Chapter Text
“Do you want a job?”
One Week Earlier
JAC
Everyday starts the same. First its the bugs. Everyone believes you hear roosters with the first light of dawn, but Jac Rosewood knows its the bugs. Infinitely tiny chirping, the rush of thousands upon thousands of legs over the dirt, but maybe that's the four hours of sleep for the past year. There's just only so many hours in the day, and JoJa Mart is officially gone from the valley. Sure, the workload to subsidize the new contracts from Ridgeside and Grampleton is insane, but that's the price to keep them gone.
Thank god Lewis said yes to the movie theater company. Despite yearning to be depended upon, she knows she can't support the entire valley on her own. There is only so much the farm can do. Even if she's still finding ways to use all 10 acres. Most of it used for livestock. Jac learned early on she hated farming. There was no joy found those first few weeks on the farm tilling the soil in an attempt of taking advantage of her first Spring. Even a year in with barely an acre dedicated to actual crop, and an irrigation system, Jac still hated farming. The newest project in the greenhouse contributing to that more and more every day. Why she ever thought tropical crops would be a good idea is beyond her. Probably some fever dream after too long in the mines.
As the sun starts to creep in through the blinds Jac finally pushes the blankets aside and dresses for the day. Who cares that she just picks up the same overalls from yesterday. She rarely goes into town anyways. Usually just once a week when she sells to Pierre. She knows she should change that. Should reach out to the townsfolk. Be more open, but she can't. Looking around the space bedroom of her late grandfather confirms it even more. The two paintings on the wall are old. Probably older than she is, and she has no idea where her grandfather got them. A layer of dust permanently covering the pictures of the farm, and the lake on the edge of the forest. No authors signature either. If her grandfather was the artist he never made the talent known in the few interactions they had in her childhood. Dying when she was sixteen didn't help much either.
Walking out of the small room Jac is greeted with a small meow, and a purring at her leg. Looking down, a small tabby cat starts to weave between her legs starting the morning ritual of breakfast. Peaches breakfast was far nicer than Jac's own. She could survive off of shitty instant coffee, but Peaches could not. Stepping into the kitchen she started to plate Peaches food, but first turning on the old radio that sat in the kitchen window. Slow jazz started to waft through the farmhouse, and Jac realized that she never changed the station after Harvey came over for dinner.
Harvey Bower was the only person she saw on a regular basis. After he found out how often she went into the mines those first couple months into her living in the valley, he made it a point to stop by and bully her into being looked at. She remembers the first time she saw Harvey. She had been in the valley for three weeks, and had already been in the mines a handful of times. Having shitty gear meant she stayed in the lower levels trying to gain enough ore to upgrade with Clint.
She probably shouldn't have gone out that night. It had been raining heavily all day, and Jac didn't do well with free time. Being alone with her thoughts meant she would do something stupid, and she wasn't going to lose her farm all because she's never learned to just be happy with life. After hours of pacing between the stacks of books and her couch she finally got tired of trying to convince herself she wasn't a fuck up. She also found a new sword recently in the mines, and she wanted to see if she could finally make it past the twentieth floor.
She did make it past. Made it all the way to the thirty-fifth floor before she fucked up. The pitch black of the thirtieth floor should have made her turn back. She knew it was stupid to attempt to fight, let alone mine, in complete dark but she wasn't ready to be home yet. The farmhouse felt like a land mine ready to blow on her. She didnt know what she was doing with the crops, and if she cut another tree down she was going to postal. Ten acres was too much to deal with. Monsters somehow made more sense.
So she stayed. The rock golem were killer. Only moving when she moved past them, she had strain her senses to not get clobbered. That didnt mean they didnt get good hits in. The pain in her shoulder every time she raised her sword was proof of that. She was finally giving up after a particularly rough slam that almost made her drop her sword indefinitely. Focused solely on making it back to the elevator at the back of the cavern she didnt notice the squelching until it was too late. Barely hitting her ankle she still went down feet from the entrance to the elevator. Everything that happened next is a blur.
She remembers the jostling of the elevator as she climbed back up through the earth. Hands on her. Carrying her through the town trying to be gentle while moving as fast as they could. Then there was so much light it felt like her eyes were being burned from her head. Her only reprieve before passing out was the man who stood above her and blocked the light. The last thought as she hurtled away from consciousness was how pretty his eyes were. Vibrant and green and so fully of worry it hurt her even after she was gone.
Waking up the next day was awful. Her entire left shoulder was throbbing. She could feel the torn muscles under the bruises still forming. She knew she was in the clinic even before she opened her eyes. The hum of machines, and the steady drip of the IV clued her in before she could freak out and start pulling wires from her body.
Opening her eyes she was surprised to see a man sleeping at her bedside. Glasses askew and snoring softly she could only assume this was the town doctor. No one was on any emergency contacts for her, and she didnt own a cell phone so it really couldn't be anyone else. Before she could wake him he roused suddenly. Looking flustered he quickly stands anf starts adjusting his jacket. Looking around for his clipboard he finally says something to Jac.
“Shit. I'm sorry. Can't imagine how uncomfortable it is to wake up and there just be a man sleeping next to you. I promise my bedside manner isn't like that usually. I'm Harvey by the way,” he finished with a small laugh and a smile directed at her.
Ever since then Harvey has made it a point to check on Jac. It started with letters. Notices that she had check ups to do with him. Finding out that Jac just ignored those meant he started coming to the farm to force those check ups. After about the tenth time he bandaged her up after a nasty fight in the mines Jac could admit that her and Harvey were friends. She knew it wasn't just altruism that made him stop by. If it was he wouldn't find ways to stay longer after the last bandage was placed. Either shuffling through her many piles of books scattered around the cabin, or poking through the records stacked next to the ancient player by the fireplace, Harvey slowly started to pick away at her.
She should bring him more pickles. After trying to get the perfect brine down she finally had something she felt was good. Of course her previous batches sold, and with no complaint, but Jac knew she could do better. After four months of trial and error she finally had her official recipe for Rock Rose pickles. Harvey deserved a fresh jar after diligently being her guinea pig.
Stepping out onto the farm with mug of instant coffee in hand Jac took a moment to look out at her land. She had made a decent profit for her first year. She was genuinely shocked when she saw the farm made over $80,000 in total profits. Throwing all of her money into livestock, while risky, seriously paid off. Over winter Robin had finished her latest coop and barn. She only had to wait for the frost to fully break, and she could go to Marnie and start filling those as well.
Jac didnt know anything about livestock when she commissioned her first coop. She just knew it had to be better than farming. Her neighbor down south seemed to be doing just fine with selling livestock, so Jac took the risk and decided to pivot the farm almost fully to animal production. Eggs were a great seller, mayonnaise somehow even better. Dairy sucked at first. The pasteurization machines had kept her in the red for months. Goat cheese and truffle oil being the saving graces of livestock production.
Her makeshift dairy farm convinced Jac she could branch into other types of artisans crafts. The acre and a half orchard soon followed, and not long into autumn Jac had started manufacturing alcohol. The distillery was more of a passion project, so a decent amount of crop was left to canning. Canning fruit and vegetables was tedious and time consuming, and Jac hated it almost as much as farming, even with the machines. It made money though, and allowed her to invest in her various passion projects.
Looking at everything spread out before her in the early morning light Jac felt a twinge of despair at the amount of work she had in the next few weeks. It was starting to warm up in the valley, and for Jac that meant new livestock, new crops, and the inevitable problems that arise with farm life. If she was smart she would listen to Harvey and try and hire someone to help her out, especially now that she had more contracts, and the community center.
Jac expected to feel pride, or at least happy when she finished restoring the community center. She just felt tired, and this same despair with the thought of what comes next. She just didnt want to see Joja Mart in her new home. After two soul crushing years in their call center she would have burnt the building to the ground if it hadn't be sold off after being abandoned. Despite the insane new workload added to her already insane workload Jac was happy knowing Joja was out of the valley. People losing jobs sucked, she recognized that. Its why when Harvey mentioned hiring someone again at dinner the other night she actually started to toy with the idea. She just didnt know how to be a boss, and she didnt even know if she wanted to be one. She barely felt in control of the farm as is. If she was going to bring someone into it they had to have some stake in it.
She knew that limited her options quite a bit. It would be much easier to hire some muscle she would have to constantly delegate tasks to, but she didnt want that. The farm was quickly becoming too much for her, but she knew herself and she wouldn't be stopping anytime soon. So, she had to get someone that would be responsible enough to care. It sucked that the perfect candidate probably hates her guts though, still Jac knew she had to at least try and broach the subject to Shane. They may have never really had more than a couple conversations when they were both drunk, but Jac knew that Shane Addams was a hard worker and cared deeply about his family. She couldn't really judge the alcohol like the rest of the town did because she understood the pull of the muddled answers at the bottom of a bottle. Whatever Shane was chasing she knew it wouldn't be too different from what she does. Maybe that's why he's been her first choice since Harvey really put the thought in her head. Her workload may be almost killing her, but its still the least destructive shes been in her life. Maybe it could do the same for him.
Before she let herself get too carried away with those kind of thoughts she jumped from the porch and started on farm chores. With it still being winter her chores were shorter than what the coming months will bring, and Jac relished in it as long as she could. Always loving winter, Jac felt a little blessed when looking out at her frost covered farm. Barren fruit trees glistening in the early morning light slowly melting the ice around her as she made her way to her livestock. Milking was tedious, but her cows were sweet and she quickly learned to love the methodic ritual of cleaning out the pens while her girls were hooked up. Spending extra time with each one after grooming her before letting them out to eat. The goats were more rambunctious, and thus made it harder to milk, but Jac just enjoyed that they liked her enough to play around. The pigs weren't a favorite, and it wasn't for truffles and Marnie's pleading, she never would have them. They're still gross, but she's learned to accept it. Her ducks after all are almost as equally disgusting, and they dont pull anywhere near the same amount of profit. She would never give her ducks up. Same with the rabbits. While a little unnecessary, Jac loved them, although her new coop would be strictly chickens.
She didnt have much to do after she finished up with her livestock. She sold the last of her harvest last week, and has spent the time cleaning up and preparing to start again. Her multiple sheds are ready for her first crop. Plus the smokers she already has going for the fish deal she recently bartered with Gus and Willy. A little ambitious to start providing smoked fish, but Jac knew that while it may not be huge in Pelican Town, Ridgeside Village loved seafood. It took her months before she ever actually used the cable car to visit the town, but it gave her plenty of ideas once she did. Walking around her property Jac finally decided to go visit Harvey. She hadn't left the farm in weeks, and if she didnt soon he would start to comment on it. Plus, he did deserve those pickles.
Jac always walked through the woods into town. She knew the road past the bus stop was faster, especially since she rarely went past Pierre's, but she always made the trek. Walking through the forest left Jac feeling calm in a way she never felt in city, or even on her farm. The weight of the trees, and the early morning fog engulfed her in a way that felt momentous. Being brought into the fold of nature she had twenty or so odd minutes where she felt blissfully calm before the anxiety of houses and the people who filled them entered her.
Getting up as early as she does meant that Jac made it to Harvey's clinic well before it actually opens. Having finally given up on trying to get her to buy a phone Harvey had just given her his spare key, and thus free reign to his space. She didnt abuse it as much as Harvey abused her spare key, which she never would have given if he hadn't given her his first. It still felt a bit like breaking and entering even though she's had the key for months now.
“Have you had coffee yet?” Jac heard Harvey yell from the stop of his stairs through the swinging door in front of her. Passing the receptionist desk she sees the slightly wilted flowers she gave him a while back. She'd have to bring more by soon, she knew Maru liked having them even if Jac was never around to hear her say it. Making her way up the stairs to his apartment she replied, “Yes, but it was awful and you buy better coffee than me.”
Giving her an exasperated smile Harvey started to pour her a cup. Jac was always a little surprised at how handsome Harvey is, even if they've just seen eachother. He hasn't brushed his hair yet. His loose curls still stick up haphazardly around his head, as he reaches into a bottom cabinet to pull out a syrup Jac made for him weeks ago. “What are your plans for the day? Seems like you got production set up at least a month in advance,” he questioned lightly as he handed the coffee over. Instead of answering Jac moved deeper into the apartment and threw herself onto his couch. Looking up into Harvey's ceiling, Jac barely registered him sitting down next to her waiting to see if she had anything to say.
After a few minutes of sitting on the thought Jac finally blurted out, “I think I'm going to offer Shane a job.” She didnt look over at him, but she felt his arm next to her move as he took a drink of his coffee. Jac didnt think Harvey agreed with the gossip surrounding Shane. The drinking was obvious, but Harvey isn't the type of person, or doctor, to immediately stereotype someone. “I dont think he's going to be super willing,” was his only reply as he continued to drink his coffee.
The problem was that Jac agreed with him. She didnt think Shane had loved his job at Joja Mart, or was even really broken up about the closing, but he is unemployed now. Unemployed because Jac had restored the community center, and found a way to buy out all of their contracts in the valley. She didnt really know how he would react to the job offer. She just hoped he didn't view it as pity. As much as she hated to admit, Jac knew that she needed the help. She was already running herself ragged and barely keeping up. If she wanted to keep expanding at her current rate she had to hire help.
“Shane is a good idea,” Harvey said as he finally looked over at her over the rim of his glasses. She sighed before taking a sip of coffee and responding, “He's the only person I know that I think could handle the workload.” Harvey snorted, “You work yourself almost to death, please dont do that to Shane.” Pushing him with her shoulder, “Shut up, Harvey. He'll get days off whenever he wants and he won't be expected to indulge me in my passion projects.” She slunked down into the cushions before continuing, “I know I do too much. I just. I can't not be busy, Harvey. I shouldn't be trusted with free time,” she laughed a little before taking another sip of coffee. Harvey didnt say anything at first. Just kept drinking his coffee. Jac knew he wasn't dropping the topic. More he wanted to respond in a way that wouldn't make her angry or anxious.
Harvey put his cup on the coffee table, and grabbed hers to do the same before leaning against her. Head resting on hers he grabs her hand before saying, “You're a dumb ass, Jac. I don't think it's free time as you never have problems when I make you watch documentaries with me, or read with me, or the million other stupid things we do. I think you have a problem with wanting to punish yourself, and I'll tell you again, you're not guilty of anything.” They've had this conversation before, and honestly, Jac agrees. She agrees with most things Harvey says. He's a lot smarter than she is, theres no reason not listen to him. She hates admitting it to him, but he is her best friend. He's seen her in some of her lowest moments, and he's never judged her for them. He may hate that she goes into the mines, but he doesn't think she does it just because there's something wrong with her brain. He trusts that she isn't trying to find the fastest and stupidest ways to die, and she kind of loves him for it.
“Well having a second person means someone else is taking over a decent amount of the work. Maybe I get to having six hours of sleep again,” She said jokingly. Harvey was never really amused with jokes surrounding her health though, so he just huffed before saying, “You should go to Marnie's today and ask him. I know you've already purchased your first round of seeds with Pierre. Wouldn't it be easier to start all this before you actually begin the new season?” She sighed again, absentmindedly playing with his fingers as she thought about what he said.
It would be easier to ask Shane before she started the new season. She would be able to show him around the farm. Let him get to know the livestock some, and get a feel for her producing and packaging processes. It wouldn't be easy work, nothing too difficult, but Jac's farm had a lot of moving parts. While branching into various fields gave her wide ranges of profit it also pulled her attention in hundreds of directions. Sharing even a little of that mental load would lessen the ever present anxiety she felt on a daily basis. “You're right. I'll ask him today. I have to set up my order for new calves and chicks with Marnie anyways,” she finally said as she picked her coffee back up.
Harvey followed suit and they spent the rest of the morning sitting on his couch watching one of the many documentaries he had stashed away. This particular one was about marine mammals. Harvey knew that Jac preferred nature documentaries to the history ones although she would never really voice a complaint against them. Sharing space with Harvey was easy. He was naturally a very quiet man. From the way he moved to the way he spoke. It set Jac's nerves at ease. She never felt the need to converse with him, but was never afraid of talking aloud. He would simply look up at her from wherever he was at, and she would just have his attention.
They blew through a couple different documentaries. All of them focused on the ocean until Harvey told her that he had to finish some orders for the clinic. He had been busy this winter, and expected spring to be similar, so he wanted to get ahead and order some general things. Jac knew she was welcome to sit in the clinic with Harvery. During slower days over the winter she would come and visit him for a bit on Maru's days off. Sometimes they would have lunch if Jac was feeling up to making something. She wanted to go and see Shane today though, and it would be better to just do it early. Then she would have to go home and find a way to rest and not want to implode. As much as she would like to go to the mines the last time she went she ended up hurting her hip, and its still been giving her grief. The cold weather only exasperating the pain, so Jac resigned herself to something more monotonous to pass the time.
Saying goodbye to Harvey, Jac made her back into Cindersap Forest towards Marnie's ranch. Marnie was one of the first townsfolk Jac had met when she first came to Pelican Town. Lewis and Robin were the first as they were there to greet her at the bus stop. Robin checked the farmhouse to make sure it was still sound enough to live in while Lewis gave her a tour of the dilapidated farm. Marnie had shown up the next week with a barn cat she saw hanging around the far fields of Jac's farm. Never having had a pet before Jac decided to say yes to Marnie's offer of keeping the cat, and she's glad she did. It would be lonely without Peaches in the house with her. After that Marnie found ways to try and check up on Jac. Her latest scheme has been trying to get Jac to get a dog, but she's not sure she has the energy for one.
Walking up to the ranch Jac sees Shane out in the front pasture. Sweeping up the area she sees Jas, his neice maybe, playing with dolls off to the side of him. Jac makes plenty of noise coming up to the ranch giving Shane time to send Jas inside. Jac just feels like Shane would prefer to do this without an audience, especially such a young one. After watching Jas run inside, Shane finally looks over at her. He doesn't look angry, but he definitely doesn't look happy to see her. More than anything he looks tired. The kind of tired Jac feels after a day of not enough work.
Feeling not confident, but ready for immediate rejection, Jac approaches Shane at the fence.
“Do you want a job?”