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[Jayden keeps a hand on the side of the machine as Maple starts pulling it, as if guiding it--he isn't--or ready to stop it if it gets out of control, which is something that would definitely not be possible. There's not much else he can do, but fortunately everything goes smoothly and although Jayden doesn't follow Hilda into the water, he does give a relieved smile at the success.]

Yeah. Provided it works like we're thinkin', it should be simple from here.

[Too optimistic? Maybe. But he ignores that possibility for now, instead assessing the machine and the hose, realizing--]

I think we're still gonna have to turn it a little.

[The machine. It's close enough now, but the hose might be a little awkward at this angle, which means there's an ~~excuse to~~ need to try to turn the vehicle.]

If the wheel on top works to turn it, Maple should only need to pull it another few feet and we'll be good.

Okay great!

[ Hilda is still in the water and looking at him expectantly. A beat later she motions for him to get a move on to climb atop the machine. Surely he wasn't expecting her to handle Maple and handle the steering of the machine, right? After all, she's the one that has to wade a little further into the water and ruin her completely appropriate boots.

In the midst of her motioning, Hilda coaxes Maple a little further in, being mindful of her own footing against the rocky bed of the river. Once she thinks it's far enough she gives him a little thumbs up. ]

[Jayden rolls his eyes, more for show than any real feeling, and turns to step up on the rungs on the side of the machine again. A little messing with the wheel, along with the extra pull further into the river, and soon the machine is in position.

Now to see if it actually works.

Jayden uncoils the hose again, but doesn't try turning it on, instead looking toward Hilda again.]

You want to do the honors?

[It's only polite to offer, not that he necessarily thinks she's going to want to.]

[ The look she gives him screams, "Are you serious?" Maple meanwhile, seems completely impervious (or maybe the word is oblivious) to their ongoing banter in the form of sass. All they're waiting for is Hilda's signal to move, and perhaps the prospect of some treats and a good brushing later. ]

Jayden, I'm literally in the water. Don't you think it would just be more efficient for you to turn the hose on since you're there?

[ Despite what she's saying however, Hilda is actually enjoying herself. There's a realization that dawns on her that she had missed this kind of interaction with people - with friends. The thought alone sends a warmth across her chest, and the corner of her lips quirk upwards ever so slightly. ]

And, I wouldn't want to take away this moment from you.

[That looks says so much, and so he's already grinning a little by the time she responds. The response itself is exactly what he's expecting, though he does have to remark--]

Uh-oh, got demoted to 'Jayden'.

[He's joking, of course; like Hilda, he's having fun as well. It's been an adjustment--or a readjustment, perhaps--to have people he enjoys being around, to not feel the need to second guess himself all that much in conversation. It's nice.

But okay. Enough delays, time to see if they can actually accomplish round one of the entire reason they're out here. Jayden puts the end of the hose in the water, takes a deep breath, flips the switch.

He's not sure what he's expecting to happen, but it's... Anticlimactic. In fact, it seems like nothing is happening at all, but he soon realizes there's bubbles in the water and--]

Oh, wrong way.

[He flips the switch the other way and then a deep gurgling noise begins, and as he glances back toward the machine, a small amount of water is starting to accumulate on the bottom.]

Hey, it's working!

You'll be demoted further to 'Norman' if you're not careful.

[ The likelihood of that is actually rather unlikely. Jayden rolled off the tongue far easier than Norman, and frankly suited Jayden better because it didn't make him sound old. Or rather, older than he was. Maybe that was a thought best kept to herself though.

When nothing happens at first, Hilda worries that something else had gone wrong with the machine. But the distinct rumbling of machinery makes her jolt slightly in surprise. Maple, ever steady and true though, doesn't budge even as Hilda lets out a cheer. ]

We'll get those farmers their water in no time. [ She shoots a grin towards Maple who had let out a slight whinny. ] And more importantly a treat for Maple.

[ The water fills up remarkably faster than Hilda initially thought it might, but that just seems like the power of technology in action to her. Once the machine has reached its capacity and it's been turned off, Hilda readies Maple, leading her back up the gentle slope albeit a little bit slower thanks to the added load. When they reach Jayden she gives him an encouraging smile. ]

Did you want to lead her?

[He can't help but laugh at that threat because it's just such a perfect response, as pretty much much the only other people who ever call him Norman also do so when annoyed with him.]

The treat's the important part.

[And he's not even really joking, rapidly becoming more attached to the horse than to the whole point of their little mission, though the latter is still important. He cautiously watches the machine fill, making sure it's all going smoothly and nothing strange is happening, but the tank fills and he switches off the hose.

He's about to ask if Hilda's ready to go when she asks if he wants to take the reins, and only briefly hesitates before deciding why not.]

Sure, but be ready to take over if she decides she doesn't trust me.

[But it seems like Maple does trust him, or at the very least is too chill to really care who's leading her, which is probably most likely. Either way, Jayden feels distinctly encouraged by the success, both when it comes to the mission and the horse.]

Think it'd jinx things if I said that went better that expected?

[ As Jayden leads them away from the river and out towards the first farm requiring water, Hilda can't help but cast him a sidelong glance that can only be described as proud. It's the look that she sometimes gives Holst, her big brother, even if she'd rather die before admitting it.

A part of her had been undeniably concerned when they had started out that day. Her relentless cheer could only do so much in the face of someone who was relentlessly grumpy but she was determined to make sure that he didn't stay trapped inside his room when there was so much life happening out here.

Whether or not he catches sight of it is something she doesn't dwell on because the minute he mentions potentially jinxing things, Hilda lets out a groan. ]

Jay, can you look on the bright side for once? If a wheel breaks off or the rope snaps, I'm going to blame you! Then you're going to have to explain to Maple why her treat is going to be delayed.

[At Hilda's exasperation, Jayden hides his amused grin by turning to pet Maple's mane again with his free hand, straightening out some of the strands that had gotten tangled by splashed water. He'd caught Hilda's look earlier but didn't comment on it, instead just filing it away mentally for later emotional parsing, and it's a nice change to do so for something that's actually positive.]

Hey, I acknowledged the jinx, that means it won't happen.

[That's totally how it works, right? Of course. And Maple's mane straightened, he looks back at Hilda, hesitating just briefly before adding--]

I meant what I said, though. This was a nice change of pace.

[It isn't a 'thanks for dragging me outside', but it's as close as he might get.]

Edited 2023-06-27 00:17 (UTC)

[ The unspoken 'thank you' seems to be heard, and the pained look on her face softens into an expression that clearly says that she's more than happy to do it. Although it doesn't show up in her expression, it might also go unsaid that if it does happen again, she'd be there to do it all over again.

Of course, because it's her, she can't be entirely too sweet. Goddess forbid she do that without trying to be ironic or putting on an act of some sort. ]

Good, I'm glad. I'm always here as a friendly reminder that there's some life outside of your apartment.

[ They round the bend, the first farm coming into view. The spend the rest of the day delivering the requested water to several farms before returning the machine, and Maple. Before they return back to the city proper, Maple is given several treats, a kiss on the nose from Hilda and a promise that they'll hopefully see her soon. ]

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