Wtf Why Haven't I Notice This??? Holy Shit! That One Is Hot! 😳 I'm Actually The Anon Who Did The Request.

Humbly asking for your horny Jio rant (≧ω≦。)!!!!

(I am ravenous for even the smallest of crumbs)

Summary: [RSV] Jio NSFW Alphabet (I pick my favorite letters so nothing's in order!) Warning(s): 18+ filth (Im not holding back, y'all have been warned) Kinda nothing tbh I'm literally just spitting from the mouth and hoping it makes sense. Rough Sex + Dub-con(?) (In letter D but it's Jio's imagination), Side note(s): Oh girl/boy/sibling...ANON BUCKLE UP. I struggled writing this ngl, I could write a fucking essay about how much this man means to me but I didn't want to use a ask to just rant away so...this is like a normal NSFW ABC fic but with some humor (my horny rantings) sprinkled in so lol, be on the lookout for those.

quick side note ; to the poor unfortunate souls that may come across this post don't have a single fucking clue who Jio is. This is Jio from the RSV mod aka the man I'd willingly slut myself out to.

extra note alert ; Before we begin though, I want to make one thing really clear.

I'm biased as all hell toward Jio because I have the biggest thing for elves. Woman, man, doesn't matter to me. If they have pointy ears and are unusually attractive and tall, then I'm all in dude. So with that being said? Please believe me when I say that stars shot from my eye sockets when I learned this man was an elf.

AND THAT'S NOT EVEN THE BEST PART.

A = Aftercare (What they're like after sex)

Jio would be the king of aftercare. His dialogue already implies that him and farmer get freaky on the regular so he'll definitely ask you if you need any water or if anywhere is a little more sore than the usual (in which case, he's giving you a massage that puts professionals to shame). But if you say no to any of these and state that you'd rather just cuddle, he's pulling you closer to his body immediately and whispering sweet words to you as he pets your head until you go to sleep.

♡ - "Drink," The soft-spoken word made you steadily crack your eyes open before, through your hazy vision, you saw Jio standing over you with a cup of water in his hand. You snickered quietly to yourself as you propped yourself on your arm to take it, the crispy refreshing taste of the liquid going down your throat both hydrating you as well as giving your body a jolt of awakeness. And as a delicious ache ran through your body, particularly in-between your legs after you and Jio's love-making session.

Your cheeks started to darken and warm a little at the memory of what you and your husband had done only a few minutes ago. Something that Jio quickly picked up on as he smirked at the alluring sight of you growing more and more embarrassed from your own thoughts. "Something on your mind, my love?"

B = Body Part (Their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner's)

Jio would definitely be proud of his muscles. There's a scene where the farmer openly gawks at him when he's meditating in his spouse area so I think after seeing his spouse so openly drool over him. He'd become more focused on his muscles when he trains and would definitely give the farmer a little show every now and again. As for the farmer, though? As cheesy as this response is, I think Jio would love every part of you, there's no part that he favors really because he thinks your literal being is a blessing in his eyes. This means there's definitely a lot of body worship during sex.

♡ - You felt like you were on cloud nine right now as Jio kissed every available surface area of skin on your body.

Each time his lips would ghost over your skin. The more your thighs twitched with the urge to clench if it weren't for your husband situating himself between them, his hand teasingly petting at your soaked cunt much to your dismay. "J-Jio..." You begged, the sound of your whiny voice making the elf throb in his pants before he looked up at you through hooded eyes. He placed one last kiss on your hand before he responded with a throaty "Yes"?

"Please..."

You hated how you felt yourself throb at the sight of him smirking at you, almost as if he were a fox who just an inch closer to capturing his prey. "Please what, my star?" He turned your hand over to press a kiss in the middle of your palm before he moved down to your stomach, kissing down and closer and closer to the area you wanted him most until he stopped again. "You have to be more specific, begging aimlessly won't get you anywhere."

You pouted. "T-There." You tried gesturing to your aching pussy by grinding forward against his clothed dick, eliciting a sharp hiss from him. Yet, as quickly as you tried to seduce him into giving up on reminding you of his manners, he moved back a little to avoid any more of your tempting ministrations.

"You know how to ask properly, not by acting like a tempting vixen." He pinched your thigh lightly as a warning, a whine escaping your lips as you ran your tongue over them.

"Please...touch my pussy, I-I need you."

His praising smile felt like it could light up your very soul. "As you wish, my star."

C = Cum (Anything to do with cum basically)

Okay so— I feel like when it comes to Jio himself? He's not big on cumming on you. Since he sees as no less than a goddess basically, in his eyes? Cumming on you is degrading, no matter how much you try to convince him that you're into it. However, cumming inside of you is definitely on the books, he loves it. As for you though? This man is a total Munch Master 365 days out of the year. Want to ride his face until he squirts on you? He's into it. When he fucks you and he sees your slick beginning to drip from your hole and onto the floor, he has to resist the urge to eat you out in order to continue stuffing you full. Your cum is essentially ambrosia to him, he could go hours drinking you down and he's never going to be fully satisfied.

♡ - He couldn't get enough of your sweet nectar.

Your delicious slick that dripped from your needy cunt after just a few minutes of foreplay. Jio would've had a mind to laugh if he weren't so focused on sucking on your clit right now, his arms locked around your thighs to keep you from closing them as you moaned and pulled at his hair, the stinging pain encouraging him to keep going in his ministrations whilst he struggled to try and keep a close eye on you.

But, from the combined fact that his head was swirling from both your taste and his growing lust, as well as his bare cock twitching against the bedsheets, the little friction it had from his grinding against the sheets only did enough to make him needier and needier for your warmth rather than actually getting him off!

Then again, in the face of your pleading eyes looking down at him in a silent bid for him to keep going until you came...

How was he able to deny such an expression?

D = Dirty Secret (Pretty self-explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

He definitely would've had a dirty imagination about you once or twice before you two even started dating. However, they would mostly be along the lines of "Yoba, this farmer is so annoying because they say hi to me every day...let me fuck them to take my frustrations out on them". Now, when these thoughts would pop up, he would definitely try to bury them, to the point no matter how hard his dick if after thinking about it. He's not going to falter and touch himself. But oh boy, does it cause him to start to see you in a new light after starting to think about what you look like under your clothes.

♡ - Typically, Jio was in control of himself much more than this.

He wasn't aware of a single thing in this world that could shake his foundations or make him waver in his beliefs. But...it seemed that you were a unique exception because, for the last few nights since the night the two of you began talking since your victory in the Spirit World. His mind has been...plagued, with certain imaginations that is.

Imaginations that focused on the topic of how annoyed he was of you.

It was infuriating how you didn't understand the words 'Go Away'.

So, in the deepest reaches of his mind, he knew the perfect method to make you understand how much he disliked you. He'd approach you in a forest, perhaps you would already be on your way to talk to him one-sidedly once more, and he'd pull you towards him before smashing his lips against you.

His cock would twitch inside his pants at the sound of your needy moan, eager and possibly elated at the fact that you were finally getting the attention you were seeking from the very beginning as Jio swiftly pressed you against the bark of a tree and flip up your skirt.

"Tch," He click his tongue at the sight of your soaked panties, lightly pinching your backside when you wiggled your ass to tempt him into giving you more. "...Such a needy thing, hold still. I'll give you what you so eagerly want." He'd whisper, more to himself rather than you as he quickly freed his cock and wasted no more time to pull your panties to the side before he stuffed you full in one thrust.

Yet the second he'd begin to move...he'd snap himself of his thoughts.

Now the elf was faced with a new task. To find a way to calm his raging hard-on, he refused to fall into the pit of temptation that he was so certain you were trying to lead him into.

extra note ; Continuing on my last point—

He's. A. Tsundere.

He's. Mean (with that hidden sweet side to spice it all up)

And not to expose myself but I fucking love mean men. And to be honest? I'll go a step further. THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE TO BE NICE??? During the Ridgeside quest line, the first two years of my playthrough revolved around J I O, and with every single mean dialogue he dished my way, I licked right up.

I = Intimacy (How are they during the moment? The romantic aspect)

I think of Jio as a half-in-half case. On most nights, he's super romantic and likes to treat your body as if it was gifted to him by Heaven itself (i.e If you're not confusing the moment for a Wattpad scene then he's thinking he hasn't done enough). On the flip side though, he'll ditch the romance if he's super pent-up or if you're explicitly asking for him to treat you a lil' more roughly.

♡ - His heart felt like it was close to bursting.

Within the dimly lit room of your shared bedroom, the soft sounds of your sexes meeting could be heard as he trusted up into you as you sat on his lap, the two of you sharing a hugging embrace as his cock twitched inside of you at the sound of your moans.

But, his orgasm was steadily becoming an afterthought as all Jio could focus on was you. After all that he had been through in his life, all the sacrifices he's made—

How could he be so lucky to be with you in this moment?

To have your love and attention?

"My love," He panted out, his voice uncharacteristically breathless and whiny as he nearly pleaded for your eyes to be on him. Shakily, you took your face from the crook in his neck to look at him, your hands sliding up his body until they cupped his face. And from that simple action alone, the elf had fallen deeper in love with you.

"Y-Yes" You responded to him, your face somehow warming even more as you looked into your husband's lovesick eyes. A small smile was on his smile and his cheeks as well as the tips of his ears appeared flushed.

Jio smiled as you caressed and held his cheeks before his face fell to rest in the valley between your breasts. "You're so pretty." He sighed dreamily.

J = Jack Off (Masturbation Headcanon)

He doesn't jerk off much, to be honest. (And to be honest? I feel like his libido doesn't really "activate" unless you're around him) Even when you two are in a relationship and I fully believe it's because 1. He's usually too busy/focused on his missions to think of rubbing one out or 2. He has you so if he's in the mood then he'll just go to you. But should you not be in the picture at the moment? He'll just get himself off to a piece of clothing that smells like you or his imagination.

♡ - "Fuuckk..." Jio whispered to himself as he sat on the edge of the bed, his hand slowly stroking his cock as he breathed in the smell of your scent from a shirt you left behind on the bed. The combination of that plus the imagination of your hands being the one on his dick rather than his own...it made for a pretty convincing moment that led him closer and closer to his orgasm.

It wasn't often that the elf masturbated. It wouldn't ever compare to the real thing.

But...when you said you'd be on Ginger Island for the next few days to attend to businesses there, he was expected to uphold the task of keeping things here on your farm in order.

And he'd do just that.

However, he didn't expect that his body would react so strongly to your absence. Even as his ministrations on himself slowly got faster and faster on his cock, going so far as to even spit on his dick to try and poorly imitate your slick and how it'd make your movements faster.

It was dull in comparison.

So dull that as his hands slowed and he came to a stop. All he felt was boredom. "...Yoba," He hissed in frustration.

He'd simply wait until you returned.

final note alert ; I saved my biggest thought bubble for the end so here we go-

Jio is the best-modded husband hands-down. Literally fight me on this. It's hard to convey my thoughts fully without giving concrete evidence (+ the fact that I'm going based off my memory since I haven't done a playthrough of the RSV questline in a lil' bit) but I think that anyone who's on the fence of RSV needs to give it a shot, even if it's just for Jio 💀. Like deadass, the whole reason I started this blog in the first place was to have a reason to rant about this man every now and again before it became a place for me to rant about hot people in general.

To reiterate, I'm biased as hell because I have a thing for elves and mean guys but seriously to anyone who reads this.

GIVE RSV A TRY.

Hot elf guy aside, the character stories in the mod are super good. Like I'd recommend Shiro, June, Ian etc. ANYDAY OF THE WEEK. I can't imagine my modded Stardew without Ridgeside Village so-

YEAH PLAY THE MOD SO I HAVE MORE PEOPLE TO RANT ABOUT THE HOT MEN WITH <33

I recently got these adorable perler keychains commissioned from an online shop here in my country, and I'm absolutely in love with them! They perfectly capture the cuteness of Aleia with her husband Sebastian. And there's Rosemary with her lover Lance, too. Ahhhh, it's so sweet. 🥺 I can't get enough! 😭❤️ I'm already planning to place another order for more customizations of my other farmers and their love interest NPCs. A huge shoutout to KnoTela Creations for creating such a fantastic masterpiece!

Me: *spots a ridiculously hot elf man* Ooooh, a new NPC to add to my collection.

Brain: *sighs* You do realize this means making another farmer OC, right?

Me: *eyes sparkling* I don’t care. He’s so hot. Like Jio with tattoos. Approachable, mysterious, and an elf who seems like he’d hold a conversation instead of just brooding. But hey- Jio’s still my ultimate elf man. Loyalty matters. This guy’s just... bonus content.

Brain: Ma’am. You already have six farmer OCs. SIX. It took you an hour to make your last one just because you wanted to romance that gridball player for that immersive mod!

Me: *shrugs* Yeah, but I haven’t made a farmer with jet black hair or brunette yet.

Brain: And you’re forgetting you’ve got perfectly good farmer designs reserved for a certain mean cold adventurer.

Me: *glaring* Shut. Up. I’m taking this elf man.

Brain: *deadpan* You should really download that Free Love mod.

Me: *thinks* Nah, I’m a one-romance-at-a-time kind of player.

Brain: Uh-huh. You do realize you’re about to create a whole new OC backstory, right?

Me: *staring into the distance, deep in thought* Shuuush... already thinking of a new farmer design.

Brain: Unbelievable. Truly, unbelievable.

Tohtalem OC: Progress!

I finally got our Elf to load in game with a custom map/location and a couple of events! My friend and I will be filling in more dialogue and events over the next few weeks, I'm just so happy the base character is done!!

First week, no-heart dialogue

Summary: Aleia, a farmer with vibrant magenta hair, approached the carpenter's shop in the mountains. Little did she know her visit would lead to a surprising adventure.

Fall had settled upon the land like a colorful blanket and it seemed almost alive with the rustling of leaves dancing in the wind. Aleia, the farmer with her distinctive magenta hair, briskly walked through the mountains, heading towards the carpenter's shop. Little did she know that this visit would lead to an unexpected adventure, and not just in terms of renovation plans.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a crisp breeze that carried the distant scent of a wood fire from a nearby hearth. She shivered and continued her trek, feeling the leaves crunch under her boots.

Aleia finally reached the carpenter's shop, situated among the trees. She pushed open the door, the creak sounding loud in the quiet air. The room was warm and cozy, filled with the scent of cut wood and sawdust. Robin, the carpenter, greeted her with a smile. After exchanging pleasantries, Aleia asked about the renovation plans for her farmhouse. Robin began to lay out the diagrams and sketches, explaining the different options they had. However, despite Aleia's attempts to pay attention, her mind kept wandering to Sebastian, the carpenter's son and the emo boy who had captured her heart.

As she was about to leave, Aleia decided to go downstairs to Sebastian's room. She opened the door and found the room empty, the only sound coming from the creaking of the old floorboards. A pang of disappointment shot through her. Sebastian was not there, as she was about to turn and leave, something caught her eye, a small piece of paper lying on Sebastian's desk. Curious, she picked it up and at the top, written in Sebastian's neat angular handwriting, was her name.

Aleia was surprised and intrigued, she unfolded the piece of paper and saw that it was a riddle. It seemed that Sebastian had gone to the trouble of leaving her a game, like a scavenger hunt. The farmer only chuckled, feeling a flutter of excitement in her chest. She'd always found Sebastian's secretive and enigmatic side endearing.

The first clue led Aleia to the mountain lake. The water shimmering like a giant jewel in the sun. Pinned into the bark of one of the trees, she noticed a piece of paper. She pulled it out and unfolded it to reveal the next clue. It directed her to the saloon. Aleia strolled towards the town, her thoughts filled with anticipation.

When she reached the saloon, it was quiet, save for the low hum of conversation. She spotted the next clue resting on top of the pool table. She glanced around the room but saw no sign of Sebastian. The only patrons in the saloon were a few old regulars, who paid her little attention as they sipped their drinks and played cards. Aleia carefully retrieved the clue without drawing any attention. The paper indicated that the next clue could be found at the beach. She folded it carefully and placed it in her pocket then left the saloon and began walking towards the beach, the wind toying with strands of her hair.

When she reached the beach, Aleia immediately spotted a trail of rose petals leading towards the dock. She followed them, her boots crunching softly in the sand. The sun was lower in the sky now, the long shadows of the trees stretching out like fingers across the beach.

Finally, she reached the end of the dock, where Sebastian stood, his back turned towards her, looking out over the water. The setting sun cast a golden glow over him, making his dark hair even more intense against his pale skin. As if he heard her footsteps, Sebastian turned and smiled, his eyes seeming to light up at the sight of her. The rose petals swirled up from the dock around her feet, the fragrance of roses mixing with the salty smell of the water. One petal floated away, caught by the gentle breeze and landing on Aleia's cheek.

Aleia caught it with her fingers, feeling the velvety softness as it fluttered against her skin. She looked up at Sebastian, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of him standing there alone on the dock, waiting for her.

Sebastian took a few steps closer to her, the deck creaking slightly under his feet. He reached out and took her hand gently, his fingers intertwining with hers. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver through Aleia, and she found herself wondering what was going through his mind. For a moment, they stood there in silence, just looking at each other. Sebastian seemed to be working up the courage to say something, his fingers playing nervously with the hem of her sleeve. Aleia waited, her eyes never leaving his face.

Finally, Sebastian spoke, his voice soft and low. "You found all the clues." he said, trying to sound casual, but unable to keep the slight tremble out of his words. Aleia nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I did." she said, squeezing his hand gently, "And they led me here."

Sebastian blushed slightly, the pink creeping up his cheeks. He swallowed hard and opened his mouth, but no words came out. He looked down at their hands, still joined together, and then back up at Aleia. His expression was a mixture of nervousness and determination. "I had this whole sappy speech prepared." he said suddenly. "But now that you're here, I can't remember a single word."

Aleia chuckled, her eyes growing soft as she looked up at him. "I don't need a speech." she said, her voice gentle. "Just tell me what you wanted to say." Sebastian took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. He looked deep into her eyes and, without letting go of her hand, "Aleia, you're the most important person in the world to me. I've been holding back for too long, afraid of what might happen, afraid of messing things up. But I can't hide my feelings any longer."

Aleia felt her heart skip a beat as she heard his words. She'd known that Sebastian felt something for her, but hearing it out loud made her feel giddy and light-headed. She moved a little closer, her fingers tightening their grip on his hand.

Sebastian continued, his words coming out in a rush. "I want to be with you." he said. "I'm tired of waiting and pretending. I want to be your boyfriend. You're the sun to my night, the light to my dark, and I can't imagine my life without you anymore."

Aleia felt tears pricking at the corners of her eyes, but she held them back, not wanting to ruin the moment. Instead, she closed the distance between them in one stride and ran her fingers through his hair. Sebastian's eyes widened in surprise, but he didn't pull back. Instead, he leaned into her touch, his lips just millimeters away from hers.

For a moment, neither of them moved, the silence between them thick and full of expectation. Then, Aleia spoke. "You don't know how long I've been waiting for you to say that." she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Sebastian's eyes flickered with hope and relief. "So...does that mean-!" he began, but Aleia cut him off with a kiss.

Sebastian was taken aback by her unexpected move, but he quickly recovered and kissed her back, his free hand sliding around her waist and pulling her closer. Aleia wrapped her arms around his neck, their bodies pressed firmly against each other. The kiss was tentative at first, a gentle, soft press of lips, but it quickly deepened, becoming more urgent and passionate. The air around them seemed electrified, the only sounds their laboured breaths and the gentle lapping of the waves against the dock. Aleia's heart was racing, her mind a whirl of emotions as their kiss continued, neither one of them willing to break the connection between them. She lost herself in the sensation, the feeling of Sebastian's lips on hers and his arms around her, pulling her even closer.

Eventually, the need for air became too overwhelming, and they pulled apart, gasping and panting. Sebastian rested his forehead against hers, his eyes still closed as he fought to control his breathing. Aleia laughed softly, the sound breaking the silence between them and making Sebastian's eyes flutter open.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that." Sebastian said, his voice rough with emotion. Aleia smiled, her fingers tracing the lines of his face. "I think I do." she whispered, her own voice shaking slightly. "And I'm guessing that it's been as long as I've wanted you to do it." Sebastian returned her smile, and the two of them fell into a comfortable silence, standing on the dock surrounded by the peaceful sound of the waves and the setting sun.

Finally, Sebastian spoke again. "You know, this wasn't exactly how I planned this." he said, looking a little sheepish. Aleia chuckled and leaned her head against his chest. "I like it better this way." she replied. "Spontaneous and heartfelt. Just like you." Sebastian let out an embarrassed chuckle and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.

The sun was sinking lower now, the sky ablaze with purples and oranges as the day gave way to night. Aleia and Sebastian stood there on the dock, wrapped up in each other's arms, not wanting to let go. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

"Thank you for waiting for me." Sebastian whispered. Aleia looked up at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "It was worth it." she replied, her voice thick with emotion. "Every second." They kissed again, their lips meeting in a gentle, tender kiss, sealing the promise of a future together.

As the sun sank below the horizon, the sky turned a deep, inky blue, and the stars began to twinkle. Sebastian, reluctantly, pulled back from Aleia, his hands still resting on her waist. "We should probably head back." he said, his voice laced with disappointment. "It's getting dark."

Aleia sighed but nodded her agreement. However, she had a different idea in mind. "You know." she said, her tone casual. "You could stay the night at my place."

Sebastian's eyes widened at her suggestion, his cheeks turning slightly pink. He hadn't expected her to say that, and the thought of spending the night with her alone, made his heart race faster. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice cracking a little.

Aleia smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Of course, I'm sure." she replied, leaning against him. "I have a comfy bed, plenty of blankets, and we can make breakfast together in the morning."

Sebastian tried and failed to keep a straight face. The thought of sharing a bed with Aleia, even just for one night, was both thrilling and a little bit scary. But he couldn't say no to her.

"Okay." he said, his voice a little shaky. "I'll stay the night." Aleia's smile widened, and she gave him a quick, triumphant kiss on the cheek. "Great!" she said, taking his hand. "Let's go then."

They walked together in silence for a while, their footsteps crunching on the dirt path. Sebastian's mind was racing, thinking about what the night might bring. He glanced at Aleia, who was walking next to him with a small, satisfied smile on her face as they reached the farmhouse, the warm, inviting light from the windows spilling out onto the path, Sebastian couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement. He was about to spend the night with the girl he adored, and he couldn't wait to see what the night would bring. With one last squeeze of his hand, Aleia led him inside, leaving the quiet night air behind as the door quietly closed behind them.

(Here's a bunch of screenshots that inspired me to write this oneshot.)

Ngl this cutscene was just perfect. The fall leaves gently drifting into the wind, and the dock surrounded by those rose petals, making the scene super romantic. Perfect setup for a real heartfelt talk under the sunset. 😍

Mod: "Maggs Immersive Sebastian Dialogue and Custom Events Spicy or Sweet" by @maggplays (I apologise for tagging you everyday. 😣 I just really love your mods and each cutscenes I encounter during my playthrough its giving me writing inspiration. You deserve to be mentioned.)

I finally got the tea set! As you can see, I've been trying to obtain this item for the past five in-game years. What's even funnier is that it happened on the day I achieved True Perfection. Out of all people, it was Shane who gifted me the tea set! I never saw that coming! 😂

Oh Shane, my bestie. You have no idea how much this rare item means to me!

OMGGGGGGG! THANKS SHANE! 😭❤️

A/N: After my playthrough with the new update of the Immersive Sebastian mod by maggplays, I got inspired to write this fanfic based on one of its cutscenes. And this is my made-up gift for not posting anything during Sebastian's birthday. This is a pretty lengthy fanfic. Enjoy!

Summary: Sebastian finds himself lost in memories of his time with his farmer. The experience proves to be both nostalgic and bittersweet, but ultimately serves as a reminder of the love and connection they share.

Sebastian stood in the snow-covered town square, watching the familiar, yet transformed scene of Pelican Town. The usually lively place was even more magical in winter, with every surface covered in a sparkling blanket of snow. Icicles dripped from the bare branches of the trees, and pine boughs were tied to the streetlights and garlands strung from the light poles. The air was crisp and cold, and the scent of pine and wood smoke mingled with the usual earthy smells of the town.

As the memories of the past year flashed through his mind, replaying like a film. He remembered the first time he had met Aleia, the new farmer who had moved into Pelican Town in the spring. He had been suspicious and dismissive of her, not expecting their relationship to mean much to him at the time but as the weeks went by, Sebastian's feelings towards Aleia had grown, without him even realizing it at first. He found himself looking forward to her visits to the carpenter shop, and they had developed a habit of chatting and spending time together during her "errands" around town.

Despite his usual stoicism, Sebastian found himself opening up to Aleia more and more as they spent time together. He started to trust her and look forward to their conversations, enjoying the sound of her voice and the way her eyes lit up when she talked about something she was passionate about.

In the summer, Sebastian realized that his feelings for Aleia were more than just casual friendship. He began to see her in a different light, and he couldn't ignore the flutter in his stomach when she smiled at him. Sebastian tried to push down his feelings, telling himself that it was just a phase and that he didn't want to ruin their friendship.

But as autumn arrived, Sebastian's feelings for Aleia only grew stronger. He found himself thinking about her constantly, missing her presence whenever she wasn't around. The thought of her being with someone else made him feel a burning jealousy that he couldn't ignore.

It was at this point that Sebastian knew he had to make a decision. He couldn't keep hiding his feelings any longer. But even with this realization, Sebastian still felt hesitant. How could he risk his friendship with Aleia on the chance that she might feel the same way?

Sebastian's heart raced as he tried to make sense of his conflicting emotions. He knew he couldn't keep avoiding the issue any longer, yet the thought of confessing his feelings to Aleia and potentially damaging their friendship was terrifying. He cared deeply for her, but he wasn't sure if his feelings were reciprocated, and the thought of putting their bond on the line made him feel nauseous.

In the end, by the time Sebastian gathered his courage and confessed his feelings to Aleia and to his surprise, she reciprocated. Aleia revealed that she was aware of his feelings but had chosen not to take the first step, wanting to give him time to open up on his own terms. Their mutual confession marked the beginning of their romantic relationship.

Sebastian's heart soared with relief and joy as he heard Aleia's response. He couldn't believe that his feelings were mutual, and that she had been patiently waiting for him all this time. The knowledge that she cared for him just as deeply as he did for her filled him with a sense of happiness and excitement for the future.

Over the next few weeks, Sebastian and Aleia continued to explore their newfound relationship. They spent more time together, going on romantic walks and spending cozy evenings at each other's homes. Sebastian found himself opening up to Aleia in ways he never had before, sharing his hopes and fears, and finding comfort in her steady presence. In turn, Aleia opened up to him as well, revealing parts of herself that she had kept hidden before.

Their relationship was not without its challenges, however. Sebastian still battled with his own insecurities and doubts, wondering if he was good enough for Aleia and if their relationship would last. Aleia on the other hand, struggled with her own demons, struggling to open up fully to Sebastian after having been hurt in the past. But they worked together to overcome these obstacles, communicating openly and working through their issues as a team. Through it all, their love for each other grew stronger and they supported each other through the difficult times. Sebastian found himself feeling more fulfilled and happy than he had ever been before, and Aleia felt a sense of safety and love that she had never experienced with anyone else. Their relationship was a true partnership, built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect. However, just as they were settling into their new relationship, Sebastian's thoughts turned to their future. He knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Aleia, and he couldn't help but wonder if marriage was in the cards for them someday.

One day, as they were lying in bed together, Sebastian gathered the courage to bring up the subject. "Babe." he said, taking her hand in his, "There's something I've been thinking about."

Aleia turned to look at him, her eyes soft and curious. "What is it?" she asked, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

Sebastian took a breath, trying to keep his voice steady. "I was just thinking...about us. About our future." He looked down at their intertwined hands, feeling a little nervous. "I know we've only been together for a few months, but I can't help but wonder...Do you ever think about us getting married someday?"

Aleia looked at him for a moment, her expression unreadable. Sebastian's heart raced as he waited for her response, wondering if he had rushed things by bringing up the topic of marriage. Finally, Aleia spoke up, her voice gentle but clear. "You know, I've been thinking about that too." she said, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I have to admit, the thought of being your wife someday...It's pretty appealing."

Sebastian's heart skipped a beat at her words, and a wide grin spread across his face. "Really?" he asked, not quite believing it. "You've thought about marrying me?"

Aleia laughed softly, poking him in the ribs. "Of course I have." she said, feigning offense. "What you think I'm not interested in being with you for the rest of my life?"

Sebastian chuckled, feeling a wave of relief and joy wash over him. "No, I just... I guess I wanted to make sure that we were on the same page." he said, bringing her hand to his lips and pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. "Because I can't imagine my life without you."

Aleia smiled at him, her eyes shining with love. "Yoba, you're such a sap." she teased, but her tone was affectionate. "But me too. I can't imagine being with anyone else but you. So... yes, Sebby. I do think about us getting married someday."

Sebastian felt a wave of happiness wash over him at her words. He drew her closer, burying his face in her hair. "I'm so glad." he murmured, his voice muffled. "I was afraid you might think it was too soon to be talking about this stuff."

Aleia wrapped her arms around him, rubbing her hand up and down his back. "It's not too soon." she said firmly. "We may have only been together for a few months, but we've known each other for longer than that. And I know that I want to be with you for the rest of my life."

Sebastian closed his eyes, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. He couldn't believe how lucky he was to have found someone like Aleia, who was willing to talk about their future together and was just as committed to their relationship as he was. "I love you." he whispered, hugging her tighter.

Aleia snuggled closer, resting her head on his chest. "I love you too." she replied, her voice soft and sweet. They lay there for a while in comfortable silence, basking in the warm glow of their feelings for each other and pondering the possibilities of their future together.

Sebastian stood outside, the rain drenching his hair and clothes. He walked towards the beach, his feet splashing through the wet sand. The tidepools shimmered in the distance, their shallow waters teeming with sea life, he noticed an old mariner standing in the rain.

"Ah, I can see it in yer eyes. There be someone special in yer heart. Just so happens I'm sellin' a mermaid pendant.", the old mariner said as Sebastian approaches him.

Sebastian's eyes fell on a small, shimmery necklace that caught his eye. It was a mermaid's pendant, its iridescent surface glinting in the dim light. He felt a surge of excitement as he looked at the pendant. He knew the legend behind it, and the fact that an old mariner was selling it at the beach seemed like a sign. Finally, he made up his mind and bought it.

As Sebastian made the purchase, the mariner gave him a knowing smile. "This is a special pendant, lad." he said, his voice gravelly but kind. "Give that to yer intended and they'll know exactly what you mean."

Sebastian felt a shiver run down his spine as the old mariner spoke. He knew that this pendant was meant for his lover, and the thought of giving it to her made his heart race with anticipation. He thanked the old mariner and tucked the pendant safely away in his pocket, the rain still falling around him.

Sebastian walked back towards his home, the sound of the rain and the sand under his feet the only sounds in the otherwise quiet night. He thought about how he would surprise Aleia with the pendant, and how he would ask her to marry him. The thought of proposing to her both thrilled and terrified him and he felt a mix of emotions stirring inside him.

As he reached the doorstep of his home, Sebastian took a deep breath and shook himself off, trying to dispel the rainwater from his hair and clothes. He reached into his pocket and felt the cool surface of the pendant, the weight of it a constant reminder of his decision to propose to Aleia.

He entered the house, his mind already racing with ideas for how to ask Aleia for her hand in marriage. But for now, he would keep the pendant hidden, and wait for the perfect moment to reveal it to her, with a determined expression, he hung up his wet jacket and prepared himself for the conversation they would soon be having.

The night was crystal clear, the stars twinkling in the velvety sky overhead. Sebastian and Aleia were on a night ride on Sebastian's motorcycle, the wind blowing through their hair as they rode through the valley. As they came to a stop at a secluded spot on a cliff overlooking the city, Aleia couldn't help but gasp at the view before them. The city lights were glowing in the distance, the colorful lights creating a dazzling display against the darkness of the night.

As Aleia stood there taking in the breathtaking view, she was so focused on the panorama before her that she didn't notice Sebastian sliding off the motorcycle and coming to stand beside her. It wasn't until she felt his hand on her arm that she turned to look at him, her eyes widening as she saw that he was kneeling down on one knee before her.

Sebastian's heart was pounding in his chest, and his palms were sweaty. He had been planning to ask Aleia to marry him for days, and now that the moment had finally arrived, he couldn't help the mixture of nerves and excitement coursing through his veins. He took a deep breath and looked up at her, their eyes meeting in the moonlight.

"Aleia." he began, his voice low and steady. "I have something important to ask you." He reached into his pocket and took out the small box containing the mermaid's pendant. "From the moment I first saw you, I knew that you were special. You brought a light and a joy into my life that I never thought I could have. And now, I want to ask you to share that light and joy with me for the rest of our lives."

Aleia's eyes widened as she saw the box in Sebastian's hand, and her heart began to race. She had suspected that Sebastian might propose soon, but she hadn't expected it to be so beautiful and romantic. As she listened to his words, a lump formed in her throat and tears pricked the corners of her eyes.

"Sebastian." she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I...I don't know what to say. Yoba, you're making me cry." She laughed and sniffed, wiping away the tears that were starting to fall down her cheeks.

Sebastian chuckled softly, his own eyes misty as he opened the box to reveal the mermaid's pendant. "I've been thinking about this for a long time." he said, his voice cracking slightly. "And I know that there's no one else in the world that I want to spend the rest of my life with. Will you marry me, Aleia?"

Aleia could hardly believe that it was really happening. She looked at the pendant in the box, the iridescent surface shimmering in the moonlight. Tears streamed down her face as she nodded and said tearfully, "Yes! Yes, of course! I'll marry you, Sebastian!"

Sebastian's heart leaped with joy as he heard her words, and he felt a wave of relief and happiness wash over him. Carefully, he took the pendant out of the box and placed it around Aleia's neck, fastening it behind her. The pendant looked perfect against her skin, and Sebastian couldn't help but notice how it seemed to perfectly match the color of her eyes. The iridescent surface of the pendant mirrored the deep hue of her irises, and it looked as though the sea itself was captured within the gemstone.

"It's almost as beautiful as you.", Sebastian murmured, reaching up to touch the pendant. Aleia blushed and laughed, reaching up to touch the pendant herself. "You're such a sap." she teased, but her voice was full of love and tenderness.

They stood there for a few moments, admiring the pendant in the soft light of the stars. Sebastian wrapped his arms around Aleia, drawing her closer to him. "You know." he said, his voice low and tender, "I can't wait to call you my wife."

Aleia snuggled closer to him, feeling safe and loved in his embrace. "And I can't wait to call you my husband." she replied, her voice content and happy. They stood there for a while longer, enjoying the cool night air, the sound of the crickets, and the feeling of being in each others' arms.

Sebastian suddenly snapped back to reality, realizing that he was now standing at the altar, awaiting the arrival of his soon-to-be wife. He felt a brief moment of disorientation as his memories and the present moment collided in his mind, but his focus quickly shifted to the beautiful woman who was slowly making her way towards him. As Aleia walked down the aisle, looking radiant in her white wedding gown, Sebastian couldn't help but feel a wave of love and anticipation wash over him.

This was it, the moment he had been dreaming of for so long. He smiled warmly at Aleia as she reached the altar and took her place beside him, their eyes meeting and holding each other's gaze. Sebastian reached out and took her hand in his, feeling the smoothness of her skin and the gentle squeeze of her fingers against his. He couldn't believe that this was happening, that this beautiful, amazing woman was about to become his wife.

The ceremony began, and Sebastian tried to stay present in the moment, despite the rush of memories and emotions that still swirled in his mind. He listened to the officiant's words, his heart swelling with love for the woman next to him. He exchanged vows with Aleia, promising to love and cherish her for the rest of their lives. And as they both said "I do." Sebastian felt like he was truly beginning a new chapter in his life.

The ceremony ended, and Sebastian and Aleia were pronounced husband and wife. Sebastian couldn't help the tears that welled up in his eyes as he sealed their union with a kiss. The cheers and applause of their friends and family faded into the background as he lifted his new wife up into his arms and spun her around, her laughter filling his ears like music.

They both stood there, laughing and smiling at each other, surrounded by the cold, snowy landscape of the valley. Sebastian felt a sense of completeness and contentment that he had never experienced before. He knew that there would be challenges and difficulties in their future, but he also knew that as long as he had Aleia by his side, he could face anything that came their way. This was just the beginning of their journey together, and Sebastian couldn't wait to see what the future held.

Mod: "Maggs Immersive Sebastian Dialogue and Custom Events Spicy or Sweet" by @maggplays

Hey guys! I just uploaded a new chapter “Caldarus's Accidental Guide to Wooing a Farmer” Here’s a sneak peek:

“You’re catching on fast.” she admitted, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Maybe you won’t burn the kitchen down after all.”

Caldarus let out a low hum, his voice laced with dry amusement. “Your faith in me is truly touching. Should I take that as encouragement?”

“Take it as a miracle.” she shot back without missing a beat.

After finishing the prep, they moved on to the stove, where Isaria began explaining how to handle the cauldron properly. “Just a simple simmer. No excessive flames, no magical shortcuts, just patience.”

Caldarus nodded, setting the fire beneath the cauldron with measured control. Everything seemed to be going well until Isaria turned away for a mere moment to grab another ingredient. Before he could respond, a sudden boom shook the room, sending a burst of smoke billowing from the other side of the kitchen. Isaria whipped around, eyes widening at the sight of the cauldron, now engulfed in flames. “Oh, for the love of—! Caldarus! What did you do?!”

“I followed the steps exactly as you instructed.” he said, though his gaze flicked between the fire and her with mild concern.

Here's the link of the fic:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/63931303/chapters/163977091

After FOM Full Update:

ꜰᴀʀᴍᴇʀ - ꜰɪᴇʟᴅꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴍɪꜱᴛʀɪᴀ ꜰᴀʀᴍᴇʀ - ꜱᴛᴀʀᴅᴇᴡ ᴠᴀʟʟᴇʏ

March: *who is drunk* Heeeey Farmer, you looking mighty fine today. I wish could kiss you~

Farmer: Oh...Neat!

*later*

Farmer: *lying face down on their bed holding a phone calling to their relative from Stardew Valley* I said "NEAT" right in front of everyone! Who the fuck says neat these days? It's not neat to say NEAT but I said it anyways because I'm fucking stupid!

Farmer: *holding their baby while using their phone* Don't beat yourself up too much, cousin.

Farmer: I will never show my face in front of everyone again! Especially to March. How can I face him without embarrassing myself?

Farmer: Everyone gets nervous sometimes. Remember what I did when Sebastian confessed their love for me?

Farmer: Didn't you thank him?

Farmer: *stays still and looks at the ceiling* I fuc-freaking thanked him.

When your Farmer is in a loving relationship with a Vanilla NPC and then you noticed an attractive NPC from an expansion mod. Now I, as the player, have this dilemma about whether I should divorce my character's husband, sacrifice my children, wipe my husband's memory of our relationship and hook up with this fine specimen. (๑•﹏•)

Summary: Lance and Jio, complete opposites, find themselves bound by marriage into an unexpected family. Over drinks, they share stories of how their wives nearly killed them upon first meeting. What starts as mockery slowly turns into understanding, whether they like it or not, they’re brothers now.

A/N: I don’t know what came over me when I wrote this. Seriously. Lance and Jio in the same room, willingly? That’s basically a sign of the apocalypse. But somehow, these two disasters ended up as family, and now they have to deal with it. I imagine it’s as painful for them as it is entertaining for us. Anyway, enjoy the chaos!

The quiet hum of the evening settled over the valley, the golden hues of the sunset stretching long shadows over the land. The world seemed to breathe in this tranquil moment, the rustling of leaves filling the spaces between silence, the distant calls of nocturnal creatures stirring to life. Jio had always found solace in such stillness. It was in these quiet hours that he thrived, slipping into the unseen corners of the world where no one could reach him. Solitude had been both a shield and a weapon, a constant companion in a life built on shadows.

And yet, solitude was a fleeting luxury these days because a certain combat mage was here.

Jio had never been particularly fond of company, and the arrival of Lance into his life did little to change that. Unfortunately, life had its own plans. Whether he liked it or not, the man was now his brother-in-law. At first, their relationship could be described as awkward at best, tense at worst. It wasn’t that either of them had anything against the other, not exactly. But their lives had shifted in ways neither of them had anticipated.

For Jio, it was the fact that Lance, an outsider to the world he lived in, had been sharp enough to see right through him. That had been unsettling. The moment they first met, Jio had been cloaked in illusion, his elven heritage hidden beneath a spell designed to fool even the most skilled of magic users but it hadn’t fooled Lance. The adventurer had taken one look at him, his eyes shimmering with the unmistakable glint of understanding and smirked.

“You know.” Lance had said, arms folded across his chest, “It’s a good spell. Really well-crafted but I can see right through it.”

The ninja assassin had spent years perfecting his ability to go unnoticed, had barely resisted the urge to scowl. As for the mage, he had taken this as an invitation to start asking questions.

The elf had quickly learned that Lance was persistent, annoyingly so. He was not only intrigued by Jio’s lineage but also by his profession, while the Cult of the Lady with the Red Tail was shrouded in secrecy, whispers of their existence had reached the ears of adventurers, mages and guilds alike. Assassins, criminals, ghosts in the night, call them what you will but few truly understood the reality of their work.

Lance, being the ever-diplomatic combat mage that he was, approached Jio with an odd mixture of curiosity and caution. It wasn’t that he feared him, not exactly. But as a key figure in The First Slash Clan, he knew better than to trust blindly. Their interactions had remained strained for some time, both men studying each other like opposing chess pieces. Jio, introverted and secretive, had no interest in entertaining an inquisitive brother-in-law. Lance, on the other hand, saw the elfman as an enigma, one he was determined to unravel.

Which was exactly why they were here now, sitting across from one another in the dim glow of a quiet evening, caught in an unusual yet oddly comfortable silence.

It had started as an accident. Jio had been sharpening his katana in the courtyard when Lance had strolled in, carrying a bottle of wine and two glasses as if he owned the place.

“Mind if I join you?” he’d asked, already sitting down before Jio had the chance to refuse.

Jio sighed. “You already have.”

Lance chuckled, pouring the wine. “Figured it’s about time we had a real conversation, just the two of us.”

The ninja eyed him warily. “Is that so?”

“You’re my brother-in-law. Might as well get to know each other.” Lance leaned back, swirling the wine in his glass. His gaze flickered with something unreadable, amusement layered over a deeper sense of intrigue. “How long were you going to keep pretending to be human?”

Jio exhaled sharply through his nose. So this was where they were starting.

“I don’t know what you mean.” His voice was deliberately flat, dismissive, but he knew it would do little to deter Lance.

The man merely chuckled. “Oh, come on. You really think an illusion spell would fool me? I saw through that the first time we met.” He tilted his head, watching Jio carefully, as if waiting for him to confirm it.

Jio’s grip tightened slightly on the hilt of his katana, the weight of the blade a familiar comfort. Few had ever seen through his illusions so easily, let alone with such casual certainty. It was unsettling.

The mage sensing the tension, lifted a hand in mock surrender. “Relax. I don’t have a problem with elves.” His gaze darkened slightly, his voice losing its usual teasing tone. “Just surprised, is all. Your kind is supposed to be extinct. Imagine my shock when I find out my brother-in-law is walking proof that isn’t the case.”

Jio finally turned to look at him, studying him in silence. He could see the questions forming behind Lance’s eyes, an unspoken list of inquiries waiting to be voiced. He knew this conversation wouldn’t end here.

“I assume you have a dozen questions.”

Lance’s grin was immediate, almost triumphant. “At least a dozen but I doubt you’ll answer half of them.”

“You’re right.”

Rather than deterring him, the answer only seemed to amuse Lance further. He let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head as if unsurprised. The conversation lapsed into silence, the wind carrying the distant sounds of the forest. Jio was no stranger to tense silences, the kind thick with unspoken threats, the heavy anticipation of a fight waiting to break out. But this… this wasn’t quite like that. There was curiosity, certainly, but no hostility. And for all his persistence, Lance wasn’t pressing him, wasn’t demanding answers. He was simply there, waiting. Offering conversation as an invitation rather than an order.

Jio could appreciate that.

Lance shifted, glancing at him again. “Alright, let’s start simple.” His voice was light, but there was a knowing edge to it, as if he had already anticipated Jio’s reluctance. “How did you meet Cerise?”

Jio exhaled, reluctant but not entirely unwilling to answer. It was only fair, he supposed. They were bound by their relationships to the farm sisters, whether they liked it or not.

“She wandered into Ridge Forest,” he said at last. “Too close to the barrier.”

Lance hummed thoughtfully. “And?”

Jio’s gaze flickered toward the horizon, memories surfacing unbidden.

The night air in Ridge Forest was thick with the scent of damp earth and pine, the hush of the wilderness disturbed only by the distant hoot of an owl. Jio moved soundlessly through the undergrowth, his senses sharp as he patrolled the forest’s edge. It was a quiet night, undisturbed by intruders until a flicker of movement caught his eye.

Someone was there.

A lone traveler, cloaked and hooded, moving steadily along the path. At a glance, she seemed unremarkable just another wanderer passing through the forest under the cover of night. Perhaps a lost adventurer, someone who had strayed too far from familiar roads. He had seen many like her before, drawn by the mystique of Ridge Forest without realizing its dangers.

With a quiet sigh, Jio stepped forward, letting his presence be known as he materialized before her in a blur of motion. His voice was calm, controlled. “You shouldn’t be here—!”

The dagger came fast.

Instinct flared, and Jio twisted just in time to avoid the blade as it whistled past his face, embedding itself in the bark of a tree behind him with a sharp thunk. The sheer force of the throw sent vibrations through the wood. A fraction slower and the blade would have found his skull instead.

His eyes widened slightly. Well. That would’ve been unpleasant.

Before he could react, the woman lunged.

Jio barely managed to block the incoming strike, catching her wrist before her fist could connect with his jaw. His grip tightened, and for the first time in a long while, he found himself genuinely surprised. This wasn’t a panicked traveler flailing in fear, this was an experienced fighter, attacking on pure instinct.

“Are you insane?” he snapped.

The woman halted, her posture shifting as she took in the situation. Her gaze flickered to the dagger buried deep in the tree, then back to him. With a quiet sigh, she relaxed her stance, rolling her shoulders back.

“That was a mistake.” Her voice was steady, unapologetic but not dismissive. “Didn’t expect someone to appear out of nowhere.”

Jio studied her for a moment before releasing his grip. “You nearly took my head off.” His tone was even, but there was a dry edge to it.

She huffed softly, rubbing her wrist where he had grabbed her. “If I meant to, I wouldn’t have missed.”

Jio’s expression remained unreadable, but there was a glint of something in his eyes, calculation, perhaps a hint of amusement. Now that he was this close, her hood had slipped slightly, revealing more of her face. His gaze flickered to her eyes, twilight-hued orbs with an amethyst glow, striking even in the dim moonlight. There was no hesitation in them, only sharp focus.

Long strands of beige-blond hair spilled from beneath the hood, brushing against her shoulders. She had the kind of beauty that was easy to overlook at a distance, but up close, it was impossible to ignore, the elegant lines of her face, the confidence in the way she carried herself. Something about her now felt off, as if he had gravely miscalculated her identity.

Recognition flickered in his mind. He had seen this resemblance before, faint but unmistakable.

“You must be the granddaughter.”

The woman blinked. “What?”

“The old farmer.” he clarified. “The one who passed years ago. You’re one of her granddaughters, aren’t you?”

Something unreadable passed across her face before she straightened, the tension in her shoulders still present but tempered.

“I’m Cerise.”

Jio regarded her for a long moment before giving a slight nod. “Jio.”

That night, suspicion had lingered between them like an unspoken challenge. The way she moved, the way she had thrown that dagger, it was clear she wasn’t just some ordinary farmer.

Jio exhaled, his voice barely above a murmur. “She nearly killed me.”

Lance barked out a laugh. “Sounds about right.”

Jio cast him a glare but said nothing. Silence stretched between them for a moment before he glanced at Lance. “And you? How did you meet Rosemary?”

Lance chuckled, setting his glass down. “Oh, our first meeting was… unexpected.”

Jio narrowed his eyes. “Go on.”

Lance leaned forward slightly. “I first met Rosemary at the summit of Mount Kohldur. She had just finished the climb, she looked exhausted but determined.”

The heat of the forge wrapped around Lance like an old friend, the rhythmic clang of metal against metal filling the cavernous chamber. Mount Kohldur’s peak was not for the weak, its treacherous ascent tested even the most hardened adventurers. And inside the volcano, the dangers only multiplied. Monsters lurked in the shadows, the air was thick with the scent of molten rock, and the forge itself pulsed with ancient power. But for those who made it this far, the rewards were unmatched.

Lance had spent the day deep in his craft, the magical flames casting golden light across his work. His hands moved with practiced ease, binding enchantments and forging weapons for his guildmates in The First Slash. The familiar surge of magic hummed through his fingertips as he combined an Iridium Band with a Slime Charmer Ring, the glow of the spell reflecting in his obsidian purple eyes.

He was just about to move on to his next project when the heavy gates of the forge groaned open. The sound reverberated through the chamber, followed by steady, measured footsteps.

Lance frowned. Few ever reached this place, and even fewer had the strength to push open those doors alone. He turned, expecting to see one of his guildmates or a battle-worn adventurer seeking the forge’s power.

Instead, what he saw made him pause.

A woman stood at the entrance, her silhouette framed by the golden glow of the magma pools beyond. Her breath was heavy from the climb, her rose-red hair windswept and untamed. Her clothes now dusted with soot and ash, and the edges of her short cloak were singed, faint wisps of smoke curling from the scorched threads. Her hand hovered near the weapon at her hip, her stance tense like she expected a fight at any moment.

But it wasn’t the battle-worn look that caught his attention. It was her eyes, a striking shade of ocean jade, sharp and wary, scanning the room for threats. And then, just as his gaze flickered over the soft dusting of freckles across her cheeks—

She threw a bomb at him.

Lance barely had time to react. Instinct took over as he flicked his wrist, summoning a protective barrier of shimmering blue light. The bomb struck the shield mid-air, detonating with a fiery burst. Sparks and embers scattered across the chamber, rattling the anvil behind him.

Smoke curled through the air. Silence followed. Then, from beyond the haze, a horrified voice.

“Oh my Yoba—”

Lance blinked as the woman stumbled forward, her wide eyes filled with mortification.

“I—I am so sorry!” she blurted out, hands shooting up in a panicked gesture. “I thought you were a monster! I didn’t—” She groaned, cutting herself off, visibly cringing as she realized what she had just done.

Lance exhaled, then let out a full, genuine laugh that echoed against the stone walls.

The woman froze, clearly thrown off by his reaction.

Grinning, Lance dusted soot from his cloak. “I’ve had a lot of things thrown at me in my lifetime,” he mused, his voice laced with amusement. “But I have to say, this is the first time someone’s greeted me with explosives.”

She let out a strangled groan, pressing her hands to her face. “I swear, I’m not usually this trigger-happy.”

Lance smirked, folding his arms. “No?” He arched a brow. “So, you don’t always attack strangers on sight?”

Dragging a hand down her face, she muttered, “I just—didn’t expect anyone else to be up here. I panicked, okay?”

Lance chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, I suppose I should be honored to have made such an impression.”

She mumbled something under her breath, then straightened, clearing her throat. “Right. Uh. I’m Rosemary.”

Lance’s lips quirked into a knowing smirk. “I know.” At her startled look, he inclined his head. “Marlon spoke quite highly of you, said you were quite proficient with a weapon.” His gaze flickered to the spot where the bomb had nearly incinerated him, amusement dancing in his obsidian-purple eyes. “I see now that he wasn’t exaggerating.”

Rosemary groaned, muttering something about terrible first impressions under her breath.

Lance let out a light chuckle before offering a more formal introduction. “I’m Lance, from The First Slash Clan. We’re a guild of adventurers protecting the Fern Islands.” He studied her for a moment, curiosity flickering in his expression. “Though I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting to meet you under such… explosive circumstances.”

For a moment, they stood there, the tension easing as the embers from the explosion slowly faded into the ever-burning flames of the forge.

Jio, who had been listening with his usual unreadable patience, exhaled slowly and took a deliberate sip of his wine. His forest green eyes studied Lance with a look so measured it bordered on contemplative.

“So...” he finally said, swirling the wine in his glass, “She did try to kill you.”

Lance chuckles, tilting his head slightly. “You sound almost relieved.”

Jio huffed, setting his glass down with a quiet clink. “It just confirms my expectations.” He exhaled again, this time with something dangerously close to amusement curling at the edges of his voice. “Shame. She should’ve aimed better.”

The mage only let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “You wound me, truly.”

Jio took another sip of wine, watching him over the rim of his glass. “Did you look like a monster?”

Lance placed a hand over his heart, feigning offense. “I’d like to think I looked fairly respectable that day.”

Jio didn’t bother hiding the way his lips twitched, but he said nothing.

Lance leaned back against the wooden pillar, stretching out his legs. “Lucky for me, I immediately conjure a barrier. Introduced myself after she throw that bomb.” His smirk softened as his mind drifted back. “She was flustered, obviously. But we ended up sharing a meal. Talking. Laughing.”

Jio shook his head, muttering, “Your wife nearly blew you up.”

Lance arched a brow. “Yours nearly stabbed you through the skull.”

“Fair...”

A pause. Then for the first time all night, the silence between them wasn’t awkward. It was something else, something easier. Lance tilted his head back, gazing at the night sky. The stars stretched above them, shimmering like diamonds scattered across an endless sea of black. He exhaled slowly, then spoke again, this time without the usual teasing tone. Just honesty.

“You know… I may be nosy, but it’s not just about curiosity.” He turned his head, meeting Jio’s gaze with quiet certainty. “Cerise is important to you. Rosemary is important to me. So, like it or not… we’re family now.”

Jio studied him for a long moment, expression unreadable. Then, finally, he inclined his head slightly. “I know...”

Lance smirked, the easy confidence returning to his voice. “And since we’re family, I reserve the right to continue annoying you for the foreseeable future.”

Jio sighed, finishing the rest of his wine. “I should’ve let Cerise’s dagger hit me.”

Lance barked out a laugh, the sound rich with amusement. “Too late for regrets now, brother.”

Jio didn’t respond, but there, right at the corner of his mouth was the ghost of a amusement before he turned away and just like that, something shifted between them.

No longer just two men forced together by circumstance, but family. And despite all the chaos that came with it, perhaps that wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

As the night stretched on and the distant hum of the valley settled around them, they sat in companionable silence, bound by an unspoken understanding.

Both of them had married dangerous women and neither would have it any other way.