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saturday mornings at the farmer’s market were brisk and chilly. there was soft chatter amongst the stall owners who were doing the same as you currently were. the sun wasn’t even up yet, but you and your neighbor certainly were.
you pulled out the bushels of apples you had picked from the day before. your orchard never failed to disappoint, with the fruits unblemished and shining in the morning light. likewise, the vegetables were fresh and bountiful and seemed fitting in front of the store.
“coming in behind you, y/n!” thoma called out happily, scooting past you with freshly baked croissants in his hands. he was dressed in a cream-colored sweater, covered with a red apron. it was decked out in small pins and buttons alike, all of which were bright in color.
your stall was small in size, having just enough space for thoma’s kitchen and some cabinet space. it was decorated with a few small lights, hanging over the wooden veranda. currently, as the season was autumn, the flags that hung in front of the booth were orange and yellow. the counter at the front of the stand was a polished oak. the display stands were almost full, just waiting on a batch of biscuits to be completely full.
your booth wasn’t unlike the rest of the stands in the farmers’ market. you watched as the stand across from you hauled flowers onto the stands, chrysanthemums bursting with bright color. next to you, sara already had the scent of classic, mondstadtian breakfast food wafting through the whole market. you briefly heard diluc, owner of the largest stall in the entire market, call out something about seasonal wines needing to go in front of the stall, not on the counter. indeed, the building that housed the entire market was alive and ready for the busiest day of the week.
“already done setting up those apples, y/n?” thoma asked, making you snap up in attention. “i’m jealous. i still have my biscuits in the oven.”
“yeah, just about,” you said, turning to him with a soft smile. “do you need any help putting that in the display case? you should probably run and get those jams you said you forgot in the car before we open.”
“oh, that’s right! it would be a big help if you put this in the display case. and would you mind getting the biscuits out too? they’ve got about a minute left in the oven,” he said as he removed his flour-dusted apron. “i’ll be fast, i promise!”
thoma handed you the croissant, fingertips brushing against your own. your face heated for a moment but immediately dissipated as he ran off. as you slid the croissant into the glass container, you put a hand over your heart.
had your hands touched any longer, you were sure that thoma’s beautiful almond croissants would have been splattered on the floor.
—
in addition to being a great business partner, thoma was also a charismatic salesman. he had a knack for memorizing regular customers’ names, being quick on his feet, and staying calm when there were never-ending lines in front of the stall. he was often the one to be at the front while you assisted him in the back. as you pulled out another bushel of apples to place at the front of the store, you listened to what he was saying to the current customer.
“ah, good morning, anna!” he greeted happily. “same as usual?”
“that’s right. we’ll have an apple tart,” the young woman answered, pointing to the dessert. as if on instinct, you reached into the display case, pulling out the aforementioned treat. thoma was quick to reach under the counter and grab a simple box. you handed off the tart and he packaged it neatly. as he handed off the box with a bow, he was already printing out the receipt.
“a good morning to you, too, anna!” you nodded fervently before you busied yourself with getting out more containers of apples. she smiled in return, waving at you.
“hi mr. thoma!” a chipper voice stated, peeking out from behind the customer’s skirts. a young boy, no older than the age of seven, placed his small hands on the counter. thoma immediately laughed in delight, leaning over to match his height. “do you have any sugar cookies today?”
“i do! in fact, i have an extra special one saved just for you,” he replied in a sing-songy tone. shuffling around the cabinets, he pulled out a frosted sugar cookie. it was a small, maple leaf design, decorated with thoma’s steady hand. he handed off the sweet treat to the child, grinning. “it’s on the house.”
“you spoil him,” anna shook her head with a bashful smile. “really, i can pay you. i–”
“it’s just a cookie, no big deal,” he cut her off, firm in his stance. “the only thing he can pay me back with is a smile! that’s more than enough for me.”
you felt a grin come on your face. he really was the perfect business partner.
—
when noon came around, the farmer’s market had fewer customers than the morning rush. this was the time that much older folk stopped by your small stall, charmed by thoma’s personality. unfortunately, the man in question was out getting lunch for the two of you then, leaving the store to yourself.
“just that spinach and cheese quiche for today, dear,” the elderly lady said as you nodded. you reached into the glass case, retrieving the treat for her. after you pulled out the brown box and slid the quiche inside, you were quick to wrap it up with ribbon.
“will that be all today?” you asked as she nodded.
“yes,” she replied before tilting her head. “oh, but i do have to ask. where is thoma? he’s usually here with you. i wanted to give your husband the jam recipe he asked for last week.”
“he’s grabbing lunch right now. i can hold onto that recipe for you if you’d like!” you cheerfully replied, smiling at her. after a moment, you blinked, hands on the counter falling beside you. “wait, my apologies. thoma is my what now–”
“hi, granny ruoxin!” a voice called out after rounding the corner. the blond waved happily with the hand not carrying your meals. he slipped behind the counter, greeting you with a bright smile. “and a hello to you too, y/n. i ordered some of those rice balls at the front of the market that i know you’ve been eyeing.”
he handed off plastic bags to you, subtly motioning to the back counter as he continued talking with her. you took it as a perfect opportunity to still your beating heart, arms bracing against the counter. before now, you had never been insinuated to be romantically involved with thoma. you yourself tried not to entertain the thought often, face turning hot whenever you did imagine it.
“my! are these the recipes for the raspberry jam that you gave me last week? oh, i’m so happy!” he cheered in delight, looking at the small paper.
“well, dear, since you’re getting all settled down now, it’s important that i give you some recipes. in the village that i’m from, we give newlyweds recipes of some family classics.”
“newly–newly what?” he sputtered, face flushing red and tips of his ears blushing.
“oh dear, you never get used to hearing it, do you?” she smiled with her eyes closed. “hehe, it’s adorable. well, i’ll leave the two of you be for now. see you next week!”
unlike his usual demeanor, thoma stood with his mouth open and hands slack at his sides as she left. instantly, he turned to look at you. “did you–did she–”
you handed him a rice ball casually, but you were having the same reaction internally. “newlyweds, huh? i didn’t know we were married,” you teased, stuffing your mouth with food to hide your flustered expression.
he smacked his cheeks in return, face flushing even more. “y/n, don’t be like that! you’re such a tease!”
you couldn’t deny that your face felt hot with heat too. married life with thoma seemed impossible to you. he was your business partner, neighbor, and most importantly close friend. to even express that you had feelings for him could be detrimental to your entire life. but to wake up to him every day, to come back from the orchard to see him in the kitchen making your favorite pie, to see–
to see a matching wedding ring on his fourth finger.
you looked up from your rice ball, only to be met with thoma’s steady gaze. he observed you quietly as if he was thinking about something.
you quickly looked away from him, shaking your head with a subtle smile. you shouldn’t be thinking about things like that.
—
fridays before the farmer’s market were especially busy for you and thoma. you had finished picking your apples for tomorrow, instead finding yourself inside of his kitchen. he whistled while he worked, happily whipping up dollops of cream. his apron was completely covered in flour in the preparation of over ten dozen treats for tomorrow.
thoma’s kitchen was by no means grand. despite it being small, it was cozy. the white cabinets with red curtains fluttered with the wind. the counters were a soft, golden brown wood, shiny under the hanging light above the kitchen. the shelves held endless amounts of sugar, flour, and spices alike. aside from old-timey music playing from his phone, there was only the sound of the mixer whirring back and forth. there were a few bowls out on the counter, mostly set aside.
the sun was nearly touching the horizon line and the wind was crisp and chilly. it nipped at your skin under your long sleeve shirt, and for whatever reason, thoma insisted that the windows stay open. you looked out the window, staring at the view of your apple orchard.
as much as you tried to focus on other things, your mind kept wandering back to thoma. your gaze naturally turned back to him. his loose hair was pinned back into a bun, but a few stray strands fell across his face. he hastily used his forearm to brush them away, only for the cycle to repeat itself. his stare, even while looking at something as simple as whipped cream in a bowl, was full of love and adoration. you selfishly wished that he would you that way.
“you’re awfully quiet today, y/n,” he said, looking up from the mixer. you nearly jumped out of your skin, finally matching his gaze. “is something on your mind?”
“i’m alright,” you shook your head, walking over to him. “almost done with all of your pre-made pies?”
“yup! just this last pumpkin pie and i’ll be done for the day,” he hummed before giving you a pointed look. “are you sure you’re alright?”
“a little bit stressed is all.”
thoma pursed his lips, and you knew he wasn’t going to push it any further. he pointed to one of the various bowls on the counter. “here, i know what’ll make you less worried. let’s roll out dough together for this pie. i’ll help you out!”
turning away from the mixer, he scooted past you, reaching into one of the cabinet drawers. there was a polished rolling pin in his hand and he whistled as he placed it on the counter. next, he turned away from the counter in favor of grabbing a smaller bag of flour off one of his shelves. finally, he reached for one of the aprons near his oven.
“i’ve never made a pie before. that’s why i have you, don’t i?” you grinned as you pulled it on.
“well, i find it relaxing. making something delicious for yourself and your loved ones is always rewarding!”
he pinched a handful of flour onto the counter, spreading it evenly. thoma then grabbed the dough, treating it like it was made of glass. his hands, soft and smooth, kneaded the dough back and forth. “pie dough is difficult to work with,” he said as he pressed his knuckles against the dough. “it’s so thin and flaky. but, i’ll know you’ll do a great job.”
he clapped his hands after he had sufficiently pressed the dough enough times. “you have great handiwork,” you complimented as he rounded out the dough into a small ball.
“that’s nothing, really,” he chuckled, cheeks flushing red. thoma handed you the rolling pin, letting the utensil sit in your hands. “here’s the fun part. do you mind if i stand behind you to show you how to roll out dough?”
“not at all,” you replied.
your hands that had come over the sides of the rolling pin were encased with his large hands. his chest pressed up against your back and his head nearly tucked into your neck. a light laugh left his throat, making goosebumps spread across your skin. “alright. keep your hands steady on the rolling pin. relax your shoulders. if they’re stiff, you won’t roll it out as evenly.”
you did as he said, watching as the dough thinned out. you felt a familiar thrumming in your chest, skipping a beat as his hair fell on your shoulder. he smelled of cinnamon, vanilla, and cardamom, key spices in pumpkin pie. you were glad he couldn’t see the angle of your face, sure that he would worry if he saw your flustered face.
as his hands left your own, you paused in your rolling. that was right: he was only helping you roll out your dough; nothing more, nothing less.
—
when thoma had suggested that you two simply spend time together at the farmers market this week, you were initially reluctant. “we’re known for being around every week,” you argued. “to suddenly disappear would blemish that.”
“come on! you hardly go on vacation, let alone take days off! it’ll be my treat,” he pouted.
“no, thoma.”
which is why you found yourself in the middle of the farmers market, trailing behind him as he ran around like a child in a candy store.
he was right, it was a nice change of pace from busily running the stall all day. the scent of baked goods, spices, and herbs flooded your senses, making you sigh happily. thoma had already filled his canvas bag to the brim, carrying the freshest fruits for some jams, spices for seasonal pies, and even a brand new rolling pin.
as he was a baker, naturally, he found himself drawing near some of the baked goods stalls. “those are the cookies that everyone’s been talking about! they’re made with molasses!” he exclaimed, before quickly taking your hand and racing over.
“hey, wait!” you yelled, but he didn’t relent. you could hardly process that he was running before he was already chatting up the booth’s owner, hands moving animatedly. his charm was irresistible, green eyes so bright in the light. you were somewhat surprised that someone hadn’t come and swept him off of his feet just yet.
as he fished out his wallet, you noticed that your hands were still intertwined from sprinting over. your face heated up once more, contemplating whether or not to let go. it fit nicely with your own and was familiar to the feeling of pulling a pastry out of the oven.
“y/n, look at this,” he suddenly said while proudly presenting the molasses cookie in hand and making you snap up in attention. “it’s beautiful, isn’t it? perfectly baked and the decorating sugar just looks divine. here, have a piece!”
his hand left yours (much to your discontent) to split the cookie in half. he handed you the other half before quickly devouring it. you stared at the small piece in your hands, feeling the warmth still radiating from it.
quickly, you mimicked his actions, putting the cookie in your mouth. he was correct; it was perfect in every sense of the word. the dough was soft and melted in your mouth. it was sweet with a hint of spice–a perfect blend of ingredients. once you were finished, you looked at him with a wide smile. “you have a good eye. those were great!” you approved.
“better than the cookies i make?” he teased, a smirk coming on his face.
your face felt hot again and you rapidly waved your hands in front of you. “wh-what? of course not! i–”
you were silenced when his hand came to cup your cheek, thumb skirting over your bottom lip. you blankly stared at him, mouth agape and bag dropping to the floor. he looked at you intently for a moment before returning to his regular self. “oh! sorry, you just had a crumb on your lips,” he explained bashfully, hand dropping back to his side.
you blinked twice before snapping out of it. “i see,” you replied, equally flustered.
you stood in silence momentarily, letting the sound of the crowds fill in the noise between you both. your thoughts swarmed about the man in front of you. there was a small smile on his lips as he broke the silence.
“i’d love to do this again,” he said so quietly that you could barely hear him. “just the two of us.”
you swore your heart was going to be out of your chest. your eyes were trained on the floor in a feeble attempt to not spill your feelings in front of him.
reluctantly, you looked at him. “i’d love to,” you breathed out, and the smile on his face sent your heart into overdrive.
—
by two o’clock, most of the customers in the market were already heading home and it was the time that you often began putting away your supplies.
you stacked the empty bushels in front of the store, tucking them under your arm. thoma was still working in the kitchen, apron and mitts on. as you put away the baskets under the cabinet, he called you.
“hey, y/n,” he said, making you look at him. “come over here real quick.”
you stood up and turned to him, standing by the oven beside him. “what’s up?”
he handed you his pair of mitts before shyly tucking his hands behind his back. “do you remember when i said i’d like to spend the day at the farmers market with you again?” he asked.
you stilled yourself. “yeah, i do,” you replied easily.
“i’d like to do that next week if that’s okay with you,” he said, still timid. “but, um, i’d like to make it a little different this time around.”
you gave him a look as you put on the gloves. “what do you mean?”
“y/n, you’re the best business partner i could ever ask for. you’re smart and you’re kind and you always make sure that our business is successful.”
“thank you?” you asked, tilting your head.
“but i also…i also find you beautiful,” he added, making your hands drop to your sides. you blinked blankly, not able to believe what he was saying. your face seared with heat, burning with shock and heart slamming against your chest. before you could say anything, he continued.
“every time i look at you, i feel like my heart’s going to burst out of my chest. i can’t hold in my feelings anymore for you. i need you to know that–”
before he could say the three magic words that you had been eagerly waiting for, the oven beeped quickly. with a shy smile, he opened the oven door for you. a wave of heat pushed out all at once and you were quick to notice the sweet scent of cherries and vanilla. you leaned over, pulling out the freshly baked pie.
a bright grin came over your face as you looked at the dessert. “you’re so cheesy!” you exclaimed, smacking his shoulder.
on the top of the pie, instead of neatly done lattices to cover the pie, “date?” was written in perfect cursive. “is that a yes, then?” he asked with hopeful eyes.
discarding the pie and putting it on the counter, you only took his hands in your own. “of course i’d love to go on a date with you,” you smiled before pecking him on the cheek.
his eyes lit up in delight, immediately embracing you in his arms, and scent of vanilla and flour flooding your sense. he kissed the corner of your mouth, lips turning up in a smile. “i’m so happy!” thoma smiled, making you let out a giggle. “you really are the best.”
you only laughed as he continued to press kisses all over your face, feeling your daydreams of thoma coming into fruition.