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atwooozi · 2 months

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Almost Perfect (Sebastian x Fem!Farmer) Chapter 9: Tranquility

Warnings: Slow burn, personal struggles, anxiety, depression, eventual smut

Summary: Despite attempts to distract himself with work, Sebastian finds himself unable to shake off the memories from the previous night.

A/N: I rewrote this chapter several times and even though I'm not a big fan of what I came up with I think it's better than everything else I had.

READ ON AO3

Chapter 9: Tranquility

Spring 19

It had been 5 days since that night at the lake. Sebastian couldn't stop thinking about it, it took up every free moment within his day. He had been using his work to keep him from thinking about the exchange, but now that wasn't even helping. His fingers hovered over the keys and he sighed. All he could think about was the way his name sounded leaving her mouth and how magical it all felt.

“Shit…” He grumbled as he leaned back in his chair. He ran a hand through his hair and frowned. He didn't have time for this. He was never going to leave this basement prison at this rate.

He needed to get out of here, not waste time thinking about some damn girl.

Sebastian stood up from his seat and threw on his hoodie before heading up the stairs. Maybe he just needed some fresh air? It hadn't worked the last few times, but for whatever reason maybe now it would.

“Hey hon” Robin called from behind her desk. “Heading out for a bit?”

“I need to clear my head.” Sebastian turned to face his mom.

She nodded at him in understanding. “Still feeling worn out?”

Sebastian shrugged. “A bit.”

Robin hesitated for a moment before opening her mouth. “Maybe you should talk to Dr.Harvey?”

Sebastian let his head fall back in frustration. He wasn't really frustrated with his mom. He was more upset with himself that he just couldn't push through it. He didn't understand why he was having such a difficult time lately. “I'll think about it.”

Robin gave a wry smile at the answer but relented. “I won't bother you about it too much, but think about it, okay?”

Sebastian nodded and turned silently, leaving the house. Maybe she was right and he should talk to Harvey. It was awkward since they were essentially neighbors, but what else could he do? He'd talk to Maru about making an appointment for him later.

“Make sure you don't take more than what's necessary.” Sebastian looked up from his feet, Linus was talking with the farmer. Why did she have to be here right now?

She nodded and smiled politely at the older man. “I promise I’ll give back when I can.”

“Good.” Linus gave Angeline a rare smile that he had only ever shown Sebastian when he offered him some leftovers for the first time.

“Oh Sebastian!” Linus said as he looked over at him. “Isn't it a bit early for you?”

Sebastian rolled his eyes playfully. “Actually, it's pretty late for me.”

“Hey Sebastian.” Angeline said gently as she looked up at him from their now shared spot he supposed. She had been fishing and from the looks of it she had caught a few.

“I'll get out of your way.” Linus said as he picked up his basket. “Have a good day you two.” He called as he started to head towards the woods near the east of his house.

Angeline waved goodbye to Linus before turning her attention back to her fishing line. She seemed like she didn't have a care in the world. Why was he so on edge? Did she not feel what he was feeling? Was it really just him?

Sebastian silently pulled out his pack of smokes and took out his lighter. “You fish now?”

Angeline nodded. “I do it all.”

Sebastian grinned and blew some smoke into the air. “Oh really?”

She hummed in response and toyed with the reel in her hand. “Mhm.”

He couldn't stop looking her way as they stood there in their now shared spot. She seemed so at ease even though she had just moved here. If he wasn't so happy for her he'd be jealous. No matter how long he lived here he always felt out of place or in the way.

“You seem pretty comfortable out here.” He said as he continued to look her way.

Angeline shrugged. “I think it’s still too early to say for sure.” She looked over at Sebastian searching for something. Her stare made his heart ache. What it was she was searching for he couldn’t tell you, but her stare was making whatever he was feeling only intensify. “But it’s pretty peaceful here.”

Sebastian took another drag of his cigarette and leaned against a nearby tree. All the tension he was feeling for the past few days was dissipating. “You don’t mind the company, right?”

Angeline shook her head as she recasted her line. “Not at all. The more the merrier.”

“Good, ‘cause I could use some peace and quiet myself.” He said as he rubbed his tired eyes.

Angeline frowned slightly but nodded. “Rough week?”

“Something like that.” Sebastian rubbed the back of his neck. If he were being honest his whole life had felt rough, but these last few weeks had felt particularly hard. He could hardly sleep, his stomach constantly felt like it was in knots, and he just couldn’t stop thinking about her.

“I get that.” Angeline said sympathetically. She did? “Sometimes you just need to escape, even if it’s only for a little while.”

Sebastian watched her intently, letting her words sink in. “What about you?”

Angeline paused, considering what to say. “...Just trying to find something better, I guess.” She looked down at the fishing rod. “Fishing has been helping.”

There was a silence that washed over them. It wasn’t peaceful like the last time they stood outside by the lake. This time it felt somber and the air was heavy. He felt that if he said something more that he would break the moment they were sharing in two like It were pieces of glass.

“Sometimes it nice to just be out here, away from everything.” He said as he stubbed his cigarette out. He couldn’t even focus on smoking. His head felt like it was swimming, but not from the nicotine.

Angeline nodded and reeled in her fishing line. It seemed like the fish were done biting for the moment, or maybe she wasn’t able to focus either. “Yeah, I’m a bit jealous.” She smiled as she turned to look at Sebastian. “It’s like a little piece of heaven here.”

Sebastian looked over the lakeside, taking in the view. As much as he loathed the valley he did love this view, especially at dusk. The water always seemed so still and it was just the right amount of quiet. He would never have this in Zuzu, but despite loving this space he needed something different. At least that’s what he was telling himself. Pelican Town couldn’t give him what he truly needed despite the few bright spots here and there. “Well, I’m glad you found your way here.” At least he was leaving his spot to someone who could truly appreciate it. That was good enough.

“Thanks.” Angeline said softly.

“Anytime, Angeline.”

“I’ll see you at the saloon later?” Angeline asked him. The saloon? Crap, was it Friday?

Sebastian stood up straight and rolled his shoulders back, trying to ease the soreness from sitting at his desk. “Yeah, I’ll see you.”

Angeline nodded and picked up her things before walking back to her farm, leaving Sebastian alone by the lake again.

~*~

Angeline made her way to the saloon. She earned the break, between the farm and now fishing she felt like she was constantly working. She didn’t want to burn herself out the way she did when she was working for Joja. She owed herself the break, and she was looking forward to seeing everyone. Everyone being Abigail, Sam, Victor, and Sebastian. If she were being honest, she was most looking forward to seeing Sebastian, but she couldn’t really say as to why. She just found him incredibly interesting. Everyone else in the village was so open while he just held everything inside. She selfishly wanted to know more about him.

She thought back to how they spoke earlier at the lake and it made her heart flutter. Despite how incredibly vulnerable she felt in the moment it felt just as good. In any other instance she felt terrified to open up so much, but it felt so easy with him. Because of that she wanted more.

“Hey Ange!” Sam called out. He was standing right in front of Stardrop with Sebastian. He must’ve just gotten there too. She picked up her pace and made her way over to the pair.

“Hey” she said with a smile gracing her lips. Sebastian gave a small nod in greeting and Sam wrapped an arm around Angeline’s shoulder as he pulled her inside with them.

“I’m sooooo hungry.” Sam whined as he released Angeline from his hold and made his way over to the bar to order.

Angeline stood back and watched Sam with amusement as he chatted happily with Emily. “He seems like he’s in a good mood.”

“He asked Penny to the Flower Dance and she said yes.” Sebastian said as he tried to hold back a yawn.

Angeline nodded and pursed her lips a bit confused. “I thought you guys hated the Flower Dance?”

Sebastian nodded and headed into the game room, Angeline following behind him. “We do.”

“So?”

Sebastian shrugged. “I mean, they dance together every year without him asking.”

Angeline only became more confused with each word Sebastian spoke. “So then what’s the big deal exactly?”

Sebastian grabbed his pool cue and started to chalk the tip. “I think this year they’re going to walk to the dance together, too.”

Angeline tried to hold back a giggle. She found it cute how excited Sam was to just walk to the dance with Penny. She wasn’t sure if it was Sam or the influence of the village, but the whole situation was so wholesome. If this were Zuzu people would be making fun of Sam and Penny for sure, shaming them for moving like kids. “Th-that’s probably the cutest thing I ever heard.”

Sebastian gave a small chuckle. “Not much romance in the city?”

“Not like that.” Angeline shook her head.

“Did someone say romance?” Abigail asked as she made her way into the room, plopping down into her spot on the couch.

“Sam and Penny are walking to the dance together.” Sebastian explained.

Abigail rolled her eyes. “Oh I thought we were talking about something exciting.” She pulled out her phone and began typing without missing a beat.

“I think it’s cute.” Angeline said as she sat down next to Abigail.

“I have pizza and drinks!” Samn announced as he entered the room. “And I found Victor.”

“Found?” Abigail quirked a brow as she looked up from her phone.

“Ran into.” Victor corrected. He gave a small wave to Angeline before putting some coins into the Pumpkin Smashers cabinet.

“Found…ran into… that’s the same thing. “ Sam said as he placed the food and drinks on the table for everyone.

“I can’t believe we have three traitors in our presence.” Abigail pouted as everyone began to settle into their spots.

“Three?” Victor asked with a slight frown.

Abigail nodded and started to count on her fingers. “One and two, you and Angeline because you guys don’t have to dance and wear those awful outfits.” She frowned and pointed at Sam. “And now three, Samson, since he’s all happy because of Penny.”

Sam made a face when Abigail said his name. “Hey, why can’t you be happy for me like a normal friend?”

“Because I’m bitter.” Abigail huffed.

“Is it really that bad?” Angeline questioned.

“Yes.” Sam, Abigal, and Sebastian said in unison.

“It doesn’t look that fun to be honest.” Victor said as he thought back to previous dances.

Angeline frowned. “Well, I am looking forward to it.” She confessed. She was desperate to see everyone in the awful suits and dresses, and the dance itself had her even more curious.

“Then please take my place.” Abigail practically begged. “Sebastian can step on your feet instead.”

Angeline shook her head and felt her face flush. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to dance with Sebastian she didn’t want to dance, period. “N-no I really don’t want to.” She glanced over at Sebastian and he seemed just as opposed to the idea from the expression he made. Even though she didn’t want to dance, it still stung at little that Abgail and Sebastian would be dancing together.

~*~

The rest of the night carried on uneventfully. Sebastian and Sam played their usual game of pool, Sebastian winning for the third time of the night. Abigail played on her phone and Victor was trying his best to beat the highscore on Pumpkin Smashers.

Despite not much happening Angeline didn’t mind. She was getting into a routine and seemed to find a group of people that she could even call her friends.

“I should get going.” Angeline said as she stood up from the couch.

“Already?” Abigail looked up at her with a frown.

Angeline nodded and stretched. “Yeah, I have to get up early.”

“You too?” Sam said. Angeline glanced over and noticed that Sebastian was putting his cue back on the rack.

“Yeah, I just got a message from a client.” Sebastian explained as he rubbed his eyes. “They need a rush job on some project.”

“Oh you can do that anytime.” Abigail dismissed, causing Sebastian to frown and roll his eyes.

“I’m leaving.” Sebastian said and moved past Angeline towards the exit. Angeline quickly said her goodbyes and followed after him.

“Sebastian?” Angeline called out once she had exited the saloon. He stopped, he was only a few paces ahead of her.

She was surprised that he had stopped walking. He turned to look at her tiredly when she didn’t say anything else. She rushed over to him and felt herself panicking trying to think of something to say. “U-um…are you okay.”

Sebastian gave a mirthless chuckle. “I’m fine, thanks.”

Angeline frowned but nodded. “O-okay.” She didn’t want to push him. He was just finally starting to talk to her.

“Thanks for checking on me, really.” Sebastian said. “I’m just tired.”

Angeline smiled a bit. She wasn’t sure if he was being honest, but she appreciated him humoring her. “Have a goodnight, Sebastian.”

“Yeah, you too.” Sebastian said as he started to walk towards the path that led up to the mountains.

“Get some sleep!” Angeline called out as he moved further away.

“Yeah…you too.” Sebastian said softly to himself as he smiled gently.

#stardew sebastian #sdv sebastian #sdv #fanfiction #fanfic #ao3 fanfic #stardew valley sebastian x oc #do people read the tags?#I wonder if anyone caught the reference that I put in chapter 2 for scarlett hallow #I still hate tagging

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sugarcoatednightshade · 5 months

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thinking about how Humans Are Space Orcs stories always talk about how indestructible humans are, our endurance, our ability to withstand common poisons, etc. and thats all well and good, its really fun to read, but it gets repetitive after a while because we aren't all like that.

And that got me thinking about why this trope is so common in the first place, and the conclusion I came to is actually kind of obvious if you think about it. Not everyone is allowed to go into space. This is true now, with the number of physical restrictions placed on astronauts (including height limits), but I imagine it's just as strict in some imaginary future where humans are first coming into contact with alien species. Because in that case there will definitely be military personnel alongside any possible diplomatic parties.

And I imagine that all interactions aliens have ever had up until this point have been with trained personnel. Even basic military troops conform to this standard, to some degree. So aliens meet us and they're shocked and horrified to discover that we have no obvious weaknesses, we're all either crazy smart or crazy strong (still always a little crazy, academia and war will do that to you), and not only that but we like, literally all the same height so there's no way to tell any of us apart.

And Humans Are Death Worlders stories spread throughout the galaxy. Years or decades or centuries of interspecies suspicion and hostilities preventing any alien from setting foot/claw/limb/appendage/etc. on Earth until slowly more beings are allowed to come through. And not just diplomats who keep to government buildings, but tourists. Exchange students. Temporary visitors granted permission to go wherever they please, so they go out in search of 'real terran culture' and what do they find?

Humans with innate heart defects that prevent them from drinking caffeine. Humans with chronic pain and chronic fatigue who lack the boundless endurance humans are supposedly famous for. Humans too tall or too short or too fat to be allowed into space. Humans who are so scared of the world they need to take pills just to function. Humans with IBS who can't stand spicy foods, capsaicin really is poison to them. Lactose intolerance and celiac disease, my god all the autoimmune disorders out there, humans who struggle to function because their own bodies fight them. Humans who bruise easily and take too long to heal. Humans who sustained one too many concussions and now struggle to talk and read and write. Humans who've had strokes. Humans who were born unable to talk or hear or speak, and humans who through some accident lost that ability later.

Aliens visit Earth, and do you know what they find? Humanity, in all its wholeness.

#humans are space orcs #humans in space #earth is a deathworld #earth is space australia #tagging this so that ppl can find it even though the space shit i write about always feels like its in direct opposition to all the pop tag #also my biggest pet peeve in all of writing - all writing. everywhere. not just in fanfic but books and tv and movies too - is when people #write off an injury by saying something like 'oh nothing bad just a couple of scratches some bruising and a minor concussion' like girl WHA #MiNOr ConCuSSioN is such an oxymoron and I hate it so fucking much. like i dont care how minor it was thats still brain damage.#especially when the same character does this more than once. like im sorry ms. but uh. you can no longer read. or talk eloquently. sorry #evidence: my brother has had two 'minor' concussions and now cannot read write or speak without tremendous effort. And like its totally #ruined my ability to watch action shows/movies because now i just sit there and count how many concussions there characters are getting #after a certain point it becomes totally impossible to believe that these guys are able to function. (still fun to watch tho im not a hater

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