Mason had said Lex wouldn’t care for the work. Better suited to things in the house, but when Forest asked, Lex hadn’t seemed against getting his hands dirty. Nothing was made out of it and he was out sweating with the rest of them, Mason’s assumption a little annoying because he really didn’t give the young man credit where credit was due. Forest had certain expectations of them all, and so far they’d been met, and he treated Lex no different than he treated the other two. If any of them didn’t know, well, they would learn. Simple.<br/><br/>“Not so bad now, you’re right. Needta be a little more thankful. I’d eat ash if it meant doing so with a bit of company. Really didn’t take to this doing things alone with an ounce a' grace,” he said, laughing about it now but easily recognizing he’d been miserable before. Even Wallis brightened his day with his dry and unexpected humor but Forest found he’d spent most of his time with Lex. Unexpected was how distant and troubled Mason seemed at times. Imagined the world had taken a toll on his old friend, though he hoped he’d return to his former self soon.<br/><br/>“I’ve tried not to think about ‘em too much. Seemed a sin to pull any before they were perfectly ripe. We there yet?” Lex went off to check, returning with a peach in hand. It seemed that they were.<br/><br/>“Ain’t that a pretty sight. Good things come to a man that waits.” Forest was smiling, watching Lex enjoy that ripened fruit. It was satisfying in its own way and he felt a little guilty looking in, like it was a private moment for the young man not meant for others. Lex, as always, seemed willing to share; open, and he wanted Forest to enjoy with him as well. He offered the peach and the young farmer wiped his hands on his pants before reaching for the partially eaten fruit, taking a bite. It tasted like better times.<br/><br/>“Makes ya hopeful, don’t it?” He took another bite and handed the fruit back, the two of them sharing and savoring until it was finished, leaving nothing behind but the pit. Wasting not even that. “Something so simple we probably would have taken for granted before. Save the pit. We’ll start growin’ em.” It would take years before planted trees would start bearing fruit, something Forest doubted he’d see, but it would be something for those that were going to beat this. People like Lex were the hope towards a future.<br/><br/>“Hey.. been meaning to ask ya.” Forest started. “Mason alright? He.. isn’t the same as he used to be. A little worried about him. Don’t know what he seen. Can’t really imagine it with y’all out there in the city trying to fend, but he looks a bit troubled.”