Lean On Me | Shane X OC | Stardew Valley

Chapter Twenty-Three

AU at the end!
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The wizard listened intently as me and Nixie told him everything about Lewis's secrets. He was shocked and infuriated by Lewis's actions, but more interested in hearing about Abigail. After Nixie finished her speech of what she found in the files about Kent, he gave a long sigh.

"Nixie, you were put here for greatness. You are using your abilities for good and doing amazing things with them." The wizard got up and walked over to the giant cauldron. "This mixture will increase your energy to be able to work even longer with the Jumino spirits... as a thank you. I do not dislike Lewis but I knew the town was affected under a curse."

"A curse?" I asked.

"People disregard their actions as if it does not have an affect in the spirit world. Lewis presented bad energy and it came back around; greed and arrogance. But now I can help." He answered and scooped the slop in a jar then handed it to Nixie who crinkled her nose from the smell. My shoulders slumped forward. I knew she was chosen to help the wizard and the town itself, but that didn't mean I hadn't put any effort into things as well.

Nixie drank the liquid then handed the jar back, wiping her mouth and dry coughing.
"Delicious." She sputtered.

"You two may leave now."

"Why couldn't you gather that information by yourself? You're a wizard!" I spat as Nixie opened the front door. He looked thoughtful.

"Sometimes it's best involving help than doing everything yourself." Is all he said then waved another hand at me to leave. My eyes looked down at my feet and I thought about his words.

***

"That was stupid." I commented.

I walked back home with Nixie in silence. I felt a knot forming in her gut, my mind racing with all sorts of insecurities. Nixie has always been better than me. She's stronger, smarter, and more skilled in most things. But that night, I felt like our friendship had changed, like I was second best. As they walked, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy towards Nixie, and I knew that she would have to confront my feelings if I wanted to preserve our friendship.

"Glad the wizard could count on you." I hissed.
My jealousy started to boil over as we walked, and before I knew it, we were having a heated argument.

"You're so insecure sometimes, Bambi. We were in this together and now you're against me?" Nixie stopped and held her hands on each of my shoulders.
"I'm not insecure, I'm frustrated! I did just as much work as you but only you're seen? And why the hell did we do that if that dude just wanted to know the bare minimum? It was not worth it at all. And now I have to go to Shane and explain everything." I waved my hands in the air and took a step back, out of Nixie's reach.

"Oh come on! You're helping me. He chose me for the project-"

"Yeah! I get it." I snapped.

As the argument continued, we both became more heated and defensive. I continued to voice my jealousy and insecurities, while Nixie tried to explain that she didn't see me as second best. We continued to argue well into the night, each of us digging our heels in deeper and deeper.

Despite the anger and hurt feelings, there was still a spark of affection between us. Neither of us wanted to completely destroy our friendship, but at that moment, it felt like we were headed down that path. Eventually we reached the house and I stormed up the steps in anger and frustration. I opened the door.

"I'm sorry, Bambi, look that's not what I meant!" Nixie tried to console me. "I'm sorry. Please don't be upset with me." She grabbed my wrist, "you're not inferior or second best. You're the best. You're right beside me. We do things together and go into things head first, side by side."