Work Text:
The sun was dipping below the arching pines of the Cindersap forest as Sebastian dangled his legs over the edge of the dock, a cigarette hanging from his lips. The summer had been hot this year, and the lake had receded enough for Sebastian to dangle his legs over the water with a foot between the water’s surface and the toe of his shoe. He took a long drag of his cigarette before slowly breathing it out.
Life in Pelican Town was quaint and easy, but it’d always made Sebastian feel trapped. As a college dropout living in his mother’s basement, working a freelance job for a meagre pay, it really felt like he’d hit a brick wall in his life. He’d considered moving away from his small hometown to Zuzu City not that far away where he could get a better job in tech, but something held him back. Whether it be fear or anxiety or some deep, visceral connection to the town of his childhood that kept him rooted in place, Sebastian was left stressing between staying in Pelican Town or finally moving out. With all the confusion and decisions laying in front of him it was no wonder he developed a few less than healthy ways to cope.
Staring across the lake he took another puff of smoke, the light breeze over the water throwing the breath back in his face. Cigarette smoke had become a comforting smell to him lately, though he still cringed when smelling it on his clothes or bedsheets. His mother was always the first to notice the scent no matter how much cologne he wore or how many times he washed his clothes and she always had a sad look and quick comment. He understood her concern, but it still frustrated him beyond belief every time. He rubbed the butt of his cigarette into the wood of the dock before pulling the pack out of his back pocket to light a new one.
“Never expected to find you here,” an unexpected voice sounded behind Sebastian, drawing him out of his muddled thoughts. He looked over his shoulder, finding there approaching him a grizzled looking man in a tattered blue Joja jacket. Shane held an open beer can in one hand, the other hand holding a six pack. “You mind if I…?”
Sebastian was still surprised to see another person out here, but he shook his head and shuffled over, unable to find his voice.
“Whatcha doing out here kid?” Shane asked as he settled down.
“I could ask you the same,” Sebastian shot back, feeling suddenly defensive.
“Relax.” Shane pulled a cab from his six pack. “Want a cold one?”
Sebastian looked between Shane’s face and the extended drink. Flicking the rest of his cigarette into the water beneath him he accepted the drink, earning a slight chuckle from Shane. He mumbled a quick “thanks” before cracking it open, taking a taste. It was cheap and bitter but the immediate warmth that spread through him as it settled in his belly definitely soothed his nerves.
“A fast drinker, huh?” Shane chuckled. “A man after my own heart.” He heaved a heavy breath. “So, I’ve seen you around town before, and though you cross me as a guy who would sit on a dock in the middle of the night for fun, I can tell something’s up. What’s the deal?”
Sebastian took a few long gulps of his drink before wiping his mouth on his sleeve. “I don’t know, just life I guess. No big deal.”
“I feel you there,” Shane growled. He opened himself a new can, tossing another to Sebastian. “Sometimes it just feels like you’re a fly caught in a web, unable to do anything but writhe and buzz as reality bears down on you.” He sighed and rolled his shoulders. “I’m all too familiar with that feeling. But you,” Sebastian flinched as Shane jabbed at him with one finger. “I don’t know you too well kid, but you’re young, you’ve got a future ahead of you yet.”
“You don’t know that, man,” Sebastian snapped back suddenly. He was running hot now with the liquid courage making his tongue loose. “I feel like I should be farther in life than I am right now.” He stood up, stumbling for footing before glaring across the water. He’d pent up a lot of things over the past couple years, and if yelling at a lake was his only chance to get it off his chest then damn it he wasn’t going to waste it. “I’m a grown man still living in my mom’s basement! I work all day but everyone I know treats me like a joke!” In a heated moment he clenched the now nearly empty beer can in his first before throwing it as hard as he could. It landed near the middle of the lake with a plop. Panting, he shook himself off, slowly sinking to sit back down. “I shouldn’t have done that.”
“And Lewis wonders why this town is a dump,” Shane said with a dry laugh. “At least I don’t strew my beer cans all over the place.”
“Listen, it’s not like I do this on the regular,” Sebastian said, rubbing his forehead. “I didn’t do any of this stuff until recently. Smoking and drinking. I’m just…stressed.”
Shane nodded. “You’re at the edge of your slope kid,” he said seriously. “I’ve already fallen down mine, but you’ve got a chance to pull yourself away before you do.” He huffed. “Take it from me and walk away while you still can.”
Sebastian stared at the faint shape of his drink floating dismally in the water. “On the slope,” he murmured, mostly to himself.
For a long while the two men sat in silence, sharing drinks as Sebastian fuzzily puzzled over the other’s words. Eventually Shane gave another long sigh. “Well, my liver’s begging me to stop.” He stood up with a lot of creaking from his joints before looking down at the still troubled Sebastian. “Are you right enough to get yourself home?” Sebastian stood up with a slight stumble, nearly pitching himself into the lake. Shane grabbed the back of his hoodie, saving him from the water. “Alright, I’ll walk you home.”
“Aren’t you tipsy too?” Sebastian argued. “I can manage myself just fine.”
“Yeah, yeah, I’ve been drinking a lot more and a lot longer than you have.” Holding Sebastian’s sleeve Shane proceeded to drag Sebastian off the dock and back to shore. Sebastian stalked along beside Shane as they walked through town towards the mountains. As soon as the carpenter’s shop was in sight Shane stopped. “You’re a big kid, put yourself to bed.”
Sebastian stayed frozen for a moment, shifting his weight from foot to foot. “Thanks,” he said awkwardly before making his way toward the door.
“Hey,” Shane called as Sebastian drew away. “If you remember anything from tonight, remember what I said.” His dark eyes were surprisingly clear as they cut through the space between the two. “Don’t let yourself fall down that slope, kid.”
Sebastian nodded blearily before pushing open the front door. All he wanted to do was crawl into his bed but he was stopped as soon as he was inside.
“Where were you?” Robin exclaimed as he locked the door behind him. “It’s nearly two in the morning!”
“Mom, I’m a grown man, I can stay out if I want,” Sebastian replied in the least argumentative tone he could muster. He really didn’t have the patience for this right now.
“I’d appreciate it if while you still lived here you could tell me when you’re staying out so long, you know I worry about you.” Robin wrinkled her nose. “You reek of alcohol, Sebby, have you been drinking?”
“Just a few with a friend.”
She gave him a long look. “Okay. Next time tell me when you stay out so late.” She shook her head, looking at her son with the worry only mother’s have. “I love you, Sebby, goodnight.”
Sebastian nodded, stumbling to his bedroom door. “You too, Mom.”