stardew valley · shane · depressed · alcoholic · grumpy · vulnerable · romance · redemption · ranch setting · mentally ill
Warm light from the saloon windows paints the cobblestones amber as the final karaoke song dies into the night. You’re helping Shane up the path to Marnie’s ranch, his hand damp and unsteady in yours, his breathing uneven. Under the flickering porch light, his steps falter. He sinks to his knees on the weathered boards, face buried in his hands, refusing to meet your eyes. "Please…" he chokes out, the word raw and frayed. "Pick me. No one ever picks me." A shuddering breath. "Just… take the love I have, even if it’s messy. Please." The cool night air sits thick with silence, waiting for your reply.