Visiting the Bartons (for @streetlevel )

[hawk_shot]

Honestly, Kate figured that flying with a pony would have been way harder than it turned out to be. But between Matt's first class charm put to full power and everyone at the airport being captivated by Frodo? Despite of how their trip to Ohio had started at an ungodly early hour, it also seemed to be the beginning of one of the most pleasant of adventures.

It was a short flight, one in which Kate shamelessly claimed Matt's shoulder as her own personal pillow. Obviously, they were on first class, but domestic flight seats were definitely not as roomy as international were. But it was comfortable enough for Kate to still feel pretty refreshed once they made it back down to land. In Ohio, a car with a trailer to carry Frodo was already waiting, taking him for a drive that took at least another hours before they made it to Clint's farm. 

On their way, Kate described Matt everything that she saw. The crops, so tall they would probably be completely lost in them if they decided to make their way through them byt feet. A land full of greens on all kinds of shades. Horses grazing afar, sheep with  their growing lambs. The sun was bright and Kate could tell it would become even warmer as hours passed.

She was so excited to finally see Clint and his family again. 

The green land was interrupted by a path of dirth that lead to Clint's house, a three-stories home of that looked like something straight out of the fantasies of anyone who might have ever dreamed about living in the countryside. As they approeached, Kate leaned over Matt to see better through his window, spotting the tractor and Clint's van in the distance. The ducks near the pond.. You could tell this was a family home, as on their way to the house there was toys scattered all around. Bikes, footballs, dolls and a swing made with a tire.

Finally, by the house, Kate spotted Laura. She was filling some buckets of water with a hose, looking in their direction as she held a hand over her eyes, shielded the sun off her face. Squinting now, she held her hand well above her head to wave in their directon as the car and trailer finally reached the house.

With a heavy step that clearly said it all about how she had a start just as early as the one they had, Laura aproached the car as it came to a stop, Kate almost instantly hopping off. Running towards the older woman, they captured each other in a tight hug as they shared words about how glad they were to see each other again. 

While the driver got out and quietly greeted Laura, he headed back to take care of the trailer. Still holding Kate by the shoulders, Laura went straight to their other guest. "You must be Matt."  

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[streetlevel]

Matt could count on one hand the amount of times he'd been on a plane. Travel wasn't something he often got the chance to experience outside of occasionally taking a client out of state. It was difficult for him to do anything for himself, the guilt of abandoning responsibilities often feeling too great. This trip though was at least serving a purpose. Aside from taking back the barn kittens, it was giving Kate a chance to see her family. Matt knew how important the Bartons had become to her beyond just Clint. They had welcomed Kate into their home when her own had felt like it had fallen apart. It made Matt respect the Bartons all the more and want to make this a pleasant experience for his partner.

The trip over was uneventful. The airport a bit stressful, but he'd provided Kate with a shoulder pillow on the actual flight while he did some work on the plane. Thankfully with the headphones the reader on his laptop didn't bother anyone else. He could smell the difference in the landscape once they landed. Everything was green and there were animals everywhere, the noise less full of car honks and more nickering. The plants had sweet scents to them as well, balancing out the manure. Kate described what it all looked like, and Matt explained to her what sounds and scents her nose and ears might have missed.

Given the driver was carting a horse, it was a specialized ride that had been paid for ahead of time. Still, Matt exchanged a quiet word with the man to ensure everything was good to go as Laura and Kate greeted one another. The driver led the mini horse down the ramp, offering Matt the reins and assuring him that everything was handled. Matt turned then in Laura's direction, giving her a warm smile in greeting. He held out a hand towards her. "Got it in one. Thank you for having us over. From what Kate's described, the place sounds beautiful. And of course, thank you for taking on another stray." He nodded towards the horse.