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Restoring Faith	By : Lady_Kae Category: +G through L > Harvest Moon Views: 2535 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters used from the game Harvest Moon: ToT. All characters ,game related material, and lyrics, save for original content is property of their respective owners and no money is being made from this fiction.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
A/N: Sorry this took a while to post. Hubby and I were working a convention this last weekend and it took a while to get everything prepped up for it. Now that that's all done, I get to go back to writing! Woohoo! Enjoy!
~Kae

Chapter 7: Surprise, Surprise
Restoring Faith
A Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility Fanfiction

Gill shook his head as he looked at the calendar for what seemed the millionth time that day. How was it August already?! Kohri’s birthday was in less than two weeks and they had nothing set up for her! As much as he wanted to be working on that, Gill was in the midst of filing some paperwork when the bell at the door tinged a few times and he smirked as he saw both Owen and Luke walk in. “ Just give me a minute and I’ll meet you guys upstairs. I just need to notarize these and I’ll be right up.” he said with a grin.
Luke went to comment, but he was quickly pulled towards the stairs leading to the library by Owen who gave Gill a silent wave and grin of his own. “ Dude! I can walk! Owen!”
Elli laughed a little at her desk as she listened to the carpenter apprentice’s vocal protests. “ He’s never going to change, is he?” she giggled as she set a cup of tea down on Gill’s desk for him.
“ I doubt it in all honesty.” Gill chortled as well, though his brow furrowed after a few minutes as he began shuffling the papers on his desk around. “ Elli, have you seen my notary stamp by chance?” He began going through the drawers of his desk, and Gill’s scowl began growing darker as he couldn’t find it.
“ Last I saw it, it was on the counter near where I was working earlier.” Elli replied as she began pulling out forms that they were going to need first thing tomorrow morning.
Gill quickly walked over to the counter where he had been earlier and he crowed a little when he found it right where Elli had said it would be. “ Thanks El.” he quickly praised as he began ratifying the documents before slipping them into an envelope to be mailed off. Gill then ducked around the counter as he made his way to the stairwell as well.
To think, before Kohri had arrived, Gill wouldn’t normally be caught talking to either man unless it were business related. However, all three of them had a dear friend in common, and Gill wasn’t about to ignore them or their potential input when it came to Kohri. They were also good men in their own rights, and had been there for Gill in their own ways after Angela had died. He took the steps two at a time, as Gill was too excited to keep his exuberance at bay. If all went well today then Kohri would be getting something she wouldn’t be expecting what so ever.
Gill’s gaze softened as he thought of Kohri for a moment. The two of them had met up once again for the Firefly Festival a few weeks back at the end of July and Gill couldn’t the image Kohri had made for that night out of his mind. Instead of the normal tee shirt and jeans with her hair thrown into a messy bun as he constantly saw her with, Kohri had worn a sundress and sandals that night, and had allowed her long sable locks to flow free on the small breeze. Her bright blue eyes had been full just like the moon above them and she had been babbling excitedly about the picnic that she had set up for them to enjoy during the festivities.
Gill had been gobsmacked by how utterly natural, yet beautiful, Kohri had looked that night. Gill had also come to notice that she had left him feeling the exact same way Angie had during their first date. Gill wasn’t sure how he felt about that in all honesty, but he kept putting it off to the side. He couldn’t dwell on that right now. In fact, he needed to keep a platonic objectivity with Kohri and just work with two of her best friends to set up a birthday party that she would never forget.
Gill’s excited azure gaze met the golden and obsidian ones of Luke and Owen as he cleared the corner and he cleared his throat in an effort regain his composure. “ Thank you for coming here today, gentleman. Let’s all take a seat.” he offered as he waved a hand towards the table nearby. Elli had been a dear and had set up tea and snacks for them already and Gill shook his head with a slight chuckle. Elli was forever making sure that everyone was taken care of it seemed.
“ I know this is related to Kohri’s birthday, Gill. You think we can pull off a surprise party in time?” Owen asked with a grin.
“ Dude, seriously! You just take care of the planning, Owen and I can work her up to needing a drink by the end of the day!” Luke added chipperly, thunking his fist confidently against the table, but carefully so as to not upend the tea set. His excited amber gaze cut over to the coal one across the table and both men smirked mischievously. Gill had unknowingly provided them with plenty of ammunition to tease Kohri with.
None the less, the two of them would easily have Kohri jonesing for one of Hayden’s stiff and potent cocktails before that day was done.
Gill shook his head even as he poured himself a cup of tea, and he silently handed Owen the pot next. “ As curious as I am, I don’t want to know just what you two are going to do to her to get her to that point.” he chortled.
Owen and Luke shrugged and the three men set into the task of planning everything they were going to need for this party.
“ It’d probably be best to have Yolanda cater everything, this way Kohri can have her favorites, but it doesn’t put everyone out at the same time. So figure what, salmon, veggies, all that jazz?” Luke offered as he grabbed a few more cookies from the tray Elli had recently brought up. They had been planning for the last three hours and had gone through two pots of tea and the initial tray of cookies and other finger snacks that she had left for them.
“ She likes to use rice fairly often as a side dish. I had to help her cart three fifteen pound bags of it from Souffle Farm to Gnocchi Ranch just the other day after all.” Owen added as with a laugh Gill began writing everything down.
“ I’m writing down dishes that would be a hit not just with Kohri, but with everyone. Fish meuniere, various vegetable risottos…” Gill murmured. His pen was moving rapid fire over the papers in front of him and he tapped after a moment. “ I’m forgetting something.”
Owen couldn’t contain the small snort that escaped him and he shook his head mirthfully. “ I’ll say.” he replied humorously. He carefully plucked the pen from Gill’s hand and he pulled the paper over that they were putting the menu on. Owen continued shaking his head as he wrote out the dish and he slid both back over to Gill once he was finished.
Gill looked over what Owen had written down and he couldn’t help but laugh at what it was. “ I’ll grant you that one, Owen. Good thinking. I’ll see if I can’t borrow the board from her the day before the party.” he commented. In big, bold letters was the word Gnocchi at the bottom of the page, underlined multiple times for emphasis. Gill double checked his watch and his blue eyes widened in dismay for how much time had passed. It was his turn to supply the main ingredient for supper this evening. “ Speaking of food, gents. It’s debate night. Same time tomorrow?”
Owen laughed even as both he and Luke got to their feet. “ Maybe. Kohri mentioned she might be up in the library tomorrow, so I don’t want to push it. In all honesty, you just worry about the location and food Gill. Luke and I can handle getting everyone there to surprise her. I think trying to add anything else in would be overkill.”
Gill looked over everything that the three of them had agreed on and he nodded. “ You may be right about that Owen. Figure what? Tuesday next week, if just to briefly go over where we’re all at?”
“ Sounds like a plan Gilly. If you need Owen and I to help cover the cost on anything, let us know dude. I don’t feel right knowing that you wanna foot the whole thing.” Luke replied, though he was scowling a little as he finished.
“ Even though I’ve been paying my own tuition out of pocket, I have more than enough left over, Luke. Believe me. Bear in mind I haven’t taken any vacation time and I make a livable wage. I have roughly five years worth of savings after all. I can afford this. Thank you for the offer however. I do appreciate it.” Gill said with a smile. Kohri was planning to raid the library again tomorrow, hm? Maybe he could pull her away for lunch so that she didn’t work right through it. Would she wear a skirt or a dress again? Would Gill get the feeling that it was a date the way he had at the Firefly Festival? Would it run late enough for him to walk her home? Why was he trying to come up with excuses to turn this into a date? That made no sense!
Luke and Owen were silent as they watched the expression on Gill’s face change as he turned towards the northwest and they both smirked at one another. If both men didn’t know any better, Gill was already preparing rebuttals against Kohri. Both had been unceremoniously pulled into one of their infamous debates after all. “ What’s tonight’s topic?” Owen finally asked.
“ We’re trading data and crops from the plants we’ve been growing. Kohri’s been traditionally growing a tomato plant while I’ve been growing one hydroponically. I dare say she might have me beat to be honest, considering her plant was over six feet tall the last time I saw it.” Gill answered, though he was sure to keep his back to the other men in an effort to hide the growing blush on his face. Why did he want to feel like that again? Gill had sworn to keep it friends only with her, especially as Kohri wasn’t looking for any romantic attachments of her own.
“ We need to get back to work Gill. We’ll catch ya later!” Owen announced as he and Luke neared the stairwell.
Gill waved over his shoulder as he gathered up everything to tuck away into his desk for tomorrow. “ Have a good day gentleman! Don’t forget that we’re meeting back up next Tuesday!”
Luke gave Gill a quick thumbs up before they disappeared from sight and Gill followed after a few moments once he was sure he had everything he needed. He made sure to put everything into his desk for now, as he would more than likely get everything started tomorrow as tonight was debate night and he still needed to think of something to bring for them to make for supper. “ I’ll see you in the morning, Elli. Have a good night.” Gill said quickly as he made for the door.
“ Tell Kohri I said hello!” Elli called out behind him.
Gill waved back to Elli in an effort to let her know that he had heard her and again, a slight blush took over his cheeks. He couldn’t help but think briefly that Elli was asking him to pass on the sentiment to Kohri as if she were his significant other or his wife. Sweet goddess in her tree, he needed to get his head on straight. Gill couldn’t afford these kinds of musings when it came to Kohri, especially when she had told him in no uncertain terms that she wasn’t looking for any romantic entanglements. It would only cause trouble in the long run. He rubbed his face a bit tiredly as he walked into his home for a brief moment to grab the books that he had borrowed from Kohri, as Gill had promised to return them to her tonight now that he had completed his report.
Gill couldn’t help but feel a bit apprehensive that he had moved on as easily as he had in the last month and a half. Angie was no longer a sad memory for him, despite how tragically he had lost her, as Gill felt as if he had finally said his goodbyes to her properly. What scared him was how quickly he had turned those attentions to Kohri.
The one woman on the entire island who wanted nothing to do with men. Who had every reason to for that matter after what had happened to her last year. As much as Gill wanted to be honest with her, he was terrified of scaring her off at the same time. What if she was enamored with someone else, like Luke or Owen? Even Jin?
Gill sighed heavily as he sat on his bed for a moment. It had been nearly six years since he had found himself in this position. Attracted to a smart, lovely woman who shared many of the same interests that he himself had. How did one go about the whole dating thing again? Did he even dare attempt to tell her how she made him feel, considering that Kohri had nearly been raped by someone she had known pretty well? Would that kind of experience be at the forefront of her mind even though Gill was a different person entirely?
She wanted to kiss you that one night you know...his subconscious teased.
“ She was drunk…” Gill whispered back. “ She’s told me more than once that it’s friends only between us.”
Keep telling yourself that...the voice purred.
Gill shook his head to clear his thoughts. He had other things that he needed to keep his focus on, the surprise party being first and foremost.

Kohri was all smiles as she opened her front door to let Gill in and she waved him inside while giving him an enthusiastic greeting. She couldn’t help but feel happy at the smile Gill seemed to give the rancher in turn. Those two seemed to be oblivious to how they made one another feel, though she was doing all she could to ease them towards one another. At this point, she was worried that it would be telling Gill and Kohri point blank exactly what they needed! Admittedly, Kohri had a lot on her plate in trying to find anything related to the harvest sprites, and she was being stubborn in asking any of the natives for help. Hamilton had shown her the painting at Tamelin Manor the other day, she knew that much, but Kohri seemed to have it in her head that she didn’t want to bother the other residents of the island concerning the odd dreams that she had been having.
Her brown eyes narrowed a little even as an idea came to mind. Gill was throwing Kohri a birthday party soon. Maybe she could try something that night.
If all went well, Gill would finally admit that he was falling harder than he anticipated for the island’s relatively newest resident.

Kohri was pouring over books in the town library when she felt someone cover her eyes. She smiled shyly even as she giggled and she pulled the hands away to look over her shoulder. “ Nice try Gill.” Kohri chortled as she turned in her seat to face him better.
Gill shrugged even as he turned the cover over to read the title. “ Local myths and legends, as written by Horace Tamelin? Is that what you’re looking for, Kohri? I’d be more than happy to help you, you know.” he offered.
Kohri shook her head. “ Just taking a small break and familiarizing myself with some of the superstitions and cultures of the island.” she fibbed gently, with a smile full of guile the entire time. Kohri hated lying to him about this, but she didn’t want Gill to think of her as a wack job if it turned out these were only dreams that she was having and nothing more.
Gill shook his head even as he closed the book fully. “ Why don’t you join me for lunch at the inn if you’re taking a break then? My treat. It’s my way of congratulating you on winning our wager for that matter.” the flaxen haired man asked earnestly. His blue eyes met her own and Kohri felt her breath hitch a little in her throat.
What was it about Gill that made her heart thunder as hard as it did? Sure, he was handsome, and incredibly intelligent, but there was more to a man than just those things. Kohri knew this. Then again, she had seen the kind of man he could be, had seen how compassionate, and attentive to this island and its residents that Gill had been since her arrival some months ago. Kohri wanted to believe that she had fallen into that category easily enough, but she knew that wasn’t the case. They simply had too much in common, such as their love of knowledge and learning, and yet they had their differences as well. Mostly their opinions when they did debate on something tirelessly on a Friday evening.
Despite every warning she had given herself, Kohri knew that she was in trouble. She was rapidly falling harder and faster for the man beside her than should be allowed. As if sensing where her thoughts were going, Kohri’s stomach gave a loud rumble to remind her of the invitation Gill had just issued her. “ Lunch at the inn? I’d be delighted Gill!” Kohri answered chipperly as she got to her feet and Gill politely pushed her chair back in under the table.
Gill was ecstatic that Kohri had accepted his invitation for lunch and he kept the conversation on the book that she had been reading. “ So what’s the real reason behind the book Kohri?” he finally asked as Jake led them to a table in the corner.
“ Like I said, Gill, just brushing up on some of the traditions and superstitions here on Waffle Island. Still not sure about the whole blue feather thing, but…” Kohri laughed as she shrugged, drawing a small chuckle from her companion for it.
Gill shook his head slightly as Coleen set down a carafe of cold water and a few glasses for them. “ Anyone else would believe you Kohri if they didn’t know you as well as I do by this point. The only books you don’t have in your collection are those specifically about the island, so it’s something intrinsic to Waffle Island itself.” Gill paused as he double checked to be sure no one was listening in on their conversation and he leaned over the table a little. “ You can come to me about anything Kohri, even if you’re afraid it could ruin our friendship. It won’t. I can promise you that much.” Gill reached over the table, taking her hand in his and she looked up to meet his worried gaze. “ I can help you Kohri.”
Kohri’s mouth worked up and down wordlessly for a moment and her lower lip trembled after a moment. She was just too damn afraid to lose the friendships she had made here because she was unable to tell dream from reality. “ I appreciate it Gill, but honestly…” Kohri met his eyes and she smiled sweetly, hoping to throw him off her worries. “...Everything’s fine. I’m glad to have such a wonderful friend like you, you know. That offer goes both ways for that matter. Don’t forget that.”
Gill fought to keep himself from scowling. Kohri was hiding something and he knew it. What it was was a completely different matter, and he couldn’t do anything until she came clean with him. Maybe he could try to work it out of her after her surprise party next week. “ Just know that I don’t believe you for a second, Kohri.” he told her with a wry grin and Gill leaned over the table. His hand was still holding hers, gently yet firmly, and he smoothed his thumb over the tops of her knuckles. He looked up once more, allowing his gentle gaze to meet her timid one. That reluctant stare was just another reason he knew that something was seriously on her mind, and Gill wanted nothing more than to help her through whatever it was. “ I won’t push it too much, but just remember that I’m here for you if you need me. I don’t care how outlandish you may think it to be. Don’t forget that both of us felt that presence in your house a few months back and I’m the last person who would turn you away for something like that.”
Kohri smiled nervously even as she gave Gill’s fingers a squeeze. She had needed to hear that, but until she found written proof on what she was going through, Kohri wasn’t going to give it voice. “ I appreciate that more than you’ll ever know, Gill, but I’ll be alright.” Kohri whispered. She didn’t like having this much attention focused on her like this, it made her feel all too nervous and Kohri knew she had to hurry and change the subject before Gill managed to talk her into telling him what exactly was bothering her. But what? She looked away for a brief moment before she turned back to Gill with a broad smile in place. If everything went to plan, Gill was going to be fuming in a few minutes. “ Enough of the melancholy. Have you started your report yet?”
Looking back on that afternoon, Gill should have seen that comment coming from a mile away.

Kohri could feel her temples throbbing in her ire. Owen and Luke had been helping her with her harvest so far this afternoon, while it was definitely a sweet gesture on their parts to help her out on her birthday they way they were.
The only problem was that both of them were wearing her patience thin.
Luke winked at Owen as Kohri kept her back to them while she sorted through what crops she was selling and what crops she was keeping for her own use. “ Watch this…” he whispered. Luke sauntered up to Kohri, grinning like the cat that ate the canary all the while and he settled his hand on her shoulder. “ So Kohri...I can’t help but notice that Gill’s been over here...A lot.”
Kohri groaned at the blatant insinuation. “ Luke, really? Today of all days?” she quipped as she glared at her friend over her shoulder.
Owen smiled as he leaned against the hoe Kohri had handed him earlier and he grinned teasingly as well. “ What was up with that romantic lunch at the inn last week for that matter?” he added. The glare Kohri leveled on him was positively worth it and Owen laughed uproariously at her ire.
“ Seriously?! Both of you?! By the goddess Owen, it was not a date. Gill just invited me to lunch so that I wouldn’t work clear through it. As for Gill being over every week, we’re proofreading one another’s course work that we’re mailing off and we debate over dinner afterwards. Nothing more, nothing else. Just two friends who happen to like…”
“ Kohri...Do us all a favor and just kiss him already! Goddess. This tension is driving me insane!” Luke exclaimed mirthfully. He was already on his back in the grass, laughing for all he was worth. “ You should have seen the panicked look on your face!”
Kohri grabbed her hoe from Owen and in three pissed off strides, she crossed the distance between her and Luke. The carpenter had wisely gotten to his feet however, and he hurriedly ducked her irate swings before she could knock him upside his head. “ Seriously though, Kohri, we’re not saying it’s such a bad thing!” Luke rolled to the side as Kohri brought her hoe down in an overhead arc and he smirked at how pissed he had gotten her. “ Gill’s not that bad a catch, ya’know. Just not as good as me or Owen, but not bad all the same. WOAH! Owen! Air tag! Air tag!” Kohri could wield that damn hoe just like a spear or staff. Worst yet, he was helping her get better and better with every time he pissed her off to this point.
Owen shook his head and he waited for Kohri to raise the haft over her head again. Once she had, Owen closed his hand around it and raised his arm, comically lifting Kohri as well as she refused to let go of her tool. “ That’s enough you two. Tell ya what Kohri, it’s about time for the bar to open up. How about the three of us go do a little celebrating. Our treat tonight.” he said placatingly with a broad grin. “ Think of it as my way of trying to make the peace tonight. You know we only pick on ya ‘cause we love ya, right?”
Kohri let go of the haft, dropping to a crouch to lessen the impact on her knees. “ I should know, but I guess my temper got the better of me today. Alright gents. Let’s finish this last row up, get the veggies put in their respective places, and then we’ll head up to the bar for some of Hayden’s drinks.” she agreed heartily.

Maya was watching from her bedroom window for Owen, Luke, and Kohri to come down the pathway and she smiled broadly when she spotted the three friends coming down the pathway. She went careening into the main hall of the inn, waving her hands over her head in her excitement. “ They’re almost here! They just passed the three way fork!” she exclaimed happily.
Gill was grinning broadly as everyone began lowering the lamps as much as possible. “ Okay everyone! This is not a drill! Hiding spots now! Tee minus one minute and counting!” he called out. Gill went to his own hiding spot while he could and he crouched low towards the floor.
“ Guys, seriously, Hayden hasn’t turned the outside lights on yet. Are you sure the bar’s open tonight?” came Kohri’s voice.
“ Maybe he just forgot to turn them on tonight, Kohri. The least we can do is go inside and ask. At worst, we go home and I owe you those drinks another night.” Owen replied placatingly. “ C’mon now, Aramis. In you get!”
The door opened, and Kohri paused mid step in her nervousness before Owen finished shoving her through the door. The entirety of the inn and bar area was nearly pitch black, but there was something barely visible hanging in the background. “ What in the world?” she whispered warily, though she was looking around intently at this point.
No sooner than had she uttered those words, the lights came flooding on and everyone popped out of the hiding spots with wide smiles. “ SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY KOHRI!” came the uproarious salutation.
Kohri stumbled backwards a little into Luke, but the taller man caught her by the shoulders to keep her in the room. Her eyes were wide and her hands were barely covering her mouth in her shock, though she was looking around. Everyone on Waffle Island was here, in the inn, wanting to celebrate her birthday with her. Tears twinkled at the corner of her eyes as she looked at everyone gathered, trying to figure out just who was the mastermind behind this wonderful whammy of a party. Luke and Owen would have never been able to pull this off on their own after all. Her search was sidetracked as Owen ruffled her hair affectionately and Kohri looked up at the taller man with a joyful grin.
“ What are we waiting for?” Luke exclaimed brightly as he pulled Kohri further into the room. “ Is this a party or not?!”
Kohri was all smiles as the party got into full swing and she was pulled onto the dance floor by her two cohorts before they had even plied her with any alcohol. She was even more astounded to see that the majority of her favorites had been served, and Kohri took a look around once more. There was only one man on this island who knew her that well, and quite frankly she had yet to see him tonight. Had he already gone home or was he just biding his time? Once more, her search was interrupted when Owen put one of Hayden’s cocktails into her hand.
“ Happy birthday Kohri!” the russet haired man said, his face the very picture of joy and mirth.
“ You and Luke are going to tell me who else is in on this before you get me too drunk.” Kohri chuckled even as she raised her glass to toast him.
“ Do you really need to ask?” Owen chortled as he pointed over near the stairs. Gill was leaning against the railing nonchalantly and he gave a small wave when he noticed the two of them looking his way. “ I’ll check on ya in a bit. Don’t drink that too fast now, alright?”
Kohri nodded and she made her way over to where Gill was standing by himself after a few minutes. Against her better judgement, and Owen’s warning for that matter, she had bolted down the cocktail her friend had handed her and it was definitely stronger than the ones Hayden normally served her. Oh damn...That was too good to the point where I’ll be sucking these down without thinking. she thought, giggling to herself all the while.
Gill was looking at her curiously, though to anyone else it would be a cold, disinterested stare, and Kohri shook her head a little. “ Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked mirthfully.
“ A little too much.” Kohri admitted, laughing all the while. “ I’m surprised that the three of you were able to pull one over on me like this.”
Gill shrugged, a pleased grin on his face all the while. “ I’m glad you’re having a good time Kohri.” he said honestly. His hand patted her shoulder a little, though Kohri’s hand came up to rest on his forearm to keep him in place.
“ This was a wonderful surprise, Gill. Thank you.” she replied softly.
Gill was uncertain of what to say, as he was scared of what he might do if the opportunity presented itself. However, neither had to say a word as a slow dance song struck up and both looked up in surprise. Gill didn’t remember adding this one to the list. However, he wasn’t about to let this moment pass him up either. Gill smiled as he gently removed his hand and he gave Kohri a rather gallant bow. “ Ms. Phelps, I’d be honored if you allow me this dance.” he said.
Kohri, either shored up by the liquor in her system or the fact that she had been secretly waiting for him to say that all night, placed her hand daintily in his. “ The pleasure would be mine, Mr. Tamelin.” she replied with a curtsy of her own. She couldn’t hold back the laughter that swept through her when Gill expertly twirled her towards the dance floor and Kohri looked up into his eyes after a moment. They were literally the only ones on the dance floor at the moment, and Gill seemed to care less.
If she were honest with herself, Kohri was enjoying herself too much to care either.
The tempo was soothing, and Kohri was confident in having Gill as her dance partner for this song. He was leading her easily enough, though Kohri couldn’t help but want to close any bit of distance between them to rest her head on his chest. She was a solid head and a half shorter than him, but that distance didn’t seem so far with the way he was holding her right now. His left hand rested against her side, between her ribs and hip, and Gill would tighten his hold every once in a while there. It only made Kohri wonder just what he was thinking. There was a tender smile on Gill’s face that was hard to miss however, and Kohri took delight in mirroring it while they had this moment to themselves.
Luke and Owen were beaming with pride even as they fist pounded at the fact that their ploy had worked. It was Luke and Owen who had snuck the song into the list in the first place, with the hopes that they would get the desired reaction like this before the end of the night. They were pretty sure the rest of the town just saw them as two friends having a good time dancing together, but Luke and Owen saw Kohri more than even Gill did on a daily basis. What they saw was a young woman utterly enamored with the man before her, and the worst part about it was that she refused to admit it.
Owen was doubly shocked to see that same look mirrored on Gill’s face. He hadn’t considered the idea that the deputy mayor might have similar feelings for the young rancher and the blacksmith’s apprentice mentally rubbed his palms together at the revelation.
Maybe it was just a matter of getting both of them to crack at this point.

Gill shook his head as Owen, Luke, and Kohri raced to see who could finish their beer the fastest. He wasn’t fond of alcohol to be honest, but he would not judge others if they chose to drink it. Kohri had enjoyed herself thus far; something Gill was exceedingly happy about, and it showed just for the simple fact that the mask she normally wore to hide all her worries was completely gone. Luke slammed his mug down to the table first, and he let out a quick crow of victory for his win. Kohri was next, and she high fived Luke excitedly as Owen seemed to trail behind both of them. After a minute, Owen slammed his mug down to the table, and the three friends laughed uproariously at his hindered racing skills. Gill knew from hearing the three of them talk that Owen could leave both Luke and Kohri in the dust without so much as trying. Owen wobbled however and Luke was fast to catch him before the taller man face planted against the carpeted floor.
“ Yo Gill!”
Well, duty called as being one of the only sober people at this function. It looked like Gill was getting ready to play taxi to a man who easily dwarfed him in height. Gill smiled softly even as he shook his head while he got to his feet. He should have seen this coming from a mile away when these three had started drinking together. Gill made his way over to the trio and he helped to ease Owen into a chair. “ Let me guess…” he began, fully expecting Luke to ask him what he thought was obvious.
Luke shook his head. “ Can you handle getting Kohri home while I drag this lug back to Ramsey’s? I think he hit the bottle a little harder than he expected to. Either that, or Hayden pulled out all the stops knowing it was Kohri’s birthday.” Luke chuckled kindly. “ Both of us knew she’d be drinking quite a bit tonight and one of us had anticipated to walk her home, but I can’t let Owen try to make it home by himself. If I know Kohri as well as I do, she’ll probably be tappin’ out soon enough anyways. In all honesty, I can handle Owen this drunk, you can’t. Kohri will be easier to manage, especially because all ya gotta do is give her a little bit of the caveman approach.”
Gill snorted at the thought of throwing Kohri over his shoulder like some ruffian, though he did mull it over for a moment and he nodded. This would be the perfect chance to see if she would spill on what it was that she was having trouble finding in the library. “ I’ll make sure she gets home safe, Luke. No worries.” Gill assured the carpenter’s apprentice.
Luke pulled Gill off to the side as Kohri eased Owen over the table to help the room stop spinning so wildly. It had been a while since the younger Ashemore had seen his friend this heavily intoxicated. “ You might not make it home with as hard as she been hitting the sauce tonight. There have been a few nights where either Owen or I would need to stay with her because of how hammered she had gotten. There’s something seriously bothering her Gill, and she won’t talk to us about it. See if you can’t ply it out of her tonight with her as drunk as she’s gotten.”
Gill shook his head. There were days when Luke surprised the hell out of him with the amount of insight he actually had and today was one of those days. He was the voice of reason for the three musketeers for once, befitting of the designated Porthos for that matter, but it still struck Gill as a little odd. “ I’ve already tried Luke. You two aren’t the only ones to notice something’s off. Do you think it might be related to her case? Hence why she might feel she doesn’t need to bring it up again?” the deputy mayor asked.
Luke looked over to Kohri and Owen a moment, though he swore under his breath when he saw that Kohri had yet another one of Hayden’s potent concoctions. She was seriously going to be feeling that in the morning. “ Not a clue, but it would explain why she’s been sleeping like crap. If you need me to come over, do not hesitate to call the shop. I’ll talk to dad and Bo when I get there. It’s gonna be slow goin’ with as hammered as Owen is tonight though.” he said worriedly. He looked back over to the table and he groaned again to see that Kohri wasn’t there. “ Speaking of Kohri, you need to go find her. She’s disappeared from Owen’s side.”
Gill nodded and the two men went their separate ways to get their friends gathered up. His eyes hurriedly scanned the party and Gill sighed in relief when he saw Kohri’s long sable hair swish as she exited the ladies room. He made his way over to her, though he laughed softly at the sight of her dancing drunkenly with both Selena and Kathy for a brief moment before she was back at the bar.
Kohri hummed happily as she drank the frozen cocktail and she smirked when she saw Gill sit beside her. “ So Luke and Owen managed to pin me off on you tonight, huh?” she chortled drunkenly. “ I’m gonna warn ya. I ain’t leavin’ until this here glass is empty. Capiche?”
Gill shook his head as he tried to take the glass from her. Didn’t she realize that she was going to have the mother of all hangovers come tomorrow morning? “ No, Luke only asked that I make sure you got home alright. Owen was fairly lit after all.” he replied, though he scowled when Kohri dodged every attempt he made to intercept her drink. “ As for that glass, the minute I get it out of your hand, we’re leaving.”
“ The only way you’re taking it from me is if you finish it Gill. I’m not about to let good booze go to waste like that.” Kohri purred, though her words were becoming slightly incoherent the more she lost herself to the buzz taking over her mind and senses.
Gill scowled though he grabbed the glass and hurriedly downed the last of the drink before Kohri could. He fought back a sputter and a grimace as the alcohol burned going down, but he managed to keep himself composed. Just because he didn’t like to drink didn’t mean he couldn’t hold his liquor after all. Gill was certain it was just natural for the natives of Waffle Island to have such a magnificent resilience to alcohol. “ Alright Kohri, glass is empty. I’m taking you home.” he ordered.
Kohri stood up, though she wobbled before Gill caught her, and she giggled madly as he led her from the establishment. Thankfully, those present were too far gone as well to care that the reason for the party had just left. Kohri turned to Gill before they could get past the northern gate, and her arms wrapped about his neck in her inebriated state. “ I can’t lie Gill. I like hearin’ ya talk like that.” she slurred. She had a sloe eyed look on her face and Gill fought the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose.
Did Kohri get this blatantly flirtatious when she drank?
“ What do you mean, Kohri?” he asked, maneuvering her to his back. It would be easier in the long run to carry her home like this.
Kohri nuzzled Gill’s neck a little as she got comfortable on his back. “ I like hearing you get bossy like that. The authority in your voice...It’s sexy as hell.” she mumbled against his ear. One hand took the opportunity to smooth down the expanse of his chest that she could reach and Kohri licked her lips a little. She liked the way he felt under her fingers too.
“ Just keeping you to what you said, Kohri. There wasn’t anything remotely bossy about that in my opinion.” Gill said, grunting a little as he came to a slight hillock. This was nothing compared to the monster he still had to climb to get her to her home. “ If you’re up for talking though, you can always tell me what exactly you’re combing the library for.”
Kohri sighed as she snuggled Gill’s neck again. She was going to be reluctant to let him go home at this point. “ I’m trying to find something on the harvest goddess and the sprites…” Kohri breathed out tiredly. “ Such weird dreams…”
Gill paused if only to look over his shoulder at her in shock. She was having dreams related to the harvest goddess and the sprites? He scowled a little as he looked towards Mt. Gelato where the hollowed out trunk of the Mother Tree stretched skyward as if reaching for something or someone. It had been fifteen years since it had died. Fifteen long years since the island had started making its decline. Gill’s thoughts turned back to Kohri as she started dozing off on his back and he sighed heavily. It wasn’t that she was too prideful to ask for help in this case. She was terrified of being scorned and labeled a lunatic. His steel blue eyes darted from side to side as Gill tried to think of something subtle he could do for her. Maybe he could find a way to covertly leave out the books she needed. If the Harvest Goddess was trying to contact her in her dreams, it was no wonder that Kohri was hesitant to come to anyone on the island about it. She wasn’t entirely certain it was just a dream after all.
Kohri groaned as Gill eased her to her feet, and she blearily opened her eyes. They were standing at her front door? Damn he moved fast for a scrawny shit with a desk job. Gill laughed at that, though it took Kohri a minute to realize that she had said that thought out loud. Oh hell, she needed to be really careful or else she was going to lose him entirely. He said something in return, and Kohri blinked hard a few times. “ Huh?” she said sleepily.
“ Where are your keys? I’m going to make sure you’re ready for bed before I take my leave.” Gill told her gently.
Kohri slapped at the small carryall on her hip and Gill shook his head as he reached into it. She was barely conscious at this point. He was going to get a few glasses of water in her system before he allowed her to lay down and before he left for the night. Gill didn’t want to leave her if she was going to experience the worst a hangover had to offer on the same note. After a minute, he found the keys and Gill set to unlocking the front door for them.
Kohri was still in a stupor as she felt herself lowered onto her sofa and she groaned at the fact that she was even upright to begin with! She needed to be in her bed, either unconscious or being kissed senseless by the man currently puttering about her kitchen. She heard the faucet run for a bit and Kohri turned her weary gaze over to Gill as he came back over to the sofa. “ Why the hell am I still sitting up? I should be face first in my pillow.” she groused.
Gill smirked even as he pushed the glass of water into Kohri’s hand. “ Because you need to drink at least three of these before I let you go to sleep. You’re probably going to hate me by morning.” he chuckled and Kohri gave him a wan smile as she cupped his cheek with her free hand.
Kohri shook her head fervently, though it only made her even more dizzy and the young woman groaned in dismay at how fast the room started spinning. “ Fuck…”
Gill sighed heavily as he sat on the sofa beside her. “ Try not to move too much. I’ll stay for a bit, just in case.” he said soothingly. His arms wrapped around Kohri as she snuggled up to him as close as she could and a small, sad smile crossed his face.
In all honesty, Kohri reminded Gill so much of Angie curled up against him like this.
It was horrible of Gill to do, considering that he was garnering a bathetic rapport for the woman beside him, but she was drawing him back into the memory of nights where he and Angie would do just this.
Gill knew he needed to stay awake, if only for Kohri’s sake, but his eyes were growing too heavy to keep open. He could feel the soft tickle of her breath at his collar, deep and even in her repose. How was it she was able to fall asleep so fast? A large yawn interrupted his thoughts and Kohri gave him a squeeze to keep him moving too far.
“ Please don’t leave…” she whimpered in her sleep, tightening her grip around his torso all the while.
Gill smiled tenderly as he nuzzled the top of her head without waking her. He would just close his eyes for a few moments, get Kohri settled into bed, and then head on home.
Just a few minutes to remind him how nice this was.
Just a few...
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Restoring Faith