Chapter Text
It had been a couple of weeks now, and you felt like you were settling in okay. Your days had taken on a sort of routine, and through this you managed to care for your crops and your chickens, socialise with the townspeople, shop and even occasionally head down the mines for an adventure. Things were going great for you.
Still, something bothered you.
You stared at the calendar that was stuck to the noticeboard out the front of Pierre’s shop, biting your lip slightly. It was the 19th of Spring. Nothing on today, but tomorrow…
Shane’s impassive face stared out of the photo stuck to the calendar. You wondered, briefly, where the mayor even got these from, ID photos maybe? Shane didn’t seem the type to pose for a birthday photo. You wondered if he’d even be celebrating his birthday. He didn’t seem to have any friends in town, and to be honest, he didn’t seem to want to make any either.
Still, you’d not missed a single birthday yet, and you were determined to get him something nice whether he wanted you to or not. You found yourself drawing a blank though as to what he’d like, though. He wore an old soccer shirt underneath his jacket, but you’d learned from last time not to assume that had anything to do with his interests. Who’d have thought someone wearing a Joja jacket wouldn’t like Joja cola?
He liked chickens, but a basket full of eggs would be useless to him, given that he lives with Marnie. You supposed you could shout him a drink at the saloon that night, but you weren’t exactly sure you should be encouraging that sort of thing. He seemed to drink plenty on his own, from what you could see. Probably too much.
That wasn’t any of your business though. You shook your head and headed for the woods, hoping to take a shortcut to Marnie’s. Your farm was still way too overgrown to try struggling through there without heaving around your axe.
You smiled as you entered the little farmhouse. It was always so cosy and inviting. Something you hoped for your own farm… eventually. You popped your head around the corner and smiled, Marnie and Jas were in the kitchen, baking together.
“Hey guys!” you said cheerily, walking in. Like most of the other people in town, you’d become fast friends with Marnie, and you wondered a little how someone so warm could be related to someone like Shane. Jas was still a little shy though. You pulled out a blue jazz flower you’d harvested that morning, kneeling down to give it to her, before straightening and grinning at Marnie.
“What brings you here today, farmer?” Marnie smiled cheerily, “How are the chookies going?”
“The chickens are fine! Any luck with your talking goats?”
“Well I taught them to bleat when they want something and now they don’t seem to stop.” She chuckled, “I’ll have to get you to bring me some more cave carrots sometime soon.”
You nod, “Well I can get them for you today, if you give me a little something in return. Nothing too big, just some information.”
“Oh? You’ll want Gus for that. I’m afraid I don’t keep track on too much going on around town.” Marnie opened up the oven, sliding the cupcake tray in, then closing it and turning to you.
“Don’t worry, you’ll know this one. Ah, I’d hope, anyway.” You lean against the bench, “What kinda stuff does Shane like? What’s he into? I saw it was his birthday tomorrow and you know how I like giving out birthday presents.”
“Oh yes! Lewis told me that you got him a crate of potatoes for his birthday!” She pulled off her oven mitts and set them to the side.
You smiled a little sheepishly, “Ah, yeah… well it was sort of last minute.”
“No, don’t worry dear, he loved them.” Marnie shook her head, “Now as for Shane, he is a little difficult to buy for. He’s asked us not to get him anything, but I’ve got a new video game coming in the mail. It should hopefully be here by tomorrow but I don’t think there’d be enough time for you to get anything like that.” She put the kettle on, “And… I’d rather you not give him any alcohol, if possible? I heard you built a keg, but well…”
“It’s fine. I understand.” You shrugged, “Well what other kinds of things does he like? Any crops I might be able to give him?”
“He likes spicy food. I remember at last year’s fair, he bought some spicy peppers from a stall.”
You bit your lip, “They’re not in season at the moment… I’ll think of something though, I’m sure.” You smiled, “Thanks for the help Marnie!”
Marnie nodded, “Will you stay for some tea?”
“I’d love to, but I’ve gotta get down the mines. The mayor wants me to take out some more slimes. Their population levels are getting ridiculous and we don’t want any spilling into town. I’ll pick you up some cave carrots while I’m down there!” You stood and smiled, “Thanks for the offer though.” You dashed out, thinking about her suggestions all the way to the mines, wondering what the heck you were gonna do about this.