November 17, Fall, year 20

By the Harvest Goddess! The wedding was insane! But the week's worth of effort was well paid.

It's so nice to be home… there's a lot to say this time.

A five am wake up call, just to get the farm chores done before Jill needed to get ready for the wedding, had a very normal effect on Claire. She became her usual grumpy zombie self, but dragged herself out of the comfy bed and went to handle the watering and weeding while Jill headed for her animals.

Muffy had breakfast waiting when they both made it back inside, slightly muddy from the misting rain of the night before. Since Jill had been acting similar to Claire—for once she wasn't peppy and bright in the morning—there was some extra strong tea waiting for the both of them, which they fell on like they were starving.

A bath finished off the awakening process, and soon enough Claire and Muffy were doing one last fitting on Jill, who looked highly disgruntled to be fussed over.

The dress was—as Claire had expected from something Lauren made—absolutely fitting for the type of person that Jill was. It had been very funny to the blonde how, on the first day, Lauren had simply taken notes, and left, but on the second day the seamstress had been right in the middle of everything, pinning and taping and sewing even better than Claire. Who was actually very grateful. Sewing a full dress in less than a week with no sewing machine would have killed her fingers, back, eyes and neck. And sleeping pattern. Though the last part was pretty well shot all on its own.

It was very simple in design, a straightforward sheath dress. There was a delicate lace trim at the hem, and sheer sleeves with more lace trim that half-covered Jill's work-worn hands. The veil had actually belonged to Mirei, and Claire had brought it along to match the dress. Which it did, almost perfectly.

Jill had flat-out refused to take her hair down, despite the pleas of Muffy, so they had to attach the veil to her ponytail holder. Still, the effect was beautiful in the end, after Muffy had applied the cosmetics.

Neither Claire nor Muffy took half as long to properly make ready as Jill, for which both were grateful. But then, both of them were bridesmaids, not the bride herself, and therefore had much less in the way to put on. Both wore very simple-looking sundresses in a pale lavender that just matched the shade of Jill's eyes.

"I have to say it," Muffy smiled. "You really did have a good idea Claire."

"Gee thanks," Claire said dryly, helping Jill down from the chair. "Your confidence in me is overwhelming."

Muffy would have hit her, had it not been almost time for them to go. Claire grinned.

"And Lauren is a friend. I'm just glad she was able to do this at a fraction of her usual cost for us," and Claire winked. "You know how much her originals go for cousin."

The green-eyed woman winced a little, knowing full well that full-price for one of Lauren's dresses would have taken more money than they'd had.

"Seriously though sis, thanks a lot for doing this," Jill hugged her sister carefully. "I really owe you one."

Claire kissed her sister's cheek, and grinned, handing Jill the bouquet of Magic Red and Blue flowers.

"You're gonna knock em dead squirt," she said fondly. "C'mon, before people think you got cold feet. Uncle Tak ought to be at the church already."

Takakura had agreed to stand in for their father in giving away the bride, for which both girls had been grateful. And Claire had ignored the pointed look he'd given her, then made him promise to wear a tux.

"I can't believe it, you know?" Jill said quietly as the all donned jackets. "I thought for sure that he would ask Mary, even after these past couple of years."

"You're silly," Claire smiled at her sister. "It's been obvious for a while that he's head over heels for you little sis. Come on, let's go get you married to your boytoy."

Laughing, she ducked a swipe from Jill, and they headed out into the misty morning, to the church.

"You know," Muffy slid up on Claire's other side, leaning in to speak quietly into her ear, "you shouldn't bait her like that."

"Plain as day," Claire responded, with a wry smile. "Muff, we're sibs. We're always going to be baiting each other. It's like… a ritual. She knows I'm just teasing her, just as I know she's not actually trying to hit me."

Muffy didn't look convinced, but she let the subject drop. It wouldn't do to start an argument about something she actually didn't get.

Jack and the barely-three-months-pregnant Eve met them outside the church. The oldest of the siblings let out a low, impressed whistle. Jill blushed a little, and would have reached up to mess with her ponytail had Claire not smacked her hand away.

"Gotta admit squirt," he smiled. "You look good. And you know, Mom and Dad would have approved."

"That's true enough," Muffy piped up. "They always liked Gray."

"Mom and Dad liked everyone," Claire chuckled. "Even odd-ball Daryl, who claims to have a mermaid in a bathtub. Not that anyone believes him, but it's funny to hear about."

"Ah, you're here!" Father Stuart had pushed open the church doors upon hearing a familiar family discussion. "Everything's almost ready Jill. And you look lovely."

"Thank you Father," Jill blushed again, smiling shyly.

They trooped into the church together, Jack and Eve taking a seat in one of the right-hand pews, near the front as was their right as family. Claire, Jill and Muffy moved to one side doffing their coats, and doing last second adjustments to clothes, hair, and—in Jill's case—veil, before the traditional wedding march began.

The church was full, for all it was only just passing ten. Practically everyone in Mineral Town and the Valley had turned up to witness the first marriage of the younger generation, and they were all beaming proudly as Jill, on Takakura's arm, was paraded down the aisle towards an immaculately groomed Gray.

Claire tuned out most of the ceremony, simply looking at the faces of the people. Saibara, for all he was a grump, was beaming proudly from his place in the front pew. Mary didn't seem too despondent, but then, the librarian was sometimes hard to read. And between the dating couples, looks were passing, almost suggestively. It made her smile softly, her inner hopeless-romantic glowing and fluttering with pride.

Overall, everyone seemed to be sending out their well wishes to Jill and Gray, as both kissed, and exited together as birdseed was showered over them.

Then it was time for the reception in the Square. Banquet tables had been laid out with everything that Doug and Ruby had been able to make, and the drinks had been made courtesy of Griffin.

It was a rousing success. People laughed and chattered, swapping memories of their own weddings. Claire chattered with Eve for a long period of time, teasing her about the baby, asking her about names, and hearing the whole story of how she'd been plunked out of her home when the pregnancy had been discovered.

Eve was the first to notice the silver- haired young man staring in their direction. Staring almost exclusively at the blonde she was talking with, as though he wanted to join them.

"Hey Claire," Eve smiled, "I think there's someone waiting to get your attention."

Claire blinked, and turned to look, then smiled fondly at Skye.

"Is that your boyfriend?" Eve whispered. "He's a cute one."

Claire blushed and flapped a hand in embarrassment.

"Don't worry," the older woman winked one wine-dark eye, "I won't tell your protective older brother over there."

It was clear from the expression on the farmer-girl's face that she had thought about the repercussions of that! Her older brother was notoriously protective… And headed right for Skye.

"Run intercept for me?" Claire asked, nervously. "I'm not sure where our relationship is at right now, and I don't want to make any assumptions…"

Eve laughed, and headed through the crowd to intercept and distract her husband in-all-but-name, while Claire slid through the crowd to Skye. Before she could even speak a greeting, music started to play. The center of the Square emptied hastily, people backing up to give the newly wedded couple the first dance of their life together.

Claire smiled as she watched, eyes going soft, and almost teary. After all, it wasn't every day when siblings got married, and hers seemed to be doing so in rapid succession, with Jack's wedding coming up within the next month.

There was, she had to admit, a bit of envy attached to that. But until she could be absolutely certain about how she felt about Skye, she didn't want to chance fouling everything up.

She flicked a glance up at Skye, and wondered where his thoughts had traveled to, with his sea-green eyes so distant. In a way that made her want to cry more than watching her sister and new brother-in-law dancing. Carefully, she reached out and took his hand.

He started slightly, having been lost in the memories of marriage ceremonies up in the palaces of the moon. Rituals with no affection, no joy to them like this was. He gave Claire's hand a slight squeeze and smiled down at her.

"Beauty runs in the family," he said quietly. "Or maybe it is the smile on her face?"

The blonde smiled herself, fondly, at her sister.

"Mom used to say that everyone gets more beautiful when they're with the person they love," and her voice was just as quiet. "So it stands to reason that today she'd be the most beautiful woman here."

Naturally, Skye had a different idea as to who the prettiest was, but wasn't about to voice them after a statement like that! Even though he knew Claire would appreciate it, he had the sneaking suspicion that it would start an argument, which would leave the both of them fuming.

And since the clouds and rain had cleared away, and the first dance would soon be ended… The thief was looking forward to dancing with his farm-girl again. They might not have stood out from the crowd, but they certainly were a pair.

Jack was trying hard to pretend he didn't see it. He knew that if he did, his protectiveness would make him go over and find out the green-eyed male's intentions towards his other little sister, and probably piss Claire off in the process.

And he really liked his sister when she wasn't pissed off with him. She made treats, talked, laughed, and joked. Sulking was not high on his list, especially since he knew how quick her temper could flare.

But it was really hard to stand and watch Jill and Gray dance when Clare was holding hands with some guy he'd never met!

Eve knew this, and as such, was being the restraining force. It would be harder once the dancing opened to all, but if she could keep him from going… overboard, then there would be very little chance of Claire's disapproval.

It must be said that of the three siblings, Claire was the one who held onto her grudges unless proved wrong. So there was some sense in trying to keep said middle sibling from getting into a bad mood.

Another young man stepped up on Claire's opposite side, and the glance the blonde flicked his way was anything but friendly. Eve and Jack exchanged worried glances and, as the rest of the village applauded the end of the dance, started to edge their way through the crowd.

Claire was not pleased when Damien eeled up on her other side, and shifted a little closer to Skye while giving the dark-haired male a decidedly icy glance. Damien ignored the level of danger, give her a smirk in response.

Skye mentally decided he never wanted to make her that angry. Ever.

"A lovely day for a wedding," Damien commented blandly. "Your little sister makes a lovely bride."

"…thanks," Claire replied warily. "Get to the point."

"Why so unfriendly?" and dark-green eyes looked down into blue. "You act as though I killed someone close to you."

Claire restrained herself to a single twitch, but Skye could feel the anger radiating from her.

"You are very lucky we're at my sister's wedding reception, otherwise I'd cheerfully put you in traction," was the cold response. "I'll say it again… get to the point. Or go away. I'd really prefer the latter."

"May I steal this first dance," he asked instantly.

Claire glanced up at Skye, who had an expression she couldn't read. As though there was a mask over his features, smoothing them into blankness. Damien reached out for her other hand, when—miracle of miracles—Jack reached them.

"Hey sis," the oldest farmer in the family greeted, sizing up the situation. "Not dancing? There's a shocker."

Despite herself, the blonde smiled. Her brother had a way of diffusing even the worst of situations, when he wasn't making them.

"I'm Jack," and he held out a hand to Damien, giving his best 'I'm a brainless hick' smile.

Damien looked at Jack for a moment as if he was something scraped from the bottom of a shoe, then reluctantly clasped the farmer's hand.

"Damien," he responded.

To Claire's secret delight, Jack added enough pressure to the handshake to make Damien pale and wince.

"Nice to meet you," and the words were anything but sincere.

When he released Damien's hand and turned to Skye, the expression was a touch warmer. It had been clear after all, that Claire felt comfortable around this silver-haired stranger.

"Skye," and he didn't waste any time in clasping Jack's hand warmly. "Claire's boyfriend."

There was a minute of silence before Eve clapped her hands and laughed in delight while Claire turned a lovely shade of tomato red, and ducked her head to hide the silly grin that had spread across her face.

"Really?" Jack raised an eyebrow. "We should get together sometime and talk."

Him, Claire could kick. And had they been sitting at a table she would have. Hard. Skye just smiled, draping a casual arm around Claire's shoulders.

"Sure," he agreed. "I'd love to here stories about a younger Claire. Was she a hell raiser back then?"

He winced a little as her elbow dug into his side, making Jack snicker. This time, the blush was of annoyed mortification, and the look she gave the thief was not a pleased one.

"I have to know sis, do you still hit like a girl?" Jack teased.

Claire's eyes glittered with a mix of annoyed amusement, and she stepped forward slightly, raising a fist mock-threateningly.

"I'll slug you in the jaw so you can see for yourself," she said sweetly. "How does that sound?"

"Hey now," Eve interjected, chuckling. "No threatening the husband-and-father-to-be. That's my job."

Jack and Skye traded long-suffering looks before the foursome burst into laughter.

Damien huffed his annoyance at being excluded, and tried to worm his way to Claire's other side, determined to get some of his own back. At that moment a swift song struck up, and everyone headed out onto the dance floor, partnering up and leaving Damien fuming where he stood. After a few minutes his dark-green eyes lit up with a cruel idea, and he left the reception to make plans.

The first dance was so fast paced that Claire barely had the time to catch her breath, let alone keep up a conversation. That and the euphoria of Skye calling himself her boyfriend had yet to wear off.

Even if he had only said it to deflect Damien and her brother, it still made her stomach churn and her heart race in a mix of nervous delight.

Skye, on the other hand, was wondering what had possessed him to say that without checking with Claire first. But judging by the look on her face, it hadn't been a bad call.

Her brother was giving him speculative looks, probably sizing him up for trouble if the need arose. The thief winced a little inwardly, thinking about how Claire's punch over the spell had hurt, and she'd only been farming for a short while. The older brother had apparently been at it for three years, and if he screwed up too badly, would likely break his jaw.

So he would just have to not do anything stupid. It ought to be easy… right? Nerves plagued him, but a glance across the circle to Claire—who was watching him with a surprisingly shy smile—calmed him. She calmed him, just by being within sight.

It was… a delightful feeling. He wanted it to last forever.

It was a very drained little farmer who climbed onto Honey late in the evening. She'd danced until Skye had begged a respite, then teased both him and Eve when she too had staggered off the floor for a break.

All in all, it had been a wonderful day. Muffy and the others had started trickling away once five hit, but Claire had been determined to stay as long as possible to keep herself away from whatever Damien might've had planned.

Skye had offered to ride back with her, more to keep her on the horse than anything else, but the farmer wanted time to herself, to clear her head. So, instead of riding with her Skye trailed her. He didn't trust Damien not to try and hurt her, and wanted to be nearby… just in case.

And if his fears were unfounded, he could keep her from falling asleep on Honey and getting herself hurt at least.

Claire was half dozing in the saddle, letting the mare pick her way back to the Valley. Oh Jill had offered to let her stay the night, but at the end of the rush of the wedding, a deep and intricate sadness had come over the blonde. She'd told Jill that she didn't want to ruin the wedding night and would be fine, mostly to keep her from trying to ride partway with her.

It was just a little exhaustion after all.

And there were days where Claire's stubborn streak was a mile wide. This was one of them.

At the halfway point between Mineral Town and Forget-Me-Not Valley, Skye's worries were confirm as a lasso was flung around Claire's torso, pinning her arms to her sides, and yanking the girl from her horse.

Claire's startled yelp made Honey snort in surprise and dance about a bit on the path as Damien emerged from the brush nearby, holding the other end of the rope.

"You really are a fool," he sighed. "I thought I'd end up being here all night waiting for you to ride by."

"What the heck is your problem Damien?" Claire demanded, trying to get her feet under her. "This is low, even for you."

"I want you back," Damien hissed, crouching down beside the blonde and gripping her chin. "You've always come back in the past."

Claire mentally groaned. Not this conversation again… But as she looked into his eyes she saw something that chilled her. Obsession. In that moment she had a sudden epiphany.

She was a challenge. Damien had won her before, repeatedly, but now her constant refusal to be his kept dragging him back, a moth to the flame that was the unconquered woman.

However, she was not going to give in to him. Even half-ensnared by a lasso, the farmer still had plenty of body to use against him. If she could convince exhausted muscles to work properly that is…

Okay, and catch her breath and stop seeing stars. That fall had hurt! In fact it took her several dazed seconds to realize that Damien had his hands all over her. With a startled swear, she brought her legs up and kicked him hard in the chest, sending the young man crashing backwards in surprise.

The moment of inattention was all Skye needed, and he sent a spell rippling over Claire, to hit Damien, who managed one grunt of shock before paralysis froze him in a half-sprawled position.

"Are you alright?" he asked, crouching to help Claire remove the lasso loop from her upper body.

"I think the only thing hurting more than my back is my pride," she replied, wincing a little as he helped her to stand.

It wasn't the entire truth, the thought of what Damien might have done had Skye not been there made shills run up and down her spine. The thief held her close, carefully, and helped her over to the horse, this time climbing up behind her and holding her steady as she coaxed Honey into a trot.

Damien couldn't even move his mouth, which spared Claire having to hear whatever asinine threats he might attempt to make as the passed him on the path. Despite herself, she shuddered, and leaned back into Skye's arms, eyes slipping half-closed.

"Takakura should be informed," she whispered, mostly to herself. "And Harris…"

"They will be," Skye promised.

Uncle T informed me that thanks to an impressively accurate sketch, they would be keeping an eye out for Damien, and ejecting him from the Valley as quick as possible if he showed his face around here again.

Phew… that's definitely a weight off of my mind. Stupid of me to forget about him in the first place, but it's just been so busy. Hahh… Oh well. No serious harm done, and people keeping an eye out for him are much appreciated.