Long day

Miles takes Ezra's hand and closes his eyes.

At first, all Miles feels is Ezra's hand in his but after a while, he feels anxiety. It creeps in slow but is swift to take over. A face begins to show in Miles's mind. The gold eyes are enough for Miles to hiss, "Casimir."

Everything fades black. Miles opens his eyes, "Done?"

Ezra nods.

"What did he want?" he questions.

The child shrugs.

"Did he chase you?" Miles answers.

Ezra nods.

Miles grumbles under his breath for a minute. Then he rubs his face, "Any idea why?"

He nods again.

"Why." Miles stares at the boy waiting for an answer.

He looks to the ground.

"Ezra, please tell me." Miles pleas.

The boy takes Miles"s hand again. Casimir shows up in his mind again. His smooth voice irritating to Miles.

"Don't you want to speak?" he says, "I can make it all happen in an instant."

The child's hand leaves Miles's, making the image of the deal maker fade from the man's mind.

Miles sighs and goes to speak but before he can Emma's voice cuts in, "Good to see you two back safe and sound. What are you up to?"

Miles places his head in his hands. Ezra looks at the woman with his usual response.

With stares and silence, Emma laughs nervous under their eyes.

"There's some food I set aside for you. Why don't you go eat." Miles suggest.

Emma looks between the man and child, "Sure... thanks."

She does as suggested, her insides twisted from the awkwardness.

Miles turns back to the boy, "So he wanted to make a deal with you? Is that all?"

Ezra nods.

A sigh forces its way out of his lungs, "I'm glad you're safe. But did you forget that I told you to come to me if that deal maker is near?"

Ezra shakes his head.

"Then why didn't you?" Miles questions, his tone taking on an edge.

He takes a deep breath and shrugs.

"Please, next time, come to me," Miles says.

The boy stands still.

Miles eyes the younger male, "I want to keep you safe. I hope you understand."

Ezra nibbles on his lip for a moment before looking to the ground.

"Anyway, we got animals to care for. They didn't get their full care yesterday," Miles rubs the back of his neck, "You'll help me right?"

Ezra nods. The two walk off. First, they visit the chickens. Miles takes extra time with the two groups of chickens. He wonders if the rooster or new hens will ever take a liking to him. After them, it was time to care for the horse. The animal took some time to inspect Ezra. Ezra stays still until the horse finished his investigation. Miles smiles at the sight. After some time the two move on to the three cows. Ezra hugs Betty. Betty moos at them. Miles wonders if she would be scolding them for running off. Or she could be saying how much she missed them. Miles pictures both scenarios in his mind. Feeling silly he puts the thoughts away and moves on to getting food in the trough.

After a bit, they head to the creek to fill all the water troughs along with some water for themselves and the house. Finally, they water the garden and look for weeds to pull. Miles Checks each plant with a slow careful glance.

Ezra notices this and attempts to copy what the older male does.

Once they finish in the garden Emma comes and join's them.

"What do you have growing here?" Emma asks.

"I don't know," Miles admits.

Emma's jaw drops, "How do you not know what you planted?"

"I didn't plant them," Miles replies.

Emma's mind races with questions, "Who did?"

"Someone who is very forgiving," Miles pulls a small weed out of the ground.

She goes quiet for a moment, "And who would that be?"

Miles doesn't answer back. Emma glares at him after the realization hits. He isn't going to answer her.

With most of the work done they take time to sit on the steps in front of the door.

Emma looks at the two, "So... What happened to you two yesterday?"

"Got lost in the woods and slept in a cave." Miles answers.

"Oh? and how did you come across Ezra?" Emma asks.

Miles sighs, "He was there when I woke up."

Her eyes go to Ezra, "Yeah?"

"I'm not repeating myself," Miles says, his voice sounding further away as he looks out at the trees.

"So how did you two get back?" Emma turns her gaze to the trees.

"We walked back." Miles's attention goes to another area of the woods.

"No, I mean... don't you get lost easily? so how did you get back?" Emma clarifies as she gestures with her hands.

"Ezra knew how to get back." He waves his hand back and forth.

She once again looks to Ezra, "So let me get this right. You are directionally challenged and everyone here, animals included, are not."

"Yes," Miles mutters before he stands. He then walks into the house. Ezra follows and the two begin their work to get food together. Emma finds her way inside the house after a bit and tries to help. She doesn't end up doing much in her opinion as the kitchen is small for three people to be in. She spends most of her time waiting. Though at times she'll be asked to chop up something.

Once the meal was ready they set the table together and ate. As they ate Emma watched the sun fall outside.

"Sure got dark fast out there." She comments.

"Well you slept most of the day away," Miles retorts, "Everything has been late today."

"I guess you could say things didn't go as planned," Emma says before taking another bite of food.

"They didn't, but in the end, it's all going to get done," Miles replies.

"You seem sure of that." Emma's voice takes a playful tone.

"It's going to get done, even if that means I have to do it all myself. But considering that you two are here it would be nice if you both helped." Miles finishes the food on his plate.

Ezra is close behind and finishes moments after.

Emma chuckles, "He copies you."

Miles looks back at the boy and then to Emma. He doesn't say anything. Picking up his plate, he stands and puts it in the sink in the kitchen. When he gets to the door he turns to Emma, "You know where I am if you need me."

Emma nods before taking another bite.

She takes her time to eat. Then she takes her plate and fork to the sink. She takes the time to wash what dishes are there. By the time she makes it outside with the other two, they are sitting with chickens.

"Miles has three of them in his lap. Ezra is watching them. Miles's voice doesn't carry far in the wind as it is low. Emma has to get pretty close to hear what he's saying. When she does get close enough Miles looks up at her and stops talking.

"I cleaned the dishes," Emma says as she kneels next to the fence.

"Thank you," Miles runs a hand down a chicken's back.

Emma smiles, "The chickens sure do like you."

"I don't know... I guess," Miles yawns.

"How much is left to do?" Emma asks.

"Only to check in on the horse and cows. Make sure they are set for the night." Miles answers.

"I'll go do that. You can stay here." Emma stands.

"It shouldn't take long. Make sure the barn is locked and that they are where they need to be," Miles states as he looks up at Emma.

"Sounds good. I'm off." Emma trots off.

It's as Miles says, easy. The cows and horse don't take much to convince them to go to their stalls. Locking them also doesn't take much effort.

"Night everyone!" Emma says before pulling the barn door shut. She locks it and then makes it back to Miles without anything going wrong.

When Miles sees Emma he and Ezra are already out of the fence. The chickens are all put in their coops.

"Is there anything else?" Emma asks.

"Bed." Miles points to the house.

"Do you guys do anything before bed?" Emma questions as she follows them into the house.

"No." Is all Miles says.

Emma watches Ezra and Miles head off to their rooms. She sighs to herself and heads to her room.