Love, Elliott (X Reader)

Chapter 5

Your Point of View

The next morning comes quickly. I crawl out of bed, stretching my arms high above my head. I groan loudly, wincing as I feel pain. My joints and muscles feel stiff and tender. I'm not used to such intense labour. My skin feels hot and sore under my fingertips as well. I should buy a hat and some sunscreen. 

I swing my legs out of bed, letting my feet fall against the hardwood floor. It feels rough against my skin from years of wear and tear. I should hire Robin to fix it for me. 

I bend down and pet Marbles' head, noticing how peacefully she rests. Instead of waking her up, I leave her sleeping on the rug by the crackling fireplace. 

I open the door, a strong breeze blowing in around my ankles. The sun is just beginning to peek above the horizon, bathing the farm in warm, yellow light. I step outside, inhaling the crisp, fresh air. It wasn't until now that I noticed how stale the air in the cabin is. 

I jog down the steps, onto the dewy grass. I grab my watering can from the shed and fill it up from the stone well. I pour cool water on the little green sprouts that are barely sticking above the freshly tilled soil. 

Then I go to collect my wood and tools.

I open the shed door, propping it open with an old log. I stand before the large pile of logs. I attempt to lift some large planks of wood, but I stumble, falling backwards, the load in my arms proving too much for my office-worker muscles. 

Suddenly, I feel someone grab me around the shoulders, pulling me back upright.

"Careful there!" A deep voice says with concern. I peer over at the stranger, my eyes falling on a gorgeous, golden-haired man. 

"Thank you, Elliott," I say, steadying myself and handing him some wood. "What brings you over here at this hour?"

"I thought you might appreciate some help. It'll be faster than taking multiple trips." He responds, his cheeks growing pink. He tucks a long stray strand of hair behind his ear.

"Thank you. I appreciate that. I'm glad you showed up when you did." I respond, thankful. 

"I'm sure you can handle the wood. But a hand never hurts." He smiles warmly. The sight leaves a fuzzy feeling in my stomach.

"Let's head down now. I think we have everything we need."

"Sounds good, miss."

We walk along my overgrown farm, cutting through Cindersnap Forest to get to the beach. The sun is beating down on us from overhead. I feel sweat on the nape of my neck already.

I set the toolbox on the picnic table, sighing deeply as I peer up at the hot sun above.

Elliott sets the planks on the ground, before reaching down. I watch as he starts to undo the buttons on his white dress shirt. He pulls it off, exposing his muscular arms and chest. I feel my eyes widen.

His gaze meets mine and I shyly and quickly look away. I feel my cheeks grow warm.

"I'm going to gather some nails," I say, hurrying off to find them in my toolbox.

After a few moments, I hear his shack door close. I feel a ping of disappointment. Did I make him uncomfortable?

I find the nails, grabbing my hammer next. I slide them in my pocket, walking back over to where the planks are.

He emerges a few moments later in a pair of swimming trunks.

"At some point, one of us will have to get wet. I'll take on that role."

"Thank you," I tell him.

We fix the bridge, nailing planks onto the part that still exists. Sure enough, Elliott wades through the waist-deep water, helping to secure the long planks on the other side. With his help, it doesn't take long.

He meets me on the other side, water dripping from his shorts. 

"Hey, it's very sturdy. I'd say it's a job well done." He tells me.

I go to the other beach, stopping to look at the tiny pools of life. Little colonies of coral sit at the bottom, tiny fish darting around their long arms.

"Isn't it amazing? Nature is truly spectacular." Elliott muses in awe, leaning over to look at the little pool with me.

"It is," I say. I spot a piece of coral sitting on the beach. I walk over and pick it up.

"I see people come down here and always pick up loose pieces of coral. I think they make them into decorative pieces. You can also sell them."

"Oh yeah?" I slip it into my pocket.

I return to the other side of the beach and gather my tools.

"Do you want to come by for lunch?" I ask him politely. It's the least I can do to repay him for his help.

"I would love that." He responds with a warm smile.