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Chapter Text

It was simple; graduate after four years of studying and working her ass off to get her degree in photography, settle down with her boyfriend, get a good paying job, and live it up in New York City. She was surrounded by hard working and successful people, what more could she ever want or need?

Ari found herself at a bar in an uptown part of NYC. Her head was tilted back as she downed her second shot. A strong arm secured itself around her waist, laughing deeply into her ear, “Ari, you just offered to buy all our friends drinks. Don’t you think it’s too much?” The voice said teasingly, nipping at her ear as she giggled. 

“My parents have all the money in the world to let me have this moment, Derrick.” Ari replied, “Although, I wish they had stayed for my graduation ceremony longer, but they had to rush to make it in time for their cruise.” She turned into the arms of the brown haired man so he could hold her in his arms. His hair was medium length, wavy, and his dark almost black eyes kept her in a trance.

“I’m sure they’re proud of you, let them enjoy their vacation in the Bahamas.” He pulled her close, “Now I can enjoy you~”

Ari let out a laugh, letting him pepper kisses along her cheek, “You might as well, you’re going to California for work and I’m staying here. You’ll never have as much time to be with me like this. Are you sure long distance is the right thing for us?”

“I’m sure you will come around and decide to leave this uptight noisy city for the green scenery in Cali.” He replied, kissing her chastly, “You’ll miss me too much to leave me for that long.”

“I don’t know about that.” Ari pushed him off a little, a smug look on her face, “Maybe you’ll be the one to miss the big city.”

He opened his mouth to retort, until a blonde girl ran over and grabbed Ari by the arm, “Ari! We need you for our next game. Come play cards with us, everyone knows you’re the best at poker!”

“Okay, alright!” Ari leans off Derrick, giving him a grin, “I’ll catch you later. I’ll see you in my apartment when I get back.” She stands on her tiptoes, giving him a chaste kiss before turning away, “Okay, Pen, you wanted to do cards so I’ll show you how it’s done!”

XxXxXx

Ari and her best friend Penelope were walking down the streets of the city to their shared apartment. Their arms linked, their giggles loud and bodies warm from the alcohol. Penelope turned and wiggled her eyebrows at her friend, “So, miss pinky, are you and Derrick gonna get lucky tonight?”

“Pen!” Ari lighty shoved Derrick, “You know we aren’t like that. I love him to death, but he made it clear he wants to wait a year before doing the deed. You know how serious he is about it.”

“Ugh, he’s such a stickler Ari!” Penelope rolled her eyes, “Seriously, do they expect all women to just wait around that long? Seriously, I couldn't even go a week without getting laid!”

“Well, some people can and some people can’t.” Ari said, “Besides, my drive isn’t all that high anyway. I’m too busy looking for the next thing to take pictures of!” 

“You’re so lucky,” Penelope groaned, “You have such a good boyfriend, and parents with money, and a successful future. Meanwhile I need a sugar daddy.”

“Penelope, you just got your degree in marketing, don’t you think that means something?”

“Well, yeah, but your job sounds much more fun than mine will be!”

As the two turn a corner, they see the front of their house lit up with lights. Two patrol cars with their lights on flashed brightly, and they could see two officers standing up at the door, talking with Derrick. At the sight of Ari, he points towards her, and a sinking feeling drops into her gut. 

“What the fuck is going on?” Penelope asked, keeping Ari close to her.

“I don’t know,  but let’s go find out.”

The two girls make their way across the street, their heels clicking loudly as they approach the uniformed men on their porch.

“Derrick, what’s going on?” Ari asked, looking anxiously between him and the other two. There's a somber look on Derrick’s face as he shakes his head, retreating back into the house.

“Are you Miss Ari Prescott?” One uniformed man asked as he stepped forward, “We need to talk to you.”

“Yes, I am.” Ari raised an eyebrow, “What is this about?”

“Miss Prescott, this is not good news to share. We may want to head inside so you can sit.” He said strongly, “Is this your friend? It would be good to have someone here for you.”

“No way are you guys coming into our place,” Penelope said defensively, “I have no idea what you could possibly be thinking to assume we’d just let you in here-”

“Pen-” Ari cut her off warningly, “Stop that,” She turned to the officer, eyeing his badge, “Officer Baron? Let’s go inside please. Don’t mind her, she has a traumatic history with police officers.” Ari all but dragged Penelope inside, who was fighting her friend and pulling back the entire time. After getting Penelope to calm down the two sat on the couch, the officers sat on chairs opposite of them. 

“Miss Prescott, you parents were in a very bad car wreck about three hours ago.” Officer Baron said simply, “I’m so sorry to be the one to tell you, but they didn’t make it.”

Ari’s world came crashing down, her face paled and her voice shook, “No, that can’t be true, they should have been on a cruise-”

The other officer spoke up, but gently, “It turns out they missed their cruise so they had turned around to come back. They were hit by a drunk driver and passed away instantly. We are so sorry for your loss at this time, but we needed to discuss something more important with you.”

“What could be more important than her parents dying?” Penelope shouted at him, arms wrapping around her friend comfortingly. Ari’s eyes began to fill with tears, “There’s worse news?”

The officer hesitated, then nodded, “I’m not sure if you’re aware of Miss Prescott, but…” He pulled out some papers, “It seems your parents, in their will, originally left everything to you on the premise of some conditions. However, those conditions haven’t been met yet, and so they’ve put you under a conservatorship for a woman named Elsie Lawrence. Apparently she was your mothers friend, and from here on out she will be making all of your decisions for you medically and financially.”

“A what?!” Penelope shouted and stood up angrily, “But she is a grown woman! An adult! She shouldn’t be under a conservatorship!”

“I, I don’t understand?” Ari asked quietly, “What conditions did I not meet? Did I do something wrong?”

Officer Baron cleared his throat, taking the papers from the other uniformed man and turning back to Ari, “While I love and spoil my one and only daughter, she is ravenous and recklessly spends our money and lives lavish lifestyles that, without our support, she wouldn’t be able to afford. We fear leaving her everything after we die would be detremental to her financially and she would not make the best decisions. Therefore, unless she is over the age of thirty and able to provide for herself without overdoing expenses, we have made the decision to hand her over her care to Mrs. Elsie Lawrence, residing in Mistria, a small town in Maine, ” He starts pulling out bank statements from an envelope, “Included, there are dozens of billing statements. $10,000 in Chanel transactions, $20,000 in Louis Vuitton, and on this Lamborghini you spent-”

“Alright, enough, I get it.” Ari’s tears fell, “I get it. I have no parents and no money. So what’s going to happen to me?” 

The officers eyed each other, dreading the next response before Baron sighed, “Mrs. Elsie will be here tomorrow at noon to sign some document papers. A packing and moving company will come here to pack up all of your belongings in the morning, so I’d go ahead and have anything that belongs to your boyfriend or your roommate here and put it somewhere separate. You should pack a backpack with traveling clothes in it as whenever all our legal proceedings are done, you and Elsie will fly out of here and go to Maine. Whatever happens after that will be Mrs. Lawrence's decision.”

“This is insane!” Penelope stormed out of the room, “Treating her like a fucking CHILD!”

Ari felt herself grow distant, her eyes dropping as she turned away from the officers, “Okay, I understand. Thank you for the information.”

“Yes,” both officers stood, “Again, ‘we’re sorry for your loss.” Baron patted her on the shoulder, “I shall return in the morning to help with the transition and to escort you wherever you need to go until Mrs. Elsie arrives. Please do reach out if you need anything else before then.” 

Ari’s eyes kept to the ground until she heard the front door open and shut behind them. Only after they fully left did she break down in tears, sliding onto the floor and clutching her hands to her face as tears continued to spill. She felt arms wrap around each side of her, and her body shook in response. Everything was going to change and she didn’t want it.

XxXxXxXx

The next few days had flown by for Ari. Her mind was blank and her body and soul diassociated from everything and everyone. Penelope was angry for her, and at her. Ari was in so much shock she wasn’t registering any feelings, and Penelope tried pulling them out of her and when she couldn't, Penelope gave up. Ari had all but broke it off with Derrick, even though Derrick had insisted on staying together through everything, Elsie had already made the decision for her to leave Derrick for her, telling her that it would do nothing but hurt her more if he couldn’t be there for her physically.

Elsie was… nice. Nice, but stern. She was in her late 40’s, and surprisingly as someone who was from a farmland in the middle of nowhere dressed like she was a socialite in the big city. She had short and wavy, pastel lilac hair. She had showed up in a long sleeve, figure hugging velvety pink dress. A matching neck scarf with some lighter polka dots on it adorned her neck and she had golden teardrop earrings. 

When she first saw Ari, she gave her the biggest, tightest hug and told her how she hadn’t seen her since she was a baby, and that she looked so much like her mom did when they were in college together. It broke a piece of Ari more, and she fought hard to push her feelings down and away. 

But Elsie was.. Herself, and it made things easier for Ari. Everyone else in her circle tried to pressure her to talk about what she was going through, and Elsie was just talking about any and everything under the sun. On the plane to Maine, after effectively ending her relationship with her boyfriend and friendship with Penelope, she had learned much about her new guardian. Elsie met her parents in New York City, and was very close to them even after they went their own ways after school. Elsie used to be what nowadays people would call a hoe and had many stories of businessmen and blue collar men she wooed. Ari lost count of how many men Elsie had mentioned; Frederick, Dev, some Count, Rodrigo… There were too many to remember.

Ari and Elsie stepped off their plane in Maine, and Ari looked around, “So, uh, is one of your charming guys going to pick us up here?”

“Oh, child no!” Elsie grinned, “I drove my car here and just parked it in overnight parking. I had to pay for it but it’s no matter!” She grabbed her backpack, before looking down at Ari’s backpack, carry-on, and oversized suitcase. Ari chose the wrong day to wear her brown knee high heeled boots. Ari paled and looked around, “Should we flag down a busboy?”

“Oh, Ari…” Elsie laughed, “I’ll help you with that suitcase.” The older woman picked up the heavier suitcase, and Ari had to blink at the muscles that peeked out from the women's long sleeve shirt. Then she flushed in embarrassment, “It’s no worry girl, let’s get going!”

After packing all their things into Elsie’s older Sedan, the two got in the car and Elsie grinned, “What kind of music do you like, dear? We’ve got an hour's drive to Mistria so we’ll need it. What kinda music do you young people listen to these days?”

“Oh, uh-” Ari flushed, “I don’t know about that-”

“Oh, I’m no prude! Go on!” Elsie hands her an aux cable, “Play something, I swear I don’t judge!”

“ Ahem -” Ari gently took the cord, plugging it into her phone, then proceeding to play a song that had a few, quick beats that were low and deep. Elsie began bobbing her head, “Ooh I could get used to this-”

That's my best friend, she a real bad bitch
Got her own money, she ‘on’t need no nig’

On the dance floor, she had two-three drinks

Now she twerkin’, she throw it out and come back in

“Oop!” Elsie stopped for a second, eyes wide, but then she went with it, turning the volume up, “Ooooh I could have danced to this back in the day!” She buckled up and Ari cautiously began to grab her belt ‘this feels like a test’

XxXxXxXx

Ari never thought her life could change so abruptly. Just a month ago, her biggest worry was preparing for her final semester of college, surrounded by the hum of New York City. Now, she stood at the edge of a gravel driveway, staring up at a manor of marble in rural Maine. A place she never imagined she’d end up.

Her parents were gone, lost in a car wreck that had robbed her of her parents and freedom and everything in it. The sudden tragedy left her abandoned, and with no other choise, she’d been forced to accept the offer of her mother’s old college roommate until she could prove she was worth the conservatorship being lifted.

Elsie turned to smile at Ari as they stepped on the porch. "Welcome to Mistria," she said with a smile. She’d spoken fondly of Ari’s mother during their trip home, giving some insight into her mom that Ari didn’t know about. However, they hadn’t been close in years. Her parents took lots of trips to cruises that didn’t have international phone coverage, so they didn’t speak as much.

Ari dragged her suitcase up the porch steps, the wheels thumping against the uneven wood. "Thanks, Elsie," she said softly. "I… I appreciate this."

Ellie waved her hand dismissively. "It’s not a problem dear! I can finally show someone my collection of books."

Ari took in the view of the manor. From the outside, there was the main building, and on each side of the main building was a tree with a smaller building on it. The front doors were bright red, and the long driveway was surrounded by a white picket fence. Around the manor was a flat, beautiful green lawn. Ari smiled, a sad but soft smile. Maybe this would be a good change, some fresh air and some space. She absolutely needed the quiet.

After walking through the manor, Elsie stood in the front room. A beautiful rug, red and gold, covered the middle of the room. Pots of plants and vases were in the corners of the room, with candlesticks nearby to light up the room. In the back left corner was a gold couch with red satin cushions, a brown coffee table with white linen lining cover accessorized it. In the back right corner was a beautiful gold piano, a red table liner going across it with some spring flowers in a small vase on top. Ari’s eyebrows rose, did Elsie play the piano? She had no idea she was into music. 

“Your home… is beautiful.” Ari whispered, taking in the red and gold aesthetics of the room.

“Oh, thank you, I worked very hard for it.” Elsie winked. She motioned to the many doors in the manor, “If you go straight, you’ll find the kitchen. To the left and right are my niece and nephews offices. They’re normally out all the time for work, so sometimes they’re here and sometimes they’re not. Upstairs is my room, and their bedrooms.” She walked towards the dining room door, “Your room is actually a bit of a surprise. Come with me!”

Ari nodded, picking up the pace as she walked behind Elsie. Past the dining room door was another door that led to the backyard. Ari gasped at the huge fields of wheat and produce that aligned the backyard. In the very far distance she could see some cows and chickens. There was a medium farmhouse out there as well. It was a beautiful aesthetic white color and Elsie grinned, “That’s where we’re going. Come on!”

The farmhouse was cozy but cluttered, every corner filled with old photographs, mismatched furniture, and books stacked high. Ari’s room had once been Elsie’s art studio, the walls still adorned with half-finished canvases and photographs clipped to strings. She felt like an intruder in someone else’s world. “I’m sorry it’s so messy here, but theres a loft upstairs with a bed that I had made for you. You have somewhere to sleep. And I’ve heard you’re doing photography so use up this ole art studio as you need it.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Elsie,” Ari whispered quietly, “It’ll be nice to have somewhere to think and create.”

“Of course, I’ll give you the rest of the night to unsettle. If you’re hungry just help yourself to the kitchen. Oh, and before I go-” Elsie put something down on the counter, “Here’s a spare key in case you ever need to get in and out. I have a habit of locking the doors everytime I open one, so you should keep that with you.”

“Thank you…” Ari whispered, “For everything.”

“Of course, dear,” Elsie gave her a smile, “Goodnight!” She turned and walked out the farmhouse door and Ari sighed. She took off her shoes, placing them carefully next to the stairs. She took each of her bags upstairs, one at a time, and began unpacking them into the dresser and wardrobe that Elsie had emptied out for her. After quickly changing into jammies, she went to explore the rest of the farm house. She found a sitting area with some fake plants in them, and found the bathroom with a simple stand-in shower in it, nothing like the luxurious open, two headed shower she had back in her high up penthouse.

After a while, she sunk into her mattress. The lights were off, and she checked her phone. She saw she had a few missed calls from Penelope, she messaged her to let her know she had just landed a bit ago and was just now climbing into bed. Pen quickly messaged her back.

“Did you check Derrick’s Insta?”

Ari frowned, “No?”

She pulled up her ex-boyfriends Instagram, and on it he had deleted all of the pictures of her and him together. Instead, he had made a simple post saying that he was going to be taking a break from social media to focus on his future and moving forward with his life. Ari sighed, she wanted to do the same. Even if it made her sad, she wanted the best for him, and didn't want to hold him back. Her eyes closed, and she let sleep take hold of her.

Chapter Text

Mistria was a stark contrast to the city. It was quiet—too quiet. The streets were lined with mom-and-pop shops, and everyone seemed to know everyone else's business. Ari had to go with Elsie the next morning into town to run errands, and according to Elsie, it would take a while for Ari’s Lambo to arrive in Mistria. So she hopped into the Sedan’s passenger seat, Elsie in the driver's seat, and they began the ten minute drive into town. While people here were kind, it seemed many of them knew her father for some strange reason. Ari couldn’t walk down the main street without being stopped by someone offering condolences for him and his passing or the curious and pitiful stares.

Elsie had taken the time to introduce her to Colt and Nora, who were the grocery store owners. A little girl with blonde hair also ran around the store, her name was Dell and she was excited to be starting kindergarten the following fall with her friends. However, she didn’t like the idea of giving up her freedom for the Dragon Guard .

“What’s the Dragon Guard?” Ari had asked, getting down to Dell’s level as she spoke softly to her.

“It’s a small, secret group of me and my friends, and we keep the town safe.” Dell placed one foot forward and put it on a box, pulling out her toy sword and pointing it towards the air, “But how will we protect the town if we’re stuck at school?”

After much time in the store, and running to the bank, the two finally headed back to the manor. Ari thought that the day had been easy, but as night approached, her thoughts began to affect her again. The night seemed difficult because they were quiet. The silence pressed on her like a weight, and her nightmares were haunted by fire and smoke, and the image of her parents. During her first night, she woke up gasping, her chest tight with panic. And so, Ari worried about sleeping again. She fought to sleep hard, not wanting to see the images that caused her to wake up in terror every night.

One evening, she sat across from her guardian in the dining room, sipping on some tea, dread filling her as the clock hit 8. It was almost time for her to retire to bed, but she didn’t want too. Her eyes met Elsie’s, and the older woman noticed the dark circles under Ari’s tired eyes. Elsie was a saint. Elsie, sensitive to her grief, never pressed her to talk about it. Instead, she let Ari have her space, offering small gestures of comfort—a cup of tea, a warm blanket, or even baking some cookies as a comfort snack. That night however, Elsie had a gift for Ari as she put an old, rustic brown box in front of her.

Ari took the box curiously, before opening it and seeing a camera inside, "Your mom and I used to take this everywhere," she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "She always had an eye for beauty, even in the smallest things. Maybe it’ll help you process everything, dear."

Ari took the camera hesitantly. Photography had been her mom’s passion, and that was a trait that seemed to pass down into Ari. But with little else to do, she vowed to begin exploring the town and surrounding woods. She swore to snap photos of whatever caught her eye—a curious fox, sunlight filtering through leaves, the peeling paint of an old barn. Whatever she could do with her moms camera, she would do it.

Through the lens, Mistria started to reveal its charm. The next time Ari had gone into town without Elsie, everyone seemed to look at her less with pity and more with excitement. Mrs. Nora would buy any produce that Ari would bring from Elsie’s farm, and also give her a small treat in return. Sometimes it was cake, and a different time it had been some coffee. She met a few random people along the way; Cal, the quiet mechanic who fixed Elsie’s Sedan once, who gave her a discount because that woman is just magic, and always seemed to have dirt-smudged hands.

When Ari brought it up to Elsie and asked her what that was about, Elsie just winked. ‘ I've had so many magical nights I can’t remember which one in particular he’s referring to.’

That night, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Ari found herself sitting on the back porch with Elsie, her legs dangling off the porch swing. The camera sat on her lap, its strap wrapped around her fingers.

"Elsie," she began, her voice hesitant. "Did my mom ever… talk about this place? About wanting to slow down?"

Elsie took a sip of her tea, her gaze distant. "Your mom loved the city, but she always missed the simpler things. She’d write me letters about wanting to come back someday, to show you what it was like to live somewhere where people take care of each other."

Ari nodded, her chest tightening. She thought of her parents, of the life they’d built and the dreams they’d left behind. Maybe this town, this quiet life, was a way to honor them. Slowly, Ari began to feel a sense of belonging she hadn’t expected.

“I miss them.” Ari whispered, “I didn’t realize I’d lose them so fast.”

Somberly, Elsie replied, “We never do realize how quickly life can take away the things we care about.”

The two sat in a sad silence, and just once, Ari leaned her head onto Elsie’s shoulder and let her feelings take over.

XxXxXxXx

The next morning, Elsie was quite bright and cheery. Eggs were frying in one pan and bacon in the other. Ari giggled, “Good morning, what’s got you so happy today?”

“I haven’t told you about them yet, but I figured I’d let you know that my adopted sons are coming to visit,” She smiled at Ari, “They lost their parents young, so I’ve had them since they were… gosh feels like forever now.” She used some tongs to flip over some bacon, “I think Olric was sixteen when I took him in,March was fourteen. But March is your age and Olric is two years older, and I think you’ll all get along just fine.”

“Oh…” Ari nervously looked at her feet, “Um, I didn’t know you had sons. Just a niece and nephew. When will they be here?”

“They’ll be here tomorrow,” she said, stirring a pot of soup. “Olric’s taking a few days off work at the mines, and March is coming home for the weekend from trade-school.”

Ari paused as she opened the fridge door, panic settling in fast. She hadn’t realized Elsie had kids. The house was so full of Elsie’s personality—her art, her books, the very rich decor—that there hadn’t been any sign of anyone else. What if they didn’t like her? What if they chased her away?

“You just don’t have any signs of male life here,” Ari found herself forcing a laugh.

Elsie chuckled. “I used too when they were young, but Olric is in his mid-twenties, works in town, has a place of his own. March is twenty-two and finishing up trade school. Blacksmithing and welding—takes after his dad with all that metalwork.”

“That’s… cool,” Ari said, but her stomach twisted. It had been hard enough adjusting to Elsie’s world. The thought of two strangers entering it made her uneasy.

Elsie turned towards her, a bowl of bacon and eggs in hand, “Want some waffles? Or I can grab some cherries off the tree outside?”

“I’m-I’m okay,” Ari most certainly was not , “I’ll be fine with just this, thank you.”

“Anytime dear,” Elsie grinned, “I’m gonna go take care of the animals, so I’ll be back in a bit. My hired farm help couldn’t make it today so I’ve got some work to catch up on. You just rest up and relax.”

“Oh-o.. okay.” Ari stared down at her food as the door shut softly. Ari put the fork up to her mouth, the eggs were soft and yummy.

I should have offered to help her, she’s been so kind and nice to me. Ugh, I’m so stupid.

After finishing breakfast, Ari cleaned up after herself and decided to take her moms camera to go out for a walk to take some pictures. She had been out for a good while now, her camera snapping pictures of birds nesting in some trees with their babies, or a racoon half asleep in a hole in a tree. She giggled as she watched its stomach move up and down with its paw over its stomach, reminding her of the way her dad looked after eating a good hearty dinner her mom made.

The memory made tears well up in her eyes, and she rubbed them away quickly. No , she couldn’t cry here, she needed to go-

She stood up too quickly, her feet caught from under her as she slipped forward. Her arms instinctively wrapped around her own torso to keep her moms camera safe. She braced for impact as a strong arm wrapped around her, stopping her fall.

“Huh?” Ari asked out loud. She looked up and saw a tall man with short, combed over dark hair. He looked down at her with worry, “Are you okay?”

He pulled her up quickly and she blinked up at him. He wore a faded flannel shirt and some work boots, some dark denim jeans hugged his muscular legs and she tore herself away from him. Her cheeks flushed, he was nothing but muscle.

“Um, yes, I’m fine, thanks for the save.” She whispered.

His worried look quickly shifted into a childish, happy one as a bright grin broke out on his face, “Well, that’s great, I’m glad you’re okay!” Ari felt herself relax at his kind tone and turned back around to look at him and let her guard down, “By chance are you Ari?”

Ari nodded again, and, was it possible for his grin to get bigger?

“Oh, great!,” He stuck out his hand, “I’m Olric! Nice to meet you.”

Oh.
Oh.

She shook his hand back, noting the strength in his grip. “Mom’s been talking about you. Said you’ve been helping her out around here. That’s good to hear.”

“She’s been helping me more than I’ve been helping her,” Ari admitted.

Olric grinned. “That’s mom for you.”

His easygoing nature immediately put Ari at ease, she relaxed and he looked at her, “You got anything you need help carrying back to the house? March and mom are cooking dinner, they’ve been waiting for you so I came out to find you.”

“Wait,” Ari choked, “You’re both here? I thought you weren’t getting here till tomorrow?”

“We decided to surprise mom.” He laughed, “And you too. I hope it didn’t startle you.”

“No, I just was trying to prepare myself and find more time cause I-” Ari stiffened, “Wanted to prepare myself to meet you properly.”

“You just need to be you.” Olric said, running his hands over the top of her head and giving it a gentle ruffle, “Come on, let’s get going. You can meet my little brother.”

“Ok…” She said, She felt more confident, if Olric was this kind then March must be kind too!

XxXxXxXx

The atmosphere changed the moment that Olric and Ari walked into the dining room. She caught sight of March as he was walking back into the kitchen, and she felt her breath leave her He was tall like Olric, his frame leaner but still strong, his red hair messy and pulled back with a bandana, as if he hadn’t bothered to comb it. He wore a scowl that seemed permanently etched on his face and for a moment she was worried.

Olric pulled out a seat, motioning for her to sit, “Here Ari, sit here.”

“Oh, okay.” Ari immediately took a seat, just as March came back out with a basket of warm rolls in hand and a pot of noodles in the other. He stopped once he saw Olric pushing the girl's seat in, and his eyes set on her as he quickly put the food on the table. He grimaced.

“You must be Ari,” he said flatly, not bothering to extend a hand.

Ari blinked, taken aback by his tone. “Yeah. And you’re March?”

He grunted in response, turning his back to her and walking back into the kitchen. His voice was audible as he snarked, “Didn’t think Mom would start taking in strays.”

Elsie could be heard moving around in the kitchen, a loud gasp left her, “March, don’t be rude.”

“What? I’m just saying it’s weird,” he said, his voice louder so Ari could hear him from the dining room, his hands grabbing a soda from the fridge, “Why are you stuck with some spoiled princess?”

Ari’s cheeks burned, but she refused to let him see her flustered. Her anger took over, masking over her sadness as she stood up quickly, bolting into the kitchen, “Excuse you, you, you jerk!” She stormed towards him, standing in front of him and glaring, “I didn’t ask to be here,” she said coolly.

March raised an eyebrow but said nothing, retreating to the dining room with his drink. Ari felt herself grow red, how dare he talk shit about her then run like a dog!

“I’m sorry Ari, I didn’t know he’d react like that.” Elsie whispered, “March … well. I don’t know what to say. He definitely isn’t my easiest child.”

At dinner, Ari and March sat across from each other. Olric sat next to Ari, talking to her about his job at the mines and asking her about school and what the big city was like. Ari gave small, simple answers. She was trying to divide her attention between entertaining Olric and glaring at the awful man who sat across from her. March just sneered as he stabbed his fork into his pasta and Ari matched his energy. Elsie cleared her throat, “You two, please do remember that Ari is a guest but also a permanent resident of this place now and you are to treat her like a human being.” Her eyes shot towards March, “Be. Nice.”

He wanted to argue in response, eyes narrowing at Ari instinctually but Elsie raised her voice again, “March, raise your eyebrows, boy.”

March groaned, raising his eyebrows to make him come off less vile, “Better?”

“Very.” Elsie quipped.

The rest of dinner passed by in silence, and Ari was thankful for that. Her heart was pounding and the adrenaline that ran through her was making her want to say some awful mean things.

After dinner, Ari had decided to stay behind and clean up and do dishes, since Elsie and March helped cook and set up dinner. Olric said he’d help her in a second.

After setting two clean plates on the counter, Ari was working on a third when she heard footsteps behind her. She laughed, “Olric, I have no idea how you and that absolute buffoon are related. I can’t believe how rude he is, he’s got some stick up his ass you know-” She continued her rant until the glass in her hand reflected something red in the background. She shut her mouth instantly, hands fixated on scrubbing harder and she heard a grunt behind her.

“Oh, no, city girl , continue.” She heard the venom in March’s voice, “I’d like to hear more of what you have to say about me.”

Ari bit her tongue, “I thought you were someone else-”

“Of course you did, cause little city girls don’t have the courage to say shit to people’s faces do they?” He was picking a fight, and she heard him step closer, “If you’ve got something to say about me then turn the fuck around.”

Ari saw red, spinning on her heels to spew some more venom but luckily Olric had walked in at the right time. He stepped between them and instantly put a shoulder on March’s shoulder, “March, bro not cool-”

“No, Olric, I started it.” Ari spoke up, “It was me, don’t be mad at him.” She gave Olric a gentle smile, hand coming to rest on his shoulder, “Thanks for trying to stand up for me, but I did that.”

March snarled at her touching his brother, but kept himself in check, “You sure did.”

Olic cleared his throat, “I sent March in here to help you with dishes, but I’m gonna take over instead.” His eyes turned to Ari’s with a gentle smile, “March and I will clean up, why don’t you head to bed?”

“What?” March growled, “No, she lives here now, she needs to do her part!”

“March is … right.” Ari grimaced, “I’m doing dishes. You two are here visiting your mom. Allow me to clean.” Her hand fell from Olric’s shoulder, and instead took his hand gently, “I mean it, please let me do my part.”

March saw red and all but stormed out of the room. Olric stared after him but sighed, “Okay, I’ll go calm him down. Thank’s Ari.”

Once both brothers had vacated the kitchen, Ari let out a long sigh. Elsie snuck in, giving Ari a side hug and reassuring smile, “That March is a fiery one, isn’t he?,” She grinned, “But I’ll let you in on a secret, he’s all bluster.”

“What does that mean?” Ari asked as Elsie helped her begin cleaning.

“He’s all talk, no bite.” Elsie grinned, “You’ll see.”

Ari had hoped she wouldn’t see anymore of March at all.

Chapter Text

Both brothers would be present for a while. Olric took off Monday through Wednesday, and would have to go back to town after that. March had the whole week plus the weekend, and would have to get back to his student dorm by late Sunday. So, over the next few days, Olric’s visits were a relief. He was kind, quick to include Ari in conversations, and even offered to show her around town. They shared stories over dinner, and Ari found herself laughing more than she had in weeks.

March, on the other hand, was a storm cloud. He spoke in clipped sentences, avoided eye contact, and seemed determined to ignore Ari altogether. When he did talk to her, it was usually a sarcastic comment or a veiled criticism. Ari had grown tired of it, and was ready to bite back at him.

The morning Olric left, he had given her a tight squeeze, telling her she could weather out the storm as March. He gave his mom a hug and kiss, “Take care ‘ma.” Before taking off in his newer, pick-up truck. Of course, as soon as the peaceful mediator was gone, March started picking more fights.

Ari sat on the front porch swing, editing some photos she had taken on a nature walk. With Olric gone and Elsie busy, she found solace in the quiet and away from the stress that was March.

“You’re just hanging out here, taking pictures? Must be nice,” his voice appeared as she heard the front door open. She grimaced, she couldn’t go anywhere could she?

Ari bristled. “I’m not just hanging out. I’m working on my pictures, working, something you should try doing.” She slammed her computer shut and stood to glare at him, “We’re the same age yet you’re still in school? Sounds pretty lazy to me, get a late start?”

March scoffed. “If putting cute little filters on pictures is called work then I’d recon you’re doing nothing.”

“March!” Elsie appeared out of nowhere, fingers pinching his ear as he yelped, and she was dragging him away from Ari and into the house, “Stop being mean to her right now, young man! Or else!”

Ari stepped off the porch, and began walking around the house to the back yard to finish her work. She couldn’t focus now that March had gotten on her nerves, so she needed to move somewhere new. She sat down and plugged in her headphones this time, set on ignoring the world and blocking things out with music.

Soft footsteps could not be heard, but Ari saw shoes in front of her and looked up to see Elsie, who smiled down at her. Ari removed her headphones and Elsie looked next to her, “Mind if I sit?”

“Go ahead,” Ari scooted over, welcoming Elsie into her space, “What’s up?”

“Don’t take March personally,” She said gently, “He’s… complicated.”

“I noticed,” Ari said dryly, eyes turning towards the Manor where she could see March glaring at her through the kitchens window.

Elsie chuckled. “He’s not bad, just, rough around the edges. He turned out like that when his parents passed away, Olric didn’t take it as harder because he was the older brother and felt he had to hold it all together for March. March took it harder than everyone, and then once the funeral was done, all their families were arguing about the inheritance. So, I took them in because no one cared about them, just the money. I’ve had them for years, and now that March is almost done with school, he’s got this chip on his shoulder, like he has to prove something. Give him time.”

Ari nodded, though she wasn’t sure how much patience she had left for March’s attitude. Still, Elsie’s words lingered in her mind. Maybe there was more to March’s gruffness than met the eye.

XxXxXxXx

That night, Ari found herself outside under the stars, camera in hand. The crisp air was soothing, and she focused on capturing the twinkling lights above. She was curled up with a blanket, and a cup of hot chocolate. The stars were bright tonight, and the sky was vast and unending. In the city, she’d never be able to get pictures like that without the bright billboards and advertisements getting in the way.

“You’re always out here with that thing,” came a voice behind her.

She looked up from her spot on the grass to see March standing above her looking down at her, hands shoved in his pockets, his expression unreadable.

“Yeah,” she said, her tone wary. “It helps me… focus.”

March shifted uncomfortably. “So, mom told me about your parents. She told me I shouldn’t have pried, but maybe telling me would make me empathetic or something?” He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, “I’m sorry, about your parents.”

Ari growled, turning over onto her stomach before sitting up and glaring up at him, “I lost everything, because of a drunk driver,” She finally stood up, facing him one on one, “I lost my parents, hell my freedom, my home, my friends, my b-” She cut herself off, not wanting to bring up Derrick because she was still upset about being forced to cut her relationship off with him,”… this is all I have right now. And if being told all of this is what finally made you decide to apologize then you’re not a good person.” She crossed her arms, “You should be kind to people, even without having to hear about how much tragic loss they’ve had in their lives.”

For a moment, March said nothing. Then, he sighed and looked away. “I get it. Losing people… it messes you up.” He turns back to face her, “However, I never claimed to be a good person. Don’t put that label on me.”

His voice was softer, less abrasive, and he turned and walked back inside. Ari felt a flicker of guilt, maybe she could have responded kinder to him, it seemed like he was apologizing. With a huff, she threw herself back into the grass in frustration and screamed at the sky.

XxXxXxXx

The next morning was crisp, the golden rays of the sun stretching lazily across the rolling fields. Elsie stood on the porch with March, a mug of coffee in her hand, watching Ari return from one of her early morning photo walks. Ari waved, her camera bag slung over her shoulder, and climbed the steps.

Eslie gave her a tired smile. “Ari, I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”

Ari looked between the two of them nervously, taking note of March’s irritated by calm demeanor. “What’s up?”

Elsie gestured toward the fields. “This farm… it’s a lot to manage. I’m not as young as I used to be, and Olric’s got his hands full with the mines. I didn’t want to ask so suddenly, but I could really use an extra set of hands around here.”

Ari blinked, startled. “You want me to help with the farm?”

Elsie nodded with a hopeful smile, “Nothing crazy,just some basics. Feeding the animals, checking the fences, small things. It’d mean the world to me.”

Ari hesitated. Farming didn’t really seem her style. She was from the city, the closest she’d ever been to a farm was some pitchfork pictures she had been forced to take as a family and she hated it. But Elsie, she had done so much for Ari. She probably didn’t want too, but Ari was sure she could have used the conservatorship over her head if she wanted it done so badly. But she was giving Ari a choice.

“Okay,” she said finally. “I’ll help. But… I don’t know anything about farming, so I’m going to need help and some guidance.

Elsie grinned. “That’s the spirit! Actually…” Her tone turned sly. “March is going to show you the ropes.”

Ari turned to look at the redhead, a scowl immediately sketched out on his face. He turned to his adoptive mom, and Ari guessed what kind of reaction he would have.

“You want me to babysit?” he snapped, crossing his arms as Elsie explained the situation over breakfast.

Elsie gave him a sharp look. “She’s not a baby, and I’m not asking, March. You’re home this weekend, and you know this farm better than anyone. You’re the logical choice.”

March groaned, dragging a hand through his messy red hair. “Fine. But don’t expect me to go easy on her.”

“I’m not afraid of hard work,” Ari shot back, her tone defensive. She stepped closer to him as she glared up at him, “I can handle anything you throw at me.”

March raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. “We’ll see.”

Seeing him smirk for the first time put fear in Ari’s heart.

“Alright then,” March grinned, “We start now.”

XxXxXxXx

After changing into some more working clothes, March had her hop onto a 4 wheeler with him. He turned to her as he put the key in the ignition, and turned it on, “You better wrap your arms around me if you don’t want to die.”

“Hell no!” Ari grimaced, deciding to hold onto the seat instead, “I’m not touching you-”

The vehicle jolted forward very quickly, and Ari went flying off the back of the four-wheeler. March laughed as she landed on her butt, and she scrambled to her feet, screaming at him, “Jerk!”

“I told you to hold on!” He said defensively, “If you’re gonna ride then listen, otherwise you can walk and I’ll meet you there whenever your legs give out.” He grinned as she grunted and climbed onto the back again, wrapping both arms around his chest tightly so as to not fall off again.

“Don’t you get any funny ideas, country boy. ” She hissed.

“I wouldn’t dream of it, city girl. ”

In just a few seconds, they had taken off very quickly. Ari squealed, digging her face into his back and tightened her arms around him even more. She felt him chuckle deeply but she was too scared to insult him. She took note of how muscular he actually was though. Sure, he looked muscular, but physically, he absolutely was. He was also incredibly warm, and Ari felt her face flush. March slowed down a bit and before she knew it they had arrived at a chicken house. Ari removed her arms from March’s torso quickly and jumped off, fanning her red face and looking away from him, “W-Where are we at?”

“Chicken coop, we have a lot so we keep them in these industrial coops instead.” He shoved the key to the wheeler in his pocket, jumping off and heading towards the door. Ari nervously followed him, “Are they nice chickens?”

“Hm, chickens? Nice? Hah.” He opened the door and there were flocks of them everywhere. Ari’s jaw dropped as she shut the entrance behind her.

“We’re gonna feed them first.” He said, taking a bucket filled with food and then handing her an empty bucket, “The first task is feeding the chickens. We’ll walk through them slowly, spreading food but also making them part ways.”

Simple enough, Ari thought, “But why do I have an empty bucket?”

“Oh,” March grinned, “You’ll see.”

March began walking down one aisle of chickens, and Ari followed suit. He began to slowly make his way to the feeder on the other end of the aisle, the chickens began to flock angrily as they saw him holding his food. One of the hens became quite peckish, and began pecking the ground angrily, knicking Ari’s ankle as she walked by.

“Stay close to me,” March said, turning to her with an infuriating grin. “They can smell fear.”

Ari glared at him. “Thanks for the advice, expert. ”

“Hey, you wanted to learn,” he said, his tone smug. “Now you know: chickens are jerks.”

Ari muttered under her breath but managed to get the job done once they reached the end. They filled up one feeder and he turned, “One down, three to go.”

The second one was a breeze, and the chickens were much nicer than the first group. But as they walked slowly down the third one, a wave of chickens moved around her as she walked passed them and she stopped when she stepped on something squishy. She turned and looked down at her feet, and saw a dead chicken under her. She squealed and March laughed, using a gloved hand to take the dead chicken and throw it in her empty bucket, “Dinner.”

Once they were done in the chicken coop, March threw her the keys, “Drive.”

“But-” Ari stuttered, “I don’t know how to start or drive one of these… things.”

“And you’re gonna learn, unless you wanna walk all over the farm and ware out your legs,” March sat farther back on the seat, patting the front of the seat for her to sit. She growled, “I absolutely will not sit in the front while you wrap your arms around-”

“Oh, shut up!” March snarled, “Get on here so I can teach you how to drive the damn thing!”

Ari immediately shut up, something in her stirred and she sat down on the seat. His hand took hers, showing her where to put the key and turning it, showing her how to use the brakes, how not to overturn at corners, less she ends up flipping the four wheeler.

In the end, she didn’t do too bad, but she definitely could do without the feeling of March’s hands on her waist.

XxXxXxXx

Next came the goats. March handed her a bucket of feed and gestured toward the pen. “They’re pushy, so don’t let them knock you over. Just hop in there and fill up the feeder.”

“And… why aren’t you going in with me?” Ari asked, “To show me?”

“Well, it’s simple isn’t it?” March looked away from her as he leaned on the fence and she felt danger lurking in the pen. She groaned but hopped over the gate, hoping for an easy experience.

“Pushy” was an understatement. Within seconds of stepping into the pen, Ari was surrounded by a small mob of bleating, hungry goats. One of them tried to climb her leg, and another knocked the bucket out of her hands.

March laughed—actually laughed—and Ari had to commit the sound to memory, as she scrambled to gather the spilled feed.

“Glad this is funny to you,” she snapped, her face flushed with frustration.

“You’re doing great,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Thanks…” Ari muttered, climbing onto the back of the vehicle again. She yawned, but wrapped her arms around March again as he took off towards their next destination.

By the end of the day, Ari was exhausted. Her arms ached, her jeans were covered in mud, or what she hoped was mud , and she was pretty sure she’d never get the smell of grass and hay out of her hair.

“Not bad for your first day,” March said as he parked by the shed. They both climbed off and he took in her dirty and disgruntled state.

Ari shot him a glare. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”

“Maybe,” he admitted, his smirk returning. “But you didn’t quit. I’ll give you that.”

For a moment, Ari thought she saw a flicker of respect in his eyes. It was gone as quickly as it came, but it left her feeling oddly accomplished.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” March ruffled her hair, “Take a shower and get some rest. We have more work to do tomorrow. And it’s Friday, so I’d like to get done as early as possible.” He turned, leaving her outside, staring at his retreating figure.

She wouldn’t mind washing off all this gunk she had on her.

But she did mind washing off the scent of sage and cedarwood.

Chapter Text

The next day followed the same pattern. March rapidly knocked on the farmhouse at five in the morning sharp, waking Ari from another one of her traumatic nightmares. She half stumbled towards the door in pink loungers, hair a mess as she rubbed her sleepy eyes and answered the door, “Hullo?”

“Rise and shine, Princess , we have work to do.” He sipped his coffee, eyeing her up and down, “You can’t work like that.”

Anger quickly filled her and replaced her sleepiness as she stormed up to him, “Well not all of us can be up at the crack of dawn, March !” In her anger, her hand swung out, grabbing his coffee before taking a swig of it and shoving it back into his hands. He stared at her with his jaw dropped and she smirked, “Give me ten minutes max, country boy , and then I will be ready to start the day.”

She slammed the door in his face, and it seemed to jolt him out of his stupor. He growled down at his coffee mug, carefully drinking around the part where Ari had left her lip mark. After about 5 minutes, she had shown back up at the door as she threw her boots on. She had on a pair of overalls that Elsie had worn when she was younger, telling Ari they were hers now. Under it she wore a thick, long sleeved black shirt. Ari pulled on some tennis shoes as well, and March mentally noted she would need to get some actual working boots for the farm. Her hair was thrown up in a messy bun, and she shut the door behind her as she grinned up at him. “I’m ready to go!” She took the drink from his hands and gulped the rest of it down in a few seconds, before passing him back the mug. 

He growled at her, “ Ari- ” She cut him off as her hands slid into his pockets, causing him to jolt and almost yell at her until she fished the keys out of his pants. With a wicked grin, she moved past him, “C’mon, March, we’ve got work to do don’t we?”

Oh, he was going to work her to death today.

The rest of the morning, March begrudgingly showed Ari how to muck out stalls, repair fences, and stack hay bales. He barked orders, teased her mistakes, and rarely offered encouragement. 

“That’s not how you milk a cow!”

“Who taught you how to hammer a nail?”

“Were you raised in a barn?... Oh wait, no, you weren’t, cause if you were you’d know how to do half this shit without me telling you.”

After shoveling all the poop out of the horse's dens, harvesting all of the spring crops before summer started and replacing them with summer ones, and fixing all the fences' weak points, she was over the entire day. It was worse than yesterday, even the chickens and goats had gone easier on her that morning. March had made the day much worse, and she settled on deserving it after how she had treated him that morning. She’d retaliate too if someone drank all her coffee.

But Ari did start to notice things, like how he always made sure the tools she needed were in reach, or how he silently stepped in to help when a task proved too heavy.

March, for his part, found himself surprised by Ari’s determination. He had made sure to put her through all sorts of hell all day. He was determined to make her bend and quit, ready to relish in her defeat, hoping to hear the words ‘I can’t do this anymore’ but she never did. She wasn’t just some city girl looking for an escape; she was trying, even when it was obvious she was out of her depth.

They worked side by side repairing the last section of fencing near the road, when Ari broke the silence.

“Why don’t you like me?” she asked bluntly, turning to face away from him as she finished repairing the fence the way he had showed her.

March paused, his hand steadying on of the linings so she could work, “Why does that matter?”

“You’re rude, dismissive, and you act like I don’t belong here,” she said, meeting his gaze. “So, am I wrong in feeling the way I do when you’re being an ass to me?”

March sighed, leaning against the fence. “It’s true, I don’t like most new people coming in here,” he said after a moment. “But it’s… complicated.”

“Try me,” Ari said.

He hesitated, then spoke. “This place is all I have left. When you showed up, it felt like you were taking something away from me. You don’t fit in here, this is my home, and Elsie...” He clenched his fists, “She may be your guardian, but she’s my mom.”

Ari frowned and stood to face him, trying to understand. “I’m not trying to replace you as her child. I didn’t even have a choice. I just want to fit in here too.”

March studied her, his expression softening. “Maybe I’ve been too hard on you,” he admitted grudgingly.

“Maybe?” Ari said with a scoff and her hands on her waist, “You called me a stray .”

March chuckled, the sound unexpected. “Fine. I was hard on you. But don’t get used to me being nice.”

Ari crossed her arms and grumbled, “ Fine .”

XxXxXxXx

After the long day on the farm, Ari dragged herself upstairs to her room to grab some clothes for her shower. She turned on the shower head and began stripping, then took a dainty step into the small shower stall. The water was blissfully hot against her aching muscles, washing away the sweat, dirt, other things , and exhaustion. By the time she was done, she felt almost human again. She quickly changed into her pajamas, her feet taking her across the lawn and into the manors kitchen. She was parched and needed some water. Elsie was standing there and grinned at her, “Evening, Ari! You look so refreshed. March is really teaching you the ropes ain’t he?”

“He… did a good job.” Ari admitted quietly, “I have learned a lot.”

“Not a much better way to get close to him then sharing the small seat of a four-wheeler, hm?” Elsie gave her a knowing wink and Ari gagged.

March walked through the door then, head turning until his eyes set on the two chit chatting in the kitchen. He leaned against the kitchen counter, freshly showered himself, his hair damp and slightly tousled. He wore his usual flannel shirt and jeans, but there was a different energy about him, antsy and restless. He turned towards his ‘ma, eyes softening.

“I’m heading out,” he announced, grabbing his keys, “I’m going out with my friends at the Dragon Inn tonight for drinks.”

Elsie looked up from her knitting with a sly smile. “Oh March! Ari is still so new here and hasn’t made any new friends, why don’t you take Ari with you?”

March froze, narrowing his eyes at Ari. “No way.” Ari felt a hit of sadness enter her. She thought March was finally letting his walls down around her, but he had put them right back up.

“She’s been working hard all week. She deserves a night out,” Elsie said, her tone firm, “Plus, I’m sure she wants to get out and socialize too.”

“ Mom —”

“ March ,” she interrupted, giving him a look that dared him to argue. He bit his cheek, eyes glancing back and forth between the two of them until a frustrated groan left him. Ari stood there awkwardly. She didn’t really want to make him angry, but the socialite in her did want to take a break.

March sighed heavily, muttering something under his breath before turning to Ari. “Fine. But don’t expect me to babysit you.”

Ari flushed, “I don’t need a babysitter,” she whispered angrily, “But you do apparently.”

“Shut up,” He walked towards her, eyeing her up and down, “You need to change. Hurry up, then let’s go,” March said, jingling his keys impatiently.

Ari nodded, rushing back to her farmhouse to change. She threw on a plaid pencil skirt she hadn’t worn since leaving New York. It was knee length and beige, and went down to her mid thighs. She took a black, thick long sleeve sweat shirt, tucking pieces of it into her shirt to make it more chic. She quickly threw her hair up into a clipped ponytail, grabbing her NYMadden black purse and threw it over her shoulder before slipping into some black wedges. She strutted back into the Manor, make-up shoved into her purse as she’d do it on the way. Elsie beamed at her outfit, “How gorgeous! What a simple and fashionable outfit!”

March grunted, “What the hell are you wearing?” he asked, smirking, “This aint one of your fancy, uptight bars we’re going too.”

Ari glanced down at herself, suddenly self-conscious. “It’s too late to change,” she muttered, suddenly covering herself.

March shook his head but didn’t comment further, “Fine, let’s get going then.” The two turned to walk out, Ari heading out the door first before Elsie grabbed onto his shirt, glaring at him, “What’s up ‘ma?”

“Don’t you dare forget how to be a gentleman, or else.”

“Heard.” Muttered March, “Don’t worry about it. I still remember who raised me.”

Elsie grinned, giving her son a quick cheek kiss, before shooing him out the door.

XxXxXxXx

This was the first time Ari got a good look at March’s truck up close. It was definitely older than anything she’d ever seen. She grimaced, looking up at him cautiously, “Is this safe to ride in?”

“Tch, this beauty-” He put his hand on the truck with a satisfied grin, “It's a genuine antique, and she’s probably safer than all the crime that happens in that apple city of yours.”

“Pfft, yeah right.” Ari rolled her eyes, “I bet she’ll break down within minutes.”

“See for yourself,” March strode over, opening the passenger door for her and ushering her in. She raised an eyebrow as he gently shoved her inside, “Buckle up, Princess.”

“I know that, don’t chastise me!’ She swatted at him, quickly securing the strap across her chest and waist. He grinned, shutting the door gently. Ari found the interior of the truck to be better than the exterior, a black ore piece hung off a chain on his rearview mirror. The seats had black seat covers, and the floorboards were protected by a durable and thick floor cover. The truck smelled of sage and cedarwood, and Ari found herself enjoying the smell. It was one of the only few things she liked about March. The driver door opened, and March climbed into the drivers side before putting the key in the ignition and turning it. The engine startled, then stopped, then began stuttering for a minute before stopping. 

Ari gave March a ridiculed look, and he grumbled as he began moving his palms together, “She just needs some oil grease and tender love.” He turned the ignition again, and it sputtered once more before finally starting, then the engine humming loudly. He grinned, putting the truck in drive as they took off down the dirt road.

The drive into town was quiet, the rumble of March’s beat-up old truck filling the space between them. Ari had always thought of trucks as sturdy, reliable machines, but this one felt held together by sheer willpower. She gripped the armrest tightly, her eyes wide as they bounced over potholes.

“You don’t have to look so scared,” March said, his tone teasing. “She’s got character.”

“Character isn’t going to keep us from breaking down,” Ari retorted.

March chuckled, the sound low and rough, and for a brief moment, Ari had never wanted to smack someone so hard across the face in her life.

“So, your friends,” Ari cleared her throat, “Are they nicer than you?”

Pfft, I can be nice.” March grumbled, eyes tightening on the wheel, “But yes, they’re much more welcoming than me.”

Ari shrugged, looking around for an aux cable to play some music before giving him a once over, “Where’s your aux cable for your old thing?”

“I don’t have one.” March retorted, as Ari opened her mouth he cut her off, “I aint got bluetooth either.”

“No aux OR bluetooth?” Ari gasped, “Do you just listen to silence everywhere you go?”

“Naw,” His finger pointer hit a small play button on his old, rusted radio, “We have the better things, like CD players.”

Ari could not have prepared herself for what came next, as March turned up the radio to full volume-

Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the floor
Let the bodies hit the ….

FLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOR

Ari's eyes went wide, hands coming to clutch her seatbelt as March began to wildly start screaming with the song lyrics, the truck picking up speed as the song's tone pushed him to drive crazy.

She was sure of it, after today she would not step one foot into this mobile.

XxXxXxXxXx

They pulled up to a small, unassuming bar on the outskirts of town. The parking lot was mostly gravel, filled with a mix of trucks and older vehicles. March turned the engine off and got out, quickly making his way over to Ari’s side before she could unbuckle and opening her door for her. She smiled, “What a gentleman.” She cooed.

“Shut it.” He hissed, her hand slipped inside of his as he held it out for her to descent the truck, “Ma told me to use my manners.”

“I’m surprised you remembered how to use them.” Ari teased. March groaned in annoyance, turning his back to her and storming inside the front doors. She followed behind him closely, her wedges making it very difficult but she managed. As she stepped inside, the atmosphere was loud but inviting, the air filled with the hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, and the faint twang of country music. It was surprisingly crowded, and Ari felt out of place immediately as eyes turned and looked at her.

March’s hand found hers, “Stay close, you don’t want to get lost around these people.” He guidled the way, and Ari followed, doing her best to use her free hand to keep her skirt down as she walked passed some eyes lingering on her too long. She caught a few curious glances from the regulars but tried to ignore them.

At a corner table, two men were already waiting.

“Look who finally decided to show up,” one of them said, grinning as March approached.

“Shut up, Ryis,” March said, though there was no real bite in his voice.

Ryis stood to greet Ari, his smile wide and warm. He was tall and lean, with dark skin, short-cropped hair, and an easy, infectious energy. He wore a red bandana around his neck, a black fitted shirt adorned his chest, tucked into some cowboy jeans paired with some very nice boots, “You must be Ari,” he said, shaking her hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“All bad, I’m sure,” Ari said dryly, earning a laugh from Ryis but a glare from March.

“I like her already,” Ryis said, taking a sip of his beer, patting the spot next to him, “Come sit next to me, I have a feeling we’ll be good friends.”

Ari smiled and accepted the invitation, squeezing past the wall to settle between her and the other man.The second man turned to her, even sitting he had a good foot over here. Hayden was broad-shouldered and barrel-chested, his long, dark hair pulled back in a loose ponytail, his beard framing a kind smile. “Hayden,” he introduced himself, his voice deep and calm. “It’s nice to meet you, Ari.”

“You too,” Ari said, shaking his hand. All his friends seemed nice, very nice. 

They all sat down, and March ordered a round of drinks as an older man with dark skin come over. He wore a burgundy vest over a white shirt, and he glanced down at March with a smile, “Hey March, welcome home. How long are you in town for?”

“I’m here till Sunday.” March replied, “I just got back on Monday.”

“Ah, I see.” His eyes turned to Ari, “And who might this be? You’re a new face, never seen before. You Ryis’s girlfriend?”

Ryis flushed and Ari laughed, “No actually, I just moved here. My name’s Ari, I’m staying with Elsie.”

“Oh,” Hemlock grinned, “So, you’re here with March, huh?” His eyes turned, a serious glint in his eyes as he turned to March, “So, she's your girlfriend?”

“What? Hell no, she’s a city slicker.” March crossed his arms, “She’s from New York City.”

“Well, isn’t that interesting,” Hemlock turned to Ari, “Well, in any case, welcome to Mistria. The first time guests drink is in the house tonight, so please order anything you’d like.”

“Oh, that’s… very generous.” Ari said softly, “Thank you.” Her eyes turned to look down at the menu in front of her. Normally, she’d scan a QR code back in her other home, but she didn’t know technology hadn’t made it this far yet. Her eyes scanned the menu, before landing on something she liked, “Can I have a white wine? Moscato if you have it,” She pulled her ID out, and Hemlock took it quickly before passing it back, “Certainly Miss Ari,” he turned to the boys, “Just the regular beer for you fellas?”

They all nodded in agreement, and Hemlock turned away with their orders, but not before leaning down to March’s ear level and whispering, “You know she misses you, you should say hi.” 

Ari watched March’s face fall, Hemlock’s whispering fell deaf on her ears, but whatever it said made March uncomfortable. She looked between Ryis and Hayden, both were looking at him worriedly. March sighed, “Maybe.” He had said back.

Hemlock left and Ryis turned and smiled at Ari, “So, you’re from NYC huh, how's the city life out there? You’ll have to tell me all about it, I’ve always wanted to take a look out there.”

Hayden’s deep chuckle came from beside her, “Ryis, we all know you’d get smitten and married to a dancer within a day over there. You won't last long.”

Ryis flushed again, “HEY!” Ari giggled and March chuckled from across the table.

“Miss Ari,” Hayden turned to look at her seriously, “I am normally Elsie’s farm help. I’ve heard you’ve taken over her farm. Please do let me know if you need help, I don’t live too far from her farm either. If you’d ever need help or want to learn more or get newer animals, I’d love to assist you.”

Ari flushed, happiness spreading through her at the thought of more animals, “What more animals could we have?”

“Ducks, alpacas, capybaras, you name it.” He grinned, “Rabbits too.”

Ari gasped, hands coming to her mouth, “Bunnies?”

“Oh, here she goes…” March muttered, eyes rolling, “Don’t give her false hope, she’s barely survived with me training her to take care of the farm.”

“I have done just FINE.” Ari snapped towards him, “Thank you very much.”

Hemlock reapproached, drinks now on a tray as he served them, “A moscato for the lady and some beers for the men.” He pulled out a notepad, “Can I get anyone any food?”

“I’ll take a soup please,” Ari said, “With a roll on the side.” She didn’t realize how absolutely hungry she was, but after all the painful and excruciating farm work, her body was dying for carbs and sustenance. March nodded, “I’ll take a mushroom steak.”

The other boys each got grilled snapper and salmon, and Hemlock was once again gone with their orders. 

“Ryis,” March started, “When I graduate, let’s have a party at your uncle's cabin.”

“You wanna invite everyone?” Ryis asked seriously, “I mean… everyone?”

March grunted, and Ari frowned, “You don’t have to invite me, you know?”

“It’s not you he’s worried about, darlin.” Hayden chipped in, “Best you don’t know though. But you seem sweet, so there’d be no problem having you around.”

Ryis nodded, “Ari, it’d be way more fun if you came! You’d definitely get along with our friend group.”

Ari nodded, her eyes turned to look at March, who had been staring at her, lost in thought. He seemed deeply transfixed on her, his eyes seeing through her, “March? Are you there?” She started waving a hand in his face and he took hold of it, gently, but a growl affirmed he was still present, and still grumpy March.

“I’m here, I’m just thinking,” March groaned, “Yes, let’s invite everyone.”

“Okay…” Ryis’s voice held uncertainty, “If you’re sure.”

“I’m sure with Ari there, it’ll be a worthwhile party.” Hayden commented, “Don’t you think?”

“Hm…” March’s eyes settled back on Ari, “If you say so.”

Ari felt like she was missing something important, what were they talking about? Who were they talking about?

“But anyway, Ari, can I ask what you’re uh… wearing?” Ryis asked as he took in the girls clothing choice, “Ya know, I figured you’d realize that this wasn’t some big city living.”

“I-” Ari flushed, “I just… have what I had. I didn’t realize it looked bad.”

“Miss Ari,” Haydens deep voice vibrated next to her, “You do not look bad.”

Ari flushed as Ryis’s arm came to wrap around her shoulder, “Yes yes! We didn’t mean to make you feel bad! You don’t look bad at all. You look stunning!” He smiled at her, “Just, this might not be the place to wear something so fancy.” 

March felt his arms tense up, his jaw clenching as he saw his two buddies get too close to the new girl. “Oi, stop stealing my friends.”

Ari raised an eyebrow at him, “I’m not stealing your friends.”

“You are,” March huffed, “Why do you always gotta act like a little miss perfect?” March took a swig of his beer, and Ryis removed his arm from around her, a teasing grin on his face.

“You sound like you’re jealous, March.”

“Pfft!” His ears turned red, “I am not! Yall were just my friends first is all.”

Before any more teasing ensued, Hemlock returned with their food. He placed it on the table and grinned, “Dinner, anyone?” He put a potato soup in front of Ari, her mouth salivating. She was starved.

“Thank you so much!” Ari clapped her hands together, her hands reaching for the spoon on her napkin as she dug in. Ryis and Hayden quickly started on their fish as well, with Ryis taking a lemon and squeezing it over his fillet. Hemlock put March’s steak on the table last, and Ari’s eyes widened at the beautiful marble on it, her mouth wouldn’t stop salivating.

Hemlock left again, and March started taking his steak knife and fork and cutting into his meal. Ari couldn’t stop staring at the meat, it looked so juicy and tender and she wanted some. She cleared her throat, “March?”

“Hm?” He stuffed a piece in his mouth, and she gulped.

“Can I.. can I have a bite?” Ari asks. Ryis and Hayden both stop eating to take in her face. Her lips were set in a small pout, her eyes big and wide as she looked at March. 

“Hell no, eat your own damn food.”

A tear pricked Ari’s eyes, and it slipped down her cheek. This made March stop eating, as he stared at the running water down her face before realizing the two other men were glaring at him.

“Surely, March, you could spare Miss Ari just one bite of your steak?” Hayden asked kindly.

“Bro, how could you say no to her? Look at how sad she is!” Ryis cupped Ari’s cheeks, making her sad face stand out more. March groaned, slicing off a tiny piece of his steak before offering it up to Ari on his fork.

“Here,” He seethed, “Take it, Princess.”

Ari sniffed her tear away, before leaning forward, lips going around his fork to eat the steak. A loud hum left her as she savoured the meat. Her tongue licked the grease off her lips greedily, “Mmm that was so yummy.”

March stared at her in awe, his face set in a blush as he watched her leave behind remnants of her lip gloss once again, just like she had done with his coffee. “You idiot,” He whispered, “You were supposed to bite it off the fork, not put your whole mouth on it.”

“Are you scared of cooties, March?” Ari asked as she pulled away, “You know those aren’t real right?”

He snarled, sticking out his hand, “Since you’re not using your fork, give it to me.”

“What’s wrong with yours?”

“Your lip germs are all over it!” He said loudly, “Now give me your fork!”

“Oh, Mr. March is concerned about an indirect kiss.” Hayden said matter-o-factly, “That’s why he wants to switch.”

“March,” Ryis grinned, “I hate to tell you this, but you already had your mouth all over that fork before you gave it to Ari.” March frozen, “So, you gave Ari an indirect kiss already.”

Ari flushed, quickly moving her hand to her fork and exchanging it with March, “Here!”

March took it quickly, dropping his fork on the table loudly as the exchange happened quickly, “I hate you all.”

XxXxXxXx

To Ari’s surprise, the night was… fun.

Ryis was a riot, cracking jokes and telling outrageous stories about his woodworking mishaps. He showed Ari his thumb, where a light scar circled around it, “You’d think a guy who makes cabinets for a living would be able to avoid hammering his thumb, but nope,” he said, holding up his hand to show the faint scar. She took it in her hands, her thumb running over it.

“It must have hurt.” Ari whispered, eyes filled with worry, “Did it cause any permanent damage?”

“Just a blow to his ego.” March quipped as he finished his beer.

Hayden was quieter but no less engaging. He talked about his livestock with a surprising tenderness, describing his favorite horse like it was a family member. “Animals don’t judge you,” he said with a shrug. “They’re just… honest.”

“I totally get that,” Ari nodded, “Animals aren’t judgemental at all, except for that wild animal over there.” Ari pointed at the red headed man across from her, who just snarled in response.

Even March seemed to loosen up, though he kept his usual sarcastic edge. He made a point to poke fun at Ari’s city background whenever he could, but it felt more like teasing than hostility. It was the first time Ari truly felt like she had seen him let loose and relax. She found herself laughing more than she had in weeks, the weight of her grief lifting just a little.

As the night wore on, the group moved to the pool table, where Ryis proved to be a terrible player despite his confidence. He lost to March quickly, and Hayden stepped up to the plate to have his turn against the undefeated champion.

“Let me show you how it’s done,” March said, stepping up to take a shot. Ari watched as he leaned over the table, his focus intense. His arm pulled back softly, and Ari watched all the muscles in his arm pulse, his eyes narrowed in as he had complete concentration. There was something about his ease, his quiet competence, that caught her off guard. She had never seen him so focused before. 

 Ryis squeezed in close to her, arm coming to wrap around her in a friendly manner as he whispered into her ear,“You’re staring,” Ryis whispered, grinning. Their whispering caught the ears and eyes of March, as he turned to glance at them.

Ari blinked, flustered, her eyes set in a glare at Ryis. “No, I’m not.”

Ryis chuckled, “Are you sure? You were drooling just like you did over that steak.”

“Shut up-” 

“What the fuck are you two talking about?” A voice boomed, March had stomped over to the both of them and Ryis separated from Ari quickly. Ari flushed red and turned away from him, hmphing as she refused to answer anymore questions.

Hayden just laughed deeply and loudly from the pool table, “March is gonna lose if he doesn’t get his ass back here.”

March grumbled, but took one last look at Ari’s flustered, angry face before walking back over to the pool table. He didn’t notice her eyes, roaming back to him as she greedily took in the sight of his muscles once more.

XxXxXxXx

By the time pool was done, it was getting late, yet the bar was still in full swing. Ryis grinned at Ari, “It was super nice to meet you, hopefully we can meet up sometime again soon.”

“I agree, Miss Ari, pleasure to meet you, if you need me, just ask Elsie.” Hayden nodded in agreement. Ari smiled widely back at both of them, the alcohol made her sway a bit as she stumbled towards them, wrapping them in hugs.

“You guys are the best, thanks for being such good friends.” She squealed, “I’ll never forget tonight.”

They hugged her back, each with one arm. March rolled his eyes, and as they stared walking out the front door, they heard a feminine voice yell, “March!”

The voice and his name caught her off guard. Ari turned to look at who was yelling, but March immediately put space between them and used his chest to block her point of view. He growled, and kept pushing her forward out of the inn. Ryis and Hayden had also heard, turning to March and nodding, “See you later, guys.” March said quickly, wrapping an arm around Ari and lifting her up with his other and princess carrying her back to the truck quickly.

“March-hey!” She looked up at him angrily, “I can walk, put me down! Who was that?”

“It's nothing.” He bit back, he opened the passenger door and basically threw her in before slamming her door shut. He climbed into his drivers seat and started the truck, all while Ari was yelling at him.

“Hey! Jerk! What’s your problem?” Ari shouted, she buckled up at his urgency, “What is so bad about that person that we had to leave like that?”

“Will you stop talking?” March snapped, quickly pulling out of the lot and giving her no time to react. They sped away and down the dark street, and Ari couldn’t help but feel anger rising inside of her. 

“Idiot,” She whispered, “If you’re going to drive like an idiot, will you at least buckle up?”

He cursed and quickly reached around him for the strap, a click sounding throughout the truck as he buckled in, “Better?”

She nodded, and he looked at her seriously, “I don’t want to talk about it.”

When they pulled into the driveway, March glanced at her, his expression softer than she’d ever seen it.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered, “But hey… you didn’t embarrass yourself too much,” he said grinning, “I’m actually surprised my friends liked you.”

Ari rolled her eyes. “High praise coming from you.”

He smirked, but there was something almost fond in the way he looked at her before he climbed out of the truck. As they walked inside, Ari could see Elsie waiting for them in the living room. She grinned at them, “How was it?” 

“It was good,” Ari smiled, “His friends are very nice. It’s too bad they couldn’t rub off on him.” March narrowed his eyes at her, but let it go. She smiled at Elsie, “I’m pretty tired though. I’m gonna hit the hay. Good night!”

The sound of Ari’s wedges clacking away made March breathe a sigh of relief. Elsie turned to him, “Now March, were you the perfect gentleman? Her knight in shining armor?”

“Hell no… I mean, I did the basic stuff. But I’m not going full Prince Charming for someone like her.” March took his spot on the couch, where he’d been sleeping since he got there.

“March, you know you could have always slept in Eiland’s room. He comes back tomorrow and you’re leaving, you should sleep in his bed.”

“It’s too pink there.” He grumbled, “And filled with weird, archeological things. I’d rather not have dinosaur bones staring at me in my sleep.”

Elsie contemplated for a moment, before she noticed the steady rise and fall of March’s chest. She stood up and sauntered over to him, he was already asleep and passed out. She smiled, walking off to get a blanket from some nearby storage before covering him with it. 

“Good night my boy, get some rest.”

Chapter Text

It was Saturday, and Ari found herself taking care of the farm alone. She had woken up to a note in the farm house, and the key to the four wheeler was attached. On it was a statement from March, “

‘I’m gonna be out. You’re on your own.’

Ari had no idea where he had gone, considering he wasn’t supposed to leave till Sunday. She crumpled up the note with a frown on her face, tossing the paper into the nearby trash bin. Without a second thought, she put on her work clothes and got ready to take on her tasks for the day. She grumbled under her breath at how exhausted and tired she was from the night before. Staying out late and having to get up at six in the morning was absolutely brutal, she’d have to remember to never do that often. She pulled on her work boots, stepping out onto her front porch. The spring air was chilly but not too cold. She went to work taking care of the animals first, before checking the fence posts and eventually checking the progress of the summer seeds and making sure she hadn’t planted them too early.

When she arrived back at the farmhouse around ten, Elsie was standing on her porch. When she saw the young girl covered in who knows what she giggled, “March leave you to all the work today?” Ari grumbled but nodded, her feet tirelessly carrying her up the steps. As she got closer to her door she noticed Elsie all dolled up, with her purse in hand and her phone. She gave an upwards eyebrow, “Are you going somewhere, Elsie?”

“Well, I came by to see if you wanted to go to the Farmers Market with me! Happens every Saturday, and there’s a lot of vendors that come to town and put up shop. They all come from the big city over,” Elsie smiled, “Why don’t you shower really fast and change, and then we can go together. I’ll introduce you to the vendors.” 

“Um, sure.” Ari nodded, “I’ll be right back.” She stormed inside, quickly shaking off her clothes and getting undressed. She didn’t want Elsie to wait on her too long, so she’d have to manage a quick shower. After thoroughly rinsing her hair and exfoliating all the crap off her skin, she threw her hair into a high ponytail and started dressing. She wore some a black pencil skirt with a slit up one side, paired with a cream colored crop top that showed her abdomen. She threw on a black leather jacket on top and some black heeled ankle boots to match. She shoved on her sunglasses and put on a headband to keep her hair back. She grabbed her bag quickly and shuffled out the door, Elsie standing outside waiting for her.

“Oh, you look darling!” Elsie grinned, “Are you trying to woo someone? I heard through the grape vine that Ryis was absolutely smitten with you!”

“No!” Ari flushed, “I’m just… I don’t really have anything else until the rest of my clothes arrive. And even then, I think I may be short on storage cause I don’t know where I’d put it all.” Ari hobbled down the creaky steps of the farm house, “I may have to buy three wardrobes.”

“Ah,” Elsie grimaced, “Maybe we should look at getting rid of or donating some of your clothes before buying more hangers or closets for them. I’m sure you don’t wear all of your clothes all the time.”

Ari huffed, as they began walking towards the front of the manor and to the sedan in the driveway, “Elsie I bet you have way more clothes than me put together.”

“Maybe,” Elsie gave a wicked grin, “I was a big spender too back in the days. I had to make sure to keep all my options entertained.” 

“Like Sir Fredrick? Or Rodrigo? Or-”

“Now now dear!,” Elsie flushed and began waving her face, “Their names aren’t really all that worth remembering.”

As they drove into town, Elsie began explaining to her that she might have to abandon her for a bit, so they’d need to exchange numbers. “I’ll be finding my friends to play some Phase 10 and drink some mimosas!”

Ari almost couldn’t believe Elsie had friends, she had never seen the older lady leave the manor, “Do you guys only meet up on Saturdays?”

“It’s the only day we find time,” Elsie says sadly, “Errol is a dearest friend of mine, but he works for the states Historical Society so he’s almost always away during the week. He’s been trying to get the state to approve reopening our mines for town profiting reasons, but the state is set on keeping them closed down,” The car slows down on the dirt road as the sight of town approaches, “Then there’s Landen, he’s Ryis’s uncle, and he’s the carpenter here in town. He sometimes gets job offers in the city over, but he does a lot of fixing up here too. And Terithia, she’s the only one I can see most of the time. She’s our town's experienced fisher-woman, and she’s either hanging out in her fishing shop, or she’s out on her boat on a job getting sea-critters for the local bar in town.” Elsie’s mouth almost watered, “It’s so nice having a friend who will just bring you back lobster!”

“That… is nice.” Ari replied, her eyes drifting out the window. Would she have considered Penelope a friend? Now that she thought about it, Penelope never wanted to go and do anything unless Ari went along, and most of the time Ari ended up being the one to pay for it.

“Oh! We’re here!” Elsie said, as they pulled up to the center of town. As Elsie drove a minute longer to find parking, Ari’s eyes focused on the many people hanging around in the square. There were different shops set up, and everyone seemed to be happy and having a blast. She saw the little blonde girl, Dell ? She was running around with two other kids and they all had fake plastic swords strapped to their sides.

“Alright Ari, here’s my number.” Elsie grabbed a notebook and a pen, writing down her digits quickly, “Go ahead and let me know when you’re ready to leave. Then I’ll head your way.”

“Oh, okay.” Ari nodded, stepping out of the car and taking the parchment after they had both shut their doors, “Where will you be if I need to find you?”

“I’ll be at the bar playing cards,” Elsie smiled, “Also, I put a limit on your card today. I think fifty dollars should get you by, let me know if you need anything else.”

Elsie walked away, and it was the first time Ari remembered that the lady was technically her conservator. She had never had a limit on money before, so she was feeling antsy. She turned and began walking into the buzzing energy that was the Saturday Market. Eyes fell over her and her outfit as she walked by, and she was beginning to feel very self conscious.

“Excuse me, miss!” A voice called out to Ari and she turned. A young girl about her own age was standing at a booth, the smell of pastries and drinks made its way to her. Ari found her boots forcing their way to the stall, the grumbling in her stomach reminding her they had been up since six and hadn’t ate at all.

“Good morning, you look new here! I’ve got some hot coffee for you this Saturday morning if you’d like!” The young woman had brown hair parted into pigtails and wore a teal blue bandana in the back of her hair instead of the front. 

“Oh, good morning,” Ari said, “I’m Ari, I’m new here.”

“I can tell by your fit that you aren’t from around here,” the woman said, “My name is Darcy, and I run this little snack shack every Saturday, it’s nice to meet you, Ari!”

“Thank… you?” Ari flushed, “I’m um, new here and only met a handful of people. So I don’t really know anyone else,” Ari eyes the menu next to the stall, her eyes widening at the cheap prices, “Whoa! Three dollars for a large coffee?”

Darcy giggles, “Not used to these low prices huh? Would you like something?”

“Um, could I have…” Ari’s eyes look over the menu for a minute, “A large mocha?”

“Sure! That’ll be three dollars for a large Mocha.” Darcy motioned for Ari to use the card reader, and as she did, Darcy popped back towards her again, “Oh, before I forget! Who all have you met? I can probably point you in their direction if I’ve seen them.”

Ari paid and looked back at Darcy, shoving her card back in her wallet, “Um, I’ve met March, Hayden, and Ryis.”

“Hm… Ryis and March normally hang out a lot.” Darcy leaned on the counter and pondered, “But, I’m pretty sure I saw him on his way to Vera’s stall to get his hair done, normally when March get’s his hair done, Ryis goes to the center of town to find something else to do.”

Ari raised an eyebrow, “I didn’t realize March cared about his looks so much.”

Darcy giggled and finished up the city girl's coffee, “Oh, you’d be surprised.”

“Guess I’m surprised then,” Ari whispered, “Thank you.” She said, as Darcy offered the drink to her.

“No problem, I hope to see you again next weekend!” Dary grinned and Ari moved out of the way so she could help the next person in line. Ari hugged her drink, making her way to the center of town where she found Ryis hanging out with The Dragon Guard . Dell saw her, and a bright smile lit up her face, “Hey, I remember you from the store!” Dell jumped down from the towns center fountain and ran up to Ari, “Remember me? I told you about me and my friends!”

“I do remember you,” Ari smiled gently at the children, “Who are these other children with you?”

“These are my friends, Maple and Luc!” Dell said, pulling Ari’s hand towards the group sitting by the fountain. Her eyes met Ryis, and he smiled a gentle smile at her, “Hey, Ari, good to see you again.”

“Oh, hey, Ryis.” Ari said back, “You too.”

“Stop flirting!” Dell yelled at Ryis, “I’m trying to introduce the new pretty lady to my friends!” Ryis opened his mouth to say something back, his face turning red with embarrassment, “Anyway, Maple and Luc, meet Ari!”

Ari laughed at Ryis, then turned her attention to Maple and Luc. Maple had dark skin, with beautiful dark hair in beads and wore a beautiful purple dress with puffy sleeves, “This is Maple,” Dell said, before turning to the boy next to her with glasses, “This is Luc, his sister!”

“It’s a pleasure ma’am!” Maple said as she bowed respectfully. Luc just gave a simple wave, “Hiya.”

“So, you all make up this Dragon Guard , that Dell keeps talking about?” Ari asked quietly, and Luc gasped, turning to Dell.

“You aren’t supposed to go around saying that to people!” He exclaimed.

“Yeah, It’s supposed to be a secret!” Maple agreed.

Dell huffs, “Well, Ari is different, it’s okay to let her know!” Dell turns towards Ari, “Right Ari, you won’t go blabbing about our secrets, right?”

“You got it kiddo, my lips are sealed.” Ari said, motioning her hand across her face, “Not a soul!”

“See? I told ya,” Dell said, turning back to her friends, “Now come on DG, we’ve got work to do! Let’s head out!” Dell ran off, and Luc scrambled up and followed her.

“Nice to meet you Miss Ari, have a good day!” Maple said as the other two began running off. She followed her friends, leaving Ari and Ryis. She smiled gently, sitting next to him at the fountain. 

“No March?” Ari asked, “I thought you two were like, besties or something?”

“Pfft,” Ryis crossed his arms, “We are until he goes to Vera’s.”

“The hairdresser lady?” She asks, leaning up to look at him, “I don’t understand. March has decent hair, not too long or short. Why does he need to get it done?”

“Oh please,” Ryis smirked, “You don’t actually think he’s a natural red-head do you?”

“Wha-”

“Who the fuck are you talking about my business too?”

The two jump apart as they realize March is standing in front of them, an angry scowl on March’s face as he stares down the two of them. March looks between the two of them quickly before they settle on Ari, his eyes looking up and down her body and she can already tell he’s judging her choice of outfit without saying anything. 

“Hey, bro, you done already?” Ryis tilted his head, “That…” He noticed the black roots growing in and March growled, “doesn’t look done.”

“She’s out of my dye,” March hissed, “So I’m gonna be a half and half by the next time she gets it in stock, in like a week. But I won’t be here because I'll be at school.”

“Why not just come back down next weekend and get it done?” Ari asked and March shot her a look that made her shut up.

“I barely had enough to get my hair done today. So I’ll have to save it for when I do want it done, but I can’t afford the gas to come back next weekend.” March sighed, “I’ll have black and red hair in my graduation photo.”

“I mean, I think it’ll be fine,” Ryis taunted, “You’ll be like Shadow the Hedgehog.”

“I will literally push you into that fountain.”

“Hm,” Ryis scooted over to Ari, noticing how March’s jaw tensed as he scooted closer to the city girl, “March is a party pooper, what do you say we beat this place and go somewhere else instead Ari?”

“Huh?” Ari said out loud, “Um, where do you wanna go-”

“No way,” March cut quickly, pushing the two apart, “I’m not leaving you alone with my best friend, you’ll turn him into a city slicker.”

Ryis grinned and Ari gasped, “I wouldn’t do any such thing!”

“Sure you wouldn’t, Princess,” March got in her face now, a teasing smirk on his face, “He’d be gone for one day and you’d turn him into some underwear model drinking martinis.”

Ari’s face turned red as she grabbed her bag and swung at his face, the force was so strong it made March stumble as he fell backwards into the waters of the fountain. Ryis was doubled over laughing and Ari was storming off and away. March grumbled, his clothes soaked and himself cold and he glared up at Ryis, “I blame you.”

“You’re the one who said those words, not me!” Ryis offered a hand to help, “C’mon man, let’s get you dried u-UAH!” His words were cut off as March’s strong arms pulling him into the cold water with him. 

Ryis groaned, “Dudeeee what the hell.”

“Fuck you too.”

XxXxXxXx

The door to the Sleeping Dragon slammed open and then shut behind someone, and all eyes turned to look at Ari, her face red from anger. Whispers could be heard around the room and Ari’s eyes found a group of older people sitting in a corner. She noticed Elsie’s hair anywhere as she marched over and immediately sit with the group, setting her bag down and crossing her arms. The table stopped and looked at her, a smile growing on Elsies face, “Well, hello Ari, are you enjoying the market so far?”

“It was fine.” Ari sipped her coffee, “Until I ran into your son.”

“Ah, young March, still a fireball?” Errol asked, “He’ll never be able to get married or settle down with that attitude of his.”

“Now now,” Elsie waved, “Dearie, tell me what March did this time.”

“He insulted me.” Ari said, “He said I’d turn Ryis into a Calvin Klein model, because I’m a bad influence.”

“Oh, Elsie this is…” Errol asked, “The young girl you were mentioning?”

“Yes, this is Ari,” Elsie motioned to the group with her hand, “Ari, baldy here is Errol, Terithia is sitting next to me, and Landen is the other gentleman.”

“You’re the uncle of Ryis, right?” Ari asked, “It’s nice to meet you, I just saw him.”

Landen chuckled, “Yes, I’m his Uncle,” he motioned over Hemlock, who quickly approached, “Hem, you got this girl her newcomer drink yet?”

“Yes, I’ve met Ari,” He smiled with his eyes closed, “Ari, can I get you a drink?”

“Is it too early to start adult drinking?” Ari asked seriously, “March makes me want to start drinking at noon.”

“Never too early, although I would normally be against it.” Hemlock laughed, “That March can be a tough shell to crack. It took Ryis two years to finally get close to him.”

“I’ll take a white wine then, keep my tab open please.” Ari asked, fishing out and showing Hemlock her ID. He nodded and turned, quickly making his way to the kitchen. Elsie frowned, looking at Ari seriously, “Ari?”

“Hm?” Ari said, tapping her foot angrily.

“Did you eat at all today? You shouldn’t drink on an empty stomach.” Elsie warned, “It’s not good for you but also you’ll get drunk quicker.”

“I don’t need to worry about it, I’m a city girl, so naturally shouldn’t people assume I drink a lot because all I do is party?” Ari spat with venom. Hemlock brought over her drink and she took a long sip before looking at the group, “Hit me with some cards, and teach me how to play.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Errol laughed as he began to show her the instructions, “So this here is a set, you need 2 sets of the same number, the sets themselves can be different numbers so long as all the cards in the individual set are the same.”

“Okay, got it, I didn’t understand that so I’ll just learn as I go.” Ari nodded as she drank more, “Let’s play!”

After a few rounds had gone by, and Errol gave her some pointers, she was finally starting to pick the game up. Her wine was almost gone and she had finally gotten her phase. She cheered for herself as she put her cards down, until a voice came from behind her.

“Havin’ fun?”

Ari’s cheerful grin turned into a sour expression as she turned her head behind her to look at March, “I was until you showed up.”

March stood there with arms crossed, glaring down at her angrily, “You’re lucky the hot spring here has blow dryers,” She took in the look of his slightly damp clothes and giggled, the alcohol getting to her, “What’s so funny?”

“Oh, March~” She stood up and her eyes filled with mischief, leaning up towards him, “I didn’t realize I made you so wet. ”

The tips of his ears turned red and he growled, “What are you on about?”

“Act like you don’t know.” Ari teased, before sitting back down, “Alrighty~ Let’s keep playing!”

Hemlock arrived back at their table, “Good afternoon, Ari, would you like another moscato?”

“Yes, sir!” Ari squealed, “Please and thank you!”

“You should cut her off,” March replied, “She doesn’t need anymore.”

“Hey,” She hissed, turning back to him, “Shush. No one asked for your opinion half-and-half!”

His jaw dropped as he covered the back of his roots, “Hey, don’t say that so loud-”

Ari stood on her chair, “ YOU GUYS LOOK AT MARCH’S HAIR- ”

March immediately grabbed her by the elbow and pulled her down, hissing, “Hell no, I’m taking her home.”

“I don’t wanna goooooo~” Ari groaned, pulling her arm from his grip, “I was just learning how to play Phase 10!”

“Maybe you should go home and take a nap dearie. You’ve worked very hard today and should get some rest.” Elsie said with a smile.

“But it’s barely even noon!” Ari groaned, “This isn’t fair!”

“Yeah, well, when you push me into a fountain I think you get what you get.” He pulled her off the chair, catching her as she stumbled slightly, “You shouldn’t wear those stupid shoes if you’re gonna stand in a chair.”

“Shut up!” Ari hissed, grabbing for her bag, “No one asked you!”

“I’ll see you later ‘ma,” March said to Elsie as he pulled Ari out of the bar. Errol and Landen gave each other knowing looks before looking at Elsie.

“Your youngin’ is smitten with her.”

“He’s in loveeeeeee.”

“Shut up you two.” Terithia grumbled, “Yall did much worse when you were his age.”

“...You’re right.”

XxXxXxXx

“Ugh!” The door to the farmhouse slammed behind Ari as she stormed into it, throwing her heels behind her and her bag onto the counter. She let her hair down, and she heard the door open behind her. She turned and sneered at the person, already knowing who it was. “Get, out!”

“What is your problem?” He asked, storming up to her, “You didn’t let those comments get to you last night, why are you being a…” He stared down at her, “Brat?”

“Maybe because you’re being a,” She put a finger to her chin, tapping it, “Oh, a dick!” She then shoved said finger into his chest and he snarled in response, grabbing her wrist and holding it far to the side and stretching it, “Ow!”

“You’re the one whose not being very nice,” He said flatly, glaring down at her and pulling her closer, “You pushed me into a fountain and made fun of my hair.”

“So? You deserved it.” She huffed, struggling to pull her wrist out of his hand. 

“I did not deserve that at all.” He said simply, “You were just being a brat.”

She was ready to yell and fight, the alcohol making her blood run faster as she scrambled more to get her hand back, but her feet slipped out from under her and she fell instead. March’s quick arms wrapped around her, one hand coming to cradle her head as she fell backwards and he fell forwards with her. 

When Ari opened her eyes, her vision was swimming and she was dizzy. March was on top of her looking down at her with… worry?

“Ari, are you okay?”

Fine? Was she fine? No, absolutely not. Tears welled up in her eyes and she cried, 

“No, no I’m not. I’ll never be okay. What kind of person loses their parents, their friends, their home, and is just okay?”

Her rant goes on, tears falling as she lay under March a sobbing mess. She rambles, and as she does he lifts her up in his arms and takes her upstairs to her small loft, putting her in bed and tucking her in. He decides to leave her like this, turning, but not expecting the hand on his wrist.

“Don’t leave me too, please, I don’t want to be alo ne.”

March sighs, sitting on the edge of her bed with his back to her. She keeps her hand on his wrist, sobbing, until the cries stop and she’s asleep. March reaches over, fingers wiping off the tears trailing down her cheeks. He thinks back to what he said before.

“Maybe I’ve been too hard on you.”

Chapter Text

The next morning, the house was filled with a quiet buzz of activity. March’s duffel bag was by the door, and Elsie was bustling around the kitchen, making sure he had something to eat before he left. Ari lingered by the stairs, unsure how to feel about his departure especially after their fight the day before. She watched the two chat in the kitchen, Elsie fretting over a box for him to take back and him reassuring her he didn’t need it and he was still eating plenty enough from his last visit. After some commotion, the two walked out of the kitchen and to the front of the manor. Ari sat on the stairs, eyes narrowed as she watched the exchange. She missed those moments with her mother, with her parents…

Elsie wrapped her arms around March in a tight hug, her head barely reaching his shoulder. “I’m going to miss you,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.

March sighed, though there was a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “It’s only two more weeks, Mom. You’ll survive.”

Elsie swatted his arm playfully. “Don’t be a smartass. And make sure you eat properly, and—”

“Mom,” March interrupted, rolling his eyes. “I’ll be fine.”

Elsie stepped back, dabbing at her eyes with the corner of her apron. “I know, I know. But I’ll miss having you around.”

March glanced at the couch, his smirk returning. “I won’t miss sleeping on that thing.”

Elsie laughed, though it was tinged with sadness.

Ari stayed quiet, watching the exchange from her spot.. March noticed her after a moment and walked over, his usual teasing smirk softening into something almost neutral.

“Try to have the farm in better shape by the time I get back, city girl,” he said, reaching out to gently pat her head.

Ari blinked in surprise, unsure whether to be annoyed or touched. “Don’t you worry about me, I’ll have it running like clockwork,” she replied, trying to sound confident.

“Sure you will,” March said, his voice low and teasing. But there was no edge to it this time—just a quiet, unspoken acknowledgment of the progress she’d made.

With that, he slung his bag over his shoulder and stepped outside. Elsie and Ari followed, his mom waving as he climbed into his truck. The engine roared to life, and he pulled out of the driveway, giving a final wave before disappearing down the dirt road.

Elsie sighed, her smile wistful. “It’s always too quiet when he’s gone.”

Ari nodded, though she couldn’t help but feel a strange mix of relief and… something else. “I’m gonna head back to work on the farm. I’ll be back later.” Ari turned and walked out the back door, and Elsie looked at her with a sad smile. She hoped Ari would stop being distant and learn to open up soon.

XxXxXxXx

It was almost two when Ari came back in the house, Elsie smiled at her from her spot at the table where she was reading the newspaper and sipping some tea, “Ari dear, you’re done?”

“Yeah, I just finished up a while ago and took a shower.” Ari stepped through the back door in some joggers and helped herself to some water, “Whatcha doin?”

“Oh, just looking through the paper gossip,” Elsie shut it, “Say Ari, would you mind running into town and getting me a few things? This way I can prep some dinners this week. I’ll give you the keys to my Sedan.”

“Sure,” Ari said, picking the keys off the counter, “Have you heard anything about my car yet?”

“I’m ‘fraid not hun,” Elsie said, “They’re trying, but getting it here is proving to be… troublesome.”

Ari sighed, “I guess it can’t be helped.” She stuffed the keys in her pocket and turned out the back door, “I’m gonna grab my wallet and then I’ll be on my way there.”

“Okay dearie, drive safe!” Elsie said with a smile as she went back to her paper. Ari nodded and took off back to the farmhouse, then left to head into town.

The sun was low in the sky when Ari decided to take the trip into town. Eslie had given her a list of supplies they needed for the farm, and some food necessities.. Ari didn’t need much convincing since it felt good to get off the property for a while and stretch her legs in a new environment.

The drive to town was pleasant, the scenery a mix of rolling fields and clusters of trees that lined the road. When Ari arrived, she parked on the main street and made her way to the general store Elsie had mentioned.

The store was charming, with a wooden sign out front that read Holt & Nora’s Store. Inside on one side of the store, the air was thick with the scent of soil and flowers. Bags of seeds lined the shelves, and there were rows of potted plants and gardening tools on display. On the other side was food and goods and household items.

As Ari wandered through the aisles a little lost, a voice called out from behind her.

“Need help with anything?”

Ari turned to see a girl about her age walking toward her, wiping her hands on a cloth. She had long, wavy blonde hair that was braided into a red tie, and her bright blue eyes were warm and inviting. She wore a white dress with a mint green overcoat on top. Some brown farming boots adorned her feet with a matching belt tight around her waist, it also held some pouches that Ari assumed held seeds.

“I’m good, thanks,” Ari said, then hesitated. “Actually… I might need some advice. Um, I’m staying with someone named Elsie, and she sent me here to pick up seeds, but I’m not sure what I’m looking for.”

The girl’s face lit up. “You’re helping Elsie? I know her! She used to bring me fresh eggs when I was little. She and my parents went way back. I’m Celine, by the way.” She outstretched her hand towards Ari, who let her guard down.

“Ari,” she said, shaking Celine’s outstretched hand.

“Well, Ari, you’ve come to the right place,” Celine said with a smile. “What kind of seeds are you looking for? Vegetables? Flowers? Something else?”

“Mostly vegetables,” Ari said. “I think Elsie mentioned tomatoes and squash.”

Celine nodded and gently grabbed her hand, and began leading Ari to a shelf stocked with packets of seeds. As they talked, Celine gave her tips on planting and caring for each type of vegetable, sprinkling in stories about her own gardening adventures.

“You should come by sometime,” Celine said as they loaded Ari’s basket. “I take care of the flowers in the back of the shop. It’s kind of my happy place.”

“That’s great that you have a place to escape too,” Ari said. “I’d love to see it.”

Celine hesitated, then brightened. “Actually, a few of us are getting together tonight at the local Inn. It’s kind of our girls’ night. You should come!”

Ari blinked, caught off guard by the invitation. “Really? You mean that Sleeping Dragon Inn? The one that’s also a bar?”

“Of course! You’re new in town, right? Have you been there before? It’s a good way to meet people.” Celine said with a spark in her eyes, “The girls are nice too!” The blonde girl pulled out her phone and held it out, “Here, put your number in here and I’ll message you when we’re meeting tonight.”

“Oh, sure!” Ari put her number and contact in her phone and returned it to her, “There you go!”

They exchanged numbers, and Celine promised to text her the details. By the time Ari left the store, her mood was buoyant. It wasn’t just the satisfaction of ticking another errand off her list—it was the unexpected joy of making a friend.

As she loaded the supplies into Ellie’s car, Ari smiled to herself, after the constant negative interactions with March, it was nice to meet a refreshing, kind person.

When she returned, she quickly unpacked and unloaded the groceries before turning to Elsie, “Hey, could I borrow your car again tonight? I got invited by the store owner's daughter to go out and meet some other girls.”

“What a great idea!” Elsie beamed, “Feel free. I hope you have loads of fun. You better get ready now so you’re not late.”

Ari nodded and bowed slightly, “Thank you so much!” She turned away, running back to the farmhouse to go get ready and Elsie couldn’t help but be hopeful that having some girls to talk to would break her out of her shell.

XxXxXxXx

Ari walked through the doors of the Inn wearing some faded jeans, and a brown crop top whose straps tied behind her neck. She wore some simple wedges and held her purse close to her as she stumbled through the very busy crowd of people. The Sleeping Dragon Inn was lively, its warm, rustic charm making it feel like the heart of the town. The wooden beams were strung with soft lights, and the scent of hearty food wafted through the air. Ari felt far more confident than she had during her last venture out.

Celine waved from a table near the center of the room, surrounded by a group of girls chatting animatedly. She looked relaxed in a flowy dress, and she saw the eyes of all the girls settle on her.

“You made it!” Celine greeted her with a grin, standing to give her a quick hug, and Ari relaxed and returned it with the same energy. “Come on, I’ll introduce you to everyone.”

The girls turned to face Ari, their expressions open and welcoming.

“This is Valen,” Celine began, gesturing to a girl with short white hair that framed her gentle features. She had a soft smile and a clipboard in front of her. “She’s studying to be a doctor and basically our go-to for any minor injury or health scare.”

Valen reached out to shake Ari’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you. If you ever need advice on the farm—like avoiding tetanus from rusty tools—I’m your girl,” she joked lightly.

Celine moved on to a striking girl with purple hair pulled into a long ponytail, she wore very dark, seducing colors. “This is Juniper. She’s into herbology and mixology, so she’s always experimenting with cool drinks and remedies.”

Juniper gave a playful wink. “If you’re brave enough, I’ll let you try one of my new creations.” Ari felt herself laugh nervously as she sat next to Valen, before looking at the next girl who grinned at her with a beaming smile. She had a rich brown complexion and short, curly hair, her warm smile lighting up her face. “Reina here is training to be a chef,” Celine said. “She’s taking over her parents’ kitchen eventually.”

“Trying to, anyway,” Reina said with a laugh. “For now, I’m just the taste-tester of the group. And I hope you like good food, Ari, because you’re in the right town for it.” She grinned, “I’m Hemlocks daughter by the way, so one day this place will be mine!”

Finally, Celine gestured to a girl with long, wavy pink hair who sat with a notebook in her lap. She had an air of quiet confidence. “And this is Adeline…” Said girl hadn’t noticed she was being talked to, “She’s studying political science, so if you ever want to debate literally anything, she’s your person.”

Juniper snapped her fingers in front of the bookworm, “Hey! Adeline! Earth to Adeline!”

Adeline jumped up, then saw Ari and gave a small smile. “Oh, I’m sorry. Nice to meet you, Ari! Sorry, I can get really hooked on a good book.”

“No worries, I get it.” Ari grinned, “It’s very nice to meet you all, I’m Ari. Thanks for including me.”

“Of course,” Juniper leaned over, “Now that you know about us, what about you? Where are you from?”

“Oh, um,” Ari flushed, “I’m from New York. I just moved here due to some family circumstances. But I’m staying with a family friend for the time being.” She eyed Celine who nodded, seeming to understand not to say anything, “But I uh, really love your small town and the vibes here.”

“Oh, I see.” Valen nodded, “An upstater, huh…”

“Well, you must have really wanted to leave that place if you came here of all places.” Adeline said quickly. Ari felt her stomach drop and opened her mouth to retort, but Adeline continued, “However, there is something charming about places like this. So if you ever need help or want to talk to someone, we’re all here for you.”

Ari shut her mouth and nodded, “Thanks, that’s… nice to know.”

“So, what are we doing for girls' night tonight?” Celine asked.

“Ah!” Valen began rummaging in her bag, “I found this game and brought it with me.” She pulled out a pastel box that said The Girls Night Drinking Water Game . She set it in the middle of the table, “I figured we could play it tonight since it’s Sunday and we can’t really drink since tomorrows a work day.”

“Oh, this looks like fun!” Celine clapped her hands together, “Open the  box and let's get started!”

Reina jumped up, “Wait, we need drinks. I’ll go get the water!” She turned and ran towards the kitchen and shortly returned with a pitcher full of water and some plastic cups, “Lets play!”

Juniper opened the box, impatient, and pulled out the first card, “Alright ladies, drink if you’ve ever bought something from the TikTok shop!”

“What’s a TikTok shop?” Adeline asked, as Ari and Juniper both took their first drink, and Reina followed shortly after.

“It’s a little store on the TikTok app,” Valen said, “But it’s products are quite cheap and not made to last.”

“Ohhhh.” Adeline said, “I don’t have TikTok.” 

“Soon, none of us will,” Ari said as she picked up the next card, “Drink if you want or have your nipples pierced.”

Everyone at the table became quiet, and looked at each other. Celine flushed, “Uh, wouldn’t that hurt ?”

“I mean,” Juniper picked up her cup, “I like mine.” Everyone’s eyes widened as she took a small drink. All sets of eyes went to Junipers rack and she smirked, “They also feel amazing when stimulated, if you know what I mean.”

“Oh dear…” Valen whispered, “What a hussy.”

“What did you call me!?”

Celine leaned over and whispered to Ari, “Don’t mind those two, they have a friendly rivalry going on.”

“Oh,” Ari nodded, “Gotcha.”

As the night went on, the girls chatted and laughed over drinks and snacks white they played with their cards. The inn buzzed with the background noise of locals enjoying their evening, but at their table, it felt like their own little world.

At some point, Reina leaned back in her chair with a sigh. “Alright girls, I need some advice,” she said, her voice dramatic. “How do I get over my ex?”

The girls groaned in unison, clearly familiar with the topic and knowing where this was going. Ari looked around the group, was this a normal occurrence?

“What did he do this time?” Juniper asked, stirring her drink.

“Nothing, which is the problem,” Reina replied. “He’s so boring. I’ve tried talking to him and reaching out to him whenever he's around. I thought I could fix him, you know? Make him less… edgy. But no, he’s just—” She groaned, banging her head against the table.

Valen patted her shoulder sympathetically. “Reina, you don’t need to fix anyone. You need someone who matches your energy.”

“Exactly!” Celine chimed in. “Someone who can keep up with you, not someone you’re dragging along.”

Reina sighed. “I know you’re right. But it’s easier said than done.”

Adeline leaned forward, her pink hair falling over her shoulder. “You’ve got to cut all ties. No texting, no ‘ checking in ,’ nothing. Cold turkey.”

“That’s harsh,” Reina said, though she looked thoughtful, “I don’t know, we were together for a long time and ya know, it hurts that he just ended things and won’t talk to me anymore.”

“It works though, you need to just stop communicating to him altogether, all it’s going to do is hurt you,” Adeline said firmly.

Juniper raised her glass. “Or, you could rebound with someone hot and mysterious. I’m just saying.”

The table burst into laughter, and even Reina joined in.

“What about you, Ari?” Reina asked, turning to her. “I’m sure being from the big city, and as gorgeous as you are, that you have a lot of experience in dating. How do I get over an ex?”

Ari blinked, caught off guard. Her mind trailed off to Derrick, and how close they were and how quickly their relationship shattered, “Uh… I’m probably the last person who should be giving relationship advice. But I think you should do what makes you happy. If he didn’t add to your life, you’re better off without him.”

Reina nodded slowly and gave a sweet smile. “That’s solid. Thanks, Ari.” The pink haired girl returned the gentle smile and the night went on for a bit longer before it was time to call it a day. By the time the night wound down, Ari felt more at ease than she had in weeks. The girls were lively, kind, and welcoming, and for the first time since moving, she felt like she had a place where she belonged.

Celine walked her to Elsie’s sedan door as they said their goodbyes. “I’m so glad you came tonight,” she said, giving Ari another hug. “You fit right in.”

“Thanks for inviting me,” Ari said, smiling. “I really needed this.”

“Anytime,” Celine said. “We’ll text about the next one, okay?”

Ari nodded, stepping out into the cool night air with a newfound sense of warmth in her chest. Maybe this small town wasn’t just a place to survive—it might actually be a place to thrive.

XxXxXxXx

As Ari stepped into the Manor, she didn’t see Elsie and assumed the woman was fast asleep. She put the keys to the car down on the counter, making sure to turn off the lights and lock doors behind her as she went to the farmhouse. She shut her door behind her quietly, as she began taking off her shoes and purse. She pulled her phone out of her bag and stepped up into her loft, changing out of her jeans and into some joggers as she settled into bed. Ari slipped under the covers, her body heavy with exhaustion but her heart light from the night’s events. She couldn’t stop smiling as she replayed the evening in her mind. For the first time in what felt like forever, things were starting to feel normal again.

Just as her eyes fluttered shut, her phone buzzed underneath her. Frowning, she looked under the covers for the device and grabbed it, squinting at the screen.

Unknown Number: Still alive over there?

Her brows furrowed in confusiong. She sat up, debating whether to reply, before curiosity got the better of her.

Ari: Who is this?

The response came almost immediately and she was not ready for it.

Unknown Number: Wow. Already forgot about me. It’s March, Princess.

Ari blinked in surprise, then scowled at her phone. He just HAD to ruin her night just when she was having a great day. Her fingers angrily began typing back to him.

Ari: How did you even get my number?

March: Who do you think?.

Of course. Ari could practically hear the smugness in his imaginary voice. God, she couldn’t stand him.

Ari: Why are you texting me?

March: Making sure you didn’t burn the farm down yet.

Ari huffed, shaking her head.

Ari: We’re doing fine, thanks. Maybe focus on finishing school instead of worrying about us.

There was a pause, and for a moment, Ari thought the conversation might be over. Then her phone buzzed again.

March: Glad to hear it.

It was a simple message, but it caught her off guard. For a guy who loved teasing her, he actually sounded… sincere.

She stared at the screen for a moment before replying. She didn’t want to talk to him.

Ari: Whatever. Goodnight, March.

March: Night, city girl.

Ari set her phone down after immediately silencing it, annoyance taking over her mood. She laid back against her pillow, letting herself drift off with a frown.

Chapter Text

As the week followed, Ari felt her body toughen up. She could feel her muscles trying to keep up with all the work she was doing, and she felt healthier as she did more physical work. She was starting to tan a bit from being outside all day, and the eggs from the chickens helped boost her protein everyday. The week passed in a blur with the farm work, errands, and occasional texts from Celine as they learned more about each other. By Saturday, Ari was ready for a break, and was excited when Celine had messaged her saying that a bunch of people were getting together for a bonfire at her parents' old cabin. The girls had hyped up the casual gathering at a cabin on the edge of town, promising good food, drinks, and plenty of laughs. They’d also told Ari that a lot of people their age would be there, including boys. Ari made sure to dress somewhat semi-casual, but still try to look a little sexy. She put on the same jeans from her last girls outing and paired it with a white tank top and a pink cardigan with white linear designs on it. She wore simple brown heeled boots that took her out the front of the manor where she climbed into Celine’s car.

“Hey, girl!” Celine said with a smile, “You look so cute! Are you ready to have fun?”

“Mhm, for sure!” Ari buckled herself in as Celine pulled out of Elsie’s driveway, before turning to her blonde friend, “I want to thank you for listening and not judging my situation. I also appreciate you not telling anyone about why I’m staying with Elsie.”

“Of course, it’s no one’s business what goes on in your life,” Celine said sadly, “I can’t imagine what you’ve been through. But I am always here if you need someone.”

“Thank you…” Ari whispered, “I really needed that.”

“I assume you’ve met Olric and March then?” Celine glanced at her quickly before returning her eyes to the road, “Seeing as Elsie is their adoptive mom and all.”

“Yes…” Ari muttered, crossing her arms, “Olric is so sweet, but March is such… such a dick.”

“He can be that way,” Celine bit on her lip, trying to find the words, “March has been through a lot too. He lost his parents when he was young too ya know. He also just generally takes a while to warm up to people. So just give it time.”

“I’ve been trying…” Ari whispered, “But I don’t care about him, I want this night to be just us and our friends.” She smiled sweetly at her friend driving, “Let’s just have a good time, and I’m gonna do everything in my power to have happy and positive thoughts.”

“That sounds like a great idea.” Celine said laughing, “Reina is catering food from the Inn, so there’s going to be lots of food. Balor and Ryis are bringing alcohol, and I should have some hard liquor stashed in the cabin from my parents.”

“Hell yeah,” Ari grinned, “I can’t wait.”

XxXxXxXx

The cabin, nestled in a grove of trees, glowed warmly against the darkening sky. String lights wrapped around the porch railings, and the smell of wood smoke filled the air. Celine and Ari arrived, and once they stepped out Ari took note of just how many people were there.

“Wow, that’s a lot of people.” Ari said, looking at the huge groups of people surrounding the fire pit outside, “I didn’t think a small town had this many college kids.”

“Over there’s Eiland,” Celine said, pointing to a guy with messy pink hair and an easy smile. “Adeline’s twin brother. He’s into archaeology—totally nerdy, but in a cool way. He’s also Elsie’s nephew.” She linked arms with Ari and gently pulled her towards him. He was deep in conversation with someone else when he saw them out of the corner of his eye. He grinned at Celine, greeting her quickly and pressing a chaste kiss to her cheek before stretching his hand out to Ari, “Bonjour, Celine, who is this?”

Ari shook Eiland’s hand, finding him charming and curious, “I’m Ari, I’m staying with your Aunt Elsie.”

“Oh, you’re Ari!” Eiland grasped her hands, “I just got back into town today and when I went to the farmhouse you weren’t there. I assumed you were out working. Thanks for taking care of the farm for my Auntie.”

Ari’s eyes trailed over to the man next to him, he hard dark hair and wore a blue hoodie, smiling at her and giving a small wave.

“And that’s Balor,” Celine continued, gesturing to him, “He’s quite the merchant.”

“Studying business,” Balor said simply, his tone laid-back. “Gotta make money somehow.”

The group mingled easily, the warmth of the bonfire and the casual atmosphere putting Ari at ease. “It’s really nice to meet you all, thanks for welcoming me to your small town.” Balor and Eiland talked with her and Celine for a bit longer, before pulling her into another group and introducing her to more people. She even ran into Hayden and Ryis, who greeted her like an old friend. 

Hayden gave her a kind smile, “Hey, Ari, it’s been a while. How have you been?”

“I’m good,” She eyed the hen in his arms, not noticing the animal's name till now, “What are you doing with a chicken?”

“This is my prize and joy, Henrietta.” He gave her a head pat as she clucked, “She’s my best friend, and I try not to go anywhere without her. If I’m gone too long, she gets very mad.”

“She sounds like a very protective hen.” Ari said with a giggle.

Ryis, ever the jokester, teased her about finally “dressing like a country girl.”

“Wow, you actually look like one of us now. Not wearing those short mini-skirts or nothing,” Ryis eyed her body, “Not that I was complain’in.” Ari flushed and waved at her face, as Celine scolded him and pulled her away to go dance closer to the others. She found Valen and Juniper, and started dancing and grinding up with the two as the crowd around them cheered them on and everything started getting more crowded. The heat and smoke from the fire, plus the loud laughter and chatter from the people around her called for a break. She excused herself from the party to find something to drink. She started to head inside for another drink. She passed through the cozy living room, where music played softly in the background and some smaller groups exist, and stopped in the kitchen to pour herself something stronger than soda.

Voices carried through the back door as she began pouring her drink, and she froze when she recognized one of them: Reina’s.

“So, what’s his deal now?” Reina was saying, her tone laced with frustration. Ari raised an eyebrow, she had never heard that level of frustration or annoyance from the sweet chef before. Ari curled up into a corner as she peaked at the back entrance. Reina was standing there with Ryis, hands on her hips and cheeks puffed out.

“Look Reina, about March-” He started, but she cut him off.

“Yeah, March,” Reina said, exhaling sharply. “I heard he’s back in town for the weekend. He’s been ignoring me for months, and I’m starting to think it’s intentional. We broke up only a few months ago, and he’s dropped me like I never existed. He ignores me everytime I see him at the Inn, never texts me back, nothing! What’s his deal?”

Ari’s stomach twisted. She hadn’t even realized Reina and March had been a thing. Was March the guy she had been talking about at the girls night?

Ryis hummed thoughtfully. “Maybe it’s for the best, Reina. You and March just weren’t compatible. You have to move on from him.” He rubbed the back of his head, “Yeah, he’s in town today, I have no idea where he’s at though.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Reina admitted, her voice quieter now. “Sure, we disagreed on his future, but still, not all of our time together was bad.”

“Well, I’m sorry that you and March don’t see eye-to-eye on that.” He apologized, “Sorry.”

Ari quickly went back to the kitchen and finished pouring her drink, her hands shaking slightly. After some more whispering, and harsh words from the upset girl, Reina walked passed the kitchen a moment later, offering Ari a cheerful smile as she passed. “Oh, hey Ari! Better get back out there. Hayden’s telling one of his ridiculous stories,” Reina said, clearly unaware Ari had overheard her. She grabbed herself a fruity drink from the fridge, before turning and walking back out the way she came.

Ari forced a smile in return, nodding as Reina disappeared back outside. Oh great, March was the one who didn’t add to Reina’s life? The one Ari had said Reina was better off without? She groaned, realizing how messed up this whole situation was. What did he do to make sweet Reina so angry?

She took a deep breath, shaking off the uneasy feeling as she stepped out onto the back porch. Ryis was there waiting for her, leaning against the railing with his usual mischievous grin.

“Hey, city girl,” he said smoothly. “Glad you didn’t get lost in there.”

“Just grabbing a drink,” Ari replied, sipping from her cup.

Ryis tilted his head, studying her. “You look tense. I’m assuming you heard all of that?”

“I… might have eavesdropped just a little,” she said quickly, trying to change the subject.

Ryis smiled sadly, “Reina means well, and at the time so did March. Their relationship was rocky, but it’s not my place to explain or tell. Just know that March was valid for ending things with her.” 

“I find that hard to believe,” Ari scoffed, “He seems hard to get along with already.”

Ryis laughed loudly, and the sound sent a wave of something strange through Ari, “You’re a tough one to crack, you know that?” He stepped closer, his hands holding onto her hips. Ryis was close, and his dark eyes looked deep into hers. Ari felt herself get lost in his words, his flirtation unmistakable. “You’re different, Ari. I like that.”

She was stunned into silence, no one had been so openly smitten with her since she’d been there. She was still hurt and torn from everything in life, and leaving Derrick, the one she thought she’d be with forever. But was she ready to move on so quickly?

Before she could respond, a voice cut through the crackle of the bonfire behind them.

“You sure you’re not just full of shit, Ryis?”

Ari’s blood froze in her veins. She turned downwards towards the stairs and saw March standing there, his tall frame illuminated by the flames in the background. His usual scowl was firmly in place, but his dark eyes were locked on her.

“March?” she blurted, unable to hide her surprise. She quickly tore herself away from Ryis, who frowned but quickly turned to March and covered it up, “Hey dude! We were just talking about you.”

“Bad things, probably.” He eye’d the two, glaring at Ryis mostly. Then his eyes settled on the beverage in Ari’s eyes and she didn’t miss the way his jaw clenched.

Ryis straightened, his teasing demeanor slipping into something more guarded. “Didn’t think you’d show up, man. You said you’d be in town today but for work.”

“Neither did I,” March said flatly, his gaze flicking to Ari, “But a little birdy told me Ari was here, so I came to make sure she wasn’t doing some stupid, city girl things.”

The air felt charged, the easygoing vibe of the night suddenly tense. Ari’s drink felt heavy in her hand as she wondered what, exactly, March was doing there, and why she couldn’t seem to tear her eyes away from him.

“You’re here to make sure I don’t do something stupid?” She hissed, “What kind of person do you take me for?”

“A little city girl getting drunk and throwing yourself at a random stranger to drown out your sorrows.” He hissed back, “Looking for love in all the wrong places.”

“What the fuck did you say?” She growled, and Ryis stepped between the two of them.

“Hey, hey!” Ryis put space between them, “There’s no need for fighting. Ari was just coming out of the kitchen and we got caught up talking. March, let’s go get you a drink or something, and let’s give Ari some time to cool off?”

March growled as his friend intervened, and Ari took that moment to turn and walk right back inside. Ryis sighed and turned back to his friend, “Dude, what’s wrong with you?”

“What’s wrong with me ? What’s wrong with you !” March snarled, “You put your hands all over her and getting her drunk to take advantage of her? Or wait, did she take advantage of you? I knew a city girl couldn’t be trusted.”

“Dude, that’s not at all what happened.” Ryis said, “I’ve been drinking since I got here, she came here with Celine, she’s just trying to have a good time and meet some friends.”

“Well, she can’t go around making friends with my friends.” He snarled, “She can go find other friends to steal.”

Ryis just stared at his best friend, with a disappointing stare, “Okay. I’m gonna go find Hayden. You should stop being a jerk and go in there and apologize.” His eyes narrowed, “I mean it, don’t talk to me unless you actually did it.”

March couldn’t respond fast enough as the carpenter walked off, and March growled. His feet carried him into the house, cursing the girl under his breath.

XxXxXxXx

Ari slipped inside the cabin, her pulse racing. The warmth of the kitchen felt stifling, but it was better than standing outside under March’s scrutinizing gaze. She finished the glass in her hand and set the empty container on the counter, grabbed a bottle of something stronger, Tuaca , Italian brandy, and poured herself another drink. The burn of the alcohol steadied her nerves, if only slightly, so she poured herself a second shot and downed that too.

Why is he even here? she thought, gripping the edge of the counter, glaring down at the tile. She’d come to the party to relax, not to get tangled up in whatever issues March seemed to bring with him.

The sound of boots on the wooden floor made her tense, because of course he was here, of course he followed her inside to berate her more. Before she could even turn around, his voice filled the empty kitchen.

“What are you doing here, Ari?”

She whirled to face him, finding March leaning right next to the fridge, his broad shoulders were fitted in a black leather jacket.. His expression was unreadable, but his dark eyes bore into hers, leaving no room for escape.

“It’s a party,” she said, her voice sharper than she intended. “Celine invited me.”

“And you decided to come?” he countered, crossing his arms, “To a party where my friends are at?”

Ari frowned, the alcohol loosening her tongue. “Last I checked, you don’t own them, and I can be friends with whoever the hell I want.”

March’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, neither of them said anything. The silence stretched, filled only by the faint hum of conversation and laughter from outside. She scoffed, crossing her arms and meeting his death glare with one of her own, “Is this the part where you apologize for your bad attitude?”

Finally, he exhaled, his arms dropping to his sides. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for the things I said to come out that way.”

“Then what did you mean?” she asked, stepping up to him angrily. She stood a few inches from him, close enough that he could see the speckle of green in her eyes, the strands of pink baby hairs hugging her face.

He stepped closer, his expression softening slightly. “I just didn’t expect to see you here, that’s all.”

“Well, I didn’t expect to see you, either,” she said, her tone quieter now, “I thought you were finishing up at trade school.”

March tilted his head, studying her. “How much have you had to drink?”

She looked confused now, “Um, like 2? And maybe a shot of something.”

He sighed, eyeing the two empty glasses on the counter, “You’re drinking pretty fast for someone who’s ‘just here to relax.’”

Ari flushed, caught off guard. “What’s it to you?”

“It’s nothing,” he said quickly, though his gaze lingered on her empty glass. “I just… Look, these parties can get messy. I don’t want you getting caught up in something you’re not ready for.”

Her brow furrowed. “I’m not a kid, March. Are you kidding me? I can handle myself.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m not saying you can’t. Just—” He paused, his expression conflicted. “Forget it.”

Ari stared at him, unsure how to respond. For all his gruffness, there was something in his tone—something almost protective—that left her speechless.

“Whatever,” she muttered, turning back to the counter. “You can’t tell me what to do, you’re not my dad. Last I checked he was dead, so don’t think that just because I got stuck on some of your moms land that means you suddenly have some weird babysitter rights to me or some shit.”

The response was cold, and harsh. March didn’t reply, but she felt his presence linger behind her for a moment longer before he turned and walked away. She exhaled heavily, her hands trembling slightly as she poured another drink. The alcohol might not fix everything, but for now, it was the only thing helping her keep it together.

XxXxXxXx

The night unfolded in a haze of laughter, music, and the increasing warmth of alcohol in Ari’s veins. What started as a quiet escape from the tension in the kitchen soon turned into a carefree whirl of dancing with Celine, Reina, and the others. The music blared through the speakers, a steady beat that made Ari forget about everything for a while. She was swept up in the movement of her friends, her body loosening with the rhythm, the alcohol making her feel lighter, freer.

Balor had been watching her from afar, and slipped through the crowd to join her, a grin playing on his lips. “Care to let me show you a few moves?” he asked, his voice smooth and teasing.

Ari laughed, her steps wobbly, but she didn’t mind. She was having fun. Balor guided her into a closer dance, his hands on her waist, his grin widening as she followed his lead. She was about to talk more, when two other pair of hands came to settle upon her waist behind her. She tilted her head and looked behind her, and Ryis was there with a flirtatious smile. He bent down, his face laughing into her neck as he complimented her body and grinded up against her from behind. Balor hugged the front of her body, and she found herself laughing and dancing between the two men as they peppered kisses onto the skin of her neck.

But something was different this time, compared to when she was dancing with Valen and Juniper. Ryis wasn’t just being playful—his hands lingered a little too long, his body pressing too close. Ari’s stomach filled with warmth, but she brushed it off, telling herself that she deserved to relish in this moment. 

Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw March and her heart stopped.

He was standing off to the side, watching them with a drink in his hand, his jaw set. His eyes narrowed as they flicked between Ari and Ryis and Balor, a flash of something darker crossing his face. Ari froze for a moment, the weight of his gaze settling on her like a heavy blanket.

“Everything okay over there, city girl?” Ryis’s voice was too close now, his hands a little too firm as he swayed her against him. She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think, and she felt Balor’s hands creeping around the hem of her shirt, his fingers tickling her skin under the fabric.

Ari tensed, suddenly aware of how intimate the dance had become. “I think I’m going to get some air,” she mumbled, trying to step back. But all that happened was her stumbling to the side, both men rushed to catch her as she fell and she flushed. She was too drunk to walk or stand properly.

But before she could move, a strong hand gripped her arm, pulling her away from the carpenter and the business man.

“Hey!” Balor protested, but Ryis shook his head and held him back. , “Let them go.”

March’s grip only tightened as he yanked Ari out of the circle.

“What the hell, March?” Ari slurred, stumbling slightly as he half-dragged her away from the crowd.

“You’ve had enough, Ari,” March said, his voice low and sharp, a mixture of frustration and something else. The fire in his eyes set her ablaze, and she felt even warmer than she had before. She stumbled as she tried to keep up with him, but the drunk feeling prevented her limbs from working correctly. Ari tried to pull free, but her legs felt unsteady, the alcohol clouding her judgment. “I was just dancing, March! They weren’t doing anything wrong.”

March’s expression hardened, and he stopped and turned to her as she smacked her face against his chest. He held her still as he glared down at her. “He was all over you ,” he growled, his eyes blazing, “Both of the, like some horny dogs in heat.”

Ari blinked at him, taken aback. “Why does it matter to you, huh?” she snapped, trying to shake him off. “I can do whatever I want with whoever I want!”

March’s jaw clenched, and for a brief moment, he looked as though he might say something more—but then he just exhaled sharply, pulling her towards the door to his truck.

“You’re going home,” he muttered, as they were finally away from the bonfire. He opened the door and all but shoved her in and she pouted.

Inside, the other partygoers continued to dance, unaware of what was unfolding outside. All except for one: Reina, standing near the cabin's porch, had seen the exchange. Her eyes followed March and Ari as they left, confusion and hurt flashing across her face. She stood frozen for a moment, unsure of what exactly had happened— why March had pulled Ari away like that.

As March shut the door to the passenger side, Ari shot a look back at the group. Her head was swimming with alcohol, and the weight of the situation was starting to settle in. She saw Reina’s expression from the window. She hadn’t meant to upset anyone,least of all Reina. But she couldn’t help feeling that something was off about March’s sudden protectiveness.

March climbed into the driver’s seat and started the truck, the engine rumbling to life as they left the cabin behind. Ari leaned back in her seat, feeling the tension in the air, her mind foggy but her thoughts racing. The events of the night clung to her, and she felt like she was caught between something, or someone.

She closed her eyes, unsure of how things had gotten so complicated, “This is so fucking stupid.”

The drive home was quiet, save for the low hum of the truck’s engine and the occasional rustle of the wind outside. Ari sat in the passenger seat, her head leaning against the window as the lights of fire and the party faded behind them. She could feel the heat of March’s frustration radiating beside her, even though he hadn’t said a word since leaving the cabin.

But then, finally, the silence was broken.

“You’re lucky I got you out of there when I did,” March’s voice was low, tight with anger. “What the hell were you thinking, getting so drunk around people you barely even know?”

Ari’s stomach tightened, a sharp pang of defensiveness bubbling up. She turned to face him, her voice slurred from the alcohol but firm. “I’m not a kid, March! I can… take care of myself.”

“That’s not the point,” he shot back, his hands gripping the steering wheel tighter. “You were too close to Ryis and whoever the fuck that other guy was! You were all over him like—like you didn’t even care who was watching.” He was starting to get heated now, his words coming out fast. “You barely know the guy, Ari. You don’t know what he’s really like. You didn’t really know anyone there!”

Ari’s pulse quickened, and she shot him a glare. “So, what? You’re gonna tell me who I can be friends with now? Is that it?”

“I’m telling you to be careful,” March snapped, his eyes briefly flicking to her before returning to the road. “This town isn’t like the city. People can be nice to your face, and have their own plans behind closed doors, and you’re too trusting. You’re too naive .”

The words stung, cutting through her like a knife. She blinked hard, trying to fight back the tears that suddenly welled up in her eyes.

“You think I’m naive ?” she whispered, her voice trembling. “You think I don’t know that?”

She didn’t wait for him to respond, her voice breaking as she continued. “You don’t know what it’s like, March. Losing everything, losing my parents, losing my home… and then moving to a place I don’t even want to be, where I don’t know anyone and I don’t fit in. And you —you’re so angry all the time, pushing me away like I’m the problem. I don’t even know where I belong anymore. So yes, call me naive, call me fucking stupid or whatever, but you have no idea what I’m going through!”

The words spilled out of her before she could stop them, each one feeling like a weight she had been carrying for so long, finally pouring out into the truck’s cab. She felt the tears falling down her cheeks, her heart aching as the pain of everything she had been through hit her all at once. She was angry, sad, and overwhelmed. She didn’t know how to fix any of it.

March’s grip on the steering wheel loosened, and for a moment, the truck seemed to slow, as if the tension between them had wrapped itself around the air. He didn’t say anything at first, his eyes on the road. The silence was deafening. Ari’s heart sank, her foolish words finally hitting her.

Finally, he spoke, his voice softer now, almost hesitant. “You’re wrong, I do know what that’s all like.”

No. Why was life so cruel? The one person who she hated, loathed, how could he out of anyone in this town be the one that understood what she was going through? She bit her lip as she remembered that he too lost his parents, along with Olric. She was an idiot, but her pride refused to let up, and crawled up her throat to voice its opinion instead. Not wanting to hear anything more, not wanting to feel the weight of his words, or worse, the weight of his pity. She wiped her eyes quickly, turning away to face the window again, “I don’t care, you’ll never understand my pain.”

“I’m sorry,” March murmured after a beat. “I didn’t mean to make things harder.” His hand had subconsciously tried to cover hers on the console, to comfort her, but she pulled it away.

The words felt too small, too late. But still, Ari couldn’t help the quiet sob that escaped her, her shoulders shaking with the weight of it all. She wiped her face, her throat tight as she tried to regain some composure, but it was no use.

March’s hand hovered awkwardly over the console. Then, with a soft exhale, he placed his hand on the back of his own neck instead.

Ari let herself sit there, breathing through the ache, the grief, the anger, the confusion. She didn’t know how to fix any of it, her angry feelings for March, her broken heart, or this new life she was struggling to build.

XxXxXxXx

As the truck rolled up the gravel driveway to Elsie’s house, the weight of the night seemed to settle over Ari like a thick fog. The angry words, the overwhelming emotions, the way March had acted; it all felt like too much to carry at once. The moment the truck stopped, she was out of the passenger seat and storming up the porch steps, not sparing a glance back at March. The truck turned off and his footsteps were following her quickly.

She didn’t want to talk, didn’t want to explain herself, or deal with his judgment, his anger, or his protective instincts. She just needed space, somewhere to hide from everything that had happened.

Inside, Elsie was waiting in the kitchen, her gaze flicking between March and the door Ari had just slammed behind her. “What happened?” she asked, her voice calm but curious as Ari walked past her, into the kitchen, and out the back door to her room.

March sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I—" He paused, choosing his words carefully. "She got drunk. Started dancing with Ryis and some random guy. I... I didn’t like how close they were getting. It was too much, they were being inappropriate and groping her. I told her she was being unsafe, and we argued. She’s upset.”

Elsie gave him a long look, eyes narrowing slightly as she crossed her arms. “March, you can’t really tell me you’re mad at her for that when she’s not the one who asked to be groped. I understand you were acting chivalrous, but you went about it the wrong way. You should have gotten mad at Ryis and the other guy for what they did. At the same time, you can’t make decisions for her, especially not when she’s already feeling vulnerable. You need to approach her more sensitively.” Her voice softened. “Go upstairs and apologize properly. You’ve upset her. You need to fix this.”

March groaned inwardly, feeling the weight of Elsie’s words. He didn’t like the idea of going to see her, of trying to fix things when he felt so conflicted himself. But he could see the concern in Elsie’s eyes, and though he didn’t want to admit it, he knew she was right.

With a resigned sigh, March stood outside towards the farmhouse. His feet felt heavy, but he knew he had to do it. He wasn’t great with feelings, but he couldn’t just let things fester. He had to make things right, even if he didn’t entirely understand why he was feeling so protective of Ari in the first place.

When he reached the door at the front of her porch, he hesitated, taking a moment to knock on her door. “Ari? Can we talk?” he called softly.

There was no answer.

He twisted the doorknob and nudged the door open, his mouth opening to speak—only to freeze when his eyes landed on her.

Ari was standing by the stairs to her loft, her back to the door, and she had just begun to remove her shirt. She had jammed her earbuds in, hence why she didn’t hear him. Her movements froze the moment she heard the door creak open, and her heart jumped into her throat.

March’s eyes snapped upward, immediately locking onto her exposed back and the curve of her body. His breath caught in his throat as his eyes landed on her chest, two small silver rings could be seen and he gasped. The unexpected sight left him speechless, and for a second, all he could do was stare, his mind overwhelmed by the image in front of him.

Ari, equally shocked, quickly grabbed her shirt to cover herself and her newly pierced nipples, her face burning with embarrassment. “What the hell, March?” she demanded, her voice sharp but tinged with panic.

He scrambled to avert his gaze, his neck and ears instantly turning red stammering, “I—sorry! I didn’t mean to—I thought you were—” His words tangled in his throat, and he didn’t know how to finish the sentence without making it worse.

Ari quickly pulled her shirt back on, her face flushed from both embarrassment and anger. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “You can’t just barge in here like that. Knock next time!” she snapped, her heart still pounding from the shock of the situation.

“I—I’m sorry,” March repeated, his voice rough with discomfort as he turned his back to her. “I was trying to apologize, and I thought you were ... I didn’t —” He exhaled sharply, trying to regain control of himself. “I didn’t mean for this to happen. I shouldn’t have barged in.”

Ari turned her back to him, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. She didn’t know what to say, or if she even wanted to listen to him anymore. “You’ve already done enough damage tonight, March,” she muttered. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

March stood there, feeling like a complete idiot. He wanted to reach out, to explain himself, to apologize in the right way. But this moment, this weird, uncomfortable silence between them made it hard to find the right words.

“I’m sorry,” he said again, quieter this time, his voice soft but sincere. “For earlier. For... how I acted. I overstepped, and that was wrong. I didn’t mean to make you feel like you couldn’t make your own choices.”

Ari stayed silent for a long moment, her back still turned to him. Her fingers were gripping the edge of her cardigan, and she could feel the lump forming in her throat. She wasn’t ready to forgive him, not yet. But hearing him apologize made something inside her crack open, just a little.

Finally, she spoke, her voice small. “You’re right about one thing—I don’t want you making decisions for me. I’m not your responsibility, March. I can take care of myself.”

“I know,” March replied quietly, his voice sincere but still filled with a note of uncertainty. “I won’t do it again.”

Ari turned to face him then, her eyes brimming with emotion. “I’m not some fragile thing you need to protect,” she said softly, her voice unsteady. “It’s hard enough as it is, and I don’t need anyone telling me what I can and can’t do. I’m already limited in those options because of the conservatorship.”

March’s gaze softened, the tension in his shoulders easing as he stepped back slightly, his voice quieter now. “I get that. I really do.”

The room was thick with the weight of their unspoken words, and Ari could feel the distance between them begin to shift. She wasn’t sure if she could forgive him yet, but she appreciated the sincerity in his apology.

“Maybe... maybe you just need to let me figure things out on my own,” she said, her voice more composed now, but still fragile. “I’m not asking for help, March. I’m asking for space.”

March nodded slowly, his expression quiet but understanding. His footsteps took him back towards the door, and his cold, demeanor returned as he opened the door without a word and his feet took him outside.

Ari nodded, her arms still tightly crossed, but the anger had faded, replaced with a quiet sadness she wasn’t ready to share. “Good night, March.”

With one last look, March turned and left the house, closing the door behind him. The silence that followed felt heavy, but at least, for now, it was a silence filled with understanding.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Ari woke up with an overwhelming sense of regret and a pounding headache. Her eyelids felt heavy, and the memories of last night came flooding back. She groaned in discomfort, sitting up and bringing her hands up to cradle her head as she tried to wince away the pain of a headache. She hadn’t expected to drink so much, and now her body was reminding her just how much she had overdone it. She squinted at the sunlight streaming through the window, wishing she could just disappear back into the warmth of her bed and forget about everything. The light was bright and amplified the headache, and she reached over to close her blinds to block it. She took a deep breath, trying to let last night’s memories settle in. The dry humping between her and Balor and Ryis, the fight with March, crawling into bed angry, it all came flooding back.

When she finally managed to drag herself out of bed and make her way downstairs, Elsie was already in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. The scent of coffee and eggs filled the air, but Ari could hardly stomach anything. She grabbed a glass of water, trying to rehydrate as her stomach twisted in protest. She opened a cabinet close by and began searching for some advil, and took two tablets with her glass before sitting down at the table as she watched Elsie cook. 

Elsie glanced over at her, a sympathetic smile on her face. “You look like you’ve been hit by a truck,” she said with a soft laugh, “Did you have a good night?”

Ari managed a small smile, but it was weak, her body aching from both the alcohol and the emotional strain of the past few days, “It was fun, but I should probably hold off before going out and drinking like that again.”

“And what about March?” Elsie said, placing a plate in front of her, “Did he apologize to you last night?”

Ari grimaced, facing downwards and glaring at her plate, “Yes.” She said angrily.

Elsie didn’t waste any time. She placed a hand on Ari’s shoulder, her tone gentle but serious. “I know you’re upset with March, and I get it. But you need to understand. He was just looking out for you.”

Ari sighed, her headache only worsening at the thought of March and their argument. She didn’t want to hear anything about him, not right now. But Elsie’s words made her pause, and she finally looked up at her, the hurt still lingering in her eyes.

“I know he was angry,” Ari muttered. “But it felt like he was treating me like I didn’t know what I was doing. I hate that. I know I’ve had my freedom taken away from me, and you’ve been more than generous with giving me some flexibility even though as my conservator you could be a lot more strict. But he treats me like a naive little kid, and I’m anything but that.”

Elsie nodded, setting down the spatula and sitting down next to her. “I understand. But March doesn’t want to see you get hurt. He cares about you, Ari. More than you realize.”

Ari shook her head, unwilling to believe it. “He has a funny way of showing it, besides, I can take care of myself.”

Elsie’s gaze softened. “I know you can. But it’s not just about protecting you from danger. It’s about him caring for you in a way that maybe he doesn’t know how to express. He was upset because he saw someone else getting close to you. I’d have half a right mind to think he was jealous, but I’ve never seen him like that before.”

Ari’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of jealousy. Him? Jealous of her being on someone else? “He’s jealous because he thinks I’m going to turn his friends against him. I don’t think he cares for me in that way.” The thought hadn’t crossed her mind, but now that Elsie had said it, it almost made sense. All of March’s behaviors pointed to something deeper than just concern. But hearing Elsie put it out there left Ari feeling even more confused. She ignored it and stabbed her fork into her eggs before bringing the fluffy protein to her mouth. “I don’t know what to do with that,” Ari admitted, rubbing her temples. “I can’t figure out what he wants from me. And I don’t even know what I want either. It’s just all too much.”

Elsie smiled gently, a twinkle of understanding in her eyes. “You guys will figure it out. Just give it some time.”

Ari sat in silence, the weight of the conversation settling over her. She didn’t want to believe or care that March was jealous or cared about her at all. Everything he had done up till that point had shown her that he didn’t care about her and wanted her gone and back in New York, but a part of her couldn’t ignore the fact that there was something between her and March. Even though they fought like oil and water, they always gravitate back to each other in the most toxic way possible.

She was finishing up her breakfast and putting her things in the sink when she heard familiar boots in the kitchen. Elsie greeted him with a good morning, and Ari found herself leaving the two and heading out to do her chores. She didn’t want to see him, didn’t want to look at his stupid face or his freckled cheeks or his dark eyes.

Later that afternoon, March had already left to head back to school, Ari found herself alone in the farm house, reflecting on everything. She was still upset, but the thought of letting things fester and not having control over her life was even worse. So, as a form of rebellion against the confusion March had caused her, Ari decided it was time to get closer to her new friends, even if they were his friends before. She’d show him, and herself, that she could stand on her own two feet, no matter what.

She sent a text to Celine, inviting her to go out for a walk later that day, and began to think about the other girls she had met. She would spend more time with them, get to know them better, and prove that she didn’t need March to dictate how she should live her life.

XxXxXxXx

Over the next few days, Ari became more and more involved in the girls group. She spent time with Celine, Reina (although she had been a bit more distant, and Ari found her distance valid), and the others, learning new things about each of them and bringing things by to them when she could. She even found herself confiding in them about her struggles with fitting in and how hard the transition had been from the city to the small town. They had all been very understanding and hugged her, not knowing the pain and reason of why she moved to their small town.

Adeline had felt incredibly guilty for the words she used at their previous girls night, “I didn’t understand your situation then, and I had made a comment about why you came here of all places. I had no idea the pain you were going through.

It didn’t take long for Ari to realize that she was beginning to enjoy the company of her new friends. They didn’t judge her the way she sometimes felt March did. They didn’t expect anything from her other than her time and friendship. It was refreshing, and Ari found herself smiling more often than she had in weeks.

But even as she threw herself into her new life, a small part of her couldn’t completely shake the thought of March. But for now, she was focused on building a life for herself, one that didn’t need to involve him, one that didn’t need anyone telling her what to do. She was going to prove that she didn’t need to be protected. She was going to prove that she was strong enough on her own. With her mornings spent working the farm, she was slowly gaining more muscle and energy. She was a big girl, an independent woman, she didn’t need a man to protect her.

And if March couldn’t see that, then it was his loss.

She was in the middle of her farm work routine on Thursday, when her phone vibrated in her pocket. Taking a minute away from the chickens, she pulled it out. It said she had a message from Reina.

Reina: “Hey, can we meet up? I want to talk to you about something.”

Ari paused, looking down at the text for a moment. She hadn’t really gotten a chance to talk to Reina one-on-one, not since the night of the party. The girls had been busy with their own lives, and March had left for school. Talking about the situations at the girls group didn’t feel appropriate either. Ari felt a strange mix of curiosity and hesitation. She had no idea what Reina wanted to talk about, but a part of her had the feeling it might involve March.

“Sure, when and where?” Ari replied.

Reina: “How about tomorrow at the café? 2 p.m.?”  

Ari agreed, though she still couldn’t shake the feeling that this conversation would be different from the others. Reina had always been kind and outgoing, but now there was an undercurrent of something more serious, something Ari wasn’t sure she was ready for. She saw Reina when she was pissed at the party, she had hoped that frustration wouldn’t transfer over to herself.

The next day, Ari arrived at a small café near the town square just before 2 p.m. Darcy owned the small shop, and greeted her again. The smell of fresh coffee and baked goods filled the air, and she quickly spotted Reina sitting by the window, sipping a cup of tea. Reina waved her over with a bright smile, but there was a sad, somber look to her expression that made Ari pause.

As she sat down with her large mocha, Reina’s smile faltered slightly, her gaze focused on Ari in a way that felt more intense than usual.

“Hey Reina, thanks for inviting me here…So… what’s up?” Ari asked, tilting her head, trying to keep things light, but sensing that there was something on Reina’s mind, “What did you wanna talk about?”

Reina hesitated before answering, her voice lowering a little. “I wanted to ask what was going on between you and March. I didn’t know you two knew each other until the bonfire when you guys left.”

Ari’s heart skipped a beat. She’d hoped that whatever conversation they were about to have wouldn’t involve March, but it seemed inevitable. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “What about us? There’s nothing going on between us.” she asked, trying to keep her tone casual, even though her mind was already racing, “I only know him since I’m, ya know, living with Elsie. She’s basically made him look after me.”

Reina took another sip of her tea before continuing, her eyes flicking up to meet Ari’s. “I’ve been thinking about how March acted around you that night. The way he looked at you, how protective he was.” She frowned, seeing right past Ari’s lie, “That’s not nothing to me.”

Ari felt a tightness in her chest. She had tried to push those thoughts aside, but Reina’s words brought everything back. “He was just being overprotective,” Ari said quickly, not wanting to delve into it any further. “We don’t have a relationship, Reina. He’s just been around and teaching me how to take over the farm for Elsie. He’s like…” She paused, “A brother to me.” Reina narrowed her eyes at the pink haired girl and Ari avoided eye contact. She was careful to keep her voice steady, but a part of her wasn’t entirely convinced by her own words, “I can’t even stand him sometimes.”

Reina’s lips curved into a knowing smile, but it wasn’t teasing. It was more understanding, as if she could see through Ari’s defenses. “I don’t think it’s that simple, Ari,” she said gently. “I’ve known March for a long time, we’ve been friends since we were in diapers, and I can tell when he’s really invested in something or someone. And I saw the way he acted with you. It was different.”

Ari froze, her breath catching in her throat. “What do you mean?”

Reina sighed, “So, I’m not sure if you’re aware or not, but March and I used to date. It was great, cause I had been crushing on him for so long. But there was no passion, no energy. We got together a little after his parents died, and after thinking about it I think he only ever dated me to use it as an escape, to fill a void that was left by his parents.” She smiled sadly, “When I saw him angry, pulling you away from Ryis and Balor, his eyes held something that I have never seen before.” Reina leaned forward slightly, her voice lowering as she spoke. “I mean, I’ve seen March with other girls. Trust me. He’s never been that… animated before. When we were together, it was almost like there was no spark. But with you, even when you two argued, there was this fire. He got protective of you. He was frustrated but alive in a way I haven’t seen from him ever.”

Ari’s stomach tightened. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Reina’s words felt like a gut punch, and the reality of the situation hit her in waves. She had been so caught up in her own confusion and hurt that she hadn’t stopped to consider that March might feel something more or deeper than she realized.

“I don’t know what to say,” Ari muttered, her mind spinning. “Elsie thinks that he was jealous, but I don’t know anymore. I don’t even know what I feel about him. I don’t know if I should care. He’s been nothing but hostile to me since I’ve been here, it’s hard to think he has any feelings for me other than negative ones.”

Reina’s eyes softened with sympathy. “I’m not saying you should rush into anything. But it’s obvious that there’s more there than just a friendship, Ari. And I don’t want to see you ignore something that could be meaningful, just because you’re scared of what it might mean.”

Ari bit her lip, her thoughts a whirlwind. She didn’t want to admit that her chef friend was right. Was there something between her and March? Was it even something worth pursuing? She had only just gotten used to the idea of fitting into this small town, of finding friends, of being away from the chaos of the city. She had left her best friend and her long time boyfriend, and ended up without parents. The last thing she needed was to complicate her life even further by getting involved with March.

“I don’t know if I’m ready for all of that,” Ari whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Reina nodded, understanding. “I get it. Just don’t shut yourself off from it completely. You deserve to know the truth and get to know him too. And sometimes, the only way to do that is to let things play out.”

Ari stared out the window for a long moment, lost in thought. Maybe Reina was right. Maybe she had to stop running from what was in front of her, stop avoiding the tension between her and March. It wasn’t just about what he wanted—it was about what she wanted too..

“I’ll think about it,” Ari said quietly, finally turning back to Reina. “But no promises. I’m still trying to adjust to the farm life and co-existing with him”

Reina smiled softly. “That’s all anyone can do. Just don’t let fear hold you back from something that could be important.”

Ari nodded, the weight of the conversation settling in. It was complicated, yes. But it was real, “Thanks for the talk, Reina. And, I’m sorry it didn’t work out between you and March. I can see that you loved him a lot.”

“We…” Reina paused, pushing back some of her brown hair behind her ear, “Disagreed on his future. Looking back on it now, I was very pushy, and was trying to get him to go to college. But he wanted to go to trade school. In the end, he snapped one day and just left, never said a word to me except that we were done. And next thing I knew he was living at a dorm at a trade school.” She nervously fiddled with her fingers, “I pictured us both going to college together, graduating, having a family of our own, settling down and growing old together. And I guess that was too fast for him. He wasn’t ready so he left.”

“So you didn’t go to college, either?” Ari asked surprised, and Reina shook her head.

“No, I wanted to be closer to March, so I gave up college and went to trade school for culinary reasons. I didn’t want to leave him behind, and I figured after a little bit that we’d get back together… but,” Reina frowned, “He made it clear he doesn’t want to go back to how we used to be. And my parents own the inn, so I can use everything I learned at culinary school to practice and improve the dishes at the Inn.”

“That’s very optimistic of you,” Ari grinned, “If I stick around a few more years you can use me as your guinea pig.”

“It’s a deal then.” Reina said, standing up, and grabbing her things, “Thanks for the talk, Ari. I have to head out now, but maybe I’ll catch you at the Inn later?”

“Yes, for sure.” Ari said, tidying up her things, “I’ll try to be there.”

“Okay, see you later, Ari.” Reina gave her one final wave, before turning and walking out of the cafe. Ari immediately felt better about the situation, but now found herself more conflicted. What if she did try to open up to March, what if he did the same thing to her that he did to Reina? What if he just left one day without a word? Sighing, she stood up, opting instead to head back home instead 

XxXxXxXx

A day had passed since Ari’s conversation with Reina, and instead of going to the Inn that night, she instead decided to go to the small get-together at Celine’s apartment instead.It seemed as if nothing was slowing down.  Another Saturday night arrived, this time a small pajama party at Celine’s apartment. The air was filled with excitement as everyone was buzzing about March’s upcoming graduation the weekend after, but Ari was feeling something else. She walked around in some pink slippers she borrowed from Elsie, and some pink lounger shorts with a matching hoodie from her favorite Comfrt Brand. She sat around a group of people playing cards. All the girls had shown up, as well as a few boys. Ryis, Balor, Eiland, and Hayden were there, all in matching flannel pajamas. Somehow, the girls had set the boys up into wearing the exact same set, so they all matched. Music played in the background as the small groups laughed, and people chatted and laughed in every corner. Ari had been feeling a little off all day, her thoughts swirling around everything that had been going on. She was trying to avoid thinking about March, but his absence loomed over her, and her conversation with Reina just wouldn’t leave her head.

“Hey, Ari,” Ryis said as he scooted over to her. His voice made her jump, and it was a quick distraction from her thoughts, “You look cute today. How’s the farming going?”

Ari giggled, “I’m not cute, I’m just in pajamas.” She shoved her shoulder into his, “It’s been going good. I’ve been getting a little muscular with all the hard work.” She flex her arm for him, and grinned as his hand came to wrap around her upper arm.

“Wow, you are getting some gains in,” He grinned, “I’m impressed.”

“And you? How's carpentry life?” She asked, scooting closer to him a little, “Got anymore new scars?”

“Nah, but I do have a long project ahead of me.” He groaned, “Hayden wants me to build him a new shed for his pink sheep he’s breeding.”

Ari raised her eyebrow, “Huh? A pink sheep?”

“Mhm, a rare genetic trait.” He said, wrapping an arm around her as he kept her close, “He was lucky to get a female, and got even luckier to breed out a male. So now he’s gonna have those two make pink babies.”

“Oh, I bet he’s going to make a lot of money on them.” Ari said, thinking about all the revenue he’d probably make.

“Maybe,” Ryis whispered, “Hayden isn’t like that. He isn’t in it for the money. He just really loves his animals, ya know?” He smiled wickedly at her, “Hey, wanna take a selfie?”

“Oh, uh, sure!” Ari leaned in close as Ryis pulled his phone out and set it to selfie mode. He took a quick snap as the two smiled, huddled up closely to each other. 

“Can I see it?” Ari asked, “I wanna make sure I don’t look like shit.”

“You look beautiful.” Ryis said, ruffling the top of her head, “Don’t worry about it.”

She was about to oppose, when Junipers voice from the other side of the apartment called out to her, “ Ho ho ho ! Ari, come try this new drink I made!”

“Gotta go, bye Ryis!” Ari climbed up onto her feet and walked towards the commotion on the other side, and Ryis smiled as he sneakily texted the picture to someone.

Ryis: We wish you were here! *attached image*

March: ? WTF

Ryis: We’re having a blast, can’t wait to see you next weekend. Grad party still at my uncles place?

March: Yea… still on.

As the drinks flowed and the night went on, Ari found herself loosening up. Her earlier hesitation gave way to laughter and dancing. She and Adeline challenged each other to a DDR competition, and Adeline was a better dancer than she expected. She was having a great time, but as the alcohol Juniper brought started to take its toll, the barriers she’d built around herself began to crumble. Before she knew it, her mind was full of thoughts about March, and despite her best efforts to push them away, she felt as though she missed him.

Just then, her phone buzzed. Ari grabbed her phone from the table, her fingers shaky as she opened her messages. Her mind was blurry, but she saw his name at the top of her recents.

March: What are you doing?

Her heart stopped. He had messaged her? She wanted to talk to him. She needed to hear his voice, even if she wasn’t entirely sure why.

She pressed the call button, ignoring the fact that she didn’t even read his question. Her heart started to pound loudly in her chest. The phone rang a few times before March finally picked up.

“What do you want, Ari?” His voice was irritated, and it made her feel guilty for calling him, but she couldn’t stop herself now.

She froze, she didn’t know what to say. She scrolled back through the messages quickly before returning the phone to her ear, “I’m at a party, and I called you since you wanted to know what I was doing,” Ari slurred, her words a little unsteady. 

There was a pause on the other end of the line. March sighed, clearly not thrilled with her choice to party again. “ And you're taking pictures with Ryis? Have you been drinking? ”

She could hear the edge in his voice, but something about hearing it, about hearing him, made her stomach flutter. It was almost comforting, like a part of her that had been missing was now back.

“I’m fine,” she said quickly, a smile creeping into her voice despite herself. “I’m safe, I’m having fun… but…” She hesitated, her mind swimming in a fog of emotions she couldn’t quite name. Reina had told her to let herself feel the moment, and to let him in. She tried to be vulnerable, “But I miss you.”

The words slipped out before she could stop them, and she immediately regretted it, feeling the heat rush to her face even though he couldn’t see her. She stared at the floor, waiting for him to respond. The party’s noise faded into the background, save for the few, entertained eyes that watched her from all corners of the room. Her confession had been loud, and she hadn’t realized the volume of her voice. All that was left was the sound of her own breath and the silence from the other end of the line.

There was a long pause, a silence that stretched for far too long. Ari felt the unease start to creep back in. She opened her mouth to say something, but before she could, March’s voice broke through.

“You’re drunk, Ari,” he said, his tone softer now, though still tinged with frustration. “I don’t know what you mean by that, but… just make sure you’re okay. I can’t keep doing this.”

Rejection, flat, plain and simple, “I… what do you mean?”

“I can’t keep going back and forth like this with you. Its like one minute you don’t want me to care about you, but you’re allowed to care about and miss me? Where do you draw the line?” He sounded exhausted and tired, she realized it was pretty late and that she had probably woke him up.

Ari winced, feeling the weight of his words. “I know, I know... I’m sorry,” she murmured, her voice small. “I just... I miss having you around. I’ve been talking to people about everything, and people are telling me to give you a chance, and I’m trying too , but I don’t know why you hate me so much.”

March’s sigh was heavy, “Ari, I don’t hate you.” Then, it felt like he was struggling to figure out how to respond. “I get it. I do. I’m hard to be around. But you’ve got to start taking care of yourself. I’m not here to look after you all the time and you’ve made it clear you don’t want me too.”

Ari swallowed hard, a lump forming in her throat. “I know. I’ll... I’ll try to do better,” she said quietly, though she wasn’t sure if she truly believed it.

There was another silence between them, but this time, it didn’t feel uncomfortable. It was just... calm, like two people understanding that things weren’t perfect but maybe they could still work through it.

“Just get some water, okay?” March said finally, his voice softer now. “Rehydrate and then handle things yourself.”

Ari nodded, even though he couldn’t see her. “Okay…”

A pause, then his voice was soft, different, “I don’t want to worry about you.” There was a beat before he added, “ I miss you too, you know.”

Ari’s heart stuttered at the words. For a moment, she forgot about everything else—the party, the alcohol, the chaos of the night. All she could focus on was the sincerity in his voice. Then, she panicked, and she did something stupid.

“Okay. Bye,” she said quickly, hanging up the phone before she could say anything else that might make the situation worse.

As she put the phone down, Ari felt embarrassed, her face heating up quickly. March’s words echoed in her mind, and for the first time in a long while, she felt like maybe things weren’t as crazy as she thought. But for now, the music from the party called her back, and she returned to her friends with a heavy heart, knowing that no matter how hard she tried to distract herself, the weight of her feelings wouldn’t go away.

Chapter Text

The week leading up to March’s graduation on Wednesday (the middle of the week of all days), felt like the longest week Ari had experienced since moving to the small town. She mindlessly threw herself into taking care of the animals and the crops, waking up early and working well into the late afternoon, doing anything she could to keep her mind occupied. She’d take all of the milk, and chicken/duck eggs along with any produce she harvested into town and sell them to Celine’s parents. She repaired the fences too, trying her best to keep the land secure so Elsie and Hayden’s cows didn’t meet and mingle.

Anything to avoid thinking about what was brewing in the back of her mind. 

The conversations with Reina and the late-night phone call with March had left her feeling torn, and she wasn’t sure how to face him when the time came for the graduation. She needed the time to clear her head, to figure out what she was really feeling, and the farm work was the perfect distraction. She didn’t really want to go, but Elsie had put her foot down for once and said she needed a break from the farm, and she’d be going.

Elsie noticed Ari’s quietness, she was avoiding all her friends and any interactions unless she went to go sell. At first, she thought Ari was just focusing on her responsibilities, but as the days passed, she began to worry. Elsie knew Ari was struggling with a lot of emotions, and seeing her isolate herself made Elsie feel helpless. Yet, she respected Ari’s need for space and never pushed her, hoping that the time away from the city and the work on the farm would eventually help her find some peace. However, after seeing the saddened look on Ari’s face, the look of exhaustion, she knew she needed to push Ari to take a break.

On the morning of the graduation, Elsie insisted that they leave early to make the drive. She could see that Ari was reluctant, her exhaustion from all the hard work weighing on her, but she knew this was important. It was a milestone for March, and whether Ari wanted to admit it or not, it was a big moment for their friends and his mom too. The drive to the graduation ceremony took about an hour. Ari was grateful that Elsie had stopped for coffee before the drive to the next town. Ari was downright exhausted, her muscles and bones aching and sore and screaming every time she moved. The coffee helped her wake up for a bit, but Ari dozed off against the passenger seat window after twenty minutes.

The closer they got to the town where the school was located, the more Elsie had hoped her worries were for nothing. The town was much bigger than their small town of Mistria, and Ari woke up when she heard Elsie roll the driver's seat window down. She blinked and sat up, rubbing her eyes sleepily as she realized they were at an actual McDonalds. Her mouth drooled, she hadn’t had fast food in many years, but for some reason her body was screaming for a Big Mac. 

“You want anything dearie?” Elsie asked as she turned to her, and Ari nodded.

“Could I get a Big Mac combo?” Ari asked, “A large, with a sprite.”

“Yes, yes,” Elsie said, turning back to the window, “Yes, can I get a grilled chicken wrap with a large sweat tea,” she paused as the man’s voice repeated it to her through the box speakers, “And can I also do a Big Mac combo, with a large sprite?”

“Yes, ma’am, your total is 24.57, please drive up to the first window.”

Elsie thanked the gentleman before driving up to the window, leaving Ari’s head to fill with thoughts again. She couldn’t help but replay the phone call with March, the vulnerability she had shown when she admitted she missed him, and the way he had responded. It all felt like a distant memory now, like something she had buried in an attempt to move on.

“I know you’re nervous,” Elsie said to Ari as she got her card back, pulling the card forward to the next window, “But he’ll be happy to see us. It’ll be good to be there for him.”

Ari didn’t respond immediately, her gaze fixed on the car ahead of them, waiting for their food. Her hands were tightly gripping her seatbelt, and she was doing her best to keep her nerves in check. She wasn’t sure what to expect from today, whether March would even want to see her or if things would feel just as awkward as they had the last time they saw each other.

“Yeah, I know,” Ari finally replied, her voice soft. “I’ll try my best to be supportive.”

Elsie smiled sympathetically but said nothing more, “Here you go dearie, maybe we can calm those nerves of yours with some food.” She handed Ari the bag, and Ari began digging through it, as Elsie put their drinks in the console. Ari put Elsies wrap behind the drinks, to rest in between them and the console. Then she pulled out her fries, sticking them into her mouth and moaning immediately. Ari moaned and closed her eyes, “It’s been so long since I’ve had a McDonalds fry.”

Elsie grinned, “You should be happy you young folks can still eat all that. I’d gain ten pounds if I ate one fry.”

Ari let out a laugh, a genuine one Elsie hadn’t heard in a while. They turned out of the parking lot and turned back onto a road. Ari ate her food, mindful not to clutter or get salt in Elsie’s car. Carefully eating her burger over the box, she turned to Elsie, “How much longer till we’re there.”

“About eight more minutes.” Elsie said, taking one hand off the wheel to grab her wrap, “Then we’ll have to find parking.”

Elsie put on some music as they both finished their meals, both humming quietly to the music until a bit later a medium university looking place filled her vision. It wasn’t huge, and gave her the same vibe as a community college. There were signs for parking for graduation, and Elsie followed those signs to the far side of the school. Over at that parking, there was a large, dark, industrial building that Ari could only assume was where the blue collar students worked.

As they parked, a familiar blob of brown hair could be seen and Ari immediately recognized Ryis standing with his Uncle Landen. As they both exited Elsie’s sedan, Ryis ran up to her, arms enveloping her in a large hug, “Ari! You came!”

Ari returned his hug, her nerves dying down now that she knew someone else was here. His Uncle behind him chuckled, and Landen turned to Elsie, “Good morning, you ole hussy.”

“Watch your mouth!” Elsie swung her bag at him and everyone laughed. Landen offered his arm, and Elsie graciously took it, as the two walked towards the hall. Ryis gave a mischievous look at Ari, and held out his arm, “M’lady~”

Ari giggled, “Thank you,” then began looping her arm around Ryis’s as the two started trying to catch up with the adults in front of them.

The ceremony was held in a large hall, filled with many families and friends. Ari sat quietly beside Elsie. Ryis sat to her right and Landen sat to Elsie’s left. Ari’s attention was divided between the stage and the crowd. She could see all the blue robes sitting in the front, and could faintly see the red hair sitting close to the front. Ryis eye’d him and smiled, “There’s our boy!”

“Yeah, I wish we could call out to him, but it’s loud and I doubt he’d hear us.” Ari started, before Ryis stood up from his chair,

“HEY YOU RED HEADED EDGE LORD!”

March immediately turned, his eyes locked on Ryis in a glare, before they turned and looked at Ari, who stood up next to him. Ari gave him a small wave and a nervous smile, and March took in her outfit. She was wearing a sleeveless light blue dress that went to her knees, a small slit went up the side. She was wearing a white cardigan to keep it more respectful. March stood up slightly so he could get a better look at her. She saw him bite his lip before he sat back down. She was about to ask Ryis what that look was about, when her phone vibrated in her hands. She pulled it out to take a look.

March: Wtf are you wearing? You’re not the one graduating.

Ari huffed and sat down, covering herself in her cardigan more as she looked down at her feet, “Jerk.”

Ryis caught the smirk on March’s face as he looked back at her, before turning his attention back to the front. He sat down, long arm coming down to wrap around her shoulders, “What did he say?”

“That I’m overdressed.” Ari mumbled.

XxXxXxXx

She hated to admit it, but damn did he look good in his graduation robes, standing tall with a mix of pride and relief on his face as he received his certificate. Ari couldn’t help but feel a small sense of pride for him too. He had worked hard to get here, and the sight of him, finally done with school, brought a smile to her face.

After the ceremony, there was a reception in a nearby building, and Ari could feel the tension build as she and the group made their way through the crowd. It wasn’t lost on her that she hadn’t really seen March in over a week, not since the party and the awkwardness that followed. But now, standing in the same room as him, it felt like everything she had been running from was staring her in the face.

As March caught sight of them across the room, his expression softened. He excused himself from the group he was talking to and made his way over to them. His presence was commanding, but there was something more vulnerable in the way he approached. When he reached them, he stopped short, as if waiting for some kind of cue from Ari.

“Hey,” he said, his voice warm, but guarded.

Ari felt her heart beat faster at the sight of him. She opened her mouth to say something, but was interrupted as a huge figure walked past her, “Hey bro!” Olric had appeared out of nowhere, hugged his brother tightly, “I got here last minute but just in time to see you get your paper! Congratulations!” March smiled, an actual smile that had Ari faltering as he hugged his brother back. Olric took a step back and noticed her, “Oh, Ari! Hey! Thanks for coming.” He eyed the group, “Landen and Ryis, hey!” Hey walked over, giving Elsie a small squeeze, “Hey ‘ma.”

Elsie hugged her eldest son back, and Ryis turned to March, “Congratulations, man.” He went and fist bumped the red head and then exchanged a very bro hug. They began talking, with Ari just standing next to Ryis and listening quietly. She hadn’t realized how much she had missed his presence until now. But it wasn’t just the absence of him; it was everything that had been left unsaid between them. Her mind raced, unsure of what to say or how to act. Finally, March turned his attention to Ari, “City girl.”

“Congratulations,” Ari said quietly, as she stepped closer to him, offering a small smile.

March gave a slight nod, his gaze flicking to her for a moment before settling on Elsie. “Thanks, Mom. I appreciate everyone coming. It means a lot.”

Elsie smiled warmly. “We wouldn’t have missed it. You’ve worked so hard, March. I’m proud of you.”

Ari watched the exchange, her chest tight. She was happy for him, really, she was. But at the same time, she didn’t know how to feel. He only said one sentence to her, did he really want her here? Did she mess up by coming? 

She felt the urge to apologize for the distance she had put between them, for her silence, but the words didn’t come. She wasn’t sure if it was because she didn’t know how to begin, or because part of her still felt uncertain about what she really wanted from this situation.

March turned his attention back to her, his eyes searching hers. “Are you okay?”

Ari blinked, surprised by the question. She hadn’t expected him to ask. She opened her mouth to respond, but the words didn’t come out. Instead, she felt the lump in her throat and the overwhelming emotion that had been building up. She had wanted to be strong, to keep moving forward, but now, standing here with him, everything she had been avoiding felt like it was surfacing all at once.

Lie.

“I’m… I’m fine,” she said finally.She wasn’t fine. But she didn’t know how to explain everything she was feeling.

March seemed to sense the tension, and there was a brief moment of silence between them. He took a step closer, just enough to make Ari feel like he was there with her, a quiet presence in the chaos of the reception.

“We can talk about it  later,” he said softly. His words hung in the air between them, laden with meaning. “Once this ceremony is over, and we have some time to talk, we can get caught up.”

Ari felt her heart tighten at his words. She wanted to say something—anything—but for a moment, she was speechless. Instead, she simply nodded, sure, later.

“Thanks,” she whispered, finally meeting his gaze.

The reception was bustling with conversation and laughter as March went to go thank his mentors, but for Ari, the noise felt distant as she watched March interact with everyone around him. She noticed how his posture had relaxed, how he was surrounded by familiar faces, although they were unfamiliar to her. Friends, classmates, and now Olric.

Olric was his usual warm self, clapping March on the back with a grin. He had a booming voice that filled the room, a stark contrast to the quiet, more reserved energy March exuded. Olric made small talk with Elsie and Ari as they stood nearby, laughing at the familiar jokes that had been a part of March’s life for so long. The older brother finally looking at Ari, “How’s the farm going? Don’t think I didn’t notice those new muscles!” Ari smiled at the appreciation and flexed her muscles, “I’ve been doing my best!”

“Damn,” His voice slipped, and Elsie gasped as Olric’s hand ran over the muscles  and skin on her arm, “Hard work pays off!”

Ari felt herself flush, Olric was not a very touchy person, save for family. She forgot how strong his hands were, the last and first time he’d ever touched her was when he caught her when she fell. “Thanks!” Ari felt herself being drawn into the conversation as Olric appreciated her, but her focus kept drifting back to March as she saw him glaring at her from the corner of her eye. She met his eyes, and he looked away quickly before turning to other people to engage with. She couldn’t help but notice how different he was in this setting. Confidence. Lighter. Like he truly belonged here, surrounded by people who appreciated him. A part of her admired that, but another part of her was envious, because she felt so out of place. She was out of sync with everything and everyone.

As Olric turned his attention back to Elsie, Ari’s attention was again drawn to March, who was laughing with a group of his friends. She hadn’t seen him like this in a while,at ease, joking around. But her moment of peace was short-lived. A young woman with long jet black hair, someone Ari didn’t recognize, walked up to March. She was dressed in a tight, eye-catching blue dress that matched their robes, and without hesitation, she threw herself on March’s arm.

“Come on, March! You’ve got to come socialize with the rest of us graduates!” she said, her voice dripping with an almost flirtatious tone. She gave him a smile, her gray eyes filled with something that could only be described as sultry, and the way she touched his arm, lingering just a bit too long, set Ari’s nerves on fire.

Ari clenched her jaw, watching the girl’s hand trace his sleeve, and March’s chuckle only made it worse. He laughed, his voice warm but with just enough distance to suggest he wasn’t taking her advances seriously. “I’ll be there in a minute,” he said, his tone light.

The girl didn’t seem to mind. She pouted a little, but with a final flirtatious wink, she walked off. Ari stood by Elsie, watching the whole scene unfold, a storm brewing in her chest. She tried to shake it off, but it wasn’t easy. The way the girl had touched him, the way she’d looked at him—it was as if she had staked her claim on him, and something inside Ari tightened.

‘I’d have half a right mind to think he was jealous.’

Jealous? Was Ari jealous? She shook her head quickly, no, that couldn’t be it. She didn’t know why it bothered her so much. It shouldn’t have. They weren’t even anything more than people who had barely begun to understand each other. 

‘But it does!’ Her brain screamed at her.

Ari felt a bitter taste in her mouth, a mix of frustration and something else she didn’t want to name. She forced a smile and  began walking back to March, though her smile was far from genuine. She was upset, and she was retaliating in a way that only her and March knew how too, “Congrats again, March,” she said sarcastically as he turned towards her confused, her voice clipped, the words feeling sharp and cold in the air between them. “You’ve earned it.”

March raised an eyebrow at her tone, but before he could respond, she quickly walked away, leaving him behind in the crowd. She needed air. Space. Anything to blow off the sudden rush of anger and jealousy that flooded her all at once. The last thing she wanted to do was stay in that room, smiling and pretending everything was fine. She didn’t know why it hurt, why she felt that flare of jealousy, but it did, and she couldn’t just stand there, pretending she was fine when she was anything but.

Without a word, Ari walked out of the reception hall and into the parking lot, heading straight for Ellie’s sedan. She yanked open the door and climbed inside, slamming it shut behind her with more force than she intended. She put her head against the cool window, staring out at the distant lights of the town, trying to calm the storm inside her.It was getting late, late for her at least. The sun was about an hour away from setting, and she had been up early.

The cool silence of the car was the only thing that made sense. She let out a long breath, trying to gather her thoughts, but nothing felt clear. What was it about March and that girl that had set her off so completely? It was as if the very sight of someone else showing interest in him sent all the emotions she’d been bottling up into a frenzy. She didn’t even know what she was feeling, jealousy, frustration, confusion? It all tangled up inside her, making her chest tight.

She sat there for what felt like forever, her thoughts swirling in the quiet. She wanted to text March, to ask him what he was doing, why that girl had touched him like that, but she knew that would only make things worse. She and March weren’t close, didn’t even text that much. Instead, she closed her eyes, letting the silence fill her, trying to get a grip on her emotions. Somehow, this whole thing, this confusing mess of emotions and misunderstandings, felt more complicated than it had been before. The only thing Ari knew for sure was that she needed time.

XxXxXxXx

As the reception wound down and people began to filter out of the hall, Olric, ever the curious older brother, caught March in the corner of the room. His face was a mix of concern and amusement as he watched Ari slip away from the crowd, heading for the parking lot with a look on her face that told him something was off. March had been acting fine all evening until Ari had walked up to him, saying something, and then walking out. The face March had made, had made Olric curious. He had noticed the subtle tension between him and Ari earlier when he put his own hands on Ari’s muscle, but now it was clear something had happened.

“Hey, March,” Olric said, nudging him lightly as he went to walk next to him. “What’s going on with Ari? You two okay?”

March stiffened, momentarily taken aback. He glanced over at the door, where Ari had disappeared. The last thing he wanted was to dive into a conversation about his complicated feelings for her, not when the entire room was buzzing with the aftermath of his graduation. But Olric didn’t let up, his brow raised with that older sibling sense of knowing.

“I don’t know what you mean,” March muttered, trying to deflect, running a hand through his hair.

Olric gave him a skeptical look. “You’re telling me that she came up and said something to you, left upset, and you can’t tell me what’s bothering her?”

March hesitated, looking toward the parking lot where he had last seen Ari walk off. The memory of her sarcastic words, her pained expression, and the way she had distanced herself from him played through his mind. If he was being honest, not even he knew what had happened or what was going on, “I’m sure she’s fine,” March replied nonchalantly, though even he didn’t believe his own words.

Olric raised an eyebrow but didn’t push it further. Instead, with a knowing smirk, he clapped his younger brother on the shoulder. “Alright, then. I’ll go talk to her. Let’s see if she’s fine .”

March frowned, watching as Olric made his way toward the door. He wasn’t sure how Ari would respond to his older brother’s approach, but he didn’t like it. Olric had always been the easy-going one, the person people gravitated toward. March wasn’t sure how he would handle it if Ari found comfort in him. He took a minute, before his feet forced him to follow his brother out. 

Maybe if she wasn’t comfortable telling him, she would tell Olric, and he would just ask his brother later.

XxXxXxXx

Outside in the parking lot, Ari sat in the sedan, staring out the window, trying to regain control of her thoughts. She hadn’t expected to feel so overwhelmed, but the emotions were pouring out of her faster than she could process them. A teardrop, then two, slowly fell down her face.

Then, there was a knock and she jumped, turning to the window quickly to see Olric, standing there with a frown and concerned looking face. She wiped at her tears, careful not to mess up her makeup. He opened the car door and looked down at her, “Ari?” His presence was unexpected, but it was a welcome distraction. He leaned against the open door, his posture casual but with a warm smile on his face. "Are you doing okay?"

Ari started stuttering, not realizing anyone had been watching her. Her gaze lifted, and she saw Olric standing there, his easy-going demeanor still present despite the concern in his eyes. She didn’t feel like talking, but she couldn't shake the feeling that his dark eyes could see right through her. 

He reminded her so much of someone else.

She felt herself break, finding a new, bigger reason for her emotions. She stepped out of the car, running into his chest and crying, her tears running down her face. Olric frowned, wrapping his arms around her tightly, “Hey, hey-”

" I miss my dad ," she said, her voice coming out a sob, her thoughts shift to Elsie, “I miss my mom.” As she broke down, tears falling onto the ground, she didn’t feel another arm wrap around her, “My parents never made it, never got to see me graduate, and being here with everyone made it so much worse for me. I’m so jealous that you guys get to have that and I don’t, I don’t have them anymore.”

Olric sighed softly, his eyes turning downwards to see his own brother clutching her tightly, “I’m sorry, Ari, I can’t bring them back. But you have me, you have us- ”

Olric pulled backwards a bit, and Ari sniffled as she looked up at him, her eyes quickly turning to the new presence that invaded her space. The small of cedar and sage again, and March held her closer to him as Olric distanced himself. She felt her heart ache and her head fell onto March’s chest now, more sobs escaping her as his warm arms held her to him tightly, as they fell to the ground of the parking lot with her sobbing. March stroked her pink hair as she cried into him. Ari didn’t say anything right away. She was trying to decide how much to tell them. She pulled her face away after she calmed down, sniffing as she felt tears start up again, “I’m sorry, I got mascara all over your robe.”

March patted her head, “It can be cleaned.”

“Yeah!” Olric said as he kneeled down to her, taking her hand and lifting her up, “It can be cleaned and then thrown in the back of his closet for the rest of his life.” He gave her a gentle squeeze around her shoulders as March stood up with them "Well, just know I’m, we’re, here if you need to talk." He looked between the two of them, “I’m gonna go back inside and get mom. I think it’s time to go.”

Ari nodded silently, watching Olric walk back inside the reception hall. March grabbed her by the edges of her cardigan, pulling her close to him. Their bodies pressed against each other and Ari had to bite back the gasp that threatened to escape her body. Her green eyes looked into his dark ones as he pressed her closer to him. March sighed, he had to fix this, even if he didn’t entirely understand what this was.

“You wanna go home?” He asked quietly, fingers pushing her hair out of her face.

Home?

“Yeah, I don’t feel like celebrating anymore.” Ari replied, rubbing at her eyes, “I’m kind of sleepy.”

March frowned, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed her. He could tell she was still upset, but there was something else that caught at his chest. He didn’t want to leave things like this, not after everything that had happened between them.

His grip on her cardigan tightened, “You wanna ride home with me in the truck?” His voice was softer now, an attempt to reach out to her without pushing too hard.

Ari hesitated. She had spent most of the evening avoiding him, and now she felt torn. She wasn’t sure how much she could take in one night, but she didn’t want to stay at the reception hall any longer either.

“Okay,” she said, her voice low. “But don’t expect me to be a chatty kathy. I’m not exactly in the mood to talk.”

March nodded, understanding her reluctance. “Let’s just get home, okay?”

He stepped back, giving her room to breathe, as Olric came out of the hall with Elsie, Landen, and Ryis. Ryis waved at them, “Yall heading out?”

“Mhm,” March said, “Ari’s gonna ride with me.” The pink haired girl turned and opened the car door, grabbing her purse before shutting it and turning to stand next to March. Elsie grinned and gave them both hugs, “Alright, I’ll see you guys back at the house.” She gave one last hug to Olric, before she got in her car and left. Olric waved at everyone else, “I’ll see you guys later too. I gotta be up early for work!” He walked off, Landen following as Ryis grinned “Yall want an extra rider?”

March growled at him and Ryis put his hands up, “I was kidding!” He winked, “I’ll see you guys at your party.” He turned and chased after his uncle. March sighed and began walking toward the direction of his old truck, Ari following him. The cool evening air felt good on Ari’s skin and made her feel better as they walked. March’s truck was parked in student parking, its battered exterior a stark contrast to the shiny new cars around it. March held open the passenger seat door, offering her his hand once again and she took it gently, and was reluctant to let go once she was inside. As she got into the passenger seat, March jumped into the drivers side, starting the engine and driving down the road. The silence between them was heavy, but neither of them felt the need to break it just yet. Ari leaned her head on the console, her eyes fluttering closed as she let sleep take her. 

She just wanted to be closer to him.

March wanted to break the silence.

But he didn’t want to wake her up. She deserved some peace.

XxXxXxXx

The headlights illuminated the driveway as March pulled his truck into the driveway. When the truck stopped, March had gone to her side, unbuckled her and carried her sleeping form into the manor. She stirred, eyes opening slightly, and she could feel March’s eyes on her, but she didn’t meet his gaze. She just wanted to go inside and forget about the night. So she relaxed back into him, back to sleep. Once they were inside, Elsie was waiting for them. She greeted March with a smile and looked at the sleeping girl in his arms, watching as the two seemed comfortable in their presence. Then, Elsie turned to March with an offer that caught him off guard.

“I cleaned up the attic for you, so you can stay there for now and sleep up there,” Ellie said, her voice warm but casual. “It’s been empty for a while, just filled with some junk, so I figured you could use the space.”

March blinked, surprised but grateful. “Thanks, Mom,” he said softly. Elsie smiled and then disappeared into her room, leaving the two of them in the hallway. Ari grumbled, her eyes opening as she looked up at him.

There was a moment of awkward silence before March cleared his throat. “Hey, um… you wanna go upstairs and talk?” His tone was uncertain, and it took a lot of courage for him to ask.

Ari didn’t answer immediately, her mind still swirling with thoughts and feelings, but she nodded. She let him carry her up the stairs, another small set were in the corner of a hallway. A door latch was on it and he nudged it open with his nose, pushing the door up with his head as he hauled her up, setting her on the side as he climbed up next to her.  Ari took in the space—it was much bigger than she expected, but the old wooden beams and the slanted roof gave it a cozy, almost nostalgic feel. It was clear that the room had been a bit forgotten, yet it still had that faint trace of warmth that came from being a home for years.

March sat on the tidy bed by the attic window, turning to face her as she sat beside him, but his gaze didn’t quite meet hers. He was still trying to figure out what he was supposed to say. The tension between them lingered like an invisible weight, but he didn’t want to let it keep him from understanding what had been bothering her all evening.

Ari spoke first. Her voice was cautious but insistent, as if she needed to get it all out. “So… about Reina,” she began, her tone even but pointed. “I had no idea that you two had dated.” 

March stiffened slightly, surprised that Ari had brought it up, but at the same time, he couldn’t help but feel a bit relieved. It felt like a step toward clearing the air, even if he didn’t know how to explain it all just yet, “Reina and I broke up, I ended it.” He started, “She had these plans for me that I didn’t want to follow through with. They weren’t my plans, and I don’t like being told what to do or how to live my life. Reina crossed that boundary too many times and when I was leaving we got in a big fight, so I left her.” He was upfront with it, “That was about two years ago, when I first left for tech school. She didn’t get over me, it broke her but she was hoping I’d come back to her.” He sighed as he ran his hands through his hair, and Ari noticed his hair was much darker. He hadn’t been able to dye it. “That’s all it is.” He leaned back and stared at her with a knowing look, “That can’t be the reason you were mad at me at the party, right?”

“The girl at the party…” she whispered, “The one that was all over you with the black hair. She irked me. I didn’t like her vibe.” Ari whispered, crossing her arms as she pouted.

March’s eyebrows furrowed, “Onyx? She’s just a classmate, nothing serious. She’s just one of those people who likes to throw herself around.” His voice was casual, but there was an underlying bitterness in his words. He didn’t like how she had acted around him, even if he hadn’t pushed her away as forcefully as he should’ve. He glanced at Ari to gauge her reaction but continued. “And Reina…” He sighed. “Reina was my ex, and things ended badly between us. That’s all it really was.”

Ari nodded slowly, taking in his words. She hadn’t expected a deep explanation, but hearing him admit it out loud felt like a weight lifting off her chest. She’d had her suspicions, but hearing it confirmed stirred something inside her. The jealousy had come from not fully understanding where they stood, and she’d let her emotions get the best of her.

“Is that all it was?” she asked, her voice soft but edged with curiosity. “Just a bad breakup?”

March looked down at his hands, unsure of how to respond. “I didn’t want to bring her up because it’s not like I’m still hung up on her. It’s just... When it ended, it left me with a lot of unresolved stuff. And I didn’t want to drag anyone else into that mess.”

Ari’s brow furrowed as she considered his words. “But that girl at the party… she seemed pretty comfortable around you.”

March ran a hand over his face, frustration creeping into his voice. “I don’t know, okay? She’s just... she’s one of tho se people who likes attention. I didn’t know how to get her off my arm without making things awkward. Besides, I was there to celebrate with my classmates, and she’s very well liked for obvious reasons. I didn’t wanna ruin the party’s vibe for anyone else.”

Ari didn’t respond right away, processing what he had said. There was a knot in her chest that she hadn’t been able to untangle, and it wasn’t just about the girl at the party anymore. It was about everything—how she felt about March, how he felt about her, the confusion they both carried.

“I don’t know why it bothered me so much,” Ari finally admitted, her voice quieter now. “I just... I guess I didn’t like the way she was touching you. It made me feel... I don’t know. Jealous. And I didn’t want to feel that way.”

March scoffed, “Jealous? You? Jealous of what?” He leaned forward, his face close to hers, “You’re the city girl, everyone always throws themselves at you. You’re jealous the attention was on me this time?”

Ari looked at him, her heart pounding in her chest. “You jerk!” She shoved him away, standing up to leave, but he grabbed her wrist and pulled her back down. She growled as he presses his chest against her back, his hand trailing from her wrist to her hand, “Do you think we’re just... supposed to pretend none of this matters?” March digs his face into her neck, his breath warm and sending shivers down her spine, I don’t want to pretend. But I don’t know what this is. I don’t know where we’re supposed to go from here. But I do know that I don’t want to make you feel like I’m ignoring what you’re going through, or like I don’t care.” 

Her heart leaped out of her chest, and his arms came to wrap around her.

“I don’t want to see you cry like that again.” He murmured into her cardigan.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The room felt thick with unspoken words, but for the first time in what felt like forever, Ari didn’t feel the need to escape.

Chapter Text

The party at Landen’s cabin the Friday after March’s graduation was in full swing. Celine’s family cabin was a decent enough size, but Landen’s cabin was huge, almost considered a luxury lodge. The driveway was long, and many cars were parking along the grass. The crackling of the fire blended with laughter and music as friends gathered around to celebrate March’s graduation. Ari had settled herself between Celine and Adeline, sipping some hot chocolate in her hands. It was almost too hot to be drinking the sweet beverage. Spring would be coming to an end very soon. The air was warm, despite the cool evening, and Ari could feel her forehead sweating under the intense heat of the flames. She took a good look around, noticing that the atmosphere was filled with light-hearted energy. She spotted the red-headed blacksmith at the cabin doors entrance, hanging out with Ryis and Hayden. This time, March wasn’t holding back. He had already shared a drink with his friends, and his usual reserved nature had faded into something more carefree, more open. Ari smiled, yet felt a tinge of guilt at wishing he’d give her that same look more often.

As the night went on, and Ari spent more time with the girls, March had pulled Ryis inside, the two of them standing just far enough from the crowd to have a private conversation. Ryis raised an eyebrow as March took a deep breath, clearly about to say something important.

“Ryis,” March began, his voice low but firm, “I need to tell you something. You’ve been my best friend for years, and I’m not trying to make things weird, but I think I have feelings for Ari,” He looked his friend directly in the eyes, a hint of possessiveness in his tone. “I just wanted you to know, so there’s no confusion. I know you like her too, and I don’t want to put a girl between our friendship, but I wanted to let you know how I feel.”

Ryis, though taken aback, gave a slow nod. “Alright, man. I get it. No worries, it’s plain as day that you’ve been super possessive of her since day one, even if you claim it was because you didn't want her stealing me from you..” He clapped March on the shoulder and offered a teasing grin. “Just don’t make it too obvious, or I’ll have to start telling you guys to get a room.”

March chuckled, feeling lighter after the conversation. It was one of those moments where he knew what he wanted, and saying it out loud to someone who mattered, someone who had always had his back, made it feel better.

With that, March made his way through the crowd, searching for Ari. The bonfire lights flickered, casting dancing shadows on the faces around him. When he found her, she was surrounded by friends, laughing and enjoying herself, her eyes sparkling in the firelight. Celine caught his eye, and began nudging Ari and whispering in her ear. The pink haired girl’s pose went rigid, a blush adorning her face as she looked over.

Ari caught sight of him and smiled, her expression warm and inviting. Without a word, March approached her in front of the girls and outstretched his hand, puffing his chest out while he looked away awkwardly, “Let’s dance.”

Ari’s jaw dropped as Celine and Adeline giggled, slowly pushing their friend up onto her feet. Ari began stammering, until March took her hand and led her into the groups of people dancing near the fire. The music was upbeat, and the rhythm was infectious. He pulled her close, his hands finding her waist as they began to move together, the world around them blurring. Ari laughed, her joy infectious, “What’s with you, March?”

 March’s hands roamed to her back, “S’nothing,” as the alcohol ran through him, he pulled her closer, his lips finding her neck in playful kisses. She tensed for a moment, before leaning her head up a bit, giving him more access as she pressed into him, lost in the music and the way he made her feel. The bond between them was undeniable, the connection between their bodies effortless. They danced for what felt like hours, caught up in each other’s company, until the bonfire began to die down and the night started to wind down.

The morning sunlight streamed through the cabin windows, casting soft golden rays across the room. Ari slowly blinked open her eyes, her surroundings still a bit hazy from the night before. She stretched and felt the warmth of someone next to her. She looked down and realized she was curled up against March’s sleeping form on the couch. His arm was draped loosely around her, his chest rising and falling with each breath, completely at ease in his sleep.

Ari looked around the huge living room at the other couples. Only close friends of March had been told to stay the night. Juniper and Valen were asleep side by side on the floor with blankets on them. Hayden was in a recliner, Celine curled up in his strong arms as he had them around her and engulfed her in a deep pressure therapy sleep. Adeline, Eiland, Reina, and Ryis were all sprawled out in random places in the room. Ari felt at peace, and content in the safe surrounding with her friends.

Ari smiled to herself as she looked back down at March, her heart fluttering. The night had been filled with laughter, dancing, and an easy closeness she hadn’t realized she’d craved so much. Now, in the quiet of the morning, she didn’t want to move.

But she decided she’d start the day with a little mischief.

Leaning down, she planted a soft kiss on March’s cheek, then another, a little closer to his lips. She felt him stir slightly but didn’t wake up. With a smile, she kissed him again, this time right on the corner of his lips, a gentle but deliberate gesture that made her heart race a little faster. She turned to look and make sure everyone else was still asleep, but alas, Juniper had been watching from her place on the ground. With one eye open, she quickly shut it, and Ari flustered, and began pulling herself off of March when his hand grabbed her wrist. March’s eyes fluttered open, and for a brief moment, he looked at her in a haze, clearly still half asleep. When the reality of the situation set in and he realized where he was—and who he was with—his lips curled into a lazy, contented grin.

“Mornin’,” he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep but tinged with affection.

Ari chuckled, her eyes bright as she pulled away slightly, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Good morning. Sleep well?”

“Better now,” March replied, his tone playful, he pulled her back down to him. She lay across his chest and he stared up at her.

They stayed there for a few more moments, basking in the simple comfort of each other's company, until the quiet of the morning was interrupted by the sound of others waking up and starting to move about the cabin. Ari glanced over once more at Juniper, who all but smirked as she got up, sauntering into the kitchen, “Ryis! I’ll make us all breakfast!”

“Let me help!” Reina said, bolting up and sprinting into the kitchen, “I can make egg cups for everyone to take on their way out!”

 The noise of the party’s aftermath started to set in, and March groaned, shifting to sit up, though his arm remained around her for a moment longer. “I must have drank too much, I’ve got a headache.”

“You want to stay and get some breakfast?” Ari asked, as she shuffled closer to him, resting her chin on his shoulder.

“We should probably get going,” he said, reluctantly starting to pull himself up. Ari frowned but followed suit, stretching as she stood up, feeling the aches of a night spent on the couch.

After some time spent chatting with Celine and the others, March and Ari made their way outside. Ari shoved an egg cup into her mouth, relishing in the taste, “You’re missing out, these are so good!” The fresh air hit them, and the morning sun felt nice against their skin. As they got into March's truck, he turned to Ari, a hint of mischief in his eyes.

“Alright, you ready to show me the progress on the farm?” he asked, his voice low but teasing.

Ari nodded, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. “Of course. I’ve been working hard, you know.”

March raised an eyebrow, teasing. “I hope so. I don’t want to come back to find the place in worse shape than when I left it.”

She playfully rolled her eyes. “Trust me, I’m getting the hang of it. You’ll be impressed.”

The drive back to the farm was a quiet one, filled with comfortable silence and the occasional chatter about life. When they finally arrived, March climbed out of the truck first and looked around, assessing the progress Ari had made.

“Well,” he said, turning to her with a smile, “The actual land looks good, but let’s see if you’ve really been putting in the work. Let’s go take care of some animals.”

The two rode off on the four-wheeler, and Elsie watched them from her window in her manor with a sly smile.

XxXxXxXx

Summer had started, and that meant ditching her cold gear for summer gear. Ari now sported overalls and tank tops whenever she went out working on the farm now. She threw her long pink hair up in a ponytail and grabbed her gardening gloves, and walked into Elsie’s kitchen from the back door to grab a drink. She had just walked in on time to see March’s figure leaving, and Elsie telling him goodbye. Ari tilted her head, “Was that March? Where’s he going?”

“Good morning, Ari!” Elsie stood up and walked to the Keurig, “Would you like some coffee?”

Ari nodded and Elsie began pouring her a cup, “March has business to attend to with Olric and Ryis. That trio is heading to an empty plot right now to put down the physical plans of their dream forge.” 

“Oh really?” Ari frowned, “What work will they be doing?”

“Oh, you know, laying the foundations and framing the structure.” Elsie walked over to her, handing her a mug, “Here you go dear.”

“Thanks, Elsie. I’m gonna go buy some summer crops right now. I was gonna ask March to go with me but I guess he’s gone. Could I take your sedan?”

“Of course, honey!” Elsie threw the keys from the counter, “Fill her up too would ya? She’s getting low.”

Ari nodded, catching the keys and walking out the front door. March was building a forge? She had no idea.

XxXxXxXx

A few days had passed, and we find ourselves on a Thursday afternoon. The rhythm of hammering, sawing, and lifting echoed across the site, accompanied by the occasional grunts of effort or bursts of laughter to keep all three boys spirits up. Though exhausting, the work was fulfilling; the forge wasn’t just a job, it was March and Olric’s shared dream coming to life.

That night, March had returned back to the Manor. He was sweaty, tired, covered in all kings of dust and debris. Once he stepped inside and saw Elsie sitting in the main receiving area reading a book, he stopped, “Hey, ma.”

“Oh, March!” She stood up and walked over, “I’d give you a huge, but you’re a bit too dirty.”

“Yeah, I need a shower. I was gonna go talk to Ari about something first-” His feet began taking her in that direction, but Elsie stopped him.

“Oh, she isn’t here right now, March. She went to visit Hayden on his farm down the other dirt road.” March stumbled, a growl threatening to spill out of his throat.

“What?”

Elsie shrugged, “She’s been spending a lot of time with Hayden. He’s teaching her about livestock. He told her to come visit him if she ever wanted new animals.”

That gave March pause. Oh. It was for work. His first instinct was to brush it off—Ari was allowed to have her own life, after all. But the thought of her leaning on someone else for support, especially someone like Hayden, made his chest tighten in a way he didn’t quite understand.

“It’s late, she’s still over there?” March grumbled, “It’s way past dinner time.”

“Yes, well,” Elsie gave a mischievous look, “She’s really trying to learn all she can since she’s doing all the farm work.” Elsie shut her book and began turning up the stairs, “I’m going to bed. Lock up down here for me, would you?”

Elsie ascended the stairs, and March gripped his fists tight to his sides. To be honest, they hadn’t had a moment together since the weekend. He didn’t realize how much time he was spending away from her.

XxXxXxXx

Ari, meanwhile, found herself growing more comfortable in Hayden’s company. She was sitting in his barn with him, the barn doors were wide open as she observed all the many animals he had to offer. Henrietta was currently nestled in her nap, sleeping soundly while Hayden went on about husbandry information she didn’t know. 

With March busy and the farm requiring constant attention, she’d taken up his offer to learn more about animal husbandry. Hayden was patient and kind, his deep voice soothing as he explained the intricacies of caring for livestock. Together, they worked through feeding schedules, health checks, and even some basic veterinary skills.

After the long day of work and brain crushing information, Hayden leaned against the barn door and looked at Ari with a smile. “You’re a quick learner. The animals seem to like you, too.”

Ari laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. “Thanks. I just… want to do a good job. Elsie’s done so much for me, and I want to make sure I don’t let her down.”

“You’re doing more than fine,” Hayden reassured her, his warm, easygoing presence offering comfort.

Ari felt a pang of gratitude, but she also couldn’t help but feel the growing loneliness that had crept in. March had been so busy with his forge, that it feels like he had forgotten she existed. She missed their banter, his quiet but steady presence, and the way he always managed to make her feel seen. But she told herself he was busy with something important, and she wasn’t going to distract him.

“Ah, also,” Ari picked up the book nearby, “About this formula you constructed on how to breed pink cows, are these really FDA-”

She was cut off by the roar of an engine. Both of them looked up and outside, to see March pulling up the driveway on the four-wheeler. Ari’s jaw dropped as he stopped, his eyes deadset on her before turning to Hayden. Hayden returned his look with an all-knowing smile, before turning to look down at his watch, “Oh goodness, Ari, it’s incredibly late. Where has the time gone?”

Ari stammered, holding the book to her chest, “But I was learning so much-”

“Ah, miss Ari, you’ve learned almost all I’ve had to teach you.” Hayden walked over and patted her head, “Go ahead and borrow that book, and bring it back to me when you’re done, okay?” He leaned in and whispered a little, “Besides, we don’t want to keep March waiting.” He reached out and plucked Henriette out of her lap.

Ari flushed as she looked at March, whose jaw had tightened more and his teeth seemed to be gritting. She nodded back at Hayden, “Alright, thank you so much! I’ll bring it back once I finish reading it cover to cover.” 

Hayden escorted her to the redhead who all but glared at the two as they walked up, “Evening, March! How are you?”

“Fine.” March bit out, “It’s late.” He turned to the girl climbing onto the back, his ego bloating as her arms wrapped around him with a book in his chest, “You’ve got animals to take care of. Can’t be out all night all the time.”

Hayden chuckled, “I specifically remember you always staying out late when you were younger-”

“Shut up.” March hissed, but then nodded, “See you later.”

“Yes, you two have a good night.” Hayden smiled and waved at them, as March took off back to the other farm. Ari’s arms tightened around him, as the wind wept past them she got a good whiff of his scent again. She exhaled and relaxed against him. This, this is what she had been wanting the whole time.

They pulled up to the shed by the farmhouse. When the engine stopped March pulled the keys out, but didn’t say anything. Ari tried to jump off, but he kept her arms around him tighter. She flushed, and peaked around him as she laid her head on his arm. She blinked up at him innocently as she noticed the tips of his ears turning red, “What’s wrong, March? Long day at work building the forge?”

He sighed. “I’m exhausted but satisfied with the progress we made on the forge today.” He turned to face her, “I came back home to rest and relax with you today, but imagine my surprise when I discovered you weren’t there.” 

Oh.

“Ari,” he said, his voice soft. “It’s been a while, I haven’t seen you all week.”

Ari raised an eyebrow, her tone light but with an edge of sarcasm. “Oh, you’re still alive? I was starting to think you’d moved into the construction site.”

March winced, scratching the back of his neck. “Yeah, sorry about that. It’s been… intense.”

Ari shrugged, trying to play it cool. “It’s fine. I’ve been keeping busy.”

“With Hayden, huh?” The words left his mouth before he could stop them, and he instantly regretted how they sounded. He turned away from her again, gritting his teeth at how stupid and jealous and possessive he sounded.

Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Yeah, Hayden’s been helping me with the animals. Is that a problem?”

March hesitated, then sighed, leaning against the counter. “No, it’s not. I’m glad someone’s been helping you out. I just…” He trailed off, unsure how to put his feelings into words.

Ari stood up, her gaze steady as she looked at him. “You could’ve just told me you’d be busy. Instead, I’ve barely seen you all week. You were busy so I made myself busy too. I didn’t even know you were building a forge, I had to hear it from Elsie. How can you expect me to keep up when you don’t communicate to me about these things?”

He nodded, looking down at the floor. “You’re right. I guess I just assumed you knew. I’m sorry.” He glanced up at her, arms wrapping around her as he pulled her into his lap, His face dunked into her neck as he whispered, his voice softer. “I missed you.”

Ari’s expression softened at his honesty. “I missed you too. But if you disappear again, I’m adopting Hayden as my new farm consultant.”

March couldn’t help but laugh at that, the tension breaking between them. “Noted. I’ll make sure I earn my spot back.” his hold on her tightened, “Maybe tomorrow you can come to the forge with me and see what all is finished?”

“I’d love that.” Ari whispered back, “What I’d love even more is to get some sleep.”

Chapter Text

Their schedules continued on the way they were supposed to, just with a little more communication. Ari had gone ahead and adopted some capybaras and rabbits from Hayden, and had already set up a pen for them with a few toys and small tubs of water for them to swim in. Ari was tired, heading back to the farmhouse after an early morning of farmwork when she spotted the redhead on her porch. She grinned, standing next to him and shoving her shoulder against his playfully. He grunted in response and she smiled, “Morning, grumpy, what are you doing here?”

There was a pause as March took a minute to look her up and down, covered in dirt and hay but nonetheless her pale white skin had tanned wonderfully and he found himself lost in the view of her body. He bit back a groan and turned away from her, “I was gonna see if you wanted to come to the worksite with me. We’ve finished the foundation and the drywall. We just need to do the plumbing and electrical work, then the outer foundations as well as the roof this week.” He chanced a look back at her, her eye’s wide but her face said she was giddy, “So, you want to come or not?”

She nodded quickly, “Let me go clean up first, then we can go?”

He let her push past him to get into the house, grabbing clothes quickly before disappearing into the bathroom to begin her shower. He waited for her out on the porch, stretching as his muscular arms came to cross across his chest. He really hoped he wouldn’t have to wait forever for her to be ready.

Thankfully, fifteen minutes went by and she was out. She slipped some normal shoes on as she grabbed her purse, sending him a smile as she stepped out onto her porch to meet him, “Ready!”

“Finally,” He mumbled, a smirk on his face, “Let’s get going.”

She bounced behind him to his truck, light on her feet. She really was interested in seeing how much work they had gotten done, and to see what the Blacksmith Shop would look like. She hopped into the passenger seat, taken aback when she noticed that he had replaced his old stereo system. She smiled, “What’s this?”

“I figured I could … change some things up in here.” He mumbled, handing her an aux cord, “This way you can play whatever music you want.”

“Aw, that’s so sweet of you!”

“Don’t thank me,” He flushed and turned the ignition, “I just didn’t want to hear you talk about nonsense the entire time anymore.”

Ari giggled as he pulled out of the driveway of Elsie’s manor. She leaned onto the console, resting her eyes as she tried to relax from the hard farm work she just got done. She wasn’t prepared for the hand the snuck it’s way behind her to rest on her. She sighed, he was very warm. She leaned into his touch, her body relaxing as she almost felt herself fall asleep.

Just as sweet sleep was about to take her, she heard him say “Here we are,” and then the truck came to an abrupt stop. She blinked and sat up, rubbing her eyes sleepily. She looked up at the building, two figures were outside waving at her. Construction supplies were all over the place and the boys looked absolutely tired.

She opened the door to hop out of the truck, Ryis already there to meet her as he grabbed her hand to help her out. He kissed her hand cheekily, “M’lady~”

Ari rolled her eyes but smacked at his shoulder playfully, “Ryis.”

Ryis dropped her hand before March could see, turning his attention back to the project and walking back over to assist Olric with something.

The site was bustling with activity. Olric and Ryis were hard at work, laying out tools and materials for the day’s task: electrical and plumbing installation.

March’s right hand came to rest on Ari’s waist as he began to lead Ari inside, showing her the progress they’d made. The walls were up now, and the space was beginning to resemble a real building instead of just a framework. He gestured to one side of the building where there were two smaller rooms framed out.

"These are the extra bedrooms I was telling you about," March said, his tone casual, but there was a hint of pride in his voice. "Olric’s going to get one of them. He wants to move out of town, and this way, he’ll have a place close to work without paying a ridiculous mortgage, and he’ll also be closer to ‘ma."

Ari nodded, impressed. "That’s really thoughtful of you guys to be somewhere closer to your mom."

March shrugged. "Makes sense. She’s been there for me my whole life… we owe her."

He moved to the next room, running his hand along the frame of what would soon be a doorway. "And this one’s mine. Once we’re finished, I’ll move out of Mom’s attic." He paused, glancing at her. "About time, right?"

Ari tried to keep her expression neutral, but a small pang of something settled in her chest.Her eyes averted from his for a moment, a look of sadness crossed her face before it was quickly replaced with a facade. She’d gotten used to having March around the house, even if they didn’t always get along at first, and even if he had been so busy with the forge that he hadn’t been around. "Well, it’s good for you," she said, forcing a smile. "It’ll be nice having your own space."

March studied her for a moment, as if trying to read her thoughts, but didn’t press. Instead, he grinned and motioned for her to follow him. "Come on, I’ll show you how we’re running the wiring. It’s not as boring as it sounds." She nodded and allowed his rough hand to take her small ones again, pulling her to the wiring that Olric was currently doing at the front of the store.

For the next few hours, Ari watched as March and Olric ran electrical wires through the walls. Ryis was currently working on wood working for the floorboards and the front door. While Olric did the wiring, March helped hold certain structures in place, explaining the process to her as they worked. Later on, Olric handled the plumbing with efficiency, occasionally chiming in with jokes to lighten the mood. Ari couldn’t help but admire how well the three men worked together, their banter and camaraderie making the hard labor seem less daunting.

She had wandered over to Ryis a few times, and for some reason she felt like that put March on edge. She had wanted to get away from the small of the inside of a worked on building, and chose to go outside to get some fresh air where Ryis was. She sat next to him while he worked and asked him questions about woodworking, and what all he was doing for the smithy.

The two chattered as Ryis educated her, with her asking some more questions out of curiosity. She was about to ask more when warm hands pulled her up and off her spot on the ground, turning her around to face him. March was looking down at her, a frown on his face. Ari tilted her head in question, was something the matter?

“Hey, Ari,” He said desperately, “Come look at this over here.” He dragged her away from his friend, who just smirked in response.

This continued to happen a few more times, even when she approached and asked questions to Olric. It didn’t escape her notice that March seemed especially keen on keeping her close. Any time she wandered too far to chat with Ryis or inspect something Olric was doing, March would find an excuse to call her back over. At one point, he even handed her a tape measure and asked her to "help him double-check something," even though she wasn’t sure what she was measuring.

By the time they wrapped up for the day, Ari was covered in dust and sweat but oddly satisfied. She’d learned a lot from Ryis and Olric, and felt like she had a part in helping them all build the store from the ground up. As they packed up the tools, March leaned against the truck and gave her a lopsided grin.

"Thanks for coming out here today," he said. "It was nice having you around."

Ari crossed her arms, smirking. "You just didn’t want me spending time with Hayden."

March’s grin faltered slightly, and he scratched the back of his neck. " Maybe . But can you blame me?"

Ari rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t help the warmth that spread through her chest at his words. "You’re ridiculous, you know that?"

"Yeah, but you can’t deny you like it," he shot back, his tone playful but with an edge of sincerity.

Ari laughed, shaking her head as she climbed into the truck, “Besides, Celine and Hayden are dating. What kind of person would I be if I was trying to get with him?” Despite his teasing, she couldn’t deny that she liked the idea of him wanting her close. 

As the truck started and the two headed back to the manor in the truck, Ari found the courage to link her fingers with his over the console, and they rode back in peaceful silence.

XxXxXxXx

It was now midsummer, and the store was finished. Ari had spent the entire morning working on the farm, before their entire friend group showed up to help move things into the forge. Ari showed up with Elsie after her routine on the farm, the sedan packed with boxes and whatever else could fit. They had pulled up, a bunch of people circled the car and began taking out the boxes and loading them into March and Olric’s new home. Celine smiled as she took a box from Ari, “Please, let me take that!”

“You sure, Celine? I can take it too.” Ari began to protest but Celine shook her head.

“No way, you spent all morning on the farm this morning, right?” Celine gave her a small smile and waved her off, “Go take a break and relax. We got this!”

Ari sighed but nodded. Heading inside the finished store and home, she sat herself on one of the chairs by the fireplace. The fireplace was a great addition, and the chairs belonged to a new set Olric had just purchased recently so they were in great condition and comfortable to sit in. 

“Ari, dear,” Elsie showed up beside her, making Ari jump a little, “They took everything out of the car. I have an elder council meeting to go too. Are you able to get a ride back to the manor?”

Ari nodded, “I’ll just stay here tonight or get a ride from the others. Thank you, Elsie.” She gave her a quick hug, and March showed up from a door that she supposed was his room. He gave his mom a gentle hug before the two were in quiet conversation. Elsie began to cry tears of happiness, wiping at her face. Ari frowned, an envious feeling gnawing at her again, as her gaze took her back to the fireplace. 

“Ari,” His voice called out quietly, and she turned back to him. He had seen the worry on her face, opening his mouth to ask if she was okay, but she shook her head quickly. He sighed, “I have final chores to do in town to finalize the building. I need to get the permit picked up and to square away some money issues.” 

“Oh, okay.” Ari whispered. She leaned into the chair more, knees up to her chest as she dug her face into her thighs. He sighed, leaning down towards her to try and look at her, “Listen, everyone’s already heading out. I’ll pick up some dinner and we can eat when I get back.”

She nodded, sadly, and he ruffled her hair, opting to give her space as he walked out. As March left to handle the practicalities of starting the forge, Olric had walked inside. The sounds of cars and trucks leaving filled her ears, and then it was just quiet, her and Olric. 

He decided it was the perfect time to strike up a conversation with Ari, “Hey, wanna help me arrange the furniture a bit and unpack some of these boxes?” He asked with a smile. She nodded, slowly getting up from her saddened position in the chair. She began to go through some boxes of dishes and began putting them away in the kitchen area. Olric hadn’t really gotten to talk to her since he worked in the city. He knew when he left that March and Ari were on bad terms. He wanted to have a heart to heart with her, make sure she was comfortable and happy and that his brother was being kind to her. 

She was in the kitchen area an hour later, unpacking the last box of dishes and mugs March had packed into the sedan, humming softly to herself.

"Hey, Ari," Olric said, leaning against the counter with a casual smile. "Got a minute to take a break?"

She looked up, brushing a strand of pink hair from her face. "Sure, what’s up?"

He crossed his arms, his expression turning thoughtful. "I wanted to ask how you’re doing. You’ve had a lot thrown at you since you came here. I know it’s been hard leaving New York and coming here, and losing your parents. You’re in a new town, new life. Now you’re spending all this time working on the farm with my mom, and dealing with March a lot. How are you coping with it all?"

Ari paused, caught a bit off guard. "I mean… It's been an adjustment, but I think I’m doing okay. The farm keeps me busy, and the people here have been nice. March has been… helpful, too," she added, a faint blush coloring her cheeks, “Elsie has been more than wonderful to me, especially for a conservator.”

Olric raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Helpful, huh? That’s one way to put it." He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "So, are you serious about him?"

Ari blinked, her hands faltering over the box she was unpacking. "Serious? I—well, we’re not really…” She gulped and looked away from Olric, “I don’t know what you’re referring too in that sense.”

Olric chuckled, his deep voice rumbling in the small space. "I see the way you look at him, and I see how he looks at you.” Ari’s heart leapt into her throat, and she turned quickly to look at him, “I’ve known March my whole life, and I can tell you this much, he doesn’t let just anyone in. If he’s spending this much time with you, it’s because you mean something to him. The guy can be stubborn and rough around the edges, but he’s got a good heart."

Ari bit her lip, considering his words. "I care about him, more than I should I think…," she admitted softly. "But it’s all so new, and I don’t want to mess anything up. Especially now that he’s got so much going on with the forge."

Olric nodded, his expression kind. "I get it. You need to take your time, but don’t be scared to talk to him about it, ya know?"

Ari laughed at that, the tension in her shoulders easing. "You’re probably right. Thanks, Olric."

"No problem," he said, straightening up. "Just looking out for my brother. And for you, too. We have to stay together in times like these."

Ari smiled, wrapping her arms around Olric in a hug as her eyes began to water, “Thanks, Olric.” He responded kindly, wrapping his arms around her in a protective hug that reminded her of her dad.

“What’s going on here?”

March’s voice made her pull away from Olric quickly, as she wiped her tears away quickly. Olric grinned at the redhead, “Hey bro! Me and Ari were just having a moment. How were your errands?”

“Fine.” March huffed flatly, looking between them, and Ari noticed two boxes of pizza in his right hand, a two liter drink in his left. 

“Oh, you got dinner! Did you get all my extra protein that I like?” Olric made his way over to his brother to grab the boxes, before turning and heading back to the kitchen to place them on the counter. He opened the cupboards and pulled out some paper plates before turning to Ari, “You want a slice, Ari? I get a meat lovers for all the extra beef!”

Ari was going to decline, but her stomach began to rumble and she flushed. March stormed over and opened the other box, a plain cheese. He glared at her, “You have to eat, you can’t ignore your body like this.”

“I suppose I’ll have a bite.” She batted her eyelashes up at him, “If you insist.”

The tips of his ears went red and he all but slammed a slice onto a plate and shoved it at her, “Here.”

“Thank you.” Ari said with a smile as she began to dig in. The top of the pizza was light, the sauce was sweet and the cheese was okay. The crust wasn’t like she was used too, New York Style would always be her favorite, but this was okay too.

“I’ll take mine to my room, gotta be up early so I’ll eat this and call it an early night.” Olric winked at March as he took his plate in hand, shoving the rest of the pizza in their fridge, “I’ll catch you two later.” Olric’s figure disappeared behind his own door and Ari ate her pizza quietly, March matched her energy and began to eat next to her too. 

Once they were both done with their slices, he grabbed two glasses from his cabinets before offering them up, “Drink?”

Ari nodded, suddenly nervous to be alone with him again. 

“Do you…” His feet shifted awkwardly, “Want to take these to my room and watch a movie or something?”

“Sure,” Ari blushed harder, “Um, I was gonna ask if I could stay the night here anyway. I’m pretty tired and rode here with Elsie.”

“Yeah,” He whispered, he grabbed the box and the drinks, and she grabbed the cups. The two creeped into his room quietly, Ari shutting the door behind her softly. March put the box down on his bed, the cups and bottle on his nightstand. He crossed his room to his dresser, rummaging through it and grabbing her a shirt and some shorts that no longer fit him. She took them and thanked him, and he pointed her to the corner of his room where there was a small bathroom. She went and got changed, stripping out of her farmer clothes and taking a rag with some warm water and bathing her body down. After she felt she was clean enough, she threw her hair into a messy bun and put his clothes on. The gray shirt was large on her, the sleeves were barely hanging off of her hands. The shorts were a little baggy but had a string, so she did her best to fasten them around her waist. She took her dirty clothes and folded them neatly and carried them back out to his room with her. She laid them down on a chair by his bed, before looking up at him. 

The lights were off, the tv on, but March was in bed. His dark eyes stared at her figure, looking her up and down and not taking his eyes off of her. She felt self conscious and covered herself with her arms, “Um, movie?”

“Yeah,” It was almost a growl. He stood up and rummaged through some dvd’s before placing a random film into his TV player. She slid into his bed, shuffling under the covers of his small full size bed. He crawled in next to her, and she realized he had put on an action superhero movie. She grinned as she snuggled in closer to him, her hands reaching for another slice of pizza as she got comfortable.

Throughout the movie, March started to make small, subtle moves on her. His arm started around her shoulder, then his fingers began to rub gentle circles into her arm. She felt herself more relaxed then she was before, and leaned her head onto his chest. She sipped the sprite that was in her lap as she let herself get comfortable, and soaked in the affection from March.

Soon, his fingers left her arm and started dancing around her hip, pushing up his shirt and rubbing circles on the skin of her stomach. Her breath hitched, her body temperature raising. She blushed and she turned to look at him, but his focus was on the television the entire time. She pouted, but let herself enjoy the light intimacy as she too returned to the movie.

Once it was over, March reached for the remote, turning the show off. His eyes turned downward and Ari looked up at him, “Sleep?”

Ari pouted, leaning up closer, “Aren’t I going to get a goodnight kiss?” She whispered. March froze, the hand on her waist twitched. His eyes darted to her lips, meanwhile she didn’t look away.

“Are you sure?” He whispered back, and she nodded. 

With no hesitation, March’s lips descended and claimed hers. Ari gasped at how quickly it was initiated. March’s lips were a little chapped but damn did he know what he was doing. His arm tightened and he brought her closer to him as he kissed her harder. She was so damn soft, he’d never touched or kissed or felt anything so soft in his life. He pulled away, his heart racing in his chest, it was almost too much for him.

But Ari wasn’t finished, she flipped herself over, straddling his waist as she took his face in her hands, pulling him back towards her as their lips collided again. He groaned against her lips, hands coming to her waist to pull her closer to him and kissed her back with just as much if not more energy. He gripped her so tightly that she was gasping from the pressure. His tongue slipped in, taking advantage of the moment as they tilted and the kiss deepend. His hand came to rest on the back of her neck, refusing to let her leave as he smothered her, no, suffocated her.

Ari couldn’t breathe, pushing him away as she took a long inhale of breath, “March-”

“Fuck,” He groaned, “Don’t say my name like that.” He tugged her back towards him and he continued his assault on her lips. 

More moments passed and finally they parted and she was able to catch her breath. “March, what are we? I don’t want to rush into this too quickly without knowing what we are, or what I mean to you-” She froze, “I can’t lose someone again, it’s…” Her voice rose to panic, and March squished her face, stopping her from talking. March frowned, leaning back slightly to give Ari some space, his dark eyes searching hers. The pizza box sat forgotten between them on the bed, and the light from the single lamp in his room cast a warm glow over their faces.

"What do you want us to be?" he asked quietly, his voice steady but tinged with uncertainty. "Because I know how I feel about you.”

Chapter Text

Ari froze on the spot, “What do you mean by that?”

He brushes a strand of pink baby hair behind her ear, “I mean, I like you, but I’m not gonna push you into anything you’re not ready for."

Ari hesitated, pulling herself off of his lap and giving herself space. She pulled her knees up to her chest and hugged them. "I don’t know, March. I mean, I like you too. A lot. But I’ve never really had the time to think about what we are, or what I want. And you… you’re busy with the forge, your life, your family.” Her eyes casted downwards, “I was in a really long relationship with a guy before I moved here. And it was great, and then overnight it turned into nothing, and he moved on like it was nothing. Now, I’m just figuring out how to keep the farm running, trying to overcome the loss of my parents, and trying to be involved here. I don’t want to ruin what we’ve got by rushing into something we’re not ready for."

March ran a hand through his red hair, then let out a sigh as he turned to her, pulling her in between his knees. He faced her, leaning his elbows on his knees as he tried to make eye contact with her. "I get that," he said after a moment. "You’ve been through a lot, we both have. I have issues letting people in and getting too close. After the first time we met, I can understand why you’d be scared to let me in. I was a jerk and hostile to you, and insulted you.” He frowned, “I’m bad at feeling but…” He paused, trying to think of the right words to say, “You’re not just some random side piece or a thing to me Ari. I’ve been serious about you for a while. I think Ryis was right when I pretended that I just didn’t want you stealing my friends." His hands came to rest on her ankles, as he tugged her closer, “I just think… I didn’t want to share you with anyone, and I didn’t know how to do that except try to keep you away from them.”

Ari’s heart twisted at his honesty. She reached out and touched his hand gently, their fingers intertwining. "I’m scared, March," she admitted. "Scared that I’ll mess this up or that we’ll want different things down the line.” Her brain recalled the reason he and Reina broke up, how they both had wanted him to do different things and it ruined it all, “I’m scared because I’ve never done this before, not like this. Not with someone that I think actually cares about me for once, and not just because I have money."

March shifted closer, his free hand cupping her cheek into his palm. "Ari, it’s okay to be scared. I don’t have all the answers either. But I do know one thing—I want to figure it out with you. Whether we’re friends, a couple, or whatever you want to call it. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere."

Her eyes filled with tears, but she smiled, squeezing his hand. "You’re so much better at this than I thought you’d be," she teased lightly, her voice shaky with emotion.

He chuckled, his grin softening the tension between them. "Don’t let it go to my head."

Ari took a deep breath, her heart pounding as she made a decision. "Okay. Let’s take this slow then? Test the waters and see where it goes?"

March’s face lit up with relief and happiness. He leaned in, kissing her softly, this time with a tenderness that melted her fears. When they broke apart, he smiled down at her.

"Slowly," he echoed, resting his forehead against hers.

The rest of the night was spent curled up together, as they fell asleep wrapped in each other's arms. 

XxXxXxXx

As the forge thrived with business, March and Olric found their rhythm in the daily grind. Ari and March kept their relationship quiet for now, trying to convince people of it as Ari spent time farming and selling the summer crops and caring for the animals, as March worked with his elder brother. Olric spent his mornings in the mines, carefully selecting quality ore to bring back to the forge. March, in turn, transformed the raw materials into ingots and expertly crafted tools, horseshoes, and other items the town needed. 

The only thing he despised making were the nails. Ryis ordered a whole batch every week and they were a pain in the ass to make. 

The steady flow of work was exhausting but rewarding, and the forge quickly became an essential part of the community. On a particular day, the boys were working and it was mid noon and Ari and Elsie were catching up at the manor.

Elsie and Ari sat on the porch of the manor one sunny afternoon, sipping lemonade and catching up. Elsie watched with pride as Ari described her growing confidence on the farm and the way she’d started to feel at home in the small town.

"You’ve come a long way since you got here," Elsie said, smiling warmly. "I’m glad you’re finding your place."

"Thanks," Ari said, her smile matching Elsie’s. "It’s been hard, but I’m starting to feel like I belong.” Ari set her cup down, “Any news on my car?”

Elsie chuckled knowingly, “It’s actually going to be here this weekend.”

Ari was happy. She was very grateful that Elsie let her borrow and use the sedan, but now she was super excited to have her car back and feel comfortable in something familiar and from home. Before they could continue, a black cadillac pulled up the driveway and Ari raised her eyebrow at the familiar sight of Adeline’s car. The girl climbed out of the driver's seat as she squealed and made her way up the stairs, “Hello, Auntie, and Ari!” Adeline stood there, her long pink hair pulled into a sleek braid and her expression full of excitement. "Ari, you are just the person I wanted to see."

Elsie raised up from her seat to hug her niece, and Ari raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What’s up, Adeline?"

Adeline stepped onto the porch, holding a folder. "So, the town council is looking to hire someone for a new position, kind of a mix between photographer and publicist. They want someone to document events, promote local businesses, and manage the town’s social media pages. With your background in journalism and photography, I thought you’d be perfect for it."

Ari’s eyes widened. "Really? That sounds amazing, but how did they even get any of my info? I haven’t applied anywhere yet or sent in any applications.."

"Well, I might have something to do with that," Adeline said with a grin. "I took some pictures from your social media pages, and put them in a folder and told them you had a degree in photography and that you just graduated. They were impressed with the work and asked me to make a connection with you."

Ari beamed. "Really? That’s… very cool of you Adeline." She coughed, “I do have farm duties still, so I’d hope they’d make accommodations for me.”

“Oh,” Elsie scoffed and waved her hand, “All you have to do is tell them you do it for me and they’ll let you off. Everyone in town loves me.”

“ More like you have dirt on everyone in town ,” Adeline whispered.

“What was that, Adeline, dear?”

Adeline clapped her hands together. "Oh, nothing!” She turned her attention back to Ari and grabbed her hands, “This is perfect! We need to celebrate. Girls’ night tonight? My treat."

Ari nodded, “That’s a great idea. Let me get together a portfolio and a formal application for the town and I’ll bring them with me tonight?”

“Sounds like a plan,” Adeline grinned, “I’ll see you there!” She gave her friend a hug, and then her auntie, before driving off. Ari felt her phone vibrate in her pocket and checked it.

The Girlys

Adeline: Hey guysssss Ari just got a super good job offer so we’re gonna hang out tonight at the Dragon to celebrate! Come hang out at 6pm!

Valen: My sincerest congrats, Ari. I hope you have a good working environment.

Juniper: Grats, same. *Some* coworkers are difficult to work with so I hope you have good peers.

Valen: What are you saying, huh?

Reina: Is there something going on between you two? Did you guys get in a fight?

Juniper: What, no. No I did nothing to cause any fight at all!

Valen: I was telling my girlfriend I didn’t want to participate in her experiments and I love her so much that I caved and now my hair is an ugly green color and I can’t get it done until I see Vera this weekend.

Valen: *sent an attachment*

Ari: Ohmygod.

Juniper: UwU It was done with good intentions I promise.

Ari sighed and shook her head, but a smile crept onto her face. Back in New York, the only people close to her were her parents, Derrick and Penelope. She had a whole support group with her now, and it made her feel at ease, and like she had genuine friends who cared about her for the right reasons.

Later that evening, Ari joined Adeline, Celine, Reina, Juniper, and Valen at the local inn for drinks and laughter. The mood was light, and the girls were thrilled about Ari’s new job. Ari had decided to be a New Yorker, dressing herself in a sleeveless glittery black dress that rest mid thigh. Her pink hair was cleaned and up in a high ponytail, she wore some jewelry and some black low inch heels. Her makeup was done lightly, but the highlighter she applied to her face made her skin glow. Everyone complemented her look as soon as she arrived, and she felt thankful that they weren’t as judgey about it.

As the night went on and the girls were a few drinks in, and Juniper and Valen started arguing about the hair dilemma, Reina slid up to Ari, her upbeat demeanor faltering slightly. Ari turned to look at her friend with a head tilt. Reina tapped her fingers nervously on her glass drink, looking away, "So," Reina began, swirling her drink, "how’s March?"

Ari hesitated, unsure of how to answer. "He’s good. Busy with the forge, but he’s doing really well, at least I think." She tried to use answers to keep their relationship on the down low, “I don’t really know actually, haven’t seen him much since he started working.”

Reina gave her a small smile, but there was a flicker of sadness in her eyes. "That’s good to hear. I guess I’m just…” She sighed, “Don’t take this the wrong way, because even if you guys deny it, I know you two have something for each other… I don’t know, but I’m still not quite over him."

Ari bit her lip, feeling a pang of guilt. "Reina, I—"

Reina waved her off, forcing a laugh. "It’s okay, really. You don’t have to say anything. I can see how happy he is with you. That’s what matters, right?" Ari felt guilty at this conversation, and suddenly it seemed like the table had quieted down, everyone stared at the two and Ari felt like she was put on the spot. She shot a panicked look to Adeline who could only shrug. Reina had been in love with March for a long time, and even though they hadn’t been together in years, she still would never be over him.

Ari placed a hand on Reina’s arm, squeezing it gently. "I know it’s hard. But you’ll find someone who makes you just as happy, maybe even more?"

Reina nodded, her smile becoming a little more sad, "It might be easier if you just told me to give up on him..."

Ari bit her tongue, she couldn’t, really, because they weren’t actually a thing yet, no titles were to be had, “I can’t do that. March is free to be with whoever he wants. And I can’t tell you what to do or how to feel.”

Reina tch’d under her breath, and it came out almost hostile and had Ari scooting back a little. Was that the wrong thing to say? Ari sighed and lifted up her glass of wine, “How about, cheers to not caring about dudes right now cause it’s girls night and we’re here to have fun.”

Reina laughed a little and finally looked up, her eyes were still watery but she forced a smile as she lifted her own glass to meet Ari’s, “Cheers.”

They clinked their glasses together, and the night continued with laughter and support, solidifying Ari’s growing bond with the women of the town. As Adeline drove her home later that night, she couldn’t help but feel grateful for the relationships that were shaping her new life.

XxXxXxXx

When Adeline had dropped Ari off, the lights downstairs in the manor were still on. Thinking that Elsie was still up and awake, despite it being very late, Ari decided to walk into the manor instead of going around to the farm house. Ari quietly closed the front door behind her, the soft click of the latch sounding louder than it should in the still farmhouse. She turned, making sure to lock it, before turning the living room light off. Elsie was not here, but she never left the lights on before going to bed. The house was dark now, save for the faint glow of a light in the kitchen. Maybe Elsie was in the kitchen drinking some night tea? Kicking off her heels and padding across the wooden floor, Ari made her way toward the glow.

She opened the door and froze when she saw him. 

March was leaning against the counter, arms crossed, his dark eyes fixed on her the moment she entered. His broad frame took up most of the space in the small kitchen, and the dim light above cast shadows across his sharp features. He looked exhausted, his shirt rumpled and his hair slightly messy, his skin covered in soot, but there was something intense in the way he was staring at her. She smelled the air, he smelled like the forge fire mixed with his natural scent, cedar and sage, and she almost melted.

"March?" she said, her voice hesitant, heart racing at the unexpected sight of him, “When did you get here? I didn’t see your truck.”

His gaze traveled slowly down her figure, taking in the glittering black dress that hugged her curves and stopped high on her thighs. Her makeup, carefully done for a night out, glimmered under the light. She suddenly felt self-conscious but stood her ground, “Um, March?”

"I parked out back,” He bit out, “You’re just getting home?" he asked, his voice low and gruff.

"Yeah," she said, crossing her arms. "What are you still doing up, and what are you doing here?"

Instead of answering, March pushed off the counter and closed the distance between them in a few long strides. Ari barely had time to react before his hands cupped her face, his lips crashing into hers. She gasped at his roughness, his body pressed her harshly against the kitchen wall as he all but consumed her. The kiss was fierce and breathtaking, stealing her oxygen and sending a shiver down her spine. Her hands gripped his shirt instinctively, holding on as his lips moved against hers, demanding and full of heat. His teeth scraped against her lower lip and she moaned, kiss deepening as he grabbed her thighs and hoisted her up to pin her against the wall. Her legs wrapped around his waist as he pushed himself even closer to her, pressing himself against her core and making something in her stomach drop and ache.

When he finally pulled back, they were both breathless, their foreheads resting together. His hands slipped down to her waist, his fingers brushing against the soft fabric of her dress.

"You didn’t text me," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I didn’t know where you were, who you were with. And then you come back dressed like… like this."

Ari blinked, still trying to process what had just happened. "I was out with the girls," she said softly. "I didn’t think you’d care."

March let out a low, humorless laugh. "Fuck, you went out with the girls in this? " His grip on her waist tightened slightly. "Seeing you like this, looking so damn beautiful, knowing you were out there turning heads, and… fuck , it’s driving me insane."

Her cheeks flushed, her heart pounding. "March…"

He kissed her again, softer this time but no less intense, pouring everything he couldn’t say into the gesture. When he pulled back, his dark eyes locked onto hers.

He pouted, “Mine," he said, his voice firm but tender. "No matter where you go or who you’re with."

Ari swallowed hard, her breath hitching as his words sank in. She didn’t respond with words, but the way she kissed him back said everything she couldn’t. She leaned around and bit his neck playfully, causing him to press against her harder, and she swore she felt something stir, “Are you staying here?” She whispered.

March's resolve to leave crumbled the moment he saw the way Ari looked at him, her soft eyes full of vulnerability and surprise. Without another word, he put her down gently, and laced his fingers with hers and led her out the back door to the farmhouse.

Inside, Ari shut the door gently behind them and turned to face him, her glittering dress catching the soft moonlight filtering through the window. March tugged her towards him again, his eyes dark and hungry. He kicked off his shoes and took her upstairs to the loft, and she giggled, throwing him the clothes she had borrowed from a few nights before. “Here, I washed these, so you can change into this and then come back up.” 

He grumbled, not wanting to leave her any sooner, but kissed her quickly before retreating back downstairs to the bathroom to clean himself up. While she waited, Ari sat on the bed blushing, her head swimming with thoughts. He had been so passionate, and she’d never experienced something like that with Derrick. Was that normal?  Had she been missing out on that all these years? Derrick had always been kind, and gentle, and never overstepped. But March was fiery and passionate, he was so different and she didn’t know what to expect anymore.

The bathroom door opened and she tensed, waiting on the bed for him as she heard his steps coming up the stairs. Once he got closer, she sat on the edge of her bed, tugging him down beside her. His hands rested lightly on her waist, but the heat of his touch sent a shiver through her. There he went again, sending a shock of something right through her.

She tried to relax, and leaned into him, resting her head on his broad shoulder as they settled into an easy silence, his arm wrapping around her protectively. He pressed a gentle kiss to her temple, the tension in his body softening as they laid down together, her head resting on his chest.

“I forgot to tell you something,” Ari said after a few moments, her voice quiet.

March hummed, his fingers trailing absentmindedly along her arm. “What’s that?”

“I got a job offer,” she said, propping herself up on her elbow to look at him. “Adeline told me the town council wants me to be a photographer and publicist. I’d get to work on social media, take photos at events, and help promote local businesses.”

March smiled, proud of her. “That’s great, Ari. You’d be amazing at that.”

She smiled back, but her cheeks flushed at the way his eyes lingered on her face, then dipped lower to her dress. “Thank you,” she murmured, absentmindedly covering herself up, “How was work today?”

He didn’t respond right away. Instead, his hand slid down to her hip, tracing the curve of her waist through the soft fabric. “You know,” he said, his voice low as he didn’t hear her question, “This dress is killing me. I can’t focus on anything else.”

Ari rolled her eyes, but the playful smile on her lips betrayed her amusement. “It’s just a dress, March.”

“It’s not just a dress,” he said, tugging her closer. His hands moved to her lower back, his touch gentle but firm as he pulled her against him. “It’s this dress. The one you’re wearing. And it’s driving me crazy.”

Ari laughed softly, leaning her forehead against his. “You’re impossible.”

“Yeah?” he murmured, tilting his head to capture her lips in another kiss, this one slower and more teasing. “Well, if you don’t take this dress off it’s going to be impossible to keep my hands to myself.”

She melted into him, her hands resting on his chest as their kisses grew deeper. But even in his distraction, March kept things slow, his touches light and respectful, his restraint evident despite his obvious longing. When they finally pulled apart, Ari tucked her head into the crook of his neck, her voice soft and teasing. “You know, you’re going to have to get used to me dressing like this if you want to keep hanging around.” She stood up from her bed and pulled her drawers out as she searched for pajamas.

March chuckled, his fingers threading through his own hair as he watched her bend over to rummage through her belongings. “Fine, but only if you promise I’m the only one who gets to see you like this at the end of the night.”

“Deal,” Ari laughed.

Chapter Text

“Ari, the commissioner committee has asked me to reach out to you about taking photos for the upcoming summer state fair!” Adeline’s voice cut through her cellphone, “If you’ll take a lot of pictures, I’ll write the news article.”

“That sounds like so much fun,” Ari was in her bed, laying on her stomach as her legs kicked up behind her. She was already on her computer and was logging into her work account to accept the job, “It’s supposed to be a really warm day.”

“Yes, make sure you wear something for the occasion,” Adeline giggled, “On top of that, we’re giving you a ticket for free admission as well as an extra, so you can bring a plus one.” Ari heard Adeline’s voice drop to a teasing tone, “Bring March so he can carry your equipment for you.”

.

.

.

“Sorry, I can’t go.”

Ari tried to hide her disappointment as March explained why he couldn’t go to the summer fair with her. They were sitting on a bench outside the forge, the sounds of Olric clanging metal and the hum of machinery in the background.

“It’s not that I don’t want to,” March said, wiping the sweat from his brow, exhaustion evident as he sighed and his shoulders slumped forward, “It’s just… we’ve got a pile of orders, and I’m already stretched thin. If I take a whole day off, it’s going to set us back so far.”

Ari forced a smile but looked away, trying not to show him how upset she was, “I get it. The forge is important. I just thought it’d be fun to go together.”

Her disappointment didn’t go unnoticed. March leaned forward, brushing his hand against hers. “Hey,” He tugged her back towards him, his voice stern, “We’ll go do something together on a different day, after all my backorders are done. There will always be a fair next year.”

Before she could respond, a familiar voice called out causing the two to jump apart. “You’re talking about the summer fair?” Ryis walked over, his broad smile and easy demeanor instantly lightening the mood. “I heard it’s going to be big this year. Games, food stalls, live music…”

“Yeah,” Ari said, holding up the two tickets. “I was hired to take photos for the event, but I also got an extra ticket to bring someone along.”

Ryis raised an eyebrow, glancing between her and March. He set his sights on his best friend firmly, his voice carrying a confused tune, “You’re not going?” he asked March.

March sighed, shaking his head. “Too much work, someone has to make all your nails.”

“Well,” Ryis said, as he took the empty spot on the other side of Ari, shrugging nonchalantly, “I don’t have plans that day. I could tag along with you, Ari, if you don’t mind.”

Ari hesitated, glancing at March, whose jaw visibly tightened. “I don’t know…”

“It’d just be as friends,” Ryis added quickly, raising his hands in mock surrender. “I know you and March are a thing. But if you’re going to be working and taking pictures, you could use someone to carry your stuff or help out.”

March didn’t say anything, but his tense posture spoke volumes. Ari felt torn—she didn’t want to make March uncomfortable, but she also didn’t want to waste the ticket or miss out on enjoying the fair.

After a moment, she turned away from March to address Ryis properly and nodded. “Okay, Ryis. If you’re sure, I could use the help.”

“Perfect,” Ryis said with a grin. “I’ll pick you up Saturday morning then?”

“Sounds good, I’ll be at the farmhouse.” Ari confirmed.

March’s eyes followed Ryis as he walked back into the forge, his expression unreadable. Finally, he turned to Ari, his voice low. “You could have taken anyone else-”

She frowned and snapped her attention towards him, “Ryis is your best friend . Why are you warning me about him?”

“Because I know him,” March said, standing. “And I don’t like the idea of him spending the whole day with you while I’m stuck here.”

Ari crossed her arms, a scoff left her loud and clear. “It’s just the fair, March. You trust me, don’t you?”

March looked at her for a long moment, his dark eyes searching hers. “Yeah,” he said softly. “I trust you.”

But as he walked back into the forge, Ari couldn’t help but feel that he didn’t. She refused to let her anger bubble up inside of her, and stormed to her car, which had finally been delivered, and took off towards the farm.

What was his problem? She understood he was tired and exhausted from working all day but he didn’t have to be so short with her or his best friend for that matter! His over protectiveness could really be a pain in the ass. If he didn’t trust her then what even was there between them?

XxXxXxXx

Ari adjusted her camera strap as she stood on the edge of the parking lot of the bustling summer fair. The warm, golden glow of the evening lights casting everything in a magical hue. Dressed in her favorite flannel shirt, snug jean shorts, and a pair of trusty cowgirl boots, she felt comfortable and ready for the night ahead. Her hair, styled into two neat dutch braids, kept her hair out of her face so she could see better and focus on her job.

“Alright, photographer extraordinaire,” Ryis teased as he trotted up behind her, carrying her tripod and a bag of supplies with him, “Ready to capture the magic?”

Ari smiled and the two exchanged a fist bump, “You’re not going to complain about how many photos I take, are you?”

“I might,” Ryis teased, laughing as he readjusted the things on his shoulder. “But only if you make me carry all your gear.”

“Isn’t that why you’re here?” Ari said cheekily, as the two walked up and showed the employee at admissions their tickets.

The fairgrounds were alive with the sounds of laughter, the hum of conversation, and the occasional squeal from someone braving the Gravitron. Ari wasted no time, snapping photos of everything she could—booths lined with colorful crafts, kids licking dripping ice cream cones, couples walking hand in hand, and groups of friends crowding around games.

“You’ve got an eye for this,” Ryis commented as he watched her crouch to get the perfect angle of a pie-eating contest.

“It’s my job now,” Ari replied with a shrug, snapping another picture. “I guess I better be good at it.”

They spent the next couple of hours wandering the fairgrounds. Ryis, ever the charmer, was quick to make Ari laugh, throwing playful jokes her way and exaggerating his reactions at the booths. He even convinced her to try a ring toss game, where she managed to win a small stuffed bear.

“See?” Ryis said, handing it to her with a dramatic bow. “You’ll have something to remember this night by.”

“Thanks,” Ari said, chuckling. “But I think my camera full of pictures will do the trick.”

“Hey, Ari,” Ryis said seriously for a moment, and Ari looked up at him, head tilting as she waited for him to continue. His eyes met hers, and he took a step closer to her.

“You know,” He said quietly, “If things don’t work out between you and March… I hope you’ll keep me in mind. I want to be better friends with you, nothing romantic obviously, but if things end up the way they did with him and Reina, I want you to know I’m here.” He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, “I uh, could teach you carpentry and how to build better fences for your farm. I’d offer it now but March won’t really let you talk to other people without getting jealous.”

His words froze Ari to the spot, Ryis wasn’t confessing to feelings of a crush to her, just that he wanted to be better friends. And he was right, it was nearly impossible to do that with the way March was currently. He didn’t even trust her to be two steps away from his own brother.

“Um,” Ari looked away, not wanting to have this conversation with Ryis first, “Let’s keep going,” She said, ignoring the subject, “We have work to do.”

As she walks away, Ryis tries not to feel hurt but keeps up with her, “Ari, I’m sorry-”

“No, I’m sorry.” Ari said quickly, “You’re right, I should be able to be friends with whoever I want. I’ll talk to March about his behavior later.” She forced a smile as she turned to him, “Let’s find something else to do!”

As the night wore on, the smell of fried food and roasted corn filled the air. Ari’s stomach growled, and Ryis raised an eyebrow. “Hungry?”

“Starving,” she admitted.

They made their way to a food stall serving up fried chicken and funnel cakes, both opting for the biggest plates they could find. They found a quiet spot to sit near the edge of the fairgrounds, away from the crowd. Ari’s laughter echoed as Ryis recounted a story about him and March getting caught sneaking into the mines as kids.

“You know, March was always the cautious one,” Ryis said, biting into his food. “He told me it was a bad idea, but I talked him into it. And when the foreman caught us, March took the blame. That’s just the kind of guy he is.”

Ari smiled softly, thinking of March and how much he cared about his friends and family, even when he wasn’t the best at showing it.

“So,” Ryis continued, his tone a bit more serious, “how are things between you two?”

Ari hesitated. “It’s… complicated,” she admitted. “We’re not officially a couple or anything, but we’re close. I guess we’re figuring it out.”

Ryis nodded, his expression unreadable for a moment before he smirked. “Well, just don’t let him screw it up. He’d be an idiot to lose you.”

Ari laughed softly, but before she could respond, she felt a prickle of unease. She glanced up and spotted Reina standing a few feet away, staring at them with wide, confused eyes.

Ari gave a smile and waved at her, “Reina?” Ari called out, “Hey, come here!”

But Reina didn’t say anything, only held up her phone to them before pulling it back down. She gave a tight, forced smile before quickly turning and walking away, her phone in hand.

“Uh-oh,” Ryis said, following Ari’s gaze. “Think she got the wrong idea?”

Ari frowned. “I hope not. We weren’t doing anything…”

Ryis shrugged. “She and March have history, right? Maybe seeing us together stirred up some old feelings.”

Ari sighed, her appetite suddenly gone. She packed up her leftovers and stood. “I think it’s time we headed back.”

Ryis nodded, not pushing the subject further as they made their way back to his truck.

XxXxXxXx

March had just gotten done with work and was stepping in the shower when his phone went off. He chose to ignore it as he stepped into the water. The hot liquid burned his skin for a moment but he sighed and was adapting to it within a second. He grabbed at his shampoo and began washing his hair, frowning when his hand came back with red residue in his soap. He was going to need another dye soon.

When he stepped out and toweled himself off, running it over his body and then over his hair, more red was coming out, too much. He growled as he swiped at the steam on his mirror. His eyes widened as his hair turned out to be fully his natural color. He sighed, couldn’t be helped. He’d have to ask Vera why his normal treatment wore out so quickly.

Fishing his phone off the counter, he finally pulled it off and checked it. A few messages from Reina, and an attachment. He raised an eyebrow at it before he clicked open, his eyes going wide and his anger returning at the picture he saw.

Ryis and Ari, from the angle in the picture, were sitting together very closely. Ryis had his arm on the bench, almost wrapped around her, and the two were smiling or laughing, he couldn’t tell. They were holding their food towards each other, and they looked like a real couple.

Meanwhile, Reina’s thoughts were racing as she typed furiously on her phone.

Reina: You’re not going to believe this, March. Ari’s at the fair with Ryis. They were eating together, laughing, and looked super cozy.

The message was short and to the point, but it carried all the weight Reina wanted it to. She had hit send and stared at her phone, waiting for a response, but March didn’t entertain her with one. His jaw tightening. His mind raced with conflicting emotions; confusion, jealousy, and anger.

Instead of responding, March grabbed his truck keys. He couldn’t sit still, not with the image of Ari and Ryis together seared into his mind.

XxXxXxXx

Ryis pulled up the driveway to Elsie’s manor, and Ari turned to begin thanking him but she saw his face fall and he sighed. “We’re in trouble,” He whispered. Ari was confused until she looked up the driveway. March’s truck was there, and he was standing on the porch, arms crossed and… his hair was black? Ari panicked, her eyes looking between Ryis and March before settling on a decision, “Do not get out and follow me. Just go home.”

“Are you sure-” Before he could answer she was already out of the passenger door, hopping into the bed of the truck to grab her equipment before walking up to the porch, waving bye to Ryis. She smiled at her blacksmith as he stood, very angrily she could tell, with arms crossed, “Nice hair.”

“Nice boyfriend,” He jabbed, and Ari sighed. The sound of the truck pulling out of the driveway filled the silence between them, until it was no longer there. She stepped up to him, leaning into his personal space, “What are you doing here? Came to greet me?” she asked as he frowned down at her.

“Sure, you could say that,” he said flatly, uncrossing his arms. “So you ended up going with Ryis anyway? And he brought you home?”

Ari bristled at his tone. “Yes, he picked me up and then dropped me off,” She shoved a finger into his chest, “Because you were too busy to come to the fair with me. He offered to help me out, and I didn’t want to waste the ticket.”

March ran a hand through his now black hair, clearly trying to rein in his emotions. “Can you tell me what this is?” he asked, sliding open his phone and showing her the photo, a picture of her and Ryis cozied up looking more than just friends, “She said you two looked… close.”

Ari’s eyes quirked up at him in annoyance, “So, am I not allowed to sit down and eat food anymore without your permission?” She swatted his phone holding hand away, “We were eating and talking, that’s it. Why don’t you trust me?”

March sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. “I do- ,”

“You don’t. ”

 He bit back a retort, a mean one he wanted to say, but figured he better not, “But seeing you with Ryis in that picture, it just got to me.”

“Why?” Ari asked, stepping closer. “Why does it bother you so much?”

March hesitated before meeting her gaze, his dark eyes filled with vulnerability. “Am I not allowed to care about the girl I like being with another guy?”

Ari’s heart softened at his words. She reached out, taking his hand. “March, I chose you. Not Ryis, not anyone else. You .”

His grip on her hand tightened as he exhaled, the tension leaving his body. “ ‘m sorry, ” he said mumbled. “I shouldn’t have doubted you.”

“It’s okay,” Ari said, looking down. “But you have to trust me if this is going to work.”

“I do,” he promised, pulling her into his arms. “I overreacted, ‘m sorry.”

As they stood on the porch under the warm glow of the manors porch light, Ari felt a little better. March held her close, whispering to her. his voice was low, but the words hadn’t seemed to fully resonate with the farmer/photographer. She appreciated the apology, but there was still a lingering discomfort between them. She had asked him if he trusted her, and he had answered truthfully, but his actions didn’t mesh well with her. The jealousy, the unspoken assumptions about her and Ryis, had left her feeling unsure of where they stood. The fair had been a lot of fun, and Ryis had been a good friend to her. However she couldn’t deny that a small part of her didn’t like how March’s presence had somehow been present over the evening. Reina’s text hadn’t helped, either, and she almost felt angry that March had been so quick to believe something like that. Why had Reina even sent him that picture? Wasn’t she trying to get over March? 

The pressure was starting to weigh on Ari, and the last thing she wanted was to make things harder for them. March had been working so hard, building the forge, managing the new responsibilities that came with their relationship, and yet there she was, standing in front of him with questions about Ryis, Reina, the fair, honesty and trust.

Ari decided to let go of the contact, and decided to step past him and towards the door. He turned to follow her and she sighed, stopping as her hand hit the handle. She turned to look at him, her heart softened at the vulnerability in his eyes. But despite the warmth that he radiated, Ari knew it wasn’t the right time to let him in. Ari needed space, and she wanted March to think about what he did.

“If I’m being honest, I don’t really like that you flipped out on me over a picture that Reina sent. I’m not mad that you saw that photo, but I don’t think your reaction was appropriate. I don’t like how quickly you sided with her in this picture that painted me out as something I’m not. Your jealousy and over protective nature is doing too much. I can’t even breathe or have friends without you getting worried that they’re going to do something to me if you’re not around, like you can’t trust me to take care of myself,” She gritted her teeth, eyes narrowing, “It’s almost like you don’t trust me at all.”

His voice immediately became rough and defensive, “ Ari- ”

“I think it’s better if you go home tonight, March,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

His eyes flickered with surprise, and a flicker of hurt crossed his face, though it quickly disappeared. “What?” He took a small step toward her, the concern in his eyes clear, but Ari raised a hand, stopping him.

“I’m tired. I had a long day, and I’m honestly kind of exhausted after everything,” Ari explained, rubbing her temples lightly. She hated how cold it sounded, how distant. But there was no way around it. She needed time to think. She needed time to sort through her feelings.

March opened his mouth, clearly wanting to argue, but Ari gave him a small smile, one that felt fragile, like a glass window on the verge of breaking. “You’ve got a lot going on in that brain of yours,” she added quietly, “Maybe you need to go home and cool off. It would be nice if you gave me the space I needed.”

March closed his mouth, his brow furrowing as he looked at her, as if he were weighing her words. The vulnerability in his eyes shifted to a subdued understanding, a kind of quiet resignation. “I don’t like how tonight turned out,” he murmured, stepping back. He seemed to pull in on himself slightly, though his shoulders still carried a heavy weight of concern. “You know I didn’t mean to make things worse… I’m just… bad at this. ”

“I know,” Ari said, her voice barely above a whisper. She stepped backwards, increasing the distance between them just a little more. “But I think tonight… it’s better this way.”

For a long moment, the two of them stood there, the silence thick between them. Ari could see the battle in March’s eyes as he fought with the urge to stay, to keep pressing forward. But there was something more important in this moment, and March reluctantly stepped back, his eyes darkening and a uneasy aura settled over him.

“I’ll go,” March said venomously, after what felt like an eternity. His voice was quiet but snappy, and Ari’s heart ached for him. He stepped back from her, hands shoved into his pockets. “I’ll see you later, then.”

Ari nodded, her throat tight. “Okay…”

His gaze softened as he stepped towards her quickly, this time just enough to reach out and gently brush his fingers over her cheek. “I’m sorry, but you’re right,” he agreed, the admission quiet but strong. “Maybe I’m a little more confused than I want to admit.”

Ari smiled, her eyes a little watery. “Me too.”

March’s lips parted as though he were going to say something else, but instead, he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “G’night,” he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. “Sleep tight.”

“I will,” she lied, closing her eyes for just a moment as his lips pressed against her skin. He stepped back, giving her space as he turned and walked down the porch and towards his own truck, and Ari felt the familiar ache in her chest as she watched him walk away.

It felt wrong.

As he reached the driver's door, and turned to look back at her one last time, his eyes searching hers, Ari gave him a forced smile. “I’ll be fine,” Ari thought to herself softly as she turned and walked through the entryway door, though she wasn’t sure she entirely believed it. She had to try.

The truck started, and the sound of the engine faded as March’s truck pulled out of the driveway, leaving Ari sliding down the door inside the house, hands covering her face as she squealed into them. She sat there for a long moment after he left, face burrowed in her hands, her mind whirling with everything that had happened. The fair, the texts, Ryis, Reina’s confusing behavior, and March’s tension—all of it was still fresh, but for now, Ari had to let it go. She needed time to sort through it all. With a heavy sigh, she finally turned and walked into the house, slipping into the silence that greeted her. She found Elsie absent in the living room and kitchen. Ari quietly tiptoed out the back door, brushing off the heaviness in her chest as she made her way to her room in the farmhouse. Once she kicked off her shoes and shorts, shimmying out of her top leaving her in only a bra and her underwear as she sleepily climbed into her bed. The covers embraced her and she was out like a light.

Chapter Text

The next morning, the sunlight streamed through the window as Ari sat hunched over her computer, the soft hum of the computer's fan filled the silence in the room. The scent of fresh morning air wafted in through the cracked window, but Ari didn’t notice it. Her focus was entirely on her work. The images from the summer fair were sprawled out in front of her, her eyes scanning each photo, making minute adjustments to brightness, contrast, and saturation. She meticulously edited each one, ensuring that the colors popped and the atmosphere of the event was captured perfectly.

Her phone vibrated, another missed text message from March. She had holed herself up in her room all morning, and when she didn’t show up for breakfast he began texting her worriedly.

March: Good morning

March: Are you gonna come eat something?

She ignored her phone, pushing it off to the side as she refocused on her work. With each click of the mouse, Ari’s mind was distracted, not by the tediousness of editing, but by how she had pushed March away the night before. She thought of March, his vulnerability, the tension between them, and his quiet acceptance when she’d asked for space. She had spent the entire evening reflecting on their relationship, but she hadn’t come to any solid conclusions. What exactly was going on with them? Where were they heading? They were so close, yet something was keeping them apart, and she didn’t know how to bridge that gap. She couldn’t help but wonder if it was time to have the conversation they both needed, but it felt too raw, too soon.

With a sigh, Ari pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the work at hand. She had a job to do. The mayor had requested her to take photos of the fair, and she couldn’t afford to let anything get in the way of delivering quality work. She put on her pink headset and listened to some relaxing tunes as she finished up her last picture of the day. As she finished the last of the photos, she sat back, taking in the results. They looked professional, crisp, and full of life. She had worked hard on each one, and now it was time to send them off.

Ari clicked the ‘send’ button on her email, attaching the edited photos to the message addressed to the mayor. She quickly typed a short note of thanks for the opportunity and made sure the message was perfect before clicking ‘send.’

Once that was done, she uploaded the photos to the town's social media page, making sure to write a brief but engaging post to accompany the images. As the page updated with the new content, Ari felt a small sense of satisfaction. She liked being involved in the community, and the recognition for her work felt good, even if she wasn’t seeking it out. She just wanted to do her job well.

Her stomach growled, and Ari realized how late it had gotten. She had been so absorbed in her editing that she had completely lost track of time. Her eyes glanced back over her phone, shit, it was almost two in the afternoon. She stretched her arms above her head and stood up, rolling her neck as she walked toward the door. As she stepped outside, she noticed the soft scent of fresh flowers filling the air. She sighed as she let nature and the sun fill up her happy chemicals in her brain as she skipped lightly to the Manor’s backdoor.

The kitchen was quiet, but as she walked in, she saw a small vase of wildflowers sitting in front of her on the counter top. A note and a red ribbon were attached. She walked up to the flowers, sniffing them and inhaling their floral scent before lifting the note in her hands. All there was, was a signature from March.

“March…,” Ari said, her voice soft and uncertain. She had a thousand things on her mind, but now they were all disappearing as she thought about her blacksmith. She pulled up her phone and took a picture of the flowers, before sending it to him with a quick, “What’s this?”

DING! 

March: “I bought these for you.”

Ari blinked in surprise, her eyes falling on the small vase filled with delicate wildflowers, their colors vibrant and natural. She hadn’t expected this. Not after everything that had happened.

“They’re… beautiful,” she said softly, her fingers gently brushing over the petals.

Ari:   “Thank you.”

March: “I know we didn’t leave things on the best note last night. I just wanted to make things right.”

Ari swallowed, her heart pounding in her chest. It wasn’t what he said, but the way he seemed to care so much even after the confusion between them. It was more than enough to make her feel warm inside.

March: “I just… want to make sure you know that I care. I care about you.”

Ari felt her chest tighten at his words. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to fully dive into their relationship, but she did care about him. She cared about him more than she’d let on, and maybe it was time to stop being afraid of what that meant.

Ari: “I care about you too, March,” the weight of those words settling on her shoulders. She wasn’t ready for a grand declaration, not yet, but she couldn’t deny how much he had come to mean to her. “I just think we need time to figure it out. We’ve both got so much going on right now. We just need to be patient.”

March: “What are you doing tonight? I get off work a little bit, and apparently the northern lights are gonna be in full view. I don’t want to go, but if you do then I don’t mind tagging along.

Ari giggled at his backwards way of inviting her out, texting out her reply quickly, “I’ll  be there. I’ll grab my stuff and my camera. Want me to meet you there?”

March: “Mhm, I know the best place too, I’ll drop a pin. I gotta get back to work. See you in a bit.

Ari smiled down at her phone, clutching it to her chest tightly before she leaned onto the counter. Her mind was in a daze as she sighed dreamily and stared at the floral arrangement. She liked him a lot.

XxXxXxXx

The sun had set hours ago, casting the world in shades of purple and deep blue. The evening sky above the valley was calm, with a few scattered clouds lazily drifting across the horizon. Ari stood at the foot of the small mountain, her camera bag slung over her shoulder, the cold air nipping at her cheeks. March hadn’t been wrong, the forecast had been promising. The northern lights were supposed to make an appearance tonight. She couldn't miss the chance to get the perfect shot. The town’s social media page had been gaining attention for her work lately, and this could be another big opportunity.

She checked her watch again, glancing around for the familiar truck she was waiting for. It wasn’t long before she saw the headlights in the distance, cutting through the darkness. The truck rumbled closer, and she smiled to herself.

The truck pulled to a stop beside her, and the driver door opened. March stepped out, a grin on his face, his usual mischievous energy present, even if the day had been exhausting for him. His eyes scanned the area, clearly admiring the scenery, before they locked onto Ari. The corner of his mouth curled up in that familiar smirk that made her heart flutter a little.

“Are you ready for this?” March asked, already starting to unload things from the back of the truck. He had a blanket, a couple of pillows, and a few other items that made Ari raise an eyebrow.

“What’s all this?” she asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

March smirked. “Well, if we’re going to be up here for a while, we might as well be comfortable. Plus, I brought some wine.” He lifted a small bottle, causing Ari to chuckle.

“Wine?” she repeated, not sure whether she was amused or worried.

“We’ll be here for a while, and it’s cold, I thought we could warm up with a little something,” He grabbed a cooler from his truck as he walked over to her, “I brought some cookies and sandwiches as well.”

Ari rolled her eyes playfully but found herself unable to resist the warmth that spread through her at the thought of spending this time with him. It was just the two of them, escaping into the mountain air, chasing the northern lights.

“I guess you can’t be all that bad,” she teased, smiling as she took the wine from his hands, “I’m gonna need this so I can unwind tonight.”

March chuckled and set the cooler down so he could place the blanket and pillows in the bed of the truck. “What can I say? I try.” He placed a few pillows in a pile, creating a makeshift bed, and then threw the cooler in there with it. He motioned for Ari to jump in, and Ari followed suit, tossing her bag beside her and settling herself on the blanket. She wasn’t sure what she had been expecting, but the serene quiet of the mountain, the dark sky stretching out above them, was mesmerizing. It was peaceful, but also a little surreal. The world seemed to stand still as the two of them prepared to witness something extraordinary.

“I can’t believe we’re actually doing this,” Ari said, looking up at the sky. The first stars were beginning to appear, twinkling faintly. “I mean, I’ve heard about the northern lights, but I’ve never actually seen them.”

March leaned back, resting his hands behind his head. His eyes reflected the growing excitement in his voice. “Same here. I’ve heard it’s something you never forget once you see it.”

Ari nodded. She adjusted her camera, setting it on the tripod. She checked the settings and made sure everything was perfect before leaning back against the truck bed, next to March. The cold air was a sharp contrast to the warmth of his body next to hers. She adjusted her sweater, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation.

“So, what’s the plan?” March asked, his voice lowering a little as the two of them gazed up at the sky. “Just wait for the lights to show up?”

“Pretty much,” Ari said, adjusting her position. “But I have to be ready. The lights don’t last long, so I need to get the perfect shot.”

March nodded and reached into his bag, pulling out a mystery flask for himself. He gently knocked it into Ari’s bottle of wine, his eyes twinkling in the moonlight. “Well, I’ll let you focus on that. I’ll just keep you company while we wait.”

Ari took the flask, raising an eyebrow. “What’s in this? I don’t think you’d want me drinking anything too strong before trying to get a good shot.”

March laughed softly. “Nothing too crazy. Just enough to relax. It’s a night to remember, right?”

Ari chuckled, feeling a little more at ease. She took a small sip and immediately shivered and handed it back to him, “What is that?”  The warmth from the alcohol spread through her chest.

He chuckled as he took a swig, “Too strong for you, Princess?”

She grumbled at him, but leaned against him, against his muscles and warmth and a little sigh escaped her. She just wanted to enjoy the simplicity of the moment. They were on top of the world, with nothing but the stars above and the mountain wind around them.

The night grew colder as they sat there, the anticipation of the northern lights hanging in the air. The first signs of color began to streak across the sky, faint streaks of green and purple appearing in the distance. Ari’s heart quickened. She reached for her camera, already snapping photos as the lights slowly began to grow brighter.

“They’re coming,” she whispered, barely able to contain her excitement.

March sat up, leaning over her shoulder to get a better look. “Wow,” he said quietly. “This is incredible.”

She chanced a peak at him, “Did you ever do stuff like this with your family when you were younger?”

March froze above her, his memories flooded in and he dug his face into her neck, “No, not really…”

Ari adjusted the camera settings, trying to capture the perfect angle, “Oh, I figured you and Olric did stuff like this a lot when you were younger, just seems like a you thing.” The lights shifted and moved, dancing across the sky in an ethereal display of color. As she snapped photos, March remained close. He wrapped an arm around her waist and kept her close, not bothering to respond. She felt something was wrong, frowning once she remembered he too was an orphan.

She felt a nudge against her shoulder, and when she looked up, March’s face was inches away. His lips were curved in a small, playful grin. He leaned in, as if he were about to say something, but instead, he kissed her softly on the cheek.

Ari’s breath caught in her throat. The warmth of the kiss lingered, sending a ripple of excitement through her. For a moment, they simply stared at each other, the world around them forgotten.

“You’re perfect,” March murmured, his eyes glinting with something more than just affection.

Ari’s heart raced, and she found herself leaning in closer, her lips brushing against his. The kiss was soft at first, but then, as the night continued to unfold around them, the kiss deepened. Ari’s hands found their way to March’s shoulders, pulling him closer. The alcohol from the wine had done its job, loosening her nerves, and the touch of his lips only made her want more. The world around them seemed to disappear; the sky, the stars, the northern lights; everything blurred as they kissed. The cold mountain air was replaced by the heat building between them, their hearts racing as they gave in to the moment.

For what felt like an eternity, they simply kissed. Quick, heated kisses were all it took before Ari’s fingers reached underneath March’s shirt. He gasped into her mouth, hands coming to stop her fingers from trailing any farther. When they finally pulled away, they were both breathless, the weight of the moment sinking in. Ari’s chest rose and fell as she tried to catch her breath, her face flushed. “I… I wasn’t expecting that,” she whispered, her fingers retreating from his shirt as they reached up and began grazing March’s jaw.

March chuckled, his voice low and husky. “Neither was I,” he admitted. She sighed, leaning on him again as she looked up at him. His hair was black now, and she wasn’t used to seeing him like that. She didn’t think she could handle his dark hair and dark eyes peering down at her at the same time, “I don’t know how to feel about your new look.”

“Ugh, don’t,” He groaned, throwing his head back, “I hate my natural hair color.”

Ari blushed, “I think it looks good on you…”

He only responded by tightening his grip on her momentarily, pulling her down with him as he laid down further into the cushions and the blanket. They settled back into the bed of the truck, the blanket around them, as the night wore on. The northern lights continued to dance above, painting the sky with hues of green, purple, and blue. Ari’s camera clicked softly in the background, capturing the beauty of the scene.

And as March held her close, Ari realized that sometimes, the moments that mean the most are the ones that come when you least expect them.

Chapter Text

Ari woke to the soft hum of the morning breeze, the cold air biting at her exposed skin. She blinked a few times, her surroundings slowly coming into focus as her senses caught up with her. The first thing she noticed was the slight chill, and the second was the weight of someone’s arm draped around her waist. She glanced over her shoulder and found March, still fast asleep, his face buried in the crook of her neck. His breath was warm against her skin, and his body pressed against hers. Suddenly, she was reminded of the night they had shared under the northern lights. The blanket they’d wrapped themselves in the previous night was heavy on top of them, leaving them tangled together and nestled in the back of his truck.

Ari smiled softly to herself, her heart beating a little faster at the proximity. She tried to shift without waking him, but the truck bed wasn’t exactly spacious, and the movement disturbed him just enough for him to stir. He grumbled in his sleep, nuzzling deeper into her neck before blinking awake.

“Morning,” he muttered, voice thick with sleep.

Ari chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Morning. Did we really fall asleep here?”

March yawned, stretching as much as the cramped space allowed. “Looks like it. I guess we were more tired than I thought.”

She smiled, leaning into him slightly. “You were right about the blanket, though. I haven’t been this warm in forever, but my face is freezing cold.”

March grinned sleepily, lifting his head to kiss her forehead. “I aim to please.” His hand moved to trace light patterns on her arm, sending little shivers down her spine.

Ari’s heart fluttered, and she turned away from him as she let out a yawn, stretching her arms in front of her as she began to sit up and start packing up her equipment.

March shifted a little, propping himself up on one elbow so he could look at her directly. His expression softened as he took in her features, his gaze lingering on her with an intensity that made her breath catch in her throat.

“Last night was… the most fun I’ve had in a long time,” he said softly. “And now that you’re here, there is something I wanted to ask you.”

Ari’s pulse quickened. She swallowed, unsure of where this was going but feeling a sense of anticipation building inside her. Whatever was coming, it was important.

“Okay,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, as she turned her head over to look at him, “What is it?”

March inhaled deeply, his eyes never leaving hers. “I… I think I’ve known for a while now, but last night made it crystal clear for me. I care about you. More than I think I’ve cared about anyone in a very, very , long time.”

Her breath caught in her throat. There was something so raw and honest in his words, something that made her heart swell in her chest. She had known it too, but hearing him say it out loud felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

“I care about you too, March,” she said, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. She stuffed her camera back in its safety bag and dismounted the tripod, sliding it into it’s own bag before turning to look at him. March smiled, but there was a nervous energy to his expression, as if he were still unsure of how to approach the next part of the conversation. He ran a hand through his messy black hair, his eyes searching hers.

“I’m not the best with words, but-,” he continued, his voice low but steady. “I want to make it official. I want to be with you. I want you to be my girlfriend.”

Ari’s heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, she wasn’t sure how to react. His words hung in the air between them. She had always been a little cautious, unsure of what would happen next, but in that moment, everything felt right. She reached up and cupped his face into her hands, “March… I’ve been trying to figure it out myself. I’ve been scared to put a label on it, to admit what we mean to each other. But I agree, I want you to be my boyfriend. I think I’m ready.”

A relieved smile spread across March’s face, and he let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. He pulled her closer, brushing his lips against hers in a soft kiss. The world around them seemed to fade away as they held each other. When they finally pulled apart, March rested his forehead against hers, a satisfied smile curling his lips.

“You sure you won’t get sick of me?,” he asked softly, his voice thick with emotion. “You already know how stubborn I can be.”

Ari laughed softly, her hands tracing small circles on his chest. “Me get sick of you? I didn’t expect to hear those words at all, if anything you’ll be annoyed by me.”

March kissed her again, deeper this time, sealing the promise they had just made to each other. The kiss was slow, sweet, filled with everything they hadn’t yet said aloud but both knew in their hearts. It was a promise, a commitment that neither of them had expected to make that morning. When they finally pulled away, they stayed close. The silence between them was comfortable. March rested his chin on the top of her head, his arms wrapped securely around her. They didn’t need to say anything more; everything they felt was already shared in that single moment.

Ari smiled, feeling a sense of peace settle over her. “So… what now?” she asked, raising an eyebrow playfully.

March chuckled softly. “Well, now we get out of this truck bed and go back down the mountain. But first…” He paused, looking down at her with a playful grin. “You’re officially my girlfriend now. That’s kind of a big deal, don’t you think?”

Ari smiled but rolled her eyes, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time. “I think it’s a pretty big deal,” she replied, feeling a sense of joy bubbling up inside her. “But I’m excited to finally let the girls know we’re official.”

March groaned, “Of course, I bet they can’t wait to hear all about it.”

Together, they climbed out of the truck bed and began packing everything away; pillows, blankets, food, drinks, and coolers. After starting up the truck and going back to town, Ari snuggled up into March’s side as he drove. The heat was on and she was comfy, as he kept one arm on her and his other arm's hand on the steering wheel.

XxXxXxxx

Ari stood in the produce aisle of the small local grocery store the next day, her basket half-filled with the usual items: fresh vegetables, eggs, and some bread. She hadn’t expected it to be a long trip, just a simple in-and-out errand to stock up for the week. But as she turned down another aisle, her day took an unexpected turn.

"Hey, aren't you the photographer?" a voice asked from behind her. Ari turned to face a woman who was in her mid-thirties, a curious smile on her face. The woman looked familiar, she’d seen her around town before, but never really had a chance to talk to her.

"Uh, yeah," Ari replied, slightly caught off guard.

"I saw your pictures of the northern lights on the town's social media page," the woman continued, her excitement clear. "They were amazing! Seriously, you’re so talented! How did you capture those so perfectly?"

Ari felt a slight flush spread across her cheeks. It was still so surreal, the attention she was receiving for her photos. "Thanks, um, it was all about timing, I guess," she said, modestly.

The woman nodded, her smile widening. "You’re making the whole town look good! I’ve been telling all my friends about you. They love your work. You're like our town’s personal photographer now."

Ari smiled awkwardly, feeling the weight of the compliment but unsure how to handle the sudden attention. She wasn’t used to this kind of recognition, and it made her feel a little exposed, even though it was all positive, “Thank you for your praise, now if you’ll excuse me I need to go grab some cheese.” Ari waved the woman off and began her way towards the bag of the store, approaching the dairy section. A female worked asked her if she needed anything, and before she could respond, a man in his forties stepped up beside the woman, looking just as excited. "Hey, I know you!" he said, grinning. "You took a photo of the northern lights, right? And the state fair, and the pictures of the towns new welcoming sign! I was out there that night for the fair, it’s amazing how you were able to capture the liveliness of the environment. And the northern lights, It was freezing outside but you went out anyways, but you made it look like magic. Incredible shot!"

Ari’s cheeks turned a shade darker, and she laughed nervously. "Thank you, really. It’s a lot of luck and timing." She shifted uncomfortably, wishing she could slip away to continue her shopping, “I’ll be going now-”

But the man was relentless. "No, seriously. You’ve got something special. We need more of you around here." He took out his phone, “Hey, can we exchange contacts? My company is always looking for freelance designers to help with promotions-”

Ari wasn’t sure how to respond. She was grateful for the praise, but this was a little much. The small-town atmosphere and sudden attention were overwhelming, and she could feel her patience running thin. She shifted from foot to foot, glancing toward the exit, wondering if she could slip away without being rude. Just as she was about to make an excuse to leave, Olric appeared from around the corner, pushing his own cart loaded with groceries. His eyes immediately flicked to the smaller man hounding Ari. His expression softened when he saw the man crowding her and getting into her space.

"Hey, Ari!," he said in his usual deep, easy-going voice. He walked up next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "You all good?"

Ari’s face lit up in relief as Olric approached. "Yeah, I’m just, uh, trying to get through my shopping," she said, smiling at him gratefully. She glanced back at the now small crowd of people that had now starting to crowd around her. "They just… they really like my pictures."

Olric looked at the group for a moment, then turned back to Ari with a friendly but firm smile. "She’s had a busy morning, folks! I think she needs a little space, don’t you think?" He gave them a wink that managed to carry just the right amount of charm, and the crowd, sensing his unspoken message, quickly backed off.

Ari couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude for Olric’s timely interventio n. She smiled at him. "Thanks, Olric. I really appreciate that."

"No problem," Olric said with a grin. "Some people just don’t know when to back off."

Ari laughed softly, feeling the tension leave her body as she rubbed her temples. "I didn’t realize it would be like this, you know? It’s just weird getting so much attention for something I just used to do for fun."

"I get it," Olric said. "The town’s a little more tight-knit than you might be used to, so when something big happens, everyone knows about it." He paused, looking at the items in her cart. "You need a hand getting the rest of this? I could take it off your hands and help you get out of here."

Ari smiled. "You sure?"

Olric grinned. "Yeah, I’m heading to mom’s anyway, so I’ll take that for you."

Ari felt a sense of relief wash over her. "I’d appreciate that. Thanks."

Olric quickly grabbed the rest of her groceries, and together, they made their way to the checkout counter. Ari paid for everything, still feeling a little dazed by the earlier encounter, and soon they were out the door. Olric loaded the bags into the back of his truck, before following her in her own pink lambo back to the Manor. As they neared the house, Ari realized how much she had missed the familiar comfort of the quiet drive. She’d spent so much time working and getting caught up in the attention from her photos that she hadn’t taken the time to just relax and enjoy the small, peaceful moments. When they pulled up in front of Elsie’s house, Ari spotted March sitting on the porch, his legs stretched out as he chatted with Elsie. His hair was red again, and she inwardly pouted. She liked March with dark hair. Regardless, the sight of him brought an unexpected warmth to her chest, and she couldn’t help but smile as she climbed out of her car. Olric followed her, unloading the groceries from the back of the truck and walking them to the door. He gave Ari a friendly nod before heading inside to unload them with Elsie, who just giggled and told the lovebirds to have fun.

Ari walked up the porch steps, carrying a small drink she had bought at the store with her. March stood up when he saw her, his face lighting up with a warm smile. "Hey, you’re home," he said, walking toward her. "How was the store?"

"It was good," she replied. "A little overwhelming, but good, but, uh…" She trailed off, glancing toward the drink in her hand. "I might have gotten a little more attention than I bargained for."

March raised an eyebrow, concern flickering in his eyes. "What do you mean?"

Ari shrugged, trying to downplay it. "Just some people recognizing me for the photos. It’s nothing bad, just… a little strange."

March studied her for a moment, his lips pressing into a thin line. "I bet that wasn’t easy," he said, his tone soft but serious. "You’re just doing what you love, right?"

"Yeah," Ari said, feeling a little overwhelmed but grateful for his understanding. "I love it, but it’s definitely a lot to take in."

March’s expression softened, and he stepped closer, reaching out to take her hands in his own. "It’s amazing what you’ve done with your photos. But you deserve to have time for yourself too."

Ari smiled up at him. "Says you,” She says with a teasing grin, “But…Thanks. I think I needed a break. But I’m happy about the attention, I guess. It’s just… new."

"I get that," March said, he pulled her hands up to his and began kissing them. "I’m glad you’re happy with it, but you don’t have to let these people push you around and bombard you and shit. Treat them like you treated me at first."

Ari laughed loudly, throwing her head back, her heart warming at his words. "Thanks for that support, March. I really needed to hear that."

As they entered the house, he watched Olric set the empty brown bags down on the kitchen counter. He turned to her, his face now tinged with a hint of jealousy. "Hey, just so you know, " he said, his voice a little quieter than usual. "I’m happy you’re getting recognition. But don’t think I didn’t notice you came home with Olric."

Ari paused, surprised by the sudden edge to his voice. "What? Oh, come on, March. Olric was just helping me with my groceries."

"I know," March said quickly, but there was a slight possessiveness in his tone. "I just don’t want anyone getting any funny ideas about you."

Ari blinked, unsure of how to respond. But before she could say anything, March took her hands in his, pulling her close.

"Don’t worry," he said softly. "I’m just kidding, he’s my brother and I know he aint got the hots for you.”

“Hey!” She smacked him lightly, “Are you saying I’m not hot?” She smiled, leaning in to kiss him gently. "You better watch what you say!"

He kissed her back, deep and slow, as if trying to reassure himself. When they finally pulled apart, he gave her a mischievous smile. "Good. Now, let’s forget about all the stress for a bit, and let’s go talk to Ma and Olric.”

“Mmm,” She mumbled, stealing another kiss, “Okay, that works.” He took her hand and led them back into the front room, easing the rest of the days worries away with some close family time.

Chapter Text

The warm late summer air was thick with laughter and the clink of bottles as the gang gathered by the lake. The small town had its share of community events, but nothing compared to the end-of-summer party by the beach’s salty water, an event that had become somewhat of a tradition. It was a rare chance for everyone to unwind, kick back, and forget about the hectic routines of their everyday lives for a while. Ari stood by the water, gazing at the sun hanging low in the sky. The sun was casting an orange glow over the rippling surface. She was with March, of course. It seemed like the two of them had been inseparable lately, and Ari had come to really enjoy the time they spent together with no distractions. Still, there was something about the way the summer was winding down that made her feel bittersweet. She had been working so hard at her photography, and things with March were a bit better now that they were official.

"What’s up?" March asked, stepping up behind her and placing a hand on her shoulder. His voice broke her out of her thoughts.

Ari smiled, looking up at him. "Yeah, just thinking about the summer ending."

He grinned, his eyes twinkling. "The best is yet to come, you know. Let’s enjoy the night. Everyone's having fun, and you deserve to relax."

With that, the two of them made their way to the makeshift game area where everyone had gathered around. The picnic tables were lined with cards and drinks, and people were scattered in groups playing games like UNO, poker, and charades. The familiar faces of their friends made the evening feel easy and enjoyable. Ari joined a group, finding a seat next to March. He smiled at her as he set up their card game, flipping the deck in his hands. "Are you ready to lose?" he teased.

Ari rolled her eyes and grinned back. "I’ll have you know I’m excellent at UNO. Prepare to get uno reversed."

As the game went on, the conversation and laughter flowed freely. It felt like everything was in perfect harmony, until someone else showed up. Balor arrived a little late, but this time there was someone new with him. Ari didn’t recognize her at first. She was a tall woman with long, dark hair and a smile that could capture the focus of everyone in the room. She had an air of confidence that immediately drew attention. As she walked over to the group, Ari's eyes narrowed slightly as she caught a glimpse of the girl’s flirtatious smile and her obvious interest in March. It wasn’t until she was closer that Ari’s brain went into overdrive and recognized her. The girl was none other than the same one who had thrown herself all over March at the trade school graduation party, Onyx. The memory of that night came rushing back to Ari in a wave, how the girl had clung to March, the way her touch had lingered a little too long. Ari felt a knot form in her stomach. She forced herself to take a deep breath and pushed her feelings down. She wasn’t going to let it ruin her night, but something about the girl being at the party set off her nerves.

"Hey, March!" Onyx greeted, her voice high-pitched and flirtatious. She made a beeline for him, practically throwing herself onto the edge of the table as she leaned into him. "I didn’t know you’d be here! So great to see you again!"

Ari's jaw tightened as she watched the interaction. March, ever the gentleman, smiled politely but didn’t seem entirely comfortable with the girl's forwardness. He glanced at Ari as his dark eyes looked at her worriedly, as if to check in with her, but Ari just gave him a tight smile, not wanting to make a scene. Onyx, seemingly oblivious to the tension, started making small talk with March. She leaned in closer to him, her hand brushing his arm in a way that felt almost too intimate, “Wow, March, have you been working out? Your arms are more muscular than they were before.”

 Ari’s grip on her drink tightened, her irritation growing by the second. But she refused to give in to it, ignoring the jealousy that was bubbling up inside her. It wasn’t until Onyx started laughing a little too loudly, touching March’s arm more than necessary, that Ari couldn’t take it anymore. March looked at Ari pleadingly, silently begging her for help. The woman’s flirtation was so obvious, and she didn’t seem to notice that Ari existed at all. Finally, Ari stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the ground, drawing attention from the group. She stepped over to the woman with an icy smile plastered on her face.

"Is there something you need?" Ari asked, her voice controlled but edged with irritation. "Because it looks like you're getting awfully comfortable with my boyfriend."

Onyx looked up at Ari, a slight flicker of surprise in her eyes before a smug grin crept across her face. "Oh, is that how it is?" she said, her tone dripping with mock sweetness. "I didn’t realize he was taken by someone so…” Her eyes looked Ari up and down in a judgmental way, “Cityish. But he didn’t seem to mind me being around." She batted her eyes at the redhead, “Right, March?”

Ari's patience snapped. "Well, maybe he didn’t realize what kind of sneaky and conniving woman you are." She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks, her fists clenching at her sides.

Onyx laughed, clearly enjoying this. "And what kind of woman would that be?"

Ari’s voice was low and dangerous. "The kind who can’t take a hint. The kind who doesn’t know when to back off."

The tension in the air thickened, and everyone in the group fell silent. Celine scooted over to Balor, “Shouldn’t you tell your friend to stop or something?”

Balor shrugged, “I didn’t really want to invite her, she insisted on tagging along after I mentioned to her that I’d be busy at a party tonight so I couldn’t really do any trading with her early tomorrow morning.”

The two began watching the interaction unfold. Onyx’s smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. She took a step closer to Ari, her voice now dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, I see. You think you can just claim him, don’t you? I bet you two aren’t even dating. He certainly doesn’t belong to you."

That was the final straw. Without thinking, Ari swung her fist, catching Onyx squarely in the jaw. The force of the punch sent her stumbling back, but the girl quickly recovered, glaring at Ari with fury in her eyes.

"You bitch !" she spat, launching herself at Ari, pushing her back with all her might. The two of them grappled, each trying to land a punch, but Ari was faster, her adrenaline spiking. She swung again, landing a solid punch to the girl's stomach, and then shoved her away, sending the girl stumbling back once more. The crowd around them gasped, a mix of surprise and excitement rippling through the onlookers. March, who had been watching in stunned silence, finally snapped into action. He darted forward, grabbing Ari by the waist and pulling her away from the girl, who was now clutching her jaw in anger. Likewise, Balor got up from his spot next to Celine and grabbed Onyx, “Hey, enough!”

"Ari! Enough!" March's voice was stern, but his eyes were filled with concern. "Come on, let's go."

The girl stood up, dusting herself off, her face flushed with anger. "This isn’t over, you know," she shouted at Ari as Balor pulled her away from the group and towards his car. He all but shoved the girl inside as he walked back to March and Ari, “Ari, I am so sorry, I had no idea that she was going to do that.”

“It’s fine-” Ari started, but was cut off when an arm wrapped around her torso and tugged.

March didn't look back at Balor as he half-dragged, half-carried Ari toward his truck. "We’re leaving. Now."

Ari, her heart still pounding from the fight, didn’t protest. She let March guide her to the truck, the adrenaline still rushing through her veins. Once they were inside, March started the engine and began to drive away, his jaw clenched in frustration. Ari sat in the passenger seat, her chest heaving as she tried to calm down. "I’m sorry," she said, her voice small. "I just… I couldn’t take it anymore."

March let out a long sigh, his fingers tightening on the steering wheel. "You didn’t need to do that. I should’ve handled it better."

Ari turned to him, shaking her head. "No. She needed to be told off. She had no right to do that, especially in front of me."

"I know," March said, his tone softening. "But I don’t want you to get hurt, and she honestly isn’t worth it."

Ari looked out the window, the events of the night still swirling in her mind. She felt conflicted, part of her felt stupid for letting it escalate to that point. "I don’t want to fight with you," Ari said quietly. "I just… I don’t want anyone to come between us. I mean, I just finally got to be with you and...."

March reached over and placed his hand on hers, squeezing gently. "Nothing is coming between us. I’m not going anywhere."

She turned to him, her heart swelling at his words. "I know. I’m sorry…”

He smiled at her, his eyes full of understanding. "It’s okay. You don’t have to apologize.”

Ari smiled softly, feeling the tension ease between them. The night hadn’t gone as planned, but this was fine, right?

Ari’s pulse still raced as she sat in the passenger seat of March’s truck, the adrenaline from the confrontation still pulsing through her veins. She’d never been one for violence, but something about the way Onyx had kept flirting with March, ignoring the clear tension it caused, had snapped something inside her. She couldn’t sit by and let it happen any longer. March’s grip on the steering wheel was tight, his jaw clenched in frustration, but Ari could sense that he wasn’t angry at her, just concerned. They had both seen that the situation had escalated too quickly, but neither of them had expected it to get physical. They passed the familiar turns, heading toward the farmhouse where they’d originally planned to go. But for some reason, Ari felt like she needed something different tonight. The farmhouse felt too far removed, too quiet in a way that made her feel alone with her thoughts. She wanted to be where March was.

"Let’s go to the forge," Ari said abruptly, breaking the silence in the truck.

March turned his head to her, his brows furrowed in confusion. "The forge? You don’t want me to take you home?"

"I don’t know. I just want to be around you right now. I don’t want to be alone yet," Ari explained, her voice steady but quiet, as though she wasn’t entirely sure of her own reasoning.

March studied her for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly in understanding before he gave a small nod. "Alright. The forge it is."

Ari gave him a faint smile, appreciative that he didn’t push her, and the truck’s engine hummed as it shifted directions, heading toward the familiar sounds of the forge.

XxXxXxXx

When they arrived, the place was mostly quiet, save for the occasional noise of the furnace cooling down and the faint hum of the lights. Olric had already gone to bed, and the forge seemed to hold a peaceful sort of stillness, almost like it was waiting for them.

March had parked the truck and led Ari toward the back where his living room was, where they often spent late nights relaxing after long shifts of work. Inside, the faint smell of metal and coal lingered in the air, but it was comfortable, familiar, and welcoming. Ari kicked off her shoes at the entrance and followed March to the makeshift lounge area they had set up near the back of the shop. There were cushions scattered on the floor, a few old chairs around a small table, and the warmth of the fireplace that made it feel more like home than she expected.

She sat down on the couch, rubbing her face with both hands, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts from the night. March sat down beside her, his eyes softening as he looked at her.

"You were a good fighter back there," he said, trying to lighten the mood. His lips quirked into a playful smile, the same way he always smiled when he was trying to make her laugh, “I didn’t know you could fight like that.”

Ari, despite the overwhelming feelings still rolling inside her, found herself chuckling at his attempt. "I wasn’t planning on punching her, but… she just wouldn’t stop."

March laughed, but there was a glint of admiration in his eyes. "I’m not saying it wasn’t deserved," he said, his tone light. "But damn, you really know how to throw a punch."

Ari rolled her eyes at his humor, but she was still on edge. "Thanks, I think."

The tension in the air between them, which had been building all night, felt palpable now, like something was waiting to break. She turned her head to look at him, and he was already watching her, his face so close that she could see the faint stubble on his chin, the warmth in his gaze. Without thinking, Ari leaned forward and kissed him, her lips brushing against his in a soft, lingering kiss. It was a moment of quiet release, a way to shift the chaotic energy from the fight into something that felt more intimate. But when the kiss deepened, when March’s hands found her waist and pulled her closer, Ari could feel her body reacting to the closeness. She didn’t want to pull away; she didn’t want to break the spell that had settled around them. Her fingers tangled into March’s red hair as her nails raked against his scalp. He groaned, pulling away to kiss and bite at her neck, his hands tightening against her waist and she felt something poke her. March’s lips moved against her skin as he moved downward, the kiss growing more insistent. He slid his hand under her shirt, his fingers lightly grazing the skin of her back, sending a shiver through her. Ari couldn’t stop herself from responding, her own hands moving up under his own shirt to touch his chest, feeling the heat of his body underneath his shirt. The kiss was everything. It was soft and urgent, slow and heated. Ari felt herself losing control of the moment, she pulled back, her breathing heavy as she looked at him. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest.

"March," she said, her voice a little unsteady. "I, I need something, something more-"

March’s breath came in a short exhale as he stopped himself, his hands still resting on her waist, but his eyes were darkening. He nodded slowly, his expression softening. "Are you sure?" he said quietly. "We don’t have to rush into anything."

Ari let out a sigh, nodding, as March wrapped her legs around him and stood up, holding her to him as he maneuvered him into his room. The coal and ore smell was replaced with cedar and sage and Ari sighed, dipping her head into his neck as she breathed him in. They stayed there for a few moments, just breathing, before Ari pulled herself into his arms, leaning against his chest as he sat down on his bed with her. It felt right.

"You’re always getting me riled up," Ari whispered against his chest, her fingers tracing circles on his shirt, as she gently began tugging it up. March let out a breath, his arms tightening around her as his shirt fell to the floor. "Well, you don’t have the best reputation for keeping me calm either," he replied softly, his lips brushing her forehead.

She smiled faintly, her fingers grazing over the muscles on his skin. "But you’re good for me," she murmured, her voice quiet, but her words carrying an unmistakable weight, “Meant for me.”

"I’m yours," March said, his words simple, as if he were trying to convey something deeper than just a passing reassurance. He tugged her own shirt up and over her body, and the sight of her in a black, soft push up bra had his eyes dropping to the valley that was her cleavage. His eyes got dark again as he leaned in and began kissing there. A low moan escaped her as her head tilted back again and he began to bite at her breasts. They stayed like that for a while, wrapped up in each other’s arms, until March grabbed her hips and roughly grinded up against her. Ari let out a gasp while March moaned, “ Fuck- ”

Ari grasped onto his arms, “Shit, do that again-”

March buries his head in her shoulder as he repeats the motion, harder this time. She’s scratching down his back as the tension in her lower stomach grows. She’s panting and whispering his name like a prayer. She’s melting into him and his pace quickens as one of his fingers fidgets with the front of her tight fucking jeans and his finger puts pressure in just the right spot. It sends a jolt of lightning up her body and she’s shuddering, “ March !” She squeals, and he’s grinding into her harder, his dick hard and tented as he roughly shoves against her. 

“March, I’m, I can’t -” She’s moaning louder and louder and March can’t help himself as he leans forward and bites at her nipple through her bra. The pressure of being stimulated in three different places sends Ari over the edge as she climaxes, her pink hair falling over her shoulder in messy strands as she catches her breathing. March continues to chase after his own release, grinding into her harder and she's trying to push herself off because it’s too sensitive now and anymore would probably make her-

March groans as he grinds against her one last time, his hips stuttering as he cums in his pants and Ari squeals as she feels something super wet leave her. She flushes in embarrassment and tries to cover her hands over her crotch. March groans as he looks down at their laps. She had squirted , all over herself.

“Fuckin’ hot,” He whispered as he leans in and kisses her again, then takes her hand and drags her away towards his small bathroom, “Shower? You can borrow my clothes again.”

Ari is mortified at whatever just came out of her body but nods, quickly stripping as she catches a bundle of clothes that March had randomly grabbed and tossed at her. She follows him in and waits for the hot water to set in before she follows March inside the tiny shower. She’s washing her body and March is taking care of her hair. Soon it’s too hot and Ari needs to escape, cutting her shower off early to let March finish as she dries off and throws his clothes on her as she escapes into his room. She jumps into his bed and curls up against his blankets. Sighing in content and taking in the smell, she lets her eyes close. She remembered when he had one blanket, it was small. But after Ari started staying over more he got another, bigger one. Ari snuggled under it and tossed and turned for a bit, before March snuggled in next to her. Her green eyes opened and smiled at him, “Sleepy?”

He grumbled and nodded, wrapping his arms around her and she threw herself into his arms as she finally let herself fall asleep in his comfortable embrace.

Chapter Text

The morning sun streamed through the windows of the forge's kitchen, casting a warm glow over the cozy space. Ari stood by the stove, humming softly as she flipped pancakes on the griddle. The air was filled with the sweet scent of maple syrup and the sizzle of bacon frying in the pan. She felt a sense of calm and contentment after the whirlwind of emotions from the night before. March’s arms wrapped around her from behind as he leaned his head into the crook of her neck, a low morning rumbled through him as his lips touched her neck and she giggled. He looked over her shoulder to look at the stove top, “Need help with anything?”

“Nope, you let me stay over last night, so let me make you breakfast.” She winks at him over her shoulder, “There’s coffee for you on the table too.” She said, before going back to her cooking. He took a seat at the table, watching her with a small, satisfied smile as he sipped his coffee.

The peaceful atmosphere was interrupted by the sharp trill of Ari’s phone vibrating on the countertop. She glanced at the screen, her brow furrowing slightly when she saw the name "Penelope" flashing across it. The call was unexpected, and for a brief moment Ari debated answering. Instead, she silenced the phone and returned her attention to the pancakes. March tilted his head at how quickly she silenced her phone, standing up and walking over to her and holding her again.

“Who was that?” March asked casually, though his tone carried a trace of curiosity.

Ari shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. “Just an old friend from the city.”

March nodded, seeming satisfied with the explanation, and turned his gaze back to his coffee. The caffeine called to him so he returned to his spot. Ari let out a small breath of relief, focusing on stacking the golden pancakes onto a plate. She placed the plate on the table in front of March with her phone and her own plate with a playful tone in her voice. “Your breakfast, my good sir.”

“Looks amazing,” March said, his grin widening as he reached for the syrup.

Before Ari could sit down to join him, her phone buzzed again. She froze for a moment, the name on the screen making her stomach twist uncomfortably. This time, it wasn’t Penelope. It was Derrick .

Ari felt her pulse quicken as the phone vibrated insistently. She didn’t want to answer it, and didn't want to explain why her ex-boyfriend was suddenly calling her after so long. She didn’t even know why he was calling! Instead, she declined the call, her movements deliberately calm. She placed the phone facedown on the counter and turned her attention back to the breakfast table.

March’s eyes narrowed slightly, catching the name quickly before she turned it over. He stuck a fork into his breakfast as he watched her. “Who was that?” he asked, his voice more serious now.

Ari hesitated, a pang of guilt shooting through her chest. “It’s no one,” she said quickly, her tone dismissive. She slid into the chair opposite him, reaching for her fork and knife as though the conversation were over.

March, however, didn’t seem convinced. He set his coffee cup down, leaning forward slightly. “Ari,” he said, his tone softer now but insistent. “Who’s Derrick?”

She flinched at the name, cursing herself for not silencing her phone earlier. Ari met his gaze, her mind racing for an explanation that wouldn’t make the situation worse. But lying to March felt wrong, and she knew he deserved honesty.

“He’s… someone I used to date back in the city,” Ari admitted reluctantly, keeping her tone neutral. “We were together and then my parents passed away and we split. I left him, and he went to California after we graduated. It’s nothing, though. I haven’t talked to him in ages.”

March’s expression darkened slightly, his jaw tightening. “So, why’s he calling you now?”

Ari sighed, setting her fork down. “Look, I don’t know why he’s calling me, okay? I didn’t answer because it doesn’t matter. Derrick is part of my past, and I’ve moved on.”

March studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. “So why didn’t you just tell me that right away?” he asked, his tone laced with concern but not anger.

“I didn’t think it was worth bringing up,” Ari replied, her voice firm but not defensive. “I didn’t want it to ruin our morning.”

March leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “I get that. But, Ari, if someone like that is trying to reach out to you, I want to know about it. Not because I don’t trust you—but because I care.” He reached over to hold her hand, “If you don’t want to talk to him, that’s all you have to tell him. Or if you want me too, I’ll gladly tell him to go kick rocks.”

Ari’s heart softened at his words, and she smiled down at their hands. “I’m sorry,” she said sincerely. “I wasn’t trying to hide anything. I just didn’t want to make a big deal out of someone that doesn’t mean anything to me anymore.”

March’s expression softened as he looked down at their joined hands. “Alright,” he said after a moment. “But if he keeps calling, you’ll tell me, right?”

“Of course,” Ari promised. She squeezed his hand, offering him a small smile. “You don’t have anything to worry about, March. Derrick isn’t part of my life anymore, and I’m not interested in what he has to say.”

March nodded, seeming reassured, though a hint of unease lingered in his eyes. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze before letting go and turning back to his pancakes. “Alright. Let’s eat before this breakfast gets cold.”

Ari laughed softly, grateful for his understanding. She picked up her fork again, determined to move past the awkward moment and enjoy the morning with March. Still, in the back of her mind, she couldn’t help but wonder why Derrick had decided to call her now, and what he wanted from her.

XxXxXxXx

The peaceful morning that Ari had carefully rebuilt after breakfast quickly unraveled the moment she returned to the farmhouse. March had taken her back home to take care of the animals and as she stepped out of his truck, the sight that greeted her stopped her in her tracks. A tall and slender figure stood on the porch with a long, high ponytail of blonde hair. Penelope, her vibrant best friend from the city, stood animatedly chatting with Elsie near the front porch. Standing beside Penelope, looking slightly out of place in his polished valley boy attire, was Derrick.

Ari’s ex-boyfriend.

Ari’s stomach dropped. She hadn’t seen either of them in months, and while Penelope’s presence sparked a wave of nostalgia, Derrick’s appearance sent her nerves into overdrive.

“Ari!” Penelope exclaimed as she heard the truck appearing, rushing towards her friend with open arms. “Surprise!”

Caught off guard but unable to suppress a smile, Ari hugged Penelope tightly. “Penelope… hiiiiiiii.” Ari grinned awkwardly, “What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice a mix of excitement and wariness.

“We wanted to surprise you!” Penelope replied, grinning, as she grabbed Derrick by his arm and pulled him to the girl group. “It’s been forever since we’ve seen you, and we thought it’d be fun to catch up.”

Ari’s eyes shifted to Derrick as she heard March’s footsteps behind her. Derrick offered her a small wave, his expression cautious. “Hey, Ari,” he said, his tone subdued.

“Derrick,” Ari said, and she heard March’s footsteps stop, her smile faltering. “This is... unexpected. ”

Before she could process the situation further, Elsie chimed in. “Ari dear, your friends showed up and said they missed you! I told them they’re welcome to stay for a few days. I told Penelope she can stay in the room with you, and Derrick can stay in the attic, they’re very happy to see you again!”

Ari opened her mouth to protest, but Penelope interrupted, her enthusiasm bubbling over. “Come on, Ari! It’ll be just like old times. We can stay up late, gossip, and eat junk food. You’ve got the perfect setup I’ve heard!”

Ari hesitated, glancing between Penelope’s hopeful expression and Derrick’s hesitant one. She had missed Penelope, and part of her longed for the familiar comfort of her best friend’s presence. With a sigh, she nodded. “Alright. But just for a few days, I have a new life here and responsibilities and a job, I can’t disregard those.”

Penelope squealed with delight, grabbing Ari’s hands and twirling her around, “I promise we won’t get in your way!” Derrick smiled faintly, relief washing over his features.

However, Ari’s relief was short-lived. A voice cleared his throat behind her and Ari paled. She turned around, only to see her boyfriend with his angry gaze on the two strangers. “What’s going on here?” March asked, his tone sharp.

Ari gave him a weak smile, trying to diffuse the tension. “March, this is Penelope, my best friend from the city, and Derrick. They came to see me and decided to drop by unannounced.”

March’s jaw clenched at the mention of Derrick, his eyes narrowing as he took in the man standing far too close to Ari for his liking. “Surprise, huh?” he said, his voice dripping with suspicion.

Penelope, oblivious to the tension, stepped forward and extended her hand to March. “Ooh, who are you? I don’t think Ari has mentioned you at all,” she said cheerfully. “Do you live here too?”

March shook her hand stiffly, “March,” He said shortly, his gaze flicking back to Derrick. “No, I don’t live here.” he muttered.

Derrick cleared his throat, stepping forward slightly. “It’s nice to meet you, I’m Derrick,” Derrick said, offering his hand as well.

March ignored the gesture, crossing his arms over his chest as he looked back at Ari. “Right,” he said curtly. “So, how long are you staying? Elsie is my mom so please treat her with respect.”

“Just a few days,” Ari interjected quickly, sensing the brewing storm. “Penelope’s bunking with me, and Derrick’s going to be in the attic.”

March’s lips pressed into a thin line, but he said nothing. He seemed to visibly relax for a bit. He turned to Ari, his voice low. “Can I talk to you for a second? Alone.”

Ari nodded, and turned to Penelope, “You can ask Elsie where the farmhouse is, or wait for me inside, okay?” Her friend nodded cheerily and grabbed Derrick as she pulled him in the house, sensing that this was a serious conversation. Ari began following March around the side of the house. Once they were out of earshot, he turned to her, his frustration evident. “Why is he here, Ari?”

“I didn’t know they were coming,” Ari said defensively. “Penelope wanted to surprise me, and Derrick just tagged along. I didn’t know they were here till we pulled up.”

“Tagged along?” March repeated, his tone incredulous. “He’s your ex, Ari. And now he’s staying in the farmhouse with you?”

“It’s not like that,” Ari insisted. “Penelope is my best friend, or was…” Ari frowned and looked down, “I do miss her and want to spend time with her. I couldn’t exactly tell her no, and Derrick, he’s part of my past, not my present.” She looked up at March again, “You’re with me, not him.”

March ran a hand through his hair, his jaw tightening. “You don’t think this is weird? Him showing up out of nowhere?”

“Of course, I think it’s weird,” Ari admitted, her voice softening. “But it’s only for a few days. Can you just trust me on this?”

March sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “I do trust you, Ari. I just don’t trust him.”

“You don’t have to,” Ari said firmly. “Because he doesn’t matter. You do.”

Her words seemed to ease some of March’s tension, and he reached out to cup her face gently. “Alright,” he said. “But if he tries anything—”

“He won’t,” Ari interrupted, placing her hands on his chest. “I promise.”

March leaned down to press a quick kiss to her lips before stepping back. “Okay,” he said. “I’ll hold you to that.”

As they returned to the front of the house, Ari couldn’t help but feel a mix of gratitude and anxiety. She hoped the next few days would pass without incident, but with Derrick’s unexpected presence, she couldn’t shake the feeling that things were about to get complicated.

Chapter Text

The next night Ari took her friends in her pink lambo to the Inn for their weekly Friday night Shenanigans. Ari wore a small, white sundress while Penelope matched with a green one. The hum of laughter and clinking glasses filled the cozy bar as Ari settled into her normal seat at their table, Penelope on her left and Derrick taking the spot to her right. It wasn’t lost on her how closely Derrick had positioned himself, his arm brushing hers occasionally. She tried to ignore it, focusing on the chaotic and hilarious game of Cards Against Humanity unfolding before them. The table was filled to the brim with people. Olric sat across from her between Adeline and Juniper. The rest of the tables spots were filled by Balor and Eiland and Hayden and Reina and Ryis.

“It’s so nice to meet your friends from the city, Ari.” Celine said loudly over the laughter, “I’m glad you guys dropped in to say hi!”

“Awwww,” Penelope said, her face completely flushed from one of Junipers homemade special drinks, “You guys are so nice! Thank you for taking care of our, Ari!”

Ari smiled at her friend, she had missed Penelope dearly. It was heartbreaking to know she was only getting a few days with her.

The group was in high spirits as the game continued, tossing out absurd and wildly inappropriate answers as everyone tried to outdo each other. Celine nearly fell out of her chair laughing, while Ryis dramatically read the cards with mock seriousness. Even Penelope had seamlessly blended into the group, her infectious energy making her a quick hit.

Ari tried to relax and enjoy herself, but Derrick’s presence made it difficult. Every so often, he leaned in too close under the guise of commenting on the game, his cologne faint but noticeable, and almost nostalgic . “That was a good play,” he murmured after one of her cards won a round, his voice low and smooth.

“Thanks,” she said with a forced smile, shifting slightly away from him.

Penelope, ever oblivious to tension, cheered loudly as she drew a particularly ridiculous card. “Oh my God, this is perfect. You guys are going to lose it!” she exclaimed, waving the card in the air.

As the next round began, Ari’s attention was drawn to the sound of the door opening. She glanced up and turned towards the door and her heart skipped a beat.

March had just walked into the bar. He scanned the room briefly, his sharp eyes landing on the group. Ari noticed the way his gaze lingered on her— and then on Derrick, who was leaning a little too close.

March’s expression tightened, though he masked it quickly. He made his way over, his strides confident, the familiar clink of his boots against the wooden floor making her pulse quicken.

“Hey, y’all,” March greeted, his voice casual but tinged with a tension only Ari could catch.

“March!” Celine called out, waving him over. “Grab a chair and join us!”

He didn’t immediately sit, his eyes locked on Ari and Derrick for a moment longer than necessary. Derrick, seemingly oblivious, glanced up and offered a polite nod.

“Hey, man,” Derrick said as he intentionally rubbed his arm next to Ari’s, “We were just about to start the next round.”

March’s lips twitched into a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Looks like fun,” he said, pulling a chair from a nearby table and shoved it in between her and Penelope, effectively boxing her in. Ari tried not to squirm under the tension that suddenly thickened the air, but also because there was barely enough space as she felt herself squished between her current boyfriend and her ex. “ Hey ,” she said softly, glaring up at March.

“Hey,” he replied as he ignored her dilema, his voice low as he leaned closer. “Having a good time?”

“Yeah,” she said quickly, her cheeks warming.

The game continued, though the atmosphere felt charged. March played his cards with a level of focus that bordered on intimidating, his sharp wit earning him more than a few laughs from the group. Derrick, meanwhile, seemed to grow quieter, his attempts at casual conversation with Ari dwindling under March’s silent yet palpable presence.

At one point, Derrick leaned in again, pointing to one of her cards. “That one’s hilarious,” he said with a chuckle, his hand brushing hers.

March’s jaw clenched visibly, and he set his beer down with a bit more force than necessary. “Hey, Derrick ,” he said, his tone even but firm. “Why don’t we switch spots? Looks like the table’s getting a little cramped.”

Derrick blinked, caught off guard. “Uh, sure,” he said, though his confusion was evident. He stood as he switched spots with the redhead, leaving March to slide smoothly into his spot beside Ari.

“Better,” March said under his breath, his arm wrapping around her waist as he pulled her almost into his lap, “Right where I belong.” He said loudly and deliberately as he settled in.

Ari bit her lip, as a squeal came from her previous seat mate. She looked at Penelope whose jaw dropped and she looked between the two, “Wait, Ari, you’re DATING that hunk of muscle?” Ari’s expression was torn between amusement and exasperation. Everyone else at her table, save for Derrick, grinned.

“Oh, what, she didn’t tell you?” Ryis said with a teasing smile, “Her and March have been smitten with each other since she got here.”

Reina giggled, “More like March was smitten with Ari but didn’t know how to show it except be mean to her.”

“Okay, okay,” March’s voice got louder, “Let’s get back to the game.” She could feel the heat radiating off March, his subtle possessiveness impossible to ignore as he pulled her tighter. 

As the game continued, March relaxed slightly, his arm left her waist and occasionally began grazing Ari’s hand beneath the table. When she glanced at him, he gave her a small, knowing smile.

The night carried on with laughter and drinks, but the unspoken tension between March and Derrick remained a quiet undercurrent. When the group finally called it a night, March didn’t hesitate to offer Ari a ride home.

“You don’t have to,” she said as they stepped out into the cool night air, Penelope and Derrick lingering behind to say their goodbyes to the rest of the group.

“I want to,” he replied, his voice leaving no room for argument. His eyes, however were giving her a look that said he wanted something else. Ari sighed as she turned to Derrick and Penelope, who were finally walking out of the bar. Ari reached in her bag, “Derrick, since Pen is drunk as hell can you drive her back to the farmhouse?”

“...Sure…” He said, looking between the two, “You riding with him?”

“Yeah, I’m taking my girlfriend back to the farmhouse.” March replied sharply, “Make sure your friend gets back to the farmhouse safe. Lookout for deer, they can be in the roads where there aren’t many lights.”

Derrick’s eyes lit up for a second, before he respectfully nodded, “Thanks man, for the info.” He turned to Ari, “See you later.” He grabbed Penelope’s hand as he dragged the laughing and drunk blonde to the lambo.

As they climbed into his truck, Ari let out a small sigh, her shoulders relaxing. March glanced at her as he started the engine, his expression softening.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Yeah,” she said, smiling faintly. “I’m glad you showed up tonight.”

His hand reached over, briefly brushing against hers on the center console. “I’m glad I did too,” he said quietly.

And in that moment, surrounded by the quiet hum of the truck, Ari felt the last remnants of tension melt away. The truck went around the manor to the back of the farmhouse and rumbled to a stop outside the farmhouse, the headlights casting long shadows against the familiar structure. Inside, Penelope and Derrick’s silhouettes could be seen moving about, but March’s focus was entirely on Ari. She reached for the door handle, but the soft click of the lock sliding into place stopped her. Confused, she glanced at March, only to be met with the blazing intensity of his gaze. His jaw was tight, his knuckles white where they gripped the steering wheel moments before.

" March— " she began, but her words were cut off when he leaned across the console and captured her lips in a kiss that was anything but gentle.

Ari gasped against his mouth, the sheer force of his emotions crashing into her like a tidal wave. There was no hesitation, no holding back. His hands found her waist, pulling her closer as if he couldn’t bear the thought of her being even an inch away.

Her heart raced as she kissed him back, her hands instinctively tangling in his hair. He deepened the kiss, his tongue brushing hers in a way that sent a shiver down her spine. The frustration and jealousy he’d bottled up all evening spilled out, and she could feel it in every touch, every desperate press of his lips against hers.

One of his hands slid down to her thigh, gripping it tightly, his fingers digging into her flesh with enough pressure to leave marks. The sensation sent a spark of electricity through her, and she let out a soft whimper against his mouth. That seemed to spur him on.

"Ari," he murmured against her lips, his voice low and rough. He pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, his eyes dark with unspoken emotions. "Do you have any idea what you do to me?"

She was breathless, her chest rising and falling as she tried to process his words. " March— "

"No," he interrupted, his hand tightening on her thigh as his other hand cupped her face, forcing her to look at him. "You drive me insane. Watching him sit so close to you tonight, the way he looked at you... I couldn’t take it."

"March," she said again, softer this time, her hands sliding down to rest against his chest. "You don’t have to be jealous."

He let out a humorless laugh, his thumb brushing over her cheek. "I can’t help it, Ari. You're mine."

Her breath hitched at his words, and she leaned into his touch, her lips finding his again. This kiss was slower, but no less intense, as if she were reassuring him without words. His hand on her thigh went to her waist again as he pulled her up and over the console, forcing her into his lap. Then his hands dipped back to her thighs again, before they slid higher, his fingers tracing the hem of her white sundress dress, while his other hand moved to the back of her neck, holding her in place.

Ari felt like the world outside the truck had disappeared, leaving only the two of them. Her skin burned where he touched her, and her heart raced so fast she thought it might burst. She had never seen this side of March before, so raw and unrestrained.and it sent a thrill through her.

"You're mine," he repeated against her lips, his voice a mix of possession and vulnerability. "Say it."

She pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, her hands sliding up to cup his face. "I’m yours, March," she whispered, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside her. "I’ve always been yours."

His breath hitched at her words, and he kissed her again, his hands pulling her even closer. The intensity of the moment left her dizzy, her fingers clutching at his shirt as if to anchor herself. His fingers slipped up her dress to touch and caress her stomach as their kiss deepened and she grew needier. March groaned into his lovers mouth as his grabbed her hips and grinded her down against himself. She gasped, throwing her head back as her spine arched against the steering wheel. 

“You’re so hot,” He whispered, dipping his fingers under her panties and she moaned loudly when his fingers flicked against her folds quickly. He moved the tip of his thumb over her clit and she jumped as electricity flooded her, “Did he ever touch you this way?”

“N-No, never!” Ari moaned, “Please, no talking, just touch me, please, March-”

Her begging was rewarded when a finger slipped past her folds. She was already so wet and inside she was hot and trying to grab onto him. He moaned lowly, pumping into her slowly with one hand as his other one pulled off the straps to her dress. 

Ari had no idea, but in the next second the top of her dress was down, and March’s hot mouth was on her chest and he was sucking, licking, biting, and kissing all over her chest and nipples. His eyes met hers, as his tongue came to flick at the new piercings on her pink buds. She couldn’t help the moans that left her mouth as she cried out, or when she felt two more fingers get inserted inside her.  “March, it’s too much, I can’t, I’m gonna-” Her voice came out sluggish, her arms wrapping around his neck and grabbing at his hair. She was starting to come undone and March took in the sight of her. She was beautiful, perfect, and going to cum so hard just because of his fingers. 

He bit into her neck harshly and that’s all it took for her to come crashing down. Her legs shook as she came around his fingers and a scream, his name, came out of her lips. She was breathing erratically, and March turned to look past her.

There, staring out the window, was Derrick. His mouth open and eyes were widened.

March smirked, before taking Ari’s face and giving her one last, deep kiss. When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathing hard, their foreheads pressed together. March's hands lingered on her thighs, his touch gentler now, though no less possessive. When he looked again, Derrick’s form at the window was gone. He growled before looking back at Ari.

"I don’t want to share you," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You don’t have to," she replied, her lips curving into a soft smile. "I’m all yours, March."

The tension in his shoulders eased at her words, and he pressed a kiss to her forehead before finally unlocking the truck doors. "Go inside," he said, his voice still rough around the edges. "Before I want to do more."

Ari hesitated for a moment, her gaze lingering on him. She leaned in to press one last kiss to his lips before stepping out of the truck. As she made her way to the farmhouse, she glanced over her shoulder to see March watching her, his expression unreadable but his eyes filled with an emotion that made her heartache in the best way.

Once inside, she leaned against the door. Penelope and Derrick were both standing in front of her. Derrick looked annoyed, then threw Ari’s keys at her, “I’m going to bed, you should probably clean up after yourself.” He said venomously, before walking out the door she just walked in. Ari rolled her eyes and Penelope wiggled her eyebrows at her.

“Girl, when did you get so bold and brave?” Penelope giggled as she grabbed her friend's hand, “Let’s get you a shower and you better tell me ALL those sexy details.”

Ari laughed but nodded, “Okay, I’ll definitely need that shower.” Ari blushed, “March, he um, it’s a new experience with him, so I’ll have to tell you everything from the beginning.”

“Well, you shower and then we’ll stay up all night talking about your new exciting love life.” Penelope grinned.

And with that, Ari ended that night snuggled up with her best friend as she had confided in her about all her feelings and about March.

Chapter Text

The sun was rising as Ari snuggled up against March in Elsie’s kitchen. The older woman paraded around the kitchen in happy spirits as she swapped brewing coffee and making a grocery list for later. Penelope happily sipped on some coffee across the table as she rambled on to Ari about some drama from some old college mates of theirs. Derrick, next to Pen, lazily scrolled through his phone, bags heavy under his eyes as though he hadn’t slept very well.

March had hoped that he hadn’t, suppressing the urge to smirk and be smug about the events that unfolded last night in the truck.

“So girls,” Elsie said, as she finished up her chores, “I am meeting Territhia and Josephine and Nora for some breakfast at the diner this morning. I think you girls should go with me; Reina and Celine will be there as well.”

“Oh, that sounds fun!” Penelope said, standing up and moving over to Ari across the table, a sneaky grin on her face, “We could let the girls in on what happened last night~”

A flush appeared over Ari’s face as she hid her face in her hands, and March lifted his mug to his mouth, finally letting that little smirk slip.

“And March,” Elsie said, turning her attention to her son, “You shall gather the boys out and take Derrick with you. Go do some axe throwing or something, whatever it is you young men do these days.”

That smirk was quickly gone as March’s lips dropped to a frown, matching Derrick’s. “And why would I do that?”

“Because it’s polite , and I raised you to be polite didn’t I?” She said with a knowing look, “Take him to do something fun. Gather Ryis and Hayden.”

March’s eyes glanced over to Derrick, who just gave a small, awkward wave, “Fine.”

“That’s settled then,” Ari said, placing a quick kiss on March’s cheek, “I’ll see you later.”

Elsie grabbed her keys and the girls followed her out. March glared at Derrick, who awkwardly looked away.

“Well, since you’re a guest , I’ll let you pick how you’d want me to torture you today.” 

“Axe throwing sounds… fun?” Derrick shrugged, “Never done it before, but I’m sure I could get the hang of it.”

“I’m sure you could.” March scoffed, as he pulled out his phone to text the boys, “Let’s go then, we’ll meet them there.”

They stood at the same time, and March added, “My trucks an antique, careful not to soil her or damage her.”

“Noted.” Derrick unintentionally matched his energy, “Look, I know I’m an outsider here, and I used to date Ari-”

March’s glare hardened, and Derrick finished it quickly, “But I’m just here to have fun and to see a friend again. Let’s try to get along, yeah?”

March gave him a once over look, before letting out a sigh, “Fine. But I’m not trusting very easily, so be warned. Do not cross me.” 

The red head walked out the front door, Derrick following behind nervously. The two hopped into March’s old truck, and Derrick took a minute to look at the interior.

“Actually, yah, I can tell you take good care of this truck.”

March didn’t like him, but he took the compliment.

XxXxXx

The older girls sat at one end of the table, meanwhile a shrill “WHAT?” broke through the restaurant, all eyes turning to the table as Reina and Celine stood with jaws dropped over and Ari who had her entire red face covered. Penelope sat next to her giggling and slapping her knee.

“You and March did what-”

“He licked your what-”

“Stop! Elsie is right there!” Ari said, burying her face into the table, “Oh my god, I’m so embarrassed I could melt!” In true horror, her nipples, reminded of the night before, hardened, and the piercings ached. She crossed her arms over her chest, trying to fend off the tenderness.

Elsie gave her a knowing look, but ignored the comment, while the other elderly woman giggled, making comments like “As long as they used protection.”

Ari could actually die.

“Derrick was jealous~” Penelope added, “He was glaring out the window, face was red.”

“Oh god, and he’s stuck with March all morning.” Ari grumbled into the wood.

“It’ll be okay, I think…” Reina tried to sound convincing, but even thinking about it made her confused, “Actually, he may not make it out of axe throwing alive.”

Ari then sunk, farther, past her seat and just curled into a ball under the table.

XxXxXxXx

The group of guys; March, Derrick, Ryis, and a few others, gathered at the outdoor axe-throwing range later that morning. The atmosphere was casual, filled with laughter and the sound of axes thunking into wooden targets. Ryis is the extrovert and struck up an easy conversation with Derrick, who seemed to get along well with the rest of the group.

March, however, wasn’t having any of it. He stood off to the side, gripping an axe and watching Derrick interact with the others. Every laugh, every smile from Derrick grated on his nerves. It wasn’t jealousy, it was the lingering uncertainty of Derrick’s intentions.

When Derrick stepped up to the line to throw, March followed, holding his own axe casually at his side. Derrick glanced at him, offering a friendly smile. “You’re pretty good at this,” Derrick said, nodding toward March’s earlier throws, all of which had landed solidly near the bullseye.

March shrugged, and proceeded to gloat. “Been doing it for years. It’s not that hard.” Derrick laughed lightly, taking his stance. His throw landed just outside the center ring, earning cheers from the others.

March took note that his friends didn’t cheer for himself.

March stepped up next, his throw landing dead center with a resounding thunk. He turned to Derrick, his expression unreadable. “So, Derrick,” he said, his voice casual but laced with tension, “Why exactly come here if seeing Ari was going to make you upset?”

Derrick blinked, caught off guard. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, why’d you come all the way out here? It’s a long way from the city, and you’ve been hanging pretty close to Ari since you got here.” He turned away from him, “It must hurt knowing she didn’t choose you.”

Derrick’s smile faltered. “Her guardian didn’t really give her much of a choice did she?” He crossed his arms and glared at March’s back, “Ari and I didn’t want the same things anyway, but if Ari could choose, if you would let her choose, she’d go back to New York, and I’d go back to California anyway.” He took a breath, “Penelope wanted to visit her, and I thought it’d be nice to see her too. No harm in that, right? I think your anger is misguided, you’re not scared of me taking Ari from you, you’re scared of Ari leaving on her own accord.”

March crossed his arms, his tone sharpening. “What do you know? She loves it here.”

“Oh yeah?” Derrick pressed closer, as March finally turned back around to face him, “I think you forgot I was with Ari for a long time. I know just by looking at her that she’s not completely set on being here. You think offering her a job will make her stay?” Derrick laughs, “As soon as her conservatorship is over, Ari will leave. A short relationship with you isn’t enough to keep her tied down here, as a four year relationship wasn’t enough to get her to move to California with me.” Derrick hesitated, glancing around to see if anyone else was listening. The other guys were engrossed in their own conversations, giving the two some privacy. He took a deep breath to calm himself, “Look, I don’t know what you think, but I’m not here to cause trouble. Ari’s a good friend, and yeah, we have history, but that’s all it is, history. If I were you, the more pressing matters would be if she would want to stay or not.”

March narrowed his eyes. “Do you still like her?”

Derrick exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “You’re still asking the wrong questions… But, if I said no, you wouldn’t believe me, would you?”

“No,” March replied bluntly.

Derrick gave a small, humorless laugh. “Fine. Yes, I still care about her. She was a big part of my college and adult life, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about what could’ve been. But I’m not here to get in your way, March. I can see how she looks at you. She’s moved on, and I respect that, but I wouldn’t hold my breath out for her. You never know what she’s going to do.”

March’s posture didn’t relax, his brain pushing back the fear of Ari, would she really leave? No, it didn’t matter, keeping Derrick away did, “Keep your distance then, Ari’s mine now.”

Derrick held up his hands in mock surrender. “I get it. Loud and clear. I don’t want to cause any problems, man.”

March stared at him for a moment longer before nodding curtly. “Good.”

The tension between them lingered as they returned to the group, but the rest of the day passed without incident. Derrick kept his interactions with everyone else friendly and respectful, clearly trying to honor the boundaries March had set. 

Later that evening, back at the farmhouse, Derrick carried a cooler inside while March lingered near the porch. The two exchanged a brief glance, and Derrick offered a small nod before heading into the house. March stayed outside for a moment, letting the cool evening air calm him. He wasn’t entirely convinced of Derrick’s intentions, but he did now have bigger concerns. 

Four years,, he didn't know Ari was with Derrick for that long. Hell, his own relationship with Ari was still so short in comparison. As he slowly walked into his moms house, she reached out to him with a greeting and a kiss to his cheek, “Evening son, how was it? I see he came back alive.” She joked.

“Mom,” March whispered, “Do you think if you ended Ari’s conservatorship that she would choose to stay here in Mistria? Or do you think she would leave if given the freedom?”

Elsie’s eyes widened, “Why, I never thought of that before…” She could see the distress it was causing him, as his eyebrows furrowed and his teeth clenched, “I’ll tell you this. You have her right now don’t you? So don’t worry about what if’s, worry about the present, and the fact that you have her right now.”

He let a sigh of relief out, Elsie’s advice giving him temporary satisfaction.

“Now, what is this I heard this morning about you and Ari doing things in your truck last night?”

Red reached his ear tips

Chapter Text

Ari and the group had planned an end of summer beach party, the day right before Penelope and Derrick were set to return to their states. Penelope would go back to New York, and Derrick would return to California. March had to work late, so he’d be arriving later. This left Ari driving her car with Penelope in the passenger seat and Derrick in the back. When they arrived at the beach, the party was already in full swing. Music was blaring and couples were dancing, and people were already out swimming in the waves. Dell, Luc, and Maple were building a sandcastle, in which the Dragon Guard swore to protect forever, or until the waves came and crushed it down. Josephine and Hemlock were handing out food, as they grilled hotdogs and burgers with sides of fries. Elsie and her group of elders sat in some beach chairs, playing cards and sipping on their own drinks, courtesy of the BYOB rule.

Ari was wearing a flowing sundress with floral patterns, over a simple black bikini. They found a spot to dump their bags as Ari began to shred off her sundress, before parading into the water with Penelope to meet their gal pals. Derrick made his way over with a beer over to Ryis and Hayden. 

“What’s up guys?” Derrick said as he approached, fist bumping the two.

“Not much, no March yet?” Ryis looked around, “Not like him to be late, but he probably got caught up with work.” His eyes settled on a familiar couple showing up and Hayden sighed.

“Balor and that troublesome woman are here again.” Hayden said softly. 

Ryis glared at the girl, “Seriously? I told him last time that he was not to bring her to get togethers. She does nothing but cause problems.” He stood up straight, and went to confront Balor in person. He made long strides as he reached the couple, “Balor, why is she here?”

“I know, listen man-” He insisted, putting his hands up, “About last time, it was uncool. She promises not to start something again,” He glared at Onyx, “Right?”

Onyx wasn’t listening, her eyes searching for a familiar head of red, before Balor elbowed her in the side, “Ow, right.” Her eyes set on familiar pink hair and she scowled, but put on a facade, “I promise to be good.”

“I hope so, this is a town festival. If she pulls anything again, I’ll make sure she’s banned from any more events.” Ryis settled on a stern look, something out of character for himself, “March and Ari are happy, and officially a couple. If you overstep, it’ll be ugly. No one will protect you this time.”

“Heard loud and clear.” She quipped. 

It was a little bit later when March showed up. He was wearing khaki’s over his swim trunks, and a fitted off-white cotton shirt as his top. He put his truck in park and opened his door, making his way towards the guys. He gave them all a greeting, save for Derrick who simply just received a curt nod instead. Ryis fist bumped him, and March began taking his shirt and khakis off, his eyes looking for his girlfriend when they spotted black hair. His nose scrunched up, “Why is she here?”

“Balor brought her, again, and insisted she’d be on her best behavior.” Hayden said quietly under his red solo cup. Ryis shook his head.

“I told him it was the last chance. If she pulls anything, she’s banned forever.” Ryis grinned, “But Ari is in the water, in a black bikini waiting for you. Go get her, my guy.”

March’s eyes snapped to the water to look for his girlfriend, his eyes finding her pink hair in a bun as she splashed around with her friends. He took off running in the sand, his feet hitting the waves as he tried to slow his movements. Her friends all saw him and giggled, meanwhile Ari had her back to him. His hands came to rest possessively on her back, as he swooped around and kissed her cheek. “Hey there.”

Ari flushed as she turned to him, “Hey, you made it. How was work?”

“Productive.” He said proudly, “Got a lot done.” His eyes traveled down her body, “This looks good on you. Can I take it off later?”

The girls giggled around him and she flushed, smacking his arm playfully, “Kidding! Kidding.”

“I have to take some pictures for the city so I’m glad you’re here.” She whispered, “I’m gonna get out and throw my dress back on. Care to help judge my shots?”

“Of course,” He wrapped an arm around her waist as he led her out of the water. They passed Balor and Onyx as they did, and Ari shot the girl a mean look as they passed. When they got to her bag, she grumbled, “Why is she here? When did she get here?” Ari’s mood soured the moment she noticed her. She remembered all too well the altercation at the last party, the way Onyx had blatantly flirted with March and dismissed Ari’s presence entirely. Ari clenched her fists at her sides. 

“I’m here with you though, and if she does something, hopefully other people will intervene and stop it.” March pressed his forehead to hers, “Ryis has already warned her if she starts something again, that she’ll be banned.”

Ari tried her best to focus, but her breathing picked up and her eyes kept looking back for Onyx. March forced her to look back at him, his hands cupping her jaw, “Hey, ignore her. She isn’t worth it.”

Ari’s jaw clenched, “I’m trying.”

Then the moment was interrupted, Balor and Onyx had somehow sneaked their way up to the couple. Onyx sauntered over, dragging Balor along as if he were a mere accessory. She greeted the group with a sickly sweet smile, her gaze flickering between Ari and March.

“Hey, March,” Onyx said, her voice dripping with false cheer. “It’s so good to see you again. Been a while, huh?”

March’s expression hardened, but he nodded politely. “Onyx.”

Balor tried to break the tension and clapped March on the shoulder. “Good to see you, man! Looks like the forge is treating you well.”

“It is,” March replied shortly, his focus switching from Onyx to Balor, trying to ignore her existence entirely.

Ari forced herself to stay calm, but the way Onyx leaned a little too close to March made her blood boil. She looped her arm through March’s and gave him a pointed smile, beginning to tug him away. “We were just about to get drinks. Weren’t we, babe ?”

Onyx’s eyes flashed with anger, but her smile didn’t falter. “Oh, I’ll join you. Balor, do you want anything?”

Before anyone could object, she tagged along, sidling up to March as if Ari wasn’t even there.

XxXxXx

Meanwhile, across the bonfire, Derrick had been watching the entire exchange with interest. He was a few drinks in, his face flushed as he leaned towards Ryis, “What is with that black haired girl?” He had been nursing a beer and chatting with Ryis, but his attention had been firmly fixed on the group since the moment he sensed Ari’s discomfort. He saw the way Onyx hovered around March and noted Ari’s obvious frustration. 

“Oh, that’s Onyx. She and March went to trade school together. She’s obsessed with him even though March is with Ari.” Ryis sighs, “The last time she was around, Ari beat her ass, put her in her place. But she came onto March really hard and he didn’t push her away, so it kind of put some distance between Ari and March for a bit.”

Derrick paused, a plan began to form in his mind. If Onyx could drive a wedge between Ari and March, perhaps he could use that tension to his advantage.

With a casual nod to Ryis, Derrick excused himself and made his way toward Ari.

XxXxXx

Tensions mounted throughout the evening. Onyx continued to push boundaries, finding every opportunity to talk to March or touch his arm, while Derrick hovered near Ari, striking up conversations and offering her drinks.

“Oh, March, your muscles are so much bigger than I remembered.”

“Ari, remember back in New York when we went and saw that broadway show?”

Both of these people were setting the others off. Derrick bringing up memories with Ari from when they were dating constantly set off March, and Onyx touching March and complimenting his physical appearance did nothing but anger Ari, who in turn kept taking drinks from Derrick and indulging in the past, laughing about things like college classes or the broadway shows or they 99 cent pizza stores.

Derrick managed to pull Ari away from March, as he was distracted by Onyx but also irritated, “Enjoying yourself?” Derrick asked, leaning in slightly.


Ari sighed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Trying to. It’s just... some people don’t know when to quit.”

Derrick smirked. “You mean Onyx? Yeah, I heard some people say she’s really into him.” The alcohol was boosting Derrick’s confidence, “Honestly, I don’t know what March sees in her.”

Ari frowned, confused. “He doesn’t see anything in her. She’s just being... persistent.”

“Persistent, huh?” Derrick’s tone was laced with skepticism. “Looks to me like he’s not exactly discouraging her.”

Ari bristled, her eyes narrowing as she glanced over at March. Onyx was laughing at something he’d said, her hand brushing against his arm. Ari clenched her jaw, anger bubbling to the surface.


When Onyx finally crossed the line, placing her hand on March’s chest and leaning in far too close, Ari snapped. She stormed over, her voice cutting through the chatter.

“Excuse me,” she said, her tone sharp enough to turn heads. “Can I talk to my boyfriend for a second?”

Onyx’s eyes widened, but she quickly recovered, giving Ari an innocent smile. “Of course. We were just catching up.”

Ari ignored her, grabbing March’s arm and dragging him a few steps away.

“What the hell, March?” Ari hissed. “And why are you letting her hang all over you?”

“I’m not letting her do anything,” March said, his tone defensive. “She’s the one who won’t back off, I’ve tried asking her to stop.”

“Well, that’s not exactly working out in your favor, is it?”

March sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Ari, you’re overreacting. I don’t care about Onyx. She doesn’t mean anything to me, I’ve told her to top, I don’t know what more you want me to do-.”

“She sure seems to think she can keep touching you because asking her to stop isn’t doing anything,” Ari shot back, her voice rising.

Their argument drew the attention of several partygoers, including Derrick, who took the opportunity to approach.

“Hey, everything okay here?” he asked, feigning concern.

“Stay out of it, Derrick,” March snapped.

Derrick raised his hands in mock surrender. “Just trying to help.”

Ari glared at both of them, her frustration boiling over. “You know what? I’m done. I’m going home. Sit here and be a sensory toy for her all you want.”

She turned on her heel and marched toward the parking lot, leaving March and Derrick glaring daggers at each other.

“What’s your problem?” March hissed, “Waiting for the perfect moment to steal Ari, away?”

“You think I’m stealing her?” Derrick laughed, “You’re the one letting her leave, letting another woman hang all over you.” He got in March’s face, “I told you, Ari will leave if she doesn’t want to stay. And what is she doing right now?”


March’s heart sunk into his stomach. Derrick stormed around him, chasing after Ari. It took a good minute before March realized what was happening, his feet turned and he too made a beeline for Ari. Onyx approached in front of him, arms open wide with a grin, “March, where are you going? I thought we were catching up!”

March walked around her, leaving Onyx sputtering in his wake. Her attempt to cling to him had finally pushed him too far, and he’d made it crystal clear that he wanted nothing to do with her. Now, all he could think about was Ari, his Ari , walking off with Derrick. The thought of them alone together made his chest tighten with rage. His long strides carried him to the parking lot, the noise of the party fading behind him. As he neared his truck, his heart sank. There they were, Ari and Derrick, standing too close for comfort under the pale glow of the streetlights. March slowed his steps, staying just out of sight but close enough to hear their voices.

“I’m serious, Ari,” Derrick said, his tone earnest. “I’ve been thinking about you ever since you left. This isn’t just some spur-of-the-moment thing. I want you to come back to California with me.”

Ari crossed her arms, her expression conflicted. “Derrick, you know that legally I can’t do that-”

Before she could finish, Derrick stepped closer. “But if you could, would you? Would you want to be stuck here? You don’t belong out here, Ari. This isn’t you. This little farm, this small town, all of it. It’s not the girl I knew, I know it isn’t what you wanted. Come back. We can figure things out together. We were good together, weren’t we?”

Ari took a step back, but Derrick followed.

“Derrick, I—”

And then it happened. Derrick leaned in, hands grabbing her cheeks as he pulled her close and kissed her. Ari blinked, eyes wide, hands coming up to push Derrick away but all he did was pull her closer. His head tilted, attempting to deepen the kiss and Ari smashed her fists against his chest.

Time seemed to freeze for March. His vision tunneled, and all he could see was Derrick’s hands on Ari, his lips against hers.

Rage flooded his veins. He didn’t think; he just acted.

Before Ari could even push Derrick away, March was there. His heavy boots thudded against the gravel as he stormed forward, his jaw clenched and fists already curling at his sides.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” March roared, his voice slicing through the tense silence.

Derrick barely had time to react before March grabbed the front of his shirt and yanked him back, his grip like iron.

“She didn’t ask for that,” March growled, his voice low and dangerous.

“March, stop!” Ari yelled, stepping between them and placing a hand on his chest. “Don’t start something here!”

March’s eyes flicked to hers, but his grip on Derrick didn’t loosen. “Don’t start something? He kissed you, Ari! Right in front of me!” His eyes settled on Derrick with hatred, “ Without your consent , you were pushing against him. I knew you wanted her back.”

Derrick, regaining his composure, smirked. “Maybe because she wanted me back too.”

March saw red. His fist connected with Derrick’s jaw before he even realized what he was doing. Derrick stumbled back, clutching his face, but March advanced, following up with a punch close to Derrick’s eye.

“March!” Ari’s voice cut through the haze of anger. She grabbed his arm, tugging him back with all her strength. “Stop it! Please!”

Breathing hard, March froze. His hands trembled at his sides, the adrenaline coursing through him making it hard to think. He looked at Ari, her wide eyes filled with worry, and the sight made his chest ache.

“Are you okay?” he asked her, his voice softer now.

“I’m fine,” Ari said, glancing briefly at Derrick, who was wiping blood from the corner of his mouth. “Let’s just go.”

March nodded, his gaze still locked on Derrick. “You stay the hell away from her,” he warned, his tone icy. “You don’t get to come here and mess with her life. She’s not yours.”

Derrick didn’t respond, but his defiant glare spoke volumes.

March turned back to Ari, his hand brushing against hers. “Come on,” he said, his voice gentler now.

Ari hesitated for a moment before nodding. She climbed into the passenger seat of March’s truck, and he slammed the door shut behind her.

Chapter Text

Ari just realized she had completely left and abandoned her own car, as well as her friends at the party. She silently texted Celine, asking if her friend would drive Penelope and Derrick home that night. She then shoved her phone back into her pocket, March glancing at her as he drove, “Who was that?”

Ari didn’t speak, her body filled with negative emotions. When she didn’t answer, March’s knuckles tightened on the steering wheel, and his jaw clenched. The silence dragged on. Ari said nothing, not wanting to speak when her emotions were too high and risked upsetting the both of them more. Instead, she crossed her arms and looked out the window, deciding to settle on finding something in the grass or trees to occupy her mind instead.

They continued back to the farmhouse, March pulling around the manor to the back as they approached her home and he turned the truck off. He pulled the key out of the ignition, and then they both continued to sit in silence.  

Finally, Ari spoke up, “You didn’t have to hit him.”

March turned to face her, his expression a mix of anger and hurt. “Didn’t I? He kissed you, Ari. And from where I was standing, you didn’t seem to mind it one bit. I bet it reminded you of home.”

Ari’s eyes widened. “Home? What does that even mean?” She poked a finger in his chest, “That’s not fair. I didn’t want that kiss, March. I was trying to tell him no when you showed up.”

March ran a hand through his hair, “Why not push him away?”

“Why not push Onyx away?”

“This isn’t-” He sighed, “It’s not about her. Onyx and I don’t even have a past outside of being classmates.” He grabbed her shoulders, “Derrick is your ex , who came all the way from California to see you, to try and get you to go back with him.” He shook her gently, “Don’t you see how vastly different the two are? I’ve never had feelings for Onyx, but at one point you had them for him, and I bet you miss him, and your home , and-” He cuts himself off before he says anymore, “Nevermind, it doesn’t matter… What matters is, I love you, and I have feelings for you and only you.”

Ari’s eyes widened, “What did you say?”

Silence again, and March’s face filled with red at his sudden confession, “I… said, I love you?”

Ari’s heart dropped. Love? Was she in love?

Fear shook her, and her eyes watered. She whipped them away quickly, her walls coming up, “Anyways,” She said, changing the topic, “Derrick is my friend, and he was here to see me, you shouldn’t have hit him, but I’ll make sure that he knows how much I disapprove in the morning before he leaves.”

March waited, for something more, but when she didn’t say it back, he turned his head away, “I’m not going to lose you to him over this, am I?”

“You’re not losing me,” she said, her voice softer now as she grabbed his hands in hers, “But you have to trust me, March. I can’t control what other people do, only how I respond. And I’m telling you, I didn’t want him to kiss me.”

He looked at her, his eyes searching hers for any trace of doubt. Finally, he sighed and leaned back against the seat. “I’m sorry. I just... the thought of losing you, or you leaving, it scares me sometimes.”

Ari’s heart softened at his words. She reached out, her hand resting on his cheek. “I’m not going anywhere, March.”

He closed his eyes, leaning into her touch. For a moment, the tension melted away, replaced by a quiet understanding.

“Come inside,” Ari said, her voice gentle. “I think we should sleep.”

March nodded, taking her hand in his as they walked toward the house together.

XxXxXxXx

The morning was quiet and heavy with a sense of finality as Penelope packed her things. Derrick had spent the entire night packing up his things and was just ready to go and be gone. Ari stood by the doorway of her room, her arms crossed as she watched her best friend zip up her suitcase. Penelope turned to her, her eyes misty with sadness.

“I’m going to miss you,” Penelope said, her voice trembling. “You’ve built a whole new life here, Ari. I see how happy you are, even with all the chaos.”

Ari forced a smile and stepped forward to embrace her friend tightly. “I’ll miss you too. Thanks for coming, Penny. I needed you.”

“Call me anytime, okay?” Penelope pulled back, her hands on Ari’s shoulders. “Don’t let the boys stress you out too much.”

Ari laughed softly. “I’ll try.”

As Penelope headed out to the waiting truck, Derrick stood by, his movements slower and stiffer than usual. His face bore the unmistakable marks of March’s fists—a swollen lip and a bruise blooming along his left eye. Ari didn’t say a word to him, her gaze cool and distant as she walked past him to hug Penelope one last time.

“Bye, Ari,” Derrick said quietly, his voice subdued.

Ari didn’t respond. She turned away, her heart heavy but resolute. Derrick had crossed a line, and she wasn’t ready to forgive him for it. Not yet, “Goodbye, Derrick.”

March growled, “Why do I have to take them back to the airport?”

Elsie smiled, “Why, I think it’d be a nice send off, don’t you think?” She eyes Derrick, “You can say goodbye to the last of your problems.”

Penelope giggled as March nodded, “You’re right about that.” The blonde climbed into the truck, and Derrick took one more last, longing glance at Ari before hopping in as well. March sighed and walked over to Ari, who stood on the front steps of the manor. He gave her a kiss on her cheek, “I’ll be back later.” She smiled, forcefully. It didn’t reach her eyes, but she muttered an “okay” back at him. 

The truck drove off, only leaving Ari with Elsie and her thoughts. 

“Come dearie,” Elsie said, looping her arm with Ari’s, “Let’s go have some tea.”

After Penelope and Derrick’sdisappeared down the dirt road, Ari returned with Elsie inside the house, her thoughts racing. Elsie walked into the kitchen, humming softly as she washed a few mugs from breakfast. When she saw Ari sit down at the table, her face cracking and a frown falling over her face, she immediately went and sat next to her.

“Everything okay, sweetheart?” Elsie asked, her eyes full of concern.

Ari hesitated for a moment before speaking. “I need to get away for a little while, Elsie. Just a couple of days. I need some time to think.”

Elsie frowned, setting down the towel. “Does this have to do with March? Or Derrick?”

“Both,” Ari admitted. “And me. I just... I need space to sort things out.”

Elsie studied Ari for a long moment before nodding. “I understand. Do you know where you’ll go?”

“I don’t have any idea,” Ari said. “I just need somewhere quiet where I can be alone.”

Elsie sighed but nodded again. “Alright. Here, I have just the place,” She scrambled through a drawer by the fridge for a few seconds. The sounds of papers and other things rambling around. “Aha!” Elsie said, pulling out an old map, and displaying it on the table, “This here is a map to the cabin about an hour away. I could drive you up there. If I take you now, you’ll be gone before March get’s back.”

“That sounds great, I’ll start packing a small bag right away,” Ari assured her. She gave Elsie a quick hug before heading into the farmhouse to pack a small duffel bag. Elsie frowned, knowing that when March returned and found his girlfriend gone, he’d tear the world upside down to look for her.

XxXxXxXx

Ari left that afternoon without telling March. She knew he would try to stop her or insist on coming with her, and that was the opposite of what she needed. As Elsie drove the winding roads toward the cabin, the tension in Ari’s chest began to ease. The sun filtered through the trees and for the first time in days, Ari felt like she could breathe.

When she arrived at the cabin, Elsie parked the car and Ari stepped out, inhaling the crisp mountain air. The cabin was small but cozy, nestled in a clearing surrounded by towering pines. Elsie walked up the steps, Ari following her, and unlocked the door. Their footsteps echoing in the quiet as she entered. Ari set her bag down and took a deep breath, letting the silence wrap around her like a blanket.

“This place doesn’t have electricity, but it should be okay to give you a few days to think and breathe, as long as you wont need to shower so much.” She pointed to the stove, “Its a wood fire, so if you bought anything to eat and need to heat up you can use that.” She opened a small door in the hallway, “This here is the bathroom. Water heater is outside and runs on gas, there should be a tank left somewhere.” 

Ari thanked Elsie, gripping her in a hug, thanking her over and over. Elsie smiled sadly, “I hope you know, I won’t be able to keep him away from here forever.”

“I just need a few days, that’s all.” Ari whispered back.

XxXxXxXx

For the rest of the day, Ari kept herself busy. She unpacked her things, made herself a simple meal, and took a walk along the nearby trail. The solitude was soothing, giving her the time and space she needed to reflect on everything that had happened.

That evening, Ari sat on the porch with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders and a cup of tea in her hands. The sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. 

She thought about March; his unwavering love, his jealousy, his temper. 

She thought about Derrick; his audacity, his desperation, and the way he’d tried to pull her back into a past she’d outgrown.

But mostly, Ari thought about herself. She thought about the woman she was becoming, the life she was building, and the dreams she was chasing. She realized she wasn’t just a city girl anymore, nor was she fully a country girl. She was somewhere in between, finding her place in the world. As the stars began to appear, Ari felt a sense of peace settle over her. She didn’t have all the answers yet, but she knew she was on the right path. And for now, that was enough.

Chapter Text

Elsie sat at the couch sipping tea by the manor’s front doors. Dread settled over her as she prepared to tell March the news. Her eyes drifted from the book in her lap to the clock hanging off the wall, time ticking by slowly and slowly. 

She sighed, he would be very angry.

The sound of wheels pulling up in the driveway made her jump. The gravel was a warning sign, followed by the slam of a truck door. She exhaled, here goes nothing .

The door opened, and March sighed as he shut the door behind him softly and kicked his shoes off, “Ma.” He greeted her. He ran his hand through his red hair as he walked past his mom and into the kitchen. She stiffened as she heard the kitchen's back door open and shut as well, telling her that he had indeed headed straight towards the farm house. 

The silence that followed felt like it was going to swallow her. Elsie brought her cup back up to her mouth as she sipped her tea a bit more gingerly, until she heard the door from the back open and close again. March came around the kitchen doors corner, eyes settling on his mom, “Where’s Ari?”

Elsie bit her lip, “March, what I’m about to say may upset you-” His eyes narrowed and she glared at him, “Watch that look.”

Panic rose in him, both hands gripped his hair and he turned, walking in circles as he cursed under his breath, “Did she get up and leave? Did she go back to New York? Is she moving out?”

“No, no, March-” Elsie stood up and walked over to him, trying to put a reassuring hand on her son's shoulder, “She didn’t. She just had to get away for a few days to relieve some stress. She’ll be back soon.”

“It’s all that Derrick’s fault,” He growled, eyes falling to the floor, “He showed up and messed with her head and made her second guess herself-”

“March,” His mother said sternly, walking in front of him as she glared at her son, “If you think Derrick was the only reason then you are sorely mistaken.” Her hands came up to her hips, “You’ve been quite overbearing on Ari and over protecting her, over the tiniest things. Possession and love are not the same thing.”

“I was just looking out for her,” He hissed, looking away, refusing to admit his part in it, “I knew he was trouble when he showed up.”

Elsie grimaced, biting down on her lower lip before going back to her seat, “You better start thinking a bit harder about your part in it if you want her to come back.” She grabbed her book and walked up the stairs, leaving March sulking in the entryway of the manor. 

XxXxXx

The first full day that Ari was gone, March didn’t think much of it. He assumed she needed some time to herself after everything that had happened. He would tell his brother and all her friends that it was because of Derrick, pushing the ex to the surface to avoid taking accountability for his part. Reina, Celine, and Adeline had all given each other looks when he told them. He got the feeling they wanted to say something, and when they didn’t it just irked him more. 

“You don’t think that not setting boundaries with Onyx, and then punching her friend who came to see her had anything to do with it?” Reina had been the first to say, “You pretty much disrespected Ari over and over, and then when someone does the same thing to her that Onyx has done to you, suddenly you feel like you have the right to be angry?”

Adeline nodded in agreement, “It's pretty hypocritical March. I mean, you were really mean to Ari when she first got here, and you’ve only been seeing her for a while now. You’re always hot and cold with her, like you don’t want her around but then you’re scared she’s going to leave.”

March shrunk back, thinking of his past trauma and then thinking of Ari. They’d been through a whirlwind of emotions recently, that part was no lie.

Maybe he needed to hear that it was his fault more. 

He stood up from the table, leaving her girly group at the table as he paid for his tab at the Inn that night and went home. A million thoughts went through his head; he figured she was just decompressing. But when night came and there was no text, no call, no word at all, his chest tightened with worry.

XxXxXx

By the second full day, worry turned to frustration. March paced the forge as Olric worked on shaping an order of steel bars. Olric cast him an annoyed glance.

“You’re going to wear a hole in the floor if you keep that up,” Olric muttered.

“She hasn’t called,” March said for the tenth time that day, “No texts, no nothing. I don’t even know where she is. What if something happened?”

“She’s a grown woman, March,” Olric replied calmly. “She probably just needed some space after having to deal with her ex and you.”

March scowled, running a hand through his already disheveled hair. “I didn’t-” He bit his lip, “She doesn’t just vanish like this. Not without saying something.”

Olric sighed, setting down his tools. “You need to relax. Freaking out isn’t going to help.”

But March couldn’t relax. He walked over to his desk and picked up his phone and immediately pulled out his call log. He tried calling her again, only to hear the same automated voice: “The number you are trying to reach is unavailable.”

He swore under his breath, tossing his phone onto the workbench. “Something’s wrong.” He muttered as he sat at his chair. He dropped his head into his hands as his elbows pressed into his knees. Olric muttered, “Yeah, with you.” In the background.

XxXxXx

By the third day, March was unraveling. He couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Ari’s face. One minute she was smiling, laughing, happy, and the next she was angry and hurt. The idea that she might be in trouble, or worse, planning on leaving gnawed at him, leaving him restless and frantic.

That morning, Olric decided he couldn’t take it anymore. After another fruitless attempt to call her, Olric kicked March out of the forge. “Go do something except sulk in here man, go get some air.”

 March stormed out of the forge, jumped into his truck, and headed straight to the farmhouse.

Elsie was in the kitchen, humming softly as she stirred a small pot of soup for herself. She turned when she saw him enter, her brow furrowing.

“March, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at the forge?”

“Where is she?” March asked, his voice tense. She noted the bags under his eyes, heavy and a sign of lack of sleep.

Elsie blinked. “Where is who?”

“Ari,” he said, his frustration spilling over, his feet carried him back and forth as he began pacing in her kitchen. “She’s been gone for three days, Elsie. Three days! I’ve called, I’ve texted, and nothing. I need to know where she is.”

Elsie’s expression softened, but she didn’t answer right away. She turned back to her soup, stirring it methodically.

“She’s fine, March,” Elsie said after a moment. “She told me she needed some time to think, so she went somewhere quiet.”

“BUT WHERE?” March roared, stopped as his head snapped towards her. “Where did she go?”

She glared at her son with another disapproving look, “I can’t tell you that,” Elsie replied, her tone firm. “She asked me not to.”

“Elsie, please.” March’s voice cracked. He raked a hand through his hair and then down his face, his desperation evident. “I can’t— I need to know she’s okay. I can’t... I can’t lose her too .”

Elsie turned to face him fully, her eyes filled with both sympathy and resolve. “You’re not going to lose her, March. But she needs this. You need to respect her decision.”

March’s jaw tightened. He understood what Elsie was saying, but it didn’t make it any easier. He felt helpless, a foreign and unbearable feeling for someone who prided himself on being able to fix things. He stormed out of her manor, throwing himself back into his truck and speeding out of the driveway.

As the day dragged on, March’s anxiety only grew. He spent hours driving aimlessly around town, hoping to catch some sign of Ari. He checked all her usual places.

The coffee shop, where they’d go and she’d get a chai tea latte to pair with his hot chocolate.

The park, where they’d frequent after the Saturday markets with some light snacks or brunch, where he’d kiss her sweetly underneath a tree.

The library, the inn, the farm, the spa, the docks, the beach-

By evening, he found himself back at the manor, sitting on the porch steps with his head in his hands. His breathing was heavy, tears threatening the corner of his eyes as a full panic attack consumed him. Elsie came out, a mug of tea in her hands. She handed it to him silently before sitting down beside him.

“You really love her, don’t you?” Elsie asked softly.

March nodded, his throat tight. “More than anything. That’s why this is killing me. I just... I don’t understand why she couldn’t tell me where she was going. I thought we were past this kind of thing.”

Elsie sighed, resting her hand on his shoulder. “Ari’s been through a lot, March. She’s learning how to navigate her life here, with you. Sometimes, she needs space to figure things out.”

“I’d give her space if I knew she was safe,” March said, his voice low. 

“But not knowing... it’s torture.”

Elsie was silent for a long moment before she spoke again. “She’s at our cabin about an hour away. It’s quiet there, and she’s taking time to clear her head.”

March looked up at her, his eyes wide. “You’re telling me?”

“She asked me not to, but I can see what this is doing to you,” Elsie said. “Just... don’t overwhelm her, March. If you go, go with an open heart.”

March had never gotten up so quickly in his life.

Chapter Text

March didn’t waste a second. He jumped into his truck and drove, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly as he navigated the roads toward the cabin he grew up going to when he was little.The sun was setting, casting a warm golden glow over the backs of the trees, but March barely noticed.

When he finally arrived, he parked his truck a short distance away and walked up the gravel path to the cabin. The windows glowed softly with light so he knew someone was in there.

He peaked in through one of the windows, seeing her on the other side of the glass’s curtain and he could see Ari’s silhouette. She was sitting at a small table, her laptop open in front of her.

March hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding. What if she didn’t want to see him? What if he made things worse by being here? But the thought of leaving without at least trying was unbearable. Taking a deep breath, he stepped onto the porch and knocked lightly on the door.

Ari opened the door, her eyes widening in surprise when she saw him. “March? What are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t wait anymore,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “I needed to see you. I needed to know you were okay.”

Ari sighed, stepping aside to let him in. “I’m fine, March. I just…” She looked away from him as he brushed past her to walk inside, “I needed some time.”

“I get that,” he said, following her into the cabin. “But why couldn’t you tell me? Why did you have to leave without saying anything?”

“I didn’t want to fight,” Ari admitted, crossing her arms. “After everything that happened with Derrick and Onyx, I needed to think. About us, about everything.”

March’s heart sank and he looked down at his feet,  “Are you... are you thinking about leaving?”

Ari shook her head quickly. “No. That’s not what this is about. I just needed to figure out how to move forward without letting all the distractions get to me.”

March stepped closer, his gaze searching hers. “And have you figured it out?”

Ari hesitated before nodding. “I think so. But I’m still scared, March. Scared of how much I care about you. Scared of what could happen if things go wrong again.” She lets her feet take her back to her table to sit down, he follows her and takes another chair, “I don’t want to keep fighting with you, and I don’t want other people to come between us.”

“They won’t,” March said firmly. “I’m obviously not good at relationships or emotions, but I want to try to make this work.

”

Tears welled up in Ari’s eyes, and she took a shaky breath. “We have to be better at communicating, March. We can’t keep letting silly things come between us.”

“I promise,” March said, his voice steady. “No more letting anyone or anything get in the way.”

Ari nodded, and for the first time in days, she smiled. “Okay.”

March stood up and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. As they stood there in the quiet cabin, the weight of the past few days began to lift. Caught up in overwhelming emotions, March’s heart raced as his hands gripped Ari’s shoulders, pulling her close. The space between them felt electric, charged with all the words left unsaid and all the feelings that had built up over the past few days. The weight of the silence had been too much, and as if the tension of it all had finally snapped, he found himself kissing her.

The kiss was urgent, deep, and desperate. It was everything he had been holding back. Ari responded in kind, her hands coming up to clutch his shirt, pulling him closer as if trying to close any remaining distance between them. The pressure of their bodies pressed against the wall, the soft wood creaking slightly under their combined weight, but neither of them cared. They were lost in the kiss, a kiss that spoke of longing, of frustration, and of the need to feel connected again after everything that had torn them apart.

Ari’s breath hitched as March’s lips trailed from her mouth to her jaw, his hands slipping down to rest on her hips. His warmth, the familiar scent of him, flooded her senses, and she felt herself melting into him. She had missed him in a way she couldn’t even fully comprehend. The tension of the past few days had made her second-guess everything, but now, in his arms, it all felt like it was falling back into place. It was chaotic, it was messy, but it was real.

“Please,” March murmured against her skin, his voice low and rough with desperation. “Come back home. I can’t do this without you.” His hands slid up her back, his fingers pressing into her skin as if he was trying to memorize the feel of her. “Please. I need you .”

Ari’s heart clenched as the weight of his words settled over her. She had never seen March like this. He was never the type to beg, but in that moment, with his hands trembling against her, she could feel how much he cared. She had seen him angry, frustrated, and even distant, but this was something different. This was the man who needed her, who couldn’t imagine his life without her.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered, her voice shaky as she lifted her hands to frame his face. Her thumb brushed across his cheek as she searched his eyes, trying to read him, to understand him fully. She felt the conflict in her chest—the need for space, for clarity, but also the overwhelming pull toward him. She couldn’t deny how much she still cared about him, even with everything that had happened.

March leaned into her touch, his forehead resting against hers as he closed his eyes, a sigh escaping his lips. “I don’t want to lose you, Ari,” he said, his voice raw. “I’ve made mistakes, but I can’t lose you.”

Her breath caught in her throat as she fought to push back the tears. She had been so lost in the chaos, so overwhelmed by everything that had happened between them, that she hadn’t realized just how much she needed him, too. She had been trying to protect herself, trying to figure things out, but the truth was, she missed him in ways that left her aching.

“I’m scared,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper, her hands moving to rest on his chest. “Scared of how things might change… scared of how everything might end up.”

March’s grip on her tightened as he pulled her closer, his heart pounding. “I’ll make it right, I swear,” he promised. “Just please, don’t walk away.”

For a moment, Ari stood still, feeling the weight of his words, the heat of his body pressed against hers. Everything inside her screamed to let go, to trust in him again, but the fear still lingered. The uncertainty of the past days: the doubts, the hurt, the mistrust in others, made it hard to fully open herself to him again. But as she looked into his eyes, she saw the sincerity there, the raw emotion that mirrored her own.

She closed her eyes, exhaling slowly, as if letting go of all the tension in her body. “I’m not walking away, March,” she said softly. “I just… need to take it slow.”

March nodded, his lips brushing against her forehead in a soft kiss. “I’ll wait. Whatever you need, Ari. I’m not going anywhere.”

The weight of those words hung in the air between them, thick with meaning. Ari took a deep breath, her heart still racing, but a small sense of relief washed over her. They weren’t perfect. Far from it actually, but in that moment, they were together, and that was all that mattered.

March kissed her again, slower this time, his lips gentle but full of promise. It wasn’t about rushing, about pushing things forward. It was about being present, about sharing the silence between them, and finding their way back to each other.

When they finally broke apart, both of them breathless, March took her hand and gave it a soft squeeze. “You’re not alone in this,” he said quietly, his voice steady now, filled with a quiet confidence. “I’m here, Ari. Always.”

Ari smiled, her heart a little lighter, the weight of her doubts beginning to lift. She squeezed his hand back. “I know,” she said. “And I’m not alone anymore either.” With a final kiss on her forehead, March led her out of the room, back into the world they had left behind, ready to face whatever came next.

Together