Closed Sweeter Sounds Are Everywhere

[Arvel Ayers]

The path through the woods was strewn with sunlight and autumn leaves. Arvel walked beside Jacob while Clover sprang ahead, wagging her tail, sniffing the undergrowth, and snatching at the occasional bit of bracken. She was a daft dog, but Arvel was smitten. If he ever had a bad day at the hospital, her silly antics were sure to cheer him up as soon as he got home. Besides, it was nice to have someone around who was even less coordinated than he was. Did wonders for his self-esteem.

Arvel realised he had been quiet for a few minutes, and smiled to show he was still enjoying himself. He was enjoying himself, in spite of the nagging feeling he was betraying Analei - a feeling that had faded over time but never completely gone away. She had told him she didn't mind him spending time with Jacob, but when Analei said 'I don't mind', it could mean anything between 'this doesn't bother me' and 'you're dead to me', and Arvel was playing Russian roulette.

But so what? He was happy. He was happy here, with Jacob, in the woods, and he had denied himself happiness for far too long to let this particular piece fall through his fingers. They were only friends, anyway. Sure, Arvel had imagined, in some detail, how Jacob's hand might feel in his... but they were only friends. And that was fine.

They had come to the end of the trail. A strategically-placed brewery had thrown open its doors to the warm autumn afternoon. "Aye, look," said Arvel, pointing. "'Dogs welcome'. Want to stop for a drink?"

 

[Jacob Kingsley]

Jacob was feeling pretty content in this moment. The conversation had been pleasant so far, and Arvel's dog was friendly, helping his new dog come out of her shell just a little bit. Jacob watched as Maisie followed behind Clover, sniffing at everything she did just after she did it. It was cute to watch. These walks had become one of his favorite parts of his week when they happened, and today was no exception.

The Auror looked up, smiling at Arvel as he pointed to the brewery up ahead. What a convenient location, he thought to himself as he nodded his head. "Absolutely." The man was glad for the excuse to keep the afternoon going on just a bit longer. "Did you know this was here?" he teased Arvel, jostling him with his elbow, wondering if the man had been walking to this destination all along. "This way, Maisie" he called out as the dog had finally decided to go off in her own direction and was heading straight for the tiny parking lot. She promptly trotted back in the other direction.