Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was the middle of Spring in Stardew Valley, a season of renewal and bustling activity. On this particular Friday, the town's residents flocked to the local saloon, seeking respite from the week's stresses. Normally, the town's doctor, Harvey, wasn’t one to join in, but this week had been exceptionally tough.

Harvey often felt a distance between himself and the townsfolk. His position as the town doctor made others see him more as an authority figure than a potential friend. Maru, his colleague, was the closest thing to a friend he had, but even she was more of a professional ally. So, on the rare nights he ventured to the saloon, he usually found himself alone. Years ago, he had made peace with that, or at least that he had told himself.

Harvey settled at the worn bar counter, his fingers tracing the rim of a wine glass as he savored the muted jazz melodies drifting through the bustling saloon. The comforting hum of familiar voices should have eased his mind, but tonight, it only underscored his sense of isolation. His gaze wandered over the patrons, each engaged in animated conversations he felt on the fringes. Despite the warmth of the atmosphere, a subtle ache of loneliness tugged at him.

As he savored his drink, a young woman approached him. She appeared to be in her early twenties, with brown hair cascading over her shoulders in loose waves and a bright, confident smile. Harvey glanced behind him, making sure she wasn’t heading toward someone else. The idea that someone might choose to talk to him out of all people seemed almost foolish.

"Hi there! I don’t think we’ve met yet. You’re Harvey, the town’s doctor, right?" she said, extending her hand while she held a drink in the other one. "I'm Beatrice, but everyone calls me Bea. I’m the newest addition to the Valley."

She caught him off guard, but he quickly regained his composure. Harvey smiled warmly, shaking her hand and noting the softness of her skin even though she was a farmer.

"Yes, I’m Harvey. Welcome to the Valley, Bea. I’ve heard about you. Everyone’s been talking about you. I believe I was the only one who hadn’t had the pleasure." His voice was soft and sweet, complementing his husky tone.

Harvey gave a good look at her, she had no expression lines on her face, and her skin was made of porcelain. Something about her eyes even told him, she had yet a lot to experience.

"Excuse my lack of discretion, but you look quite young to be taking on a farm. How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking?" he asked curiously to make conversation.

Bea chuckled, a twinkle in her eye. "Old enough to drink, and that's all you’re getting out of me! I want to be taken seriously as a farmer and business owner, so I prefer to keep my age under wraps. It’s all about professionalism, you know?”

Harvey chuckled along with her. "I understand completely. Although I don’t believe age necessarily equates to competence or professionalism. I’ve seen older folks struggle with farming. Being young has its perks too—you’re energetic and adaptable."

"Well, you don’t look that old yourself, Doctor," Bea teased, her smile teasingly coy as she sidled closer to the bar. "Mind if I join you?”

Harvey gestured to the empty stool beside him, offering a friendly smile. "Of course, please sit. And thanks for the compliment, though I do feel my age sometimes, especially when I look at someone as young as you."

"Okay, enough dodging. How old are you, Doctor?" Bea asked jokingly, sipping her mead, going directly to the question she had in mind.

Harvey chuckled, enjoying the playful exchange. "If you must know, I’m 32. But some days, my joints feel a lot older."

"That’s not bad at all," Bea said, taking a deeper sip of her drink. "You definitely look younger!"

Harvey raised an eyebrow, amused by her flattery. "You’re being kind, but thank you.” He looked at the bar as he asked. “So, Bea, everyone’s been talking about the new farmer taking on such a big responsibility right out of high school."

"Excuse you! I am not fresh out of high school!" Bea acted mad, downing her drink. "See, I can drink my mead in peace."

Harvey laughed at her playful display of offense as he looked back at her. "Sorry, sorry," he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I stand corrected."

She laughed before continuing, "But yeah, I will admit I’m not that old. I had only talked to Lewis via mail, and when he saw me, he was about to throw me out of town. He didn’t feel good with his conscience letting me make this decision. He was happy when he heard the granddaughter of his friend was stepping up, but not so much when he knew my age."

He took another sip of his wine, a smirk playing on his lips. "I can imagine Lewis being a bit uneasy about it at first. It’s a lot to take on when working on the farm, I guess he got cold feet as you look very young,” Harvey reasoned. “But I think he’s warming up to the idea now that you’re here. He, as most of the town, only has good things to say about you."

Bea grinned, feeling a sense of camaraderie with the town doctor. "It has been tough work, just as Lewis said, which is probably why I haven't had the chance to meet you yet. You close the clinic really early!” Harvey listened attentively to her as he grinned.

“I wake up every day at 6 am, and by the time I finish watering my crops and tending to my coop, it’s already 1 pm. By the time I get to the clinic, you're already closed!" Bea pointed a playful finger at him.

Harvey chuckled, his expression was sheepish. "Guilty as charged," he admitted. "I do tend to keep my hours pretty strict. My thinking is that most of the town's medical emergencies happen during the day."

"Well, I guess you’re right about that," Bea conceded. "Last week, I almost lost my arm on one of my grandpa's machines. It was quite a scene."

Harvey looked perplexed, blinking twice. "What did you do?"

"Oh, I just put some aloe vera on it and wrapped it with bandages I had lying around," Bea replied nonchalantly. She showed her arm covered in some half-done bandages.

"The fact that you’re telling this to the town doctor with a straight face leaves me speechless," Harvey laughed.

"Strong independent girl, remember? Makes you regret calling me a college dropout, right?" she teased.

"I never said that, but... if the shoe fits," he joked back, earning a light punch on the arm from Bea. Both of them were slightly tipsy, which perhaps made their banter feel like they’d known each other for years. They both had forgotten about the large age gap that divided them.

"But seriously, you need to come in tomorrow early so I can check that cut," Harvey said, his tone turning more serious. Bea smiled but saw he had a serious expression on his face. "I mean it, Bea. Come at 10, strong independent girl or not. I need to make sure it's healing properly."

"Who am I to go against the doctor’s orders?" Bea replied with a grin, raising her glass in agreement.

She took a moment to study him. His hazel eyes, partly obscured by his dorky glasses, had a warmth to them that made them quite attractive. The glasses, rather than diminishing his appearance, added a certain charm. He had a neatly styled mustache that looked like it required careful attention every morning. Harvey was well-groomed and carried an air of understated handsomeness. She lingered a bit too long, lost in analyzing his features, before snapping back to the conversation.

"Enough about me, doc. Come on, tell me something about you. I feel like we need to catch up. I’ve already been here half a season and have rarely seen you around."

Harvey chuckled and settled back into his stool, taking another sip of wine.

"Well, there's not much to tell about me, really," he said with a shrug. "I've been the town doctor for a few years now. I mostly spend my days at the clinic, treating the townsfolk's minor ailments or emergencies. It's rewarding work, but I suppose it can get a bit monotonous at times."

Bea looked at him with intense eyes, hoping she could read him if she stared long enough.

“Look, not to spill more facts about me in exchange for the crumbs you give me, but I was studying psychology before I—” she paused, and Harvey smirked, “well, yeah, dropped out. But that’s beside the point! I mean that I know for a fact that no one has ‘not much’ to tell about themselves.”

Harvey chuckled at her statement. "You've got me there," he admitted. "I suppose everyone has a story to tell, whether they realize it or not."

He finished his drink and kindly signaled Emily to bring another.

"But tell me more about your studies in psychology," he said, turning his attention back to her. "Why did you drop out, if I may ask?"

“I definitely do not appreciate your dirty game, doc,” she said, teasingly reproaching his behavior. “Tell you what, you tell me five facts about yourself, and I will willingly tell you why I dropped out of school.”

“Well, you’ve got yourself a deal, farmer.”

"One. My favorites are coffee, wine, and pickles. Two. I detest, and hate berries and shells. Three. I like planes. Four. I always wanted to be a pilot. Five. I am afraid of heights and have terrible eyesight. Done," he said with satisfaction. "I just summarized my entire life and personality in that, so I hope that’s enough.”

”Not fair, doc! No elaboration on that?” She said shaken up as she played with her empty drink.

”I just gave you all the pieces of me—my fears, my dreams, the things I love and hate. Just gave you the pieces. It’s up to you to figure the puzzle out.”

“Playing dirty, huh? Well, I told you I was about to tell you why I dropped out, but guess what? I never told you when.” She smiled mischievously and glanced at the clock in the saloon.

“It’s getting late, doctor. I think I should go back and get enough rest; otherwise, the doctor might call me out,” she teased.

Most people had already left the Saloon, only Emily, Gus, Pam, and Shane were left. Two were there because they were the town´s alcoholic duo and the other two because they worked there. Harvey had never stayed long enough for that to happen. He tried not to give that much thought, but it was rather remarkable.

Harvey laughed, shaking his head. "Fair enough, Bea. But don’t think you’ve gotten away with it. I’ll get that story out of you sooner or later."

"We'll see about that," Bea said with a wink as she slid off her stool. "Goodnight, Harvey."

"Goodnight, Bea," Harvey replied, watching her leave with a smile. As she walked out of the saloon, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he was making a real connection in Stardew Valley.

The type of this relationship? The thought did not even cross his mind.

“Hey, Harvs, are you closing your tab?” Gus asked over to Harvey.

It was 11:30 pm, and he had never in his life stayed over so late at the saloon.

“Well, guess what, Gus? I’ll take the rest of the wine home and some cheese if you have some.” Harvey smiled, a tired yet content expression playing on his features.

“Feeling wild, Harvey? Any particular reason?” Gus teased as he had seen him share all evening with the beautiful new farmer.

”Nah, just… because.” He smiled as he was not yet conscious in what he had gotten himself into.

Chapter Text

The next day, Harvey kept glancing at the clock, watching the minutes crawl towards ten o'clock. Anxious for what should be a routine checkup, he felt as nervous as a rookie.

The source of his nerves was Bea, the one scheduled for that said appointment.

Maru was absent today, adding to his unease.

So it was only going to be the both of them, alone, with no one else. Had he made that point clear?

He spent a wonderful evening with Bea, enjoying their conversation over a couple of drinks. It had been a long time since he’d felt so relaxed, but the wine hangover wasn’t helping his current state of mind.

A bell interrupted his thoughts—the doorbell. He looked up to see Bea standing there, her hair a mess of hay with mud spots on her cheeks, looking visibly distressed yet somehow enchanting to his eyes.

"Good morning," he greeted tentatively, noticing her troubled appearance. "Is everything alright, farmer?"

She managed a smile, easing his concerns. Yesterday wasn’t a figment of his imagination; she genuinely seemed happy to see him.

"Not exactly a good morning, but morning to you, doc," she teased, removing her farming hat. She was still in her work overalls, though her boots were clean, showing she’d made an effort to wash up before coming to the clinic. He appreciated the gesture.

"Who did you wrestle with?" he teased.

"Haha, very funny," she replied sarcastically. "It wasn’t a who, but a what! Those feisty new hens I got from Marnie. They’re quite the troublemakers."

"Sounds like you two have a lot in common," he joked.

"Very funny. I was rushing to gather eggs because of my doctor’s appointment," she continued, glancing at him as he feigned innocence. "And one of them came at me! Started pecking, and guess what..."

"What happened?" he asked, engrossed in her story.

"All the others joined in! They sided with her instead of the hand that feeds them! Can you believe it? Raise crows, and they’ll peck your eyes out."

"Haha, I’m sorry you had such a hectic morning," he sympathized.

"Don’t worry, just another day on the farm," she smiled warmly. "I’m just using it as an excuse for my appearance."

"You look perfectly fine to me," he blurted out, then quickly corrected himself, "I mean, considering you came straight from the farm..."

"Isn’t that what every lady wants to hear?" she teased, not taking his compliment too seriously.

"Shall we go inside so I can check that arm quickly and you can get back to your beloved chicks?" he suggested, grinning.

"You are the worst," she joked.

He playfully ushered her into an examination room and gestured for her to sit on the bed. Things between them felt as natural as they had at the saloon. Had he finally found a meaningful connection in the Valley—one that didn’t see him solely as a doctor but as a person?

It felt like they had known each other for years.

Bea sat on the examination bed as Harvey prepared the equipment. As he got closer, towering over her, she gulped lightly, almost unnoticeable. He was really friendly and easy to befriend, but in the clinic, he imposed something she couldn’t quite identify.

“Let's take a look at that arm of yours now, shall we?” Harvey said, carefully removing the worn bandages from Bea's arm.

“How’s the hangover treating you?” Bea asked as he gently uncovered her arm. Harvey's eyebrows shot up at the sight of the wound. “If you get mad at me, I might just bolt out of here,” she joked, trying to lighten the mood.

“Bea, are you serious?” Harvey resisted the urge to facepalm. “This is severely infected.”

“It wasn’t this bad last week, I swear!” she protested, but his disappointed gaze made her feel like a child caught misbehaving.

“Next time, come to me right away. You might be a great farmer, but I'm the doctor. There's no need to risk your health,” he said, his voice a mix of firmness and kindness.

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

“And as for the hangover, I’m seriously regretting my life choices right now. But that's what I get for drinking too much,” he sighed, beginning to disinfect the wound. “This might sting a bit.”

Bea winced at the sting, then watched him work with a mix of admiration and intimidation. Harvey's professionalism and maturity made him seem almost unreachable. Could she really be friends with someone so different from herself?

The thought made her blush even more.

“You’re looking pretty red,” he observed, placing a hand on her forehead. “No fever, though. I’m surprised, given how bad this infection is.”

Bea turned away, trying to hide her growing mortification. She was nervous.

“I’ll give you this—you’re definitely the type of doctor who scolds his patients,” she teased. “I think I prefer the Harvey I see at the bar to the one lecturing me.”

“I wouldn’t have to lecture you if you came to me in the first place,” he replied with a playful raise of his eyebrows.

“Okay, okay, but please stop looking at me like that. I feel like a kid caught stealing candy,” she joked. “Are you done with my bandage?”

“Yes, I finished a moment ago. Didn’t you notice?” He smirked. “Were you distracted, Bea?”

“Oh, shut it,” she looked away, avoiding his gaze. “It was only because you were scolding me.”

“Sure,” Harvey laughed.

They both remained quiet for a while, gazing at each other until the doorbell rang and they quickly snapped back to reality.

“Oh, that’s odd. No one else was scheduled for today,” he murmured, then looked back at Bea. “Let me go see who it is. I’ll be right back, okay?”

“Yes, of course, go ahead,” she smiled, waving him off.

Harvey went to the door and found Lewis standing there. “Hello, Lewis. How are you? Can I help you with anything?”

“Hello, Harvey,” Lewis replied with a half-smile. “I was wondering if you had any painkillers left. My hip is killing me.”

Harvey gave him a reproachful look. “I hope you’re not self-medicating, Lewis.”

“Nooo,” Lewis replied unconvincingly. “Okay, okay, just tell me what I should take. I don’t want to end up neglecting my health like George,” he laughed as he stepped closer.

“Well, I’m a bit busy, but—” Harvey began, but Lewis interrupted.

“I’ll be quick, please, Harvey. I have a very... urgent appointment,” Lewis said, glancing around the clinic nervously. No one had to know, but he had scheduled a very urgent appointment with Marnie. Very urgent.

Harvey sighed and looked back towards his office. “Fine, I guess I can do it quickly,” he said, heading to the medicine drawer.

“Oh, life in Pelican Town is lovely,” Lewis remarked, leaning on the reception table. “I hope this new girl, Bea, likes it here. Have you had the pleasure of meeting her?”

“Oh, yeah, actually she’s—” Harvey began, but Lewis cut him off.

“She’s quite young. I was doubting her abilities, but she’s been great so far. Even Pierre is happy with the new produce, and she hires Robin a lot. She’s done a lot of good for our little town’s economy.”

“She’s certainly been a positive addition,” Harvey agreed, glancing behind him, knowing Bea was probably listening to everything. Lewis had interrupted him before he could mention she was there, but it was likely for the best.

“I know it’s too soon, but I want her to stay. Maybe I should bring out the matchmaker in me. Any recommendations, Harvey?” Lewis teased, making Harvey tense.

“Oh, no idea. Here you go,” he said quickly, handing Lewis the medication. He wanted Lewis to go as fast as humanly possible.

“How much do I owe you?” Lewis asked, taking out his wallet. “As I was saying, I think she’d make a great match with one of the bachelors. Alex, maybe? He’s around her age.”

Harvey felt increasingly embarrassed knowing Bea was listening.

“I can send you the bill later if you’re in a hurry, Lewis,” Harvey suggested nervously. “I know you have an urgent appointment.”

“Nonsense!” Lewis replied, handing him the cash along with a tip. “Here you go. Business must be slow for you, Harvey. You can count on this old man.”

Harvey was not enjoying this conversation at all, especially knowing Bea was hearing all of it. “It hasn’t been that bad, Lewis, but thank you.”

“No worries, I’m here to help however I can,” Lewis smiled.

Please go, Harvey wished silently.

“What was I saying?” Lewis continued, making Harvey feel even more exasperated. “Oh, right, the new girl. Sweet Bea! Have I told you she’s the granddaughter of my greatest friend?”

“Yes, you have,” Harvey said, wishing Lewis’s sense of urgency would return before he made the situation any more embarrassing.

“Anyway, I want her to end up with a good man. Maybe Alex is too immature… What about Sam? No, he’s too troublesome. What about Robin’s son?” he asked, as Harvey nodded, wishing the conversation would end.

“Nah,” Lewis shook his head. “Too... emo, right? I’d say Shane, but that boy drinks too much.”

“Oh, who am I missing?” Lewis drummed the reception table with his finger as his face lighted, “Elliott! Almost forgot. He’s always in that cabin, writing. I can easily forget about him. Still, I feel like I’m missing someone,” Lewis pondered, and Harvey’s face lit up in terror.

Please don’t say it, Harvey wished to Yoba if it even existed.

“Oh, silly me! You, doctor! Harvey, the oldest bachelor around!” Lewis exclaimed. “You’re so lonely sometimes, Harvey. You could use some young company if you know what I mean.” Lewis winked.

Oh god, someone please just kill me, Harvey thought as he turned beet red, unable to hide his embarrassment.

“I don’t think so, Lewis, I am always so busy…” Harvey hoped it was enough to make him cease with that dumb idea.

“I think it would be great if she and you—” Lewis was about to insist as Harvey’s desperation was palpable in the air.

“What if she likes girls?” Harvey panicked.

“Oh... that is a good point,” Lewis smiled, his open-mindedness showing. “That’s why I always like talking to you! You have great ideas. I should also consider our dear bachelorettes. Oh, look at the time, I’ll be late for my meeting!” Lewis said, finally leaving. “I’ll see you around, Harvey! But think about what I said, Bea is a fair lady.”

Harvey felt his heart returning to normal as Lewis left. He sighed deeply.

“So, girls, huh?” Bea said, leaning against the door frame. Harvey jumped, grabbing his chest before looking at her.

“Yoba! Bea, you surprised me!” Harvey said calming his breathing.

“Haha, I was surprised when you told Lewis I may be into girls,” she crossed her arms, smiling at him with satisfaction. “I wanted to hear what he had to say about you. The oldest bachelor in town?”

“I wouldn’t say that—“ Harvey said as he scratched his neck. “I don’t even consider myself a bachelor if we are at it.”

“Oh, so you got a pretty lady hidden from the rest of the town, are you secretly married, Harvey?” Bea walked forward as she got closer to Harvey.

“No, Yoba no,” Harvey stepped backward as he avoided looking at Bea. “I just feel as if my time has already passed. I don’t mind the me time.”

“I see,” Bea said, her smile widening.

Harvey peeked at her nervously, but Bea was simply standing by his side, taking out her wallet.

“How much do I owe you?” Bea asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, nothing, please. It’s your first time here, and I practically asked you to come in,” Harvey said quickly, waving his hands to refuse the money.

“You took the time to patch me up, got me new bandages, and gave me the best show with Lewis,” Bea chuckled. “I’ve got my first produce from the farm; I’m doing well, doctor.”

Harvey worried she had overheard Lewis mentioning his slow business. It was true, except during the winter, but he didn’t want Bea to think that was why he helped her.

“I’m not charging you for something this minor,” Harvey insisted, not wanting her to get the wrong idea. “How about this? I love your pickled veggies from Pierre’s, so bring me one of those instead.”

Bea blinked in surprise, then smiled and nodded. “You’ve got yourself a deal. I’ll swing by sometime this week to bring you some.”

Harvey smiled, relieved. “Sounds like a plan, Bea. See you around.”

“Bye, doctor!” she said, heading towards the door.

“Hey, Bea”’ Harvey called out, his voice carrying a hint of playful insistence. She turned back, meeting his gaze with a smile. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten your promise. You still owe me that college story.” His grin widened, reflecting the genuine curiosity and budding connection between them.

”Next time!” Bea said with a playful wink, lingering in the doorway for a moment longer before stepping out of the office.”

Chapter Text

On a spring afternoon, the town's park, usually frequented by the only two children in the area, lay deserted. This made it an ideal place for relaxation. The gentle breeze carried the comforting scent of flowers. He decided to sit on a bench in the park as someone called his attention.

Harvey, enjoyed one of his rare moments of free time, as he strolled through the park as he often did. Conveniently located near the clinic, it was where Harvey spent his free time in Spring.

"Hey!" Bea called out, catching his attention. "I'm sorry I couldn't make it before you closed." She beamed as she took some pickles from her bag. "These are for you."

A smile appeared on Harvey's face as he took the jar. "Thank you, Bea. I'll take good care of them. How are you?" He patted the bench beside him, inviting her to sit.

Bea looked at the space on the bench before giving him a small, cheeky smile. "Am I being tricked into telling my why I dropped outstory?"

"Damn! I've been discovered," Harvey joked, before giving her a serious glance over his glasses. "Of course not, Bea. You can tell me whenever you want to. When you're ready, I'll listen."

"I honestly want to know how you're doing," Harvey brushed the topic off, but for Bea, his kind and considerate manner meant a lot.

“Is your arm any better?” Harvey spoke again as he opened the jar of pickles.

“Yeah,” she caressed her arm, “I have been applying the ointment you told me and changing my bandages daily.”

“I am glad, it will heal in no time,” he said before munching one of the freshly made pickles. “For the love of Yoba! This is so good.”

He moaned over the taste so Bea could only laugh, “I do not know how these are better than usual.”

Bea winked at him, “I will tell you the secret but you have to promise not to tell Pierre,” she said as she placed a finger in front of her lips, asking him to keep it secret. Harvey kept munching the pickles as he so attentively heard her.

“I use better produce for personal use,” she confessed as she took her jar out, then raised her elbows before biting into one pickle.

Harvey chuckled as he agreed, “Well, I am glad I get to enter this personal use category.”

“Lucky you,” she teased as she stretched.

Harvey chuckled, enjoying the puckish jesting. "Lucky me, indeed," he said, savoring another pickle. "These are incredible, Bea. Thank you."

Bea smiled, feeling a warm sense of accomplishment. "I'm glad you like them. It's the least I can do after you helped me with my arm."

They sat comfortably in silence for a moment, watching the sun set over the park. Harvey took a deep breath, feeling the calm of the evening wash over him. He glanced at Bea, who was staring thoughtfully at the horizon.

"There's something peaceful about this time of day," Harvey said, breaking the silence. "It reminds me of when I was younger."

Bea turned to him, curious. "Really? What do you mean?"

Harvey sighed, a nostalgic look in his eyes. "I used to come here with my parents. They loved it here in Stardew Valley, we vacationed here when I was a child.”

“My father was a doctor too, you know. He had this way of balancing work and life that I always admired." Harvey added.

Bea's eyes widened. "I didn't know that. Is that why you became a doctor?"

Harvey nodded. "Partly. I looked up to him a lot. He was dedicated, compassionate, and always put his patients first. I wanted to be just like him."

Bea listened intently, sensing there was more to the story. "He sounds like a great man."

"He was," Harvey said softly. "But he worked himself to the bone. Eventually, it caught up with him. He developed heart problems and passed away when I was in medical school."

"I'm so sorry, Harvey," Bea said, her voice full of empathy.

"Thank you," Harvey replied, his voice tinged with sadness. "It was tough, but it made me more determined to carry on with his legacy. I wanted to make him proud."

Bea placed a comforting hand on his arm. "I'm sure he would be proud of you, Harvey. You're an amazing doctor."

Harvey smiled, touched by her words. "I appreciate that, Bea. Sometimes it's hard to see the impact we have, especially in a small town like this."

"Well, not that I have been for a long time, but you've made a difference for me," Bea said, squeezing his arm gently. "And I'm sure for many others too."

Harvey looked at her, his heart warming at her sincerity. "Thank you, Bea. That means a lot."

They sat quietly for a while longer, the weight of the conversation lingering in the air. Bea felt a deeper connection to Harvey now, understanding a part of his past that shaped who he was. She was glad that knowing him more deeply came naturally.

After a few moments, Bea broke the silence. "You know, Harvey, it's interesting how our past shapes us. I think about my grandfather a lot and how he influenced me to come here and take over the farm. It's not easy, but it feels right."

Harvey nodded, understanding her sentiment. "It's the legacy we carry on, isn't it? The way we honor those who came before us."

"Exactly," Bea agreed. "And sometimes, it's the people we meet along the way who help us on that journey."

Harvey smiled, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "You're right, Bea. And I'm glad we met."

"Me too," Bea said with a warm smile. "Here's to carrying on legacies and making new ones."

They clinked their pickle jars together in a playful toast, both feeling a little lighter, knowing they had each other as friends in their respective journeys. It felt odd for them to connect so quickly in this sentimental manner that neither of them had ever excelled at.

Harvey broke the silence again, with a chuckle. "I am sorry if that came out of nowhere," he said, feeling washed by nostalgia. "If I am honest, as lame as it sounds, I consider you one of my few friends in this valley."

Bea smiled warmly.

"Since we met, it has felt less… lonely?" Harvey confessed, giving her a confused expression. "I am already an awkward grandpa. I am sorry." He laughed at his comment.

"Don't apologize, Harvey," Bea said, her eyes twinkling. "I feel the same way. Moving here was a big change for me, and meeting you has made it a lot easier."

Harvey felt a sense of relief and gratitude. "I'm glad to hear that, Bea. Here's to new friends and less loneliness."

"To new friends," Bea agreed, clinking her pickle jar against his.

As the evening turned into night, they continued to share stories and laughter, strengthening the bond between them. Harvey felt a sense of hope and contentment, knowing that even in the quiet town of Pelican Town, he had been able to make a meaningful connection.

Suddenly, Sebastian appeared, wearing his usual black hoodie. "Bea!" he called, a smile spreading across his face as he jogged over. "Glad I caught you." He smiled shyly, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "We’re gathering at the saloon by the pool table. We thought you might want to join us since we had fun last week."

Bea's face lit up at the sight of Sebastian. "Hey, Sebastian! Yeah, last week was a blast. I'd love to come." She looked back at Harvey, she was also having a great time with their chit-chat.

Sebastian nodded at Harvey. "Hey, Doc."

Harvey smiled politely. "Hey, Sebastian."

“So you coming?” Sebastian asked a bit nervous, hoping she said yes.

“Absolutely! Who is going to beat Abigail at Journey of the Prairie King if not me? Not you, most definitely.” She joked as Sebastian laughed at pointing out how bad he was at the game.

Harvey watched the interaction, feeling a mix of emotions. He was happy to see Bea making friends but also felt a hint of jealousy and an uncomfortable awareness of their age difference. Sebastian was much closer to Bea's age.

He cleared his throat. "Sounds like a good time. You should go and enjoy yourself, Bea."

Bea glanced at Harvey, sensing a slight shift in his demeanor. "You could join us, Harvey," she suggested. "It'll be fun."

Harvey hesitated, not wanting to intrude or feel out of place among the younger crowd. "I appreciate the offer, but I think I'll pass this time. I’ve got some work to catch up on."

Sebastian nodded politely. "Maybe next time, Doc."

Harvey forced a smile. "Yeah, maybe next time."

Bea stood up, giving Harvey a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Alright, see you later then. Thanks for the chat."

As Bea and Sebastian walked away, Harvey watched them, feeling glad because of Bea’s growing connections in the town, but also a growing sense of discomfort. He realized that most of Bea's friends were much younger, closer to her age, and it made him question his own closeness to her. Was it appropriate for him to be this close to someone significantly younger?

“So, Bea,” Sebastian started as they walked towards the saloon. “How’s the arm? Heard you had to see the doctor.”

Bea chuckled. “Yeah, Harvey patched me up real good. He’s a great guy.”

Sebastian smiled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “Yeah, he’s alright. Bit of a grandpa, but alright.”

Bea laughed, shaking her head. “He’s not that old! Just… mature.”

“Whatever you say, Bea,” Sebastian said as he took a glimpse at her before opening the door.

As they reached the saloon, the lively sounds of laughter and clinking glasses greeted them. Bea felt a warm sense of belonging. She glanced back in the direction of the park, grateful for the unexpected friendship she’d found in Harvey and excited for the new connections she was making.

Inside the saloon, the familiar faces of their friends greeted them. Abigail, Sam, and Leah waved them over. "There you are!" Abigail called. "We were starting to think you ditched us for good."

"Not a chance," Bea replied, sliding into a seat by the pool table.

Leah, who usually kept to herself, was also there, a bit out of her element. Bea noticed her hesitance and decided to make her feel more comfortable. "Hey, Leah! I’m so glad you joined us tonight."

Leah smiled shyly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, I thought I’d give it a try."

Bea grinned. "You fit right in, Leah. There’s no reason to be a loner."

"The only real loner here is Seb," Abigail teased, nudging Sebastian with her elbow. "And look at him now. It's just about giving it a chance."

Sebastian rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his smile. "Yeah, yeah. You guys are bad influences."

Leah laughed softly, still a bit nervous. "I guess I could try to come out more often." She added after that, “Elliot bails on me all the time, having you guys would be great.” She beamed slightly.

Bea’s face lit up. "That’s the spirit! And Leah, I have some extra resources I’d gladly give you for your art. I know how hard it can be to find good materials."

Leah’s eyes widened with gratitude. "Really? That would be amazing. Thank you so much, Bea."

"Absolutely. I’ll bring them by your place tomorrow," Bea promised.

Sam chimed in, "You’re really settling in, Bea. It’s great to see you becoming such a part of the town."

Bea felt a warm glow of satisfaction. "Thanks, Sam. Everyone’s been so welcoming. It’s hard not to feel at home here."

Abigail picked up a pool cue and grinned at Bea. "Ready to show us your skills again?"

Bea laughed. "I don’t know about skills, but I’m ready to try!"

As they began their game, Leah started to relax as she sat on the couch, enjoying the easy banter and laughter that flowed between them. She found herself appreciating the sense of belonging that Bea had spoken about.

"So, Bea," Sam asked between shots, "how’s the farm going?"

"It’s a lot of work, but it’s rewarding," Bea replied. "I’m starting to see the fruits of my labor, quite literally."

Sebastian, leaning against the wall, added, "She makes the best pickled veggies. Even the doc’s hooked on them."

Bea chuckled. "You heard that?"

“No,” Seb denied as he then showed a smile, “I just saw him devouring them a moment ago.”

“Stalker.” Sam mocked with a ghostly voice as Sebastian pushed him lightly.

“You and the doctor seem to be very chummy?” Abigail added with a Cheshire smile. “Since when?”

Bea shrugged, feeling a bit self-conscious. "Oh, it’s nothing like that. I met him at the bar last week, and we've just been talking since then. He's really nice."

She made her play at pool, getting the balls 5 and 6 inside the hole. She blew her pole as if it was a gun, Sebastian denied teasingly as he went for his turn.

Leah, who had been quietly sipping her drink, joined the conversation. "Harvey’s one of the good ones. A bit older, but he’s got a good heart."

"Yeah, he does," Bea agreed. "He’s helped me a lot, especially with my arm."

Sam leaned on his pool cue, curious. "Your arm? What happened?"

Bea explained, "I had a small accident on the farm. It got infected, but Harvey’s been taking care of it."

Abigail raised an eyebrow. "You must be spending a lot of time with him, then."

"Well, he’s been really attentive," Bea said, feeling a slight blush creep up her cheeks. "I guess you could say we’ve become friends."

"Friends, huh?" Sam smirked. "You sure it's just that?"

"Yeah, Bea," Abigail teased lightly. "You seem to talk about him a lot."

Sebastian resumed his focus on the play, even though he was attentive to what Bea had to say.

Bea laughed, trying to deflect the attention. "He's just been really helpful. I mean, it's a small town, right? Everyone knows everyone."

Leah nodded thoughtfully. "It's good to have someone looking out for you. Harvey's always been kind of a loner himself. Maybe you're good for each other."

"You all have dirty minds," Bea said, grinning. "Leah gets it—we're just friends."

“I didn’t mean it as just friends,” Leah muttered under her breath, but everyone heard it and burst into laughter.

"Leah! Just when I thought you were on my side!" Bea pretended to throw a tantrum before joining in the laughter.

As the night went on, Bea found herself thinking about the conversation with Harvey. His openness and vulnerability had touched her, making her appreciate their budding friendship even more. She hoped to learn more about him and the stories that shaped who he was. She was sure, they had just developed a close friendship.

Nothing less and nothing more, and there was nothing wrong with that.

Meanwhile, Harvey sat on the park bench, lost in thought past his early bedtime. He realized that, despite his reservations, he valued Bea's friendship deeply.

But he also acknowledged the discomfort of their age difference, he did not mind it as much, but ever since they started getting close everyone seemed to be pointing that out. Lewis calling him the “oldest bachelor in town” played mind games on him. And then Sebastian, having the boy's age as a parameter of proper age range, hit him as a cold bucket of ice.

Perhaps it was time to set some boundaries and ensure that his relationship with Bea remained professional and appropriate.

On the other side, the group’s bond strengthened. Abigail and Sam joked and teased, Sebastian opened up more than usual, and Leah felt herself becoming a part of the circle. Bea realized that her decision to move to Pelican Town was one of the best choices she had ever made.

Later, as the group was winding down, Bea glanced around the saloon, her heart full. "I'm really glad I moved here," she said softly. "You all have made this place feel like home."

"Cheers to that," Abigail said, raising her glass. Leah and Bea clinked their glasses together.

"Let's act like it's the first time you've said that tonight," Sebastian added with a grin.

"You're just looking for excuses to get wasted," Sam finished Sebastian's sentence, and they shared a look of mutual amusement. Abigail raised her middle finger playfully as she finished her drink.

"We finish each other's—" Sebastian started in a high-pitched voice.

"Sandwiches," Sam completed, laughing. "I've been watching too many Disney movies with Vincent."

Bea felt a deep sense of contentment. Harvey? He wasn't sure.

Chapter Text

Summer 1. Year 1.

Spring was over, but sure it had brought good things within. Initially consumed by her farm, Bea had also managed to cultivate meaningful relationships with the townsfolk.

And of course, she was grateful for every single one of her friendships, she showed it through her love language: gifts, so she gave everyone gifts at least once a week. Today, it was Harvey's turn.

Her basket, filled with a thermos of freshly brewed coffee and a jar of her homemade pickles, swung gently at her side. She'd been in Stardew Valley for almost a season now, long enough to start feeling a sense of belonging,

The golden rays of early morning sunlight filtered through the trees as Bea made her way to the clinic. She noticed how the sunflowers were replacing the daffodils. And how the weather felt warmer.

Things had changed, from the crops of the season to the weather. She reminisced about last season.

Memories of the recent Flower Dance flickered through her mind. It had been a beautiful event, yet she couldn't shake the feeling of being a bit out of place, a silent observer amidst the dancing couples. The dance had served as a gentle reminder, that she remained an outsider.

As she entered the clinic, the familiar chime of the door announced her arrival. Harvey looked up from his desk, his eyes lighting up as he saw her.

"Good morning," she greeted him, setting the coffee on the counter with a smile.

"Morning," he replied, standing up and stretching. "I see you've brought my daily dose of caffeine. I'd be lost without you. I swear it is as if you read my mind."

She laughed softly. "I also brought you something extra today," she said, pulling out the jar of pickles and placing it next to the coffee. "It's a new recipe. I wanted to hear what you think."

Harvey raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "Two gifts? You know you can only gift me one thing a day," he teased.

"Come on," she nudged him lightly, "I want your honest opinion."

"Alright, alright," he said, taking the jar from her. He opened it, and the tangy aroma of pickled vegetables filled the clinic. He took a bite, his face thoughtful as he savored the taste.

"These are really good," he said after a moment with his mouth full, nodding in approval. "You have a knack for this."

"Thanks," she replied, a warm blush up on her cheeks. "I've been experimenting a lot with the crops I've grown."

Harvey took another bite, then looked at her with a more serious expression. "You know, you've only been here for a short while, but it feels like you've always been part of the valley."

Bea's heart skipped a beat at his words. "Really? Sometimes it feels like I'm still trying to find my place."

He nodded. "I think everyone feels that way at first. But trust me, you're doing great. And, well... I'm glad you decided to stay."

She smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her. "I'm glad too. Pelican Town is starting to feel like home."

They shared a quiet moment, the gentle sounds of the clinic around them. Harvey took another sip of his coffee, then glanced at her with a shy smile.

"You know," he began, his voice soft, "I've been thinking... What's been your favorite thing so far?"

Bea tilted her head, considering his question. "Hmm, I think it's the Flower Dance," she replied wistfully. "Even though I didn't dance this year, seeing everyone enjoying themselves was great."

Harvey nodded thoughtfully. "It's a special tradition in the Valley. The whole town comes together for it." He paused, then added, "You know, about the Flower Dance... I didn't want to push you or make you uncomfortable. But if you'd like, maybe we could practice for next year? I mean, it's always good to be prepared."

She blinked, surprised by his suggestion, then grinned. "Is that an invitation for next year?" she teased.

Harvey laughed, slightly flustered. "Well, I... I just thought it might be nice to, you know, be ready. For you to learn the dance first."

"So you wanted to ask me?" she pressed, enjoying his embarrassment.

He dodged the question with a chuckle. "I just think it's a good idea to practice. No harm in being prepared, right? The dance can be a bit hard at first."

She laughed too, shaking her head. "I didn't want to invite anyone this year since most of you already had a dance partner."

Harvey's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. "You mean like Sebastian?" he asked, a hint of jealousy creeping into his voice.

She raised an eyebrow, noticing his tone but deciding to play along. "Yeah, like Sebastian. He seemed pretty content with Abigail."

Harvey relaxed, though a small part of him still felt a pang of protectiveness. "Well, maybe next year things will be different," he said, trying to sound casual.

"Maybe they will," she agreed, her eyes twinkling. "But for now, let's just enjoy the summer."

"Sure, summer is great." Harvey coughed as if to dissipate the tension he had a moment ago."This season has the Luau concerning its festivities. Hope I’ll see you there."

"What do you do at the Luau?" Bea asked. "Sounds like a big deal?"

"Oh, nothing so elaborate. We just get together, chill to some music, and the main event is preparing a big soup." Harvey returned to his usual demeanor.

"Everyone adds something to the soup. That’s mostly the tradition. It’s really good... when Sam doesn’t mess with it," Harvey reminisced with a smile. "Oh, and the mayor comes by."

"Count me in." Bea compromised.

“I am sure, everyone will be happy to see you there.” Harvey drank more coffee as he smiled at her.

Summer 11. Year 1.

The days had grown warmer, and Bea had started to find a rhythm in her new life. Her farm was thriving, and she felt a stronger connection to the townsfolk with each passing day, it felt as if the Flower Dance had been years ago and the feeling of estrangement had gone away. The sun was high in the sky as she made her way to the beach for the Luau, the salty breeze gently tousling her hair. She was so excited to bring her best crops to share with the rest of the town. She even got herself real pretty for this event.

The beach was already buzzing with activity. Tables were set up, laden with an array of dishes brought by the villagers. Colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, and the sound of laughter and music filled the air. Bea spotted familiar faces as she walked through the crowd, carrying a basket filled with fresh vegetables from her farm. She felt nervous as she was not sure if it had been appropriate.

She found a spot near the large communal pot where the Governor and Mayor Lewis were already chatting. Harvey was there too, helping to organize the ingredients for the soup. He waved as he saw her approaching. Her uncertainty and anxiety faded the moment she caught the sight of Harvey.

"Hey, Bea!" he called out, his face lighting up with a warm smile. "What did you bring for the soup?"

"Just some fresh veggies from my farm," she replied, holding up the basket. "I hope they add a good flavor."

"They will," he assured her, taking the basket from her and carefully adding the vegetables to the pot. "Your produce is always top-notch."

She thanked him with her eyes.

Bea glanced around, taking in the festive atmosphere. Something about a festivity on the beach made her feel on a movie, the fresh air from the ocean was comforting. She saw Sam and Sebastian setting up their instruments near the bonfire, getting ready to play some music. Abigail was chatting animatedly with Maru, while Leah and Elliott were arranging some decorations.

"Looks like everyone's here," she remarked, feeling a sense of belonging wash over her.

"Yeah," Harvey said, glancing around. "The Luau is one of the biggest events of the summer. It's a great way to relax and enjoy everyone's company."

Mayor Lewis clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone! The soup is almost ready. Just a few more ingredients and we'll be set."

Bea watched as each villager took a turn adding something to the pot. Emily tossed in some exotic spices, while Gus, the chef, added a secret ingredient with a flourish. When it was Bea's turn, she carefully placed her vegetables into the pot, smiling as she did so.

"Perfect," Mayor Lewis said, nodding in approval. "Now we just need to let it simmer for a bit."

The villagers mingled, chatting and laughing as they waited for the soup to be ready. Bea found herself drifting towards the bonfire, where the luau festivities were in full swing. Brightly colored lanterns hung from the palm trees, casting a warm glow over the beach. The scent of roasted pig and tropical fruits filled the air. Sam strummed his guitar, Sebastian played the keyboard, and Abigail joined in with her flute. The melody was lively, and soon, people began to dance.

Bea wore a floral dress that swayed with her movements, a vibrant pink hibiscus flower tucked behind her ear. She felt the rhythm of the music and the infectious joy of the celebration seeping into her soul.

Harvey appeared at her side, a cup of punch in each hand. "Thirsty?" he asked, offering her one.

"Thanks," she said, taking the cup and sipping the refreshing drink. They stood together, watching the dancers.

"You know," Harvey began, glancing at her, "you look like you're having a good time."

"I am," she admitted, feeling a sense of contentment. "This is really nice. It's great to see everyone so happy."

He nodded, his gaze softening. "I'm glad you're here, Bea. You've brought a lot of good energy to the valley. At least to me."

Harvey's eyes shined as he looked at Bea, captivated by her beauty and the way the flower in her hair framed her face. His heart pounded in his chest, the tension between his desire and his cautious nature building. He was on the verge of abandoning the boundaries he had set for himself.

Fuck it, he told to himself. He hadn't been respecting those damn boundaries he had foolishly imposed on himself.

"I know this is not the Flower Dance, but Beatrice, would you like to dan-"

Before he could finish, Mayor Lewis called out, "The soup is ready!"

The interruption was jarring, snapping the moment like a tense string. Harvey wanted to cuss Lewis and his damn purple underwear, but he masked it quickly as everyone gathered around the pot, eager to taste the communal creation. Mayor Lewis ladled a serving into a bowl and handed it to the Governor, who took a careful sip. There was a moment of silence as he savored the taste.

"This is... excellent!" the Governor declared, smiling broadly. "A perfect blend of flavors."

Cheers erupted from the crowd, and Bea felt a surge of pride. She caught Harvey's eye, and he gave her a thumbs-up, his expression mirroring her happiness, yet there was an unspoken tension between them. He wanted to say more, to do more, but the moment had passed, leaving him with a sense of something unfinished.

Bea could only wonder what Harvey was about to ask her. She hadn't heard him clearly over the music and excitement, and now the moment was gone. She brushed it off, determined to enjoy the rest of the evening.

Abigail elbowed her, grinning as she showed her a bottle of alcohol hidden in her purse. Bea gave her an incredulous look with a smirk.

“Isn't wrong to get wasted when the governor is here?” Bea mumbled playfully to Abigail.

“Only if he notices,” Abigail gave her a wink.

Bea laughed, feeling a bit lighter. She joined Abigail, Sam, and Sebastian near the bonfire. The younger crowd had claimed this spot as their own, a little separate from the main festivities where the older villagers mingled. Among them, Harvey.

“Okay, before we get wasted, I do want to make sure we all agree that the Wizard is hot,” Abigail said, slurring her words a bit as she glanced over at the Wizard meditating on a rock near Willy's shed.

“Ew, he could be your dad,” Sam chuckled, shaking his head.

“Doesn't make him less hot,” Abigail teased, biting her lip dramatically as Sebastian pushed her playfully.

“Nah, but he might straight up be your dad,” Sebastian added, smirking. “Your mom seems like she was wild a few decades ago.”

Abigail wrinkled her nose in mock disgust. “Ew, Sebastian! Now I can't look at him the same way.”

They spent the next hour dancing and laughing, their antics growing bolder as the night progressed. At one point, Sam and Sebastian tried to teach Bea how to hula dance, their exaggerated movements making her double over with laughter.

“Okay, okay, I give up!” Bea said, breathless from laughing so hard. “I’m definitely not cut out for hula dancing.”

“You’re doing better than Sebastian,” Abigail teased. “He looks like he’s having a seizure.”

“Hey!” Sebastian protested, but he was laughing too. “I’m doing my best here!”

After a while, someone suggested playing limbo, and before long, they had a makeshift pole set up with a couple of bamboo sticks.

Sam, ever the show-off, went first. “Watch and learn,” he said, attempting to bend backward under the pole. He was doing well until he got too close to the bonfire and the tip of his hair caught on fire.

“Sam! Your hair!” Bea shouted, half laughing, half concerned.

Sam panicked, flailing his arms. “Oh my god, help! My hair is on fire!”

Sebastian quickly doused him with a nearby bucket of water. “Calm down, drama queen,” he said, trying to suppress his laughter. “You’re fine.”

Sam pouted, dramatically leaning on Sebastian. “My savior!”

He hugged Sebastian overbearingly. “Sebby, comfort me. I’ve been through a traumatic experience.”

Sebastian rolled his eyes but played along, patting Sam’s back. “There, there. You’ll live.”

The group burst into laughter again, and Bea found herself in stitches. They moved on to more antics, playing silly games and making fun of each other.

“Did you see Vincent sneaking extra candy?” Abigail said, giggling. “He's going to be bouncing off the walls tonight.”

“Not as much as Jas,” Sam replied. “I saw her convincing Shane to let her stay up past her bedtime. That kid’s got him wrapped around her finger.”

Bea laughed. “Oh, and did you see Pam trying to sing karaoke? I love her, but someone needs to tell her she’s tone-deaf.”

“I think she knows,” Sebastian said with a grin. “She just doesn’t care.”

They were being dumb kids for a little while, making fun of each other around the bonfire or the other townsfolk. Leah joined them after spending time with Elliot.

“Okay, confession time,” Abigail announced. “Who's your secret crush?”

Sam groaned. “We’re not in high school, Abby.”

“Doesn’t mean we don’t have them,” she shot back. “Come on, Bea, you first.”

“Nah, no one. Too focused on farmwork.” Bea skimmed it off, as she quietly looked a Harvey having a chat with Elliot. Leah noticed but only smiled as she took another drink of her punch.

“I’ll let it pass for now, farmer,” Sam joked as he didn’t quite believe her. “Mine is Penny.”

“Shocker,” Sebastian said dryly as Sam punched him in the elbow.

“I don’t have a crush.” Sebastian shrugged.

Abigail nodded approvingly. “Respectable. The only one in love is Sam.”

“Bullshit!” Sam teased, knowing they were not telling the truth. “You all do like someone.”

“Or maybe you won’t say it because… you like each other!” Sam accused, pointing at Bea and Sebastian.

Sebastian's face turned slightly red, but he quickly looked away, pretending to be interested in something on the ground. Bea, oblivious to the implication, laughed it off. “Nice try, Sam.”

Seeing Sebastian's discomfort, Leah decided to shift the focus. “Come on, Abigail, spill it. Who’s your crush?”

Abigail crossed her arms defiantly. “Not telling.”

“Because it’s the Wizard,” Bea teased, and they all burst into laughter again.

“I honestly hate all of you,” Abigail fooled.

Leah giggled. “Well, if we’re being honest, mine’s Elliott.”

“Elliott?” Sam exclaimed. “Mr. Poetic Hair?”

“Come on, Sam. You are so clueless, that is obvious.” Bea said as she took a shot.

“He’s got that whole brooding artist thing going on, it feels as if we are kindred spirits,” Leah admitted, blushing a bit. “And he’s really sweet.”

“You should totally go for it,” Bea encouraged. “Life’s too short not to take a chance.”

Leah only nodded as she blushed even more.

As the bonfire dwindled, casting a soft, warm glow over the beach, the festivities slowly came to an end, and people began to head home. Bea lingered by the fire, watching the last embers flicker and fade.

She heard footsteps approaching and turned to see Harvey, barefoot and relaxed, his tie undone and draped around his neck. He looked every bit the part of someone fully immersed in Luau, and she was certain she had spotted him dancing with Emily, Robin, and Demetrius earlier.

“Is this seat taken?” Harvey asked, smiling as he approached the dying fire.

“It’s all yours, well, Pelican property,” Bea replied with a playful grin. “I couldn’t stop you even if I wanted to.”

Harvey settled down beside her, the firelight casting gentle shadows across his face.

"Thanks for inviting me to the Luau," she said, her smile warm and genuine.

"I'm glad you could make it," Harvey replied with a smile. "Mayor Lewis was about to draft a persuasive speech just for you. I had to intervene before he started quoting poetry." He leaned closer to Bea, a playful grin spreading across his face.

"Oh, he was quite insistent," Bea chuckled. "I received his letter in the mail. But your invitation was what finally convinced me to come."

Harvey chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Well, I'm glad it did the trick."

"You're quite the persuasive host," she teased. "Must be a doctor thing."

"Maybe," he replied, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Or maybe I just wanted tonight to be enjoyable for you as well."

They lapsed into a comfortable silence, the fading embers of the fire casting a warm glow as the night air cooled around them.

Chapter Text

Bea stood outside Pierre’s shop, the rain pouring down around her. She hoped the downpour would mask the evidence of her tears. It was 8:50 am, and she anxiously waited for Pierre to open. She wanted to grab what she needed and leave without encountering anyone.

“Bea?” A familiar, gentle voice called out.

“What?” She didn’t turn around. It was Harvey, she knew it out. He lived there quite literally. Of all people, he was the last person she wanted to see right now.

Harvey stood in the doorway of the clinic, holding an umbrella. He had noticed her standing there for about twenty minutes and had come out to check if she needed help.

“It’s raining,” he pointed out, sensing something was wrong. “You’re getting soaked. What do you need?”

Bea tried the shop door again, but it remained locked. Frustration and desperation welled up inside her. “Just something from Pierre’s,” she muttered, still not facing him.

“Come inside the clinic. You can wait here,” Harvey offered, stepping closer and gently touching her elbow, now soaked through.

“No!” She shrieked, jerking away from his touch. She couldn’t hold back the sobs any longer and started crying uncontrollably.

Her reaction took aback Harvey but he did not act on it. Instead, he gently insisted, “Come in, Bea.” He opened the clinic door, letting some rain inside the clinic, but not minding it.

“You do not get it, just go away.” Bea clenched her fists as she muttered somethig Harvey could not hear. She wanted to refuse, pride battling with exhaustion and desperation. The warmth and safety of the clinic called to her, but the fear of appearing weak held her back.

“I’m not asking, Bea,” he said firmly. “Come on, in.”

Bea looked up at him with sad eyes, the weight of her emotions reflected in her gaze. Slowly, she gave in and walked into the clinic. Harvey sighed in relief as he followed her inside.

“Please, take a seat,” he said, his voice gentle. “I’ll make you some tea and bring you a towel.” As he turned to leave, Bea grabbed his arm, tears still streaming down her face.

“I’m sorry, Harvey,” she sobbed.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” he reassured her, wrapping her in a comforting hug despite her wet clothes. “Everyone has bad days. I’m sorry too if I came off too strong. I just didn’t want you to get sick.”

They stood there for a moment, the sound of the rain outside mingling with Bea’s soft cries, a quiet understanding forming between them.

“Let me go get you a towel. I’ll be back quickly.” He gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. She nodded, her eyes and nose red from crying.

Harvey returned a few minutes later with a cup of tea and a warm towel, which he gently placed over her shoulders. The warmth soothed her, and she took the tea gratefully.

“Now…” Harvey sat in the chair next to her. “Do you want to tell me what’s going on?” He searched her eyes, trying to draw her out of her despair.

“It’s really stupid,” she muttered, hiding her face in her hands. “I have a plague on the farm.”

“Oh,” Harvey said, momentarily at a loss for words. “That’s not stupid at all. You’re a farmer. It’s your life’s work. It’s okay to be upset about something like that.”

“I was going to Pierre’s to buy some insecticide or anything to kill those pests,” she confessed. “I don’t want anyone to know.”

Harvey gently caressed her shoulder. “Bea, these things happen on farms. You’re new to this, and it’s okay to learn and make mistakes.”

“No, because people rely on my produce. What if I get them sick?” She started to spiral. “What if I get you sick? What if people see I’m not fit for this and never buy from me again? Everyone will know I’m a fraud!” She broke down crying again.

Harvey moved closer, his voice soft and steady. “Bea, listen to me. You are not a fraud. You’re doing your best, and that’s all anyone can ask for. Every farmer faces challenges like this. It’s part of the learning process. The important thing is that you care enough to fix it.”

“But what if I mess up?” she asked through her tears, looking at him with wide, fearful eyes.

“You won’t,” Harvey said firmly. “And even if you do, it’s not the end of the world. You have friends here who will help you. I’ll help you. You’re not alone in this.”

Bea sniffled, wiping her eyes. “Thank you, Harvey. I just... I just feel so overwhelmed sometimes I doubt myself if I made the right decision coming here.”

“I know,” he said, squeezing her hand gently. “But you’re stronger than you think. And you’ve got a whole community here to support you.”

Bea took a deep breath, feeling a glimmer of hope. “Okay, you’re right. This can still be fixed.”

Harvey smiled warmly. “We’ll get through this together.”

She nodded, feeling a little lighter. “Thank you, Harvey. Really.”

“Anytime, Bea,” he replied. “Now, finish your tea. We’ll need you back to your usual strength to tackle those pests.”

She smiled weakly, taking a sip of the tea. The warmth spread through her, and for the first time that morning, she felt like things might just be okay.

“Wait,” Bea said, looking confused. “We?”

“Yeah, we,” Harvey replied with a bright smile, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “I meant it when I said you can count on me.”

She stood up as Harvey took off his lab coat and replaced it with a raincoat.

“No, no, no way,” she protested, making an X with her hands. “I’m not letting you deal with my problems. I can fix this by myself.”

“Oh, come on,” Harvey teased, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “I may not be a farmer, but I can help. There’s nothing in the Farmer’s Book of Conduct against getting a little help, last time I checked.”

Bea crossed her arms, still hesitant. “But it’s my responsibility. I should be able to handle it.”

“I understand that,” Harvey said gently. “But sometimes, handling it means knowing when to ask for help. You don’t have to do everything alone.”

She sighed, her resolve weakening. “I just... I don’t want to burden anyone.”

“You’re not a burden, Bea. Friends help each other out. It’s what we do,” Harvey reassured her.

“What about the clinic?”

“Bea, I’ll be honest with you,” he gave her a smug smile. “No one comes to the clinic on rainy days, I even close up early. No one will miss me.” He glanced at her through her glasses.

After a moment of silence, Bea reluctantly nodded. “Alright, fine. But just this once.”

Harvey smiled, reaching into a nearby closet and pulling out a raincoat. “Here, this should fit you.”

Bea took the coat, noticing it was a bit oversized. “Is this yours?”

Harvey chuckled. “It’s from when I was younger. I was a tall kid, it should do the trick.”

She put on the raincoat, and although it was roomy, it was comfortable. “Thanks, Harvey.”

“No problem. Now, let’s go to Pierre’s.”

They walked to Pierre’s shop together, the raincoat keeping Bea dry. As they entered, Pierre greeted them warmly. “Morning, Harvey. Morning, Bea.”

“Morning, Pierre,” Harvey replied. “We need some supplies to deal with a pest problem.”

Pierre nodded, sympathetic. “Ah, pests can be a real pain. Let me show you what we’ve got.”

As Pierre guided them through the aisles, Harvey turned to Bea. “Here’s what we’ll need: some insecticide, a couple of lures, and some neem oil.”

Bea looked at him, surprised. “How do you know what I need?”

As Harvey looked for the necessary items, he explained, “My mother had a small indoor garden. She taught me a bit about dealing with pests. At least enough to give it a shot.”

Bea nodded, feeling more confident with Harvey’s knowledge. Together, they gathered the supplies. Pierre rang them up with a friendly smile. “Good luck with those pests, Bea. You’ve got this.”

Bea felt her cheeks turn red, she looked at Harvey for support as he nodded. As if saying, see, it’s normal.

“Thanks, Pierre,” Bea said, appreciating the support.

With their supplies in hand, they walked back towards Bea’s farm. It continued to rain, lightly but still. Harvey carried the heavier items, making sure Bea wasn’t overloaded.

Harvey noticed that Bea was spiraling in her head again.

“Come on, Bea,” Harvey said, breaking her self-lashing. ““I know it feels overwhelming, but trust me, we’ll find a way through this together.” Harvey comforted. “Even if people found out, they’d still buy your produce. Not only because it’s the best around, but because it’s actually good. I’ve seen you work hard to improve your farm. You’re great at this.”

Bea looked at him, feeling more reassured.

As they walked, Harvey tried to lighten the mood. “And besides,” Harvey continued, a playful glint in his eye, “people eat all sorts of preservatives, microwave food, and junk from Joja Mart. Myself included. So believe when some insecticide won’t kill them… us” He laughed. “Don’t tell Pierre, though.”

Bea chuckled, feeling a little more at ease. “Thanks for helping, Harvey. I really appreciate it.” She insisted as she looked at the ground. “You do too much.”

“No problem at all,” he replied, smiling. “Heads up, Bea. You’re doing fine.”

Bea looked up at him and beamed lightly, showing her puffy eyes and runny nose. As they arrived at the farm, the rain finally stopped.

The air smelled of wet earth and fresh beginnings.

Bea and Harvey stood side by side in the fields, their clothes already streaked with mud as they worked to rid the farm of pests. Harvey had rolled up his sleeves, mixing insecticide with the soil, while Bea wielded her hoe, striking at the ground with determined precision.

"You know, Bea, I’ve been meaning to ask..." Harvey began, glancing over at her. "If you’re comfortable sharing, that is. I’ve always wondered what brought you to Stardew Valley?"

Bea paused, setting her hoe down. She appreciated his gentle approach and took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "It’s a long story, but I guess we have time, right?"

"Of course," Harvey replied, focusing on his task but giving her his full attention.

"You’re finally getting the 'why I dropped out' storytime, it has a lot to do with why I moved," she teased, though her smile strained.

"Well," Bea began, "I was studying psychology in college. I was truly passionate about it at first. I wanted to understand people better, help them with their problems.”

“But as time went on, I started feeling... disconnected. The pressure, the constant competition, it all felt so impersonal. I was surrounded by people, but I felt so alone."

"You might think it had to do with the college I was at. It was a very renowned one, maybe if I changed college I could have made it.” She reflected with a guilty tone. “But I did not care anymore and sent everything to hell. It was not my brightest moment, I know. I just got fed up with the academic shit. And three years of my life down the drain"

Harvey nodded, his eyes reflecting a deep understanding. "I can relate to that. Medical school is eat or be eaten."

"But you didn't bail," Bea added, glancing at him with a hint of envy.

Harvey didn’t argue. He simply listened, his expression encouraging her to continue.

"Things got really bad during my third year," Bea said, feeling a weight lift as she spoke. "I had a major panic attack during exams, and it made me realize that continuing down that path was hurting me more than helping."

"I was down bad," she admitted. "I didn’t shower, didn’t eat. It was so ironic, studying psychology and being so depressed."

She scoffed, shaking her head. "All my peers thought I was lame for it. It was a hell of a good school and I had a great scholarship, but I found my way to fuck it up and end up working in a spirit-sucking evil corporation."

Harvey listened attentively as they worked, his focus split between her story and the pests they were battling. He sprayed the insecticide methodically, ensuring every plant was treated. However, he stopped to see what she meant by that.

"I decided to drop out, even though my mom was furious. She couldn’t understand why I’d throw away such an opportunity. I dropped out to start working at Joja for 2 dreadful years and tried to end it a few times."

Harvey almost gagged at hearing what she said, she had well kept it hidden, then Bea added: “Shane and I were not so different, you know?”

Harvey tried not to make any conclusions or judgments. So he only listened.

"And your dad?" Harvey asked gently.

Bea’s face softened at the mention of her father. "He’s always been supportive. He understood that I needed to find my way, even if it meant taking a different path. Shortly after I dropped out, my grandfather passed away and left me on the farm. At first, it felt like my whole life was falling apart, but then... it felt like a sign, you know?"

Harvey nodded again, his gaze never leaving hers. "So you decided to move to Stardew Valley and take over the farm."

"Yes," Bea said, her voice steady. "My psychologist and my dad thought it would be a great idea. I wanted to honor my grandfather’s memory and find a sense of purpose. Working on the farm gave me that. It’s hard work, but it’s rewarding, as you say.” She giggled lightly. She liked how Harvey had let her tell him her story, not judging nor interrupting.

“I can see the results of my efforts, and it feels good to be part of this community." Bea finished

Harvey smiled, his respect for her deepening. "You’ve made a lot of progress, Bea. And it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. No one’s expecting you to do it all alone."

Bea nodded, feeling a bit more secure. "Thanks, Harvey. I appreciate it. And thanks for helping with this today."

"Anytime," he said, his voice sincere. "One step at a time."

They continued their work in companionable silence, the bond between them strengthening as they shared not just the labor, but a deeper understanding of each other’s pasts and futures.

By the end of the day, they had made significant progress. Bea looked at the now healthier plants, a sense of accomplishment washing over her.

“See? We did it,” Harvey said, wiping sweat from his brow.

“Yeah, we did,” Bea agreed, feeling a genuine smile spread across her face. “Thank you, Harvey. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

He smiled back at her. “Anytime, Bea. Anytime.”

Chapter Text

The clinic was quiet as the last rays of summer sunlight filtered through the windows as noon fell. Harvey and Maru were working overtime, methodically counting supplies and updating inventory. The end of summer always brought a rush of activity, and they were determined to be prepared for the upcoming fall season.

Harvey sighed, stretching his arms above his head. "Almost done, Maru. Just a few more items to check."

Maru nodded, placing a box of bandages on the shelf. "You know, Harvey, I've been meaning to ask you about something."

"Oh? What's that?" Harvey replied, focused on his clipboard.

"It is about Bea" Maru asked, her tone casual but curious.

Harvey looked up, eyebrows raised. "What about her?"

Maru rolled her eyes, setting down her pen. "Come on, Harvey. It's obvious something is going on between you two."

Harvey's cheeks flushed slightly. "It's not like that, Maru. We're just friends."

"Really?" Maru smirked. "Because it sure didn't look that way at the Luau.."

Harvey frowned, shaking his head. "That’s not true. I was just being friendly. And chatting."

Maru leaned against the counter, crossing her arms. "What about all the gifts she brings you? Or the coffee she brings you almost every morning?"

Harvey shrugged, trying to downplay it. "She's just being nice. We’re friends. That’s what friends do."

Maru laughed softly. "Friends? Harvey, she goes out of her way for you, and so do you. You light up every time she walks into the room."

Harvey sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, as he continued filling some paperwork. "You're reading too much into it, Maru."

Maru's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Okay, let's recall some scenarios then. Do you remember last month when she had a minor flu and you overreacted? Caroline saw it all and so did I.”

“I would not say I overreacted!”Harvey excused as he looked over some papers. “Or did I?”

Bea trudged into the clinic, her face flushed and her steps slightly wobbly. It was the middle of summer, but she was bundled up in a sweater and scarf, clearly not feeling well.

Harvey, who was filling some paperwork side to side with Maru, looked up and his heart skipped a beat.

"Bea, what brings you here? You don't look well," he said, immediately switching to doctor mode. He rushed into the reception, grabbed Bea, and touched her forehead, muttering something under his breath. He gently guided her to an examination room, his brow furrowed with concern.

"I think I caught the flu," Bea mumbled, her voice hoarse. "I think it was because I got soaked last week, remember?"

Harvey's worry intensified. "You should have come in sooner! Sit down, let's get you checked out." He quickly fetched his stethoscope and began his examination, his touch gentle but thorough. “I told you to take a hot bath right after I left.”

Bea only nodded as he so gently reprimanded her.

As he worked, Caroline entered the clinic for her yearly check-up, noticing Harvey's unusually attentive behavior. She watched as he fussed over Bea, adjusting her pillow, checking her temperature, and even fetching her a cup of herbal tea from his personal stash.

"Harvey, it's just a minor flu," Bea protested weakly, a small smile playing on her lips despite her discomfort.

"Minor or not, you need to take it seriously," Harvey insisted, his tone severe. "You need rest, fluids, and to stay out of the summer heat. I'll give you some medicine to help with the symptoms, but you must promise me you'll take it easy."

Caroline, waiting patiently, observed the scene with interest. Harvey did not even notice she had come in, Bea waved weakly as she smiled at her through the door. Caroline caught Maru's eye as she passed by. "Maru, is Harvey always this... attentive with his patients?" Caroline asked, a teasing note in her voice.

Maru chuckled softly. "Not usually. But with Bea, he's practically hovering over her.”

Caroline laughed. "It's nice to see him care so much. But poor Bea, it's just the flu!"

She stepped up to the counter where Maru was updating patient files. "So, Maru, how long has this been going on?" Caroline asked, her tone conspiratorial.

Maru grinned. "Oh, just a few months, I think. They spend a lot of time together. I think it started with the community events. He's been different around her."

Caroline nodded knowingly. "It's cute. He seems genuinely worried about her."

"He is," Maru agreed. "I think he likes her, but he’s too professional to admit it. Or maybe he doesn't realize it himself."

They shared a laugh, imagining the usually reserved doctor flustered by his feelings. "Well, it’s good to see. He deserves someone who brings out that side of him," Caroline said.

Meanwhile, Harvey was wrapping up his examination. "Alright, Bea. I've written down all the instructions here. You need to follow them to the letter, okay? And I want you to come back in a few days so I can check on your progress."

Bea nodded, touched by his concern but also a bit amused. "Thank you, Harvey. I promise I'll take it easy."

As she stood up to leave, Harvey hesitated, then added, "And if you need anything at all, you call me. Day or night."

"Got it, Doctor," Bea replied, giving him a reassuring smile before heading out.

As she open the door, she glanced to Caroline who just smiled at her.

“Doctor Harvey!” Caroline teased, “I thought you had forgotten about me!”

“No, not at all, Caroline. I apologize; it was an emergency.” Harvey coughed, trying to regain his composure.

“I think you have a favorite patient,” Caroline winked and then looked at Maru. Harvey turned red. “Nothing wrong with that, Harvey! Come on, don't get so worked up. Let's start with my checkup.” Caroline patted his back as she entered the examination room.

Harvey felt his face heat up. He quickly busied himself with Caroline's checkup, trying to ignore the fluttering in his chest.

“Well, she does not get sick so easily, so naturally I worried.” Harvey excused, as Maru nodded not eating up a single word he said.

“Okay, then what about the time she called you for help with an emergency and you left everything to go to help her.” Maru rested her face over her hands.

“That is not quite about right,” Harvey looked away.

"Bea! What happened?" Harvey called out, hurrying over to her. “I got your message.”

"Oh, Harvey, thank goodness you're here," Bea replied, looking flustered. "The fence broke, and Bessie got spooked."

"Don't worry, we’ll get her," Harvey assured her, scanning the area. He spotted Bessie munching on some grass near Marnie’s farm. "There she is."

Over the window, there was Marnie looking at them, with Major Lewis by her side. He had come to recollect some taxes for the third time that month. Shane had just come from work so he heard them as he took Joja's sweater off.

"Would you look at that," Marnie said with a knowing smile. "They make quite the team, don't they?"

Lewis, still slightly flushed from their previous tax recollection, nodded. "Yes, they do. Harvey's always been a good man, and Bea's fitting into the community so well."

Marnie chuckled softly. "You know, they seem really compatible. It’s nice to see Harvey smiling like that."

Just then, Shane commented, his usual grumpy demeanor in full force. He glanced at Harvey and Bea working together, then turned to Marnie and Lewis with a skeptical look. "Isn't she, like, much younger than him?" he remarked, his tone carrying a hint of disdain.

Marnie shot Shane a disapproving glance. "Age doesn't matter when it comes to finding someone who makes you happy, Shane."

Shane shrugged, not entirely convinced. "I guess. Just seems...odd, that's all."

Meanwhile, Harvey and Bea continued their task, unaware of the conversation happening nearby.

"Okay, on three we’ll grab her," Harvey instructed. "One, two, three!"

They lunged simultaneously, managing to get a hold of Bessie. As they struggled to keep her still, Harvey couldn’t help but chuckle. "You know, when you called me saying it was an emergency, this was the last thing on my list."

"Thanks, Harvey. I couldn't have done this without you," Bea said, wiping sweat from her brow.

"Anytime, Bea. I’m just glad I could help," Harvey replied, giving her a warm smile.

As they shared a moment of quiet accomplishment, Bea turned to him with a playful glint in her eye. "You know, you’re quite handy for a doctor."

Harvey chuckled. "Well, I have to be versatile. Never know what kind of emergencies might come up in this town."

They finally managed to calm Bessie down and started guiding her back to Bea’s farm. Just as they turned around, they realized they were right in front of Marnie’s place. Marnie and Lewis were standing there, clearly having witnessed the whole ordeal, with amused smiles on their faces.

"Well, that was quite the show," Marnie said, clapping. "You two work well together."

Harvey felt his cheeks warm, suddenly very aware of how close he and Bea were standing. "Uh, yeah, just helping out a neighbor," he said, trying to sound casual.

“You are hardly a neighbor of Bea, my dear.” Marnie teased.

Lewis chuckled. "Looks like you’ve got a knack for it, Harvey. You might make a good farmer after all."

Harvey only muttered a ´thanks ´as he waved goodbye and so did Bea. As they walked away, Harvey couldn’t shake the feeling that the entire town had just gotten a bit more interested in his relationship with Bea. He glanced back to see Marnie and Lewis still watching them, sharing a quiet conversation.

"See? They're good together," Marnie whispered to Lewis, who nodded in agreement.

Shane, leaning against the fence, just rolled his eyes and muttered, "Weird," before heading back inside.

Harvey's face reddened. "She needed help. It's what any decent person would do.”

Maru laughed more vividly. “Fine, fine. Then what about the time you met Elliot at the library? He told me all about it.”

Harvey denied it with his finger as he commented, “He misinterpreted things, he was reflecting on his crush with Leah” He crossed his arms as he reminisced:

It was a quiet afternoon in Stardew Valley, and Bea decided to take a break from the farm by visiting the town library. As she entered, the familiar smell of old books and the soft rustle of pages greeted him. She nodded to Gunther, who was sitting at his desk, absorbed in a magazine about obscure historical artifacts. “New gnome G-pop Star” read the magazine, Bea decided to ask no questions… for her wellbeing, and just entered.

Bea browsed the shelves, looking for something interesting to read. As he rounded a corner, she nearly collided with Harvey, who was intently reading the back cover of a book.

"Bea!" he exclaimed, a wide smile spreading across his face. "Fancy meeting you here."

Bea looked up, her eyes lighting up at the sight of Harvey. "Harvey! I didn’t expect to see you here. What a nice surprise."

As she spoke, Bea's eyes fell on a book Harvey was holding. She squinted at the title and then grinned mischievously. "Is that 'Heartbeat in the O.R.' you're holding? Isn’t that a medical romance?"

Harvey's face turned a shade of pink. "Uh, yeah, but I mostly read it for the medical facts. It’s surprisingly accurate in some parts."

Bea raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. "Sure, Harvey. And the steamy romance scenes? Completely incidental, right?"

Harvey looked side to side expecting something to happen to help him escape from this situation. Gunther, still absorbed in his magazine, glanced up occasionally but said nothing, seemingly unbothered by their increasing volume.

“No way out, Harvey.” She joked as she grabbed the book, Harvey so easily let go of his hands. “I heard of it from some friend of mine back at Zuzu. Not what I thought to be your literary liking.”

Harvey coughed, looking slightly embarrassed but also amused. "Okay, okay, I'll admit it. It's one of my favorites from when I was in university. The mix of medical drama and romance... it was a guilty pleasure."

Bea laughed, her eyes twinkling. "I knew it! You have a romantic side after all. Maybe I should borrow it after you’re done."

Harvey chuckled. "Only if you promise not to judge me too harshly for my taste in books."

As they continued to joke and banter, Elliott entered the library, his keen eyes catching sight of the lively interaction between Harvey and Bea. He raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming on his lips. Approaching them, he cleared his throat dramatically.

"My, my, what do we have here?" Elliott teased, his voice rich with amusement. "The town doctor and our newest farmer, looking quite cozy amidst the bookshelves."

Harvey and Bea both turned to look at Elliott, a bit startled by his sudden appearance. Harvey blushed slightly, while Bea chuckled.

"Elliott, always a poet," Bea said, rolling her eyes good-naturedly. "We're just discussing books."

"Indeed," Elliott said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "But if I may say, you two look rather... involved. Doctor, perhaps it is time you make your play?"

Harvey's blush deepened, and he stammered, "W-What do you mean, Elliott? We're just friends."

Bea, picking up on Elliott's teasing tone, decided to join in. "Oh, and says who, Elliott? What about Leah? I think that is where the action lies. When are you making your play?"

Elliott's confident demeanor faltered for a moment, a hint of nervousness flashing in his eyes. "Leah and I... well, that's a different story," he said, trying to play it off casually.

Bea laughed, nudging Harvey gently. "See? Even the great Elliott can get flustered."

Harvey chuckled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Well, we all have our moments, don't we?"

Elliott cleared his throat, regaining some of his composure. "Indeed. Well, I shall leave you two to your... literary discussions. Just remember, life is short, and sometimes, one must seize the moment."

With a flourish, Elliott turned and walked away, leaving Harvey and Bea to exchange amused glances.

"He's quite the character," Bea said, shaking her head.

"That's an understatement," Harvey replied, smiling. "But he might have a point. Life is short."

Bea looked at him thoughtfully. "It is. And I'm glad we're friends, Harvey."

"Me too, Bea," Harvey said, feeling a warmth spread through him.

Maru only raised her eyebrows, hoping it was enough for Harvey to accept it.

“I think you are mistaking Beatrice's friendship for something-” Harvey was explaining as Maru interrupted.

“Harvey… even the kids know about it!” Maru was about to fall into despair.

“What?” Harvey panicked.

Harvey was strolling through the town square when he spotted Bea exiting the general store. She waved at him, and he made his way over, smiling.

"Glad I caught you. I was in the middle of doing a market run," Bea said with a cheerful tone.

"Hey, Bea! What are you buying today?" Harvey asked, adjusting his glasses.

"I’m gonna go compare some prices between Pierre's and Joja. Want to come along?" Bea invited, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Harvey chuckled. "Comparing prices, huh? You know Pierre would be furious if he found out we were considering Joja."

Bea laughed. "Oh, absolutely. He might think we're traitors to the local economy."

"Well, in the name of research, I suppose I can tag along," Harvey replied, smiling. "Besides, it’ll be interesting to see if Joja's prices really are that much better."

They began walking toward JojaMart, chatting and joking as they went. The conversation flowed easily between them, filled with shared laughter and light-hearted banter.

"You know, I always feel a bit guilty even setting foot in Joja," Bea admitted with a grin. "Like I’m betraying some sort of unwritten Stardew Valley code."

Harvey nodded, laughing. "Yeah, there’s definitely a sense of loyalty to Pierre. But sometimes, you just have to see for yourself, right?"

"Exactly!" Bea agreed. "And who knows, maybe we’ll find some secret bargain that will make it all worth it."

Just as they were about to cross the street to JojaMart, the sky darkened ominously. They both looked up, noticing the sudden change in weather.

"Uh oh, looks like we might be in for a downpour," Harvey said, glancing around for shelter.

"Quick, under the awning!" Bea pointed to the narrow overhang of JojaMart. They dashed to it just as the first drops of rain began to fall. Within moments, it turned into a heavy downpour.

"Well, that was close," Bea said, slightly out of breath. "Guess we’ll be stuck here for a bit."

"Yeah, seems like it," Harvey agreed, shaking water from his hair. "But at least we’re dry."

They stood close together under the narrow awning, the sound of rain pounding against the pavement filling the air. The proximity and the shared laughter created a comfortable and cozy atmosphere between them.

"I’ve always liked the rain," Bea said softly. “And now, even more, no watering my crops."

Harvey nodded, looking at her with a gentle smile. "Here I thought you would get deep as you do sometimes.”

“Haha, well I was, but what can I say? Farmer life has changed me.” Bea teased. “No, but really. I find it pretty calming.”

“Totally, plus, it’s nice to have a reason to stop and just be still for a moment," Harvey added as he got closer to her.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to shrink to just the two of them and the sound of the rain. It was a peaceful, intimate moment, free from the usual hustle and bustle of their daily lives.

As they chatted, Penny and the town’s children, Jas and Vincent, walked by. They had just come from a library visit and were hurrying to get home before the rain got worse. When they saw Harvey and Bea huddled together under the Joja awning, they paused.

"Look, Miss Penny!" Jas exclaimed, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Doesn't it look romantic?"

Penny glanced over and smiled, trying to hide her amusement. "It does look a bit like something out of a storybook, doesn’t it?"

Vincent, always eager to mimic what he saw around him, piped up, "I want to try that with you, Miss Penny!"

Penny blushed deeply, flustered by Vincent’s innocent declaration. "Oh, Vincent, that's very sweet of you," she said, trying to deflect his comment. "But it’s important to remember that we need to get home before we get soaked."

Jas giggled, watching the scene unfold. "I think Sam will beat you to that, Vincent."

“Hey!” Vincent reacted as Jas laughed.

Meanwhile, under the awning, Harvey and Bea were oblivious to the onlookers. They continued their conversation, talking about everything and nothing, enjoying the unexpected time together.

Penny managed to herd the kids away, but not without them continuing to sneak glances back at Harvey and Bea.

Harvey's cheeks flushed slightly, but he shook his head adamantly. "It's all coincidence. We're just friends. Really."

Maru raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile spreading across her face. "Sure, Harvey. Just friends who save each other from runaway sheep, have library dates, compare prices at JojaMart as a married couple, and have cozy moments under awnings during rainstorms."

Harvey opened his mouth to protest, but Maru held up a hand, cutting him off. "Look, Harvey, it's okay to admit you like her. It's obvious to everyone. And honestly, it's kinda cute."

Harvey sighed deeply, a conflicted expression crossing his face. "Maru, I appreciate your... observations. But Bea and I are just good friends. That's all it is."

Maru rolled her eyes playfully. "Alright, Harvey. If you say so. But don't say I didn't warn you when Bea finally gets tired of waiting for you to make a move."

Harvey chuckled nervously, shifting uncomfortably on his feet. "Thanks, Maru. I think I'll stick to being oblivious for a little while longer."

Maru shook her head, still smiling. "You do you, Harvey. Just remember, Bea won't be as oblivious as you."

With that, Maru turned back to her paperwork, leaving Harvey to ponder her words with a mix of amusement and uncertainty.