A/N: This is a personal record. I have never finished an entire multi-chapter story this fast before. Ever. And I've also discovered that I LOVE writing Harvest Moon stories (who knew?). So, I may write more in the future…. And more… and more… and more…
Don't Lie to Me: Chapter 6
Forget-Me-Not Valley seemed unusually warm for a normal day in January. Nami even decided to walk outside without a jacket today, proving the spring-like weather. The snow had melted, and the sun shone proudly through the clouds. It seemed like yesterday never even happened.
But it did. Everyone at the inn knew that it did. And for once, everyone was glad that Rock always slept in until noon, giving them time to prepare for his entrance. His bad mood was pretty much a guarantee.
Nami walked into the inn, hearing the familiar sounds of Ruby banging around in the kitchen. It appeared that Rock was still asleep, and Tim was no where to be seen. The redhead walked through the curtain and into the large kitchen. Ruby had three things cooking at once on her master stove, expertly adding the right spices and ingredients to make it taste fantastic like Ruby's dishes always tasted.
"Morning," Nami greeted. Ruby looked over her shoulder, placed the lid on a pot of something cooking, and walked toward Nami.
"Good morning," She replied. "It's lovely out, isn't it?"
"Like spring," Nami agreed. Then Ruby started the conversation that she knew was bound to come up sooner or later.
"Nami, how long did you know about Rock's parents?"
Nami sighed and leaned against the wall. "No offense, but you and Tim look nothing like him, so I was suspicious. But it all started making sense when I saw that picture of you and Tim with Devin…"
"Oh, yes," Ruby clasped her hands together. "I just couldn't stand hiding that photo away."
"I understand." She ran a hand through her hair.
"And, Nami?"
"Hmm?"
"Thank you." Ruby smiled. "You made it clear to Tim and I that we couldn't hide this from Rock forever."
Nami was about to reply when something cut her off. Or rather, someone.
"Morning, family!" Rock beamed as he entered the kitchen, sniffing the air. "Mmm! Something smells good, and I think it has my name on it!"
Nami exchanged a glance with Ruby. Rock picked up a roll from the kitchen and bit into it.
"What's wrong?" He asked with his mouth full of bread.
"It's just…" Ruby thought of a proper way to phrase this. "We all assumed you'd be a little more… upset."
"Well, I was," He explained. "Last night. But then I realized that I never really knew my real parents. Why should I be so upset over some people I hardly knew?"
"Besides the fact that they gave birth to you?" Nami recalled.
"Well, there's that, yeah. But I like this family better!" Rock motioned to Ruby, Nami, and himself before he finished off the roll. "Besides, this whole adopted thing makes me more interesting, you know? And girls love interesting guys!"
Nami rolled her eyes as Ruby giggled. Then she made her way over to Rock.
"Good, because we like having you in our family, too," Ruby wrapped her arms around him tightly. Rock pretended to be disgusted. But his eyes lit up again when he looked at Nami.
"C'mon, you want a hug, too, right, Nami?" He grinned, coming toward her with open arms. Nami stepped back quickly.
"Stay away."
Rock looked back at Ruby with his hands to his heart. "There's nothing like the bond between a brother and sister!"
"If I were related to you, I think I'd kill myself," Nami muttered. This only made Rock try harder.
"You know you love me," Rock smirked. "Who doesn't?"
"Speaking of love…" Nami began slyly. "I spoke with Lumina this morning."
Rock froze and stared at Nami. "You did?"
"Yeah."
"Well, what'd she say?" Rock asked anxiously.
"She's really stubborn. She kept turning down all my persuasions." Nami looked away apathetically.
"What did she say?" Rock asked again, growing more impatient.
"She really has her heart set on not going out with you…" Nami continued painfully slow, making her way out of the room. Rock was now bursting with anticipation.
"What did she say?" He asked for the third time. His eyes followed Nami until she was halfway through the curtain. She chuckled to herself before replying.
"Pick her up for your date at seven. And don't be late," Then she left the room with a smile on her face. A real smile, something only her family could make happen. As she stepped out into the oddly warm air, she could hear Rock's excited voice coming from the kitchen.
"YES!"
And then she laughed.
A/N: I. Am. Done. Wooooow…. I'm so shocked I can't even think of anything remotely funny or clever to say. But I definitely just fell in love with Nami and Rock's personalities. I mean, I've always loved Rock, but I wasn't expecting to like Nami as much as I do. She's cool, though. I like writing about her subtle "nice moments". And of course Rock is awesome. I'm glad I got to make him back to normal by the end of the story. But that's just like him: totally moving on from something so devastating…. Anyway, thanks to everyone who read/reviewed my story. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. ;) It's been fun! And I'll definitely be back with more HM fics.