In order to be ready for conversation the next time they crossed paths, Tyler made sure to read the book Josh had gotten for him. Tyler was so excited that he made sure to read the first few chapters of the book several times. It was interesting and sometimes made no sense, but he cherished it deeply.

   Josh visited him again on Monday. It was after 5pm, and the shop got pretty slow around 5 on the weekdays. Though Tyler didn't close until 7, he had begun wrapping up and packing up most things for the night.

      Tyler nearly didn't recognize him because of his change in hair color. It was a bright pink on top, though it remained brown on the sides. It was fascinating. While he had seen people with colored hair before, he never knew someone with it.

   "Woah," Tyler gasped, staring at the bright hues in front of his eyes. "Pink." Tyler grinned.

    "What do you think of it?" Josh did a 360, showcasing his new haircut and color.

    "It's so cool, Josh." Tyler replied with the utmost sincerity. "Did you do it?"

    "Thank you. And, no. My friend Debby did."

    Instantly, Tyler found himself frowning. He had no right to, either. It was perfectly acceptable and normal to have other friends. "Oh," He nodded, trying to think of what to say. "Is she your girlfriend?" He blurted, unable to hold in his curiosity.

   Josh let out a soft laugh, shaking his head. "No. I haven't had a girlfriend in a while." It seemed like Josh was trying to indicate something with his voice, but Tyler couldn't put his finger on it. Opting not to pry, he just smiled up at Josh, feeling oddly satisfied with his answer.

     "Oh, okay." Tyler nodded. "Just haven't found the right girl yet?" He asked, giving Josh a hopeful smile.

     The older man could only chuckle. "Yeah, something like that."

     Tyler had no idea what Josh had meant by that, but he chose to ignore it. If he brought up everything he didn't understand about Josh, they would be here forever. "That book—I read a few chapters." Changing the subject, Tyler flushed slightly when Josh grinned.

     "What did you think of it?"

     "Well, I did not understand some things, but I feel that's because it is a fantasy world... Not just because I don't know things about the new age," Sheepishly, he rubbed the back of neck—something he did when he was nervous. He wasn't sure why Josh made him so nervous.

     "I can always explain things, if you're confused." Josh offered, and Tyler nodded.

     Honestly, he had many questions, but he didn't want to ask them in fear of coming across as stupid. Still, he daintily replied, "Thanks, Josh." Tyler looked up at him through his long lashes in a way that made Josh's stomach flip.

     "How—" Josh began, abruptly shutting his mouth as the look on Tyler's face cut off the circuit of thoughts to his mouth. Clearing his throat, he forced himself to look away, studying the fresh loafs on the rack behind Tyler. "How are you? Has it been busy?"

     As always, Tyler was patient—he barely even noticed Josh stumble on his words, too distracted by his own invading thoughts. "Not too bad. It's a lot more busy on weekends. I like when you visit me on these days because it is fine for me to be so distracted."

     "Oh, so I'm a distraction?" Josh teased, making Tyler giggle.

     With reddened cheeks, Tyler looked away bashfully. "A little. It is not every day that an outsider comes in to talk to me about books and wants to try my food and hear about my life." He grinned, flashing both rows of teeth.

     Josh's eyes lit up at the mention of food. "Speaking of food, do you have anything new for me to try?"

     "Hm," Turning, Tyler's eyes studied the baked goods on the shelf. "I made apple dumplings this morning. They're my favorite."

     Nodding, Josh grabbed his wallet, ready to pull out a 20. "No, it's okay." Tyler shook his head. "It's an exchange...for the book."

     Nonetheless, as Tyler unwrapped the fresh goods, Josh slipped a 20 dollar bill into the tip jar, and Tyler shook his head through his smile. Wordlessly, he walked into the back and placed two of the dumplings into the oven to reheat them. He wrapped another four in cloth, placing them in a small basket.

    "Tyler—" Josh began, but Tyler shook his head, sliding the basket towards him.

     "Just remember to bring it back so I can put more stuff in it next time." He murmured, smiling in triumph as Josh dramatically accepted the basket.

     "Thank you." The older replied, resting both of his hands on the counter that separated them. Subconsciously, Tyler did the same. Josh was so inviting, so enticing. "How have you been since the last time I saw you? Anything new?"

     "Not really. I have a dinner to attend on Sunday. It is exciting because it is with the family of the girl I am courting."

     "Courting?" Confused, Josh repeated.

     "It's a process we go through before marriage."

     With widened eyes, Josh repeated his words again. "Marriage? What? Aren't you 19?" He asked, shocked. He was also surprised that Tyler was marrying a girl, but he didn't voice that. He knew that gay people were unheard of in their communities, so it only made sense.

     Laughing softly, Tyler shook his head. "I am still 18. It is normal for us to get married at this age."

     "Wow. I'm like, totally behind in your eyes, then." He laughed, and Tyler joined in.

     "That is normal for you as well?" Tyler was surprised.

     Shaking his head, he explained. "Not at all. If you did that in my hometown, everyone would think you got the girl knocked up."

    "Knocked up?" Tilting his head, Tyler looked at Josh for clarity.

     "Pregnant." He elaborated, making Tyler's eyes widen.

     "Oh! I would never." Pregnancy before marriage was strictly prohibited, as was sex. "Never before marriage. Why would they think such a thing?"

     "Sometimes people rush to get married when they find out they're having a baby so it doesn't look as bad."

     "Well, God would know that they did it, so what is the point? You cannot fool him." Tyler scoffed. Who did they think they were, trying to defy God?

     Amused, Josh asked, "Do you believe in God?"

     "Yes. Of course. You do not?" Tyler felt slightly afraid. He had never knowingly encountered an atheist, and he really didn't want Josh to be his first. If his family ever discovered it, they would be livid for even speaking to him.

     "No, I do." Josh assured, and Tyler let out a sigh of relief. "My views are a little bit complicated...one day I'll tell you about them."

     Frowning, Tyler rested his chin in the palm of his hand. "Why not now?"

     "It's a long conversation..." Honestly, Josh didn't have the energy to explain why his views were so complex, especially when Tyler was probably homophobic. "We'll talk about it one day. I promise."

     Though he was dissatisfied with Josh's response, the beep of the timer made him feel better. After carefully removing both dumplings from the oven, he placed them on a big plate before placing it on the counter in between him and Josh.

     "They are hot." Tyler warned. Josh nodded, deciding against grabbing the baked good so he wouldn't burn himself. "So, how have you been?" Leaning forward again, Tyler offered him a small smile.

     "I'm okay." Shrugging, Josh tried to think of an interesting reply.  "I had work on Friday, and had off on the weekend, so I went to a club with a few friends. We drank a little...It was nice."

     "Oh," Tyler didn't know what to say...he knew so little about the outside life. "Do you do that often?...Go out, I mean."

     It seemed like Tyler felt like he couldn't add to the conversation, and Josh sort of felt obligated to undermine the experience even if he did have a good time. He didn't want Tyler to feel bad, or anything. "No, not really. It's—" He didn't want to lie and say it in was unenjoyable, but he wanted to make Tyler feel better. "It's okay. It's just as nice to sit and talk, too. All depends on your mood, and what you feel like doing." He tried to soothe.

    With a closed lip smile, Tyler nodded in agreement. "Yes, that is true. I don't know if I would ever like to go to a thing like that, though."

     "Do you know what a club is?" Josh asked, his tone curious, nonjudgmental.

     Blushing, Tyler shrugged. "Not really." He giggled, and Josh let out a laugh, too.

     "You shouldn't assume you wouldn't like something if you've never tried."

     "I guess. Have a bite now." Tyler motioned towards the plate.The warmth of the crisp pastry was welcomed by Josh, and he hummed in approval as the cinnamon apple taste invaded his taste buds.

     "Can't I just take you home with me so you can make me these anytime?!" Josh exclaimed, and Tyler was grinning pridefully.

     "Guess you will have to come visit me more often, then."

Fondly, Josh smiled back at him. "I guess I will."

     Days later, Tyler swallowed the nerves he felt as he tentatively knocked on the Black's door with his hand that wasn't holding the fresh loaf of bread he made (though he would credit his mother if Mr. Black asked to avoid looking less masculine).

     "Oh, how kind of you!" Mrs. Black grinned, accepting the fresh loaf of bread before calling Jenna's name.

     Within seconds, she was standing at the front door, her blue eyes twinkling as she looked at Tyler. "Hi." She whispered, nervously shifting on her feet. A piece of blonde hair had fallen from her bonnet, and if they were alone maybe Tyler would've tucked it behind her ear.

     Before Tyler could say anything, Mr. Black interjected. "Help your mother bring the food to the table."

     Mentally, Tyler cringed as Jenna left them, but he still forced himself to politely smile at her father. "Mr. Black," He began, placing his hand out. The older man gripped it firmly, almost intimidatingly. "Good to see you. Thank you for having me for supper."

     "Happy to have you, Tyler." He smiled, now, placing his other hand over Tyler's to indicate gratitude, and Tyler felt a wave of relief wash over him. Wordlessly, he followed the older man into the dining room. It was in his nature to offer help with bringing the food in and such, but he knew it wasn't his job, and he didn't want to appear as anything but a masculine potential head of household, so he held his tongue.

     Roasted chicken with numerous vegetables, along with a potato casserole were served, and Tyler was excited to eat after a long day of work and mending the farm. "Thank you for dinner, Ma'am." As Mrs. Black sat down, Tyler spoke.

     Jenna sat down next to him, and Tyler made sure to keep a respectable distance, wanting to do his best to impress her family. He wasn't sure if he wanted to impress them more for himself or his father.

      "Let us thank our Heavenly father for this meal he has gifted us." Mrs. Black instructed. Tyler lowered his head as he silently began praying, Jenna did the same. Mr. Black dismissed the prayer when he was finished. "Amen."

     The family, along with Tyler, began eating. Jenna's younger sisters took the spotlight for a while, sharing what they learned at school that day. This continued  on until Mr. Black directed the conversation towards Tyler.

     "So, the sermon will be held in your home, yes?" He asked before he shoved a forkful of chicken into his mouth.

     Tyler finished chewing a piece of squash before nodding. "Yes. My Pa is very thrilled. It's been a while since we've hosted a service."

     "And I hear you are singing?" Mrs. Black asked, a hopeful smile plastered on her face.

    Blushing, Tyler looked down at his half empty plate. "Oh, gosh," Tyler replied, feeling bashful. "I am. I was asked to."

     "How wonderful! Gott segen eich (god bless you)." The phrase was a rare one used within his community, it was only meant to show utmost gratitude or appreciation. Tyler felt honored. His father would be thrilled.

     "Thank you. I hope you will enjoy it." Around a forkful of potatoes, Tyler smiled again.

     "I know we will. I've heard him sing along before during service, and he has a wonderful voice." Jenna gushed, not caring that her younger sisters exchanged whispers (mostly because she was openly talking about a boy in front of her father).

     "Oh, come on, I am nothing special." Tyler dismissed, praying his cheeks didn't look as hot as they felt.

    "Well, our Jenna thinks quite the contrary."