Love Is The Best Medicine (Stardew Valley - Harvey)

Chapter 23 - Lingering Ghosts

As the first rays of sunlight gently filtered through the curtains, you found yourself wide awake. There were several jobs that needed completion before the sun went down, and you were insistent on completing them.

The Isabella fiasco had been playing on your mind, but you refused to let it ruin your day.

You swung open your front door, greeted by the cool warmth of the spring air before you. You knew you needed to water all your current crops and then begin tilling a new area you had cleared for new crops. As you made your way down the porch steps, you found yourself sneezing, the pollinated air tickling your nose.

With the watering complete, you set your sights on the new area you had cleared for additional crops. The soil lay exposed, waiting to be transformed into a fertile ground where seeds could take root and flourish. You raised your hoe, ready to break the earth and prepare it for planting.

As you worked diligently, the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting its warm rays upon your farm. Time seemed to slip away as you immersed yourself in the task at hand, finding solace and clarity in the simplicity of farming. The worries and uncertainties that had plagued you earlier faded into the background, replaced by a sense of joy from starting fresh. This is what you truly existed for.

As you planted your final bag of seeds, you turned to see Harvey walking your way, a bouquet of flowers in hand. You quickly swished your hair out of your face and tried to wipe away the mud and dirt from your hands and legs.

As he stood before you, his jacket tailored to fit his figure flawlessly, you couldn't help but be captivated by his irresistible charm. The jacket clung to his shoulders, accentuating his broad frame, while the cut emphasised his masculine features in a way that made your heart flutter.

"You look stunning today." Harvey spoke, his tone sincere. With a contented smile on your face, you reached out to brush your fingers lightly against the fabric of his jacket, straightening the collar. It was a small gesture, but he seemed to be touched by it.

"You don't look to bad yourself." You replied giggling. Harvey presented you with a bouquet of freshly picked tulips, your favourite flower. The delicate petals in various shades of pink, lilac and yellow complimented each other beautifully.

"These are for you, I want to apologise for yesterday." His facial expression seemed to back up his words.

"Thank you Harvey, tulips are my favourite." You replied. The sincerity in your voice conveyed your appreciation, and you could sense his genuine regret in his gaze.

"I also brought you these." Harvey pulled out a pack of hay fever tablets from his jacket pocket, and handed them to you. You giggled at his sweet gesture. "You think of everything, don't you?" You smiled. Being a doctor, he anticipated your needs and made sure you were taken care of. Deep down, you knew you didn't take enough caution when it came to your health, and Harvey knew that. Ever since your mine incident last spring anyway.

Harvey shrugged modestly, a sheepish grin playing on his lips. "Well, I want to ensure that you are okay," he replied, his eyes sparkling with affection. "And I know how much those allergies can bother you. So, I thought it would be handy to have these." You smiled in response as you gazed over the flowers and tablets.

Harvey sighed, his expression filled with remorse. "I'm sorry Evangeline for the misunderstanding with Isabella. I should have been more sensitive to your feelings." Harvey began, tucking your hair behind your ear, slowly moving his hand down to your cheek to caress it. His hands were strong and comforting to you in this moment. "Please know that you are the only person I will ever want." He added. As Harvey spoke, his words washed over you, soothing the lingering doubts and uncertainty in your heart. The sun illuminated his brunette swept hair, revealing the gold tones underneath.

"Isabella used to like me back in Zuzu City, but I rejected her." Harvey sighed, looking down at the ground. Your heart sank a little, as you started to piece the puzzle together. "I didn't reciprocate."

"But why? She's gorgeous..." You spoke softly.

"My work was my priority." Harvey bit his lip as he continued. "She wasn't my type. She was a party girl, preferred clubs to nights at home. She would get in trouble a lot with my supervisors. She didn't take it very seriously."

"I guess that didn't go down very well."

"No it didn't. In fact, it ended up with her being kicked off of the course."

"And I assume that's why she's doing it now?"

"Yes." Harvey sighed, as if he had realised that Isabella's presence was interfering with his personal life again. "I just thought you should be aware of that."

"Well, you were the one who introduced me as friend." You added, remembering the initial hurt that had caused.

"I didn't want a malicious atmosphere. I knew that if she knew we were dating she would get jealous." It was clear that he wanted to avoid any unnecessary drama or tension, considering Isabella's past feelings for him. However, you couldn't help but feel a twinge of hurt and confusion at the situation.

"I appreciate your intentions, Harvey," you replied, trying to keep your voice steady. "But I would have preferred to know about Isabella's history with you from the beginning. It would have helped me make sense of things and avoid any misunderstandings."

"I know and I'm sorry, please let me make it up to you?" Harvey's expression softened as he placed another gentle kiss on your forehead. You nodded and threw your arms around his neck, pulling him in for a hug. Harvey returned the gesture, holding tight onto your embrace. Pulling away, you gazed down at the ground.

"I forgive you, I'm sorry too for being so jumpy about this whole thing." You replied, sighing and meeting his gaze. "I guess it all comes from my previous relationship." You added, recalling the times you were left feeling lost and insecure in Levi's presence.

"You never need to apologise for that." Harvey began, gently caressing your cheek again. "If I ever see that man- I- I don't know what I'd do." His tone now sounding somewhat angry as he shook his head. You had never realised how protective Harvey was until now. "You didn't deserve to be put through that hell." Harvey's deep hazel eyes seemed to be full of sorrow and guilt, as if he was to blame. "He won't find me here." You reassured, leaning your head into his shoulder.

"Even if he did-" He began, as facial expression shifting. "It's not worth thinking about." You cut in, stopping him in his tracks. Harvey's grip tightened slightly, his fingers tracing soothing circles on your back. "I'll always protect you," he whispered, his voice filled with determination.

"No matter what, I'll keep you safe."

So this is what a proper relationship was? It wasn't waiting up all night for him to come home gone four wondering who he'd been with. It wasn't asking him if you could go out whenever you wanted to go somewhere. It wasn't loving someone who wasn't fit for love in the first place.

"Go get dressed, put a nice dress on." Harvey smirked.

"Why?" You stared him out in retaliation.

"I'm taking you on a date."