#scarsdale

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Mowing sounds outside, as a bare chested tall young man, bit on the pale side for this job, appears to be working.

And a pale face at the window, peering outside.

Bronte perches on Zara's shoulder "“He who works with his hands is a laborer.
He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.
He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.” Then adds "Francis of Assisi"

She scritches the wyrm's eye ridges. "Aye. And what an artist." She pulls away from the window and hurries down to the kitchen.

Zara did notice that Earl was wearing some sunscreen, by the way it made him shine, it was easy for her keen eyes to notice. Mind you, sweat will do the same before he is done. The kitchen, of course, has a place for everything, and everything in its place.

She floats about, pouring a tall glass of lemonade and fixing up a sandwich (turkey on rye).

Just the sort of thing a boyfriend might need to restore energy, and, of course, it shows some appreciation

Zara pulls a large black sunhat from a hook, settling it in place before going outside with the tray of goodies.

Bronte watches, books are more her thing, but almost everything appears IN books so, curiosity in anything is the purview of the reader.

She sees Earl is not done yet, but he's getting there. He's being very careful not to clip any flowers.

She waits on the porch, watching and wistful.

He notices the tray, then her, and a smile escapes him, well, escape is not the word- it gladly lets it out to share in the sun with him when he sees her. Earl releases the smile for her like a ceremony might release doves- in loving celebration.

Her grey lips curve, and her black eyes shine - reflecting Earl's love like the moon to the sun.

Earl tries not to let himself pick up the pace too much, not if it costs him precision but her smile certainly fills him with energy.

It takes time, time she can spend admiring the form of her lover at work if she pleases, but eventually, the lawn is mowed, the hedges trimmed (he looked tempted to make it fancier but fought his urges) and edging is finished. "Hi, you didn't have to." He smiles at the tray

She stretches up on her toes, stealing a kiss. "Nay, I wished to."

He savors the kiss, and when it's done, "Well, I am not in the habit of denying the wishes of Zara Scwhartz, and I find I'm happier for it" A guilty look, "I'd hug you but I'm a bit sweaty."

"As if I mind the scent of thee." A wicked little grin.

And lavender races up his cheeks, and indeed, she suspects a bit of the flush in lines down his neck then a smile, "You did ask for it, " And he embraces her for another kiss.

She snakes her arms around him, drawing close - obviously NOT minding the sweat. As always, she is cool to the touch, her scent of damp earth and moldering leaves not so much one of summer months, but of a perpetual November.

After summer's pushy heat, her cool caress and autumn scent is most welcome indeed. They act as a couple that have grown more and more fearless with their affections, but when they part, he whistles, "Wow. I think I'm in dangers of breaking an HMO code if we keep this up."

A soft chuff of laughter. "Enjoy it while it lasts. Mama and Papa are back this week. Lemonade?"

She keeps close to his side, bony hip pressed against his, one arm still casually slung around him.

"Please," He says with a smile, "And I hope they like the job I did."

She passes the glass. "They should. Though it seems Rudy is still in town."

"Thank you ," he says as the glass is turned over, then he frowns at the news, "Why do I not trust that. What's he up to?"

"I spied. It seems there's some kind of reward being offered... so, likely, he's not the only one after it..."

"A reward for..." A cough "For breaking up your parents marriage?"

"Possibly. Aye."

"Or simply causing trouble..."

"Paler needs a new hobby" disgust

"Do you think there's a way to render my parents invisible to unknown fae? Not us, not the Uncles..."

"But who else would need to see them?"

"Uncle Emmit might know a way, but that would surely raise his interest. Maybe it's time to reconsider telling your folks, or at least the uncles? I know you normally worry they'll close you up, but this time it's not you that's a direct target"

She nods. "I would go far away to protect them. I just worry that that would only leave them vulnerable...."

"it might, because the bastard probably suspects it would draw you back. You love family, and that's a source of strength for you, but that's now how he's going to see it."

"He'll see it as a vulnerability to exploit."

"He is NOT my father. Aaron is."

"I know," he says "Aaron is ... a good man in every possible way."

A concerned look "This order for causing trouble. That means Aaron might also be tempted."

"Aye... but... Papa?"

"Maybe, maybe not in that way. But... " A sigh "I don't know. I think you should tell them and the uncles. "

She nods. "Aye. Not in the least for the warding"

A relieved look, "Yes. Hiram and Ratchet first and soon maybe then? Not just for the wards, but they might have ideas we missed"

Another nod. "They might. Hirim will blow his top, though."

"Hirim? Nooo no..." A shake of his head, an amused look, and a sip

"Just a little. Think of it as a chance to expand your vocabulary..."

"Doesn't it bother you he's caused me to lose more innocence than you have? " Straight faced...for about oh 10 seconds before his smile leaks out

"Piffle." She pokes his side.