I've had this idea in my mind for weeks, and just had to write it down. And so, I proudly present, Stay With Me! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I'm pretty sure you all know that I don't, and never will, own Harvest Moon or its characters. But I do own this story!
"Come on! I know you can run faster than that! We're almost there!" I laughed, urging the blacksmith to run faster.
For a blacksmith, he was really out of shape. Huffing and puffing, he finally caught up to where I was standing patiently.
"Are you asking for me to faint, woman? What is this 'special place' anyway?" He managed to wheeze out once he caught a portion of his lost breath.
"Just look!"
I pushed away some tree branches, revealing a beautiful meadow. Flowers of all shapes and sizes showered the ground with bright colors. The luscious green trees swayed slightly in the wind. A pond with sparkling blue water was placed not far from where we were. I looked over at Gray, who was struck with awe. It was a truly magnificent place.
"How did you find this place?" He whispered softly.
"Well, I was running around, trying to find Mochi, when I saw a path leading away from the main road. I decided to check it out, to see if she might be around, and after pushing away some branches, I found her. She was right there, just sipping some of the water."
"Wow..."
We spent the rest of the day chasing each other and admiring the beauty that was the meadow. When the sky started growing dark, Gray suggested that we start heading towards our houses.
"Gray?" I asked, stopping in place.
"Yes?"
"This will be our special place. Nobody will know of it, and we won't tell anybody. Promise me that."
He nodded, smiling widely when he answered,
"I promise."
Gray was my very best friend. Through thick and thin, he would always stay by my side. When I just turned 18, he asked me out on a date. I can still remember it like it was yesterday...
"Claire! Get over here!" Ann screeched.
"What?" I asked irritably once I walked to where she was.
"We have to get something nice for you to wear!"
Ann was convinced that tonight would be a special night. She dragged me from place to place, grabbing anything that appealed to her for me, without asking if I liked it or not. And it was my birthday! In the end, she bought matching earrings and a necklace, which had lapis lazulis engraved in them. A turquoise dress went with the accessories, as well as black high heels. I think she went a little overboard.
"Ok Ann, what's the big deal? Other than the fact that I will have a small party at the inn, there's nothing happening. So why did you buy all the stuff?" I inquired suspiciously.
"You'll see." Was her only answer.
I growled and went into the bathroom to change, for it was almost the time for the party to begin. After putting on the admittedly gorgeous clothes, I looked at myself in the mirror.
'Not bad...' I thought.
I applied some light makeup, because Goddess knows that Ann would start yelling if I didn't. Truthfully, I liked a more natural look, but I decided to humor her tonight.
Walking down the stairs of the inn, I slowly looked up.
"Surprise!"
I gasped loudly. Almost everyone in town was cramped in the small inn. Everyone except for Mary. I didn't expect her anyways...
One by one, the villagers came up to me, bombarding me with compliments and 'Happy Birthday!'s. I felt a light tap on my shoulder.
"Hey birthday girl." Someone whispered into my ear. I turned, already knowing who it was.
"Hey Gray." I answered back, smiling one of my brightest smiles. His face reddened and he started looking around. My eyebrows furrowed, wonder what was up.
"What's wrong?" I asked softly.
"Nothing. You... You look beautiful."
I started blushing as well. Did he say I look beautiful? I grinned widely once again and said,
"Thanks."
"Claire... Would you like to go to Mother Hill with me tomorrow for a picnic? As a... date?"
My heart started pounding against my chest. A date? With Gray? I've dreamed of this for years, and it was actually happening! Or was I just dreaming again? I looked around and caught sight of Ann, who was giving me two thumbs up. Inhaling deeply, I came to my decision.
"I would love to Gray."
And so started our relationship. Somehow, I knew we would always be together, and if fate were to bring us apart, we wouldn't forget each other, and somehow find a way to be back together. Unfortunately, so was not the case. For two long years we dated, and we were happy. Until one rainy night that I found Gray...
I was walking towards my destination, the bar. Gray was nowhere to be seen all day, and it was starting to get me worried. Every day, we met each other at either my house, or at the Blacksmith's. He never came to my house, so when Saibara told me he hadn't seen him since the day before, I set out to look for him.
I was measling along, trying to cover my head from the pouring rain, when I caught the slightest glimpse of orange. I turned in the direction of the color, and there was Gray, his back turned to me. My heart leapt with joy at the sight of my boyfriend. Just as I was about to call his name, I heard him murmur something.
"Mary..."
It was only then that I took notice of the petite librarian. And what I noticed made my heart break into little bits and pieces. Her head was laying peacefully on his chest, her small arms wrapped carefully around his waist. Gray seemed to be hugging her as well, but I couldn't really tell because of the dark sky and pelting rain. But what really shocked me was what came out of Mary's mouth:
"I love you, Gray."
I gasped loudly, causing Gray to quickly push her away and turn to me. Horror was written all over his face.
"C-Claire, wait-"
"Don't ever speak to me again!" I yelled furiously, my tears mixing with the raindrops.
I ran away from that place. That horrifying place. My feet pounded against the path leading towards my farm.
'I can't stay here anymore.' I thought to myself. As long as Gray was here, I could never stay. And it's all because I love him.
Bursting through the door, I slammed it shut, startling my loyal dog, Mochi. Quickly grabbing my suitcase that was stashed safely in the closet, I yanked it open and threw in all my belongings.
Mochi yipped and barked, probably wondering what the heck was going on. I ignored her, and soon enough, I was ready to leave. Picking up Mochi, I threw a raincoat on top of us and headed out the door. I didn't bother leaving a note or some kind of sign that would let the villagers know that I was leaving and I was alright. It didn't even cross my mind. Nobody would know what happened. Except for Mary and Gray.
I made my way to the dock, fully aware of the choice that I was making. And right now, I didn't regret it one bit. Nope. I didn't regret the fact that I would be leaving everything I have ever known. Didn't regret that I would be leaving my best friends and my true love. Why? Because it didn't cross my mind. Nothing did at the moment.
I knew Ann would most likely find me and kill me and that Kai and Popuri would be more than a little depressed. But I also knew, I had to do this. So when the captain asked where I was headed, I simply answered,
"Take me to the city."
Well, how was it? Good, bad, okay? Tell me in your reviews! And for those of you who have been reading A Potion Gone Wrong, I'm here to say that it is currently on hiatus. I don't know what to write for the next chapter, and I'm not getting many reviews. One of them is from my friend, so that doesn't count. I also wanted to let you guys know that I have a poll in my profile. Check it out and vote please! This is Mysterious Lynx signing out...