Fawn

[petty_dabbler]

John hadn't checked in with any contacts, he hadn't really read the papers, and hadn't been keeping on his fringe websites. He was in love, and he didn't want to waste a moment. He had no idea how long this was last, but he was all in...to the detriment of the rest of his life.

He'd taken Fawn out and they'd got 99's. The weather took a turn, though, and the pair found themselves eating ice cream in the rain under an awning. John smiled at him, but the smile fell as the rai stopped falling. Not ended, simply froze in the air. The curtain of water parted and ahandsome Black man with orange-gold eyes stepped.

"Constantine," he said, then looked at Fawn as if he was rubbish. "Fae."

"Manny," John replied, "What do you want?"

He subtly slipped closer to Fawn and put his arm around him protectively.

Comments

[petty_dabbler]

"Tremendously stupid," he agreed. "But it's too late now."

[fawnthefae]

"Is that why you don't stop?" Fawn asked.

[petty_dabbler]

"Partly," he nodded. "It's a habit. An addiction. And I've done it since I was twelve."

No good reasons, really. Not a single one.

[fawnthefae]

"How old are you now?" Fawn asked, realizing he had no idea of John's age.

[petty_dabbler]

"Forty eight, now," he said. And then, the question he'd been dreading, "How old are you?"

[fawnthefae]

"Fae don't keep such detailed recordings, but I am beyond my thirtieth year now," Fawn shrugged.

[petty_dabbler]

John sighed with relief. He'd been terrified Fawn was closer to fifteen. It made him feel a bit better.

"My birthday was last week," he mentioned.

[fawnthefae]

"You didn't tell me, we could have had a party," Fawn pouted.

[petty_dabbler]

"I try not to think about it," John replied. "It's not as if my days are numbered. I'll be around until Heaven don't have any more use for me."

And only God knew when that would be.

[fawnthefae]

"Fae don't really celebrate our day of birth, only milestones," Fawn admitted. "But still... I could have made you something you like. I could have harvested those mushrooms you enjoy."

[petty_dabbler]

John smiled softly. Fawn was so kind. So thoughtful.

"I wouldn't say no. We could have a little thing. Mushrooms. Cake. It don't matter if it's late..."

[fawnthefae]

"I could encourage the mushrooms to grow in our garden," Fawn added cheerfully, nodding a bit and forgetting all about the unpleasant angel.

[petty_dabbler]

"You can do that?" John asked. "I'd like that. Maybe we could have a whole patch. Nothing big, but something fresh might be nice."

For someone who didn't eat much veg, it was a bit of a surprising suggestion.

[fawnthefae]

"Mushrooms do not grow in patches. They are wild and spread as they please," Fawn replied.

[petty_dabbler]

"You can't put them in a garden? I thought you could put anything in a garden," he said, lifting his brows and considering that.

[fawnthefae]

"They do not live by the rules of vegetables or flowers. They like damp, and squishy places. I will find a suitable spot and encourage them to grow," Fawn shrugged.

[petty_dabbler]

"Obviously, you can tell I'll never be a farmer," he chuckled softly.

[fawnthefae]

Fawn considered him a moment, gaze sharp and critical.

"No, a farmer you would not make," he agreed.

[petty_dabbler]

John chuckled softly.

"Donyou ever lie?" John asked. "Fudge the truth? Fib a little?"

Actually, the honestly and lack of bullshit was refreshing.

[fawnthefae]

"Lies are work, and I only work when it's needed," Fawn shrugged.

[petty_dabbler]

John was quiet for a moment, spending the time to simply look at him.

"You're remarkable," he smiled warmly.

[fawnthefae]

"As are you," Fawn said softly. "You have opened the place in my chest where feelings live."

[petty_dabbler]

"That...is a very good way to describe it," he nodded.

"I love you. More than anything " followed softly.

[fawnthefae]

"More than crispy fish, or the first ripe strawberry of the season?" Fawn asked

[petty_dabbler]

"More than anything," he assured him.

It occurred to him that Chas hadn't had an opinion in a long time. That was...odd. This was just the sort of time he'd pick to make John feel like an asshole.