Young Willow was born in the Iron Settlement, one of several save zones built after the world as we know it was destroyed by war. He’s been pining after someone, a man who will finally acknowledge having feelings for Willow.<br><br>Handsome Jay is known as a traveler, a man familiar with all the dangers outside the safety of the settlements. This time, however, Jay’s battle is to overcome the injury that left him walking with a limp, which alienated him from people in the settlements.<br><br>Will Jay and Willow be able to move from a steady friendship to budding romance while they explore the dangerous ruins from before the end times? How will Jay react when Willow presents him with a rare gift? Can Willow learn to barter with Jay and earn the love he craves?

Barter System

“I’ll never treat you like that, and I’m glad you let me be your friend.” Willow is no fool. He knows Jay is stronger than he is, and still dangerous. Having a cane doesn’t stop that. He even uses it as a weapon.


“I’m glad, too.” Jay smiles, and Willow wants to kiss the smile from Jay’s lips. He adores Jay’s smile that’s often slow to come in the walls of the Iron Settlement. Jay can be closed off around other people, but after their first few meetings, Jay had started to open up.


“That look in your eyes, what are you thinking?” Jay asks, and he always is good at reading people, quick to pick things up, whip smart.


“I was thinking I like your smile, a lot, makes me want to kiss you,” Willow admits.


“Sweet Willow, you should make me work for that kind of information, barter with me, make me earn it,” Jay teases.


“Sweet? I’m not sweet.” Willow shakes his head.


Chapter 2