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Changing of seasons quote by Yoko Ono .
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
The rust red - orange hue in the center of a green edged leaf matched the color of the poet's beard .
"Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence . Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance . "
Erick recited , his wide neck craned back to gaze up at the claw - like , thin branches . Perro and Shun raised their furry heads and observed the giant man while he spoke .
" Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence . Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance . " the brawny redhead finished . The Yorkie duo went back to sniffing the grass , curious at the nosy level .
" Beautiful . " Brodie complimented his man while people - watching the bicycle riding and hand holding couples , children eating ice cream and flying kites , other dogs jogging on leash or off and rolling around on their backs to scratch an itch . " You could be on stage one day . "
Rowan blushed to a pale pink in spots on his cheeks .
" Guys , get back over here ! " Colby called to his pets , patting the unrolled blue checkered blanket he and his unusual friends shared for their picnic in the park .
The dogs continued exploring with their nostrils , totally ignoring their owner .
The nineteen year old sighed .
" Now I know what being a parent is like . "
Jimmy chuckled .
" Dogs will be dogs , right ? "
" Irritating and unfortunately , yeah . " his boyfriend replied grumpily and was immediately tickled with the ends of the oddly dressed man's scarf until he cackled .
" Laughter . Synonyms - hilarity , cachinnation , peal and ... " Erick paused , nose wrinkled at the foul odor .
Perro and Shun had discovered uneaten items discarded and spilled from the trash can .
" Yuck . " he said .
" Hey ! What is - put that down ! " Colby jumped up and ran to his mischievous canines .
" Back into ' Solitary ' you go . " he proclaimed , setting the dogs one at a time into the folding portable plastic kennel . " You know the rules , disobey and you pay . So says my parents and it counts for both of you pests as well . "
The dogs whined , watching their owner clean his fur speckled hands with sanitizer and crumpled napkins .
" Antonyms - unhappiness and despair . " the redhead stated from behind his recent creation made out of soft rubber , hard plastic , knotted wires and bits of welded metal , a split faced and eerie sheep mask .
Colby unpacked the reusable cloth shopping bag first , spilling plastic eating untensils , a big roll of paper towels and several travel size bottles of hand sanitizer out onto the blanket before spreading out their lunch .
He divided up the sandwiches next , tomatoes , onions , turkey bacon and grilled chicken wrapped in lettuce , then apples and grapes for the fruit snack .
Finally , celery and carrot sticks counted as the vegetable snack serving with tiny cups of almond butter and cashew butter on the side with the beverage of choice , bottled water .
" All of his fancy words and Row hasn't mentioned to y'all yet about what I'm having my Florida acreage turned into ? " Brodie inquired , out of the blue and after chomping into a sandwich .
" Ooohhh , no , what ? " Jimmy looked over expectantly .
So did his partner , wiping cashew butter from the tip of his nose .
" The Huber Nature Preserve for Swamp Conservation and Children's Education . " the scary sheep boasted . " Doesn't it sound beautiful ? "
" It's music when you say it , my sweet . " his boyfriend answered , smiling gently as a group of elderly men and women played croquet and badminton in the distance .
" Awesome ! "
" Yeah , congrats , man ! "
" We've been celebrating too . " the trans man bragged and held up all four fingers on one hand . " An entire month of being the number one , top of the list tag team . "
" Although , I practically live at number six . " Colby griped petulantly . " Singles column . "
" And me at seven . " Jimmy said , suddenly crestfallen and lost in thought . " Solo list . "
" However ... good news is , if not next year then I guarantee in the year after , I'll have my degree in sports psychology for peak performance and anatomical kinesiology " the almost twenty year old gloated .
" Kinesiology . " Rowan said . " K -I - N- E - S ... "
" Ssssssshhh , hon ! I - well , I'd like to hear what he has to say . I'm interested . " Harper replied , smiling in good spirits at his incredibly intelligent boyfriend .
" It means that he can get a moaning woman to leave a mess on his chin while I'm struggling with the bra removal on mine ! " Jimmy answered , speaking in a dejected tone of voice and mimicked weeping .
Erick leaned in and pantomimed handing him a tissue .
Colby glanced at the bad acting and chortled .
" Men . " he commented .
" Yeah , I know . " Brodie replied agreeably , laughing gently .
" Deviant ! Have some more food already . My Sofia - Mom would say you should eat enough to gain a few added pounds . "
" Yeah , really ? And what does her son think about how my body looks ? " Jimmy inquired , devilishly .
Colby inched nearer to forehead bump his boyfriend .
" Not in public . "
" Affectionate display ! " Rowan mocked a gasp and swoon , dropping his big hands into the pen and trying to cover the Yorkies ' eyes while his scraggly bearded lover cracked up laughing .
" Hey , lovebirds , I'm enjoying the banter and we thank you for the free meal but it's time to head back to the farm . I have my doubts that those sheep have learned to care for themselves . " Brodie said , wiping tears from his eyes and shaking his head .
" They'll complain if we're late with their dinner . " his spooky boyfriend added , rubbing both dogs ' bellies until they squirmed in delight .
" It is getting late and these mutts ought to be put up for the night . "
" Yeah , and we have some housework left from earlier . "
" So do we , except ours should be called barn work . " Brodie said .
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
" We need a team name . A real one . " Colby suggested , dramatically struggling in his best friend's grip .
His figure was snug in the new ring attire now that Mom had caught on about his rejection of the asinine leotard and bought him a sleeveless tee and running tights for a substitute .
" What , ' Reigning Cats and Dogs ' isn't inspiring for you anymore ? " Jimmy wondered .
" Considering we thought of it after sampling Rusty Nails , Orange margaritas and Hunter's cocktails , I'd say maybe not . "
" Sips . We had sips . And on a full stomach too , Mister ' Try some of this goulash , it's terrific ! ' Don't play like we're slobbering drunks . "
" That's what I said , sampled . " the nineteen year old agreed and arched his brows . " I happen to be an adventurous eater . "
" Ah , so that's why my labia feels like it's doing handstands for most of the month . "
" Okay , what are you doing , man ? ! " Colby grunted , wriggling in the boring resthold .
" Getting head . Can't you tell ? " Jimmy teased .
" Ha ha . See , that's just it . We can't depend on using the same team name for our entire career and you sir , madam , should get some more moves . "
" Like what ? Like ... this ? ! "
Jimmy released his boyfriend from the headlock , kicked him in the back and watched him land face first on the canvas .
He then tossed his hair prettily and ran the ropes before moving in for a second strike , aimed for the jaw .
His bestie evaded the boot to his face but the third kick , like the first , toppled him .
" There you go ! Except ... wait - "
" What now ? ! "
" You gave me time to get to my feet . You can't do that , man ! " Colby pointed out .
" If I didn't let you stand , how else could I have made you fall ? " Jimmy snapped back .
" Woah , score a point for your side . "
" Told you so . "
The trans male blocked and dodged jabs and blows slung by flying feet and fists .
He smashed into his friend , full bodied and caused them to be unsteady on their booted feet .
On all fours , Jimmy dragged his upper torso into a position that brushed against his boyfriend's chest .
Colby stared up into his two years older lover's face while lying prone with stinging muscles and a stream of trickling perspiration pooling into his navel rapidly , the young man quite thunderstruck by his female boyfriend's boldness .
" Now do I inspire you ? "
" Yes indeed , Mademoiselle adrenaline rush o' mine . "
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
" Hurry , guys ! You wanna wind up with ice - dickles ? Because I don't . " the nineteen year old complained when another icy gust blew past him and descended into his clothing . He stood in the freezing night air , holding double leashes and hopefully encouraging both dogs at the opposite ends to get a move on .
Shun squatted - at last ! - and Perro lifted a leg to the bent remains of plants and weeds at the tree line of their property .
Colby grimaced , too numb and cold to be in any sort of mood to pick up shit and he hadn't brought any scoop bags this time .
He took a quick look around , yanking the leashes .
This far back from the homes and close to a wooded area ...
" Nah . " he said , leaving the mess . Nobody would tread through it and by the time he walked four steps , it'd be fully frozen solid anyway .
The young man exhaled a breath of swirling steam and laughing , happily returned home .
" Here you are ! " Sofia beamed , her face glowing .
" We've waited for you . " Raul stated , opening the door wider .
" You could have went ahead and unwrapped your gifts . I wouldn't mind . "
Colby shook out of his puffer vest , peeling the heavy material from the ' ugly Christmas sweater ' he and his entire family , canines included , wore .
His was mainly light blue with an ice skating scene and snow men in top hats and scarves .
Mom had on hers , brick red with Santa and his flying reindeer .
Dad sported white with a dark green tree sprinkled with multi - color bulb ornaments that to his child's total embarrassment , glowed in the dark .
Shun and Perro wore twin mini patchwork sweaters , colored in red , green , white , blue and silver with giant candy canes embroidered on the fronts .
The Yorkies turned in circles before burrowing into their pristine green plaid bed big enough for a collie to sleep in comfort , brand new toys and chews strewn at their hairy feet .
" The Queen goes first . " the young man stated , handing two copper glittery beribboned packages to his parents .
" Our Majesty . " his father added , pulling the sparkling bow off with a crackling sounding tug .
" Don't forget the King and Prince . " Sofia replied cordially , tearing at tape and shiny paper . " What are these for ? "
" They are indoor flower and herb gardens in Mason jars . When spring and warm weather rolls back around , they can be transferred outside or leave them in , whichever . " Colby explained .
" We appreciate these , thoughtful boy . " his mother said , sorting the seed packets .
" You're keeping our hands from being idle , that is true . " his father commented , drumming his fingernails against the glass containers brimming with soil and a layer of pebbles beneath .
Colby blushed , the corners of his mouth quirked and rising .
" Stop with the thanks . There are more , here ! " he replied , pushing the stack forward .
He sat cross legged on the living room floor rug and after his parents admired and complimented their heated massage pillows and a bocce ball set .
And now to strike , go in for the kill , the piece de resistance of pranks .
" Okay , now this is for the two of you only . Not to be used when I'm at home or for any of your friends to see . " the young man said craftily and flipped the cellophane encased deck .
Sofia's mouth fell open , then snapped shut once she and her husband had read the printed words ' Sexy Truth Or Dare ' on the game's front cover .
" These are obscene ! "
Raul went along with his wife's aghast reaction , although he appeared to be more taken by the erotic cards .
" We'll keep them hidden from the neighbors . "
Following the unboxing of quite a stash of assorted clothes his padre y madre had bought for him , Colby dove on the largest package , shredding the Jingle Bell patterned paper .
He practically hugged the portable induction cook top .
" Thanks ! This is awesome ! " the young man whooped .
" Our reward is knowing that you are happy . " his mother stated .
" Also , we are hinting that you should move out . " his father kidded .
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
" Three ... "
" Two ... "
" One - "
" Happy New Year ! "
" February ! " Sofia shouted , startling the rest of the small group . fell back on the sofa and laughed , a shrill giggle while she kicked her feet as though she were swimming . " February . "
Raul solemnly exhaled , assisting his spouse into a standing position .
" Our cue to head home . "
" You're welcome to stay . We have enough room , if cat fur doesn't bother you . " Tom offered .
" I think walking in the cold air should help . "
" I'll drive you . " Judy said , rummaging through her purse , then her son's flamingo pink handbag for keys .
" It's only a few steps , nothing to be concerned about . "
Their son did fret and wouldn't have his mind changed if he spoke up to say so .
Twenty five degrees at three past midnight and ' few steps ' or only a single one , he wasn't going to let his parents risk freezing - or worse .
" I'm going too . " Colby said , pulling on one of his favorite Christmas gifts , a black zip up sweatshirt .
He yanked the hood over his hair and tugged the sewn - in cloth insert attached to the inside of neckline up to cover his mouth and nose .
Sofia peered at her son .
" Why are you dressed like a burglar ? "
" It's me , Mom . Give me your hand so I can help Dad take you home . "
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
The keys rattled , jingling in the lock once it clicked open .
Raul groaned suddenly , clutched his stomach and bent over the front porch's side railing to vomit .
" DAD ? ! " Colby cried .
" Bank robber , stay out of my house . " Sofia said , giggling louder .
" Stand with your mother so she won't trip . I'll be with you soon . "
Shun and Perro awoke , growled at their unrecognized human and started sounding their barks of warning .
" Guys , be quiet ! " the young adult scolded .
" No , you shut up , bad robber . " his mother chimed in , swaying .
Raul grabbed her before she hit the floor .
" Come along , my dear . "
He looked at his son .
" I'll help her into pajamas and make it to the toilet unharmed . "
Colby nodded .
" Yeah and I'll run the mutts outside real fast so they won't be whining to , uhnm , potty at sunrise . "
Minutes past when his parents had lurched to their bedroom , he hurridly snatched leashes , came close to running into the tallest corner standing lamp and weaved around the coffee table lost in a daze for a second .
He opened the sized big enough for a basset hound to have room wire crate that the two little dogs shared and clipped leashes to the neon collars .
Afterwards , two dogs and one human thawed in their trailer home , the Yorkie team snoring by then and Colby sprung into action , hot water scrubbing his hands a second time at the kitchen sink .
His mother bellowed and chuckled at a raised volume and his father's words , softer spoken , drifted down the hallway .
" ¡ Romántico ! "
" Sofía , quédate quieto . "
Colby breathed in serenely , out rasping like having sandpaper in his throat and dug through the fridge .
He uncapped a big bottle of lemon - lime sports drink , held three clear plastic cups one by one beneath the ice maker and poured the neon green beverage into each glass .
After chugging his share , he swallowed two aspirin , groaned and carried the remaining two drinks and four headache killing , white bitter - powder pills on a tray to his parents room .
" Uh , knock knock . " the young man called out , hesitant after tapping on the door .
" ¿ Quién está ahí ? " his mother whooped .
Raul laughed , out of sight before groaning .
" It's okay for you to come in . We're both covered fully . "
" Thanks ... I mean - I brought both of you some painkillers before bed . The tame kind , nothing toxic . "
Raul noted his son's worried look and smiled reassuringly .
" You should go to bed too . Get some rest . "
" Yes , but - " Colby stammered .
" She's okay . We're fine . Head to your room and sleep . Don't be concerned . "
" Okay , Dad . "
He dragged and hauled his exhausted , sore body under the covers , disobeying his father's command .
He did worry about them .
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
" Rrrrrrrrrrr . "
" Rrrrrrrrrrr - arrrrrrr ! "
The Yorkies tussled on their bed , playing a game of tug - of - war , their canine version of a human's wrestling match while the coffee bubbled and steamed in the pot , eggs were cracked into the pan and beaten with a whisk , ginger root peeled and finely grated and Colby , apron clad and working hard , felt gratified .
Sofia squealed and applauded , planting kisses on each side of her child's face .
" Thank you , sweetie ! "
" Esto no es ningún problema . Voch' mi khndir . "
" Ts'ankats'ats depk'um shnorhakal yem . "
The young man grinned . His parents were getting better at speaking his language as much , if not more than he was learning theirs .
" Your father will be joining us soon . Until then , I'd like to talk with you . "
" Go ahead . " the almost twenty year old poked the eggs to check if they were ready , stirred them with the whisk for one last scramble , then plated the breakfast protein .
" I apologize for doing certain things that obviously upset you . Please do not think that I'm acting like your mother intentionally . "
" Who are you supposed to act like , Mom ? My great grand uncle's dentist ? "
" Repeating your mother's mistakes by being an alcoholic . " Sofia continued , brushing a napkin over her mouth swiftly .
" Nooooo , you're not like that at all ! Besides , Dad explained and - I already know that you only drink to celebrate for every New Year . This isn't something daily or weekly and anyway , every person legally old enough to drive probably gets tipsy on January first , nothing to be ashamed of . "
Raul took a huge mug from the collection in the cabinets and filled it to the brim with pure black liquid caffeine , sugar and cream free . He eyed the loaded glasses and dishes , gleeful , impressed and curious .
" An unexpected nice surprise ! What struck you to fix a buffet ? "
" I thought we would need some hangover curing food , so I made eggs scrambled with tomatoes and toast spread with honey and topped with sliced bananas . The drinks are ice water with peeled , grated ginger and lemon slices thrown in . " the young man said , staring partly pop - eyed at his father's damp hair and then his mother's again .
Clearly , they'd showered together .
Maybe they had been using the playing cards after all .
His mother gazed at her boy with increased suspicion .
" Are you still not feeling well ? Your face is awfully flushed . "
" I'm perfectly healthy , honest . If no one minds , when I'm finished eating , can I go over and see Jimmy ? " Colby asked .
" Why should we mind ? Just put your dishes in the sink , please . "
" And take your coat . " Raul reminded his son .
" Brrrrr ! You're icy , Mister ! " Jimmy quipped following his greeting kiss he'd snuck in without his parents to witness .
" Well , let me have time to warm up ! " Colby laughed , claiming the recliner . " How is the hangover for three today ? "
" Fading fast . And yours ? "
" Same . Did you take down a big breakfast ? "
" My guess is that everybody of legal age and above has by now in my sublime Michigan , state beyond compare . "
" Eggs ? " Colby inquired .
" Coconut water , tomato juice , chicken noodle soup and banana stuffed French toast . "
" Classy lady . "
" Well , a family that pukes together slays together ... or something to that effect . " the afab young adult replied .
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Shivering , he nestled into his fit for chilly temps Christmas gifts , an ink black wool overcoat and imitation black leather gloves with silver - grey faux fur lining .
Jimmy met him on the porch and shooed Colby into the trailer , surrounded by a gang of felines made perturbed from the lowered temps .
" Hi , pretty lady . "
" Hi to you , handsome . No frisking me until my polish dries . " the crazy cat lady male commented after a kiss .
He gave his lover a mug of hot chocolate with the last of the coffee stirred in and tiny marshmallows floating on the light brown , steaming hot surface .
" You're invited to our evening meal and on the menu will be vegetable soup , grilled cheese with bacon on rye , baked potatoes with sour cream and chives and dessert , apple pie bread pudding . " the Iowan sank onto the couch , felines scurrying to escape from the unknown horror that was his work booted feet .
" Mmmmmm , thank you and tell your folks thanks too but me and mine are going out to a steakhouse tonight . " Jimmy in Xio mode said , laying with his head propped back in his friend's lap .
" Now this isn't your birthday gift from me . It's your before birthday gift , okay ? " Colby sat the empty cup aside and gestured to the long and wide mystery object .
" My gift gift ? ! " Jimmy asked , attacking the package .
" Uhmm hmmmn , since you already have lots of presence . " the almost twenty year old replied , nodding .
" Oh , oooooohhh , it's beautiful ! " the afab young adult beamed , slightly dazed at his musical instrument .
" It's pawn shop so I had to fix the strap with glue , needle and thread and purchase the tuner , pick and case separately . "
" Thankyouthankyouthankyou ! "
" Ninguna necesidad de agradecerme . Tsnundd shnorhavor . " Colby squinted and smiled during the grateful embrace .
" I can finally learn to play ' This Old Guitar ' using ... this old guitar ! " Jimmy gloated .
The Iowan instantly crossed his eyes , his choice for an appropriate reaction in friendship's ' non speaking role . '
His bizarre Michigan partner scooted closer for another snog , halting when his phone alerted him to a recent call and message .
" Oh , is Cult Leader a'callin ' ? " Colby suddenly frowned .
" He's more like a role model . People listen to what he says - "
" That's a cult , alright . "
" No , no , he's really cool . Hot babes hang around him all the time and he's my latest pick for a fashion muse . " Jimmy answered shyly .
" That creep brings you i-D and Wonderland magazine issues at work and becomes your best friend . " the nineteen year old pouted angrily .
" I'll never replace you ! But I do like making you seethe from jealousy . " the older man stated , grinning .
" I noticed that . " Colby tried to grab the phone but his friend darted away .
" Oh , no , you don't ! "
" He's disgusting and I'm going to tell him so . "
" Nuh uh . " Jimmy held the phone out of reach . " You wait here for me . "
The Iowan groaned and sulked , slouching until his boyfriend returned to the living room from his bedroom .
He cocked his head , astounded .
His odd but likeable bestie was trembling and pale .
" We got a call ! " he blurted , then fell back on the couch with a thud .
" For what ? Getting a chance to score a pin fall in some crap high school gym with the damn basketball hoop still hanging above ? "
" Hey , have some confidence with that doubt and bad attitude . Chili cheese fries cost extra . "
" I - jeez , you are really shaking ! Wait ... here , hold still . Relax . " Colby ordered , stroking his friend's The Cure inspired , rat's nest hairdo , with rubs similar to how Jimmy petted his long haired cats .
" From my point of view , this isn't calming . " his partner grinned , wicked and naughty as any ' horny devil ' and ogling his buddy's lower half .
" Mmmmmm , not for me either . "
" Well , if my blood sugar level ever drops , I'll call on you to be my eye candy . More so . " the eccentric young adult teased , wiggling his brows .
" So , what did creep Cult Leader have to say ? ' Cause I'll fight him if he proposed . "
" It's the most unbelievable , wacky , astonishing and great thing ! "
" Which is ... ? " Colby asked and waited for the answer impatiently .
" MTV has plans to produce their own televised wrestling show and they saw our work tapes - " Jimmy began .
" MTV ? ! " the nineteen year old shouted .
" Yep . Ready to be a star in Hollywood , Champ ? "