[♦] It had been a few weeks since Randall’s return, and Layton had been rather hesitant to approach him. They had only exchanged sorrowful glances as they passed each other in the hall. But finally, Layton had enough. There were a few questions he needed answered;
“Ah, Hershel, sure. What is it?"
“Not here, Randall. This is a matter that should be handled privately. Pumpkin Park re-opened today, I know a spot there."
“Pumpkin park? Hershel you do realize that this is the grand re-opening. It’s going to be busier there than it will be here, right?"
“Have I ever steered you wrong? A gentleman always has a plan."
“…Lead the way.”
“Was it really necessary to bring me out in public? Henry had shielded me from the public so I wouldn’t have to deal with this."
“But you’d have to face this eventually. The townspeople were going to continue to hate you until they get to know the real you. Until things have improved, I’ll accompany you anywhere you need to go."
“Hershel you don’t understand. Henry had to call in an old friend, and have him come to his home, just to cut my hair. And he still had to monitor him to make sure he didn’t butcher me, or my hair, out of anger."
“I understand completely. Granted I’m unable to walk a mile in your shoes, but that doesn’t mean I don’t observe the difficulty you’re facing. However, people like Henry and I are always here for you, Randall.”
[♦] Finally they arrived. Despite some of the hateful glares, a lot of people merely went about their business. This truly wasn’t a place for people to worry. Layton looked over at Randall, a small smile and a brief chuckle escaping him;
“W-wait, what are you laughing at?"
“You, of course. I don’t think I’ve seen a man’s wardrobe so drastically change in such a short time."
“What do you mean?"
“Didn’t you wear that exact outfit when we were younger? Even down to the neckerchief?"
[♦] Randall looked down, naturally, it only reminded him of his past. It was sudden, they stopped moving and he looked back up to see Layton having a brief conversation with the man running… the ferris wheel. Of course, somewhere enclosed, somewhere the two of them are completely alone without fear of someone coming in on them. They stepped in, the door being closed and the wheel slowly beginning to raise. It was sudden, but Layton seemed at a loss for words. It was, almost fortunate that Randall had matters to talk to him about too;
“Hey, Hershel, actually, can I ask YOU something?"
“Yes, of course. What is it?"
“…Did you move on? You have, haven’t you?"
[♦] His eyes widened, he was completely shocked. This had been the reason he had brought Randall here in the first place. This had been the first time in a long time he was at a complete loss for words.
“Hershel it’s okay, I underst—"
“Randall, we’ve been separated for ten years, I know, but why ever would you think I moved on?"
“Because of just that reason, it’s been ten years."
“To be honest with you, Randall, this is precisely why I called you out today. I thought for sure you may have moved on with someone in the village you were staying in. However, my feelings for you have only grown stronger in the passing years. Besides, a true gentleman always waits for their love."
“So you never did let up on becoming a gentleman, did you? Honestly I was sure it was some face you were putting on for that little guy. And I truly am relieved and delighted to hear I was wrong. But, Hershel… dare I ask, if you’re still my gentleman?"
“Randall you could have been gone a hundred years and I’d still be your gentleman."
[♦] It was sudden but a smile took Randall’s face, taking one of Hershel’s hands, hastily deciding that was insufficient and pulling the other into a tight hug. Two strong arms hastily secured themselves around him. It had been too long since he felt this embrace. His head lowered onto his shoulder, his eyes falling shut;
“Can you ever forgive me for what I’ve done?"
“I forgave you the day those dark miracles came to a close."
“Hershel I’m… I’m so sorry."
“There’s no need to apologize. The damage is being repaired, and we have you back now. That’s truly what matters. I can guarantee; everyone in this town, me especially, missed you dearly."
[♦] Before Randall could utter another word, Layton had cupped his chin, lifting his head and pressing their lips together. If there was any question about his love before, the sweet, gentle nature the kiss captured was enough to tell him. The metaphorical fireworks ignited, sending tingles he hadn’t felt in years all over his body. Layton moved back, a soft smile on his face.
“Ten years is truly a long time to go without seeing my fiancé, after all."
[♦] Hershel locked up for a moment, as Randall grabbed both cheeks between his hands, moving forward to capture another kiss. Passion spurring through it, as brief as it was. When he backed away, a foot on the ground and a knee on the seat still, he blushed, a small smile stuck to him;
“I know, and I’ll make sure it never happens again, Hershel.”
