Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Raindrops tap the window aggressively as the camera standing on the tripod clicks to start.

“And there you have it! A quick DIY moisturizer that will help with even the most stubborn acne scars.” Haley exclaims into the rolling camera. “Pair it with the easy coconut milk cleanser for skin that won’t make you dull!”

She rolls her eyes.

“Pair it with my easy coconut milk for skin clearer than the shiniest Prismatic Shard!”

Another stop. “Lame.”

“Pair it with my easy coconut milk that won’t make you want to kill yourself — yah, I’m so over this.” She drags her feet over to the camera, runs the captured footage, and crunches her face. Despite the woman in the film having the same mannerism and speech patterns, Haley can’t say it’s her.

Complicated feelings swirl in her chest as she connects the camera to her pink laptop and starts the process of saving her data. 

This is supposed to be a no-brainer. What’s with all the anxiety?

She shakes it off and starts scrolling on social media. Her favorite pen with the fluffy bunny on the end and notepad ready to take notes on current popular trends, such as DIY melon overnight masks and blueberry waxing strips.

Hours pass as Haley is sucked into a comfortable hole as she bookmarks popular social media influencers and their tactics. It’s all a game and she knows she's naturally adept at it. However, the confidence won’t relieve her from the fear of the unknown.

As she’s scrolling, the phone rings. It’s a group video call of unfamiliar numbers.

She answers as is met with high-pitched squeals.

“Haleyyyyyy! Ohmigosh, hiiiiiiiiiiii!” A woman in a golden party dress yells from the other side of the phone. The glass of champagne she holds is crisp, and the bubbles popping carry into the microphone.

“Taylor!” Haley says with a gasp. “What’s up, girly?!”

“Oh my gosh, I was like, scrolling on my phone, and like, I saw that you’re doing skincare and that’s so friggin cool! Then I remembered its fashion week soon!” 

Taylor stumbles through her words before taking another sip of her drink. 

“When are you coming? There’s a pre-party on Joseph’s yacht next week -- do you remember Joseph? That one guy who was so in love with Melanie and bought us a VIP Cabana -- Oh my gosh, Melanie!! I’m going to hang out with her right now, she’s gonna be so happy to see you!”

Haley chuckles at her friend's vocal train of ideas. “I’m not gonna lie, I totally forgot about fashion week. Living around trees can do that to you.”

“Well, get out of the trees and on a boat, hello! I got some last-minute photography jobs that are gonna need, like, all the help they can get! They probably won’t pay upfront, but like who cares just ask your mom to hold you down, ya know?!”

“Haha, right,” Haley laughs awkwardly. “I’ll probably ask my partner to come along.”

“Partner? Is it that one gridball player you were like, so in love with? He’s so friggin hot, you get a stamp of approval from me!” Taylor says as she toasts her glass to the phone, promptly spilling a sizable amount on it.

“Shit, and I just got a phone too! Listen, just text me when you’re in town and we’ll cause chaos. I won’t tell your little boyfriend about whatever may transpire, ‘kay!? Kisses, bye!” 

The call ends before Haley has a chance to correct her friend. She puts her phone to the side and looks outside her window. The heavy rain that caused her to pick up the camera in the first place was now reduced to a light drizzle. She opens her closet and is met with her waterproof camera case and light pink rain boots, both ready for the next outdoor photoshoot.

--

The Farmer scowls with a wrench in hand as they study the unconnected lightning rod. Footprints from a non-human lead up to the equipment and back into the forest.

They scratch their head in slight confusion. “When the fuck did golems get so smart?”

Nonetheless, they pull over the hood on their poncho and begin to work. The livestock joins them out on the pasture, grazing on the freshly watered grass for a late breakfast. The rain lightened up by now but the heavy moist smell still wafts around the land.

“Aha!” The Farmer celebrates, finding the out-of-wack circuit within the motherboard. With a few snips and the replacement of the wire, the lightning rod is up and running.

They swipe the sweat from their forehead and give a thumbs up to the nearest four-legged creature. The cow moos in apathy.

“Geez Beleza, can’t ya be happy for me?”

The cow moos again, this time a mere octave higher.

The Farmer looks around their land for any other items that may need fixing due to the heavy winds from the early morning. None seem to be astray at the moment, so they take a moment to breathe in the crisp air. They relax their ears to the songs of the winds and hear some camera clicks weaved into the chorus.

“I hear ya, babe,” The farmer calls out to the bushes.

Haley comes out of the bushes and combs some loose branches out of her hair. “My camera shutters aren’t that loud.”

“It’s not. I just have a super wicked hearing on my land.”

“Farmer freak,” Haley says with a small smile before landing a sweet kiss on her lover’s lips. She pulls back towards the end, but the Farmer pulls her back in and deepens the connection.

The two lips break apart against their wishes. Haley is the first to speak. “I missed you.”

“I missed you, too,” The farmer replies with a whisper, placing their forehead on hers. “Lemme see what ya got on your lil camera.”

Haley happily obliges, shuffling through the pictures of the Farmer hard at work on the lightning rod. There are a couple of interactions with Beleza, but also of them just feeling the land and air around them.

“Those are my favorite,” Haley points out. “I like seeing you just enjoy the land. Your peacefulness is contagious.”

“Hehehe, thanks,” The Farmer giggles as they scratch their head with slight bashfulness. “That’s what happens when you're surrounded by trees, I guess.”

Haley tilts her head with amusement laced in her smile. “Yeah, the trees.” She pauses for a bit before opening her mouth again. “Do you ever miss the city?”

The farmer puts a finger to their chin in modest thought. “I definitely miss some aspects of it, definitely the parties and late-night deliveries. Kinda sucks that everyone here in ol’ Pelican Town knocks out at like, what, 9 PM?”

“8:30 on a weekday.” Haley huffs with a laugh.

“Yeah, exactly,” The farmer says with a big back stretch. “I gotta change the feed in the coop. I got some fruit salad in the fridge if you don’t wanna watch me do the boring stuff.”

“That’s not boring and I can’t believe you would try to send me away from the bunnies for some fruit salad.” Haley scolds with an eye roll.

“Heh, my bad,” They apologize with a kiss on the forehead and her irritation melts away from her eyebrows.

The two shuffle between the relaxing animals and enter the coop. Most of the chickens, ducks, and rabbits are outside minding their business, but three rabbits decided to take it easy indoors. The farmer checks the current feed for any pests and assuring the mechanism from the silo to the conveyor belt is operational.

Haley watches them work while petting a brown-furred rabbit in her arms. She looks down at the furry face and up at the Farmer again.

“How does the feed thingy work?”

“Quite easy, I load the food from my stash and the conveyor belt does the rest. I’m only checking ‘cause bacteria love to come out and play when it's wet outside.”

“So if you were to go away for a while, would they be alright?”

“Yeah, just gotta stock up and they’ll be fine.”

“That’s good,” Haley concludes.

The Farmer looks up with an eyebrow raised. “Am I going somewhere?”

Haley pets the rabbit a bit harder, much to the delight of the small creature. “I mean, I would like you to. You don’t have to come, ‘cause like, I know how much you dislike the city -- “

“Which city are we talking about?”

“Zuzu.”

“Mmm, dislike is a strong word. I want to stay far away from the place for --  “ The Farmer does quick mental math that shows on their face. “105 days.”

“Aren’t there 114 days in a year?” 

“Yeah, Zuzu’s alright with me during the second last week during winter. I catch a lot of deals on repairing my inventory for a cheaper price. Don’t tell Gus or Robin.”

“I swear your secret is safe with me,” Haley says with an eye roll. “Either way, we’re in the middle of Spring; Prime I-Hate-Zuzu season.

“Aw don’t say that, it’ll be different when you’re there. I can show you where I grew up. There’s this great burrito place on the east side of Zuzu. It’s actually where I got the recipe for my tortillas that won last year’s fair.”

“Oh really? I remember trying it, literally the best -- Wait, home?”

The Farmer blinks. “Yeah?”

Haley blinks back, her eyes wide as she processes the information. “You mean, where you grew up?”

“Yup, I gotta couple of bros who are still in the neighborhood. It ain’t the prettiest part of the city, so I understand if you want to avoid it — “

Haley shuts them up by placing a kiss on their lips. “Shut up, we’re going .”

“Alright, heard ya loud and clear.”

 “Ohmigosh, we’re gonna have so much fun.” Haley squeals as she bounces up and down. 

“Yah, totally!” The Farmer playfully mimics with their hands on their hips.

She softly punches them on the chest before concluding with another kiss.

Chapter Text

Emily studies the wall of open jarred herbs in the kitchen that makes the whole house smell like outside.

“Beatrice, darling, I know you said you wanted golden marigolds, but I’ve only got pink, is that alright?”

As Emily writes down the notes from the phone call, Haley flies open her door with four different baby blue luggage hanging from her arms. She drops them at the front of the house and returns to her room for the next set.

“To ease your worry about any unexpected side effects, I would recommend adding some garlic to balance out the sweet aroma. I can add some from straight off a local farm if you’d like!”

Haley reemerges from her room with another set of luggage, this time pink, and sets them with the rest.

“No problem, let me know how it goes, and may Yoba’s wavelengths be plentiful this full moon!” 

Emily hangs up the phone and turns to her sister. “Does your dear lover have any extra garlic? I should've asked before saying I could provide some, but I had a feeling they did. I’m trying to trust my intuition more.”

Haley blows her hair out of her face as she rests the last, and the heaviest luggage, at the front of the house. “Why don’t you astral project and ask them yourself?”

“I’m going to ignore that snark because I feel them coming down the road right now. It’s best if you move your luggage so they can enter.”

“What a wonderful reading, you can make it better by helping me ,” Haley grits through her teeth.

Emily finally grounds herself in the physical reality around her. “Oh, sorry, of course!”

They combine efforts to move the baggage out of the way -- mostly. Emily studies the bags that take up half of the living room with a raised eyebrow. 

Haley answers the question that was obvious on her sister’s face. “Yes, I do need all the bags. Most of them are my camera equipment.”

“I see,” Emily says with a smile. “You should take telepathy seriously.”

“Geez, like, I’ll think about investing in a cauldron.”

On cue, the Farmer enters the living room of the sisters. They hold a modest backpack and a single suitcase on the smaller side. Despite the vacation to the bustling city, they are still in their handy fieldwork overalls with blotches of stubborn paint on rough denim fabric.

“Camera stuff?” They question after a light peck on their lover’s forehead.

Haley smiles and twirls around her possessions with pride. “Absolutely! This fashion season is going to see the best spreads from Haley Remington!” She ends her decree by turning off most of the lights, leaving one specific spotlight on her, and then posing in a position only fit for an heiress of fashion. 

The Farmer claps in support as Emily shakes her head, turning back on the lights. “Ol’ Mcdonald, do you have any garlic I can buy from you?”

“Mmm, I just had a shipment go out, but I saved some to dry roast in the sun by the greenhouse. If that’s fine, take whatever you need.”

Emily digs in her pocket for gold and the Farmer sighs. “Em, there’s no need -- “

“You play this game with me every time. Do not make me threaten you with a hex!”

The Farmer accepts the payment with no hassle, not wanting to rile up ancient powers beyond their understanding.

“Babe, our driver will be here in soon, is there anything you need to wrap up before you go?”

“Yeah, Alex said to come by before we head out.” The Farmer says, dropping their belongings in the pile of suitcases and then holding a hand out to Haley. “Let’s go see what he wants to bother us about this time.”

Haley grabs her lightest luggage, her pink purse, with a grin before interlocking her fingers with theirs.

--

“Two, three, four,” Alex breathes out during a set of chest presses right outside his house. The new outside weight training area still has that new iron smell along with the repairs made on his grandparent’s house. Even the dog, Dusty, relishes in a new his new collar and soft cushion bed.

“Five, six, seven, eight!“ The Farmer continues, effortlessly spotting him during his set.

“Nine, ten, eleven,” Haley dully adds in despite the set’s max rep being eight.

“Guys!” Alex reracks and shoulder jumps the Farmer and attempts to hug Haley, the latter hiding behind her lover from the sweat monster. 

“Nice setup, bro.” The Farmer congratulates him.

Haley shrugs. “I dunno, could use some florals.”

Alex laughs. “Thanks, guys. Pre-season training’s been hard, but the paychecks are delicious . But anyways, Zuzu! Which part are you staying at?”

“Well, my family usually stays in the South, but we’re going all around,” Haley answers.

The Farmer nods, “I’m from the Northeast, so we’re gonna stay there for a bit. Why?”

Alex's mouth drops at the mention. “Northeast? Do you know how many of my teammates are from the Northeast? You guys take Gridball seriously . I haven’t had my pride damaged like that in a long time.”

The Farmer shrugs. “Ball is life, I suppose.”

“But anyways, that's perfect. I was talking with one of my teammates, Luiz, and he was going on and on about this really good barbecue called -- “ He pauses, winding up his mind to attempt at correct pronunciation. “Chohasco? Churrakso.”

“ Churrasco ,” The Farmer corrects, their accent very prominent.

Alex snaps his fingers. “Yeah, that’s it! You said it perfectly.”

Haley seductively bumps her shoulder into theirs. “Yeah, and hotly. I can’t wait to try.”

The Farmer chuckles through their blushing. “What, you want me to bring some back for you?”

“Yeah, and Luiz. The dude is seriously homesick. He’s a great guy and helps me out with my drills. I was thinking maybe some food from home would cheer him up. Lend me a hand, ol’ buddy ol’ pal?” Alex pleads with his hands together.

The Farmer smiles at their friend’s kindness before raising their fist. “Dude, you know I gotcha.”

Alex connects with his own fist, his grin reaching from ear to ear. “ Noice . Well, that’s all I needed from the city. You flying private as usual?” He asks, turning to Haley.

“If I’m ever put into a position where I’m flying public, you are more than welcomed to smash my head in with that big dumbbell of yours.” Haley snorts as she acquires her sunglasses and ringing phone from her purse. “Jameson’s here! We gotta get going.” 

“Private?” The Farmer questions as Haley pulls them by the arm towards the classy car parked on the side of the road.

Alex chuckles as he prepares for the next set. “Oh you’ll see soon, humble worker ant. Safe travels, city bros!”

Chapter Text

Jameson stands tall with his hands clasped behind his back in waiting. If it wasn’t for his monocle reflecting sunlight and the subtle movement of his breath, one would think he was an unmoving statue.

The behemoth amount of luggage has already been assorted and packed into the moving attachment latched behind the retro car with very tinted windows.

Emily stands outside the house with a bowl of frozen dessert in one palm and her herb-gathering pouch in the other.

“Miss Haley, your mother has provided some peach sorbet for the trip back home,” He says as he opens the car door. The sudden movement from the static figure makes the Farmer jump a bit.

“Yay!” Haley squeals before giving her sister a tight hug goodbye. “You know Mother would prefer you to come.”

“Yup, but I would prefer to stay with Ol' McDonald’s community of garlic! But you never know where the stars will lead you.” Emily replies with a soft smile. 

Haley shrugs and hops in the car, digging in the cooler for that precious peach sorbet.

The Farmer gives Emily a hug before turning to the help with a giant smile and a fist up ready to be pounded. “Jameson, what’s up? Been a while.”

Jameson moves only to bow slightly. “The Rivingtons are delighted to have you as an honored guest. There is a peach sorbet in the cooler for you as well.”

The Farmer deflates their raised fist and scratches the side of their ribs. “Thanks, dude.” They get into the backseat which seems way more extensive on the inside than the out.

Haley hands them the last bowl. “Ohmigosh, so tasty. The peaches are from my mom’s friend’s business partner’s vineyard! Their peaches are so good -- “ She stops mid-sentence, realizing her comment with slight embarrassment. “Not as good as your peaches, though.”

“It’s alright, babe. Let’s see,” The Farmer chuckles before trying a spoonful. “Eh, the peaches are a little too young for my liking, but it’s still good,” They go in for another bite.

“I’m glad you like it -- Ohmigosh, stay like that!” Haley squeals as she takes out her camera and snaps a quick photo. She giggles as she shows the Farmer the candid picture of them raising an eyebrow with the spoon in between their lips.

“So cute! I hope you’re prepared to be my model during this trip.”

“When am I ever not? I should start charging you my rates.”

Haley shrugs. “Send me your contract and we’ll work over the details.”

“Noted,” The Farmer chuckles.

The partition rolls down to reveal Jameson in the driver's seat. “Apologies for the interruption, but we will be departing for the airport shortly. The estimated time of arrival is 25 minutes. Are there any stops you would like to make?”

“Not on my end, how about you babe?” Haley asks.

The Farmer thinks for a second. “Hm, I could use some fries. Maybe we can stop at a gas station? There’s one right before you pass the casino.”

“There is no need,” Jameson answers as he makes a few presses on his cellphone. “There will be fries waiting for you at the gate. Would you like any toppings such as truffles or caviar?”

“Um, just salt would be nice. Maybe some water?”

“No problem. Sparkling, mountain, mineral-filtered, or magically blessed by top-ranking wizards?” 

The Farmer blinks. “How about tap?”

“No problem, the entertainment system is there for your use. Enjoy the ride and please let me know if there are any other requests.” Jameson concludes as he rolls the partition up and starts the car.

“Is there anything you want to watch, babe?” Haley asks as she uses the remote tablet to summon the flatscreen television from the car ceiling. 

The Farmer’s mouth drops. “There’s no way that’s a TV.”

The television turns on with the words ‘Good Afternoon, Haley’ on the screen. The main menu then appears, showing the itinerary for the trip as well as streaming options for the viewer's pleasure.

“Here,” Haley lazily shoos the remote onto the shock-struck Farmer. “This part of the world has horrible channels.” She complains as she searches through the stack of fashion magazines.

The Farmer slowly presses random buttons and jumps slightly when the device does what it is told. First, they land on the politics channel.

A news anchor stands in the midst of a refugee camp of goblins and humans alike.

“The latest battle between Ferngill and Gotoro Empire has -- “ The screen beckons before the Farmer switches.

The next channel is cooking. “Instead of cow’s butter, try slime butter to shed some calories off -- “ 

“Ew,” Both Haley and the Farmer comment at the same time

The Farmer switches again, landing on a Gridball game before giving up and returning to the main menu. “Yeah, you’re right.”

“When am I ever not?” Haley winks before turning the page in her issue of Muse Monthly. The Farmer scoots closer to read along. The main spread is a photo shoot of a celebrity by the name of Sheila Starshine going about her day-to-day life in Zuzu City.

Haley gives an unimpressed click of her teeth as she quotes one of the passages. “‘I like to eat at lowkey casual joints across the South of Zuzu City.’ She wouldn’t understand lowkey if it slapped her across the face. She’s so extra it’s humiliating standing in the same room as her.”

“You know her?” The Farmer asks.

“Yeah, she came to one of my mom’s shows wearing these hideous shoes in hopes of standing out as a PR stunt. Then she came to the after-party and got totally wasted on the booze. If you don’t have any class when enjoying champagne then stay home and get drunk on some apple juice or something!”  She turns the page with a huff.

The Farmer chuckles. “I never had champagne before.”

Haley gives a flabbergasted look before reaching into the cooler pulling out a bottle of champagne and pouring it into two glasses. “There’s a first for everything. Cheers to what will be the best trip ever -- wait, stay like that!”

—

The airport is in sight as the car continues on the main road. Mid-day flights are popular at the nearest major airport. The traffic reflects the rush, but it is nothing major. Despite this, the Farmer watches their car pass everyone else as Jameson turns onto a separate road that leads to a destination that is quite different from where the slightly busier road leads.

The car continues onto the airplane driveway where a line of small private jets awaits them. An airport crew readies the last plane on the lineup and the Farmer can only look at it in awe as the car is parked right next to it.

Jameson leaves the car first to open the door for Haley, who looks bored compared to the Farmer. She puts on her sunglasses and begins to make a few calls.

“Where are the fries -- Oh.” Haley starts in a commanding roar but ends satisfied when her gaze lands on the private terminal’s crewmember holding a platter of freshly fried french fries with a sprinkle of salt. 

She continues her phone call. “What do you mean I can’t rent out the restaurant on such short notice?” She pauses as the voice on the line continues. “You want me to make a reservation? Ew.”

The Farmer wordlessly takes the snack. Their focus, for now, is to stand up straight on their wobbly knees.

“Miss Haley, the engine check seems to be taking longer than usual. You are welcome to relax in the lounge until they are finished.”

Haley places her phone on her chest and turns to her lover. “Stardew Valley’s airport always takes a bit longer. The crew is way smaller than in major cities, so I give them grace. Whatever. Come on, babe.” She says as she brings the phone back to her ear and loops her free hand around the Farmer’s arm and leads them toward the inside.

—

The Farmer sits on the comfiest massage chair they have ever laid their behind on. The motor works deep into their shoulder blades, which have been a bit sore due to tilling the soil with the new sturdier but heavier hoe. A platter of caviar and champagne sits next to them along with the untouched fries. 

The luxurious and sleek interior design of the private terminal can put any mind in serenity. Yet, the Farmer can no longer hide the overstimulation of the experience so far, unknowingly latching onto the armrests that are meant to ease them. 

Haley is on her laptop which is connected to the lounge’s television. She sits up straight with her massage chair off.

“So, I was thinking, after we land and say hi to Mother, we can go out to dinner at this romantic restaurant that overlooks the pier that’s down the street from our penthouse.”

“Penthouse?” The Farmer squeaks out.

“Yes, and don’t worry. A lot of penthouses nowadays don’t come with a concierge but I would never put us in that situation, ew. Once we land we don’t have to worry about our luggage. So easy!”

Haley continues. “After dinner, we can rent out this movie theater to see The Zuzu City Express 2 . I saw the first one at home. It was okay, my friends tell me the second one is way better.”

“You can rent out a movie theater?” The Farmer asks in a small voice.

“Mhm!” Haley sings. “I don’t like watching movies with other people. They totally mess up the vibe when they talk too loud and get popcorn, you know I hate the smell of popcorn.”

“Yaaaah,” the Farmer squabbles.

“The next day, we can go visit Taylor on her newest yacht, and then my yacht. But I’ll see if Daddy would let me borrow his yacht because of the mini golf course on the lowest floor. He won’t say no, so that’ll probably be the plan.” She posts the new itinerary and it appears on the television screen inside the lounge, automatically suggesting driver pick-up times and locations.

Haley gives herself a round of applause for her planning skills. “This is going to be the best trip ever -- Babe! Are you okay!?”

The Farmer looks positively dazed as they start foaming at the mouth slightly. Haley quickly pours a glass of water for them and helps them down it before taking a complimentary warm towel and placing it on their face. 

“Babe, what's wrong? Talk to me!” Haley pleads.

The Farmer takes a minute to drink more water and gather their thoughts. “Do you remember when your mom came, and you didn’t say anything about her literally running a fashion empire, and it kinda messed me up for a bit? It kinda made things really difficult to comprehend?”

Haley’s eyes wander away while she nods.

“Yeah,” The Farmer twitches, “Same thing here, but with the fun new detail of you having more money than a small country! I knew you came from a wealthy background, but holy shit! ”

The Farmer gets up from their seat and starts to pace. “A-a-and you’re talking about it like this is normal! ‘Oh, I’m gonna buy a restaurant ‘cause I don’t like when people sneeze too loud, my family’s boat can eat my friend’s smaller boats that don’t have golf courses in them.’ Haley! Why didn’t you bring any of this up at all?!” 

Haley looks at them with crossed arms as her frown grows deeper. The Farmer stands their ground as well, not backing down from the tension within the private area.

“You don’t have to mock me. I’m just using my resources to make our trip fun.”

The Farmer scoffs. “You know that’s not what the issue is.”

Haley groans into her cushions before pausing for a bit.

 “I didn’t tell you because people get, like, weird when I tell them, ” She confesses into her pillow.

“Ya, you totally spared the weirdness with the lack of warning. Come on!” The Farmer plops down in the seat next to Haley, rubbing their own temples.

Silence engulfs the two as they sit with each other. The filter pumping crisp air into the premises is the loudest thing in the room.

Haley's face rises with her makeup slightly shifted. She pouts when she looks down at her cushion and sees the residue of her makeup on her pristine white cloth.  “It’s always a hassle integrating people into the lifestyle. So I just, like, show them. Our favorite Gridball player ordered 16 plates of salmon entrees and then froze them as ‘luxury meal prep.’”

“Well yeah, I’m a farmer. Do you know what luxury is to me? A tractor.”

“I can get you one if you’d like.”

“I’ll think about it.” 

They both chuckle and return to silence.

“I’m sorry,” Haley whispers, placing her head on their shoulders. “It’s the last surprise from me, I swear.”

The Farmer kisses her head. “It’s alright. I’m sorry too, I shouldn’t have mocked you. Being able to rent a movie theater for a date is pretty badass.”

“No, your Haley-Voice is getting better. I’ll give that sneezing excuse to Daddy the next time he flips out about my card statement.” 

“Is there anything else you need to tell me, though? Does your yacht have aliens at the helm?”

Haley laughs dryly at the joke before pausing for a moment, looking off to the side before returning to her lover’s face. Her eyes run over the tough and strong skin rewarded by hard work. Haley interlocks her fingers with the Farmer’s, her eyes now on her own hands that are bare and naked from any struggle. She pouts before sighing. 

“Life is different in Zuzu, with different people. You are welcome to ask me for anything you need. Even if that means getting away for a bit. I’ll just call Jameson up and we’ll go anywhere you want.”

“Hm, gotcha. Thanks for the heads up.” The Farmer chuckles and kisses their lover on the lips. Haley deepens it, wrapping her arm around their neck. When the two break it off, Haley interlocks her fingers with the Farmer, bringing the back of their palm to her lip-glossed lips.

“You can leave it.”  The Farmer whispers. That earns them another kiss on the cheek.

They both sit with each other for a still moment before the distant sound of an engine running fills the air.

Jameson returns to the lounge. “We are ready to take off whenever you are, Miss Haley.”

“Finally.” Haley tries one of the fries, swallowing with contempt as she makes her way to the runway. “And get us another plate of fries. These are gross when they’re cold.” She calls out to her lover as she puts on her sunglasses. “Let’s go, babe!”

Chapter Text

The staff of The Veridian Isle, located in the Financial District of South Zuzu, work against the clock.

A man walks briskly in a beautiful decorated hallway with a carpet that lines the floors with a goldfish hue.  He’s dressed sharply with two walkie talkies bouncing on both sides of his hips. His steps are even but quick, causing his shiny red bushy mustache to swing in rhythm. He stops right outside the pick-up window of the bustling private kitchen team.

Immediately, one of the sous-chefs hands the man a small tasting spoon. “Mr. Boudoir, this is the dressing for salad.”

Mr. Boudoir quickly pops it in his mouth and swishes it around. “Add more lemon, and make sure the base of the salad has some remnants of coconuts and melon. 

The soups-chef nods and re-enters into the culinary space, giving orders to his team.

Mr. Boudoir continues down the hall, speaking into the walkie-talkie on his left side. “Nearest post for bedding, bring me the bedsheets for arrival.”

A woman draped in a lighter emerald green uniform with skirt, appears from one of the doors in the hall with a pristinely steam ironed folded bed sheet in one hand and a magnifying glass in the other.

Mr. Boudoir takes the magnifying glass and studies the bedding. His lips purse as he shakes his head in disapproval before picking up his right sided walkie-talkie.

“Natasha, when you’re done confirming the laundry schedule, please come up to the main sleeping quarters and fix this disaster of a thread count. ”

The device responds immediately with a sweet voice. “Copy that, Mr. Boudoir. How much of it off?”

”200 at the least. Last time, we were off by 50, Ms. Natasha. 50! It was a 50 count difference and it caused our esteemed guest to have a horrible skin rash for 3 nights.” Mr. Boudoir says more to the woman in front of him rather than the walkie talkie. “Does she need another skin rash?”

The woman, paralyzed straight with tension, shakes her head no. 

“Of course not!” The walkie-talkie buzzes in with a chipper tone.

”Right, at your earliest convenience, Ms. Natasha.”

The woman holding the bedsheets deflates a bit and drags her feet to her station.

Mr. Boudoir stalks down to the hall, his hawk eyes watching the cleaning team vacuum the golden hue carpet and washing the windows. His left walkie-talkie buzzes.

”Eagle is around the corner.”

The whole hallway immediately shifts gears without a beat, the inhabitants quickly scurrying to the next door that leads them out of sight. Mr. Boudoir is in front, holding the door to a different area of the floor where the golden carpet ends.

Workers of The Veridiana Isle head into their respective role as Mr. Boudoir takes the employee elevator, quickly combing his mustache in his personal mirror as the elevator heads to the lobby on the express route.

The door opens and Mr. Boudoir spreads his arms out wide.

”Welcome back to The Veridiana Isle, Miss Haley. We are always so glad to have you home!”

Haley embraces the man in a running hug. “Damian, I’ve missed you!” 

“You’ve gotten so big since the last time I’ve seen you.” He holds her hands as he scans her up and down, approval peering through raised eyebrows. “Still stylish.”

“Of course I am,” Haley smirks with a cheeky eye roll. “Oh, Damian, I have someone I’d like you to meet!” She turns and looks for her guest, whose mouth is agape at the magnificent marble water fountain with an emerald accent. It sits in the middle of the golden lobby. 

The Farmer looks into the water at the orange fish that seem to sing water bubbles at them.

“Babe!” Haley waves, snapping the Farmer out of their trance. 

They quickly make their way over with an embarrassed smile. “Sorry, we don’t have those Northern Koi back home.”

Mr. Boudoir nods in approval. “I see you have a master angler as your guest, Ms. Haley.”

The Farmer lets out a hearty laugh as they pat Mr. Boudoir’s shoulder with a bit too much force, causing the man to topple a bit. “Ya makin’ me blush, dude!” They turn to Haley. “Whose this wizard of words, babe?”

”This is Damian Boudoir, he basically saw me grow up here. Any problem we have, we can turn to him.”

Mr. Boudoir nods with pride. “I couldn’t say it better myself. Are you two ready to go to your quarters?”

“Lead the way,” Haley says.

The group makes their way through the lobby. Mr. Boudoir and Haley chat as the Farmer follows behind not too far. They meekly take in the atmosphere with, often double taking on a random celebrity or world leader casually lounging as they check in and out the front desk. 

The Farmer’s wave of wealth shock is a shorter one. The elevator comes and they rise quickly.

Mr. Boudoir leads the duo to a grand door and pulls two keycards out of his breast pocket. A pink bunny keychain dangles from one, and he hands it straight to Haley.

Haley squeals. “Ohmigosh, it’s been so long since I’ve seen Bunbun. I’ve had her since I was, like, 14. Look!”

The Farmer smiles sweetly at the charm, and then her. “Cute.”

A small blush appears on the top of Haley's ears before turning quickly to unlock the door.

The door swings open to a fully window paneled penthouse that overlooks all of Downtown Zuzu. The views stagger for miles as the afternoon sun sits high in the sky. 

The Farmer steps to the window and takes in the sight from the living room. They look down at the ant sized cars that zip through their daily routines.

Mr. Boudoir stands by the door. “ Your things have been unpacked already. Jameson left to prepare your family brunch for tomorrow. Until then, do let me know if you need anything.”

Haley nods and Mr. Boudoir shuts the door. She turns to the Farmer and watches them watch all of Downtown Zuzu.

”Great views, huh?” She chuckles dryly. Her nervousness is identifiable.

The Farmer turns to gaze at Haley; only after does their eyes soften. “Yeah.”

Haley runs into the chest of the Farmer in order to hide her emerging blush, much to the amusement of the latter.

—

The Farmer, already in overalls, is in a deep ponder between a lighter colored overalls and a darker colored overalls that lay on the bed right in front of them.

Haley sinks into the beanbag as she taps her pink manicured nails on her phone screen going through her trending feed. The topics of ‘Starshine Soap’ and ‘Pregame’  are off the charts at the moment.

Before she can investigate further, a video call pops up on the screen.

”Haleyyyyyy ohmigosshhhhh!” Taylor squees on the screen as she struggles to prop the phone up on her vanity desk. “From your fabulous wallpaper behind you, I’m guessing you’re home!”

”Ohmigosh, ya! We’re about to go have dinner if someone makes a decision.”

The Farmer sniffs to confirm they heard that comment, refusing to avert their gaze from the priority at hand. 

“Ohmigosh, come to dinner with me at Le Petit Conesour tonight! My job rented out the place for a pre-season social night. You should totes come!”

Haley shrugs. “Babe, do you want to join my friend for dinner?”

”Sure, but will my outfit — “

“You’ll look great . Tays, I’ll text you when we’re on our way.”

”Okeez! Can’t wait to officially meet your gridball boo!” Taylor sings as she applies blush before ending the call.

The Farmer chooses the lighter overalls and now shifts to looking for a suitable top. “Fashion is hard.” They conclude with a sigh.

Haley plants a kiss on their cheek and gently runs her fingers through their braids. “It’s not the clothes that make the diva, it’s the diva themselves! Don’t overthink it. If anything, this is an opportunity to try something new. People here are desperately craving originality.”

“Huh, really?” The Farmer perks up. “Well, I’ve had a new idea of how to wear my overalls. Plus, I can wear my braids out since I don’t have to worry about all the dirt and grime.”

”Sure thing, babe! Do whatever you want!” 

—

An hour passes and Haley is forced to reflect on all the events she forced her crew to arrive late to.

”Yoba, if they come out of the bathroom in the next 5 minutes, I promise I’ll get ready on time for the rest of my life.” She pauses for a second. “Well, fashionably late is on time — you know what I mean.”

As if the universe conspired for Haley to have this moment of growth, the door opens to reveal the Farmer in a completely new look.

Haley eyes widen and mouth agape.

The overalls are no longer hooked at shoulders but instead hang freely to create cool baggy grunge jeans.  A black fitted turtleneck outlines their well toned arms that ties the outfit together. 

Instead of the braids Haley has grown accustomed to, the Farmer’s hair is a beautiful lion's mane of dark zig zag curls that frames their face.

”What do you think?” The Farmer meekly asks.

Haley silently processes the new look, much to the Farmer’s growing chagrin. She slowly brings her palm to cover her mouth as she speaks.

”Wow.”

The Farmer blinks before chuckling. “I guess my outfit is successful?”

”Ya,” Haley simply says as she walks towards them. She slowly runs a finger up the Farmer’s arm and pauses at their shoulder where their hair ends.

”Can I touch?” She asks softly.

The Farmer snakes an arm around her waist. ”You can touch anywhere you’d like.”

Haley giggles as her fingers play through the small ringlets of hair. It bounces back into place when she pulls it, much to her amusement.

”You wore your hair out when you lived here?” She asks as she twirls a strand of the Farmer’s hair.

”Yup. I got my nickname ‘cause people were able to spot me from a block down.”

”Tell me!”

The Farmer chuckles at her excitement. “Cabelão,” they say with a crisper accent now that they’ve crossed back into home.

It’s nothing like Haley ever heard before despite her well stamped passport. She tilts her head slightly. “Say it again.”

”Babe,” The Farmer trails, looking off to the side. A wave a shyness creeps over.

Haley puts on a dramatic pout in order to get what she wants. It also covers the amusement she has over her partner sudden cuteness. ”Pleaaase?” 

“Cabelão!” The Farmer relents. 

“I love the way you sound when you speak that language!” Haleys squeals, hopping up and down. “You sound so hot!”

She blinks and resets back into her curiosity. “What is that? Is it native to Zuzu? I’ve NEVER heard someone speak that here! I NEVER heard YOU speak it!” She draws in a gigantic gasp as her brain cells piece all this new information together. 

“You knew this language this whole time?”

The Farmer attempts to get a word in, but is overpowered.

”Does anybody back in Pelican Town know that you are a bilingual farmer? Well trilingual since the cows can understand you? What’s my name in it? What’s ‘you’re my girlfriend?’ — No wait, tell me how to say ‘back off, they’re MINE!”

”Babe!” The Farmer laughs as they rub her shoulders. “You’re hilarious. I’ll explain this all when we visit my neighborhood.”

”How do you say ‘my neighborhood’ in that gorgeous language?”

” Meu bairro. ”

Haley place the back of her hand on her forehead and playfully falls into the Farmer’s arms. “Swoon,” she sings.

The Farmer laughs. “Aren’t we late?” They pick her up and head through the door.

”Whisper that into my ear in that lovely language!”

Laughter graces the whole private floor.