A friend indeed

 "I'm glad you didn't forget about me," Rafe said when Mercer dropped by. Of course, the place was a mess. A work in progress, no less. He invited Mercer in, who didn't want coffee, so he offered him a bottle of water. Surely, that wouldn't be contaminated.

"Such a long time," Rafe said.

"Has it?" Mercer said he didn't think so. "I saw you at Christmas."

"Oh." Rafe nodded. He guessed he was right. Finally, he was having some alone time. Ruby went to thrift with Gabby, and she took the baby with her. She was braver these days on her outings, so Rafe gave her the thumbs-up. Honestly, he wanted to nap, but he knew she expected him to do laundry and the dishes.

He stretched a bit as if he needed to get in the mood to do something. Of course, Mercer helped too.

"You don't have to," Rafe menced.

"I don't mind, really."

Rafe thanked him as Mercer picked up in the living. He even vacuumed while Rafe loaded the dishwasher. 

Finally, Rafe got around to putting a frozen pizza in the oven. The kitchen was so pristine that he hated to mess it up.

"So what have you been up to?"

"Just work, and you know, we go and see Sterling's daughter  on the weekends." Mercer shrugged.

"That must be hectic."

"We've got it down to a schedule. It's good." Mercer told him with a smile.

"Good, wish I knew your secret." Rafe winced in thought.

"Are you and Ruby really happy?" Mercer looked at him out of concern as they ate pizza together with Root Beer.

"Um," Rafe nodded.

"You don't think-" It was as if Mercer didn't want to say anymore. As if he shouldn't have questioned Rafe to begin with.

"It's not perfect, but is anything?" Rafe laughed. "We get along, but we know we both have our faults. It's just we both need more sleep, but every day is an adventure, and I can't think of anyone else I'd rather be with." Rafe smiled. 

He didn't want to mention his brother, Mercer's ex. That was the past, and Rafe definitely lived in the present that was all that mattered.  They talked then about Easter and what the summer might hold for them.

"Maybe we can all meet up one weekend in Shandoah. It would be good for the youngsters to be friends."

Rafe liked Mercer's idea.