An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
New chapter alert!
Chapters: 22/?
Fandom: Stardew Valley (Video Game)
Rating: Mature
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Sebastian/Female Player (Stardew Valley), Sebastian/Player (Stardew Valley), Sebastian (Stardew Valley)/Original Female Character(s)
Characters: Sebastian (Stardew Valley), Leah (Stardew Valley), Gus (Stardew Valley), Robin (Stardew Valley), Demetrius (Stardew Valley), Maru (Stardew Valley), Marnie (Stardew Valley), Lewis (Stardew Valley), Sam (Stardew Valley), Abigail (Stardew Valley), Alex (Stardew Valley), Jodi (Stardew Valley), Caroline (Stardew Valley), Pierre (Stardew Valley)
Additional Tags: hookup, Casual Sex, Unplanned Pregnancy, Pregnancy, Strangers to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Leah is a good friend, leah is a good wingwoman, sebastian is more confident in this one, Family Drama, Babies, Found Family, Eventual Smut, Eventual Romance, Eventual Fluff, Eventual Happy Ending, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Angst and Hurt/Comfort
Summary:
Annabelle just moved to Pelican Town, and her new neighbor Leah talked her into going to the Stardrop Saloon to meet the rest of Pelican Town. But when Sebastian walks through the door, Annabelle only has eyes for him. After a drunken hookup, neither is sure where their relationship should go...until Annabelle realizes that she's pregnant.
A strangers/friends-to-lovers story about Sebastian and Stardew Valley's new farmer developing a relationship as they also navigate an unplanned pregnancy.
My internal alarm screamed me awake 6 am sharp, I squeezed my eyes shut, forcing peaceful thoughts into my head and willed myself back to sleep. It lasted just a few moments before Ash pressed his cold, wet nose to my cheek, making me bolt upright. I scowled down at the pup who was mid-stretch. Wiping the cold snot from my face I started my morning routine. Feed Asher, start coffee, let Ash out, stare at clothing.
That last part posing a problem today. Usually I’d just put on my work clothes, but today I was going back to Zuzu and clothes that were stained in hues of browns and greens from the farm wouldn’t fly.
I ended up having to go through unopened boxes to find something clean, a pair of black high wasted shorts, a loose fitting red tank top and black sneakers. I checked the time, the clock blinked 6:30. I frowned. I didn’t have to meet the others until nine. I looked around my little home frowning. There wasn’t a whole lot to do. I padded into the bathroom, I had unpacked all my toiletries a few weeks ago. I stared down at the unused jars of lotions, the untouched eye shadow palettes and make up brushes. It was hard to believe that just a month ago I was using this stuff every day.An idea hit me as I looked at the packs of unused face mask, grabbing one and stuffing my clothes into a bag and grabbing a to go cup of coffee I headed out the front door with Asher.
A short walk later I was at the hot springs, I quickly changed into my bathing suit and shoved my stuff inside a locker. Ash had found a spot under a bench, his eyes already heavy with sleep. I submerged myself in the steaming water. I sighed with relief as my muscles began to relax, my jaw unclenching, brows unfurrowing, shoulders dropping away from my ears. My eyes grew heavy from the warmth and humidity and I let out a long yawn. I reached for my coffee and took a long sip. I would need to start making this part of my routine, I needed to remember to care for my body especially after everything I’ve been putting it through.
After another long sip of coffee I smeared the face mask on. It was supposed to help remove built up dirt and help brighten the skin. Yoba knows I needed that. Everything I owned seemed to have a fine layer of dirt built up on it. I took the time cleaning every inch of myself, feeling layers of grime fall away. I had showered every day since coming to the Valley, I had to or my own stench would suffocate me in my sleep. But there was something magical about these waters, I soon felt like a brand new person.
With great hesitation I finally removed myself from the pool to go and get ready. First I peeled the face mask off which had melded to my face like concrete. I stared in disgust at the horrors it had pulled from my pores and tossed it in the nearest trash. Asher poked his head inside the trash can and I shooed him away. I changed and did minimal with my make up, there was no point in lathering it on when tomorrow they would go untouched once again. I checked the time, it was already 8:30. I hurriedly packed all my stuff up and headed back to the farm. Dropping my bag off at the house then taking Asher to Lewis’s. I bumped into Sam as I was starting back north.
“Look at you!’ he whistled and lowered his sun glasses. “All clean and stuff.”
“It took me a hot minute to find these,” I said with a chuckle. “I woke up at my usual time, so I thought I’d gussy myself up for you lot.”
“For us or for Sebastian?” Sam quirked an eyebrow up.
I ignored his comment and busied myself with trying to pull my mane of curls into a loose bun.
Abigail and Sebastian were already waiting for us at the bus stop, Sebastian’s long legs stretched out in front of him clad in faded black jeans with rips in the knees, cigarette hanging from his lips. Abigail had a paper cup in her slender fingers and she took two long gulps from it. Her purple hair hung over her shoulder in a braid. “Morning guys!” she beamed up at from her seat on the bench. Sam plopped down next to her, throwing an arm around her shoulders. That left the only seat open next to Sebastian, I stayed standing.
It wasn’t much longer before the train pulled into the station and we were off. It was only an hour ride into the city and I was back into the belly of the beast.
“What should we do first?” Abbie asked as we stepped out of the train station and into the noise of the city. I was silent as my senses adjusted to the sights and noises that raged over me. I had never noticed the thick layer of smog that hung over the city and tumbled into the streets, the sunlight still managed to be harsh somehow. The light turned green and traffic began to speed by, my heartbeat quickened and I took a step back, backing up into Sebastian. His eyebrows knitted together and he looked down at me. “You okay?” he asked.
Abbie turned and looked at us, Sam was already staring a frown on his face. I nodded and gulped down a bit of air. “Fine, just sensory over load, I guess,” I let out a nervous laugh.
“Well, is there anything you would like to do first?” Sam asked.
“We could go by the Joja building and flick it off.”
Behind me Sebastian snorted.
“You know, that’s actually not a bad idea,” Sam beamed.
“I’m down, then can we go by the mall?” Abbie asked.
“Yeah! I want to go by that new indoor skate park that they just built there!” Sam jumped in place.
“Bash?” I looked at him, he hadn’t spoken much this entire time. He shrugged. “I’m just along for the ride.”
“Don’t let him fool you Kit, he’s having fun,” Abbie smiled.
“A blast,” Sebastian smirked.
“So, Joja?” Sam asked.
“This way,” I pointed and took point. Nothing had changed, the streets had all remained the same, life in the city had continued in my absence.
“So why is this on your to-do list?” Sam questioned.
“I forgot to do it when I quit,” I said matter-of-factually.
“You used to work for Joja?” Abbie had made her way next to me.
I nodded. “I was a manager for the warranty department. I actually lived in an apartment just a few blocks from here.” I paused, we were on the opposite side of the road from Joja building. With the tiny windowed slots in the gray concrete exterior, it looked just like a prison.
“Yeesh,” Sam shivered next to me. I patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry it is much worse inside.”
“Why’d you leave?” Sebastian asked.
I cocked my head and scrunched my mouth up, I raised up my middle finger to the building then kept walking down the street. I wasn’t ready to get into that yet.
Don’t people work anymore? I thought to myself as we entered the packed mall. It was a Thursday morning and seemed like every soul in Zuzu had taken a detour to the shops first.
“Where should we go first?” Abbie wiggled next to me.
“Skate park.”
“Electronics.”
Both boys spoke at the same time.
“There is this awesome cafe in here that sells the best cinnamon rolls, I’m just saying,” I pipped up after.
“Ohh, that sounds yummy!” Abbie beamed.
“Do they have coffee?” Sebastian asked.
“Yes, but at this point I think you should hook yourself up to an IV, just have coffee pumped into your blood veins,” I said.
“Is that a thing?” Sebastian questioned, his eye brows raising.
“If it is, I don’t think it is recommended,” I shrugged.
“I’d invest in that,” Sebastian sighed.
“We could find you one of those hats!” Sam said pointing to his head then pretended to grab two invisible cups on the side.
Abbie made a face. “Like the beer guzzler hat?”
“That!” Sam flapped his arms. “But instead of beer, we put coffee mugs in it!”
Sebastian stroked the stubble on his chin, pretending to be deep in thought. “I could be swayed into considering it.”
Finding the little hole in the wall cafe, we placed orders. I was declared to official Food Guide for the rest of the day by Sam. I accepted it with a sweeping bow and asked how everyone felt about Mexican food.
“This is the part I miss about the city,” I started. “I fucking love food. Don’t get me wrong, Gus is amazing, but damn I miss having so much cuisine at my finger tips.” I sighed and stuffed another bite of warm gooey cinnamon roll into my mouth.
“I’m going to miss these,” Sam sniffled and hugged his box to his chest.
“On Saturday morning and I was feeling really lazy, I’d just have Post Mates deliver them to my apartment,” I smiled at the memory. Wrapped in my favorite blanket, coffee brewing, a controller in my hand.
“Post Mates, what’s that?” Abbie asked.
“What?” I snapped out of my day dream.
“Post Mates, what is it?” Abbie repeated.
I blinked at her slowly then looked at both of the boys to see if it was a joke. Both of their faces remained in a blank stare. Holy shit. There is no Post Mates in the Valley. It made since, seeing as we were almost to the middle of no where. The hotel only had a few rooms and Gus lived in one of them!
“Post Mates is a delivery service,” I shrugged. “You place an order on the app and your Post Mate goes and gets it and brings it to you.”
The three exchanged looks, Sebastian dug his phone out of his pocket.
“You’re joking?” Sam asked.
I shook my head and took a drink of coffee.
Sebastian held up his phone, showing his friends the app.
“What the actual fuck?” Abbie snatched his phone and began scrolling. With a scowl and a huff Sebastian leaned back in his chair.
“I’m jealous and a bit confused,” Abbie admitted after several moments of silence.
“I’m just jealous!” Sam threw his arms up.
“Why wouldn’t you just go and get your own food?” Abbie asked.
“Lazy,” I shrugged then added. “Drunk.”
“That’s so awesome!” Sam’s forehead made contact with the table. Sebastian snatched his phone out of Abbie’s hand, she stuck her tongue out at him.
We finished our treats then continued about our day. We unleashed Sam upon the skate park. Stopped at a Hot Topic for Abbie, where she found purple finger less gloves that matched her hair.
The electronic shop took up both floors of the mall and we lost Sebastian for over an hour. We found him leaning against a table, talking to an employee, a short adorable girl with a pink pixie cut. I felt something in my chest squeeze and I ducked down an aisle, separating myself from the group.
I had spent so much of my life trying to escape this overwhelming city and when I’m finally able to, I come right back. Like a clingy girlfriend.
It’s just the day Kit.
What about the farm? Summer is just a few days away, there is still so much to do.
It will all be there tomorrow.
When did these shelves get so close together?
When did it become so loud in here?
Who turned the air off?
Sweat beaded on my forehead, I was gasping for air.
I started moving. I had traveled these walk ways a hundred times before and my feet carried me to the nearest exit and outside. I kept walking until I found an alcove and plopped myself down onto the ground. A car sped past, the engine roaring, another car this time speakers that were too loud. A slam of a door. People walked, unaware of my state, laughing, talking.
Breath.
It wasn’t enough and my hands started to shake, my fingers tingling.
Breath.
The numbness spread up my arms and into my lips.
Breath.
Sneakers pounding on pavement quickly approached me.
“Kit!” Abbie’s voice broke through the madness inside. Sam practically threw himself on the ground next to me, his arms wrapping around my torso. For the first time I noticed he smelled of sunshine and sand. Just like the beach, just like the Valley.
Sebastian knelt in front of me, his dark coffee eyes meeting my clover ones and rooting me back to the ground. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, just a little sensory over load,” I sniffed, rubbing at my damp cheeks. When had I started crying? A frown tugged at his lips, Sam pulled me closer to him, crushing me to his side.
“Sam, I think you are killing her,” Abbie said.
“With my love!” Sam patted my head, it was more aggressive then comforting. Sebastian rolled his eyes and stood, reaching out his hand to me.
“Oh thanks bro,” Sam reached for it. Sebastian popped Sam’s hand away, I gave him my hand, but there was a long awkward moment where I was just holding his hand because Sam was still keeping me anchored to the ground.
“Dude, let go!” Abbie kicked Sam’s leg.
“Fine!” Sam let go and stood. Sebastian finally pulled me to my feet, he pulled me into a quick embrace before letting me go and giving me a once over.
Thunk-thunk.
Hush you.
I cleared my throat “Sorry for the scare, we may now all go back to whatever it was that we were doing.”
“I wasn’t done shopping,” Sebastian shoved his thumb back towards the electronics store.
“I don’t need anything from there. Want to go to the book store with me Kit?” Abbie asked.
Honestly, I didn’t.
I wanted to go look at the new builds. Look at getting new RAM for my pc and new RGB lighting. But I don’t think I could take seeing Sebastian and that girl together, so I agreed and followed Abbie. I found more than I thought I would. I found new models for Solorian Chronicles, the game Sam and Sebastian played every Saturday night. An adventure diary for Abbie. I found myself in front of the Lawn and Garden section, staring at a copy of ‘Farming for Dummies’. I frowned.
“Whatcha got there?” Abbie asked appearing from behind a shelf. I jumped and shook my head.
“Just stuff,” I shrugged. I looked at the stack of books in her arms. They were all adventure books, the main character female, I smiled to myself.
Abbie glanced at the shelf and frowned. “Don’t tell me you are getting that.”
I shrugged again.
“Kit, come on you are way better than that,” she scoffed.
“Abbie, I have no idea what I’m doing,” I sighed. “Thankfully Summer is coming up, which is the only season I know shit about, but damn.” For the first time I felt defeated. “Grandpa’s busiest season was summer and fall, but they were also his most profitable. That’s actually why I started going to Gaia Farm. Dad sent me there so I wouldn’t be a lazy ass all Summer and I could help grandpa out. Did I learn a lot, definitely. But I’m still flying blind here.”
Abbie’s face scrunched up, before taking one of her books and bopping me on the head with it.
“Ow!” I rubbed the spot she hit.
“Kit, I can honestly say I understand, I do,” she began. “Recently my dad has been giving me a lot more to do around the store. More responsibility, taking shifts by myself, showing me how to order. But if he were to die tomorrow I would have no idea what to do. I’d probably just burn the store down.” Her statement was very matter of fact. “I think you are just overwhelmed right now. Give it some time and Hurricane Kit will sweep through Gaia Farm and so much ass will have been kicked.” Abbie looked at the shelf and plucked a book off and added it to my pile ‘Farming for Beginners’.
“If our hands weren’t full, I’d hug you,” I sniffled.
“We will hug it out later.” Abbie laughed.
The guys were ecstatic about their gifts, it was a model castle, with a little village and a few characters that they were going to build and paint over the weekend. Abbie whispered “nerds” under her breath earning glares from both boys. We hung out at the mall for a little bit longer, then explored the town. I took them to my favorite Mexican restaurant, then showed them my old apartment. I pointed to the 3rd floor window that used to be mine. Sebastian stared at that window, a sense of longing in his eyes.
“I’m confused,” Abbie said from beside me.
“About?” I looked at her.
“Why is do you have fire escape if there are bars on the windows?” She asked with a laugh.
Sebastian frowned, his head cocked.
Behind us a large truck revved its engine, smoke poured from the exhaust and overwhelmed us. A horn honked. Tires squealed.
I waved my hand in front of my face to help clear away smoke. The others coughed loudly and tried to fan the smoke away. Once things settled I answered Abbie’s question. “So the bars on the window were installed after someone broke into a 5th story window and they installed the bars on for safety measures.”
My friends stared at me unblinking.
“What?”
“That dumb,” Sebastian blinked.
“I’m aware.”
The sun was setting and the street lights began blinking on, we headed back to the train station. The ride home was quite, both Abbie and Sam had fallen asleep the moment they sat down. Abbie’s head on his shoulder, his head resting atop hers.
“They are so cute when they aren’t talking,” I bumped my elbow against Sebastian’s.
“Yeah they are. I can almost tolerate them.”
I snickered. He began scrolling through his phone, his brows coming together.
“What’s up Bash?”
He hummed and kept scrolling. “I just got a new project to work on, so it’s going to be a late night.”
“Project?”
“Yeah for coding, it’s for a new medical software.”
I stared at him, one eye brow raised. “That’s impressive.”
Sebastian snorted and crossed his arms over his chest. “You are the only one who thinks so.”
He turned away from me and stared out the window. I sighed and leaned back in my seat, guess that conversation is over.
We sat like this for awhile, in silence, listening to the heavy breathing of our two sleeping friends.
“Thanks for yesterday,” Sebastian finally said.
“For what?” I turned to him.
“Helping me through the anxiety attack,” his voice was low, just above a whisper.
“Of course,” I shrugged. “I...”
My voice caught in my throat. I what? Care about you? Like you? Want to kiss your stupid face?
“I’m glad I could be there for you.”
Sebastian faced me, eyes exploring my face for a moment before turning back to the window.
