the sun is setting and riley isn’t here yet—which is ok, really, because elias is far too early—and elias has been trying to unpack the scones nestled in the patchworked picnic basket for a good ten minutes now; he’s been too distracted by trying to commit the scenery to memory, fingers itching from where they want to sketch it into the comic he’s been building. ( and it’s not exactly a comic, not just yet – but it’s close enough that he doesn’t quite know what else to call it. ) he’s laid out the sheet already, the gingham pattern ( a new term he’d learned, gaze narrowed as it read out the tag when he’d gone hunting for it at the local home store ) bright against the darkening night. in the end, he gives up on it after all – decides it’s probably best to keep them packed until they’re ready to eat.
elias had been really proud of himself: small, satisfied smiles erring on the side of a little shy as he’d gone ahead and paid for it all, walked out with a bag full of things that reminded him of the spring’s sun, and riley’s smile. he’d thought of everything he could have needed for the picnic – except for lights. candles. something to help them see, get around to the food once the moon would come to take and the night would fall. they couldn’t rely jus ton the meteors, could they?
a slight sigh parted on mauve lips. well. his phone flashlight would just have to do.
he’s closed up the picnic basket by the time he hears the tell-tale fall of riley’s footsteps. knees pulled into himself, there’s a blanket he’s wrapped around his shoulders – and he feels smaller, tucked under the folds of the night. ( their setup is one of many tonight, there are people a few steps close – and yet elias feels safe, warm, something cotton-soft in his chest as curious eyes watch the sky above him. ) head turning when the sound ushers in close, the smile on his face is genuine, a blooming of lips, brightening of eyes.
“you’re here.” he moves to the side some, neck tilted up to catch riley’s gaze from where he’s standing. “i got us set up. i couldn’t snag a spot up by the water, but – we’ve got scones.” there’s a quiet lilt to his voice, but something in it is pleased – humming. “i felt like that makes up for it.” ( @rileyseung )
