Pam had been on her best behavior since the Fair, or so Sebastian had heard from Penny. He was not as quick to forgive her as Penny was. But Pam had been almost pleasant when he last saw her in the Saloon, and seemed willing to let Penny make her own choices.

It didn't really matter what the town thought about Sebastian sneaking out of Penny's trailer at this point, because they had all witnessed Sebastian's very public confession. All of Pelican Town knew that Sebastian and Penny were together before Sebastian and Penny even knew it for themselves. Technically, they still weren't officially a couple, although Sebastian was planning to remedy that. He asked Penny to meet in the afternoon before the Spirit's Eve festival, and he was going to ask her then.

"Are you nervous?" Sam teased. "You are, aren't you."

It was Fall 26, the night before the festival, and Sebastian, Sam and Abigail were playing pool at the Saloon. It had been forever since they last hung out, just the three of them.

"Oh, he definitely is," Abigail chimed in. "Look at him, he can't even play right."

It was true. For the first time maybe ever, Sebastian was losing at a game of pool. He tried to ignore his friends' ribbing, but the pool stick slipped in his hand and clipped the side of the cue ball, sending it spinning toward nothing.

Sam laughed as he picked up the white ball and moved it, then took a solid shot and landed his next striped ball in a pocket.

"Just be sincere, man, I'm sure it'll work out." Sam patted Sebastian's shoulder condescendingly before lining up his next shot.

"Thanks," Sebastian said sarcastically. "Can we drop this, please?"

Abigail sighed. "There's really not much else to talk about, Seb."

Sebastian snorted. "Really? Why not you and Elliott? How's that going?"

"How's what going?" she asked.

Sam stopped what he was doing and stood up straight. He and Sebastian looked at each other in disbelief. Was she serious right now?

"Aren't you guys, like..." Sebastian started, but Abigail looked as innocent as anything.

Sam shook his head. "Damn. Even I would have noticed."

"What? What are you two talking about?" Abigail asked.

Sebastian ignored her and said to Sam, "They'll sort it out eventually. Just give it time."

Sam laughed.

Abigail looked at them both confused. "What?"

The next day, Sebastian inhaled and exhaled deeply a few times before knocking on the door of the trailer. Penny beamed as she answered it, tucking an enticing strand of her red hair behind her ear.

"Ready to go?" Sebastian asked.

"Yup!" She finished buttoning her coat and hurried out, slipping her hand into his. They were always so warm, like holding a fresh mug of coffee.

"Where are we going anyway?" she asked.

"This way." Sebastian didn't want to spoil the surprise yet. "Be patient."

"Okay, okay." Penny smiled up at him and swung his arm.

Sebastian led them west through town, past Sam's house. Sam's mom happened to be outside, so Sebastian waved at her more amicably than he usually would, and let her get a clear view of them holding hands. Jodi waved back sheepishly and went inside.

They passed Marnie's Ranch and went south into Cindersap Forest. They walked along the river, crunching fallen leaves, until they reached a narrow wooden bridge. Sebastian stepped onto it.

"We're crossing this?" she asked, voice tinged with doubt.

Sebastian nodded and slowly led her across to a little island, then to the opposite side of the river.

"I don't usually come all the way down here," Penny said. "It's beautiful."

"Here." Sebastian gestured across another bridge, and let Penny lead the way across.

"Wow..." she said as she reached the second island. Sebastian felt pride well at her reaction. It wasn't much, but he had set up a small fire pit, and beside it a blanket strewn with pillows and a picnic basket.

"Why don't you sit down while I light this." Sebastian knelt by the woodpile he prepared and pulled out a lighter. It was a good thing he remembered it to bring it, since most days he didn't bother carrying it around anymore. The kindling and tinder were all prepared so it didn't take him long to get the fire going.

Penny sat with her knees tucked to the side. She reached out and warmed her hands by the fire. "This is lovely, Sebastian."

"You're not too cold?"

She shook her head. Sebastian sat beside her and reached into the picnic basket. The thermoses were still warm.

He poured them each a mug of spiced apple cider, and then one of pumpkin soup. "It seemed appropriate," he mumbled. "Since it's Spirits Eve, and all."

Penny tasted them both. "It's delicious."

"Really? I'm glad." Sebastian tried his own, but he could hardly taste it. He couldn't think of anything to say either, his brain swam with what he was planning to ask when they were done eating.

Penny didn't mind the silence though, it seemed. They leaned into each other, letting their shoulders brush.

"This was a really wonderful surprise, Sebastian, thank you," Penny said warmly as she finished eating.

Sebastian moved the mugs out of their way and cleared his throat, rubbing his clammy palms on his jeans. "Um, Penny..."

The flecks of orange and yellow light from the fire reflected in her wide eyes, making the green stand out more than usual. She was absorbed in him, waiting for him to speak.

"We've already sort of..." He cleared his throat again. "But I wanted to tell you properly, to ask you..."

The corner of Penny's lips turned up into a smile.

Sebastian reached behind the picnic basket and pulled out a bouquet of flowers. "Sorry, sunflowers are the only thing in season in the fall," he said. Then he found his courage and looked directly into her eyes. "Will you be my girlfriend, Penny?"

The fraction of a second that followed was one of the most uneasy of his life. Penny looked at him, and looked at the flowers, and then a broad smile filled her face.

In one sudden movement, Penny flung her hands around the back of Sebastian's neck and pulled his head forward. She kissed him, and it all happened so quickly and so surprisingly that Sebastian couldn't figure out what to do with his arms. He held them out to the sides, dropping the flowers.

But Penny had pulled with too much force, and they both toppled over. Suddenly she was on her back, beneath him. Sebastian had managed to catch himself, but now he was holding himself up just a foot above her. She was smiling and flushed.

"Yes," Penny said. "I'll be your girlfriend."

The anxiety was gone. It was just him and her. Sebastian kissed her again, quickly and driven by need.

Then he pulled back to look at her. He could hear her breaths, quick and shallow.

Sebastian lowered his body; instead of supporting himself on his hands, he dropped to his elbows. Now Penny's lips were a fraction of an inch from his own, and he could feel those breaths on his skin. Their bodies were pressed together, albeit covered in winter clothes. He kissed her again, more slowly. He let Penny set the pace, and soon her fingers found their way back around his neck, and then tangled up into his hair.

When Sebastian drew away, he kissed Penny's forehead lightly, then lay down next to her on his side. She rolled to face him. Her back was to the fire, casting her face in shadow and making her harder to see. Still, Sebastian could tell she was happy, if a little embarrassed. Yoba, she's adorable.

There was nothing either of them could say in that moment that could make it more perfect. They stayed quiet, with only the crackle of the fire, their breathing, and the hum of the night to fill the air.

Penny wrapped her hands around his. "You're cold," she whispered. She pulled his hands forward, pressing them tightly and holding them against her warm cheeks.

"I hadn't noticed."

Penny inched forward and kissed him again, tenderly and more innocently than what they had just been doing. "We can skip the Spirit's Eve festival," she said.

"Ahh..." Sebastian couldn't admit just how tempting that offer was. But he shook his head. "I've got a future mother-in-law to impress."

"Sebastian!" Penny laughed and covered her face.

"Well, it's the truth, isn't it?" Sebastian grinned. "I might want you all to myself, but I've still got to share you with the rest of the town. Can't have them spreading rumors, now can we?"

"Oh, I think we're way past that."

They readjusted their position so they were both lying on their backs and Penny was snuggled in with her head on top of Sebastian's arm. The stars were impossibly bright, like they were within an arm's reach.

"I could stay here forever," Penny said quietly.

"We slept like this once," Sebastian said. "Remember?"

"How could I forget?" Penny laughed, recalling the night Sebastian had spent in the trailer. "I thought I would die of embarrassment."

"How'd we end up like that anyway?" Sebastian asked. "I was pretty sure I fell asleep first."

Penny reddened. "I—I wanted to see what it would feel like. And your arm was there, so..."

Sebastian grinned playfully.

"I didn't mean to fall asleep!" Penny defended herself, laughing.

He shook his head disapprovingly. "And I thought you were such an upright citizen. What a disappointment."

"Stop it," she pushed him lightly. "Do you know how hard it was to even look at you after that day? I couldn't stop..."

"Couldn't stop what?"

Penny continued meekly, "Couldn't stop...thinking about what you looked like when you were asleep."

Sebastian laughed heartily. "Really? Is it that bad? I can't imagine it's very interesting."

"No! Not like that," Penny said firmly. "Like...attractive. I mean, you know you're good-looking."

Sebastian didn't know that, not really. Of course his mom said so, and he didn't think he was ugly, but most people didn't look past the hair. "Really?"

Penny sat up and leaned over him, looking very concerned. "Of course! I mean, your—your face, and your eyes and your nose, and..." She was speaking semi-incoherently.

Her hair hung down around her face, falling on Sebastian's. Sebastian reached up for a piece and tucked it behind her ear. "You're just listing facial features at this point. Most people have those." He laughed. "Besides, you're definitely the looks in this relationship."

How could she not be? With her striking red hair, gentle features, and alluring eyes. If he had any artistic ability to speak of, he'd want to paint every expression she made.

Penny was blushing again, so Sebastian lifted his head off the ground to peck her quickly on the lips. "We're already late," he said reluctantly.

Penny pouted, but sat back on her heels so Sebastian could get up.

"Do we need to clean this up?" she asked.

"No, I'll come back for everything tomorrow."

Sebastian kicked dirt over the fire, and Penny picked up her forgotten bouquet. "These are beautiful, by the way. I'm sorry I didn't look at them properly."

"We were a little busy," Sebastian smirked, taking her hand.

The Spirit's Eve festival was in full swing when they made it back to town. Sebastian half expected to be mobbed by nosy townsfolk and well-wishers, but for the most part, people were too focused on their own concerns to pay them any attention. The tides of public interest change swiftly, and Penny walking through town with a bouquet in one hand and a man in the other was yesterday's story. After all, most people would have assumed she'd gotten the bouquet before letting him spend the night.

But those in the know; Sam, Maru, and Abigail, and Elliott by association, eventually came to greet them excitedly. Maru was especially thrilled, and wrapped Penny in a bear hug.

Sebastian heard her whisper in Penny's ear, "We'll be like sisters!"

He got separated from Penny a few times through the night, but they always found each other again. And when they did, it was like a rubber band pulling itself back into place, not leaving an inch of space between them. Sebastian would wrap his arms around Penny if they could get a moment away from the crowd, or just lean into her side if they couldn't.

After they'd eaten their fill of party food, looked at the skeleton exhibit, and greeted who they needed to, Penny grabbed Sebastian's arm and pulled him into the maze.

"In a hurry to find the golden pumpkin?" Sebastian teased as they slipped past the giant fake spider.

Penny led him to the fountain in the center of the maze, and checked if anyone else was around. "I have something I was going to give you today but I forgot." They sat on the edge of the fountain.

"Actually, it was originally meant to be for your birthday but I didn't want to wait." Penny reached into her coat pocket and took out a package wrapped in tissue paper and tied with a ribbon. "It got a little squished."

"I thought I heard something crinkling." Sebastian grinned. He undid the bow as Penny looked on intently. He tore into the paper, and took out a knitted scarf with black and gray stripes.

"This is really nice, Penny!" He wrapped it around his neck; it was soft, and he already felt warmer.

"Do you really like it?" Penny asked hurriedly. "I didn't want to wait to give it to you since it's already cold out and I'd finished it anyway."

"Wait, you made this?" Sebastian asked, eyes wide.

Penny nodded. "Is...that okay? You don't have to wear it."

"Is that okay?" Sebastian repeated. "Penny, no one's ever knitted anything for me before. This is...incredible. I love it."

Penny finally relaxed into a smile. "Really?"

Sebastian laughed and scooted closer, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Yes, really. Have I ever lied to you?"

"No, I don't think so..." Penny scrunched her nose. "You were pretty honest about my baking."

Sebastian leaned his forehead against hers. "See? I speak the truth. I love it, Penny."

"I..." Penny started, so soft that he could only hear it because they were so close.

"Miss Pennyyyyyyyyyyy!" came a distant cry, getting louder and louder.

"Vincent! Slow down! Wait for me!" came another voice.

"Miss Penny help!!" Vincent turned the corner and barreled into Penny, hiding his face in her coat. Sebastian removed his arms from around her and inched back.

"Vincent, what's the matter?" Penny asked, petting the little boy's head.

Vincent sniffled and spoke in a rush. "Sam said you went in the maze and we wanted to go too and then my mom said I couldn't and then I went anyway and then there was a big spider!"

"Oh, they're not real, Vincent." Penny said comfortingly, smiling at Sebastian. "They're just pretend."

Now Jas rounded the corner and stopped in her tracks in front of them. She stared at Sebastian with her eyes wide. Sebastian didn't know what to do about that, so he just stared back.

"Are you Miss Penny's boyfriend?" she asked bluntly.

"Uh yes, I am," Sebastian answered.

Vincent stopped crying, apparently losing all memory of the spiders. "Really?" he asked, looking up at Sebastian. Penny pulled out a tissue from somewhere to wipe his nose.

"Miss Penny has a boyfriend! Miss Penny has a boyfriend!" Jas chanted, and Vincent joined in, letting go of Penny and jumping up and down.

Sebastian didn't know how to react. Were kids always like this? He glanced over at Penny, but she seemed to think it was funny. She must be used to this.

"Come on, your families must be looking for you." Penny stood and held Vincent's hand.

"But what about the spiders?" the boy suddenly remembered.

"I'll show you they're not real. Let's go together." Penny took out her phone and turned on the flashlight.

Jas reached up and grabbed Sebastian's hand, then held Vincent's other hand, so they all walked in one wide line. Sebastian had next to no experience with children, other than when Vincent occasionally popped in during band practice. Even then, Sam usually shooed him away pretty quickly.

When they reached the big spider, Penny shone her light at it and rapped on it with her knuckles. "See? It's made out of newspaper."

Tentatively, Vincent and Jas reached up and poked it. They could tell it was fake, but were still suspicious, so Penny quickly led them around the creature and back out of the maze.

"There you are! I thought I told you not to go in there!" Jodi took Vincent's hand and smiled appreciatively at both Penny and Sebastian.

"Thanks, man." Shane, Jas's godfather, clapped Sebastian on the back. He knelt in front of Jas. "Are you alright, kiddo? You're not gonna have nightmares, are you?"

"Nuh-uh," Jas said with a giggle.

"That's enough excitement for one day. Goodnight," Shane said, waving to Penny and Sebastian.

The festival was emptying out; most people had started leaving while they had been in the maze. Sebastian walked Penny home, and they lingered at the door.

"I wish you didn't live so far away," Penny said, swinging Sebastian's hands.

"Hmm, should I move down here? Maybe Gus has a spare room to rent me."

Penny smiled up at him. "I don't know, that's still too far."

"Is this too far?" Sebastian pulled her closer by her hands, and then by her hips. She reached up to his new scarf and tugged gently, bringing his face close to hers.

Sebastian kissed her, and it was every bit as electric as the first time. More even, because the nerves were gone for both of them. There was just closeness and warmth, tenderness and attraction. And the knowledge that there would be many, many more kisses to come.

"Goodnight," Sebastian said reluctantly.

"Goodnight." Penny stepped into the door of the trailer, but leaned out to watch Sebastian until he was nearly out of sight. He walked backward most of the way to wave at her.

When Sebastian reached his bedroom, he took off the scarf to get a better look at it in the light. It really suited his taste, but with a touch of Penny's love for things pleasant and cozy. He folded it up carefully, but noticed something hidden in the folds.

In the center of the scarf, in the part that got folded over and hidden when he wore it, was a small green frog embroidered in yarn. It was cute and cartoonish, and was holding a little heart.

Even though he was alone, Sebastian found himself laughing out loud. How could anyone be this adorable?

Sebastian flopped onto his bed, holding the little frog up above him.

He was happy, ridiculously happy. It was like Penny's gentleness had sanded down his rough edges, like water flowing over rock. The sharp thorns he surrounded himself with felt dull. Maybe someday, he might not need them at all.

And she didn't even have to try. Just by being herself, Penny had made him want to be better, and more than anything, to be happier.