My God, I haven't written Harvest Moon in so long. But I was inspired after beginning Friends of Mineral Town again and reading a few very good fanfics by The Scarlet Sky.
So, this one centers around Cliff, and contains hints of Jack x Ann and one-sided Cliff x Ann. Also contains references to Cliff's past, so I guess that would be a spoiler alert.
1.
The day Cliff leaves his hometown, he promises his mother and sister that he'll come back for them. His voice sounds hollow, even to him.
His sister has a broken smile on her face, and his mother is crying.
2.
It's been a few years by the time he returns, in the dead of winter, with snow falling from the hazy gray sky.
There's a new addition to the graveyard.
It's a name he recognizes—the name of someone who gave him life, who brought him into this world.
3.
Long after his arrival in Mineral Town, he falls for Ann. A bartender's daughter. Beautiful.
When he finally tells her—after much goading from Gray and Kai—she gently turns him down.
"I'm sorry, Cliff."
He only stares at her in shock.
"I only like you as a friend. I'm really sorry…"
Her expression is filled with pity.
4.
He looks up from his dinner, and sees Jack standing near the bar counter, sipping on a glass of wine.
Ann comes up to him, a brilliant smile on her face. Jack engages her in conversation.
After a few minutes of this, Ann blushes, looking both embarrassed and pleased.
Like she really likes this guy.
Beneath the table, Cliff's hand clenches into an involuntary fist.
5.
When he turns the corner, his eyes widen with shock as Jack and Ann break apart from their passionate kiss.
"C-Cliff?" Ann cries, her face brilliant red. "I—what are—"
Jack looks embarrassed too.
Cliff turns away.
Oh, sad, sad. Cliff has always been my favorite of the Mineral Town boys, because he's just that cool.
RRE.
