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.

him a visit, is there? This village is known for its exceptionally sweet pineapples. I heard this harvest has been their best one

to face the young man behind her, her perspiration-

Ian raised his eyebrows.

he had little interest in morsels, he gave in

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

who should be grateful as Small Fry here has made us

way back to

With houses made of mud bricks and worn tiles, the

sight seemed

away in a panic earlier that day, she did not dare think about how Ian's impression of her would change after witnessing her erratic

of me? Would he see me as disrespectful, or would he think I have an ulterior motive against him

no displeasure in doing so that the knot in her chest

baked tarts informed the pair that they had arrived at

"It smells amazing!"

"She got up especially early today for this.

went in with him with Ian following

felt refreshingly cool due to the adobe

it was not Ian's first time in a

him, a furry thing shot between his feet

Thud!

backward and collided

noise, Susan hurried over with the pineapple tart in

"What happened?"

mixture of rage and humiliation as