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“Let’s get out of here!”
It was a simple sentence; one that at first seemed too ordinary. A sentence that however didn’t fit in with the image of Pelican Town and their beloved Festivals. Or with the man who spoke the sentence with such vigor assurance.
It was spring; the cold and calm winter had already ended a few weeks ago. As with every year the Egg Festival was the first one to engage the small village in its festivities. Unfortunately, living in Pelican Town came with the obligation to take part in every single event. For a child - or rather for any of the adults, these festivals were a pure bliss. Maybe even so for some of the younger ones.
For Sebastian, almost every event was the exact opposite of blissful.
Things never changed in Pelican Town. The people stayed the same. Their daily routines stayed the same. The events stayed the same, the dates stayed the same. Even the Egg Hunt always stayed the same; same hiding spots for the eggs, same participants for the hunt, same old Straw Hat for the winner.
To most of the villager, the routine was peaceful. To Sebastian, the never changing Town with their routines and festivities was a painful reminder. One that constantly told him: "You don’t belong here."
One of the reasons why he wanted to leave the small village was to finally get some change. His life seemed dull and already fully planned – having to stay in the basement of his mother’s house, never having anything new or exciting to look forward to. Every day, week or season stayed the same.
Yoba knew if it wasn’t for his best friends Sam and Abigail, he would have already lost his mind.
Choosing to work as a freelance programmer was his first step out of his dull village live. Obviously his next big step only could be moving to the big city. His only hope to finally get some sparks of excitement and joy back into his dull own life. To get away from the family to which he feels more like a burden than a family member. To break out of the routines of this town. To break free from this endless trap.
To put it more simply – it was either Zuzu City or to spend the rest of his life in the bleak monotony.
At least that was until last year. With spring last year, changes started to appear in the sleepy village. It all started with one certain farmer moving into the rundown farm to the east. He appeared to be the grandchild of the former farmer. Moving out to Stardew Valley from Zuzu City of all places!
With his turquoise colored hair and his sense of fashion he totally stood out.
On his first days he had introduced himself to the villagers. Sebastian however had been too busy working on a code to be outside of his room for long enough. He knew about a new farmer but had only really taken notice of him on last year’s Egg Festival. The farmer talked to everyone and also took part in the Egg Hunt. (He lost the Hunt, of course. Not that anyone was any match to Abigail at all.)
On that day he had stopped in his tracks in front of Sebastian, almost as if he had seen a ghost. A friendly smile had graced his lips as he introduced himself with the words “We haven’t met by now, right? My name is Vince.”
Ever since that day more and more changes had started to come. Not only around the town and his inhabitants but also in Sebastian’s own life. Vince was nothing like his friends, family or the other villagers. He wasn’t seeing Sebastian’s job as just a waste of time or some hobby – he really took interest in the programmer’s work. He wasn’t staying inside once it rained – being huddled in the warmth and comfort of one’s house. Even in the biggest downpour Sebastian would find Vince run around the village or the ocean.
He didn’t try to coax some words out of Sebastian; he didn’t pry too much if Sebastian didn’t want to talk about something. However – whenever he really needed someone to talk to Vince would always be there. Nodding along to the other’s words - silently listening, never seemingly judging. Not trying to “solve the problem by some random tips” but actually knowing the difference between simply listening and offering advice.
Over the weeks Sebastian had started to realize that he had built a deep friendship with the farmer. It felt great at first; even silencing that small voice in his head which told him he wasn’t good enough.
But the voice soon came back, this time with a strange feeling that felt like a small pang in his chest. Whenever he heard Vince’s name, whenever he saw a glimpse of the farmer’s turquoise hair, or even a single thought about the other man – his heart would start to beat faster. The voice would start to resound in his mind – telling him that there were other people who had befriended the farmer as well. People that were easier to talk to. People that were no burden.
And it’s not like Sebastian really understood what was going on. At least until a few days ago – when he was on his way to Sam. On his way down the road he caught a glimpse of Vince again – talking to Penny in front of her caravan. She looked upset, talking to him rapidly. He listened to her – almost as intently as he listened to the other man. Trying to comfort her.
What Sebastian didn’t expect was Penny taking a step closer to the farmer and throwing her arms around him. As she pressed herself into his chest Vince’s eyes grew impossibly big.
The situation would be somehow funny as well; if it wasn’t for the horrible painfully tug in the young man’s heart. He couldn’t look away, couldn’t bring his feet to move on, carry him away from this moment of privacy.
Putting one hand awkwardly on her back Vince tried his best to comfort her. His eyes started to glance around – and landed directly on Sebastian.
The moment their eyes met Sebastian noticed three things:
First - Vince’s look changed from overwhelmed to something alike panic. Second – Sebastian may not be the only one to seek comfort from the farmer. And third – Sebastian may have started to like Vince way more than he had assumed before.
He had fled the scenery as fast as possible. For the following days he hid in his room, drowning himself in work; trying to mute down the voice that told him he’s still not good enough. Trying to forget how much it hurt to see Vince and Penny together.
Trying to suppress the feelings that came rushing at him in high speed.
But he couldn’t hide forever. Unfortunately his mother forced him out of his basement – to attend the Egg Festival of all things. Which Vince attended as well.
The programmer spotted the farmer on the other side of the square – wishing he could become invisible on the spot.
As soon as they made eye contact again he felt his pulse begin to speed up. The farmer (almost unfriendly by his standards) ended the conversation he was having with Gus and came over to Sebastian and his friends at an alarmingly speed.
While his thoughts started to race as fast as his heartbeat Sam and Abigail were unaware of his misery. They greeted the farmer right away, chatting vividly with him.
While they tried to talk to him Vince would keep glancing at Sebastian. The young man tried to look away, anywhere else. Just not into those deep green eyes that seemed to hold so many emotions at once. But he couldn’t; his body seemed to betray him just as much as his head and heart.
As they finally made proper eye contact, Vince’s lips curled upwards in a small yet uncertain smile. It almost seemed as if he was as tensed as Sebastian himself.
Feeling his throat go dry Sebastian tried to croak out a small “Hey” when the loud voice of Lewis interrupted them.
“It is time for the Egg Hunt! Everyone who wants to participate, please come over here!”
Sam and Abigail perked up at that. Walking past Sebastian they hurried to Lewis for the Hunt.
Vince looked after them briefly and seemed to contemplate something. Feeling his heart already sinking Sebastian tried to sound casual. “Good luck with the search.” He croaked while cursing his voice for betraying him just as much as the rest of his body.
Vince’s gaze snapped back to him immediately. He seemed almost alarmed and Sebastian just knew that he did notice the high pitched sound of his voice as well. In a fleeting moment a look of determination crossed over his feature.
Sebastian almost flinched as the farmer came closer – standing right in front of him.
“Let’s get out of here.” he said; something Sebastian would have never thought he would hear anyone say during a Festival.
At first he didn’t respond at all. His feet seemed glued to their place. Staring at Vince like he had grown a second head within seconds. He tried to at least form an answer, to move, to run – to understand if he wanted to run away from Vince or with Vince.
Just as always the farmer seemed to be able to read him like an open book. And almost as if he knew that Sebastian couldn’t act on his own he tentatively reached out for his hand – making the decision for Sebastian instead.
At first, Sebastian felt a soft grasp around his hand; calloused fingers holding on to him softly, squeezing lightly at first. Then a small tug before the grip turned stronger.
All of his senses started to tingle at once. A fluttering feeling settled in his stomach, his heart almost jumping out of his chest. But the voices – the many voices in his head – fell silent immediately. His mind went blank – only focusing on the feeling of the other’s hand.
Vince led the way out of town and towards Marnie’s Ranch. He kept glancing to Sebastian, a vivid mixture of determination and hesitation in his eyes.
A fleeting thought passed Sebastian’s head; maybe Vince was just as uncertain and confused as him? Maybe he also didn’t know what to do next? Maybe he also felt this strange tingling sensation?
But in one beat it was all over again; all the feelings and impressions disappeared abruptly as the two came to a halt. The farmer had brought them to the river, far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the festival. Vince hesitated for a moment before turning to Sebastian. And in the process let go of the other's hand.
He felt another small pang in his chest– like being struck by lightning. And with the ache, the doubts returned in no time at all. Why should he even hold his hand if he had hugged Penny?!
Small whispers of "Obviously he does not feel anything like that for you." and "You fool." followed by "Who could ever care for you?"
He bit down on his lip while averting his gaze from the man in front of him.
“Are you alright, Sebastian?” The other’s voice was full of concern. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Vince bend over a little bit.
No, he wasn’t alright. He wanted it to stop. The voice in his head mocking him, the rapid heartbeat, the confusion and the messed up feelings.
The tingling sensation he still felt on his hand.
He could see the farmer taking a step towards him – and took one back immediately. Vince stopped, flinching slightly. Silence started to stretch out between them. And actually, he wanted it to stay that way. He wanted to wait until the silence finally swallowed him up. Wait until Vince turned his back on him – so he could stifle the blossoming feelings in the bud.
At the same time however he felt his temper rising. He felt irritated by his feelings, by what he had seen, by what Vince may think about him.
“Sebas—“ “Are you two dating?” He rushed to speak up, no longer able to contain the storm inside of him. He didn't dare lift his eyes to see the farmer's reaction. He couldn’t think about it either. Suddenly all he could see was the scene replaying in his head - over and over again.
"What do you me--" Vince tried to react. Sebastian however could no longer hold back. The words began tumbling out of his mouth.
“I saw you and Penny the other day. I mean you know that, of course. But I can’t stop to think about it. It hasn’t crossed my mind that there may be someone by your side; that you’ve found someone special here in Pelican Town.” He took a shuddering breath, not being able to control himself.
“And it bugs me; bugs me that I can't stop thinking about it." His hands began shaking, his voice started to crack again. Still, he couldn't stop, was already in too much.
"It bothers me that I keep asking myself: How could I not expect it? Why does it bother me so much? Why did I let my walls down in your presence? Why is it that my heart beats faster when I see you? That I thought it meant something that you took my hand. That I wondered if you--"
“Sebastian, stop!” A pair of strong hands clasped around his shoulder. As he was jolted out of his rambling his head jerked up – immediately making eye contact with the other man. The emotions he recognized in the other's eyes only rattled his world further. It was a combination of concern, maybe a slight bit of fear, even something frantic; but most of all determination. The very same determination he had glimpsed earlier as Vince had reached out for his hand.
He had to take another shuddering breath, feeling his heart constrict. Vince stared him straight in the eyes. “What makes you think I'm into Penny?” He felt his breath leave him completely. His brain shut down immediately. The rambling and the rapid thoughts being effectively shut down.
“But.. I mean..” he stuttered while his eyes drifted to the side again. The place where the other touched him began to prickle. It was almost impossible to bear, feeling too overwhelming and too amazing at once.
The farmer drew small, calming circles over Sebastian's shoulder.
"Sebastian. Look at me." His voice sounded small and vulnerable – despite him being one of the strongest men Sebastian even knew. It was all it took to break his resistance. Sebastian's gaze drifted back to the other. It was as if he was being drawn in by an invisible force.
There was strength in his voice, tenderness in his eyes full of emotion.
"What makes you think… I could even be into in anyone else?" whispered Vince, like he was afraid of shattering the moment between them.
A small part of his brain – or rather a small glimmer of hope - caught on to the unspoken end of the sentence. "Anyone else but you?"
His throat started to go dry again. As they kept their gazes locked he started to hear nothing else but the rushing of his blood. His own rapid heartbeat. He saw Vince glance down to his lips, then back up to his eyes again. He felt his cheeks grow warm as he noticed the farmer lean in a little bit.
The more so as he noticed himself leaning in as well. Like he was drawn in by some greater power.
As the distance between them grew smaller he felt his eyes slid shut slowly, his heart skipping a beat.
The next thing he felt were Vince’s lips on his own.
The kiss was tender and slow, their lips meeting in an uncertain yet gentle manner. At first he felt completely overwhelmed. Yet the tension in his whole body seemed to drain out at once. Placing his hands on the others hips he started to relax in the kiss. Leaning in even closer he even started to kiss the other back.
They stayed like this for a few beats, almost drowning in each other’s presence, forgetting everything around them. As they needed to breathe again they parted slowly - still staying close in their embrace. Slowly opening his eyes again Sebastian was immediately caught in the other’s gaze again. The farmer looked at him completely mesmerized. A gentle smile – the one Sebastian had seen on him so often lately when they were alone – was on his lips. Feeling his own lips twitch slightly upward he opened his mouth. “Vince--“
“Sebastian? Vince? Are you guys here?” Sam’s voice sounded from not too far away. “Egg Hunt’s over! Are you hiding out here somewhere?”
As if on cue the magic around both men began to shatter; leaving them to the reality. Sebastian could feel his face grow hot, very likely turning beet red. He glimpsed a small blush around Vince's cheeks as well, which only intensified the feeling of being caught while doing something intimate.
Slowly stepping back – not ready to let the moment go – Sebastian cleared his throat. “M-Maybe, I should.. You know, before..?!” “Y-yeah, maybe..”
It was almost hilarious how both of them started to stammer.
One hand from his shoulder started to wander down to his hand, entwining their fingers, giving a gentle squeeze.
“See you tomorrow?” Vince whispered. Like he was also trying to savor their moment together.
Feeling his face grow even warmer (could he even get any redder?) Sebastian nodded once. His lips still twitching upwards slightly. He squeezed the other’s hand back before letting go of him reluctantly.
Hearing Sam’s voice again – this time closer to where they stood – he gave a small wave, whispering a small “Bye.” before turning around. His feet dragged him around a corner slowly until he was out of Vince’s sight. Then he felt his feet speed up, carrying him faster away. He saw Sam, who looked kind of startled at him walking so fast. Yet he felt too flustered to slow down. “Yo, Sebastian?! Wait, where are you heading?!” Passing by as fast as he could he kept walking. Feeling his lips tingle softly.
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Back at his farm Vince sat down on his porch. His head still felt a little bit mushy and clouded. Taking a shaky breath he watched the sun slowly go down - casting a dark glow over his farm. His fingers reached up to his lips. Still feeling the tingling sensation of only moments ago.
He knew he wanted to talk to the other man today. After what happened days before he hadn’t seen Sebastian anywhere. And kind of didn’t dare to visit him in his room.
But the shocked face Sebastian had made as they made eye contact – he just couldn’t forget it.
He wasn’t sure why exactly it bothered him so much; he had intended to sort out his own feelings on the way to the Egg Festival. Or while talking to him Sebastian there.
However – kissing Sebastian had not been what he had intended at first.
But looking in those eyes – seeing that vulnerability in Sebastian’s eyes; the fear of being rejected and left alone – it had stirred a cord in Vince’s heart. It felt only natural to him to close the distance between them. To show Sebastian how much he really meant to him.
A deep sigh left his lips as he recalled their kiss over and over again.
Years ago, he was never one to do anything spontaneously. Always following a strict plan. Always overthinking every single one of his actions. But since he had took over the farm of his grandfather something within him had changed. He no longer wanted to waste precious time with a life he didn’t want – didn’t deserve. No longer wanted to calculate through thousands of plans only to end up staying in the same spot.
And no longer wanting to waste time he made just another decision. One that felt completely natural and logic to him as well.
Tomorrow he would buy a bouquet at Pierre’s.
Tomorrow he would give it to Sebastian and properly confess his feelings to him.
He would show Sebastian that he deserved to be happy as well.