Stardew Valley is not my property. My OCs and plot are all I own.
Sebastian hadn't even ended up touching Artic Rush, and had instead worked on his code until he went to bed. When he got up in the morning, he finished what he was working on and submitted it to the client. He was going to text Mariah, but she texted him first.
"Please save me"
"Carver driving you crazy?"
"Abby's here. Things are happening in my living room, too scared to go into the house to get a book or something. But I can't leave because Alex is bringing Dusty over to play with Charlie."
"Ouch. I'll be there soon"
When Sebastian arrived at the farm, he found Mariah lying down on the ground, in his hoodie, with her eyes closed. Her arms were crossed behind her head, and one knee was bent, her other leg propped up on top, bouncing slightly to some rhythm. As he got closer he realized she had headphones in and was humming along to what she was listening to. She turned and smiled at him as he approached. Sebastian got down on the ground next to her, lying so that their heads were level.
"Hey Bash," she said, happily, taking one of her headphones out, "Did Sam tell you I beat him at pool?"
"Thank you for keeping up my legacy," he smirked, "Bet he was bummed that he didn't beat you again."
"I think he's so used to losing that it didn't faze him," Mariah laughed.
"So what exactly are they doing in there?" he pointed at the house.
"Don't know, don't care. Just trying to give them some privacy. Told them to keep out of my bedroom and that they were responsible for cleaning up any messes they made. Could be playing video games, could just be talking, could be making out, could be something more. They weren't as bad as I thought they might be last night. Though Carver is definitely is now the hot gossip across town."
"You must be heartbroken that you lost that title," Sebastian said.
"My life has lost all meaning," Mariah deadpanned.
"Might have to break up with you," Sebastian added.
"Could be a smart choice. Don't want to be tied to a nobody like me. Of course that would require people realizing we're together in the first place. And then noticing that we've broken up. And then I'd be the hot gossip again, and then I wouldn't be a nobody and breaking up with me would have been futile," Mariah said.
"Hmm," Sebastian pretended to mull it over, "When you put it that way, it sounds like far too much effort."
There was a loud "Hey!" from the farm house. Mariah offered Sebastian the headphone she had taken out of her ear.
"Just in case," she said. He took it and put it in his ear.
He was familiar with the song, Mariah hummed along, and he sang softly to the chorus, "The fire's out/ The lights are low/ I think you're telling me it's time to go/ You kissed me once/ And time forgot/ I think you're telling me it's time to go"
"Hmmm," Mariah said when the song ended, "Your singing voice is deeper than I expected. It was nice though. Very soothing."
"Yeah?" Sebastian asked, "I'm not really much of a singer."
"Much better than I am," Mariah laughed, "Although that's not much of a compliment. I accept that I'm an awful singer, but sing when I want to anyway. But I liked your singing. Though maybe something less sad next time."
"What you'd rather I sing you a love song?" Sebastian teased.
"It's not that," Mariah said, "I just don't like you being sad. You've got enough real sadness, so the lyrics just sound more truthful coming from you."
"I'm less sad that I was," Sebastian commented, but didn't add because of you.
"Less sad is good," Mariah said, "But less sad doesn't mean happy. Not that anyone should be happy all the time. But I much prefer to see you happy."
"I am happy sometimes," Sebastian said, "I'm happy now. I'll be even happier if you tell me you're free on Thursday."
"Why what's Thursday?" Mariah asked with some excitement.
"I've got something planned. If you're free. If not I can move it," Sebastian said.
"I can be free on Thursday," Mariah said sounding curious, "Only thing I've got next week is the fair."
"It's a date then," Sebastian said, "Literally."
"Are you going to tell me what this date entails?" Mariah asked.
"Nothing fancy," Sebastian said, "But assuming the weather is okay we'll have to take a ride on my bike. Otherwise we'll have to borrow the truck."
"Well let's hope the weather is okay then," Mariah said, reaching down to hold his hand.
"You're not going to ask more questions?"
"No need. I trust you," Mariah said, "Or maybe I'm just an adrenaline junkie and you mentioned a ride on your bike and that's all I'm after."
"You moved to the wrong town if you're an adrenaline junkie."
"Oh on the contrary," Mariah said, "You were there with the monsters in the mine. Gives a great adrenaline rush. And by great I mean terrifying."
"You get scared in the mines?" Sebastian was surprised.
"Not exactly," Mariah said, "I'm usually good, but sometimes stuff catches me off guard, or if I'm already starting to run on empty having even a little slime come at me can feel pretty scary."
"Have you passed out down there?" Sebastian asked, "Sam mentioned something about it yesterday."
"I have once or twice before, but I learned my lesson. Keep my life potions on me," Mariah said, "Harvey's had to stitch me up a couple of times. There are some shadow creatures down pretty deep that hit fucking hard."
Sebastian frowned, "I know you're tough, but that's a lot. Yesterday was the first time I went further down than like the 20th floor."
"Bash, I've literally passed out on the floor of my house because I was out too long and just couldn't make it to bed in time. I've made some bad choices before," Mariah said, "But I learn from them. I promise if I don't feel safe, I leave. Most of the time when anything does happen is because it's new, and I wasn't prepared for it. But now I've been through the whole mine I'm pretty familiar with what's waiting for me in there."
"Are you serious? You've just passed out on the floor from exhaustion?" Sebastian had worry etched all over his face.
"Among other places yeah," Mariah said, "Look I'm not proud of it. But it hasn't happened in quite a while, because I learned from it."
"And when did you get to the bottom of the mines?"
"What difference does that make? Honestly if you're that worried about me, come with me some time and you can see for yourself. I've got it under control," Mariah was starting to sound annoyed.
Sebastian turned his head away and took a deep breath, "Look I'm sorry. I'm not trying to be judgmental or controlling or anything, but telling me you've passed out from exhaustion before just has me concerned. I believe you, really I do, I know you can take care of yourself. You don't need to prove anything to me, I was just caught off guard."
Mariah's face softened, "I'm not upset about you caring about me. I just have some issues with feeling like I'm being bossed around and not taken seriously. I hate feeling like I need to explain myself or justify my choices."
"I'm sorry if I brought that feeling on," Sebastian said softly.
"I don't even think you did anything wrong. I'm just a bit defensive," Mariah said.
"I know something about being defensive," Sebastian said with a groan.
"I also know something about being protective," Mariah sighed, "But I try very hard to let people make their own decisions. Everyone has a right to their own mistakes."
"True," Sebastian said.
"Will you come with me sometime anyway?" she asked, "I think I might like that. It's a good way to destress too."
"Into the mines?"
She nodded, "Come fight monsters with me."
"Yes," he said simply.
"Will you kiss me?" She asked softly.
Sebastian cupped her face with one hand, he pressed soft kissed on her forehead, then her nose, and her cheeks, before pressing his lips to hers. They were interrupted by a bark and Dusty bounding over to them, pouncing on Mariah.
"Ooof!" she said, as he knocked the wind out of her, "Dusty!" she said pulling away from Sebastian, and sitting up to give the dog some attention.
"Uh sorry," said Alex, jogging up, "Didn't mean to interrupt. I didn't know…I got the time right didn't I? I didn't even know you were like together."
"Yeah, you're good," Mariah said. She stood up and offered Sebastian her hand. She whispered a sorry to him, and he silently nodded his head.
Mariah whistled and called for Charlie, who eagerly came running and immediately started pouncing on Dusty.
"I'm gonna have a cigarette," Sebastian mumbled, stepping away. He'd forgotten about Mariah's headphone in his ear until suddenly the soft music was missing. He glanced over, and Mariah was putting her phone back in her pocket, she must have paused the music. He was far enough away that it was as if there was some fake privacy, but he could still hear the conversation Alex started.
"Thanks for letting us come over again," he began.
"Yeah no problem, it's good for Charlie," Mariah said, "Nice of him to have a dog to play with instead of just farm animals that get annoyed with him."
"Yeah, I'm sure Dusty doesn't love being in his pen as much as he has to be either," Alex said.
There was an awkward pause.
"So you and the vampire huh?"
Although he couldn't see her, Sebastian could practically hear the eye roll.
"Don't start with that shit," Mariah said.
"We haven't always gotten along," Alex said, "Old habits die hard I guess. Sorry. I don't even actually know him that well."
There were some noises from inside the house again.
"What is going on?" Alex sounded confused.
"Abby and Carver," Mariah sighed.
"Damn, you're a good friend," Alex said, "Letting them do…whatever it is that they're doing in their house. He seems like a good guy."
"He is," Mariah said.
"Sebastian must be a good guy too," Alex offered, "If he makes you happy."
"He is, and he really does," Mariah said.
"Have you been together a while? I feel like a shitty friend for not knowing"
"A few weeks," Mariah said, "And I like some privacy"
"Are you like trying to hide the relationship or something?"
"What? No," Mariah said sounding offended, "I just don't like gossip. I get talked about enough."
"Sorry, sorry. I guess I just assumed…I'm not exactly shy about my relationships. I guess I don't pay attention to that stuff."
"You care enough," she said, "Otherwise you wouldn't be so superficial all the time."
"Hmmpf"
"Be pissy all you want, I'm not about to stop calling you on your shit."
"Wish you would," he grumbled.
"Consider it a sign of our friendship," Mariah said, "When I get too quiet and let shit slide then you know I've stopped caring."
"But who calls you on your shit?" he asked.
"Hopefully my friends," she said, "But I notice my own stuff. Not always great about doing things about it."
"Like what?" Alex snorted, "I've yet to see you do anything worth calling out."
"Lot of it's up here," Sebastian figured she was tapping on her head, "But sometimes it's just more overdoing things. Not taking great care of myself."
Sebastian sort of hated that he was eavesdropping, as unintentional as it was. It seemed like their earlier conversation had struck a chord somewhere inside of her. He was almost done with his cigarette and didn't really know what to do with himself. He didn't particularly want to hang out with Alex, but wasn't ready to leave Mariah yet. Picking his cigarette butt after he had stubbed it out, he resigned himself to going over to where they were standing.
"You are like always busy," Alex commented, "I just never really considered that might be a bad thing."
"I'm getting better at slowing down," Mariah said, "Things around here have gotten easier to manage."
Sebastian came and stood beside her, not saying anything.
"Hey Sebastian, I'm sorry again," Alex said with sincerity, which was very strange for Sebastian, "I didn't mean to intrude."
"S'okay," Sebastian said with a wave of his hand, "Not like we didn't know you were coming."
"I won't tell anybody, not even Haley. Especially not Haley." Alex said, "Your secret is safe with me."
"Not a secret, but thanks," Sebastian grumbled.
Alex frowned, "Privacy then? I guess. I'm just trying to respect your privacy."
Sebastian sighed, Alex was trying and he was just kind of being a dick, "Thanks. I don't mean to get hung up on words. Just not good with social interactions."
"Yeah I know," Alex said, "Not that we're close but I've known you long enough. I know you prefer to keep to yourself. But for what it's worth I'm happy for you guys."
"Thank you Alex," Mariah stepped in so Sebastian didn't have to answer again, "Gridball is on tomorrow right?"
Sebastian assumed she didn't actually care about gridball, but was trying to change the subject.
"Oh yeah!" Alex was enthusiastic, "The Tunnelers are playing!"
He kept talking, but Sebastian tuned him out. Mariah was just smiling and nodding too.
"That sounds great Alex," Mariah said.
"You could come over and watch with me if you want," he offered.
"Uh, no thanks. Not really my thing," Mariah said, "But if you're looking for someone to watch with maybe as Shane. He's a huge Tunnelers fan."
"Ugg that guy," Alex wrinkled his nose, "He's kind of an asshole."
"Kind of," Mariah agreed, "But maybe he needs a friend. We're you saying you wanted to hang out with more than just Haley all the time?"
"I'll think about it," Alex said with hesitation.
"Do what you want," Mariah said, "You don't need to lie. I don't really care, just offering a suggestion that I'm assuming you hadn't thought of on your own."
"No, no, I'll actually think about it," Alex said, "Definitely not happening tomorrow, but maybe in the future."
There was a lull in the conversation, and Alex looked as awkward as Sebastian felt.
"I think we'll head out," Alex finally said, calling Dusty over, "Let you get back to your thing."
Dusty and Charlie both came over, happily wagging their tails and panting.
"Okay," Mariah said, she bent over and gave Dusty a head rub, "Thanks for coming and playing with Charlie, buddy."
"Thanks for having us," Alex said, "I know Dusty loves it."
"Of course. Let me know when you want to bring him over again," Mariah said, turning her attention to Charlie, who licked her face happily.
After Alex was gone Sebastian let out a breath. Mariah stood back up.
"I am so sorry," she said, "I know that I told you he was coming over, but I wasn't really thinking about it."
"It's okay," he shrugged, "But that was weird. For me anyway."
"I know, it was," she confirmed, "Alex and I don't really have a lot in common. We're like c-class friends. Conversation usually gets pretty awkward between us by the end. At least he was trying to be nice to you."
"Yeah after he called me a vampire," Sebastian rolled his eyes.
"Aw man you heard that?" Mariah frowned.
"Yeah sorry. I wasn't trying to listen, but I could hear the whole thing. Not that I need you protect me," Sebastian said.
Mariah's face stayed stony, "Protect you?"
Sebastian groaned internally. Normally talking to Mariah was easier, but apparently today wasn't his day, "He wouldn't have tried to be so nice to me if you weren't here. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but you were ready to fight him for my honor or something."
"So that all may be true, but I'm not seeing what the problem is with me not wanting you to be insulted. And the fact that he implied that I was hiding our relationship because I was ashamed of it or something. It pisses me off. And yeah, I'm going to stand up for you when someone insults you. Why is that a bad thing?"
"Because it makes me feel like you think I can't stand up for myself or I need someone to save me. Yeah people make assumptions, or are assholes, and they say stupid shit. Of course I don't like it, but I'm also just fine ignoring it. That doesn't mean I'm weak."
"I don't think you're weak and I don't think you need saving. But I'm not okay with ignoring other people's bullshit. There is literally no excuse for being an asshole towards someone that hasn't harmed you and I'm not going to stand for it. If you don't address the bad behavior, eventually it escalates, and then when does it end?"
"I don't disagree with you, but I'm just not that person. That's not my style, and if you're always standing up for me and don't give me a chance to handle things myself everyone is just going to look at us and say that I don't or won't or can't fight my own fights without you."
"He wasn't even talking to you Sebastian. He was talking to me. I understand where you're coming from but I'm not going to stand by and just let someone insult you to my face and not do anything about it. I swear to you I will try my best to not fight your fights when you're there, but I am telling you right now, I am not ever going to stop fighting against whatever bullshit comes my way."
"I," Sebastian sighed, "I don't want to fight with you. I feel like we're falling into some kind of trap today. I don't want to change you, but you need to let me be me too."
"I don't want to change you either," Mariah said, her shoulders relaxing, "I'm perfectly fine with us disagreeing, as long as we're on the same page and can understand each other. You're important to me, but so is this."
"You're important to me too," Sebastian said, "So I'm going to worry about your safety, but I trust you and I'm not going to question what you do in the mines or wherever."
"And I'm going to do my best and not intervene when I feel like you're not being treated properly and let you handle things the way you want to, unless someone is making comments to me, then all bets are off," Mariah said.
"Thank you," Sebastian said, "And thank you for not making me feel like a total fuck up because I don't know how to speak."
"Don't thank me yet, because just because I'm going to do my best to not share my feelings to whoever, doesn't mean that I'm not going to tell you what I think about it later. And you are not a total fuck up, and you speak better than you give yourself credit for."
"Is this like a thing?" Sebastian asked, "Is this something normal people do?"
"What do you mean?" Mariah raised an eyebrow.
"Like we were basically fighting twice today. But we were never screaming at each other and I was frustrated but not actually mad at you. And then we just talked about it to make sure we were on the same page and we're done?"
Mariah grabbed his hand a kissed it, "Yes. This type of disagreement, fight, argument, whatever you want to call it is sometimes a normal occurrence in healthy relationships. Not to say that the screaming and actual anger don't exist in healthy relationships too."
"I've just never done it before," Sebastian said, feeling like an idiot, "I guess somehow there's just always hurt feelings."
"Well I'm glad I could pop that cherry," Mariah smirked, "This is important to me by the way. We talked about stuff that was bothering us instead of just keeping things bottled up. I really value this kind of communication, even when we disagree, so thank you. I like knowing what's going on in your head."
Sebastian felt hot, "I don't know how good I'm going to be at it."
"As long as you're trying I don't really care. I just don't want to be closed out when something is a problem between us. I get that it's new and hard for you. Even if perfection was possible, I wouldn't be expecting that. Okay?"
"Okay," he nodded.
"Well now that Alex is gone, want to get out of here?" Mariah asked.
"What'd you have in mind?" Sebastian asked.
"Anything," Mariah said, "I don't care what we do, I just don't want to be here anymore."
"Want to go watch Devil's Eye?" Sebastian offered.
"Yes! That sounds perfect," Mariah said, with excitement.
Sebastian chuckled, holding his hand out to her "Let's go then."
Instead of taking his hand, she took her phone out of her pocket, placing it in his palm, "Your turn to pick the music."
"Oh, I forgot about that," he said touching the headphone in his ear. Instead of scrolling through her music, he just hit the shuffle button and handed the phone back to her.
"Just so you know, I have no shame when it comes to music. There are no such thing as guilty pleasure songs in my book, because I have no guilt from my love. So if you try to make fun of me it won't work," She said, putting the phone back into her pocket, and placing her hand in his, fingers entwined together.
Sebastian wasn't familiar with the first song or artist that came on. It was some folky female singer, which he didn't dislike.
"So do you wear my hoodie a lot?" He asked as they walked up the mountain.
"I haven't even had it a week Bash," she said, "Not enough time to wear it a lot."
"Well I'm glad it doesn't make you feel heavy," he teased.
"Not my favorite kind of high, although sometimes it can be nice," Mariah said, "But the hoodie just makes me feel cozy. And a little fishy."
The song ended and switched to some pop song that Sebastian did know and didn't care for.
"Ooohhh this is a good one," Mariah said, letting go of his hand and twirling around.
He laughed, "Good is not the word I'd use to describe it, but you enjoy your non-guilty pleasure."
"I sure will," she said, adding her off key singing to her dancing.
Though Sebastian was able to take pleasure in her unbridled joy, he was grateful when the song ended and something he actually enjoyed listening to came on.
"Now this is a good one," he said as she placed her hand in his again.
When they got to the house, Robin acknowledged them with a nod, but didn't engage them any further than that. When they got into Sebastian's room, Mariah locked the door behind them. Sebastian raised his eyebrow at her.
"Look I don't want any more company if we end up kissing again. I'm over it," She said.
"I need to ask you," he began, "Is the privacy thing just for me?"
"Ultimately, no," she said, "I'm a little more comfortable with affection than you are, but not dramatically so. Like I'm fine with hugging and quick pecks in front of people, but otherwise I do like to keep my relationships private. There's a lot more to intimacy than just physical touch and I like to keep that safeguarded too. What happens between us isn't anyone else's business. That being said, I think transparency is also important in relationships, so if you're curious about my past at all, don't be afraid to ask."
"Are you asking me if I have questions now?"
"I mean if you do, I did bring it up, so feel free, but I was just speaking generally."
"Okay," Sebastian nodded, "And you already know my dating history so no surprises there."
"Just Abby? You never…"
Sebastian shook his head no, "I once went to this bar in Zuzu with some plans of trying something, but got too anxious and left before the drink I ordered even came. What about you?"
"I've slept with six people, some men, some women. Two of them were one-night stands- but they were people I knew. Lost my virginity at fifteen, and that was definitely one of my regrets. Not a healthy relationship. I wasn't ready, he pressured me into it, relationship changed after that. I had sex with him one other time before I told him I wasn't ready and wasn't going to be having sex with him anymore and then he dumped me."
"I'm sorry," Sebastian said, "That sounds awful."
"Yeah it wasn't great. I wasn't in love or anything, so that's a plus, and I l learned a lot from the whole thing. Still I wish I could go back in time and tell fifteen year old me to tell him to fuck off and trust myself more," Mariah said, "So I know it's not the same and you're not a teenage virgin, but functioning on the assumption I'm going to be ready before you, I don't want you to feel that way. So please tell me if you ever feel like I'm pressuring you and I'll back right off."
Sebastian nodded, "I probably won't be ready for a while. I have some stuff I need to work through first. But please know it's not you. I can guarantee that I'll want to before I'm actually ready to."
"Of course. I haven't scared you off with how much experience I have right?" Mariah sounded nervous.
"Intimidated yes, but I'm not scared off. More anxious that my lack of experience is going to be bad for you," he answered honestly, "What happened between Abby and I was pretty terrible truth be told."
"Well if we keep up this kind of communication I'm sure we'll be fine when we get there," Mariah said, placing a hand on his arm, "You'll have to tell me what you like and is and isn't working for you and I'll do the same for you. Like with the whole skin contact thing. That was perfect. But please don't stress about it, especially since you're not ready yet. Despite what some people think, sex isn't everything. I just want to spend time with you."
"I'm going to be anxious no matter what, but thank you. I want to spend time with you too," Sebastian said.
"Well that's enough heavy for today," she said, "So let's get to that movie."
"I don't think I've ever talked about so much stuff in one day before in my life," Sebastian said as he got the movie ready.
"Well then I'm honored," Mariah said, getting comfortable on the bed.
Sebastian came and sat next to her on the bed, and she cuddled in close to him, "This okay?" she asked.
"Mmmhmm," he said, wrapping an arm around her. Mariah sighed happily next to him.
As the movie started, Sebastian was thinking about what a weird fucking day it had been, and realized that the only time that he had really felt anxious was when he felt like he needed to interact with Alex. Even the tension between Mariah and himself hadn't spiked his anxiety. Talking about sex hadn't made him feel anxious. Her affection didn't even make him uncomfortable. Was this what normal people felt like? A vague nagging question crossed his mind. But when will it go wrong? He dismissed the thought, refocusing his attention on the movie, knowing that eventually that thought would come back again and he'd have to face it.
Though he hadn't asked, Sebastian was positive Mariah had seen this movie before, but she was still quiet invested in it, reacting to each development as if it were new. At the same time, he was pretty sure she mouthed some of the quotes to herself. At some point, and he really wasn't sure when, his hand had come to rest on the lower part of her side, underneath her shirt, and her head was on his shoulder. Her fingertips traced lazy circles absentmindedly on his leg.
"I'm always amazed at the special effects," she said, as the credits began to roll, circle drawing abruptly stopping.
"Mm," Sebastian agreed, "I love a good cheesey low budget sci-fi movie, but the technology of newer movies makes them feel more believable."
Mariah's stomach audibly growled, causing her to blush slightly, "Guess I need to eat something."
Sebastian did not particularly want to go upstairs and encounter his family, and was feeling particularly selfish, "Sorry, I should have gotten some popcorn or snacks or something."
"That's okay, it's probably for the best. I would have ended up eating all of the popcorn on you without even noticing. It's my favorite," Mariah said.
"Is there something you want? I don't know what we have but there's always tons of food. I can get you something," Sebastian offered.
"Why don't I just go with you," Mariah said, "That way you don't have to guess and you can get what you want."
"Um, okay," Sebastian said, but his tone gave him away.
"What am I missing?" She asked.
"Just trying to avoid my family really," Sebastian said.
"Then why don't I just go myself? Then you don't have to see them at all," Mariah said.
"No I won't make you do that," Sebastian said.
Mariah rolled her eyes, "Move over, I'll be right back."
"I've got it really," Sebastian said.
"Bash your mom tells me to make myself at home every time I set through the door, so I'm just going to take her up on the offer. Don't worry about it," she said, nudging him, "I let you be stubborn yesterday, you washed the dishes for fuck's sake. Let me be stubborn and get my own snack."
"Fine," he acquiesced, moving out of her way.
Mariah disappeared up the stairs, and Sebastian put the movie away, unsure of what to do with himself. He got out his phone, scrolling aimlessly through his rarely used social media account. He heard Mariah's voice before she actually made it down the stairs. He went and opened the door, intending on getting her out of whatever conversation she'd gotten herself wrapped up into, but she passed a plate of fried mushrooms and a cup of green tea over to him, and continued her conversation, her phone wedged between her shoulder and her head.
"Well I'm not your mother, you can figure it out on your own Carver. Just don't burn my house down," She said, putting the other mug of tea she was holding on the table, "Uh huh. Okay. Alright, well good luck. Yes. I don't know when, I'll let you know. Okay bye," she pulled a poppy seed muffin out of the kangaroo pouch of the hoodie and placed it on the table, "Sorry," she said sheepishly to Sebastian.
"S'okay. Problems?" Sebastian asked.
"Nah," she shook her head, "Carver's just being whiny and doesn't want to cook for himself. Food?"
"Thanks," he said, sipping on the tea, popping a mushroom into his mouth.
"So," she said, "Still like your tattoo idea?"
Sebastian let out a chuckle, "Still like it," he confirmed.
Mariah reached across the table, taking a mushroom herself, but knocked over her tea in the process. She quickly picked it up before all the liquid spilled out, but she'd already gotten hot tea all over herself. She dropped the mushroom, and pulled off the hoodie. Sebastian got up to grab a towel from the bathroom to clean the mess from the table.
"You okay?" he asked, soaking the tea up.
"Yeah," she said, got the hoodie, not me, "Sorry about the mess. What can I do to help?"
"You're good," he said, looking at her for the first time, since she's stripped off the hoodie. She was wearing a tank top that was quite form fitting, "Speaking of tattoos," he said, eyeing her arm.
"Mmm I did say you could ask questions when you saw them," Mariah said, looking at her arm.
"May I?" he asked, reaching his hand out.
"Of course," she said, moving closer so that he could get a better look, "I told you I was fine with you touching me anywhere, but I appreciate the ask anyway."
He lifted her arm with his hand, brushing his thumb across the colors dancing on her skin. There were two distinct tattoos, but they blended together nicely. The one higher up on her arm was of multi-colored flames. The design itself was quite simple, but the way the colors blended must have taken a lot of work.
"The eternal flames?" he asked, eyes darting to her face.
"Yes, but it's more than just that. When I was a kid, I got bullied for some of the stupidest shit. I had some feisty responses to that. Once a teacher told me I need to calm down and stop acting like I was on fire all the time. That just stuck with me for a long time, so I decided to take ownership of it, and well the eternal flames," she shrugged, "Can't beat that. I've already had to get it touched up once, so might not have been the best idea, but I love it so it's worth it."
"It's perfect," he mumbled, looking down at her arm again. The other tattoo was of a lightning bolt hitting a tree, it did not have nearly the amount of colors of the fire, but somehow it seemed to be alive.
"That one," she began without prompting, "Is more complicated to explain. It's from this memory that I have. I don't even know if it was real or a dream, but I can picture it so vividly in my mind. It was late, or maybe it was just dark from the storm, but I think it was late. I was very young and I had snuck out. I don't even know where we were, but we weren't at home. Could have been here for all I know. I don't remember if I'd gone to see the storm or if I'd been playing when the storm started. It was a real bad storm, the winds were very strong, and it was absolutely pouring. I remember thinking that it felt like the thunder was pressing down on me, vibrating me to the core, but I wasn't scared. And I just stood there, getting soaked, and just waiting, watching this tree, like I knew something was going to happen, and then BAM, the lightning struck. I can still hear the crack, and I remember the smell. I wasn't that close to it, but I remember seeing the bark that exploded from the tree and it had these crazy spreading lines like roots burnt into it. And my parents, or someone found me, and pulled me inside. They thought I was crazy because I just wanted to go back out and get to the tree. They'd wrapped me in this big fluffy blanket and I remember crying and then standing, staring out the window trying to get to this tree, until I fell asleep."
"I can feel it," Sebastian said, placing his fingertips on it, "Like a heartbeat"
"Mmm," Mariah hummed.
Sebastian's hand trailed down her arm, noticing she had goosebumps.
"Oh, are you cold?" he asked, "I can get you another hoodie or a sweater or something."
"Um, that's just from you touching me," Mariah blushed.
"I did that?" he asked, looking at her face.
"Mmmhmm," she nodded, "Every time you touch my skin like that I always react. Like that lightning in the tree. I just get goosebumps instead of exploding bark."
Like that warmth you feel that you can't get enough of. "It's overwhelming in the best way, and you just keep wanting more," He described, his fingers once again on her skin.
"I think this is when you're supposed to kiss me," she whispered.
He nuzzled his face against hers, hearing her breathing become more shallow before their lips met. What started out as tender soon turned into a fevered urgency. They ended up back on his bed, Mariah's tank top was becoming bunched as Sebastian's hands explored the surface of her waist underneath the fabric. The soft moans that came from deep within her urged Sebastian on as he nipped and kissed his way across her jaw, and down her neck. He briefly explored the hollow of her throat before settling on her collarbone.
"Mm Bash," she breathed out, her arms around his back pulling him closer as he marked her, "Fuck," she panted as he pulled away before his mouth crashed against hers again. Yoba was he incredibly turned on right now. One of Mariah's hands came to rest on his thigh the other still desperately trying to get them as close together as possible. He groaned as the hand on his thigh turned into a grip, instead of the gentle touch that had been their prior. There was something unbelievably satisfying about how much she wanted him too. They had yet to get this physical before and he knew it was only a matter of time before they would have to stop, but fuck did it feel good. And her hand was in his hair at the back of his neck, and her lips were on his jaw, presumably to follow the same path he had made on her. The hold on his thigh had disappeared and was instead at his waist, gripping at his hoodie for dear life.
"Riah," he mumbled, turning his head and catching her lips with his once again, "Mmm so good," he muttered against her between kisses. But then her hand wasn't on his waist any more, it was on his wrist, guiding him to her breast. He knew he needed to stop, but the offer was so tantalizing he didn't want to resist, he massaged her breast, feeling her nipple harden through the fabric of her bra at the touch.
She let out an "Ohh" as he continued. Both of their breathing was labored and he could feel Mariah's heart pounding in her chest, and he imagined his was drumming out a similar beat.
"Riah," he said, slowly pulling away his touch, his kisses turning to her cheeks instead of her mouth, "I, mmm, need a break."
She nodded her head, kissed him again softly, and rested her forehead against his. This was some of his favorite contact they had, it was as if she couldn't quite give up the affection, but was working on breaking away to give him space. There was nothing remotely sexual about the contact, but it made him feel oh so very wanted.
"That was," she started, but didn't finish.
"So good," he finished for her.
"Mmmhmm," she nodded, pulling away, "I didn't push too much did I?"
"No," he said, "I mean I wouldn't have been groping you if you didn't, but it was fine. I couldn't handle more though."
"Okay," she confirmed.
He looked at her, face was still flush, lips still swollen, and a definitive hickey on her collarbone. He reached out and touched it softly, "Sorry about that."
"Don't be," Mariah said, shaking her head, "I liked it. Probably a little too much."
"I'll let you get me back someday," he said.
"Oh I plan on it," she smirked, and then her stomach growled.
"Hmm you never actually did get any of your snack huh?" Sebastian commented.
"Heh, I think I did get a little bit of my snack," she teased, "Just nothing of nutritional value."
"I'm just going to pretend you never said that," Sebastian said, standing up, "I think what's left of the tea is probably cold. Want me to warm it up?"
Mariah opened her mouth with a grin, but Sebastian interrupted her, "Don't you dare make a joke about how thirsty you are."
Mariah pouted, "You're no fun."
"Warm tea?"
"Nah," Mariah said, taking her half empty mug, "I'll just drink it like this. Those mushrooms however, I won't eat like that."
Mariah sipped her tea, pulling the muffin over to her, and ripping off a piece of the top, popping it into her mouth. Sebastian gulped down his lukewarm tea, and got out his grinder. Mariah watched him pour distilled water into his bong, loading up the bowl as she ate her muffin.
"You want some?" he asked.
"Sure," she said shrugging.
The muffin was gone, and they took turns, taking hits from the bong. Mariah had been right about being a bit messy with a bong, but Sebastian didn't mind. She cleaned well between hits.
"How old were you when you got your gauges?" Mariah asked Sebastian interrupting their comfortable silence.
"Oh um, like 16?" Sebastian said, "I kinda forget that it's there."
"Make sense," Mariah nodded, "I don't think about my piercings or tattoos really either. Unless they catch my eye. It just sort of becomes part of you. Plus it's not like you can see it unless you're looking in the mirror."
"Do you have other piercings?" he asked.
"Just the ones you can see," Mariah said, "Nose and what's in my ears. When I was a teenager I thought about getting my tongue pierced for a while, but I was worried I would fuck up my teeth and decided not to. Probably for the best. I've also considered getting my eyebrow pierced too, but have yet to commit to that either way."
Sebastian nodded, "I've thought about getting my lip pierced before, but every time I do I talk myself out of it. I think I'll probably just stick with my ears."
"And tattoo," Mariah added.
"And tattoo," he agreed, "Whenever I get it."
"You can get it anytime you want," Mariah set, "Just let me know and I'll set it up and we can go."
"What about making sure I still like it?" Sebastian asked.
"I mean I still fully support that method," Mariah said, "Tattoos aren't easy to get rid of, so you should spend the time to make sure that you actually want it. But it's your life. And part of me thinks you're not going to regret it. The idea came so easily from the inside, and you still liked it sober, so that's gotta mean something."
"Riah, you're really smart," Sebastian said.
Mariah snorted, "Not that smart, I've just made my fair share of mistakes. I've learned how to think things through."
"That's not what I'm talking about," he said, "Not that I think it's a bad idea. But just like the way you think, and speak. Just your thought process. You also know a lot of stuff but when you don't know something, you admit it and don't pretend like you know everything. And you're funny, which I know isn't the same thing, but you're humor is subtle and you have to be smart for that."
"Thanks Bash," she said, resting her head on his shoulder, "You're way smarter than I am, I'm sure of it. So I'm glad you think I'm smart."
"Hey Riah, do you want to cuddle for a bit?" Sebastian asked, "I think that would be nice."
"Fuck yeah I do," Mariah said, pulling him over to the bed. She pulled up the blankets and slid in.
"You know we could have cuddled without getting under the blankets," Sebastian, sliding in next to her.
"Maybe I'm cold," Mariah said, "Or maybe I like the extra cuddliness of the blanket."
"It does feel nice," Sebastian agreed as they wrapped their arms around one another.
They laid there for quite a while, just staring into each other's eyes.
"Bash will you sing to me?" She asked softly.
"I don't know what to sing," he said after a pause.
"You can sing anything, I don't care," she said, "If you're okay with singing at all."
"Why do you want me to sing anyway?" he asked.
"I don't know," she said turning onto her other side. Sebastian nuzzled against her, spooning her. "Same reason you wanted to cuddle. Just sounds nice. But you don't have to if you don't want to."
"Hmm, maybe later," he mumbled.
"Okay," she agreed.
They were quiet again, and Sebastian felt very calm. He wanted to melt into the moment. But that might have just been his high talking.
"You're like a creamsicle," he said, realizing after he said it that she may have fallen asleep.
"I am?" she asked after a beat.
"Mmmhmm," he rolled onto his back, and Mariah turned to face him, her arm over his stomach, head resting on his shoulder, "I dunno I was just reminded of this memory from when I was a kid. It was summer and it was so hot. I was real young too, like four maybe. My mom had brought me to the park, and it was just me and her. I was so hot and sweaty but I just ran around and around and kept playing through the heat. And there was an ice cream cart and my mom got me a creamsicle and it was just like the best thing ever. It was sweet and creamy and so sticky. It was dripping down me but I didn't care, I just sat next to my mom in the grass and ate it, and I was so happy."
"That's really sweet," Mariah said.
"And you're just like that creamsicle," Sebastian said.
"And you're high," she giggled, "But I like it."
"Mmm true. Your hair looks so soft. Can I touch it?" Sebastian asked.
"Yeah," Mariah said, "You can.
He slowly ran his fingers through her loose curls, "It is soft," he confirmed.
"Gotta keep it well conditioned, otherwise it gets all frizzy and like straw," Mariah explained, "Probably smells good too."
Sebastian took in a deep breath, "Mmm it does."
"Maybe I should grow it out again," Mariah mused, "It's been a while. But I do like it short."
"I can't picture it long," Sebastian said.
"Where's my phone?" Mariah asked, "I can show you"
She patted her pockets, finding it and pulling it out. Mariah opened up her gallery and scrolled through her photos, Sebastian watched the shift in the photos from her moving to the farm and her time in Pelican Town, turn into the city and the friends he'd met as well as several people he hadn't. There were pictures of art shows, concerts, some trees, and even an occasional shot of food.
"Here we go," she said, pulling up a picture of her with Alice and Lily, smiling outside in the sun somewhere. Sebastian noticed how happy she was, and wondered what they'd been doing. Her hair was long, it went down past her shoulder blades, but her curls were just the same. It was Mariah, but she didn't look like herself. At least not the version of herself that Sebastian knew.
"That's so different," Sebastian commented, "Almost like it's somebody else."
"It feels like someone else," Mariah agreed.
"But it doesn't look bad," Sebastian said, "If you want to do it again."
"Oh Yoba no," Mariah said, "Just looking at these pictures is reminding me of what a pain in the ass it was to take care of. Also I can't imagine how much that would get in my way now. I'd have to put it up all the time. I mean maybe sometime in the future, I'll grow it out again, but not right now."
"I do like how it is now," Sebastian agreed.
"Maybe you should grow your hair out," She giggled.
"Yeah no," Sebastian said, "S'long enough like it is now."
"Heyyy," Mariah said, scrolling through her photos again, "I don't have a picture of us. At least not just the two of us. We gotta take one."
"I don't really take a lot of pictures," Sebastian said.
"Because you don't know how to fake smile," Mariah said.
Sebastian made a grumbling noise but didn't disagree. Mariah looked up at him, blinking slowly.
"We're just going to look high if we take a picture now," Sebastian said.
"Well we are high," she smiled, "So at least it wouldn't be a lie."
"I don't want to pose," he said with a sigh.
"Who said anything about posing?" Mariah asked, "Just be you and I'll just be me, and we'll take a picture of that."
"Okay," he agreed.
"I'll set up a burst shot, so we don't have to keep checking to see if we got a good one or not," Mariah said.
"That's a thing?" he asked.
"Don't worry about it Bash, just think about that creamsicle," Mariah said, smiling at him again.
Sebastian did smile, and even chuckled a little, "You say that like it's so easy."
"But it is," Mariah said, looking at her phone again, swiping through the pictures.
"Wait we're done already?" he said.
"You're getting hit hard today huh?" she teased.
"I guess so," he said.
"Want to look at them with me?" she asked, "You can tell me how high we look."
"Sure," he said.
She swiped through them, commenting as they went. Sebastian didn't hate it the way he thought he would. The second to last picture Sebastian actually really like. When she got to the last one, he asked her to go back to it.
"That one is the best," Mariah said, they were both facing the camera, but neither was looking directly at it, but their happiness was evident.
"Can you send me that one?" he asked, and actually, he swiped through to another one that he liked, his eyes were closed mid laugh and Mariah was looking at him, "And that one too please."
"Of course," Mariah said, sending both to him, his phone vibrating in his pocket.
"That wasn't terrible," he admitted.
"And you like having pictures of us," she noted.
"And that too," he confirmed, "But you really don't need to tell anyone that."
"Seriously Bash? You think I didn't already know that," she said, "C'mon."
"I guess we did just have a conversation where you said when happens in our relationship isn't anybody's business didn't we?" Sebastian said.
Mariah nodded her head, "Besides I'm selfish."
"Selfish?" he questioned.
"Mmhmm," she nodded in a more exaggerated fashion, "I like that there's this piece of you that's just for me, that no one else gets to experience. I like that I don't have to share it. Selfish."
Sebastian wanted to say something grand. Or something romantic. He wanted to say something about how she earned it, how he wants to give he so much more of it, and how much she means to him and he likes those same bits of her. But he couldn't think of good enough words worth saying without it sounding dumb in his head, so all he ended up saying was "Oh."
"Hey Bash," Mariah said.
"Hey Riah," he responded in tone.
"I think I have to leave," she said.
"You could stay," he offered lamely.
"I have a guest," she said, "A guest that I promised to actually spend some time with tonight before he leaves tomorrow. And as much as I appreciate the offer, I think that will require some more pre-planning."
"Oh yeah. I kind of forgot about Carver," Sebastian said.
"Thank you, for saving me from going crazy today," Mariah said, and though she was saying goodbye, she wasn't making any moves to leave.
"Thank you for arguing with me," Sebastian said, also not moving.
She laughed, "Not really something that usually gets a thank you."
"Well it was real. And makes me less anxious I think," he said.
"Happy to help," she said snuggling further into him.
"I thought you had to leave," he said, hand sliding underneath her shirt again to feel the warm skin of her stomach.
"Yeah, I do," she admitted, "But just because I should be doing something doesn't mean I want to be doing something. I like this too much."
"I'd say I'm sorry, but I can't lie to you like that," Sebastian kissed her forehead.
"This was so much easier before you go so comfortable with me," Mariah grumbled, "At least then I didn't want to leave, but I didn't want to make you uncomfortable more so it was easy to go. Plus you initiated physical contact, and I don't want to give that up."
"Maybe someday that won't be such a big deal," Sebastian offered.
"Maybe," She agreed, "Still funny to me that I thrive on touch and seek it out, and you're basically the opposite."
"It's different with you," Sebastian said, "You'll have to learn to trust me on that one someday."
"Stop encouraging my selfish side," Mariah said, before taking a breath, "I do have to go. And I'm going to need to borrow a replacement hoodie I think."
She sat up, and Sebastian immediately missed her warmth. He sat up with a groan himself, and slid out of bed. She followed suit, sitting at the edge of his bed. He tossed the tea soaked hoodie into his laundry basket, and went to his closet to get her a new one. Mariah disappeared into his bathroom, and slid the garment on when she came out.
"Just need to find my headphones now," she said, patting her pockets. Sebastian helped her look, and they were found quickly enough.
"I'll walk you," Sebastian said.
"That's okay," she said, "You don't have to. In fact you should stay here and enjoy your high."
Sebastian wanted to argue and say he knew he didn't have to, that he wanted to, and that he would enjoy his time with her more, but it had been a weird day and he was still high and ultimately agreed. He walked her upstairs, watched her put on her sneakers and head out the door. He was reminded yet again of when she snuck out after spending that first night, though this was different.
When he went to sleep that night, Sebastian's bed still smelled like Mariah.