minuet of forest.

a thing that doesn't change with time is a memory of younger days. gus berry. 23. game designer.

[gusberry]

( gavinxshepard )

Gavin couldn’t have agreed more with Gus. Why was he so preoccupied with work? He was with incredibly amazing company. Shaking his head, he then nodded and stretched the smile across his face. “I mean, I truthfully just wanted to know what it’s like for you ‘nd get to know you better. But, no more work – What are we even doing to ourselves,” he pressed hips lips together and maneuvered a ‘lock and key’ motion to his lips. “Definitely, I wouldn’t leave you hanging, Squishy! I swear not to leave you too drunk on a bar stool. Not tonight, not tomorrow, not ever. But, I can’t promise you that we won’t throw up after we drive those go-karts,” he chuckled. Gavin’s eyes moved off of Gus and to the crowd that he pointed out. Taking a second to notice the crow, he nodded. “Yeah – I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. Maybe they’re having a deal or somethin’ and get drunk for cheaper,” he raised a brow at the thought. “C’mon, let’s get in line before it gets any longer,” picking up speed, Gavin placed his hand with Gus’ and lightly brought the two together to the line.

“no more work,” he agrees. “we could be having this conversation later, while i’m at work, or something. imagine that, how much less stressful it’d be if you were there,” he sighs happily, raising his arms so that his elbows pointed out and his palms were resting on the back of his head –– as if he were laying on the beach, or something. “plus –– if i do the same for you, i’ll find out exactly what you do, my friend. i bet you’re incredibly important, with your good math skills and high roll in persuasion. but of course ––” he repeats their motion, sealing the zipper on his lips just to throw away the key; and when he’s done, he offers them a quick, playful wink. “oh gosh ––” he continues, switching gears. “thank you. i’ve had friends do that to me because as i’ve mentioned before, i get pretty schwifty. it wasn’t fun,” he frowns. “oh! that’d be good. then i’d feel less bad about you paying for stuff.” he admits, smiling bashfully. as he gets tugged along his opposite hand moves to cover the lower half of his face; an effort to stifle any giggles that may have bubbled up from within him, but also to hide that ridiculous blushing of his –– “i-it looks like it's just happy hour,” he says after moving his hand away from his face, standing on the tip of his toes to see a nearby sign. “i’ve never seen it this busy. if you didn’t feel like waiting we could, y’know ...” he trails off. 

[gusberry]

( gavinxshepard )

The thought, for the time being definitely crossed Gavin’s mind. Ditching his job and just leaving it behind, something that would certainly relieve his stress. At the same time, he also loved his job. With a deep exhale, Gavin replaced his daydream with reality and smiled small. “Let’s only think of the fun,” he agreed, “We’re always swamped with jobs anyhow, we need a second to just have fun.” Licking his lips, Gavin listened to what really Gus actually did. And, – Gavin was way off with what he thought it was. A pink hue flushed his cheeks with embarrassment. “Oh – Okay, well that makes sense. Like the 3D printer sort of thing?” he canted his head to the side. Before he could reply, Gavin said, “Sorry ‘m askin’ so many questions – I just want to understand what you do.” he replied. At his little pun, Gavin laughed a bit louder than previously. “Not like we can get arrested for that kind of drinking ‘nd driving,” he said, crossing his arms. With his arms swinging at his side, Gavin could help but smile as he glance over at Gus. “Mmm, – Anything to get me drunk,” he raised his brow. “But, if I had too – Rum; definitely rum,” he nodded. 

gus couldn’t figure much out about gavin; it seemed as though his job once ran his life. was that why he was sensitive about being sad? was he lonely at some point. the idea makes gus frown for a brief moment, checking out for a second as his natural empathy kicks in. when he’s pulled back to reality he glances at gavin again. “that’s closer,” he muses with a smile, but still he shakes his head anyway. “it’s okay, i’ll just show you someday! let’s forget all the cruddy work stuff. i’ve done too much thinking about it recently.” gus is most excited to just –– sit with gavin. talk about everything. or nothing. either works. gus exhales a deep, deep sigh, as if suddenly feeling moved past the things that stressed him out. “no, we can’t. plus – if either of us gets too messed up, we’ll always have each other to help us out.” it was true –– if gus gets too smashed, he might just want to sit passenger in a double kart with gavin, letting him take control. and gus can’t even drive a real car, let alone a go-kart drunk. “yeah, that’s how i feel about it. i’m okay with everything so long as it works. but cool – it’s that one, right there.” he points to the end of the block, where groups of people loitered outside. “looks kinda busy, huh?” 

[isaac-brisbois-blog]

Movie Marathon || Will & Gus

[gusberry]

( will-lockhart )

Will laughed when the other decided to take the initiative to tease him now. He looked at him and play hit him as he smiled. He let Gus rest his head on his shoulder. He smiled softly as he just laid there, content with the two of them just sitting there together. “Fine, I will let you ride down the stairs with my mattress.’ he mentioned to Gus as he smiled softly. “You better not hurt yourself doing it though.” He mentioned to him as he shook his head slowly. “Alright, are you ready for the movies? or do you want me to wait until we get our food?”

gus looks up at the other again, rather surprised they caved in so easily. “really? well, sick.” perhaps all the cuddles and whatnot made will soft, too. it was nice, admittedly, to have friends that weren’t victim to all that toxic masculinity stuff. what’s wrong with cuddling your friends, anyway? banishing the thoughts, he responds, “what? of course i won’t get hurt. what makes you think that? i am the safest person i know! i’m all about safety. i was a student crossing guard in elementary school. so safe.” as will asks his question, gus tries to glance at the tv from his tight, comfy corner on the couch. success! he can see it perfectly. “oh, yes. i’m ready. you’re very cozy, will. congratulations on the coze.” 

[julian-david-morris]

[isaac-brisbois-blog]

Movie Marathon || Will & Gus

[gusberry]

( will-lockhart )

“Yeah you’re a friend, but one I just don’t like very much.” He teased a little more before deciding to be a little better. “I actually don’t hate you. You’re basically like my closest friend.” He mentioned to him as he smiled. “But I don’t think it’s fair at all. Will moved a little closer to the other as his arm was rested on top of Will. “C’mon.. You came to my house and you’re watching my movie!” He said as he whined a little bit. 

gus goes a little starry eyed as they admit how much they like him, and now it’s his turn to tease, poking at will, an impossibly childish grin gracing his features. “d’aaww, will likes me! he really likes me! i must be pretty incredible to be like, your closest friend, huh? wow, i love me.” the grin grows wider as the other scoots towards him, and gus lets his head rest on their shoulder, eyes shutting for a short moment before he has to respond. all the fluffy emotions and the halfhearted cuddles made him soft. “agh ... fine. but only if you ...” he thinks, scanning his head for his top desire in this moment. “––let me ride your mattress down your stairs?” 

[isaac-brisbois-blog]

Movie Marathon || Will & Gus

[gusberry]

( will-lockhart )

“Maybe because I don’t really have any other friends. I don’t really have any other choices.” He said as he teased him and he laughed softly. “That’s true, I suppose” He said honestly while smirking softly. “I don’t like that you just did that. I don’t think that is fair at all.” He said as he looked at him and sighed softly. He then looked at the television screen and decided not to talk to him. He decided that he was going to ignore Gus hoping to make him feel bad. 

“mhm,” he mumbles, raising an eyebrow. “but you also just called me a friend, technically. you can’t hate your friends.” gus was certain that will actually liked him, but it would be a whole lot easier if they’d just admit it. but, if he was being honest, that reluctance was ... kind of part of will’s charm. he mentally sighs. “i think it’s very fair.” instead of playing into will’s little game, gus gets even comfier, resting an arm on top of will. not like how he’d cuddle a person, more like he was using will as a pillow. 

[isaac-brisbois-blog]

Movie Marathon || Will & Gus

[gusberry]

( will-lockhart )

“Why don’t you believe me?” He asked as he tilted his head to the side. “Oh my god, that’s dramatic. You didn’t really even do that much.” He said as he laughed softly. He sighed loudly as he threw his arms in the air before he laid on the couch still and got all comfortable. “Well, I am already comfortable so you should do it.” He said to him as he stuck his tongue out at Gus. He loved that he was always able to mess around with Gus. Their friendship was something that he definitely enjoyed and did not take for granted. 

“because you keep inviting me over!” he exclaims with a laugh, shaking his head. “well, it’s all true. i’d rather have something dramatic and the truth than dramatic and an exaggeration.” as he hears the other he briefly crosses his arms over his chest, letting out a quiet “hmph,” before deciding to move. he wriggles into the space between will and the back of the couch. it isn’t until he’s all settled in that space, as comfy as the other that he speaks. “well, now we’re both comfy. but you’re closer to being off the couch. so you should do it.” 

[isaac-brisbois-blog]

Movie Marathon || Will & Gus

[gusberry]

( will-lockhart )

Will found himself laughing as he heard Gus exclaiming and he nodded. “Oh my god, have I actually mentioned to you that I hate you?” He asked him as he shook his head slowly. “Well, I do have a blanket, but do you really want to get that comfortable before we actually get the food, because you are going to have to get up to get the order when it gets here!” He said as he laughed and then laid down on the couch and put his feet up on Gus. 

“i think you’ve said that before, but i still don’t think i believe you.” he says confidently, flashing them a wide, toothy grin. “oh .. oh-ho-ho, oh no. i got over my immense fear of calling so that i wouldn’t have to face my other immense fear –– human interaction.” he quickly places a finger on his nose, initiating the sacred nose-goes. whoever’s left without a finger on their nose, has to go. “nose goes. you gotta get it.” however, he does allow the feet to remain, just because of their little predicament. 

[gusberry]

( kylerxmichaelson )

“Have you just never heard of the term sarcasm?” He asked the male as he raised an eyebrow slightly. He was kind of confused as to why this male didn’t seem to be all there in the head that well. “I don’t think I need to cry with you. I don’t cry at all really so I think that’s something that should really not be bothered with.” He mentioned to Gus as he shrugged his shoulder softly. 

“yes! it’s usually pretty funny. but sometimes it’s kinda mean.” he blinks, canting his head to the side. “so –– if you weren’t trying to be funny, you’re trying to be mean?” he asks, crossing his arms over his chest, slight frown on his features. “it sounds like all that’s coming from someone who could use a good ol’ cry. i bet’cha got some kinda ...” he waves his hand around for clarity, “––dark, grungy past? i’m tellin’ you, you can have that and some good ol’ cry time. i promise.”

[gusberry]

( gavinxshepard )

That momentary weakness, as little and foolish it had been, it was exactly what he needed. It was enough to push him through and once again, be strong enough. The pat on his back sealing his comfortability with Gus really confirmed that he could trust him, and that their relationship would continue to flourish. “Exhausting, gosh – ‘m so sorry. I know how that is, to work all the time with not much of a break. But hey, if you ever need a reminder every now and then to take a break, I’ll see you then,” he chuckled briefly. “Really? Now, don’t make fun of me but is that like – where you put those little sensor things on people with the green screen?” he furrowed a brow. Yep, you’re definitely a idiot, Gavin. “Don’t worry, Squishy. I mean, you’re Squishy – I won’t hurt you. I’ll go easy, but I’m still buyin’,” he laughed with a coy smirk. Standing from his seat, Gavin licked his lips and slowly headed to open the door before the crisp air hit their faces. “Take the lead and I’ll follow the whole way.” With a short skip in his step, he walked side by side along with Gus. “What’s your poison, huh? Rum? Tequilla? Vodka?” he raised  a crooked brow, getting to know another side to him.

“oh, gosh. cool. it seems like that’s the kind of support we could both use. we’ll just run miles away from our jobs and just ––” he shakes his head. “no work thoughts. only fun times.” but recently he’s been super pressed at work. the new game they were making has left him constantly on the clock, even at home he would have to use his free time to finish up code or a model he was working on. it was a ruff life. gus laughs, not at the other, he just laughs. “well, that’s used more for animation in movies, but it’s not unheard of in video games. no, what i meant was more so like ... painting a picture. but with three dimensions.” gus looks carefully at the other, then laughs nervously, scratching at the underside of his jaw. “well, i can’t deny free drinks. so i guess –– have your way with me, crush. it’ll be the only appropriate time to drink ‘n’ drive.” gus moves on ahead, hands tucked in his pockets. he laughs again at their question. “i like all of them, but ... i think my favorite is ...” eyebrows tug together. it’s hard to decide. “vodka. or tequila. top two. ––what’s yours?” 

[isaac-brisbois-blog]

Movie Marathon || Will & Gus

[gusberry]

will-lockhart:

Will shrugged his shoulders a bit as he felt himself go red in the face a little bit. He let it leave his cheeks fast enough so that it wasn’t there that long. “Wow.. I think you are the true definition of being dramatic.” He mentioned as he shook his head slowly and then sank into the couch just like his friend had done as well. He sighed as he turned the television on and started up his firestick. “Are you ready for two of the best movies you have ever seen?”

“hey!” he exclaims, brows furrowing as he glances at the other. “doin’ stuff just isn’t my forte. in fact, it might just even be my piano.” he slips the very lame music joke in there without any shame, pulling one of the cushions of the couch into his lap to cuddle with. “erm, yes. i am.” as he quickly glances around, he squints his eyes and asks, “is there a blanket around here somewhere? i need to be as cozy as possible.” 

[isaac-brisbois-blog]

Movie Marathon || Will & Gus

[gusberry]

( will-lockhart )

Will couldn’t help but to laugh when Gus mentioned that Will had remained quiet for quite some time now and well, Gus was completely right about that. “I don’t know, I guess I just don’t have anything too smart to say right now.” He mentioned with a small laugh following. “What can I say? You must leave me speechless at points.” He said to him. “Yeah you know what I usually want. I like the General Tsao platter, but with white rice instead.” He mentioned to him as he then plopped down onto the couch, right next to Gus. 

“well that’s a first,” gus muses with a wide grin, playfully poking at the other’s side. suddenly hearing a voice on the other end of his phone, he goes a bit red in the face. “oh! er–– delivery.” he confirms. breathing a soft sigh of relief; for what, who knows? he tells the person on the line both of the orders, finishing with a friendly sounding, “thank you!” after he hangs up, he feels a heavy weight lifted. “phew. talking on the phone is hard. they’ll be here in about twenty minutes.” finally, he lets himself relax, sinking into his friend’s couch. "doing things in general is a lot of emotional labor. i’m proud of myself.”

[gusberry]

( gavinxshepard )

With a gloss over his eyes, Gavin adverted his eyes to the ground right has he wiped a few fallen tears so Gus didn’t have to see them. With his arm loosely wrapped around him, he felt immediate comfort. “Thanks, Squishy – No more sadness from here on out,” he nodded several times, a few quite sniffles filling the silence. His back standing tall, he pushed away the negative feelings with hopes of moving forward. Gavin giggled in order to match Gus, his smile no longer false as it had been previously before. “Oh! Yeah, – Maybe I should have mentioned that. I mean, I’ve been here for maybe three weeks or so by now but, not terribly long.” The only thing that seemed to come to mind is if the two had run into each other once before, perhaps they just don’t remember. Pressing his lips firmly together, he enjoyed watching how excited they got over their job; everyone should feel the way that he did. “I’m totally okay with that. I mean – I believe that it’s a fun time. Are you more of the coding guy or like – tests the game and makes sure there aren’t any flaws in it? he raised a brow. Sure, he didn’t know much about gaming, but he knew a lot of testing and how things are potentially created. “Another thing you’ll have to teach me but, by now that’s not really new news,” he chuckled a little. “More like the duckling but,” he teased, nodding, “Now getting drunk, that I know how to do. Drinks are on me tonight–Let’s go get smashed, Squishy.” 

of course gus had noticed. gus had learned that he was a master of body language –– he didn’t notice the tears, but he had felt crush wiping his eyes, and the sniffles shortly after. but the determination in gavin’s eyes and that goofy smile on his face left him convinced what gavin was saying was true –– despite an iffy past, he was willing to banish the sadness. and really, that’s all the convincing gus needed. “that’s what i like to hear!” he exclaims, patting the other on the back. gus scans his memory, trying to think of a time within the past three weeks when he could have noticed them. “hrm ... i don’t think i would’ve seen you within three weeks ...” he murmurs, “i’ve been pretty swamped with work with that new game ... it’s been exhausting, honestly.” a beat. “oh –– i do some coding, yeah, but it’s not my strongest suit. i’m best with 3D modeling and y’know –– all the other stuff you see. i’m more of a visual artist.” as the other suggests gus’ help, he offers a nervous smile, shaking his head. “i did it when i was a lot younger. i think we’re both gonna be going in a little blindsided.” for a moment, gus seems to shrink into himself. he was sort of a lightweight, and the other’s attitude makes him a little nervous. “oh, man ... please be gentle with me. i’m a frail boy. i’m ready, but still frail.” hearing their offer to buy drinks leaves him a little red yet again, and he smiles fondly, starting their trek to the nearest bar. “c’mon –– there’s a place i like this way.”

[daily-men]

[gusberry]

( gavinxshepard )

“Well, thank you but – It’s not like that,” he rubbed the back of his neck, trying to come up with the best way to say what he wanted to say. “It’s not that I’m not nice or anything – I am but, when you do the type of job I do, it’s real hard to get close to anyone ‘nd moving here was sort of my way of toning that down a little bit.” Without giving too much detail, Gavin tried to comfort Gus. “That’s true, everyone isn’t as nice as we would like them to be,” he shrugged his shoulders, nipping at his lower lip momentarily. “No stealing, understood. I would never do anything to get us locked away anyhow, I can promise you that,” he admitted with a content smile on his face. Gavin finally understood why the other had some much gaming knowledge – he was a gamer! “Oh! Shit, well – I should have realized that,” he shook his head, placing his head into his palm. “I’m sorry, –” he laughed, “I’m assuming you love what you do then, yeah?” he gazed over at him, nodding slowly. “Look at you, my squishy is so smart!” he chuckled a few times over. Gavin scans over each of the items on the list until there was one that Gus pointed out specifically to him. Gavin’s face widened with a grin across his face. “That sounds like a lot of fun – Not only have I never done it but – not drunk so, let’s do this. Let’s cross off one more thing,” he stated right before he tapped the other on the nose.

gus listens carefully, eyebrows tugging together lightly as his natural empathy kicks in. though he doesn’t know details, the complexity surrounding the whole thing is apparent to him, and that’s enough information gathered to get their point. “that sounds sad,” he says simply, but he doesn’t frown. instead, with a mischievous fit of giggles, he moves to wrap an arm around the other’s shoulders. his other hand balls into a fist, raised slightly upward as if he threatened the air in front of the two of them. “well that streak of sadness ends here!––” moving off of gavin, he faces them, bowing slightly. “squishy, professional really good friend, at your service.” after a brief pause, gears seem to shift. “wait –– have you only just moved here recently? for some reason i thought you seemed familiar but...” he trails off, feeling incapable of finishing his own sentence. crush’s flattery leaves him smiling broadly, rubbing at the underside of his nose with his index finger. “aw, well shucks, guy. yeah –– it’s a fun time. i can show you inside the studio sometime? you can see this new game we’re working on! aw man, i’m so excited for it––” but before he goes on that little rant, he stops himself, watching crush look over the items on the list. “aw, sick! i’ve only done it sober once, but i was sort of ready to drink tonight anyway –– i don’t have to go into work tomorrow.” the little boop on the nose leaves him grinning, pink undertones rising in his cheeks again. “you’re a silly goose. ––let’s get going.” 

[gusberry]

( gavinxshepard )

Leaning into his arm, there was a doe-eyed look in Gavin’s eyes as they went from glancing at Gus’ to his goosebumps on his forearm. “Squishy –,” he said with a softly excited reaction. “That makes me really happy, truthfully. I haven’t found someone to be this close to in a really long time.” It certainly made Gavin chuckle a bit at the other’s confession over the video game, it made his embarrassment shrink. “Well, – what about you? Do you like what you do? I don’t think I ever asked what you do, Gus,” he pondered his previous actions before shaking his head, certain that he hadn’t. Raising his palm, Gavin began to say, “I swear that I’m committed to your list, Squishy –,” he placed his hand back down on the counter. “We’ll do something on yours and then another time something on mine?” he was hopeful. With a smile painted to his face he asked, “It can’t be that bad, what’s on there – Right? I mean, I don’t think we can do like country hoping or anything but, we have to be able to do something.”

what comes from the other’s mouth doesn’t make much sense to gus. “what? really? but you seem so nice ––” he stops himself just for a brief moment, before frowning. “geez, other nice people must be tough to come by these days...” he murmurs, but his frown doesn’t last very long. like always, gus decides to look on the bright side: “well –– at least now we’ll definitely be as thick as thieves! except –– we won’t steal anything. deal?” gus stares blankly at the other, blinking as he realized he hadn’t disclosed much information about his professional life. it was only shocking because, “–– oh, crush. i’m a game designer!” he says with a laugh, rubbing at the hairs on the back of his neck. all this time he felt like he was talking about his job, when really he was only discussing hobbies. “i haven’t made many games for like, xbox or playstation or anything like that, but you can definitely download games i’ve made at work on your phone.” with a wide grin, he’s moving on. “well –– there’s everything from skydiving to ...” he trails off, honing in on one item on the list. his lesser lip pokes out a little bit as he nods. “well, this might be able to work?” he shows the list to gavin, pointing out the activity. in messy handwriting ( and crossed off ) it says ‘go go-kart racing,’ and in neater handwriting, not scribbled out, it adds the word ‘drunk’ to the end of the sentence. 

[gusberry]

( gavinxshepard )

Agreeing completely, Gavin couldn’t help but nod happily, “I don’t know you that well yet but, I think I’m a good judge of character which means – I think you’re carefree! And that is awesome because we can definitely be really good friends,” he admitted to the other with a smile spread across his face. Gavin waved his index finger in the air, “Y’know, – I was thinking that my problem might be that I don’t know the controls too well yet but, that comes with practice I hope.” Gavin’s eyes focused on the others facial expression, watching how Gus felt about each conversation to get a better read on his personality. “Well, yeah! Of course I do. It’s a real pain some of the time but, I don’t know if I could see myself doing anything else,” he admitted, his lips pursed. Chuckling, and knowing if that was the truth, Gavin was excited for some of the things he has always wanted to do might happen.” I like the sound of that. Conquering one bucket at a time,” he stuck his tongue out briefly. “What do you want to right now – In this moment. Pick something and we should go do it.”

whenever something big like this happens, he can always hear a very specific tune from the legend of zelda play in his head – something that only happens when one is blessed with the best of things. it’s a grand feeling, the ultimate of fuzzies tickling him deep in his guts. he can say for certain it’s happening right now, just as the other mentions they could be really good friends. “that makes me real happy, crush. look,” he says squinting as he carefully inspects a raised forearm. “i think i have goosebumps from how happy i am.” the arm falls back onto his side, and he nods his head. “yeah, that’s most of it. usually i drop them behind me instead of throwing them, cause most often i hit my own peels too..” gus is relieved to hear that crush likes what he does. he’s come across too many people who’ve become trapped in a life they don’t even want to be living, and it saddens him. “that’s perfect! a lot of my friends don’t like their jobs, and it kind of confuses me. why even do the thing, y’know?” tongue poking from the corner of his mouth, gus pulls out his wallet from his back pocket ( it’s red, with small yellow stars dotting it like polka dots ). from within it, he pulls out a very, very worn piece of paper with writing scribbled all over it. “some of these things might be pretty hard to do ... how committed to this are you?” he asks, an eyebrow quirking upward as he looks at his new friend.