You're the new adventurer who has taken over the farm south of Mistria. While March didn't like you in the beginning, he began to warm up to you. You find out just how much he's accepted you one night at the Forge.
WARNINGS: embarrassing fluff, word throw-up, and slight NSFW content hinted. MxF
Thanks for reading!
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You knew it was much too late to be working the forge, but you couldn't help yourself.
By the time you had exited the mines that day, the sun had long since decended past the mountain peak overlooking Mistria. At midnight, the blue skies had darkened to nearly black, with glittering diamonds framing the silver-painted moon. You were exhausted. Your arms ached from the day's work, and your eyelids were heavy. But it was worth it because tucked neatly into your bag was a stack of gold. Literally.
While making your way into town, you peered at your treasure with a grin. You knew that the ingots made from the mined ore would not just benefit you, but also the town. With the amount you'd collected, you'd easily be able to upgrade your pickaxe and then some, plus have extras to share with the local blacksmiths. You couldn't wait to present a fresh bar to March and Olric.
And it could have easily waited until the next morning... But you couldn't help yourself.
That's how March found you only minutes later; hunched over his anvil, your eyes soley focused on the sparks flying from the scalding metal as your hammer kissed its golden surface. The sleeves of your shirt were rolled up and over your elbows, showing the map of faded scars that stretched across your skin and your jeans clinging tightly to your curves. You hadn't even noticed him approach. He stood there for a moment in pure silence, watching in awe as you continued. He had spent his evening at The Sleeping Dragon, maybe (definitely) having one-too-many ales with Ryis and talking about their latest projects. March's head felt fuzzy, and with quiet steps, he moved to stand behind you. The scent of the mines clung to you; a mix of smoke and dirt, as well as your shampoo.
"Looks good."
Your arm jerked, the heavy hammer skiddering to a halt. "Fuck, March! You nearly scared the life out of me!" Your head turned in his direction, narrow eyes finding his. He had the ghost of a smile on his lips. Of course, he'd enjoy your spooked reaction.
He held his hands up innocently. "'M'sorry. Didn't mean to, I promise. I've been here for..." How long had he been standing there for? He couldn't tell. "Well, I've been here."
There was a real smile on March's lips at this point. You cocked your head at him, huffing slightly. "Don't make it a habit." You turned your attention back to your work. "It is looking pretty nice, right?"
March hummed in response, ducking his head lower towards yours. The faint scent of booze clung to March's clothing, giving you a good idea of where he'd been. "Oh! That reminds me, I found something for you." You set the head of the hammer onto the ground, leaning its handle against the anvil to rummage through your bag. After a few seconds, you finally found it. Its surface was unnaturally smooth, its golden face pure and strangely unblemished. With your free hand, you grabbed March's blindly. You didn't notice the hitch in his breath as you momentarily tangled your fingers with his. "Here. I thought that you, out of all people, would appreciate this the most."
You deposited the ore into March's hand. Almost immediately, he recognized what was given to him, and he beamed. "Why are you giving me something so thoughtful? Are you expecting something in return?" His words didn't hold its normal bite. Instead, his tone sounded more teasing. He looked up at you, his eyes glittering and his voice dropping an octave. "Well... thanks."
Immediately, your face bloomed red. Normally, March held a certain attitude towards you, the newcomer. While it had drastically improved over the last few weeks, you hadn't expected such a flirtatious move. The last time March had acted in this fashion was when he had a little too much to drink, which you had only witnessed once. And while you were well aware of March's looks, you had not once realistically played around with the idea of March being a man to pine over. He just didn't see you in that way. which was fine.
Unfortunately, your heart wasn't on the same page that your brain was.
"N-no problem." You mentally cursed at yourself for tripping over your words. Stupid.
"I'm serious." March stepped forward and clumsily grabbed your hand. He pressed it to his chest, your palm laying flat on the blacksmith's thin shirt. You could feel the heat radiating from March's body, as if there was a furnace placed where his heart would be. "I seriously appreciate this. I've never seen such a beautiful piece of gold ore."
You laughed, your nerves slowly calming. "Okay, okay. Message received." You used your trapped hand to pat on March's chest and attempted to pull away. Instead, his grip only tightened. "Uh... March?"
He caught his bottom lip in between his teeth. He seemed to contemplate his next words, but only for a moment. "It's still not as beautiful as you, though." The slur of his words had faded just a little, but March's drunk confidence was still ever-present.
You froze, eyes moving upwards to meet his. You felt as if your heart was about to beat out of your chest. "You're drunk, March. You don't know what you're saying." Trying to play it off as a joke, you attempted to smile at the redhead. But it didn't come off in the way that you had hoped because March only furrowed his brows. He looked frustrated at your words.
"Noooo." He drawled his word out and used your trapped hand to tug you closer. "I'm only a little tipsy, but I'm well-aware of where I am, who I'm with, and what I'm doing." His dark eyes were solely focused on you and slowly trailed from your face and down your body. "Do you know how long I've wanted to tell you how pretty you are? You're absolutely stunning. You're like... Like... This piece of ore! Golden, perfect, loved by everyone." He waved around the chunk of raw metal in his other hand, as if it helped to prove his point. He was on a role. "You're also so smart. You know exactly what we need, and even when I was so unwelcoming in the beginning, you never called it quits. You know just what to say and when to say it. You're so brave, going down into the mines and fighting anything in your path. And your confidence is just... such a turn-on. When you give me any kind of attitude, it makes me want to grab you and kiss you." He blabbered without thinking, and all the while, you turned even more and more red. "And I've been trying to be nicer to you because Ryis said that women prefer guys who compliment them and hold the door open and do chivalry shit. But you don't even bat an eye, and I don't know what else to do to show you I like you."
March finally paused long enough to catch his breath, and before he could launch himself into another tirade, you used your free hand to slap it over his month. "Alright. I get it." Your cheeks were aflame, your gaze jumping down to your hand on his mouth, to your hand still clung against his chest, to his necklace. You didn't know where, exactly, to look.
March released your hand and grabbed at your chin, forcing your eyes to meet his. He had his brows pulled together as if trying to figure you out. Your mouth was dry, the heat in the blacksmith's gaze smoldering out anything you were planning to say. Instead, you freed March's lips from their makeshift prison. He continued to stare at you quizically.
"So?" He finally prompted. "Are you going to let me kiss you, or what?" You could see March's confidence wavering the longer that he looked at you, as if finally realizing all of the emotions that were just dumped on you. He began to chew on his bottom lip again nervously. "I mean, if you don't want to-"
You cut him off by surging forward, grabbing the front of March's shirt to yank him down to your level. He stumbled forward, eyes widening in surprise as you closed the gap between you two. His lips crashed into yours, most likely bruised as you molded into him. March was still, and for a moment, you had worried you might've hurt him, but suddenly, he was a flurry of movement.
You heard the clang of the gold ore hit the ground, and then March was tangling his hand into your hair, tilting your head upwards to better meet your lips. His other hand found purchase on your hip, pulling your body flush against his own. His chest was pressed against your own, heartbeat erratic and no doubt matching the rhythm of your own. One of his legs slid in between yours, his thigh pressing deliciously against your core. You gasped, and the second you had parted your lips, March's tongue delved in deeper to taste you. He was a starving man, and you were his oasis.
The two of you only pulled apart to catch your breath. March's lips were swollen and bruised, his tanned cheeks flushed as he gazed down at you with hooded eyes. He looked as if he wanted to eat you up, and you could only assume you had the same expression. His chest was still rapidly rising and falling as he brought his lips on you once more, making a wet trail from your cheek and down the curve of your neck.
His name left your lips in a breathy moan, and you felt March's toothy grin against your skin. "Is it safe to say that you like me, then?" His cockiness had returned once more, but you weren't complaining. Instead, you twisted the cord of March's necklace around your finger.
"That depends." You mused, glancing up at March through your lashes as he pulled his lips away from you. "You wouldn't make me say it first, would you?"
March flushed, narrowing his eyes at you. "You brat." He grumbled, grabbing at your hips to pull you against his body once more. He huffed. "I like you. Good?"
"Hm, I don't know. I don't think I heard you."
"I like you! Jeez." He squeezed your hips. "Don't test me, new girl, or I'll make you regret it."
"Promise?"
Your response was innocent enough, but March's grin darkened as he brought his lips just inches from yours once more. "Cross my heart."
You pretended to hesitate, but the words were already leaving your month before you could stop them. "I'll need to hear you say it... just one more time, March."
A deep growl rose from March, and he twisted a hand in your hair. He tugged at your hair just enough to elicit a gasp from you. His eyes had become hungry once more as he leaned down. His next few words were husky, taking your breath away in a nervous rush.
Description: when you're suddenly put out of commission by a(open ended) sickness, March decides to take that news as you slacking off and faking it. Only, when he sees you, his actions instantly betray his first impression.
Warnings: not proof read and might be faster passed near the end(I'm so tiredd..)
Notes: tagging cause I was told to :)) @cozydelaney
It was just another day. You had fed your animals, watered your crops, checked the request board, and even managed to finish Elsie's request for berries.
It was just another day.. So why were you suddenly opening your eyes in Valen's clinic..?
The sound of murmurs where heard from the other side of curtain. You could only barely manage to make the voices out to be Olric and Valen, but despite that, you still couldn't decipher what either was saying.
Things started going by in flashes. Valen talking to you.. Olric giving you a thumbs up... And then you were alone.... You were confused, but could also somehow understand that you should probably just stay in the medical bed and rest..
But you had so much to do. What if you didn't manage to put your animals back away tonight? Plus you had some request items in your bag that just needed to be handed over to the respective villagers-
Suddenly Valen walked in from out side, heading towards the counter only to turn to you in slight surprise.
"Ah- You're awake. Good." Valen said, now walking to your side as she began to explain what happened.
"You passed out outside the general store. I've subscribed you some medication, but also highly recommend getting a lot of rest this week." She said, flipping through a clip board she had just picked up from beside you.
Valen kept talking to you for a while. Answering any questions you had about your situation, how you got there, and more details on what needed to be done so you could get back to helping the town a lot faster.
You were very grateful that Mistria had a doctor like Valen. She was kind, took the time to explain things, and she didn't treat you like you were completely stupid. But right now, the thing that you were by far the most thankful about her for, was that she kept everything confidential.
Because barely a second after Valen had answered your last question was when the town's grumpy blacksmith decided to barge into the clinic. The door being swung open took you so off guard that you let out a brief yelp of a gasp, only for you to sigh out in reluctant understanding when you realised it was March standing in the door frame.
Valen was quick to stand, walk briskly forward, and close the privacy curtains around your bed before promptly asking March what he needed.
After a strangely long pause, March finally spoke on his reason for entering the clinic. "I'm here to check on the Farmer." He said, making your face heat up in a strange mix of endearment and slight anger. Why could he admit that, but never thank you to you face-
"If they're too sick to do my request I need to know." He said, adding it on a fair bit too quickly to sound casual.
You desperately wanted him to leave or for Valen to turn him away from getting to see you. March seemed more volatile then usual, and you didn't feel like being sick and vulnerable in front of the one guy in town that was adamant about hating your guts.
"I see." Valen said, a silence falling on the room for a moment before Valen spoke again. "You can't see them right now. I need to finish my consultation. But you are welcome to wait outside and I'll call you back in later." She said, and you were so grateful that Valen essentially said 'no', because you highly doubted March would wait outside for you both to be done.
But alas, once both you and Valen had covered all the bases, she went outside to check if March was still there.. Only for her to return with a very annoyed looking Blacksmith.
You were filled with dread the moment you heard March and Valen talking once back inside the clinic. The fact that March had stayed outside was a complete twist, and the moment Valen had opened the curtain you managed out a weak smile at the two of them.
"Hey March." You said, and March's face looked like he had seen a ghost.
You have no clue what March was seeing from your state, but you were quite sure it was a fair bit exaggerated. He stumbled back slightly as Valen walked closer to you, asking you a question you yourself would've stumbled from if you were standing.
"Are you okay with March walking you back? Remember, you're only to put your animals away, take your medication, and go straight to resting." She said, eyeing you as you sort of just sat there in shock. March seemed to be under the same affect, not so much as fumbled backward again, but his frown definitely gave him away that he wasn't made aware that he might be walking you back to your farm.
"Uh- Okay.." You said after a few more beats of silence passed. And before you knew it, you were being helped up onto your much weaker feeling legs by Valen before being handed over and held steady by March - who frankly acted like he had just had a piece of glass thrown at him to carry.
You both bumbled about awkwardly, neither of you wanting you to fall or lose your balance, but also not being very comfortable being led and leading.
It took some time, but eventually the river and bridge leading to your farm to came into view. It was right then when you finally questioned why March was still half cradling you, not that you minded it too much.. But at this point you definitely felt you could walk on your own.
"I can head back on my own from here." You let out, trying your best to sound reassuring and confident instead of all flustered like you still sort of were.
"No. Valen said I'd walk you to your farm.." March retorted, trailing off a bit near the end as you looked up at him in disbelief just as he looked away.
"March, I can walk. It's not too far from here and my legs feel much better now-" You started out, only for March to speak up against you in defiance. "No. I'm not having you pass out when there's no one around to carry you back to Valen. If you can walk on your own, then fine. But I'm still walking you the whole way." He said, steadily letting go of your shoulder and upper arm before simply walking the rest of the way beside you.
This new behaviour from March was strange, and only got exceedingly stranger when you got to your farm.
First you went to put your animals away, only for March to near speed walk past you and get all your animals inside in record time(while also making you question if you'd need to get new bells for your barn and coop now..).
It left you standing by the crops in front of your house in absolute gobsmack, only for March to walk back up to you. "Okay, what's next?" He asked, leaving you near speechless as you quietly mentioned just needing to take your meds now and rest.
And that's exactly what you were forced to do, thanks to this strange new version of March.
"You swallowed them?" March asked from your kitchen as you sat on you couch with now only half a glass of water left. "Yeah." You called back, still dumbstruck about the fact March was armament he was cooking you dinner.
He was back to being snappy and much more March-like now, but that only happened after you tried to politely hint that he can leave and go back home. Instead, he was straight to raiding your fridge, getting you a glass of water, and handing you the correct dosage of your new meds.
Then he asked you what you wanted for dinner, and got straight into making it.
By the time he was done with the meal and you were about to take your first mouth full of food, you suddenly questioned where his plate was when you turned to see him leaving. "Bye then. See you tomorrow." Was all you heard before he shut the door and left you sitting there in utter confusion.
It was only once you had done the dishes and were now in bed when you finally realised what March had said. 'See you tomorrow'.... What? ......No.. Surely not.... Right?
But sure enough, March showed up at your door the next day, asking for your watering can before tending the fields..
And then he fed, pat, and let all the animals, out...
And then he made you breakfast..!
You didn't dare bring up this strange new behaviour, at least not that day, because sure enough, that whole next week of you being sick was filled with March showing up at your door.
"I've done your animals and crops, now have you damn meds!" March said, not fully shouting, but definitely loosing his temper.
You were at the point of hating the sensation of needing to swallow pills in order to get better. Why couldn't your dragon bestie just give you magic to cure being sick??
"I don't want to!!" You argued back, wanting nothing more than to be better already.
"I'll get you ice cream if you swallow the damn thing before I'm back from watering your crops." March said, getting up from your bed and heading outside to do said watering.
After the third day of showing up, March made it very clear that he was going to be helping you out, but you were still a bit confused as to why. Reluctantly swallowing your meds with water, you thought back on the March that always made a dig at you. It wasn't as if March had stopped making off handed comments, but they were much tamer, and he was always searching your face to see if he pushed it too far.
You didn't really miss that March, but you were also scared that this March would only be around when you were sick.. And you were really growing to enjoy this side he was showing.
He was still rough around the edges, but he would put so much care, effort, and strangely enough, understanding into the things he'd help you out with.
It was mostly just your farms manual labour tasks, but he'd also always cook you something. Not to mention, he'd always check if you'd had your meds, and after the day you almost forgot to take them, he started showing up first thing to make sure you had them on time.
Finally, the conflicting day arrived that you were given the all clear that you could get back to helping everyone out and doing your farm work again. And instead of your fears coming to fruition, they were trampled that moment March ruffled your hair and gave you a look of absolute pride.
Description: After the events of the Shooting Star Festival, March walks you home while you try your best to stay awake and coherent. But turns out March's a bit too impatient, and you've become much too sleepy.
Warnings: i started this just after the shooting star festival update and finished it today(aka this might be choppy),
Having watched the stars with March was like a dream come true.. And even the fact that he said yes to your invitation was a miracle in and of itself!
Still, despite March having accused you of messing with him, the night ended up being a memory that you hope you'll never forget. The stars were gorgeous, his face was picturesque as the lights of the stars flew past, and when you had turned to look back at the meteor shower, you caught March staring back at you from the corner of his vision.
But of course, the night couldn't last forever, and turns out, neither could your consciousness. After about your fifth or sixth yawn, March rolled his eyes and told you that he'd be walking you back to your farm. And so here you were, sleepy eyed with your body reacting exceedingly slowly as you tried not to fall off the tree trunk and into the river on the path to the Summit.
Of course, March didn't help much, mostly offering his judgmental stare and a few off handed comments. "Are your legs asleep or something?" He asked, his tone not sounding nearly as mocking and offensive as it usually was.
"Mm.... Sorry, I- Didn't think I'd be this tired.." You said back, stepping onto the grass before letting out a breath of relieve and triumph for still being upright, and most importantly, not in the river.
Continuing on for another step, you stopped to turn back to see where March was, only to find him directly behind you. And in that moment your sleepy state really showed. It took you a good few seconds to react and step aside so that March could also get off the large tree trunk and join you on the other side of the river.
Now following behind March, who was already a third of the way down the stairs, you went down the first step. Placing your foot on the stone made a low echo sound out from the contact it made with your shoes. A very audible sigh left March as you frowned tiredly and looked down at him, watching as he started making his way up the steps again and stopped two steps down from you.
There was a solid moment of silence, and your eyes had the time to slowly blink twice before watching March rather adamantly extend his hand out towards you.
"Like I said.. I won't here the end of it if you fall over and hurt yourself.. So just hurry up and take it..!" March clarified, looking away from you as you smiled and silently accepted the offer by taking his hand. You knew full well that you wouldn't make it home without stumbling over something, which is also fairly likely to happen more than once.
Slowly but surely, March guided you down the stairs as you internally started thinking about how warm and inviting his hand is. While his callouses were rough, and his hand was slightly shaky, it felt so.. Gentle and careful while holding your own.
Neither of you spoke as you got to the end of the stairs, over the pillar-bridge of the lower part of the river, and towards the Museum. Every now and then your eyes would slowly close before you had to mentally pry them open, and each time March would slow down slightly and lightly squeeze your hand that was still linked with his.
After you both passed the massive rock that you'd frequently crack open to get a quick sapphire, March spoke up. "How tired are you?" He asked, not a single hint of mock or accusation in his tone.
It took a whole second for you to fully register his question, and another second to give your answer. "Super tired.... Gonna sleep in till ten on purpose in the morning.." You managed out just before a yawn escaped you as you tried, and failed to stifle it.
After a few more steps in silence, March suddenly stopped, hesitatingly letting go of your hand before crouching on the floor in front of you. March somehow managed to sense the confused frown you wore, as he clarified his actions soon after. "Hop on.. You're taking too long." He said, and although you weren't fully convinced, you awkwardly got onto his back anyway.
Neither of you spoke for a while afterwards, and it was admittedly even more of a challenge to stay awake while being hauled home by March. Carrying the weight of your body seemed like no trouble at all for March, and not only that, but you could also feel the loud thrum of his heart beat reaching you from his back. It started out slow and methodical, but the moment you relaxed further into him, it started racing, almost as if he was panicked.
You didn't say anything, or, at least you didn't intend to. But unfortunately for you, March sounded out in reply. "I can't turn my heart off..! Sigh.. We're almost there, don't fall asleep yet, got it?" He said, making you sigh out a groan at the fact you couldn't fall asleep anymore.
It really wasn't much longer until you both entered your farm. The scenery wasn't quite how you wanted it yet, but it was getting there. March hadn't so much as taken a glance, making a direct, yet casual beeline for your home. It wasn't a long walk, but it did turn out to be long enough for you to start dozing off.
By the time March was at your door and asking you if you had a key, you were fairly unresponsive. The only reply you gave was a few half hearted grumbles and a final huff before weakly trying to kick the door open. March sighed at your attempt of you trying to enter your house, but instead of biting, snapping, or being a pain, he somehow ended up being.. Kind. At least in his own way.
"No key?" He asked, prompting you to shake your head against his shoulder before he opened your door. It took March no time to locate your bed and carry you toward it, and the mattress and blankets looked so inviting to you that you reached out for them so as to flop on your bed.
In the end, you not only landed on your beloved bed, but also took March down with you. And before you could even think about or debate the consequences of your actions, you went straight to sleep.
March, for one, didn't take to being dragged down with you and onto your bed too kindly, but before he could shout out a frustrated, and admittedly flustered response, you had started snoring. It wasn't loud or obnoxious, but it definitely sounded like you were exhausted. For March, it wasn't up to any kind of debate that you should rest, but he would've been lying to himself if he didn't admit that seeing you asleep was a.. Slight comfort.
But nevertheless, March took his leave, walking back to town and up into the Blacksmiths before heading to bed himself. All while not being able to wipe a fond, satisfied grin off his face, let alone knowing it was there. And the worst part? March wasn't the slightest bit aware that Olric had caught sight of him smiling as he headed to his room.
Hi Nova! Happy to see you’re back into writing! We missed you! I was wondering if you could write for Hayden with 🌷? I love that big sweetheart.
“Hayden.”
“Yes?”
“What is this.”
Hayden’s big eyes look down at the bouquet of flowers he’s holding out to you. He chuckles, holding them steady. “Well, if I had to hazard, they’re a bunch of sunflowers!”
Your own eyes blink, then squint suspiciously. “What are they for.”
He shrugs. “For gift givin’, or makin’ a quick snack, or —”
You sigh, and it shuts him up. He watches, curious, as you dig around in your pockets. When you bring out a drawstring bag that clinks with coins, Hayden blinks. You look up at him with deeply tired eyes. “How much?”
“Pardon?”
“How much do I owe you for them?”
Now it’s his turn to look baffled. “Pardon?” He says again, but smiles quickly. “Ain’t no price on these pretties! They’re a gift!”
The concept of ‘gift’ seems to stop you in your tracks — much more than Hayden’s horse did when he first galloped onto your farm. The hard edge in your eyes softens a bit, but you still don’t take the flowers. “Do you…need something?”
Hayden’s getting the picture now. Maybe not the full one, but it’s obvious you’ve been taken advantage of for kindness in the past. Straightening, he shakes his head. “Not a thing, ‘sides for you to take these here flowers.”
You jerk as if on puppet strings and take the bouquet. Your fingers brush his (small, not as calloused as his own), and bring the bundle into your arms. The yellow and gold reflects off your skin. It’s…pretty. Blinking at your ‘gift,’ you look up at him. “You…don’t want anything for them?”
Hayden shakes his head.
“You sure? I could — I’ve got sugar, do you need sugar?”
“Gya ha ha!” He places his hands on his hips and winks. “I’ve got more sugar than I know what to do with! Sunflowers, too!” He leans down and touches one of them. Your eyes track his fingers carefully. “Figured since you’ve been such a good neighbor, I could thank you with some of them.”
A beat or two of silence. You look…not baffled. ‘Startled,’ perhaps. Then, slowly, a small, quiet smile graces your lips. “Thank you,” you say.
He pretends to tip a hat at you. “S’my pleasure, neighbor!” He turns and goes to mount his horse again, then turns. “Hey, March and Balor and Terithia are coming over later for game night. Henrietta would love to see you. Me too!”
You think it over. Look at the sunflowers in your arms. Then, you nod. “I’ll be there.”
“Great!” He mounts, turns toward his farm, and gives you one last wave before taking off at a trot. “See you then!”
And he looks forward to it. He hopes you do, too.
--
A/N: Thanks for sending this in! It was fun to think of a new Reader character to interact with Hayden! Big dork lol
Description: March tries his best to comfort you after you have a particularly busy day and end up exhausted
Warnings: not proof read, hinting at depression(reader), slight angst, swearing,
this is purely self indulgent- but then again, almost all of my writing is-
You had been so busy today, exceedingly more so than usual. First of all, it was raining, which you didn't mind because it meant your crops were already watered - but things only got more hectic and busy from there on on out..
You collected, put away, sold, and replanted your crops, then went to go fishing for a salmon for Jo's Request that you had accepted about a month ago.. Only to realise about an hour an a half in that it was currently Summer. Now with much less of your energy, you went to the general store to buy some more seeds and a few fruit trees, which left you with a total of 5 Tesserae as a result.
After going back to your farm and planting the saplings and seeds, you realised that it was only two more days until the end of the season. And so, you went back to fishing to try and catch the rest of the Summer fish you need for the Museum. Admittedly, most of that time was spent walking to and from the ponds to the beach, as that's where the rest of the fish you needed were found.
Once it hit 5:30, you realised that it wasn't just the third to last day of the season.. It was also a Friday. Sighing and slumping your head back, you defeatedly headed home to get ready for your weekly visit to the Inn. Hauling the bag full fish with you on your back, you got back to your farm and placed the not so important ones in your shipping bin, only to realise that you needed one more pond fish to finish that collection.... And it only showed up in the rain..
You were tired. It wasn't that you didn't enjoy your new life in Mistria; helping out the town and it's people. Or that today was bad; you had many content and joy filled moments between it all. But you were tired. So, so, tired..
Right now, nothing was more appealing than curling up in your bed, and crying.
So that's what you did. You put away your items, got showered and dressed into your pyjamas, and you laid down in your bed and cried out the remainder of what little was left of your energy.
You didn't even end up falling asleep afterwards like you usually did when crying in your bed.. Which upset you much more than you realised it would.
I mean.. Why get up just to do it all again tomorrow? The next day would likely end up being longer than today as well.. Not that today wasn't enjoyable- But it wasn't as enjoyable as others... People need you around town though, they always tell you that- You're not that important - the townsfolk don't rely on you to live....
You curled up in on yourself more, lying on your side as the tears began to flow down your cheeks again. It felt hopeless. Everything felt like it wasn't worth it anymore. And you continued to cry in your home until a knock sounded on your door.
At first, you thought you had misheard and simply sighed out a sob. But after a much firmer knock, you realised that it wasn't just you hearing things. Tiredly getting up, you assumed it was Adaline or Eiland, popping by to inform you about a new job that needed to be done around town. Or maybe Celine or Hayden needing some sugar or something?
Either way, you knew all four options were kind enough to excuse your tired, red eyes and pyjama clad form, so you didn't bother trying to make yourself the slightest bit presentable before opening the door. Which was a big mistake on your part, because March was the one that stood in your doorframe, looking down at you with a frown you could barley see through your slightly blurred vision.
"Why are you here?" March said suddenly, looking too the side as you rubbed at your eyes to try and clear them up. "Uhm- I live here?" You responded, no energy left to think up or question his presence on your farm.
After a huff and an exaggerated eyeroll, March rephrased went on to rephrase his question. "No- Why aren't you-" But he cut his words short when he watched your head bob forward like a sleepy child. "What, did you get tired from playing in the dirt all day? I can't believe you-" "Fuck you." You said back, one last tear rolling down your cheek as whatever energy you had that was keeping you standing left you.
In that same instant, you felt a falling sensation as your vision went black. You were tired.
Every so often you'd end up seeing glimpses of your home, but it was somehow moving? Your doorframe.. Black.. Your ceiling... Black... Your ceiling light.... Black.... More ceiling..... Black.....
Every time you saw black, you felt relieved and slightly less tired, especially compared to when you could see your home. And then, a warm sensation surrounded you, like you were being wrapped in a big hug that left you yearning for more.
When you reopened your eyes, you found yourself tucked into bed. The blankets were up to your ears as you laid on your side, about to roll over when you finally noticed the red head of hair resting on top of the blankets in front of you. Humming out, with a slight groaned mumbled, you went to speak up but were promptly cut off.
"Shup up and go back to sleep." March said, lifting his head from its resting position to look at you with stern, yet soft eyes. Feeling your tiredness envelope you, you closed your eyes but felt the cogs in your brain ticking. Why was March here? What was he doing? And why were you in your bed- You suddenly remembered falling into March in your doorway, and him carrying you to your bed before tucking you in.
You felt bad for cursing at him now, but you were also much more confused about why he was even at your farm in the first place. "March-" You started, only for said male to cut you off. "Shoosh. I said, 'go back to sleep'." He retorted, and if your eyes weren't still closed, you had a feeling that he'd glare at you again.
You didn't end up going back to sleep, but you did have a very calm conversation with March as you continued to rest with your eyes closed.
"I'm sorry." March said, being the first to speak after he told you to sleep for the second time. "Why-" "Shut up, you're supposed to be asleep." March said, cutting you off as moment of silence followed before he ended up answering your question. "I know I can be.. A rude asshole - a lot of the time.." March admitted as you felt him start to play with the top of the blanket slightly.
You didn't dare make a single sound as he continued to talk, telling you about how everyone at the Inn was starting to wonder where you were, and how Reina came to the conclusion that you might be over worked.. "-Then Olric offered to check up on you and-" March paused before continuing, having now moved his arm back down from the hem of the blanket as he ceased his delicate fiddling. "And.. And I told him I'd go instead."
The fact you were now frowning didn't go unnoticed by March, who must've been watching you to make sure you didn't open your eyes again. "I know, I know.. I don't why either.... You just-.... You made everyone worried.." March said, trailing off as he went silent again.
After feeling the blankets shift slightly beside you, you peaked your eye open to see March was doing, only to get told off again after seeing March's head resting on his arm directly in front of you. "Sleep." He said, but you had already closed your eye when you saw his eyes intently watching yours.
Your face ran hot with heat from the proximity, which was apparently very visible to March. "Fuck- Please don't tell me you have a damn fever.." He grumbled out, using the back of his free hand to touch your forehead as he continued to complain. "If you went diving and didn't fucking keep warm I'm taking you to Valen." March half threatened, prompting you to frown as he retracted his hand from your forehead.
"Your shipping bin smells like fish." He clarified before you felt him move against the blankets again. This time you felt weight remove itself from beside you, which had you shooting your eyes open with a desperation for company. March looked at you blankly from where he still sat on the floor beside your bed, leaning back on his arms as you watched him open his mouth to tell you off again.
"I'm sleeping..!" You said quickly, hearing a huff emit from the red head in front of your once more closed eyes.
"So.." March started after seconds more of silence. "Why weren't you at the Inn?" He asked, making an exhausted sigh leave you before you spoke. "Tired." You said, waiting for a moment before elaborating on your day. "Tended to crops.. Fed animals... Fished for a stupid non-existent Summer salmon.... Spent all my money on crops.... Planted them.... Went fishing again, but for the Museum.... Died inside.... No energy.... Cried in bed.." You said, starting to tear up again when March spoke up.
"I know it goes against what I always say to you.. But you do a lot around here- Too fucking much to be honest.. And I-" March paused for the umpteenth time that night as you pried your eyes open and looked at him.
He was sitting in the exact same position as when you last opened your eyes, only now he had his head turned from you. Yet, his eyes keep their sights on you, and this time he didn't have the heart to tell you off. March ended up breaking contact with your eyes, his face reddening slightly as he spoke.
"You're enough- More than enough.. You're honestly too much but- Sigh...." March quickly darted his eyes to, and away from you before he continued. "You're a lot. You're so much.. You mean so much- To literally everyone." He said, making another, single tear fall down your face. But this time you had just enough energy.
"Thank you.. March." You managed out, smiling as a few more tears fell down and onto the pillow beneath you.
March wasn't sure what had you crying this time, unsure on whether he did good or bad with his words. But he was by your side once more the moment he watched those tears form into droplets in the corners of your eyes. With a sigh of relief, March relaxed after seeing the slight smile on your face, only to watch it fall the next second as a soft snore left you.
Description: You and March haven't been dating for long, and lately he seems a bit withdrawn. You don't know what's going on or what to think at first, and no one else seems to know either. While you aren't suspicious of him cheating or anything, you are sure that he's hiding something..
Warnings: slight angst, swearing, March is a softie, a bit long,
i was out of ideas and did a prompt generator when 'secret whispers' came up and i had this idea and i just couldn't not-
Your boyfriend was the only person you knew who could zone in on things so expertly. Whether it be a work request for anything but nails, you, or even when he's curious or interested in something. He would zone in like there was no tomorrow.
And while you found that fact amazing, and so dang cute to witness, right now March was fully zoned in on something - but you had no idea what it was. You had asked Olric and Ryis about what he seemed so busy with lately, but neither were aware of what he was doing.
It wasn't that March was ignoring you either, since he'd always give you a kiss on the cheek when passing each other, and would still spend time with you. But the fact still stood that you felt March was.. Brushing you off. Like he was doing something that he felt was very important. It had you feeling left out is all.
Of course, the thought of March cheating had never stayed long, or had even been humoured in your mind. He just wasn't the type to be able to: one, socialise with other people easily, and two: be able to make a bond with other people easily. March really just wasn't built that way.
One thing you did entertain was that he might simply be doing some work for out of town buyers. It was probable enough, but still left you confused about the state it had put March in. I mean- He was in the zone. So zoned in and focused on.. Whatever he was doing, that he even missed joining the latest Friday night get-together at the Inn.
You hadn't yet confronted March about what he was doing, but figured it was about time you got an answer- Or at least a hint at what he was up to. Which lead to this very moment of you approaching March as he worked away at the Forge.
"Hey, March?" You asked, stretching your head up and out on a slight angle as you spoke, hoping to catch a glimpse of what he was working away at. "Yeah? I'm a bit busy with this stupid nail order.. But what's up?" March said back, ceasing his clanging for a moment as he turned his head to the side and gave you more of his attention.
"Oh, I've just been wondering if you got a commission lately. You've been really.." You paused for a moment, not wanting to mention that he was 'in the zone'. "You've just seemed really busy lately." You finished, smiling as he looked back at you with questioningly.
"What are you-" His slight squinting and frown disappeared when March cut himself off. It was a mere beat of silence before he spoke up again, prompting you to notice the slight tinge of colour on his ears when he turned his head from you and focused back on the nails he was making.
"Don't worry, it's nothing." March said, although a bit too quickly, before elaborating slightly. "I won't be busy for much longer.. Don't worry- Oh, and make sure you're not busy this Wednesday, okay?" March said before hammering away at the soon to be nails again. Thankfully, you weren't busy Wednesday, but you still didn't know much about what March had been doing lately, let alone the new mystery of why he wanted you free that Wednesday.
While on your way home, you ended up passing Olric and Errol in the Town Square, and caught part of their conversation before leaving earshot. "I swear I saw March doing some kind of.. Jumping dance a few nights ago in the Narrows. It was such a strange sight." Errol said as Olric spoke up after. "Hmm.. I'll have to ask him. But that reminds me that I noticed him using a new temperature at the Forge last week.."
The conversation they had kept with you all throughout the days leading up to Wednesday, where you now sat at your spot by Caldarus. He wasn't the biggest fan of March, but Caldarus was still willing to listen to your ramblings about said boyfriend, and today was no different.
"So, do you know when he'll get here?" Caldarus asked you, prompting you to sigh out with a very visible pout. "No.... I forgot to ask.. And I've been so busy trying to figure out what he's up to that it slipped my mind.." You admitted, slumping into your now propped up hand as you waited next to Caldarus for most of the late morning.
You had quickly fed your animals before you started waiting, but now you had watered your crops, pat your animals, and fished a bit in the river by your farm. And March still hadn't shown up.
The sun was starting to set now, and a pool of sadness began to sit in your stomach. Just as you started your walk back to Caldarus, wanting to confide in him about March not showing up today, you heard the familiar tune of March calling your name.
"Hey, you ready? Sorry I'm a bit late, I-" "Wha- I've been waiting all day!" You said in exasperation as you made your way towards him in a huff. "What do you mean? I mailed you the time of our date." March said with a frown as he looked over at your mailbox. "No you-" Turning, you found a letter half sticking out of said box, prompting your face to go beat red in shame.
How could you have missed that all day? To be fair, you had gotten a bit excited about what March might have wanted you free on Wednesday for.. Only to get mad when he didn't show up.... The slight chuckle that escaped your boyfriend didn't go unnoticed by you, having you look up at him with tired, watery eyes.
"Hey- Wh-" March started after receiving the look you sent him, full of exhaustion that combined with sadness. "I-" You took a moment to gather your words. "I'm tired.. I'm upset with you.. And I need a shower." You said, still slightly muddy and sweaty from your work, despite having not done too much due to the nice clothes you had put on for today.
"Ah.... I guess that's partially my fault.." March admitted, turning to look away from you for a moment, only to look back and swiftly pick you up. "March! What-" "Let's get you cleaned up, and then I'm carrying you to our date. Unless you don't feel like it, then.. I guess I'll try to reschedule somehow." March said, taking you straight to your house and helping with what he could of getting you cleaned up.
You started feeling better as March helped take care of you. He was showing you so much care and attention that the past while of him being busy seemed to melt away. Of course, you hadn't forgotten your curiosity of what he's been up to, but you only decided to raise the question once your energy had mostly returned, and once you agreed and were being carried off to the date he had planned.
"So.. Why have you been so busy lately?" You asked while cradled in his arms, on your way to the Eastern area across from you and Celine's. "You'll find out." March replied with, a slight smiled attempting it's way onto his face as you frowned at him. But when you turned back forward as you entered the Eastern Road side of Town, you were at a loss for words.
Jars filled with fireflies were littered about the area around the ponds, lighting up the ground in a magical way that had you astounded. March was slowly putting you down, allowing you to walk before taking your hand and slowly leading you across the bridge and towards spot with the lone bench and pear tree.
You continued looking around breathlessly, watching the jars you'd get closer to with great interest as the fireflies would twinkled about inside. Before you knew it, you were already at the bench by the larger pond, still staring in awe as March finally spoke up beside you. "I take it you like my surprise? Just so you know, those fuckers were real hard to catch." He said, knowing pride already set in his voice as you had to ask for solid confirmation.
"You did this?" You asked, turning from the breath taking scene before you to look at March beside you, who was still holding your hand. His eyes softened as he looked from you to your hand and back, slowly bringing you hand up towards him as he bowed his head and softly kissed the top of it with a smirk. "You answer me first; do you like it?"
You could only breathe out your reply as you tore your gaze away from March and back out at the display he had done for you. "Yes.." You said, barely above a whisper as you felt March straighten up slightly, only to lean in next to your ear.
"Good." He whispered back, the satisfied smile showing through his words. "I love you." March added after a second of silence, leaning down to kiss your hand again as your face erupted with a deep hue.
Description: headcanons of March's habits that he's not always perceptive to(almost all are before the farmer arrives),
Warnings: not proof read, slight spoiler for the winter animal festival,
✰ first off.. March hates his habits,
✰ especially the ones he notices,
✰ he sees them as him being lazy and restricted,
✰ that because he has and can't break a habit - (to him)means that he's reliant on them and therefore weak,
✰ March's first habit he can remember is Olric,
✰ even as a kid, March knew that Olric was softer then him,
✰ he makes a point to check in on and dote on him,
✰ even when it's not necessary,
✰ cut to March complaining about Olric eating too many hardboiled eggs - when in reality they're just Olric's go to snack,
✰ him giving people the stink eye so they wish OlricRocky good luck at the animal festival - when Olric actually just wants to have fun with his pet rock,
✰ March looks after Olric and it's not just cause he's his brother,
✰ it's also cause March is the type that desperately needs to be doing or taking care of something in order to feel like he's being productive and therefore worthwhile,
✰ otherwise he starts to remember and feel things he doesn't want to acknowledge exists,
✰ on another note,
✰ March definitely has OCD and perfectionism,
✰ he won't do the expected repetitive things that you think of when hearing someone has OCD,
✰ he doesn't check things consecutively or do things a certain amount of times,
✰ but he'll tap his fingers on his arm or bob his leg up and down,
✰ when people point it out he'll have a meltdown about it,
✰ so everyone's just learnt that he does that when he's nervous or losing his patience,
✰ if March is ever particularly stressed he'll do that thing where he taps the tips of his fingers in order,
✰ when he gets like that everyone knows that you should either actively make his life better or be prepared to get your head bitten off,
✰ he isn't inherently nice,
✰ bit when he does that..
✰ yeah, he's going to say some things that even he'll instantly regret saying,
✰ his most prominent habit that isn't really a habit, but March definitely marks it off as one is definitely his attitude,
✰ March knows he has an awful attitude,
✰ is completely aware he does and says mean things,
✰ and by far hates it the most,
✰ he just can't for the life of him say something he actively and actually means,
✰ and it gets worse when he's feeling strong emotions,
✰ even if he's extremely happy about something,
✰ the urge and instinct to insult something anyway is still there,
✰ but hoo-boy is it so much worse when he's upset,
✰ he's not the type to actually throw a tantrum because he can at least control his actions,
✰ but he has zero control of his expressions and words,
✰ he'll frown so hard and give someone a glare that could kill,
✰ after a certain farmer arrives I imagine that March slowly sees even more habits he does and manages to gradually let them go,
✰ he still does them- and it definitely gets worse before it gets better,
✰ and it's needles to say but-
✰ he'll definitely pick up new ones once said farmer has weaselled their way into town,
Description: After March gets you a drink at the bar and discovers that you don't drink, things take an unexpected turn when he comforts, and continues to talk to you in his drunken state.
Warnings: alcohol, swearing, one mention of internalised pressure to drink(ft. young March, not Reader)
Part One: here
"I don't drink.." You mumbled out as March's brain cogs seeming to stop, only to start up again to take in your words. "You don't.. Drink.." He repeated, making you slouch in on yourself in embarrassment. "Oh...." March exclaimed, frowning deeply as you sighed.
This wasn't how your night was supposed to go.. You were supposed to be enjoying yourself, not getting all nervous over some stupid, horrid tasting drink. Part of you wanted to leave.. But the next thing March said kept you in your seat.
"Well- I guess that's fair.. It tasted like crap to me for three weeks straight...." March said, taking a momentary swig back of his current beer before smiling at you widely. "Buut, that doesn't mean shit if you don't get anything out of it." He said, a goofy smile now spread even wider across his face.
You frowned at his words, not because they didn't make sense, but because they sounded strange coming from someone like March.
It actually had you wondering if he was more than just some ass that liked to belittle you. "I guess.. Thanks, March." You finally said, still slouching in on your self, but allowing your shoulders to relax a bit.
"No problem." He said back with a lopsided smile before taking another swig of beer.
A strange silence grew between you and March before either of you spoke, but strangely enough, it wasn't heavy or uncomfortable for you. So, when you spoke up it was because of curiosity instead of obligation.
"So, what got you past the disgusting taste?" You said, mixing around the beer in its container as you looked at it with distain. March gave out a noise that resembled the words 'I dunno' as he shrugged and took another sip of his beer before elaborating. "Everyone else was drinking.. Felt wrong not to." He said, which made you frown and contemplate again about possibility of March being a decent person..
"If I was a strong as you, I probably wouldn't have kept at it.." March said, flustering you with the sudden, strange complement.
Did March.. Really just call you strong?? Maybe you misheard him call you stubborn? He is drunk, and he could've just misspoken- "Still can't believe how much you've managed to do.. Town looks and operates so much fucking better than it did before.." March said with visible irritation in his tone, and taking a much heavier swig of beer.
"Oh- Thanks, I-" You started, but didn't get to finish your words as a result of March speaking past you. "Strong, determined, resourceful, fucking kind- I mean, what the hell can't you do..??" March said, facing you with squinted eyes that bored into you like he was trying to find and figure something out.
Unfortunately, March didn't seem to find what he wanted after staring at you for a good few seconds, and with the embarrassed heat spreading across your face, you were now fairly certain that this man would be the death of you. "Hm." March said after having gone back to his drink, leaving you very confused and the slightest bit more flustered.
After a few more conversations with March, you decided to call it a night and head back home before your exhaustion managed to catch up with you. And to your surprise, March ended up being drunk enough to cling to your arm when you announced that you'd be heading home.
"No." March demanded with a pout as you smiled at him with fondness and confusion. "I've got to go home, March." You said back, now thinking of a way that might sway him to let go, only for said male to repeat his words with a frown and much bigger pout. "No."
You sighed in partial annoyance, but mostly amusement at the strange display. "You'll see me tomorrow, March. I'll be sure to visit the Forge and upgrade my tools, okay?" You said, only for March to make a face and hold onto you tighter.
"No. I'll just be an ass to you again.." March said, pouting even more as if he himself hated the way he treated you.
"Come on, March.. Your not.... Your not that bad.." You lied, knowing full well that March's words would sometimes hit you right where you're most insecure and vulnerable.
"Don't fucking lie.. I'm an ass to you.... Don't wanna keep being an ass to you.." He said, slurring his words as he slumped slightly like a sad, old dog.
You couldn't help but purse your lips, thinking of something to say to March that was both true, and would allow you to free yourself from his hold on you.
"Then.. Teach me some smithing techniques when I'm at the Forge tomorrow. You'll be so busy showing off how cool you are, that you probably won't insult me as much." You offered, mentally kicking yourself for roping future you into a smithing lesson with March.
With a low, 'hmpf', March let go of your arm and leaned against the bar counter slightly. He was still pouting, but his cheeks were now dusted in a light red.
"I'll see you tomorrow at 2 then.. Don't be late, or I won't be teaching you anything." March said, watching you not-so-subtly as you smiled at him before bidding him, and the rest of the patrons a goodnight.
The next day had you worried, yet extremely productive. You were up an hour before usual, had watered and fed your animals in record time, and had even finished todays Request in the matter of minutes because you had already foraged plenty of the needed material the day before.
You ended up heading to the forge at 1:40 with all the ores for upgrading your tools. All day, you had been avoiding the whole area of said shop, going so far as to take the path through The Narrows and through your farm to get from The Eastern Ruins to The Western Ruins. That was a whole hour that you'll never get back, and yet you're fully willing to do so again.
Your worries and nerves for seeing March today were frankly making your day a lot harder than need be. And the thing that had you take a breath and relax? The thing that had you actually pluck up the courage to wholeheartedly stick to your agreement with March's drunk state?
It was when you talked with Olric at the General Store, where he told you that March spent all morning sobering up while writing out some "lesson plan", and that he had been at the forge looking anxious and only half working since 10.
Needless to say, you thanked him profusely and headed straight home for your needed ores. And when you finally got sight of the Forge.. March was tapping his foot on the floor with impatience while what looked to be pacing.
The relieved sigh that escaped you formed into a content smile that you didn't even want to hold back. "Your late." March said when he caught sight of you nearing his shop. "-But I'll let it slide.." He said quickly after as your smile grew ever so slightly.
"What's that look for? C'mon, let's get to work.." March said, turning as you mentally thanked your past self for making that deal. You now got to see a new, slightly nicer, and much less drunken side of March.
