Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was three AM, and Sebastian still wasn't sleeping, not because he was an insomniac, he just has a lot of work to do. Demetrius always nags him about his poor sleeping habits in the morning, it’s one of the things they fight about. Whatever, Sebastian doesn't give a shit about him anyways. While going to fetch some cereal for dinner, Abigail messages him.

fartlord

 dude!!!!!

you 

Abigail, it's three in the morning. what do you want 

fartlord

huge party this saturday!!!

He doesn’t know how Abigail gets informed of all the parties around the area. Next to Pelican town there is Cedarwick, a bigger town than them, but it’s no city. That’s where they went to middle and  high school. God, it’s been years since highschool, and Sebastian still hasn't gotten out of this fucking town. Get your shit together dude. Just 2 more years and he will have enough money for an apartment. 

Sebastian thinks about going, but then he thinks about the noise, the people and the smell. God, the horrible smell of a big party. 

you

idk abby, you know i hate the whole atmosphere of a party  

fartlord

come onnnn 

i know you want to get shitass drunk after your big jobbbb

;((((

and alsoooo sam says that his dealer will give us weed for half the price!!!!!!

oh nice. Seb’s sure that sam is sleeping with his dealer to get cheaper weed 

you

sam is probably sleeping with her

fartlord 

duhhhhhh

seb laughs 

you 

ok i think i’ll go. it’s true that i want to get drunk and high 

fartlord

yessssss 

u wont regret this!!1!!!

***

Sebastian totally regrets this. Everything is too loud and there are tons of people in here. Thank yoba that they aren't actually staying inside the house. 

They get through the sea of people inside there towards the backyard, where Sam's dealer is. She gives the weed to them and Sam and her go to another place to “discuss payment” Abigail is giving him a devilish smile, and seb can’t help but smile too. 

“god, they totally are fucking” Sebastian said after he took his second hit. Abigail and him were sitting on some stumps in a place where the backyard connects with the forest. “right ???” ab exclaims exited.

“maybe they will become something…” they both make an “oooo” sound. yeah, seb is kinda gone 

Abbigail doesn’t stop looking at haley. Sebastian knows what’s up. They both have a MASSIVE crush on each other but neither of them will take the first step.

“dude, go talk to her. She wont stop looking at you” Abigail looks at her immediately and haley looks away blushing. Sebastian slaps his forehead in disappointment.

Next to Haley there is a group of people about their age, most of them look like frat girls and guys. She doesn’t look that comfortable while talking to a guy “come on, you will be saving her from having to speak to a douche” Abigail inhales a big breath and drinks the rest of her shitty diluted beer, then she gets up and goes to haley. 

Sebastian can’t hear what they are saying, but Haley gives Abby a genuine and shining smile, so he thinks they are good. 

The rest of their friend group isn’t coming, so seb’s alone. Not a problem, he likes observing people from a distance while drunk and high. Call it a hobby.

 He thinks about going on a walk down the woods, so he takes the halfway over blunt and starts walking in the forest, everything will be fine, he thinks, there is no way there is a killer in here. 

That’s where he fucked up, Thinking he was safe from disturbance. He heard a sob and screamed. “what the fuck ??” he said while spinning around to find where the sound came from “oh shit its a ghost . Ohhh fuck, my ass is grass. Here’s where I die” He was freaking out and took a big stick from the ground to protect himself. Then, there was a rustle, sebastian looked at the source of the sound, it was behind a tree “ohgodohgodohgod” 

a person came from behind the tree. Alex?

“Alex?” and there he was, but he wasn’t actually a ghost, It was just Alex. “yoba, you scared the shit out of me. what are you doing here?” Alex looked at him in the eyes and laughed. He actually laughed! the nerve of the asshole. 

They have a complicated story between them. At first Alex was the typical bully in middle school. Sebastian always stood up for himself and his group. Alex and his friends seemed to mature and left them alone. Then, in his last year of school,  Sebastian had a lot of classes with him. They usually stayed away from each other. Until, one fateful day where Alex spoke to him about a group project. Sebastian agreed to work with him, like, immediately. He didn't know where that came from, even to this day, but they became friends after that. casual friends, they didn't hang out outside of school, but said hi in the hallways. and that was that. 

Sebastian examined Alex, his eyes are red , probably from crying, and his clothes are dirty, likely from being on the floor. “Are you okay ? i heard crying “ 

This wasn’t meant to happen, that's not the type of relationship they had, where you comfort a friend. That wasn't them.

Apparently, that was the wrong thing to say because alex just started crying again. Sebastian, still kinda not sober,  did his best to help. “Hey noo don't cry” he patted Alex back and let him cry for a little while. He seemed to calm down from that. Yoba this is awkward, Alex looked at him, embarrassed. Sebastian felt like he could help only in one way. “dooo you want to get high…?” Alex smiled “Fuck yea”

They sat down on the dirty floor. Alex looked at the moon like he was expecting the satellite to give him all the answers in the world. 

Sebastian gave Alex the blunt. He didn’t want to smoke anymore, and he was thinking of leaving pretty soon. So, he has to sober up. Alex looks happier now, probably the drugs. Alex looked at the leaves on the ground, crunching them with his feet   “I was crying because I kissed a dude” 

Holy shit.

Alex was gay? His shock was noticeable. Alex was trying not to look offended. “yeah i also didn’t think it would turn out like this, ironic isn’t it ?” 

This is completely different from how Sebastian thought his night was going to turn out. The silence was thick with tension. He realizes that Alex is waiting for a reply. Fuck… “ I mean, it’s true that this is unexpected. I mean you were the typical dude bro. but…” 

There was no “but” Sebastian couldn’t speak, he fears he might say the wrong thing.

“It’s ok seb, I don’t expect anything from you, in a good way” SHIT, what does he do??? He doesn’t want to traumatize him or something “uhh I mean. You could vent to me? I doesn’t bother me” Alex seemed to think, closing his eyes.

Sebastian was starting to feel cold and the ground was kinda wet. “Ok” Alex said, interrupting seb’s train of thought “Can we move, or like stand up? I'm cold and the ground is wetting my ass, "seb complained. Alex smiled and laughed briefly. Silently, he stood up and offered a hand to Sebastian, he took it, and they agreed to walk in the forest. While walking, Alex expressed himself “I don’t know why I did it. He was looking at the floor, ashamed. “I just… I don't even know if I like dudes, man” Alex seemed about to cry again. Fuck, say something seb “I’m gay. Bi actually, maybe I could help you figure it out?” The brunette looked at Sebastian with wide eyes, his face was red. Seb realized his mistake. “Oh god, not like that.” Both of them were blushing now Alex exclaimed “What other way then?” Sebastian sighs “I could tell you my experiences with the whole… gay thing. to see if you feel identified, or something…” 

Alex is processing the information. “Ok, I like the idea” he looked at him and offered his hand. They shook hands, and The brunette stretched, and started walking back to the house 

Sebastian feels sober now. It’s amazing truly, seeing your almost friend having a sexuality crisis really sobers you up. “I’m going home. Do you want a ride?” Alex looked back at him “If it’s not a bother” “Abigail is going home with Sam in his truck, so no. Unless you are scared of motorcycles. “Nah” Alex answered

Even though Alex said that he wasn’t scared a million times before getting on the bike, he was squeezing seb with all his force. It would be cute if he wasn’t almost breaking every bone in Sebastian's body. 

It’s still night time, he thought while driving. It was 5 am when seb last saw the time. They arrived quickly to pelican town. 

“Let me walk you home” Sebastian said, parking his bike. Alex shook his head, standing awkwardly with the helmet in his hands “It’s ok, I don’t want to take advantage of your kindness. You are doing so much for me already” seb raises one of his eyebrows. Has alex always been this shy? Or is it because his secret has been revealed. In the moonlight, it was difficult to see his face. It also could be that the raven doesn’t see well in the dark without his glasses. “It doesn't annoy me or anything. If I didn’t want to do something, I wouldn’t do it.” Alex looked drained. “Besides, I don’t want to leave you alone. You look like you could faint at any minute dude.” The brunette chuckled. “Ok” 

Sebastian smoked a cigarette while walking. Alex was looking at his cellphone and said  “Give me your number, that way we can like, schedule conversations? I work for most of the day, so it would be great if we could get together at night” Then passed the phone to Sebastian. He put it in. They kept walking.

“We live so far away dude” Seb said, tired. “Exercise is good for you. You are a programmer right?” Alex questioned. Weird, how does he know that? “Someone told you?” “Yeah, your mom” Seb hums, he loves his mother. But sometimes it is hard to love her. “Oh, you were working too, right?” Alex nodded. “ Im taking care of lifting heavy things in Marney's ranch and in Pierre's store. Who told you?” “My mom” They both laughed. Sebastian’s mother had a thing for gossip, as much as everyone in this town. He tries to not get into the drama of the town, but It’s easy to listen if everyone keeps talking about it. Even if they are trying to be discreet.

They arrived at Alex's house and the taller one looked at him. “Thanks for the ride.” Alex said this while smiling but he didn’t seem all that happy. After a few seconds of eye contact, he looked at the ground while the raven kept looking at him “Something on your mind?” Hearing this, Alex made eye contact again, his eyes were shining. Thanks to the street light, Sebastian could see him better than before. They had a few steps of distance but he could still see his pained expression “Please don’t tell anyone. Not even your family or friends” Alex was scared. It was noticeable 

Sebastian used to be scared too. Still is sometimes. 

“I swear” 

Alex relaxed at his promise, not completely though. They said their goodbyes, and Alex entered his home. Sebastian walked his way home. His phone was ringing like crazy with messages

asshat

that was really mean of you :( 

Sam always gets emotional after seeing his dealer. Maybe it’s because he knows that truly, he doesn’t have a chance with her. Sex or not.

you 

sorry dude, i wouldn’t leave you guys unless it was an emergency 

asshat

there was an emergency??????? are u ok??

What does he say now. Obviously he wasn’t going to tell him about Alex, so now what?

you

I needed to shit, real bad. I think I ate something that went bad or smth. Sorry

asshat

Its ok, we were worried more than anything. Hope you don’t shit your guts out <3 

you 

thanks man <3

That’s enough bullshit for today, seb thought laying down in his bed. He is sure that Demetrius and his mom will nag him about coming so late at night. Mostly Demetrius, his mother doesn’t really care. She just does it to not fight with his stepdad. Thanks mom.

Only two more years. 

Chapter Text

The morning rays came directly onto Alex’s room. It took some time to get used to the new room, well it wasn’t new. This is the room of his grandparents, was , the room. They switched places when the both of them were getting older, and sicker, to give them more space for everything they needed. Alex couldn't move back to his old room, it felt disrespectful.

The new room now felt truly his, like all that he has gone through made him a new person. A new person, a new room. It doesn't make a lot of sense when he actually thinks about it. 

Time to get up, enough self reflection.

When he was eating breakfast, he remembered. Right, that whole thing happened.

Shit 

He wasn’t even drunk or high when he cried his heart out in front of Sebastian, he doesn't drink and he had a small hit. That was done purely in a moment of weakness. He covered his face with his hands and grunted loudly. Now he wasn’t even hungry for his cold toast with butter, his stomach in knots. Why did he reveal the biggest secret of his LIFE?? WHY SEBASTIAN?????

It’s not as if he had anything against him. It was just weird for him to know first, he hadn’t even told haley. HALEY, his best friend! Well, he wasn’t sure enough to tell her, still isn’t sure right now. But he will figure it out! With the help of a gay person! so that’s nice. 

He should message sebastian. 

you 

hey dude, this is alex. Just wanted to know when you are free to hang out

He checked the text 5 times before sending it. His dyslexia was more manageable than it was when he was a teen, but it’s hard to this day to concentrate on the words. Thank you technology for text to speech. His phone is not the best one, but it has that feature. That 's what counts.

While walking to Pierre’s shop for his morning job, he couldn’t get yesterday night out of his head. He fucked up, didn’t he? Sebastian isn’t even a close friend, he is probably telling everybody of his fucked up brain.

He shouldn’t think like that. It’s not fair to Sebastian. Or himself. It took a lot of effort to not destroy himself every day, so he deserves a reward. 

The reward is not treating himself like shit. 

Alex started going to therapy at a really low point in his life. After the death of his grandparents, he felt like his own life was taken when they died. He didn’t eat or leave the house. The only thing he wanted to do was sleep all day. Haley was worried, she was the one that took care of him. making him stuff to eat and talking to him. 

“I can’t do this anymore, Alex,” she said. Alex understood, he was tired of himself too. When he said that, she started crying, sobbing actually. “ No! I’m tired of not being able to help you!” she said between sobs “I want you to be better alex! but I don't know what to do! I try and try. But it seems I'm not enough.” Haley had a look on her face that Alex would never forget. “I just want my best friend back.” Alex hugged her, and she only cried harder.

The next morning after that he got out of bed and showered. Which is not much but when Haley came again and saw him, she was ecstatic. 

It took a lot of time, but he was in a better place now because of Haley. He didn’t want to see her cry anymore. He still had his insecurities but…

but he’s gonna be late if he keeps on thinking.

His first job was easy as always, just carrying produce from here to there. Alex finished at 3 pm, then he would go eat lunch with Haley. She  spends a lot of time working on her photography business, so Mondays are the days she gets all to herself.

She was waiting, sitting on her porch. Alex waved a hand to her, and when she saw him, she smiled brightly. He was lucky to have her. Who else is going to look as excited when they see him?

Haley got up to hug him, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Hi darling, how’s your day?” Alex was giddy to spend time with her “It is fine, better now”  she made an “aww” sound and they walked to his house arm in arm. The tradition is to make lunch together, then eat, then Alex goes to his evening job. 

Haley was cooking the pasta while Alex chopped vegetables. It was a comfortable silence for her, but Alex had thoughts running wild in his mind. Should he tell her? he should, but he doesn’t feel ready. He doesn’t even know what he should say! “Hey haley I kissed a dude and had a crisis, now sebastian is going to help me know if I like guys.” NO! 

Haley spoke out suddenly. “Spit it out alex, I know you are thinking of something” 

Damn, she knew him too well.

Alex stopped cutting the vegetables, He would probably cut a finger if he spoke about this while doing something. He changed his position so he would be face to face with her, leaning on the counter and crossing his arms. Still, he couldn’t look her in the eyes. “I kissed a dude and had a crisis, now Sebastian is going to help me know if I like guys.” GOD THATS EXACTLY WHAT HE WASN'T SUPPOSED TO SAY. He stopped looking at the floor, needing to see her reaction. She was in the same pose that he was a few seconds ago looking at the floor, thinking. “Like… in a sexual way?” She said slowly. Alex shook his head quickly “NO!” “Oh, then good for you” Alex was perplexed “You aren’t shocked?” She observed his face “I mean, I always kinda knew? That you weren't into girls at least.” “H-How?” She raised an eyebrow “Alex, cmon. All the girls were fawning over you and you never went out with any of them.”  Alex was left open mouthed. He tried all his life to blend with everyone else. To do things everyone did. And just like that, his biggest secret wasn’t actually a secret. Oh god everyone knew. 

Haley, noticing his mental distress, took his face in her hands. “Hey, it's not a bad thing! don't cry” He was crying ? Alex touched his face with one of his hands, it was wet. He glanced at Haley, ashamed “Oh Alex… it’s ok, I’m not judging you. It’s hard finding your identity. It happened to me too, remember?” Alex laughed a little, that part of Haley’s life was chaotic. She had a crush on a girl and panicked at the realization. Alex was there with her in all of the process. And now it seems she wants to do the same. Haley smiled at him, as bright as the sun. He couldn’t help but to smile back “Thanks hales, I appreciate it” She nodded and clapped his shoulder, “Time to get back to work! I'm starving!” 

They finished cooking and Alex set the table while Haley was serving the food. When they sat down, Haley looked excited “Look, I know the party wasn’t the best for you. Buuuut I’ve got news!” Alex was halfway through a mouthful. “What is it?” Haley looked at him, annoyed “Ew Alex, don't talk with your mouth full.” Her mood lifted up quickly so Alex didn’t feel that bad. “I’ve got a date!” Alex swallowed his food before he could choke out of surprise “With Abigail!?!” She was beaming when she nodded yes. Alex was so glad. After the whole disaster with that girl in highschool, Haley fell for Abigail. They were together in art class. At first they didn’t get along. But then, they did a project together. The painting was gorgeous, it truly showed how well they could work together, and since then they only got closer. But neither of them was brave enough to take the next step. It seems that the party changed that. “You need to tell me everything! I need details” 

Haley did tell him everything. They talked when Abigail rescued her from a terrible conversation with some guy. They left for somewhere more private, the woods, and they kissed! After that they agreed to have a date and see where things will go from there. 

Alex was so glad, he checked his phone to see the time. It was pretty late and he needed to go to his evening job. Sadly, he needed to interrupt Haley on her storytelling “Listen, I’m very happy for you hales, but I need to leave” “It’s alright love, How bout I clean up and you leave so Marnie  won’t crucify your ass” she grinned as she said the last part. “Really? You are the best!” He got up and gave her a kiss on the head “AGH Alex! my hair!” Alex was already running out the door, “Sorry, love you byee” He said quickly.

Marnie and Jas said hello when he came in. Jas was very shy when he started the job, but it has been 2 years since then. Now she is older, and not as quiet. Sometimes they talk, not all the time, but she always brings him a glass of water. 

Today is the same.  When Alex took a break from carrying the heavy boxes full of animal produce, she brought him some juice. He thanked her and she left with a soft goodbye. 

He was observing the sunset when his phone pinged. 

sebastian 

sorry for responding so late, I was swamped with  work

today sound good? at like 9 PM?

At  the sight of the message, Alex felt strangely happy. 

Why?

He probably felt lonely. Haley was really busy with work these days, and besides, it would be nice to make new friends. 

Was Sebastian a new friend? 

He finally responded, deciding not to think about it 

you

yeah, meet you in front of the lake by your house

The day went on pretty quickly since then, Alex got home to a clean kitchen (thank you haley) And showered. 

The thoughts of the party wouldn’t leave his mind. Was he even gay? Yeah, He wasn’t into women, but men? Maybe he just didn’t like anybody. It would be better than liking men, a strange part of his brain said. 

What is so wrong with liking dudes? no one was going to humiliate him, this isn’t highschool, this isn’t his…

anyways, there are some parts of his brain that are… mean. He has tried to “process this in a positive way” as his old therapist liked to say. But how can he process something that he doesn’t know where it comes from? the thought is unreasonable to him. He’s not homophobic. 

But, it feels wrong… The possibility that he might like men. 

It feels dirty.

****

Sebastian was waiting by the lake smoking a cigarette. Alex observed him in the moonlight. He is still skinny, like in highschool, but now his shoulders are broader. Well, Alex couldn’t say for sure, because of the enormous hoodie that the man was using. 

Sebastian seemed to notice him. He waved hi, but didn’t smile. 

“Hey dude, how’s it going?” Alex stood next to him, the smoke didn't bother him. “It's fine, went to work and now I'm here… since when do you smoke?” Alex was curious by nature. Also, he didn’t want any awkward silence. Sebastian looked at his cigarette and then back to the taller man “Oh, since like, when I was 17? Don't remember the exact age, but around that time” Sebastian was still in school at that age, huh. The raven was looking at Alex, expecting something, “I think I saw you smoking behind the gym one time” Seb raised his eyebrows, and chuckled “Yeah, I was caught a lot actually, by Mr Williams, but the teacher didn’t care a lot as long as I gave him some cigarettes.. or weed” Now it was time for Alex to raise his eyebrows “You were a dealer?” He shook his head “No, no. I was just smoking all the time with abb and sam, so he threatened to tell the principal If we didn’t give him some. God, he was an asshole” Alex laughed quietly “He was” 

They kept talking about some teachers that they hated, or loved. But this isn’t what Alex came for. It’s nice talking with seb, but he had a mission in mind. 

After some silence, Sebastian said “sooo you want to know my experience right?” As if he was reading his mind. Was Alex that predictable? The shorter one wasn’t looking at him. He didn't look ashamed, he looked shy. “If it’s too much for you, we can talk about other stuff, I was having a good time.” He said. Right, Alex was just staring. He should say something. “I want to talk about… the thing,” Sebastian smirked. “The thing?” “You know what I’m talking about,” Alex complained, embarrassed.

Sebastian sighed, smiling slightly. “Ok prepare yourself, I’m going to talk a lot… I had some crushes on boys when I was a child. I didn’t know that wasn’t  the case for every guy. In middle school I was really ashamed of the fact that I liked men since all the boys were calling each other gay and stuff. I got over it though, thanks to the internet and friends, blah blah blah” Sebastian shrugged at that last part, He took a puff out his cigar. “Then in high school, when I was like 18? I blew a guy in the bathroom. Horrible experience, almost puked on the guy’s dick” Seb was gazing at the distance while saying his whole speech. With a relaxed expression on his face, as if he was talking about the weather and not about embarrassing memories. When he glanced back at Alex, the brunette was trying not to laugh, and failing. Alex cackled loudly, Sebastian flushed “Hey fuck you man! you try not puking when the asshole pulls your head!” Alex was still laughing, crouched over, holding his stomach. In between laughs he says “sorry, sorry” When Alex calmed down he looked at seb. The raven looked angry “Hey, I am sorry. It must have been something scary for your first experience” Sebastian seemed to calm down, he sighed “It’s ok” “What happened then?” Alex asked. 

“I had a boyfriend for like, two months? But both of us were only there because of the sex, so we broke up. He really helped me define myself though” Alex hummed “That’s all?” Sebastian nodded. “I mean I had a girlfriend on our first year of highschool, but we are talking about gay things, so I didn’t think it was important enough to mention” 

The both of them were in silence for a long time. Sebastian didn’t want to interrupt Alex’s train of thought “Ok, I think I get it” Alex announced “You do?” seb questioned. “No” he confessed. Sebastian grinned and laughed quietly “It’s ok, you wont get it just like that”

He was frustrated, Alex thought that from hearing about Sebastian’s experiences he would understand . But what? What does he need to get in order to not feel so lost? 

He jumped at the feeling of a hand on his shoulder, turning quickly to see. Sebastian was retracting his hand looking surprised “Sorry!” The both of them said at the same time. They stared at each other's eyes, deciphering the other. Sebastian was the first to speak out “I’m sorry for scaring you, I shouldn't have touched you without permission.” He said, rushed. Alex scratched his neck, “No, don't apologize” He tried to give a reassuring smile. Sebastian held his gaze, as if he wanted to say something else. Then, he looked away and took a drag from his cigarette. Only to find that it was burnt out.

What now? 

Does he tell Sebastian that he needs more? more of what? How can he know what is going on if he is so lost? And his “mentor on gay stuff” isn’t helping either. Can he ask more questions? 

Sebastian lit another cigarette, and offered the box to Alex. “Not thanks, I’ve never smoked” The raven exhaled, “But you smoke weed?” “Ah… Yeah, but not tobacco” Alex exclaimed. 

Seb sighed, “That wasn’t very helpful huh?” Alex shook his head, not looking at the man. Shit, what happens now? do they just go their own ways? Will they just ignore each other?

“Do you have any questions? or something…”

When he looked back he expected Sebatian to be disappointed, to be irritated that he was so dumb and didn’t get something so simple. But, he only looked nervous. As if Alex was the one that would be mad. Why would he be mad? This was nice, unproductive, but nice. It felt good speaking to someone that was new and knew about him. But mostly, it felt nice speaking to Sebastian.

“Yeah uh, can we be friends?”

Sebastian gawked. Did he fuck up? God he was such a weirdo, Sebastian probably just felt bad for him and actually hated h- “Yes!” The sound of seb speaking with such excitement stopped Alex from spiraling. The shorter man cleared his throat “I would like that” he had a small blush on his face. “Although, I am sorry that I didn’t help that much with your discovery” Alex hummed in affirmation “I mean, Can i ask questions? Feel like that would help a little” He said despite being anxious at the thought of making him uncomfortable. Sebastian nodded. Oh thank yoba  “Yeah, shoot” Alex stopped looking at him, this would be embarrassing so no eye contact. “How does it feel kissing a man?” The raven was quiet for a little while, but Alex didn’t look back to see his expression. “It feels nice, soft. Well, sometimes dudes have chapped lips, but it feels good. Especially if you like the guy.”

That helped a little. Alex thought that it was rushed, harsh, like he saw in that scene in the cowboys movie.  But, it’s cute how seb describes it, romantic even.

He wouldn’t mind kissing a man if it was like that.

Oh, that answers some things, not all but some. Alex finally looked at Sebastian. He smiled and Alex did the same “Thanks man. I should go, it’s late” Seb hummed. “We can talk whenever you want, For the self discovery thing. Or just to hang out…” He said the last part softly. That did something in Alex, probably enthusiasm of having a new friend. 

They waved goodbye and went their separate ways.

Chapter Text

Such as it was custom in the valley, the Luau came on the 11th of summer. The sun was burning his skin. Not too much, thanks to Haley’s sunblock. Still, the heat was irritating.

“Hales, when can we go to the water?” Alex groaned. Haley was standing straight, almost posing, waiting for Abigail and her friends. “Hush Alex, you know why we can't yet” She was determined to not get her perfectly styled hair and makeup ruined before the purple headed girl could see. Alex had to admit that she did look very cute in her swimsuit. “Can we at least be in the shade?” Thankfully, Haley took pity on his poor damned soul “Alright” she exclaimed with a sigh.”You should be more exited Alex, you get to see Sebastian, isn’t he like, your friend?” She said with a friendly tone, he knew Haley wouldn’t laugh at him. Still, it made him uneasy to talk about the topic

Alex thought about that. They were friends, weren’t they? 

He did ask Sebastian, but he can't help being anxious.

Haley was silent too, it seems they both are nervous. “Ah, cheer up hales! you get to see your girl!” She smiled at this. The blonde has a pretty little blush, or maybe it could be a sunburn. “She’s not my girl Alex… yet” She put on a sly smile. Then, looked melancholic again. Alex hated seeing her so unsure of herself. Haley is a person that talks about her problems, mostly with Alex. But not in public, never in public. So he wouldn't press the topic  right now. He put his arm around her in a comforting gesture. And she gave him a genuine smile.

“Haley, Alex! Hey” They both saw Abigail and her group walking towards them. She had a purple 1 piece swimsuit with skulls. The girl was smiling brightly  “Go get her tiger” Alex whispered to the blond. She inhaled deeply and started walking. It definitely wasn’t a sunburn anymore. 

The two women reunited and the men did too. A bit farther away from them though, they didn’t want to interrupt anything. Or see something undesirable “Hey Alex,” “Hey dude!” Said Sebastian and Sam. Alex waved “Hi” He said shyly. Sam kept walking towards the table full of food. So they both followed, leaving the girls behind. Alex looked back, just to see if haley was doing fine. And he saw her smiling, her face full of adoration and less insecure. Good, she deserves it. 

Alex was so concentrated on looking at his best friend that he forgot about his new friend. He quickly turned to look at Sebastian, who was looking ahead. He had a big shirt on, black obviously, and deep purple swim trunks. When he noticed that Alex was staring, he looked back with a small smirk. “Yoba, they couldn’t be more obvious right?” Oh, Alex was expecting awkwardness, that he fucked up with his uncomfortable question yesterday. But… everything was normal, Sebastian still joked around and didn’t look tense. Unlike Alex, who was sweating profusely because of the situation and the sun. He smiled back, less afraid. “Yeah, I’m glad that they finally took the first step,” Sebastian hummed. “It’s amazing though, Sam doesn’t notice it. Even if they have been like this for years” Alex laughed a little. 

They reached the table where Sam was eating “Dude you have to try this chicken it’s amazing” The blond said with his mouth full, “Ew sam, don’t talk while you’re eating. Remember when you spat all your food on melissa.” Sam blushed a little, embarrassed “Fuck you man!” He said while smiling, so it wasn’t that serious. Sebastian laughed. It is a nice laugh, Alex thought. “Come on, give me some” Sebastian said and Sam fed him the chicken leg. Huh, they are really close.

The morning passed and they finally ate the soup. Which, thanks to the farmer, tasted really good. Now, Sebastian and him were sitting. Sebastian under a parasol, and Alex in the sun, tanning. Haley and Abigail were playing on the water. Sam went with them, clearly not understanding the vibe.

They were doing casual conversation, talking about their friends or gossiping about what happened in the luau. But Alex’s mind was elsewhere. Thing is, Alex couldn’t stop thinking about Sam’s and Sebastian’s relationship. It would be the first gay couple he would see in his life. (the farmer and penny don’t count, they are lesbians. Which, good for them) And he doesn't know how to feel. But he is speculating only. Maybe they aren’t even dating! 

…Alex is still very curious. Sebastian wouldn’t mind right ? It would be talking about the thing, and they might help him by talking about their own experiences. And they are friends now. Friends tell each other stuff like this, and Sebastian doesn't seem like the ashamed type. 

Sebastian was quiet, looking at the ocean. When did the conversation end? The sun was high in the sky, perfect time for taking a dip in the ocean. It wasn’t weird, the silence. Sebastian was quiet most of the time, and Alex appreciated the peace. The raven was looking at Sam and smiling. “Are you and Sam a thing?” the words escaped his mind before he could stop them. Sebastian observed him and raised an eyebrow “Ah, sorry. I know it’s none of my business” He felt the sweat coming back. In the back of his mind, he was glad for asking. But right now he just wants the earth to swallow him whole. Sebastian still had his eyebrow raised and narrowed his eyes. “No, dude, ew. He is like… no…” Ok now Alex was dying of curiosity. It was his turn to raise both of his eyebrows. Sebastian grimaced under Alex’s look “Ok! I did like him! but it was like when we were children. I didn’t have any other options y’know? He was my only male friend” Alex laughed briefly. He didn’t know that side of Sebastian, it was nice learning more about him. “Now, I’m only telling you this because it’s part of the thing " He did air quotes at the last part  “But I swear to god, If you tell Sam or Abby about this, I will kill you.” Sebastian was glancing all around, checking if there was someone listening. Alex spoke up “Thanks, But you don't have to tell me things that you prefer to keep private. I swear I won't tell anyone” Alex tried to seem relaxed, but he couldn't help to think that he crossed a line. Sebastian was making squiggles in the sand, not looking at Alex. “Don't worry, I thought it might have helped for the thing” He did air quotes again “And I wanted to tell you, you're like the only friend who I could tell this to, the others would tell either Abby or Sam and I would have never heard the end of it” He  kept drawing in the sand, mesmerized. Alex’s stomach did a loop. It felt so nice to know that they were friends. He kinda felt pathetic for being so excited at the aspect of a new friend. He had friends in highschool but they weren’t that close. And when he gave up on his dreams of being a professional athlete, they all disappeared. Haley was the one who stayed, and he will be forever thankful. Still, making a new friend was really exciting. He didn’t know how to process this so he could only say “Wanna go in the water?” Sebastian nodded.

They talked the rest of the day, and saw the sunset with the group. 

It was a nice day.