Storm Clouds and Grey Skies
Author's Notes:
Fingers crossed I'm keeping this interesting for everyone. Originally I intended this to be a Gray x Claire romance with a Claire x Leia friendship fic, but nothing ever turns out the way you plan it, right?
Gray's change of clothes are actually Blue's clothes from Magical Melody. And I pray I'm keeping the characters in character. But then again, other than a few random events you never really see a deeper insight into a lot of Harvest Moon characters, do you? At least in my opinion, anyway...
Summary
Leia's been there for Claire ever since she took over the farm at Mineral Town one year ago and the two thought they'd remain friends forever. But Leia's wondering if there's more to life than just the sea and in the distance, storm clouds are brewing.
Based on MFoMT/BTN/HM DS Cute
Rated teen for more mature themes in later chapters!
Disclaimer
I do not own Harvest Moon, nor any the characters.
This is purely a work of fiction; if you take this seriously then please go to a psychiatrist and have your head checked.
If there is anything that offends you, please hit the back button.
Chapter Two: Worry
It wasn't unusual to have the odd day of rain during the summer.
As I woke up the next morning, I pulled the curtain open slightly to be greeted by a heavy downpour. It'd been a long time since I'd seen rain as heavy as this. The skies were grey and dull, and you couldn't even see the Poultry Farm because of the mist.
I dragged myself out of bed, pulling on fresh clothes, overalls and finding my boots. As I stepped outside, my dog dashed between my legs and into the warmth and dryness of my house. As I looked over my shoulder she dived onto my bed, getting the sheets wet and muddy.
"Meg," I said, frowning and shaking my head. I proceeded on with my morning chores; feeding the chickens, collecting the eggs, getting the livestock back inside the barn, feeding the horse. And fortunately I didn't have to worry about the crops today either.
By the time I'd finished it was ten o'clock already. As I stepped back into my house Meg had nestled herself in my blankets, perfectly content. Needless to say, I was a little disgruntled with the mess she'd made in the process. And as I went about cleaning the mud off the floor and wall, and stripping the bed to replace the bedding with clean sheets I thought more about getting Leia up to the farm. If I had some way of transporting her around with ease then I could even take her all the way up Mother's Hill.
It wasn't until I flicked the television on that I thought of a horse drawn cart. If I could get Gotz to build me on then I could take it down to the beach with me. If anyone asked me what I was doing I could always tell them it was to transport crops and fish. A small smile played on my lips as I put down the duster and pulled my boots back on. I grabbed my coat on the way out, slamming the door behind me as I ran up the farm track towards the mountain.
Gotz placed a cup of coffee in front of me as I sat at the small table. I looked around the small hut; it was a total bachelor's pad, but it didn't take a genius to figure that he must have built the house himself.
"So what kind of job did you have in mind?" he asked in his usual gruff voice.
Gotz always reminded me of some kind of giant bear with his fuzzy features and huge powerful arms.
I gripped the white cup, staring at the contents.
"Well you see...I was wondering if there was any chance you could build me a cart for my horse to pull," I said, lifting the cup to my lips. I vaguely sipped at the scalding hot liquid before placing it back on the table, waiting for it to cool. Gotz sat down opposite me, holding his own mug.
"A horse cart?" he repeated, narrowing his eyes and looking up towards the ceiling with a deep thoughtful look on his face. He scratched at his beard, sipping at the mug of coffee, "I suppose I could do that for you."
I smiled brightly at him, "Really? Thank you so much Gotz!"
He returned my smile with a small one of his own. We discussed the cost of the labour and materials and as I got to my feet, Gotz raised an eyebrow.
"By the way, Claire," he began, scratching his beard again, "Have you seen the weather forecast for the week?"
I shook my head, eyes focused on the carpenter. His expression went a bit darker and much more serious than I'd ever seen it before, "The weather's supposed to be getting worse by the weekend. The wind's supposed to be picking up tonight."
"Oh..." I replied, biting my lower lip. If that was the case, I wouldn't be able to tell Leia about the cart until after the weather had calmed down.
"Don't underestimate nature," Gotz carried on, folding his arms over his massive chest, "If you take it for granted, you could get hurt."
He looked to his mug, and it wasn't until now I realized it read "World's Best Dad" with brightly painted flowers and bees.
When I reached the farm the wind was beginning to pick up. The grass in the pasture was swaying violently and the lone tree by the pond rustled its leaves angrily. The rain was still pouring down too.
As I reached the front door I noticed the blacksmith's grandson approaching. I knew Gray and Saibara a lot better than most of the villagers, I was constantly down at their house getting my tools repaired and upgraded.
"Claire!" he called out to me, completely drenched.
I opened the door to the house, stepping inside and allowing the strawberry blond to follow. I closed the door instantly after, not wanting the head to escape.
Gray pulled the sodden cap off his head; it hadn't helped to keep his head dry at all. Still, I smiled at him and moved into the kitchen area.
"Take a seat," I told him warmly, pulling out the teabags from the overhead cabinet and setting the kettle on the stove. He nodded, plopping down into a chair instantly.
"The wind picked up on my way here," he explained, setting the cap down on the table. When Meg realised there was another body in the room she jumped off the bed and went to investigate him.
"Well, Gotz just told me it's going to get worse." I replied, rummaging through the fridge for the milk. As I pulled out a bottle, filling a small milk jug as I looked to Gray briefly, "What brings you up here anyway?"
I could head Gray shuffled slightly, and he stuttered a bit as he spoke, "Well, Gramps was wondering if you wanted to have dinner with us at the Inn tonight..."
As I turned to him, holding a tray with two mugs of tea, I smiled brightly at him, happy he'd asked, "Sure! I don't have anything planned for tonight seeing as the weather's so grim..."
"You're usually busy in the evening?" he asked, a little nervously as I set the tray in front of him and took a seat opposite him.
"Well, not so much busy," I told him, "I just like to relax down at the beach once I've finished with my work on the farm for the day."
"Oh, right," he replied, clumsily reaching for the cup I'd poured tea into. An awkward silence settled between us, and I could hear Meg still sniffing at his shoes. I always knew Gray was a little shy; he'd always kind of shuffled away when I spoke to him at the Blacksmiths. It was kind of cute, actually. As he sipped the tea I realised his face was a little red as well.
Although, the first time we met was a little rocky. I'd walked into his grandfather's shop right in the middle of their argument of all things, and Gray turned and snapped at me.
He then stuttered and offered an apology after his Grandfather gave him a mouthful. I just smiled back and told him it was alright.
Sometime after I'd met Leia, he would stop by the farm to say "Hi" or we'd meet in the Library or the Inn.
"So, you like the sea?" he asked quietly, breaking the silence. I smiled, nodding back as I twirled a strand of my hair around my finger.
"I always have. When I was small my dad used to take me there for summer break," I explained, "But hey, you spend a lot of time at the library, right?"
Gray nodded again, his cheeks turning pink. I wonder what had him so flustered.
"Oh," I said, coming to a conclusion, "You like Mary?"
Gray snapped his head up, looking a bit bewildered, "Mary? No, not really..."
He started sipping at the tea a bit more, "What makes you think that?"
"Well, you just look a little pink," I stated, causing him to turn even redder.
"Just the cold," he replied, "But no, I don't like Mary. I mean, I don't like Mary romantically. She's a nice girl, but..."
"Buuuut?"
"There's someone else I like,"
"Oh? Is she from around here?"
He nodded.
"Someone I know?"
He seemed a little hesitant, "Yeah."
"So who is it?" I asked, a little bluntly.
"Does it really matter?" he replied, followed by a heavy sigh, sounding exhausted.
I just smiled sweetly, "No, I suppose it doesn't."
"So you'll come tonight?"
"Sure," I replied, "Tell Saibara I said thanks,"
He nodded, putting the now empty cup down, "Thanks for the tea,"
His face was returning to its usual pale, creamy complexion as he got to his feet, "Will six do you?"
I nodded, "Sure."
And with that, he put his cap back on his head with a small but audible wet slapping noise as he turned and left the house.
I sat in the Inn that evening, sipping at a glass of water while I listened to the doors and windows rattle in the wind. I was a little cold, wearing a thin pair of navy leggings with a cream, knee length turtle neck dress shirt and a navy undershirt underneath. I didn't always wear overalls despite what some of the villagers thought; I did know how to dress nicely for an evening out.
"Wow, it sounds like its getting worse," Ann mused, as she brought another pitcher of water to the table, "Claire, how much of this have you drunk?"
"A lot?" I smiled meekly at the red haired waitress. In all honesty, I was worried about Leia. I knew she'd be all snug somewhere down under the sea with her mother and whatever family she had, but still, I really wanted to see her tonight. The Inn was pretty bare tonight, with only myself and Duke as the current customers; probably because of the weather. I guess that's what must have prompted Ann to take a seat opposite me.
"So hey, has Gray said anything to you lately?" she asked, playing with the end of her braid.
"Well, aside from asking me here tonight, no," I replied, leaning against the table, "Why?"
Ann laughed softly and looked away, "Oh, no reason."
By now though, she'd piqued my curiosity. I smiled at her; Ann was probably my closest friend next to Leia. I spent more time in the Inn during the winter where it was warm and I could socialise. It was also the perfect place to wait before heading off to the beach. Her and her father fed and chatted to me, so I suppose it was normal we'd get quite close.
"Ann, what is it?" I asked again. She just grinned in response. She was trying to wind me up!
"Ann!" I begged, giving her these large pleading eyes that could rival my dogs.
"Alright, alright," Ann said, followed by a giggle. She leaned closer, muttering in a low voice, "Gray has a bit of a crush on you, you know."
I sat back; I could feel my cheeks going hot. I always thought Gray was cute with how shy and occasionally grumpy he was, but I never expected him to have a crush on me of all things.
"Are...are you sure?" I replied, my cheeks burning by this point as I thought about Gray and I being a couple.
"He talks to Cliff a lot," she informed me, smiling broadly, "And he's kind of...cheered up since you came here, Claire."
I coughed, my face still red, "I had no idea,"
Ann patted my head mockingly, "That's because you're so oblivious. But that's what we love about you, Claire."
"Thanks..." I stuttered back, my heart beating faster. No one had ever had a crush on me, not even in school. How would I act around Gray now? I'd never really thought about the concept of us as a couple, not saying I didn't like him. Besides, it was just a crush, right? Right?
Ann got to her feet, picking up the tray she'd been carrying around with her all evening. As soon as she did, the front doors swung open, blowing a cold, wild wind through the building. Gray came in, fighting to closer the doors. You would think he hadn't dried off some this afternoon as he was fully drenched and wet through.
"Speak of the devil," Ann giggled with a grin, patting my shoulder as she passed me. Gray spotted me instantly and came over, panting softly.
"Sorry, Claire," he started, between pants, "Grandpa can't come tonight, it's too stormy."
I always thought Saibara, being a blacksmith, would be able to handle this kind of weather. But then again, I thought, "If anyone has half a brain they wouldn't attempt that,"
"It's alright, I don't mind," I replied, "He's alright though, isn't he?"
Gray nodded, water dripping off the end of his nose. He fumbled as he looked over his soaking overalls, unsure of what to say to me next.
"Say, if you want to still have dinner with just me..." he said, softly, his cap shadowing his eyes. His cheeks were going brighter as he spoke, biting his lower lip nervously, "Unless you'd rather just go home."
I shook my head, my eyes softening and giving him a sincere smile, "I'd love to have dinner with you, Gray."
He smiled brightly at me, "Really? Great! Just let me change my clothes and I'll be right back down,"
I don't think I'd ever seen him look as happy before as he dashed up the stairs. I sat back in my chair, playing with a few strands of blond hair. I wasn't waiting long as the strawberry blond came trailing back down the stairs casually wearing a red tartan shirt with a black undershirt and a pair of jeans. And for once he wasn't wearing his trademark cap. He smiled shyly at me, something gripped in his hand.
"Say, Claire..." he said, looking up at me, our eyes meeting. He blushed again, trying his hardest not to avert his eyes from mine, "Do you like jewellery?"
"I like it a little bit," I replied, smiling at him, "Why?"
He pushed a little red brooch towards, in the image of a red magic flower, "I made this...for you. But uh, Grandpa doesn't know,"
I could feel my cheeks getting red and hot again. He really liked me this much?
"Oh wow, Gray...thank you," I responded softly, taking the brooch. I giggled softly, admiring it, "No one's ever made me something before..."
"Really?" he said, grinning slightly. I nodded.
Just then, Ann came out from behind, "Are you two ready to order?"
Gray trailed into my house after me, soaking wet, for the third time that day. Doug had suggested that after dinner, Gray should escort me home. And I was grateful he did.
It was difficult enough for the two of us to get back to the farm, the wind blowing a gale outside.
"Sit down, Gray, I'll get you a towel," I said softly, heading through to the bathroom. The evening had gone really well, actually. In fact, I'd learnt a few more things about Gray that I didn't know before, and vice versa.
As I grabbed the towel, I small smiled played at my lips. His parents were constantly bickering when he lived at home, back in the city. He moved out here to become a Blacksmith, like his grandfather. He told me Saibara cared more than his parents ever did. I giggled, although he argued with his grandfather, he still cared about him deeply.
I was brought back to reality as I listened to the bathroom window rattling and shaking in the wind. Maybe...
"Hey Gray," I said, walking back through to the house, throwing him the towel and going about to make tea, "Maybe...you should stay here tonight,"
Gray was in the process of drying his head as he looked up at me, his face turning beet red, "Stay here...?" he practically whispered.
I nodded, putting together a tea tray, trying not to look at him. I could feel my cheeks heat up a little bit again, "Well, there's a storm outside. We both struggled to walk here together, and I wouldn't want something happening to you."
"Claire, I couldn't..." he stuttered. At this point I looked him square in the eye, face as red as his as I took the tea tray over to the table.
"I insist." I said, softly, "It'll probably settle by morning enough for you to get to your grandfather's shop too."
I watched as he bit his lower lip, thinking carefully about what I'd asked. Eventually, he nodded slowly, "I'd appreciate that."
I pulled some blankets and extra pillows from the cupboard and set up a make shift bed on the couch. I tried offering my bed to Gray, but he just insisted sleeping on the couch. Gray just sat at the table, silently. The house rattled occasionally and I swear I heard one of the branches break off the apple tree at some point.
"Hey Claire?" he piped up, breaking the silence.
"Hm?" I hummed softly, my back to him as I arranged the pillows.
"Uh, thanks for this evening. It was really nice eating with you,"
"Oh no, thank you for inviting me." I replied, "I really enjoyed it."
"That's good," he replied, before the silence sat in again. I liked to think he was arguing with himself, I knew I was. I wondered if I should confront him about what Ann told me. No, no, what good would that bring at this stage? I had to keep reminding myself it was only a crush, nothing serious.
But seriously, I couldn't help but feel a little giddy and special.
"Oh, I'll put out some fresh towels in case you want to take a bath in the morning," I told him, stepping away from the couch.
He just nodded again, muttering a small "Thanks" under his breath.
I smiled cheerfully, "Well, if that's all I'm going to go get my jammies on, so no peeking!" I chirped. I walked away giggling at Gray's flabbergasted expression, his face turning as red as the tomatoes I had in the fridge.
Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling with my arms tucked behind my head, Meg curled up on the bed beside me and I wondered how Leia was doing. She'd be deep under the ocean, away from the reaches of the storm. I always wondered what her home looked like. Did she live in a cave or was it some kind of shell palace that you'd see out of 'The Little Mermaid'
?
The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I didn't really know much about Leia's life... I bit my lower lip; she was always asking me about the farm so I never really thought to ask her about her home...
Oh god, did that make me a bad friend?
I heard Gray shuffled and groan softly in his sleep in the corner, snapping my attention back to reality. But it didn't last long, as my thoughts drifted back to the emerald haired mermaid.
It was in the early hours of the morning, and the storm was calming down by now. I couldn't help but feel relieved; at least I'd get to see her tonight, weather permitting...
My eyes started to droop, and I scolded myself for staying awake so late. I have a field to tend to in the morning and animals to feed...
When I woke up, my nose was greeted with the smell of cooking. Meg already had her face in her dog bowl. I sat up sleepily to find Gray in the kitchen section, cooking away.
I yawned and stretched, alerting Gray instantly.
"Oh, morning Clai-" he began to greet me, cutting himself off and turning red again. He pointed at me, not that I could understand. What was so wrong with me stretc-
"You're shirts unbuttoned," he stated, bluntly, pulling his cap over his eyes, face still beet red.
Oh.
"Oh, err, thanks," I quickly buttoned the PJ shirt up, my cheeks heating up from the embarrassment. I laughed nervously, trying to brush it off, "Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah, thanks. Hope you don't mind but I just helped myself to the eggs in the fridge...wanted to make you breakfast in return for letting me spend the night,"
I nodded, "It's no problem, honestly," followed by a giggle. I dragged myself back out of the bed, padding past the kitchen, "If that's the case, I'm just gonna jump in the bath quickly and get dressed."
"S-Sure, it'll take a few minutes,"
As I sat in the bathtub I couldn't help but smile. I never thought he could be so sweet. I quickly scrubbed myself and washed my hair. Drying my body, I threw my clothes on and wrapped my hair up in a towel. As I looked at myself in the mirror, I had to admit. It looked like I had a beehive on my head, but alas, I don't own a hairdryer as of yet.
As I stepped back out, Gray was serving up a pair of omelettes onto two plates.
"Thanks Gray," I said, grinning cheerfully at him and taking a seat at the table, "You can stay if you're gonna cook and clean for me."
"Eh," he was still blushing, "Ann taught me how to cook some things...it's not the best, but..."
I shook myself as I forked some food into my mouth, "It's good! Think you could teach me one day?"
Gray nodded, taking a seat opposite me.
We chatted for a bit, ate breakfast then he offered to do the dishes on top of the breakfast he cooked me. He didn't have to, but he insisted and after that he thanked me again and set off for the Blacksmiths. I stretched and set off outside myself, looking up at the sky. It was still grey, and the clouds stretched on for miles. A small branch lay a few feet away from my apple tree. Yikes, if this was a small storm I hated to think what a typhoon was like.
I got on with feeding the chickens and livestock, brushing them and talking to them. Millie, the cow seemed especially pleased to see me by greeting me by running her long sloppy tongue running up against my cheek.
"Yes, I love you too, Millie," I replied, rubbing the slimy trail onto the back of my sleeve.
The crops were surprisingly fine, one or two of the smaller plants had blown away in the storm, but the ground was well soaked. This more or less gave me the afternoon off, really.
I was feeling eager to see Leia, and although I knew she wouldn't meet up with me until the evening, I thought it wouldn't hurt to get some fishing done. And as I walked down onto the white sand, something caught my eye by the rocks.
I stopped, looking a little more carefully. Walking closer, Leia's body came into view, sprawled out on the sand as she lay there, unconscious.
I couldn't stop myself from screaming, "LEIA!"
I instantly dashed off towards her, leaving my prints in the sand.
I scooped up her body into my arms, cradling her head close to my chest.
"Leia! Leia!" I hissed through gritted teeth, shaking her. I checked her pulse, and she was breathing so weakly. Her body felt so cold, colder than when she'd climb onto the pier. My heart sank and I started to feel sick. What did you do with an unconscious mermaid?
I wondered if I should administer CPR. No, no, would that really work? Suddenly, she moaned softly, shifting slightly.
"Leia?" I huffed, brushing the strands of hair plastered to her face away. She took a deeper breath, her breathing returning to normal, her eyes fluttering open.
"Claire?" she said softly, reaching her hand out towards my face and gently brushing my cheek. My eyes prickled, tears eventually running down my face.
"Oh god, Leia!" I whimpered, hugging her tightly, "Don't worry me like that! I thought you were..."
"Claire!" called out a voice behind me, although I recognised it instantly. I looked over my shoulder, eyes wide with horror.
Oh god, Zack...
And so ends another chapter!
I apologize for the lack of Leia in this chapter, but I wanted to try and develop Claire and Gray's relationship a bit more.
There'll be more Leia in the next chapter, promise! But alas, what will Claire do now she's been caught with her fishy friend? Dun dun duuuuun...
Until then, take care everyone!
And please remember to review; I appreciate all comments and constructive criticism!
