Chapter Text
A few days had passed since Eira moved to Stardew Valley, and as she was slowly settling into her new life, she started dreaming up possibilities for the farm—small renovations and little touches that would bring it back to life. That sunny spring day, she made her way to Robin’s shop, hoping to discuss the projects and get a quote—giving herself a tangible goal to focus on.
They were deep in discussion when the door next to the entrance swung open. Eira turned around to find the source of the sound, and found a man with a side-swept dark-purple hair appearing from the basement. Heavy steps carried him up the stairs, each one thumping and creaking the wooden boards. His grayish-blue eyes were sharp; combined with the silver piercing on his left ear, it gave him a presence that was too strong to miss.
His movement halted the instant his eyes met hers, and for a few heartbeats, neither of them spoke or moved—as if time itself was caught in stillness.
Breaking the silence with a playful laugh, she said, “Take a photo, it’ll last longer.”
“Oh,” he shook his head slightly, apologetic. “Sorry, I didn't mean to stare.”
“It’s okay,” she replied with a lingering grin. “I get that a lot.”
Eira certainly possessed some gaze-stealing features. Her icy blue hair wasn’t exactly common; combined with her snow-white skin and amber eyes, she seemed to carry an almost otherworldly, ethereal aura.
Robin, noticing the subtle spark between the two, decided it was time to make a proper introduction.
“This is my younger brother, Sebastian. He moved here a few months ago, so he’s as much a newcomer as you are. Seb, this is Eira, the one who moved to the old farm last week—looks like your sister here is about to make bank from the farm renewal projects,”
Eira gave Robin a light jab on the arm, laughing at the teasing remark.
“Uh... great. Nice meeting you,” Sebastian murmured, already edging toward the kitchen. “I’m just grabbing a snack, I have to get back to work.”
“Right, Seb is a freelance programmer,” Robin added. “My daughter Maru and my husband Demetrius are science wizards. So if you need help with carpentry, tech, or science, you know who to call.”
“Is there a customer loyalty reward? A discount, maybe?” Eira asked as she played along, drawing a laugh from Robin.
“Hmm... sadly I can’t go lower than I already have,” she said, pretending to think it over. “But I’m sure Seb wouldn’t mind taking you out for dinner sometime,” she added with a teasing smile, and Sebastian’s defeated sigh was impossible to miss.
“Robin...” he groaned, voice tight with exasperation.
“What? I’m paying. Consider it a cashback program from our family business. Doesn’t that sound interesting, Eira?” she said with a sly wink.
Eira let out a breathy giggle. “...Well, I never refuse free food,”
Robin laughed along, while Sebastian pinched the bridge of his nose as he snapped.
“Robin, if you think that’s a good idea, you’re insane. Don’t drag me into this. I’m never having dinner with a stranger. Especially not one who moved here willingly.” His tone was sharp and final.
Then he turned on his heel and pulled the door shut behind him, the loud thud leaving both women frozen in stunned silence.
“...Ookay, maybe my joke went a little too far,” Robin winced, forcing an awkward grin. “Sorry about that, Eira.”
But Eira did not respond; her eyes lingered on the door Sebastian had just disappeared behind.
Seeing Eira still at a loss for words, Robin sighed, guilt flickering in her voice. “I deeply apologize on his behalf. It probably sounded much less harsh in his head...”
“Huh? Oh. No. It’s fine.” Eira smiled, though her thoughts were still partially on him.
The attitude didn’t bother her—in fact, the first thing she’d noticed was how good-looking he was. But that air of mystery, the way he brushed things off… to her surprise, it only heightened his appeal. She wasn’t usually drawn to the bad-boy type—yet this time, somehow, she found herself intrigued.
“He’s a little standoffish, but I’m sure he’ll warm up to you if you’re patient,” Robin said gently. “It’s just... he’s been through a lot. I feel like he could use new friends. Well, I’m not forcing you, but... I was hoping you could still give it a chance. You’re new, and you’re excited to be here—I think he could use a little of that energy.”
Eira tilted her head, feeling an amused smile tug at her lips. She wasn’t planning to indulge her curiosity. Sure, he was attractive—but she was just appreciating beauty, what’s the big deal? Making friends felt far more valuable and interesting at this moment, so Robin’s request easily aligned with her goals.
“I don’t know anyone here. I could always use an extra friend,” she said with a warm chuckle, earning a sigh of relief from Robin. “With the amount of work required by the farm, it looks like you’ll have to stop by quite often anyway. Now, where were we with that coop renovation talk...”
*****
The weather that morning was simply perfect. The sun was shining brightly, yet the breeze carried just enough chill to keep it comfortable. With the clear blue sky above, it was the perfect time for a little stroll in the mountains.
Eira decided to take advantage of it before tackling the work she was still clumsy at—there’s a starting phase to everything, after all. She was still optimistic that she’d get the hang of farming. But really, what’s the rush? She’d moved to the valley for a slower life, and she intended to enjoy every moment of it.
As she neared the mountain lake, she spotted Sebastian standing alone at the water’s edge, facing away from her, eyes likely fixed on the point where the lake tumbled into the waterfall below. Smoke curled from the cigarette between his fingers, lifted occasionally for a slow drag.
The steady roar of the water swallowed the sound of her footsteps, inviting a mischievous thought to spark in her mind. She crouched and crept closer, stealthily approaching his side before abruptly calling out, “Morning!”
“Yoba—!” Sebastian jolted in shock, coughing harshly as smoke caught in his throat.
Eira bit her lip to stifle a laugh, watching him fumble with his portable ashtray to snuff out the cigarette.
“...Don’t do that,” he muttered finally, eyes narrowing to a cold glare. Though it only made her grin widen. “Consider it payback for your attitude the other day,” she teased.
For a moment, disbelief flickered across his face as he studied her. Then, with a heavy sigh, he returned his gaze to the water. “...Fair. I was being a jerk. I apologize.”
“Apology accepted,” she replied cheerfully.
He stole a glance at her. She was all ease and bubble, as if happiness clung to her naturally. Probably just a young girl who hadn’t been tested by life. Mid-twenties at most, he assumed.
“Eira, isn’t it?” he asked after a pause.
“That’s me.”
“I’ll admit I was rude,” he said, his tone carefully even. “I just think a person who willingly moved here isn’t the best decision maker. You talking to me now further proves my point.”
The words left a sour taste in his mouth the moment they slipped out. Yoba... I sounded just like that bastard Shane, he thought to himself.
She only chuckled in response. “Well, I can’t really afford to be picky, can I?”
He didn’t answer right away. Part of him wanted to pry, to ask what the hell she meant by that—but he bit it back, letting her decide whether to continue or change the topic.
“Being alone in a new place is hard,” she went on casually. “There aren’t many people my age in this tiny town. And... well, my gut says you’re harmless. The logical thing to do is—at least—to make it not uncomfortable.”
Sebastian scoffed. “Not uncomfortable?”
“The bare minimum. I could even try befriending you, if you’re up for it.” She teased, her laughter bubbling out.
“Heh. You can try. Though... people your age?” He arched a brow. “What makes you think I’m not much older than you?”
Eira smirked knowingly. “Robin isn’t much older than me. Let me guess—you’re in your mid-thirties?”
His eyes flicked toward her—she’d actually gotten it right, much to his dismay.
“Well, I’m thirty-two,” she added. “The possibility of me being much younger than you is pretty thin, I’d say. Or could it even be that I’m older than you?”
Sebastian raised a brow, surprised—she was older than he’d assumed, though still younger than him. “Heh. ‘Course not. I’m thirty-four.”
“See?” she grinned. “Practically the same age.”
Then came his scoff, this time low and dismissive. “There are at least two other guys around here who fall into that range—Shane and Elliott. Though Shane’s... well, let’s just say he’s one tough nut to crack. But Elliott; he’s nice, and probably a romantic. You’d get a better return if you invested your time in a guy like him. Better company for dinner dates and whatever you’re expecting.”
“Hmm,” Eira’s smile faltered, though her tone remained firm. “I’d definitely like to meet them. But let me be clear—I didn’t move here to look for a man. I moved here to live my own life. I don’t need anyone else making things complicated.”
“Heh, how can you be so sure it’ll only complicate things?”
Her words came soft, tinged with wistfulness. “Relationships are a lot of work. I have more than enough work to do.”
Somehow, it landed harder than he’d expected. His thoughts drifting to his own past mistakes as he froze. If anyone should know how much work a relationship required, it was him.
For a moment, they simply stood there, letting the sound of the rushing water fill the space between them.
After a deep inhale and a slow exhale under her faint smile, Eira broke the silence. “Look, Sebastian, it’s just... I’m gonna be around a lot. There’s plenty to discuss with Robin, and not everything can be hauled over to my farm. I don’t want to pretend you don’t exist every time I’m at the shop.”
“Why not?” His tone was flat and somewhat defensive. “Sounds like the best solution for everyone involved.”
“No. Not for me.” She met his glance with a smile that was part wistful, part determined.
The silence stretched taut again between them. He still couldn’t understand why she was being so stubborn. He could just stay hidden in the basement if he heard her voice. Seriously, if she could just forget he existed, they wouldn’t be having this conversation. Or any future conversation.
Still baffled by her stubbornness, he pried. “Why, do you like me or something?”
A spark of amusement finally returned to her eyes. “Hmm. Says the one whose jaw dropped as soon as he saw me.”
“I didn’t—!”
His groan came rough and frustrated. He flicked open his lighter, sparked another cigarette, and drew a deep, steady drag before exhaling. The nicotine helped steady his pulse, if not his nerves.
“...The one time I got up early...” he muttered. “I’ve got nothing left to say to you. Good luck being the valley’s newest inmate.”
“Why yes, thank you, my good sir,” she said with a mock bow. “Glad we got that cleared up. I should finish my walk and get back to the farm. See you around, pouty IT guy.”
The jab caught him off guard. He blinked, but before he could form a retort, she was already striding off, her icy blue hair swaying with every step.
That unusual hair color was why he’d stared the first time. That was the only reason. Nothing else.
At least, that’s what he told himself.