The Love that Never Really Dies (Sasha and Sebastian)

The villagers were ecstatic. Once the wood was measured and paid for, the farmer dragged Ian to his house for some potato and leek soup. As it was a local and expensive delicacy, it would only be prepared to honor significant guests.

Ian had already firmly made up his mind to decline even before the offer was made.

At the farmer's approach, Ian shuddered in recollection of the incident with the Villagers' Committee and hastened his departure.

"Hey, Small Fry, where are you going? My wife has prepared a feast to thank you for your help"

Ian almost yelled in exasperation as the farmer's soil-crusted hand reached out with surprising vigor to grab his snow- white shirt.

Fortunately, a slender figure in the distance quickened her pace in Ian's direction at the commotion of his struggle.

"He has a delicate stomach, sir," the figure cried from afar. "But I'm sure he appreciates the offer"

As she spoke, she forcefully pried the farmer's fingers away from Ian's shirt.

Oh my, it's as black as soot!

Susan quickly extracted a clean handkerchief and cleaned Ian's shirt as best as she could.

The farmer must have gotten the hint as he no longer insisted on Ian's presence.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Even if you won't have lunch, at least come for my wife's pineapple tarts."

Pineapple tart?

Susan, who was feeling rather hungry, swallowed when she heard that.

there? This village is known for its

man behind her, her perspiration- laced face was full

Ian raised his eyebrows.

he had little interest in morsels, he

the farmer, she gratefully accepted. "We would love to come,

the one who should be grateful as Small Fry here has made us a lot of

way back

made of mud bricks and worn tiles, the fragrance of fresh

smell and sight seemed to

not dare think about how Ian's impression of her would

have an ulterior motive against him

so that the knot in her chest began to

tarts informed the pair

"It smells amazing!"

them in. "She got up especially early today for this. We are the first to bake with our harvest this year, you know. Here, try

went in with him with Ian following

crampy, the house's interior felt refreshingly cool due to the adobe

was not Ian's first time in a village, he could

suited him, a furry thing shot

Thud!

backward and collided with the

hurried over with the pineapple tart in her hand completely

"What happened?"

a curious mixture of rage and humiliation as