Samson was studying and working on projects for school, trying his best to find some free-time for himself and to churn out a piece of art, getting a start on some works in progress before being willed away from his priorities. Finally with the first Wednesday of the month of November, he had the time to work on what he needed. The first thing is to head over to his aunt and uncle's house, with his turn with the car. He'd arrive moments later; it'd be a one story house with a backyard, made with bricks with a brown-ish earthy color to it. Parking in the driveway, The raccoon got out to knock on the door, previously messaging them that he'd come over to visit. Getting to the porch he lightly knocked on the door. It wouldn't be a second until he was greeted with a slightly older Raccoon, had some bags under his eyes and was a bit more lean than he was.

"Hey Sam!" The older raccoon would be delighted to see his nephew after a long while,

"Hey uncle Barney, sorry I haven't been around lately. I got this job and-"

'Yeah, you know your aunt Lydia has been talking to Irving and.. Well she kinda let the cat out of the bag about this new girl you've been seeing. Why don't you have a seat?"
Samson would sit down on the couch, glancing over at one of the photos. There'd be a few of the family, some would be hanging on the walls. One with Samson at some sort of parade with him with a bi-pride flag around his neck and his cousin in the photo.

"So what's her name?"

"I-it's Mae"

"Mae what?"

"Mae Borowski..."
He leaned in to hear more about her, "What's she like? Hopefully she treated you better than Vivian ever did. She seemed like she didn't even like you."
"W-well, I really don't want to talk about what happened with Vivian but... Mae's a bit reserved... not like Vivian though. She seems like she tries to make a genuine effort to at least talk with me... If that makes sense." Awkwardly fumbling his words explaining what she was like to his uncle.

"Will we ever get to see this elusive Mae Borowski?"

"Well, that's the thing I wanted to talk to you about. Is Aunt Lydia here?"

"She's getting her hair done, what did you want to talk about?"

"So... her mom invited me over for Thanksgiving and I wanted to make sure that you're ok with that."

There'd be a moment of silence, Samson being a bit worried about what he said as his uncle took a deep breath before responding, "well, it'd be a bit different without you bogarting half of the mash potatoes and gravy but... I think that'll be fine, but maybe it's better you wait for your Aunt Lydia to get home"
"Where is she?"
"she said she's on the way."
"Ok! Um... Is it ok if I can hang in my room for a second?"
"Of course! We haven't touched it ever since you moved out and lived with your stoner friend..."
"Yeah, that kind of went belly up..." Samson reluctantly confessed to his uncle before walking back to his bedroom. His bedroom consisted of a TV, with a few retro game consoles connected to it, a desk with a few clay models and building bricks next to a camera, with an old sketch pad riddled with multiple drawings next to a cheap looking desk lamp. His wall had some metal posters of video games, old bands, and movies of the like. Above his bed was a large Bisexual flag with a standard box spring and mattress. He looks around, waiting for his aunt to come back. He'd lay in the bed, and pulled out his phone, shooting a message at Mae. It didn't seem like she was at all available to respond, as he put the phone back down. It wouldn't be until an hour later until he heard the door shut, he'd get up from the bed to go see his aunt Lydia; a somewhat petite woman compared to his uncle. She'd finally come back from the hair salon, seeing her nephew once again before bombarding him with a hug. "I missed you so much Samson, It's been so long! I haven't seen you after you moved in with your friend. What was his name Ron?"
"H-hey Aunt Lydia, and yes it's Ron. I know it's been a while since I visited last and I'm sorry for that and-"
"I understand, you got work, college, and this new girl your cousin has told us a lot about."
"Thanks for letting that cat out of the bag, Irv..."
"So what's her name, what's she like, does she treat you right? Also what happened to that one girl? What was her name? Vivian?" Samson would be taken aback trying to collect himself soon after his aunt was done talking.
"Well.. her name is Mae and well... she's an interesting person and... let's say but really means well deep down. Though she's a bit self reserved, I do know that she does really like me in her own way. Secondly, I'm not dating Vivian anymore because she cheated on me"
"Oh, right, right, do you have a photo of this Mae? " His aunt brushed off his previous comment while Samson would pull out his phone to show her the lockscreen of him and her behind the animatronic.
"Oh she looks so pretty, I hope we can meet her soon. How does Thanksgiving sound?"

Samson would take a dry gulp before speaking again, "that's actually something I wanted to ask... Her mom asked me to come over to their place for Thanksgiving and... I know you'll miss me and I know this is short notice and I really hope you don't mind"

His aunt would look back at him before looked at her husband, "well... I think we need to discuss that, but... I think we can do that." She'd look over a bit upset before his uncle chimed in.

"Hey, how about this? Maybe the week before, you can introduce us to this Mae over a nice lunch at that tex-mex place. What's it called?"
"The Roaring Burro?"
"Yeah that one, I assume she likes Tex-Mex"
"I mean, we did have a date at a taco place..." recollecting his memories with her having a small smile on his face.

Barnaby nudges Lydia with a smirk on his face, "I think he's thinking about her"
"Aww" smiling at the love struck raccoon before he snapped out of it. He'd clear his throat,
"Yeah, I think she'd love that. Is Irving gonna be there?"
"Of course! You can't keep him away from their queso."
"Yeah, he's a bit weird about that queso, maybe I should check in with Mae to see if she'd be down"
"Ok, well while you're here maybe we could brush up on how you're doing. You're living in that apartment right?"
"Yep, my name on the lease so... you know I have to pay that until I move out."
"Well how's college? And your friends? You still talk to Ron? Thought you two were living together with a couple of other people."
"College has been fine, some of my friends aren't talking to each other right now. Um... Ron I'm not sure but the last time we hung out was at a party and the day after I met Vivian and then the last time I talked to him. He was in some sort of relationship with this girl I can't remember the name of"
"What about your other friends? Jane, Ashley, Eric, Alan, Deb-"
"I kinda don't talk to them as much anymore. Most of them are now doing their own thing at the moment. From what I remember, Ashley moved to Durkillesberg to continue her studies."

A small moment of silence while the TV played as she tried to think about what she could say next, before his uncle chimed in, "So... what happened with you and Vivian?" His aunt would nod,

"Yeah, the last time you mentioned dating someone. You seemed pretty head over heels over this Vivian girl"
Samson took a deep breath, sinking back into the couch "I really prefer not to talk about that... It's a bit of a touchy subject..." his eyes darting away from them out of embarrassment

"Oh, did you two have a messy break up?"

'You.. could say that..." clearing his throat as it became a bit dry
"You ok, hun?"
"Yeah, I'm fine... I just don't know what else to say... I guess I'm going back to visit Mae tomorrow because I was asked to clean up their church again."
"Where does this girl live?"
"Possum springs, it's a small town in the mountains."
"Wasn't there some sort of cult there?" Uncle Barnaby, would chime in again to chat
"Yes, I think so but I really didn't want to ask her because it seemed like she has some... problems from that"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, she had a panic attack whilst driving home, and well... I did what I could to help her out. Just remembering what my old therapist did..."
"Heh, I guess those therapy sessions were worth it" uncle Barnaby chiming in
"Yeah... Yeah..."
"So is that all you needed to talk to us about?"
"Yep" nodding as he stood up, "I really need to get going now. I think one of my friends is planning to hit me up out of the blue"
"It was nice seeing you Sam"
"Yeah, Take care"
"Alright, love you guys" saying to them both as he walks out of the house and drives back to his place. Getting a text from Felix shortly after

FHey, I need the car for the rest of the week

SCan you at leastdrop me off at work after class Friday?

FWe'll see, I kinda have a thing with Robyn

SI need to get to work

FWhy not just take a rather?

SI'm tight on cash atm

FWhy?

SBecause my effing job ends up paying by the work and not by the hour

SIt's tedious as all hell, but at least I get enoughto get by. Damn unions couldn't budge that

FAlright

SAnyway, is it cool if you can drop me off?

FSure, but we got tomake it fast

SOk

After turning in for the day, work and life would be normal with Samson. On Thursday to take a break from Spanish homework, he began to chat with Mae via Chattrbox.

SHeyy~

MHey yourself~

SWhat are you doing?

MGot done doing some work for my mom and did some other under the counter work for my friend, you?

SWell your mom invited me over to Thanksgiving and i didn't tell you yet because I didn't know how you'd react and

MOh yeah, she told me. First thing we talked about after you left

SOh?

MLook, I wouldn't mind if you did. It'll be better without an empty fourth chair again

SWdym? Don't you have three chairs?

MSort of, I always invited this kid from my town. Her dad used to be out a lot, especially on Thanksgiving.

SAw, that sucks...

MYeah, but thanks to the fact we got better internet supposedly her dad hangs around a bit more with them.

SWell... at least she's with her dad now

Mso, yeah I don't have a problem if you decide to join us

SI do, but my aunt and uncle do want to meet you. Are you fine with that?

MWhen?

SWeek before Thanksgiving, they want to go to a tex-mex place. They make great tacos.

MHmmm... what are they like

SIdk, kinda rural. They're very polite they really want to meet you and it'd be cool of you if you did

MFine, sure.. I mean it's a free lunch

SThat's the spirit

MLOL,I should get to bed

SMe too, btw I'm actually doing more work in Possum Springs on Friday so...

MYayyy, I get to see my Boyfriend again

SBoyfriend eh?

MI mean, guy I've been on multiple dates with. Yayyyyyyyyyy

Shehe, yeah maybe I'll get to see you again?~

MMaybe~

SYeah

MYeah

SI should get going

MMe too, bye

He'd close his laptop, before getting up to do his bedtime routine, resting for tomorrow. The next couple of days Samson would be keeping up with his two classes, tasked with a test and a review for his finals. It would be the second Friday of November.

Samson would drive down in the utility van down to Possum Springs once again. With the intent of talking Mae's mom to discuss Thanksgiving, parking the car he'd check his face and hair out before popping in a couple breath mints for good measure,"surely she won't notice that i had a breath mint or two... or five"with a fistful of coins depositing a ton of them into a working meter. He'd eyeball it to make sure it was working again. With him wanting to head to the church first to talk to Mae's mom, but before that he wanted to greet Pastor K. Seeing her leaning on the statue again. The raccoon approached her to get her attention again, "Excuse me Pastor K?"

She'd turn her head bringing her attention to Samson, "Oh, it's you again! How are you Samson"
"I've been doing well, I got called in to do some work here."
"Oh well let me show you, sorry you're here on such short notice. We actually have someone helping out today."

"I think I might know who it is," chuckling a little to himself. As he'd ready himself for the day.
She got a whiff of his breath and got a short smile, "and from your breath I can tell you know Mae's here?" Being caught in the act, he played it cool trying to think of a good excuse.
"O-o-oh, actually had something for lunch that had a ton of garlic on it and I was a bit self conscious about my breath and all" Waiting for her response hoping she bought it.

She clearly didn't buy it, but played along "I understand, but remember you're here to clean up the church. Ok?" being firm with him as she spoke.
"Yes ma'am"
"Now let me show you what we need done" she'd get up and look at the statue, pointing at it with various amounts of graffiti, "those kids... wish they could put that energy somewhere else..." looking back at Samson before she continued on "What I'd like you to do is get rid of the graffiti on this statue and when you're done I'd like you to come inside." She'd point at a sponge and a bucket "I think you know what to do with this." With a nod, Samson would work hard scrubbing away the vulgar graffiti. Noticing the juvenile statements of the youth being washed away with each scrub from his large sponge. Moments later, Samson would finish up with the priest statue finally cleaned with no more graffiti.

Walking back inside for further instructions from pastor K, Samson noticed Mae's mom once again, greeting her once again "Hello Mrs. Borowski"
Looking up with a smile Mae's mom would respond back, "Hello Samson, guess we haven't scared you off just yet have we?"
"Oh you gotta do a lot more than mildly offensive graffiti to take me away from this place." looking around to see where pastor K is, "by the way, do you know where Pastor K is? I was supposed to report back to her after I finished up"
"Oh, she's in the church room"

"Church room?"
"Yes, that door over there."
"Is she busy?"
"I'm not sure but you can go in there and see yourself."
Once again, Samson had nodded "It was nice chatting with you again, Mrs. Borowski"
"You too, Samson" he'd walk away leaving her back to work and read her novel. He'd creak the door slightly to look around to make sure he wasn't disrupting anything, the raccoon heard faint murmurs that came from the front of the church. Quietly closing the door behind, he'd go up to see what was going on. He'd see a couple people chatting, one was clearly Pastor K as she stood tall against a couple of older folks,

"This can't go on"

"This vandal is a Menace"

"We want them taken into custody!"

"They've seemed to tag almost everything around town." They then left, leaving her back at the podium of the church. Walking up closer, moving around them to chat with Pastor K. Finally noticing him, she clears her throat "I'm sorry you had to both see and hear that."
"It's ok I don't know what that was about"
"It's a long story but we have a new graffiti artist in town. Nothing to get invested in"
"Ok, well just wanted to tell you I finished up cleaning the statue"

"Well that seems like one thing that's going the way it should, well if you wouldn't mind doing me a favor and go clean the library again? We recently had the kids in there and they got a little messy. You also don't mind if you reorganize the books, would you?"
"I don't mind."
"I think Mae's in there too, she could give you a hand if you need it."
"Alright!" perking up hearing her name once again. With a spring in his step Samson walked to the library area of the church. Knocking on the door before slowly opening it. Seeing Mae on the couch, it seems she was slowly waking up from a nap. Not wanting to disturb her, he'd cleared his throat, "hey, I could come back later so you can sleep a bit more."

She shook her head in response "no, it's ok. I came here early with my mom and I was a bit occupied reorganizing stuff around the church. Just please don't tell her I was dozing off"
"Oh don't worry I won't" closing the door behind him, with a warm smile.
She slowly smiled, "Thanks, you're the best boyfriend ever" she got up from the couch to give him another awkward hug. Her arms clumsily wrapped around his
"Guessing you're still a bit groggy?" Noticing she wasn't trying to correct herself and turn it into a joke.
"Maybe~" being a bit more playful with him, as she slowly woke up.
"Well Pastor K told me I was supposed to go clean this area but I think you got everything"
"Yep, all you need to do is do some cleaning and take out the trash and.. Organize the books on the shelf since I forgot to do that... and since you know, you're getting paid and you're my so-called boyfriend, I thought it'd be nice of you to help me out."

Rolling his eyes in response before looking back down at her, "Just be lucky your so called boyfriend thinks you're cute"
"I get that a lot" with a smirk as she sat back on the couch
"From who?"
"Well, you mostly but that's enough to be a lot" she'd chuckle, "maybe sometime during your break we could hang out?"
"Maybe, but first let me get to these books." as he took all the books out carefully before organizing them alphabetically. He'd hop off the stepping ladder after, grabbing a broom to sweep the dirt and dust off of the hardwood floors. Opening the trash can to see if there's any more room to put in the trash bags before taking them out to the bin in the back. Tying them up soon after sweeping the floors. Samson would pull the bag out of the trash can and carry it out to the church garbage bin. Coming back inside to see Mae's mom still at the front desk chatting with Pastor K. He approached the desk to see what was going on, before the two stared at him "I finished cleaning the library area."

"Alright. Well I think you're done for the day. Thanks for all your help"
"No worries, anything for that paycheck they gave me" chuckling at his dumb joke staring at the two in silence. There'd be an even more brief pause with the two before he realized

"Oh! I forgot to mention, I can come over for Thanksgiving. My aunt and uncle just want to invite her for dinner the week before." Samson explained to Mae's mom.

She'd give it a thought before answering back, "Oh where are your aunt and uncle taking her?"
"This Tex-Mex place, it has some great food"
"What's it called?"
"The Roaring Burro"
"Oh, I've heard of that place. They've got some good cheese dip"
"They do,"
"Well... I think that'll be fine but I think you should tell this to Mae also"
"Right, right... " they'd all stare at each other, with a small moment of silence
"She's outside" Pastor K would answer
"All right, thank you. Have a pleasant evening you two" getting all of his work stuff ready heading out of the church. Carrying his bag to the van before going back to look for Mae, she'd be hanging out by the tree nearby the statue, Samson had walked over to her with a soft smile. She'd see him walking up to her, "why are you smiling like that?"
"I just missed you is all... With work and college I'm just glad to see your cute face again"

Mae would let out a chuckle from his cheesy lines, "oh shut up, I know what you're really here for. I could smell your breath even in the library" walking close to him lightly brushing up against him, gazing at him with a small smirk.
He brushed off her playful nature before responding, "Hey come on now, I had lunch with a hefty amount of garlic."
"Oh really? What was it?"
"Isaac and I wanted to get some wings, and we split some before I came down here"
"Yeah, sure, sure" the raccoon felt her somewhat soft finger drag against his face
"I also was going to tell you something"

She lifts her hand away from his face, listening to what he had to say. "What's wrong?"
"Oh nothing, my aunt and uncle wanted to meet you and they were thinking that maybe we could have dinner with them... you know, the week before Thanksgiving?"
She'd give it a thought, "where at?"
"Some Tex-Mex place called The Roaring Burro"
"Do they have tacos?"
"Yep, they do. They have this one called the double wrapped taco, where they wrap a hard taco with a soft tortilla. Kinda like a burrito and a taco had a baby"
"Awww, baby taco-rito... it'd be soft with a rough exterior. Like you" playfully teasing him as they sat next in front of the tree.
Samson would laugh at her comment, "so I take that as a yes?"

"Umm... maybe, I don't really know what they're like. They could be serial killers or something"
"Oh come on, they're not! They're just lovely people like you're parents albeit they're a bit more rural. Besides, they've been wanting to meet you for a bit now."
"I just... didn't think they'd want to meet me. I'm not the best with meeting parents"
"They're more like wards, but I understand. It's kinda hard breaking the ice meeting your parents or wards."
"I guess you felt the same when meeting my parents, huh?"

"Sort of..." looking away, a little nervous about the subject before looking back at her feeling her hand touch his face
"If it's any consolation, both my parents like you."
"Really?" tilting his head down to look at her
"Yep, they can't wait to see you for Thanksgiving. By the way, my dad might talk your ear off about that Garbo and Malloy show."
"Duly noted, luckily my uncle has all twenty-eight seasons of that show." making a small joke as the two laugh, staring into each other's eyes. The two felt the same passionate tension they've felt before. Samson lowered his head down to her into a soft peck, before it slowly evolved into full on locking lips with one another. Mae would lean into him getting to her knees crawling onto his lap. This long and deep kiss would last for a long while, before he'd pull away. Staring at her lovingly, while the two would notice the sun was setting. Before he planned to leave, "I know we just made out and all, but were you still wanting to have dinner with my aunt and uncle?"
"Hmm... I guess that'd be fine, especially with you by my side." She'd lightly laid her head against his chest.
Samson would stare back at his watch, quickly sitting up. "I'm sorry, I need to head out now. I have to finish up at the bus station."
"Awww, I'm gonna miss hanging out with my so-called-boyfriend" her tone came off somewhat sarcastic but she really meant it.
"Well, maybe the Monday before thanksgiving. I could probably pick you up, have a nice day out, spend the night with me. You know?"

"I'd like that. Just remember, no funny business"

"Oh don't worry, I would never do anything without your consent. If you want I can clean up the couch and let you crash there. You know, like when we first met"
"I prefer crashing in your bed with you in it, you know...but that doesn't mean we're doing any funny business."
"Yep, yep, I wouldn't mind spooning with you again." he'd stand up, "I'd love to chat more but I have to go now."
"Wait!" she'd exclaim before he left
"Yes?"

as the two felt the same tension build up again, she said the only thing that came to her mind "You aren't the worst thing in my life, and I appreciate that you're in it" there'd be a brief pause between them.
"I think that was an i love you"he'd think in his head, "Thanks?" responding in a very confused manner "...y-you too?" unsure whether or not he should respond or just leave it as. Samson would slowly walk away from her and to the van. Mae's mom would later walk her back to their house as Samson would spend the rest of the evening cleaning up the bus station once again.

Samson would be walking down to his van after getting everything situated. Noticing a specific man wearing a hoodie, his hands were covered in spray paint before spotting the raccoon. Staring at him thinking he was busted he remained still as Samson walked down the steps and into his van. Getting into his car and driving away. "I wonder if he thought I was a cop or something" saying to himself as he was looking in the rear view mirror as he drove over to the bus station, seeing the vandal frozen in fear and confusion while driving away. Finally reaching the bus station once again, grabbing his duffel to repair the doors. It would be vacant since it was very late.

There was a sound of a tv re-running the usual programming at night, it didn't seem like anyone was there. He'd get started mopping the floors, placing a wet floor sign so no one slipped. Finally going back to the door, the only sound would be from his drill fixing one of the doors. Everything would go peaceful, he hears a late bus stop before said bus drives away. Hearing some footsteps approaching the station. It was another raccoon about the same age as Samson, he had a small beard. Wearing a faded light blue hat with glasses. His outfit consisted of a shirt and a striped hoodie with brown shoes. He walked into the station as he looked around for anyone, when he finally saw Samson, "I guess I was the last bus for the night"

Samson looked over his shoulder seeing the other raccoon, "Yeah they usually stop around this time. Let me guess, you dropped out of college too?"
The other raccoon shook his head, "Oh no, I'm actually just here to visit family"
"I see, well it's only me, unfortunately. Maybe, if you'd want to wait for them, you can always grab a free fiascola from the machine over there."
"That's cool but I think I'll wait here until then."
"Fair enough, I gotta get this door fixed and we'll be good to go!"
"Alright, well that's good. It's been a long time since I've visited this place. The last time I was here was about two years ago."

"Oh really, what happened?" He'd say while finishing up the door.

"I went to this party in the woods and saw my ex. She clearly was going through something and had a bit too much to drink, talking about her nightmare eyes and how much of a trash mammal she was. Again, it was clear she was going through something, but I really didn't want to pry."
Samson stopped using the drill and turned his body to him, "did you say nightmare eyes?"
The other raccoon nodded, "Yeah, that's how she and her friends described them. Though they did stand out from dark hair. Always called me Cole-io"
Connecting the dots, he'd ask one more question "Did she have a scar on her left ear, really short, kinda snarky?"
"Yeah, that's her... Why? Do you know her?"

"You... could say that... you could also say I'm her so-called-Boyfriend"
"Oh," There'd be a pause between the two.. "Well, I'm just glad she moved on to someone else. How long have you two been dating?'
"About three months, She seems to at least mellow out a little from how you described her. Still got that rough exterior though" lightly quipping at his own joke
"Yeah that sounds like her, hey is that door almost fixed?"
"Oh right! Let me just..." Doing some final touches to the door he finally opened it, "alright there we go." He held the door for the other raccoon as the two walked out of the bus station.
"Well, it was nice to meet you. I don't think I ever got your name"
"Oh, it's Samson"
"It was nice meeting you Samson, well I'm glad Mae moved on and found someone else."

As they talked a car pulled up, "There's my ride, adios!" Samson waved at the other raccoon as he walked back to his van, finally driving back and turning in for the day. Getting a couple buzzes from Mae on chattrbox

MHey!~

SHey yourself

MHow was work?

SWell other than the church I ran into your ex at the bus stop

MEx? I don't know what you're talking about

S He mentioned how you used to call him Cole-io

MOh please, that could be anyone

SHe told me you always described your Nightmare eyes, he also mentioned that you threw up in front of him.

MOH MY GOD(edited)

SYeah...

MI'm so effing embarrassed

SIt's okay, Don't worry about it *

MNo it isn't,How would YOU like it if I talked to YOUR ex behind your back?

SOK that's different, you and your ex are at least on GOOD terms. My ex and I want each other dead.

MOk, fine whatever... Was there a reason why he was here?

Ssaid something about visiting family

MThat's weird, How do you know he's not coming after me?

SDidn't seem like he was, if anything he was glad you moved on

Mok...

he rubs his face in frustration before typing again

SDo you want me to tell you an embarrassing story so you don't feel bad?

MWhatever

SOk, well one time when I was dating my ex I tried to impress her by doing this rail grinding trick, and instead I jumped three steps before landing awkwardly face first in front of her

MOh my god, lol(edited)

SYeah, she said the same thing, I tried to play it off cool even with my bruised face and bleeding nose

Mlol, were you ok?

SI mean yeah, I ate asphalt and there were many people that saw it but you know... It was funny thinking about it now

MLol, I bet it was

SYeah... I... can't wait for you to meet my aunt and uncle...

MYeah, it's getting late I should head out for the night

SOk! Well I'll make sure to pick you up around Eleven?

MPM?

SAM, who has lunch at Night?

MVampires?

SOh right, they do... Zombies too probably

Mdo you think they eat together?

SDrinking their brain juice and eating their blood oranges lol

MExactly!

MIt's really getting late I should go

SOk, well see you the Thursday after!

MYou too, you... you mean a lot to me Samson

SYou.. You mean a lot to me too

Her little bubble on her profile picture would go offline as he'd do the same, falling asleep in anticipation for the week before Thanksgiving.