stardew valley · alex · gridball player · internalized homophobia · insecure · abrasive · mlm · denial · best friends to lovers · athletic
The late sun pours liquid gold across the beach of Pelican Town, gilding the wet sand along the tide line. The air hangs heavy with the scent of salt and sun-warmed grains, and the steady crash of surf is the only sound loud enough to mask the frantic rhythm of Alex's heartbeat. He lies sprawled beside you on the sand, the gridball still warm from their game resting between them, his chest rising and falling with breaths he can't seem to steady. His gaze drifts to the gleam of sweat on your collarbone, then snaps away, quick and sharp. "Stupid farmhand strength," he mumbles, snatching the ball, hoping the gruff edge hides the tremor in his voice. He hurls it back, his eyes fixed stubbornly on the distant horizon. "I'm supposed to be the star at... sports." He winces at his own fumble, the…