Work Text:
Joe first thought it was a cloud blocking the sun, but when he looked up from his drawing, he looked into another boy's face.
"Whatcha Doin'?" The boy asked as he sniffed. "Sorry, allergy. Me and the grass don't like each other in the summer."
The boy sniffed again.
"So, whatcha doin'?" The boy asked again. "I only saw it upside down, and yes, I have been told I'm too curious sometimes."
"Drawing," Joe replied. "I was trying to draw the frog over there."
Joe pointed to his right, and it took a second before the boy saw it.
"But I don't dare go any closer," Joe said. "Or touch it."
"Hmmm," The boy replied. "Well, it's your lucky day. I'm Nicky, and I are not afraid of slimy stuff or animals. Just give me a moment, and I will catch it for you so you can look at it closer."
Before Joe could say anything, Nicky walked over to the frog and tried to catch it, but the frog jumped away.
"Just a moment, got this under control," Nicky said. "What's your name?"
"Joe," Joe replied. "But Nicky, you don't have to do it. I can always find a photo online of a frog."
"Not the same," Nicky replied as he turned around himself before jumping into the grass, landing on his stomach. "You wanted to draw the frog, and I promised to help you."
Joe forgot all about his drawing as he watched Nicky jumping around in the grass, trying to catch the frog. Suddenly Nicky stood up and let out a triumphant yell.
"See, told you that I could catch it," Nicky said with a proud smile as he held the frog in front of Joe's face. "Now, you can draw it, but better be quick. I don't think it likes being a model."
"Oh, thanks," Joe replied. "I'll be quick."
Joe was quick and drew the frog. When he was done, Nicky released the frog.
"And froggy," Nicky said. "Stay away from the storks."
Nicky dried his hands in his shorts before sitting down next to Joe.
"That was fun," Nicky said. "Did you get what you needed?"
"Yes, and thanks," Joe replied. "Look."
Joe showed Nicky his drawing.
"Wow, you're good," Nicky praised. "It's better than any photo online."
"Thanks," Joe replied. "And thanks for helping me."
"No problems," Nicky replied. "Ok, what other animals do you want to draw? I don't mind catching them for you."
Joe looked at Nicky.
"What?" Nicky asked. "Do I have something on my face?"
"No, no," Joe replied. "Is just that the other boys in my class think I'm weird because I like to draw."
"Their problems, not yours or mine," Nicky replied. "And I think we could have fun together. Go on adventures together because you like animals like me."
"Let's do that," Joe replied. "But I must go home now because it's my sister's birthday. Met me here tomorrow at 9?"
"Can't wait," Nicky replied. "If you bring sandwiches, I'll bring cake."
Joe doubted if Nicky would show up the next morning or not, but Nicky was there as agreed. And the day after that and soon one day turned into plenty more. And every time Joe wanted to draw a slimy animal, Nicky didn't mind catching or holding it for Joe so that he could draw it.