Brian
Wandering along a thin road leading just a little ways away from the town's center Riley bounced and bobbed his head. His company sure had a knack for birdsong and with one hand holding Beaux's gnawed guitar case and the other a bag of various vegetables. In all honesty Riley didn't expect to be having someone over and he knew his grandma wouldn't be either but all and all he was determined to make the most of it. As they got closer and the sounds of bawking chickens wafted towards the pair through the air Riley was quick to make small talk, hoping to maybe let Beaux know what to expect.

"Ya see that house with the coop and hutch in the yard?" Riley asked without really waiting much for a reply, gesturing towards the Sutton home with his head. "That's my place! I guess you already know by now but I live with my granny and I know she'll be happy to finally see a new face under her roof if she isn't in town. I hope you're not afraid of chickens or anything. I don't know why you would be but just a fair warning cuz we've got plenty." He continued with a lighthearted laugh, gladly ruminating on his pride and joy which was his flock of chickens. 

The home itself was pretty basic, just one floor and it almost looked like a quilt in some places, damage patched up or covered with whatever they could get a hold of, caring far more for structural support than pristine looks. A backyard without a fence held a small hutch of rabbits and a coop of chickens, a small vegetable garden framing one side of the house. 

Leading his company Riley occasionally looked back to make sure Beaux was keeping up fine or needed help, his fists still vaguely itching with rage at whatever caused such injuries.

He knew nature was unfair and cared not for one simple individual, a neutrality that he felt like worshipping or respecting in some strange way, but it still unfortunately hurt when people he knew were affected. 

Reaching the back porch a figure sat in a rocking chair, an old woman with a stocky build and gray hair held back into a loose bun. In her hand was a plain glass of water, a walking cane rested up against a table by her side and her eyes casually scanning the horizon behind cloudy glasses. It wasn't long before she caught sight of Riley and Beaux once they stepped foot into the open backyard, recognizing her grandson but only being able to infer regarding his new companion. Setting her glass of water down and slowly rising out of her chair Riley's grandmother was quick to throw a jab at her kin.

"Riles, why'd you gotta lead this lad all the way out here? I thought you were just gonna visit the boy, not go fetch." She scolded, a smirk slowly developing on her sun beaten face. While she was a bit light hearted and playful there was a hint of concern in her question, being serious and fibbing all at once. Before Riley could really protest or defend himself she was quick to start talking again, this time a bit warmer than before. "Ah, that can wait, now we've got company. You're Beaux, aren't 'cha son? I'm Bobbie Sutton but feel free to call me Granny B, I'm at least glad you're still upright given what I heard happened." She remarked now fully facing Beaux, giving him a welcoming smile.
Ruth
"Ahhh, okay! Chickens aren't a problem, let me know if you ever need a hand. Just let me know if you've got any particular trouble makers to look out for. Cozy little place you've got here though." *Beaux was able to turn down the tunes for a moment and keep from shimmying and shaking. He loved little places like this. He might've resided in the city for a while, but the rustic charm of rural areas held a special place in his heart. It was his roots. He could really appreciate a green pasture, the sounds of nature and smell of livestock, and a humble-honest home. Things just seemed simpler, and more divine.* 

*Beaux could only smile,smile,smile, feeling the sun reach his skin through the shade of the trees. Hearing Grandma start to tease, a little snicker would escape.* 

"Yes Ma'am, Beaux Thomas LeBlanc. Good to meet you Ms. B." *Beaux would greet her with a formal bow. Of course he was doing it in a lighthearted, flamboyant sort of way.* 

"Yeah, I had a little run in with trouble. I was lucky enough that it didn't do me worse than it did. I appreciate y'all being kind enough to send goodies over to me though. I figured I'd come bother y'all for a bit. This gentleman mentioned something about a banjo, figured I might be able to squeeze a couple tunes out of him." *Beaux would lean over to jostle against Riley.* 

"If y'all ever need anything, don't be afraid to holler."

*Sticks and early falling leaves crackled beneath his feet,a wicker basket stacked with goodies hung in his hand, and butterflies fluttered in his stomach.* 

*Beaux had made his way out to the quaint little homestead again. Thank goodness it wasn't to run for shelter from the horrors of the night this time, but more so for pleasantries.*

*He'd check about in the usual spots, the chicken coop, out in the garden, on the porch. Looking for a familiar little ginger to flag down. He was in a happy mood, and had decided to bring a little lunch to share, he figured it was the least he could do.* 

"Riley~!" *Beaux would playfully throw a pretty vibrato into his voice* "Where are you?~" 

*It felt oddly like a game of tag, or hide and seek.*
Brian
Riley had been recently discharged from the doctor's care, the bandage over his face removed to reveal a mostly healed series of three cuts dangerously close to one eye. Luckily the eye seemed to be fine, it was his skin that was most affected. It was almost guaranteed that a scar would form, a constant reminder of tragedy. He was delighted to get back home, the window simply boarded up while they waited for a replacement and the blood scrubbed from the floorboards to the best of their ability.

At the moment he was out in the garden, struggling with just one hand available and difficulty twisting and turning like he used to without pain. He'd just began to try and harvest some winter squash before the first frost and some beets to pickle for later but some pain and maneuvering difficulties was making it quite challenging.

As soon as he heard Beaux's familiar voice Riley's head jerked up and in his direction, a huge smile swiftly splitting his cheeks. Waving with a gloved, bandaged hand, he tried to get his attention and beckon him over. "Beaux! What're you doing out here? Your side doing better?" He called over in his direction, eventually rising to his feet slowly to meet them halfway. Riley resisted running over and giving him a big hug, being delighted to know that he was okay and up and about. It was a wonderful distraction. He felt like his mind had been so cluttered and frantic lately but seeing Beaux made it all calm down even if just for a moment.
Ruth
"Eh, a little tender. But I'll live." *Beaux assured. Even though it kind of hurt to breathe. But, he's been through worse. He'd close the gap to give a gentle little side hug, careful not to jostle Riley's injured wing.* 

"I just wanted to see that you're okay. Things being crazy as they are. Coming by to feed you and offer a pair of helping hands." *Beaux would rattle the little basket, covered by a tasseled blanket.* 

"I got you some apples, cheese, crackers, lil sandwiches, bread, just little goodies. Drinks, Maybe a chocolate or two~." *Beaux would shuffle through it for a moment before looking back up to Riley.* 

"And you, sha baby, look at you. All tore up but still working away. Tough little thing. Why don't we go sit for a minute? I'll help pick up any slack for lost time, so it's a win-win." *Beaux gently urged.* 

*He felt sort of helpless. He wished he could just rub his fingers on Riley's cheek and have the scars fade away. He had his own struggles to survive, but Riley was always there for him somehow. So it was bitter seeing him battered up. Made him wish he could do more, but he was here now.* 

*Was he just staring during that entire mental monologue? Quick! Play it off!* 

"You uh... Know of a good shady spot out here?"
Brian
In all honesty Riley didn't know how Beaux did it, getting injured time and time again but somehow hopping back up to his feet. With a sly smile and gladly returning Beaux's hug Riley rolled his eyes, not entirely believing that he was just a little tender and nothing else. Turning back to face Beaux straight on his thoughts of injuries and tragedy faded away into the idea of a good meal, Riley's eyes lighting up once he was directed to the little basket before him.

The list of things Beaux brought him went on and on, his mind sticking to and repeating the word 'chocolate' over and over. It'd been forever since he ate chocolate and he never realized how much he missed it until it was brought up. Brightly peering back over to Beaux once all the goodies were announced he couldn't help but want to hug him again and squeal like an excited child. However, he held back, instead running in place to disperse his excitement and delight.

In all honesty his mind was so focused on food that he hardly registered being called a 'tough little thing', a comment that otherwise would've made him blush and puff his chest out with pride. It wasn't until Beaux went silent and began to stare that Riley focused in, his own eyes meeting those of Beaux's. It reminded him of the time they first met, Riley tossing a hag stone into his old guitar case and striking up conversation with a newcomer. 

Riley was staring too, reminiscing on everything they'd done together and how much the world around them had changed since then. When Beaux started talking again Riley caught himself, glancing away in slight embarrassment. "Uh, yeah! There's a tree right over there, I think it'll do the trick." He responded, instinctually reaching out to grab Beaux's hand and lead him towards a nearby tree right outside the yard. It still had plenty of leaves on it, just enough to give good shade. Before long Riley plopped down on the ground and patted the ground beside him, inviting Beaux to do the same.
Ruth
*Riley's excitement was infectious, it had Beaux splitting into a big toothy smile. He felt good knowing he'd brightened up the other's day just a bit.* 

*As he felt his hand held onto, The butterflies in his stomach warmly fluttered up into his heart. He didn't realize at first, but he was actually holding his breath in an attempt to not yelp. But, he'd take out the blanket and gracefully flap it out to lay down over the grass. Taking in a deep breath, he'd plop down and let out a relieved sigh.* 

*He'd take a second to neatly lay out the little spread from the basket, pop open the colas, before he'd sit back against the tree and just admire the other. Grinning away.* 

"You make me curious Riley. You know that?" *Beaux would ask as he reached for his pocket knife. Slicing a portion of the cheese and an apple into little bite sized chunks. Laying them out in an aesthetically pleasing fashion.* 

"In a good way, I should say. You're just... Riley. So unapologetically yourself. I kinda love it." *Beaux would glow, chomping on an apple slice.*
Brian
Taking a seat at first on the grass before scooting onto the blanket Riley looked at Beaux expectantly. He felt like a little kid again, prancing and jumping up and down while he waited for a sweet treat or some sort of gift on a holiday. While he watched Beaux remove some food the thought occurred to him that Beaux's hair looked kind of like sweet cream dolloped on top of a cake. Man, he really was hungry if that was the first thing that came to mind. Still, Beaux rocked the look, he always had. 

Reaching into the basket after Beaux grabbed his things Riley was swift to go straight for one of the sandwiches. This seemed far more fancy than he was used to or at least compared to what he made on the regular. In all honesty Riley was the type of person who would eat anything you put in front of him and didn't even check to see what the sandwich was made of before he took a big bite. Everything felt right with the world, for the first time in a long time. He was really nervous for what would wreck his peace this time but overall was having a pretty good time.

With a mouth full of bread and whatever else he just shoved into his pie hole Riley was taken aback by a comment from Beaux. Glancing over in his direction Riley made a small hum and tilted his head, confused at first before he continued his thought. Swallowing his food as Beaux gave him a rather unique compliment Riley couldn't help but blush as most compliments made him do. However, this also felt different, it somehow meant more. Rubbing the back of his neck and laughing a bit he tried to play it off.

"Yeah, I guess I don't know how else to be." He chuckled in response. "I'd have to argue that you're the same way. You're fresh, you bring something new to the table, it's nice." He continued, his gaze turning away before rapidly trying to change the subject, afraid that his head would explode from all this compliment giving. "Say, d'ya still have that hag stone I gave you when I first saw you on the street?" He asked, genuinely curious. "I won't be mad if you got rid of it, it could've been bad luck."
Ruth
"Aw, thank you. I try to be original." *Beaux would chime in response as he tucked his head to the side, using his shoulder to push up his glasses. Happily watching as Riley dug into the B.L.T.*

"Of course~, it stays in my guitar case. That way I don't lose it or break it. It can't be that bad of luck. I'm still breathing after all." *Beaux shrugged, thinking it over for a moment.* 

"I'm almost certain this is inappropriate for me to bring up. But..." *He cleared his throat. Distracting himself by crinkling open a chocolate bar.* 

"You're just, a good guy. You have this land, you run all sorts of chicken business, take care of Gram Gram, and still find time to plant a garden, cook, do laundry—" *Beaux stopped himself.* 

"I'm just curious why there isn't someone there to help take care of **You**? Especially in times like these." 
*Beaux posed the question with sympathy in his voice. Leaning over to offer the other a lil piece of chocolate from his open palm.*
Brian
Picking his sandwich from the blanket after he'd set it down to gawk and fidget Riley took another bite before Beaux revealed just where he kept the hag stone. Riley paused as Beaux spoke and even after he was done, not quite knowing how to register it. Beaux managed to spin things in a completely different direction than where Riley had gone. Maybe the hag stone wasn't bad luck, maybe it was keeping him from further harm. The thought almost brought him to tears just thinking about how lucky both of them were to still be here.

Thankfully Beaux chiming in distracted him enough to not start bawling. The compliments came in droves, the mention of how he cared for his chickens and his granny, the confirmation that he was doing good things, it all felt overwhelming but in the best way. It was as if he was on a huge slide, speeding up as time went on before it made a sharp turn into a place Riley didn't think about too often.

His face was already a bit rosy from the praise but now that he felt the warmth of someone caring about him it was growing more akin to the shade of a ripe strawberry. Riley turned away and set his mostly eaten sandwich back down, blindly reaching out to grab the chocolate Beaux offered. It took a lot of thinking and mustering up scraps of courage to speak on the matter again, chucking in the cube of chocolate into his mouth while his gears turned.

"I'll be honest with you, I wasn't the best person before. I wasn't always like this." Riley finally began, daring to turn back to look at Beaux but not directly in the eyes. "I used to steal, used to scare little kids for fun, used to shut out my family and anyone who tried getting close. I called myself the 'Wild man', something that did bad things, something I thought hurt and stole people. This is just me making up for being a bratty kid, especially now that it's just me and my Granny B."
Ruth
"Beaux very much enjoyed watching Riley all flustered and red in the face. He wouldn't tease him for it, but it definitely kept a smile plastered onto him.* 

*He'd take on a more somber tone listening to Riley speak on his past. It sort of hit home. He had evolved a fair bit, and had similar struggles. Just in his own way. He'd scoot closer to curl up against Riley and hold him in a soft embrace, his head falling to rest on Riley's shoulder in an attempt to comfort and console.* 

"Hon, I wish you knew how much I can relate." *Beaux sighed. It made him reminisce on his life as a train hopping vagabond and rowdy rebellious musician.* 

"I'm no Saint myself. I've done some pretty stupid things running from my past, just to survive, just chasing a good time, just because. But, it all adds up to make us who we are today. For better or worse." *Beaux would ponder a moment, nuzzling in a little closer as he found himself comfortable.*

*Then he'd break the silence, with a few timid words.* 

"Have you ever had a boyfriend?"
Brian
Riley fell silent when he finished his whole monologue, guilt and a feeling of loneliness wafting through the wind with his words and filling his head. However, Beaux's movement closer and eventual embrace made it falter for a moment, Riley's body tensing for a moment before relaxing. Beaux thankfully rested his head on the should that didn't still have a gaping wound in it or a broken collarbone. Riley honestly expected at least a twinge of pain only for it to never come. With his free hand Riley gentle held Beaux's arm while he listened, every word pushing tears closer and closer to escape. 

Beaux was right, that much was completely true. With a dear companion nuzzled up beside him and the notion that he wasn't a inherently bad person for just doing some regrettable things in the past Riley finally cracked. Tilting his head to the side Riley tried resting his own against Beaux's, his free hand reaching for Beaux's own, a few tears falling along the way. "Thanks, I needed that." He'd whisper, a small smile creeping across his cheeks.

Quietly the subject would change, a question out of the blue that caught Riley off guard. Did he ever have a boyfriend? His face, slightly reddening again, went still and neutral while he thought and gathered more courage and confidence to speak once more. "Um... No. I've never dated anyone, actually." Riley chuckled nervously, having an idea where this was going but also being in denial. "I mean, I could have a boyfriend, if they loved me back that is. Have, uh... Have *You* Had a boyfriend?" He awkwardly asked, equally timid and unsure of his steps.
Ruth
"Of course, I try." *Beaux would chime in response, gladly intertwining Riley's fingers and his own. Letting his eyes drift closed a moment to just take in the warmth of the scattered rays of sunlight and the company he rested with.* 

"I've had..." *Beaux squinted his eyes shut a bit tighter for a moment as he pondered it.* 

"I've had little things, but it was always just fun. Idiotic fun. I wouldn't really say I've seriously dated someone." *Beaux answered, his toes fidgeting against the inside of his shoe as his brain tried to process where to go with this.* 

"I'm kind of a mess, and I'll probably have to follow work around but...-" *Beaux sat his head up to look towards Riley, using his sleeve to wipe the tears.* 

"I just think we have a good thing and as long as we're here to help pull each other up, it'd be cool to try this boyfriend thing out." *Beaux put it out there.* 

"I don't want you to feel obligated. I just want to do it if it feels right for both of us, you know?" *He would ensure. Now that that was handled, it was time for the hard part. Waiting for a response. The suspense. It had him biting at the inside of his cheek.*
Brian
Riley listened quietly, not entirely being surprised that Beaux had some partners for short periods of time. He was quite charming after all and it was hard not to imagine someone else being smitten and willing to mess around for a little bit. 

As Beaux looked up and wiped some of his tears away Riley turned to face him as well, twisting his neck over to the best of his ability. For a moment he overdid it, feeling a twang of pain in his clavicle, but being quick to correct it and settle for only being able to partially face Beaux. With each word and at last the final offer given Riley could feel his heart burst with joy and anxiety alike. He wanted to say yes a million times over but resigned himself to silence while Beaux kept talking, holding back a squeal and giddy laugh. 

With a joyous smile Riley began to readjust himself, carefully prying Beaux's arms from his torso so that he could turn around and fully face his companion. Once he was settled Riley grabbed Beaux's hand again, looking into eyes equally nervous and full of suspense. "You don't have to ask me twice." Riley began, trying to keep his voice steady as his smile widened. "I'd be more than happy to give this a go."

Moving his hand up towards Beaux's face Riley leaned in, attempting to plant a tender kiss on his forehead. "I won't lie, I'm a little nervous, but believe me I'll do all I can to make this work. I'll be more than honored to love someone as creative and brave as you, Beaux."
Ruth
*Beaux would move to sit criss cross opposite of the other, and just bask in the moment. It felt like morning Rays of sunshine were shining straight onto his heart. Just such a pleasant relieving moment.* 

*He let his eyes fall closed and his smile spread wide, just letting the other work his magic. Enjoying the plap of a kiss onto his forehead.* 

"Shut up.~" *He playfully chirped, grabbed the other by his collar and pulled Riley in to really seal the deal. Using his lips to steal a proper kiss.* 

*He'd take his time and let himself drift off, and relax. To hear the wind in the trees, to feel the sun's high, to be like clouds drifting in the sky, to just be.*
Brian
Riley felt his heart and mind soar into the clouds as they both expressed their affection, the weight of his guilt and anger at a cruel world fading away even if for a moment. To be pulled forward however and given a kiss right on the lips seemed to bring Riley back to Earth, letting out a surprised yelp before the kiss made its purchase.

For a while Riley was frozen, not entirely knowing how to react as his mind screamed a million obscenities, unable to process this event that felt like a fairy tale come true. Eventually Riley leaned in, letting the kiss linger and let his body and mind drift away.

As with all things it couldn't last forever. After what felt like a millennia Riley pulled back to look into Beaux's eyes, wanting to stay in this very moment forever. At last his excitement couldn't be suppressed any longer, Riley letting out a squeal and a lighthearted laugh. Rushing to embrace Beaux with one arm he almost pushed the other over or at least rushed in a bit too fast. Who could blame him, he was just too happy to not be a bit clumsy.
Ruth
*Beaux just cackled and tried to steady himself as Riley tumbled into him. Just barely managing to stay upright and support the other. He'd hold Riley tight and give him another little kiss on his crown.*

"Careful there~." *He'd advise with a smile, gingerly curling his fingers up in a mess of red hair. Just admiring the other, enjoying a cuddle and letting him have his sweet moment.* 

*He'd pick up an apple slice for himself, and a second he'd fly through the air like a paper airplane en route to Riley's lips.* 

"So, what all are we harvesting this season?"
Brian
As he tumbled into his now proclaimed partner Riley was a tad surprised at his own speed and energy. While Beaux held both of them steady Riley couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed at almost knocking Beaux over. This quickly faded away though and before long a guiltless apology escaped his mouth, Beaux swiftly going back to offering affection and what he percieved as a teasing remark. As Riley was kissed on the forehead and given a good ruffle of his hair his smile grew even larger for a moment, a small laugh accompanying it.

Eventually he leaned back and took a seat on the blanket again, sheepishly brushing some hair out of his face. The apple slice came as a complete surprise and Riley's first instinct was honestly to swat it away. This wasn't out of hatred for apples, he loved them actually, but he didn't completely register just what was flying towards his face at first. By the time it was almost to his face though he realized it was both an apple slice and something he was meant to eat. A weird combination between the instinct of batting the object away and grabbing food to eat commenced, Riley fumbling with the slice for a moment before at last firmly grabbing ahold of it.

Taking a bite of about half of it with a reddened face Riley perked up to hear Beaux's question. Their little confession and picnic actually made him forget that he was gardening at first, this reminding him of the actual work to be done. "Oh, yeah! The veggies and stuff!" He exclaimed between chews, swallowing the piece of apple before continuing. "I was gonna try and get some squash and beets harvested before the first frost comes in. The squash we've got tends to go bad once the frost hits it so it's better to get ahead of the curve."
Ruth
"Gotcha, gotcha." *Beaux mentally noted, looking over to the garden for a moment. Making a mental note of the work to be done while finishing off a couple slices of apple before they'd brown against the air. Opting to save some of his snacks for later.* 

"Let's get this garden work knocked out, get things in order, then-if you're lucky-later we can get back to being lovey dovey as you like." *Beaux would lean over, and grab ahold of Riley to plant a smooch on his cheek before a retreat up to his feet.*

"Sound like a plan sweetheart?" *Beaux would offer a hand and a smile to help the other rise up.*