Frogs in the Rain (Stardew Valley // Sebastian)

A Dream of Her

Sebastian lay adrift against a sea of emerald, staring into the rain clouds that swirled above him. Droplets danced upon his skin, soaking into his clothes and mingling with his sweat. He was on a raft, floating endlessly with no land in sight. It was peaceful, waiting for the sea to swallow him whole. He imagined it would just feel like a really cold hug.

He closed his eyes and exhaled, only stirring when a burning light prodded at his eyelids. When he looked over, he saw Nix leaning over him, her body and white dress draped along the edge of the raft. The silky ends dipped into the ocean, flowing around them like a sodden ribbon. Her long, mossy hair glistened with dew as the rain ran down her cheeks. The scene enamored him, and he could feel his heart thud a bit faster.

"Why are you here?" He asked breathily, his eyes squinting in her aura. "You're not supposed to be here."

Nix smiled, her ghostly-white hand resting against his stomach. She moved her wrist, her fingers dragging along his torso until she reached his jaw. Butterflies trailed after her movements, pushing outwards beneath his skin and begging to break free against his teeth. She cupped the side of his face, her hand warm. He found himself leaning into her touch, following it until, to his waking surprise, she slipped off the raft. He gasped, his hands suddenly gripping hers. His own body startled him, his breath halting. Nix looked up at him with golden eyes, her shoulders sinking into the waves.

"No, no," Sebastian pleaded, trying his best to pull her back up. "Please stay. I want to talk to you."

I want to talk to you. The words sounded foreign in his mouth. "Why... why do I want to talk to you?"

Nix just smiled again with parted lips. A thin line of blood dribbled from those lips, dripping into the sloshing waves and intermingling with the oncoming rain. It wasn't until seconds later that Sebastian realized the waves around them were red. Even his hands were red, stained as they held hers.

Stay with me, he wanted to say. You're safe here. However, his mouth wouldn't move. He just shook, tugging on her with trembling hands as her body refused to budge from the waters. Then, Nix slipped from his grasp, and Sebastian woke up with a jolt.

He took a few rattling breaths, his eyes focusing on the tall, dark figure standing over him. An ebony hand rested upon his shoulder, which he promptly shook away as he slithered out of the sheets.

"What are you doing in my room?" He hissed at his stepfather. "I was sleeping."

His stepfather, Demetrius, gave him a worried look. He was a very tall man with broad shoulders and buzzed hair. That morning, he wore a green shirt that was tucked into his khaki pants. "Well... it's noon. You never sleep until noon. Are you alright?"

Sebastian was taken aback. Noon... was it already noon? What time did he need to meet with Sam and Nix? A number floated into his mind, filling him with a tiny sense of panic. 1 PM. He had an hour.

Demetrius continued to stare down at him, awaiting an answer.

"Umm, yeah," Sebastian replied, pushing past his stepfather so he could get ready. "I just had a weird dream. Now, if you'll leave my room, I need to get ready."

"Where are you going?"

Sebastian shot him a vexed glance. "I'm going to go hang out with Nix. And Sam," he explained, almost forgetting the latter name.

Demetrius froze as though he had swallowed a pint of ice cream whole. Then, he rubbed the back of his neck and sucked in a deep breath. "The farmer... she didn't act... concerning... last night, did she?"

"If being very nice is a crime, then sure," Sebastian shot back sarcastically, nearing his dresser and pulling out two black shirts. The weather was getting warmer, and he really didn't feel like sweating in his usual black hoodie. He studied the garments, considering whether he should go with a long-sleeve or a regular t-shirt. "I just want to get to know her a bit more."

Demetrius hummed lowly. "Your mother was just worried that Nix might be–"

"That she might be ill? Yeah, I overheard you guys," Sebastian admitted matter-of-factly, deciding on the long-sleeve. "Can you please get out so I can change?"

Demetrius obliged, leaving the room long enough for Sebastian to get ready. After throwing on a fresh pair of clothes, he headed to the bathroom to get on with the rest of his routine. Once he re-entered the hallway, feeling fresher than a flower, however, Demetrius blocked his path and shoved a small bottle towards him.

"What's this?" Sebastian squinted at the little white bottle before taking it.

"Iron pills," Demetrius explained. "For the farmer."

Sebastian pressed the bottle back into his stepfather's hand "No. I'm not going to play doctor and just hand people pills."

"She's extremely pale," Demetrius judged before handing them back. "She could be very anemic. Just offer them to her. And be back before sundown tonight."

Sebastian rolled his eyes as he shoved the small bottle into his pocket. "Stop treating me like a child. I've been home nearly every day this spring. You can't tell me I need fresh air and then change your mind when I take your advice."

Demetrius sighed. "I was just hoping... never mind. Never mind." He coughed before holding out his fist for Sebastian to bump. "Just have a nice day. And be responsible."

Sebastian looked away as he returned his stepfather's gesture, almost as though he were trying to block the contact from his mind. Then, the men went their separate ways, and Sebastian said goodbye to his mom before heading out.