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 Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 10:36 am
Casey was likely to tear a hole in his shirt at the pace he was going. “Is that how things work with your other friends? No wonder you worry so much.”
Maybe Morgan just had his own way of doing things. It wasn’t like he had a close circle of friends that he spent a lot of time with. Work friends, sure, but that was different. He didn’t meet up with people after work, didn’t go over for dinner, didn’t watch their dog or drive them around…
“Have you ever been camping? You sleep in a bag on the ground. I think a couch is more than enough for me. So don’t worry about getting new furniture just to have me visit. I’m really not that picky. I appreciate the offer, though. And you worrying about me.”
Destiny City was strange. He’d seen his fair share of weird things.
He was careful, but he wasn’t afraid. It was his job to be ready to run into danger if ever it reared its head. Whether he understood it or not, if there was trouble, he intended to be there to help.
“There’s nothing boring about you. Schedules not matching up won’t stop me from making time when I can. And anyway, maybe you’ll be on a better schedule sooner than you know.”
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 11:18 am
He let out a quiet laugh when other friends were mentioned. As if Casey had any other friends. Ariel and Morgan were… very strange in that they didn’t seem to mind him. It was so bizarre and he wasn’t used to it. He liked being able to be more of himself around them without feeling like he was going to mess up and be judged or scrutinized or told to stop talking because it was just too much.
It had been so long since he had anyone other than just Harrison. Although, even before that he had to wonder how many people were actually his friends. They hadn’t stuck around for him, although that was not entirely their fault. He knew their lives and his had split at a crossroads years ago.
“Yeah. Okay. Thanks,” he said quietly, because he was sure if he said more he might start getting worked up about it. He didn’t want to start crying in front of Morgan, too! Especially not after being told he wasn’t boring!
“Yeah, we’ll figure things out. Ah, sorry for being so pessimistic. You’ve been so kind to me and Harrison and Ariel and I’ve just been whining,” he sighed, but turned to look up at Morgan with a grin. “If you end up having to sleep on the couch, I promise the food will make up for it.”
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 11:30 am
Morgan glanced at him from the corner of his eye. The shadow of a smile lingered on his face. “I’m already looking forward to it.”
He didn’t want to say too much, he knew that Casey was emotionally worn down from work and all the other things going on in his life, but Morgan didn’t want him to dread having said anything or doubt himself. He wanted Casey to feel comfortable around him.
“I never really learned how to cook, you know. I mean, the basics. Pancakes, grilled cheese, spaghetti. Nothing gourmet.”
Nothing a kid couldn’t cook. “Right out of the box stuff. My kitchen’s a pretty good size, maybe you can come over some time and teach me a few things. Harrison’s welcome, of course. And Ariel. Maybe I’ll get good enough to cook for you sometime? Campfire foods don’t count. Those apples are just about as good as I know how to make.”
Hot dogs, s’mores. Those things didn’t really need a chef’s touch.
It didn’t compare to Casey’s food, and Morgan didn’t even particularly care for cooking. Judging by all of the recipe books Casey had lying around, and as much as he offered food, he figured they were on opposite ends of the spectrum. But, if it was something Casey was proud of, maybe it was something they could do together without him worrying so much.
…And Morgan would get some food out of it.
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 6:07 pm
Morgan was inviting him to use his kitchen? Casey wasn’t sure if he wanted to laugh or cry or both. That was a good thing, right? That someone would want him to go over to their place?
He knew Ariel was private, but had already mentioned Casey going over to his place. And they were planning on possibly rooming together. He really hoped so! But Morgan wanting him and Ariel to visit?
“Oh… oh, pancakes and grilled cheese and spaghetti could be gourmet! It just depends on what else you use. If you put some of those roasted apples on top of those pancakes? Oh, that would be really good, I think. I think I’ll start drooling if I think about it too much though,” he laughed and… oh, yeah he should keep embarrassing things like drooling to himself, probably.
“But… okay yeah, that sounds really good. I won’t let you down,” he promised and then his shoulders slumped a little as he noticed where they were.
“Wow, that drive was much shorter than the bus. Um… yeah you can just let me out by the back, if that’s okay,” he sighed. They were close, not there just yet, but almost. Enough for Casey’s heart to start pounding and he groaned and rubbed at his chest.
“It’s fine. I’m fine. Be a good girl, Harrison. I miss you already. And you too, Morgan. Thank you so much for looking after her. And me!”
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 10:57 pm
Though the sense of dread that Morgan felt must have paled in comparison to Casey’s, he was still disappointed that the trip was so short. He didn’t really want to say goodbye, no matter how impractical it was. It made the decision to find an excuse to drive him much easier, though. Morgan was a creature of habit and he was set in his ways. He didn’t like change.
This had been pleasant. This was a good change.
This was something he’d like to incorporate into his routine.
Morgan could drive slower but it wouldn’t stretch out the trip as long as he’d like, even if he took his time getting to the back. There was still plenty of time before Casey’s shift; if he got in too early, they’d probably just make him clock in and get to work right away.
“You won’t let me down,” he reassured. “Just do your best. You don’t have to be perfect. Not for me, not for anyone. I’ll look after you no matter what.” It slipped from his lips without any thought but he wasn’t ashamed for it. His job–both of his jobs–required him to look after people. It was just in his nature.
Who could blame him for that?
“You’ll see each other again soon. I’m serious, text me when you get off of work and I’ll bring Harrison over for the night. Otherwise you’ll just get a hundred more pictures of her. She’s a bit of a bed hog, so I know you spoil her.”
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Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2023 5:44 pm
Irrationally, Casey was pretty sure his heart stopped for a moment. He definitely froze in place as he stared at Morgan with a helpless, desperate look. He didn’t like looking vulnerable because he knew in a dog eat dog world, he would be torn to shreds.
He survived this long by being cheerful but tough. Which… was probably contrary to his forgetfulness when it came to locking his door, but that was different. That was (probably poorly processed on his part) more about material possessions that he didn’t need to protect. He was okay with protecting Harrison and himself! If someone wanted to steal his books, that was okay!
But with Ariel, and now Morgan saying things like I’ll look after you no matter what... how was he supposed to pretend like it didn’t twist his heart and make him fall helplessly for people that actually cared about him?
Well… he was certainly going to twist his shirt into pieces if he wasn’t careful.
“Yeah, okay,” he weakly agreed, but was quick to make sure he had another smile in place. “Yeah, that sounds good. Thank you,” he said with a little more strength, which was followed by a genuine laugh.
“She’s perfect, how can I not spoil her?” he grinned as he reached back to rub her face. She would get a hug before he left, but he wasn’t all that eager to jump out of the car.
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Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2023 5:51 pm
Morgan parked the car behind the store, near to the door but not so close that anyone would see Casey sitting here if he wanted a few moments of privacy before he headed in.
“I agree. She’s a good girl. I’m honored that you trust me to look after her. I don’t know why I said yes, I haven’t really looked after a dog in a while. But she’s been great company. I’ve been reading articles online, too. Just to be safe.”
He wasn’t completely ignorant of how to take care of a dog but it felt so much more important when it was Harrison.
“She went straight for the bed when it was time to go to sleep. She looked like she was waiting for me to tuck her in.” He had. On his favorite pillow, no less. “We had pancakes for breakfast. I wasn’t going to make any but she’s got those sweet eyes.” He’d gone on extra walks for her, gotten special treats for her. Casey hadn’t been aware of any allergies, so Morgan hadn’t had to worry so much.
“I suspect she’ll sucker me out of a new toy when we go to the store, later. Might buy her a bow, too. I’m teasing.” Probably. He was watching Casey’s expression to make sure he wasn’t being too ridiculous.
“If I do, I’ll send you pictures.”
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Posted: Mon Dec 25, 2023 6:50 pm
Not ridiculous, but Casey did think Morgan was funny. He couldn’t help the laughter that escaped as he listed out the things Harrison would probably end up getting. Or got.
“Wow, and you think I spoil her?” he laughed, clearly amused and in uplifted spirits. “Of course I trust you. She likes you, anyway.”
Well… Harrison liked just about anyone, but that wasn’t the point.
“I would love pictures. And I’ll let you know when I’m home. I… uh… it might not be until late. So I’ll text, in case you’re asleep already. Alright, you be good,” he turned to make Harrison promise, but reluctantly made himself unbuckle his seatbelt and open the door to climb out. He opened up the backdoor so he could give Harrison a quick hug.
“Don’t cause Morgan too much trouble. We like him, so we want him to stick around, understand?” he said as he gave her a squeeze.
Once he was done, there was nothing left to do but get to work. So he closed the door, and lifted a hand to wave as he made his way towards the door.
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