#gustafa x reader

[awlimagines]

Part One: What dating them is like

CELIA/CECILIA

Since she works on a farm, she understands how busy and chaotic the growing season can be. Cecilia’s preferred dates are simple. She enjoys daily walks around town with you and maybe a trip on the mountain trails when there is more time. She also greatly enjoys working alongside you on your farm. She especially loves the animals you keep since there are none at Vesta’s. If either of you plan for a day in the city, Cecilia enjoys the zoo and arboretum. 

Cecilia is a hard worker and tends to withdraw into her work. If you leave her alone, there is a good chance you won’t hear from her for a week when first dating. A gentle reminder pulls Cecilia from work, and soon, she will prioritize her free time to include you. Cecilia’s love language is acts of service. She enjoys doing things to help make your life easier. Cecilia can become frustrated if she has to ask for help with chores when you start living together.

CODY/GORDY

Surprisingly, Gordy does not hold a great interest in art museums. He would rather attend his niece and nephew's school shows. Gordy enjoys children’s freedom of expression before the rules of adults in art burden them. He is a huge fan of nature walks to search for his inspiration. Gordy will not turn down anything you want to do for a date, believing inspiration can be found anywhere. He won’t say it, but he has a particular fondness for beach volleyball.

He is a thoughtful lover who will put your needs first. Gordy can be quiet, but he is highly observant. His love language tends to be gifts. Gordy feels awkward accepting gifts from you but will provide you numerous gifts. Whether it's a candy he knows you like or a grand gesture, he likes seeing you smile in delight.

DARYL

He keeps a schedule and will regularly come by the farm to see you on most days. Daryl can be neglectful at times, though never intentionally. He'll forget to eat if he is intently focused on an experiment. Planning most dates would fall on your shoulders. Thankfully, Daryl will do essentially anything you want for a date. He enjoys the escape rooms most since they allow you to work together on solving problems. Daryl also enjoys science museums, though he gives you a difficult time about the interactive aspects. He could provide a better experience in his lab and save money. 

You wouldn’t have guessed it since Daryl seemed standoffish, but the scientist loves physical touch. He will be quick to hold your hand any chance he gets. Daryl can pout if you drop his hand for something. He struggles to say what is on his heart but is happy to show you. Daryl also enjoys quality time and has a short fuse when your time with him is interrupted. While he understands emergencies with your animals (you can’t control when birth happens), he cannot stand when other villagers take your attention for petty things.

GUSTAFA

Gustafa is generally content to let you take the reins. He will approach you with the things he cares about. Gustafa enjoys attending concerts, craft fairs, and local theater. For daily meetings, Gustafa enjoys learning about how to run the farm. He is always impressed with how you tend fields and provide excellent animal care. Gustafa can notice when you’re too busy or stressed and will settle into playing soothing music for you. If your day runs too long, Gustafa will cook you both dinner after trying to help you finish up. 

The most crucial aspect of your relationship with Gustafa is words of affirmation. He can literally spend the day singing your praises and his love for you. While he’s over the moon if you join in, Gustafa understands if you don’t feel comfortable singing. He loves any verbal acknowledgments from you. From your exhausted thanks when he helps you with the farm to whispers in the night, his favorite sound is you. The fastest way to make him a blushing mess is by heaping authentic praise on the man.

ROCK

Be ready for spontaneous dates! Rock lives to the beat of his own drum and will drag you along to that beat. He has no set schedule for what he wants to do. A general guideline is in the Spring, he’ll try to convince you to sneak away for naps or watch him race your farm animals. Summer is filled with floating the river, surfing, and fishing. Fall is reserved for ghost stories and tests of courage. He’ll also want to attend any costume party he can, especially if there is bobbing for apples. Rock simmers down in the Winter to watching cheesy romcoms with hot chocolate. 

Rock loves to hear you praise him and acknowledge that you think he’s as great as he thinks he is. He won’t show it, but he gets flustered when you encourage and support him when he talks about starting a fashion magazine. He is not shy about any displays of affection, regardless of the public. Rock will pout like a kicked dog if denied a kiss (he doesn’t believe in simple pecks). He can be appeased with hand-holding so long as your shoulders are touching.

[awlimagines]

Part One: Them being possessive of you.

CELIA/CECILIA

Cecilia feels jealousy and depression just like anyone else. She worries when she sees you with someone else laughing at what they said or when you tell her something someone else did that you appreciated. She does not let these feelings affect her actions in noticeable ways. Ceci wants you to be happy even if you won’t be with her. So, Cecilia wears her usual soft smile and takes an interest in your conversations with her. 

Despite this, Cecilia is highly attuned to you. She can tell you when you’ll have a cold from the rain. Ceci knows without looking when you’re upset over something from the simple change in your energy. She knows everything that could bring a smile to your face and effortlessly gifts it to you. Ceci seems puzzled when people say you’re quiet and difficult to get to know. She tries to help by explaining everything she knows. When the left corner of your mouth flicks upward, you’re trying to conceal a laugh. The slight furrow of your brow combined with a frown means you’re confused and thinking. Cecilia doesn’t understand how people don’t see these obvious to her details.

GUSTAFA

Gustafa always thought he was an even-keeled kind of guy. He went with the flow and didn’t let someone’s anger stoke his own. Everyone has their struggles, and he could roll with that. Things changed some when you came into the picture. Gustafa felt himself becoming annoyed when others would spend time with you. His grip would tighten on his instrument ever so slightly while he glared through sunglasses. Gustafa knew he shouldn’t feel this way. It wasn’t like the two of you were dating or engaged. You were free to hang out with whomever you wanted. Gustafa would just prefer those people weren’t other eligible bachelors or bachelorettes. 

That was before you started dating. Gustafa was over the moon happy you chose him. He wanted to make sure everyone knew, also. He’d lace his fingers through yours and pull you closer to his side as the two of you walked through town and gave you a peck on the cheek before parting ways. Gustafa quickly discovered how to make you swoon and focus on him alone. He’d lean forward just enough to allow his glasses to slide down and reveal his eyes when smiling at you. Gustafa abused this trick when your conversations drew on, and his arm around your shoulders didn’t divert your attention back to him.

MARLIN/MATTHEW

Marlin knows he naturally looks surly. It had never been a huge problem in the valley. People there were nice enough to greet him and leave him alone if he didn’t want to speak with people. Then you arrived. Your ceaseless attempts to see him every day wormed into his heart. Marlin was very blunt in sharing how bad he thought your crops were but admired your determination to get better and how you clung intently to his advice. 

It started small. Marlin would glare from your side as someone encroached on his time with you. He didn’t think it was any different from his usual look. Marlin is pleasantly surprised with how quickly people finish speaking with you, leaving the two of you alone again. As the two of you grew closer, Marlin expressed worry about your trips to the city to see friends. It wasn’t a safe place like the valley, especially with how late you stayed out. Marlin insisted on accompanying you to walk you home through the city streets and mountain trails for safety.

NAMI

You were at the beach chatting with Nami about wanting to visit Coco Island one day after Pui talked about it. He didn’t mention many details, which is why you were intrigued. During your conversation, Molly caught sight of Nami and you. The blonde greeted you both warmly, asking what you were talking about. Molly gushed about how sweet you were to donate money to Pui like that. Nami asked about the cafe and if Griffin was working alone, grinding Molly’s conversation with you to a halt. After Molly parted to return to work, Nami spoke to you. “You know she was flirting with you, right?” 

Nami left when you asked what she meant. Molly had acted the same as always. You were still fretting over the miscommunication days later when you came across Gustafa playing outside his yurt. You were talking with him about what could have made Nami so mad when she appeared on the path toward the beach. When she saw you sitting with Gustafa, she glared before turning around and heading in the opposite direction. You gave Gustafa a quick goodbye before hustling after Nami. 

“You must be into Gustafa now. I didn’t expect you to be the type to switch so quickly. But to each their own, not like I care.” You frantically explained both Gustafa and Molly were just friends. You liked her, not either of them. You were trying to ask what you had done to upset her to fix it. Nami stood quietly, taking in your worried look before muttering not to worry about it. She ignored your confused look with a blush and asked, since you were already there if you wanted to walk to the spring with her.

ROCK

Rock believed himself to be not only the most stylish guy around but the most laidback as well. After returning to his parents’ inn after a spate of bad luck in finding a job to make him happy, Rock was living his best life. Rock could laugh off most everything without an issue, but as he grew to like you, he began having trouble. Why did everyone always want your attention? His parents would whisper bets about what bachelor or bachelorette you would settle down with. They never included his name, even though he made you laugh more than anyone else. The feelings simmered away until they came to a boil when you talked about a funny story about something you did with another person. 

“They don’t deserve you - I don’t deserve you. But at least I’m aware of it,” Rock pouted. After overcoming your shock, you reassured Rock you weren’t interested in anyone except him. His goofy antics stole your heart a while back. So, Rock took that as a go-ahead. You were shocked when Rock gave you a high-class lip stain to wear. He claimed it was just something small to help your lips from being chapped. Rock asked to see the color on you. He thought it would match your complexion and just wanted to be sure. After checking it out on yourself and loving it, you kissed Rock on the cheek before getting back to work. That had been hours ago, so why was he still wandering the town with a stain on his cheek and a smug look?

[awlimagines]

How do they react to you being their secret admirer on Valentine's Day?

CELIA/CECILIA

Cecilia was surprised to see a second gift the morning of Valentine’s Day. Vesta usually got her something small, so she never expected something else. Her first thought was it was from Marlin, but the anger on his face quickly ruled that option out. Vesta shrugged her shoulders when he questioned her on who left this. Though, her knowing smile made Cecilia feel like Vesta at least had an idea. She decided she wouldn’t ask Vesta; Cecilia wanted to figure it out herself and thank whoever gave it. Cecilia worried it was from her arranged marriage candidate. She fervently hoped she was wrong. He seemed nice, but he wasn’t who she thought of alone in her room at night. You were surprised when Cecilia came by the farm later that day. She smiled and explained she thought she’d take the opportunity with the holiday to give you a late housewarming gift. It felt like Cecilia was lying to you. She did mean it as a late housewarming gift, but she would like it to be much more than that. Cecilia folded her arms behind her back and lightly kicked her foot after you took the fresh, high-quality vegetables from her. She didn’t want this interaction to end and invited you to walk with her to the Goddess Pond. Once there, you hesitantly asked if Cecilia liked the gift this morning. Ceci smiled widely as she excitedly assured you she did.

CODY/GORDY

He usually dislikes Valentine’s Day. Gordy feels no inspiration from the commercial date but rather a frustration. He doesn’t feel like he has much experience in love, but it shouldn’t all focus on one day of grand gestures. That was until Gordy opened his door to find a lovely bouquet of fresh, local flowers and moonlight are arranged in a basket encircled in red polka dot ribbon. Gordy was already struggling with artist’s block, and the basket consumed his thoughts regardless of often he paced or punched metal into new shapes. His older sister was the only one who used to give him these gifts, but he hadn’t received one since he left home for the valley. Gordy was more pensive than usual. You had to practically yell at him to get his attention and wish him a happy Valentine’s Day. He blinked at you, registering you were there, before asking you a question. What was your opinion on Valentine’s Day? You felt a jolt of fear; did he realize you left him the gift? You cautiously answered it could be a romantic gesture for someone you care about and sometimes a way to confess your feelings to someone. Gordy nodded as he thought it over. The following morning you were surprised to find him at your door with flowers. Gordy explained he thought a lot about what you said and wanted to thank you for giving him new inspiration. You single-handedly changed his feelings at least a little about the date. Gordy would respect the privacy of whoever left him the gift until they felt confident to speak with him.

DARYL

You didn’t have to worry about rushing through chores since he sleeps late. You left a basket filled with his favorite things and a cooked meal. He wasn’t supposed to know it was you. So, you’re shocked when Daryl shows up on your doorstep late that evening. He doesn’t understand why you left such things for him but asks if you have any other materials from the dig site. Daryl needs just a few more to finish running an experiment. He tuts when you ask how he knew you left the items. Daryl set up a security system once people in the city stole his seed maker invention. When he discovered the basket, he reviewed the footage before using the materials to run some tests. You blushed in embarrassment. How long had it been there? Was he aware you knew his schedule and lingered at his house for him to wake up to see what he was working on for the day? Daryl’s eyebrow raises as he waits for your answer. You numbly nod and fetch the coins and gems you had stored from the dig site. He makes an appreciative whoo-hoo before turning his back to walk away. Daryl paused a few steps away and scratched the back of his head as though a new idea occurred experiment hit. He mentions it is late, but he’d like it if you came to watch. Daryl is curious if he’d have better results with you at his side.

FLORA

You planned for days how to best leave a gift for Flora. It felt tricky since she lived with Carter at the dig site. Eventually, you decided first thing in the morning before she left to work would be best. If you did it during the afternoon, it would be too easy to figure out it was you when you visited the site to help. Silently, you crept towards the tent in the early morning darkness to leave your gift. You had barely set the basket filled with vegetables and milk down and stood when you found yourself looking up at the sky, pain blooming in your abdomen. Flora’s inquisitive gaze drifted into your vision. She quickly apologized and helped you onto your feet. Flora just saw a shape outside the tent flap and reacted instinctively. Why were you creeping around like that? Sheepishly you explained what you were doing and pointed to the basket that tipped over. The bottled milk was knocked to its side and dripping on the ground, making tears of embarrassment and frustration prick your eyes. You thought you had everything planned perfectly. Flora wiped the budding tears from your eyes, quickly realizing what happened. She offered to take a half day and would love to spend the afternoon with you. Flora softly smiled as you nodded in agreement and thanked you for being so thoughtful.

GUSTAFA

You keep your eyes trained on Gustafa at his yurt as you pretend to adjust your horse’s saddle before leaving the farm. The flowers and poem for him are hidden away safely in your saddlebags. You let loose a breath to ease your tension when he starts heading for the path to the Goddess Spring. You fake going to gather flowers and herbs near the windwheels before circling back to leave the gift at his door. The box near your door was full when you returned to the farm. It was too early for Takakura to be back from the city. Curious, you peeked in to see a singular flower inside. You felt panic, wondering who would have left you a flower on Valentine’s Day. Were you going to have to be honest and break someone’s heart today? You only had eyes for Gustafa, even if you were too much of a coward to tell him. You went about your day in a daze caring for animals and crops.

Gustafa steeled his nerves when he saw you ride toward Vesta’s farm. It wasn’t much, but he planned to leave you something small. If he felt more confident, he’d share the song he wrote for you instead. But maybe he was getting ahead of himself. After all, you were on good terms with everyone in the valley. Gustafa gently placed the flower from his hat into the box near your door before quickly leaving your farm to fetch a new flower. He tried to focus on strumming his lute at the spring before giving up and trudging home. His eyes cut toward your farm to see you had returned to work. He froze when he got home and saw the bunch of flowers at his door. Gustafa quickly fumbled for the note and read it. There was clearly a lot of time and effort put into crafting the poem scribbled on the paper. After a couple of hours pacing his yurt, Gustafa decided to visit you. He paused, his mind blank when you flung the door open. Gustafa recovered quickly and gently asked if you might have left something at his door today. Your eyes grew wide as you hesitantly nodded that you did. He smiled in relief. “Groovy. I, uh, have a song for you if you have some time?”

LUMINA

The mystery did not last long. Romana was too excited and let Lumina know who the gifts were from. When you arrive later to speak with Lumina, Sebastian apologizes for not being able to stop Romana from spoiling the surprise. A red face Lumina immediately asks to see you in private. Once you are alone and away from her meddling grandmother, Lumina complains about Aunt Romana telling her so fast. Not that she isn’t happy! She was ecstatic her first Valentine’s gifts came from you. Well, the first one excluding Romana and Sebastian, of course. She beams when you mention having one last surprise left. Lumina is beyond thrilled and slightly embarrassed by the candlelight dinner you prepared.

MARLIN/MATTHEW

He awoke to the usual yearly gifts from Vesta and Cecilia but didn’t recognize the other one or the handwriting on the note alongside it. His sister would only smile in response to sharp questions about who it was from. Marlin tried to ask Cecilia, but she excitedly shook her head, said she promised not to tell and fled. He remained lost in thought throughout the day. HE thought of you every time his mind wandered to the gift. Marlin left early from the farm to head towards the meeting place on the riverside mentioned in the note. A flush of joy filled him when he spotted you spreading a blanket on the ground. Marlin shoved his shaking hands into his pockets as he approached. You beaming at him and asking if he was surprised made him blush. He admitted to being surprised and promised to surprise you with something next year.

MUFFY/MOLLY

You planned to surprise Molly. You went so far as to ask Griffin if she could have the day off for many activities. Instead, Molly surprised you on your doorstep first thing in the morning. You explain you had planned on surprising her today, but she beat you to it. Molly is over the moon you would do such a thing. Valentine’s Day is her favorite holiday. She always wanted to create fond memories with someone on this day. Unfortunately, Molly’s luck hasn’t been the greatest in this. She excitedly asks what the two of you will do first; she can’t wait to spend Valentine’s with you. You fight down a blush as Molly coyly bats her green eyes at you, saying she’s at your mercy for the day.

NAMI

There is a clay relic from the dig site outside her door. Nami frowns at the flower tied with twine to its upraised hand. Was this a joke? Angry, Nami went to wake up Rock and give him a good piece of her mind about such pranks on Valentine’s Day. He would hurt someone’s feelings doing things like this. The disoriented blonde had no idea what she was talking about, leaving Nami to wonder who left it. Trick blue flowers weren’t even in season. Nami wandered the town with her hands shoved in her pockets, stewing over the mystery. Initially, she suspected either Carter, Flora, or you. Out of those three, it would have to be you. She wasn’t close enough to the other two to warrant a gift on Valentine’s Day. You sold the statues, among other things, when you set up a stall bringing her back to anyone as a suspect. It wasn’t until she saw Chris with a trick blue flower and asked her that she knew it was you. Nami finds her way to your farm pretty quickly and confronts you. You confess to giving her the gift and apologize if it was an issue. Nami says it wasn’t. She actually had a lot of fun figuring out who left it.

ROCK

The surprise gift left for Rock at the front desk has him thrilled. His parents ask if he knows who left it. Rock brushes them off. Whoever left it was obviously too overcome by his greatness to meet him in person, and the best way to say thanks would be to enjoy it. He missed the concerned look his parents exchanged as he continued his day. Rock left for the manor to see if Lumina had anything for him since they were such great friends. It wasn’t until a few days later that he overhears you talking to Ruby in the kitchen. She’s apologizing to you for Rock not even trying to find who left the gift. Your short laugh is followed by you saying it was an anonymous gift and you didn’t expect him to know. Rock was surprised the gift came from you. You lectured him for napping in front of your crops anytime he was at your farm. He finds himself lost in thought with a blush that you would leave him a Valentine’s Day gift. You run into him at the doorway when you try to exit the kitchen. You apologize for running into him as you blush, wondering if he heard your conversation. Rock doesn’t say anything to you about it, but his smile is goofier than usual.

[awlimagines]

How they comfort/care for you when you're sick.

CELIA/CECILIA

Cecilia was on her way to the Goddess Pond when she saw you collapse in the field. She immediately gets help and anxiously waits for you to wake. She gives a gentle but firm lecture about pushing yourself too hard when you recover. Cecilia stays around the farm after updating Vesta to help with crops and make you a meal. Before she heads home for the evening, Cecilia stops at the pond to pray to the Harvest Goddess for your good health.

DARYL

He admittedly did not notice you missing your usual visit to the lab. Daryl only knew you were sick after stepping out to chase off Nami and Cole from talking outside his door. Despite his best attempts to return to work, you kept crossing his mind instead. He did not study medicine but was sure he could whip something up. Daryl arrived at your door, ranting to you about his creation. The black liquid held towards you in a beaker did not look promising. His expectant look had you cautiously take a sip. The next thing you knew, you woke up in bed to hear Daryl arguing with Dr. Baddoch over the medicine’s effectiveness.

FLORA

She returns to the surface after being in the dig site all day. Flora knew something was missing today and tried to focus on what it was now that she was off work. A fish jumps from the river, and she thinks of you. Flora knew you were usually at the dig site most days, especially before Van came to town. Her thoughts turned to the suspicious person across the river. What if they turned to your farm? Flora crossed the water, intent on checking nothing happened at your farm. Flora offers to make you a meal so you can rest. The soup is bland with a touch too much salt, but it’s the thought that counts.

GUSTAFA

Gustafa has gotten so used to your schedule that he quickly notices when you don’t come by to listen to him play. He frowns slightly, worried about what might have happened before heading toward the farm. A few steps past the entrance, he finds out from Takakura you’re sick. Gustafa wastes no time in offering to help with the animals so you can rest. Afterward, he wanders home to clean up before returning with a light meal. Gustafa only stays after you beg and assure him you would feel better if he did. You later fall asleep listening to his soft singing and playing.

MARLIN/MATTHEW

It’s the end of the season, and you’ve yet to come to Vesta for advice on what to plant next. He wouldn’t say he’s worried about you specifically, just about your farm. It’s hard to catch back up once you fall behind. The girls later mention Takakura said you were sick as he returned from the City. Cecilia and Vesta nudge him along to go and check on how you’re doing and deliver some seeds you can pay for later. Marlin only pauses for a moment before leaving for your house. Once there, he explains why he’s there and hands over the seeds. Marlin hands you a hybrid crop explaining it was from their greenhouses and should help boost your health more than a regular crop. He mumbles that he hopes you feel better soon and that he missed you today before quickly leaving.

MUFFY/MOLLY

Molly notices you fail to stop for lunch and decides to swing by the farm instead of the Inn for her break. She is devastated when you answer, wrapped in a blanket. Molly quickly ushers you back into bed. A frown creases her pretty brow as she checks your temperature. The only nursing she ever did was a few hours in costume at parties in the City. Molly is used to cleaning the cafe. She cleans around your house before promising to return with a nutritious, light meal from Griffin and some medicine. Before she leaves for her next shift, Molly says she hopes you’re better soon and cares for her the next time she’s sick.

NAMI

Nami was on her way to the Goddess Pond and noticed Takakura in the fields without you in sight. Thinking this was odd, she stopped outside the farm to observe. Nami pushes herself to speak with Takakura about it when you never appear. Nami is silent and thoughtful for a minute before offering to help water the crops. The next day Takakura tells you about her stopping to help. Nami tells you she was just curious about what farmwork was like, and it wasn’t a big deal. She brushes off your thanks but has a slight pink flush on her cheeks.

ROCK

He did think it was odd not to see you in the fields but minded his own business. He finished races with your dog and took a quick nap before catching sight of Takakura, who tells him you are sick. He doesn’t offer to help around the farm and wanders back to the Inn. Once there, he explains you’re sick to Ruby. Rock was going to take you food. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have enough to buy you both something from the cafe and he’s not a great cook. Rock soon returns to your home with his mom’s delicious curry. He spends the rest of the day talking to you about the latest gossip until you fall asleep. Rock catches another nap for himself before heading off for the night.

[awlimagines]

@bokumonoexchange

He had seen all manner of festivals in his travels. Cooking festivals, horse races, livestock shows, and dozens of New Year's and summer celebration iterations. While the events were fun, the crowd and press of people were often too much. He much preferred simple one-on-one conversations rather than tracking multiple speakers at once. Gustafa often found himself unintentionally listening to other conversations nearby rather than focusing on the one he should be listening to. 

The musician had no plans to participate in Forget-Me-Not Valley’s fireworks show. The town here was smaller and quieter than others, but as he aged, the man enjoyed his peace more and more. Gustafa stood in his yurt, observing his collection of instruments. Which would be the best to usher in the warmth and freedom of summer? Timid knocks on the door broke Gustafa’s focus causing the man to frown in thought briefly. It wasn’t often he had visitors. Curious, he swung the door open, causing the new farmer to jump in surprise. 

“Hey, what’s up?” he pleasantly greeted. His interactions with you in the past month were brief. Gustafa couldn’t figure out why you might be on his doorstep, but he could sense the tension. Gustafa smiled gently as he patiently waited for you to collect yourself. He knew what it was like in a new place and was concerned about bothering neighbors. 

“U-um, would you like to watch the fireworks with me? I-I know it’s last minute, so if you have plans already, it’s fine.” 

Gustafa stood in shock for a moment. This wasn’t anything he had expected to be asked when he opened his door to find you. He meant to stay home and play instruments, only pausing to listen to the cracks and pops overhead before continuing. It wouldn’t hurt to participate, though, especially when you had worked up the courage to invite him. He stepped out of the yurt to your side, chirping,  “Yeah, sounds groovy!” 

He thought the fireworks would be it. After the show, you visited him more. You didn’t always talk; sometimes, you just stopped to listen as he played various instruments. He soon found himself waiting for you as he settled places to play. As you found him each time, excitement would surge through him. Thoughts of you begin to circle his mind, drowning out all other music. His attention focused on writing a song for you. Gustafa’s plans to leave the valley at summer’s end changed. Your song wasn’t finished, and he couldn’t leave without that done. 

The weather cooled as trees changed their colors. Gustafa’s hands felt beyond slick, tightly wrapped around his glass at the Bluebird Bar as he asked you to join him for stargazing. He hid his relief behind a wide smile as he led you from the bar. Holding your hand crossed his mind, but he quickly discarded the thought. What if you changed your mind about spending time with him when you felt how moist his hands were? As he played the final notes of your song, he wondered how much you remembered from the other parts. Did you piece together the message he carefully hid? 

It didn’t seem you had. Nothing changed in the following days. If anything, as autumn changed to winter, you began to visit him less. Doubt swallowed Gustafa, leaving him as desolate as the bleak winter landscape. You were friendly with so many in town. Why did he think there was something special with him over everyone else?

“Gustafa!” you caught him at his door after the Starlight Concert. “W-would you marry me?” 

Gustafa blinked in surprise at the blue feather in his face, obscuring his view of your blushing face. The feather trembled in your tight grasp as you anxiously awaited his response. He gently plucked the delicate proposal from your grasp before swooping in to plant a kiss. He couldn’t imagine living in solitude again after meeting you.

[awlimagines]

Part Two: Where do they take you for a date away from the valley?

CELIA/CECILIA

It was winter when Cecilia asked if you could take a day to come with her to her hometown for the Starlit Festival. It was a bit far and would take a day or two. You hesitated briefly to ask for time to check that Takakura could watch the farm. After he agreed, Cecilia said it would be colder where you were going and asked if you had warm enough clothes. The trip took a good half day to arrive, with the snow you passed gradually growing deeper and deeper. Cecilia announced you arrived in a village larger than Mineral Town but not larger than the city. 

Ceci’s parents were very cold when you entered the house. Cecilia blushed and quickly explained you were not the arranged marriage Vesta had tried to set up. You were someone she fell in love with and chose for herself. Her parents' attitude changed as they ushered you into their home. They asked when you knew you loved their daughter, how you asked her out, and what were your favorite things about her in rapid fire. Cecilia mouthed sorry at you from behind them while you turned red as you attempted to answer each question. 

The next morning, her parents told you to come again before complaining to Cecilia about visiting more often. You commented her parents seemed great as you followed Cecilia further into the village’s center. She mentioned she was happy everyone got along; Cecilia had been worried. She led you to a large ice skating rink, where you froze. You put on a brave face as you followed Ceci’s lead in lacing the skates before wobbling to the entrance. Your first step lipped from under you, leaving you scrambling for the wall for support. Cecilia quickly checked if you were okay before demonstrating how to skate. She held your hand firmly as you ghosted your other hand over the wall for balance. Cecilia’s warm presence encouraged you to drift away from the edge before you had to leave for the valley.

GUSTAFA

Gustafa arrived at your door one afternoon asking if you liked Renaissance fairs. You replied you enjoyed the setting in books but had never been to one. It wasn’t something your mom or friends in the city were interested in, and you didn’t want to go alone. Once he overcame his shock, Gustafa smiled and quickly made plans for you to accompany him. He confided he was excited that your first experience would be with him before he left for his yurt. 

He wore a bard outfit with his usual hat, shades, and lute strapped to his back. Gustafa snagged your hand, pulling you along with a laugh when you hesitated. He said if you decided to dress up, there were rental costumes at the fair. Gustafa was happy either way, simply spending time with you. The sprawling festival and crowds had you clinging to Gustafa as you tried to take everything in at once. He insists on buying you a flower crown when he notices you eyeing them. Gustafa lets you take the lead as you visit booths, occasionally pulling you over for breaks to watch shows. You gaped at acrobats, sword swallowers, men wielding whips on fire, and much more. Gustafa almost has to force you to take a moment for rest and a meal. 

Gustafa leads you to a show he says is the only thing he didn’t want to miss. You understand why instantly when you see the men in kilts playing bagpipes and other instruments on stage. You were pleasantly surprised to hear current songs you never would have expected to be played on bagpipes. After the show, Gustafa leads you over to the band to greet them and introduce you. He traveled with them, performing in fairs like this when he first left home. They laughed when you excitedly asked if that meant he had worn a kilt and how you would look to see it. Gustafa blushed in response and said he’d always just been a bard wandering through the booths playing his lute. Later that evening, you gave him a massive hug saying you couldn’t wait to come again next year and asking if he would help you piece together an outfit. Gustafa promptly agreed and was happy you enjoyed the fair so much. 

LUMINA

Lumina had every aspect of your first date planned before you ever confessed. She almost immediately asked if you could take some time off to accompany her to the city. Once you decided on a date and time, Lumina told you not to worry about anything and that she would take care of it. She greeted you with a carriage to travel to the city on the day of your date. Dressed in a pink blouse, floral skirt, and a light cardigan, Lumina explained she didn’t want to get sweaty on the way. You enjoyed the horse-drawn carriage more than you expected. Pampering was nice every so often you decided enjoying the plush seats. 

The carriage stopped at a massive, crisp building with varied ocean-life accents swirling above the doors. You were speechless once inside. This aquarium far exceeded the smaller one your mother took you to as a child. Lumina tugged at your arm to stop you from gaping in the doorway. The two of you first came upon a tide pool that allowed you to reach in touch starfish. Lumina chuckled at your gasp when you realized the water was cold. You passed tank after tank of creatures until passing through the shark tunnel to a giant, shallow pool in the center. Inside were stingrays that you could feed bits of fish and shrimp for a little extra. You quickly purchased each of you a small metal cup. After poking the tops of moon jellyfish and holding horseshoe crabs, the exit loomed ahead.  

Lumina smiled and informed you there was one more thing, pointing towards stairs near the exit. You followed her down into a restaurant with floor-to-ceiling tanks of creatures. Lumina spent the meal discussing your favorites in the aquarium and what you each enjoyed most. You were shocked when the aquarium’s owner dropped by at the end of your dinner to ask how everything was. Lumina blushed and explained they were a friend of Aunt Romana’s and helped get her in early on the reservation list. Your favorite part of the day was your ride home when Lumina fell asleep on your shoulder.

MARLIN/MATTHEW

You worried about your dates with Marlin. You knew his cold and serious exterior hid a shy but thoughtful man. But, you wanted to do more than travel back and forth between your farms discussing and doing work. Everything you could think of to avoid this involved the city. You didn’t want to take him there when all his memories and experiences made Marlin scowl. One day as you were brushing the animals, Marlin asked if, after the harvest, you would go somewhere with him. He said he felt bad not taking you to do anything nice. Your heart fluttered that he had been thinking the same as you. 

Marlin met you outside Vesta’s with a large rucksack and a picnic basket. He led you into the mountains, following the path for a while before turning to veer off. Marlin told you to be careful and watch your step, his hand hovering around yours in case you stumbled. When he came to a stop, you gazed across a meadow filled with tiny white flowers and the sound of a gentle stream somewhere just out of sight. Marlin blushed at your praise for having found such a breathtaking place, and thanks for sharing it. He mumbled this wasn’t even the real surprise. 

You watched as Marlin unloaded a simple picnic. Some of the vegetables you recognized from the greenhouses he raised hybrid crops in. Your eyes widened as he brought board games and cards from his rucksack. Marlin didn’t seem the type to enjoy such things. He was patient in teaching you the games you were unfamiliar with. You could see him struggling to let you win at least some. Marlin hesitated as the last one ended before saying he had one more, but you didn’t have to play it if you were uncomfortable. He pulled out a string and a pristine new Cat’s Cradle book. Marlin smiled when you agreed and spent the last bit of your time brushing your fingertips together as you worked through the book.

MUFFY/MOLLY

Molly cut back on her visits to the city when you started dating. She had more interest in seeing how you managed the farm. Molly liked your sheep most, enjoying how they would follow her, baaing for attention. You sometimes felt jealous of how much she sweet-talked them while you worked in the fields. You wanted to give Molly more than watching chores for your dates and began arranging different activities. You took her sailing, gourmet picnic dates in various scenic locations, and to the winery and hot spring in Mineral Town. You grew worried when Molly began looking wistful during your time together. 

Molly came to your day one morning and asked if she could speak with you. There was something she had always dreamed of doing with a lover. It was in the city though, would you have time to go with her? You eagerly agreed, curious to know what she planned. You imagined extravagant clubs and glamorous activities like spas. So, when you stood outside a massive furniture store, you were confused. It seemed mundane. 

Molly was excited and said the store had different examples of entire rooms. Everything you could think of and more. She always wanted to go and get ideas to build a life with someone together. She hooked her arm through yours and dragged you into the store. Despite your skepticism, you enjoyed walking through immaculate displays and pointing out things you liked. It might have been watching Molly coo over designs she loved and cute toys for kids. Her laugh made you blush when you were surprised at how delicious the food was in the store. Molly kissed you on the cheek when you promised she could design your house any way she wanted. You two headed to one of Molly’s favorite bars to have a drink and talk more about her ideas. Molly was surprised to see some of her old friends there but wasted no time showing you off instead.

[awlimagines]

The Phantom of Forget-Me-Not Valley

ROCK x READER x GUSTAFA

You found yourself torn between the two men in the tiny country town. 

On the one hand, the fun and fashionable Rock. You remember playing with him as children when you visited your Father’s farm. He had once plunged into the winter ocean to save your scarf. You had failed to tie it properly, and the gusting wind carried it off, leading you to cry. Rock had only laughed and said it seemed like fun when his parents chastised him, doing his best even then to brush off being remotely responsible. When you go to visit and apologize, Rock grinned and said his cold was great! So long as he was sick, his parents wouldn’t nag him about chores. You should throw more things around in Winter for him to fetch. Rock and you naturally drifted apart when you stopped visiting the farm and focused on city life instead.

On the other hand, the relaxed and calm musician Gustafa. A man who wasn’t meant to be permanent and traveled. He’d share tidbits of his travel with an enigmatic smile, leaving you craving more. In addition, Gustafa was a musical genius who could play any song on any instrument. You fell for him when you sang a line or two before stopping in embarrassment. You had never been a great singer. Gustafa was the first to compliment your voice, and when you blushed, brushing him off, offered singing lessons if you’d be interested. His voice entranced you; it was like the voice of an angel of music rather than a mere man. 

While Gustafa seemed detached from everyone and had no solid opinions on anyone, Rock did not like Gustafa in the least and made it well known. He wasn’t great looking, and the lessons took as much time as your farmwork. When were you supposed to have fun with him? Rock wanted to catch up with you where he had been in the past years. He looked like a kicked puppy, tugging at your heart until you agreed that skipping one day shouldn’t hurt. Rock’s spirits immediately lifted as he dragged you to the beach to play. He said you look best when you’re laughing, and Gustafa was too much of a stick in the mud to make you giggle.

When you found Gustafa the next day near the waterfall, he was frowning slightly. He calmly asked if everything was okay, it wasn’t like you to miss lessons. You felt guilty and confessed Rock had convinced you to play hooky with him. Gustafa’s fingers on the lute’s strings halted as you rushed into an apology and promised to let him know if anything came up again.  Gustafa sighed, explaining you could do what you wanted; he didn’t mean to monopolize your time. He would just like you to think carefully before going off mindlessly. Rock had no ambition and was looking at either his parents or a spouse supporting his carefree lifestyle. You were naturally talented at everything he had seen you try; Rock might set you back if you let him.  

“How am I ever meant to choose between them?” you wondered, staring at the blue feather on your nightstand.

[awlimagines]

NSFW - My Last Musician

Possessive Reader x Gustafa

Based on Robert Browning's My Last Duchess. I had this written last week and was waiting on poll results (which seemed to mostly want the darker themes). TW: Death, Allusions to Murder

I'll try to post some other things that are happier later. I am in pain, shingles suck to the point I wouldn't even wish them upon my worst enemy Dx

“Ah, that was my first love, an artist,” you sighed, gazing at the framed photo. A man was pictured leaning against a tree outside a brightly painted yurt. The large green hat and shades did little to hide his warm smile from the photographer. 

“May I ask what happened?” 

You smile slightly in response before reminiscing about your past with Gustafa in Forget-Me-Not Valley.

“I had just moved to town, trying to find a place in the world by taking over my father’s ranch. It was much more work than I expected and frustrated me to tears. I was considering leaving when I heard Gustafa’s playing for the first time. It was uplifting and calm at the same time, entrancing me instantly. 

I fell in love with him then and there. He felt the same over time and created a love song for me. I thought nothing could alter our affections, but we hit a snag. 

The smile I loved and thought would be just for me was given freely to everyone. The same smile to everyone in town without hesitation! I didn’t believe it was too much to ask that he reserved a special smile just for me. Gustafa laughed it off and said he loved me, and that was the difference. It wasn’t just other townsfolk either. He wore the same smile for animals and sunsets or sunrises. I couldn’t stand it. Everything else was great until our honeymoon, anyway.  

Gustafa and I had agreed on something simple and nearby to the town. We packed up his yurt to enjoy a night on the mountainside. Unfortunately, Gustafa lost his footing and fell from the side. I tried to save him, but when I grabbed his jacket, Gustafa slipped through my fingers. The townspeople whispered that I pushed him. Can you believe that? The vultures who stole his smiles accused me of something so horrendous. 

I’m so happy to have found you as I traveled far away from there. You’d never give your smiles away so freely, would you?”