The day of Gio's birthday finally came. Juniper had been making small preparations, Gio wasn't the type to want a big flashy celebration. He preferred quiet joys, and Juniper wanted to give him exactly that.
"Are you ready?" Gio's voice came from the doorway as Juniper slipped on a jacket. His tall figure leaned casually against the frame, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Juniper glanced up "Yep! packed everything we need.''
Juniper left Flora and Fauna at home, they were well behaved and would stay in the garden area most of the time entertaining themselves so he left with peace of mind. Together Gio and Juniper made their way toward the back mountains that rose behind their property. The northern outskirts of the city were wild and beautiful, dotted with quiet camping grounds and trails. The air grew cooler as they climbed, crisp with the scent of pine and earth.
Juniper adjusted the strap of his backpack, glancing at the path winding through the northern mountains. "This way," he said confidently, pointing toward a narrow trail lined with pine trees. "I found a perfect spot up ahead. A little clearing with a view of the valley.''
They emerged onto a ridge, and Juniper gestured grandly toward the valley below. Sunlight streamed through the trees, casting golden patterns over the forest floor. A gentle breeze carried the scent of pine and wildflowers. Gio's usual calm expression softened as he took in the view.
"Okay," Gio admitted, "I'll give you this one, Juni. This spot is perfect."
Juniper's ears twitched with pride. "We'll set up camp here later. But of now - See that stream? I thought we could try catching our lunch."
They made their way down to the stream. The water gurgled over smooth stones, clear and inviting, reflecting the sunlight in tiny ripples. Gio knelt on the bank, scanning the water with practiced eyes.
"Alright, I don't think you have fished before right?" Gio said, clapping his hands together lightly. "Here's the trick—look for the spots where the water slows down, right behind rocks or bends. Fish like to hide there. Steady hands, patience, and a little bit of luck."
Juniper nodded earnestly, setting down his backpack and unrolling a small mat to kneel on. "Got it. Slow, steady, and lucky. Easy enough…" he muttered, though his voice carried a hint of doubt.
Gio smirked, crouching beside him. "Well.. we'll see how lucky you may be." He reached into a bag and pulled out two simple rods with a grin. "I'll show you how it's done first, then you try. Watch carefully."
With a smooth, practiced motion, Gio cast his line into the stream. The bait landed almost perfectly in a shadowed pool, and he waited with a quiet patience that Juniper found mesmerising. Minutes passed, the sun warming their backs, the air filled with birdsong and the soft rush of the stream.
"See that ripple?" Gio whispered after a moment. "That's your cue."
Juniper leaned in closer he mimicked Gio's movements as best he could, tossing his line in as gently as possible. For a tense moment, nothing happened. Then, a small tug jolted the rod in his hands.
"Got something!" Juniper exclaimed, nearly tipping over in excitement.
"Easy, easy," Gio said, his hand gently resting over Juniper's to guide him. "Don't yank. Let it struggle a bit, tire itself out."
Juniper carefully followed his advice, and moments later, he lifted a wriggling trout from the water.
"I did it!'' Juniper laughed
Gio leaned back "Not bad at all. You've got the touch… or maybe just beginner's luck."
Juniper holding the fish up for a proud display. "I'll take beginner's luck any day!"
They spent the next half-hour at the stream, Juniper catching two more fish while Gio caught three.
"Alright," Juniper said after they had a small pile of fish, "let's get lunch set up. We can cook them right here."
They cleared a small space near the stream, gathering flat stones to form a makeshift fire pit. Gio helped, demonstrating a neat technique for kindling that had Juniper watching with wide-eyed admiration.
They skewered the fish with clean sticks, carefully positioning them over the fire. Juniper brushed the fish with a little oil he had brought, sprinkling some fresh herbs from the mountain undergrowth.