A Fine Line

Amherst's Cattle Show

Austin ran into the dinning room, dressed in his finest outdoor wear with a radiant smile on his face. He jumped into sight with a spin, shouting, "It's time for the annual Amherst, Cattle Show!"

Mother jumped, father scowled, and Mr. Reyes grinned. Sue snickered. But the only reaction Austin cared about was Rafa's who gave him an unbelievable look of adoration, shaking his head lightly with a smile.

"You're a child," Rafa mouthed.

Austin replied with a wink, sitting in his chair.

"That was quite the enterance." Mr. Reyes laughed.

"What can I say, I love the Cattle Show," He sent a teasing look towards the young man in front of him.

"And a cattle show entails...?" Rafa asked, the last word drifting off.

"It's the best day of the year. You stare at cows all day. And there's a baking contest," He answered with a shrug, biting into his bread, "And other contests. Like who can list the most weight. There's also the newest inventions of the year, which never really work but they try to pawn it off on unsuspecting rich people. Also there's maple ice, cider, and blankets."

"Blankets?" Rafa rose a brow.

"Blankets." Austin stared openly with a grin, knowing his vague explanation was annoy the man.

Mr. Reyes seemed to think he was apart of this conversation because he jumped in with, "Sounds like fun. Should we go, Rafa?"

Rafa broke their gaze, turning to his father. "Oh, I've already made plans to join Austin. But you're welcome to join us if you want."

Please don't. "Yes, we'd love to have you." Austin smiled sweetly.

Thankfully Mr. Reyes didn't accept. "That's alright. I'll let you boys have your fun. Perhaps Sue or Mrs. Lassiter would like to join me?" He looked up at the two women who gave their approval as their usual escort, Mr. Lassiter, wouldn't be joining them. Aparently there was work to be done. On a weekend. During the Cattle Show.

After breakfast, everyone gathered to the coat rack, bundling up for the cold weather. Austin giggled in the corner with Sue at something she'd said as she buttoned her own coat with difficulty. Though she didn't accept when Austin had offered to help her. She wouldn't take help if it came from Lincoln himself.

With the town square in walking distance, but with the cold weather, the walk would be difficult. Frost covered the ground and a heavy fog had set in. Sadly it still wasn't cold enough for the lake to freeze over.

Mr. Reyes and the women went ahead of them as they walked down the main path, giving Austin the perfect opportunity to grab Rafa's arm and pull him behind a tree. Kissing the man feverishy as he pressed his body up against him. Rafa hooked a leg around his waist, pulling him closer. Their mouths fighting for dominance until Austin pulled away, dragging Rafa's bottom lip with his teeth.

"Tonight. In the barn." Austin said.

Rafa half grinned. "Isn't it a little cold for the barn?"

Austin's palms rubbed circles into his hips. "We'll keep each other warm." Then, "Please, I miss you."

Rafa's brow raised for a second time that day. "It's been a week."

"Yes. A week too long." Austin argued but softened when Rafa ran his thumb against his swollen lips. "I'll make it nice. I'll put blankets down for us. And if we leave the Cattle Show early, we can take our time."