austin contemplates, giving will a once-over. god, it would be a lot cheaper. after a few moments of silence, he reaches for the phone to cancel in defeat. “how long is it gonna take you?” he asks will as he waits for the people to pick up, receiver pressed to his ear.

“i’m also not the sort to be in debt to my new neighbors.” he replies, crossing his arms. meadow lingers near will’s legs, sniffing curiously. “don’t need that hanging over my head when i can’t get it back in time.”

“yeah?” he doesn’t have a clue in the world about cars, but that can’t be good. he slides the cake out of the pan and onto a cooling rack, frowning when he burns his fingers a little. “i’ve got a guy coming to check it out. he’s leaving in two hours.”

when he hears the door click open, austin sighs. meadow stands from her bed and stretches, suddenly alert as she makes her way towards the sound. “will?” he calls for confirmation, still mixing the glaze for the steaming cake. he scoops some up on his finger, popping it into his mouth. too sweet.

austin’s got a guy on the phone within minutes. the quoted price makes him cringe and grip the phone cord. how many muffins can he sell to make that back? when he hangs up the oven dings. he sighs in frustration, sliding his oven mitts on as he enters the kitchen.

what’s up his ass today? he grunts in frustration. “i better call mine up then, huh?” time is money on this fine morning and the mechanic in the town over will take a few hours. leaving the hood open to air out, he makes his way back inside.

cue his eyebrow raising. “i won’t have cash to deal if i can’t get my stuff down to the booth today.” he places a hand on the car, and gazes off in thought. “i’ve got a cake in the oven, if that changes anything.”

raising a hand to use it as a visor for his eyes against the blazing sun, a grin curls onto his lips. “somethin’ like that.” he replies. “you got time to come check this out for me? there’s goodies in it for you.”

you’re saying that as if *you’re* gonna be married anytime soon.

ha ha. right ?

pinching the bridge of his nose. the car won’t start. stepping out, he pops the hood open. smoke can’t be good. fuck. looking up to see @oilslicked.bsky.social over the back fence. he waves, attempting to grab his attention.

/ wow!! you’re early!

/ is this thing on…

for once i believe you over him.

you sure about that ?

who’s snatchin’ up my free samples? 💢

good morning! how’s she on this fine day?

“these beauties? and just what do you need hives for, mr. fitzroy?” following a few feet behind, watching closely.

“i can see that.” clicking his tongue. he isn’t too keen on people snooping around his property. “and does walton fitzroy from the health department want a cup of coffee for his hard work?”

raising an eyebrow at the sight as he comes around the back. he approaches, arms crossed over his chest. “can i help you with somethin’ there?”

stepping out of his house and stretching. he slept like a rock.

/ i forgot about this account….. hello……..

ranting to the bees as he harvests honey. he’s just a little homesick.

you kiddin’? that’s what comes with the job.

picking honey out of his hair .. bad day.

.. and just what were you lookin’ to get? ( taking the coins from his hand, giving them a little shake. )

.. i’m hearing talk of honey.

/ everybody is gonna give him a heart attack

leave it o— five bucks?

the rain is makin’ the bees cranky. got a few stings.

you’re only mentioning that now ? let me get a shirt on . .

skedaddle, boy.

whatever .. i gotta get this shirt off.

now he’s just messing with me . .

.⠀ׂ⠀𖧷 life gave me some 𝙻𝙴𝙼𝙾𝙽𝚂, ꒷︶꒦⊹ ˖⠀ so i made 𝑺𝑶𝑴𝑬 𝑳𝑬𝑴𝑶𝑵𝑨𝑫𝑬 . ︵ ˚ ͙۪۪̥ 𐔌

somebody’s not getting free samples anytime soon.

old ?

.. and i thought young folk minded their business.

/ i just know he eats with his hands 80% of the time

munching on some honey garlic chicken tenders. his life is good.

.. i just washed this shirt.

i know what you are.

.. hadn’t thought that through yet.

oh—! didn’t see you there, blondie.

god forbid a man not waste perfectly good honey.

no need! you want some?