Farmer Oc - Blog Posts

The Reaper Farmer and The Doctor

It was like pulling teeth to get this stupid thing finished. I wanted to add a background but I’ve just about reached my limit, so you get color. Just imagine they’re right outside the clinic.

ANYWAYS, this is The Reaper (aka the farmer), my stardew valley oc :) He’s a big ol’ shadow person (Krobus’s species) whose taken up residence in the abandoned farm just west of the town. He enjoys farming, pickling, and long walks on the beach /j

The below images are his first concepts:

Also I realized there aren’t a ton of shadow people (I learned later that there are specifically NONE is town according to Krobus’s wiki) so I made some. Can-Can lives in trash cans and eats the trash while Brutus and Grandma live in the mines :D

……..they don’t take too kindly to learning that Reaper is getting buddy buddy with the townsfolk,,,,,

Ignore that I’m shipping the reaper with Harvey. I am being self-indulgent 😔

I’m having a lot of fun with this character. I like thinking about how he’d interact with the other villagers and shit. I wouldn’t say to expect more drawings of him, but I wouldn’t be surprised.

Just had this unhinged crossover headcanon about my FOM farmer, Isaria, she's the cousin of my two SDV farmer sisters, Cerise and Rosemary. Now, imagine a family reunion where they introduce their lovers to each other. If you're confused, here's the lineup: Isaria is with Caldarus, Cerise is with Jio, and Rosemary is with Lance.

Now, picture how awkward that would be.

Caldarus is a dragon guardian of Mistria, Lance is a combat mage from the First Slash Clan, and Jio is not only an assassin but also an elf and a member of the Cult of the Lady with the Red Tail. Lance would probably be thrilled to meet an actual dragon, while Jio ever the cautious one would find Caldarus intimidating. Meanwhile, Caldarus though outwardly polite for Isaria’s sake, would remain on high alert, sensing the intense auras between these two men… and even those of Isaria’s cousins, especially Cerise.

Still out of respect for his farmer, he keeps his composure. But oh boy, the tension in that room would be off the charts.

[𝙵𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢 𝚁𝚎𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗 – 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚘𝚝𝚒𝚌 𝚈𝚎𝚝 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙲𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚍 𝙶𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐]

[Cerise, Rosemary, and Isaria stand together while their partners linger nearby. The air crackles with unspoken tension.]

Lance: *grinning, composed yet intrigued* A dragon guardian… Quite the rare sight. It is an honor to meet you.

Caldarus: *soft-spoken, yet watchful* And you must be the mage Isaria spoke of. The honor is mine.

Jio: *arms crossed, unimpressed* A dragon, a mage, and an assassin in one room. Sounds like the start of a bad joke.

Rosemary: *muttering* More like a disaster waiting to happen.

Lance: *chuckles* Oh, I assure you, I mean no trouble. Though I must admit, meeting a dragon is… fascinating.

Caldarus: *calmly observing both men* Likewise. It is rare to stand among those who carry such powerful auras.

Jio: *lowers voice, glancing at Cerise* I don’t trust him.

Cerise: *calmly sips tea* You don’t trust anyone.

Isaria: *forcing a smile* Okay! Let’s all just sit down and eat, yes? No battles, no tension, just a nice, peaceful meal.

[Caldarus offers a polite nod, ever the composed guardian. Jio remains wary, and Lance though clearly intrigued respects the unspoken boundaries. Out of respect for their partners, they all (reluctantly) take their seats.]

Rosemary: *whispering to Cerise* Ten gold says something breaks before dessert.

Cerise: Make it twenty.

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, they’re brothers now.

A/N: I don’t know what came over me when I wrote this. Seriously. Lance and Jio in the same room, willingly? That’s 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 it’s 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 wasn’t 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 hadn’t fooled Lance. The adventurer had taken one look at him, his eyes shimmering with the unmistakable glint of understanding and smirked.

“You know.” Lance had said, arms folded across his chest, “It’s a good spell. Really well-crafted but I can see right through it.”

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 Jio’s 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 wasn’t 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.

“Mind if I join you?” he’d asked, already sitting down before Jio had the chance to refuse.

Jio sighed. “You already have.”

Lance chuckled, pouring the wine. “Figured it’s about time we had a real conversation, just the two of us.”

The ninja eyed him warily. “Is that so?”

“You’re my brother-in-law. Might as well get to know each other.” Lance leaned back, swirling the wine in his glass. His gaze flickered with something unreadable, amusement layered over a deeper sense of intrigue. “How long were you going to keep pretending to be human?”

Jio exhaled sharply through his nose. So this was where they were starting.

“I don’t know what you mean.” His voice was deliberately flat, dismissive, but he knew it would do little to deter Lance.

The man merely chuckled. “Oh, come on. You really think an illusion spell would fool me? I saw through that the first time we met.” He tilted his head, watching Jio carefully, as if waiting for him to confirm it.

Jio’s 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. “Relax. I don’t have a problem with elves.” His gaze darkened slightly, his voice losing its usual teasing tone. “Just 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 isn’t the case.”

Jio finally turned to look at him, studying him in silence. He could see the questions forming behind Lance’s eyes, an unspoken list of inquiries waiting to be voiced. He knew this conversation wouldn’t end here.

“I assume you have a dozen questions.”

Lance’s grin was immediate, almost triumphant. “At least a dozen but I doubt you’ll answer half of them.”

“You’re right.”

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 wasn’t quite like that. There was curiosity, certainly, but no hostility. And for all his persistence, Lance wasn’t pressing him, wasn’t 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. “Alright, let’s start simple.” His voice was light, but there was a knowing edge to it, as if he had already anticipated Jio’s reluctance. “How did you meet Cerise?”

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.

“She wandered into Ridge Forest,” he said at last. “Too close to the barrier.”

Lance hummed thoughtfully. “And?”

Jio’s 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 forest’s 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. “You shouldn’t be here—!”

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 would’ve 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 wasn’t a panicked traveler flailing in fear, this was an experienced fighter, attacking on pure instinct.

“Are you insane?” 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.

“That was a mistake.” Her voice was steady, unapologetic but not dismissive. “Didn’t expect someone to appear out of nowhere.”

Jio studied her for a moment before releasing his grip. “You nearly took my head off.” His tone was even, but there was a dry edge to it.

She huffed softly, rubbing her wrist where he had grabbed her. “If I meant to, I wouldn’t have missed.”

Jio’s 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.

“You must be the granddaughter.”

The woman blinked. “What?”

“The old farmer.” he clarified. “The one who passed years ago. You’re one of her granddaughters, aren’t you?”

Something unreadable passed across her face before she straightened, the tension in her shoulders still present but tempered.

“I’m Cerise.”

Jio regarded her for a long moment before giving a slight nod. “Jio.”

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 wasn’t just some ordinary farmer.

Jio exhaled, his voice barely above a murmur. “She nearly killed me.”

Lance barked out a laugh. “Sounds about right.”

Jio cast him a glare but said nothing. Silence stretched between them for a moment before he glanced at Lance. “And you? How did you meet Rosemary?”

Lance chuckled, setting his glass down. “Oh, our first meeting was… unexpected.”

Jio narrowed his eyes. “Go on.”

Lance leaned forward slightly. “I first met Rosemary at the summit of Mount Kohldur. She had just finished the climb, she looked exhausted but determined.”

The heat of the forge wrapped around Lance like an old friend, the rhythmic clang of metal against metal filling the cavernous chamber. Mount Kohldur’s 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 forge’s 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 wasn’t 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 cheeks—

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.

“Oh my Yoba—”

Lance blinked as the woman stumbled forward, her wide eyes filled with mortification.

“I—I am so sorry!” she blurted out, hands shooting up in a panicked gesture. “I thought you were a monster! I didn’t—” 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. “I’ve had a lot of things thrown at me in my lifetime,” he mused, his voice laced with amusement. “But I have to say, this is the first time someone’s greeted me with explosives.”

She let out a strangled groan, pressing her hands to her face. “I swear, I’m not usually this trigger-happy.”

Lance smirked, folding his arms. “No?” He arched a brow. “So, you don’t always attack strangers on sight?”

Dragging a hand down her face, she muttered, “I just—didn’t expect anyone else to be up here. I panicked, okay?”

Lance chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, I suppose I should be honored to have made such an impression.”

She mumbled something under her breath, then straightened, clearing her throat. “Right. Uh. I’m Rosemary.”

Lance’s lips quirked into a knowing smirk. “I know.” At her startled look, he inclined his head. “Marlon spoke quite highly of you, said you were quite proficient with a weapon.” His gaze flickered to the spot where the bomb had nearly incinerated him, amusement dancing in his obsidian-purple eyes. “I see now that he wasn’t exaggerating.”

Rosemary groaned, muttering something about terrible first impressions under her breath.

Lance let out a light chuckle before offering a more formal introduction. “I’m Lance, from The First Slash Clan. We’re a guild of adventurers protecting the Fern Islands.” He studied her for a moment, curiosity flickering in his expression. “Though I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting to meet you under such… explosive circumstances.”

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.

“So...” he finally said, swirling the wine in his glass, “She did try to kill you.”

Lance chuckles, tilting his head slightly. “You sound almost relieved.”

Jio huffed, setting his glass down with a quiet clink. “It just confirms my expectations.” He exhaled again, this time with something dangerously close to amusement curling at the edges of his voice. “Shame. She should’ve aimed better.”

The mage only let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “You wound me, truly.”

Jio took another sip of wine, watching him over the rim of his glass. “Did you look like a monster?”

Lance placed a hand over his heart, feigning offense. “I’d like to think I looked fairly respectable that day.”

Jio didn’t bother hiding the way his lips twitched, but he said nothing.

Lance leaned back against the wooden pillar, stretching out his legs. “Lucky for me, I immediately conjure a barrier. Introduced myself after she throw that bomb.” His smirk softened as his mind drifted back. “She was flustered, obviously. But we ended up sharing a meal. Talking. Laughing.”

Jio shook his head, muttering, “Your wife nearly blew you up.”

Lance arched a brow. “Yours nearly stabbed you through the skull.”

“Fair...”

A pause. Then for the first time all night, the silence between them wasn’t 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.

“You know… I may be nosy, but it’s not just about curiosity.” He turned his head, meeting Jio’s gaze with quiet certainty. “Cerise is important to you. Rosemary is important to me. So, like it or not… we’re family now.”

Jio studied him for a long moment, expression unreadable. Then, finally, he inclined his head slightly. “I know...”

Lance smirked, the easy confidence returning to his voice. “And since we’re family, I reserve the right to continue annoying you for the foreseeable future.”

Jio sighed, finishing the rest of his wine. “I should’ve let Cerise’s dagger hit me.”

Lance barked out a laugh, the sound rich with amusement. “Too late for regrets now, brother.”

Jio didn’t 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 wasn’t 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.

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 couldn’t 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, promising—promising—to 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 Rosemary’s 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 hand—on the routine—but her thoughts kept circling back to one question.

Why isn’t he back?

Her pruning slowed. Water dripped from a nearby watering can. The silence grew thick.

Then it happened.

A chill—sharp and sudden—sliced down her spine.

Her breath hitched.

Her gloved hand froze mid-motion.

It wasn’t 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 Lance’s magic, ever-present beside her own like a steady heartbeat—had vanished.

Gone.

Her pulse thundered in her ears.

“No.”

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 inward—desperately—trying 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.

“Rosie?”, Her sister’s voice answered calm as ever, but edged with concern. “What’s wrong?”

“Cerise!!! I can’t feel him.” Rosemary’s voice cracked. “His magic! it’s gone—I don’t know what’s happening, what does it mean?”

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.

“No… they wouldn’t.” The words came as a whisper. Then, sharper, cold with realization: “Stay where you are. I’ll be there soon.”

Rosemary’s grip tightened around the phone.

“They must've took him.”

The words hung heavy in the air.

“They took my husband.”

This time, her voice was low, dangerous, a quiet fury simmering beneath each syllable.

Cerise inhaled sharply on the other end of the line. “Most likely. If they couldn’t get my Jio, their next move would be—”

“I’m going.”

“Rose—”

“I’m not waiting around, sister.” Rosemary’s jaw tightened. Her ocean jade eyes—usually bright and warm—narrowed into cold flames of determination. “I’m getting my husband back. Whatever it takes.”

”Rosemary, wait—”

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 didn’t need a plan.

Only a direction.

Lance’s faint magic—like a whisper at the edge of her mind—would guide her.

“Hold on, love” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I’m coming.”

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 silence—broken only by the rhythmic drip of water echoing from some distant corridor—felt 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 lips—slow, 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 wasn’t 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 room—the entire place—reeked of the kind of magic meant to weaken him, suppress him, render him vulnerable.

Still, it wasn’t his own fate that consumed his thoughts.

It was hers.

The realization cut deeper than any blade.

They weren’t 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 vulnerable—a perfect trap.

But they didn’t know her.

They didn’t know Rosemary.

She wasn’t some fragile woman to be lured like a helpless bird. She had Cerise’s blood in her veins—the blood of the Crimson Wraith.

And worse still, they didn’t 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 weapon—a new puppet assassin forged from the only sister of the Crimson Wraith.

The thought made Lance’s 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 sister’s bloody past but had never allowed it to define her. They thought they could twist her into something she wasn’t.

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 cheek—a 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.

“You know.” he drawled, stepping forward with deliberate slowness. “None of this would’ve happened if you hadn’t married that red-haired bitch. We didn’t want you. You were never the target.”

He crouched, bringing his face close enough that Lance could smell the foul mix of tobacco and cheap liquor on his breath.

“We wanted her sister. Cerise. She was... valuable to us. But she escaped. Left everything behind, dragging her little sister along like a coward.”

His grin widened, malicious satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.

“But now? We have something better. You see, we realized something. What better way to replace the Crimson Wraith than with her own blood? We’ll take your precious wife, and turn her into the perfect weapon. Our new puppet.”

The words echoed in the damp room.

Lance didn’t move. His expression didn’t 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 then—

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 didn’t slow.

They grew louder. Closer.

And then—

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 there—fury 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 magic—a tempest on the brink of being unleashed.

“Where...”, she whispered, her voice low, trembling with restrained wrath, “Is my husband?”

The scarred man stumbled back. “Oh shit-!” he muttered in disbelief, glancing at his companion.

But the moment he moved—

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 merciless—graceful 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 chest—not 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 deeper—fear, worry, desperation.

“Lance.”

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.

“Are you—did they—?” Her voice cracked, unable to form the question.

“I’m fine.” His voice was soft but firm, though his smile faded when he saw the tears shining in her eyes.

“No, you’re not.” 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 didn’t move. He simply watched her—watched as she clung to him, as her shoulders shook.

“I thought—” she choked out, “I thought I was too late.”

Gently, Lance wrapped his arms around her.

“You weren’t.”

She buried her face in his chest. “I would have destroyed this whole place if they’d laid a hand on you.”

“I know.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “You were perfect.”

“No.” She pulled back slightly, her ocean jade eyes locking onto his, fierce even through the tears. “Not perfect. Just in time.”

And when Lance leaned forward to press his lips to hers, tender lingering. It wasn’t 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 them—together.

A/N: Here’s a collection of my farmer OCs and their lovers celebrating Valentine’s Day across the valley. Each couple shares a unique moment, from quiet evenings to exciting adventures. Hope you enjoy!

Valentine’s Day has arrived, bringing love and warmth to every corner of the valley. From quiet, intimate moments to unexpected adventures, each couple finds their own way to celebrate. Whether it’s a romantic stroll through the ridge, an island adventure, or a heartfelt serenade, love takes many forms but every moment is cherished.

𝚂𝚎𝚋𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚊𝚗 ♡ 𝙰𝚕𝚎𝚒𝚊

The spring air was crisp but gentle, carrying the scent of fresh blooms as the valley embraced the warmth of the new season. The Love Festival had been lively all day—couples exchanging gifts, the marketplace filled with heart-shaped chocolates and vibrant bouquets. But for Aleia, this Valentine’s night was set apart from the usual celebrations.

Sebastian had insisted on planning everything himself this time.

"This time, let me be the one to plan something for you." he had told her, his deep violet eyes steady with resolve.

And so, she let him.

Now, guided by his hand, Aleia walked along the winding mountain path, her eyes covered by a blindfold. The soft rustle of leaves and the distant hum of frogs and crickets were the only sounds accompanying their steps. The cool evening breeze brushed against her skin, and Sebastian’s firm but gentle grip reassured her as they moved forward.

"Almost there." he murmured, his breath warm against her ear.

A few more steps, then stillness.

"Alright," he said softly. "You can look now."

Aleia pulled off the blindfold and gasped.

Before her lay a secluded clearing atop the mountain, bathed in the warm glow of lanterns hanging from tree branches. A cozy picnic was spread across the grass, thick blankets and plush cushions arranged beside a small, flickering fire. Plates of food, carefully chosen with her favorites—void salmon sushi, fresh monster fruit, and a homemade coffee cake, were set neatly on a wooden tray. Beside it, a telescope stood angled toward the sky.

She turned to him, sapphire eyes wide. "You… did all this?"

Sebastian rubbed the back of his neck, looking away like he always did when he was nervous. "Yeah. I, uh… might’ve gotten some help from Sam to carry everything and borrowed Maru’s telescope, but yeah. Wanted to give you something special."

A slow, warm smile spread across Aleia’s lips. "It’s perfect."

They settled onto the blankets, sharing bites of food and slipping into easy conversation, the kind that flowed naturally between them. The fire crackled beside them, casting a golden glow across Sebastian’s features, making his dark hair shine under the soft light. His expression was relaxed in a way that made Aleia’s heart ache, in the best way.

After a while, Sebastian nudged her gently. "Come here."

He led her toward the telescope, adjusting the lens with practiced care. "Look through it."

Aleia leaned in, her breath catching as she took in the stars. Closer, brighter, clearer than she had ever seen them with the naked eye. They shimmered like distant lanterns, scattered across the endless night.

"Wow." she whispered.

Sebastian stepped behind her, loosely wrapping his arms around her waist. "Figured you’d like it."

She turned to face him, her gaze glowing with something deeper than admiration. "You really thought of everything."

Sebastian smirked slightly, though there was no teasing behind it. Just warmth. Just love. "Of course I did. You’re the love of my life, Aleia."

The words settled between them, heavy with sincerity.

Aleia melted, reaching up to brush her fingers against his cheek before leaning in, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to his lips. The stars shimmered overhead, the night stretching infinitely before them, but in that moment, all that mattered was the space they shared.

Wherever they were, on the farm, in hiding, or right here in the mountains. Being with him would always feel like home.

𝚂𝚊𝚖 ♡ 𝚈𝚟𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚎

Pelican Town was alive with celebration. The Love Festival had transformed the town square into a dreamy spectacle. Strings of lanterns hung between buildings, their soft glow illuminating the bustling streets. Stalls lined the cobblestone paths, selling heart-shaped sweets, delicate flower crowns, and handcrafted gifts. The scent of caramel apples, freshly baked pastries, and roasted chestnuts lingered in the crisp evening air.

Yvonne squeezed Sam’s hand, her maroon-red eyes sparkling with excitement. "Let’s do everything!"

Sam chuckled, lacing his fingers with hers. "Everything? That’s a lot of games, love."

She grinned mischievously. "You scared?"

He smirked. "Not a chance."

They spent the evening competing at ring toss, trying their luck at the fishing challenge, and testing their strength at the hammer game, where Yvonne nearly matched Sam’s score, much to his surprise. They indulged in candied strawberries, fried dough, and hot cocoa, savoring the sweetness of the night.

At one of the game stalls, Yvonne managed to win a fluffy teddy bear holding a tiny pizza. She turned to Sam with a triumphant smile and pressed it into his hands.

"For you." she said with a wink.

Sam laughed, holding up the bear. "Are you winning prizes for me now?"

"Of course." Yvonne said sweetly. "You’re my rockstar boyfriend, but even rockstars need something to cuddle."

Sam rolled his eyes playfully, but the way he hugged the bear against his chest made Yvonne giggle. A few moments later, he nudged her toward another stall.

"My turn." he said confidently.

He focused on the game. Dart toss, aiming carefully before releasing each shot. One by one, the balloons popped, and soon enough, the vendor handed him a teddy bear, this one holding a single red rose. Sam grinned and presented it to Yvonne.

"For you, my flower girl." he teased.

Yvonne beamed, hugging the bear close. "Now we match."

As the festival began winding down, Sam suddenly took her hand and led her away from the crowded town square. They walked in comfortable silence, following the familiar path down to the beach.

The tidepools shimmered under the moonlight, and the area had been beautifully decorated. Lanterns were scattered across the sand, their golden light reflecting off the water. Rose petals were spread around the driftwood log where Yvonne had once sat when Sam first confessed his love for her.

She blinked in surprise. "Wait—! what’s going on?"

Sam just smirked as he grabbed a guitar resting nearby. He sat on a rock facing her, adjusting the strings with ease. "This is for you."

Then, with practiced fingers, he strummed a soft, melodic tune and began to sing.

Yvonne’s breath caught in her throat. His voice, smooth and full of warmth, wrapped around her like the gentle sea breeze.

The song spoke of a love that was vibrant and wild, like spring flowers bursting into bloom after a long winter. It told of laughter shared on lazy afternoons, of hands reaching for each other in the dark, of a love so deep it felt like breathing.

By the time he finished, Yvonne was near tears, her hands clasped to her chest.

Sam set the guitar aside and walked over, pulling her into his arms. "Happy Valentine’s, love."

She sniffled, laughing as she wiped at her eyes. "You jerk. You made me cry."

He chuckled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Best reaction I could’ve asked for."

And as the waves kissed the shore and the lanterns flickered softly in the night, Yvonne knew she would never forget this moment.

𝙰𝚕𝚎𝚡 ♡ 𝙽𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚎

The lively streets of Zuzu City were buzzing with energy as Nadine and Alex walked hand in hand. Neon signs flickered above them, and the scent of sizzling street food filled the air. Tonight, the city felt electric, but for Alex, the real highlight wasn’t the bright lights or the fancy restaurants—it was her.

"You pick." he said, squeezing her hand. "Anything you want, it's all on me."

Nadine chuckled, tilting her head playfully. "Feeling fancy tonight, huh?"

Alex grinned. "I mean, you only get one Valentine’s Day a year. Might as well go all out."

She scanned the restaurants before stopping in front of a small but elegant seafood bistro. Candlelit tables, soft music playing. Perfect. They were seated by the window, overlooking the city streets, and soon their table was filled with delicious dishes, grilled salmon, garlic butter shrimp, and freshly baked bread.

Throughout dinner, they laughed and teased each other, exchanging bites of food and stealing lingering glances. Every now and then, Alex would just stop eating, resting his chin on his hand as he watched her talk, completely enamored.

"What?" Nadine asked, raising a brow.

Alex smirked. "Nothing. Just thinking how lucky I am."

After finishing their meal, instead of heading home, they took a detour to the beachfront. The city skyline glowed in the distance, but the shore was peaceful, waves rolling softly under the moonlight.

Nadine kicked off her sandals, wiggling her toes in the cool sand. "You should try it." she said, grinning.

Alex raised a brow. "Walking barefoot? What if I step on something sharp?"

She rolled her eyes. "Big tough athlete, scared of a little sand?"

"Fine, fine." he chuckled, slipping off his sneakers and socks. He picked up both their shoes, carrying them in one hand while the other found its way back to hers.

They strolled along the water’s edge, the wet sand cool beneath their feet. The gentle waves brushed against their ankles, and the salty night air wrapped around them.

At some point, Alex stopped, pulling her into his arms. "This is nice." he murmured. "Just you, me, and the ocean."

Nadine hummed in agreement, tracing little patterns on his arm. "And the city lights. Kinda romantic, don’t you think?"

He chuckled. "Super romantic." Then, with a playful grin, he scooped her up effortlessly, making her squeal in surprise.

"Alex!"

"What?" he laughed. "You looked like you needed to be carried."

She smacked his shoulder, but he only held her closer. "You’re ridiculous." she huffed, but her laughter betrayed her.

With her in his arms and the waves crashing softly in the background, Alex kissed her, slow and deep, his lips warm against the cool breeze. When they pulled away, he smirked.

"Happy Valentine’s, babe."

Nadine, still breathless, smiled back. "Happy Valentine’s, Alex."

And with that, they kept walking, hand in hand, their footprints fading into the moonlit sand.

𝙼𝚊𝚐𝚗𝚞𝚜 ♡ 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚊

Thalia had always been drawn to magic, not just because it was in her blood, but because it was a part of who she was. And tonight, Magnus was determined to show her just how deeply their worlds intertwined.

"Close your eyes." he instructed softly.

She gave him a playful smile. "If you insist, my mysterious sorcerer."

With a wave of his hand, a soft wind swirled around them, carrying the scent of wildflowers and something ancient, something powerful. When Thalia opened her eyes, she gasped.

They stood in an untouched grove deep within the Cindersap Forest, a secret sanctuary hidden from mortal eyes. A pond, smooth as glass, reflected the full moon above, and hundreds of fireflies danced through the air, their golden glow illuminating the night. But the true marvel was the air itself. It shimmered with magic, soft blue and purple lights weaving through the trees like living stardust.

"Magnus…" she breathed.

The wizard watched her with quiet satisfaction, his black-purple eyes gleaming beneath the moonlight. "This place is connected to ancient magic. It exists outside of time, untouched by the world."

Thalia turned to him, teasing. "So, you brought me to a place where time doesn’t exist? Is this your way of keeping me all to yourself?"

Magnus chuckled, a rare, deep sound. "You know me well, my love."

They sat by the pond, surrounded by glowing flora, as Magnus conjured a spread of warm tea, chocolate-covered strawberries, and delicate pastries. As Thalia sipped the tea, she glanced at him with fond amusement.

"You always act so composed, but I know you." she mused. "You’re hopelessly in love with me, aren’t you?"

Magnus exhaled, setting down his cup. He reached for her hand, his fingers tracing over hers with a feather-light touch. "Thalia." he murmured, "You have unraveled every secret I thought I could keep hidden. My magic, my heart, my very soul. They are yours."

Thalia’s teasing smile softened. "You really are a romantic under all that wizardly mystique, aren’t you?"

He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers, a kiss filled with whispered magic and devotion.

As they sat together beneath the moon, time truly seemed to stand still.

𝙻𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎 ♡ 𝚁𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚢

Valentine’s Day in Stardew Valley meant something different for everyone. Some couples preferred candlelit dinners at the Stardrop Saloon, others exchanged heartfelt gifts in the cozy glow of their fireplaces. But for the adventurous at heart, romance wasn’t just about quiet moment. It was about shared experiences, new places, and thrilling discoveries.

For Lance and Rosemary, nothing sounded better than an escape to Ginger Island, where the golden sands, lush jungle, and endless blue sea promised the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.

The midday sun cast a warm glow over the island, glinting off the waves as the couple arrived at the shore. Rosemary inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of salt and tropical flowers, while Lance stretched, rolling his shoulders as he surveyed the landscape.

“Nothing like an island getaway.” he mused, his usual confident smirk in place.

Rosemary smirked back. “Are you sure you didn’t just want an excuse to show off your knowledge of the island?”

He chuckled, placing a hand over his heart in mock offense. “You wound me, my dear. I would never, well, perhaps just a little.”

The couple made their way inland, boots crunching against the sand before they reached a shaded, rocky cove where a gentle stream trickled into the sea. The cool water glistened invitingly, and without hesitation, Lance unclasped his cape and set it aside. He knelt down to unlace his boots, and Rosemary followed suit, setting hers beside his.

The water was shallow, lapping just above their ankles as they stepped in. The contrast of the cool stream against the sun-warmed sand sent a pleasant chill up Rosemary’s spine. Lance watched her with a knowing glint in his indigo eyes, captivated by the way the sunlight highlighted her freckles. He had always found them endearing, small constellations scattered across her cheeks, unique to her and her alone.

“You’re staring.” Rosemary teased, flicking a bit of water toward him with her toes.

He caught her ankle with ease, his grip gentle yet firm. “Can you blame me?” His voice dropped to a lower, more genuine tone. “You look stunning.”

A faint blush dusted her cheeks, though whether from the heat or his words, she wasn’t sure. “Smooth talker.” she muttered, but she didn’t pull away.

They spent the afternoon wading through the water, skimming their fingers along the surface, and occasionally splashing each other in playful retaliation. At one point, Lance spotted a vibrant blue starfish resting on the rocks, scooping it up to show Rosemary before gently returning it to the tide.

As the sun began its slow descent toward the horizon, Lance guided Rosemary back to shore, their hands naturally finding each other’s. They sat on the sand, watching the sky burn with hues of orange and violet.

“This was a good idea.” Rosemary admitted, leaning her head against his shoulder.

Lance pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his voice filled with quiet certainty. “Every adventure with you is.”

And as the waves whispered against the shore, they simply sat there, enjoying the peaceful, perfect moment. Just the two of them, wrapped in the warmth of love and the promise of many more adventures to come.

𝙹𝚒𝚘 ♡ 𝙲𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚎

High up in the mountains, far from the bustling city and the peaceful valley, Ridgeside Village was alive with the spirit of Love Festival. The streets, usually quiet under the watchful eye of the peaks, were now filled with soft lantern light and delicate decorations. Paper hearts and ribbons adorned the fences, and flower petals scattered across the cobbled paths, carried by the cool evening breeze.

Couples strolled through the village square, exchanging gifts of handcrafted chocolates and freshly picked flowers. The scent of sweet rice cakes and warm tea drifted from the marketplace, mingling with the crisp mountain air.

Cerise stood near the entrance of Ridge Forest, fingers idly tightening around the fabric of her dress. She wasn’t usually one to fidget, but tonight was different. Jio had insisted they meet here, in public. It was something he never did. And though she trusted him, she also knew how much he disliked being seen.

Then, she saw him.

He walked toward her with the same quiet confidence she had always admired, but something was undeniably different. His usual ninja attire was gone, replaced by casual dark clothes, simple yet well-fitted, blending him seamlessly among the villagers. And his ears… no longer pointed.

Cerise’s breath caught. "You—?"

Jio smirked slightly, his deep green eyes flickering with amusement. "Illusion spell. No one will suspect a thing."

Her heart swelled. He had done this for her. Not because he had to, but because he wanted to.

"You really did this… for me?"

Jio nodded. "You wanted a normal date. So tonight, I’m just a man visiting the village with his beloved." His voice was calm, but she could hear the slight tension in his tone,he wasn’t used to this.

Cerise smiled, reaching for his hand. "Then let’s make it a good one."

As they strolled through the village, hand in hand, people couldn’t help but stare. It wasn’t every day they saw Farmer Cerise with someone unfamiliar, let alone a man. A few villagers whispered amongst themselves, their curiosity barely concealed.

"Who’s that with Cerise?"

"I’ve never seen him before."

"Is he a traveler? A merchant?"

"His quite handsome."

Jio’s jaw tightened. His patience wore thin as the murmurs continued. His fingers twitched, and just as he was about to say something sharp, Cerise squeezed his hand.

She turned toward the onlookers, flashing a bright, effortless smile. "This is my lover." she said smoothly. "He’s from another village, and he came to spend Valentine’s with me."

A collective murmur of understanding followed, and just like that, the tension dissolved. The villagers, satisfied with her explanation, lost interest and returned to their own affairs.

Jio exhaled, giving her a look. "You handled that well."

She smirked. "I always do."

With the attention off them, they continued their date, walking at a leisurely pace. They visited the marketplace, where Cerise picked out a small box of chocolates and playfully fed Jio a piece. He accepted it with neutral face, but she caught the way his expression softened as he tasted the sweetness.

Then, they made their way to the waterfall, where the sound of rushing water drowned out the rest of the world. They sat on a secluded bench, the mist cooling their skin as the stars began to dot the sky.

Jio leaned back, gazing at the view. "It’s peaceful here." he admitted.

Cerise tilted her head. "I thought you might like it."

He glanced at her, something unreadable in his gaze. "I like anything, so long as I’m with you."

She chuckled, leaning into his shoulder. "Now who’s the smooth talker?"

Jio smirked but said nothing, instead slipping an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. For a while, they sat in silence, listening to the distant hum of the village behind them, the rush of the falls before them.

Cerise turned her head slightly, catching the way the moonlight softened Jio’s usually sharp features. "You don’t regret this?" she asked quietly. "Being here… with me?"

His hold on her tightened ever so slightly. "Never." His voice was firm, certain. "I’d walk through any village, drop every disguise, if it meant being with you."

Cerise’s heart thudded, warmth spreading through her chest. She smiled softly, then reached up, pressing a lingering kiss to his cheek.

"Happy Valentine’s, Jio."

He exhaled, his breath ghosting over her skin. "Happy Valentine’s, meleth nin."

And for once, there was no mission, no secrecy. Just the two of them, veiled in moonlight, lost in a quiet world of their own making.

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 I’ve never written fanfics about Alex before, this will be a fun challenge for me. ( ╹▽╹ )

Summary: A word of advice, when the fortune teller warns of bad luck, don’t 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 farm—how 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 ‘mines.’ 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 didn’t 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 monsters—slimes, rock golems, and bats—but were able to handle them easily. Yvonne’s 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 isn’t 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 shouldn’t 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 can’t carry me—"

"Don’t argue with me, Yvonne." Aleia replied firmly, her voice barely a whisper as they both darted into the elevator. "We’re 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 monsters’ 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 Aleia’s shoulder.

"I’m sorry." Yvonne whispered weakly. "I didn’t mean to hold you back."

Aleia shook her head, smiling faintly. "You’re my friend, Vonnie. I’ve 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. Aleia’s body was covered in bruises, blood staining her clothes, while Yvonne’s 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. They’re resting."

Sebastian didn’t 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. "She’s fine, Sebastian. Just bruises and exhaustion. They’ll be okay."

But Sebastian wasn’t convinced. He sat down beside Aleia, brushing her reddish pink hair away from her face with gentle hands. "You’re 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 Yvonne’s 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, she’s fine. Just let her rest."

Sam didn’t hear him. "Don’t ever do that again!" he cried, squeezing Yvonne’s hand. "My heart can’t take it!"

Yvonne, still groggy, blinked at him in confusion. "Sam, I think you’re suffocating me."

Sam immediately loosened his grip but didn’t 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 you’re 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… let’s just make tea or sleep instead."

Sebastian sighed heavily, rubbing his face. "That’s the first smart thing you’ve 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.

…Definitely 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 Sebastian’s 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 kitchen’s 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. “Cravings again?”

Aleia turned toward him, blinking innocently as she struggled to chew. “Mhm!” she garbled, before finally swallowing. “I needed this.”

Sebastian let out a breathy chuckle, crossing his arms as he leaned against the doorframe. “Watermelon?”

She nodded enthusiastically. “It’s so juicy and sweet.” Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she reached behind her and grabbed—oh dear Yoba!—a jar of mayonnaise.

Sebastian’s expression immediately dropped.

“Oh no.” he muttered, dread settling in. “Not this again.”

Aleia grinned mischievously. “Oh yes.”

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. “ALEIA, WHY?”

She smacked her lips, sighing in contentment. “I dunno, Sebby. It just hits different.”

Sebastian stared at her, absolutely appalled. “You used to do that before pregnancy, and I thought maybe, just maybe, you’d grow out of it. But no. No. The baby is only enabling you.”

Aleia shrugged before nonchalantly dipping her watermelon slice into the mayo and taking a delighted bite.

Sebastian looked personally betrayed. “That’s an abomination.”

Aleia gasped dramatically. “Excuse me? This is peak cuisine.”

“That is sacrilegious.” Sebastian countered.

“Oh, and you’re one to talk?” Aleia huffed, setting down her watermelon and crossing her arms. “You eat cold sashimi straight from the fridge at 2 AM like some kind of gremlin and think I’m the weird one?”

Sebastian opened his mouth to argue but then paused. Damn. She had a point.

“That’s completely different.” he muttered.

Aleia smirked. “Mhm. Keep telling yourself that.”

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. “You are so lucky I love you.” he murmured against her hair.

Aleia giggled, nuzzling into him. “I know.”

Sebastian’s hands found their way to her slightly rounded belly, rubbing slow, soothing circles. “How’s our little night owl?” he asked softly.

Aleia hummed, resting her free hand over his. “Oh, just making sure I never sleep again,” she teased. “Apparently, our kid is a night creature like their dad.”

Sebastian smirked. “At least they take after me in something.”

Aleia rolled her eyes before nudging him playfully. “You’re really clingy, you know that?”

“You like it.”

“…I do.” she admitted with a grin.

Sebastian glanced at the counter. “So, is it just the watermelon or should I prepare myself for something worse?”

Aleia chewed her lip, suddenly looking very guilty.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. “Aleia… what else did you eat?”

She hesitated before mumbling, “Pickles.”

Sebastian nodded slowly. “Okay, not too bad.”

“With peanut butter.”

His expression dropped. “Oh, no.”

“…And a little bit of hot sauce.”

Sebastian groaned. “Sweetheart, that’s not food.”

Aleia pouted, poking his chest. “Says the guy who hoards pumpkin soup like a dragon and refuses to share.”

Sebastian gasped, placing a hand over his heart in mock offense. “Hey. That soup is sacred.”

Aleia grinned triumphantly before finishing off the last bite of her cursed watermelon. “There. Now I’m good.”

Sebastian sighed, shaking his head. “Alright, come on, weird cravings queen. Let’s get you back to bed before you start dipping pumpkin soup in ranch dressing.”

“…That’s actually not a bad idea.”

Sebastian groaned.

With a laugh, Aleia wrapped her arms around his neck. “You love me.” she teased.

Sebastian kissed her forehead. “That’s the only reason I’m putting up with this.”

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 night’s chill.

“Good night, my love,” he murmured against her hair.

Aleia smiled sleepily, snuggling into his chest. “Night, Sebby.”

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 wouldn’t 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 tranquil—except 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 Sebastian’s 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 hadn’t 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.

“Aleia...” he whispered, his voice soft but insistent.

She groaned, pulling the pillow closer to her face. “No. Five more minutes...”

He chuckled, brushing a lock of her roseate hair from her face. “It’s not five minutes, sweetheart. You need to get up.”

Aleia cracked one eye open, her gaze instantly narrowing at him. “Sebastian... It’s the middle of the night!”

He grinned, crossing his arms. “It’s three in the morning, actually. Time to rise.”

“That’s... Even worse!” she muttered, curling deeper into her pillow. “Why would you wake me up at demon hours?”

Sebastian laughed, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. “Because I’ve got a surprise for you. Trust me. Get dressed, and meet me outside.”

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.

“Seriously? A motorcycle?” Aleia raised an eyebrow. “You better have a good reason for dragging me out here at this ungodly hour.”

He tossed her a helmet with a grin. “I’ve got a good reason. Now hop on.”

She sighed dramatically but climbed onto the bike anyway, wrapping her arms around his waist. “If I fall asleep and fall off, that’s on you.” she muttered into his back.

Sebastian chuckled as the engine hummed to life beneath them. “I’d catch you, don’t worry.”

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.

“The Summit?” she asked, her voice thick with grogginess.

Sebastian helped her off the bike, pulling a pair of blankets from the side storage. “Yep. I promise, it’ll be worth it. Come on.”

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 them—close 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 sun’s 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. “Okay, I admit it. This is pretty amazing.”

“I told you.” he murmured, his lips curling into a satisfied smile.

Aleia looked up at him, a playful glint in her eyes. “So... You just decided, ‘Hey, let’s wake up my wife in the middle of the night, make her trek up a mountain, and then show her the sunrise’?”

Sebastian gave her a teasing grin. “Pretty much.”

“You’re the worst.” she groaned, nudging him lightly with her shoulder.

“And yet, you married me.” he replied, his voice smooth, full of quiet pride.

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t 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. Aleia’s breath caught, the beauty of it overwhelming. She couldn’t look away.

“It’s beautiful...” she whispered, her voice soft, as if afraid to disturb the moment.

Sebastian, however, wasn’t looking at the sunrise. His eyes were on her.

“Yeah.” he murmured, his gaze never leaving her face. “It really is.”

Aleia turned to him, her heart skipping at the tenderness in his expression. His deep midnight purple eyes were filled with something she couldn’t quite name, but she could feel it, love, perhaps, or something deeper.

“I meant the sunrise, dork,” she teased, her voice affectionate.

Sebastian smirked, that same playful spark returning to his eyes. “The sunrise is nice,” he said softly, “but you, Aleia… You’re breathtaking.”

She laughed, her cheeks flushing. “Oh my God, that was so cheesy.”

He chuckled, leaning in close, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, “You love it.”

“…I do.” she admitted with a smile, warmth flooding her chest.

Sebastian cupped her cheek with one hand, his thumb brushing gently over her skin. “I love you, Aleia.”

Her heart soared. She leaned into his touch, her own hand coming to rest on his. “I love you too, Sebby.”

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 moment—nothing 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. “Okay, fine. Waking up early was worth it.”

Sebastian chuckled, holding her closer, the warmth of his embrace making the morning chill feel miles away. “Told you.”

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

𝙼𝚊𝚢𝚘 𝙼𝚊𝚍𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜

[This is a continuation for "Riddle Me This".]

Aleia: *crossing her arms and sitting back down on the couch with a huff* Anyway, speaking of mayo… I still don’t get why you refuse to acknowledge it as a good beverage.

Sebastian: *pauses mid-smirk, his grin fading as he stares at her, incredulous* You’re kidding me. We’re back to this?

Aleia: *nodding enthusiastically, leaning forward as if she’s about to give the speech of a lifetime* Listen, it’s creamy, it’s versatile, it has eggs for protein, and oil for energy! It’s basically a smoothie!

Sebastian: *groans loudly, dragging a hand down his face* Oh my gawd, please don’t call mayonnaise a smoothie.

Aleia: *completely ignoring him, gesturing animatedly* Think about it! If you mix it with a little lemon juice and maybe some herbs, boom! Gourmet drink! It could even be a café special, like 'Aleia’s Creamy Mayo Delight.'

Sebastian: *staring at her in sheer disbelief, slowly lowering himself into the chair, his head in his hands* Here we go again…

Aleia: *grinning now, clearly enjoying his misery* I mean, you’ve got people out there drinking celery juice and kale smoothies, but mayo gets slandered? Where’s the justice in that?

Sebastian: *looking up at her, deadpan* The justice is in basic human decency, Aleia. You can’t just go around advocating for mayonnaise as a drink. That’s not a personality trait; it’s a cry for help.

Aleia: *gasping dramatically, clutching her chest* A cry for help?! Wow, Sebby. That’s rich coming from someone who survives off coffee and instant noodles.

Sebastian: *crossing his arms, raising an eyebrow* Says the woman who drinks coffee like its water but coffee is a respectable beverage. Mayonnaise is... mayonnaise. It’s not even in the same league.

Aleia: *leaning forward, eyes glinting mischievously* Alright then, Mr. Respectable Beverage. How about a challenge? You try drinking mayo for a day, and I’ll-!

Sebastian: *cutting her off, holding up a hand* Absolutely not. I’d rather code for 24 hours straight than suffer through that nightmare.

Aleia: *pouting dramatically* Sebaaaastian, you’re no fun!

Sebastian: *smirking slightly, shaking his head* No, I’m just sane. There’s a difference.

Aleia: *grinning triumphantly* Fine. But one day, when mayo smoothies take the world by storm, you’ll be the one begging for forgiveness.

Sebastian: *snorts, leaning back in his chair* Yeah, sure. And when that happens, I’ll start calling you 'Chef Aleia, the Mayo Queen.'

Aleia: *smirking back, throwing another pillow at him* Deal! But don’t forget. Mayo is the future!

Sebastian: *catching the pillow and shaking his head, chuckling softly* And yet, somehow, I still love you.

Aleia: *grinning proudly* Of course you do. I’m adorable and revolutionary.

Sebastian: *sighing, resting his head in his hand* Adorable, yes. Revolutionary? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, sweetheart.

Aleia: *laughing* Mark my words, Sebby. Mayo. Smoothies. 2030. You’ll see."

Sebastian: *leaning back, groaning dramatically* Someone save me before this actually happens.

𝚁𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚕𝚎 𝙼𝚎 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜

[Farmer Aleia is lounging on the couch, flipping through a book while Sebastian is at his computer, typing away. The mood is casual, and the two are enjoying their time together.]

Aleia: *suddenly perks up, grinning mischievously* Hey! Sebby! I've got a riddle for you!

Sebastian: *still typing, without looking up* This better not be like that time you tried to convince me that mayonnaise counts as a drinkable snack.

Aleia: *waves him off dramatically* Hah! I stand by that statement! Mayonnaise is versatile, and you're just close-minded. But no, this one's different. Listen up!

Sebastian: *leans back in his chair, spinning slightly to look at her, raising an eyebrow* Fine. Hit me with your best shot.

Aleia: *grinning smugly* Okay. "You feel good when you stick something in it. You feel happy when you shake it. But you feel sad when you take something out of it. Now, what am I?"

Sebastian: *pauses, staring at her blankly before a slow smirk creeps onto his face* Oh

[Sebastian gets up, crossing the room slowly. Aleia's smug grin falters slightly as he approaches and stops in front of her. He leans down, placing his hands on either side of her on the couch, effectively pinning her in place.]

Sebastian: *in a low, teasing tone* Sweetheart, If you wanted to have sex, you could've just asked instead of hiding it behind riddles.

Aleia: *face turning crimson, flustered* AH!No! That's not! It's a piggy bank!

Sebastian: *blinks in surprise, then bursts out laughing* Piggy bank? Really?

Aleia: *starts giggling uncontrollably* YES! Admit it, I got you!

Sebastian: *still laughing, straightens up and crosses his arms* Alright, alright. Fine. But now it's my turn.

Aleia: *playfully narrows her eyes* Bring it on!

Sebastian: *grins wickedly, leaning slightly closer* Okay. "What's long, hard, and stiff, gets used inside a warm, wet place, and works best when you move it back and forth?"

Aleia: *bursts out laughing, pointing at him* HA! Easy. It's a toothbrush!"

Sebastian: *suddenly crouches in front of her, gently takes her hand, and smirks devilishly, his voice dropping* Wrong answer, love?

Aleia: *blinking rapidly, her blush returning* E-Eh?! Wait, what-?

[Before she can react, she grabs the nearest object, a pillow, and throws it directly at his face. Sebastian catches it effortlessly, laughing as Aleia scrambles to her feet in a mix of embarrassment.]

Aleia: Sebastian! You're the worst!

Sebastian: *grinning, tossing the pillow back at her* And yet, you still love me.

Aleia: *trying to suppress a smile, but failing* Yeah, yeah. Don't push your luck, emo boy.

Sebastian: *leaning back smugly* Admit it, though. I make this relationship very exciting.

Aleia: *rolling her eyes but smiling anyway* Exciting isn't the word I'd use... but fine. You win this round.

Sebastian: *winks* Always do, sweetheart.

After days of careful planning and construction, with the assistance of Robin, Yvonne successfully completed building the skatepark that Sam has always dreamt of. While initially created to fulfill her husband's dream, this project ended up being a valuable asset for the town, where children can experience fun and exploration while adding a new structure to Pelican Town.

(P.S. Thanks Maggs, for helping me trigger this cutscene. 😭😍)

Mod:"Maggs Immersive Sam Romance Dialogue and Events (x)Spicy or Sweet 1.6" by @maggplays

I recently ordered another adorable Stardew Valley perler keychains online, but this time, I had them customized with my oc farmer, Yvonne and her husband, Sam. I think they turned out really cute! 😍 The shop even included some freebies, a stardrop and a void chicken, which I really appreciate. I'm already planning to place another order for more custom perler keychains in the future. A huge shoutout to Knotela Creations for creating these charming keychains for me!

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! 🎉

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

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 just—" 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.

𝙲𝚑𝚘𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚏𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚜

"𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭."