A few weeks had gone since my first night here in Stardew. I had decided to try my hand at gardening since I remember most of what my grandfather had taught me. I was lucky enough to find a book he had written on the old bookcase. Along with a few packets of seeds. Just some parsnips, potatoes, and green beans. I didn't want to go overboard until I felt comfortable with my new skill.
The land still had a lot of work left to do but I had cleared out a small patch of land after I found my grandfathers tools. I got lucky and a few days Abigail came and helped me clear the brush. She seemed to enjoy getting the swing the sickle around.
After my night walk with Sebastian, I had met up with the group again at a later date. This time not running out on them randomly. We all seemed to have the same interest. I'd even been invited to the DnD group. I still had to deal with my emotional past. It came up in different ways but no one seemed to notice or at least shown to be bothered when I'd randomly get panicky. I had yet to really open that can of worms.
I had just finished watering the last of my crop when I finally looked at my iPod. I found listening to my tunes while having to get up so early helped me stay motivated. A William Control track had just finished. 10:30AM it read. I headed inside my cabin to wash up a little before decided to head off to Sebastian.
While I had been growing closer to everyone in the group. Sebastian and I just seemed to really be on the same wavelength. Some days, Like today, I'd randomly pop over and just hang out.
I'd found out he was a computer programmer when I had shone up one day while he was in a mood. Sebastian, I had learned was very prone to moodiness. Especially when any of his family was involved. He expressed how he felt misunderstood and that everyone thought what he did was a joke. I'd ask a few questions. Genuine interest in what he was doing. I had gone to school to be a graphic and web design so it was cool seeing the coding work. After that day he really mellowed out and would even ask for me to come over. Not always talking, sometimes we just sit there while he worked and I listened to music. Both happy for the quiet moments we shared.
Walking into the household on the mountain I waved at Robin from her desk. She happily waved back. "He's down in his room." I nodded my head as I made my way down the stairs to Sebastian's room. Knocking four times so he knew it was me as I entered. "Hey—"
Entering into the room I saw the tall raven haired man in a pastel blue suit. A flush of pink rose to his cheeks as he realized he wasn't alone anymore.
"I'm so sorry, do you want me to leave?" I quickly asked. Somehow it felt as if I had caught him masturbating. I could feel myself blushing. I turned around to leave. My hand on the handle of the door as I felt a familiar hand on my shoulder. "No… no, please don't leave." He basically whispered. I turned my head so that I could see his face. Sebastian wasn't looking me in the eye and he still had color on his cheeks. Obviously embarrassed.
"I was just trying on this suit for the Flower Festival. I and a few of the other bachelors have to do this… this stupid dance." He admitted with a deep heavy sigh.
Sebastian was normally pretty level and didn't seem bothered by too much as long as he had his time alone or you didn't bring up his family. So it was odd to see him flustered in this way. I turned back to face him. Finally able to properly take a look at the suit he was wearing. It had to be tailor fitted as the fit was just perfect. And by some weird spooky magic, he pulled off the pastels with his dark hair and pale skin. Without thinking the corner of my lips pulled up into a smile.
The pink on his face darkened. "Hey, don't make fun of me. It's an age-old tradition and I can't get out of it. Abby and Sam have to do it too." he pouted.
"Wasn't going to make fun, was only thinking you look really nice in those colors."
He looked a bit taken aback from the comment. Like no one else had ever said that to him. Sebastian's purple eyes on me now, his body language showing a bit more confidence. "Thanks… Sometimes it's really nice to hear those type of words out loud." He walked back over to his mirror looking over the outfit once more before he started to unbutton his top.
I had been walking over to the black leather loveseat scrolling through my playlist when I looked up to see Sebastian was now shirtless. with his shirt off I could officially see he was actually very well tone and fit even though he had a slender build. I was breathless as I stared shamelessly at his gorgeous self. Sometimes I looked at him and swore he came right out of a final fantasy game, this was one of those times.
He started to head over to sit at his computer a coy smile on his face. "See something you like?" He teased as he caught me gawking.
Sebastian's words only made me more flustered. "I didn't ask for you to go taking your shirt off."
"I don't hear you complaining." I could tell he was smirking as he booted up his PC. The soft whirl on the fans filling the room. I really didn't have a comeback for him. I just sat for a moment quietly. I would bet money that he enjoyed working me up like this. But we only seemed to act like this when we were alone. I wonder if he does this with Abby too? The thought brought on a string of pain in the pit of my stomach.
Whenever I'd get too quite like this Sebastian always noticed. "So are you coming?"
"Coming to what?" I asked, glad the conversation was moving along.
"The Flower Festival is tomorrow."
"Oh… I guess I can make it after I water my crops. Besides I should be there for my friends' performance right?" I smiled.
"Just no laughing. Promise?"
My smile still on my lips I nodded my head. "I promise."
The rest of that evening played like normal. Us just enjoying the other company.
The next morning I rose and tended to my garden. Heading back inside to shower and get ready for the festival.
Still wrapped in my towel I walked to my small dresser. I didn't have very many spring colored items. But one of the few dressed I had grabbed was black and had some daisies. It was a light and flowy cotton sundress that came just above my knees. It was just going to have to do. I didn't have much for makeup. Just some mascara that Abby had given me along with a coral matte lipstick. Was very pretty with my pale complexion, it went naturally. With my hair, I just quickly did some smaller braids with the top half of my hair that pulled into the back in a half ponytail.
Just as I'd finished my hair my door knocked. I skipped over and opened it to see my Trio. Sam, Abby, and Sebastian. Sam and Sebastian in the same suit. Abby honestly looked the most uncomfortable in her white dressed. I stifled a giggle since I had promised the night before not to laugh… but they looked like a group of kids dressed by their parents for Easter photos. "One moment, just need shoes." I walked over to my Doc's as they were the only shoes I had grabbed. Quickly I threw on some clean socks and ran out the door, locking it behind me.
The walk through the forest was really nice. everything wasn't fully green yet but it was starting to come to life. The birds flying above us. Singing their songs of love. The rustling bushes of rabbits and squirrels running about. Spring was in full swing here in the valley. I just followed behind my friends, taking in the forest and the clean smell of the light breeze. They were all talking about how much they hated the dance that was only a few moments away as we strolled into a clearing I had yet to be too.
The whole town was gathered together and celebrating the day. It was nice to see everyone in good spirits. I made my rounds to say hello to everyone so not to be rude. As I'd finished talking to the last person, Mayor Lewis began to speak on a microphone.
He made a speech about how happy he was to see everyone and how grateful he was for the community coming together to throw together another wonderful event and after the Flower Dance, there would be food and cake at the tables.
The older man then walked off to the side and hit a button on a radio that was hooked up to speakers around the clearing. The music that was being played was very ethereal sounding at first. Slow and steady. The younger generation all started to line up. Boys on one side, facing the girls on the other. All parties bowing to their respected partner. It was now that I had noticed Abigail and Sebastian were dance partners. That feeling in the pit of my stomach came back. I tried my best to ignore it. But it was hard with the airy dreamy music playing as they danced around on another. Both of them talking to one another. Sebastian made a face at something she said, Abby could be seen laughing.
It makes sense, them being together. They'd know each other longer. I mean yeah Abby was a few years younger then Seb… but that didn't stop people. Why did this bother me anyways? A relationship is the last thing I need. I was a mess of a human, Sebastian doesn't need… or want me. I refused to say I was falling for Sebastian.
I was so caught up in my own thoughts I never saw Sam dancing his way over to me and offering his hand until he nudged me. That same old goofy grin on his face. I placed my hand in his needing to move these thoughts out of my head and just be present. We spun into the crowd of people. It seemed like everyone had joined the dance by now. The music was much louder and faster paced. It was the type of music you'd hear played at a Renaissance Faire. Very cheery and easy to follow along with. Even though I had never danced to music like this it was easy to follow Sam's lead. It shouldn't have been a surprise but Sam had quite a bit of rhythm and dancing seem to come as a natural talent. "Wow Sam, you're a really impressive dancer." I laughed lightly as we made our way around the dance floor once more. Our right hands held together as he had is left just barely touch my waist as we hopped around. Almost as if we were dancing ballroom style but a much faster pace. I couldn't help but laugh and smile. This was pretty fun. Sam's blue eyes lite up at the compliment. His grin grew. "Thanks, But I think it's time for your real dance partner." And as we entered into a spin Sam let his grip of me go.
I spun around, once, twice, as my body entered into the third spin I felt my body bump up angst someone. Their hands moved swiftly to my waist as they pulled me close, the other hand reaching for the space in-between my fingers. Our bodies moving along to the music without even missing a beat. I didn't have to look to know who it was. His comforting scent engulfed me, if not for that the butterflies in my stomach told me as well.
My steel blue orbs gazed up into his beautiful purple eyes as they met. I could feel color crossing my face. Being around Sebastian it seemed like pink was a permeant color there. But I could see he too was a little pink.
"Sooo, did Sam and Abby put this together?" I asked softly as we kept going along with the crowd. Everyone was in their own world and I didn't think anyone would be able to hear us but I didn't want to take the chance.
"You mean us dancing together?" He asked and I simply nodded my head. "Yeah, Abby let me know while we were finishing up the ceremony dance." His voice seemed a little annoyed. So that was what I saw them talking about. I noted. But the tone of his made me worried. I didn't want him to dance with me if he didn't want to.
"We could stop." I offered. He eyes immediately softened as he pulled my body a little closer to his. "No, I like this. I'd even go as far as to say I'm having fun at this event. I just…" He trailed off for a moment. "don't like people meddling in my affairs." he sighed.
I didn't really understand what he had meant and I was about to ask when the music had finally stopped. Sebastian moved away and as he removed his hands. I could still feel their warmth and I ached for his touch. He leaned in close his lips almost grazing my ear as his whispering voice tickled my skin. "Please wait until everyone has left for the evening." He then walked over to his family as everyone was now gathering and sitting around the tables for the feast.
Gus had really gone all out and delivered one hell of a meal. Delicious ham, fresh vegetables, soft buttery rolls, and a mouthwatering white cake with fresh strawberries. After dinner, everyone helped clean up the party. Family with younger ones headed out first and slowly the crowd trickled out as the sun began to set until it was just me sitting in the clearing. I had just helped Lewis gather the last of his things in his wagon.
Sebastian had asked me to stay after everyone had left but with all the movement I had lost sight of him. I had asked Sam and Abigail where he was before they left with their families. Both had no idea.
The setting sun was at the golden hour as the sunlight peeked through the budding trees of the forest. It really did look magical. Everything had a wonderful golden tint to it. Hence the name, this lighting was simply the best. I laid down with the cool grass pressing against my back as I faked making a snow angel… just without the snow.
Soft slow beats began to play. A gentle melodic dark romantic sound quickly caught my attention and I sat up to look around. Standing over by the sound system Sebastian stood. He had changed out of the pastel suit and in his normal black attire just a little more dressed up with a black button down. It was hard to not looked so surprised. As I stood I cocked my head to the side with a puzzled expression. "What's all this for?" I asked. His response was to come close to me and place his hands back where they had been when we had dance early in the day.
Who was I to refuse this dance? We swayed slowly to the hypnotic beat. After the first song, Sebastian finally spoke. "So, you clean up nice."
"Meaning I don't look nice all the time?" I playful teased. That seemed to catch him off guard for a moment, his lips pulled into that smirk I loved so much. "What I meant to say is you looked extra beautiful today." Nice safe I thought to myself.
Sacrifice from London After Midnight started to play as Sebastian's fingers started to travel lightly down my arm running over all my scars. He didn't say anything but his fingers faltered for a moment and panic started to fill me. He didn't have to verbal ask because his touch did. The sting of tears welling up in my eye become present. I had taken care to at least try and hide the scars but out here in the setting sun, just wearing this sleeveless dress. I was careless and exposed. He must have thought of me as something ugly now if he did like me. Ashe has made damn sure I had no way to run away from the past. I'd gone to pull away and Sebastian held, not letting me go. Tears now streaming down my face. I was crumbling
Gentle hands cupped my face as thumbs wiped the tears that made their tracks on my cheeks. What was this? He was handling me so delicately. So light, what was this? I had come to know that these moments never last and could quickly turn violent. But never once had I been treated like this. My eyes quickly fluttered to look at Sebastian's eyes and could not find anything dangerous behind them. I kept searching his gaze waiting for there to be a dark flicker of hate. But nothing, I felt safe with him even when my mind was trying to tear everything apart.
"I'm disgusting and broken" Was all I could mumble.
Sebastian shook his head lightly and took my right arm. Again lightly tracing my skin as he circled around my old marks from all the shitty fights and the cuts from trying to numb the pain I had lived. This touch sent shivers all over my body. The track changed to Birthday Massacre- To Die For. Pretty fitting for the moment. Sebastian brought his soft full lips to my scars and gently kissed them. The feeling that started to stir I had no way to describe. He looked up to meet my gaze. I was breathless as he spoke his next words. "The moon once told me…You don't have to be whole to shine brightly."
Tears began to spill from my eyes again. This seemed to make him panic. "Did I do something wrong?" He pulled his hands from me. I only was able to smile through my tears and shake my head.
"No… you're doing everything right, you and your cheesy lines" I whispered.
His body relaxed with my words. And he came close again wrapping his arms around me in a hug. "I'm not going to force you to talk about it before you're ready. But know I'm here for you, ready to hear the whole story when you want to tell it." We stood there in the embrace a moment longer. As we pulled away from one another I just had to ask again.
"So what was all this for?"
"I figured you'd like to end your birthday on a cheesy 80's movie note. Since you loved them so."
I was a little taken aback, I had even forgotten my own birthday, and somehow he had remembered during one of our random conversations when it came up. Wasn't so surprised he remember my guilty pleasure since he did like to tease me about it.
"You forgot didn't you?" Sebastian asked but the answer must have been written on my face. He rolled his eye. "Silly girl." He mouthed quietly.
As the world falls down- by David Bowie started to play and I smiled. It was one of my favorites. Then again I loved Labyrinth. "Would you give this birthday girl the honor of one last dance," I asked. Sebastian gave me a smile and nod as we begin to dances around the forest, I'd almost say it was just as magical as the scene in the movie it not more.
It had been a wonderful day.