[Survey] A Fresh Start

Gaia stared wistfully at the sky. He could already feel the weather starting to warm up. Which was good don't get him wrong, but he'd always preferred the colder months. Though Spring brought a lot of things too. Things like new beginnings. Something that he desperately needed if he had any shot at salvaging his relationship with Fleet. The other xero had been rightfully upset at his vanishing act and honestly Gaia had no excuse good enough to give him for leaving for as long as he did. It was sort of a mess. Heck he'd even been threatened by Fleet's friend! After he'd gotten over the initial shock of Fleet actually managing to make a friend he'd felt properly intimidated. He was... happy though. Happy that Fleet had found someone besides him to spend time with. He deserved it.

"Are you just gonna stand there and mope all day?" Gaia turned around in surprise to see Fleet there, arms crossed and expression closed off.

"Maybe." Gaia shrugged. It wasn't as fluid as it might normally be. "You know how I can get when the weather starts changing."

"Ugh, don't remind me." Fleet rolled his eyes. "My poor peace is going to be shattered by you complaining about the nice weather."

Gaia perked up. Was this... an olive branch that Fleet was giving? Since Gaia had shown back up the other xero had been distant, which he could totally understand, but this was a bit more normal. This was familiar. He'd take it. He grinned. "I thought you hated it when it was quiet? My complaining helps fill the silence right?"

Fleet glared, but it wasn't the same one that had sent involuntary shivers down Gaia's spine when they'd first seen each other again. Progress. "Don't push it." He growled. "Now are you going to help me get stuff ready to plant or not? I won't have you be a freeloader so long as you're staying with me."

Gaia gave him a salute. "You got it boss. Show me what I need to do." Fleet just rolled his eyes again and led Gaia inside. They both knew that Gaia didn't actually need Fleet to show him what to do. The two had done this every Spring for a while now. Pretty much since they'd met. It made Gaia's heart ache to know he'd missed the last one. The two worked in what Gaia would call the most comfortable silence the two had since he came back. It was a start and honestly he was just thankful Fleet seemed willing to give him a chance. 

The fact that Fleet enjoyed gardening so much had come as a real surprise to Gaia at first. The activity just didn't seem to fit Fleet. Yet the xero had proved he was good at it. More than good really, amazing. The fresh food he managed to grow was always some of the best tasting stuff Gaia had ever had. Maybe if he was lucky Fleet would share some this year. Honestly Gaia wouldn't blame him if he didn't. All too soon the pots were prepped and planted. Gaia helped set them up outside so they'd get plenty of sun, and Fleet only mildly complained about how Gaia handle the things.

Fleet glanced at Gaia. "You better help me keep those watered too."

"Wouldn't dream of doing anything else." Gaia grinned, choosing to look at the pots rather than Fleet. "These'll be ready in no time."

"Don't overwater them either." Fleet huffed. "I know you've tried to do that before."

Gaia gasped in mock offense and put a hand on his chest. "Me? Overwater the plants under the poorly conceived notion that we could go longer in between watering them if I did? I would never."

Fleet shook his head but Gaia could pick up on the slight amusement there. "Sure." His short chuckle was almost too soft to hear. "Now come on, we have other stuff to do. Gotta take advantage of the new season."

Fleet turned to head back inside. Gaia couldn't help but smile at his back. Even after vanishing without saying anything Fleet seemed willing to give him another shot. He silently thanked the atmosphere of the coming Spring. Maybe it had influenced Fleet to give him a shot. Gaia just needed to not mess it up this time.