Compassion and Oblivion

Chapter Twenty-One: Another Revolution Around the Sun (Part Two)

TW-Alcohol Use

"Festivities, huh?" Abigail teases you, as she plops into one of your dining chairs. "What are your big plans, (Y/N)? Spin-the-Bottle and Truth or Dare?"

"Hey, don't tease her, Abby!" Sam protests in your defense. The blonde boy has taken a seat on your countertops, apparently having grown bored of the couch and the chairs surrounding your dining table. "(Y/N) worked really hard to make sure that we have a fun time tonight!"

"Aw, thank you, Sam!" you reply, grateful for his uplifting words.

"Obviously," Sam continues, "we are playing bingo and scrabble."

You toss your hands up in defeat and laugh, "Alright, whatever. You can do whatever you want."

"I'm looking forward to what you've got planned, (Y/N)," Sebastian says, giving you an encouraging look.

"Well, that's good! It's your birthday, so your opinion is the only one that matters," you chuckle.

"So, what is on the agenda for tonight, (Y/N)?" Maru asks, adjusting her glasses as she eyeballs the food.

"I was thinking that first we have dinner, then a bonfire, and video games if it gets too chilly? Sam brought over his video game console so we can play-..."

"Journey of the Prairie King!" Abigail exclaims.

"Or any of the other dozens of games he has," Sebastian protests.

Abigail scoffs. "Whatever, you're just afraid to get your ass beat by a girl."

"Oh, there's no way I'd lose to you," he returns casually. "You can't even get past the first level."

"Oh, ouch!" Sam chimes in.

Abby's face twists into an angry pout. She stands from her chair, ready to defend her honor. "Yeah, well I'm still better than you!"

Sebastian pauses for a moment, trying to bite down his laughter. "Abby...you know I've beaten the game, right?"

Abigail huffs, and turns her back on Sebastian. "Fine, asshole. I'll beat you someday."

"Let's not argue, children," you chuckle, trying to put a stop to their bickering. "Why don't we eat before the food gets cold?"

You get a few mumbles of agreement from the group.

"Help yourselves! I'm going to get the fire started, I'll be back in a few."

Sebastian turns towards you, giving you a slightly saddened look. "Aren't you going to eat with us?"

"Do you want me to?" you ask hesitantly, your heart longing to do whatever it takes to make him happy. "I just figured I'd get the fire started now, so it'll be ready by the time you're done eating."

"Well, I just-..." he clears his throat. "We all just got here. Let's hang out for a bit, then I'll help you out with the fire. Besides, you should eat while the food is warm, too."

You give him a soft smile, your heart fluttering at his consideration. "Okay, yeah. That sounds like a better plan."

Sam hops down from the counter and grabs a small handful of pretzels. "Sebastian knows all about building fires. He was an Adventure Scout back in the day."

Sebastian's eyes grow wide and he snaps his head towards Sam. "Knock it off, Sam!"

Maru giggles. "It's true. Mom had us both in the Scouts when we were kids, before we moved here."