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."  

Comments

[hawk_shot]

"I thought you'd appreciate this." Even though Matt sometimes made comments in the passing, it wasn't until they visited the Nelsons and their house in the outskirts that Kate noticed just how much Matt appreciated the scents nature gifted them with. She could tell in the tenderness in which he touched every leaf, the fruit. Even back at the market, there was something about the textures and the smells that truly got to him.

"I'm sure you'll take something home, Laura always insists." Herbs, fruits and vegetables that Kate would try her best to add to her meals, but that she was well aware that her ways would pale in comparison to the things Matt achieved in the kitchen.

Kate would make sure of sending Laura and Clint photos and updates on Matt's meals. Laura always found that delightful, knowing their hard work was put to good use.

"There's flowers nearby. You've noticed them, right?"

[streetlevel]

"I do appreciate it. I mean, I like the sights and sounds of the city, even the smells I'm used to by now. This is nice too, though. A little break from it. Something different." He'd miss the bustle, but there was something relaxing about taking a breath of literal clean air. "And if Laura is gonna insist we take something home, I'm all the more glad we brought something, then." He always felt bad with one-sided gifts, even when the other person didn't care. "In fact, while we have some grass here..." Matt gave Kate a mischievous smile and leaned over, proceeding to take off his shoes and socks. He picked them up and held them with one hand, enjoying the sensation of grass beneath his feet. There was something grounding and warm about it. Plus he thankfully could sense any animal waste piles to avoid stepping in those.

"I noticed the flowers, yeah. The ones in bloom, the ones about to bloom. The plants that are ripe and ready to pick and those still budding. The bugs that are moving around and the birds nearby. It's nice to know places like this exist." He took another few moments to enjoy it, then gave Kate a playful nudge. "All right. Time for the main event. You can let me know how your catching up with Clint went on the way."

[hawk_shot]

She knew that Matt was a man in love with his city. One that found peace in falling asleep with the sounds of a metropolis that was loud and full of life. And yet? She knew he'd appreciate this stop, a pause in which they could recconect with nature.

And Matt did just that, taking off his shoes and socks. "You're literally touching grass, huh?" She joked, even though she followed his lead as she undid her own laces.

"How can you tell apart all those details?" It was a rethorical question by now, but Kate would never hide how in awe she was over Matt's talents. Once again walking side by side, she took his arm again, even if her attention was now on those flowers and the secret world that hid underneath and around them. The things only Matt noticed, even from this distance.

"Well, we didn't talk about that many things. I know you were totally distracted by Laura and time probably stopped as you geeked out," she teased him. It was so sweet though, watching them bond like that. "You know, I mostly asked how his Father's Day was. He asked about mine..."