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 Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 2:59 pm
Mason’s apartment was cozy despite the meticulous attention given to cleaning and placing everything. Someone had spent a lot of time to make this place beautiful. Everything had a specific place and was in impeccable condition. It only seemed fitting, given the complex he lived in. He lived in a fancy area, and though he said he’d been here for a while, he had little to say about the area or his neighbors.
He’d eagerly shown Casey around the apartment when he first arrived, and insisted that he and Harrison make themselves comfortable. The house already smelled warm and welcoming and he insisted dinner was nearly done.
In the living room, 101 Dalmatians was waiting to play on the television.
His puppy had been in a kennel when Mason first arrived but he opened the door and let her out once Casey and Harrison had a chance to walk around. Once free, she immediately began following after Casey, tripping herself often in her efforts to walk over his feet.
“I hope you don’t mind eating in the living room. I thought it would be more comfortable. Especially with the dogs. Do you drink wine? If you like, I've got a good bottle. It’ll go well with dinner,” he said. He’d made lasagna, but salad and garlic bread, too. ‘And dessert, but that’s for later,’ he’d said coyly, like he was eager to have some sweet surprise in store.
He was standing in the kitchen now, sleeves rolled up as he washed his hands and prepared to take the bread out of the oven. He smiled at Casey, but that wasn’t surprising. It seemed like every time Casey looked at him, he had a fresh grin to spare.
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 5:06 pm
Casey was nervous but excited. He left his apartment with the promise to Ariel that he would be okay, even as Ariel tried asking him a hundred questions about this apparently mysterious man he’d met in the park. Unfortunately, and probably to Ariel’s frustration, Casey was unable to answer most of the questions he asked. But he was taking Harrison with him! And it was the perfect chance for Ariel and Morgan to spend some time together, which he absolutely suggested.
Mason was sweet and kind and lived in such a fancy place that Casey kept patting at his clothes and hair as if he was expecting to be told he didn’t meet the guidelines for attire or something. He was glad that he’d gotten Harrison’s nails clipped just a few days before, because he definitely didn’t want her scratching up anything, especially since it was all probably very expensive.
“Oh,” he glanced up from kneeling down to rub the puppy’s belly, one arm over Harrison to keep himself from toppling over. Mason had asked about wine, and Casey felt a flush creep onto his cheeks. He wasn’t afraid of breaking a rule or two (or law in this case), but because stuff like that was always an extra expense that even thinking about wasn’t worth.
“Yeah, please?” he decided. He was close enough to being twenty-one, and it wasn’t as though other countries didn’t have lower age limits! And he didn’t want to insult Mason by refusing something offered to him.
“Are you sure I can’t help? I don’t mind anything as long as you’re okay with it. I don’t want to get sauce on the couch, that would be horrible,” he cringed, looking over at the fancy furniture once more.
“Thank you for putting all of this together. I, uh… feel very out of my league with all of this,” he confessed, figuring that he could at least be honest about that since the faster Mason decided this was a bad idea, then the sooner he could escape and hopefully not embarrass himself too much.
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 5:57 pm
Mason laughed. “Oh, out of your league? You don’t have people who want to do nice things for you back home? Sounds like you should come over more often. Let me take care of dinner for tonight and if you like it, you can come back and we’ll share the kitchen. I’m supposed to be repaying you for helping me, after all.”
But that wasn’t all, really. Mason’s eyes lingered and there was a softness, or maybe a hunger, in his eyes. His expression was so fluid but his mood seemed good. “It’ll be loud for a second,” he cautioned, and when he popped the cork from the wine bottle, the puppy jumped up curiously and looked around.
A second passed, and she looked at Casey expectantly. Awkwardly, with a bit of confusion, she wagged her tail and looked between him and Harrison.
“Don’t worry if sauce gets on the couch. I can clean it. I mean, I’m sure we’ll be careful. But I’m not worried about it. I’ll bring an extra napkin for you if you’d like.”
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 5:58 pm
“What?” Casey flushed and quickly shook his head, feeling guilty that Mason would think that he was even suggesting that people didn’t do nice things for him. “Oh, no! I do have people who want to do nice things for me! I mean, not my family, they kind of kicked me out a few years ago-- but that’s okay! I have good friends who keep an eye on me, and help me with Harrison. And my roommate is great, but uh--”
Oh, he was probably sharing too much. He quickly scooped the puppy up in his arms when it seemed like some extra comfort was needed.
“Did you decide on a name yet?” he wondered, making sure Harrison wasn’t too in the puppy’s face.
It was also easier to pay attention to the puppy and Harrison than it was the looks Mason seemed to be giving him. His stomach was fluttering strangely, but he couldn’t decide the exact reason why. Maybe because Mason was so handsome and, well, it wasn’t like anyone else so openly looked at him like that.
He would definitely have to make sure he didn’t knock anything onto the couch, extra napkin or not.
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 5:59 pm
The puppy immediately melted into Casey’s arms and flopped around, not with any desire to get away but because it seemed like it was just having too much fun.
“I’m still debating! It’s harder than I thought it would be,” he sighed. “You’ll have to tell me how you decided on ‘Harrison’ for her. But…”
He leaned against the counter. Dinner wasn’t forgotten, but he’d poured the wine and was letting it breathe. Casey had his full attention again; his expression was soft, like he was already on Casey’s side. “I’m sorry to hear about your family. I had something sort of in that same vein happen with mine, so I get it. Are you doing okay now?”
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 5:59 pm
Casey couldn’t help but smile down at the sweet little puppy with no name. Yet! Mason was right in that it was hard to come up with names.
“You did?” he paused in giving the puppy scratches behind the ear to look up at Mason with concern, and a bit of sadness. From his own experience, it wasn’t anything he wanted someone else to go through.
“I’m sorry. But, uh… yeah, I’m okay. My friends are really good to me. They celebrated Christmas with me and everything. Oh, but that probably sounds pretty lame. I mean, I didn’t have time or, uh, money to really celebrate. Or anyone to celebrate with, actually. Other than Harrison, of course. Oh! Well, don’t judge me, but I had a huge crush on Harrison Ford so I already really liked the name, and since I couldn’t think of anything better to fit her, well!”
He laughed awkwardly as he rubbed at Harrison’s back, the puppy still in his other arm, but he carefully set the puppy down so he could shuffle his way over to the kitchen.
“It was a long time ago, getting kicked out. I mean, I guess it wasn’t that long ago, but I think I always expected it to happen. I still wasn’t prepared for it. I guess I’m a little more optimistic than I should be, but… what about you? Are you okay?”
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:02 pm
Mason smiled once more, but with an expression of peace and understanding. “You don’t have to look so sad. It’s okay. Sounds like you and I have a lot in common. I got lucky, getting into the right job and all. I was couch hopping with friends for a while, but if you keep at it, things have a way of working out, you know? You’ve just gotta be persistent. If you want something, you’ve gotta work hard. You can’t let a good opportunity slip through your fingers, you know?”
He was passionate, but it was like he just remembered he had dinner to take care of, so he slid on his oven mitts and turned to the stove.
“I’m glad you’ve got good friends. I think found family is more important than blood, anyway. The friends you choose–and who choose you–are really important. I won’t talk poorly about them if it sounds like they’re treating you well! Should I have put Indiana Jones on instead? It’s not too late to swap out the DVD, you know. Although…”
The smell of lasagna and garlic bread overpowered the room as he set them on the stove to cool.
“I’m looking forward to talking to you. I hope you don’t mind if I talk through the movie. I don’t want to waste an opportunity to get to know you better. Are you okay? After all that with your family. It sounds like it was really difficult.”
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:03 pm
Once again, Casey laughed awkwardly, although it probably sounded a little more deranged with embarrassment. He liked Indiana Jones for obvious reasons! But he was momentarily surprised when Mason said how he was looking forward to talking to him.
“Oh, no, I don’t mind. I was hoping to get to know you better, too. I mean, I’m glad you said that because it’s really hard for me to not talk sometimes, you know? Or, I guess you probably don’t know. Ah, I’m sorry. If I do talk too much, just tell me to stop!” he insisted.
“I’m okay though. I think. Mostly. I’m a lot better now, at least!” he promised, but made sure to keep an eye on the puppy and Harrison as they roughhoused a little. Harrison was always gentle, but still. Casey didn’t want her to knock over anything.
“Anyway, I don’t know. My memory might be selectively foggy when I’m around you, because I can’t imagine Harrison Ford being more handsome. That is… I mean, I’m sure you’ve been told that a lot! But-- Okay, so, you doing nice things isn’t the only reason why I feel out of my league. Not--! Not that I was expecting-- I mean… Um…”
His face had progressively darkened the more he spoke and he wished that sometimes he could just shut up.
“Working hard is a good thing! And, uh. Persistence, yeah!” Maybe enough of a distraction in case anything he’d already said was too much.
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:03 pm
Though Mason was clearly making sure dinner was being prepared so they wouldn’t have to stand there in agonizing hunger just smelling it, his eyes often darted to Casey’s face.
The puppy was running around Harrison, though she often stopped by Casey’s ankle to calm down for a few seconds before she ran back towards the larger dog’s feet. Mason couldn’t see her from here but he didn’t seem worried.
“Why would anyone want to tell you to stop talking? You’re cute.”
He let it sink in for a minute, maybe just to enjoy how Casey looked when he was flustered. “No one’s ever told me I was more handsome than Harrison Ford. So by all means, please say whatever thought pops into your head. I’m already having a great time and we haven’t even had dinner yet. You can tell me if I’m being too forward, though. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. It’s just not everyday you meet a good looking guy with a heart of gold and a heroic streak. Of course I’d want to stay in your graces and make you want to stick around. Food just seemed the best way to do it! If I can’t win you over with my lasagna, I know I can at least win Harrison over.”
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:03 pm
If Casey wasn’t smitten before, he was certainly realizing how in over his head he was now.
Mason was sweet, and he really thought Casey was cute? Oh… Casey was certain he was going to be red for the rest of the night.
“A lot of people say I talk too much,” Casey mumbled sheepishly, but he was clearly enamored by how open and honest Mason was about his feelings. And how he wanted to make sure he was comfortable! Casey certainly didn’t back away from the unknown. That caution he left to Ariel, whom he appreciated so much.
There was a moment where his heart twisted painfully. He couldn’t just not think about Ariel. He couldn’t just not think about Morgan. He’d never felt so wanted in his life until he met Ariel, and then that only increased when he met Morgan.
But he wasn’t so naive to think that one day, they would tell him how they wanted to get together. They would all still be friends, of course! He didn’t doubt that! But he doubted they would want him around all the time if they were in an actual relationship.
It was selfish of him, but Casey didn’t want to be alone. And maybe if Mason really wanted to get to know him, then who was he to throw that opportunity away?
“You’re not being too forward,” he said quietly, stepping a little closer so he could rest his hand on Mason’s arm. “I hope you’ll tell me if I am. You’re sweet, and you’ve been so kind to me even though we just met. I really want to get to know you more, too. I’d like to stick around.”
His heart was racing, and it wasn’t all from nerves with being around Mason. It felt like it was breaking, too. But he knew he had to, for the sake of his friends’ happiness. He could do that for them. He could step back and let them get closer to each other.
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:04 pm
Mason removed the oven mitts and laid them on the counter next to him. He didn’t move so fast or so far away that he could have broken or discouraged Casey’s gentle touch on his arm.
His eyes lingered on Casey, like he was always observing, always trying to see what he wasn’t saying. He reached a hand to his cheek and cupped it gently. When Casey didn’t flinch away, he brushed his thumb gently over his cheekbone.
“Anyone who thinks you talk too much isn’t listening to what you have to say. You’re charming, and clever. I hope you’ll talk all you can around me, I like the sound of your voice.”
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:04 pm
If Casey hadn’t been flushed before, he certainly was now. He held completely still, as if making any sudden movement would scare Mason away.
And when Mason said all of those nice things -- that he liked the sound of his voice -- Casey felt his eyes grow hot from a sudden wave of emotion.
Other than Ariel and Morgan, he was certain that Mason was the only other person who said he liked his voice.
Maybe… maybe it was a sign that things really were going to be okay.
“I hope you won’t change your mind by the time I leave tonight!” he forced himself to laugh, because as much as he wanted things to be okay, to work out, he was at least realistic enough to know that these three people in his life were outliers from the rest.
He didn’t pull away from Mason, but he at least glanced away from his face so he could blink the tears away.
“Sorry! I just-- you’re so nice.”
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:05 pm
Though Mason’s brows briefly raised, he collected himself quickly. “Oh, are you crying?” He cupped Casey’s cheek briefly and then cupped his chin gently so he could turn his head. “You don’t have to hide those tears. Here.”
He didn’t release Casey’s chin when he leaned over to pull a hand towel from a drawer, and he held it tenderly as he began to dab under his eyes.
“I don’t think you could convince me to change my mind, but you’re welcome to stay as late as you like trying. I’m teasing. I mean, of course you’re welcome to stay as late as you like! But I doubt you’ll be able to make me change my mind. But tell me what brought these tears? I don’t want to make you cry! …Unless they’re happy tears? Oh, don’t tell me it’s all the onion in here. I had the fan on earlier, you can’t still smell it, can you?”
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:05 pm
Casey laughed again. Less forced and with more humor this time. He could tell that Mason was really trying to make him feel better. And it was working! And he was so gentle and considerate!
He didn’t pull away from Mason but looked rather sheepish when he met his eyes again.
“You didn’t make me cry. No, it’s not the onions, don’t worry. You’re just one of the very few people who’ve told me they didn’t mind me talking. And, well, liking the sound of my voice? I barely like the sound of my voice! Which some might be surprised to know, given how much they say I must like it with how much I talk.”
He took a moment to take in a breath and steady himself and then smiled.
“Thank you. You’re very sweet.” He hadn’t forgotten the dogs, of course! But they seemed to be fine doing their own thing. Harrison was clearly enjoying having a friend to play with.
“I’m really glad I came over. And that we ran into each other in the first place. I don’t think I’ve felt so… seen by someone so quickly before.”
That wasn’t to say Ariel and Morgan didn’t make him feel comfortable and happy! But Ariel had his own demons to fight, and Morgan was so reserved and quiet. It took a little bit of time to get them to both open up, but he was grateful for it. With Mason? Everything just seemed to click into place and he wasn’t sure what to do with that.
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Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:05 pm
“I can’t imagine why anyone would want to give you a hard time. I knew you had a good heart the moment I met you. Don’t they say dogs have a good sense of people? And my puppy came right to you. She must have known she’d be safe with you. Just like how I hope you know you’re safe with me.”
He brushed the towel over Casey’s cheeks and then finally lowered along with the hand on his chin.
“There. As handsome as ever. I’m glad you came over, too. But I told you before, maybe there’s a greater purpose for us to have met. A reason for you and I to have been in the same place at the same time. You’ve already helped me. Maybe it’s my turn to help you?”
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