Harvest Moon Seven Minutes In Heaven Gusto

       Moments after the last turn had come to an end, a Harvest Sprite appeared in front of the group. This Sprite, however, was not at all like the ones that had gone before it. It wasn't clad all in a single colour. Actually, it wasn't dressed very much like a Harvest Sprite at all. As he neared the group, you, and most of the other players, finally recognized the Sprite as Gusto. “I think I'm going to do things differently. We Sprites have been hosting this game for hours, and hours, but not a single one of us has gotten a turn yet. That's why I'm going next.” With a determined look on his face, Gusto walked straight into the crowd and grabbed your hand. “You're next, but you still have to draw my item from the pile.”

“Why? You've already said that I was next.” Still sitting, you tilted your head to the side and thought further. “Besides, I might not even pick out your item.”

“Because picking out an item is a very important part of the game, and I'm already sure you'll get my item.” Already walking away from you, Gusto signaled for you to follow him. “Now hurry up. You're moving way too slowly.”

“Fine, I'm going.” Mumbling quietly to yourself, you rose to your feet and stepped up to the small mountain of items. Placing your hand in the center of the pile, you latched on to the first thing you could and pulled it out. The item you had chosen was a small, blue hat. The colour matched Gusto's vest perfectly. You weren't sure how he'd managed to make sure you'd gotten his item, but at this point, it didn't really matter. “I'm guessing this is yours.”

“Of course it is.” Quickly placing the hat back on his messy head of green hair, Gusto turned on his heel and marched off, fully expecting that you would follow him. “Let's keep going.”

“Whatever you say.” Shrugging to yourself, you followed him all the way to the Willow tree and crawled under its branches. Now comfortably seated in its shade, you turned to Gusto, who was still standing nearby. The corners of your mouth began to curl upwards into a mischievous smile as you decided to have a bit of fun with the hot-blooded Sprite. “So, you must be pretty excited to get a kiss.”

Gusto's serious expression broke the moment your words hit his ears. Now, instead of looking firm and confident, he actually looked a little embarrassed. “What? Why would you say that?”

“Well, you picked me out of everyone else right away, and you seemed to be in a real hurry to play. Since the whole point of this game is to steal a kiss, that must be what you're aiming for, right?” Trying to keep the fact that you were teasing him hidden, you offered a warm, friendly smile. “I'm not wrong, am I?”

“You're just trying to embarrass me, aren't you?” Though his cheeks were noticeably red, Gusto clenched his fist, holding it close to his chin in an attempt to make himself look tough. “It's not going to work, so you might as well just give it up now.”

“I'm not trying to embarrass you, I just don't want your turn to go to waste is all.” Hardly able to keep yourself from grinning at just how adorable he was, you cleared your throat and continued speaking in the calmest, most even tone you could manage. “If you want a kiss, you can just ask you know. You don't have to be awkward about it.”

Annoyed, and a bit flustered, he pointed an accusing finger at you. “I don't need your help.” Determined to prove himself, Gusto jumped on your lap, wrapped his small hand around the collar of your shirt and pulled you down just far enough for him to kiss your cheek. Blushing, but still glad he'd been able to prove himself, he released your collar and sat down on your lap with his arms crossed firmly over his chest. “See, I told you.” He snorted.

“You were right. I'm sorry I ever doubted you.” Now unable to hold back your grin, you gave his tiny shoulder a gentle pat. “I do have one more question for you though. Unless, of course, you'd prefer that I just stay quiet.”

Hastily brushing your hand away from him, Gusto adjusted his shirt, then looked up at you with curious green eyes. “Fine, what is it?”

“Since you were supposed to be the host, do we have anyone timing us while our turn is going on?” Before your question was even complete, you knew the answer. The look on his face said it all. “I didn't hear you give anyone the job before we came here. I just don't want our turn to be longer than everyone else. It wouldn't be fair to the other players.”

Realizing that he'd completely forgotten, Gusto's eyes widened. Hoping you hadn't noticed his change in expression, he waved you off as if your question had been meaningless. “Of course I have someone timing us. I wouldn't forget about something that important.” Shaking his head, he let out another snort. “I'm timing us.” Pausing his sentence, Gusto somewhat awkwardly left your lap and turned away from you. “Come on, our time's up.”