It's been a really long time since the last time I made and update!
As always, please forgive any typing or drafting errors.
I hope you like it! :D

First time taking care of a friend

"And this is the last" Said Gunther while wiping the sweat of his brow with a handkerchief after he hammered the last nail in the door "With this the remodeling it's finally done, Annie. You can get inside now"

"Thank you, Mr. Gunther!" I can't help to say with such a joyful tone after seeing the house ready "You truly are an excellent carpenter!"

The last days of summer are finally here, and with that, the expected visit of Johnny as well. Due to the high demand of personal for the season, Johnny could only afford for vacations for the start of the fall season. Not that this would became a problem, since I needed to made the remodeling of the house first – so he could stay with me instead of the inn – and Johnny could spend a little more of time with me without spending too much of his money (neither of us can't spend so much).

And so, I started to save every gold, stone and lumber that I could lay my hands on and, finally, make the remodeling in time for his arrival. It wasn't easy, but I made it in time for the autumn. The next tricky part to do was arm myself with courage, and… go to talk with Gunther and Corona. Until that moment I had barely talked to any of them, and when I have done it, it was mostly stutterers and almost unintelligible murmurs caused for the anxiety.

Corona was such an easy-going person that I ended up being shy with her, and Gunther… well… being honest, I was a little afraid of him because he kinda remembered me a bear. The day I went to the carpentry shop I was trembling like a leaf. Just as I was about to open the door, another person – who turned out to be Gunther – was opening the door from the other side. Seeing him appear so close, so hairy, so big and so suddenly surprise me so much that I turned white with panic.

Incredible as may sound, I also startled him. Seeing me there white as milk at the front of his shop, he thought I was about to faint. And so, he quickly took me inside and told Corona to bring me some tea as he went to search for a chair for I could seat. That was the moment when I saw how foolish my fears had been until that moment, since both were very worried about me and treated me with the utmost care.

After a few minutes, when I regained my composure, I felt much more at ease with them and – without much stuttering – was capable to told them that Johnny was coming and that I needed the upgrading plan for my house. Corona, easy-going and cheerful as ever, happily took the materials and the gold that I had brought and, as a special service for the first time in the shop, she gave me a discount and scheduled the remodeling for the next day. Gunther kept quiet almost all the conversation, but I could see a small smile that seemed to say that he was happy to help.

With all the chores to do, the next day arrived quickly. As soon as Gunther arrived, we started with all the work so the house could be ready the same day. We worked in comfortable silence all the morning and just before the noon we were ready, which bring us back to the starting point…

The house turned out so pretty and cozy, that without noticing, I was hugging Gunther. This sudden sample of affection from my part startled the both of us.

"I-I'm so sorry Mr. G-Gunther!" I say as quickly as I can while making some space between us "I-It's j-just that I was so ha-happy that I didn't realize" How I wish I could stop with all this stuttering and the red of my face right now…

The carpenter looked at me with amazement for a couple of second, but seeing how embarrassed I was, he smiled gently at me as he also started to stroke my head softly "Don't worry missy, this old man is happy that you liked it so much" I couldn't stop a little grin forming in my face as he said this, as also the rest of the fear that I once felt for the huge carpenter could be erased within me.

"Well, it was a pleasure to make business with you little miss, but I need to go back to the store now, is lunch time already. If you ever need help with something again, just pass by the shop; I'm sure Corona would be happy to see you there anytime, for business or just for talk" he said with a small smile.

"I… I will" I say sincerely, "Thanks once again, Mr. Gunther, please send my greetings to Mrs. Corona as well"

"Ha ha ha! If she ever hears you call her Mrs., you will let her depressed for the rest of the day. Goodbye Annie, take care" and with that, Gunther leaves the farm as he waves his hand without looking back.

I still can't believe that the townsfolk of this town are so good people. I was truly lucky to end up here.

Now that the house is done, I need to put everything in place. Not that this will take plenty of my time, I still don't have too much furniture – mostly because I'm being stingy and saving up – but now that the house is a little bigger, maybe I could spend a little more on it.

*GRRRRL*

Hmm… maybe I could also spend a little more in food too. Lately I've been eating vegetables only, and being honest, I've been missing rice at meals. And so, after finishing ordering my stuff, I departed to the trade depot for a little shopping. Since this are the last days of summer, I decided to go walking the mountain path to the town and take advantage of the blessings of the summer. As I make my way there, I encounter some of the townsfolk like Melanie and Lutz playing together, Elise checking the paddy's, and Fritz fishing by the side of the river.

Looking back, is incredible how much I've been improving with my nerves and fears of people. Is not like that they don't exists anymore – that is obvious taking in count the last accident with Gunter – but lately, I've felt much more at ease at least when I'm talking with people of my own age.

"HEY! ANNIE! Wait for me!" As I turn back, I could see Fritz running at the full of his speed at me. Never fails to surprise me how much energy he has, but, that is also what makes Fritz being Fritz. It almost makes me wish he could give me some of his energy.

"Hi Fritz, how was the fishing?" I ask him as he reach's me and start walking by my side.

"Huff… not so bad… You really… walk fast now you know…" The redhead says as he is catching his breath. "It's all the work at the farm if I may say so. Don't forget that besides my own chores, I also help Madame Eda with her chores everyday" I say as I hand him the bottle of water that I always carry with me.

"That… and walking this mountain path almost every day fully charged of produce. I guess that gets you in a pretty good shape, isn't it?" And then he drinks almost all the water in the bottle "How has been granny lately?"

We keep walking towards the town as I tell him the latest news about Madame Eda. Lately she has been feeling with less energy, so I decided to help her at less a little with the heavy work. Fritz also cares deeply for Madame Eda, and so, we decided to take turns to help her every day. If things get worse, I will let Marian know about her so he could go and check on her.

We talked about various thing along the road, and took different paths once we arrived to the bridge since he needed to return to his farm. Once alone, I went straight to the trade depot. That way, I could end soon with the shopping and then go to the restaurant for a well-deserved dinner after such a long time without the delicious desserts of Raeger.

…

"This should be enough for now, thank you Asche" I say as I look the newly purchased blueprints as well as the groceries for my new refrigerator. With this, the house will finally start to look a little more like a home should be.

"Anytime Annie, just remember to keep bringing me high quality produces as always. Thank you for your purchase!" And so, I started to head towards the restaurant. It's been a while since the last time I saw Raeger, and a little more since the last time I ate at the restaurant. N-not that I've missed him or something… is just that he is a good friend and I really like how he cooks. J-just that, really...

As I entered the restaurant, the first thing that I note is that Raeger doesn't greet me as he usually does with all his customers when he hears the bell door. He doesn't even look at the door at all. It's like he was very lost in his thoughts. I decided to sit in the counter across the kitchen, that way, I wouldn't bother him as he worked and we could talk a little to catch up with the things that have happened in this time we haven't seen each other.

"Hello Raeger, long time no see you" I say as cheerily as I can afford. Even though we can consider friends now, is still a little difficult for me be the one starting a conversation, specially to him.

"…" No response, look still fixed in the kitchen. Is he mad at him for doesn't come to visit him in all this time? Wha-what should I do?

"Ra-Raeger…?" I ask again and move slowly my hand in front of his face. Please don't be mad at me, please answer…

"Huh? Oh… Welcome. Sorry Annie, didn't hear you entering"

"Is everything alright?" can't help to make the question, expecting to know if he is angry with me or something else. Besides, is my idea or his voice sound a little raspy and tired?

"It's nothing, sorry. I'm just felling a little… dizzy, is all" As I hear this, I am capable of calm myself a little. At least he is not mad with me. Now that I look him with more detail, he also has eye bags and his cheeks are very red.

"Are you sure? You look a little feverish…"

"Don't worry, I'm fine. I'll get over it soon. Anyway, what can I get you for dinner?" He really looks tired, and the way he is evading my question doesn't make me feel more at ease. Still, I can't force anything to him, so for the moment I will keep an eye on him just for precaution. I order fried rice, and Raeger quickly start working on the dish with a smile I assume tries to fool me and make me think that he is alright.

"Here you go, one hot serving of curry rice!"

"Eeeh… Raeger, I'm sorry to bother you, but I ordered fried rice…"

"…AH! That's right! You did order that! I'm so sorry. I'll go remake it for you right away" As he starts dashing to the kitchen, he stumbles and need to hold himself in the border of the counter to grasp for some air in a very hectic form.

"Raeger! Are you alright!?" I say as I stand from my stool and quickly reach him. I touch his forehead and note that is much more hotter than it should be "Oh Goddess, you are burning Raeger! Are you hurt?"

"No, I'm fine. Honest. It'll only be a minute…" He still is very agitated… What could I do…?

"Can I help you with anything Raeger?"

"No thanks Annie, I'm glad for the offer, but it's not right to make my customers do my work for me…"

"I get that Raeger, but…"

"Excuse me! I'd like to place an order" Can you see this is not the moment to be making an order miss!

"…Ah! Coming!" He releases the counter to go to the customer, just to stumble once again and ending up leaning on his knees.

"Raeger, please, listen to me. I really get what you are trying to say, but I'm not only your customer, I'm also a very worried friend right now… Besides, in this state of yours, you will only cause problems for your customers… Please, let me help you…" Please, don't be so stubborn.

"Ugh… Okay. You're right. I hope you don't mind, but I'll take you up on that offer. Could you take the front of the house? I will be in the kitchen"

"Of course, don't worry, I can make it, you can go prepare the dishes" And strange as this may sound, as I headed to the customers and took their orders, not even once I feel nervous or anxious with them. I have tried working as a waitress before in the city, let just say that didn't end very well, but this time, I was capable to hold all the time until the closing time. I was just too focused in doesn't leave bad the restaurant or Raeger, and too busy with all the things to do.

"Thank you for your patronage. Please take care of yourself in your way home" And with that, the last customer left the restaurant and we were finally over.

"Whew, that was the last. Thanks to you, I somehow managed to make it through to closing time. I really appreciate the help" His voice sound much worse now than when I entered the store today. His smile can't fool me, he is tired.

"Don't worry Raeger, it was a pleasure to be of help"

"I'll have to do you a big favor… sometime… in…" He couldn't even finish his sentence as he ended up collapsing over me.

"Raeger!? Raeger can you listen to me?" Oh, goddess what do I do now!? He is more heavy that I have though him to be. His fever seems to be much more high that a moment ago, if only Fritz were here to help right now…

With a huge amount of work, and with all the kindness I could, I managed to get Raeger off me; and with a help of a broom, I managed to get him to his feet and start to head towards his room. Sadly, his room was in the second floor of the restaurant. It took me close to ten minutes climb the stairs with one of Raeger arms around my shoulders, and both of my arms around to his waist. Once upstairs I could hardly feel my own legs, but Raeger's bedroom was just in front of me, so with one last push, I headed us forward to his bed.

I do not need to say that I was short of breath as soon as I finished lying him down. The poor thing was breathing heavily and with a high fever. As faster that I could I searched for his pajamas and a towel, as well as I was wishing for him to wake up soon; even for just a little time, and then he could change his clothes by himself. Unfortunately, that did not seem the case. Okay Annie ... you have done this before, of course it was when Johnny was sick, but Johnny is your brother and Raeger is definitely not your brother! but that doesn't matter right now! If he did not wipe his sweat and changed to his pajamas soon, he could get worse. Fritz I really need you at this moment!

Just as I have started unbutton his shirt, Raeger started to regain conscious again

"Raeger! Thank goddess that you wake up!" I couldn't help to say with a huge grin.

"Huh? …Annie? Where… am I? And what are you doing?" he started speaking in a very drowsy way, but as he seemed to note what I was doing, he started to sound more awake.

While he was saying this last question, I realize that I'm still with my hands in the collar of his shirt, and quickly, my face become even more red of shame than his with his fever.

"I… I a-am…" I can't hold this anymore "I'm so sorry Raeger! I was just worried that if you did not change your clothes soon you could get more sick! Please don't hate me!" And then I left the room as fast as my tired legs let me towards the kitchen.

After five minutes, that seemed like hours to me, I got back much calmer and with a tray with a glass with water and cold medicines; and then softly knocked at the door of Raeger's bedroom "Ha-have you fi-finished already Raeger?"

"Ye-yeah… come on in…" Control yourself Annie… You have a tray in your hands, keep your trembling to a minimum so that way you won't throw the things on it. As I entered the room, I could see that Raeger was already in his pajamas and under the sheets of his bed.

"H-hi, I-I brought you some me-medicine"

"Thank you, Annie… hey listen I'm…"

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to startle you that way" I say as fast as I can, without noticing that I interrupted him.

"no no no! don't apologize about that, I get what you were traying to do. I'm the one who should be apologizing. I'm sorry, I know these things are really hard for you."

"You shouldn't be apologizing either, you are the sick one here…"

"Then what about if neither of us apologize about this, it would be our secret" He says as he shows me that pretty smile of his. I shouldn't be thinking this, but he looks really handsome right now.

"Thanks, Raeger" I say as I return him the smile "I bring you some medicine and water"

"Thank you" says as he took the glass and medicine in one quick swallow "Now, could you please tell me how we ended up here? What happened?"

"Well, you collapsed right after we made it to the closing time" I think I'll keep to myself the fact that he collapsed over me for the moment. I don't think I could handle telling him what really happened "After that I bring you upstairs so you could rest a little"

"O-oh, I see. Sorry about that. Hope I didn't make you worry too much"

"Well, you did scare me there for a minute. But now I'm just glad that you're fine"

"Did you stay here with me the whole time?" Right, just what I needed. I'm furiously blushing "Ye-yeah"

"…Thank you, Annie," if I didn't know he had a fever, I would have thought that he was blushing "Come to think of it…it's been a long time since someone stayed by my bedside when I got sick. You see, my parents got divorced when I was really little. My mom brought me here to stay here with her dad, but both mom and grandpa were always really busy with work, so neither of them had the time to sit with me when I was sick. Besides, I didn't want to bother either of them, so I usually wouldn't even tell them how I was feeling. So, it's been forever since I've had someone worried enough about me to stay by my side till I got better. It's a nice feeling. Ah…! Sorry. I didn't mean to dump all that personal stuff on you. Being sick seems to have loosened my tongue, too…"

"Hehe… don't worry, I understand you, I… pass for something similar when I was a child" I say in a low voice. I lost both of my parents when I was five years old, Johnny was only eight by then. Since that moment, it has always been just the two of us. I don't even know why I'm remembering all this stuff after such a long time.

"Anyway, thanks for everything today. I'm sorry to have been such a bother. I'll repay you for it sometime, I swear!"

"You don't need to! It's what fri-friends do, right…"

"Ye-yeah of course. Hey Annie, um…"

"Yes, what is it?"

"Could you, um… stay here with me a little longer? I, uh… I'm not feeling 100% just yet. I want to rest a little more before I start getting ready for tomorrow. If you could stay just that long, I'd be really appreciative"

"O-of course. It's not a problem at all" Okay, now I'm hundred percent sure that he is blushing. And now, I can't help to blush myself…

"Thanks Annie" As we talked of things like the farm, the restaurant and the town, I could feel more at ease with him, just like I feel when I am with people really close to me, like Lillian or Johnny, just… this feels different in a way that I don't know how to describe.

"Wait here just a minute, I will go to the kitchen and make some porridge for you. O-only if you want to…" I really need a second alone…

"Will you really do that? It's been a really long time since someone cooked for me"

"Sure, no problem at all. I did it all the time for Johnny when he got sick. Just wait a second until I come back" And then I sprinted out of the room. Just as I closed the door, my legs collapsed and I started to hyperventilate. Why now? What is happening to me?

Just as I saw Annie left the room heading to the kitchen, I could realize how fast my heart was beating. She really has the more charming blush I have ever seen…Only one thing was bothering me, who is this Johnny?