Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Alex Mullner is just a normal young adult.

He lives with his grandparents in Pelican Town. During the summer he has a part-time job selling ice cream and during the rest of the year, he does odd jobs for the adults in town.

His life used to follow a pattern, at least until a new resident arrived.

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Pelican Town wasn't a bustling place where new people tend to visit, except maybe for two times a year: during the luau in Summer, and at the Fair in Fall.

That was the routine everyone had gotten used to. Alex had grown to keep his routine after graduating high school, living with his grandparents and hanging out with Hailey, whom he had known since high school.

Suddenly, he could hear his grandma talking to his grandpa about the old farm to the West of the town, a place he vaguely remembered visiting with his grandma a couple of times when he was a kid. They talked about someone from Zuzu City coming to take care of the place. He assumed it was probably someone who had bought that land, as he didn't remember any family members from the former owner living there. 

He didn´t think much about it, and continued his normal day.

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Another morning started as usual, with his grandma waking him up at the crack of dawn to make sure he got breakfast with them. He stretches up, getting out of his bed,  in his boxers and a white shirt. He took a  pair of green sweatpants and made his way to the kitchen. Evelyn made pancakes for the family to eat, serving her grandson a pile of 3, her husband a couple, and the same for herself. 

She ask her husband and boy how did they sleep. George grumbles like every other morning, and Alex quite simply says the same thing.

"Good" 

After he finished eating, he helped his grandma to pick up the dishes and put them in the sink to be washed. Making his way back to his room, he went to check his cellphone, to see if there was any text he might have missed.

The last text he had read was from  Haley. They were texting about how she wanted to leave the town again and she was asking him if he wanted to go with him. He ignored it and got ready to get a chance to train to become a professional Gridball player.

It was 8 am when he made his way outside of the house, they had a big three in the yard,  and he used to stretch and throw the ball for a few hours. He liked having the morning for himself. To reminisce of his good old days in high school when he was a quarterback. 

But his training of thought was distracted when he saw a new face making his way throw town. It was another guy, he looked young, maybe around his age. He couldn´t remember seeing him before. Before he noticed, the guy was right in front of him.

He was about the same size as him but wasn`t as built as his, he looked a bit pale, despite clearly having dark skin.  He was wearing glasses and was wearing an overall with a green shirt underneath. His hair was a dark brown, just like his eyes.

"Hi, I just moved to Cedar Creek farm a few days ago" he introduced himself "I`m Jason."

“Oh, hey. So you're the new guy, huh? Cool. I'm Alex. I'll see you around.”

He thought nothing much of that interaction, as the guy just waved and left.

He continued his day as planned, but every so often, the image of Jason popped back into his thoughts. The way he looked. The sound of his voice. But he just shook his head. It wasn`t the first time his eyes had gotten caught by strangers. He was sure this time wouldn't be different.

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Another morning came, as usual. As he was eating breakfast, his granny asked him to go and refill her watering can, for she was gonna be doing a little bit of gardening, and she wasn´t strong enough to go to the river and pitch it herself.

He nodded, nonchalantly, as he passed his food. He loved the omelets his granny made him. Once he finished his breakfast he stood up, kissed her on the cheek, and went to do her the favor.

Leaving the main door he turned to the left, where his grandma's little garden was, it wasn´t a big space, but he knew taking care of it was one of his granny's joys in life. The watering was in the middle of the small area between the pots and the wooden box. It was clearly old, but still in a functional state.

It wasn´t until he made his way to the riven when he noticed it had started to rain. It was a storm, just a light drizzle, and he was just wearing a short sleeves shirt. His grandma was gonna get worried if he got sick.

Trying to avoid that, he went quickly, got the water, and back to the house, leaving it in its place and back inside.

Once inside, he felt his granny eyes on him and he sighed.

"Honey, go and change. Your shirt got wet."

As he was making his way to his room, he heard his grandparents talking about the weather and the new farmer.

"Oh dear, I hope that old farm´s room is in good condition or that poor boy is gonna get damped," Evelyn said.

"If he didn´t check before moving in that´s on him," said George.

Once changed he went back to the living room. The weather wasn´t going to let him go and train as he was planning, so he stayed watching TV with his grandparents.

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The next morning, the sun was clearly shining, so Alex decided to do his usual routine as he wasn't able to do it yesterday. He had breakfast, got dressed, and went out to the garden to stretch. 

He did that for around two hours before taking a break, resting was an important part of not over-exercising the body. He stands underneath the big tree near his house, until his grandma calls him for lunch.

His grandma had made cheese cauliflowers to eat. Once he finishes lunch he rest a bit, waiting for his stomach to settle, talking for some moments to his granny about what he has done that day.

After a 30-minute break, he went straight to his room, it was time to do weight lifting.

Once his body started to get tired, he went to take a shower to relax before going to see his good old friend, Dusty.

He felt sad he couldn´t bring the dog inside the house and he had to be in a pen outside, but he understood and respected his grandparent's wishes of no dogs inside the house.

Seeing the new farmer passing by, he waved hello, a sigh the farmer took as a sign to approach to talk, at least for a bit. The conversation wasn´t serious, some small chit-chat about the weather mostly.

"The air´s starting to warm up...I´m feeling pumped."

After that, the farmer left to do their own thing, but Alex couldn't help but notice his ruffled hair, the yellow cardigan, and the dusty jeans he was wearing, although he shook his head trying to stop thinking of that.

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The day started as any other. It was another rainy day in the valley. His routine was going to be spending time with his grandparents until late afternoon. 

His granny made him a complete breakfast, she knew her grandson didn't like rainy days that much and was happy to cheer him up, even a little bit.

At around 11 am someone knocked at the door, which was unexpected as they didn't usually receive visits, both his grandparents were chatting in the living room so Alex went to open it, seeing the farmer on the other side.

"Hey Alex, can I come in? I got something for your grand-father"

The farmer mentioned, which caught him by surprise, but at last, he let him inside. 

The farmer went to the living room, as he heard the TV on, and waved hello to the senior adults inside.

"Jason, what a lovely surprise," Evelyn said "What brings you here?"

"Hi Miss Mullner, I just passed by cause I got something I think Mr.Mullner would like"

"oh dear, please just call me Evelyn" she added "George, Dean´s grandson brought you something" she mentioned to her husband.

The old man, who usually had a grumpy expression turned his head to look at the young man standing there. The farmer took that as a sign to get closer, and from his satchel, he took a Leek out and gave it to the man.

George's eyes opened in surprise, seeing the gift in his hands.

“This is my favorite thing! Thank you.”

They chatted for a moment before the farmer left to continue with his chores. Once the door was closed, Alex turned to his grandparents.

"Grandma, who is Dean?"

"That´s the name of the one who used to run the farm west to town" she answered nonchalantly "We were good friends growing up"

"and how do you know the farmer's name?" he asked a second question

"Oh honey, I met him when he was a baby. His mother used to bring him to the valley every winter and summer"

That answer surprised him. His mother used to do the same thing, but only during the winter, she did it to take a break from his father's abuse for the rest of the year, and he didn´t remember seeing other kids that he hadn´t seen on the valley.

That short conversation left him pensive the rest of the day.

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The egg festival had come to the valley once more. His grandma made omelets to celebrate and start the day with the right foot. It was one of the few days of the year he changed his usual outfit for something different, it was a tradition that started with his grandma.

He wore a dark pink polo shirt and blue jeans.

After breakfast, he went out, the other adults in town had decorated and set everything ready.

He saw Maru and Penny on the other side of the town square, watching over Jass and Vincent while they talked. He always thought they seemed to be very close to each other. It even seemed that they were wearing matching outfits, both girls were wearing green dresses, but in different styles.

"Alex" a woman's voice called to him, turning his face he noticed the voice came from Haley.

He made his way to her.

She was wearing a blue dress with flower patterns and a matching headband. They started talking as they did in their high school days. In the middle of it, they saw the farmer approaching, joining the conversation.

"This festival is alright...but what I´m really looking forward to is the Flower Dance" Haley answered to the farmers, after he asked them if they liked that particular festival.

Moments later, Major Lewis mentioned the egg hunts were about to start.

Jass and Vincent obviously ran towards him, they were excited to participate, alongside Sam, Abigail, and Maru joined too. 

The farmer also made his way there, watching Alex's attention.

After the major said it was time, he saw the farmer make a run for his money. He was moving quickly, noticing somewhat of a competitive spirit in him.

Maybe someone finally was going to make Abigail work to keep her title as the egg hunt queen.

Almost in a flash, the whistle marks the time has run out. Calling for all the participants back.

"The winner of this year's egg hunt is...Jason!"

Alex´s noticed Abigail shocked expression, and he couldn't help but giggle a bit.

"Here´s your prize! Enjoy" said the major, making his way to the farmer and handing him the prized hat. It was nothing fancy, just a simple straw hat, but it was the prize for the egg hunt.

"Well, that´s all for this year´s Egg Festival. Thanks for coming, everyone!"

The rest of the Festival remained the same as every year before.

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The flower dance has come to the valley. His grandma had washed and ironed his blue suit so he could participate like every year. Evelyn wore white herself and dressed up George´s in his old blues.

It was a tradition he had, going to the flower dance and having Haley as a partner. They have been dancing together since they came of age to dance in pairs. It was a custom for couples to dance together every flower dance, although that practice was more of Alex´s grandparent's thing from when they were young.

Sure, he and Haley had quote-on-quote dated during high school, but it was never anything serious, they both knew that. 

The Mullner family made their way to the far west of the forest, where the dance had always taken place.

Once there, he left his grandparents underneath the shade of the blossomed trees, before taking some space to just look around. Everyone was wearing blue and white, at least until the farmer arrived.

He was wearing a sleeveless blue shirt, brown vest, and an old pair of blue jeans, alongside the straw hat he saw him win on the egg hunt. He sticks out like a sore thumb among the crowd.

His might went away, thinking about rusty, and a Joja commercial he saw on TV, when a voice brought him back to reality.

"Alex...are you there?" seeing the farmer was right in front of him caught him by surprised

"Sorry, I´m just enjoying the scenery...hehe" 

"Oh, I can understand, this place looks beautiful" the farmer responded, before looking back at him "Hey, Alex"

"...yes?"

"Would you be my partner for the flower dance?"

The question took him completely by surprise. He had never seen another guy asking a dude to dance together, or even two girls dancing together. He didn´t think if that was allowed. A million things started to fill his mind. But he couldn´t stay quiet like an idiot.

"nah...I´m gonna ask someone else. Good luck" 

The farmer took the rejection and wished him luck, before leaving him alone.

Unfortunately, Alex couldn´t stop thinking about that moment for the rest of the day. During his dance with Haley, he continues repeating the scene in his head, his eyes turning to see all the other pairs: Penny and Sam, Maru and Dr. Harvey, Shane and Emily, Leah and Elliot, and Abigail and Sebastian.
Would anyone say anything if Sam and Sebastian danced together for one year? What about if Maru and Penny dance together?

All those questions followed him to his bed.

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The morning started as usual. Then out of nowhere, the farmer came, and without saying anything, he gave him a daffodile. It had a nice aroma and was clearly freshly picked.

“This is cool! Thanks.”

The farmer smiled and then started to do some small talk. Jason was still getting used to his new surroundings and struggled even more to remember local celebrations and birthdays.

"Gram said it´s Emily´s birthday today. I don´t know how she keeps track of all the birthdays."

Alex had a friendly relationship with Emily, who was Haley´s older sister. She was the complete opposite to Haley, they were like day and night. She was a cristal, spiritual girl.

"Really?" the farmer asked, surprised. "well, good to know. Hopefully, I can find a last-minute gift for her." 

The farmer waved goodbye and left. Leaving Alex to do his own thing.

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The summer had finally come to te valley. It was Alex favorite season. He woke up early, excited with the idea of going to train in the beach, feeling the ocean breeze. He had woken up extra early to have the beach for himself.

He had a fried egg, some coffee. Got his sleeveless white shirt, green shorts, his sport tennis shoes and got out of the door. Joggind his way from town to the seashore.

By the time he got there, it was almost 8 am.

He was enjoying his time, stretching and getting ready, when he saw the farmer arrive to the beach too.

Jason got close and they started talking for a bit.

"Summer is finally here! My favorite season by far" he said with a smile "I work on my summer body all winter, I´m going to spend all my free time at the beach!"

He wasn´t lying. His body was in amazing shape, the muscles showed, specially with his summer outfit. 

The farmer give him a look, and a shy blush covered his cheeks, before he apologies and went away.

That reaction got him by surprised, but he didin´t think too much on it and enjoyed the weather.

At 12 his watch started to make a beeping noice, anouncing the alarm he had set, a reminded that it was time for him to work at the ice cream stand near the public library.

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Alex was on his summer job when he noticed the farmer leaving the Blacksmith. He had known for years there was that place in town, but he hadn´t really seen anyone come and go aside from Clint himself.

What was he doing there? He asked himself.

He tried to pay no mind and finished setting the stand ready for the customers. Although he wasn´t expecting the farmer to be his first client of the day.

"Hi Alex" the farmer greeted "I didn't know this place was open, but maybe I didn´t really pay attention"

"Hi man, how about some cool ice cream to beat the heat?" he offered, it was part of his usual speech.

There was ice cream, cookies, fish tacos, maple bars, raisins, summer spangles, field snacks, and ginger ale.

The farmer looked at all the options, taking his time deciding what to get.

"I'll take an ice cream, please"

"you got it," Alex said, taking a waffle cone and putting three scoops of the traditional. Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. "that´s gonna be 180 gold"
The farmer, from his pocket, got the coins and paid, before leaving, enjoying his ice cream. 

Alex couldn´t help but stare at him, the way his face moved when liking the ice cream, and smiling.

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Alex was, once again, working at the snack stall next to the library, when he, once again, saw the farmer leave the backsmith. He waved at him, as a courtesy.
The farmed waved back, smiling and making his way to him.

"Hey, I wanna give you something," said Jason, taking a summer squash from his pouch and giving it to the brunette guy. 

He looked at it, amazed, as not even Pierre had those seeds in his store, and neither did Joja. He hadn´t seen those since the last time he went to the market in Zuzu city.

He remembered his mother cutting the squash into slices and giving it to him for him to snack over.

He was starting to feel a little emotional, but he had a reputation to keep, especially as Haley was just arriving at the stan as well.

"“This is cool! Thanks.” was the only thing he managed to say.

Amid all those thoughts, the farmer greeted Haley and also gave her something he had harvested. It was a nice cluster of grapes.

Haley expression turned sour as she saw the gift.

“Ugh...that's such a stupid gift,” she said out loud, making her feelings clear.

The farmer looked a bit embarrassed and immediately apologised, before quickly leaving them without saying another word.

Usually, Alex liked how direct and straightforward Haley was. That was her personality, but he felt bad seeing the reaction of the farmer.

"That wasn´t nice" he almost murmured to himself, but loud enough for the blonde to hear him.

"What? I hate it. Now he knows."

She said, ordering a ginger ale and paying for it, before leaving as well.

Alex couldn´t stop feeling bad for the farmer for the rest of the day.

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One of Alex's favorite celebrations had finally come to the Valley. The Luau was a special day when everyone in town would hang out all day on the beach, eating putlock style, enjoying musing and the nice heat waves.

He pushed his grandpa's chair to the beach, he didn´t want his granny or his grandpa to get tired too early, he wanted them to enjoy the day as much as possible.

He didn´t even bother getting a shirt. He was only wearing jean shorts and his tennis shoes.

When he arrived, he noticed some people were already on the dance floor, especially Emily, in the middle of it, dancing on her own, feeling her own rhythm.

On a dancing break, she saw him and made her way to him, without saying anything she put a flower necklace on him, before going back to dancing.

"Sorry for that" Haley added, also making her way to him. "she tried to give that necklace to me but I told her to not even try"

"Is okay, I actually like it. Now my granny can´t say I'm completely chest naked"

From the corner of his eyes, he could see the soup, what got added and by whom. That´s when he noticed the farmer adding a big peach, cut into pieces, as Marnie mixed all the ingredients.

He also noticed the farmer making his way to the dance floor as well. He was wearing a white tank top, scrap jeans, and a straw hat, aside from his usual glasses.

He got close to them for a moment, just wanting to say hi.

"Hey Jason" Alex greeted. "Perfect weather for a beach party, huh?"

"yeah, the major sure picked a good day to have the Luau"

The farmer looked at the dance floor, noticing Emily dancing. He turns to look at Haley, asking her to dance, since she looks lovely.

"I would dance, but I don´t want to get sweaty," she said straightforward

She was wearing a nice light summer dress, it was a lovely shade of pink, with blue and yellow petal patterns all over it. Her hair was moved to the side and had a blue rose hair clip resting over her left ear.

Once again, the farmer took the no, waving goodbye and going to the dance floor.

Alex noticed how he made his way to Emily, who was wearing a similar dress to Haley's but with the opposite color pattern, the pink parts were teal the petals were pink and yellow, and the flower in her head was pink.

He saw Jason asking her if he could dance with her, and although she was unresponsive at first, she ended up agreeing to dance nearby, and so they did.

Alex felt strange seeing that scene. He knew dancing was allowed, Robin and Dimitrius were dancing on another side of the dance floor, but that didn´t change how he felt when looking at Emily and Jason.

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Alex was making his way to his summer job when he saw the farmer passing by, in front of him. He was crossing the bridge that connected downtown with the seashore.

"Hey Jason" he greeted

The farmer stopped in his tracks and waved in return. He remembered hearing from his granny, who had talked to Marnie, that the farmer had purchased a baby chicken.

"Hey, I overheard someone saying that you got your first chicken the other day"

"Yeah, it is very small now, but I´m trying my best to get it to grow big"

"Man...I wished grandma had chickens. I´d eat a dozen raw eggs for breakfast each morning!"

"I didn´t know you liked eggs so much" the farmer mentioned, with a small smile forming on his lips. "good to know"

"Hey, I gotta go, or I'm gonna be late for work"

"oh, yeah go, sorry for distracting you" added Jason, before leaving as well, in the opposite direction from Alex.

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Alex was practicing his throws outside his house when the farmer waved at him before getting closer to greet him. Seeing Jason made Alex feel nice like he could start talking about random stuff.

"I had to go and get groceries yesterday. Grams gave me this huge list," he said, starting to retell the events of the day before. I´m glad Abigail helped me find all the things; I got kind of lost in there."

"Now I kinda wish I had gone to Pierre yesterday, I know how confusing stores can be, I could have helped you" The farmer paused. A small glint in his eyes "Oh right, I got something for you" he added, before looking at his satchel picking a fresh chicken egg from it, and offering it to him.

"Hey, thanks. Eggs are great for bulking up."

"I remember you mentioned you wished that Mrs.Mullner, I mean, your grandma had a chicken, so in the morning when I went to feed Heihei, I saw two eggs laying on the floor between the hay, and decided to give you one"

A strange feeling filled Alex's chest. But he couldn´t really articulate what it was, and only saw the farmer leave.

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Alex was once again at the beach, enjoying the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore and the water retrieving. When from the corner of his eyes he saw the farmer. He was wearing the same shirt he wore for the flower dance but with some cargo shorts.

"Hey man!" he greeted him from a distance"

"hey Alex" the farmer greeted back "I didn't's-see you there"

"is fine" he looked at Jason up and down, discretely. His muscles were starting to form, he could vaguely see the shape of them on his arms and calves, blushing at the sight.

"Summer looks good on you" Those words came out of his mouth before realizing it. However, it didn´t take long for him to notice what he had said out loud and try to correct himself. "Oh, uh, I just mean the tan...It suits you"

Right after saying that, his watch beeped, indicating it was time he go to work. Quickly saying goodbye, he made his way. Internally freaking out over that interaction with the farmer.

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Alex spent the next day thinking about the farmer, and the comment he had made to him. Did he make Jason think he was weird? Did he feel uncomfortable with the comment? How were their conversations going to be moving forward?

He twists and turns on his bed. Thinking of smoothing things over by inviting him to hang out, on one. Lucky for him, he met the farmer on the bridge connecting the shore with downtown. 

They started talking about their plans for the next day.

"I think I am going to go to the beach tomorrow" he casually mentioned, before asking "Would you like to go with me? We could get to know each other better..."

Jason thought about it for a moment, before responding

"That sounds like a great idea, Alex! I´m in"

"Perfect. I can´t wait" Alex couldn't hide the excitement in his voice or the way his cheeks turned a shy tone of red, being accompanied by a shy smile and a soft gaze.

Together they made their way to the beach, as they had things to do there. He was carrying his gridball in his hands. Looking back at Jason and thinking of a thing they could do at that moment.

"Hey, go long!" 

The farmer looked back at him, quickly realizing what he was doing and he went to take some distance from him, to attempt to catch the ball. He jumps just in time for the ball to hit him in the face.

"heh...nice try" he mentions, trying to cheer him out.

"you are being too kind, I was never a sports type of guy during school"

"Well, I guess we are opposite in that case" he laughed a bit. "I'm going to be the first professional gridball player from Stardew Valley...There´s no doubt in my mind" taking a short pause. "I already led my school´s team to the regional playoffs...Now I´m just training and getting stronger so I can claim my spot on the roster of the Zuzu City Tunnelers. You just wait!"

There was hope and energy in that speech. It was almost contagious.

"I believe in you" Jason commented.

Those words took Alex by surprise. Looking back at him.

"Thanks, Jason. I´ll remember that."

Chapter Text

Alex woke up excited. He was going to hang out with the farmer on the beach, just the two of them. Getting dressed quickly, not noticing that from the windows no sunlight was coming in.

Making his way to the kitchen, ready to eat his breakfast quickly, when he noticed something was wrong. The TV wasn´t on. Both his grandparents were sitting at the kitchen table, with worried expressions on their faces.

"What´s wrong?"

The elder citizens looked back at their grandson.

"The green rain is back" was all his grandpa said.

None of those words made sense to Alex.

Green rain?

The rain was blue, not green.

Alex took his gaze to the kitchen window, noticing that in fact, he could see green rain falling from the sky, alongside strange plants growing in odd places.
What was happening out there?

He remembered the farmer. He was about to turn his back to go to the door when his grandpa spoke.

"Alex do not go out!" her voice sounded riddled with fear and concern "Please"

His grandma hardly ever used those tones when talking to him. He knew it was serious.

Despite being concerned about the farmer, he wasn´t going to worry the people who raised him.

So he stayed inside. 

Watching the exterior from the kitchen window.

Chapter Text

The day started as normal. His routine was basically going the same, up until, during dinner, Evelyn asked her grandson.

"Are you going to see the dance of the moonlight jellies?"

Alex has honestly forgotten that the jellies festival was that day. He normally went because he liked seeing everyone, being at the beach at night, with the candles illuminating the coast.

"I guess, it will be my chance to say goodbye to the summer"

He mentioned, not thinking too deeply on the topic.

"I hope Jason goes to the festival" Evelyn added "I remember how excited he was when his mother took him every year with  old Dean"

The mention of the farmer took Alex by surprise. Remembering they were supposed to meet at the beach, but the strange weather made them postpone that plan.

What if he was going to the beach?

He needed to go!

Finished eating his trout soup and stood up. Going to get change.

He ended up picking a dark blue T-shirt where the head hole was open enough to show his collar bones, Blue jeans, and red shoes, and he was ready.

Around 11 pm, he started to make his way from his home to the beach, noticing other people doing the same. 

He made it to the beach, walked to the docks, and started waiting.

It felt like maybe five minutes had passed when he heard a familiar voice coming from his right side. Making him turn around.

"Alex, hi" the farmer greeted him.

Jason was wearing a brown cardigan with rolled sleeves, blue jeans, and working boots.

"hi man," Alex said in return, before turning his eyes to the sea once more, once again remembering that it was the last day of summer. "I can´t believe summer is over...I feel like it just started"

"Hey, at least you enjoyed all the summer doing your thing," the farmer said, trying to cheer him up. "this was my first summer in years when I wasn´t stuck in a boring office doing paperwork"

They continued chatting for a bit until the major announced the lap boat was about to be sent off and the moonlight jellies were about to come.

With all the candles off, the light emitted by the jellies made the beach shine as if they were looking at the night sky. There were jellies of all sizes, it was almost magical.

Chapter Text

Alex had been helping his grandparents to clean the clutter in the house. Removing some old stuff from his grandpa's miner days, among the boxes with old pickaxes and uniforms, they found a box filled with Miner's Treats. There were a few, George explained that back in the days when he and his colleagues were deep in the mines, those sweet treats helped them finish the day way easier. But now he had no teeth to eat them and told him to keep the box.

He could barely remember seeing those candies before, few vague recoelctions of eating one, but he didnt have that many emotions attach to it, so he took one and put it in his pocket. Thinking it would be a good idea if he needed an extra push for his exercise routine, or maybe if he didn´t use it, give it to Jass or Vincent.

At 10 am, he was practicing how high he could throw his ball, when he saw Jason pass by, making him smile immediately.

"hey Jason" he yelled, in a tone that indicated happiness.

"hi Alex" the farmer greeted back "I was about to go to the mines after donating some things to the library."

"wait a minute," said Alex, processing the information that he had learned "You´re the one that has been helping the library dude have more material to show"

"I guess that was a side effect of me donating cool rocks I found while mining" he admitted, in a tone that conveyed embarrassment "I just heard Gunther mentioning how they got all their old stuff stolen and..well I wanted to help"

"I thought that old mine place was close, well that was what my grandpa told me"

"It used to be closed, but Joja removed the rock blocking the entrance and well I go sometimes to see if I can find anything interesting"

Hearing about the mines again, made him remember the treat he was carrying in his pocket.

"Hey, Gramps gave me this some time ago" he mentioned before taking the treat from his pocket and handing it to the farmer "I don´t really need it, but I think it might be useful for you?"

Jason took the candy, and after looking at it for a moment, a big smile filled his mouth.

"This is gonna help me a lot actually, thanks Alex"

He saw leaving him running, with obvious excitement, on the way to the mountains.

Alex couldn´t stop thinking about the farmer's passion for doing things and helping others.

Chapter Text

It was starting to become a part of his routine, at least every other day, for Alex to talk to the farmer at some point in the day, usually early in the morning. They could talk about small things before each of them went back to do their own thing.

That day, Alex remembered that very early, he had seen one of the strangest men in town pass by, he was always confused as to what was someone like Elliot doing in that town. He always got the vibe that he was more of a theater kid, who would be in Zuzu city working on plays.

Jason mentioned how he was used to seeing Elliot going in or out of his cabin on the beach every time he went there to see if his crab pots.

"That dude Elliot straight up walked up to me and told me it was his birthday" Alex mentioned "I never even talked to him really, that dude is kinda weird" the last part he almost whispered, mostly saying it to himself

"oh really? I should get him something" Jason commented

"Why? he is a loner" he commented not thinking much of his words

"he might be introverted, but that doesn´t mean he doesn't deserve to have anyone wish him a happy birthday" There was some annoyance in Jason´s voice when saying that.

The conversation was cut short after that, with the farmer leaving and Alex wondering if he had said something wrong.

Chapter Text

He couldn´t stop thinking about the farmer, and how annoyed he seemed after his comment about Elliot. He struggles to sleep, and as soon as his alarm goes off, he turns it down. Attempting to do his usual thing. But his grandma quickly noticed something was off.

"What have you liked  Alex?" asked Evelyn

"I think Jason is mad at me" he knew that trying to lie to his granny was useless "but I don´t think I said anything wrong. How can I fix something that I don´t think is broken?"

"Well, why don´t you try to apologize? you can always start saying sorry"

Alex was taught to apologize when he made mistakes, but usually, he was aware to some point of what he had done wrong, but couldn´t figure out what it was then, but he was willing to try Evelyn's suggestion.

Making his way out of the house, he remembered a similar situation, back when Haley and he were fake dating during high school. She had told him that giving a gift when apologizing was a rule.

He waited for Pierre´s store to open before going in, he had no idea what a good gift could be. The store owner noticed his expression and offered to help.
After Alex explained the situation, Pierre went behind his stand and took out something unexpected. A summer spangle. It was fresh, something odd cause it was a summer flower.

"You can take this sweet and tangy treat for only 200 gold" using his best convincing voice "what could be better than a tangy and sweet treat from a season long?"

Alex genuinely believed that summer was a great season, with amazing things and amazing treats. It could work.

Without questioning or trying to bargain, he paid for the flower and went back to his usual spot, hoping to see the farmer that day.

Lucky for him, at around 10:10 am, Jason passed in front of his house, as usual.

"Hey Jason" he practically yelled, hoping to catch his attention, which he did.

"Hey Alex"

"I got you this at Pierre´s today" showing him the summer spangle "It is almost as amazing as you," he said out loud without noticing, before correcting himself "I mean, I wanted to apologize for what I say about Elliot, it was rude"

After that word, his conversation went back to normal, aside from a small blush covering both of their faces.

Chapter Text

Alex had forgotten that once the fall come, he was in charge of raking the leaves from the entrances and pathways on and near their house, so his grandparents had an easier time passing by, specially his grandpather in his wheelchair.

Normally, he wouldn't mind, but he hates how Pam just let the leaves near her trailer stick and let the wind blow them and give him more work to do. 

He was angrily mumbling to himself when the farmer came to check on him.

"Are you okay?" he asked "You look upset"

"I'm fine, it just" he paused "I feel like I´m always in charge of raking the leaves" There was a clear angry expression on his face "Pam is not a big help"

"Pam?" Jason asked, a bit confused

"the blond drunk from the trailer" he said straightforward, he didn´t like alcoholics, he despise them, they were, in his eyes, all like his father

"oh, you mean Penny´s mom" Jason added "I haven´t talk to her so much, she seem like...a lot"

"She is" Alex confirmed "I don´t know how Penny can live with her" Alex felt bad for her situation

"well, then let´s get those leaves in its place" said the farmer, going for another rake and start helping him.

Chapter Text

"Sometimes I wonder if Haley will ever change"

"What do you mean?" asked the farmer, curious by the statement

"You know, she can be so...rude.." he explained

Alex remembered the days back in school when Haley was the popular girl, but she had an attitude similar to the blond girl from the movie about rude girls, she could be especially rude to strangers, and he had witnessed that many times, but he felt especially bad when he saw her being rude to Jason. 

"Well, she did seem a bit rude to me when I first met her, but I have talked to her sister, Emily, and well she hasn´t said her sister is just a plain old bully" he paused. "But I haven´t talked to her that much, she reminds me a little bit of my old high school bully" he mentioned

"You were bullied at school?" Alex asked in disbelief, he was aware that bullying occurred, but he would have never guessed that the farmer was a victim of that, what for?"

"well...I was always an odd kid, and people didn´t like that a lot" There was clear discomfort in Jason´s voice, and Alex chose not to push him to talk more in detail.

"I´m sorry you had to go through that" he was a bit of a jerk as a teen, he had to realize some things he did and said were wrong.
"Is okay, it was a while ago" 

They had been lying on the floor, under the big tree next to Alex's house, just chatting about life. It had become somewhat of a tradition for them, if Jason could spare some hours just talking the farm would be okay. It wasn´t a thing they could do every day, but Alex enjoyed those days when they could just sit and talk.

Chapter Text

"Grandma told me that we got invited over to get dinner at Sam´s tonight" he mentioned "It´s his mom's birthday." pausing for a moment "I don´t really want to go" he admits

"why? You get free food" the farmer mentioned, trying to motivate him. "Jodi invited me as well, I was thinking of bringing maybe a dish to share for the birthday like is only her, Sam, and Vincent."

"I guess" he mentioned, still not convinced it was a good idea to go. "But I feel I am going to get bored, Sam and I don´t really have things to talk about"

"well, then you could talk to Vincent. You guys can even play some gridball after eating in their yard"

Alex stopped for a moment. He hadn´t considered that possibility when he was told about the invitation. Kids tend to have lots of energy, and he remembered enjoying playing with the freshman in high school.

"I never thought about that, is not a bad idea"

"See, is okay I probably can talk to Sam, he doesn´t seem so bad."

"Then I´ll see you there"

The farmer mentioned before standing up and leaving to keep doing his farmer's things.

***

At around 6 pm, Alex and his grandparents were at the Neilson family home. Vincent opened the door to the guest and shouted back at the house.

"mom, miss granny and her family are here"

"that's great honey, let them in"

Making their way in, Alex notice the farmer chatting with Sam, sitting on the livingroom sofa, he seemed comfortable, and was clearly aughing and in agreat mood.

Seeing that scene made him feel off. But he tried to ignore those feelings and help his grandparents make it to the kitchen before he tried to talk to Vincent about sports.

The dinner was a mix of crispy bass, eggplant parmesan, vegetables medley, and rhubarb pie for dessert. Jodi had made the bass and the vegetables, but Jason had brought the eggplant parmesan.

"The eggplant is very good Jason, I´m glad you know how to cook" mentioned Evelyn

"I was a bit surprised when he appeared at the door with the casserole, he didn´t have to, but it was very appreciated by everyone here" added Jodi

"My mother told me to never come in empty-handed to a party, especially for birthdays" Jason responded.

The dinner stayed calm, with Jason talking to Alex about music and games, and Alex playing catch the gridball with Vincent, and the adults talking over coffee.

Chapter Text

The fair came to the town once more, and his grandparents went to see all the visitors and to see who won the Grange display. He honestly never understood what was so exciting about that, but he let his grandparents enjoy the little things in life.

Like every year, Pierre had put an elaborate stan, filled with fruits, vegetables, and eggs that everyone knew he had purchased from Marnie. Marnie had brought a big cheese wheel, homemade, some nice pieces of fabric made with her animal's wool, and a dozen fresh eggs from her rescue chickens. Willy had brought an array of fresh fish, mussels, and a big selection of bait.

There was an empty stan, which called his curiosity, since usually there were the same competitors every year since he could remember, and he ask his grandma if he knew if there was a new competitor.

"I heard that Jason is also competing this year, with the farm up and running again, he has a good chance of getting one of the 3 prizes."
That took him completely by surprise, not once in their many conversation, did the farmer mention he was going to participate in the Stardew Valley Fair competition.

His curiosity got the best of him and he stay near the stans, waiting to see what Jason was going to bring. He made his way with some woven baskets filled with things. He saw him place two flowers, a sunflower, and a fairy rose, two strange mushrooms he didn't recognize, a star fruit and a big and juicy melon, some corn, and another thing he could not remember.

He was about to get closer to ask him what it was when Haley found him and dragged him away.

"Alex, the fortune teller is this way" she mentioned, as she dragged him south of the town, near the cemetery. He just went along, hoping that she wouldn´t notice that he was staring at the farmer.

Alex never understood Haley's fascination with the fortune teller, she went first, paying the 100 gold pieces price for her reading, and he stayed at a distance, unable to hear their conversation, but seeing Haley's expression change a couple of times, before going back to her normal self.

"Come on Alex, is your turn," she said, standing up

"You know I don´t do that mystic thing"

"lame," she said back, going back to him "What you wanna do now?"

What Alex really wanted was to go and find the Farmer, ask him about his stand and talk to him, spend time with him. But he couldn´t say that, not to Haley.
"I wanna do the strength game" he mentioned "wanna make sure all that training is working"

"that´s so boring" she complained, before sighing "Fine, let's go"

***

It was a long while after the winner was announced that Alex finally saw the farmer again, he heard from his grandparents that Pierre had won first place, and the farmer had got second place. 

He was chatting with Haley near the town center, next to one of the carpets.

"hi guys" Jason greeted, carrying his box with produce he had already collected from the stan he had placed.

"hi farmer," said Haley not really paying attention and checking her phone

"Hey," said back Alex, happy to finally be able to see him close

"What have you guys been doing? I just pick my stan for the competition"

"Really?" he said, trying to pretend to be surprised "I didn´t know you were competing" Feeling he needed to say something more, he proceeded to answer Jason's question "I played the strength game too many times and now my arms feel like rubber".

"Ouch, I only tried like, two times before I gave up"

"You should train a bit more, we could do it together, if you want" he offered, slightly nervous

Haley then suddenly joined the conversation, looking at the farmer 

"Have you been to the fortune teller? She set up her stan in the graveyard" she added, pointing to where the stan was "I already saw her...she told me something...interesting." she added before giggling 

"There´s a fortune teller?" the farmer asked in surprise "Maybe I should check on that

"You believe in the paranormal thing?" asked Alex

"Well yeah, since I was a kid, I am not gonna risk it if there´s a chance she could tell me something interesting"

After chatting a bit more, the farmer left them to go directly to the fortune teller. Sometime later, he saw the farmer walking away from there with a pleased expression. Wondering what he was told by the old lady.

Chapter Text

The next day, Alex acted as usual. Curious to ask what the fortune teller had told him, he wasn´t a big believer in the supernatural, but he couldn't shape his expression after talking to that old woman.

He tried to ignore it, and keep having a normal conversation, talking about eggs and how they were already halfway through fall and soon winter would come.
"It´s almost a full year since you moved, how are you feeling?" Alex asked the farmer

"Is not bad, is very different from how it felt in Zuzu City. But I´m not complaining"

They talked a bit more until the farmer had to leave, for he remembered he needed to buy some stuff at Pierre, and Alex took time to do his own thing.

Later that day, while Alex and his grandparents were eating, his grandma made trout soup, making seasonal dishes most of the time. His grandpa then mentioned out of nowhere.

"How is old Dean´s boy?" he questioned, looking at his grandson

Alex looked up, with a confused expression, until he heard his grandma talk

"He is talking about the farmer dear" she explained "Dean was the name of his grandfather and old friend of ours"

"oh" pausing "he is fine, he is taking care of the farm and he has chickens and brings me some eggs"

"Dean used to do the same" Evelyn added "Milk, anything he felt we could enjoy he would share without questioning"

"Is good you have a friend like that, a strong hardworking man is hard to find these days, he will set a good example for how to be a real man"

Chapter Text

His favorite fall day had finally come. He enjoyed Spirits Eve; he had loved it since he was a kid. He fondly remembered how his mother helped him dress up, go get candies, and decorate pumpkins. He always enjoyed dressing up as a superhero. When his mother asked him why, as a kid, he told her that it was because he was going to become a hero and protect her from his father.

After her death, his grandma continued making him new superhero costumes every time he outgrew the last, trying to keep a small reminder of the good days with his mother—a tradition he continued to this day.

It was a full red body suit, with a separate blue cape and shorts, without forgetting the mask covering his eyes, and he wore old brown boots that used to be from his grandfather.

Since he moved to Pelican town, his tradition became entering the maze and trying to find the secret treasure at the end. He had managed to make it a couple of times, where he had found a golden pumpkin as a prize, something he loved collecting, but would never admit to anyone.

He spends the morning helping his grandparents decorate the house and clean everything before he can start to get ready and spend the night out.

By the time nightfall, he was ready and dressed up to try another year to find the precious golden pumpkin. He made his way, doing twists and turns, passing through hands coming out of the floor, a static TV, etc. Passing the TV, he notices something strange on the other side of the bushes he was just passing by. But he couldn´t figure out what it was.

He was so focused he never noticed when the farmer passed behind him, until he placed his hand on his shoulder, taking him by surprise.

"Jason, Dude you scared me," he admitted, noticing how he was wearing what looked like an old clown shirt.

"That´s your costume? What are you?  A sad clown?"

"You could say that" Jason answered "I didn´t have a costume ready so I went to check the attic and found this, and it was better than nothing"

"Hey, that means that was from your grandfather, right?" thinking of a comeback "You can say you are a ghost clown"

His words provoke a genuine cackle from Jason, something that makes Alex feel very happy and nervous at the same time.

"Hey, what are you doing just standing there?" the farmer asked.

"There´s something weird over there" he explained, pointing to the other side of the maze wall. "But I don´t know how can I get there?"

Alex was focused on whatever was on the other side.

Before he noticed, the farmer had left his side.

When he finally tough of a plan, and finishes making his way through the maze, he finds that the chest is open already, someone has beaten him to it.

A part of him was sad he didn´t get the pumpkin that year, but then he remembered that he saw the farmer, and for him, that made it worth it. Making his way home.

Chapter Text

As the Fall ended and Winter came, Alex saw the farmer less and less, mostly because the farmer was extra busy taking care of his animals during the hard season of winter. He couldn´t blame him, for he acted just the same about his dog and his grandparents.

His routine was the same during winter, eating breakfast, going to the spa up in the mountains, using the gym installation inside there until the afternoon to eat lunch with his family, then visiting his dog and hanging around a bit before going back inside.

That routine changed on two days of winter: during the festival of ice and the feast of the winter star.

He helped Evelyn push George's wheelchair to the forest near Marnie´s house, after making sure they were both dressed in a way to make sure they wouldn´t pass cold and leaving them near the ice sculptures, he knew they enjoyed seeing those. After leaving them, he went towards what he assumed was Leah's cabin, where other people were making snowmen.

Haley and Emily were arguing about how to make their snowmen, they were polar opposites so it made sense. As soon as Haley saw him, she went for him, dragging him to another area with enough snow to make a new snowman. She wanted to make a traditional snowman with a smoke pipe, scarf, and top hat, and he just went along with that.

Right about the time when the snowman was done, Alex noticed the farmer making his way toward people building things with snow. He was wearing a light green sweater, blue jeans, and some snow boots.

"Hey," he greeted them both.

"Hi, farmer" Haley greeted back, before saying "I guess winter isn´t all bad...playing in the snow can be fun"

Haley was a pring lover, everyone in town knew that.

"A bit harsh to be a farmer in winter, but I can see its charms too," Jason said back

They were comfortably chatting when the major announced the ice fishing tournament was going to start. Usually, the only competitors were Pam and Willy, a few years after he moved Elliot joined the competition. He didn´t understand what was the fun of fishing but enjoyed seeing people cheering for those participating.

Jason made his way to the frozen laze, for he was going to participate as well, the thing that caught Alex by surprise. He had never seen the farmer fish, he didn´t even know if he knew how to. That man who came from the city was full of surprises.

The whole time, he didn´t move his eyes from the farmer, when he usually chatted a bit with Gus or whoever was standing next to him among the townsfolk. Hadn´t been for the whistle the major blew he wouldn´t have noticed when the time had run out.

After a few minutes of small chatting and whispers, while Lewis counted how many fishes each participant had got, he went back to the position, ready to announce that year's winner.

"Jason, with 6 big, slimy fish!"

Lots of people cheered Vincent and Jas, Emily and Gus, and even he caught himself cheering loudly for his victory.

Once the competition ended, and the sun started to set, people started to leave back to town, cause the temperature was going to start to get lower.

Alex wanted to go spend time with that year's winner of the fishing contest, give him a victory hug, and maybe even a k-

"What was I thinking?" he froze, before pushing his grandpa's chair back to his home.

Chapter Text

He was making his way to the spa. He enjoyed having a warm place with training equipment to truly enjoy the coldest season of the year a bit more. He was wearing winter pants, a tick-blue sports jacket, and a grey beanie; he hated getting sick. He was already halfway through, just over the mountain, where he could see Maru and Sebastian's house when he brushed shoulders with the farmer.

"Sorry," Jason immediately apologized, before realizing it was Alex who he had barely passed.

"Jason" Alex immediately said, with excitement in his voice 

"Alex" there was surprise in the farmer's voice, but also happiness " What are you doing here? I never thought you´d be a mountain guy"

"I´m not really, but the spa is all the way up near the railroad, so on winter I kinda become one, mostly out of need"

"That explains why I haven't seen you around here" he giggles a bit

Alex enjoyed hearing the sound of his laughter, no matter how big or small it was, his voice made him feel warm. He didn´t want that moment they were having to end, so he remembered something he could use to keep chatting.

"Have you been up by the lake recently? I was on a run late last night, and I noticed that the old bridge was repaired..."

"oh yeah, that´s the quarry" was quickly added and explained by the farmer "I´ve been going there since the juni-" he paused himself "since the bridge was fixed"

Alex got a bit confused with their cut of sentences, he couldn't even figure out what word he was going to say, but he chose not to push it.

"oh, by the way, I talked to Evelyn at the last festival" he casually mentioned "She told me that she met your grandpa at that festival a long time ago. I didn't know your grandpa was from out of town too"
The information caught him by surprise. He knew his mother was from that town and he was born somewhere else, but he never talked about his grandpa in his life. He always assumed he was from Pelican Town just like his grandma.
"Really?" he replied, attempting to act unsurprised "Well that's nice, I don´t think people meet like that a lot these days"
"I guess not, well I gotta go, need to go mining some copper ores" he explained, starting to make his way to the mines "See ya later"
The farmer knew more about his family than himself.
That knowledge made him feel some guilt.

Chapter Text

Alex had helped his grandparents decorate their home for the Feast of the Winter Star, and with some convincing from his grandma, he also helped set the decorations in the center of town. That year, he had to give something to Jass. He struggled a lot to find what a small girl could want.

In the end, his grandma helps him make a dozen cookies and grap them neatly for her.

Eeryone was wearing sweaters, jackets and hats. Both to keep themselfs warm but to be nicesly dress for the feast. There were multiple tables set. Many families took a full table to remain together. Those without families sit around their friends or neihbors they hang a lot more.

After settling in with his grandparents, on a small table, since it was just his small family of three, Alex wondered where the farmer would sit. He knew his family was from Pelican town, but his grandfather had passed a long time ago, and he didn´t see any visitors so his parents weren't coming. Was Jason going to spend it alone?

He quickly got distracted when Maru came to give his grandfather a bag of coffee, guessing the scientific girl in town got his grandpa for the gift exchange.

Getting up he went to the table where Jas should be, but not seeing her there, he asked Shane where she was.

"She must be playing with Vincent" he answered, with an annoyed tone.

He had no idea where Vincent could be, but he knew he could ask Sam where his little brother was. Moved now to the table where his family usually sat down. He catches him right before he leaves, surely to hang out with Sebastian and Abigail.

"hey Sam, have you seen your little brother?"

"must be with my mom," he said quickly before leaving.

Finding Jass was becoming a game of hide-and-seek.

It took him around 15 minutes to find her and give her the gift he had gotten her. Her smile was filled with happiness as she saw a dozen cookies.
"thank you so much, Alex" she practically shouted.

Relief of that situation, he went back to his table, where he noticed a familiar face there, talking to his grandma. It was the farmer. Barely hearing part of the conversation Evelyn was having with Jason.

"Oh, my! Aren´t you cold, dear? It´s freezing" she dad as she looked up and down to the farmer in concern.

He was wearing only a red sports jacket, his usual pants, some red boots, and a sailor hat.

"Is okay Mrs.Evelyn" he replied, "I'm wearing a turtleneck shirt under this."

"Well, if you insist, but please sit down with us, you are welcome to stay and drink some hot coffee or maybe some tea, to keep you warm"

"Thanks for the offer Mrs.Evelyn, but I need to go find my secret person for the exchange after I promise to come back"

"Alright dear"

After that, the farmer made his way from their table to the Mercer´s, Pierre´s family table. He greeted Pierre and Caroline, before going straight to Abigail and offering the gift to her.

"you´re my secret Santa?" she asked, a bit surprised, before opening the box and excitedly taking the present out.

"ah...an amethyst! Thanks" she explained, she genuinely seemed happy and put it in her bag.

After doing his part, Jason went back to the Muller table, where he knew they were waiting for him. Alex had gotten him some coffee while he was away, trying to make sure he was warm. He would hate it if his friend got a cold.

They walked for some time, about things in the farm, how his first winter in the valley was treating him, if he was having a good diet. It was as if Jason was already part of the family.

Jason was on his third cup of tea when they noticed Caroline making her way to them. 

She went straight to the farmer, putting a gift in front of him. She was his secret Santa.

"Is not much, but I hope you like it" 

The farmer opened the gift in front of the table, taking from the box a shiny Emerald.

Alex looked at the emerald, it was bright, but he knew that gems weren´t very cheap, and felt strange, a bit angry and sad he wasn´t the farmer´s secret Santa and that he couldn´t give him a gem like that.

Chapter Text

Alex's morning started as any usual winter day. But around 9 am, he went out of his home to go and check on his good old companion, Dusty. He was hiding from the cold ait inside the house, yet popped out of those walls as soon as he sniffed Alex nearby. He smiled, taking a bone-shaped dog biscuit and throwing it to the dog. Who quickly catches it and starts eating it.

"That´s a good boy, Dusty" his usual smile faltered for a moment, as he looked at the dog with sadness in his eyes "You might be the only one around here who understands me."

His mind went back to one of those dark moments in his past he rather not bring to the light.  "No one else has seen the kind of stuff you and I have". Remembering back when he was just a kid and had just gotten his small dog from one of his old neighbors, hearing his father scream and shout and threatening to kick and hurt the dog for being so noisy.

A foreign sound got him out of his head, turning his neck to his left side, finding that Jason was standing there. Freaking out for this unexpected person, he stands up straight, looking at him.

"Jason! Did you overhear me talking?"

Jason's eyes went to the side, confirming Alex's suspicion. Ashamed he turned his back before being able to talk again.

"I don´t really like to talk about it, but I guess I´ll explain..." there was an uncomfortable pause. "Have you ever wondered why I live with my grandparents?" Alex took a deep breath before proceeding. "You see, my father wasn´t a good guy... He... Well, he ruined everything for me and my mom. Half the time he was gone... The other half he´d drink all night and tell me I´m worthless, that I´d never amount to anything. I think he resented me for being young... Bitter because he´d wasted his youth doing nothing and had gotten nowhere in life".

His voice went from melancholic to bitter, with an angry expression crossing his face.

"Well... that´s my take on it, anyway. Who knows what was going on in his mind. one day he left, and soon after that Mom got sick and passed away. I had no choice but to move in with my grandparents".

The last words were clearly filled with pain. A longing and maybe even some regret for how things had happened. He turned back, feeling a bit lighter after getting all those thoughts and feelings out of his system.

"You seem like someone I can trust... That´s why I´m telling you this, Jason. I don´t want any sympathy. If there´s one good thing about my past, it´s that it made me strong".

He didn´t want to keep talking about his past, not even with someone that he genuinely enjoyed his company, like Jason. And so he proceeded to change the subject, looking back at the dog pen.

"Now... let me show you what Dusty will do for a BBQ steak".

Taking from his other pocket a plastic bag with a piece of steak clearly seasoned with BBQ sauce. Dusty, upon smelling that sweet scent, started to water, jump, and happily bark.

"Ha! Look at him slobbering. I think he might like steak as much as I do".