Chapter Text
Days had gone by, the sun and moon taking shifts back and forth while the earth never sleeps. Fortunately, things had been going through smoothly. Apparently Callahan had decided to mellow down his previous fiery attempts to win Shane as his friend. Nothing could be earned overnight—mostly, at the very least. With that, Shane starts to feel grateful for his life even though it's for the tiniest bit. Who knew that one man could bother you so badly in just a matter of days.
As Shane went through his sad daily routine, Callahan on the other hand, had changed his strategy to win everyone's heart. Starting with having a late-night talk with Willy by the sea dock, laughing at dry dad jokes whilst trying to stay calm enough to not scare the fishes away. Then a small chitchat with Clint, who Callahan seemed to be not very fond of, but he'd do anything to have friends. Then whenever he's not busy, he finds himself drawn into playing around with the children, helping Penny take care of them. While he does have to make a sacrifice such as selling a bit of his dignity away to fulfill the role of a horse for the children, it is still worth it. Role-playing was not his thing, but now with Jas and Vincent, he felt like he's in a fairytale whenever he had his dialogue. As a horse, of course.
Neighhh, or whatever horse sounds like.
The list goes almost endlessly, every single one of it has at least two or three social interactions. He would be lying if he said that it does not drain him. Whenever he returned to his home, taking off his boots then tossed into the corner before then he collapsed face first on the bed. It exhausted him. Yet again, recalling how they all seemed to be smiling around him, that's the reward he had been craving for all those pathetic years behind him.
. . .
His boots stepped into the mud puddle, letting out almost a disgusting squelch that made him look down almost instantly. Sure enough, his previously polished leather boots now soiled in just a few steps. Last night’s downpour left a wet trail and puddles all over the town. Some people frowned because of how messy it looks, while Jas and Vincent seemed to be enjoying jumping from one puddle into another—filling the air with jolly giggles.
He wanted to visit the withered building he had seen a few days ago. It looked almost unrecognizable since the last time he saw it when he was a kid. It felt like just yesterday where the community center was lively and standing strong, a place where he usually finds a safe haven. But now, at the sight of how ruined it is, the walls are crumbling and the flooring barely could support more than a few kilos. It tugged a frown to his lips, brows furrowed as the shine in his eye dimmed for a little.
But there he saw the mayor, standing before the building with his hands behind his back. His expression grim, sorrow written all over it. Despite how he still felt distant around Lewis, he let out a sigh of defeat before then approaching him with deliberate footsteps.
“Good morning,”
“AH?!!”
The mayor shouted and turned sharply behind him, staring up at the farmer with mouth and eyes wide open. Lewis could feel his heart almost drop at the sudden greeting.
“Mister Callahan, a little warning could be useful…”
“Ah… my apologies, sir,” Callahan bowed his head down slightly, before then returned to stand straight—looking back down at the mayor.
Lewis sighed and waved his hand dismissively “Mhm… it's not that serious, really. Just my weak heart, that's all.”
Somehow that response only made Callahan feel more guilty than calm.
“What an eyesore…” Lewis sighed, his voice lowered into barely a whisper, the frustration in his tone hard to miss. As the mayor gazed back up to the building, Callahan came closer and stood right beside him with arms crossed.
The two subconsciously glanced at each other for a moment, before then continued mourning for the building. “This building used to hold so many memories…” Lewis murmured his monologue, “... now it's withered and weak…” he lowered his head as he took a deep breath.
“Mhm,” Callahan could only hum in response, nodding his head slowly. His expression was flat, but his heart also mourned for the ruined building.
“It used to be the pride and the joy of the town… always bustling with activity” Lewis continued, his brows furrowed whilst he tried to accept the situation.
“Mhm…” Callahan nodded. Again.
“Now… look at it. It's shameful.”
“Mmmm…”
Lewis seemed to take notice of Callahan's stagnant reply, his expression turned into a questionable one, but soon he shrugged it off. “But listen to me, I sound like an old fool” Lewis clasped his hands together.
‘Ah, so you do realize,’ Callahan internally spat back. He wouldn't dare to say it out loud.
“Joja corporation has been hounding me to sell them the land so they can turn it into a warehouse…” The mayor closed his eyes tightly, as if retelling a heart wrenching story.
Though, it may sound like a sob story. Yet somehow Callahan didn't feel it touch his heart. Either it was because he had been living away from Pelican city for too long, or that because he was a Joja corporation worker. Still, he does understand why it's so important. He was there. Playing and learning in the community center, keeping his private space right in the corner of the room. He could remember clearly how he used to bring his books to read in the pantry all alone.
He was so lost in his thoughts, recalling sweet memories, that he didn't realise how the mayor was still talking. Lewis's previously tuned out voice gradually came back to him, and he couldn't help but groan internally how the old man was still talking.
“Let's head inside…” Lewis sighed, taking a few steps ahead first as he placed his hands behind him.
The farmer followed after him, not knowing how he could refuse before his body decided to move on its own. As expected, the moment Lewis's foot landed onto the steps, it let out a squeak that sounded like it was close to breaking apart. Yet, the old mayor was still going. Callahan eyed the old steps and flooring, a hint of doubt flickered across his eyes. Soon, he was urged by the sound of the door being unlocked, and he hurriedly caught after Lewis.
Though Lewis was not able to push the door open despite him pushing and turning the knobs with all his might. “Huh, maybe it's jammed” the mayor's lips pressed into a thin line, checking out the door up and down.
“Excuse me,” Callahan gently guided the mayor to step aside before standing before the stubborn door. He turned sideways, bracing his upper arm up. Without wasting any more time, he rammed against the door, each slam causing a loud bang that almost shook the mayor himself.
One slam… Two slam… three slam…
BAM!
The door finally swung open after a few forceful attempts. Callahan let out the breath he had been holding whilst relaxing his arm back down.
The sound of hand clapping caught his attention, then as he glanced to his right, the mayor had a look of admiration plastered across his face. “My, my! I never thought you'd be able to do that,” Lewis complimented with a sweet tone, “Ramming against a thick door as well, normally we would need at least two or three bachelors!” Then Lewis held three of his fingers up.
“The door was stuck before as well?”
“Well, yes. Even before it starts crumbling apart, it is still an old building.”
“Ah…”
Lewis walked into the community center, a wave of nostalgia washed over him upon seeing what's left inside. But the sight of a hut in the corner of the room confused him. He didn't remember it being in there before. “I guess Vincent and Jas must've been playing in here.” Lewis assumed as he took a closer look, rubbing his mustache as he did so.
“How?”
“What do you mean ‘how’, Callahan?”
“The door was jammed. You said it would take two or three bachelors to open.”
“... maybe there is a hole somewhere around here.”
Somehow that assumption does make sense, considering how the building is on the brink of collapsing. Staring at the hut, Callahan also couldn't recall it being there before. It seemed to be standing strong, with leaves as its roof and mud brick for the wall. He'd call that a decent house in fact.
As the mayor continued speaking, Callahan observed his surroundings, hands behind his back. A dry aquarium, floor with holes that could trip anyone, a dusty fireplace, and a green apple looking creature waving innocently at him.
A green apple looking creature waving innocently at him.
He jumped immediately at the sight of it. The words got stuck in his throat as he wanted to say something to Lewis about what is right behind him. Meanwhile, Lewis's expression fell into a concerned one. He tilted his head, now even more confused as to why the farmer looked like he'd seen a ghost.
“What?” Lewis then turned to check what was behind him, and the creature disappeared into thin air before he could even notice.
Seeing nothing out of place, Lewis slowly panned back to Callahan. “What's the matter? Are you ill?” He asked with full of worry.
Callahan pointed back to where it once stood, his face froze into a shocked one still. Lewis could only comply and once again, turned to check what was wrong. “You saw something? Hmm… I wouldn't be surprised if this place was full of rats.” Lewis chuckled to ease the moment.
Callahan shook his head, then was about to turn and leave.
Until it showed up in front of him again. ‘Yoba…’ he whined internally—eye twitching with a flabbergasted feeling.
. . .
Shane wiped the sweat beads on his forehead with his arm with one swipe, blowing out the heavy breath he held. “Goodness! You're really fast!” He laughed in amusement, panting heavily as he proudly gazed down at Jas.
“Hehe! That's because Miss Penny taught me to keep exercising! Do you know I can do forty jumps with my jump rope?”
“Forty?! How?”
Shane gasped, his hands cupping his own cheeks dramatically—while Jas smirked with a smug. She crossed her arms, lifting her chin in the air with a small snicker. “It's a secret!” She lifted her index finger, swaying it left and right before then sticking her tongue out at Shane.
“Come on! Tell me, please?”
“No no!”
The two walked past Haley’s house whilst continuing their chitchat.
“Pretty please?”
“It's a secret!”
“Awh, shucks”
Jas giggled as Shane stomped his feet, pouting his lips to exaggerate his act. But then she spotted someone sitting by the bench all alone. Tall, tough, yet awkward looking man, none other than the farmer himself, Callahan. He seemed to be pondering over something, his gaze glued to the stone tiles as he fidgeted with his fingers.
While Jas got curious, Shane on the other hand got irritated instead. Out of all the time he would cross paths with Callahan, why must now.
Jas shot a look up to Shane, her tiny hand caught onto the hem of his sleeve. “Uncle Shane, don't you think he looks lonely?” She pitifully took a quick glance at Callahan, then back to Shane.
“Eh… maybe he wants to be alone,”
“How would you know?”
“Just trust me, alright?”
Jas doubted him clearly, it was all written on her face. She shook her head disapproving, then without another word, she let go of Shane's sleeve before running towards Callahan. Shane's attempt to catch her was lost when he slipped to grab her arm. Now, he could only accept his fate. He stuffed his hands into his hoodie pocket, grumbling underneath his breath.
She waved at Callahan widely, shouting his name from afar “Uncle Callahan!”.
‘Uncle? Already?’ Shane was taken aback, nose scrunching in disbelief.
Hearing a familiar voice, Callahan barely lifted his gaze up—let alone his head, until he saw the little girl running after him. He fixed his posture, his previous fidgeting fingers and bouncing leg stopped almost in an instant. The distressed gloomy expression he had melted into a sweet smile. “Jas…” He mentioned her name with a strained voice.
Her smile brightened as she heard her name left from Callahan's lips. She stopped running swiftly, then instead, jumped right towards Callahan. He was startled, nonetheless, but his reflexes caught on perfectly and he opened his arms to embrace Jas. He let out a small grunt, listening to how the little girl giggling and squirming around to be free. Gently, he let go of her after the brief hug, then asked gently “What are you doing?”.
“Me and uncle Shane were hogging!”
“It'a 'jogging’, Jas,” Shane corrected, standing right behind her as he finally caught after her.
“Oopsie! I mean jogging!” she covered her mouth as she giggled.
Callahan nodded with a small chuckle, reaching out his hand to pat her head. “That sounds very good, good job.” Despite his sweet compliment, his tone was off into a flat—almost exhausted one. Which had the little girl tilt her head with curiosity.
She stopped Callahan's hand from patting her, grabbing onto his wrist with both hands before she pried it away from her. “What is wrong, uncle Callahan?”
“Ah…” he cleared his throat, “Wrong is when something is incorrect or not true!” he held his finger up, his voice sounded a little more bubbly.
While that made Jas shook her head at the cliché joke, it almost had Shane laughing for a brief second. Luckily he caught onto himself before he could even let out a snort.
“No! What is wrong with you?” She crossed her arms, his cheeks puffed as he pouted.
“I don't understand what you're talking about” Callahan shrugged whilst he kept playing dumb.
“Uncle Callahan!”
The farmer giggled as he watched the little girl getting frustrated, then soon apologised to her quickly.
Then there is Shane, blending in the background—not saying a single word. He couldn't wait to walk away and continue with his activity. He could pull Jas away, or pretend to have a stomachache after having too much beer last night. The longer he stood still, the more ideas popped up in his head to get out of this scenario. Even with all those strategies in mind, he didn't move. Perhaps it was because seeing his goddaughter trying to help someone warms his heart so much, or perhaps it was because Callahan actually seems to be tolerable today. It has to be the way Callahan manages to shift Jas’s attention flawlessly while keeping her entertained. It soothes his heart to see the two laughing with each other.
“Woowie! Uncle Shane!” Jas's sudden gasp startled him for a second. “Did we turn off the stove?” Simple question, but enough to silence everyone for a moment.
“Oh, no…” Realisation washed over Shane.
“Oh no!” Jas squealed.
“Oh no,” Callahan stiffened.
Jas sprinted towards Shane, grabbing his sleeve. She turned back to take a glance at Callahan before waving him off “See you later, Uncle Callahan!” She yelled while dragging Shane with her.
Callahan waved back at them, “See you!”.
While Shane,
Shane looked back for a brief second, his lips tight shut as words got stuck in his throat. He ran back towards the ranch whilst holding Jas's hand, then inside his mind. ‘See you later,”
. . .
Then later came sooner than he thought,
Way too soon for him to adjust.
There the farmer was, still sitting by the bench in front of the saloon, keeping that posture the same way before Jas called out to him. It was like he was frozen in time. Somehow, it bothers him so much. Shane knew that he sometimes went too far, but he couldn't help it. How else was he supposed to protect himself without actually pushing away what he sees as a threat.
But again, seeing Callahan like this, he wondered. Perhaps this is his fault?
The thought of drinking beer in the saloon drifted away like a stick in a river. His body moved by itself, taking steps closer and closer to the farmer. Just once, just this time only. At least he hoped it would be.
“Hey,” Shane gruffly called out, standing just a few steps away from Callahan.
This is just a repayment for all the time Callahan wasted his time on him. For all those pizzas and the time Callahan spent to help babysitting Jas.
“Hm?” Callahan simply huffed, his palms supporting his lowered head.
“What is wrong with you?”
“Nothing… wait-”
Callahan snapped his head up, his eyes widened in surprise. The sudden reaction had Shane taken aback for a moment—he didn't expect for the man to pull another stunt. He grimaced internally, already regretting his decision.
“You spoke to me first.”
“I guess,”
“...”
Shane gazed at him, scratching the back of his head. “You didn't answer me,” he scoffed, turning his focus back to the saloon. As much as he wanted to leave, he's already too deep into this.
“I have spotted a supernatural creature that took the shape similar to an apple.” Callahan explained in detail briefly, his tone flat and his gaze somewhat empty for a split second. This brought Shane's face into another puzzled expression—the corner of his eye twitching lightly. He wasn't sure how to properly react, let alone say anything to that. At some point he began to suspect that the farmer was starting to lose his mind.
Callahan scooted aside for a little, patting the empty spot beside him for Shane to take a seat on. While it does seem nice, Shane flatly refused by shaking his head. The farmer took it lightly, not forcing him into sitting down and instead, staring back down to the ground with that same empty look.
“Are you serious?” Shane started to question. The way the Callahan looked so bewildered and empty headed made him start to wonder.
Callahan nodded, bouncing his leg nervously “In the community center, it appeared twice.”
“Huh… ‘mkay,”
“Mhm.”
Then the awkwardness made the atmosphere feel thick. Accompanied with the sound of Callahan's boot tapping rapidly on the ground, sounds of chattering and jukebox music muffled in the saloon, and the flicker, and the faint rustle front bushes after it was hit with a gentle breeze of wind. For the first time ever, Shane wanted to start a conversation with Callahan. Much preferably a decent and short one as he has a glass of beer waiting for him.
He looked around his surroundings, was met with nothing but the darkness that was enveloping the town. “How was…” it almost took everything inside him to complete his sentence.
“How was your day?”
“Great.”
The way Callahan answered it so quickly felt like it was practiced for over thousands of times. Obviously, Shane wasn't particularly satisfied with the answer, but didn't bother to complain or push the matter further. While Callahan, seeing the small crease of unsatisfactory flashed across Shane's face suddenly made him stiffen. “Thank you for asking,” the farmer soon added “How was yours?”
“It's not your business.”
“Oh, I'm sorry,”
“Whatever.”
Silence once again. Shane considered turning and walking away, but something stopped him from doing so. He wasn't sure what or why. The more he took note of Callahan's unreadable demeanor, the more he started to think this was all pointless. “I guess I'll just, y'know…” Shane slowly withdrew himself, taking one each step closer towards the saloon.
“How is Jas?"
Callahan stared at Shane, clueless as to what Shane was trying to do.
“Huh, well, she's fine.”
“The stove?”
“Already turned off apparently, we just forgot and are unsure.”
A relieved sigh escaped from the farmer's lips, his tense shoulders relaxing for the slightest amount. “That's good.” He simply shrugged, his voice almost drowned out by the sound in the background.
“... Thank you for talking to me,”
“Huh?”
Shane froze in place, hesitant to continue doing what he was doing. “Why?” he managed to ask, one brow raising—eyes slightly squinted.
‘It made me relieved,’ Callahan replied in his head, but the word that he voiced came out differently. “Why not.”