— stardew valley characters with an s/o who feels out of place at a formal event.
req: […] would you be able to write the SDV bachelors with a nervous reader who’s attending an event (a graduation or a dance perhaps) for the first time and is feeling out of their depth about having to wear flattering or elegant clothes and heels?
Sebastian
sebastian didn’t know you could get more beautiful. he loves all your versions, but seeing you for the first time in different clothes made him fall even more in love. he compliments you, admires you, tries to take pictures of you, but he’s quick to notice your discomfort; the way you keep adjusting your sleeves, your posture, how you seem to make yourself smaller. he leans in a little closer, his voice low so no one else can hear: “you don’t look uncomfortable… you are uncomfortable.” you let out a small sigh, embarrassed and wishing you could leave. but he takes your hand and squeezes it gently, his thumb brushing over the back of it.
“you don’t have to be anyone but yourself here, you know?” then, after a second, more softly; “i like you better the way you are.” throughout the event, he stays present the entire time, as if anchoring you to the moment and to yourself. his touch is intentional and gentle, his gaze careful and attentive. and later, when the crowd becomes too much, he quietly leads you outside for some air, without making it a big deal.
Sam
sam’s eyes light up the moment he sees you. he can’t hide his admiration even if he tried. “wow, you look amazing!” it’s immediate, genuine, without hesitation. but he quickly notices your reactions and how you move restlessly. he asks what’s wrong and you admit, a little shyly, that you feel out of place. he smiles, giving you a light nudge: “everyone here is trying way too hard. you’re the only one being authentic.” and throughout the event, he jokes around, teases, touches you gently and leads you to quieter spots; always trying to make you laugh and feel comfortable because his goal is to make everything fun, not stressful. he wants you to remember this moment with love and tenderness.
Shane
he notices your discomfort before anything else because he knows exactly how you feel, he’s been there too. “you hate this, don’t you?” you let out a small laugh, “…a little.” he nods, as if that confirms everything. he kisses your cheek and takes your hand, but his gaze keeps drifting back to you; he’s mesmerized by your beauty. he stays a little closer than usual, not necessarily touching you, but present, as if anchoring you. “you don’t have to impress anyone here,” he murmurs. “…you’re already great.” he stays by your side all night so you’re never alone and, the moment you say you want to leave, he doesn’t hesitate to take you home.
Harvey
harvey gets a little flustered when he sees you; cheeks pink, lips slightly parted as if he’s falling in love all over again. you look elegant, yes, but he notices the tension in your shoulders more than anything else; his expression quickly shifts to concern. “are your shoes uncomfortable?” he asks gently. you blink, surprised. “…a little.” he nods, thoughtful. “would you like to sit for a bit? or step outside?” he’s very attentive: offering water, making sure you’re not overwhelmed, asking how you’re feeling without being obvious and, finally, very softly: “you don’t have to change anything about yourself to belong here. i hope you never forget that.”
Elliott
elliott looks at you as if you were a painting. “you are extraordinary,” he says, almost immediately. but then he notices the hesitation in your movements; the slight stiffness, the fear and anxiety on your face. his expression softens. “this isn’t your usual world, is it?” you shake your head slightly. he offers his arm. “then let me guide you through it.” he stays close, leading you through conversations, subtly including you so you never feel out of place. and later, more softly, “elegance isn’t in the clothes. it’s in you.”
Emily
emily would definitely help you choose your outfit and she’d be so excited that you can’t bring yourself to tell her you wouldn’t feel comfortable, so you just let her guide you through her world. and in the end, she lights up when she sees you. “oh my god! you’re glowing!” but she also notices your energy instantly. “no, wait… you’re nervous.” you nod slightly. she takes your hands gently. “okay, listen, your clothes aren’t wearing you. you’re wearing the clothes.” she adjusts something small, your sleeve, your posture, not to change you, but to help you feel more like yourself inside. “there,” she smiles. and suddenly, it feels a little easier to breathe.
Haley
haley notices everything; your outfit, your shoes, your accessories, and especially your hesitation. “…you’re not used to this, are you?” you shake your head. she sighs softly, thoughtful. then she steps closer and fixes something small in your hair and your collar. “there. you look good, really good.” it’s a quiet gesture, but sincere. and later, when someone looks at you for too long, she casually positions herself beside you as if to say: “this beautiful person is with me.” it’s a subtle kind of protection. in haley’s language, that’s care.
Penny
penny is impressed when she sees you, but she quickly notices your nervousness. “…are you alright?” she asks gently. you admit you feel a little lost. she smiles softly, “i understand, love.” she stays by your side, a quiet comfort. “we can stay together,” she suggests. “we don’t have to talk to anyone we don’t want to.” and when you relax, even just a little, she lights up. “see? you’re doing so well.”
Leah
leah smiles the moment she sees you. not because of the clothes, because it’s you. but she notices your posture and your hands nervously clasped together. “hey… this isn’t really your style, is it?” you shake your head, a little embarrassed. she nods, understanding. “that’s okay, dear, you don’t have to treat it like it is.” she stays close, talking to you normally, anchoring you in something familiar. “you don’t have to perform,” she adds softly. “just exist.” and somehow, that makes everything feel less intimidating.
