Chapter 1

Hello people of and beyond!! This is a new Jack x Cliff fic, but warning that in later chapters it may feature Jack x Gray as well (I like my characters to be emotionally confused xD) but read it even if you don't like that pairing anyway. For those of you who enjoy my story Sunset this is kind of like it but with many different points of view and a non-crazy Rick. Enjoy! Disclaimer: I do not own Harvest Moon or its characters – if I did it would be safe to say Jack could marry the bachelors and Claire the bachelorettes.

***

Cliff stood at the bow of a small fishing ship, the salty spray sending his ponytail whipping back and forth. He had only a small rucksack with him, and a picture in the pocket of his vest. He moved his palm over that very breast pocket, next to his heart, and sighed deeply. The captain could be heard in the background, announcing his arrival in the far off island of Mineral Town. A silhouette of the town's local sea shack and the bell tower of a small church slowly came into view. A blanket of snow covered the ground, making the upcoming seen picturesque and beautiful to Cliff's chocolate brown eyes. The ship slowed to a stop at a small, well maintained wooden pier. He waved goodbye to the captain and made his way off the beach.

The path off of the beach opened to a large, open square with tan cobblestones and classic street lamps. The noonday sun was poised overhead, causing the snow to glitter and sparkle like the light of a thousand stars in the night sky. He continued on to see a rustic looking inn, with the smell of hot Baked Corn and steaming Miso Soup floating through the air to his nostrils. The palm of his hand felt the scratchy wooden surface of the door before it grabbed the knob and opened it. Inside the scene was a pleasant one, with lights giving the room a well lit and homey feel. The inn keeper was behind the register at the bar, while his daughter cleaned the table of an old man with nearly white hair and a gruff disposition.

"Oh look Ann, a customer! And it's one we've never seen before too!" The inn keeper, who introduced himself as Doug, came over and shook Cliff's hand vigorously. "This pretty young lady is my daughter Ann. And yes, she's single!"

"Oh DAD," Ann shouted, slapping her father on the back of his head. A blush stained her cheeks. "What can we do for you?"

"…Um….I need to rent a room…"

"Okay, its 10g a night with free breakfast. Dinner is also discounted at 10g," Ann rattled off like a trained chimp.

Cliff subtly peeked into his money pouch. He had brought his life savings, a meager 6,000g. He would have to hold out.

"…Okay. Thank you."

Ann and Doug shared a triumphant grin, and proceeded to show their guest to his new room. Cliff was surprised at how clean the room was for a small establishment, and found he had two roommates. Gray, the grandson of the old timer downstairs, was apprenticed to him in the art of blacksmithing. The other, Kai, lived in the city during three of the seasons save summer, so he wasn't one to worry about. Cliff set his meager belongings down near what Ann said was a free futon before going out to see the town.

***

It was near four o'clock before Cliff had seen and met most of the townspeople, from the blacksmith Saibara and Gray, both of which had very different personalities, to the quiet librarian Mary. The only building he had yet to visit was the village's church. His mind was dancing around this inevitable confrontation – to say he wasn't religious savvy was an understatement.

When he was eighteen, his parents took him to a service at the town's local Catholic church Saint Andrew's. His main confidant Jill was also there – against her will – with her parents. At the sight of him, she screamed, ran over to him, and started gossiping loudly like any other good female friend would. But of course, she had to say one phrase especially loud, "Isn't weird being here when you're – you know – GAY?!" This was said in front of the priest and his parents, and most likely some of the town gossips. Cliff was fortunate enough to have his parents already know. That's about as far as his fortune went however.

The church in Mineral town seemed less domineering to Cliff as he passed through the simple wood double doors, opening to idyllic rows of pews , a podium and altar at the center, and two doors on both its sides, one leading to what Cliff assumed was a confessional area, and the other to an unknown place. A man was kneeling at the front altar in prayer, but turned his head slightly to see the new company that had arrived.

"Ah," he started, "You must be that newcomer Manna was talking about." He extended his palm and shook hands gently with Cliff. "My name's Carter, as you can see, I run the church here in Mineral Town. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"…Um…I don't really know."

"Well, tell me what you think of the town. I know it's a strange place at first. Heck, when I first moved here people thought I was the strangest thing ever!"

"…Uh, its fine I guess."

"That's good," Carter said. As he said this, he noticed a deep sadness in Cliff's eyes. "You know, you can come to me for anything. I may be a priest, but I'm a very open minded person."

Cliff wondered if he could really trust his life with Carter. This opened a memory for him, of the confessionals at his old church before the incident. He remembered feeling so at ease knowing the priest wouldn't pass any judgment on him, and admitting all that was going on in his life. Well, most of what was going on at any rate. That and he figured he would need a friend, and Carter seemed more than willing to build that bond. So with that decided, Cliff slowly told Carter the basis of his life story and his journey to Mineral Town.

***

A few weeks passed as winter faded to spring, and Cliff's social level amongst the town's residents continued as passive at best. There was a new subject of gossip spreading itself about, a set of twins just bought the old farm near the mountain. Spring 1st they arrived on the very same fishing boat Cliff had arrived on months earlier. The whole town, Cliff included, ended their New Year's celebration early to see the much talked about new comers. They were greeted with the site of a guy and girl, both about twenty. The girl had flowing blonde hair streaked with light brown, wearing denim blue overalls and a wide grin, her blue green eyes sparkling with excitement and a hint of conspiracy. Her male counterpart was graced with brown hair a shade darker than Cliff's, covered by a light blue hat worn backwards. He wore a light blue shirt and overalls just like his sister. He's cute Cliff thought to himself knowing my luck he's straight and homophobic.

Carter saw the look in Cliff's eyes as the farmer boy stepped off the ramp and onto the pier, a warm smile upon his face. Cliff's eyes, so deep and full of emotion, held such a longing for someone to care for him. This simple wanderer with a difficult past had become a son to Carter. He felt a deep pang in his heart as he watched Cliff, and set his sights on giving Cliff what he was denied years ago.

***

Days later the farmer boy and the girl appeared at the church. He had hay sprayed across his overalls and over his hat, while she had dirt smudged over her face and several tears in her overalls. Cliff glanced over at the boy, blushed, and quickly moved his head back to its usual position – looking at his feet. Carter, who had been in confession, heard the entrance of the twins and came rushing out dusting off his vestments.

"Welcome to Mineral Town's one and only church! I'm Carter, the priest here. What are your names?"

The girl was the one who spoke up. "My name's Claire and this is my brother, Jack!"

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Jack chimed in.

"The pleasure's all mine. Have you met my friend Cliff here?"

Oh no! What am I going to do; I'm nervous enough without someone like Jack being here Cliff thought. He stood up, his knees shaking a bit. "H-Hello…I'm Cliff…"

"Look at the time! I need to pick up some grass seeds at the store," Claire started, "Jack; can you meet me at the farm later?"

"Sure. Don't bother anyone while you're out."

"Puh-leaze. Like I bother anyone."

Claire stepped out of the church, nearly suppressing a giggle as she left Jack to the awkward situation. Carter, seeing the chance for Cliff to forge a bond, quietly excused himself to go inside the confessional room. Jack and Cliff were left alone, and for a while the church was eerily silent. Jack, however, worked up the nerve to start conversation soon enough.

"So…Do you like animals?" He said this with gusto and curiosity. He must like animals Cliff guessed.

"…They're nice…"

"That's good! I love animals! You know, if you aren't doing anything, do you want to come over to the farm and check out the ranching side of things?"

This is too good to be true Cliff thought He's asking me to spend time with him. I hope I can answer without being so nervous. "Sure…That'd be nice…"

"Okay then, come around in about an hour, okay?"

Jack left Cliff with a grin on his face, and as soon as his body was out the door, Carter came out of confession to pat Cliff on the back. This is going to be interesting he thought, seeing Cliff's spreading excitement.

***

Like it? Hate it? Then review! I need the feed back! And I hope you enjoy this new story, I've always wanted to try it from Cliff's point of view. By the way, if you like this pairing read my story Sunset, it's ok. And unlike that story, this will be longer (hopefully). Byes! =3