Roses and Blue Violets

Chapter - 15 - Dandelions A - Blowin'

Skeppy carried the basket in one hand and held Bad's with the other. Bad grabbed the coffee cup and the blanket. Skeppy led Bad, dragging him through the green field. A large peach tree atop a small mound was in the distance. Skeppy placed the basket down under the tree, and together they set up the picnic. Plates, cups, food and flowers were taken out the enormous basket. Cheese, bread, grapes, chocolate, ham and bacon sandwiches, ginger ale and fresh peaches from the tree were all laden on the blanket. They both sat down comfortably and began to eat.

Skeppy picked up a sandwich and began munching hungrily as Bad dug in the basket. Skeppy looked questioningly at Bad.

"Bottle opener, I'm thirsty."

Skeppy nodded as Bad found the silver bottle opener. He uncapped one bottle, which made a faint 'pop' as the cap was removed. Skeppy watched as Bad proceeded to open the next bottle.

A much louder 'pop' came. Liquid fizzed out of the bottle, drenching the blanket and Bad both. Skeppy rolled over, overcome with giggles. Bad took some paper towels and hurriedly began mopping up the mess. After cleaning it up, he sat down and took his bottle and sipped his soda.

Yum. Gingery.

Skeppy finished his sandwich and took a bite out of a peach.

"Skeppy, if you're combining bacon, bread and peach, I dunno what your breath smells like." said Bad, making an odd face.

"Why don't you find out?" murmured Skeppy, and saying so, kissed Bad.

After they pulled away, Bad said, "Hmm, interesting."

"Meaning?"

"I wasn't expecting it to be this good, to be honest."

Skeppy laughed. Bad stood up and pulled Skeppy up with him. He held his hand and began walking.

Skeppy was puzzled. "Where are we going?"

"To the dandelions, of course." said Bad simply.

They found a large patch of dandelions. They both sat down, with Skeppy laying his head on Bad's knee. They plucked a few dandelions and blew on them. Fuzzy white things flew around gently. One landed on Skeppy's nose, causing him to sneeze. Bad laughed as Skeppy tried to blow some of his dandelion on Bad's face.

"This is cool, Skeppy. I'm having a good time."

"Me too, Bad."

They sat in silence as the sound of the sparrows chirping filled the air.

"Bad."

"Yes Skeppy?"

"I know you feel it's too soon, or I'm moving too fast..."

"Yeah?"

"But if it's not too much trouble, can I move in with you?"

Bad was surprised.

Seeing his shocked expression, Skeppy added hurriedly, "If you don't want me to move in, it's fine, I understand and all that-"

Skeppy's speech was cut short as Bad kissed him again.

"I would be lying if I said I didn't want you to move in with me." said Bad lovingly, his fingers in Skeppy's fluffy hair.

"Awww, really?" said Skeppy, beaming.

"Yes, really. I love you Skeppy, and never will there be a day when I won't love you."

"Are you proposing to me?" said Skeppy, excitedly.

"Gosh no, for one thing I don't have a ring. And I don't think I wanna get married just yet, I wanna enjoy us as we are, if you don't mind."

Skeppy smiled. " No problem, I don't wanna put pressure or anything, but I really like red stones." he hinted coyly.

Bad laughed and wrapped his arms around Skeppy in a loving embrace.

"I'll take note of it."

"I pray you will."

Bad's brow bent slightly, as of he had been thinking of something worrying.

"What's wrong?" asked Skeppy concernedly.

"Nothing, nothing, I was wondering if you told your family, because I told mine."

"I told my mother, she said as long as I'm happy, I can love whomever I want."

"My mum said the same thing. My dad didn't approve at once, but it'll all change at Easter this April." smiled Bad knowingly.

"You want me to celebrate Easter with your family? That's so nice, thank you Bad!" gushed Skeppy.

"Yes, I do, it'll be bonding, and you'll get to meet my family."

"Cool!"

"Yup, I think we should go back to the picnic, y'know, make sure nobody took our food and all that."

Skeppy rose up, pulled up Bad and they both raced back to the picnic blanket.

"Whoo, nobody took our food, we're good." sighed Skeppy.

"Nice. And for the record, I won." grinned Bad.

"Nuh-uh.  I demand a rematch."

"I'm tired Skeppy, let's just chill."

"Okay, sure."

They both lay on the blanket watching the clouds in the blue sky.

"That's a pig, look!" said Bad, pointing above him.

"Cool! And look, a.." Skeppy tilted his head.

"Horse or a cow, maybe." said Bad, squinting at the cloud.

"Cute! Oh my gosh, look, it's Lucy!"

"WHERE"

"Right there, Bad."

"I NEED A PICTURE "

Bad took out his phone and took a picture of the cloud. Then he began taking photos of him and Skeppy.

They finished their mini photo session and looked at the pictures, laughing.

"You look like you had too many laxatives in this one!" laughed Bad

"For the record, I don't even like laxatives. They make me wanna use the bathroom far too often."

"Skeppy, they're supposed to do that, you muffinhead." said Bad, pushing his shoulder playfully.

"I totally knew that, I was just acting." said Skeppy modestly.

"Yeah, yeah whatever you say." said Bad, grinning wide.

They both lay in silence, listening to the magpies twitter in the distance. Their hands intertwined, they could stay there forever. They cuddled lying down, a first for them, but it was actually pretty comfy there. Skeppy looked up at the leaves of the peach tree as Bad's arms became limp. Evidently, Bad had dozed off. He sat up more comfortably to keep Bad's head in his lap. He ran his fingers through Bad's hair and rubbed his cheek with his thumb.

But then, Skeppy felt his blood pressure drop rapidly. His pulse slowed, and the world seemed to slow down faster. His vision became blurry, and unfocused. He began breathing faster, and more panicky. The last thing he remembered seeing was Bad sitting up, shaking Skeppy's shoulders.

Then, he blacked out.

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