Hope you enjoy my story and OC. I don't own Stardew.
The next day when Sebastian checked his phone during a break from work, he had a text from Mariah.
"Guess what?"
"You found pumpkin fucking porn?"
"Disgusting, and no, also your job to look it up not mine"
"It hatched" What hatched?
And then she sent him a selfie of her holding a tiny puffy black chick. Sebastian had forgotten entirely about the cursed egg.
"I named her Ash"
"Well I'm glad Ash isn't some Cthulhu monster ravaging your farm. She's kind of cute"
"It's the baby chick fluff. I love snuggling it"
"Now that you're sober (or am I just assuming things?) what do you think of your tattoo idea?"
"Still like it" Sebastian confirmed.
He didn't hear back from Mariah, but he did later hear from Sam.
"Heyyyy so just in case you're like me and forgot, Abby's birthday is on Saturday."
Sebastian groaned, "Shit I did forget. Gotta figure out what to do about that"
"You'll figure it out."
"What are you doing?"
"I dunno yet. I guess I'll figure it out too. If you find anything good that you want to split lmk"
"Thanks that was 0% helpful"
"Maybe we should ask Mariah? She's good at this stuff right?"
"She did plan your birthday party. I'm kinda surprised she hasn't said anything about planning Abby's yet."
"Maybe she is and just hasn't said anything yet? You should ask her"
Sebastian was about to comment about the fact that Sam could have asked her, but then realized that maybe it was a boyfriend thing? Was that a thing? Did them dating change her friendships with everybody else? Were there weird rules about it that Sebastian wasn't aware of? He didn't like it if there were. He felt stupid and hated his inexperience in this area. He also didn't feel like he had anyone to talk to about it. It reminded him of being a teenager again and he despised the feeling. He was suddenly feeling very self conscious about his lack of experience compared to whatever degree of experience Mariah had. He wasn't exactly sure, but she clearly had more experience than he did. She's going to realize what a loser you are and break up with you. Her interest in you doesn't even make any sense. She's way too good for you and is going to get sick of dealing with your anxiety. She even admitted that she gets anxious about making you anxious and why the fuck would anyone want to put up with that? Fuuuuck. Sebastian absolutely hated himself in that moment. He was desperately trying to rack his brain for a challenging thought. Or a positive thought. Or anything. But couldn't come up with a single one. He tried to rationalize that it was just his anxiety, but the thoughts kept coming.
He looked at his phone, and hit dial. The phone rang twice before there was an answer.
"Seb? Why are you calling me? Or is this a butt dial?"
"Abby," He said, "I,..uh…, I"
"You're not okay huh?"
"Not really no."
"Want me to come over?"
"No. I just. I need to stop thinking. I might need to talk?"
"Are you sure you don't want me to come over?"
"Yes? No? I don't know maybe."
"Well that covers all the possible options. Is it Demetrius again?"
"No. It's Mariah. Well it's not her, she didn't do anything, don't get mad at her. I just I'm worried about fucking up the relationship."
"I'm coming over. And Seb?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for thinking of me. I know you usually talk to Sam with this stuff so it means a lot that you called me."
"Yeah."
"Okay, I'll be there in like 10. Meet me by the lake?"
"Okay. See you soon."
"Bye!"
Sebastian took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. He pocketed his cigarettes and lighter and made his way out to the lake. With any luck the cigarette would calm his nerves enough to form a coherent fucking sentence by the time Abby got there. He paced back in forth while he smoked, and eventually sit down, his knees bent in front of him.
"Hey," Abby said as she came up to him.
"Hey," he said, taking one less drag before stubbing the butt out on the ground next to him.
"So, what's going on?" She asked, coming to sit near him.
"I'm fucking insecure is what's going on," Sebastian grumbled, not looking at Abby, "I feel like a fucking teenager again and it's awful. I'm twenty-four for fuck's sake. I am just feeling painfully aware of how inexperienced I am, especially compared to Mariah. I mean I don't know exactly what her experience is, but it's a hell of a lot more than mine. I was talking to Sam and he mentioned that I should ask her about something, and my instinct was 'well why don't you' and then I thought that maybe he suggested I do it because it's like some boyfriend thing or some bullshit and that they're relationship has changed or something because of us, which is fucking bullshit if that's the case, and that got me thinking about how I don't know shit about relationships and then every-fucking-thing else and I can't get out of my own Yoba damned head."
"So you chose your ex-girlfriend for advice?"
"I chose my friend for advice. My friend who has more life experience than Sam, and can provide a female perspective, because maybe that's something I need," he glared at her, "And yes, you happen to be my ex-girlfriend so maybe you have some insight into that too."
"Alright so just laying this out to start with to get it out of the way. Us dating was stupid. I mean I don't regret it or anything like that, but we were moody rebellious teenagers who liked hating the same things together. Plus it's not like either of us had a lot of other options. We never had any sort of romantic chemistry. I know we've talked about it before, but just want to make sure you don't go down the 'Oh Abby and I didn't work because I fucked that up and that means I'm going to fuck this up too' road, because that's just bullshit."
"Yeah I know. But I sometimes still feel like that moody rebellious teenager," Sebastian grumbled, "It's a little to easy to fall down that rabbit hole ya know?"
"Trust me I know," Abby nodded, "All too well. But I'd like to think that for the most part we've both matured since that time. Everyone regresses now and again, doesn't mean we're terrible or anything."
"Hmmm" Sebastian said.
"So to answer the question you didn't ask, no, Sam and Mariah, or me and Mariah, or anyone and Mariah's relationship shouldn't change just because you're dating. Except maybe Robin cause she's your mom and she's going to be protective of you so maybe if you guys get into a fight or something she'll get mad at her for upsetting you, but then again Robin's pretty cool and I'm not sure she'd be like that. When friendships change because someone started dating someone else that's fucked up shit. Not supposed to be that way," Abby said, "I'm guessing Sam suggested you ask her because he's assuming that you're talking to her on some kind of regular basis and since you're already talking you can just bring it up next time you do talk. And I'm just going to pretend that I'm not assuming based on your vagueness that this has something to do with my birthday."
Sebastian shrugged.
"Uh huh. So are you just getting in your head about your inexperience or is there more to it?" Abby pressed.
"I mean that's kind of it? I keep thinking she's going to break up with me. Either because I'm inexperienced or because she's going to get sick of my anxiety or she's finally going to realize that she's too good for me and could do so much better. We haven't even officially been dating for a week and I'm already convinced she's going to break up with me. How fucked up is that?"
"Please tell me you're not consumed with these thoughts even when you're with her," Abby said.
"I'm usually fine. I just sort of get periods when they come up, and get bad like this. Sometimes I can manage and it's okay. Most of the time I don't think about it at all. Almost never when I'm actually with her. When it does happen when she's around it's not usually bad. Like I might get stuck on one thought for a little bit. I mean minus all my sort of just all the time anxiety shit. I'm working on getting to the point where I can talk to her about my dad. I mean she knows bits and pieces, but not the whole thing. And I've got a lot of anxiety about the scars. Had to set up some boundaries."
"And how does she respond to this stuff?"
"She's really great. She respects what I tell her and doesn't push for details or anything. We've sort of talked about both of our anxiety. Without really getting into the whole thing. But it's been a thing."
"Mariah has anxiety?" Abby looked surprised.
Sebastian nodded his head, "Not as bad as mine obviously. Probably shouldn't talk about her stuff though. She'll tell you if she wants to. She's told me some stuff too about her past. I guess she's probably working on getting comfortable with telling me her story too."
"Wow. I never would have guessed," Abby said, "But who knows. She is good at keeping secrets."
Sebastian started laughing.
"What?" Abby said bewildered, "What's funny?"
"Nothing," he snickered, "Just something she told me last night."
"You mother fucker she told you a secret didn't she?"
"Maybe," Sebastian smirked, "And maybe she said she knew you'd be jealous about it too."
"You're not going to tell me are you?" Abby frowned.
"Nope," he shook his head.
Abby sighed, "I don't even think I have anything to blackmail you with to try and get it out of you."
"Wouldn't work anyway."
"Would too if the blackmail was good enough," Abby pouted.
Sebastian rolled his eyes and glared at her.
"Okay, okay fine. So you have fun with her? Like you enjoy spending time alone with your girlfriend without turning into an anxious moody dick?"
"Yes."
"And she seems to like spending time with you?"
"Yes. I think."
"I mean she keeps voluntarily doing it right? So we're going to go with a yes for that."
"Alright, yes."
"And you actually talk in front of her and have conversations. And if you talk about your anxiety, and she knows some of your dad stuff, and she's met you as a human being and probably has a good guess about how little experience you have."
"Your point?" Sebastian sighed.
"If all of that stuff is true, then I think you can assume that she just actually likes you for you, as hard as that may be for you to believe. So I'm going to say that she doesn't give a shit that she's more experienced than you. Now don't me wrong, I love Mariah, I think she's great, but in no world is she too good for you. That's because you are a fucking amazing person Sebastian and you're just fucking terrible at seeing that for yourself. Sure you're moody and anxious, and you're not great with socializing because of your anxiety, but apparently you're much better at socializing with her than most people. So she can see how great you are. You like her right? So trust her judgement in wanting to invest her time in you."
Sebastian wanted to say 'fuck you' but that's only because he isn't good with compliments, "Thanks."
"And just so you know she already knows our dating history," Abby said, "Including the whole losing our virginity thing. Sorry. It came up before I even knew you liked her or that she liked you for that matter. So I guess that bright side of that is that's one less conversation you'll have to have with her."
"Lucky me," Sebastian was less than enthusiastic.
"I find it funny that you and Sam had a crush on the same girl at the same time. That must have been awful for you."
"Thanks for reminding me," Sebastian said, "When I told him I liked her I felt like I was betraying him, even though she'd already rejected him, and he said he was fine. And then Mariah talked to him after we kissed for the first time to make sure he was cool before she did anything else. I feel really bad for the guy actually. Although kind of ironic to me that when given the option someone chose me over Sam."
"Number one, don't worry about Sam, he's actually cool with it. We have talked at length. It was really just like a new girl crush. Number two, what did I just say about how awesome you are? Yes, you and Sam are different, but that doesn't mean one of you is better than the other."
"Abby, thank you. This helped. A lot," Sebastian said and he meant it.
"You're welcome. But you owe me," Abby said.
"I'm shit at giving advice so I feel bad for you about that."
"Who said anything about advice? I take other forms of payment," Abby laughed.
The next day Sebastian woke up to a group text with Mariah and Sam.
From Mariah, "Hey I need to talk to you guys. Can I come by before practice? Before Abby gets there."
Sam responded, "Assuming Seb gets up in time how's 11:30?"
"Works for me"
Then about 10 minutes ago Sam texted, "WAKE UP SEBASTIAN!"
Sebastian groaned and texted back, "I'm up, I'm up."
Sam replied almost instantly, "See you soon :)"
Sebastian took his time getting himself ready and getting his coffee before heading out the door. He took drags from his cigarette on his way down the mountain. By the time he'd reached the Saloon he'd finished it, grateful he wouldn't have to have Jodi glaring at him out the window as he finished smoking in front of their house. He knocked on the door, and Jodi let him in, indicating that Sam and Mariah were in Sam's room.
"Hmmm that might work," Sam said, as Sebastian came in, "You really think she'd like it?"
"No I think she'd hate it and that's why I'm suggesting it," Mariah rolled her eyes.
"Seb you're finally here!" Sam said, getting up from his computer chair stumbling a bit, "Whoa guess I was still a little dizzy."
"He was spinning around in his chair to see if he could make himself puke," Mariah explained, leaning against the window sill, "Because he's a child."
Sam ignored her, "She made me wait until you got here to tell me what's going on."
"And I'm sure you waited very patiently," Sebastian said dripping with sarcasm.
"So Abigail's birthday," Mariah started.
"You can't give him the gift idea you gave me," Sam interrupted.
Mariah spoke louder over him, "Carver is coming to surprise her. So Seb, I wanted to give you the heads up that he's going to be staying with me for a couple of days, both just so you know and to see if you want me to just tell people he's my cousin or something? I know how people talk around here. Not that most people know we're dating anyway but," she shrugged.
"I didn't know they were close enough that he would come to surprise her. Or even know when her birthday was," Sebastian said, "But I don't really care. I mean you might want to anyway, just so Abby doesn't hear that he's here and it ruins his surprise."
"It's a thing," Mariah said, "I am personally deeply looking forward to this so I don't have to be their fucking go between any more. They talk to each other and then talk to me about each other, and then ask me questions about each other and then talk to each other some more. It's a vicious cycle that I am ready to break. But yes, probably a good idea, smart thinking. I hadn't even thought about that part of it, which feels like I missed something obvious, so thank you. He's getting here Thursday afternoon so you're both in charge of helping deflect her if she wants to try come meet my cousin if she even hears about it happening."
"Got it," Sam nodded.
"Then Carver had the idea to have a surprise party for her in the mines," Mariah said.
"That's pretty dope," Sebastian said, and Sam let out an 'eep'
"Relax," Mariah said, "We'll literally go one level down. There's never monsters there. I'll take care of clearing it all out and what not. You three will be in charge of getting whatever chairs and stuff set up. Oh and Evelyn knows about Carver. She's coming over Thursday night to help us make a chocolate cake, although I'm mostly going to make Carver do it since it was his idea. I'm just going to watch and make sure he doesn't fuck it up. I'm not sure he's ever baked anything that wasn't pre-packaged."
"Nice," Sam said, "Evelyn's the best baker in town."
"So we're going to do this all on Friday so it's really a surprise. I'll invite Abby to go on a cave exploration adventure and you guys will just be there waiting with everything. And uh, maybe bring some weapons in case Abby wants to go further in the caves. I mean I guess you wouldn't have to do that part if you didn't want to," Mariah said.
"Anything we should know about Carver?" Sebastian asked, "Besides what you've already told me?"
"Wait what do you know that I don't?" Sam asked.
"How the hell am I supposed to know that?" Sebastian asked, "He's into video games. And he's charming and loyal. Right? Or am I confusing him with someone else?"
"Nope, that's him," Mariah said, "He's also been a massive pain in my ass. Ummm let's see. He can come off as this like this cool guy, like the kind of person you would have hated in high school, but he's actually pretty chill. He is ridiculously into Abby and if they don't end up making out by the end of the night I am going to flip."
Sam opened his mouth, but Mariah rounded on him, "Don't you say a fucking word Samson or I swear to Yoba you will regret it."
"So Abby's birthday present…any ideas?" Sebastian said
"I made her earrings out of some amethyst I found in the mines," Mariah said.
"Mariah's going to help me get her some temporary wax hair dye thingies," Sam said.
"Hmmm," Sebastian said, "I've still got nothing."
"I really don't remember saying I would help you get them Sam, I just gave you the idea. How about a deck of Tarot cards Seb?" Mariah suggested.
"Oh man that's a great idea!" Sam said, "Why didn't you give me that idea? And I at least need you help with like brands and colors."
"Because I just thought of it," Mariah said, "I really wasn't going to say anything, but I'm going to point out that you both have known her a hell of a lot longer than I have so I'm not really sure why I'm the one who's coming up with these ideas. Shouldn't it be the opposite?"
"That's exactly why we need your help," Sebastian said, "Our ideas are old and tired. We need that fresh blood so to speak. And thanks. Tarot cards are a great idea. Sam maybe we can take a ride to Grampleton and go shopping early-ish on Thursday?"
"Okay well you guys figure that out, I'm leaving before Abby gets here," Mariah said, grabbing her back pack and sword from next to Sam's desk.
"You going to the mines?" Sebastian asked, and Mariah nodded, "Be safe."
"I will," she smiled at him.
After Mariah left Sam looked at Sebastian, "She totally saved the better gift idea for you."
"I really don't think that's true," Sebastian said, "She didn't even know I needed a gift idea until I said something."
"Hmmmm," Sam stroked his chin, "It's still suspicious."
"If it means that much to you, then you get her the Tarot cards and I'll get the hair dye. I literally do not care," Sebastian said with frustration.
"Nah, it's not a big deal," Sam said, "How are you feeling about another guy staying at her place?"
Sebastian shrugged, "It's whatever. If they'd dated before or something, or if he wasn't literally only coming here because of Abby then I'd probably be jealous. Plus they've been friends for a long time, I don't think I really have a right to be upset about it."
"Just checking," Sam said, "Wanted to make sure you weren't anxious about it or anything."
"I'm good. Thanks though. So Grampleton on Thursday?"
"Yeah that works for me," Sam agreed.
Thursday came and Sam was in far too good of a mood for Sebastian, especially considering he'd only been awake for an hour. Luck was on his side however and the weather was nice enough for them to take Sebastian's motorcycle instead of having to borrow Robin's truck. Sam made his complaints about how the helmet was going to mess up his hair, but put it on anyway, and got on behind Sebastian. When they were younger, Alex had made fun of Sam for 'riding bitch' and called them gay, which bothered Sam briefly, but he got over it pretty quickly because sometimes Sebastian would go quite fast and the adrenaline rush made up for the insults. Sebastian never cared because he had long since learned to not give a shit what Alex Mullner thought about anything. Today Sebastian was especially glad for the helmets and lack of interaction because Sam had been rambling since he first showed up at the house. The ride into Grampleton was short, as trips in the valley went. Nothing was particularly close by, but some things were closer than others. Sebastian found a place to park in the downtown area that should be close enough to the stores for their shopping.
"Alright, let's get some lunch," Sam said after he took off his helmet.
"Lunch? Dude we're here to shop," Sebastian said, locking their helmets in his storage compartment.
"But I'm hungry," Sam whined.
"You're always hungry," Sebastian noted.
"Yeah but it's actually lunchtime," Sam said, "I'll buy."
"Ugg fine, but nothing that's going to take too long. We need to get back before Carver's train gets in remember? Gotta run Abby interference," Sebastian reminded him.
They found a small sushi place and sat at the bar. It wasn't too busy, just a handful of people on their lunch breaks.
"So how are things going with Mariah?" Sam asked, "You don't really talk about it much."
"Because I happen to like my privacy," Sebastian said, "But it's good."
"Are you going to take her on an actual date?"
"Err, I hadn't really thought about it," Sebastian replied, "I don't even know what that would look like. We've spent time alone does that count?"
"Considering you spent time alone before you were officially dating I'm going to say no. Unless it's different? Besides you making out or whatever," Sam said.
"You think she would want to?" Sebastian asked.
"Probably," Sam said, "Not that you need to do anything fancy or romantic or anything. But I think she would like if you actually planned something out to do specially with her, other than just whatever you normally do when you hang out."
"I'm not good at that stuff," Sebastian admitted.
"You've only been officially dating for like a week although unofficially two, you can take some time to think about it," Sam offered, "But don't drive yourself nuts over it. She likes you so she'll like whatever you plan."
"I guess," Sebastian said.
"So you think you're going have sex with her?" Sam asked.
Sebastian glared at him, but didn't answer.
"What?" Sam asked, "It's a legitimate question."
"Okay number one, you lit-er-al-ly just pointed out that we've only been dating for week or two and haven't gone on an actual date yet. Number two, privacy dude," Sebastian said.
"Doesn't mean you haven't thought about it," Sam shrugged, "And let me live vicariously through you. Everyone's finding people to date except for me. Not that I'm really looking to date, but if Carver and Abby do start dating, I'm going to be like a fifth wheel. Although you and Mariah aren't all couply around other people. You just oh so scandalously hold hands gasp! So I guess that won't be too bad. Even if she did save the good gift idea for you."
Sebastian rolled his eyes, "Well I wouldn't expect it's going to be like that with Abby. I tend to doubt she's going to feel the same way about PDA as I do."
"Well Carver doesn't live in town so it won't be frequent at least. I feel a little bad for Abby, I imagine Pierre's gonna give her an earful even though she's an adult," Sam said.
"Mm yeah," Sebastian agreed, "You guys have the strict parents. Although I'm pretty sure Caroline was wild back in the day."
"Probably why they're strict," Sam commented, "I think my mom just doesn't know what to do with herself. Wonder what it would be like if my dad were around."
"Have you guys heard from him lately?" Sebastian asked.
"It's been a while," Sam said, "Unless my mom is hiding something, which who knows."
"They still think that he'll be home soon right?" Sebastian asked.
"Haven't heard anything different," Sam said, "Not sure if no news is good news or not."
Sebastian shrugged, "No way to know for sure, but I think that's probably true."
They finished their lunch and headed to the stores. Sam found the hair dye, but took pictures of it to send to Mariah for verification first. Sebastian bought himself some more cigarettes while waiting. They were cheaper here than at Pierre's and Sebastian avoided Joja when he could. He waved a pack at Sam who nodded in response and he headed out for a smoke break.
"Got 'em," Sam said, coming to stand next to Sebastian with the bag in his hand, "They were the right ones."
Sebastian didn't say anything in response, but nodded his head as he continued to smoke.
"Any idea where you're gonna get the Tarot cards?" Sam asked.
"I'm thinking my best bet is over there," Sebastian said pointing to a shop across the street and down a couple of doors.
"Good call," Sam approved, "I'd say those candles and crystals in the window are a good sign. I get the feeling there's going to be a strong incense scent in there."
"Most definitely," Sebastian agreed, "Hopefully I can find something good and get out of there quick."
When he finished his cigarette they went in. There was an older woman at the register, who greeted them and asked right off the bat if they needed assistance. She directed them to the other side of the store and Sebastian looked over the selection.
"Fuck, I didn't think there would be this many to choose from," he grumbled.
Sam helped him narrow down to a few to pick from, and eventually Sebastian chose a deck with a skulls and roses motif. He paid and they made their way back to Sebastian's bike. He unlocked his storage and swapped their helmets for the shopping bags. Someone on the street made a comment as they mounted the bike together, and Sam pressed a kiss to Sebastian's cheek while Sebastian flipped them off. The put their helmets on and took off. Sebastian hated PDA, but hated bigotry more.
They arrived back in Pelican Town just before Carver's train was due. Mariah was just coming up the mountain path from the farm as they parked. And Sebastian could see Abby playing her pan flute under the tree by the lake. Oh Yoba.
"Keep an eye on Abigail and if she stops doing what she's doing see if you can get her to go back into town," he hissed at Sam, "I'm going to let Mariah know she's down here and to hold off on coming down here for a minute."
Sam nodded, and Sebastian went to meet Mariah.
"Hey," she said with a big smile when he approached her.
"Hey," he said, "Just so you know Abby's by the lake. Sam's in charge of trying to corral her back towards town, but you might want to hang out by the train station for a bit when Carver gets here."
"M'kay," she said, wrapping her arms around him and pressing a soft kiss to his lips.
Sebastian realized that he'd hardly spent any time with her since Sunday, and hadn't seen her in person since Tuesday when they discussed this whole plan in the first place. They'd spoken of course, mostly through text, but the physical affection was welcome.
"Mm, sorry," she said, letting go, "Just missed you."
Sebastian shook his head, "We're good. I liked it. Besides no one is here."
"Still like that tattoo idea?" She asked, her eyes twinkling.
"Yup," he nodded his head, "Still good."
"Hmmm I'm impressed," she said, her face showing her surprise, "Who knew stoned Sebastian had such good ideas?"
"It was the shotguns I'm sure," he teased, "Can I walk with you?"
"Sounds good to me," she said.
"Oh just so you know, in case Grampleton gossip makes its way here, Sam both bought me lunch and kissed my cheek," Sebastian said.
"Oh man, I'm going to have to step up my game," Mariah said laughing, "What brought on that date?"
"He's always hungry and I just wanted to do the shopping and get home, so he bribed me," Sebastian explained, "Then when we were leaving someone was making some shitty comments about us on the bike together so he kissed my cheek and I flipped them off."
"That's actually really sweet," Mariah said, "Does that happen a lot when you guys go out?"
"We don't do it a ton, but it's happened before, yeah," Sebastian nodded.
Mariah groaned, "Narrow minded assholes."
"Pretty much, yeah," Sebastian concurred.
The ground began lightly vibrating and they could hear the train from there.
"Better get up there," Mariah said, "Carver will get impatient and curious if he's alone for too long."
"Hey Riah?"
"Yeah?" she turned to look at him.
"Can I take out you, like on an actual date sometime?" he asked shyly.
"Anytime," she said with a big smile. She grabbed his hand, and placed a kiss on it, before dragging him up to the train station. They arrived just as the train came through the tunnel.
"You think Sam got Abby into town yet?" she asked Sebastian.
"Maybe?" he got out his phone to check and see if Sam had texted him, but nothing, "Let me ask." So he texted Sam.
"Any luck?"
Sam texted back as the train stopped.
"Still by the tree"
"Nope, she's still by the lake," Sebastian updated her.
"I think I have an idea," Mariah said, getting her phone out and texting someone.
Carver got off the train, carrying a duffle bag.
"Heyyy!" he said enthusiastically, but Mariah was still texting.
"Hey!" she said without looking up.
He eyed her, and put down his duffle and gave her a big hug, "I came all the way here and you're too busy texting to even say hello to me."
"Trying to keep your surprise a surprise," Mariah grumbled, pushing at him.
"Abby is sort of in the way of getting you anywhere right now," Sebastian explained.
Carver took a moment, and narrowed his eyes at Sebastian, letting Mariah go and taking a step closer to the other man, "Ah yes, the boyfriend. Now what are you intentions with our Mariah?"
Mariah looked up from her phone and rolled her eyes, "You can ignore him."
"Oh on, he doesn't get off the hook," Carver insisted, "He needs to pass the test"
"Or what?" Mariah said, hand on her hip, full on glaring at him.
"Or you don't get my blessing," Carver said, looking over his shoulder at her.
Mariah snorted, "Like I need that."
Carver turned to Sebastian again, "So?"
"My intentions," Sebastian began with exasperation, "Are to date Mariah. Don't really have anything planned beyond that."
"Cool," Carver said with a shrug, "Have fun. If you hurt her though, we won't be so nice."
"Don't plan on it," Sebastian grumbled.
"Got it!" Mariah said, triumphantly, "Unless Sam can get her into town, he needs to keep her focused on the lake. We're going to be very quiet and sneak into your house through Maru's room."
"On it," Sebastian said, texting Sam.
Mariah put her phone away and properly hugged Carver. "You're a dick but I'm happy to see you."
"I missed you too," Carver said, "We all do. I'm excited to see everything here. Alice is supremely jealous that I got here before she did."
"Even though you didn't come here for me," Mariah laughed.
"Heh, well I mean…"
"It's cool," Mariah said, "I didn't go to Zuzu to visit you either."
"Oh yeah! That's a good point. I forgot about that," Carver laughed.
"Alright be quiet," Sebastian said, as they neared the stairs, "And wait here a second."
He started down the steps, checking out the situation, waving Mariah and Carver down. They walked quickly and quietly to the side of the house, Maru, waiting at the side door for them, she let them in through her room.
"Thanks Maru," Mariah said.
"No problem," Maru said, "You know I'm a softie for helping out new relationships."
Mariah blushed slightly, "Carver, this is Maru, Sebastian's sister."
"Half-sister," Sebastian interjected automatically.
Maru rolled her eyes, "Nice to meet you Carver. I don't think we actually met at the concert."
"Nice to meet you too Maru," Carver said, shaking her hand, "Thanks for the help."
"So now what?" Sebastian asked.
"Well either we wait until Abby leaves on her own or we do something to get her to leave," Mariah said, "But we've got time. We can just hang out or something."
"What should I tell Sam?" Sebastian asked.
"Oh poor Sam," Mariah said, "He must be going nuts."
"Anything else I can do to help?" Maru asked.
"Oh no, sorry, we'll get out of your hair," Mariah said.
"Nice to meet you again," Carver said as Sebastian led them through the house.
"I guess we can tell Sam he can go home," Mariah said as Sebastian led them to the basement.
"Where are we going?" Carver asked.
"My room," Sebastian said, "But apparently we need to hurry. Abby is coming in."
"No!" Carver said, "We can't ruin the surprise."
"Don't worry, I've got a plan," Sebastian said, shutting the door behind them, which was just in time as they heard the bell jingle from the door above them. "Carver go hide behind my desk."
"Got it," he said, ducking out of sight.
There were footsteps on the stairs, and they could hear Abby and Sam's voices.
"Come here," Sebastian whispered to Mariah, pulling her close.
She willingly obliged, and he wrapped his arms around her waist, and started kissing her. She eagerly kissed him back, her fingers grapping onto his belt loops, when the door pushed open.
"Oh!" they heard Abby's surprised voice, breaking apart and looking over at her, "I, uh, sorry! I didn't know. We'll just go, you keep doing what you were doing."
"Bring me my stuff later," Sam called before they shut the door, retreating back up the stairs.
They could hear Abby hissing something to Sam and his grumbled response. Mariah and Sebastian stood there, holding each other for a moment, until the ringing of the door above them again, relaxing again.
"Smart thinking," Mariah winked at Sebastian, who's heart was racing.
"Can I come out now?" Carver asked quietly.
"Yeah," Sebastian said, "Coast is clear."
"What exactly did I miss?" Carver asked as he stood up.
"Nothing," Mariah shrugged.
"I definitely missed something," Carver insisted, "They left pretty quick like they were interrupting a blow job or something."
"Well clearly no one here is getting a blow job," Mariah said, "But does it really matter? It worked. And in a few minutes we can leave if you want."
"Hmmm," Carver said, not convinced, but he did drop it, which Sebastian was grateful for. Carver looked around his room, which made Sebastian very self-conscious. It was tidy enough, but it was his, and he wasn't really sure how he felt about Carver yet.
"Your room is like a dungeon," he commented and he looked all around, "But like in a cool way. And you're obviously into the same kind of stuff Mariah is, so I get why she's into you."
"Err, thanks?" Sebastian said, and Mariah squeezed his hand.
"Where's your synth?" he asked.
"At Sam's," Sebastian explained, "All the instruments are there. Way easier than lugging them across town all the time. Plus he likes to mess with them sometimes to experiment."
"Cool," Carver nodded, "Mind if I use your bathroom?"
"Go ahead," Sebastian said.
"You good Bash?" Mariah asked while Carver was out of the room, "I mean that was a great plan, but…"
"Yeah, I'm alright," he nodded, "I'm glad it worked, and I'm glad it's over. Though I wouldn't mind kissing you some more if we were alone."
Mariah blushed, "You're a really good friend for doing it. Oh hey, that reminds me, can I borrow your old console while Carver is here? Gotta keep him occupied somehow while I'm working."
"Sure," Sebastian agreed, "You can actually hold onto it if you want. I almost never use it anymore."
He busied himself getting the console packed up, as Carver came out of the bathroom.
"So what's the plan?" Carver asked Mariah.
"Up to you really. We've got some time before we need to be back at my place, so we can kind of do whatever except for going into town."
"Actually would it be cool if we do just head back to your place? I could go for a nap," Carver asked.
"Oh no, no naps. If you nap now you're going to be up late and then you're going to be a whiny asshole tomorrow, even if I don't get you up when I do."
"Will not," he grumbled.
"Oh yes you will. I know better than that," Mariah said firmly.
"Well fine," Carver said, "But why don't we go and you can show me around the farm and then we can watch a movie or something relaxing then?"
"Okay," Mariah agreed, "You want to come? Or do you have work to do?" she asked Sebastian.
"Nah, no work. I'll come and at least get this set up for you, and officially meet Ash. But then I do have to bring Sam his stuff," Sebastian said.
"Oh yeah!" Mariah's eyes lit up, "She's still all fluffy, it's great. I forgot you hadn't been by since."
"Who's Ash?" Carver asked.
"My new chick. Just hatched on Monday," Mariah said with pride.
"Oh," Carver said.
Sebastian grabbed the bag he packed his console and games into, "You ready?"
"Yeah, let's go," Mariah led Carver back up the stairs, stopping to say hello to Robin when they reached the top.
"You guys go ahead, I'm just going to grab Sam's back from my bike, I'll catch up," Sebastian said.
"Bike?" Carver asked excitedly, "You have a motorcycle?"
"Yeah," Sebastian said.
"Mariah your boyfriend is badass! Why didn't you tell me?"
Mariah laughed, "Sorry Carver, guess I've been too busy talking about Abby."
"Can I see it?" Carver asked Sebastian.
"I guess," Sebastian shrugged.
Carver shoved his duffle at Mariah and followed Sebastian into the garage. Mariah rolled her eyes and followed them. Sebastian unlocked his storage, and grabbed the bags out, before locking it again. He answered Carver's questions about his bike, leaving his bag on the workbench and taking Sam's. When Carver was fully satisfied, they left, shutting the garage behind them. Mariah thrust the duffle bag back into Carver's arms, but offered to take a bag from Sebastian.
"Oh I see how it is," Carver said.
"Yeah, you're responsible for your own shit. That's how it is," Mariah said.
Sebastian chuckled under his breath, but declined the offer. As they walked down the mountain path, he softly said, "Keep an eye out for hazelnuts."
Mariah laughed, and shot him a smile over her shoulder.
"Wait do hazelnuts like fall out of the trees here or something?" Carver said looking up at the trees above them.
"No," Mariah snorted, "Nothing like that."
They arrived at the farm and Charlie came running up, excitedly checking out Carver, who bent down to say hello. After being Charlie was satisfied with the introduction, he happily said hello so Sebastian and Mariah, before running off again. Mariah opened the door to her house.
"Here it is," she said, gesturing around, "Emily lent me an air mattress, if you'd rather sleep on that instead of the couch."
"This isn't too bad," Carver said, "Definitely bigger than your apartment was. And it feels more like you. Suits you better."
"Here, I'll just get this set up for you," Sebastian said, going over to the TV.
"Oh you don't have to," Mariah said, "I can take care of it later."
"Nah, it'll just take a minute," Sebastian said, "You can show Carver around and I'll meet you out there."
"Alright," Mariah said, gesturing to Carver, "C'mon you"
Sebastian made quick work of the set up, and when he went outside, Mariah were still in the field in her crops. Carver seemed particularly interested in something, crouching down to get a closer look. He was saying something, but Sebastian wasn't close enough to hear what.
"Yes," Mariah said, sounding exasperated, "That is generally how sprinklers work."
"Okay, okay" Carver said, standing up, "Continue. I'm just impressed at how much you've done is all."
"So the animals are all free range," Mariah explained, "So I'm not sure which ones we'll see, but the barn and coop are over this way."
Sebastian caught up to where they were, keeping pace with Mariah. She pointed out her cows and goat, providing their names for Carver, who looked started by the size of the creatures.
"And you milk them everyday?" he asked in disbelief.
"Well Josie and Sasha yes, but Leona doesn't produce as much milk as the cows do so she's about every other day," Mariah explained.
"Damn," Carver muttered in amazement.
"And who knows where the chickens are," Mariah said, "Although Ash may be inside the coop. She opened the door, to check, "Aha," she said stepping in, and Sebastian followed, his eyes adjusting to the dim light of the coop vs. the rest of the world.
Mariah bent down, and scooped up the small black fluff ball, and offered her to Sebastian.
"Do I just hold my hands out or?" he asked, and Mariah nodded. She placed the chick in his outstretched palms, and it was quite snuggly, "You weren't kidding about the fluff."
"Right? It's the best," Mariah confirmed.
"And she hasn't turned into a Cthulhu monster," Sebastian teased.
"Why is it black?" Carver asked, "I've never seen a black chicken before. Is there something wrong with it?"
"Her egg was different," Mariah explained, "Different breed. Wasn't quite sure what was going to hatch."
Well that was one way to describe it, Sebastian thought, but understood that the whole story feels illogical.
"Cool," Carver said.
Sebastian stuck around for the rest of the tour, but then said his goodbyes, getting ready to head to Sam's.
"Why don't you pick a movie," Mariah suggested to Carver, "And I'll just walk Seb out."
"Okay, but if you take too long making out I'm just going to start the movie without you," Carver threatened.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever" Mariah said, dismissing him with her hand.
She walked with Sebastian, hand in hand to the edge of her property leading down to the forest.
"Thanks for all your help with today," Mariah said.
"No problem," Sebastian said.
"And I did want to make out a little," Mariah added, stepping to close the gap between them.
Sebastian smirked and leaned down, pressing his mouth against hers. Mariah willingly parted her lips, deepening the kiss. Sebastian wrapped his arm around the lower part of her waist, gripping her hip. Mariah leaned in, pressing against him, her hands tracing across his sides. The contact was positively addicting and Sebastian found himself wanting more, but instead he pulled away. He looked at Mariah, her lips ever so slightly swollen from their kissing, eyes heavily lidded. She nuzzled her head against his neck, pressing soft kisses into the exposed skin, sending shivers down his spine.
She pulled away from him, "I know you have to go."
"Mm," he said in confirmation.
"I'll see you tomorrow," she said, pulling further way.
He kissed her softly again before she was gone entirely, "Tomorrow," he agreed.
Their fingertips lingered for a second before they pulled away in separate directions. The trip to Sam's house was short, and Sam let him in. He took the bag from Sebastian with a thanks.
After Sam shut his bedroom door, he looked at Sebastian, "I can't believe you were intentionally kissing Mariah in front of people."
"Yeah well, don't expect a repeat event," Sebastian grumbled, "But the plan worked didn't it?"
"It did," Sam concurred, "But don't take thing the wrong way, I'm shocked that you cared enough to do it in the first place."
"Me too," Sebastian said with a shrug, "I guess it was just important to enough people that I had to do something and that was the first thing I could think of."
"And I guess you're just getting around today," Sam laughed.
"I told Mariah about that. She said she needs to step up her game," Sebastian laughed, "I also asked her on a date, now I just need to figure out what I'm going to do."
"Aren't you supposed to figure that out before asking someone on a date?" Sam raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah well since when do I care about conventional ways of doing things?"
"Sam," Jodi called, before opening the door, "Can you set the table for dinner? You're welcome to join us if you'd like Sebastian."
"Okay Mom," Sam agreed.
"Thank you for the offer, but I should head home," Sebastian said, "See you tomorrow Sam."
"Yeah, see you tomorrow Seb," Sam said, walking his friend to the door.