Chapter Text
The new farmer was handsome. Pretty, Partitio might even say. Stepping off the bus, dressed in red and black, clothes not fit for farming, hands not used to the hard labor of the earth, long dark hair trailing behind him. His features were fine, skin pale and he carried with him a quiet air of sadness. And Partitio couldn't stop staring. Having lived in the valley his whole life, grown up around all the same faces, he had never seen anyone quite like this farmer.
"Partitio." His stepfather's voice snapped him back to reality.
"Yeah, Pa?"
"I'd appreciate if you'd pick your jaw up off the ground." Roque gave him a knowing smile. "I'm sure the new farmer isn't interested in doing your dental work."
Partitio felt his face flush warm. He wouldn't mind if the new farmer did . All the same, he did make sure his jaw was firmly in place and a big smile on his face as the two of them approached the lone traveler from the bus.
"Good day. You must be our new farmer." His stepfather extended a hand. "My name is Roque Brilliante and I'm the mayor of Pelican Town."
"My name is Hikari Ku. Thank you for the warm welcome." The man smiled as he shook hands, but the happiness it didn't quite reach his eyes. The cadence with which he spoke was firm and elegant, the kind of voice that Partitio could listen to recite poetry all day, even though he didn’t much care for it.
"This is my son, Partitio. He runs the general store in town."
"Howdy." Partitio shook the man's hand next, pleasantly surprised to find that the handshake was a firm one, with strength behind it. He gave a tip of his hat. "Partitio Yellowil, happy to be of service."
"Shall we go an d see the farm?" Roque said.
"I'd like that very much," Hikari replied, hefting his lone suitcase up.
The three of them started down the dirt trail leading away from town and through a line of trees. It was about a mile trek before they reached the farm, if it could still be called that. Whether or not he knew it coming into town, Hikari's work was cut out for him. Passing through the break in the trees, all three of them could see it better, the overgrow and tangled mess of farmland, trees and weeds taking over what had once been tilled soil, rocks littering the field. The old farmhouse was in a bit of a better shape, recently patched and cleaned.
"I... had not expected it to be quite so wild," Hikari said, eyes scanning over the littered field.
"I know it's not much to look at," Roque said, but a hopeful note to his tone, "but your grandfather made his living here. The soils good and fertile. It just needs some love and care."
"And the ol’ farmhouse is in good repair at least," Partitio added cheerily. He could at least say that, with his and his father's hands having done the work. "Me and Pops patched the roof and fixed the weatherproofing. It's humble, but it'll make ya a home."
"I am glad to hear that."
"My husband, Papp Yellowil, does a handy bit of carpentry during the day and runs the saloon at night. Almost everyone in town gathers there after dark. You should come and introduce yourself when you've gotten settled. It's been a long time since we've had a fresh face move to town," Roque explained.
Partitio didn't think telling the new farmer that the town was already full of gossip about him was a good idea. Country folks without much else to do certainly got to talking, and he was just as guilty as they others, speculating about the city fella who was finally taking over the old farm.
"Let's get you settled then. I know it's a long bus ride to the valley and I'm sure you'd like to relax."
The three of them tromped through the weeds, over a little stretch of creek that bordered part of the property and several fallen logs, up to the quaint little farm house. Roque produced the keys from his vest pocket and handed them off to Hikari after unlocking the front door. Hikari pushed the door open to the clean, single room farmhouse, all set up nice just as Partitio had left it the day before. While they hadn't had the time to get any of the farm itself cleared, it wouldn't have been right to leave the new resident without a clean place to sleep and feed himself.
"It ain't much, but hopefully ya'll be comfortable here," Partitio said.
"Thank you. I'm sure it will serve me well."
Hikari set down his suitcase beside the old wooden bed and took a turn around the room, scanning with a careful eye.
"Well, if you'll excuse me. I have some things to take care of, but I'm sure Partitio would be happy to continue showing you around the farm if you'd like," Roque said, shooting Partitio a grin. "Wouldn't you, my boy?"
"I'd be happy to!"
"I would appreciate it."
Roque left them and the two left the simple farmhouse and stepped back out into the field. The old paths were still there, deep divots in the earth where grass no longer grew, leading from one building to another around the edge of the property. Partitio felt himself start to ramble as they walked, and Hikari only seemed to observe quietly, the occasional hum of ascension if one felt necessary. "
"You seem to know the farm well," Hikari said finally as they stopped at the barn, its door open.
"I've lived in Pelican Town my whole life. Used to play round here with my friends."
"I imagine that was a great deal of fun."
"Oh yeah, used to come out here in the summer with old peanut butter jars and catch fireflies. Swing from the loft up there into the hay. Kid stuff, ya know?" Partitio smiled, and Hikari returned it, but once more, it didn't feel quite right. "So, uh, what's got ya movin’ to the valley?"
Hikari seemed to weigh the question before he spoke. "Truth be told, I needed a change in my life. My grandfather loved this place, and my mother spent some of the happiest years of her life here. Maybe in some small way, I hope to experience that, too."
It was a deeper answer than Partitio had expected, but unlike Hikari's smile, those words were honest ones.
"Ain't much better than a little hard work and good company to set ya right. And everyone in towns real eager to meet ya. Like Pa said, y a should come by the saloon sometime and get to know everyone." His lifted a hand, shading his eyes against the bright morning sun as he looked out to the treeline.
"I will be sure to as soon as I'm settled," Hikari turned into the shade of the barn, looking back at the overgrown field. "I suppose once I get some clearing done, I'll need to get some seeds if I hope to grow anything this spring."
"Do you know much bout farmin'?"
"I... do not."
Partitio didn't laugh. It didn't feel appropriate.
"Well, ya gotta start somewhere. Mr. Osvald runs the library in town. He'll have some books on it to help ya get started. And swing on by the general store. I'm closed on Wednesdays, but I've got plenty of seeds fresh for the season."
"Thank you. I'm sure it will be most helpful."
"Iffin ya like, I'd be happy to come by tomorrow with some of the selection. I'm sure ya'll have yer hands full for a few days out here at least." Was he just making up excuses to come back to the farm now? Maybe.
"Ah, I wouldn't want to trouble you. I'm sure you're very busy," Hikari said.
"It ain’t no trouble at all. I'll come round in the mornin' before the store opens if that's fine with ya."
"If you're certain it's not an imposition, I would be most grateful. I'd like to get something started sooner rather than later."
"I know just the stuff. I might not have all the farmin' knowledge like at the library but I know a few things." He was already going over in his head what he'd bring back with him the next day, bubbling in his head and chest. Partitio wasn't quite sure why, other than the handsome face, but he definitely wanted to see more of the man.
"Your kindness is most appreciated. In exchange, I'll have some coffee ready if that sounds agreeable to you."
"Sounds like a plan."
They chatted just a little more before Partitio reluctantly bid the new farmer a good day. He hadn't realized how late it was getting until he was on the trail back toward town, the sun setting behind him. But he had a spring in his step, feeling light. He had a good feeling about this. This new farmer would fit right in.
Partitio often woke before dawn. That was just life in the country. He liked it better some days than others, but today he liked it. Today he was off to see the new farmer again. He had spent much of the night before putting together a selection of spring seeds to show off, some of his finest stock, working at the dinner table long after his fathers had both gone to bed. And he was up before them, too, coffee pot already brewing, filling their home with the warm, rich smell. Roque was up first, as usual, most of his mayoral duties requiring he get and early start, but Partitio doubted that Pops would be far behind, even though the tavern didn't open til midday and was open late into the night.
"You're up rather early," Roque said as he poured himself a cup of coffee. There was a knowing smile on his face. "Off to see the new farmer again?"
Partitio felt his face warm, but he tried not to let the teasing bother him. "Yep, I am. Told him I'd come by this morning with some seeds for him to look through since he's gonna be busy clearing for a few days but still wants to get a start."
"And just how many of your own stock are you planning to give away to that pretty face?"
"Come on, Pa, I barely know the guy." But he had already been pegged. "I thought a few as a house warming present."
Roque laughed and settled at the table. "You're a good lad. Gift him a few from me as well. It's important that he feels welcome."
"Right ya are!" Partitio stood with a jolt, energy flowing through him. This was going to be a beautiful day in the valley. "Well, I'm off. I'll be back in time ta get the shop open."
“I doubt anyone will mind if you're a few minutes late."
"It's not very businessman-like ta keep yer clientele waiting."
Roque smiled as he made for the door. "Right you are, my boy. Have a good day."
Box in hand, Partitio stepped out into the cool morning air, breathing deep the smell of flowering trees in bloom and the softness of the breeze. Winding out past the building which housed both his own home and general store and the town clinic, he started off toward the farm, but was stopped by the call of his name.
“And where are you off to, Partitio?" Castti, the town's doctor, called from her window above the clinic. Her hair was still loose this early in the morning, long blond tresses stirred by the breeze. As always, she seemed ready to tease him, wearing a mischievous smile.
"Headin' out to the ol farm." He stopped to stand just below her window.
"Ah yes, that new farmer just moved in right?"
"Yeah, just yesterday. I figured I'd take him some seeds to get started for the season."
"Well, that's awful generous of you."
"Just tryin' to be neighborly."
"I've heard through the grapevine that he's quite handsome."
"Whats that matter?"
Her smile twisted into a smirk.
"Why ya lookin'at me like that?"
"No reason." There was always a reason with Castti. "Just tell him to swing by he clinic when he has a chance, won't you?"
He could play that game a little too. "Sure will. Be sure to say g'mornin' to Throné for me!"
Watching her face tint the barest bit of pink was worth it, and he strolled on, whistling a tune. By the time he made it to the treeline between the bus stop and the farm, the sun was just about up over the horizon, the sky awash in rose gold. He could see Hikari in the field, already hard at work, pulling up weeds who's roots seemed as tall as himself. He must have been at work for a while because he already had a nice little patch cleaned up, dirt ready to be tilled. He wore simple work clothes, and had his hair tied back. At least for now, Hikari seemed to be taking this seriously. Partitio like d that, liked to see a city boy who wasn't afraid of a little hard work or dirt on his clothes
"Howdy there!" He called as he stepped toward the farmhouse, passing the shipping box.
Hikari looked up, face flushed from exertion and wiping his brow with his forearm.
"Good morning." He stood, brushing himself free of most of the dirt that wasn't already caked in at his knees and calves. "Are you always up so early?"
"I could ask the same of y a ! But usually. Like to get a good start on the day."
"Me too." There was a smile on Hikari's lips, not quite right, but warm nonetheless. He pulled off his gloves and started up the steps of the farmhouse. "I've already got the coffee ready, if you're still interested."
"Sure am." He had forgone his usual cup that morning for this one.
Closing the front door behind them, Partitio settled at the little dinette table, setting out his box of seeds as Hikari poured the coffee. By the time he returned with the two cups, some cream and sugar, everything was laid out as nicely as he did it at the shop.
"You've got quite the selection here," Hikari said, taking a sip of his coffee while Partitio was still busy fixing his with cream and sugar.
"I left the more finicky seeds back at the shop. Not much good for a first time farmer, but any of these should get ya a good yield for yer spring harvest."
He hummed a little, a small sweet sound, one that Partitio almost missed over the rustling of the stiff paper packets and the rattle of the seeds within. Working at his coffee, he watched Hikari pull a few packets out here and there, a small variety, but one that Partitio knew would be a good one, especially for the first year.
"I suppose i should start small and go from there," he said finally, shuffling the packets together.
"Probably fer the best. Don't wanna overwhelm yerself right out the gate."
"Yes. Enough to feed myself and sell a little perhaps."
"Bring whatever you grow by the general store," Partitio grinned over his mug. "I'll pay ya a fair rate or barter with my stock. Its a mite better than tryin' to haul it out to the city and sellin' it there."
"I will take that to heart. Thank you." Hikari said , and then handing over the packets. "What do I owe you for these?"
Partitio pushed them back. "Not a cent. Think of it as a house warmin' gift from me and Pops and Pa."
"That's very kind, but--"
"No buts. Just take 'em and do yer best to grow 'em strong."
For a moment, Hikari stared at him, dark eyes questioning, searching. Was there something in particular he was looking for with that stare? Falsehoods and callousness? But all Partitio felt was earnest about it. He'd do the same for anyone who came to the farm, not just because he thought Hikari was a pretty face. He did, but that wasn't the reason for his kindness. Or... was it something more? He didn't look as though he suspected Partitio of anything. No, his face was neutral, placid as a lake in the grey of dawn. And did he find it? Partitio figured he wouldn't say if he did.
"Thank you, again," finally those searching eyes flitted away.
"Its nothin' at all! Neighbors gotta help each other out."
"Yes. You're right." The tiniest smile graces those lips, and this one, finally, felt genuine.
As much as Partitio didn't want to leave, he could see the sun peeking in the little farm house window and knew he needed to get back to open the store.
"Well, I'm sure I've wasted enough of yer time already, so I better get going." He chugged down the last of his coffee and stood up. "Thankee kindly for the coffee."
Hikari stood as well. "Thank you for the seeds."
"If ya... If ya need an extra set a hands around sometimes ta help, give me a holler. Ya got a big project here."
"I could not impose on you."
Why did it feel like there was something more there, something unsaid?
"But thank you for your kind offer."
Partitio saw himself out, although he heard the door open and close behind him only shortly after him. He turned at the tree line, box cradled under one arm, and say Hikari standing there on the porch. He waved, a big and broad motion and got a wave in return. Maybe it hadn't been much, but seeing that small and earnest smile would carry him through his day.
The weeks of spring whiled by, the slow creep of warmer days blowing in with the breeze. Salmon berries dotted bushes all over town, bright pink within the brilliant green of the foliage, and the geese were finally starting to fly back in for the season. And still, all throughout town, chatter about the new farmer persisted. Partitio expected as much. It wasn't often they had a new face roll into town. Last one had been Castti, a few years ago, here to replace the previous doctor who had gone into retirement. And now she was just like one of the old locals. And before long, Partitio was sure that Hikari would be as well.
As the weeks rolled by, he watched from the window of the general store as Hikari introduced himself to the other townsfolk, as he strolled the streets of Pelican Town, as he wandered around the old community center, long ago left to fall apart.
“Partitio.” Throné cut through his thoughts, pulling his attention away from the window.
“Huh? Oh, sorry.” Hurriedly, he got back to packing up her groceries.
“You've been very distracted since the new farmer came to town.” There was a sly, teasing nature to her smile. Having both grown up together in the town, she knew him better than almost anyone else.
”Guess I have,” he admitted. “Can't really help it.”
“Oh?”
”Don't 'oh?' me. Can't say ya were any better couple years ago when Cas took the place of old Dr. Greengrass.”
“I don't know what you're talking about.”
They both new perfectly well what Partitio was talking about. the soft flush of her cheeks told it all. But Partitio never held that against her, the fact that his childhood friend had gone and fallen head over heels for the new town doctor. They were a good match. Wasn't like they'd ever had any romantic attraction between them either. Throné had her type and Partitio had his.
“Well, luck's on your side. He's headed this way.”
“What?” With jolt, Partitio busied his hands, looking away from the door, only looking up again when the bell above it rang to announce it's opening.
It was indeed Hikari, hair swept back from his sun redden face, overalls stained with mud and bits of grass. He was carrying a satchel at one hip, and Partitio called to him as soon as he door started to swing shut.
“Well, howdy there!” His smile felt brighter than it had all day, his stomach twisting itself in knots.
“Hello, Partitio. Ms. Anguis.” Hikari gave a little nod of his head. “I apologize if I'm interrupting anything...”
“Nothing at all,” Throné said with a smile. “We were just talking about you.”
Partitio shot her a look, mortified.
”You were?” Hikari asked.
“Uh, yeah! Talkin’ about how great the farm seems to be coming along with ya livin' there now!”
“A far cry from how it looked at the end of last year,” Throné said, her smile twisting into the slightest smirk as she looked at him.
”Did you visit there often as well?” Hikari asked.
”Oh, I live in the house just beyond the treeline, closer to the forest. That's where I raise my animals. Occasionally they get out, and the farm was a popular place for me to find them grazing. Thankfully, Partitio was very helpful with building me a new fence, so it's not longer an issue.“
”He seems to be helpful to everyone I talk to,” Hikari said.
Partitio felt his face grow ever warmer. “So, uh, what brings ya in today? Needing some more seeds already?“
”Ah, no actually. I only just planted the last of the ones you gave me. I wanted to deliver this.”
From within his satchel, Hikari pulled out a basket of strawberries, bright red and shiny.
“Those are some good lookin' strawberries! I'm sure I can offer ya a good price for them.“
”Well... I don't intend to sell them to you.” There was a subtle shift in Hikari's face, his vision wandering away and then back again for a second. “They are a gift. For you and your fathers. To repay the kindness you have shown me.”
Partitio felt his jaw go slack, his head tilt in surprise. Those words had been clear.
“That's real sweet of ya,” he said. “But are ya sure? These would fetch ya good price.“
”I'm certain,” Hikari nodded.
Throné looked at him from the corner of her eye, wearing a knowing grin. If she smiled any brighter, any wider, she’s get her face stuck like that.
”Thankee kindly, then. We'll definitely enjoy 'em.“
“Well, I won't intrude on your business further. Have a good day,” Hikari said, and with a smile and a wave, he left.
Plucking up one of the strawberries, Partitio popped it into his mouth, relishing the burst of semi-tart sweetness that flowed over his tongue. They might have been the best batch of spring strawberries he had ever had, plump, bright red, and full of flavor.
“So are you going to ask him to the Flower Dance?” Throné asked. It was a question he had expected from her, if not now, than eventually. The Festival wasn't too far out, only a few days more.
”Nah,” Partitio said, and ate another strawberry. “Got a feelin' he's a touch too shy to do anythin' like that. Maybe next year.“
“You think he'll make it a year on that old farm?”
“Yeah, I do.” The idea made him smile. “I think he's green, but I think he's got what it takes.”
She nodded, leaning against the counter to stare out the general store window. “It's nice to have new people in town.“
”Sure is. Livens the place up.”
“Well, I suppose I should drop by the old farm sometime, then. I'm sure he'd like an animal to two to make use of that rickety old barn.” Throné smiled. “And what's a farm without a good farm cat?”
“Ain't no farm I've ever wanted to visit!”
“Exactly. He'll need one before fall if he doesn't want an infestation of field mice chewing at his grain. You know how we used to pull open the door to the barn and watch the lot of them scatter.” Throné lifted herself, and finally pulled out her wallet to pay for the bag of sugar she had been holding. “Yes, I think a nice sweet cat as a farm warming gift.”
“Sounds like ya know just the one.”
“So what are you planning to do with all those strawberries?“
”What dya mean?“
”I can see it in your eyes, Partitio. You've already got some plans.“ She wasn't wrong. She never was.
”Figured some fresh strawberries make for a great cake.“
”That you're then going to share with him.“
”Figure I'd take him a slice at least. He grew 'em.“
Throné shook her head, smiling still. “You’re transparent, Partitio.“
”Funny. Cas is always talkin' 'bout how opaque I am.“
”She hasn't known you as long as I have. So I think I have you pegged a little better than she does.“
”Maybe so.”
“Don't work too hard now.“
“I'll bring ya by some cake fer the two of ya when it's done.” He called after her as she started for the door.
“Sounds good! See you at the tavern!” She called back, and the bell rung behind her as she shut the door.
Maybe he was a little predictable. But Partitio didn't mind it. Nothing was wrong with being predictable. All of Pelican Town was predictable. The whole damn valley. Salmonberries always got ripe starting exact middle of spring, summer storms were always preceded by feathery white clouds. Spirits Eve was always a clear night. Crops grew when they grew, the tides rolled in and out. Salmon swam upstream same time every fall. If it was a rainy day, you could dip your net in the pond and pull out a catfish. A whole lot in the valley was predictable. So why shouldn't Partitio be a little predictable too? Easily caught up by the pretty faced new farmer. Happy to share. But it was difficult to say things would always been predictable with a new face in town.
And Partitio liked that, too. That added bit of excitement, the promise of something different. Even if all it were was a new face around down, a new string of relationships, new growth on the old farm.
Spring was almost over, but Partitio sure was looking forward to see what the rest of this year would bring to Pelican Town.