Chapter Text
As the months grew colder, Thea realized the end of the year was approaching. It had been a hell of a ride. The change from the city to a small town had been interesting, albeit a bit difficult at first. Between all the tidying up, taking care of their crops and getting animals, it felt like more than a year had passed.
The young farmer smiled, remembering fondly spending the summer with grandpa on the farm and watching the old man care for his crops. There was someone else in the picture back then, Thea was sure. Even though they looked everywhere, nothing but a torn photo of grandad smiling on the mantle was found.
Thea was a bit tired but overall ready for a new day. While yawning, they remembered Sebastian's birthday was soon. The frozen tears and obsidian they got in the mines would come in handy.
They hoped the coffee would wake them, since their dreams kept waking them up during the night. They fed the animals before heading to town.
Unsure of what to do, they walked around aimlessly. Was there anything new on the board? Did Robin want more wood to build new furniture?
They decided to try their luck at some forage outside of the community center. No luck.
The farmer opened their backpack. After a careful inspection they noticed something glistening in the depths. They reached within to find a couple of weak swords they got in the mines and sighed. Thea wanted to sell them for quite some time but always forgot.
It was as good a time as any.
They crossed paths with Sebastian, who was coming out of his parents house. The farmer stopped to talk.
"Oh, hi Seb. How's it going?" they asked, while admiring his face. He looked tired, as usual. Still, the farmer liked how the guy looked. The styled hair and dark clothes he usually wore looked good to them. How great would it be to just plant a—
"Thea?" Sebastian called out while touching their shoulder.
"Hm?" they answered, getting a bit embarrassed.
"I was just asking about your farm. How's it going, now that we're in winter?
"Sorry! It's been good, the animals are really sweet. Oh, and I made some pumpkin soup recently!" they mentioned, almost sure this was the thing he liked.
"Man, I should learn how to cook. It would be so useful... If I ever manage to move to the city, I'll learn."
"I can teach you if you want. If you're not busy, that is."
He lit up like a decorated tree. There was even a smile!
"Maybe sometime soon?"
"As long as you free" Thea locked eyes with the young bachelor and immediately turned their attention down to their hands.
"See you next week then." he waved excitedly. Gosh, Thea really liked the guy..
The farmer wanted nothing more than to scream out of excitement. They were so happy they hid their face and flapped their hands repeatedly for a moment.
First errands, then fun!
After a day full of fishing, selling goods and taking care of their animals it was finally time. Thea still wanted to celebrate, even though they felt exhausted.
They went to the saloon and paid a round to everyone. They deserved it after all their hard work during the day.
Thea kept the drinks coming till Gus stopped serving them. The farmer fell asleep at their table, making three people help them get home.
Sebastian asked for the help of his friends. While carrying Thea home, he looked at their face. One of the best people they ever met, almost reaching best friend status.
On the way back home he was unusually quiet, Abby noticed.
"So... This farmer, huh?"