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 Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:05 pm
Mason had a point, of course. Everything he said made Casey feel warm and happy. He was trying not to be too overbearing but--
“Can I just--” he started and with just a moment of hesitation, he lifted his arms to wrap them around Mason in a comfortable hug.
Sometimes he just really wanted physical contact. He tried to give Ariel his space, but even then he sometimes ended up with his arm draped over him when they shared a bed. Just to share a bed, of course! He was respectful of his boundaries after having such a horrible experience.
And he had to remind himself that Morgan was good for Ariel in that way. He was patient and gentle, unlike Casey who tended to jump into things without another thought.
“Oh, you’re so warm and smell so nice,” he sighed contentedly.
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:05 pm
There was so much about Casey that Mason didn’t know. The hug took him by surprise, but he didn’t seem uncomfortable. He returned the hug with comfort, as if greeting an old friend. For a moment, he let his hands hook around Casey and rest at the small of his back, but after the compliments, he laughed and raised one hand to mid-back and pulled Casey closer.
“Well, the warmth might be from the oven. The smell is definitely my cologne. But you’re welcome to stay in my arms for as long as you like.”
It wasn’t like the food was going to get cold, and the dogs had been happy enough to run around with each other. The puppy had trotted over to her food bowl but made enough room to share with Harrison; her tail was wagging as she gobbled the kibble.
“I can hold you while we watch the movie, too. I’ve got a heated blanket we can sit under.”
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:05 pm
Oh, this was nice. Casey could feel himself melt into the warmth and kindness being offered to him. Mason did say that he hoped Casey knew he would be safe with him, so of course he wanted to prove that he was. He did feel safe.
Although Casey couldn’t help but flush again as he pulled back just enough to look up at Mason.
“If you’re okay with that! I don’t want to crowd you,” he insisted, because he was trying not to be too overbearing. “Or too forward. Or like I’m rushing anything. Ah, sorry… I feel comfortable around you. It’s nice! But I can also, you know, chill out.”
He was worried about pushing Mason away by seeming too desperate. In a way he was desperate. Desperate to prove to Ariel and Morgan that he would be okay and wouldn’t be in their way. But he was really starting to like Mason too!
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:06 pm
“Please,” Mason insisted. “I’m learning very quickly with that little pup over there that personal space is overrated. Besides, you fit so nicely in my arms. Why would I want to push you away? Truth be told,” he drew in a breath, held it, and then released it. “I’ve been having a bit of a hard time recently.”
His embracing arms were gentle and unwavering.
“The universe has been throwing me some curveballs recently. One thing after another. I wasn’t feeling very good about a lot of things. But then you came around and, I don’t know. It was like a light turned on. All of those things suddenly felt a little more in the past. I was having a hard time, even before she showed up,” he nodded to the puppy but he wasn’t sure if Casey could tell.
“And then, she brought me to you. So maybe I was looking for a sign, or something to lead me forward, and. Well, there you were. And here you are.”
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:06 pm
Casey could feel his heart ache. He felt so bad for Mason, who had been nothing but nice to him. To know that he’d been having a rough time? Of course Casey wanted to make sure everything was okay now.
“Here I am,” he agreed quietly.
And maybe… this was the start of something good for both of them.
“Oh, um… should we start the movie? I hope you don’t mind me talking during the whole thing. I want to get to know you better. If you’re okay with that.”
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:06 pm
“No, please. I’d rather listen to you talk, I just thought the movie was a good excuse to get you over here! Well, and dinner.”
He squeezed Casey once more, and for a second his lips ghosted just above his head. Maybe kissing him like that was too forward, so he just drew back and smiled instead. “Go get comfortable on the couch, I’ll bring the food over. I think I could stay up all night talking to you, so we’ll need our energy. And I want you to be able to hear me instead of my growling stomach. I hope you’re hungry, I made a lot.”
He released Casey but it was with a bit of a delay, like he didn’t want to let him go.
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:06 pm
Casey could feel Mason’s closeness. He almost told him it was okay if he wanted to kiss him, but decided that maybe he was being too desperate. Maybe he misunderstood the intention.
But still, he couldn’t help but smile and laugh as he nodded in agreement and got Harrison’s and the puppy’s attention to come and join them as well.
Well… maybe he just wanted to make sure the dogs wouldn’t hog the whole couch. He had every intention of taking Mason up on his offer to talk and stay close to him.
Fin!
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