Summer drags on; clinging to the small town like a persistent piece of gum stuck on the bottom of a shoe. It's nothing for a man used to the humidity of south eastern bases and barracks that lacked air conditioning. It's nothing compared to the dry heat in the middle east, but David Eastwood can't help wishing Mother Nature would give. Autumn is his favorite season. The crunch of leaves underfoot reminding him of pleasant childhood memories. It cools just enough that he can wear cozy—albeit oversized—hoodies that mask layers of chiseled muscle and strong shoulders. He can enjoy sitting out on the small deck behind his outdated townhouse in the morning with a cup of coffee without freezing his ass off or burning to a crisp. It's days like that he loves.

The sharp edges of scowls soften on those days, even if he won't admit to being in a better mood.

Today, however, is just another stretch of summer as she refuses to give way to cooler weather. The hints of fall teasing caressed them only a few days ago; bringing hope that, finally, they would be on the path to sweater weather and an abundance of pumpkin spice. Instead of it sticking around for the show, it fled; slipping through finger tips as dry heat and a sky without a single fluffy white cloud settle back into place. One local described it earlier this morning as a betrayal to them all, huffing about how she wanted her autumn vegetables because her grandkids always come knocking for her autumn desserts. She glared up at the sky with squinted eyes hidden behind thin framed glasses like it had personally offended her.

David snorts thinking back on it, lips curves up at the corners underneath thick curls of his dark brown beard. He is out for his usual jog; black hoodie draped on his shoulders with pair of red shorts hugging his hips and his beanie hiding his curly hair, of course. Though not a fan of sweets himself, the woman got him craving pastries and he's positive Ren wouldn't say no to a box of em when he got home either. He's covered in sweat; knows it wouldn't be presentable in most places but in a town like this where farmers are the norm, no one blinks an eye. He strolls the North End in his search for a bakery. Wallet tucked safely in the pocket of his hoodie.

@owen ❤