Summer had arrived. The sun appeared since 5 in the morning and disappeared around 7 in the evening. The people of Pelican town seemed to enjoy the heat and the sun, but for Harvey it made no differences. He still spent most of his time in the clinic, tinkering his radio and staring at the scenery from his window. Maru suggested having lunch with her and Penny once, but Harvey politely declined.
Jake had visited him less since summer arrived. He had heard that the younger man had reached the bottom of the mine, something no one thought the young man from a big city would have achieved. Clint had mentioned that the mine carts that connected the mine, the bus stop, and the town together were repaired. The blacksmith thought that it was Jake. Robin supported Clint's theory, saying that Jake was very skilful with tools (but not as good as her, of course).
So, on the first Sunday of summer when Jake walked into the clinic with coffee, Harvey decided to ask the ex-soldier about it.
"The mine carts?" Jake titled his head, before shrugging. "I think it would be convenient to have it repaired. Don't want to walk everywhere by foot when there are so much to do." He grinned, but Harvey noticed bandages on the farmer's hands.
"Jake," Harvey said, standing up to take a closer look. "Let me see your hand," he asked, holding his hand out. Jake was hesitated at first, before he nodded and held them up for Harvey to examine.
The callous hands were decorated with cuts and old scars. Most of the cuts weren't serious, they would heal in a day or two, but there were six bandages on the hands that concerned Harvey. He touched the bandage, looking up to see Jake watching him.
"May I?" Harvey asked softly and Jake nodded. The doctor undid the bandages quickly, staring at the deep cuts. Okay, it's not so deep that Jake could have serious infections, and they were already treated, but Harvey still wanted to give an extra care for them.
"I can stitch this one and this one up, it will help with the healing process. Of course you don't need to, but it's better that way," Harvey said, examining Jake's hand carefully. "Others are fine, they should completely heal within 1 week."
"Thank you," Jake said. "But let me pay you this time." He added, his voice serious.
"You can pay me with coffee." Harvey said, smiling, as he got up and gestured for Jake to go to the back of the clinic where he performed his work.
Harvey dressed Jake's wounds quickly before stitching some of them up. Jake showed no sign of discomfort as Harvey worked. The farmer even hummed. Harvey didn't know the song Jake choose, but he would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy himself when listened to Jake's voice.
Harvey wrapped the new bandage on Jake's hand and smiled, announcing that it's done.
"Thank you doctor," Jake smiled, handing him the money. Harvey wanted to say that it's for free, but Jake took his hand and put the coins on his palm. It happened so quick Harvey had no time to respond. And as he opened his mouth, Jake cut him off with one word. "Please."
Just one word and Jake's hands covering his, that's enough to make Harvey's go weaken.
"Okay, okay," Harvey sighed, taking the money. "May I ask how you got those cuts?" He hoped that his voice wasn't shaking.
"I was clearing the area for Robin to build a coop," Jake replied. "Got clumsy again, or maybe I was overworking and my energy ran out." He scratched the back of his neck, an action that was not supposed to look cute and attractive at the same time, but it did.
"Jake, overworking is serious," Harvey said. "It's bad for your health. You could have cut your hand if you fell asleep during cutting down the trees." He hoped he didn't sound exaggerated. He didn't want to annoy Jake.
"I know Harvey, I know." Jake smiled, leaning closer. Harvey wasn't sure why Jake looked so happy despite he was being lectured with something so basic. And the way the farmer said his name, especially how he pronounce the 'v', had Harvey shivered. "But thank you, anyway." There was something in Jake's voice that told Harvey it's not only about dressing the farmer's wounds or concerning about him, but Harvey had no idea what it was.
"You're welcomed," Harvey said, trying to sound neutral, nodding. And Jake leaned back, stepping away.
"You know…" Jake said as he walked toward the door. There was something in his voice that made Harvey's heart rate quicken. "If you want to make sure I'm at my top condition, please feel free to check on me any time you want." His voice made Harvey's knee weak, but he tried to look unaffected and waved Jake a goodbye.
After that Harvey sat down, trying to process what had happened. Okay, it seemed to be a simple doctor-patient conversation until that smiled after the short lecture. Harvey was sure there was a second meaning behind this. He wasn't that naïve. It seemed as if Jake was slightly flirting with him.
Me? Of all people?
Harvey sighed. He didn't seem to be a good choice; being the oldest bachelor here, and nothing about him was attractive. If Jake was into men, the farmer should prefer Sam or Alex more over him. Those two were young, a bit younger than Jake but not much. Or maybe this was just his imagination?
In the end, Harvey decided not to think too much about it, even that his heart fluttered every time he thought about Jake.
Harvey barely saw Jake after that. Robin said that he had been very busy. Every time she went to his farm to build him something, she always saw Jake working; tending his crops or clearing the land. Harvey still couldn't find it in him to visit the farmer yet, even that he wanted to.
Nevertheless, there was still a coffee at his front desk once a week. There was no routine of which day Jake would visit him, but the farmer always left a note; which were 'good morning' or 'hope you have a nice day'. Harvey kept all of them in the drawer of the nightstand though.
Time passed, and the Luau festival arrived. Everyone was at the beach except for Jake. Harvey was slightly disappointed and worried. He hoped that Jake didn't get ill. Harvey wasn't sure that he should visit Jake or not, just to make sure the farmer was okay. But in the end it was Leah and Evelyn that made him go. Both ladies were worried that Jake might get sick or something, so Harvey said he would check on Jake after the festival. Well, he had been trying to find a reason to visit Jake for sometimes, and this seemed to be the right one.
Later that afternoon, Harvey visited the farm. It was better than the last time he had been here. Half of the trees and rocks were clear, and the cottage had a stone path around the door. The plants were beautiful and well-cared. But Jake was nowhere to be found.
"Jake?" Harvey called when there was no answer when he knocked on the door. He looked around, trying to find the other man. Half of his started to worry that Jake might be sick and passed out somewhere in these land.
Harvey called the other man again as he walked toward the silo that was on the other side. Maybe Jake was over there. And as he got closer he heard a sound of wood being chopped. Harvey sighed in relief, making his way toward the sound.
Jake was near the silo, chopping down some trees… and he was shirtless. Harvey had to bite his lips so he wouldn't gasp as he saw the muscled moved under the skin as Jake worked. The ex-soldier's tanned skin was even tanner, glittering under the sunlight from the sweat, and Harvey would be lying if he said that he didn't have a thing for tan.
"Doc?" Jake raised his eyebrows, lowering the axe in his hand. His blue eyes were glittering. "Like what you see?" He teased, grinning, and Harvey blushed.
"You didn't go to the Luau festival, we're worried that you might be sick." Harvey said, hoping that he wasn't blushing.
"Oh, sorry for make you guys worried," Jake said, his eyes softened. "Thank you," he added, holding up his axe again. "I was busy, still busy, that why I didn't go. There are many things I want to finish today. How is the festival by the way? Mayor Lewis said that I should it's about feasting and smile."
"Well, it's just another festival," Harvey shrugged. "I mean; it's like what he said, but there was nothing special."
"Hm," Jake nodded, licking his lips. Goodness, Harvey thought he was going to have a heart attack.
"So…" Harvey decided to change the subject before Jake noticed what he had done to Harvey. "What will you build this time?" He gestured around them.
"I'm clearing spaces for a barn," Jake stretched his arm, but his eyes were still on Harvey even slightly. Harvey had to stop himself from licking his lips as he saw those beautiful arms flexed and extended.
"A barn?" Harvey didn't even know how he manage to keep the poker face. "You're going to buy a cow?"
"A calf, actually," Jake said and continued chopping down a tree. "Calves, sorry," he turned and pushed the tree softly. At first nothing happened, but then there was a crack and the tree fell to the ground. Harvey was startled at the sound it made. And he was relieved Jake didn't make a comment about it.
"Sorry," Jake said with an apologetic smile. And Harvey shook his head.
"It's okay," he said, telling himself that he should get going already, Jake was alright so there was no reason for him to stay. "Well…since you're all okay…" he stated, stepping away. But Jake interrupted.
"I'll visit you tomorrow… is that okay?" Jake asked, his voice was soft and those blue eyes were looking at him, Harvey felt his breath quickened.
It took Harvey several seconds to reply. His heart was beating so fast. "Yeah, yeah, that is totally fine," he nodded and Jake flashed him another smile.
"Take care, doc," the farmer said as Harvey was about to walk away. His voice dipped down at the second sentence. "It's so hot these day, your cheeks are very red," Jake chuckled, grinning.
Harvey hoped he didn't stutter as he tried to say 'Thank you, see you around' and left. Jake's chuckled was still in his ears.
Jake visited him in the next day with something new. Pickles.
"That's my favourite," Harvey said as he took the jar from Jake. Their hands brushed and Harvey's heart rate kicked up. "It's like you've read my mind," Harvey added, looking up to see that cocky grin and the stunning blue eyes.
"I wish I could," Jake mumbled, or at least that was what Harvey thought Jake had said. And it made his cheeks unreasonable hot. Oh Goodness, he was blushing like a teenage girl in front of her crush.
Days had passed, and Harvey didn't see Jake much. The farmer was very busy, working on the farm. Harvey had heard that Jake had been bringing a lot of artificial objects he found around the town to Gunther. Many people appreciated it, even Gus who barely gave his opinion on each residents of the town, said that Jake was a real miracle of the town.
One evening, as Harvey spent time at the Saloon. He overheard Leah talking to Marnie about Jake. Harvey didn't tend to listen, but her voice just kept reaching his ears.
"…and he gave me salad, no one had never done that before. I've no idea how he knows that's my favourite food," Leah said, and there was a …dreamy? smile on her face. Harvey felt his heart dropped for no reason.
"Maybe he picked up a thing or two," and there was Marnie's voice. Harvey didn't see her expression because she was sitting in front of Leah. "He always sit with you when he comes to this place, just saying."
Leah giggled and changed the topic. Harvey felt like he didn't want to stay here, so he paid for his drink and left the saloon.
Okay…take a deep breath Harvey, it's just a letter. A letter.
Harvey took a deep breath as he stared at the paper in front of him. His records showed that it was nearly time for Jake's annual check-up. Harvey had never had this problem before; wasn't sure of what to write. Everyone in Pelican town usually remembered their check-up date, so normally Harvey didn't have to write to them.
In the end, Harvey decided to go find the format of the letter he hadn't used. Maybe he would just copy the form. That should be easier.
However, as Harvey was shuffling through the file, the door to the clinic opened and he turned to see Jake entering the clinic. A bright smile was one his face. And there was a jar of pickle in his hand.
"Ah, Jake! I was just about to write you a letter," Harvey said, smiling at the younger man.
"Write me a letter?" Jake titled his head. He seemed to be confused, and that was quite cute.
"You see, my records indicate that you're due for your annual checkup," Harvey said, pulling Jake's file out of the holders. "Now, now… There's no need to worry. It'll be quick and painless. Please follow me," he turned and walked further into the clinic. In the corner of his eyes, he saw Jake set the pickle down on the counter before following him.
"Hm… Okay. Hold still, please," Harvey said once Jake had sat down on a patient chair. He performed the check-up quickly, trying not to think about the blue eyes that followed his every movement. "I just need to check your vitals," Harvey said as he held up the chestpiece of the stethoscope up.
"Hm… Your pulse is high," Harvey said after he listened to Jake's heartbeats, trying not to see at how close he was to the farmer. And was it his imagination or did Jake lean forward a bit?
"I'm a little nervous…" Jake trailed off, his eyes never left Harvey.
"Oh, hospitals make you nervous, huh?" Harvey tried to sound neutral, he really didn't know what to say. "Just try and relax, I'm here to help," he said and stepped away before his imagination carried him away. "Well, then! You seem very healthy, Jake. Just make sure not to overwork yourself on that farm!"
"Thank you," Jake stood up, nodding with a small smile on that face. "I hope you like the pickles. I changed the way I made it a bit, but I hope the taste is still the same."
"Thank you Jake, that's kind of you. I will let you know what I think about them," Harvey replied as he watched Jake moved toward the door. However, the farmer paused and turned back, still holding the door open.
"And, Harvey," Jake said, his voice dipping down a bit. "Actually, I wasn't nervous," he said, grinning. "I was excited to see you."
And he left, just like that. Harvey watched the door closed and sat down, trying to process everything that just happened. One thing Harvey knew, was that his cheeks felt so hot right now.
Demetrius sent everyone letters about the 'Dance of the Moonlight Jellies'. The scientist said that it would be on the last day of summer around 10 PM. Harvey wasn't sure if he should go. He had saw it before, and wasn't much interested in the jellyfish.
"Dance of the Moonlight Jellies?" Jake raised his eyebrows when Harvey asked him. The farmer had visited him in the morning, as always, and bringing coffee with him.
"Yes, will you go?" Harvey asked, sipping the coffee Jake brought him, trying to sound neutral. He was hoping that Jake would go.
"I think I will," Jake said, tapping his hands on the counter. "It's at night, right? There isn't much I can do at night, going to a festival sound interesting. Will you be there?"
Jake's voice was softer when he asked. Harvey wasn't sure why every time Jake asked something about him, the other's voice always became softer than usual. Not that Harvey didn't like it. It's kind of making him felt special to the other.
"I will," Harvey nodded, and the smile he got from Jake made his heart skipped beat.
"Harvey!"
"Jake, hi," Harvey smiled as he saw Jake walking toward him. It was almost time, and Harvey was slightly afraid that Jake wouldn't show up. "It's almost time, I started to think you wouldn't come."
"Sorry for keep you waiting," Jake gave him an apologetic smile, before moving to stand beside him. Their hands were almost touching each other.
"Ngh, don't mention it, I was just worried that you wouldn't see the jellyfish in time." Harvey replied, pointing toward the ocean in front of them. Even that there were so many people at the beach, Harvey still felt like there were only just two of them. It felt like a date in some old romance novel. There were moonlight and soft yellow lights from the lamps which were decorated around the beach. The lights bathed Jake's face, making his blue eyes shined even more.
"You know," Jake said as they waited for the jellyfish to appear. "Stardew Valley starts to feel like home to me."
Harvey wasn't sure what Jake meant by that, but the jellyfish started appearing, so he pointed at them. Jake's eyes followed his hand, before the farmer smiled.
They spent that night in silent. And when everyone started to go home, Jake was still looking at the ocean.
"Jake?" Harvey called. "Everyone is leaving."
"Just a moment," Jake replied, taking a deep breath before he turned back and walked back to the town with Harvey. Their hands were still near each other, almost touching.
"You know," Jake said when they reached Harvey's clinic. "You looked good under the moonlight."
Harvey turned to ask what Jake meant, but the ex-soldier bid him good night before continued walking. Harvey gulped, taking a deep breath and entered the building. He had no idea how to stop his heart from beating so fast.