#(thinking of)

Thinking of the Farmer telling everyone in the salon that their sister was going to be in the valley over the summer, wanting to take a break from her life in the city. Telling everyone how smart she was, writing up her Master's by Research Thesis, studying some smart immunological study on Sepsis and how to make treatment better. How she worked part-time the whole way through, so burnt out from everything, she wanted to escape to the valley and relax.

Thinking of how Sebastian can't help but turn up his nose, hearing of the smart city girl and expected someone like Demetrius - uptight and logical, no room for warmth in their sterile environment, which was their life. How she'd probably get on with Maru and her experiments. How she'd be in the valley for the summer, take pictures with the animals and farm, before escaping this small world of hell back to the city after 3 months and forget they all ever existed.

Thinking of her arriving on the day of the Flower Dance. The sun was beating down against Sebastian's back, a layer of shirt and the stupid blue blazer doing nothing but make the man feel like he was in a sauna being cooked alive. Sam nudges his side, making him look up, cigarette hanging from his lips as he catches the movement near Pierre's stall.

Thinking of how the man's heart stops when he sees her. Her hair flowed in waves down her back as the wind flowed around her, her dress off the shoulder but not too low, with frills and a cinched waist, layered skirts with lace that went down to her ankles. The sun seemed to catch her just right, making it look as if she was glowing, made to be in the sun so everyone could bask in her beauty.

Thinking of Sam muttering about how pretty she was, how he was going to ask her to dance even though both Sebastian and he knew the other wouldn't.

Thinking of how she stands beside the Farmer the whole time, following them around as they introduce her to all the local townsfolk.

Thinking of Sebastian barely breathing when they finally reach him. How he can't speak, blubbering over his words, apologising when he sees her nose crinkle at the smell of smoke and putting out his cigarette soon after, his lips curling into a half smile without his permission when she smiles at him, her voice soft as she tells him her name.

Thinking of how he tells Abigail then and there that he's not dancing this year, opting to ignore her complaints as he shifts to the side by the fence.

Thinking of how she's stood next to the Farmer watching the dance, swaying side to side as she listens to the music, Sebastian is watching her.