew she needed to escape, to find shelter somewhere. But every path she could take led her and her sister into danger. The sound of voices and footsteps came from the main street and Cerise knew she had to act fast.
Without conscious thought, she started running, clutching Rosemary tightly to her chest. The cold rain turned the world around her into a blur, but she forced herself to run faster, her mind focused only on one thing: keeping her sister safe.
In the chaos, her bare foot landed on a sharp stone, but she barely registered the pain, only the fear that gripped her heart. The voices behind her were growing louder, their footsteps coming closer. They were getting closer...
Finally, she spotted a narrow alleyway leading off to the side. Cerise darted into it, stumbling a bit as her foot throbbed with pain. She took several quick turns down various alleys, desperately trying to throw off any pursuers who may be following them.
She stopped for a moment, her back against the wall and tried to control her ragged breathing. Her entire body trembled with cold and fear. She looked down at her sister in her arms, who was still crying quietly and tried to offer a soothing smile.
"It's going to be okay." she whispered hoarsely to Rosemary, hoping she sounded more convincing than she felt. "We'll find someplace safe soon. No one is going to hurt you, I promise."
But even as she spoke the words, doubt edged into her mind, her own words of courage feeling hollow in the face of the danger they were in. As she listened intently for the distant voices, her thoughts darted back to the events that led to this moment...
Suddenly, a noise drew Cerise's attention back to the present. Footsteps were approaching, coming from the direction she and Rosemary had come from. Holding her breath, Cerise flattened herself against the wall, her heart racing. The footsteps grew closer, accompanied by murmuring voices.
Cerise's grip on Rosemary tightened, her eyes fixed on the mouth of the alley. She dared not turn and run, fearing the sound of her footsteps would alert their pursuers to their location. She felt helpless, her mind racing for a solution that wouldn't put her sister in more danger.
The footsteps stopped at the foot of the alley, just outside of sight. The murmuring voices grew louder, and Cerise made out a few words that sent chills down her spine.
The footsteps started again, closing in on Cerise's hiding spot, and she realized too late that they'd been discovered. Before she could react, strong hands grabbed her, pulling her and Rosemary away from the wall. A scream ripped from her throat as she struggled to get free.
The men held her tightly, their grips bruising on her arms. She cried out, but the sound was lost in the driving rain.
"Cerise! Snap out of it!"
Jio's voice shattered the dark memories that had consumed Cerise, jolting her back to reality. Instinctively, she flung a knife she'd been holding onto the cutting board, aimed straight at him. The blade went straight through the air, but Jio dodged it just in time, narrowly avoiding a serious injury. The knife nicked his cheek instead, drawing a line of blood down his skin.
"Are you okay?" Jio asked, his voice calm and steady despite the steady trickle of blood on his face. Cerise's eyes widened in shock, realizing what she had done. But before she could say anything, Jio raised a hand to stop her. "It's just a small cut." he reassured her. "I'm fine."
Cerise shook her head, refusing to let the matter drop. "No, we need to clean it up first. It's still bleeding." she insisted. But before Jio could protest, Cerise had already turned on her heel and walked away to grab the first aid kit.
When she returned, first aid kit in hand, Cerise found Jio still standing in the same spot. His expression was guarded, but there was a flicker of something else in his eyes, some emotion that Cerise couldn't quite place.
Cerise began to clean the cut on Jio's cheek, she could feel the tension between them. But neither of them spoke, the silent only broken by the occasional hiss from Jio as Cerise applied the antiseptic to the wound.
As Cerise tended to his wound, Jio's attention was momentarily distracted by her physical appearance. Her eyes, a deep shade of purple as if they held the secrets of the night sky, contrasted beautifully with her soft, beige hair that was reminiscent of a gentle sandy hue, and Jio found himself sneaking glances at her face. Suddenly, conscious of his staring, he shook his head and focused on the present.
Jio cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "You know, you have some great aim." he said, trying to keep his tone light. "I could've sworn you aimed that knife right at my nose earlier."
Cerise chuckled softly, still focused on her task. "I guess I got lucky." she replied, continuing to clean the cut. "Although, I wasn't really aiming for your nose. I was justâ" Her voice trailed off as she paused, her expression clouding over momentarily.
Jio picked up on her sudden change in demeanor and frowned. "Just what?" he pressed, his eyes studying her face carefully.
Cerise hesitated, her hand stilling on Jio's cheek. "It's nothing." she said after a moment, her voice sounding almost forced. "I just got lost in thought, that's all." She dabbed a cotton ball with antiseptic and resumed cleaning the cut.
Jio wasn't convinced. He could see that something was clearly bothering her, but he also knew that pushing too hard would only make her clam up. So he waited, letting the silence stretch out as she finished cleaning the wound.
Once she was done, Cerise put down the cotton ball and reached for a bandage. She applied it carefully over the cut, her fingers lingering on his skin for a few seconds longer than necessary. Jio couldn't help but notice, his heart quickening slightly at the touch.
As she finished, Cerise stepped back, her eyes avoiding his. Jio could tell that she was trying to distance herself, trying to hide from him. But he wasn't about to let her get away with such a weak explanation. He reached out and gently touched her chin, turning her face towards him. Her gaze met his, and he could see the mixture of emotions swirling in her eyes. "What's going on, Cerise?" he asked quietly.
Cerise hesitated for a moment, her eyes searching his face. Jio could see the struggle on her expression, the silent battle between the need to confide in someone and the desire to keep her secrets hidden. He waited, his thumb tracing small, soothing circles on her jaw.
Finally, she let out a sigh, her shoulders sagging with the weight of her burdens. "It's just... complicated." she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "There are things about me, that I'm not ready to talk about yet. Not even to you."
Jio stared at her with understanding and empathy in his eyes, holding her hand gently. He tried to convey through his touch that she could trust him, that he was someone she could confide in.
Cerise shook her head, "You remember what I said about us moving here to Grandma's farm to start a new life?" she asked. "That is true, but there's more to it than that. The reason why we had to leave our old lives behind is..."
She paused, her expression darkening as she struggled to continue. Jio gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, encouraging her to go on.
After a deep breath, Cerise continued, her voice tinged with bitterness. "The environment we used to live in was dangerous and toxic." she admitted. "It was a miserable place, and we both knew we couldn't stay any longer. I couldn't let Rosemary grow up in that hellhole, and I had to keep us both safe."
Jio nodded, his expression grave as he listened intently.
"So, I made a plan.", Cerise continued, her voice firm. "A plan to escape and make a fresh start somewhere new. It took years of planning, working in secret, all while doing my best to stay sane and keep Rosemary safe."
She paused briefly, memories of the struggle they had endured flashing in her mind.
Then, Jio gently rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb, wanting to offer her some comfort. "Cerise..." he said softly. "You don't have to tell me the details if you're not ready yet. I just want you to know that I'm here for you, whatever you need."
Cerise glanced down at their joined hands, then back up at him. She could see the genuine concern and understanding in his eyes, and it warmed her heart a little.
She gave him a small, bittersweet smile. "Thanks," she murmured. "I just... I need a little more time before I can talk about it. But I want you to know that I do trust you, Jio."
Jio's heart swelled with both emotions. It was both painful and exhilarating to know that she trusted him, but it also hurt to see her struggling to share her burden. All he wanted to do was to take her pain away, but he knew that these things couldn't be rushed.
"Take all the time you need," he replied, squeezing her hand gently. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll be here whenever you're ready."
Cerise let out a shaky breath, the weight of her secrets feeling a little lighter with Jio's reassurance. She nodded slightly, appreciating his patience and understanding.
Then she let out a small chuckle, trying to shake off the heavy atmosphere. "Right." she said, looking back at the forgotten chocolate project. "Let's finish up. Can't leave them to make themselves, can we?"
Jio couldn't help but sneak a glance at her face as she spoke, his eyes taking in the gentle slope of her nose, the curve of her lips, and the warmth in her eyes. Even in the midst of her pain, she was undeniably beautiful to him.
Cerise continued working on the chocolates, her hands moving with a gentle, practiced ease as she prepared the molds and filled them with the still-warm chocolate mixture. Jio watched her from his seat, his gaze lingering on her face and hands, admiring the way she worked. The concentration in her expression, the skillful precision of her movements, the way she bit her lip in focus... All of these things only made her more enchanting to him.
He wished he could help her but he also knew that his rough hands were ill-suited for this kind of delicate work, so he settled for admiring her from a distance, content just to watch and be near her. The room was quiet except for the gentle clinking of spoons and the soft sounds of stirring, and Jio found himself completely captivated by her presence.
As the hours passed and the chocolates were finally completed, he reluctantly broke the silence. "Looks like they're done." he said, rising from his seat.
Cerise smiled at him, wiping her hands on a towel. "Yeah, they are," she said. "Now, they just need to cool and set before we can taste them."
After the chocolates were set aside to cool, Jio found his thoughts drifting back to their conversation earlier in the day. The way she had opened up just a little, the sorrow and pain in her eyes when she spoke about her past...
Jio had been initially suspicious of Cerise when she first arrived in town, but now, after hearing her story, his suspicions had quieted somewhat. He still didn't know the full details of her past, but the fact that she had trusted him enough to share any part of it had shifted something within him.
'Whatever it is she's hiding.', he thought to himself,
Jio looked over at Cerise, who was cleaning up the mess from their chocolate-making session. Her expression was distant, lost in thought, and Jio wondered how much more there was to her story that he didn't know.
But for now, he would be patient. He would let her set the pace and share what she was ready to share.
He stood up and approached her, a small smile on his face. "Need any help with that?" he asked, gesturing to the spilled sugar and dirty bowls scattered across the counter.
Cerise looked up at Jio, a grateful smile spreading across her face. "Thanks." she said, stepping aside to let him help. Together they cleaned up the mess, working silently side by side. There was a comfortable familiarity in the simplicity of the task, and Jio found himself enjoying the closeness he felt to Cerise in this moment.
As they finished tidying up, Jio brushed a stray lock of hair away from Cerise's face, his fingers lingering on her cheek for just a second longer than necessary.
"All done." he said softly, his gaze on her face. She met his eyes, her expression soft and open, and for a moment, they just stood there, mere inches apart, caught in a private moment that felt both vulnerable and electrifying.
Suddenly, the peaceful moment was shattered by the sound of the front door banging open, followed by a cheerful cry from Rosemary. "I'm home!"
Jio nearly jumped out of his skin at her loud entrance, while Cerise just chuckled and headed towards the living room to greet her younger sister.
"Hey, welcome back." Cerise said as she approached Rosemary, ruffling her hair affectionately.
Rosemary, oblivious to the tension she had just interrupted, beamed up at her older sister, holding out a basket filled with freshly harvested crops. "Look what I got today!"
Jio had followed them into the living room, his irritation at the interruption mingled with a grudging fondness for the young girl. He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. Rosemary proudly showed off the contents of her basket, it was filled with a variety of monster crops, each one more vibrant and thriving than the last.
"I collected a bunch of monster crop seeds from the Highlands." she explained, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "This is my first harvest! I'm gonna take some back to give to Lance for his research."
Jio's irritation at the interruption faded slightly as he listened to Rosemary's enthusiasm. The girl had a natural talent for farming, and her dedication to the land was admirable. He found himself softening just a little.
Cerise smiled at her sister's excitement, sharing in her sense of accomplishment. "That's great, Rosemary." she said, patting her on the head. "I'm sure Lance will be thrilled to get these samples."
Rosemary beamed at the praise, her cheeks flushed with happiness. "I hope so! I want to help him as much as I can."
Jio is leaning against the wall, couldn't help a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. The girl's enthusiasm was infectious, even if she had interrupted a very... interesting moment between him and Cerise.
With Rosemary still chattering about her successful harvest, Cerise looked over at Jio and gave him a knowing glance. She mouthed an apology for the interruption, her expression sheepish and apologetic.
Jio shrugged in response, his irritation fading. He could hardly stay mad when Rosemary was so excited, and he was secretly glad for the distraction. Maybe it was a good thing that the moment between him and Cerise had been interrupted... for now, at least.
"đđ°đŽđŚ đ´đŚđ¤đłđŚđľđ´ đ¤đ˘đŻ đŁđŚ đ´đ¸đŚđŚđľ, đŁđśđľ đŞđľ'đ´ đľđŠđŚ đ¤đ°đŻđ§đŞđĽđŚđŻđ¤đŚđ´ đ´đŠđ˘đłđŚđĽ đ°đˇđŚđł đ¤đŠđ°đ¤đ°đđ˘đľđŚ đľđŠđ˘đľ đľđłđśđđş đŻđ°đśđłđŞđ´đŠ đľđŠđŚ đ´đ°đśđ."
Summary: As a weary and battered Farmer Rosemary finally reached the summit of Mount Kohldur, the last thing she expected was to meet a handsome stranger. His sudden appearance startled her, and she reacted without thinking, chucking a bomb in his direction.
The morning sun glistened over the rolling waves, casting a warm glow over the lush vegetation of Ginger Island. The air was thick with humidity and the distant cries of exotic birds echoed through the trees. Mount Kohldur towered majestically in the distance, its smoking peak shrouded in misty clouds. It was a sight that filled Rosemary with anticipation, but also with a tinge of trepidation.
The climb up the mountain had been gruelling but Rosemary persevered, driven by her thirst for adventure. As she finally made it to the top, she let out a sigh of exhaustion, her body weary but her spirit soaring with accomplishment. However, her moment of triumph was shattered by the sudden appearance of someone infront her.
Startled, Rosemary instinctively grabbed her sword and tossed a bomb, thinking it was just another monster from the volcano dungeons she'd fought earlier. However, the figure swiftly dodged the makeshift explosive and chuckled.
"Whoa! Calm down." the stranger said, approaching her cautiously. "I'm just a friend."
Recognizing that the newcomer was not a threat, Rosemary lowered her sword, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment. "I'm so sorry!" she apologized, still trying to catch her breath. "I mistook you for a monster. The climb up here was... intense."
The stranger grinned, a warm smile lighting up his face. "Ah, no worries." he said, his voice smooth and confident. "I understand the confusion. The creatures from this place can be quite relentless. But may I say, you've made quite an achievement, scaling this mountain all by yourself. You must be a very ambitious and determined person."
The stranger stepped closer, his movements as fluid as a jungle cat's. "You know, few adventurers have managed to reach the summit of Mount Kohldur." he said, his eyes never leaving hers. "It was once the site of a great dwarf kingdom or so they say. Your achievement is certainly worthy of admiration."
Rosemary felt a flutter in her chest at the sound of his voice, almost like hearing angels somewhere. She tried to regain her composure, though it was hard with him standing so close. "Thank you." she managed to say, her words coming out a bit breathless. "Um, who are you?"
The stranger chuckled, his smile growing wider. "Ah, where are my manners?" he said. "I'm Lance, from The First Slash Clan. We're a guild of adventurers protecting the Fern Islands. Marlon spoke quite highly of you, said you're quite proficient with a weapon."
Rosemary felt a small jolt of surprise. She'd heard of The First Slash Clan, but she never expected to meet one of its members up here, on a remote island. And Marlon had mentioned her? 'To this handsome adventurer?', she suddenly wished she had made a better first impression.
"Oh, I see." she managed to say, trying to sound casual. "It's nice to meet you, Lance."
'Oh great, that was eloquent. Can someone just toss me back down the mountain at this rate?'
Lance's smile didn't waver, seemingly enjoying the effect he had on her. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Rosemary." he replied. "You're... not quite what I expected. Younger than I thought you'd be, for one."
'Damn it!' "Yeah, I get that a lot." she said with a nervous chuckle. 'Oh man, I'm grinning like a teenage girl meeting her favorite boy band. He's going to think I'm such an idiot.'
Lance chuckled again, a deep, rich sound that sent shivers down Rosemary's spine. "Well, your age doesn't diminish your skill with a weapon. Marlon mentioned you're quite the formidable fighter."
"I, uh, try my best, I suppose." she replied, feeling her cheeks warm up again. 'Great, now I'm blushing like a fool. Thanks for the compliment, Marlon... I think.'
"I look forward to witnessing it for myself." Lance said, his gaze still fixed on her. "But first, you must be famished. Come with me, I'll share my dinner, don't worry, I have plenty for both of us."
'Oh man, he's so smooth. How can he say stuff like that without even blinking?' "Thank you." she said, trying to keep her voice from trembling. "Lead the way."
Lance nodded and began leading the way. As they walked, he spoke casually about the island, its wildlife and history. Rosemary tried to keep up with the conversation, but it was hard to focus with him so close, their shoulders occasionally brushing against each other. His voice was like honey, smooth and soothing, and she found her mind wandering to places she didn't expect.
Soon they reached a small clearing, where Lance had set up a simple camp. There was a fire burning, and several provisions laid out nearby. "Here we are." he said, gesturing to the campfire. "Sit, make yourself comfortable."
Rosemary sat down, trying not to focus on the way her heart raced. 'Get it together, he's just a guy. A very good-looking, charming, smooth-talking guy...'
Lance joined her beside the fire, handing her a bowl of stew. The aroma was mouth-watering, and the warmth from the flames felt soothing on her weary muscles. She took a spoonful, savoring the rich taste as she tried to keep her hands from shaking.
As they ate, the conversation continued, shifting between various topics. Lance seemed genuinely interested in her life back in Pelican Town, and Rosemary found herself opening up more than usual. He was easy to talk to, his questions never feeling like an interrogation, more like earnest curiosity.
The night deepened, the sky now dotted with stars. The fire crackled and flickered, casting dancing shadows on their faces. Rosemary found herself enjoying the peacefulness of the moment, the silence between them not uncomfortable but strangely soothing.
Lance finished his meal and leaned back, looking up at the clear night sky. "It's beautiful, isn't it?", he said, his voice soft. "The stars, the peace of the night."
Rosemary looked up at the canopy of stars above them, feeling a strange sort of peace wash over her. "Yeah." she agreed, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's⌠mesmerizing, in a way."
The sound of the night insects blending with the crackle of the fire created a soothing background noise. In the firelight, Lance's sharp features were illuminated, making him look even more striking. The silence between them was comfortable, broken only by the occasional crackle from the fire or the distant hoot of an owl.
Lance looked over at Rosemary, watching the way the firelight played across her face. "You know, you're different from most adventurers I've met." he said, breaking the silence.
Rosemary looked over at him, surprised by the sudden comment. "Different how?" she asked, her mind immediately going to her secret.
Lance tilted his head, studying her. "You're... less brash, I guess," he said thoughtfully. "Most adventurers I've met are confident to the point of arrogance. But you... you seem more reserved. More thoughtful."
Rosemary wasn't sure if she should feel flattered or worried. His observations were scarily accurate. "Guess I just have a different approach." she said with a shrug, carefully hiding her uneasiness.
Lance didn't seem convinced but didn't press further, which Rosemary was thankful for. Instead, he changed the topic, asking her about her hobbies back in Pelican Town. The conversation drifted into a lighter territory, and they found themselves laughing about various silly things. The tension from before had slightly lifted.
As the night wore on, Rosemary found herself relaxing in Lance's company. He was not just an attractive man, but intelligent and thoughtful as well. Their banter was easy, flowing from one topic to another smoothly. Every now and then, their eyes would meet, and she'd feel a flutter in her chest, or a blush creeping up her cheeks.
As the night grew later, Rosemary realized she needed to return to Pelican Town. "Thanks for the company.", she said, standing up reluctantly. "But I should get going. My sister Cerise is waiting for me back at our farm."
Lance stood up as well, looking at her with a hint of disappointment. "I see." he said, a small sigh escaping him. "Well, I enjoyed your company. It's... been a long time since I've had such a relaxed evening."
Rosemary felt a pang of guilt at the disappointment in his voice, not wanting to leave yet. But she couldn't stay here forever. "Me too." she said, smiling slightly. "Maybe we'll see each other again sometime?"
Lance returned her smile. "I hope so. You're not easy to forget, Rosemary." he said. He seemed to want to say more, but he just shook his head, a slight smirk playing on his lips.
Rosemary felt a flutter in her chest at his words. "Well⌠Goodnight then, Lance." she said, turning to go. Her heart felt heavy with a strange mix of excitement and regret.
"Goodnight, Rosemary." Lance called after her. "Take care."
The walk down the mountain was much colder than the walk up. Rosemary wrapped her arms around herself, not just from the cold. Her mind was filled with thoughts, most of which she didn't quite know what to do with. The journey to the docks was short but felt long. Every shadow, every sound of the night made her heart jump. Her thoughts kept going back to Lance, to his smile, to his voice. It was all so confusing, so⌠unfamiliar.
Reaching the docks, she found the boat that would take her back to Pelican Town. The ride back was a blur; her mind too occupied with thoughts of Lance and the strange evening they'd shared. As the boat docked in Pelican Town, Rosemary walked slowly back to her farm. It was late, and the town was quiet, everyone asleep. A part of her wished she could just stay awake and let the night go on, if it meant delaying the reality of the morning.
Opening the door to her farmhouse, she found Cerise sitting by the fireplace, reading a book.
Cerise looked up, surprised to see Rosemary there. "You're back." she said, setting her book aside. "I was getting worried."
"Yeah." Rosemary replied, trying to sound casual. "I lost track of time, I guess."
She sat down on the couch, her mind still spinning with thoughts of Lance.
Cerise looked at her sister, noticing her distracted state. "So, how was Ginger Island? Did you finally reach the top of that volcano?"
Rosemary nodded, her mind still elsewhere. "Yeah, I made it." she said, looking at the fire. "It was... quite the climb."
Cerise narrowed her eyes, sensing that something was off. "You seem distracted." she said bluntly. "What happened up there?"
Rosemary's eyes widened slightly as she was pulled out of her thoughts. "It's... nothing, really." she said, the words sounding unconvincing even to her own ears. "I met someone, that's all."
Cerise raised an eyebrow. "You met someone?" she repeated, a hint of suspicion in her voice. "Who?"
"His name is Lance," Rosemary answered, her voice almost a whisper. "He's a part of The First Slash Clan. Marlon mentioned me to him, I guess."
Cerise's expression changed from surprise to curiosity. "A member of The First Slash Clan, huh? Interesting. So... did y'all get along?"
"Yeah, yeah, we... we got along fine." Rosemary said quickly, trying to sound casual. "We just had dinner together, talked, that sort of thing..."
"Just that?" Cerise pressed further. "He didn't try anything, did he?"
"No, of course not." Rosemary said, a little too quickly. The image of Lance's smile flashed through her mind, triggering a flutter in her chest. "We just... talked, enjoyed the night, that's all."
Cerise studied her sister for a moment, her sharp eyes not missing the way Rosemary fidgeted in her seat. "Rosemary." she said, her tone suddenly serious. "Are you crushing on this man?"
"What? No! Of course not!" Rosemary protested, her voice a pitch higher than usual. "I just... I just think he's nice, y'know, intelligent, charming... that's all!"
Cerise chuckled, her voice taking a protective tone. "As much as I'm glad to see my sister having her first love life." she said, "Just be careful, okay? I don't care if he's from the First Slash Clan. Remember, I killed a man twice a normal man's size. Don't forget it."
Rosemary found herself sweating slightly, chuckling nervously. She knew Cerise was fiercely protective, and she was under no delusion that her sister wouldn't make good on her threat if needed.
Cerise's eyes were a mixture of warning and humor. "I'm serious, sister. I trust you have good judgment, but I don't like seeing you all flustered over a man. Especially one from a guild of adventurers. They're not exactly known for settling down."
"I know." Rosemary said, a hint of defensiveness in her voice. "It's just... he's different. I can't explain it. When we were up on the mountain top, talking, it was... I don't know, comforting, I guess."
Cerise chuckled, her voice betraying a sense of anticipation. "Well, I'll be the judge of that once I see him." she said.
Rosemary chuckled in response, well aware of her sister's protective instincts. "I know, sis, I know how you are. But anyway, how was your trip to Ridgeside Village?"
Cerise softened at the change of topic. "It was lovely." she said, a hint of fondness in her voice. "So many unique people. I even visited the outskirts of the town. But I stumbled upon this elf guyâŚ"
Rosemary leaned forward slightly, her curiosity piqued. "An elf guy?" she repeated, her mind already picturing an image of the pointy-eared forest-dweller. "What was he like?"
Cerise's face lit up at the memory. "He was all dressed in ninja outfit, his mouth covered but his eyes... they were really something. A striking shade of green, like emeralds." she said, grinning. "Even with the mask covering the lower half of his face, I could tell he was quite handsome. Those sharp, green eyes and the rest of his features that were exposed left no doubt in my mind."
Rosemary smiled, picturing the scene. "Sounds intriguing." she said, her mind drifting to the image of the mysterious elf. "Did you talk to him?"
Cerise nodded. "Yeah, a bit. He was a bit on the quiet side, though. But he was polite. Had this air of mystery around him. I must say I found him quite charming." she admitted, a hint of a smirk playing at her lips. "His name is Jio, and despite being polite, I must say he was quite wary of me. Being a stranger and all. But he sure did pique my interest. Something about him... he seems to have a lot going on under that ninja attire of his."
Rosemary looked intrigued, her mind picturing the mysterious Jio. "A ninja with secrets, eh? Sounds right up your alley." she teased, knowing her sister's affinity for the mysterious types.
Cerise grinned, not denying her sister's point. "Can't help it if intriguing characters catch my eye." she said, her tone nonchalant. "And something tells me Jio is more than just a skilled warrior. There's a depth to him that's hard to ignore."
Rosemary chuckled, amused by her sister's infatuation. "Just be careful, sis. You know how dangerous it can be falling for the mysterious, brooding type."
Cerise mock-rolled her eyes. "Please, I can handle myself." she said, her tone confident. "Besides, who's to say I'm falling? I just find him... interesting, that's all."
Rosemary only chuckled and rolled her eyes. "It's only been a day and already we've encountered two very interesting men." she said, a hint of humor in her voice. "Is this a coincidence or is fate just playing with us?"
Cerise cracked a smile, sharing her sister's amusement. "Who knows?" she said lightly. "But one thing's for sure, our lives are about to get a whole lot more interesting."
The two sisters shared a moment of silent understanding, their minds swirling with new thoughts and feelings. As they went their separate ways for the night. Cerise to her room and Rosemary to hers. They were each lost in their own worlds of dreams, hopes, and questions.
As the farmhouse settled in silence, the only sound being the crackle of the dying fireplace and the occasional hoot of an owl outside, one thing was certain: their lives were about to take a surprising turn.
"đđ°đŽđŚđľđŞđŽđŚđ´, đľđŠđŚ đŽđ°đ´đľ đśđŻđŚđšđąđŚđ¤đľđŚđĽ đŚđŻđ¤đ°đśđŻđľđŚđłđ´ đđŚđ˘đĽ đľđ° đľđŠđŚ đŽđ°đ´đľ đŽđŚđ˘đŻđŞđŻđ¨đ§đśđ đ¤đ°đŻđŻđŚđ¤đľđŞđ°đŻđ´."
Sterling whisked Aleia away on a scenic motorbike ride through the picturesque valley, all with the intention of witnessing the breathtaking sunset by the beach. As they cruised along the winding roads, the vibrant colors of the landscape around them began to change, reflecting the warm hues of the setting sun. The air was filled with the scent of saltwater and wildflowers, creating a perfect atmosphere for their adventure. The shared laughter and stories, feeling the wind in their hair as they made their way to the shore, eager to experience the beauty of the twilight sky as it painted the horizon in shades of orange, pink, and purple. It was a moment they both cherished, a simple yet profound escape into natureâs splendor.
(4th Heart Event, dude over here decides to give you a romantic joyride by the beach!)
Hello! (ăĎă) I'm new here & I notice your blog about your farmers. I really love their designs! If I was wondering if you could make a scenario with any of your Farmers with that one cutscene on SVE were Camilla kidnap us the player just to show the Crimson Badlands. I would like to know how will they react.
And btw I find your username familiar, are you that one wattpad author who writes countryhumans?
Thank you for the ask! (âá´ââż) To be honest, your actually the first person who sends a request/ask here in my blog and to answer your question about my username. Yes, I am that author who used to write CH stories, but I went on hiatus from the fandom and pursue different fandoms. I'll probably get back to it and finish the WIPs chapters.
Your ask is really random but this is how I picture this scenario with two of my farmers. Anywho on to the story~
Imagine my farmer Rosemary, who just woke up from bed, still wearing her pajamas. Then out of nowhere, Camilla appears and said "Hey sweetie, I have something to show you, that I know you will find interesting." Before Rosemary gives a reaction, the said witch just grabbed her arm and warps, disappears.
Cerise activates the relic, Lance arrives in under 2 minutes, appearing directly into the farm living room with wide, worried eyes.
Unknown to them, Cerise watch this all and goes into full blown panic mode because some witch just kidnap her sister. Cerise immediately looked through Rosemary's bedside in her room to find a certain object. 6 months ago, Lance gift Rosemary a relic. A relic that is tied to his mana but if it activates, Lance will sense it no matter how far he is. In other words, a relic that can be use if Rosemary is in grave danger. Even though she doesn't need it but Lance is being persistent after the many times the red haired farmer just keep collapsing and getting hurt.
âCeriseâ!â
âShe kidnapped Rose!â, Cerise trying to stay calm, pointing at the still open front door.
âW-what? Whoââ
âThat purple witch! What's her name again? Uhm Calisa? Camilla! I saw Camilla kidnapped Rosemary!â
A frightening calm settles over Lanceâs face. He marches over to the front door, pulling it shut and locking it, before turning to look at Cerise and walk towards her.
He placed his hands around Cerise's shoulders to calm her down. âEverything's going to be alright, sister-in-law. I will be back in no more than 15 minutes.â
And with that, he fades away.
'Sister-in-law my ass! Your not even married to Rose yet. Jeez.', Cerise thought with a bewilder look. 'You still haven't got my blessings yet'
In just over 10 minutes, three figures appeared in the living room where Cerise, now calm, is drinking her morning tea.
âRose!â Cerise cried as she puts down her tea and rush towards her stun-looking sister, checking to see if she's alright.
âI see my sense of humour was again in poor taste,â, she says, looking at Cerise. âI did not mean to cause distress.â
Lance is glaring at Camilla, and the witch actually has the grace to look mildly chagrined.
Cerise narrowed her eyes at Camilla from within Rosemaryâs arms. The red haired farmer is oddly quiet but the eldest sister can feel the tension in her younger sister's body. "A warning next time."
I know its a bit short. Its been awhile since I last wrote a full story but I hope you enjoy this one.
Thank you for the ask! ( ââżâ )âĄ
Wtf why haven't I notice this??? Holy shit! That one is hot! đł I'm actually the anon who did the request. Thank you for writing them. đđâ¨
I don't know if anyone has requested this, but can you write a smut about the Farmer wearing an outfit that is based from their partner's professions. Like Lance, seeing Farmer in a sexy adventurer outfit, Jio seeing Farmer in ninja gear outfit. Then there's Magnus seeing Farmer in a beautiful but tempting witch outfit. đ¤đ
Summary: Lance and Jio's Reactions To Seeing Their Spouse In A Sexy Version of Their Uniforms.
Warning(s): Fluff(kinda?), 18+ Suggestiveness, Blatant favoritism on Jio's part ngl, Established relationship in both.
Side note(s): I don't think you will ever understand anon how happy this request made me, I'm not even lying to you. The way I could go on a horny rant about Jio, I FUCKING LOVE THAT ELF MAN.
Then again, I just love elves in general-
MINORS AND AGELESS BLOGS DNI
°ââ.ŕłŕż*:シ°ââ.ŕłŕż*:シ°ââ.ŕłŕż*:シ°ââ.ŕłŕż*:シ°ââ.ŕł
Your mimic of his outfit would amuse him.
With everything that goes on inside of the cult (the forces of Gabriella, constant danger etc.). There's not a lot of room for play.
So his partner dressing up in a sexy version of his outfit? Don't get me wrong, he's rearranging your guts later on but assuming the both of you aren't alone...he's definitely flirting with you and generally being wholesome.
⥠- When you had suggested that you come with him to provide a little help on his missions today. He was skeptical.
Although he understood you were more than capable of handling yourself in the midst of battle. The forces of Gabriella were nothing to scoff at, as you already knew during your involvement when you helped cleanse the Ridge.
But...as the two of you were patrolling the outer edges of the Ridge, allowing you two to finally have a more peaceful moment to yourselves, it was then that Jio allowed himself to actually look over the..."outfit" you decided to wear today as you accompanied him. And stating that your clothing was an outfit was him being polite! As you explained to him, you wanted to wear a "sexified" version of his usual gear that he wore when he patrolled.
He didn't speak on it at the time as time was crucial.
But now?
He was beginning to wish that he had said something then. Even if it was to state that he would prefer you to wear something wen the two of you were in a more private area.
Finally, the elf let out a sigh. "Must you torture me like this, my star?"
Your chuckled as you looked over at your husband, his cheeks slightly tinted red along with his ears. It seemed that your timer to see how long his patience would hold strong was finally beginning to tick away. "What do you mean?"
"Your outfit."
You tilted your head to the side in faux confusion. "What's wrong with my outfit? You didn't say anything about it this morning!" You gasped, much to your husband's frustration as he decided to look forward once more in an effort to ignore the familiar warmth beginning to grow in his pants. "I know I didn't but now," He took a breath before continuing. "Don't you think it's a little revealing?"
A smirk began to creep steadily onto your face. "There's no one here~"
Jio rolled his eyes at your shift in voice. He wasn't a fool, he knew exactly what you were trying to do. Rile him up and make him forgo his mission, although he enjoyed your games as well as making you work to try and convince him that it was worth "taking a break" and releasing any stresses and pent-up needs inside of you against a tree somewhere.
Typically such games were played at the end of a mission.
Not in the middle.
So, the elf sighed as he simply responded by walking faster. "You'll have to try harder than that if you wish to break my will."
"Oh come on, don't act like my outfit doesn't make you want to take a little break."
"You need to stop hanging around Daia."
Jio chuckled quietly to himself at your silence. He hit the nail on the head on where this idea of yours came from. "But don't fret, my love. I never said the outfit wasn't doing anything to me." He said as he came to a stop.
And, as you did the same, Jio turned to loop an arm around your waist before he pulled you towards him, briefly tugging down his mask to press a heated yet chaste kiss against your lips. One that left you breathless and yearning for more, even more so as Jio made his yearning obvious to you by pressing himself closer to your body where you felt his steadily growing hardness.
Despite being married for nearly two years now, you still blushed as if this were the first time he acted this way around you. "J-Jio..." You gulped.
"When we get home, I'll demonstrate more thoroughly what your little outfit does to me, my love." And just before you could even lean in for another kiss, one that you prayed could hold you over until then. Jio laughed in your face as he quickly put distance in between the both of you, serving to effectively deny you both of his kiss and his warmth.
And when you pouted, he only offered you a fleeting smirk before he pulled his mask up with a soft chuckle. "Patience, the game of waiting makes everything so much sweeter in the end...right?"
I think heâd be in a similar situation as Jio. He thinks itâs funny but would probably take things a step further.
Hereâs the vision: Youâre a lone adventurer on Ginger Island and you get lost. Miraculously, Lance appears and offers to help you find your way! (How generous of him) but thereâs a catch. You have to service him in return.
Of course though because Lance is such a gentleman, heâd make sure your services wouldnât be performed anywhere dangerous or where you two would risk getting caught <3.
⥠- You had been walking for hours throughout Ginger Island. After recently accepting a commission from Marlon about there being an angrier-than-normal fire spirit here, you had decided to take on the job and get some extra gold in your pocket in the process! But...you almost felt stupid, you had been to Ginger Island many times prior, to the point where you were capable of walking here and there in your sleep you thought!
So why were you lost?
"Didn't I pass near this emerald bird twice already...?" You murmured to yourself once you found yourself circling back to the same long-legged green bird, the animal giving you a curious stare before deciding to sit down.
You had a mind to do the same until you heard a rustle in the tree line, causing you to place a hand on the sheath of your sword whilst the bird immediately flew off. You sucked in a breath, remembering that the commission explained that the fire spirit was a bit more antsy than the usual ones, was this one it? A bead of sweat started to roll down the side of your face, your adrenaline spiking until...you breathed a sigh of relief.
"Lance!" You smiled at the sight of your spouse as you rushed up to him with a beaming smile, throwing your hands around him despite his slightly singed form. "What are you doing here? And why-"
"Fire spirits, I spotted a larger one. Quite aggressive but nothing I wasn't capable of handling." As he pressed a kiss to your head, hugging you tightly to his form, his brow rose as he spotted your outfit. It was like his own but...it revealed more skin? Instead of long brown pants, you wore brown shorts that clasped tightly to your skin as well as a white shirt that had a long v-neck that exposed more of your breasts than normal.
You even had a blue cape!
"Your outfit, are you trying to copy me?" He teased.
You stuck out your tongue playfully. "What if I am?" You did a little twirl.
"I'd say that you picked a fine time to copy me, seeing as you're trying to complete a commission."
Although you wouldn't admit that you somewhat agreed with him (after all, taking on the commission was a last-minute thing you decided to do as an excuse to visit the lava cave). You didn't miss the part of your husband's sentence when he mentioned he had killed a larger-than-normal fire spirit! That meant that your commission had been completed without you having to even touch the cave, and for good riddance too.
You were still lost.
But, you assumed you could play around a little. "Well, I don't think I'll be doing much commission completing if I remain lost on this island." You sighed dramatically. "Unlessss some noble adventurer was to help me?"
Lance smirked as he caught onto your words. "What's in it for me?" His hand started to travel down from the dip in your back, lower and lower until he reached your barely covered behind.
"What do you want?" You responded with a suggestive raise of your brow, your hand trailing down to hook a finger over the waistband of his pants.
"I'm certain you'll find something to do, maybe...one that involves servicing your poor injured husband?"
You had just the remedy.
I like the read the marriage/general dialouge of the stardew valley bachelors and Bachelorettes, INCLUDING the mod bachelor/ettes which also has the dialouge for them on the fandom wiki page. (Like ridgeside for example) However, for east scarp, some character's wiki pages are not updated (I'm generally talking about the mod 'Always Raining in the Valley') and I rlly want to read those (*ahem* Sterling's) dialouges so I can giggle and kick my feet đđ
(Some ridgeside characters wiki also need to be updatedđŞ)
PLEASE UPDATE ITđ
MARCH & APRIL 2025 FIC RECOMMENDATIONS â STARDEW VALLEY
NOTES: I barely read anything in March so I decided to combine both months. Tryna get into rarepairs more but I keep going back to Sambastian đ Also, please let me know if youâd rather me not @ you if I did!
USE â LamplightEyes, @lamplighteyes
[Sam/Shane, Drug Use, Alcohol Abuse, Internalized Homophobia, Referenced Self-Harm, Suicidal Thoughts]
Samson. Sweet Sam. Perpetual doormat. Certified ray of sunshine. People pleaser extraordinaire. Kind and patient and gentle to a fault. And it was exactly what would get him hurt.
WHEN IN ROME â amalgamates
[Sebastian/Sam, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Eventual Smut & Romance, Angst, Drug Use, Possibly Unrequited Love]
âSeb.â He'd been caught. Sebastian turned his head to face the source of the voice, blood frozen in his veins. âWe couldn't change your mind, huh?â Sam asked with a warm, tired smile. âNo.â Sebastian looked away, unable to stomach the guilt Sam's expression stirred up within him. âSorry.â âOkay,â Sam replied, breezy as ever. âThen I'm coming with you.â
TROUBLESHOOTING â greatdistractions
[Elliott/Sebastian, Mystery, Angst with a Happy Ending, Stalking, Death Threats, not as heavy as tags make it seem]
Elliott's first book is about to come out! He should be celebrating, not worrying about the anonymous stranger sending him death threats. Cybersecurity is outside of Sebastian's usual work, but he can't just let the poor guy suffer. There has to be something he can do.
TIME AFTER TIME â Annetastic, @annetastic1981a
[Sebastian/Sam, Friends to Lovers, Aged Up Character(s), Eventual Smut, Infidelity, Divorce, Unplanned Pregnancy]
Sebastian has been in love with Sam for years, but life has conspired against him pursuing a relationship with his best friend. One day Sam calls him in the midst of a divorce and Sebastian offers him a place to stay. And they were roommates...
YOU GOT ME, TOO â softwisp, @realmalewife
[Sebastian/Sam, Sequel, Smut, Sex Work, Kink Discovery, Established Relationship, Dom/Sub Undertones, Voice Acting]
Sam makes a pathetic noise that sounds close to a whimper, and his words jumble together in a string, âWhatdidyoumeanbylivecollabs?â
BIG DEAL â fluffy_waffle
[Alex/Shane, Getting Together, Kink Discovery, Feeding Kink, Slow Burn, Secret Relationship, Implied Homophobia, Insecurity]
Alex and Shane arenât dating â they just live in a small town and thereâs not much else to do over the winter. And Shane is totally unloveable, obviously. And Alex just wants to experiment with guys, especially one whoâs a hundred pounds heavier than he is. So theyâre definitely not dating, and itâs definitely not a big deal.
Just came across AI-generated work in the Stardew Valley section on AO3 for the first time. This authorâs only two published fics used it.
It disappoints me, honestly. This person is missing the part of the process where all you wanna do smash your screen into tiny little pieces and swear off writing ever again but working through that until you excitedly share it online! Itâs all so important to experience, even if you think itâs shitty in the end, because it means at least you did it. It means you feel more connected to it and youâre strengthening your skill! You can only get better!
If you think your story is done but still not up to your standards, post it anyway! Someone will love it and it might help you break from that mindset youâre in.
Write fan fiction, have fun, itâs not that deep :)
MY FAVORITE STARDEW VALLEY FICS â PART 1
NOTES: This is part 1 of what Iâm sure will be a lot more lists of my favorites! Some of these fics have been included in my monthly recommendations. Iâm literally always reading something if Iâm not actually playing the game. But how do I tell people that I am an avid reader, just not in the traditional sense?
WILTING â devastating
[Sam/Sebastian, Angst, Mental Health Issues, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Breaking Up & Making Up, Hopeful Ending]
Sam breaks up with Sebastian, he tells himself that this is the healthiest thing that he could do for the two of them. He tells himself that heâs okay with the new life heâs built for himself. He tells himself a million and one things and yet he canât make himself believe his own lies.
FULL HOMO + LIGHT ME UP SERIES â lily_alphonse, @lily-alphonse
[Sam/Sebastian, Smut, Fluff, Friends to Lovers, Mild Hurt/Comfort, Love Confessions, Mutual Pining]
Sam and Sebastian's friendship is the most important thing in the world to them. For years they've skated this line, neither willing to ruin what they have in case the other doesn't feel the same.
LOVE FROM THE OTHER SIDE â changeishard, @changeishard
[Elliott/Penny, Angst, Fluff, Smut, Romance, AU - Gods and Goddesses, Inspired by Ancient Greek Religion & Lore]
Sam was desperate. He knew his band, Goblin Destroyer, was good, but they haven't been able to get it off the ground yet. They had quit their day jobs to focus on this, and Sam felt like it was his responsibility to make them famous. So he would make a deal. He could part with his soul. It wasn't a huge price to pay for their success. Sam deserved it. Seb and Abby deserved it, too. But the devil wasn't interested in his soul. He wanted Sam's wife. Or, an AU where Elliott is a God who takes Penny to his realm as part of Sam's bargain.
YOU REALLY GOT ME â softwisp, @realmalewife
[Sam/Sebastian, Friends to Lovers, Masturbation, Drug Use, Anal Sex, Voice Actor Sebastian]
Sam has started losing his mind recently. He canât tell what exactly it is, the shift in weather.. the time of year. Even the slightest breeze sets his skin aflame. It has nothing to do with his best friend. Even if his dark eyes and plump lips swarm his thoughts and dreams. Heâs been lying awake at night, in a cold sweat, unable to sleep. His days start to blur together, heâs not acting like himself. He doesnât know what heâs doing. He needs to fix it. Maybe something online can help?
KENT HELP FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU â insominia
[Kent/Female Player, Cheating, Infidelity, Unhappy Marriage, Hurt/Comfort, Smut, Fluff, Secret Relationship, Slow Burn]
When Kent returns from the war, a different man from the one who went out, he doesn't expect his life to turn upside down upon meeting the valley's new resident and farmer, Reyna.
SOMETIMES, LOVE CALLS TWICE (SERIES) â raewrotethat
[Elliott/Sam/Sebastian, Smut, Threesome, Fluff, Polyamory, Daddy Kink, Love Confessions, Porn With Feelings, Idiots in love]
The three of them attempt to have sex without feelings. They are very unsuccessful.
IN YOUR EYES â Mouse_213, @the-mouse-wife
[Sam/Sebastian, Enemies to Lovers, Sex Worker Sebastian, Slow Burn, Hurt/Comfort, Dom/Sub, Kinky, Porn With Feelings]
Sebastian is a spiky, cold loner who dislikes 99% of the people he meets. With the exception of his best friend Abigail, Seb doesnât seem to care much at all about his peers. Distracting himself from his angst, Seb throws all of his energy into his secret job as a cam model, where he can find the praise and encouragement he needs from anonymous subscribers on the internet to keep him going. But itâs getting difficult to fight the burnout from working so much, and Seb is getting tired. To make matters worse, Abigailâs been hanging out with the one person Seb hates the most- the warm, talkative, and brash Sam.
CONTRAST & COLOR â Mouse_213, @the-mouse-wife
[Sam/Sebastian, Enemies to Lovers, Slow Burn, Fluff, Smut, Angst, AU - College/University, Drug Abuse, Toxic Relationships]
Seb is a moody painting major whose only interest, besides art and hanging out with his favorite lesbian Leah, is finding new and interesting ways to escape sobriety. Sam is a cheerful photography major whose chatty demeanor has earned him many friends, through the years, and even more people who try to take advantage of his kindness. ...And they were roommates!
FIRE WALK WITH ME + OBSIDIAN AND RUBY (SERIES) â HibiscusTea9, @hibiscustea9
[Elliott/Sebastian, Romance, Slow Burn, Smut, Angst, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Coming Out, Murder Mystery]
On a cold, rainy night in early spring, two lost souls accidentally touch. What happens next is something neither expected.
MORE, ENOUGH â kinkratonthestreets
[Sam/Sebastian, Domestic Fluff, Smut, Angst, Established Relationship, Weight Gain, Feedism, Belly Kink, Body Worship, Past Suicide Attempt]
Married life has been treating Sam and Sebastian well: theyâre settling into the city, their careers are growing, and Samâs made a lot of progress learning to cook real food for the two of them (as Sebastian can attest). Theyâve got a good thing going. But when Sam gets back from going on tour, Sebastianâs looking exhausted and run-down, and Sam can tell heâs lost weight. What if heâs getting bad again?
IF I FELL â darningdreams
[Elliott/Sebastian, Future Fic, Angst, Slice of Life, Awkward Romance, Family Fluff, Happy Ending]
Ten years ago, someone came to fix up the old farm outside Pelican Town. She ran around handing out presents, attending festivals, and flirting with whomever seemed interested⌠which was most decidedly not Sebastian. He had Sam, after all, and the perfect pairing of sun and moon moved to Zuzu City not long after the farmer married the eccentric writer who lived on the beach. Now, Sebastian is making ends meet working at a coffee shop near the university district, thoroughly jaded by life and love. He only goes home for holidays when he knows Maru and his ex arenât going to be there. The old farm sits empty again, re-abandoned after a few years. Sometimes he wonders what happened to the family that formed there as he drives back to his depressingly tiny apartment in Zuzu City. He never expected heâd actually find out, or find himself falling in love again.
NOTES, BOOKS, AND NOTESBOOKS â WingsofFae
[Harvey/Elliott, Romance, Pining, Poetry]
In which two grown-ass men fangirl for each other.
PAST REGRETS â WingsofFae
[Harvey/Elliott, Romance, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Picnics, Stars, Maru is a plot device]
Harvey is doing his best to be a professional, respectable adult. But hey, what can you do? Some men are too pretty to forget.
DOWN, BOY â beastinabasket, @duncanlesbianism
[Elliott/Female Reader, Smut, Light BDSM, Femdom, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Praise Kink, Submissive Top Elliott]
Whenever Elliott's day had been particularly hard, he unknowingly turned into a sad puppy.
LOUD AND PROUD IN YOUR DIRECTION â DakiWaaban
[Sam/Sebastian, Smut, Friends to Lovers, Rough Sex, Mild Cuckolding, Dirty Talk, Dacryphilia]
âDid youâŚdid you really get hard from that?â âYeah,â Sam says again, somehow even quieter. âTake your pants off.â
POMOGRANATE WINE AND RECYCLED FISHING LINE â Anonymous
[Elliott/Female Reader, Non-Sexual Submission, Light Bondage, Non-Sexual Kink, Soft Dom Elliott]
After they barely make it home from the mines, Elliott soft-doms the farmer into getting more than four hours of sleep.
CLOSE CALL AND CLOSER COMFORTS â SFDoll
[Sam/Female Reader, Hurt Comfort, Angst, Romance, Family Drama, Bathing/Washing, Dom/Sub Undertones, Cockwarming]
After the farmer nearly dies in the Skull Caverns, the farmer and Sam deal with the emotional and physical fallout of that night. Turns out they both need a little comfort and intimacy.
HOT COCOA â Spot_Stan
[Shane/AFAB Reader, Hurt Comfort, Angst, Romance, Injury Recovery, Frostbite, Unplanned Pregnancy, Pregnant Sex, Belly Kink, Breeding Kink]
One sleepless night, Shane goes for a walk in the heavy snow, and comes back home to nurse a frozen farmer back to health.
IT SMELLS LIKE YOU â HarmlessGhosty
[Elliott/Female Reader, Fluff, Storms, Cuddling & Snuggling, Pining, First Kiss, Power Outage, Emotional Hurt/Comfort]
When a tropical storm rolls through Pelican Town, it knocks out the power to every building, including Elliottâs cabinâŚthough he only had one or two light switches in the first place. Problem is, the farmer had been visiting to ensure that he was set for the storm just before it hit. Sheâs stuck with him while it passes overnight, and sheâs terrified of the dark. Itâs up to Elliott to find ways to comfort her without stepping over any lines. He needs to be a gentleman. Itâs what she deserves.
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