Author's Note: Hello! I'm a bit late to the Stardew Bandwagon, but I'm loving it. This idea just won't leave my head and I have *most* of the story plotted out, but not fully developed/written. I'm hoping for regular updates to completion, but I make 0 promises, I know better than to try to commit to something because life is a real thing that exists and complications happen. This is also wholly unbetaed so I'm sorry for any errors I've missed. I hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Stardew Valley property. The OC and plot are my own, that is all.
Rated M for language and eventually more explicit content.
Sebastian remembered the exact moment he had laid eyes on her. He had of course been hearing about practically nothing else for the last week. A new person in town was always a fascination as it rarely happened, but taking over the old farm on top of that, well then there was nothing but gossip. His mom certainly couldn't contain her excitement about it. Sam and Abby had already met her of course and said she seemed cool, and was, to their best guess, about their age. From what he understood, she had popped into town a couple of times this week, and was introducing herself to all the locals. No surprise that he hadn't met her yet, that would involve leaving his bedroom. Sebastian didn't love this part of himself, but being around others was just so damn hard. Sam and Abby felt like all he needed. Best of all they got him, and didn't push. His Friday nights at the saloon were even fun, hearing the buzz of the weekend excitement from the other room, but having his own space where only Emily would occasionally stop in to drop off food, and collect refill orders.
This Friday was different. The buzz was louder, and there was this pulse in the atmosphere that made the hairs on Sebastian's skin stand up. He felt edgy and uncomfortable. He was getting ready to bail, when she came in. He could hear it from the main part of the bar, and he sank back. The mere thought of wading through that level of excitement made him want to bury himself in a hole. After a minute or two it calmed down and Sebastian could feel some of the pressure on his shoulders relax a bit.
Then she appeared in the doorway and it was like everything stopped. The buzzing was gone. There was just this glow radiating from where she stood. Sebastian felt rooted to the spot, as if he moved it was all over. He wasn't sure what he was expecting her to look like, but it wasn't this. She had tawny skin, short, mahogany curls that Sebastian imagined would feel unbelievably soft to the touch. Her lips were the color of pomegranates and were curved ever so slightly up into a smile. She had a spattering of freckles across her nose and cheeks, which had the slightest rosy tint to them. Sebastian had never thought of overalls as a particularly flattering piece of clothing, more utilitarian than anything, but yet somehow these overalls did not stand a chance against this woman's curves. Her hips had a couple of inches on whatever the widest part of Sebastian's body was, not that achieving that was a difficult challenge. Despite the cool spring evening air, she was wearing short sleeves, and Sebastian could see lingering flecks of dusty earth from the day on her arms, and the slightest sheen of sweat. But what captivated Sebastian most of all were her mossy green eyes with tiny honey colored specks.
The slow motion moment ended far too quickly, and those beautiful eyes made direct contact with his, and he immediately looked down, realizing how fast his heart was beating as well as the fact that he had stopped breathing. Suddenly Sebastian wished he could melt into a puddle, which would be less embarrassing than if she had noticed that he had been staring at her. He was mentally cursing himself, which only got louder and more persistent when she spoke.
"Hi Sam, Abigail," she said in a warm tone, "It's so nice to see you again."
He was intently focused on the floor, but Sebastian could hear the smile in her voice. The air caught in his throat and he stopped breathing for another moment when she started moving. He looked up briefly and sure enough, she was stepping towards him, presumably to introduce herself. Sebastian tried to will himself to be less sweaty in awkward in the seconds he had before she reached his side.
She stuck her hand out to him, "Hi. I'm Mariah. I'm the new farmer here. I don't think we've met yet."
Sebastian considered not responding for a second, but realized what a horrendous idea that was. He shook her hand for the briefest of seconds, before her warmth could envelop him whole, and let out a bit of a grunt before providing his name, "Sebastian." You did not just fucking grunt at her, he thought to himself, What a great first impression.
After dropping her hand he looked away again, hoping she would leave because he couldn't stand her presence for another moment.
Mariah cocked her head a minuscule amount at him, and responded, "It's nice to meet you. Sorry to interrupt your game"
Game? What game? Sebastian panicked for a moment. The pool game you absolute moron. You play pool with Sam every fucking Friday. You have a pool stick in your hand.
"S'okay," he mumbled.
"Please forgive Sebastian," Abigail said, drawing Mariah's attention away from Sebastian, for which he was incredibly grateful, "He's antisocial. But don't worry, he'll eventually get slightly more normal"
Mariah's tone had a lilt of a laugh to it, but it was not cruel, "No problem. I totally interrupted after all. I'm actually going to get something to eat, I'm starving, so I'll let you guys be."
"You don't have to," Sam said.
"Yeah," Abby chimed in, "You can join us. Watching Sebastian kicks Sam's ass every week isn't the most thrilling thing."
"Hey I'll get him someday!" Sam interjected.
"Suuuree you will," Abby's eyes rolled.
"Every week huh?" Mariah laughed, "Well in that case maybe I should crash. Don't want to miss Sam's rise to the top."
Sebastian swore he saw her wink at him, but he could have been imaging it.
"Well I'll get my order in, and I'll be right back. Anybody want anything? My treat," she flashed her teeth at the trio.
Sam's eyes lit up, "Oh yeah I'll have.."
But he was immediately interrupted by Abby, "A Joja cola. Sam will have a Joja cola and that's it," Sam sighed and pouted but nodded his head in agreement, "And I'll have a cider, and Sebastian will have some cranberry juice, right Seb?"
He nodded in agreement, but dared not speak.
Mariah nodded, "Joja cola, cider, and cranberry juice, got it."
When she stepped out of the room to go place the order at the bar, Sebastian let out a heavy breath.
Abby narrowed her eyes at him, "Seriously Seb? You grunted at her. I know you're not a social person, and that's fine, but c'mon you can do better than that. I'm not asking you to be her best friend, or even to put in much effort, but can you be a little less grumpy? I would love to have a girl friend. Not that you guys aren't great, but girls are just different. And the pickings around here for that are definitely lacking."
Sebastian opened his mouth to respond but didn't have the words. Thankfully Sam intervened, "Back off Abby. You know he's anxious around people, especially new people. Cut him a break. He didn't insult her or anything, you can still have your new friend without making Seb uncomfortable."
Abby opened her mouth with a glaring look, but her face softened, "I want to yell at you, but you make a good point. Fuck Sam, why do you have to be so Yoba-damned insightful sometimes. I'm sorry Seb, I know you can't control your anxiety. You can be aloof. Just be a nice aloof. Please. For me," She batted her eyes.
Sebastian sighed and grunted at her. Intentionally this time, the corners of his mouth giving way to a smirk.
Abby took an acorn out of her pocket and chucked it at him, "Dick" she grumbled.
Sebastian let out a brief chuckle, and for once was thankful that his anxiety was able to mask whatever weird moment he had with the farmer.
"Alright," Seb said, "Sam you ready to get creamed again?"
Mariah returned as Sam responded, "I'll gracefully accept my defeat if it happens, but I'm breaking this time."
"Here," Mariah said shifting the drinks she was holding to balance while pulling the soda can out of her pocket, "May your Joja Cola fuel your victory."
Sam happily took the soda, "That's what I'm talking about! Somebody believes in me!"
"Oh I didn't say I believed in you," Mariah teased, "I haven't even seen your skills yet. I just love a good underdog story."
Sam's excitement waned, but he was still his bubbly Sam self.
"Cider for Abigail," Mariah said handing her the glass.
"Oh Abby. Call me Abby," she responded taking her glass, "And thank you. From me and these no manner dopes."
"Cranberry juice for you Sebastian," she smiled, gesturing the glass at him before placing it on the windowsill.
Sebastian did just about melt at the gesture. She wasn't forcing him into physical interactions. But he was only able to muster up a mumbled, "Thanks" and get back to the game.
Mariah sat down the chair closest to him, which both made him feel edgy again, but also made it easier to ignore her as she wasn't in his direct line of site. The rest of the night passed in a blur. There was a lot of laughter and things felt more pleasant or dare he think fun than normal, not that his demeanor gave any indication that he felt this way. At some point Emily brought in a pizza, which the farmer insisted they share with her because she couldn't possibly eat it all. Sebastian wasn't a big eater anyway, but took a slice and had a few bites. But eventually the drinks were gone, and all that was left was the discarded half of Sebastian's pizza slice and the goodbyes came out.
Sam insisted that he almost had him tonight, which was more true than usual given Sebastian's level of distraction, but was still not a remote possibility. Abby insisted that the farmer come be part of their Friday tradition, and thanked her again for the drinks and food. They left the saloon and Sam was off in the opposite direction. Abby and the farmer headed north, as did Sebastian. He lagged slightly behind them, as they chatted before Mariah broke apart to head back to the farm. She locked eyes with Sebastian again, gave him a soft smile and wave before heading down the road toward the bus station.
Abby took advantage of his distraction to link her arm in his, "Thanks Sebby," she whispered practically pulling him towards her door, "I know that wasn't the easiest for you. I'm sorry again for being harsh. I think Sam's energy was just getting my excitement even more riled up," she gave him a kiss on the cheek and patted his back, "I'll see you later. Have a safe walk up the mountain!"
Sebastian did actually smile and nod at her, "Good night Abigail."
He stuffed his hands in his hoodie pockets after pulling the hood over his head. He knew his mom worried about him wearing all black at night, but he was confident that nothing was going to happen to him in the middle of nowhere. He knew the steep path up to the house well, which was good considering his mind was otherwise occupied with thoughts of Mariah. Sebastian was a bit perturbed by this infatuation with her, as he'd never experienced anything similar before. What's wrong with me? She's just a girl. Well, a woman. Possibly the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. I wonder what she looks like not wearing overalls? No. Sebastian just stop. Don't even think about it, she's never going to be interested in you. You grunted at her for fucks sake. And yeah, that didn't scare her away, but I'm sure that was only because Abby and Sam were there. They're the fun ones, not you. You're just awkward and horrible. Even if she seemed to get it. And smiled at you. Nope, just forget it. It's not worth your time.
Despite his best efforts to refocus on something else, Sebastian still feel asleep picturing those freckles, pomegranate lips, and the light reflecting off enchanting green eyes.