Thanksgiving was nearly here! It had to be one of his most favorite times of the year. Sure he loved most holidays: Halloween because he got to dress up and party, Christmas because he got to lavish gifts and attention upon his loved ones, but Thanksgiving, in his opinion, had to be one of the most rewarding. Not a lot of people liked the idea of working so hard in the kitchen all day, but Booker absolutely loved it. The meals he could create, the confectionary delights, everything was so good and amazing and yummy, and best of all, he got to spend time with family, breaking bread over a lavish dinner table. What was there not to like about it?

However, aside from the Thanksgiving decorations that he tossed about the apartment, the most important thing he needed to invest his money in was ingredients. In order for his Thanksgiving dinner to be successful, he needed to be sure to buy only the highest quality and freshest ingredients. That was why the librarian was here, today, at the 79th Street Farmer’s Market. Booker was on the hunt and he was not heading home until he found it.

It was a sunny day but despite the bright rays of the sun, it was still fairly cool with fluffy gray clouds occasionally sweeping by the expansive sky above. It was perfect weather, the kind that heralding the coming of the colder months, his favorite time of the year. It also meant it was the perfect time for him to wear his warmer clothing.

Traveling down the length of the stands and vendors selling all sorts of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and knick-knacks, Booker blended in perfectly with the crowds of people that mulled about. Dressed in his warm, baby blue sweater and dark jeans, the 6’2 librarian with the chiseled jaw and light brown, messy hair and scruff, smiled in delight as he stepped away from another vendor, thanking them for the amazing deal on the fresh rosemary and thyme that smelled so fragrant. Sliding the plastic, zip-tied bag into his canvas tote bag, Booker moved on.

Really, this was already turning out to be an amazing hunt.

Booker’s Wuthering Heights inspired bag was only halfway filled and yet it looked like it couldn’t be heavier. Still, with his strong arms, he didn’t seem inconvenienced in the least. Instead Booker continued on, holding the laden bag in his hand, filled with the few items that would last until the coveted day. The big shopping would be done later on, for the freezable stuff, but for now, he just wanted to enjoy being out in the cool weather, smelling all the wondrous scents of the seasons.

Passing by another vendor, he managed to squeeze himself in between a few people who were trying to look at the produce. However, while everyone was browsing, Booker knew exactly where he needed to go. Slipping around a few people, the target was finally visible in the form of a stack of fresh yams. His candied yams were a Thanksgiving staple and probably one of the things that Nessa begged he make for her every year. These looked like prime specimens too! Picking a few, he managed to purchase them without issue before he pushed on a felt a rumble in his stomach. It was time for a snack!

As Booker crossed the way, his nose caught the scent of roasting nuts and he felt his mouth start to salivate. If there was anything he enjoyed more, he couldn’t think of it at the moment. The scent of the roasting almonds, peanuts, and cashews in honey smelled so divine that he could hardly contain himself. So, getting into line, Booker sighed as he waited for his turn. There were only a few people nearby but these vendors moved pretty quick.

He grinned, turning to a person nearby who seemed to be waiting too. ”God, it’s the perfect weather for these, isn’t it?” he asked the total stranger with a smile. ”Been waiting all year.”

Javier liked the farmer's market. He liked the smells, the colors, the flavors. He enjoyed cooking on occasion, although it was not always worth it, given that he lived alone. Still, it was a nice place to visit, and, thanks to him being socially impaired, he usually ended up buying way more stuff than he needed, just because vendors struck up a nice conversation with him. It was hard to say no to nice people selling produce from their own gardens.

Javier was carrying a woven basket that was, at this point, overstuffed. It contained several decorative pumpkins (and some for pie), crispy apples, pears, sweet potatoes, an assortment of home-made jams and preserves, and a few pomegranates. It was not bothersome; even his crowd-strained mental state could handle carrying a heavy basket of groceries. He didn't need all of them, but he could always give some away.

The scent of roasting chestnuts lured him towards the hot food vendors. It was a distinctly Christmas-y smell. He stood in line a little awkwardly, trying to not make eye contact with anyone. People tended to be very chatty at the far...

>>”God, it’s the perfect weather for these, isn’t it? Been waiting all year.”

Javier blinked as he looked up. He had the sense that the question, rhetorical or otherwise, had been aimed at him, so it would have been rude not to do so. But when he did, he was immediately distracted by the fact that the man talking to him was, for lack of a better term, gorgeous. If there was anything worse than making small talk in a line, it was making small talk with someone really handsome. Javier cleared his throat.

"It is really nice outside today, yes" he agreed. Good. So far, so good. Talk about the weather. You can talk about the weather. "It is hard to find good quality nuts outside of the Christmas season..." he trialed off. Was something off? Something had to be off. Where was the nearest exit again?...

Booker was too ecstatic to about the upcoming season to not talk excitedly to a total stranger. The fact was that Booker was just a social animal. Given his profession, he loved to talk, he loved to make friends, and he liked to believe in the best in people. It was just his way. Therefore, striking up a conversation with someone whom he had never met before was something that the man was accustomed to doing. Sure it didn’t always land. People would look at him like he was crazy or would just ignore him, but it really was how he had met some of his best friends (and other relationships).

Turning to the shorter man next to him, Booker excitedly announced how it was the perfect season for roasted chestnuts and and grinned as he waited for a response. He wouldn’t have been surprised if one weren’t given, but being the eternal optimist that he was, he couldn’t help but hold onto hope that an answer would be given.

The other man was actually fairly good looking. About average height with dark, cropped hair, and a devilish five o’clock shadow, the man the definition of “Ay papi!” in some circles. All that was only made more interesting by the fact that he was holding a wicker basket at his side; it almost looked as if he were getting ready to go to a picnic. Ah! A picnic in November sounds like an amazing idea! He didn’t know why he didn’t think of it sooner.

>>"It is really nice outside today, yes...It is hard to find good quality nuts outside of the Christmas season..."

He paused. The man suddenly looked a little nervous but Booker only shared a brilliant smile in return. While it was easy for that comment to be taken for all of its nuanced innuendo, the librarian was too distracted by the promises of the holiday season to allow his mind to gutter that quickly. Instead he was just happy as a clam to actually be conversing with someone who wanted to talk! AND in New York! It was like spotting an elusive Yeti in your cereal box!

”OH I agree,” Booker said with a sigh. ”I feel more and more like they stockpile them all year just so they can sell out during the holiday months. It’s a nut conspiracy.” He grinned at the other, hinting that he was just joking. The line moved up so Booker stepped up another step before turning back to the other and eyeing the basket. ”Wow, you came prepared! I take it you’re a farmer’s market regular?”

The many looked even more attractive when smiling. Also, about as excitable as a basket full of Labrador puppies. Some people really just had it all, the charm, the looks, and the complete innocence of someone who's never been disliked by anyone. It was an endearing combination. Javier relaxed a little as the blonde man gracefully glossed over his ambiguous comment.

>>”OH I agree. I feel more and more like they stockpile them all year just so they can sell out during the holiday months. It’s a nut conspiracy.”

That was... definitely not how things worked. Mostly because chestnuts had a season... But really, the guy was clearly joking, and in a light-hearted way. And at least he steered clear of the obvious puns. Javier chuckled a little. He was not sure what to say about the conspiracy. He also glanced towards the vendors. He would have hated it if they overheard the accusation.

>>"Wow, you came prepared! I take it you’re a farmer’s market regular?”

Javier glanced at his oversized basket filled with punishment-for-social-awkwarness produce. It looked like one of those "autumn cornucopia" pictures. He wondered if the handsome man thought he was some kind of a hoarder. Or a father of ten.

"Yes, I like the farmer's market. I eat a lot of... fruit." conversational dead ends. They were legion. "How about you?"

Booker liked to consider himself a bit of a regular at the farmer’s market. Given how much the man cooked and his adoration for fresh ingredients, he always made it a habit to come to these things. Of course he didn’t always attend the same one. Some of the other markets had varieties of items her preferred to this one and vice versa. Therefore, while he would have liked to have said that he would have recognized the man if he came here a lot, the truth was that it was very likely Booker wouldn’t. Despite his near perfect memory, some details can get lost in the shuffle unless it were something very specific he were looking for.

Bouncing on his feet a little, he snapped his attention back to the front of the line, noting that was moving slower than normal. It seemed that someone up front was taking their time about what to order. Serious? It was a honey-roasted nut vendor! How much variety can really trip you up? He rolled his eyes at little at whomever was keeping him from their nutty glory but turned back to the man he was conversing with. That was a pleasant distraction at least.

Booker couldn’t help but comment on the laden basket the other had tucked over his arm. Really the other must have been far stronger than he let on given how heavy the basket was and how effortless the other seemed to be holding it up. Color the librarian impressed.


>>"Yes, I like the farmer's market. I eat a lot of... fruit...How about you?"

Booker smirked, hefting up his own bulbos tote bag that also seemed heavy though not nearly as much as his new friend’s. ”Oh yeah. I love coming to these. I love cooking and working with fresh ingredients.” He beamed proudly. ”I don’t always come to this market, though, I make my rounds between several. Today I’m just getting the preliminary stuff for Thanksgiving out of the way. Be on our doorstep before you know it!” He sighed happily, paused for a second, then extended his hand out to the other. ”Name’s Booker, by the way. You are…?”

The line was not really moving. People muttered, some in frustration, some simply in impatience, as they pushed a little closer together, hoping that somehow that would make the buyers at the front conduct their business a little faster. Javier felt the pent-up impatience build behind him, and his shoulders slumped a little. There were people in front of him, but he still felt like he was somehow to blame for the hold-up.

The basket was growing increasingly heavy on his arm. So far he had had no problem holding it on one side, despite the weight of the things in it, but now it was beginning to put a strain on his shoulder. Was his strength failing again? It tended to do so at the worst possible moments. Like, in the middle of a conversation with a handsome and friendly stranger. Javier shifted, lowering the basket to get a better hold on it.

>>”Oh yeah. I love coming to these. I love cooking and working with fresh ingredients. I don’t always come to this market, though, I make my rounds between several. Today I’m just getting the peliminary stuff for Thanksgiving out of the way. Be on our doorstep before you know it!”

Of course he cooked. He seemed like the type. The typed that made food from fresh ingredients, and got excited about Halloween. Javier generally enjoyed Halloween, although his family did not quite celebrate it like other families did.

>>”Name’s Booker, by the way. You are…?”

Javier shifted the basket to his other arm, fumbled, almost dropped it, then managed to place it on the ground instead. His cheeks heated up from embarrassment, as he shook Booker's hand.

"Javier."

Booker grinned as he held out his hand for the other to shake. While watching him, Booker couldn’t help but notice that he seemed to be having trouble with his basket of fresh produce. As he struggled to balance it with his arm, Booker proceeded to reach out to help but, in the end, gravity proved to be the far better option as it was just gently placed onto the ground with a tiny thud. Maybe the thrill of produce shopping had produced a strong enough high for his new friend to lift mountains, but now was beginning to wane. Shame. Booker hoped that the man could get a second wind before leaving this place so that he could actually lug all that home.

Once he recovered, the man offered Booker a shy look before finally taking his hand to shake. Booker firmly shook his hand back.

>>"Javier."

”Ahh! Lovely to meet you Mr. Javier.” Booker grinned brightly. He loved meeting people but so few seemed to want to engage in the conversation. Javier certainly seemed like a nice enough guy, and willing to try to converse despite the fact that he was extraordinarily quiet. Slipping his tote bag over his shoulder to give his hand a rest, Booker tucked his thumb through the strap casually. ”You okay there?” He finally asked, referring to the heavy basket and smiling. ”Eyes bigger than your stomach when you purchased so much?”

A playful tease, nothing more.

As Booker watched the other, he noticed that the line was finally moving so he took a step forward, closing the gap between them. The annoying customer had finally moved on (surprise, surprise, she chose the nuts!) and the line was at regular speed again with people not wanting to replicate that last woman’s actions. Once the gap was closed he turned back to Javier.

”You know if you need the split up the weight a bit, I have an extra tote bag tucked in here,” he said, patting his bag. ”I’m more than happy to share. Us avid farmer’s marketers have to stick together, ya know.” Another priceless smile.

They shook hands. Booker had a nice friendly handshake, which was no surprise given that everything else about him was nice and friendly too. The basket ended up on the ground, which was a little embarrassing. Was this because he was distracted? Javier noted that his powers were not reliable. Again. Or ever.

>>”You okay there? Eyes bigger than your stomach when you purchased so much?”

"Uh... I guess" Javier admitted, blushing some more. He couldn't very well admit that he could not say no to a good sales pitch, right? Did he seem like a crazy person? Who bought this much produce anyway? He gave an envious glance at Booker's much more reasonable tote bag.

>>”You know if you need the split up the weight a bit, I have an extra tote bag tucked in here. I’m more than happy to share. Us avid farmer’s marketers have to stick together, ya know.”

Javier would not have tagged himself as an 'avid farmer's marketer.' He just liked the place, and then ended up buying more than he needed. He let out a defeated sigh.

"Thank you" he nodded "Actually... if you want some of these, I am happy to share. I like... um, people are nice here, so I tend to buy things from them, you know, support the market and all, but... I doubt I'll ever eat all of this alone."

Good job, Javier. Way to sound totally pathetic.

>>"Uh... I guess"

Booker smirked before letting the subject drop. Really there was no need for him to pick the subject back up as clearly his joke didn’t fully land. Rather than embarrass the other by pointing out his burden again, he tried to move onto a different subject. Instead he asked if maybe Javier wanted to have a new bag to help split up the weight difference. It should at least help with some of the balance issues so that he wouldn’t have to deal carrying too much weight in one spot. Booker was just trying to help.

>>"Thank you...Actually... if you want some of these, I am happy to share. I like... um, people are nice here, so I tend to buy things from them, you know, support the market and all, but... I doubt I'll ever eat all of this alone."

That...was actually pretty generous of the guy. Booker knew that farmer’s market vendors weren’t the cheapest because they actually had to compete with major stories by offering a product that was fresh and healthy but also allowed them to make some kind of profit from it. The world this day and age was certainly unfair to certains sects of people. However, despite the price, he was all for supporting these amazing farmers.

Booker thought for a moment, his eyes drifting between the man’s basket and his own tote bag. Really it was a hell of an offer. How could he possibly say no to it? The man couldn’t eat all that by himself and it would be a shame for such amazing produce to go to waste. He nodding his head, grinning a bit as an idea formed.

”Alright, I can hardly pass up that offer,” Booker said. ”I’ll happily see what you got…so long as,” he suddenly continued, ready to list terms, ”You let me treat you to fresh honey roasted chestnuts.” His terms were laid out and he gave the man a smile. ”Deal Mr. Javier?”

Javier was not sure what Booker was thinking, about the overload of produce and his offer to gift him some. Was this something people did? Hand things toothers for free at the farmer's market? Was it too weird an offer? They just met, after all... Javi could see Booker was considering things. It occurred to him that it would be really awkward if he said no.

>>”Alright, I can hardly pass up that offer. I’ll happily see what you got…so long as... You let me treat you to fresh honey roasted chestnuts. Deal Mr. Javier?”

"Yes! I mean, deal." Javier nodded quickly, and a little relieved "Um... it' just Javier." No need to be so formal about it.

Good thing he liked chestnuts, because he would have said yes anyway.

"So... are you a chef?" he ventured as they shuffled closer to the vendor. Instead of carrying it, Javier just lifted the basket and then put it down again.

Really...this was a little odd. Booker didn't make it a habit of bartering with total strangers for produce. However there was something about this situation that wasn't entirely everyday. He was talking with a very nice man who actually wanted to chat with him too. Whether it was the season or the setting or Booker was must that starved for attention, he was more than willing to keep this interaction going. Besides, what was wrong with trading a few fresh market ingredients.
So, he agreed. Of course, there was a catch to his agreement. If Booker couldn't pay the man for whatever items he took, he could at least treat him to some fresh vittles from the vendor they were both in line for. But would the other agree?

>>"Yes! I mean, deal...Um... it' just Javier."

Booker smirked and nodded agreeingly. ”Just Javier it is!” he offered him a wide smile. He would have gone into a teasing joke by just calling him ‘Just Javier’ the rest of their time together but it didn't seem appropriate. The man was sweet but he certainly seemed nervous so there was no need to scare him off.

The line moved on and the scent of roasted nuts grew exponentially. Booker sighed in satisfaction. Almost time. God, he couldn't believe how excited he was to get a bag of mixed nuts! Truly Booker was a slave to his senses…especially around the holidays.

So the do pressed on, Booker turning to him when Javier spoke up...


>>"So... are you a chef?"

Booker shook his head but smiled. ”Nah, just an enthusiast, really. I just enjoy cooking.” he paused, shifting his tote bag again before continuing. ”Actually I’m a librarian. Over at the New York Public Library.” The pride in his voice was only punctuated by his innocent smile. ”You?”

It would have made sense if he was a chef. Javier knew that people really passionate about their jobs tended to be very particular about them too; and Booker being here at the farmers market, picking out the best ingredients, was such a particular behavior. Javier was not great at cooking, but he enjoyed it, and he certainly appreciated others who put their energy into creating all kinds of flavors.

>>”Nah, just an enthusiast, really. I just enjoy cooking. Actually I’m a librarian. Over at the New York Public Library. You?”

Javier blinked in surprise. Or... not. Okay, so the handsome and friendly guy with a passion for cooking was actually a librarian. At one of the greatest libraries in the country. Go figure.

"That... sounds great" he noted, aware that it was not the best reaction "Oh, I'm... I have a shop. I'm a tailor."

Not quite as glamorous.

Had Booker ever had aspirations of being a chef? It was possible. He did love being in the kitchen and watching cooking shows and competitions, he would always wonder what he would do in those scenarios. But, truth be told, if the librarian had ever truly wanted to make a career of being in the kitchen, it was not a thought that he entertained for long. While he loved cooking, his true destiny always felt like it would be behind the desk in a library. It had been in one true focus this entire time.

Still, it was fun to imagine. Wearing the white chef coats, spending his day creating culinary perfection. Really it was appealing to the man but while it was something he might have enjoyed, he still couldn’t imagine not working around books in his life. He was where he wanted to be and cooking, well, it would have to be delegated to simply being a hobby and, today, an ice breaker.

Booker explained where his occupation truly lied and smiled proudly at the man. he loved to say that he worked for the library. Not for any arrogant reason, trying to impress other people, but because it served as a reminder of what he achieved and just how lucky he was.

Javier seemed impressed, looking at him in a slightly confused but impressed manner. Booker smiled warmly to the man, moving up at step as they neared the front. Afterwards he quickly shot the question back to his new friend, wondering what his own occupation was.

>>"That... sounds great...Oh, I'm... I have a shop. I'm a tailor."

His eyebrows lifted in interest as he eyed Javier. A Tailor! To be honest he didn’t think he had ever actually met a tailor face-to-face, much less held a conversation with one. Aside from getting his suits fitted, he was actually sad to admit he had no tailor friends. Though it seemed that that would be a fact that would be changing from here on out!

”That sounds amazing!” Booker exclaimed ”I’ve never studied tailoring but I always found it fascinating!”

“NEXT!”

Booker jumped and looked ahead! Oh jeez it was finally their turn! He turned back to his new friend and waved for him to follow. If he was going to be treating him, they may as well walk up together. ”Come on, Javier!” He smiled brightly. ”Let me know what you would like. I did say I would treat you.” Booker moved up to the vendor and waited for his new friend to join him and make his selection.

Javier had barely finished telling him what his job was, Booker was already acting like it was the coolest thing in the world. Sure, sometimes people found tailoring fascinating, especially when they were aware of the connection to the fashion world, and sometimes they made assumptions that made Javier sound a lot cooler than he really was. But Booker... he just acted like he found a box of candy or something. The guy was endlessly excitable. It even made Javier smile.

>>”That sounds amazing! I’ve never studied tailoring but I always found it fascinating!”

Javier blushed a little, not entirely sure how to react to that. He never knew how to react to compliments. Should he agree? Should he deny it? Should he say thanks?...

>>”Come on, Javier! Let me know what you would like. I did say I would treat you.”

"Uhhh" Javier blinked in panic. Picking things this fast? Normally he would have been rehearsing his order all the way through the line, but Booker had kinda distracted him, and now he was keenly aware that he was holding up the line by looking over the menu. So he just made a snap decision. "Chestnuts would be fine. Thank you."

Booker devoured knowledge. Given his occupation, that was no surprise. When one spends their time around books, reads constantly, and possesses unlimited access, that person will begin to read and to learn. In doing this, Booker learned a variety of things and considered himself somewhat of a Jack-of-All-Trades. Tailoring was something that Booker had some minor experience with, especially since the man cosplayed all the time. One needed to have some skill in it in order to make amazing costumes. But the librarian was by no means an expert and meeting and professional was absolutely amazing to him.

Javier seemed a little surprised by Booker’s energetic response but he was unfazed by it. If he were making the man uncomfortable, he was not aware of it. Booker genuinely liked meeting new people, especially when they excelled in trades that had some interest to him. Hopefully Javier would not be frightened away by the man’s exuberance and, thankfully, he wouldn’t get a chance to as Booker approached the front of the line.

He called back to his new friend. He did promise that he would treat him, especially for sharing his groceries with him, so he just needed to know what it was that the man wanted. Javier seemed thrown off by the question but Booker wasn’t surprised. The holiday treat was amazing so it was difficult to make a choice between the variety of snacks. Unlike the other lady who was holding up the line, she was clearly taking too much time trying to make her choice.

>>"Uhhh...Chestnuts would be fine. Thank you."

”You got it, buddy!” He turned back around on his heel, grinning at the vendor. ”One bag of Chestnuts, and one bag of Mixed please!”

The vendor worked fast, seeing the number of people waiting and not wanting to miss out on any sales. Quickly he scooped up a pile of both requested nuts, slipping them into paper bags and handing them over for the cash that Booker held out. Once they were in his hands, Booker sighed at the warmth that they filled his palms with. The cold was certainly beginning to set in now and the sensation of the bags were welcome. But, looking off to the side, he noted Javier nearby and chuckled.

”Oops! Sorry about that.” He said, hanging the paper sack over to him. ”Got lost with your nuts keeping my hands warm.” Huge, beaming smile follow as he opened his own bag and popped a few cashews between his lips. It was well worth the wait.