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maxdreavus · 2 years ago

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Falling Away With You | Ch. 37

Sebastian x F!Reader and M. Rasmodius x F!Reader

Rating: Mature/Explicit

Chapter Summary: Time for y/n's first SDV Fair as a farmer!

Author’s Note: Leah’s joke towards the end is another stolen RomRas line. I could never make her this iconic myself u__u Hope you enjoy, I’d love to hear what you think! Take care x

Table of Contents + Work Summary

Check it out on ao3!

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It’s finally the day of the Stardew Valley Fair. I’ve got a few ears of raw corn, a tray of corn bread, and a basketful of those forageables I gathered with Leah, all ready to be presented.

This is gonna go sooo badly.

It’s okay though. I’ve got this. I’ve totally got this!

My reputation as a city girl-turned-farmer is definitely not at stake.

Nobody will criticize my efforts.

No one will point and laugh and mistake me for the clown Lewis allegedly hired to perform.

Not even myself. Nope!

No way.

Not lying to myself at all.

(Yes I am.)

Aaand if my grange does earn the worst possible score, at least I get to see the neat stuff Robin, Leah, Clint and Emily made for the crafting category. Plus, Lady Welwick will be there, and so will a bunch of carnies with games, and there will be yummy food, which could all be a fun distraction.

I got up bright and early to make sure I’ll have everything ready to go, and so I can get there ahead of time to decorate my grange a bit. Maybe the added pizzazz will woo Lewis during his scoring. I shake my hands and head to fidget out my nerves and hype myself up.

Trying to really encapsulate the farmer ~look,~ I toss on a deep red jumper beneath my brown denim overalls. I farm in these a lot more than I wear them out these days, so they’ve got some wear to them. Proof that I am A Farmer!! Then, I braid my hair into twintails and wear the cute hat I won at the Egg Festival on top.

When I arrive in town, it turns out I’m not the only one who had the idea to get here early. Marnie is decorating her own display – it’s right next to the one I’ve been assigned – and Shane’s tending to a pen full of animals next to the saloon. Further down the town square, Clint is polishing a bunch of weapons. While this is going on, tents are still being set up, and Lewis seems busy supervising that.

“Nice to see you here so early!” Marnie greets me, a warm grin on her face.

I smile back, grunting as I plop down my baskets and bins on the ground in front of my grange. “I don’t have much, so I wanted this to at least look nice.” I stand up straight, a tray of cornbread and some faux flowers in hand.

“Your first harvest was lovely,” she reassures me while I plop the cornbread dead-center into the display, “I’m sure you’ll do wonderfully today.”

Marnie places a comforting hand on my shoulder, and as I place some flowers around the cornbread, I briefly lean my cheek down to her hand. “Thanks, I hope so.”

Aside from the noises of us participants working and the carnies talking further away, the air is quiet. There’s barely a breeze today, and because of the chilly autumn air, not many critters are chirping. Every here and there, I merely hear a bunny or something scurrying around behind the buildings nearby.

By the time I’m finished setting everything up, most of the townspeople have flooded in. Must be 9 already. I’m proven correct as I hear a yawn and feel a hand on each of my shoulders, followed by a sharp chin on my head.

“Mornin’,” Sebastian grumbles, inspecting my set-up.

“Hello, my love,” I cheerily greet him, tilting my head up to see him. I wiggle him off me, and he obliges, wrapping over to my side.

“Looks good,” he comments.

“I’d hope so. Got here, like, an hour and a half ago.”

“Gross.”

“I know,” I agree, “So early…” I hug Seb’s arm and lean against it. “When does Lewis usually grade these things?”

“You’ve got a few hours. Why don’t we walk around a bit?”

“Fuck yeah, let’s go.”

______________

Seb and I played a few games, hung out with his mom and Leah by their granges, and watched the shitty clown in pure horror for a bit. As more people from out of town began arriving, we retreated up near the community center to eat some of the stuff Gus has been grilling.

“Feels way too early for barbecue.” Seb is still mad about being awake so early, understandably so. Was probably busy working late into the night. He looks super mopey as he bites down on his hot dog.

“It’sh sho good though…” I answer with my mouth full. I swear, I’ve never had a veggie burger that was so well-seasoned. Gus has to be some weird breed of food-wizard.

“Yeah, if there’s one perk to living here, it’s the food.” Seb takes another bite, then asks after swallowing, “Anything in particular you wanna check out next?”

“I dunno.” I peer over the bushes that line the short cliff overlooking town, and eyeball a tent that looks similarly decorated to the one Welwick had at the Calico Night Market. “I promised Welwick I’d pay her a visit, should probably do that sooner than later.” Peering back at Seb, I notice that he seems to be thinking hard. “What’s up?”

“Maybe I’ll go with you, this time, if that’s alright with you.”

Grinning, I nod with vigor. “Totally! You sure, though?”

He nods too. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and… I, like,” Seb pauses to get his thoughts together. “I don’t know if I want to be a wizard, considering how odd it still feels for me to be exposed to all this again.” That makes sense.

Nodding, I urge him to continue.

“But I don’t want to waste this weird gift either, if that makes any sense.” He shrugs, sorta to himself. “Seems less scary, now that I’m watching how well you’re adapting to it all. And also, I guess just seeing you have anything to do with it has been making me want to get involved…” His cheeks flush a little. “It would be cool if we could spend more time together when I’m not coding and you’re not farming, too.”

A little image of myself, Sebastian and Magnus working with one another in the tower flashes in my head. I feel butterflies in my tummy and get giddy with excitement – Was that a vision…? Or just positive thinking? – but do my best to hold it in.

“That would be really nice,” I nearly squeak. So much for containing myself. “I’m sure Magnus would be happy to help, too. I’m not really good enough yet to feel comfortable showing you the ropes alone.”

“Yeah, but I still have some things to sort out with him first.” He explains, “I really want to apologize for abandoning him.”

I take Seb’s hand – which was in a curled fist on the wooden picnic table – into both of mine, thumbing at his knuckles. “I’m sure you know by now that he’s literally, like, the sweetest person ever. He’ll probably understand.”

After nodding, Seb lifts my hands to his lips, pecking my bent fingers. “I hope you’re right,” he mutters, his lips still against my knuckles. “Would be weird if you two start dating and there’s still some unfinished business going on with me and him.”

I snort. “Thank you for not saying ‘getting jiggy’ again.”

“I should’ve,” he tuts. “Wasted an opportunity there.”

I roll my eyes and tug him up. “Come on, let’s go see that witch.”

Fingers intertwined, we make our way down the stairs and through the crowd. We run into Victor and his mom, who is so fucking beautiful holy shit, who’s deep in conversation with Caroline and Jodi. I wonder where Abby and Sam are, that he’s not off hanging out with them…? Either way, Seb promises that we’ll come rescue him once we’re finished with our current business.

Welwick’s tent is set up close to the cemetery. Feels fitting, for her to not just be further away from all the hubbub, but to also be near something spooky.

What’s also fitting is that Magnus is here – not even trying to disguise himself – and speaking with her. I guess he really was serious about trying to integrate himself into the town more. Hopefully he didn’t scare anyone this time…

“Didn’t expect to see him here,” I whisper to Seb. I look up, and he’s taking a deep breath in. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” he assures me with a squeeze of my hand. “Y’know what? This is perfect. It’ll force me to get that conversation out of the way.”

“Want me to go grab him for you?”

“Nah,” he shakes his head, still watching the elemental. Magnus has no idea we’re nearby, unless he’s just hiding it. “When you go up to the tent I’ll just sorta… break off with him, and work from there.”

“Okie dokie,” I salute. We continue walking, and I clear my throat when we get closer.

Magnus peers up, and his eyes dart between Seb and I. He returns my grin, and offers a soft nod of the head to Seb.

“Hello,” he nervously greets us. “Er, I’ll be going–”

“Wait,” Seb prompts, and Magnus’ eyes flush pink. “Can… can we talk?”

After a deep breath, Magnus nods. “Of course.”

He says his goodbye to Welwick just as I’m releasing my hold on Seb’s hand, and we switch spots. I hope their conversation goes well. I’m sure it will, but who knows.

It’s funny seeing how Magnus towers over Seb when they’re side-by-side like that. Makes him look so tiny…

As I approach where Magnus was standing, I’m shocked and delighted to see Welwick’s hood down. Her dusty blue-gray hair flows in long, thick waves – easily down to the small of her back – with a thin braid framing each side of her face. Her pale ears, as pointed as I’d expected, are poking out of her hair and adorn a large sum of piercings. Finally, her eyes — which are just as wrinkled as I expected — look soft and sleepy and warm, with irises as blue as her signature cloak.

“Greetings, my young friend!” The woman welcomes me with a wide smile. “That relic has been treating you well, I hope?” Welwick motions towards my necklace and I nod, clutching it on instinct.

“Hi, yeah! I think I’ve started getting non-sleeping visions now, actually. Still hard to tell if it’s just my imagination or not.”

“Only time will tell. I hope it is as useful for you as it once was for me.”

“Thank you,” I smile shyly. I wonder if she really just wanted me to keep her company, rather than to discuss anything in particular, when she told me to stop by… so far it seems that way. “H-how’s your day been?” I offer.

“Lovely, thank you for inquiring. It’s always a delight to be in Pelican Town. The energies are fierce here – truly invigorating, indeed!”

“Is that just ‘cause of Magnus, or…?”

“Amongst other things, yes.”

We continue to talk, exchanging pleasantries until she decides to dive more into her past (or, at least what she can remember of it). She’s clearly very stoked to hear about how recently I started my journey with all this arcane stuff, and to share her own experiences in any ways that can help or inspire me. It’s adorable.

We only halt our conversation when Seb and Magnus return. They were still speaking, both with a soft smile on their features, as they walked over to meet us. Made me feel all fuzzy. When Welwick sent me off, I half-expected her to tease me about Magnus (or even Magnus and Seb). Nothing came of it, though, which I’m thankful for; I’ve already experienced enough of that from Robin in regards to her son.

“So, uh…” I cut the short silence as we stroll a few feet over to the side before settling. Magnus must want to be somewhat hidden, considering how he seems to be confining himself to this small area. “You two made up, or whatever, I’m assuming?” I look back and forth between them, fidgeting with my necklace.

Suddenly, I’m realizing how intimidating the prospect of possibly “being with” both of them is… it feels weird. Not a bad weird, but just something that’s gonna take getting used to.

“Yeah,” Seb responds from my left, while Magnus’ “Indeed” sounds from my right side.

“Honestly it feels undeserved,” Seb adds, “but I’m happy we got to catch up a bit too.”

“Likewise,” Magnus grins. He then peers down towards me, “You hadn’t mentioned you were acquainted with Lady Welwick. When did that occur?”

I shrug. “I haven’t really had the chance. Happened the same day I met Camilla.”

“Ah, Camilla’s still bugging you?” Seb observes, gesturing with his head towards Magnus.

A hefty sigh and exasperated expression accompany the taller man’s nod. “Gave this poor girl quite a fright, too.”

“Was like a real life jumpscare.” I shudder. “She’s so… touchy.”

Popping his knuckles, Seb says, “Fuckin’ succubus, that lady.” I raise an eyebrow, and Seb shakes his head. He puts his hands up in defense for emphasis. “Nothing happened, but that doesn’t mean she didn’t try.” I tilt my head and nod, completely understanding. She did come off as very flirtatious.

“Is she the same way with you, Magnus?” I ask.

“Not anymore, thankfully. It took that wretch ages to understand my ill feelings towards her outside of a professional exchange.”

We fall into another silence.

This is strange.

“Do you, uh, want to come walk around with us?” Seb asks Magnus. There’s a bit of a blush on his cheeks. I wonder if it’s out of mere embarrassment, or something more…

Y’know, I’ve had suspicions that he might’ve crushed on Magnus in the past, but what if it was more than a little crush? What if the feelings never went away? What if Seb’s jealousy at first was a combination of possessiveness over me, and envy that Magnus has feelings for me that weren’t returned to him?

Muuuch to consider.

Magnus shakes his head, rejecting Seb. “I’d like to slowly assimilate myself. It’s been quite a long time since I last attended the town’s festivities firsthand, rather than viewing from the sidelines.”

“So creepy…” I teasingly whisper.

“Hush,” Magnus grins, leaning down to softly elbow my shoulder.

My brain heavily hones in on how he has to lean down for his elbow to get to my shoulder.

I feel… so small…

Stop, (y/n).

Sebastian nudges me too.

Fuck. I forgot he can feel when I’m, um... feeling.

I grab his hand and squeeze it, gaze planted on the ground. My face feels hot.

I look up at Magnus inspecting me. He saves me the embarrassment of asking me what’s wrong, even telepathically, but I still feel my features burn darker. I drop my gaze again.

This is so strange.

I clear my throat. “See you around, then?” I offer, allowing Seb and I to part from him.

“See you around, my deee–” Magnus’ gaze darts to Seb’s, and mine follows.

“It’s okay,” he chuckles, rolling his eyes.

“...my dear.” It comes out as just barely audible.

Another silence leads me to finally verbalizing what I’ve been thinking. “This is so strange.”

They both hum an agreement in unison, before Seb and I depart.

A few seconds later, I halt.

My partner looks back at me, tilting his head in confusion and stopping in his tracks. “What’s up baby?”

“Didn’t you wanna meet Welwick?”

He thinks about it, then replies, “Not anymore. I’ve had enough magic-talk for the day.”

“You got it.” I give him a thumb up, and then we continue onward.

A few more minutes of perusing the crowd for our friends go by, before we eventually just wind up back at my grange.

Seb pipes up, “We, um… we talked about you, and us, and all that.”

“Yeah?” I prompt, fidgeting with the ends of one of my braids.

“Yeah.” He sighs. “This is new to me, and apparently somewhat new for Magnus too… but we’ll make it work, ‘kay?”

I shrug, keeping my eyes on my fingers and hair; feeling nervous and unsure after our group interaction, given how unnerving it seemed to be for all three of us.

“Hey.” Seb tilts my face up by the chin, forcing me to look at him. “Even if nothing’s romantic with him and I, we both want things to work for you.”

Seb leans down, stealing my mouth in a kiss.

“I love you so much, and I can tell how much he cares about you,” he kisses me again before continuing, “so I’m ready to take all the time you need to get used to it.” He kisses me again, before murmuring against my lips, “Alright, princess?” Oh. This man has me in a complete trance.

His opposite hand comes up to cup my cheek, the one that was on my chin staying in place. I nod within his grasp, unable to find words, and he kisses me again, more passionately this time. It’s embarrassing – we’re surrounded by people, both familiar to us and strangers – but there’s no avoiding the way I completely melt into Seb’s sweet lips and gentle touch.

…Until we hear someone clear their throat beside us.

My eyes shoot open, and both of our heads whip to the side. Mayor Lewis is standing there, one hand on his hip and the other clutching his clipboard to his chest. Must be judgment time.

“Please, save that for elsewhere,” Lewis scolds us.

Unable to meet his face, I mutter an apology as I shift myself away from Seb.

______________

Unsurprisingly, I didn’t get first place amongst the farmers. That prize went to that Susan lady, who had an absolute unit of a pumpkin in her own display. Second went to Marnie, and third to myself.

I’m glad I at least beat Pierre.

Lewis had some nice things to say about the food I brought with me, but ultimately, he wanted higher quality, farm-grown produce as well as more variety. I suppose it’s pretty obvious that I just scrounged up what I could to toss in my box, but I’d hoped what I had would’ve earn me less critique than he gave me. I think he was still feeling grumpy about Seb and I having an impromptu snog-sesh out in the open.

Abby and Sam had apparently rescued Victor and brought him to hide in Sam’s yard, which is why Seb and I had such a hard time scoping them out. After receiving the memo, Seb and I stayed by them for a while.

Seb and Sam smoked and tossed a half-deflated beach ball around , and Vic lamented over how badly he wanted a hit, but couldn’t with his mother nearby. In the meantime, Abby and I sat against the fence neighboring Emily and Hailey’s place and talked about the most recent Prairie King news (DLC, babyyy).

Victor had to leave sorta early with his super hot mom, and once people started to clear out, Sam and Abby went inside for some kinda band stuff they’re working on. They invited me in, but feeling tuckered out from the day, I turned down the offer. Seb, on the other hand, was going to meet them there later. Already promised Robin he’d help her carry things home. After seeing those two off – they both refused my help, those stubborn little fucks – I opted to start cleaning up my grange.

Just as I began peering around for certain red-headed, forest-dwelling, art-making queen so I could give back this huge mushroom she found for me to submit, Magnus snuck up on me.

“What are you searching for, dearest?”

Dearest?!

Also, “Holy fuuu—“

Jas was about to run past us to see what Marnie’s up to, but she stuttered once she reached Magnus’ side. Her eyes bulged as she viewed Magnus’ towering form, then she continued her trek.

I scan the area quickly, and the adults nearby — with the exception of Andy — seem to pay no mind to Magnus. I wonder if they know of him, or if they just don’t care enough to gawk at the height, ears, and weirdly colored skin. He’s at least in normal clothing and uncloaked, so that’s probably helping.

I didn’t have a chance to admire his outfit when we interacted earlier this afternoon, but now that I’m viewing him in a turtleneck for the first time, I have to stop myself from ogling a bit.

“Uhhh,” I draw out the sound as I try and think up a replacement to show my fear and replace my fluster without cursing. I’ve got nothing. I grunt instead. “What’s with you and popping up seemingly out of nowhere all the time?”

“For the reactions, of course.”

“Oh, of course!” I sarcastically remark, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “Prick.”

He grins. “How did you fare?”

“Third,” I whine, shrugging. “What about you?” I look the wizard up and down, “You’re awfully elementally, considering you’re out in the open today. I didn’t get a chance to ask about that earlier.”

As he responds, I set the mushroom aside and pile the faux flowers into the container I’d brought them over in. “It would be a tremendous burden to disguise myself as a mundane every time I leave the tower.”

“And if Abby recognizes you?” I smirk. I don’t know if she would, considering how nervous she seemed to be the night she met him as Mark, but it’s still funny to imagine the possibility.

“I will simply wipe her memory.”

“You can do that?”

“No.”

“Wait, what?”

“What?“

“Then… how would…” I meet Magnus’ eyes again, and they’re riddled with mischief. Oh. He’s fucking with me.

I roll my eyes and snort. I wonder if spending today around another elemental (who isn’t Camilla) is what has him acting all silly, compared to how timid he seemed earlier on. Just as I’m about to playfully insult the man and request a legitimate answer, I hear footsteps approaching. I look to my left, and see Leah sloppily making her way towards us. Her cheeks are rosy, and she has some sway in her step.

Robin did mention that the poor girl didn’t score very well…

I guess she drank about it.

“Ah, I was just looking for you before!” I exclaim.

“Y’were?”

“Mhm!” I grab the chanterelle and present it to Leah with a dramatic bow. “Your fungus, m’lady.”

She curtsies (to the best of her ability, being in pants), and lilts, “Oh, why thank youuu, beautiful.”

Beautiful?

My cheeks redden.

She winks. Fuck. She’s stunning.

I squeak.

Magnus quietly chuckles behind me, reading me like a goddamn book.

Blissfully ignorant to my swooning, Leah points over my shoulder with the mushroom in her hand. My eyes widen, and I turn back around towards Magnus. He seems nervy all of the sudden – must be remembering the painful interaction he had with Leah a few days ago.

“Hello,” he softly offers.

“What,” Leah clears her throat, “what isss swayin', canis lupus familiaris?!” She starts giggling wildly, as if she just made the sickest burn.

“Leah!” I can’t help but laugh with her as I grab the wrist that’s still hovering near my face and lightly shove it back towards her. “Don’t be a dick!”

“You command, whilst nearly in tears of laughter,” Magnus narrates.

It was pretty funny… A hearty snort escapes my nose before I apologize, covering my face with my hands and leaning my back against the table my display sits atop. The pig-like noise prompts him to laugh along with us.

“Did I not sound like’im?”

“No!” Magnus and I answer in unison.

I rub my forehead. “You wanna come to my place ‘til you sober up?” I offer her. “You can stay over if you want.”

“I’m fiiiine.”

After shoving the shroom into the front pocket on her green corduroy overalls, Leah moves closer and puts both her hands on my shoulders. It’s clear she’s using me to keep herself balanced while she tries to put on a serious facade. I plop my palms onto her fingers, letting her borrow me for a sec.

“Where’s Elliott?” I ask. Maybe he could take care of her.

“He went back to th’beach with Willy.” Leah stops to hiccup a little, then pouts. “So mean, that one.”

I chuckle, sarcastically responding, "Ah. So mean."

“Let me teleport you home, at the very least,” the wizard to my left and her right offers.

I scrunch my nose, peering up at him with uncertainty. “Would that be a good idea? What if she hurls?”

Magnus winces. “Ah, yes, that’s a fair—“

“Okay, sure, I’ll do that!”

Our eyes shoot to Leah. “I th-thought you were scared of him,” I claim, in a poor attempt to save Magnus from the curious drunk.

“Naw, he’s just a little weird, thas’all!”

“How… relieving?” the wizard tentatively responds.

I throw Magnus an apologetic smile, then transfer Leah’s limp hands into his own. “Good luck,” I murmur to him. Then, I put a palm on Leah’s shoulder, and order her, “Lee, until you’re home, do not let go of him.”

“Mmmmhm, yes ma’am.” She winks again. Even through her bumbling, it’s still a gorgeous, tummy-fluttering sight.

I shove my face in my hands again. Magnus clears his throat, urging me to meet his maroon gaze. I do so with my hands still comfortingly cupping my pinkened cheeks. “Come see me in the morning?”

“‘Kay.” I mirror his soft smile, before he vanishes with Leah in tow.

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maxdreavus · 2 years ago

Text

Falling Away With You | Ch. 34

Sebastian x F!Reader and M. Rasmodius x F!Reader

Rating: Mature/Explicit

Chapter Summary: You and Sebastian go on a date! You two mingle with some new and old friends, play some games, and adopt a son.

Author’s Note: Thanks to TheLastSaskPirate on ao3 for giving me the idea to add the fortune teller from TV into the story :D I’d love to hear your thoughts on her/the chapter overall!

Hope you enjoy, and take care x

Table of Contents + Work Summary

Check it out on ao3!

Prev | Next

Never having been to the desert, I’m amazed as we drive on Seb’s bike through Calico. There’s sand and dunes for miles upon miles, practically glistening under the moonlight. A pretty reminder that all sand is, is ground up minerals.

The air is cool and stilled without the sun beating down. Not even many bugs around to liven up the atmosphere. The only semblance of life are the occasional merchants that line the road. Oasis – a large and very pink shop appropriately placed next to what looks like the most botanic and serene body of water you could ever come across in a fucking desert – wasn’t far from the tunnel connecting the countryside to here.

There are a few cute traders set up as well. All of them are in carriages of sorts, with some type of animal loyally ready to pull when need be: Plenty of camels, a few horses, and some boars scattered into the mix. Takes every ounce of restraint in my body to not ask Seb to stop so I can go pet them all. I hope there are animals at the main event.

The Calico Night Market takes place on a plot of land that seems like it would be barren normally, much like the rest of the desert. There’s a roped-off area for people to park their vehicles on one side of the highway, while on the other is the bustle of tourists and passersby alike funneling in and out of the event.

At the entrance is a large black pergola, with vivid purple wisteria hanging between the bulbous lights strung across it. On either side are huge screens — the type you’d use to divide a room, when walls aren’t available — to hide everything from the outside. Once you pass through, the market has the energy and layout of a Gotoroan festival – or, at least like the ones you see in anime. Despite that, it still maintains the mysterious aesthetic I recall a Pelican Town Night Market having when I went as a child.

On-edge due to the amount of people here, I cling to Seb’s side. He slides a comforting arm through my own as we slowly walk past the tents and stalls, taking in everything this market has to offer.

“You doing alright?” he leans down slightly to whisper in my ear.

I nod, smiling up at him. “Too many people, but it’s cool to see all this.” I look around a bit again, continuing, “I’m sure I’ll feel better once we actually, like, do something.”

“I gotcha,” he agrees. “Why don’t we go play some games? I think I see some tents set up for it down that way.” Seb nods in the direction he’s describing, but I can’t see it for myself over the crowd.

“Fuck yeah.” As we’re making our way to the new destination, I feel an ethereal tug. It’s a similar feeling to when I would first approach Magnus’ tower. “W-wait a sec.”

We slow to a halt, so as to not knock anyone into us. “What’s up?”

Not knowing how to explain myself, I peer around, trying to figure out where the aura is coming from first. I wonder if this is what Magnus means, when he says he can sense arcane energies… following the buzz that’s rattling my brain, my eyes land on a fortune teller’s tent.

Huh.

“Can we check that out?” I ask Seb, pointing towards the psychic.

He shrugs. “Yeah, I don’t see why not.” He tilts his head. “I didn’t know you were into that kinda thing.”

I shake my head. With the hand that’s fidgeting with his sleeve against his bicep, I tighten my grip on the cloth. “Sorry to get all magicky right now, but I think whoever’s in there is trying to lure me over.” My brows furrow as I look up at Seb briefly. “I could be wrong, but I dunno. If it’s something important, I don’t wanna bail on them.”

Nodding, Seb responds, “No worries, do what you gotta do.” He grins at me. “It’s kinda sick that you’re getting so much more… in-tune with this stuff, if that’s the right phrasing.”

“Right?” I laugh. “It’s still surreal as fuck, but it makes me feel badass.”

As we near the stall, the fortune teller locks eyes with me. Agh. Making me feel weird.

“Do you feel okay being involved, or do you wanna, like… I dunno. Wait somewhere, maybe…?” After a deep breath and some thought, Seb winces, “I’ll just check out the stuff nearby, if that’s okay with you.”

I kinda wanted him to stay with me – I really have the heebie-jeebies, right now – but I’d rather not put him through anything he’s not keen on. “Okay,” I nod, offering a reassuring grin. “I’ll come find ya when I’m done.”

I leave a kiss on Seb’s knuckles, as he plants one against the crown of my head. Then, we depart.

I slow my stride as I approach the tent. Before I can speak, the psychic – I feel like I recognize her from somewhere – verbally observes, “I see you’re more harmonious with the elements than you appear, young mage.”

Oh god. Straight to the point, huh?

“Uh–”

“Forgive me.” She smiles softly. Due to her blue, hooded cloak, all that’s visible of the woman’s face is her mouth. “It is rare for me to meet my kin so spontaneously. I find it quite difficult not to be enthusiastic at such an opportunity!”

“O-okay,” I stutter, sill recovering from having been fucking flashbanged by her. “Did you bring me here for a reason?” I hope that didn’t come out as rude as it felt like it might have.

Seemingly unbothered, she holds out her hands for me to take, nodding. I look back and forth between what’s visible of her face and her hands before cautiously placing my palms on hers.

“My name is Welwick, if you are not familiar already,” she explains, her voice slightly raspy, yet soothing and sweet. “I am an old friend of your mentor, Master Rasmodius.”

Oh?

“Given my connection to him, I sometimes foresee tidings of his endeavors. You, young mage, hold more significance in his life than you may expect.”

I blink, not knowing how to respond. “I-I mean,” my voice hushes a bit, “if you’re referring to, like, that whole soulmate situation, I know about that already.”

She gasps. “By the spirits!” What even are the spirits? Like, gods to elementals? “No, I was unaware of that prior to our meeting.”

As a kid holding a lit-up balloon walks by behind me, I can make out some deep wrinkles around Welwick’s endearing, yellow-toothed smile. She must be fuckin’ ancient, if she’s (most likely) an elemental and has such visible signs of age.

“Congratulations on being connected to your partner in time. Please pass on my regards to Master Rasmodius as well, if you will!”

Oh god, why does it sound like I just announced a proposal or some shit? I feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

“O-oh, thank you, sure.” I shrivel into myself. “So, what do you mean, then? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“All I can reveal is that you must make the most of your training with the young master.” So vague…

Also, she’s definitely a super old elemental. It would be too weird to refer to someone who’s hundreds – maybe thousands – of years of age as young, otherwise.

I offer a curt nod, smiling despite the confusion. All this just to tell me to keep up the good work, basically? Whatever. “I’ll do my best.”

It seems as though Welwick is getting ready to part ways with me, but a thought comes into my head. “Uh, can I ask you something, Lady Welwick?” She seems to like formalities, but it still felt weird to tack the “lady” title onto her name.

“I cannot guarantee an answer, but of course! Anything, young one.”

“I’m, uh… I’m an oracle, too,” I mutter, my eyes lowering to our hands, “But it’s new to me, and my visions seem to only come in dreams, so I never know what’s going to be real and what’s…” I shrug, “You know, just a dream.” I look at what’s visible of the psychic’s face again before asking, “Do you have any advice on controlling that sorta thing?”

She shakes her head, and I feel my shoulders fall. “Unfortunately, the arcane is brimming with disorder. There are magically imbued artifacts that may assist one in better honing their skills, but all other aspects are merely revealed with time.”

I tilt my head as I inquire, “Where can I get something like that?”

A deep breath releases from the woman, before she stands from her stool. Her frame barely surpasses mine with her mild hunch, standing at maybe 5’3” or so.

“Just a moment, please.”

Welwick turns her back to me as she shuffles around in a chest further inside her set-up. She pulls out a small wooden box, and brings it back over with her. After casting a spell of some sort on the box— maybe to unlock it?— she opens it, presenting its treasures.

There are two necklaces, one silver and one gold. The silver one has some sort of small, bioluminescent blue gem hanging from the chain’s center. The gold accessory has a ruby in the same place, glowing as if filled with pure lava. Several rings lay in the box too, all of which resemble the ones that Magnus often wears; thick and intricate bands, each with a large mineral encased in the middle. Finally, a set of earrings made of what looks like opal and silver lay in the box as well.

“I don’t often share such relics, but any friend of Master Rasmodius is a friend of mine,” she smiles. “Feel free to claim any one of them that you please.”

“Oh!” I shake my head, waving my sleeve-mittened hands a little. “I couldn’t do that–”

“Please, I insist, young mage.” She holds up the bioluminescent necklace before adding on, “You seemed the most drawn to this one, yes?”

She’s right, ugh. That thing’s fucking gorgeous.

Plus, it reminds me of those cute berries Magnus grew over the summer.

“Uh… yeah, but are you sure?”

“I’d be a fool to offer such things if I wasn’t! Here,” Welwick holds out the necklace to me. “Go ahead, try it on!”

I do as she says, clasping it around my neck. Almost instantly, I feel a pulse – similar to those I experience when spellcasting – course through my veins. Whoa.

“Let me pay you for it, at least,” I offer, twirling the intricately woven pearl-or-whatever between my fingertips as I admire the way it glows against my skin.

“My only wish is that we meet again.” I look back up towards her, and she continues, “I’ll be in your orbit once once more for the Stardew Valley Fair next week. Please, stop by!”

I nod, my smile widening. “Sure, of course.”

After closing the wooden box and placing it somewhere beneath her table, she begins her goodbye. “I’ll see you then, young mage.”

Coming to my senses, I finally offer her my name. Why didn’t I do that earlier?

After introducing myself, awkwardly apologizing, and thanking her again, I bid the old elemental my farewell. “See you soon, Lady Welwick!”

As I turn to begin looking for Seb, I peer down at the necklace again. I tuck it into my shirt to make sure it won’t get ripped off or something. Given how easily I’ve lost jewelry in the past, I don’t think I’ll ever remove this one on purpose… would hate for my carelessness to be the reason Welwick lost something so special.

I finally spot Seb after a few minutes of weaving through the crowd. He’s talking to two girls.

One’s roughly my height and ghostly pale, with pastel pink hair that falls in loose curls just above her shoulders. The other is an inch or two shorter, with a brown – almost black – pixie cut, and warm hazelnut skin. They’re holding hands, and their opposite fists are occupied by some street corn they must’ve just bought.

As I approach, Seb locks eyes with me and smiles. Can’t tell what he’s saying, but he nods in my direction, prompting the girls to turn around. The pink-haired one smiles at me softly, looking nervous with her natural brown eyebrows upturned. The brown-haired girl practically beams, presenting as much more extroverted.

Fidgeting with the strap of my fanny pack, which I have draped comfortingly across my body rather than around my hips, I smile at them before returning my gaze to Seb’s.

“Welcome back, baby,” he greets me, holding out a hand for me to take.

I promptly weave my small fingers through his larger ones, smiling up at him. Feeling shy, I can’t say much. Seeming to understand, Seb provides introductions for us.

“This is Scarlett and Sophia.” Oh! I’ve heard of Sophia! “Scarlett and Sophia, my lovely partner (y/n).” My heart flutters at how proudly he’s presenting me.

“It’s nice to meet you two,” I manage to squeak out. God damnit, great first impression you’re making, lady.

“Likewise!” Scarlett smiles. Her voice has a little bit of a drawl that I didn’t expect to hear. She must be from Grampleton. “I heard you’re a farmer?”

Seb already told them about me? I blush thinking about it; both with flattery and embarrassment.

“Mhm,” I hum. “I’m still new, though.”

“I’m sure you’re doing great!” I like Scarlett. Something about how enthusiastic she is makes me feel comfy. “I’m a farmhand over in Grampleton,” she adds, “but I travel out to Pelican Town sometimes when extra help is needed.”

“Oh, that’s cool!”

I debate asking Sophia if she has plans to come back too, given she has a whole vineyard waiting for her should she want it; but unsure if she wants me to even have knowledge of the things I do, I opt out. “What do you do, if you don’t mind me asking?” I ask her in lieu.

“I-I’m a cosplayer, for now,” she responds shyly. Her soft voice is super pretty, but it’s incredibly hard to hear. “I model, a-and make appearances at cons, and things like that.”

I can practically feel the way my eyes gleam thinking about it. Being a pro cosplayer sounds hard, but it’s also so fucking cool oh my god?!

The four of us talk a bit longer, and I can happily say that it seems like Sophia warmed up to me by the end of our time meeting each other. When we split up, Seb and Sophia part with a long hug after exchanging their Discords. I guess he’s closer with her than he might’ve been with Scarlett in the past; we kinda just oddly stand on the side and watch with grins on our faces.

Mine doesn’t subside as Seb and I walk together, hand-in-hand, towards our original destination.

“Sorry about that,” he apologizes.

“What do you mean?” I look up at him, and he seems to visibly relax when he sees that I’m happy. “They were great!”

“I’m glad you think so,” Seb laughs, squeezing my palm. “I was worried you’d be annoyed at me for taking time away from our date to focus on other people, or whatever.”

“That’d be very shitty of me, considering I did the same.” I lean on his shoulder for a moment, but lift myself off when I realize how uncomfy it is to do that while walking. “I’m happy you got to see Sophia again. She seems awesome.”

“Me too…” Seb sounds like he’s getting a little choked up. I look up, and the man’s eyes are glossed over a bit.

“Whoa, what’s up?” I softly wonder aloud.

He smiles, his beautifully deep orbs focused on where we’re walking. Good call. I face forward myself, scooching a tad closer to him. “I’m just… really fuckin’ glad that she’s okay. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get to talk to her again, ya know?”

I bring Sebastian’s hand up to my lips, pecking it. “After what Sam told me, I can imagine it probably feels good to know she’s doing well. I’m really happy for you.”

Ditching my hand, Seb drapes an arm around my shoulders and leaves a quick kiss on my head. “Not gonna be so happy when I kick your ass at that ring toss over there…” he mutters before fully straightening again.

I roll my eyes. “The way you can transition a conversation so easily is mind-boggling.”

“Gotta keep ya on your toes, babygirl.” Oh, that one’s new. Has me all flustered… “I’ve got a mind like a steel trap.”

“I don’t think that’s how you use that phrase—“

“I am a loose cannon.“

“Sebastian—“

I peer up just as he’s raising his opposite fingers to his lips. Placing his pointer against them, he hushes me. “Shhh.” He pets my head. Giggling, I swat his hand away from my scalp with both of mine.

When we finally approach the games, Seb and I try our hands at a few. Any that can be made into a competition becomes one. He won the ring toss, much to my chagrin, considering the shit he talked beforehand. The balloon darts worked out in his favor too. Ugh.

I wound up beating Seb at a fake fishing game though, and winning a real fish by proxy. We had the choice between a goldfish or a betta, and knowing Cannoli is too curious for a fish to be safe in my house, the decision came down to Seb, who took the latter option.

He chose one with beautiful, dangerous looking red scales and fins. Looks badass. He named it Gerard, after Gerard Way’s Danger Days-era hair… fuckin’ emo.

There was a conveniently placed stall selling pet supplies right next to the fish game, so we grabbed an absurdly overpriced bowl and some flakes to tide the little fella over until we can get him a bigger and filtered tank with proper food.

Not wanting to cause conflict in front of our new son (but more so being sick of the crowd), Seb and I gave up on trying to destroy each other in games. That brings us to now: we’re back at his motorcycle, sitting in the sand next to it and chatting over some coffee after having devoured a few taiyaki.

“I didn’t really get a chance to ask, how’d your conversation with the fortune teller lady go?”

“It was, uh… it was somethin’.” I still don’t really know what to take away from it. “I think she was just excited to sense another magic-user in the crowd, more than anything. I wound up getting a cool gift out of it though!” I pull the necklace from beneath my collar, holding up the little stone for Seb to see. “Check this puppy out.”

“Oh shit,” he mumbles. “S’pretty. What’s it do?”

I shrug. “It’s imbued with potent magic, apparently. Can help me get better with controlling my visions, or some shit.”

“Does it, like… hurt?” my boyfriend asks, tilting his head.

I laugh. “Felt a little weird at first, but it’s nothing painful.” I contemplate for a sec before offering, “Y-you wanna try it on?”

After a short inspection, Seb nods, grinning at me. “Yeah, why not.” I take it off my neck, then secure it around his. His skin feels staticy for a moment, and we both flinch at the sensation. “Whoa, what the fuck?” he stammers.

“You alright?”

“Yeah,” Seb reassures me, twirling the glowing gem around in his fingers similarly to how I did earlier on. “Just felt weird. I haven’t done anything like this in a long-ass time.”

“I wonder if that changes its effects at all.”

Seb shrugs, then takes the chain off and clasps it back onto me. Smirking mischievously, he says, “The thing’s probably confused, if anything… moving between so many necks in one day.”

“What a little slut, this thing is.” My voice drips with mock-disgust, as I sneer down at the jewelry.

He takes a sip of coffee, then points at me with the same hand that’s holding the cup. “Ay, watch it (y/l/n).”

“Why? You think it’ll attack me?”

“You never know!”

“It’s alright, I can just fight it back.” I put my fists up, throwing a few air-punches Seb’s way. “I’ve got hands.”

“Congratulations,” he mutters, before breaking into a giddy laugh. It’s contagious, and I lightly shove him by the shoulder. “Not in front of the child!” he warns, putting a protective hand near the pseudo-tupperware the fish is floating in. “We should probably get this guy home sooner than later.”

“Yeeeah.” I sigh, frowning as I inspect the poor thing. It’s swimming in its own shit… if you can even call it’s mostly-stationary fin-flapping swimming. “I feel so bad for these little guys. Wanna take ‘em all home.”

Seb leans his head onto my shoulder. I can’t contain my smile at the simple action as I lay my cheek against his hair and wrap an arm around his shoulder, playing with his soft, raven locks.

“At least Gerard’s got us to look forward to,” he mutters against me.

“Y’know, it’ll be a crime if we don’t decorate his tank to look like a desert, with spiders and shit.”

“I could probably get a little helmet or mask for him to hide in, too…”

“Holy shit,” I chuckle, “This fish is gonna be so rad. Our little Killjoy.”

“Hell yeah he is.” Seb picks up the container with Gerard and positions it in his lap, admiring the lil’ guy. “As long as he doesn’t croak before we get him home…”

I wince. “Fish from places like these do tend to die pretty quickly.”

“Yeah… At least we’ll be able to say we tried.”

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