Author's Note: Thank you for waiting! The next couple of months shouldn't be quite as busy, I hope, so maybe the next update will be quicker. This is a longer chapter, so at least the wait has a little bit of an award, right? Or just additional punishment... hmm...
Durotos- Very good analysis of Gray and the other characters in this chapter! I do try to not leave threads hanging, so you might need that popcorn at some point. I wouldn't look too deeply into those fake names, though. That's just Jack trying not to feel like he's gossiping about actual people that could be identified, even though Gray would have no idea who they are, anyways.
Guest- Thank you for the kind review! :) I am of course able to see how many people view a chapter, but you're right, it's hard to know just how much they are actually reading or like it without a review. I'm glad you're enjoying Gray's growth, since that's definitely the heart of the story. But oh boy, there is still much more progress to be made on that account! I promise I'll keep writing, fear not!
Chapter Thirty-Four: Boiling
Jeff massaged his temple as he asked Gray, "What exactly was the signal again?"
The two sat at a table in the empty bakery a little before noon. Ellen sat outside enjoying the sunny weather, and Elli was already preparing the kitchen for lunch customers, so they had the dining room to themselves.
"A couple taps of the fork on the table," Gray reminded as he demonstrated the motion. "Will you notice that?"
"I mean, yes, probably, if I'm looking for it. But I don't know, Gray. I understand being nervous, but if I come over to your table every time you can't think of something to say, people are going to think I'm overbearing."
"I'll keep it to a minimum," Gray promised while adjusting his collar for the ninth time. He was wearing the nicest outfit he owned, excluding his suit- a green button-up and a pair of khakis. He even elected to leave his hat and coveralls at home for once. Eating a meal with Popuri's parents was still being treated as a fluke of sorts, but Gray imagined no one was fooled about what was going on, so he needed to impress.
Jeff looked very doubtful that Gray could handle most of the meal without assistance, but before Gray could provide further assurances, a bell chimed that indicated someone was opening one of the main doors. Both startled men jumped to their feet.
Popuri entered first. Her arms were hugged her body almost shyly, but she shot an encouraging smile. She was dressed her usual attire, but she always looked beautiful, so perhaps that was to be expected.
Jeff had just enough time to whip around the counter and act normal as Popuri's parents walked in, abandoning Gray all alone. Lillia looked as tranquil and elegant as ever, and Basil seemed to be in a friendly, easygoing mood. Even so, Gray was paralyzed by fear until Basil approached and stuck out a hand. "You look nice. How are you doing today, Gray?"
"V-very well, sir," the younger man answered as they shook hands.
"Sir? I don't remember you calling me that for years now. There's no need to bring it back, unless there's some reason I don't know about..."
Gray struggled to come with an answer before mumbling, "No, of course not," as he slipped into a seat. After he did, it occurred to him that maybe it would have been polite to help Popuri with her chair, but it was too late by that point. Maybe it would have come off as too forward, anyways. Is there even a right answer in these situations?
Lillia whispered something along the lines of, "Be easy with him, honey," to her husband as they joined Gray at the table. Popuri sat to Gray's left, Lillia to his right, and Basil across the counter, meaning the most intimidating person would be facing directly at him the entire meal. Gray instinctively picked up a fork set before him and began to tap it nervously. When Jeff looked up and took a step in their direction, Gray quickly realized his error and waved his partner off. There was an awkward stutter as Jeff halted and then resumed when he realized he needed to hand out menus either way.
All of this was going on behind Popuri's back, but she was quite amused by watching Gray's panicked expressions. Thankfully, her parents were too busy talking to each other to notice.
Though Jeff managed to mostly act normal as he greeted his guests and gave them menus, his voice did crack once, exposing his nervousness. Gray would have facepalmed if he could have done so privately. He wanted Jeff to be ready to help if needed, but he did not intend to put the baker so on the spot that he would share in Gray's anxiety. The whole trial was shaping up to be one massive mistake.
Once Jeff walked away to give them a minute to decide their order, Popuri at last spoke up. "So, what are you planning to get, Gray?"
"Umm... I guess pizza or something," Gray muttered, only because it was the first thing that came to mind and saying nothing wasn't an option. He immediately regretted his selection. Eating greasy pizza with his hands? It wouldn't leave a good impression.
To his surprise, though, the decision found approval with at least one set of ears. "Hmm... pizza..." Lillia hummed under her breath.
Basil chuckled at his wife's utterance. "What, do you think that sounds good, too?"
Lillia confessed, "If you don't mind me saying, it has been a while since I've had any."
"How about this?" her husband said with a snap of his fingers. "We get a pizza for the whole table. Cost is on me."
Gray shook his head, pleading, "You really shouldn't-"
"- Oh, I could see why it might offend your masculinity if you don't pay for yourself..."
"No, it's not that! It'-."
"- Oh, now I get it," Basil persisted with faux sympathy. "You had planned on paying for Popuri's meal, and I'm getting in the way."
"No, I di-... Well..."
"Remember what I said, Basil?" Lillia scolded in a voice louder than usual for her. Despite trying to sound serious, it was also obvious that she was struggling to hold back a smile.
Basil laughed profusely. "Oh, just ignore me! Really, though, Gray, I do insist on paying, if you don't have any more objections."
Gray wasn't brave enough to role-play as a punching bag a second time, so he shook his head to indicate that there wouldn't be a problem. Matters quickly devolved again, though, as the party tried to pick toppings.
"If we are getting pizza, we should aim for less unhealthy toppings, yes?" Lillia suggested. "Maybe some peppers and onions?"
Gray mentally groaned, but he wasn't going to complain. Thankfully, Popuri did that for him.
"Peppers? Really Mom?" She turned to Gray, beseeching, "Please tell me you won't go for it."
Gray was probably willing to agree with her regardless of his feelings on the toppings, but he was able to answer honestly, "I'm with you. I don't care about the onions, but green peppers are too bitter, and the texture's off."
Popuri beamed to see his support. "Isn't it?! There's a reason for that. Green peppers aren't even ripe! I don't get the appeal. Why don't I just eat a dark green banana for lunch while I'm at it, or straight kale if I want something bitter?"
"Well, dear, what do you propose instead?" Lillia asked patiently.
"Hmm..." Popuri thought out loud. "Pineapple." When no one reacted, Popuri added a little indignantly, "Well, it's not like I love pizza all that much to begin with, but I'll put up with it if it comes with pineapple. I think my vote counts for more."
No one had the resolve to argue, so the pineapples were added. They all approved mushrooms as well, so a two-topping order was submitted to Jeff. Once that was dealt with, there was a temporary reprieve as Popuri controlled the conversation, occasionally talking with or about Gray but rarely requiring him to add complicated input. It was only a matter of time, though, before Gray once again found himself on the defensive.
"So, Gray, what's going on in your life as of late?" Basil pressured.
"Not much." When that evidently wasn't a satisfactory answer, Gray added, "Working with Jack to get him ready for the horse race in the mornings, then back to do work at our ranch in the afternoon, usually."
"I've talked with Jack some, and he says Gray is doing a great job!" Popuri bragged on Gray's behalf. "Do you think Jack has a chance at winning?" she then questioned.
"It's possible," Gray said with a shrug. "He's gotten better, but he'll need to keep improving if we are talking about winning."
"Well, I'll hate to miss it, but be sure to tell me how it goes. I'll be rooting for you from afar," Basil commented, referring to his upcoming annual trip. There wasn't much research to be done in the Flowerbud area during the winter months, so he would be headed abroad sometime in the coming weeks.
The reminder gave Gray inspiration for something to discuss. "Do you enjoy being away, or would you rather be here over winter?" he asked Basil.
Basil leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms as both his wife and daughter looked at him almost despondently.
"I try not to think about it too much," he said slowly and carefully, seemingly aware that this was a sensitive subject for his wife and daughter. "My job requires me to go, so that's the way it is. It's best to live in the moment. I love being with my family while here, but I enjoy learning and exploring while away. What do you think, Gray? How often have you gone out of town?"
"We sometimes went to races when I was younger. I've also visited stables to scout prospective deals a couple times, but that's about it. I planned to leave when I would start racing competitively, but..." Gray shrugged. "That's not going to happen. I'd still like to spend some time away, though."
"What do you hope to get out of that?"
Gray took a moment to think through his answer, as in truth he did not have a rationale already formulated. "Flowerbud's fine, but it's not exactly diverse," he finally conveyed. "I want to understand how others see the world. Different ideas and all that. Maybe they have answers we don't have."
"That's a wise goal," Basil said with an approving nod. "There's a lot to be learned out there that simply has to be experienced for yourself. Maybe you could get Popuri to go, too."
Gray got the impression this was a familiar conversation for the two. Popuri didn't look too excited about the idea, so Gray joked, "It's not a bad idea. Maybe you could find someone else out there who appreciates pineapple on their pizza as much as you."
Popuri pretended to deeply contemplate the proposition. "Hmm... maybe, but we can't be for sure. What is a guarantee, though, is that I'll have a harder time convincing them to order along whatever lines I want."
"True, but there could be something you might like that you just can't find here," Gray countered. "Maybe foreign food, or an expensive dress?"
"I don't know... I think everything I want is right here," she sang sweetly as she gave Gray a warm, meaningful smile.
The flirting was overt enough that Gray blushed. He knew to avoid saying anything dismissive like at the picnic, but he didn't have any other ideas that would be comfortable saying around Popuri's parents. He reached for his fork and began to tap it on the table. His heart dropped when he realized that Jeff wasn't anywhere to be seen. Gray was ready to expel whatever words first came to mind when the door to the kitchen mercifully swung open. The reason for Jeff's disappearance was explained as he walked towards their table with a large dish carrying their pizza.
Everyone's focus was now commanded by their empty stomaches, so Gray likely could have gotten away with saying nothing. Even so, while Basil and Lillia began to plate pizza slices, Gray leaned over to Popuri and whispered, "When you put it that way... I think I might feel the same."
Popuri, sensing Gray's desire to avoid attention, didn't say anything more. Instead, she smiled again, and under the table out of sight, briefly squeezed Gray's hand before turning her attention to their lunch.
Gray would be expected home soon to help finish up work, but he first needed a breather to process everything that transpired at lunch. Was it a success? There were uncomfortable moments where Gray didn't look very bright, but it wasn't a total disaster. That could probably be considered a success in of itself. Even if Basil and Lillia decided Gray was a horrible candidate for their daughter, would Popuri listen? She could be pretty stubborn.
He pondered these questions as he took a stroll out towards the mountains. Normally he would have first stopped to say a few words to Greg, but something else caught his eye on the way there. Intriguingly, Ann and Jack were standing together across the river near the carpenters' shop. He knew the two considered each other friends, of course, but he rarely seemed to find firsthand evidence of it. Gray dropped all of his other plans and set off on his investigation. This was a perfect opportunity that had fallen into his lap.
The two appeared to be having a delightful conversation as they knelt beside the lone tree by the cliff, with Ann pointing at something on the ground. Gray couldn't tell what was being said, so he moved in closer.
"The rabbit's probably hiding the acorn to eat later," Ann spoke. "But it's going to forget about it in the spring and the acorn is going to sprout!"
Ann's laughter covered her brother's approach. "Sounds like somebody I know," Gray quipped as he came up alongside the two.
The younger sibling nearly fell face first in surprise. "Wow, you scared me!" Ann's shock quickly gave way to sheepishness as she stood up. "... Who's the somebody you're talking about?"
"I'm talking about the person who keeps forgetting about the treats she hides in the cabinets and drawers."
Ann already assumed Gray was talking about her, but she wasn't quite sure what he was getting at until he provided that extra hint. Her face turned red, either out of frustration or embarrassment. Probably both. "It's not like I forgot about them!"
"You like stale candy?"
Ann would never admit defeat, but there was no victory to be won. "Ahh, forget it!" She sputtered out in shame.
Gray mercifully agreed to move on, but he didn't make any effort to cover his smirk. "Alright... So what did I miss? Just when I thought I'd get away from the two of you for a change, here you are."
Jack answered first, "You and I agreed to take the day off, so I thought I'd enjoy my free time relaxing out here along the creek. I brought one of my books to read. I was doing that when Ann showed up."
His trainer's smirk didn't last through that explanation. "I said I'd be taking the day off, not you," Gray clarified in a voice best described as unimpressed. "So much for taking the initiative."
"It's not like I've done nothing," Jack defended with a half chuckle. "I made sure Crutcher was feeling alright and then took him into the pasture to relax. I also looked after my other livestock this morning, and I'll be tending the crops when I get back."
"Doing the bare minimum doesn't count as initiative."
To Gray's surprise, Jack looked somewhat annoyed and nearly opened his mouth to argue. He ended up not saying anything.
"Anyway..." Ann began slowly, sensing a bit of tension, "I came here for a bit of animal watching while letting lunch digest."
Gray didn't want any conflict with Jack, either, so he was happy to tease his sister instead. "Aren't you scared of wild animals?"
"Not the cute fuzzy ones! I'm looking for something in particular. It's called a pika bunny! It's supposed to only be in the area during winter, but Cliff swore he saw one the other day. I need to find it before that bird of his gets its claws on it."
"What are you going to do, take it home?"
"No... I... I'll have confirmation that it is in fact a pika bunny, and then I'll convince Cliff that Cain can't touch it because pika bunnies are cute!"
Even Jack had to point out the ridiculousness of Ann's argument. "Maybe I'm wrong, but I never got the impression Cliff is the kind of person to spare prey because it's cute."
"Well he will if it comes from me!"
Jack chuckled nervously. "Hard to argue with that logic."
The conversation then drifted towards Gray's choice of clothing and the date with Popuri, which both Ann and Jack knew about even though Gray only ever mentioned it to his jockey. The two had a fun time prying Gray for details, which they only had moderate success with. After having his fill, Jack saluted with his book and took a few steps away. "I should be going. I've got a lot of work ahead of me if I'm going to earn Gray's approval."
The two siblings were left alone after saying their goodbyes to Jack. Ann leaned against the tree, stuck her hands in her overall pockets, and sighed, "You upset with him for not training harder? I get that it might be frustrating if your goals aren't the same."
Gray waved the concern off, saying, "That was nothing. Jack's fine... You were right about him, actually. He's a nice guy, and not even bland."
"I'm glad to see you be a bit more open-minded."
"More like having evidence of the facts. Dad and I assumed he'd fail due to a lack of experience. From my sources, though, Jack's got a profitable operation. I didn't realize how much work he did with his grandfather when he used to visit. Looks like he's here to stay and contribute... I do feel bad for him, though."
"Why's that?" Ann asked, curious at the change of direction.
"He's lonely. I know it's getting to him."
"As far as I can tell, he's pretty sociable and gets along with everyone."
"Being liked doesn't equate deep relationships. Heck, sometimes it's easier to be liked without them. I know he wants more. We've talked. It would help him get over his old crush, too. The guy's been emotionally stuck in the same place for five years now."
"I'm... not sure I should be hearing this," Ann muttered uncomfortably. "Besides, Cliff is lonely, too. How do you expect me to leave him after everything he told me?"
If Ann was now using language that implied she would have to first "leave" Cliff, Gray didn't like where this was headed. "Did I miss something? I never mentioned Cliff."
"That's what this is about, isn't it?"
Was it really that obvious? He must have been laying on the sympathy for Jack a little too thick. "Why would I be worried about you and Cliff? I don't care if you're friends with him, and I trust your logic enough to know you wouldn't get tangled up any further."
"Is that why you're head over heels for Popuri? Because that's what logic told you to do?"
Ann's snide remarks made it clear that she was unhappy with her brother, but it was Gray who began the cycle of escalating voices. "Ann, you know as well as I do that getting involved with Cliff is a bad idea. Do you want to marry someone who's jobless and gets his food from his pet falcon? As if you plan on eating wild rabbit! Want to live on the floor of a cave?"
"Okay, fine. You're right, I've asked myself those questions," Ann nodded bitterly. "But did you ever consider that maybe you don't have the full picture? That maybe he could change some, if someone in this world would just show him a little love? And even if he didn't, it would be my decision, and my decision only!"
Gray grabbed one of the branches over his head and gave it a shake. "When you fell out of this tree, it might have been your decision, but to this day you still accuse of being irresponsible as a brother. It's the same here!"
"That's a stupid comparison. First off, I just say that to annoy you. And second off, I'm not a child anymore, Gray! What's your deal? I mean, good grief, I thought our dad was supposed to be the bad one about me and relationships! Yet he hasn't said anything about me and Cliff."
"He's not as 'bad' because he's lowered his standards. So long as you find someone that will get him grandchildren, that's good enough." After a pause, Gray calmly reassured, "I know you can still do better than that."
Ann smiled, which was a surprise until Gray realized the smile was acting as a substitute for a less pleasant reaction. After deciding that some of the carpenters working nearby were still in shouting range, Ann motioned Gray to follow her. She led him a short distance through the forest into a secluded clearing. It was a well-known site that many villagers visited on occasion, usually to make a wish to the Harvest Goddess by tossing an offering into the spring that sat at its center. This spring fed the nearby river, and its natural beauty and crystal-clear water probably inspired its association with the divine. It was considered a sacred place, but Gray had a suspicion that it would require reconsecration after Ann was finished with whatever she was about to say. No one was around to hear them, so there was no reason to keep up the last bit restraint they had held to before.
Ann took a few seconds to gather her thoughts, and then said with a deep breath, "You really know how to cast yourself as the hero, don't you? You probably believe it! How you are protecting your little sister and all that. I think that dishonesty is what annoys me more than anything. But, newsflash here! This isn't protective... it's possessive. You're not scared of me living off in some cave for my sake, you're scared of me going away and you being left alone. So instead you try setting me up with someone that you know you'll be around a lot. Well, learn to grow up! I do hope Jack finds someone for him, but I wouldn't count on it being me. Yes, I like Cliff, and no, I don't really care about your opinion!"
Gray grinded his teeth hard enough to bite through a diamond but remained silent. Ann therefore proceeded on, asking, "Now that we're being honest, I want you to answer a question, Gray. What did you say to Cliff to make him stop coming?"
"I already told you. I pointed out that you were trying to keep me from seeing him, and that you did it because you weren't comfortable about having feelings for him. That was enough to scare him off. That's really all, Ann."
"And why did you bring it up to him? A slip of the tongue? A public service announcement?"
Gray covered his eyes and shook his head. "Yeah, I wanted him to go away so you two wouldn't get closer. Is that what you wanted me to say? But I did it because-."
Ann stepped towards Gray and pointed a finger in his face. "No, you listen to me now, Gray! I've had it with your excuses. I let you get away with it last time, but this stops right here, right now!" Though Ann was still furious, her voice turned quieter, though not necessarily kinder, like a lid placed on a pot of boiling water. "You're my brother, so I don't know if I have it in me to hate you. But mess with my business one more time, and… and I don't even want to think about it, okay?"
Someone like Cliff or Jack could be cowered by Ann's temper, and Gray was smart enough to avoid liberally invoking it. Even so, if Gray had his mind set on something, he wasn't going to let it back him down. "What? You'll want a fight? You might be tough as nails, but I'm still stronger, and I won't go down easy."
Gray meant it as a caution against rash judgment, not a threat. Even so, Ann backed away, and she looked a little hurt.
"I don't want a fight," she said even more softly. "I just want the brother I used to admire to accept my choices. Is that asking so much?"
The siblings had a habit of matching the other's intensity. Gray could be reading a book in a perfectly fine mood, but one word of an annoyed Ann shouting his name would rile him up, even if he didn't have a reason to be angry. The opposite was true as well. When his sister shook her head disappointingly and began to walk away, Gray quickly regained enough composure to realize that he made a mistake somewhere along the way. Ann's insults and accusations were familiar enough, but one sign of genuine pain completely changed the stakes.
"Ann, I-."
Ann didn't bother to turn around as she growled with gritted teeth. "I told you I don't want to hear an-."
"I just wanted to say that I'm sorry."
Ann faced her brother and studied him before almost smirking. "We'll see," she said forebodingly before departing.
Gray's apology was honest. As Ann said, it was ultimately her choice, and if the cost of trying to guide her in the logical direction would entirely destroy their relationship, it simply wasn't worth the price. It was a far cry from being the "positive influence" that Zack described. Or would standing aside and doing nothing be even more selfish? That would be sacrificing the security of Ann's future in exchange for staying in her good graces.
He didn't have an answer. Not wanting to follow Ann home too closely, Gray dropped to the ground, ignoring the fact that it might stain his pants, and ran his hand through the untrimmed grass. When his fingers came upon a small rock, he picked it up and reviewed it.
"Sorry, I don't have anything better to offer," he said aloud as he lobbed the rock into the spring before him. After it hit the water with an emphatic plop, Gray made his request.
"If you're there, now would be a good time for some answers."
When no one answered, Gray chose to fully lie on his back and close his eyes. "Typical," he sighed. At least the silence was better than the unhelpful advice anyone else would provide. If stillness was what the Harvest Goddess had to offer, he wasn't going to waste it. The only sounds to be heard were those of the breeze forcing its way through the forest and first-vanquished autumn leaves making their final tumble.