So this is the third and final chapter for this short story. A little long overdue, I know.
Recovered Losses
Morning came quickly by the time Phin had managed to drag himself out of bed, Areina had already left for work. She was a good friend to him. Admittedly, he didn't like people to help him. He was still glad that she cared enough to do so. He needed to thank and apologize to her later. Layne needed an apology too.
His memories of the previous night were at best, quite fuzzy. He'd worry about it later. At the moment, he had a slight headache and he was dying of thirst. He glanced over at his clock on the bedside table and sighed. It was after ten in the morning. It was also two hours after he should have opened shop.
After a long shower and a small breakfast of toast and milk (his stomach argued against anything more), he ambled out to his shop. After unlocking the front door, he flipped his sign to 'open' and went inside. Flicking on the lights, he grabbed a cloth from the main counter and wiped down a few of the displays around the shop.
It wasn't long before a few customers made their way in. He answered a few questions, placed a few orders, and the usual business day things. By four in the afternoon, he felt okay for the most part. Last night was a distant and blurry memory and his stomach felt normal. He leaned on the counter, watching various customers browse the shop.
Then the door opened and Jenny waltzed in. Great, it was just whom he wanted to see. Rather than walk over to Phin, she simply become a browser herself.
"Excuse me, you're Phineas, right?" he heard a female ask him. He turned to see a woman who looked oddly familiar though he knew he had never met her. He straightened up and managed to smile vaguely.
"Yes ma'am. Do you need help with anything?"
"Well, my son said you liked the muffins at my bakery so I brought you some as a thank you." She set a basket on the counter filled to the brim with muffins of various flavors. Phin was both perplexed and overjoyed. He wasn't sure why he was getting the muffins, but here they were. It was certainly a lift in his day.
"Not that I don't want the muffins--because I do--I'm just not sure why I'm getting them," he replied.
A surprised look crossed her face and she smiled. "My son's name is Darek. I thought he'd have told you. I can't tell you how grateful I am that you're so generous. I know the sword you made for him isn't cheap and to just give it to him for free..."
"Oh! You're his mom? I didn't realize." He had forgotten all about doing that. He felt bad for the kid. He knew his family couldn't afford to buy him a quality sword for his training so he decided to make him one. Darek was a good kid and actually helped with the shop every so often. Phin figured it was the least he could do. One sword wasn't going to put a hole in his pocket. "It's really not a big deal though. Thanks for the muffins."
"Come by the bakery and say hello some time." She then turned and strode out the door, waving as she went.
"Mmm. Those look fantastic."
Phin nearly jumped as he heard Jenny's voice. She was suddenly right next to him. "Not for you," he growled and pulled the basket away from her. He set it on a shelf behind him and turned back to the knight with a frown. "Aren't you supposed to be at work?"
She shrugged. "I left early. Areina had everything handled. So anyway, I didn't know you could be such a nice guy." She had overheard his conversation with the muffin lady. It surprised her that Phin could be that nice to someone. She supposed there was quite a bit people didn't know about him.
The blacksmith rolled his eyes. "That's why you don't judge people. Now what do you want?" He really did not want to deal with her. She opened her mouth far too much. "I don't have all day and I don't want to spend it looking at you. You're annoying."
"I'll ignore those remarks for now. I came by because I wanted to ask you something."
"Ugh. What, oh irritating one, did you want to ask?"
"Were you going to propose to Areina when you took her to Umbala?"
Phineas went rigid. He was not going to have this conversation. Especially with Jenny. His frown turned into an outright scowl. "It's--I don't--just shut up. It isn't any of your business and it doesn't matter anyway. I'm sure she's eager to marry Eric and that's that. Now go away."
The auburn haired knight regarded the blacksmith for a moment before she decided what to say. It was painfully obvious that the situation was hurting Phin. She didn't really get along with him, but she still didn't want him to be like this. She wasn't cruel. "You know, I was talking to her before we ran into you last night and she said things that made me think otherwise. I don't think she's as eager as you might think."
"Sooo, are you excited?" Jenny asked as they left Areina's house. They had planned to go over to Phin's to relay the news. Jenny didn't mention that Phin probably knew already. In fact, she was not so sure it was a good idea to visit him.
"I guess."
"You guess? What kind of answer is that?"
Areina shrugged. She didn't really know. Actually, she wasn't sure about any of it. "I'm just wondering if I gave him the right answer."
"Do you love him?"
"Yes..."
"I suppose that depends on what kind of love it is, huh? Hmm. Do you love him like you love...umm...Phin?"
Areina stopped walking and stared at her friend. Was she still thinking about the Umbala story? She thought they had discussed that already. Phin didn't care for her like that. "No, it's different. I just...felt like I was supposed to say yes to Eric. Even if..." she trailed off.
"Okay. Just asking." Jenny was more perceptive than people tended to give her credit for. It was easy to see that Areina was trying to figure out just what she wanted and it may not include Eric.
As Jenny watched Phin, she could tell that he cared more for Areina than anyone knew. He wasn't one to wear his emotions on his sleeve like Eric. Today, though, he was so easy to read. It was just so unusual. She watched him run a hand through his violet hair, his frustration visible on his face. "Phin, I think you should tell her."
He grimaced at her suggestion. "Have you lost you mind, woman?" He lowered his voice, "You want to know why I've never said anything to her? We've been friends for a long time and that's all. Whether or not I love her doesn't make a difference. She doesn't see me that way. There's no point in ruining a perfectly good friendship because I want more." His gaze left the knight and traveled to the floor as he crossed his arms.
It was disturbing that he had just admitted all of that to Jenny of all people. He immediately regretted saying them.
"Sooo you do love her then." Jenny smiled smugly. She knew she was right; she just wanted him to say it himself.
"Shut up, Jenny."
"Well, thanks for the info, Phin! I've got some things to doooo," she said in a singsong voice. She turned and skipped out the door, humming cheerfully as she went. Her mission was to go back to work and find Areina. Then, she would sort this whole thing out for them. Sure, it may be a little meddlesome, but they would thank her later.
"Oh my god," Phin murmured to himself. He would kill her later.
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"Areina! Areeeeeinaaaa!"
The green haired knight looked up from her students to the voice on the other side of the training yard. "Jenny? Why're you back already?"
Jenny stopped in front of her friend and grinned. "So I was talking to Phin a little bit ago an--"
"You what?"
"Don't interrupt! I have to tell you some stuff."
"I'm concerned that Phin even spoke to you." Looking back at the group of seven year olds, she sighed. "Go spar. Wood swords only!" Turning back to Jenny, she crossed her arms. "What do you need to tell me?" Jenny's eyes lit up.
"Okay, so I went to his shop. I did learn that he's pretty generous by the way." Areina nodded. This was something she already knew. "Anyway, I was a hundred percent correct in thinking he was going to propose to you in Umbala. He said that he didn't because he didn't want to ruin your friendship. Also, he did see Eric propose to you. That's why I cussed." Jenny took a breath and waited for her friend's reaction.
Areina wasn't sure what to say. First, there was the fact that Phin had told Jenny this information. Second was the information itself. She had always been curious about Phin's feelings toward her but she was too chicken to ask.
Jenny smiled smugly. "He loves yoooou, oh yes he does."
"I uh, I need to--I don't know."
Jenny pushed Areina toward the training ground exit. "I'll finish class. You go do whatever it is you need to do."
Areina bit her lip and nodded hesitantly. There was one question she had to figure out an answer for. What--or more accurately whom--did she want? She didn't want to be in this situation. It wasn't fair to anyone. She wandered slowly down the street, not sure which direction to go. Phin's forge was one way and Eric's forge was another way.
She decided on neither. Instead, she walked out to the port and sat at the end of an empty dock. How in the world was she supposed to make a decision like this? She thought and thought, but no answer came to mind. She cared about them both and she didn't want to hurt either of them.
"Areina?"
She jumped at the sound of a voice behind her. She clutched at her chest and turned to see Eric standing before her. He was smiling as usual, but looked contemplative. He laughed a bit and took a seat to her left, their legs dangling over the water. "Didn't mean to scare you."
"It's okay. Just wasn't expecting anyone to be here."
"So I wanted to talk about some things. Now, I don't want you to say anything until I've said everything I want to say." He paused for a minute, appearing to mull over his words as his hazel eyes settled on her. He took one of her hands and held in his much larger one. She squeezed his hand reassuringly.
"No rush," she said.
He sighed. "Well, the way you answered my proposal yesterday made me think about a lot of things. I know you love me. That was never an issue. However...it might not be the same sort of love I have for you. I just don't want you to marry me because you think you have to or that you think it's what you should do." He smiled gently, turning his gaze out to the sparkling waters.
"The reason I'm saying all this is because I...I see the way you look at Phin sometimes. I want you to be happy in the decision you make. I could never force you to marry me when it might not be what your heart really wants. Ahh, I'm done I think."
She cringed. She could hardly believe her ears. "I...what about you?"
He shrugged. "Don't worry about me. I'm smarter than people give me credit for. I was prepared for something like this. I knew that proposing was taking a shot in the dark."
"And if I chose you?"
He wrapped a long arm around her shoulder and pulled her against his side. "I couldn't be happier. Just remember what I said."
"And...if I chose...someone else?" she ventured. She didn't dare say Phineas. She didn't want to implicate things.
Eric kissed the top of her head. "I would understand. If you didn't choose me, I'd know that there was someone else in the world for me. I'd be a little sad of course, but time heals all wounds, right?"
The knight groaned. Why did he have to be so good-natured? She wouldn't have been so calm and understanding if she were in his place. "You're just--I don't know. You're too good to me." She wrapped her arms around his midsection, hugging him tightly. "I don't know what I want yet. I need to think about things a little more."
He nodded. "Take all the time you need. Just be honest with me when you decide. I've got to go close up my shop for the day, okay?" She released him and stood with him. He began to walk back toward town, but stopped and turned to look at her. "One last thing. Remember that I'll love you no matter what, okay? I don't want to just break off our friendship if you decide that it's not me you want."
"Thanks," she murmured as he waved and walked out of sight. He did not make this any easier for her. She needed to go talk to Phin now. She was far more nervous about seeing him than she was about Eric.
It was just after five in the evening when she reached Phin's shop. The closed sign was up but she knew he would still be inside. She gingerly opened the door and peered inside. Phin was sitting on a stool behind the counter, pen in hand, most likely looking over the day's orders. He glanced up at the sound of the door opening with an unchanging expression. She closed the door behind her and stood, unsure of what to say.
Phineas broke the silence. "Hey."
"Hey Phin." Her mind was still blank. "Um...feeling any better?" she mumbled.
He smiled faintly, setting his pen down. "Yeah. Thanks for helping me out last night." She nodded, her words still failing her. She had never had this problem before with Phin. Another minute went by and he sighed. "I know you have something to say, so say it. It doesn't do you any good to stand there and not say anything."
"Er...sorry. I just--there's--I don--"
He cut her off. "It's not that hard, is it? Really Areina."
She inhaled deeply. "So," she began slowly, "I heard you talked to Jenny earlier?"
"Unfortunately. I'm sure she didn't keep her big mouth shut so I'm going to assume she told you what I said to her. She also told me what you two talked about last night." The blacksmith frowned. He knew he should not have blurted out those things. Especially to Jenny. Urgh, he could be so stupid sometimes. "Now the question is what do you want? You have to make a decision. You can't leave me in the dark."
"I know, Phin."
"You...also saw that...damn ring last night." It was a struggle for him to say those words. It was basically admitting everything. There was no turning back. He buried his face in his hands and sighed heavily. This was damn frustrating.
"I-I did."
"And?" He glanced up from his hands. He wasn't sure he wanted to know what was going on in her head.
"I wish you had just asked me in Umbala..." she murmured softly.
Phineas could have banged his head against the counter. Why oh why did things have to turn out like this? It was easy. He was, as he had told himself before, a giant fucking chicken. If he had this information back then, he would not have hesitated. He got up from his seat and walked around the counter, over to Areina. He stood in front of her, his arms glued to his sides.
There was no use in clinging to what little dignity he had left. His normal assertion had gone into hiding. "Areina. Please...you have to tell me what you want. Y-you can't...hell...you've really fucked me up," he laughed anxiously. He wasn't accustomed to coming face to face with feelings and such. "I don't like it though. Just say what you need to say and be done with it. I can't deal with it."
She stepped closer and peered up at him. "It shouldn't be this hard, you know? So you saw us yesterday?"
He groaned. "Yes."
"I...I love you, just not like I love him."
"Areina, that isn't a good enough answer. I need to know what you want from me." His uncertainness was unnerving to her. She had never seen Phin act so...so vulnerable. She didn't like that she made him feel that way. And it was all because of her.
She wrapped her arms around him and laid her head on his chest. "He'll be one of my dearest friends for a very long time, of course, but I love you, Phin. I always did. I just never knew that you felt the same."
He slowly put his arms around her shoulders. "I guess that makes two of us."
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Phineas stood with his arms crossed the next day at the Amatsu pier, waiting. He felt more like himself today. The salty sea breeze refreshed him a bit. He didn't feel the crushing weight of his stupidity from the other night anymore either. He had already apologized to Layne and discussed numerous things with Areina.
This morning, he had gotten a message from Eric. Phin could only assume that Areina had spoken to the mastersmith about their situation. "Morning," he heard the typical, though oddly cheerful voice. He shifted and turned to see the mastersmith walking down the dock.
"Hey Eric," he replied. When he approached, he stopped in front of Phin still smiling. "Uh...no offense, but why the hell are you so happy?"
Eric shrugged. "Sunny disposition. It runs in the family. Anyway, I just wanted to talk to you about...things. You know."
"About that--"
"No way. Me first. I'm not mad, though I probably should be. The thing is, I took a step back and looked at things from a different perspective. I know she'll be happy with you. She picked you long before I ever met her. I won't stop being her friend, just so you know." His smile faded slightly. "I do think that if she's not for me, then someone else is. I'm not so worried about that. It just might take some getting used to."
"I know." Both stood in an awkward silence. Phin wasn't exactly sure what to say to the mastersmith. It wasn't a particularly nice thing to talk about. There was one thing he knew he should say, now that thing had turned out this way. "Umm, sorry for being such an asshole toward you all this time."
Eric's face lit up again. He was the sort of person that was easy to make happy. No other emotions really suited him. "Well, I know why you were like that so I didn't really blame you too much. Thanks for saying that though." After a moment of consideration, he extended his hand toward the violet haired blacksmith who in turn lifted a skeptical brow.
"You must be joking."
"No, I'm not, Phin. Friends?"
Reluctantly, the blacksmith reached out and shook Eric's hand firmly. Eric smiled broadly, but it disappeared rapidly as he looked back and saw Shirley loping down the dock at a rather dangerous speed. Phin cursed as the peco barreled into the two of them and knocked them to the wooden boards of the dock. She sat on top of the both of them cooing happily.
"Can't...breathe..."
"Damn...chicken..."
A/N: One down, two stories to go? CoS is next for an update I believe. The DL sequel should be shortly after if not about the same time.