Gah~! I'm still super tired. I just thought I'd say that. I got two requests to write an AkarixChase drabble, so here it is!

Disclaimer: I don't own Harvest Moon.

…

The warmth of Waffle Town spread all the way across the island, pushing through cold fogs, winding past bitter trees, and defrosting frozen puddles. In the Caramel River district, the young farmer could feel the happiness and cheeriness.

She could not bring herself to stay inside and rest up like she should; she had to go into the village and see people. It was her nature, and no amount of weather could stop her. Besides, it was Christmas Eve, and what fun was it to be all by yourself?

So she bundled up – hat, scarf, coat, the whole nine yards – and trudged through the snow and to the inn. And there was no doubt that she felt a good deal better after she arrived.

The establishment was bustling with people, the smell of foods wafting through the air. As soon as she pushed the door open, everyone turned and shouted "Hey, Akari!" They mobbed her with hugs, wishes of good health, and happiness, grins spread across their faces.

"Akari!" Kathy ran up to her, smiling broadly, her blonde ponytail bouncing behind her, "Merry Christmas! What took you so long?"

"I don't know!" The brunette replied, hanging up her coat, "I was trying to rest up, but I couldn't help but come here!"

"Good timing, too!" The waitress grinned, "See, we have a bit of an issue in the kitchen. You can cook, right?"

"Well, I wouldn't go that far-"

"Great, great. We need some extra staff. You wouldn't mind helping Chase, would you?"

"Er, um, I gu-"

"Awesome! I knew you'd be there for me!" Shoving the petite girl while shouting 'Just a second, sir!' left and right, Kathy managed to rope Akari into doing something that she obviously did not care for, "Go in the kitchen, and help Chase cook! People are getting angry!"

"Now, I have said this thirty times, but I'll say it again: NO CUSTOMERS IN THE KITCHEN!" Chase called from his station at a pot of stew, "Get her out of here, Kathy!"

"Sorry Chase, you wanted an assistant, so here she is! Got to go!"

Kathy sped away, and the strawberry-blonde chef turned slowly, as if wishing this was all a dream, before opening his eyes and staring blankly at Akari, "You have got to be kidding me."

"No need to be so rude about it. I can cook fine, just tell me something that needs to be prepared."

"I'm not happy about this but…make the chocolate covered strawberries." He pointed at a boiling pot of melted goo and a plate full of fruit, "Go."

"You don't have to treat me like I'm stupid." She replied grudgingly, rolling up her sleeves, "Are you too good to make these yourself?"

"Just make them. And try not to screw up."

"Whatever, whatever. No need to act all high and mighty."

"I'm sorry, did you say something?" He deadpanned, focused on chopping some onions. Akari, in response, muttered something about who's the real idiot in this situation. Her anger actually kept her from being able to focus on the food she was making, and totally did not acknowledge the fact that the boiling chocolate's container was hanging dangerously close to the edge. With that in mind, one fast movement from either of them would send said treat flying.

And that is exactly what happened.

Akari had slammed the counter with her fist when Chase critiqued her imperfect strawberries, the force of her palm slamming against the surface causing a mini-earthquake to occur, making the pot topple over and chocolate to go flying.

Chase, observing the mess, faced her and rolled his eyes, "You're cleaning that up. Idiot."

"I love you too, sweetie." She smiled sweetly and got back to work.

…

I'm tired. I'm going to sleep. Night-night. Oh, but before I go-oh, I just like to say please review, but I don't have any more room left for requests (nooooo D: Also, on that note, I noticed when reading over this that it is somewhat similar to the GrayxClaire drabble, but it's not exactly the same ~

I'm so happy its Friday. Just thought I'd let you know.