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The Autumn air was crisp and cool as the two men walked up the rocky incline, a bit of a hike but nothing too difficult. Keith had decided to take the lead, hand outstretched for Shiro to hold tightly, a little smile on his lips at what would meet them at their destination. It was the perfect time of year, the trees were turning colours of red, orange and yellow, and the crisp fall air incited the senses. The sunshine was overhead, not a cloud in the sky as two pairs of boots crunched through the leaves below.
"I swear we are almost there, just a few more minutes," Keith turned back towards his boyfriend, grinning from ear-to-ear as he gave Shiro's hand a slight squeeze. He wanted this to be a surprise, a spur-of-the-moment date, but he was also itching to tell Shiro where they were going.
"You know I trust anything that you decide Keith, I am just happy to be with you." Shiro returned the smaller man's smile, a little blush on his cheeks from the mid-morning breeze.
The two men continued on their way, their gazes up in the trees admiring the scenery of their hike while still walking hand-in-hand. Eventually, Keith directed them towards a clearing that opened up to what could only be described as an ancient orchard. The sight was absolutely breathtaking, at least an acre full of trees ripe with delicious red apples. Shiro was awestruck and completely speechless, while Keith couldn't help but admire the pure look of glee on his boyfriend's face.
"I hope this is all right. I wanted to take you out apple picking but didn't know it would be such a hike," it was Keith’s turn to blush, carding a hand through his messy black hair. He looked up through long eyelashes at Shiro, grinning as the larger man stepped closer and took Keith's face between his hands.
"This is absolutely perfect, I couldn't be happier spending the day picking apples with you."
It was Shiro who then took the lead and walked further into the abandoned orchard. He happened to spot a beautiful apple tree that just seemed to call to him. Keith followed along happily with a small smile on his lips. When the two men reached the grand tree, he took his backpack off and opened it up.
"I hope you don't mind that I brought a picnic for us," Keith bent down and pulled out a red and white checkered blanket, opening it up to place on the ground. Keith then proceeded to lay out items he had brought for their makeshift picnic.
Shiro was in awe of how thoughtful Keith was, knowing he wasn't always fond of outdoor dates. He sat down on the blanket once everything was settled, picking up the large thermos Keith had packed and opened it up to see what was inside.
"This is beyond perfect Keith, and I already know exactly what warm drink you packed for us," Shiro took the lid off, pouring a small amount of amber liquid into cups that Keith had also produced from his bag. What else could it have been than apple cider?
The two men sipped their warm drinks, watching the leaves twirl through the air and listening to apples drop onto the ground in the crunchy leaves. Finally, Shiro couldn't sit still any longer, so he stood up and wandered to the nearest tree to grab some of those delicious apples. Keith decided to watch his boyfriend, enjoying himself immensely while reaching into his bag for something in particular.
“I really hope that Shiro doesn’t think that was the end of today’s surprises,” Keith spoke in a whisper just to himself, holding the little box close before opening it up to check the contents inside. He smiled happily, snapping the lid shut before standing up from the picnic blanket and heading in the direction of his beloved. Keith wanted to help Shiro pick some more apples since they would be making some celebratory desserts in the very near future.
~ The End ~