Every Heart

Blanket disclaimer:  All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.  I do not claim any rights to Harvest Moon Animal Parade or any characters associated with the game.  No money was made from this fan fiction. 

Author note:  My thanks to Andi for taking the time to beta.  I appreciate your help.    

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How long had he been staring at this page and not read a single word?  Slowly, Wizard blinked trying to clear his vision.  He could feel his body slightly sway between his desk and the chair.  Coffee would be nice.  Coffee would certainly help.  Too bad Witch's present had ruined all his coffee beans.

Looking at his front door he was tempted to walk to Ocarina Inn and get some coffee.  That would mean getting out of his chair though, and it was too early to get out of his chair. 

He'd made it from his bed to the chair when the sounds from town had made it impossible to sleep.  Without at least one cup of coffee he wasn't going anywhere else.  Maybe around noon he'd be able to make the trip. 

A knock on his door made him jerk --he'd almost dropped his book.  Good thing he wasn't holding any coffee, it would have been really painful if he had.  Someone knocked again.  Should he get up and answer it?  Didn't he just decide it was too early to get out of his chair? 

The door creaked, announcing he had a visitor, just a second before Hikari popped her head in.  “Anyone home?” 

Little Finn flew right in.  “He's always home Hikari.” 

He watched them step into his home and gaze around till they located him at the desk.  “There you are.  Why didn't you answer?” 

“It's early . . . I normally stay up most the night researching the stars.  I'm always tired in the morning.”  Looking back down at his book he gave up when the page blurred.  Glancing back   he watched her dig in her rucksack. 

Pulling out a box she held it out to him.  “Ta-da!” 

A present?  After last night he'd had enough presents to last him several years.  He still hadn't figured out why she'd left him the Fugue Mushroom on his door step.  Staring at the gift in her hands and then the young woman holding it, Wizard wondered just what was she thinking.  “What is it?” 

Raising an eyebrow at him she smiled.  “It's a present.” 

“Is it going to explode when I open it?” 

Jerking back Hikari shook her head.  “Of course it won’t.   I'm sorry.  You probably are a little leery after Witch pulled that prank on you.”  Moving to open the box she explained.  “I feel really bad that my gift to Witch was used to hurt you.  So I wanted to make it up to you.”  The top was now open and Hikari was reaching inside.  “After I left that Fugue Mushroom at your door last night I didn't figure you'd want to see another one for awhile so I decided to get you something else I thought you'd like.” 

Oh holy Goddess, it was coffee.  He could smell it, Ocarina Inn coffee at that.  “Thank you.”  It was even still hot!  Sipping slowly so he didn't burn his tongue Wizard savored the aroma, the taste, the caffeine.  “How did you know I would love this?” 

Smiling she packed the, what he could now recognize as an Ocarina's take out box, back into her rucksack.  “Well, I stayed up late last night racking my brain for something you'd like.  I remembered from the other times I was in your home it smelled a lot like coffee.  So I figured you must drink it a lot if your home smells like it.” 

That made sense.  Coffee must be working.  “My home smells?”     

Waving her hands in front of her Hikari shook her head.  “No, no not smell like, “yuck what just died in here?”  Smell, like freshly made coffee, or maybe at the mill right after you grind the beans; at least the other times I was here that's what the place reminded me of.” 

Taking another drink he nodded.  “I do like that smell.”  

Moving towards the door Hikari gave him one last smile before opening it.  “Me too, and don't worry I'm not going to give Witch anymore of those mushrooms.  I left the last one I had with you so you'd know I didn't approve of what she did.  Bye, Wizard, have a good day.” 

She was out the door and gone.  He glanced at the Fugue.  At least he didn't have to take any more time away from his research to figure out why she'd left it with him.  She had taken the time to explain her actions.  Curious that was certainly different from the other villagers.   

Sipping his coffee he savored the bitter taste and warmth as he swallowed.  Yolanda had outdone herself today.  He'd been drinking her coffee since the inn was first opened and this was easily the best cup he'd ever had.

Today was definitely better than yesterday.  He had to admit, Harvest Goddess was right in her choice.  The new rancher did seem to improve things.  Thinking about her certainly gave him a strange feeling.  Why was that?  

Now was as good a time as any to replenish his supply of coffee that had been ruined by Witch's prank.  Perhaps Yolanda could enlighten him about why the coffee tasted better today.