Author's Note: I was thinking...Am I making Skye a bit OOC? I dunno...

Disclaimer: I, KawaiiTenshiCeres, does not own Harvest Moon!

Tsuki no Koibito

Chapter Four

"...Because you're a special woman...You mean a lot to me."

I was plain out exhausted by the time I hopped out of bed. It was a week. A full-on week, since I last talked to Skye. I know, it sounded desperate, but it was the first time that I ever had a special value to someone that wasn't in my family. No. I told myself time and time again, I should just stick with a normal life...After all, underneath that, my family was far from normal...I'd rather deal with the drama here, than try and deal with the life of luxury back at home.

"An endless rain, a rain caused by love, please let's go back to yesterday..." I sung softly, as I headed out into the bright sun and began my work for today.

I quietly wandered over and filled up the watering can, before stopping to soak up the sunlight. Though, my thoughts were interrupted by footsteps entering my farmland. I glanced back. Black curly hair. Ocean water-colored eyes. It was Marlin. I gently placed down the watering can and formed a bright smile towards him. Was it strange that he had been trying to act closer to me ever since we spent the night together?

"Mornin'." Marlin smiled. "You seem happy." he said.

"Ah! It's because it's sunny today!...Wait. Aren't you supposed to be working too?" I questioned cocking my head to the side in suspicion.

Giving me a kiss on the forehead, my boyfriend gently smiled towards me. "I just wanted to see you." he said. "A-Ah." he studdered. "...Sorry, that didn't come out right." he muttered, looking away, slowly turning red.

A smile formed on my face, before I slowly approached him and gently hugged him. "It's fine." I said softly, before quietly pulling away. "Uhm. I know you've come all the way here, so do you want a drink or something?"

He shook his head and slowly give my a gentle kiss on the lips. "...I only wanted that. Nothing more..." he said softly, gently cupping my cheek and rubbing his callused thumb on my cheek. He slowly turned and began to head back to Vesta's farm.

I had the urge to rip my hair off of my scalp. Why are men so complex? This was getting on my nerves about this little charade of his...I couldn't talk to anyone right now, especially since they are all somehow linked to Marlin or were suspicious about Skye...Wait...There was Flora. I did go mining from time-to-time...So, it wouldn't be bad if I popped in and mined with her and Carter. Carter didn't mind me chatting with her from time-to-time, since it didn't really disturb their research...I needed to go see her.

"...And yet...I was conned into doing this again."

I grumbled to myself, as I was heading towards Flora and Carter's tent at 9PM. Even though it was a little chat, Carter just had to bust in with his scary face and flashed the warning note sent by the infamous Phantom Skye. It was a full-out week since I've seen him. I had to prepare myself and not look at him just in case he pulled off that same stunt he did back at the bar. Taking a deep breath, I had entered the tent, only to hear some screaming from the older man.

"WHAT IF HE'S AT THE MINE ALREADY?" Carter screamed, as his assistant plugged her ears with her hands.

"You're right!" she responded, fixing her large glasses. "Oh, Jill. Good timing...Sorry to abandon you like this, but could you please watch our tent for us? We might have to do an intense search, so we might not be back until midnight, though you can go back home after this, Flora smiled.

My eyes battered towards the pair, as they quickly rushed out of their tent. Well, this sucked. If he happened to magically appear into this tent, then I would be amused by what he was going to be planning to steal. I turned and gazed at what they had dug up, only to hear the tent flap opening. Gazing back, my eyes met with the ever-so charming green eyes of the thief. I quickly held up my fists, hoping to not get paralyzed like before.

"Wow. And I thought you were going to be happy to see me." Skye smiled. "Don't worry, I'm not going to pull my Chick Beam on you." he sighed.

"Oh, so that's what it's called." I grumbled. "What were you planning to take this time?" I questioned.

"Easy." he said. "Nothing. I sent that note to try and lure you out."

I felt dumb. Gently pouting towards the laughing thief, I began to march out of the tent, only to notice him following me. He gently wrapped his hand around my wrist and pulled me back, hugging me from behind.

"How about we spend some time together to make up for a week's worth of not seeing each other?" he whispered casually in my ear.

His arms were around my waist protectively, while my face slowly turned red from just his touch. I hesitantly nodded only to feel his arms slowly unwrapping me, and he slowly took my hand, leading me down the path. I felt stupid for not being so 'experienced' with romance. After all, Marlin is my second boyfriend, and yet I ended up choosing a thief over a regular sweetheart. Though, I didn't know why it felt so right to be with him at the moment.

"...Huh. It's so beautiful here." he said, stepping onto the sandy beach. "The ocean's beautiful tonight...No..Actually you're the more beautiful one here."

"...And yet you say that to the women who are 'chasing' after you." I muttered, looking away.

A chuckle escaped his lips, while I gave him a suspicious gaze. "You are quite different than those other ladies. " he said casually. "Are you those types who act mean and scary, but turn all soft and mushy with the person they love?"

I smiled, before narrowing my eyes towards him. "Right. And you're the type who would stare at women and end up getting soft on someone who doesn't want you, but has something special." I muttered, rolling my eyes.

"That's true. You're actually right." he said with a small smile. "People think that charming thieves can only charm the beautiful women and be stupid enough to actually fall for women who will hurt them later."

Why was it...that what he just said...felt painful inside? He stood there looking at the ocean water quietly, as the moon was shining down on us. I couldn't help, but to feel stunned by his appearance underneath the moonlight. He felt like a mysterious fairy tale prince who simply came out of the book. He was good looking, and had a charming smile. Was it bad to feel embarassed being right next to him?

"Hey, Jill..." he started. "You know...I only do this just to achieve my goal..Making the best curry. Even with the best ingredients...It's always odd that something's always missing."

"Love?" I questioned, noticing a smile forming on his face.

"...Huh. Good idea...Even though I have focused my love on something else, I guess I will take your advice." he smiled. "Well. It's getting late and you, should head back home. I don't want to see your pretty face with dark circles underneath."

Biting my lip, I glared at him for that little insult, but I hesitantly nodded. "...Okay." I said softly. "I-I'll see you next time, right?"

"Of course." he replied, kissing me on the forehead. "Though, I prefer that you don't try and butt in on my next plan." he muttered, turning and walking back to town.

"Huh? W-Wait, why?" I shouted running after him.

"...Because I want to try and get rid of the competition."