Small Town Sweethearts
By pairofdox

Brief Notes:
I have about half of this story written. I wasn't going to start uploading chapters until the entire fic was completed but I would really like some feedback. That will help me write a better story. :D

(Unnecessary) Warning:
There is a potential same sex couple. If that's not your cup of tea I suggest you find something else to drink.

Sunday, Spring 1 – Gray's POV

"Good morning sleeping beauty!"

"Huh, what?" I made out a dark, wiry figure through the slits in my eyes. Against my better judgment, I opened my eyes all the way to find Ann standing before me. Should have gone back to sleep but it's too late now.

"It warms my heart to see your pretty face in the morning. Now come on, time get up."

I stumbled out of bed and began to dress myself. Everyday it's the same routine: Get up at the crack of dawn, get yelled at all day by Grandpa, contemplate how much I hate my life over dinner, forget how much I hate my life over wine, go to sleep, and repeat.

"So Gray," Ann said, mop-in-hand. "Do you know what's special about today?"

"Other than the fact that I woke up to your heavenly voice?"

"No," she said curtly. "Dad says you're getting a roommate today."

"Oh." I wanted to add And what makes you think I care? But I restrained myself.

"Well, I think it will do me a world of good. I will finally have someone to talk to who is not so gray all the time." I grimaced at the pun. She knows I hate them.

"I'm off to work."

"No you're not." Ann slammed her mop down in front of me. "I got you up early, so you can help me clean this place up. Dad worked hard to get another renter. I will not let your filth scare him away."

Ann can be mellow dramatic sometimes, especially when it comes to cleaning. But, as much as a I hate to admit it, she kind of has a point. Working as a blacksmith makes me really dirty and, while I try to be hygienic, I always bring some of the dirt home with me.

"I will mop the floors. Go throw out that pile of rubbish you keep in the corner."

My heart lurched. "Not my ore collection. How could you be so cruel?"

"Then find a home for it. Come on, stop wasting time."

Ann and I spent the rest of the hour cleaning my room in silence. She flashed me a cheesy smile when we were finished. "We make a great team, don't you think?" I left for Grandpa's shop without saying a word.

"Gray, you look terrible," Doug said as I returned to the inn. "Long day at work?"

"Yeah, Grandpa works me hard." And so does your daughter.

"Come on boy, sit down." Doug gestured toward a table in front of the bar. "Dinner is just about ready and you will get the chance to meet your new roommate."

I slumped into the creaky chair and braced myself for dinner. All I wanted to do was eat something quick and go to bed. The constant socializing almost made me wish I lived with Grandpa but...never.

"Ann, there you are." Doug called out to his daughter. "Is Cliff coming to dinner?"

She frowned. "Cliff is so shy he can barely say hello. I wish there was a way to cheer him up."

"Dinner will do him some good. Gray, why don't you go introduce yourself and invite him to dine with us?"

As if I had a choice. "Sure."

I found my new roommate on his bed and starring at the ceiling. He was younger and better looking than I anticipated. In fairness, that was not a difficult accomplishment because I expected to be stuck with someone like Gotz or Grandpa.

"Hi, my name is Gray. I'm your roommate."

His eyes flickered over to me for a second and that was it. I decided to try again. "What's your name?"

"Cliff." His voice was barely audible.

I forced a smile. "Well Cliff, you should join us for dinner. Doug is a fantastic cook."

"Yeah, I guess." Cliff made no attempt to move.

"Suit yourself." Why are all my roommates so weird?

"Wait, Gray." I froze with my hand on the doorknob. "Um, I'm nervous but more hungry now since I haven't eaten all day and Doug is supposed to be a good cook." Cliff was really awkward but this was a big improvement from a few moments ago, so whatever.

"Cliff my boy," Doug exclaimed when we got downstairs. "Nice to see that you'll be joining us for dinner."

"Sit here Cliff. I saved this seat for you." Ann patted a wobbly chair next to her. So that's why she was so excited about my new roommate. She definitely has a thing for him. I can't wait to give her crap for it later.

Dinner was boring. As usual, Doug and Ann did most of the talking and I pretended to be interested in their conversation. Cliff was motionless except when he took the occasional bite of his pasta.

"Time to get ready for bed." Ann was the first to excuse herself. "I need to take a bath, so I can cleanse my body of filth." She shot me a sidewards glance.

"At least I don't smell like bleach all the time." It was a lame retort but I was tired and couldn't think of anything better..

"Ann, you really need to watch your manners." Doug shook his head.

"But Dad, Gray and I are only playing. We always do that."

Doug dropped his objection. "Anyway, Ann's right. It's time to hit the hay." With Doug's blessing we were excused from dinner and went off to our respective bedrooms. I was half asleep when I heard a distant voice.

"Hey, Gray?"

"Yes Cliff?"

"I...um, I think you look fine." I thought he was done but Cliff kept going. "I mean about Ann's comment. I think it sounded like she was picking on you. But you already...uh...look ok, so don't worry."

Of course she was picking on me you socially inept moron. "I get it. Thanks."

I tossed and turned but could not fall asleep. Cliff's compliment was awkward but it had a funny aftertaste that wouldn't go away. Or was it that pie Karen baked for Doug? I should have known better than to ingest that culinary monstrosity.