Chasing Chase, A Collection of Drabbles
I.
Akari looked at the town after stepping off the ferry, and saw a pudgy man running to her, introducing himself as mayor Hamilton. After a tour of the town, he stopped her at a large building. "Sorry, but your house isn't ready yet, so we've arranged for you to stay here," they went in, and saw only one person. "I must go now, but he can help you get settled." They walked to him, noticing he was mixing something in a large pot. He turned as they got closer, staring at her with his large amethyst eyes. "Akari, meet Chase."
II.
After Hamilton left, Akari felt awkward left with Chase.
"Well. What are you doing here?" He spoke to her, disgust lacing his words.
"Um, I'm the island's new rancher. Nice to meet you!" She stuck out her hand for him to shake, but he made no move.
"Oh, the newbie. Anyways, your room is upstairs, third on the left." She headed to the stairs. "What, no bags?" Akari shook her head. "Hmph, that's weird…But that doesn't matter, just be back down here by 6. That's when I serve dinner." Akari went upstairs, and thought of what to do until 6.
III.
Heavenly aromas reached Akari, and she knew it must be 6. She walked downstairs, noticing that they were still alone at the Inn. Chase obviously hadn't heard her come downstairs, because he was focused on making dinner. She couldn't help but notice that he seemed so happy and carefree while cooking, far from his behavior earlier. Everything from how he held himself to the way he hummed a random tune seemed much brighter. He seemed to finish cooking and she walked over, pretending she had just gotten there. Chase smiled a plastered smile, and said to her, "Dinner is served."
IV.
Amazing, simply amazing. Chase's cooking had really gone above and beyond what she expected. The dish itself was just plain old lasagna, but he managed to bring out every succulent flavor, having each stand out in its own way. Every taste bud in her mouth seemed to be on fire from the medley of spices used, but it only made her crave more. It wasn't even 10 minutes before her food was finished and she had given the plate back to Chase. He saw the happiness in her eyes, and just smirked to himself as he started cleaning the kitchen.
V. (A few weeks later, in the beginning of summer. Akari was still learning on her farm, and had several trees grown and plants growing already)
She walked into the Inn with her rucksack holding her newly picked produce. She wanted to share her first big harvest. As she encountered each person, she stopped, and gave them something. For Maya, a tomato, for Colleen, a pinkcat flower, and for Jake, some corn.
"What, nothing for me?" Chase said as she walked past the kitchen.
"Oh, there you are! I saved my favorite fruit of all for you!" She handed him an orange. As she left the Inn he started to eat what happened to also be his favorite fruit and thought, maybe she isn't so bad.
VI.
He may have been a jerk on the outside, but he had his moments.
One morning, Akari awoke to a knock on the door. Still in her shorts/tank top pajamas, she answered the door to find Chase standing there, holding a chicken egg, which he gave to her. "I thought you could use this. For, um, cooking and stuff…" She smiled at his attempt to be sensual, taking the gift and thanking him for it. He smiled back, not a plastered smile, but a true one.
He may have been a jerk on the outside, but he had his moments.
VII.
He admitted it.
He liked her.
Every time she walked into the Inn, he seemed more self conscious. He paid more attention to her food when she ordered, and always held some sort of small talk with her while he never even spoke to others. Sometimes she even made him laugh, unlike anyone else. He seemed to feel a bit lighter after his talks with her, like she had taken a large and heavy burden from his shoulders.
And it's true what they say. Boys tease the girl they like. But oh, why must he always say such hurtful things?