Story of Seasons (Harvest Moon): In Sheep's Clothing

Chapter Five

Klaus paced around his home, running a mental checklist in the back of his mind. He'd completed his work early, but something was still nagging at him. He felt as though he had left something unfinished, which was a feeling he never liked having. Stopping next to his work station, he surveyed everything once more and found nothing out of place, then checked his pocket watch. Avery would be arriving any minute.

"It's just nerves," he said to himself, tucking the watch away once more into the front pocket of his waistcoat. "You only think you've forgotten something because you're a nervous wreck over this date."

It wasn't really a date, but it was the closest thing to an actual date they had agreed to go on, and the first outing resembling a date he'd had in over eight years. The entire thing had been her idea, inspired by him mentioning he'd been fond of horseback riding when he was in college during her most recent visit for coffee.

They had been having their 'coffee socials' – as Marian had dubbed them – for three weeks, now. Twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday, she would stop by after finishing her chores at the farm and whatever trading she needed to do and the two of them would talk over coffee and snacks. He'd avoided talking about himself as much as possible, fearful for what she would think of him if he divulged the darker parts of his past to her, but she'd managed to drag out a few details of his earlier life. Mostly, she'd been interested in how he and Marian had become friends. Admittedly, they were an odd pairing, so he'd been happy to tell her the story of how their friendship had blossomed after Marian had tried – and failed – to pick him up at the campus bar.

He'd learned a lot about her, though, during their talks. Her favorite color was purple. She loved blueberries. Her mother was a horrible cook when she was little, but took lessons to get better at it once her father fell ill and was now practically a gourmet chef – though she claimed Raeger was still better. Her father had nearly died from a stroke when she was six years old. Thankfully, he survived and with treatment was able to make a decent recovery, but he was forced to give up the family farm as he could no longer work the land on his own. Her mother, while not as well-known as some other artists, was very successful in selling her paintings and Avery had grown up wanting for nothing. Her tastes were simple, though, and she'd missed living the quiet country life she remembered from her early years. That was why, when she saw the advertisement in the city paper looking for potential farmers to move to Oak Tree Town, she'd jumped at the chance and immediately sent in her application.

He was glad she did, and told her as much. She'd smiled and blushed at his remark, and he had immediately apologized for his forwardness – which she, in turn, quickly reprimanded him for. He'd tried to explain away the comment, saying that he was simply glad that she had turned out to be so good for the town, contributing to its growth the way she had along with the other farmers... but he wasn't entirely sure she bought it. From that day forward, he had been excessively careful in choosing his words with her, not wanting to end up in another position like the one they'd been in when he attempted to warn her of Raeger's intentions.

A knock sounded on his door, and he knew it was her. Three soft, rapid taps... so familiar he didn't even need to look out his window any more to see who was there. He rushed to his mirror and looked himself over, making sure his cravat was properly tied and his hair wasn't too much of a mess. The ends were starting to get in his eyes, and he made a mental note to get a haircut as soon as possible. Avery's knock sounded once more, and he closed his eyes and took a slow, deep breath as he cursed himself for acting like a nervous teenager about to go on his first date. He was a grown man, and this was not a date. It was a casual outing between two friends.

With a final deep breath to steel his nerves, he went to open the door. Avery had her hand raised, ready to knock for a third time, and he flashed an apologetic smile at her slightly concerned look.