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A Garden, Bitter and Sweet “ Right? Do you think we have any leftover walnuts out there? “ It was looking to be a fine day, in the fall. Leaves were turning to a nice gold and amber color, falling down into large piles, soon to be dumped into composting bins. A younger man, just nearing 27, was looking back at the small window, catching his husband's eye. Right sat up, brushing off the dirt that had collected itself on his pants. “ Ey dunno. Maybe check ‘he pantry? Should be air-dried by ‘ow “ Right called out, now walking back to the back porch, ready to enter the house. Dirt-caked shoes were tugged off, more dirt shaken away from his pants, and the sliding door was pulled open. Right smiled as Reginald came pacing forward to peck a kiss onto his cheek. Right chuckled in response, reaching to hold his husband's hand in his own. “ What for? ‘Ye makin something new, or… ? “ “ I want to try a new crumble combination. You know how Hen likes them when I mix them together and top the muffins off with- “ A small kick against the wooden fence surrounding the overgrown backyard resounded to the two men with a soft thump, then two small hands collapsed on the top of the wooden frame. Right started towards it, footsteps approaching the two tiny hands, before a small bag was pushed over the edge, falling on top of the strawberry bushes Right planted last week. Right paused, looking at the dark blue bag that… just fell down… blue… “ ‘Enry! What the ‘hell? “ Right stepped over the now very much smothered strawberry bush to grab and sling the bag over his shoulder, and to reach forward to grab his child, who was trying to scale their fence like it was the Eiffel Tower. Henry squirmed a bit, before being dropped back down into the backyard, Right now staring at him. “ What in ‘he world you doing here sprout? You should be in school- “ Right went to reach out to place a gentle hand on his shoulder, but had to take a step back, because Henry just crashed into his side. Right returned the hug, turning to look at Reg, who was now at the doorway. One look down at their small child hugging at his husband's legs, and Reginald walked back into the house, pulling a large mason jar out of the fridge, and pouring it into a pot on the stovetop. By the time the apple cider (with a few cinnamon sticks tossed in ) was done heating up, and poured into Henry’s favorite mug, tiny gemstones appearing as the cup was heated up, Right had Henry snuggled up in a blanket on the couch, and was talking with him. Short, small hand movements were pulled out from the small bundled-up piece of fabric, signing to Right. Hands pulled down from his eyes, already prickling with a sign of tears. Sad. Hands go down, two pats close to the ground. “ . . . kids? “ Right questioned, looking at Henry. He looked away, down at the carpet. A hesitant nod. “ What did they do? Did they hurt you? “ Reg now walked over, setting the cider on a side table. “ Was it that Felix boy? “ Henry made a noise, curling more into the blanket, hiding. Right held out his hand, slowly reaching for him. “ Henry. Breath. It’s okay. You’re not in trouble. Do you want some cider? You can hold my hand if yes. “ A few moments passed, then a wine as two tiny hands went to grasp at Right’s outstretched one. A smile with a nod, as Reg carefully passed over the warm drink. “ … careful, it’s still hot. “ Henry didn't seem to mind the heat, immediately going to down at least half the cup in one go, taking a deep breath as the cup was lowered. Eyes blink upwards, finally facing his two dads, who were kneeling in front of the couch. He held out the cup to them, which Reginald carefully took to place back on the small table. It was another few seconds dragging on before Henry’s hands moved again. Closed together, horizontally, then opened up again. Book. “ Oh that’s it- “ Reginald shot up, standing up quickly, startling both Right and Henry, who started to fuss, grabbing for Right. He took Henry quickly up in his arms. Standing up as well. “ Reg- calm down. You’re scaring ‘im “ “ Calm down? I am perfectly calm dear- “ Reginald turned, now a phone in his hands. A smile then aimed at Henry. “ Hen dear, you can watch a movie with Dad- I need to call someone. “ “ Would that someone include Felix’s parents or the principal? “ Right questioned. “ Or is it… “ Reginald chuckled. “ Oh just calling Geoffrey… he should be able to help. If you want I could even call Thom- “ “ Reg, no. “ Right sat down Henry on the couch, passing him the remote. “ We’ve talked about this. No past contacts with Henry’s bullies. You know what that could lead to… “ “ Righty, I know, but this is the fifth time they hurt Hen. They ripped his book in half for pete's sake! “ Arms go up in frustration, Right quickly pulling them down, glancing back at Henry. Still watching some show that he found. “ Reg, just.. Listen to me “ Right stared at his husband. One hand in his hair. “ I’ll… I’ll go to the school and sort this out. For sure this time… can you stay home and- “ A hand on his cheek silenced Right as Reginald nodded, the phone placed down on the counter behind him. “ Of course. Go now- I’ll be fine with Henry here. “ As Right pressed a quick kiss to Reg’s cheek, he grabbed his keys off the counter, and waved to Henry before closing the door. The car outside started up, then faded away. Then, the phone was picked up once again, and Reginald started scrolling through the contacts. After a while, one was picked, and the father raised the phone up to his ear, sparing a look at Henry. "They won't hurt you ever again, I'll make sure of it"trophy

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