Love, Elliott (X Reader)

Chapter 1

"Did you hear the exciting news?" Leah asks me.

"I don't believe I have since I have no idea what you're getting at. What is it?"

"Someone new is moving to the old farm down the path from the bus stop."

"Someone is moving there?" I ask, astonished. The place hasn't been touched in over two years; not since the old farmer who lived there died.

"Yes, there. And it's about time, too. The place is beginning to look like a jungle."

"Have you been there recently?" I question, taking a sip of my coffee. Her knowledge of the area has piqued my interest.

"Sometimes I cut through the field to get home in the evening. I refuse to go at night, though. I feel like someone is watching me through the trees. I wonder if it's the old man's spirit."

"Oh, sounds like a story idea!" I say, grabbing my notebook from the bench beside me. I pull out my quill and ink, messily scrawling a note on my brainstorm page.

"You would write a story on the spirit of an old man that watches people who go on his property?" She seems very surprised.

"As a matter of fact, I might. Besides, you know my idea well has been empty these days. I'm desperate for a fresh topic."

"You'll come up with something soon. And it will be a best seller!"

"Whatever you say, Leah." I sigh, huffing a long strand of golden hair out of my face.

"Don't be so pessimistic!"

"I'm sorry," I say, my eyes falling to my hands. "I know I need to be more of an optimist. But when I'm sitting in my cabin, behind my desk, I can't help but look out the window with a blank mind. I've felt no creativity in my veins. It defeats the purpose of me moving here. The mountains were supposed to be inspiring, not isolating."

"You just need to keep an open mind." She speaks softly, her fingers grazing my bicep. "You'll come around."

"I hope you're right," I mutter.

I pick up my coffee mug and take a big drink of the warm, earthy liquid. I peer down into my mug, a pair of tired, green eyes meeting my gaze. I sigh. Maybe I just need more inspiration. But where would I find it? I could try writing in different places and see if it improves my imagination. Though I doubt anything will help me at this point.

A breeze picks up, throwing loose papers from the table before me across the ground. I jump from my seat, gathering the nearest pages. Leah helps.

"Nothing seems to go right," I fuss, shoving the papers into my bag.

"Elliott, you're so negative today! What's gotten into you?" Leah asks, a frown on her face.

"I'm sorry, Leah. This whole ordeal is just becoming routine and it's getting to me."

"Just keep your chin up, okay?" Her smile is warm, comforting.

"Alright."

"Now, drink up your coffee and stop complaining."

I feel my mouth twitch up into a smile. There's something about the way that we can so easily joke with each other that always brightens my day. I pick up my mug and down the rest of my coffee.

"Better now?"

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Come on, let's go see how the water feels today." She says, craning her neck towards the cerulean billowing ocean waves. She draws her legs closer to her chest pulling her thigh high tan boots off her feet, followed by her socks.

"I bet it's nice and cool. The day is still young." I bend over, untying the laces on my boots, sliding my feet out of them. I roll my pant legs up to my knees. Once I remove my socks I'm standing up, my feet sinking into the cool sand.

"I'll race you there," I say abruptly before I take off towards the ocean.

"How dare YOU!" Leah shouts after me.

I laugh, crisp air whipping through my long hair as I rush towards the sea, my footfalls muffled by the sand. I run into the shore, splashing and kicking water in all directions as I do. Leah joins me a moment later. The shallow water on shore is cool but grows colder with each step. It feels refreshing.

I wade over to the dock and hop up, letting my feet dangle in down into the ocean. Leah continues to wander, her eyes skimming the shore. She pauses after a short time, before rolling up her sleeves and reaching down into the clear water below. I see a small, blue shell between her fingers. It glitters under the bright morning sun.

"I've found my next painting inspiration." She beams in excitement.

"What wonderful painting do you intend to create this time?"

"I have this vision of a big, beautiful beach spreading through my mind. And on that beach... is this shell." She describes, holding up the glittery piece.

"You must show me as soon as it's complete."

"Of course!"

A/n

So this is a Stardew Valley fic, since I'm in love with the game and haven't been able to stop playing it :) Thanks for reading