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A steady rain pours outside as you corral your last chicken into the coop. Double checking that each of your hens is accounted for, you spread some extra treats out for them and secure the door to the coop tightly. A quick dash across the yard to your house later and you have everything on your checklist done for the day in record time. It’s only 5 p.m., but it’s already past the time Adeline had requested that everyone be gathered at the inn. The incoming weather promised to bring flooding and downed trees, so Adeline and Eiland had decided gathering everyone in a safe space to be the best plan.
Wiping the water from your face you decide that drying yourself off now would be a waste of time as you’ll be soaked again after walking to the inn. Grabbing your overnight pack and mourning the probable loss of your fall crops, you try to muster the will to venture out into the elements again. However, you find yourself staring out the window at your barn and coop. Worry for your animals keeps your feet glued to the floor. You had secured their homes to the best of your ability and Hayden had assured you that they would okay, but you still felt bad leaving them alone. The sky is already dark with clouds, a steady rain beating against the roof.
Just as you are about to open the door, you hear a knock. Surprised that anyone would come all the way to your house in this weather you quickly open the door. A very wet, scowling March greets you.
“What’s taking you so long?” He huffs stomping inside and flicking his head sending raindrops flying toward you. His red hair is so damp it almost looks black, plastered to his head covering his bandana completely. His white shirt underneath his jacket is soaked through and you quickly avert your eyes from his chest back up to his face. Damp eyelashes cluster together as he blinks the droplets from his eyes.
“March! What are you doing here? I was just about to leave for the inn,” you respond once your brain catches up to the situation. Water pools on the ground around his feet.
“Adeline sent me on babysitting duty,” he grumbles tone accusatory. “I’m here to collect you.” You wonder why Adeline sent him of all people to check on you when he scowls and adds, “Well I didn’t come all this way just to stand around. If you want to stay out here and drown that’s not my problem.”
“Gee thanks, my hero,” you dryly respond. He bristles at your comment and you continue, “but I better not keep her waiting much longer if she was desperate enough to send you. Everyone else must be busy preparing for the night. Has everyone made it to the inn safely?”
You lock your door and step outside beside March who sets a quick pace down the road. It’s hard to hear his response over the torrential rain. He raises his voice when you fail to hear him the first time. “Everyone else is already there. Most of us arrived around noon. You’re the only stragler. Figures.”
Nodding at his reply you try to not let his words get to you. March was lukewarm towards you on a good day and the stress of the coming storm had everyone’s tensions high. “I had to make sure all my animals would be okay. I’m worried about trees falling with all the wind we’re supposed to have.”
He scoffs. “I had all of our orders completed at the start of the week. Since then I’ve been stockpiling for repairs. You should’ve had plenty of time to prepare your farm.”
Not liking his implication you frown. “Well I was trying to finish the requests on the board first since so many people needed supplies for the storm. In fact Reina needed some extra crops for all the food she’ll be making tonight, so you can thank me for dinner.”
Unable to critique your reasoning March simply walks quicker forcing you to jog to keep up with him. You reach the river in no time. The water is already dangerously close to the bridge, rising up the bank flowing over the edge. By tomorrow it will most likely be far above it. You’re so distracted, staring at the rushing current below, that your foot slips on the wet wood. You throw your arms out with a yelp as you fall sideways. Just as you lurch toward the railing, March lets out a panicked shout of your name and grabs your arm yanking you towards him away from the edge. You slam into him from the force of his pull, the rough fabric of his jacket pressing against your cold cheek.
Anger colors his voice as he yells at you, “Are you trying to drown? Don’t be an idiot and watch your step! If I hadn’t caught you, you would’ve gone over the edge.”
Despite the fact that the railings probably would have prevented you from falling, your heart still races. You feel rather silly from slipping and send him an apologetic smile, “Thanks for catching me. That could have been bad.”
You watch as pink flushes March’s cheeks. He glances down where his hands are gripping your shoulders and coughs before releasing you to take a step back. “Just be more careful. I don’t want to have to go diving in the water to rescue you,” he grumbles.
The two of you resume your short journey. This time March constantly glances back at you instead of forging ahead. His pace is even a little slower. He must not trust you to not trip over your own two feet. You try to forget the heat of his hands on you as his heavy gaze follows you. Now the silence between you feels charged.
…
The doors of the inn are a welcome sight. The room erupts into cheers at your arrival. Hearty greetings from townsfolk young and old ring out, even a chorus of “Yay! Miss y/n’s here!” comes from the balcony where the dragon guard trio wave down at you.
Hayden claps you and March on the back as Adeline rushes over. “There you are! I’m so glad March was able to get you. Now everyone is officially counted for. I hope you had a safe trip?” She inquires concerned eyes flicking over your soggy form.
“We did-“ you begin, but are quickly interrupted by March scoffing.
“Barely. If it weren’t for me, she’d be swimming in the river,” he says folding his arms smugly.
You try to protest, but Adeline’s horrified face makes you decide calming her is more important than arguing with March. “I almost tripped, but March helped me. The main point is we’re both fine now, so there’s no need to worry,” you soothe.
Adeline takes March’s hands in hers causing him to stiffen in surprise. “Thank you so much March! I knew I could count on you,” she praises. A proud grin lights up his face as she continues, “I’ll have Reina whip up some hot chocolate as a thanks. Actually, you both look freezing. I’ll have her make two. Go sit by the fire. I’ll make an official announcement in a few minutes.” Like a tornado she flies off to take care of things.
You head further into the room welcoming the crackling heat of the fireplace. The chill in your bones begins fading as you spread your fingers toward its warmth. Taking a seat you spot Eiland at the bar engaged in a debate with Errol about whether or not the storm would unearth more artifacts. You giggle as his arms flail about from his enthusiasm, almost knocking over his plate of strawberry cake. You must catch his attention as he turns and sends you a bright smile with a wave. You have half a mind to go join them when Nora approaches you, two giant bundles of blankets in her arms.
“Here you two go,” she says hefting them down to the floor. “Blankets and towels. Make sure you dry yourselves off properly. If you have clean clothes you should change into them first and leave the wet ones to dry by the fire.“
“Thank you Nora!” You exclaim eager to dry off. March nods his thanks and throws a towel over his shoulder.
Nora points to the wall where multiple bags lie side by side. “You can put your things over there. The tables are still up for now, but in a bit we’ll move them out of the way so everyone can arrange their sleeping bags.” She shakes her head fondly. “I have a feeling it’ll be a long night. The kids are elated at the idea of the entire town having a sleepover.”
You chuckle and glance up at them on the balcony. Occasional excited squeals carry down from their huddled group. “Well I’m glad someone is excited. It seems like everyone else is having fun too,” you note.
Valen and Juniper look enraptured by whatever tall tale Terithia is telling, no doubt about her days on sea weathering the elements. Meanwhile Elsie serenades a table jovially clapping along with her in support. Another group appears deeply invested in a card game, tensions high as they battle it out against Balor who appears to have amassed quite a fortune in cards. Just like a regular Friday night at the inn. The loud banter and music drowns out the howling of the wind outside and the flickering candle light offers a cozy atmosphere.
“Well, I’ll leave you to get yourselves in order,” Nora says her kind eyes crinkling at the edges with a smile. “I’ve got to get back to my husband. He’s telling ghost stories to the kids.” She winks and returns to make sure no one too scared.
Deciding to head her advice, you grab your pack and head to the bathroom to change. Once you are considerably dryer and clothed in comfortable sleepwear you wrap yourself in a blanket and take your seat by the fire again. Not long after, March changes as well and you’re surprised as he sits next to you. He’s only wearing a white tank top and loose black pants, his large arms on full display. His hair has returned to its red color and falls messily into his face without his bandana to hold it back. He really is handsome. It’s too bad his features are usually marred by a glare whenever you’re around.
Suddenly, you’re hyper aware of your proximity. You shift in your seat and try to focus your gaze on something else. You wonder why he hasn’t left yet to go sit anywhere else that isn’t by your side. The blacksmith has made it extremely clear in the months since your arrival how annoying he finds your presence. March gazes at the fire, refusing to look at you and you realize that maybe being near the fire is comforting for him. Maybe it reminds him of his forge.
“You’re gonna burn a hole through me if you stare any harder,” he says locking eyes with you. “You trying to set me on fire?”
You’ve been caught. The heat of his stare sends a tingle down your spine. Just as you’re about to awkwardly leave and let him be, Olric bounds over, two mugs of steaming hot chocolate in hand.
“Bro! And bro!” he greets with a wide smile. “Glad you made it. I knew my little bro would get you here no problem. A little weather is no match for my brother,” Olric praises as he hands you your drinks.
March’s chest puffs out. “Of course. You think I could be stopped by something like that?”
Olric laughs and you take a sip of your sugary beverage, the chocolate melting on your tongue. “I was totally going to volunteer to find you, but March beat me to it,” Olric informs you. “I told him we could look for you together, two rocks are better than one and all that, but he insisted he could do it alone. I got to stay dry though so I’m not complaining.”
“Volunteered?” You echo.
March’s head snaps to Olric as he scowls, “I didn’t volunteer. Adeline asked me to.”
Olric pats March’s shoulder. “It’s okay bro, you don’t have to be modest. Y/n knows how brave you are.” Olric grins at you, pumping his arm. “You should have seen how determined he was.”
“Wow, I had no idea March was so worried about me,” you muse, trying not to grin at the withering look March is sending his oblivious brother.
“I wasn’t worried,” he snaps. “I just know how easy it would be for someone like you to get hurt. Obviously I was the best choice.”
“Aw don’t say that bro. We were all worried about you y/n,” Olric affirms. “But now that everyone is safe we can weather the storm together! I’ve got to get back to helping Reina with the food. We’ve got a full house tonight.” Olric returns to the kitchen, blissfully unaware of the embarrassment he just subjected March to.
Deciding to push your luck you ask, “So, you were worried about me huh?”
“Are you deaf? I just said I wasn’t.”
“I don’t know. You seemed pretty worried when I almost fell earlier.”
“I just didn’t want to get blamed for it if you got hurt. It would only make my job more difficult.”
You sigh. It seems his determination to hold a grudge against you for existing in Mistria refuses to budge, even if his actions are kinder than his words. You’ve seen how kind he is to others, always willing to go the extra mile. Sometimes you think he’s warming up to you, but then he gets defensive and you’re back at square one. Everyone always assures you that March just takes a while to open up, so once again you offer an olive branch. “I know you don’t like me, but I appreciate that you wanted to help.”
March stares at you, his expression pinched as his mouth works, obviously struggling with what to say. He’s saved by the sound of Adeline’s voice calling out from the balcony. “Attention everyone! Thank you all for agreeing to spend the night here. As you know we expect to experience extremely dangerous conditions tonight and tomorrow. It is highly likely that many areas will flood with the heavy rains and trees may fall from the high wind speeds. I’ve asked you all to come together for your own safety. After the last earthquake, Eiland and I believe that having everyone together and sharing resources is the best way to deal with the situation. I know that together we can weather whatever this storm throws at us.”
Her speech is met with enthusiastic cheers and whistles. You join in clapping your hands loudly. You haven’t been a resident of Mistria for long, but no other place you’ve lived has ever felt more like home. The sense of community and care from the people here is practically overflowing.
This time Eiland addresses the group, “I know the storm may have some of you on edge, but please try to relax and enjoy each other’s company. We will reconvene in the morning to discuss plans of action and asses any damage. Are there any questions?” He waits for a moment and continues, “Very good. Adeline and I will be here for any concerns you may have. Now, let’s carry on!”
The twins step back and everyone resumes their previous chatter. You take the opportunity to flee from March and spend the rest of the night mingling from table to table, taking comfort in the shared warmth and laughter.
Before you realize it, it’s already nearing midnight. Tables are turned on their sides and moved to the walls, while sleeping bags line the floor. Those with rooms in the inn retire for the night, except for the children who decide sleeping with everyone else is far more fun. Their poorly concealed giggles under blankets mix with various snores throughout the room.
Somehow you end up with your bag beside March. It seems you can’t escape him tonight. You try your best to fall asleep, but with the quieter atmosphere, the howling of the wind is much louder. Occasional cracks fill the air and you wonder if it’s thunder or trees falling. Your mind drifts back to your animals. You hope they aren’t scared. As the clock ticks, you toss and turn.
After what feels like an eternity, a heavy arm falls across your side, holding you in place. You freeze. Was March moving in his sleep? Should you wiggle out of his hold and risk waking him, or just stay still and hope he rolls over? His sleepy voice breaks your questioning. “Stop moving. You’re making it hard to sleep.”
“Sorry,” you whisper, heart pounding.
“Stop thinking and go to sleep,” he orders, voice low and gravelly with exhaustion.
“I’m trying, but I’m worried about my animals,” you admit. He lets out an exasperated sigh. You bite your lip and continue, “The river at the bottom of the field will probably overflow.”
“And what if it does?” he asks, a hint of a challenge in his tone.
“Then I need to be there to do something,” you say.
“Wrong.” His other hand reaches over to flick your forehead. “What are you gonna do against a river?”
“Ugh March!” You hiss quietly. “I don’t know, but I’m sure I could do something.”
“All you would do is put yourself in danger and cause me to have to go stop you from doing something stupid,” he chides pulling you tighter against him. You feel his warm chest against your back as it steadily rises up and down. “You’re always running around getting involved in dangerous things. It’s like you want to make me worry.”
You catch your breath at his admission. “So now you’re worried about me? Okay, who are you and what have you done with March?” you laugh nervously.
“You make it impossible not to worry. You’re always helping out other people, never taking time for yourself. Always trying to show me up.”
“That’s not what I’m trying to do,” you quickly deny. “I just want to help where I can. I’m new here and I want to show everyone I care about this place. You already help everyone in town with your work.”
The air is silent for a moment before you add, “Thank you for worrying about me. It feels nice to know someone does.”
His arms tighten around you, and you wonder if he’ll respond. Finally he huffs out a breath against the top of your head, “You really are oblivious huh? Everyone in this room cares about you. Feels like a competition for your attention every Friday.”
His words bring a blush to your cheeks especially as he adds. “Doesn’t matter though. I always win.” The implications make your head spin. You wonder if this is a dream. But the scent of him, all smoke and iron and a hint of spice fills your nose and the heat of his body like furnace seeps into your bones.
“Are you sure you’re not drunk?” You ask.
His reply is incredulous. “Why would I be drunk?”
“Because that’s the only time you’re nice to me.”
March grumbles something about annoying farmers under his breath, but he doesn’t let go. “Just shut up and go to sleep. You’re not allowed to go outside tomorrow alone. We can check on your farm together in the morning.”
His words bring you a strange sense of comfort. Somehow his presence has managed to calm the fear growing in your mind. Like Olric said, this weather is nothing compared to March. Whatever happens, you feel much more confident meeting it by his side. Giving up, you relax into his hold. Tomorrow morning he would probably be back to his usual aloof self, but for now you would enjoy this closeness. “Okay,” you whisper.
He holds you through the night. And if you feel him gently run his fingers through your hair when he thinks you’re asleep you don’t mention it in the morning. You especially don’t dare to bring up the fact that you heard his whispered confession in the dark, “Of course I like you, you silly girl.”