Storm Clouds and Grey Skies

Author's Notes:

Finally! After finishing the semester and fighting a dose of writer's block I've finally managed to finish this chapter! I'm so sorry to all my readers who've been waiting for me to update! I honestly thought I'd be able to write this fanfic during my university semester but I've discovered university epically drains my creativity when I struggle.

I really hope you'll all continue to support this fanfic and thank you so much for all your kind comments!

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 Six: Recovery

The kiss felt like forever, although in reality, it probably only lasted a few seconds.

As Leia pulled away from me, all I could do was stare at her. I wasn't entirely sure what to think. My mind just felt so...blank and empty.

"Claire...?"

Her voice was so tiny and quiet, almost like she was afraid of what I'd say or do next. In all honesty, I didn't know what I was going say or do. My first instinct was to raise my fingers to my lips and gently touch them, the sensation of Leia's soft lips still tingling on mine.

My eyes moved down to my fingers, not looking at Leia.

Then, in a low, cold voice spoke, "I don't know,"

It took me a moment to realise that I was the one speaking; everything around me felt so strange and alien.

"Claire, I-I'm sorry, I..."

I felt my head shaking, my eyes still focused on my fingers. I could hear soft sniffles coming from the mermaid as she scrambled off the bed and left the room as quickly as her legs could carry her.

Zack chewed my ear off for a second time as I sat at the kitchen table, a mug of coffee in my hands. A small, sheepish smile played on my lips as I stared down into the black liquid.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking straight," I mumbled.

"Claire, please don't smile like that..." Zack groaned, pushing his face into the palm of his hand and mumbling against it, "We were both really worried about you. Gray was about to go and wake up the mayor when you called..."

"I really didn't mean to worry either of you..." I replied, lifting the mug to my lips and sipping the scalding liquid. I'm trying my hardest to act normal, but everything just feels like a dream, one I want to wake up from soon.

"Hey, is something bothering you, Claire? You've been pretty quiet today..."

I gripped the coffee cup tighter as I looked up to Zack, my expression deadly serious, "I found Leia in Forget-Me-Not Valley."

Zack began to smile, "That's great then!"

Then it dawned on him, his smile fading, "So, why the serious face?"

I couldn't help but smile bitterly, "First of all, she somehow magically became human."

I gave the shipper a moment to allow this to sink in, his face turning to disbelief.

"She has legs," I stated, sipping more of my coffee, "The second problem..."

I felt a lump form in my throat as butterflies seemed to soar through my stomach. I wasn't entirely sure if I could tell Zack about the kiss. But...he'd been my friend for a while now and I could trust him.

"...Well, Leia kissed me. And I left as soon as I could after that."

Zack looked slightly more surprised, before leaning his elbow against the table, his hand supporting his head, "She kissed you?"

"Yes, she kissed me!" I snapped, slamming the cup back onto the table. I really can't understand why I felt so angry just thinking about it. Maybe a part of me felt betrayed by Leia; like...she'd changed our relationship for the worse. I don't know if I could ever look at her the same ever again. I mean, it was obvious she felt we were more than friends. It didn't really matter though; as soon as Ruby had given me my clothes, freshly washed and ironed, I took off as fast as I could, with the promise of sending the money to her once I got home.

I sighed, leaning back in my chair, staring up at the ceiling.

Neither of us said anything for a long time. I had too much running through my head and I suppose Zack just didn't know what to say.

"So what? You're just going to abandon her because of a kiss?"

I pulled my head back down and looked him square in the eye, "Well...I don't...know..."

There was a long, awkward silence.

"Are you mad at me?" I asked.

"No so much mad...just...a little disappointed. You pined after her for so long, and now you're abandoning her?"

I felt the heat rise to my cheeks, "I'm not abandoning her!"

"Then why did you run away from her, Claire?" Zack demanded, slamming his hands on the table, "You're supposed to be her best-friend!"

I bit my lip and let what he said sink in. He was right. But still...

"I'm just really confused," I replied followed by a sigh. My eyes stung slightly before I felt a few tears trickle down my cheeks, "I lost her, now I've found her and then she had to kiss me and...Well...it's all just been spoilt!"

I wondered if I was acting childish, then wondered if I was allowed to act childish considering the scenario. I was a little surprised when Zack got up and gave me a big bear hug.

"What am I supposed to do, Zack? Of course I love Leia, but just not in that way." I whimpered, pressing my face into his chest. Zack hushed me and hugged me tighter; although it was starting to hurt...

"Look, I don't mind taking care of the farm for you for a little while longer," he reassured me, "...Take a few days to sort yourself out and go see her. And just...well, maybe she was just so happy to see you!"

I wheezed out a giggle, "Zack, you're crushing my lungs..."

He promptly released me and scratched the back of his head with a small grin, "Sorry, sometimes I don't know my own strength."

That night Gray decided to stay with me; he was relieved, but...a little mad at my sudden up and disappearance the night before. As far as he was concerned I'd wandered slightly off path and decided to take a nap. Waking up in the dead of the night, I panicked and made my way to Forget-Me-Not Valley where the inn keeper had graciously allowed me to stay for free that night and I'd be taking her the money in a few days.

I wasn't sure how to explain a best friend that he'd never met, that had possibly turned lesbian. So I decided to keep quiet on that part for the time being...Hell, I wasn't sure how to explain the whole "she's actually a mermaid" thing now that she had legs. He'd think I was going nuts. In all honesty, I thought I was going nuts too.

And now he was fast asleep beside me, more than happy with the making up session. I on the other hand was wide awake, worrying about Leia.

She could be really hurt. What happens if she tries to do something drastic? Or maybe Zack was right and she just got a little over excited about seeing me. But I still hurt her, regardless. She was scared, wasn't she? If she really did have those feelings for me then it would have taken her a lot of courage to do that and...

I pressed my hand to my face and sighed heavily; Goddess, I was such an insensitive fool.

"So how long are you going for?"

"Just a week."

Gray hovered behind me, his eyebrows raised as I continued to pack a small suitcase. I needed to stop acting like a baby. Leia was still my friend regardless, and right now, well, I think I needed her more than she needed me, but there was no way I was just going to lose her again.

I felt Gray slide his arms around my waist, gently pulling me back and softly nibbling on my neck.

"Is everything alright...?" he murmured.

"Of course it is...why wouldn't it be?" I replied.

"You've just been off...ever since that storm...it...isn't me is it?"

I smiled; it was cute how insecure he was. I turned and gave him a quick peck on the lips, "No, it's nothing to do with you Gray...you've been understanding and sweet, and I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me...Zack too..."

"But why are you going to Forget-Me-Not Valley?" he asked. I swallowed; I really didn't want to keep dancing around the subject.

"Remember...that friend I mentioned that I was going to ask to the Fireworks festival?" I said slowly, trying to take care in what I said, "She's hit a few problems...and I really need to go see her and give her support. She's...she's my best friend Gray, and...I can't abandon her..."

"So she lives in Forget-Me-Not valley? Is that why I haven't seen her around?"

I smiled, "Yes, she...rarely leaves the valley, she prefers to stay in one place. But who knows, you might meet her soon!"

He smiled and kissed my forehead, "I understand...I'm glad you're being such a good friend."

Ugh, I wish Gray. Right now I feel like the worst friend in the world...

"I promise when I come home I'll be ready to take care of the farm!" I replied, "But thank you so much for taking the time to take care of everything..."

"It's no problem..."

He looked a little hesitant, like he wanted to say something else, but he quickly smiled broadly at me, "I better get back to work."

I nodded and kissed him again, "I'll see you in a week..."

I wasn't entirely sure what to do after I'd unpacked my clothing and given Ruby the money I owed her. I sat at the desk in my room, looking out towards the beach. I swallowed hard; thinking back to my reaction to Leia's actions, I realised I'd acted very cold and I wasn't entirely sure if she'd want to see me. I got to my feet and set off down the stairs, out the door and in the direction Ruby had given me to the house she was currently staying at.

Needless to say...the house defiantly looked like it belonged to a completely an insane scientist; hard to miss, as Ruby had told me. I took a deep breath and knocked on the door, biting my lower lip as I waited.

The door slowly opened. I tensed for a moment as a man with messy black hair and glasses stepped out. Well, he fit the description of insane scientist perfectly.

"Yes? Can I help you?" he muttered, looking a little more than impatient.

"Uh..." I froze up for a moment, "Is...Leia in?"

He narrowed his eyes, "Who are you?"

I swallowed, "My name's Claire. I'm the farmer from Mineral Town, Leia's a friend of mine and-"

"Sorry, she's not in," he quickly snapped, retreating back into the door.

No, there was no way I was going to miss this opportunity. I knew she was there. She had to be.

Boldly, I stuck my foot in the door and pushed back as he tried to close it, "Leia! It's me Claire! Please! Please talk to me!"

"For goddess's sake woman, I told you she's not here!" the scientist snapped as he attempted to wrestle me out of the doorway.

"Please! Leia!" I was begging by this point and I could feel tears forming in the corners of my eyes. Had I really hurt her this much?

And suddenly, somewhere in the background I heard a small voice, "It's okay Daryll..."

Instantly the struggle stopped and the scientist retreated back into his house, with no intention of closing the door.

I could hear a little bit of murmuring in the background and she appeared at the doorway.

"Leia," I whimpered, "I-I'm so sorry..."

She didn't look entirely pleased to see me, but then again, could anyone blame her?

"Where are you staying?"

Her tone was so flat and cold, it was another side to the mermaid I'd never heard before.

"At the Inn..." I managed to choke, my throat feeling very dry.

"Daryll, I'm going out for a little while..." she told him, softly pushing me back and closing the door behind her.

I'm really starting to get tired of all these awkward silences. I just seem to be running into more and more of them as of late. I sat on the chair at my desk, turned towards the bed where Leia sat, looking at the floor, shifting her feet occasionally.

"Leia, about the other day..."

"No, it was my fault. I shouldn't have kissed you..."

"N-No...I should've been more supportive..."

More silence.

I started to speak again, "I just wasn't sure what to think. I find you, you have legs and you suddenly kiss me...it's...just so much...is changing with you..."

She looked up, a little hurt. I bit my lip; I need to be more careful with what I say with her.

It was my turn to lower my head, "How long have you..."

"Since the beginning of spring..."

"O-Oh..."

Hit another brick wall.

"Have you spoken to your mother?"

"No. Not since the storm."

"...She'll be getting worried."

"I know."

And another.

"Leia, I know your hurt, but I just don't see you that way," I whimpered, placing my head in my hands. Of course I loved Leia, just not like that. This was so difficult. Why did it have to be so difficult?

"I've...I've realised."

"Please, just talk to me," I begged, looking back up to meet her face, now streaming with tears.

"I-I can't..." she replied, sniffing, "Claire, I've loved you for nearly a year now. And now I have legs, I can go where you go. I can do things that you do. And I tried to keep it to myself but I just can't! Claire, I love you!"

My chest felt a little tight. I wasn't panicking, but I felt hurt knowing I was hurting Leia.

"What do you want me to say?" she asked.

I got up from the chair, sitting down next to her and pulling the hanker chief from my back pocket. She turned her head away, but I quickly brought it back to face me, smiling at her reassuringly and wiping the tears from her face. Then I kissed her softly on the forehead and hugged her.

"I know I've hurt you, Leia," I told her, pulling her head to my chest and resting my chin atop her head, my arms firmly around her, "But...I'm sorry, and nothing I do or say will change the amount of pain I have put you through. I do love you, just not like that...And I know I'm selfish in asking this of you, but..."

I paused; I wasn't actually sure where I was going with this. I was blurting out whatever came to my head, "Come live with me."

She pulled back, her expression completely shocked. Needless to say, I was a little surprised at myself as well.

"W-What?"

"Come live with me, Leia." I replied, taking her hands, "I still want to be there for you, no matter what, and..." I felt my cheeks grow a little red, "I don't like you living so far from me in your current condition. I'm sure...Da...ryll? Daryll, is a nice guy and I know you've told me he wouldn't lay a finger on you but...but I...I think I want to be able to protect you, Leia."

She started to smile, "Protect me? From what?"

I flushed red, "I-I don't know. B-but I just...oh...just come live with me!" It was more of a demand that a request but she actually started giggling at it, a few tears still trickling down her cheeks.

"I don't know Claire, I'm flattered, but I really don't know..." she replied, "I'm still upset with you."

I nodded; I accepted that, "I'm here for a week. Let's hang out and things will get better...please Leia, I don't want to lose you again."

"I understand..." she whispered, moving forward and hugging me. I hugged back and it was at that point I realised that even as a human being, her body was so small and fragile. I actually felt scared at the thought that if someone picked her up and dropped her, she'd smash into a million pieces like a porcelain doll. I think that's why I felt I had to protect her.

"Please think about it," I replied.

"I will. Let's spend time together this week and if...if it goes well then I'll consider moving in with you," she replied, "But I'll have to explain this to Daryll and well...I'm embarrassed to tell you this, but he's not exactly your biggest fan. I think he's a little protective of me too..."

"I can understand that," I replied, "I...I did hurt you after all."

Leia pulled away and smiled at me, shaking her head, "I think...I think I'll be alright now. Even if you don't love me the same way as I love you, knowing you love me the way you do is enough to keep me happy..."

"Are...you sure?" I asked. Leia nodded.

"Of course I am."

I'm going to get straight onto my next chapter. Please don't fear, I promised you all Claire x Leia and that's what you'll get!

I just want to take things slowly without rushing things, plus Claire still has Gray to deal with too! This is one fic I want to handle with care and look at the deeper feelings of sweet girl x girl love, and needless to say it's a first with me when it comes to writing it.

Thank you again for taking the time to read and please leave comments! They power the hamster wheel of confidence! =)