#wattpad…? *sips water* i haven’t heard that name in forever…

[maryannaugerbooks]

The Beginning of Something Good

Fandom: Stardew Valley

Word count: 1.9k

Warning: Makeout session

This piece is on AO3, Wattpad and Tumblr.

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Océane is the new farmer in Pelican town. She quit her job at Joja Corporation and decided to follow her grandfather's footsteps and take care of Blue Coral, the farm he left her when he passed away.

After her initial shock of seeing the farm in a pitiful condition, she admired the wonderful beach surrounding the cabin she would call home. When she found out her grandfather was leaving her a farm, she didn’t expect it to be a beach farm!

Thankful for not being stuck in an office anymore, the long ash-colored-haired farmer got to work. She watered the crops, explored the mines and spent her afternoons fishing.

She settled into a routine, every day looking slightly different but also very much the same. That is, until that Tuesday evening.

Océane had realized she was out of seeds. She wanted to extend her garden and grow a bigger variety of vegetables but Pierre’s General Store would be closed the next day. Determined to get her seeds so that she could start planting them in the morning, she ran all the way to the store, swung the door open and greeted Pierre with a big wave.

“Hey Pierre. Sorry for coming in right before you close. Can I get some potato and green bean seeds please?”

Pierre handed over the seeds and Océane placed them in her bag. She wanted to get home quickly in order to cut down a couple trees to make more space to till more soil.

She swung her bag over her shoulder and started walking towards the exit. She half-turned around to wave goodbye to Pierre when the wind got knocked out of her.

Before she fell to the ground, a sturdy – and soft – hand grabbed her arm.

At first, she was too shaken to see who she ran into. Then, she regained her senses and saw a young man with long brown hair and mesmerizing green eyes.

Oceane was pretty sure her mouth was still open when the man said “Hi. I don’t think we’ve met. My name’s Elliott. I live in the cabin on the beach.”

She slightly shook her head and said, “Oh. I live on a beach too! How fun.”

She internally cringed at herself. How fun she said mockingly in her head.

Elliott chuckled and it was the most beautiful chuckle she’d ever heard.

Get yourself together. She scolded herself.

“Thanks for... catching me. I’ll see you around.” Océane left the store quickly and walked home, her heart beating fast and her face flushed.

When she got home, the farmer got straight to work. She didn’t want to think about what happened. She was definitely embarrassed but there was something more underneath her bruised ego that she didn’t want to admit.

---

After a few days of mining and fighting monsters - trying to reach the bottom of the damn mines - Océane was tired. Her shoulders were aching. Scratch that, her whole body was aching.

Feeling like she deserved a break, she made her way to the Stardrop Saloon. It was Friday night after all. She was excited to speak to Emily. She hadn’t seen her all week as they were both too busy working.

They became friends soon after her arrival in Pelican Town. They had met when the farmer got to the Saloon on her second day in town, desperate for some food. She had been fishing all morning and afternoon and had forgotten to eat. Her grandfather’s old house didn’t have a kitchen so she had hungrily made her way to the bar for a bite to eat. After ordering, Océane had sat at the bar and Emily and her talked about clothes, the universe and everything in between.

The local bar was booming with the regulars. Océane sat down at her usual spot, the barstool in the middle. Not the one closest to the cash and not the one closest to Shane. She didn’t particularly feel like getting cold remarks from the disheveled young man.

Also, by sitting in that spot – although not the original intention behind sitting there- Océane’s main goal was trying to hide Emily from Clint’s view. He was notorious for sending furtive glances her way all night. Emily was friends with Clint, but the farmer didn’t like him.

“Hey Emily. How’s your night?”

The blue-haired girl who was facing away from the bar cleaning some glass turned around and flashed a bright smile to Océane.

‘’Hey girl. Tonight’s pretty busy but that’s usual for Friday. How was your week? I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever.’’

Océane brought her hand to her forehead and rolled her eyes. ‘’I made a huge fool of myself on Tuesday. I’m still embarrassed.’’

Emily gave her that tell me more look so Océane continued, ‘’On Tuesday I went to Pierre’s to get some seeds and as I was walking towards the door, I turned around to say bye to Pierre and I ran into someone - hard. I think he said his name was Elliott. I had never seen him before.’’

Emily squealed which made Océane shush her. ‘’People are going to hear you!’’

Completely ignoring her friend, Emily subtly nodded in Elliott’s direction with her head. He was sitting at the table near the Jukebox with Leah.

After seeing the one who had made her heart race - from embarrassment, of course - Océane looked at Emily with wide eyes. ‘’Does he come here every Friday? How come I haven’t noticed him before?’’

Emily shrugged, ‘’He’s pretty quiet’’. After a pause she adds, ‘’you could buy him a drink. He likes a strong beer.’’

Appalled, Océane interjected ‘’Why would I do that? I don’t even know him!’’

‘’But he’s cute,’’ Emily said as if that was a good enough reason.

‘’I guess I have nothing to lose. If he rejects me, I’ll just dig a hole and bury myself in it.’’

Emily laughed, ‘’stop being so dramatic and hand him this beer. You’ll thank me later.’’

After staring at the beer for a couple of minutes, contemplating running away, Océane decided to get up and give Elliott the beer before it got warm. No one likes a warm beer.

She awkwardly walked towards his table, her feet feeling heavy. She was suddenly feeling self-conscious about the way she was walking.

When she got to the table, she realized that Leah had left. She was relieved. Océane set the beer on the table and said, ‘’I heard you like a strong beer.’’

He looked at her, surprised. ‘’This is for me? Marvelous!’’

‘’It’s for saving me from further embarrassment on Tuesday.’’ She said nonchalantly even though that’s not quite how she felt.

Elliott took a sip of the beer, licked his lips and motioned her to take a seat.

Her heart felt like it was about to explode in her chest, her face was warm but she kept it cool on the outside. ‘’How’s the beach life treating you?’’

‘’I like it. I moved here so I could get away from the big city and write.’’

‘’That’s why I moved here too. To get away from the big city, I mean. I couldn’t stand working at a desk all day,’’ Océane said, ‘’what do you write about?’’

“I typically write poems but I’m looking for inspiration to write my first novel.” Elliott took another drink. “What kind of books do you like to read?”

Océane’s cheeks got even warmer. “I like romance. It really helps me unwind and it gives me all the feels.”

The writer chuckled, “maybe my novel will be a romance in that case.”

Was he flirting with her?

“I would love to read it when you’re done.” She was genuine. She loved a good book, but she also wanted to see if Elliott was the kind of romantic she imagined him to be. She may or may not have been imagining scenarios between her and the writer as she was tilling the soil, planting her seeds and doing all her other farm work this week.

“It would be an honor to have you read my book,” Elliott responded with a smile.

Océane made to get up, gently pushing her chair away from the table with her hips. “I wish I could talk some more but I should get going, it’s getting late and I have a lot of work to do in the morning.”

“Let me accompany you home.”

Océane stared at the writer with wide eyes. Elliott quickly added, “only if you’d like me to, of course. It’s dark out and...” He hesitated before continuing, “it would be my pleasure to spend more time with you.”

The farmer’s heart started racing but she gave him a big smile before saying, “Sure, I’d love that.”

The cool spring air chilled her skin as they started walking towards the farm. Elliott noticed her rubbing her hands on her arms in an attempt to warm up. She watched as he removed his red jacket and handed it to her. “Thanks,” she said gratefully. His jacket smelled like old books.

They made small talk until they reached the front door of her cabin.

“Thank you for walking me home. I appreciate it,” Océane said. “Hold on a sec, I’ll give you your jacket so you don’t get cold on your way back to the beach.”

She removed the piece of clothing, already missing the warmth of it and the smell of books. Elliott’s gaze was on her as she handed him his jacket, their fingers brushing for longer than necessary.

Océane licked her lips and Elliott’s green eyes seemed mesmerized by the movement. She could tell he wanted to say something but he was hesitating.

“I probably shouldn’t be telling you this in case you don’t feel the same way, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since that day at Pierre’s.”

“Me either,” she breathed. He took a hesitant step forward and gave her a searching look. He was waiting for her approval. She looked directly in his eyes and nodded.

Elliott closed the distance between them, lifted his hand to her hair and brushed his lips against hers. Océane felt like she was going to melt on the balcony of her cabin.

She deepened the kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck. Elliott brushed his tongue against her lips and she opened to give him access.

The wood door of her cabin was now pressing against her back. One of Elliott’s hands braced him against the wood of the cabin while his other hand settled on her waist.

Océane lowered her hands from his neck to his chest, feeling the muscle there before lowering them towards his lower belly. She fidgeted with the hem of his shirt before sliding her fingers underneath feeling the warmth of his skin. Elliott gasped at the touch and Océane smiled against his lips.

His hands explored her curves like he wanted to remember the shape of her forever. They couldn’t get enough of each other. Océane finally allowed her hands to linger dangerously low.

Elliott pulled back, out of breath. “Let me take you out on a date first. Then, you can do whatever you want with me.”

“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow at 6 then,” She winked at him and kissed his cheek before entering her cabin, closing the door and leaning against it, heart racing.

She had a feeling this was the beginning of something good.

[srfudanshi]

Blessed by the Saints: Ch 1

Chapter 1: Of course the Mysterious Girl is Gone

C H R I S T I A N

Hounds of Hades tried to kill me on my 18th birthday. I remember it like it was yesterday, I was walking home alone after a night out with my friends, we were celebrating my 18th birthday, I didn't join them in the ride since, Jackson seems too drunk to drive. Anyways, It was very late at night, my head was spinning like crazy, I saw an alleyway and decided o sit down and have a rest for a moment. After a while, I heard growling, I ignored it at first but then it got louder, I finally opened my eyes and saw that at the end of the alley was three pairs of eyes, red glowing eyes. My eyes widened at the sight and slowly stood up. I slowly backed away to hopefully lose their attention of me, but that didn't work since they started running towards me.

I screamed and tried to run but one of the dogs got a hold of me, making me fall on the ground, I started kicking the dog, that's where I started to notice that this ain't a normal dog. Its mouth opened three ways, with blood rather than saliva coming out. Its eyes red as blood, hungry.

I snapped back from my thoughts and noticed that everyone is already leaving, I grabbed my stuff and shoved it in my bag, rushing to get home.

"Hey Chris!" I turned around to see Jackson, Annalise, and Andrew waving at me. I smile. I walk towards them hearing Annalise and Andrew arguing again. "Wanda is stronger than Captain Marvel! If Thanos hadn't initiated a blitz, Wanda would've bodied that grimace!" Annalise said pretending to choke Andrew. "Carol also came close to defeating Thanos! It's just that the raw power of the power stone was used directly at Carol!" It was Andrew's turn to shake Annalise as he makes his argument.

I smiled at them. "Hey! Can't we just agree that it depends on the writer? I mean squirrel girl can win against Thanos if the writers wanted to!" I say, separating them. "Chris is right, now come on! Evans is throwing a party!" Jackson said from behind me.

I smiled, though not a full one. I just wanna go home.

.-.-.-.-.

Evans house was huge. That made sense since his father is a lawyer and her mom is a doctor. Jackson was with his jock buddies and Andrew with his band geeks. So that left me with Annalise. Annalise and I are kind of the same. Just lowkey, trying to get by high school. Barely.

"I never liked these kinds of parties." Annalise says, while sipping a drink. "So why come?" I ask looking at her. Annalise was beautiful, she was from the UK, until her family moved here, for reasons she won't say. She has a slight accent, I asked her once why her accent is slowly going away. She said that she wanted to fit in. That made me frown for her. She tucks a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear before answering.

"To fully experience the American high school life! At least that's what my mother tells me." Looking at her drink, she stands up, "I'm gonna go to the bathroom." She says, while giving her drink to me.

I sighed. Isn't this a fun party.

.-.-.-.-.

It's been a while since Annalise went to the bathroom. I should check on her. I stand up heading to the bathroom, I knock twice saying her name but no answer. I remembered there's another bathroom upstairs. Maybe she went there. I go up the stairs, along the hall with multiple doors. Must be the bedrooms. It has to be, since two of the rooms had people moaning. I reached the bathroom and knocked twice. "Annalise? Are you in there? Are you okay?"

I heard shuffling from the inside, "Uh yes! I'll be right outside Chris! Just wait for me downstairs!" I said okay, but without hearing another voice inside. I couldn't understand though, but it sounded like a boy. Geez Annalise. I never would've guessed you were the kind of person to hook up with a stranger in a party. I turned around and almost gasped. At the end of the hall was a girl. She has a hijabi on her, covering her face. Though that ended with her removing it, not entirely just to reveal her face. She has brown skin and very dark eyes. She starts walking towards me. That's when I noticed that it got quiet. I wanted to step back, or run away from her. But something about her didn't seem dangerous.

"I am Aminah. A student of Cathedral et Sanctum Sanctorum." She says. "Are you Christian Trinidad?" She asks. Hesitantly, I nod. She reaches for her boots and pulled out a piece of paper. "Please give this to your parents, only they can read this." She hands me the paper. It was like one of those old an archaic letters. It had a sealing wax, a shield with a cross with it and a sword behind. Behind was my parents names and address, but their names had an (I'm guessing) abbreviation. KoL. "What does KoL mean?" I look up from the paper to ask Aminah, but she's gone. Wow. Of course the mysterious girl leaves when I look away from her for a moment. I put the letter in my pocket, heading downstairs.

.-.-.-.-.-.

I found for Jackson at the backyard, no sign of Andrew though. Some students were in the pool, swimming. Look at them, shirtless and proud of their body, showing it off. I could never. heh.

"Hey Jackson!" Jackson swam to the surface and wagged the water off like a dog. "Hey Chris! Where's Anna? Wanna come swim? The water's really great!" He says, full of adrenaline. "Oh, you know I could never show off my sack of a body, but Annalise is inside, I think he's with a guy so keep an eye on her." I looked around at the backyard. "Where's Andrew?"

"I dunno! Probably having sex with a sax." He says laughing off.

"Well, I'm heading home! My mother needs me!" I said, crouching down so he can hear me better.

"Boo! Can't you stay for a bit longer?" He says while swimming closer, "Come on, the water great." He says while grabbing a hold of my hand.

"Maybe next time Jackson." I said smiling at him, puling back my hand. He frowns. I stand up and head for the front door.

.-.-.-.-.

Walking to my house, I saw the light from the living room. I looked at my watch and saw its 9:16 p.m., dad must be home from church work. I opened the door to see my dad cleaning up in the kitchen and my mother wiping the table.

"Hi anak! How was the party?" Mom asked, smiling.

"It was fine, I met a girl-" I was cut off with my mom and dad going 'ooooh'. "Oh stop it! It's not like that! Anyways she wanted me to give you this." I said handing them the letter.

With their brows furrowed, they grabbed the letter from me. When they saw the sealing wax, their eyes widened. They suddenly tensed. They kept looking at each other, mumbling to each other. Talking about a school and wondering how they found out. Find out what exactly?

"Does this concern me? Cause I just wanna head upstairs and get ready for bed." I asked, interrupting them in the middle of their argument.

They both looked at me, their faces softened. Mom walked to me. She caressed my cheek as if it's the first time she's gonna see me, or rather the last time. My dad walked up to me then hugging me all of a sudden.

"Are we getting deported or something?" I jokingly asked as I hugged my father back. This feels nice. I haven't really hugged my father for... well forever. Dad wasn't the best when it comes to being emotionally supportive. We'll open that whole can of beans later. "Seriously, what's going on?"

"'nak we have to tell you something." Dad says. They led me to the living room. "Just know we only have your best interest, and we hid it from you to keep you safe."

"Okay save the intro, just tell me!" I frantically said. "My anxiety cannot take this?! Hide what exactly?!"

They both looked at each other, before my mom saying, "You're enrolled to be a saint."

---------

Notes:

Anak, 'nak = can mean son, daughter or child or anything the same in tagalog.

It’s on wattpad with the same title!