Saturday Surprise (Travis)

[Glads Thompson]

All day the sun had been shining brightly, the weather was a little warm, and the flowers were starting to bloom. It seemed that Spring had just started to sneak it's way into Vermont. Now normally, Glads would be out and about on a Saturday afternoon-especially one like this, but not today. Today, he decided, was to be a lazy day. A day to do absolutely nothing in particular. His momma had gone out a little earlier, so the young man had the house to himself. It was a very quiet in the neighborhood today, besides the gentle hum of some distant lawn mowers.

The sounds outside, and the promise of the smell of freshly cut grass is what finally pulled Glads from his half slumber and to get dressed. Honestly, he didn't even pay attention to what he was putting on. It was on the clean pile of laundry on the dryer, so it was fine by him. Looking down he noticed it was one of his momma's shirts and he smiled. It was a cute and comfy shirt, perfect for a day like today. First stop, the ceremonial trip to the restroom. In which he noticed his hair was a mess, shrugged his shoulders and headed toward the kitchen. Still a bit groggy, he figured a cup of coffee would probably be the best bet, so he stood over the coffee machine like a vulture until it was finally ready.

After a few moments of fumbling to get a cup, he managed to get his coffee and make his way out the front door. With a bit of a thump, Glads plopped himself down on the front steps, still in his pajamas and not a care in the world. It was a great day. A few swings of his coffee and he pulled his phone from his pocket. First sending a text to his momma, telling her that he'd finally woken up, then to Netflix to watch something silly, probably cartoons for the heck of it. Something stopped him as he did though, an urge to go to his text messages was pulling at his heart. He had not heard from his dear Travis in awhile and figured he should at least say hello. A few quick flicks of his fingers and the simple message was sent. 

"Hey there sunshine, haven't heard from ya in awhile. Miss ya! <3 Glads"

Then the butterflies kicked in, which he hated. They made him more nervous than the wait for the text back, or if he called. Oh well, Glads did miss him...a lot. More than he wanted to admit. Putting his phone down, he stared out at his mothers flowerbed driveway and sipped his perfectly tempered coffee.

[Travis Brooks]

It was the ultimate prank.  Well, not prank he supposed, more of a surprise.  The ultimate surprise, one he wasn't entirely positive Glads would be excited about.  They were close, they were more than close, or so Travis thought.  He hadn't seen Glads in some time and honestly didn't know how many friends he'd made up there in Vermont.  Far more than Travis had, that was for sure.  He and his new housemate were on sort of speaking terms.  Zach had come down from Ottawa and seemed to harbor some strange ideas about the southerner before he even got to know him. Or at least that's how Travis felt.  He was quiet and distant and seemed to offer dirty looks, but maybe he just had a grumpy mug. "Bitch Face" Cassidy would say.  Could men have bitch face? Cass, he was sure, would say definitely.  Either way the house was big enough for the two to avoid each other for the most part when they were in for the evening.

Travis had arrived two days ago, and before he saw Glads he wanted to get settled in.  Or so he told himself.  Truth be told he was afraid to see the younger boy.  Afraid of the feelings it might stir up, afraid he would be upset that Travis moved to practically the opposite pole of the country just to be closer.  He could use the farming gig as a good enough excuse, but it was obvious he was there for him. He wanted to surprise him, though.  He wanted to see him.  He needed to see him.

Saturdays weren't free days.  He had chores to do first thing in the morning, something he was used to at this point in his life.  He couldn't sleep past five in the morning anyway it seemed, even if he tried, which worked out since that's when the livestock needed feeding.  They didn't have many on the farm, only about fifteen cows, a couple hand fulls of chickens, turkeys, geese, a smattering of cats and two pigs.  The pigs, as far as Travis could tell, were pets.  That or Steve planned on making a great Easter dinner one of these years.  Then there was Henry the peacock, who had flared his feathers at Travis when he'd arrived, and had again every morning when he'd gotten too close to the chicken coop.  Seemed Henry really loved those chickens.  It was crops that were the farms bread and butter, what he was mostly there for.  The weekend chores were split between he and Zach and a local kid, Max, who Travis had taken a liking too.  

Travis was just cleaning his breakfast plate off when his phone buzzed.  He didn't look at it right away.  He rarely did.  The phone was a nuisance sometimes, always going off.  Well, not always.  Sometimes.  His mind drifted to Glads again.  Maybe he should tell him today.. what if he was busy?  Travis ran a hand through his hair and went to his room, pulling out his phone on the way.  He paused when he saw the message was from Glads.  Speak of the devil..

"Hey there cowboy, maybe you'll hear more from me then.  What're you up to? Also, I know who this is.  I still have your number goofball " 

Changing his mind about going in his room, Travis made his way to the front door instead, pulling on his old work boots.  Maybe it was time to visit Pilot Ridge..

[Glads Thompson]

Setting his coffee down momentarily, he stood and went back inside, leaving everything on the porch. What he was after set just on the back of the sofa in the living room. An old, and very thin, patchwork quilt that he himself had snagged at a local thrift shop. After several washings, it became a nice movie watching spot, as well as the occasional comfy place to lay in the grass. Which was exactly Glads plan. 

He was just spreading the quilt on the grass when his phone made a buzzing sound and vibrated against the wood and then gently nudge his cup. The young man's face brightened and the snatched the phone with one, the cup with the other. It didn't take him long to get settled back down, but it did take him a few more minutes before getting settled enough to text Travis back.

"Yeah, I better hear more from you...buttface.  "  

It wasn't entirely rare for Glads to act childish, he mainly only did it around Travis. He never felt like he needed to be, he just always felt relaxed and happy around the older man. 

"I know you know, but I didn't know when you'd get this...lol...and I'm doing absolutely nothing! What about you? >.> Probably working..."

To prove his point about doing nothing, Glads sent a selfie along with the text. It was nothing fancy, just himself laying back on the quilt. His messy curls everywhere, the sun making them glow a bit. Glads laughed a bit. It was sometimes funny to him that people thought he looked good. Not that he didn't like himself, he just did not see what the big deal was. Then his thoughts turned to Travis. He never out right told him he was "good looking" or "beautiful", but Glads could see it in his face. The way he looked at him always sent chills through the boy. And the smile he would give him, could melt away any bad day or thought Glads had been having. 

He felt the flush of his cheeks and he shook his head quickly. No, he must not remember those feelings, he couldn't. Even though he wanted to. 

[Travis Brooks]

Travis had just settled into his old pickup when his phone chirped.  He pulled it from his pocket and took a peek, knowing who it was before he even saw the words on his screen.

"I promise you will hear so much from me you'll wanna puke."

He promised, chuckling to himself as the the engine growled to life.  Maybe he should do some maintenance work instead.. no.  No he should see Glads.  He needed to get this over with and stop being such a chicken.

He'd about put the car in drive when the phone went off again, which happened to be the moment he remembered he didn't know where the hell he was going.  He had Glads address, he just needed to stick it into the GPS.  He hated using them, preferring maps, but he had to admit they were sort of convenient.  

The message made him grin, but the picture attached made his heart hum.  It only served to excite him more for their reunion, glad that other boy seemed to be doing nothing.  It would make for a nice afternoon.

"I just finished working.  Now I'm taking a drive.  I take breaks sometimes, ya know!"

To prove his own point he took a picture of himself, only his old junky phone didn't have a front facing camera, so the selfie he took was blurry and off center, but it was distinctly him in his truck, goofy grin on his face, messy hair on his head with a caption that read "see?"

Travis pulled the GPS up and plugged in the address.  Twenty two minutes.  Not bad.. Not close, but certainly not far.  Much closer than twenty hours that it had been before.  In just twenty minutes he would see Glads.. His heart hammered and a warmth spread through him, all the way to his toes.  

[Glads Thompson]

He was getting a bit too comfortable laying there on the blanket. The boys eyes were starting to droop every so slightly, but the promise of the buzz from the phone kept him awake. Only slightly though. He was half nodding off and didn't even hear the first text come back through. The sound of car backfiring up the road a little ways brought him back around in time to catch the next buzz though. However, he had moved just out of reach and didn't grab his phone until the third one came through. 

Of course he read them in order. Puke? How mature of Travis. He giggled at the thought, but whole heartedly smiled though. Glads loved how level headed and sound Trav was. Oh good, he wasn't working, even though that was something else that made the younger man smile. Travis was such a hard working man, and yet...still had time for everyone important to him. Even a silly kid like himself. Then the picture totally distracted him. 

Glads' eyes focused on that somewhat devious little curve in the corner of Travis' smile and he felt his heart melt. He loved that smile more than anything in the world and no matter how he felt about anything else, he would openly admit that. However, a slight chill ran through him. That nagging fear that rose when he started thinking to much about Travis and he shook his head. Besides, he needed to chew him out for texting and driving.

"Well I'm glad you're taking a break. Now, call or text when you get back from your drive. I see you still drive the death trap, so definitely not the time to be texting. Be safe doofus...XoXoX"

Glads hit send and snuggled back down into the blanket. Knowing he would soon pass out for a short nap at least. As he did, his mind drifted to Travis, and the two of them driving down an old dirt road in that truck of his. A smile came to his face as he fell asleep.

[Travis Brooks]

He heard the message come through, but Travis was in the middle of driving.  He wasn't great with the phone to begin with, so texting and driving wasn't something he would consider.  Instead he focused on the road, listening to the electronic voice guide him down towards Glads place.  Well, his mothers.. He hadn't seen Angie in ages and part of him wondered how she would take his presence.  Would she be glad to see him? He'd always gotten along with her, it was his aunt who had ill feelings towards the young mother, but surely he would remind her of the situation she'd left behind.  He felt anxious all over again and sighed to try and ease his nerves.  It would be fine, he promised himself.  And deep down he knew it would.

At a stop light close to Glads house he looked at the message, grinning at the words on the screen.  Doofus.  How many times had he called him a doofus over the years? And now it was Glads throwing the playful insult.  He wouldn't have to call or text when he got back from his drive in his "death trap".

A horn blared behind him and Travis looked up to see the light was green and the car in front of him had started moving already.  He waved to the impatient little sedan behind him before slowly taking off, raising an apologetic hand and offering a weak wave to the other driver.  He placed his phone down and enjoyed the towns views as he drove to his destination.  Pilot Ridge, it seemed, was a pretty nice place and he was glad that his friend was able to move up in the world it seemed.

"Your destination is on the right. You have reached your destination." Travis looked around, trying to figure out which it was.  Then he caught the house number and smiled as he pulled the old truck into park, killing the engine and looking over the place.  The place was quaint, and reminded him a little of back home.  There was a vegetable garden, though nothing much was growing just yet, and it looked like green buds were popping up all around the base of the house.  There were definitely some daffodils and tulips coming up, and strong.  This house could easily be found in Georgia and it made him grin to know that he still had his southern roots.  That was likely his momma's doing.

He got out of the old truck and started up towards the house, walking through the chain link fence when a figure caught his eyes on an old tattered patchwork quilt.  He made his way over, looking down at the sleeping figure of Glads.  He was bigger than the last time he'd seen him, and though he kept his youthful looks, his face was definitely maturing.  He really was a beautiful person.  Travis felt a heat rush to his cheeks as he thought about Glads, simply standing over him, watching him sleep.  

Travis squatted down in front of Glads, his figure blocking the sun some and putting the boys upper half in the shade.  "Boy, when'd you turn into a cat?" He asked, cocking a brow, his voice soft but loud enough to hopefully rouse the sleeping teenager.  How had he fallen asleep in the twenty minutes it had took him to get there?  "Gyddup, lazy."  Travis' grin grew wider as he reached to wiggle the boys ear lobe.  How good it felt to be in his presence again!

[Glads Thompson]

Okay, Glads was an odd sleeper. When he did go to sleep it was so peaceful, but any noise could wake him up. Well, only loud ones and even then he stayed half asleep. This was the situation when he thought he heard a vehicle pull up to his house and someone come through the gate. That couldn't possibly be right. His mother wouldn't be home for ages, and his neighbors rarely came over to just see him. The younger ones...and a few of the single ones...but it wasn't often. He shrugged it off as probably a bird or a cat jumping the chain link. Nothing to worry about.

In his half slumber however, he felt the presence of a person. Once again, he rationalized this as nothing to worry about and it wasn't. Not really, but he didn't really know why he felt okay with this, until a soft voice broke through to him. Then a gentle tug on his ear brought him fully around to who was squatted near him. The boys eyes shot open and he set up quickly. "TRAVIS!" He almost squealed with joy as he jumped up to his knees. "Oh my god! What are you doing here? How...why?" Glads was beyond happy to see him and this was the best surprise he could have even considered. "I could smack you for scaring me, but..." He got his own little devilish smile and suddenly tackled the older man.

Glads wrapped his arms around Travis and hugged him tightly. "Hugs are way better and more called for." He chuckled as practically buried his face in the other's chest. Then he breathed him in. It was a scent that Glads had thought he'd never be able to smell again. It was the smell of the Earth, so rugged and somehow clean, it was refreshing and soothing to the young man all at once. He'd missed this too. "God I've missed you..." He whispered and sort of hoped Travis didn't hear him. Then again, maybe he did want him too, and at the moment, he was ignoring that nagging feeling in his stomach.

[Travis Brooks]

The ferocity of his name being shouted alone nearly knocked him over, but Travis simply smiled as he watched Glads wake fully sitting up.  He hadn't changed much in the decade since he'd met him. He didn't have a chance to talk as the boy rambled on, and deep down Travis was pleased with the reaction.  He felt less like this was a mistake seeing how thrilled Glads was.  If he'd been freaked out.. he wasn't sure what he would do.  He supposed he could always go back to Willacoochee, but who wanted to go back there after seeing Vermont!

He was about to throw a warning about what would happen if Glads dared smack him, but before he could he was knocked back onto his rear end in a tackle of a hug, an "Oof!" slipping through his lips before he laughed.  "Definitely more called for." He agreed warmly, allowing his arms to slip around the younger boy. He sighed softly against the mound of soft curls on top of Glads head, enjoying the feeling of holding him.  And like that, all fear of the situation melted away.  This was where he belonged..

The words were spoken so softly he barely caught them, but they pulled the edges of his lips back into a grin.  How he shared that sentiment.  "I've missed you, too." He hummed softly close to his ear, reaching a hand into the boys hair and scratching his scalp a little.  It was a strange, mixed feeling he had for the boy; all the love and devotion a big brother has, the eagerness to protect and defend.  Then there was that knowledge that Glads wasn't his brother.  That love and devotion meant something different with him, something more, and he was terrified to admit it.

Hands sliding to the boys shoulders he pushed him back slightly, only the right corner of his lips quirking up as he offered a look that was bordering on mischievous.  "So.. I got news. Such good news I drove some twenty hours tuh see you." He drawled, his southern accent not nearly as thick as many he knew, but distinct enough to know he wasn't from that area.  "I got a job up here.. on a farm.  So.. for the time bein', as long as you're fine with it, I'll be livin' only twenty some minutes away."

[Glads Thompson]

((OOC: sorry it's kinda short hun!))

So, he was totally lost in Travis. Yep, there was no doubt about it, Glads still had those feelings lurking behind his fears. The almost whispered words of being missed sent a shiver down him, and the hand in his hair did not help in the least. For a few moments, the young man forgot the rest of the world existed. Until a word crept into his mind, one he tried so very hard not to use, and would barely even think about. No, he couldn't love Travis. He was too young, right? Besides, he had his momma to think about.

On top of that, he saw what love had done to her. He was a result of that, and though he wouldn't change it, he wished things had been better for her. All this rushed into his head and he was about to push away, when those strong-but gentle- hands pushed him back. He set back and crossed his legs as he did. Tilting his head in curiosity, he did wonder why Trav was here, despite his conflicting emotions.

"Wait, you...you mean...I'll get to see you more often?!" There was that excited feeling again. He couldn't help it. "Of course I'm fine with that! Why on earth wouldn't I be?" Curls bounced a bit as he chuckled and slowly stood. "I hope it's a good job, knowing you though, it is." With that he nodded up to the house. "Come on inside and we can chat some more. Get all caught up." Okay, so Glads spoke quickly. It was definitely one of the many sides to him being southern. As he waited for a response, he watched Travis. Just him being there felt so right, like a part of Glads had been missing. There was a little secret he kept though, and as he focused on the older man's lips again, he smiled, a blush spreading to his cheeks.

[Travis Brooks]

"Yeeeuup." The word curled from his lips and his grinned turned almost smug as he watched the excitement beaming back at him.  His shoulders rolled into a gentle sort of shrug, "I dunno.." Though he did know.  He had been out of the boys life for quite some time.  Glads was nearly an adult, he had his own friends and activities and Travis certainly didn't want him to feel obligated to squeeze him into his life.  Of course just because they were nearby didn't mean they needed to see each other all the time, but he still didn't want to inconvenience Glads' schedule.

"It's a decent job." He explained, following Glads up into his home, wondering if Angie was in.  That could be awkward.. or maybe not.  Who knew?  "It's at this old farm, an' the couple runnin' it are makin' it organic.  I helped my gramps do that to his farm just two summers back, so it's an easy gig. Plus, I get weekends off, 'sept Saturday mornin' chores." He explained looking around, shoving his hands into the pockets of his dark tight jeans.  "Plus they got a house they rent out tuh anyone workin' the fields.  Way more affordable than anythin' else up this way.  Ya'll should come check it out sometime."  His eyes landed back on Glads again, smiling before cocking a brow; the hell was that boy wearing?

"You wearin' yer momma's shirt?" He asked, a confused, but amused sort of look on his face. That was such a Glads thing to do.

((OOC: no worries it was fine!)) 

[Glads Thompson]

The ever so slight, and totally innocent, misguiding of truth in Travis' 'I dunno' was not lost on Glads. The shoulder roll, the short answer, his momma would do the same thing when she didn't want to give him an answer that may upset him. Or when she wanted to hang out with him and wasn't sure of his plans. It was true the two men had been apart for awhile, but some of Travis never left him. Beside the fact they spoke often, and the text messaging, the older man was always with him. There were little times throughout his daily life when he didn't find himself wonder what the other was doing. Sometimes, in the middle of a group of his friends, Glads would daydream that it was just Travis and himself.

None of that mattered though, Travis was here. "A farm huh? Well that's just up your alley huh?" Glads smiled as he led them into the house. Inside was just as modest as the outside. It was a rental, so no paint, but color was everywhere. The young man made his way instinctively to the sofa and plopped down. It was second hand of course, but didn't really look it, and it was super comfortable. At least to him. "I remember you telling me about your grandaddy's farm. This should be a breeze for ya then." He gently patted the seat next to him. It was an open invitation, Travis was of course free to sit anywhere else he liked. The man was so handsome, his work-nor his work ethic-would be found in those gorgeous features. Glads eyes took him in for a moment, he hadn't changed much. A bit more rugged looking, but that made him all the more attractive. Just for a brief moment, he was distracted by the hand slipping into the pocket of Travis jeans, it was a tight fit. Once again, Glads felt his cheeks flush.


"I guess that means I caught you right after chores huh? I'm sorry Trav. But hey! At least you get to see me right?" A big smirk spread to his lips as he tried not to really notice Travis now. "Doesn't sound to bad, me and momma will have to come see it sometime. I know she'd love it just as much as I would." Glads' own southern accent was soft and gentle, definitely a boy from Savannah. Then, his shirt was finally noticed. Glancing down he noticed the "Cinderella" print on the front and he laughed. "Yeah, guess I am." He settled back on the arm of the couch and tucked one leg under him. "Me and momma share a lot of shirts, so we just kinda have a 'clean' pile to grab from." Another chuckle, but this one had a tint of nerves to it. "I hope that doesn't sound weird to you."

[Travis Brooks]

Like it or not, it was up his alley.  "Yeeep." He drawled, grinning at the younger boy as he pat a spot next to himself on the couch, an invitation for Travis to take.  He did gladly, if not a little slowly.  He slunk into the cushions, finding it really comfortable.  A well worn in couch was one of the greatest things to own.  "It's not bad. Plus it's a bit cooler up here so that's a major bonus." Travis preferred the warmth typically, especially in the winter.  Georgia's winters didn't usually look like Vermont ones, or so he'd read, but he had a solid year to worry about that.  Being out in the sun all day could be rough, especially paired with the Georgia heat.  This would likely prove to be a nicer summer than the ones past.  He hoped.  Especially since the company he'd be keeping was different than what he was used to.  Travis recalled his summers with Glads fondly, but he still enjoyed hanging around with his brothers, especially since they were old enough to drink.  Blake couldn't hit the bars yet, but he was good for a few beers around the fire pit at night.  Even Cass was known to be able to pound a few beers though he didn't like watching her do it.  He supposed that's what happened when you had three older brothers influencing your every move.  His heart ached a little to know fire pit season would be starting soon without him.  They'd burn just about everything in those damn things, sitting and talking, the whole family. He sighed softly; he'd made a sacrifice for a better life, and moving forward Glads would be his physical reminder of the past.  One that was entirely separate from his with the rest of his family.  It wasn't a bad thing, it was just different.  Good even.

"Don't be sorry, I don't mind the chores." He offered, his voice softer now from his moment of reflection.  It was true, too.  It was part of who he was.  Hell, even before he worked full time on the farm he had chores to do.  It was second nature; Work and then play. Work while you work, play while you play, this is the way to be happy each day Grammy always said. "At least I get to see you." He grinned more now, agreeing with the younger boys sentiment.  At least he got to see Glads.. He gulped, momentarily getting lost in the boys eyes.  He'd always loved Glad's eyes.. He looked away towards the window quickly as Glads continued, trying to hide his bashfulness.  

"Speakin' of yer momma, how's she doin?" He looked back, the adoration momentarily leaving his features as he tried to bring the conversation back, pushing that naturally mischievous grin back across his lips. "And that doesn't sound no weirder than Cass runnin' around in our old t-shirts.  Brat stole my best blue sweatshirt before I left.  Claims it's to remember me by, but I know the truth; she just wanted it for herself."  There was nothing fancy about it.  A plain, dusty old sweatshirt. It didn't even have a hood.  It had been royal blue once, back when he'd gotten it, but constant wear in the sun and frequent washes had faded it to a dull sort of dusty blue.  It looked cute on her, but mostly it was just comfy as hell.  "Besides, Cinderella looks cute on you.  You wanna Snow White shirt for yer birthday?" He teased, that grin widening wickedly.  Of course he was teasing; he could care less what Glads wore. He could wear a princess dress and he still wouldn't care.  But he'd sure tease him for it..

[Glads Thompson]

"Cooler is...well...lacking a bit in accuracy." He chuckled and remembered his first winter in Vermont. The boy only left his room when he had to go to classes and that was it. It wasn't until he was pulled out in the snow by some friends that he finally decided he liked it. Rolling around in the snow, making snow angels, building snowmen. It was one of those moments he'd wished it had been Travis instead of his friends. "I hope you have a really good jacket, and possibly some long johns." The younger man tried not to blush as he said the thing about long johns. It was silly really, and his teenage mind working against his emotions.

As Travis got comfortable, Glads decided to scoot closer to him. It's not like the two were strangers to being physically close, and honestly, he had been without the physical closeness of anyone for awhile now. Since he left Georgia in fact. That last night Travis was there, was the last night he spent in the same bed with anyone. Besides the few movie or t.v. marathons with his momma. So, he scooted closer still, until he was almost right beside him. He didn't want to make him uncomfortable, so he stayed a few inches away. "Well, glad I didn't tear you away from anything important." With a smile, the young meta rested his head on the back of the couch. Head tilted to one side, he could still feel it when their eyes locked as Trav agreed that it was good to see Glads. That slow heat rose in him and he didn't want to look away. He wanted the other's eyes to stay there forever. Even if his stomach was in knots.

Then his friend was asking about his mom. "Oh she's fine...she...she uh works in a Diner. She's a waitress. Pretty good one too. Though I may be just a bit biased." Glads chuckled and shook his head. "Now if only I could keep her from bringing the occasional customer home. Or at least bring home a decent one." Okay, so maybe Travis didn't need to know that little bit, but it's not like he kept it from him. Glads never complained about his mother's gentlemen friends. Hell, he wanted her to find someone. He just wanted it to be a good someone. "Wait...Cass stole the blue sweatshirt? That thing must swallow her whole." Another smile and a bit of giggle came from the younger man now.

Glads had never met Travis' brothers and sister, but he felt he knew them very well. As much as the older male spoke of them and showed pictures, Glads felt they were part of his family already. Now, he wondered how much Travis told them about himself. And if Travis had noticed the slightly upset look at the mention of the blue sweatshirt. Growing up, Glads mostly got to see Trav in summer, but in Savannah it would get a little chilly in the evenings from time to time. There were several nights that Glads remembered snuggling into that sweatshirt.

He felt the tips of ears turn pink as Travis used the word "cute". It was the first time he'd ever heard it directed towards himself from the man and he wasn't sure how to handle it. "No, ya jerk.." He playfully swatted at the nearest arm he could reach and smiled. "If you remember my birthday, I'll let ya buy me something though." A wicked little smirk on his own face hid the big smile and rose red cheeks well. Then, he was lost in Travis' smile again, he wondered if he would ever stop getting lost there. 

[Travis Brooks]

Long johns were not something he owned, though he had a decent coat.  "I'll check out the stores for those things." He didn't even catch onto the long john innuendo, perhaps a sign that he was up too early or simply growing up.  Those were the kinds of names that Blake would giggle about for hours.  His younger brother definitely wasn't the most intelligent of the group.  "The long johns are probably on sale or somethin' now."

Travis sighed as Glads scooted closer, watching him as he moved.  It felt so strangely natural for them to sit like this, like old times.  He slipped his arm up over the back of the couch behind Glads head, scratching at those curls.  It felt good to feel them, soft in his hand and reminding him of the days when all was simple.  Or rather simpler.  "Nothin's more important than spendin' time with you." He offered, a playfulness in his voice, as if it were a taunt, though it was genuinely true.  There really was nothing more important, not that he could think of.  If Glads needed him, he would be there.  He liked knowing he could be now, he just hoped it wouldn't interfere with Glads' life at all.

He listened patiently as the boy went on about his mom and though he didn't frown he felt one there at his lips.  Glads didn't paint the prettiest picture of her, but he knew that Angie had always done her best for her son.  He knew she loved him, she was just young.  Not terribly older than himself, really.  He didn't know how to respond so he simply scratched at the back of Glads head to let him know he was listening, his gaze still on him.  "She'll figure it out." He offered optimistically, and for both Glads' and his mothers sake, he hoped he was right.

He laughed softly and nodded.  "Of course it does, why d'ya think she stole it? That ting was comfy as hell."  Maybe it was time to wear in a new one anyway.  In a few years it would be almost as good as that old blue one was.  Then he was laughing again at being called a jerk.  "I am a jerk.  I forget your birthday." He licked his lips and offered an apologetic look.  "I know it's in September though! 1997.  Do I get a bonus for knowing the year if not the actual date?"  He ran his fingers through the boys hair, pulling his hand into a fist and scratching his head playfully with his knuckles.  "Either way I'm gonna getchu a present.  What d'ya want? You got six months to figure it out!"

[Glads Thompson]

"Good, don't want ya freezin' to death." He chimed with a grin. "Yeah, I can pretty much guarantee they're on sale somewhere. Since ya know...the snows finally meltin'." Glads then felt the fingers in his hair and let out a very silent, but very happy sigh. It was as if Travis knew the exact spot to make him just...relax. That knot in his stomach slowly started to fade and he closed his eyes. All the while letting himself scoot every so slightly closer. Closer meaning, right up against his older friend.

When Travis spoke of Glads' importance, his heart fluttered. That was new feeling for him. Very new actually, and it scared him a bit. That hand locked into his curls however, was keeping him from pulling back. Though, the truth was, he wanted to pull closer. The young man was happy he was there, happy that he could see him again. That must be why he was feeling so at ease. Right? Once again, Glads was trying his best to rationalize the feelings he had. Thinking maybe that if he did, the fear and panic that came with them would go away and he could just enjoy this. Enjoy having Travis around again. The one person he felt he could trust, almost, if not as much as his Momma.

"I know she will." He added with an audible happy sigh this time. "I just worry about her is all." His eyes remained shut...sort of. They were cracked open ever so slightly, mostly so he could watch Travis. "I love my Momma and I just want her to be happy, ya know?" Deep down, he knew she would be just fine, at least he hoped she would. Her track record was against her though, even when he tried his best to help.

"God yea, that sweater was might comfy." He made another 'satisfied' noise with that thought. Then a chuckle came from his lips. "Well, at least you admit it." Opening his eyes just a little more, he moved just the tiniest bit closer. "Okay...Okay, don't have a cow. Or in your case they whole damn farm." Glads chuckled again. "Yes, you get points for remembering that much." His eyes drooped again and closed. He wasn't tired, just comfortable. Then, before he realized it, his head had drifted to Travis' shoulder right as he asked what he wanted for his birthday. "Mmmmm...how's about a round of mini golf huh?"

The closeness was having an effect on the young man for sure. His cheeks were flushed pink and his heart was racing. In his mind, he flashed back to the last night he was this close to Travis. How in the middle of the night, he'd been woken by a shifting in the bed and pretended to still be asleep. That feeling of those lips on his and how it meant more to him than Travis may ever know. Thinking about this, just made his heart race faster.