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“Okay.”

“And this Faire is just a jumping-off place.” Tyler kept scribbling ideas and doodling on the page in front of him, bullet points and shapes connected by lines and even a couple small figures that looked suspiciously like medieval Powerpuff Girls. “The library events don’t need to be themed like this place, but we could do some games, a lock-in night with popcorn and reading a classic aloud. Or used book adoptions.”

Josh saw where he was going. “A costume contest connected to curriculum. Some adult writing classes or literacy challenges.”

“Exactly. It’s harder for the jerks to hit a moving target. So we move people. They’ll do most of the work.” He looked around pointedly at the crowd of folks who’d worn their own costumes to come play today.

Tyler’s enthusiasm was infectious. Josh could picture the whole scheme so clearly, and the possibilities for promotion and fundraising looked endless.

“It’s perfect, Tyler. Carver will get behind this whole deal. The library needs help, and the students would love it, especially if you’ll be involved. Local businesses can sponsor prizes, do a book drive, some local charity awareness. Especially those doodles.” He gestured at Tyler’s artistic additions.

“Hey, don’t knock the Powerpuffs. They kick ass in any era.” Tyler grinned, playfully elbowing Josh. “Keep reminding folks their library is working hard all the time, quietly interacting with everyone. It’ll be great. We got this.”

Josh found himself unable to shake the nagging question: We? Just how long would Tyler stick around Cinnamar once his injuries healed? He couldn’t figure out how to ask without seeming weird. Instead, he focused on what was right in front of them.

“And then there’s the obvious thing,” Tyler said, breaking Josh’s train of thought. “I’ve been thinking about tapping the San Diego Swells to generate more buzz. They always need positive PR. Maybe some of the guys could come out for a charity game or an autograph auction.”

“Really? That would be amazing!” Josh exclaimed, his heart swelling with gratitude. But Tyler’s impending return to San Diego hovered somewhere close, shadowing his excitement.

“Absolutely. I mean, it’s not every day you get a chance to save a library,” Tyler replied, his eyes never leaving Josh’s.

“And here I thought today was just tights and turkey legs.” Josh bumped shoulders. “You’re pretty sneaky, Master Robber.”

Next to the word MOVING on his paper, Tyler doodled another hovering Powerpuff Girl to protect it with a punch. “Josh, I want to help however I can. Those book-ban biddies won’t know what hit ’em.”

Joy and purpose filled Josh’s chest, along with a surge of affection for Tyler’s passion. On impulse, he leaned against Tyler’s shoulder with a contented sigh.

After a beat, Tyler draped an arm around him, casual and warm. They sat together, watching the world go by in a sea of cloaks and crowns.

Tyler had become the adventure he never thought he’d find.

Eventually they stood, and Josh noticed the lines of strain around Tyler’s eyes and mouth. “You okay?”

“Just a little sore. It’s been a long day.” Tyler grimaced. “Back. Hips. Methinks your prisoner needs a rack in a soft dungeon.”

“Let’s get out of the crush, then.” Josh stood, catching Tyler’s hand to help him up and tug him along. “This way.”

He led Tyler into the shady hedge maze, but only realized he was still holding Tyler’s hand when they passed the first bend. Self-conscious, Josh let go and guided Tyler to an empty stone bench under a canopy of woven branches from two trees.

Josh looked up. “How do they do that? That must take forever.”

“Braid the trees? Well, this Faire has been here fifty or sixty years, I think. It’s the original, after all.” Tyler closed his eyes and leaned back. His powerful thighs fell open, exposing his sparkly rooster as he relaxed against the cool stone. He sighed. “That feels so good. I pushed it hard today, huh? Plus you beat me up but good.”

“After you dragged me through a mob onto a log and threw a sword at me.”

“Hardly threw.” Tyler smiled, though his eyes stayed closed. He crossed his arms and scrunched down a bit, as if snuggling into the stone bench. “I’m going to tell Nadia… and then you are in trouble.”

“Uh-huh. You do that, Fantana.” Josh sat back too. It did feel great to sit in the quiet. “Oh. Nice.” The air was cooler now, though Tyler’s thigh was warm against his.

“Thank you for kidnapping me,” Josh said at last. “Today has been incredible.”

“My pleasure. So fun. I like seeing you cut loose, enjoy yourself that much.” Tyler smiled, dozy and close.

Away from the surge and flow of the other Faire visitors, that odd timeless quality returned, almost like their silvery morning runs or the quiet time driving. The fading afternoon seemed to waver on the edge of something lovely and hushed, just offstage.

Josh might have dozed a bit too, because he noticed the sun had fallen toward the horizon. The maze was now dim and bluish.

Josh didn’t have a watch to check, but from the angle of the sun, he suspected it was late afternoon. “Ty…. We should head out soon, before it gets full dark.”