Marc sits on the ground near the edge of Stark's Pond - because where else would a group of boys go to get drunk in summer - leaning back on his hands and taking occasional sips of his beer that Nick's big sister bought for them. Alcohol isn't his favourite thing because its just empty calories, but Marc likes the feeling it brings and how it makes Michael's smile come easier and more genuine. He's brought away from his thoughts by Josh putting his big head in his field of vision. He's smashed through three cans already, and Joshie is a big boy but still a lightweight, so his cheeks are flushed. "Come for a walk, Marc!" Josh says, too loud for their close proximity. Marc sighs: he's comfortable, and its his rest day so he's justified in not wanting to move, but a drunk Josh with too much energy is never a good thing and it always falls on Marc to take care of him. They walk around the edge of the pond, but slowly, because Josh seems to be very focused on every step he takes. Marc doesn't mind, just enjoys the sun and the cool breeze that comes from being near open water and takes the time to consider his breakfast for tomorrow - omelet, high protein. He's brought out of his thoughts by Josh again, who makes a loud "Oh my god!" out of nowhere. When Marc looks over at him, Josh is squatting down next to a small duckling that has fallen over. Just a small way away, a mother duck is walking with some ducklings behind her. "Look Marc! This tiny bro is separated from its little family, we have to help him!" "Yeah, we probably should," Marc says. "Can I pick him up?" "Yeah but like, be careful, dude." And Joshie does, picking up the duckling by gently scooping it up with two hands on either side of it. He's so gentle, his hands never pushy or hard, and Marc just catalogs it into the contradictions that make up Joshie: rough but gentle, the toughest skin but the sofest heart. Josh's big hands dwarf the tiny duck as he brings it near his near his face to say, "I got you, tiny bro." He then slowly walks over to the little line of ducklings behind the mother, releases it at the back, and stands there for a long moment as he watches them all waddle off as a group. He turns back to Marc and smiles - a sweet, big, genuine smile. Marc feels a rush of affection for his weird younger friend, and ruffles his hair and tells him good job when Josh comes running back.
stormborns
germansingergirl
