Hues in Love (COMPLETE)

XXI.out of desperation

Genesis was just finishing up transferring Agatha's clothes to his bed-chamber, all while Agatha was taking a bath when by her room's window, his eye caught sight of Devon towards the barn.

Remembering what Agatha told him, Devon sneaks amid the night when the fire transpired. Truth is, Genesis hasn't had the time to confront his friend about it for these past few days, he has been busy and as time flew by, he simply shrugged the issue for no harm was done.

No cattle or horses were killed, the hays despite the shortage, they managed to solve.

Before he knew it, Devon was out of his sight, his figure disappearing towards the barn which Devon fixed and painted a week after the fire.

His brow furrowing, he closed Agatha's drawers, passed through his room, just yelling the words, "I'll be back, Agatha,"

The sound of splashing of water ringing in his ears as he shuffles downstairs.

Genesis picked up her response, asking him where, he was already running down the staircase when he hollered back, "Just checking the barn, sweetheart,"

With that, he was off the house, sprinting towards the barn, where he thinks Devon is.

For some reason, he solemnly wishes what his mind conjures is all wrong, no way would Devon sabotage their ranch, after all, he knew what they went through just to grasp this land.

However, at the back of his mind, Genesis knew Devon is up to something. He knew his friend, he just didn't think Devon would do it to him. If so, why?

Genesis' hazelnut eyes widened at the sight before him, a few meters away from the barn, for there stood Devon, leading a couple of cattle outside the barn in the middle of the night.

"What are you doing, Devon?" he asked, arching his brow, suppressing the rising emotion within him.

As soon as Devon saw him, emerald eyes widening, hands freezing, feet gluing to the ground as if he had seen a ghost.

Gulping, it took Devon a moment to compose himself, replying, acting all casual and all despite his tense, "Ju-just taking these cows to a walk,"

"A walk? In the middle of the night? Really, Devon? That's the best reason you could come up with?" Genesis uttered, strolling towards his friends whose hands are on one calf.

Devon didn't answer, instead, he let out a loud chuckle, a forced laugh to be exact. "Come on, pal."

Still, Genesis doesn't find all this funny, "Don't come on me, Devon. What is this all about? Are you planning on selling all these?"

"of course not, pal. Where'd you even get that ridiculous idea?" He then let out an obnoxious laugh once more, causing Genesis to wince. "Why would I even sell these? These do not mind, to begin with," he added, trying to make the situation light.

But Genesis is not a bit pleased. Finally, he let his dark fingers travel across his hair in frustration, "Devon, please. Have you been gambling again?" His eyes closed for a moment, inhaling exhaling.

Silence enveloped. The two of them staring at one another, even without answering, Genesis already knew the answer to his question.

After that, Genesis pulled his hair in frustration, "Fuck! I should've believed Agatha,"

At the mention of that, finally, Devon spoke up, furious, "that woman! I shouldn't have suggested this whole mail-order bullshit,"

"Then let me ask you this, my friend, why did you first suggest it?" Genesis asked, messaging his temple, trying to calm himself.