Page 64 of A Farmer’s Guide To Gamers

Thank fuck for tutorials.

I felt like the old people they joked about that were completely technology inept. Sure, I had a phone, but computers were never my thing outside of writing papers and doing simple internet searches.

Even though I fumbled, they didn’t judge me. The guys were quiet as they watched me play and Kai had brought over another chair from the kitchen table to help out. He gave pointers from time to time but never got frustrated or took over when I struggled.

By the time I’d gone through two in game days, I had the hang of it. I’d planted some turnips and had foraged for some fruits and herbs to sell. The town and surrounding areas were adorable and I found myself enjoying it far more than I thought possible.

“So, you’re going for something similar with yours?” I finally asked as another day loaded.

“Yes, to a degree. We want to take our favorite elements from games like this, and twist them into something new and fun. Our vibe is farming sim, meets cottagecore, meets tiny garden gnomes,” Kai said with a grin. “Aiden, show her some of your concept art.”

Aiden didn’t hesitate to tap at his tablet and turn the screen, my jaw dropping at the full scope of what they were creating. I had no idea how the four of them could take these sketches and make a full game, but I was impressed.

The colors weren’t too bright like some of the other games I’d looked up before. They were soft and pretty, with little mushroom buildings and tiny garden gnomes that were incredibly detailed and adorable.

“We want to make sure that it stands out in a good way. We’ve tossed around the idea of some magical animals for the farm,” Aiden started.

“But we weren’t sure if that was the right direction,” Jack jumped in. “We definitely want a lot of town lore and dynamics with the residents there. But it feels like we are still missing an aspect that will really make it stand out in the genre.”

I chewed my bottom lip and just as I was about to start the next day I caught a glimpse of the time.

“Oh shit, when did we need to leave for my parents’?” I asked, since it was getting closer to five o’clock and my parents didn’t eat super late.

“She said to leave here around five to get there since that’s when everyone could be there. No mention of when dinner was actually going to start.”

“Oh goodness,” I said, already imagining the shenanigans we’d be facing when we showed up. “Well, we better go. I’d rather get there early to help out.”

Kai helped me save the game and shut the computer down while the others got themselves together. I walked into the kitchen and grabbed a loaf of sourdough bread I hadn’t cut into yet to bring with us.

Even if Mom said not to bring anything, I couldn’t just come empty-handed.

The guys weren’t ready yet, so I stepped out onto the porch and looked around. The animals were all inside for the night, Earl was curled up on his favorite spot on the porch, the cat not even opening an eye at my intrusion, though he did swish his tail as if that was acknowledgement enough.

A door opened and closed behind me and then footsteps until strong arms wrapped up behind me.

“Fighting the urge to make sure we put the animals up correctly?” Dean teased me as he put his chin on the top of my head.

“No!” I protested, though I had thought about it for a minute. “I was just… thinking, never thought I’d be doing this.”

“This?”

“Owning my own small farm. Here… with a pack. With you,” I tried to explain, stumbling over my words as I tried to get him to understand.

I shouldn’t have worried, Dean got me and just squeezed me close.

“To be honest, me, either. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Even with the teasing coming our way over dinner?”

“Oh, I wasn’t the one fucking you today when she came in, so you, Aiden, and Kai can have all the fun with that.”

“Hey!” I protested in mock-affront but we both burst out laughing as the others came out.

“What did we miss?” Jack asked as he shut the door behind them.

“Let’s just say we’re all going to find out soon. Let’s go introduce you to Marigold Ashford,” Dean said, his hand on the small of my back as he led the way to the car. “Be ready and gird your loins.”

Tillie