Chapter Text
The next morning, after spending time making sure his crops were doing well and his chickens were out and about to eat the meager bits of grass growing near their coop, Stede decided to go into town. He had to see a man about a suit.
John’s house was near the river on Willow Lane. It was a cute, pale peach house with a window box of plants in the front. It was still rather early in the day when he knocked on the door, so he hoped he wasn’t disturbing anyone’s morning. It didn’t take long for the door to open. Standing on the other side was a slim, handsome man.
“Cheers, m’dear! How can I help you?” the man said.
“Are you Wee John?” Stede asked.
“Nah, I’m Frenchie. John’s inside. Wanna come in?”
“That would be lovely, thanks,” said Stede. Frenchie opened the door wider to allow him in. “I’m Stede, by the way,” he said as he entered the house.
“The new farmer, yeah?”
“Yes, that’s me.”
“Welcome to town! We’ve been waiting for someone to move into that old farmhouse for a while.”
“So I’ve heard.”
“Well, come this way. John’s in the sitting nook. I’ve told him it’s only for sitting, but he does a bit of sewing in it sometimes just to annoy me.”
Stede was a bit confused at that, but he didn’t ask questions. Frenchie led him into a tiny room with a sewing machine and a window bench in the bay window. A very large man was sitting there crocheting a multicolored blanket. His white hair slicked back and there were stars tattooed near his right eye. It was quite an interesting look, definitely not what Stede had expected for a tailor. He looked up as they entered the room.
“John, this is Stede. He was looking for you.”
“Oh yeah? Did you need somethin’?” John asked.
“Yes, I do. Ed said you could help me with a suit for the Flower Dance,” said Stede.
“S’pose I could,” said John. “So, first time at the dance?”
“Yeah. I just moved to town.”
“He’s over at the farm,” said Frenchie.
“Oh, that makes sense then. Pretty sure everyone else around here already has a suit for it. I sometimes have to do adjustments, but it will be nice to make a new one. I’ll need to get your measurements, o’course.”
“Oh yes. Of course,” said Stede, nodding along.
“Shouldn’t take long to have it done though. Frenchie, be a dear and grab my notebook would you?”
“Sure thing, babe.” Frenchie left the room briefly and returned with a small notebook and pencil, ready to take down notes.
John set aside his blanket and stood. Stede looked up at him, wondering where he’d gotten the nickname Wee John when he was anything but. He pulled a tape measure out of his pocket and started extending it in preparation.
Stede stood still and patiently waited while John walked all around him, measuring and calling out notes and numbers to Frenchie while his friend diligently wrote everything down. It didn’t take long for him to get all the information he needed.
“That’s it then,” he said as he rolled the tape measure back up and placed it back in his pocket. “Should have everything I need. I can have it done in a couple of days.”
“That’s so fast!” Stede exclaimed.
“The only other stuff I’m working on right now is low priority,” said John.
“High priority is basically anything for the folks around here,” said Frenchie. “Unless it’s for Jack.”
“Not like that f*cker would ever come in here looking for new clothes anyway.”
“So true,” Frenchie agreed.
“No, he doesn’t seem the type, does he?” said Stede.
“So you’ve met him then?” asked Frenchie.
“Yes. Unfortunately.”
“I’d say he’s an acquired taste, but I’m not so sure of it.” John sat back down and picked up his knitting again.
“So, what kind of low priority things do you do?” Stede asked.
“Knitting and crocheting mostly. I have an online shop where I sell my stuff. People can order it with their own specifications or buy the things that are already made.”
“Well that sounds fun!” said Stede. “And is that something you’re selling online?” He pointed to the half-finished blanket in John’s lap.
“No, this is just for me. It’s a temperature blanket. I started it on my birthday last year and I’ll finish it on my birthday this year. Each line is a day and each color represents the average temperature for that day.”
“Oh, that sounds like quite the endeavor!”
“Gives me a little something to do every day.”
“And what about you, Frenchie? Do you sew as well?”
“Me? Nah,” said Frenchie. “I just help John out when he needs it. Actually, I’m in marketing.”
“And that’s a lucrative job around here?” Stede asked.
“I do it all online. Sort of a work from home situation.”
“Ahh, that sounds nice. My ex-wife works from home too.”
“It is pretty nice,” Frenchie said with a cheely grin. “If you have some time later, I’d like to maybe discuss a business opportunity with you.”
“With me?” Stede looked over at John who was shaking his head at Frenchie.
“Hmmm... maybe I shouldn’t,” said Frenchie.
“Stede’s not gonna be interested in that.”
“I might be!” Stede exclaimed.
John sighed and explained why Stede wouldn’t want to be involved in Frenchie’s MLM. “But you might like to hear his band sometime.”
“Oh, you’re in a band? Yes, that does sound like something I’d like.”
“I’ll let you know if we ever have a gig,” said Frenchie.
Stede chatted for a little while longer, but finally excused himself and left. He still had things he needed to do. The first thing he did was walk next door to check out the empty house there. It looked pretty big, but he couldn’t tell much from the outside.
He stopped at Izzy’s house next and was surprised to see him out working in his little garden.
“You’re not the only one who can grow things around here, Bonnet,” Izzy grumbled when Stede commented on it.
“I’m sure you’re right. I wanted to ask about the house next to Frenchie and John. Do you know anything about it?”
“It’s owned by some old man who moved out of town a few years ago. He’s renting it out. Why do you wanna know about it? You already have a house.”
“Oh, it’s not for me. I’m just curious. Do you know how many bedrooms it has?”
Izzy huffed in frustration. “Not off the top of my head.” He stood up and pulled out his phone. He typed a few things in and scrolled a bit. “Three bedrooms. I’m not sure why you couldn’t find all of this out for yourself. It’s all on the rental agency’s website.”
“What rental agency?” asked Stede.
“The one listed on the sign in front of the house. The sign that says ‘For Rent,’” Izzy deadpanned.
“Oh, I didn’t see a sign.” Izzy huffed again, but Stede just laughed. “Or maybe I just wanted to come visit you and bask in your sunny disposition.”
Izzy snorted. “God, you’re insufferable. It’s here.” He shoved his phone in front of Stede’s face and there was the website with the listing.
“Thank you, Izzy,” he said with a smile. “I’ll check it out later.”
“You’re not trying to find out about it for Ricky, are you?” Izzy asked.
“No, of course not. I have someone else in mind.”
Stede’s suit was finished a few days before the Flower Dance. He’d picked it up from John’s and tried it on. It hadn’t needed any alterations and Stede was impressed with John’s work.
On the day of the festival, Stede spent his morning harvesting the last of his parsnips and potatoes. He still had some cauliflower and green beans to worry about for the rest of the season, but spring was almost over and it would soon be time to start planting summer crops. He was excited for that. But first, he had to get ready for the festival. He put on his new suit and made sure his hair was perfectly coiffed. He added a bright pink pocket square to his blue suit and hoped accessories weren’t against any kind of traditional rules.
The walk through Cindersap Forest was longer than he expected. He was starting to wish he’d asked Ed to walk there with him when he noticed Zheng walking ahead of him with a shorter woman. He walked faster to catch up to them.
“Hello, Zheng!” he practically shouted once he’d gotten closer.
She turned her head to look at him. “Oh, hey Stede. How’s it going?”
“Good. Excited for my first festival here!”
“You didn’t go to the Egg Festival?” she asked.
“No. I guess I didn’t realize that was a thing. Maybe next year.” He’d finally managed to catch up so that he was now walking alongside the two women. He looked over at the woman on the other side of Zheng. She was older than her companion, with dark hair slicked back in a severe bun. “You must be Zheng’s auntie,” he said in way of greeting.
“Yes, I am. Haven’t seen you around yet.”
“I stay on the farm a lot,” he said. “But I pass by the bus station sometimes. Maybe I’ll see you there someday.”
“Maybe.” She didn’t seem to be in a very talkative mood, so Stede went back to conversing with Zheng.
“I’ve been reading that Guide to Farming you suggested. It’s been very helpful!”
“I’m glad to hear it. If you need anything else, just come by the library and I’ll see what I can find.”
Pretty soon they were walking into a field surrounded by trees. Most of the town were already there mingling, but Stede didn’t see Ed. Tubs of flowers were scattered around the field which had been cleared to be used as a dance floor. To one side, Anne had a booth set up where she was selling a few goods. On the other side, there were tables filled with baked goods and a huge bowl of punch.
“This looks amazing!” Stede said after taking a long look around.
“Yeah, it’s pretty cool,” said Zheng. “Oh, there’s Oluwande! I’ll see you later, Stede.” She hurried off, leaving him with Auntie. Auntie hadn’t seemed to be much of a conversationalist so he didn’t feel badly about wandering away to look at everything. He said hello to a few people and walked over to the table of food.
“This looks like a lovely spread. Where did it all come from?” he asked.
“I made most of it, but there are a few dishes from others. It’s a potluck,” said Roach.
“Can I try some?”
“Of course. That’s what it’s here for.”
Stede took a plate and took a few different pieces of food. As he ate them, he complimented Roach on his culinary skills. They’d never been officially introduced, so they did that while Stede snacked. A few other people came up and helped themselves, joining in the conversation as well.
“Nice to see you out and about, Stede,” said Lucius.
“You too. I love your neckerchief,” he said, pointing to the piece of plaid cloth tied around Lucius’s neck.
“Thank you. I had to do something to make this suit look better.”
Stede noticed that Pete had torn the sleeves off of his suit jacket. He wasn’t sure if that was appropriate for a traditional Flower Dance suit, but he didn’t see anyone complaining about it. Maybe it was tradition for everyone to make it their own.
Stede was grabbing a cup of punch a while later when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around and recognized the silver-flecked hair of the man walking toward him. “Oh, Ed! There you are!” he said.
“Hey, Stede!” said Ed. He looked Stede up and down. “You look really nice.”
“Oh. Thank you,” Stede said with a blush. “This blue wouldn’t be my first choice, of course, but I’m glad you like it. It looks wonderful on you though!”
“Thanks, mate. So how do you like our little festival?”
“It’s lovely! Of course, I haven’t seen any dancing yet, but the atmosphere here is nice. I love the flowers.”
“Thought you might.” Ed winked at him. He looked at the spread on the table in front of them. “Oh f*ck! Roach made his orange glaze cake. Stede, you’ve got to try this! It’s my favorite cake.”
They both grabbed a slice. Ed took a huge bite and moaned at the taste causing Stede’s eyes to widen. He blushed. Again. Then he took his own bite of cake.
“It’s good,” he said, “but it barely tastes of oranges.”
From behind the table, Roach scoffed. “Your tastebuds are DEAD!” He walked away in a huff.
“Oh, I didn’t mean to offend him,” said Stede.
Ed laughed. “I’m sure he’ll get over it. Eventually. Just don’t expect a birthday cake from him this year.”
“So, when does the dancing start?” asked Stede. “Shouldn’t there be some music already?”
“I think Frenchie’s still setting up the sound system.” Ed pointed over to where Frenchie and Wee John were plugging cables into a speaker. “It’s not the most high tech setup, but it works for us.”
“Well, that’s all that matters.”
“I keep telling Frenchie he needs to get his band to play for this thing, but he thinks it would be bad luck. First gig jitters, if you ask me.”
After a small bit of feedback, light music finally drifted through the air. To Stede’s surprise, Fang and Izzy walked to the middle of the field and started slow dancing together. It didn’t take long for a few other people to join in.
Ed and Stede stood off to the side until they were both pulled onto the dance floor. Jim danced with Ed while Archie danced with Stede. Before long, Stede found himself dancing with Lucius, then Frenchie, and finally with Fang. Several songs later, he had to stop for a drink. He made his way over to the punch bowl for a quick refreshment and was happy to be joined by Ed.
“You look like you’re having fun,” Ed said.
“Oh yes! This is great! I haven’t danced in ages.” Stede was still slightly out of breath from being whirled around the dance floor by Fang, who was quite nimble.
“How ‘bout we have some real fun,” drawled a voice nearby. They turned to see Jack smirking at them. Stede had seen him arrive earlier, but hadn’t said hello. Jack had managed to wear the appropriate suit, but it looked a bit too small for him. He’d propped himself up in the corner on arrival and Stede had noticed him sneaking sips out of a flask almost every time he’d looked his way. By the way he was slurring his speech, it was obvious he had pre-gamed before the party. For some odd reason, he had a whip attached to his belt. “Eddie, c’mon! Don’t you wanna play whippies?”
“Whippies?” Stede whispered in confusion.
“No, Jack. I really don’t,” said Ed. “We’re having a good time without that, man. Why don’t you find someone to dance with?”
“Like you?” Jack asked, leering at Ed.
“Nah, not me. I’ve already got a partner for this one. Right, Stede?” He looked over at Stede and held out his hand, a pleading look in his eye. Stede smiled and took his hand, happily playing along. Ed led him out onto the dance floor while behind them, Jack began chanting.
“Whippies! Whippies! Whippies!”
No one joined in.
Just as Ed wrapped his arms around Stede’s waist, they were interrupted when Jack grabbed the whip from his belt and cracked it at the punch bowl they had just abandoned.
“Hey!” shouted Roach, looking at his now punch-covered apron and the broken glass bowl in front of him.
“Dude, you’re gonna hurt somebody,” Archie said. She was standing near Jim, Oluwande, and Zheng with her arms crossed. None of the others looked happy.
But this didn’t stop Jack. He cracked his whip again, this time hitting the cord attached to the speaker with enough force to unplug it. The music grew quiet and tinny, now only playing through the laptop speakers.
Buttons tsked nearby with Karl perched on his shoulder. “Ya’ve killed et!”
Suddenly Jack turned to Buttons. He moved his arm back, ready to snap the whip toward Buttons and Karl. Everyone collectively held their breath, afraid of what was about to happen but unable to stop it.
Just as he was about to move his arm forward, a hand grabbed his wrist. “I don’t think you wanna do that,” rasped Izzy.
“You don’t know sh*t,” said Jack, but he lowered his hand.
“You need to leave, Jack,” said Izzy. “Come on.” Izzy didn’t let go of his wrist as he escorted him away from the crowd.
“Party sucked anyway,” Jack mumbled as he walked away.
Once they were gone, everyone started bustling around to help clean up the mess. The food was ruined and while the speaker could have easily been set up again, it was obvious that the party was over.
“Well, I didn’t expect my first festival here to be so dramatic,” Stede said as he helped Ed and Roach pack up the nibbles that hadn’t fallen off the table or been soaked by punch in all the chaos.
“Yeah, it’s usually not like this.” Ed looked over to watch Fang talking to Pete and Lucius. The couple were hugging him while he wiped his eyes. “Fang looks pretty upset. I wouldn’t be surprised if he kicks Jack out of his house.”
“Where will Jack go?” Stede asked.
“Don’t know. I think he’s worn out his welcome with most people in town. The last time he pulled something like this, Fang was the only one who would agree to let him stay.”
“Well, I can’t say I’m surprised if that’s the way he acts.”
“I say good riddance to him!” Roach chimed in. He was still covered with punch and angrily throwing away the remnants of his orange cake. It had been soaked with punch. He mumbled to himself as he scraped the soggy pieces into the trash can.
“Not the orange cake, man!” Ed said, shaking his head. “Was hoping for leftovers.”
“Well, if you want glass in your cake.” Roach bitchily said with a glare. He was clearly not in the mood for Ed’s pouting.
“You don’t have to be rude about it,” said Stede. “Ed’s not the one who ruined everything.”
Roach’s shoulders slumped. “Sorry. I just put a lot of time into all of this and then this happens?” He put his palms on the table, hung his head, and let out a deep breath to compose himself.
Ed put a hand over one of Roach’s hands. “Hey, man. I’m sorry. We all really appreciate everything you do for these festivals. And at the bar. Half of us would never eat a good home cooked meal without you.”
“Thanks, Ed,” he said, raising his head and smiling. “Glad to know I’m keeping you alive.”
“Hey, I didn’t mean me. I can cook!” Ed protested.
“Sure you can,” Roach replied with a smirk.
“Fine. I’ll just go help Frenchie then,” Ed said as he stalked away from the table. Stede quickly followed.
“Come back! It was a joke!” Roach shouted behind them.
Ed looked over at Stede, but he didn’t look angry. He had a twinkle in his eye as he turned back toward the cook. “See you tomorrow for my usual?” he shouted.
Roach grinned and went back to cleaning up.
“Should we go back and help?” Stede asked.
“Nah. He’s got it. Besides, Oluwande’s headed over there. Jim and Archie too. Between the four of them, I think they have it covered.”
Frenchie and John had already packed up the laptop, speaker, and cords so there wasn’t much use for them there. Anne and Mary were checking on Buttons who was going on a tirade about Jack and threatening to hex the man if he ever came near him or Karl again. Jackie and the Swede were helping Doug carry armfuls of flowers. He was telling them about his newest art project. Swede nodded along while Jackie watched him in amusem*nt. Zheng, Auntie, and Ivan were all walking back to town together.
“Pity the party had to end so soon,” said Stede as they headed toward his farm. “I was having such a fun time.”
“Me too,” said Ed.
“Of course, I would have needed to leave a little early anyway. I told Mary I’d call tonight.”
“Well, I don’t feel too bad then. Shame you missed getting to see my amazing dance skills though.”
“Next time,” said Stede.
“Yeah. Next time.”
“Thank you for walking me back,” said Stede.
“Didn’t want you to get lost.”
“Ed, I’ve been here for weeks now. I think I can find my way back to me own farm!” Stede giggled.
“Maybe I just like spending time with you,” Ed said as they arrived at the farm house.
“Well, I’m glad to hear it,” said Stede. “I like spending time with you too.” He smiled at Ed and Ed stared into his eyes. Stede wasn’t certain, but it almost looked as if he were leaning in a little. Stede blinked and leaned back. “I should get inside and call the kids,” he quickly muttered. Ed took a step backward.
“Yeah. Of course. I’ll, uh, see you around, mate.”
“Mmhmm. Goodnight, Ed.”
“Night night.”
With that, Stede hurried into his house and closed the door behind him. He peeked out through the window and watched as Ed slowly turned away and shuffled down the road toward town.
Perhaps he’d imagined it, but it seemed like Ed had been going in for a kiss. But that couldn’t be right! They’re friends. Best friends, if he were honest. Surely he’d been mistaken.
It was too much to think about now. He already had a text from Mary asking why he hadn’t called yet. They were waiting for him.
He settled into the chair near his fireplace and video called Mary. She answered quickly and she and the children waved at him.
“Oh, it’s so wonderful to see you!” he said. After the usual questions about how everyone was doing, the children finally settled down and he was able to read a bedtime story to them. When the chapter was over, Mary sent them off to bed after they said goodnight to Stede.
“So, how are you doing?” she asked when they were alone.
“Good,” Stede sighed.
“You seem tired. Long day?”
“Yes. Today was the Flower Dance. It was fun. There was a bit of a kerfuffle toward the end, but still fun.”
“I’m glad you seem to be settling in there.”
“Thanks. So am I. Have you given my idea any more thought?”
“Actually, I have! I haven’t told the children yet, but I spoke to the owner today.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I think it will be good to get out of the city for a while.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful! I’m really looking forward to it. It will be nice to have you all nearby, even if it’s only for the summer.”
