The first thing Claire noticed when she entered Lillia's was that the fire in the hearth was nothing but smoldering ash, yet Rick was staring at it with an intensity that startled her. He whirled around and shot her an intense gaze that made her heart stop for a brief moment before pounding loudly in her ears.

It was true they hadn't spoken for quite a while. Realizing it hadn't been since Karen broke up with him, Claire was suddenly aware that she hadn't thought too deeply on how it would affect her relationship with him. Bowing her head nervously, she stepped into the shop, approaching the counter.

"It's been a while, Claire." Popuri was standing behind the desk, her pink hair pulled into a bushy ponytail. She adjusted her reading glasses as she jotted some numbers down on a notepad and pushed the buttons of her calculator with the eraser of her pencil.

"It has," Claire agreed, her eyes traveling over the young woman. It may have been the first time she had seen Popuri without makeup, and Claire found that the light freckles sprinkled across her nose and cheeks were endearing. Her plain skirt was more utilitarian than her usual garb, and her cardigan looked thick, cozy, and practical for work. Surprisingly enough, she looked more grown up than ever when she wasn't going out of her way to do so.

"Mom's been showing me the financial side of running things here in the shop…" Her voice died down as she looked up at Claire. "She… hasn't been feeling well lately. I'm not an expert, but I'll help you as best I can."

She was given a supportive smile in response. "I'm sorry Lillia's not feeling well, but… I'm also glad you're getting to learn some new things," Claire replied carefully.

Popuri gestured down at her notepad. "I used to hate math back in school, but now that I'm actually using it for something, I don't mind it much at all." Her face it up as she suddenly remembered something. "Hey, that's right! Karen told me you used to do accounting work back in the city!"

At the sound of Karen's name, a snort came from the direction of Rick. Claire flinched, but Popuri rolled her eyes at him, discouraging her from paying him any further attention.

Claire nodded, her mind focusing back on their conversation despite her own guilt about Karen. "I'm much happier now managing my own finances. I guess it has made some parts of planning my farm and projecting my profits easier…"

She thought of her overgrown tomatoes and sweet potatoes.

Although I've had some pretty bad plans in the past…

"And, hey! It will probably feel more natural the more you do it, huh?" Popuri's voice had regained its bouncy quality.

Claire found that a smile was forming across her lips. "I guess you're right."

"Oh!" Popuri's enthusiasm caused Claire to jump a bit. "I meant to ask – how is your… ah, how is Cliff doing? I heard he's been at the clinic for the past week or so. Passed out in the snow from the cold?"

A simple nod was given as Claire decided to keep the details of his ailment vague out of respect. "I visited him not too long ago. He's awake now – just pretty worn out."

"I'm sure you'll both be glad to spend more time together again. I remember seeing how excited he'd get when you'd come into the room. Those wide eyes of his just light up… I could tell that he was in heaven last summer, getting to spend so much time with you during mealtimes."

Claire was certain she had a very stupid-looking smile plastered across her face as she caught herself playing with a lock of hair. "I'll be h-happy when he's discharged."

"I can imagine," Popuri replied with a warm smile. "Ah, here I am yammering away when you came for a purchase! What can we do for you today?"

Claire didn't mind catching up with Popuri; there seemed to be a subtle maturing in her neighbor that she found quite interesting. "I came to see if you had a heating element to keep my chickens' water from freezing solid."

"Ah, Rick keeps those out in his tool shed. Hey, Bro, can you take her out to get one?"

Claire paid for her purchase as Rick threw on his coat and led the way outside.

He didn't say much as they stepped through the snow. Throwing open the door to the shed, Claire was intrigued to find that Rick hadn't exaggerated about all of the tinkering he had been working on – half-finished projects and machine parts littered the work bench. She wasn't sure if there was any sort of organization to the hodgepodge assortment of tools, broken motors, wires, nuts and bolts, and what looked like an in-progress restoration of an old music box. However, if it was Rick's usual handiwork, he had a particular method to his madness. She was about to inquire about them when Rick handed her a box. It was pristinely sealed, direct from the manufacturer – perhaps there were some things even Rick didn't feel confident enough making himself for customers.

"If there are any issues with it, let me know. Be sure to check it regularly – don't want your hens to go thirsty."

"Thank you." She gave him a courteous nod as she tucked it under one arm.

Rick caught her by the wrist as she started to leave and her eyes widened in surprise.

"Claire."

Her breath caught in her throat.

Rick frowned, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose with his free hand. "Claire… Tell your friend that she needs to be careful who she spends time with or she's going to do something she regrets."

His words caught her off-guard, but she still felt her eyebrows instinctively furrowing – the disapproval in his voice hadn't been subtle. "Excuse me?"

An uncharacteristically dry chuckle came out of Rick's mouth. "It makes sense Karen wouldn't have told you. She was hanging all over some stranger at the bar the other night, drunker than a peach orchard boar."

Claire blinked in surprise, trying her best to ignore how noticeable Rick's Mineral Town drawl sounded in that moment. She thought of all of the nights Karen spent crying over Rick's lack of participation when it came to the romantic aspects of their relationship. She took her arm back, clenching her purchase in both hands. "I just came to buy some supplies."

She turned and started to head back to Mystic Acres when Rick's voice followed her.

"Whether you realize it or not, your opinion means the world to her. She listens to you."

Claire found herself stopping once more, turning around to face him. Rick had tucked his hands into the pockets of his coat and his eyes were glued to the ground.

"Please, tell her…" Rick stopped himself, anxiously biting his lip. "Just look out for her, okay?"

Karen's eyes were drawn toward the window. Snowflakes were falling outside and dissolving as they hit the cobblestones. It was a sign the weather had warmed a bit in recent days, but the cold hadn't been the reason she had avoided visiting Claire.

"Have… you been out to see her recently?" Karen's voice was timid as her gaze lingered on the intricate frost patterns adorning the corners of the glass.

"Out to see who, now?" Ann was busy staring at her ceiling as she threw herself back on her bed. The squeaky bed frame creaked at the impact.

Her friend didn't respond right away. She bit her lip, resting her chin on her hand.

Ann laced her hands behind her head and looked up at her. "You're still feeling guilty about Claire, huh…"

"Should I?" Karen frowned. "I don't know how I'm supposed to be feeling right now…"

"We… we should be glad that Claire was able to see Cliff and that he is on the mend." Ann's eyes betrayed her cheery tone.

Karen let out a deep sigh. Her mind drifted toward the photo album she had been looking through at home. If her parents weren't willing to talk and give her answers, who else did she have to turn to than Cliff?

It's natural to want to know what was going on, right? If Ann said that Cliff mistook her for his sister, maybe he was thinking about his family.

"I can't help that I still feel upset. How could things have gone better? Should I have not said anything at all? Maybe I just butted my nose where it didn't belong… I always feel like I'm more harm than help."

Ann shook her head, sitting up. "That's not true!"

Karen didn't look convinced. "You don't have to say that to make me feel better."

Ann's eyes averted to the floor as she uncomfortably twisted her braid around her knuckles. "I think we're all just doing the best with the information we have right now."

Claire said she needed to talk to him first…

Well, they've met… Maybe I should ask again? Maybe she has answers now?

Would she even be willing to talk to me after the way I pressured her the other day?

Karen's stomach twisted with discomfort.

I don't want to push her away any further than I already have. Her eyes flicked toward the redhead. Claire's not as hardy as Ann when it comes to this kind of stuff…

"And you still seem bummed out, too," Karen pointed out.

Ann's smile dropped. "I'll be alright."

Karen gave her a sympathetic look. "I guess it's like what we talked about the other day. We're going to have to get used to sharing the two of them."

There was a long, uncomfortable silence. Karen stared up at the ceiling, sensing that there were still lingering words left unsaid on the matter.

"It's not just about sharing him…" Ann's voice faltered as she averted her eyes.

Karen let out a silent sigh, attempting to read her friend's expression: tight lips, heavy sighing, furrowed brows – she almost looked like…

Like she's pining after something.

Karen blinked heavily, anticipating potential pushback. "Ann… I know you've been with Harris since, but… do you still have a crush on Cliff?"

Her flinch caused the bed to shift. Ann looked away, but Karen could see that her ears were red. "It's like you said… I moved my focus to Harris… w-we even dated for a couple of months…"

The silence between them was deafening – they both knew that while the relationship had contained its lighthearted fun moments, their hearts never truly reached one another.

Ann squeezed her eyes shut, clenching her fists, her lips a scrunched frown.

I just wanted to give this time to scab over…

His eyes had shone brightly at her a few times, but Ann knew she wasn't the person on his mind. When she finally spoke, her voice was strained. "Cliff… sees me as a sister."

"You didn't answer my question," Karen murmured.

Please don't make me say it – I don't even know how to say it.

Do I?

There were several moments as Ann mulled over her thoughts. Her feelings for him weren't easily explained, and they had evolved into something deeper and more complex than the initial heart fluttering she got when he was still a fairly new acquaintance.

"Claire is a good friend, and… she watches over him with… a… gentleness that I never could. I want that, but… I know I can't have that with him – that's just not who I am. When I really think about it, I guess part of me is just lonely."

And sick of being seen as someone I'm not… Why can't I just be myself and not remind anyone of someone else? Can't someone just be interested in me because of who I am?

An arm was draped around Ann's shoulders as Karen leaned in, resting her chin on the top of her head. "I know that feeling."

Ann's features became sympathetic – perhaps Karen's behavior with that friendly stranger at the bar the other night wasn't as random and meaningless as she originally thought.

"Maybe I deserve it though," Ann replied with a heavy sigh. She looked down at her sneakers, kicking her feet as they dangled from the edge of the bed. "I was kind of a jerk to Gray earlier today."

She was met with a questioning look as Karen straightened her posture.

Ann frowned. "I could tell something was bothering him this morning. I… I didn't ask him what was wrong. I knew he'd get all defensive, and I really wasn't in the mood for another one of our spats. So… I just let him go. I let him refuse breakfast and walk off… all miserable like that…."

"Knowing him, it was probably a good idea to avoid him if you don't want to have to fight with him just to get him to open up."

Ann bit her lip, shaking her head. "He looked… sad – no – defeated. Almost like someone told him the sun would never shine again. It kinda reminded me of Cliff's earlier days if I'm being honest. But Gray… he's usually got a little more fight to him – like, he'd be angry at the very least."

"Maybe he just needs time to figure things out, y'know? His best friend has been hospitalized and he hasn't even been able to visit him."

Ann rubbed her arm, averting her gaze. That morning, as she heard Gray brush off Doug's offer of food, his eyes had met with hers. She had been taken aback – he looked wounded, and his bristly behavior had reflected that. Still, there was a hint of pleading in his stare as she uncomfortably looked back down at the coffee she was preparing. The moment their eye contact broke, he was out the door, letting it slam loudly behind him.

"We're all going through our own struggles right now," Karen reminded her softly.

"That doesn't mean we can't look out for each other," Ann replied back a little too quickly. She fidgeted with her sleeves and shook her head. "This… this is all wrong."

Concern reflected in Karen's expression as she shifted her seating to face her better. "What do you mean?"

"It's… not supposed to be like this. You're sad. Gray's sad. Dad and Claire are sad." A couple of tears dropped heavily onto the thighs of her overalls. "Duke and Manna keep stopping by to check in, and they look miserable, too… Even Saibara seems gloomy at the bar. I-I… I haven't been a good friend. Why can't I make anyone smile anymore?"

Ann choked on a sob and slumped her shoulders.

"It's the one thing I'm good at. It's… my job. I make people happy. I help them forget what's bothering them."

Karen looked at her friend in surprise. "Ann, no one expects you to-"

Ann began to cry in earnest. "It's the only thing I'm good at! And… and I'm failing!" she sniffed miserably, tears rolling down her cheeks. "I can't even manage my usual smile for Dad anymore. Everyone's so stressed…"

"That's not your fault." Karen threw her arms around her friend and rocked her slowly. "It's just that I don't think any of us realized how much of a ripple effect Cliff's hospitalization would have. We're all worried about him, but that doesn't mean that it is your duty to make everyone feel better."

She didn't look thoroughly convinced. Ann fidgeted in her seat. "Then what am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to…?"

… smile for everyone?

It really is all I have to give to everyone.

"You don't have to do anything. You're allowed to feel however you want." Karen nuzzled against Ann's hair.

"I want to feel happy," Ann breathed, inaudible.

Claire stared up at the ceiling as she lay in bed, half-dressed in her pajamas. The chill of the winter air breezed against her bare skin, and she realized with a tired sigh that the window by her bed was rather drafty.

I should've had Gotz look at the windows, too…

"Pah, like I had the money," she muttered aloud. She covered her bare breasts with her loose blonde hair in a half-hearted attempt to warm herself without moving.

The past few days had left her with more than enough to think about and process. Cliff's past and his abandonment of his family and his home village – how did she really feel about all of that?

"I don't hate you…"

Had her initial reaction come off as cruel? They had fallen asleep in each other's arms, but she couldn't help but rerun her own dialogue in her head.

"You wanted the life that you grew up dreaming about. One where your father was still alive…"

He seemed to have understood what she was trying to tell him…

There was also the issue of the letter that Maria had written him. He had affirmed that he wasn't going anywhere, but it felt too good to be true.

"Claire… The only reason I would leave town is if you did, and that would be to follow you."

"I told you before – I promise I'm not going anywhere. I want to be by your side."

Her heart pounded as she felt warmth rise up in her face. She knew he cared about her, but she couldn't help but wonder if he had ever imagined what she had been thinking of lately, especially since their closeness in the hospital bed…

This house… this life… it could be ours, together…

If he truly feels that way, I mean…

She stretched her arms out and felt one dangle over the edge of the bed.

Far too small for two…

A vivid fantasy of him leaning over her in bed caused her to gulp. His eyes were kind, but there was an interesting gleam to them as he carefully pushed her hair out of the way, exposing her skin… Perhaps she could reach out to him and allow her fingers to graze his bare chest, the gold rings on their fingers glinting in the moonlight…

Perhaps two people could fit just fine, she thought with an inward smirk, biting her lip.

A sudden rapping at the door caused a surprised squeak to come out far louder than she had expected. She sat up with a start.

How did I get so far off track?

She blinked.

My h-husband? Am I even allowed to think that? To want… those kinds of things?

Wh-where would we even go from there? Why do I want-?

A second knock caused her to snap back to reality.

He's still in the hospital! Why is my mind even going there? We just went through all this emotional stuff. He was crying – I was crying! He exposed his heart to me and the thing that comes to mind is what my body wants?

She threw a heavy sweatshirt over her head, crossing her arms over her chest for modesty. A veil of shame washed over her as she slouched her shoulders. Claire opened the door a crack.

"S-sorry for the delay…"

Karen looked up from the ground, nervously rubbing her arm with a gloved hand. "Hey."

Claire's heart pounded in her throat and she exhaled as she poked her head out the door, her breath escaping her in a visible puff. "H-hey." She opened the door for her friend.

The brunette gave her a hesitant smile as she followed her inside. "I'm sorry… I know it's pretty late, but I…"

"It's fine," Claire insisted, closing the door behind them.

There was a long pause as they stood in silence, studying one another's expressions.

"I'm sorry." Claire's voice began to crack as a wave of guilt rose up within her once more. "I should have been checking on you after how we left things. I know you were upset, and I should have come to you instead of making you reach out to me like this and I-"

Her words were cut off by a deep embrace as Karen threw her arms around her. "It's not your sole responsibility. I… I acted kinda selfish back there," she confessed. "I just couldn't stand keeping things like this between us… You're… not mad, are you?"

Claire shook her head so violently her hair got in her face. "Mad? Why would I be-?"

"Because I got lost in my own bubble again," Karen interjected. "I got so caught up in how I felt that I hadn't really thought about you or how Cliff might be doing. The two of you are close. I need to be okay with that."

Claire frowned. "But, still… I could have been a little less suspicious with my words. I didn't mean to make everyone worry. I just… Cliff and I talked about a lot of things – lots of deep and personal things. I didn't want to share anything he wasn't ready to tell you himself."

"A lot happened, huh?" Karen was thoughtful as she removed her coat and shoes. "I guess that's to be expected. A nervous breakdown doesn't happen without reason, after all…"

Claire still couldn't help feeling like she was the cause of a lot of their distress. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you more, but…"

"That's enough of that," Karen interrupted. Her voice was surprisingly gentle as she took a seat on the edge of Claire's bed. "You don't have to explain yourself to me. I've been doing a lot of thinking. There are things I want to talk to Cliff about, too… It's not your job to share everything that goes on between the two of you."

"I know you're close to him, too…"

"And I know the relationship between the two of you is special and your own. I was being selfish. I was so impatient for answers that I was willing for you to break that trust with him." Karen let out a heavy sigh. "I want to be better than that for you. I want to be better than that for the both of you… my dear friends." Her voice cracked with emotion as she averted her eyes.

Claire took a seat beside her and rested her head on her shoulder. "You're dear to me, too, you know."

Karen responded with a grin and a squeeze.

"I mean it!" Claire insisted. "Please don't think that you don't have a place among me and Cliff just because we're a couple now. It's nothing to worry about."

Her friend's smile drooped a bit. "Was I that obvious?" Karen paused, considering her friendship with Claire while she was romantically involved with Rick. It felt strange being on the other end of the friendship. "I guess you're right. We can have both, huh?"

Claire gave a nod. "I see you both as friends, after all."

"It's just that Cliff's special, huh?"

Claire felt her face go red, but she didn't shy away from the teasing. She gave a slight nod, curling her finger around a lock of hair. "Y-you're special to me, too, of course!"

"Naturally," Karen replied, pulling her friend against her. She smirked as Claire's eyes widened at their closeness. "But I don't think you'd want to do the same things with me as you do with him."

Claire's cheeks burned as her eyes focused on Karen's shapely lips and she was reminded how attractive she was. She gave a slight shake of the head and Karen's smirk only grew.

"Oh, so things must've gotten pretty juicy, huh?"

"What was this about me not having to explain myself to you?" Claire couldn't help but chuckle.

"You got hot and heavy in that hospital bed," Karen declared with a chuckle. Her brows rose when she didn't get an immediate response. "Wait, you're not telling me-"

"C-cuddling! It was cuddling!" Claire's voice came out much louder than she meant for it to.

Karen was still watching her with amusement. "Still, how bold, climbing into his bed… I bet he was pretty happy…"

Claire buried her face in her hands as she recalled the accelerated beeping on the hospital monitors – Cliff couldn't hide his excitement even if he tried. "I-it wasn't like that! Well, I-I mean-!"

A hand on her shoulder caused her to look up at her friend. "Cliff seems more like himself, now, right?"

The blonde gave a nod.

"Then that's the important thing." Karen's voice had a tone of finality to it.

"Himself, only better," Claire added.

A pair of arms was thrown around her. "You seem more like yourself, too."

The hug was returned with trembling arms. "You do, too," a muffled voice replied.

"I can imagine this has felt like forever for you, but I'm really grateful you're feeling like yourself again," Elli commented as Trent handed their patient a bag containing medicines and instructions for his care.

Gray swiftly took it from Cliff and placed it in his bag.

"Please, take care. Know that you can come to us whenever you need." A sturdy hand was placed on Cliff's shoulder. "We are here to help."

He was given a nod in reply.

Elli stepped toward him, wringing her hands. "Ah, it's finally time. Cliff… please stop by sometime, whether it's here or my grandma's place. I'd… really like to have you over for dinner soon. I know this has been an ordeal for you, but I'm glad we got the chance to get closer."

A smile formed on Cliff's lips as he nodded. "Me, too. That sounds really nice."

She pulled him in for a hug and placed a chaste kiss on his forehead. While the past week or so had been exhausting, she would be lying if she said she wouldn't miss him. She gave him one last squeeze, forgetting the doctor might analyze her behavior as unprofessional.

Elli looked over to see Trent busy flipping through the paperwork and she let out a silent sigh of relief. "Gray, you look over him, too. Make sure he takes his meds and doesn't push himself too hard."

She was surprised to see the emotion on Gray's face as he gave a solemn nod. "Let's get you home, man."

Gray threw a heavy arm around Cliff's shoulder as he led them out the door.

Elli waved at their retreating forms and was surprised to see Gray lean his head into Cliff's a bit as they walked. They almost looked like siblings. A contented smile curled at her lips; Gray was very sparse with his affection, even around Mary.

Elli snapped to attention.

Mary… she said she wanted to talk to me about something the other day…

"It's nothing urgent," Mary had insisted with a smile. "Please focus on taking care of Cliff first."

Still, Elli had seen the worry in her eyebrows that hadn't been concealed by her bangs as she leaned forward, placing a couple of containers of soup on Elli's desk.

"And take care of yourself and Trent as well." There was a knowing lilt in her voice as she waved goodbye to the nurse.

Elli turned when she heard the doctor's voice say her name.

"I want to thank you for all of your assistance." Trent set down the clipboard and gave her a tired smile. "I know I probably don't say it nearly enough, but your work ethic, your attitude… it's all very appreciated."

Elli interwove her fingers, determined not to let out an embarrassing giggle. "I appreciate you, too…"

"I've started to understand one person can't do it all… maybe it's okay that we're so different, you and me."

The nurse's breath caught in her throat – she had been striving to relate to him. "Wh-what do you mean?"

"You were able to reach out to Cliff when I couldn't get him to open up. I do want to get better about relating to my patients, but I'm… glad you're here. I want to learn more from you – how to improve my bedside manner."

Elli's spirits soared as she reflected on his words.

"You're easy to talk to. I want to be that for our patients as well. C-Carter suggested I work with you on it."

She blinked in surprise. Trent's words were always steady and self-assured. His face was focused on a particularly interesting floor tile.

"I've been talking a lot more with Carter these past couple of days…" He looked up suddenly and his face was flush with color as his eyes sparkled with life. "How about… how about the three of us go to the inn tonight for dinner to celebrate a job well done?"

Elli grinned. "Sounds great! I can hardly wait!"

Their walk back to the inn was silent, but Cliff wasn't oblivious to how tight Gray's arm was around his shoulders. The pale blue eyes kept flickering to him and quickly averting to the sky, the ground, anywhere.

Gray looked like he had something on his mind – Cliff was aware of that. There was a good chance a lot of people had many questions for him that he would need to answer.

Their eyes met for a moment and Gray knew he would need to do something about the awkwardness that had accumulated between them.

"Am I movin' too fast?" he murmured as they slowed to a stop.

Cliff only now realized his breathing was labored. "Ah, sorry…"

Gray had already been moving a bit slower due to the cold causing pain in his knee. "I guess being bedridden for a week will do that to anyone." He pulled his cap over his face, turning away a bit.

There was a long, uncomfortable silence. Cliff spoke, puffy clouds leaving his mouth and disappearing into the chilly night. "You have something you want to say."

Gray blinked and gulped, going pale. He gave his friend a sad smile. "I, uh… You're going to get bombarded enough by everyone else once you get back." He folded his arms across his chest and kicked the snow off of his boots.

"That's what you wanted to say?"

He's doing well enough to have a bit of fight and sass to him, Gray thought with an inward smirk. Still, he couldn't help his eyebrows from furrowing with worry. "I won't go boggin' you down with my problems this soon."

A small frown crossed Cliff's lips. "Is it Saibara?"

Gray shook his head. "Don't worry about it." He awkwardly patted Cliff's shoulder with a heavy hand.

I'm not fragile… or maybe I am… but regardless… has he ever really considered my feelings like this before?

"But… I'm glad you're back on your feet again." Gray mumbled. He awkwardly moved his arms away from his body, unsure of how to communicate what he wanted.

"Thank you." Cliff leaned in and gave him a hug. He let out a soft gasp as he realized how tight Gray's grip had tightened around him.

They were silent for a while, and Cliff watched the colors of the sunset over Gray's shoulder.

"Don't ever do something stupid like that again." Gray's voice was gruff. He paused, pulling back and frowning at him. "I mean… don't let it get to that point."

Cliff gave a nod, a lump forming in his throat. The remainder of their walk was filled with silent reflection as the two made their way to the inn.

A tired sigh escaped Cliff's lips as he stepped through the doorway. It wasn't loud, but the door creaked loudly enough to catch Ann's attention. She nearly dropped the pitcher of water she was carrying before she set it hastily on the table and ran to her friend, throwing her arms around him.

"You're back!" She squeezed him tightly as her voice cracked. "We missed you so much!" Ann blinked the mistiness out of her eyes as she looked up at him. He looked tired, but happy. It appeared as though a weight had lifted from him despite his fatigue. She reached up and cupped his cheeks with her hands. "Your hair! It's gone!" she gasped in surprise.

Cliff emitted a tired chuckle. "It felt like time for a change."

There was a heaviness to his statement that she couldn't quite put her finger upon. Nevertheless, she smiled at the relief on his face. "It suits you." She gave it a ruffle and her cheeks turned rosy as she put an arm around his waist, pulling him close. Her enthusiasm knocked the wind out of him a bit, but she didn't notice as she buried her face in the crook of his neck.

Ann thought of Karen's raised eyebrows and pressed against him harder.

I'm not doing anything wrong! I was just worried about him and I'm happy, and that is okay!

I really am just lonely…

Embarrassed, Ann averted her eyes. "I'm sure Dad wants to see you, too! He's still in the kitchen. If you want, we can cook something up for you! What are you in the mood for? It's on the house, of course! There's so much we need to catch up on-"

Gray frowned.

Was I that rough with him earlier?

He was aware of the exhaustion in Cliff's eyes despite his smile. He cleared his throat, knowing his friend was too passive to say how he was really feeling. "Ann, I think he should probably just get some rest first."

Ann's face fell as she held Cliff out at arms' length.

Cliff pulled her back into a soft hug. "I'll still go and say hi to Doug, though."

They entered the kitchen and Doug nearly jumped at the enthusiasm in his daughter's voice.

"Look who is back!"

Doug wiped the soapy water from his hands as he turned around.

"I-I'm… sorry for all the trouble I caused." The young man's eyes were downcast and Doug could see the fatigue in them.

His eyes traveled over Cliff's shortened locks and rested on the color that had returned to his face. He looked younger, healthier.

"Think nothing of it." Doug's voice was steady as he set down the towel and pulled him into a hug. "Welcome back."

Cliff closed his eyes and leaned into him, basking in the vaguely familiar emotions he had attempted to brush off before. It was similar to the way Flint had held him and Ivy after coming home from a long hunting trip.

There was that feeling of parental protection that Cliff had told himself for years he would never accept from anyone else again.

Not after Nadine.

"I'm glad you're feeling better."

Doug's words caused a lump to form in his throat. Cliff unabashedly buried his face in the taller man's chest and deeply drank in the feelings of paternal love. Another set of arms wrapped around them as Ann joined the hug.

"It's good to be back."

Author's Note: It is indeed good to be back!

I started trying a new writing technique where I close my eyes and just type what comes to mind. That way I can kinda play out the scene in my head and simply type what I'm "seeing". I've been having a lot of issues with concentration (with constant phones ringing, emails, and new projects at work, it kinda comes with the territory) but I was really pleased to see that the technique helped me get words on the page.

I want to thank all the new readers and followers and all the kind words of support from everyone. I truly appreciate it!

Things are looking up for our characters – I'm so eager to write about a new start and move onward from the heavy drama of Cliff's past. I can't thank y'all enough for all of your encouragement and feedback on my original characters and expansion of Cliff's vague backstory. I really felt like I was putting my heart on the table, in a way.

I ordered a new cover image from the talented acediee on tumblr! I absolutely love their style and vivid colors! Feel free to check out my durotoswrites tumblr page for a larger rendering of the image, along with more info about the artist. I also have been posting little drabbles there, many set in The Shy Newcomer universe, along with musings about my writing.

Thank you again for reading, and I appreciate your support so much!