this is what I'm for // mason

[CAIM VENUS HYSSOP]

outfit

For a few weeks in her life, Mason had been the only thing that made Caim feel happy. For that reason primarily, she had stayed away. It was scary, that though she had only spent two days entirely in his company, she was completely enchanted. Part of her wasn't ready to be happy again; part of her didn't want to depend on him for that; and part of her worried where she'd be left if she'd lost him. Again, there was no way he could possibly like her.

But hanging out with Ethan again, and becoming closer to Sam made Key realize that she wasn't alone. And she was capable of being happy around other people as well. So even if somehow Key lost Mason, she knew now she'd be okay. That being said, she did love him, though. And she wanted him to be happy. If she could make his life a little better, even if just by being a friend, than that's what she was going to do. Besides, she loved spending time around him.

She was confident in all this logic, but it didn't prepare her for the nervousness she felt walking up to the shop. Despite the fact that she made sure she looked extra pretty (though casual, and not forced) she was imagining all the ways this could go horrible wrong. He could be busy and she's just be an awkward annoyance hanging about.

Key stood in front of the Shop doorway. Opting not to open the doorway and thereby ring the bell, Key slowly went around to the garage. Silently walking forward, Key poked her head into in the garage. It looked empty, but when Key caught site of a arm reach out from under a car, she knew Mason was there, though hard at work. She almost decided to leave, but figuring she came so far, instead she walked a bit closer and waited for Mason to finish.

Her heart was beating at such a fast pace that it seemed like there was no pause between one beat and another. Just one continuous hummm.

[MASON MIEL CAIN]

OUTFIT
ooc- obviously his muscles are pulling that tank fabulous directions

Mason didn't feel much like working. Well, working was doing him good, but he wasn't really in the mood. His high from meeting Caim and getting to know her had worn off, people in town still talked and his baby sister had a boyfriend. Sam sounded nice enough in theory, but it still made him uncomfortable to know that his sister was really such an adult. She'd been a teenager when he'd gone to jail, and he'd been her age..

He had been working on a car he always kept on hand, a vintage wreck that he fixed up in his spare time. Mason had managed to plow through his other work that morning, but his thoughts were still buzzing like the music on his crappy radio. So he worked in silence, losing track of time.

At some point, he felt like he was no longer alone, but it was still so quiet, except for the sounds of the metal. Mason tilted his head so he could look around under the car and sure enough, he saw a pair of little boots and his heart lept to his throat. But he was sure he was getting ahead of himself.

He slid out from under the car and stood up, his hair wispy and falling from his ponytail. He wiped is hands on a rag and looked up expectantly. For a moment he was confused by the woman standing there but then he realized it was her face... Her hair was lighter, her clothes nicer... but it was her, it was Caim.

Mason almost told her that he had missed her or tease about dressing up for him but he settled for, "Hi Caim. You look good."

[CAIM VENUS HYSSOP]

At some point the tinkering sounds halted and Key could only assume that he had noticed she was there. Her heart, if possible, sped up. And then suddenly there he was from under the machinery. She had forgotten how beautiful he was. Time seemed to stop as she drowned in his eyes. She wanted to step up to him, sweep away his sexy, messy loose hair and kiss him.

Of course she stood where she was, but she did smile warmly. It was ridiculous how how happy she was to see him. Inhaling, her chest swelled with emotion. “Thanks.” she said, still smiling brightly. Part of her was saying that she ought to control herself, but she couldn't help it-

-she walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his chest. For a second the whole world consisted of Mason. His warmth. His smell. Able to restrain herself to a respectable brief hug/greeting, she pulled away after a moment, though she stepped back only a few steps. “I've come to check up on you.” she declared, her giddiness clearly transforming into false confidence.

She glanced casually around the store, as though she wasn't a complete weirdo. “So how are you doing?”

[MASON MIEL CAIN]

Mason watched as a smile broke over her entire face, twinkling into her eyes and he smiled back. She seemed better than when he'd seen her last, but he also felt the relief in the room. Maybe she was just as happy to see him as he was to see her. Though he was less good at showing it...

And then she was in his arms and for a stunned moment he wasn't sure what to do, but after a moment, he let his arms move around her, hugging her back with his big strong arms. She was so little, so warm... He felt her heartbeat against his chest and it made his flop nervously. It had been a long time since a woman had given him an intimate moment, with the exception of his sister. But then she was moving away and he had to let her go.

"Oh," Mason said with a little uncertain smile. "I tried to get ahold of you, but I guess you've been busy." He said. Mason was aware that she'd been avoiding him, and didn't know how to ask wy she was back now. But maybe it didn't matter. She was here now, right?

"I'm... okay," Mason settled on. Things had been rocky with Chloe and he was trying to give her the space she needed and still feel like he was doing his brotherly job. He was glad to see Caim again. He didn't have friends in town these days... "I'm glad to see you."

[CAIM VENUS HYSSOP]

Key felt a stab of guilt – she had been avoiding him. Before she had believed it was all for the best, but she realized now it was selfish. No friendship should be set up this way – it wasn't up to her to decide whether or not Mason was better off without her. And what if she had left him all alone? According to his responses, it was dawning on Key that maybe she had left him completely alone.

Well, no more. “Yeah … sorry.” she mumbled. She refrained from giving an excuse because she didn't want to lie to him. He meant more to her than that.

“Just okay?” Key asked softly, looking up at him in concern, her forehead creasing slightly. Her mind racked the possibilities, but all she could was lift her arms a little, as though offering, and ask “Any way I can help?” Now that she had a concern in mind, Key felt oddly at peace. There was a goal, and that was helping Mason with whatever was clearly plaguing him. Even if all she could do was keep him company. This peace kept Key from rambling all the things that she wanted to say. She did ramble a little, however. "I can be helpful."

Were this a different universe, I would just tell you I love you and that seeing you look troubled is causing me physical pain.

However, she could sincerely say this with a smile, “I'm glad to see you, too.” Though she hoped her tone wasn't completely and obviously too rich with emotion. Were this also a different universe, you would just kiss me, but alas ...

[MASON MIEL CAIN]

Mason couldn't help but smile at her. She was being rather sweet. "I mean its okay, things have been a little interesting with my sister. I want to take care of her and she doesn't want me treating her like a child and now she's got a boyfriend and I'm trying to be the bigger person." Mason said lightly, trying to make it seem like it wasn't a big deal. Frankly, it sort of was, but somehow it was better that she was around. But he couldn't tell her that, right? He'd already said more at once than he could remember having said to her before.

"You already are," Mason said with a little smile. Maybe it wasn't so bad to let her know that he missed her. She had come back right? She didn't have to read into it or anything, though Mason was having a hard time telling himself that he wasn't crushing on her. He recognized the feeling, but he was wary. Last time he'd thought he'd found the one and she was gone.

Mason felt like he should do something, so he reached out and squeezed her hand lightly before letting it go again, uncomfortably rubbing the back of his neck. "Uh, want me to make you a grilled cheese?" he offered.

[CAIM VENUS HYSSOP]

Key nodded, rapt in attention at Mason's life, ready to throw in advice or input if necessary. It took her a moment to realize that she actually knew something regarding his life situation. The lapse in realization was because she hadn't met Chloe yet, and it didn't come naturally for Key to connect Chloe-Mason's sister with Chloe-Sam's new girlfriend. “Oh, you mean Sam? He's a really nice guy.” she mentioned with the utmost solidarity for her friend - she owed a lot of Sam for having lifted her perspective on life, so she was going to put in her best word, whatever it was worth. Especially since Sam was terrified with meeting Mason. “Responsible.” It was an odd adjective to use, but Key thought maybe it was something an older brother-type might want to hear? “He makes deliveries to the store and he's always very prompt and professional.” Key was a little worried, now thinking about what she had said, that she had made things worse. Would Mason now be completely thrown off when he did meet Sam and realize that he was a big goof? Too late to take things back now …

When Mason said “You already are” Key looked up, a little surprised. She had spent so long and so hard telling herself he couldn't possibly like her … part of her was tired of making up reasons why. And for a moment, she considered that maybe she was wrong. It was a dangerous, hopeful idea.

And then he squeezed her hand, though at first Key wasn't sure what he was doing, but she smiled and squeezed back before he let go. When he asked her if she wanted grilled cheese, she almost started rambling off again Well, you don't have to. I mean, I know I just kinda walked in and if you're probably busy I can totally come back another time when it's convenient. And it's not like you really owe me a grilled cheese sandwich anyway. But some part of her told her that she shouldn't worry. It was as though Sam helped her go back to being the cool, confident, popular college girl she used to be. So all she said was, “Only if you'll have one, too.” Her tone wasn't exactly flirty, but it was teetering on the edge.

[MASON MIEL CAIN]

Small world. Of course Key knew Sam and had good things to say about him. It seemed all the women in his life had a thing for Sam. He had to be something special based on that, right? Mason chuckled. "Is that so?" But it was good to know, maybe the guy would be okay after all. "Its still weird." he said though. Even if the guy was nice, he was still in a position to hurt his sister.

She said only if he was having one and he laughed and nodded. "Yeah, I'll make us some grilled cheese." He said with a smile, nodding toward the back room. Mason led the way into a small back room with a little kitchen. the oven didn't work, but the stove did. He moved around for a pan, some bread, the butter, cheese.... He realized it had been a long time since he'd really cooked for anyone of much consequence.

"So," Mason started. "What made you decide to go blonde?" He asked, looking at her. He liked it. Not that anything had been wrong with her dark hair. He had liked that too. But if blonde hair got her to come back, he wouldn't say a word.

[CAIM VENUS HYSSOP]

Key shrugged as though to concede that it must still be weird. Growing up she never really had a problem with any of the guys her sister dated, but from what she heard of Mason and Sam so far, it must definitely be different for older brothers. Men and their adorable protectiveness of the women in their lives … though she suspected that younger sisters found it annoying at times. Still, the absence of parents and older siblings had her feeling nostalgic for even the annoying parts.

At the thought of sharing another meal with him, Key smiled and dutifully followed him to the back room. This all was going considerably well. She sat down, but pointed the chair towards him so she could watch him cook (curious in how his culinary skills fared) and so that she'd be ready to get up and potentially help – though making grilled cheese was certainly nowhere near as complex as fixing a car.

Key tapped her foot gently, her energy getting the best of her. Shortly thereafter, she undid her ridiculously complex braid and ran her fingers through her hair until it was completely loose around her face. His question wasn't unexpected, though Key should've prepared an answer. “I just needed a change.” was the simple response. “My hair goes naturally blonde come summertime and ...” Key tried to think up the right wording. “I guess I just wanted to feel warm again.” she admitted, shrugging lightly to show it wasn't really so emotional. “Besides,” she smiled mischievously. “I was told on good authority that blondes have more fun.”

“You're blonde. What do you say?” she asked, already tired of sitting. She got up and strolled over next to him.

[MASON MIEL CAIN]

Mason chuckled at her comment. Did blondes have more fun? "I'm not sure if blondes have more fun, but you do seem happier." he said, turning the knob on the stove until fire clicked on around the burner. He put the pan on the heat and grabbed a knife and tossed some butter into the pan since it wasn't already soft. Generally speaking he liked to put the butter on the bread first, but he could swing this.

He then put on the cheese and the top piece of bread. Then he realized he hadn't taken out a spatula and he started to dig around in a drawer for one. "Either way, I like it," Mason decided.

I like it because it makes you happy.

Mason realized that he did care about her, and not like how he cared about Chloe. But she couldn't be ready for that.... Was he even? Probably not, but he had been alone for five years, it was time to get back on the horse. However, she'd been through enough emotional turmoil, it would be better to find someone meaningless.... and yet, Mason couldn't think of trying to be happy with anyone but her.

[CAIM VENUS HYSSOP]

Key was happier, and she was convinced that him noticing it too said something about Mason's character. She wasn't sure what it was, but it was something positive that she was going to figure out later. When he went further to say that he liked it, part of Key that she wasn't consciously aware of relaxed, as though it'd been holding its breath. It didn't really matter either way if Mason liked it – it was her decision – but she was really glad he liked it. And I really like you. some crazy part of her wanted to respond, but instead she said, “I'm glad you like it.”

Key stood next to him, only half a foot away should to shoulder (though his massive shoulders were higher u.) Looking at him from the side, Key was once again marveled at his beauty. That loose hair around his face, the stylish jacket over a white tee – none of which successfully hid the bulk of his muscles. His expression of concentration as he cooked was so painfully handsome. I love you, I love you, I love you. At some point, Key forced herself to stop staring and glanced away.

She didn't mind the quiet with him, but if she needed things to distract her from swooning, so she asked, “How's business going?” It was a lame question to ask, but as two adults, it seemed like the casual thing to do.

By the way, I love you. I loved you the way I fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.

[MASON MIEL CAIN]

Mason turned to smile at her before methodically cooking them grilled cheeses. His brain flipped between what she had to say about Sam and how he wanted what was best for Chloe, and if the butter was burning, and the way Caim's eyes reflected the light, the soft curve of her smile, how long was cooking taking? He finished both rather quickly, the stove top was a bit busted and didn't really understand the concept of light heat. He set them down on two plates and cut them in half, diagonally, because that was the only respectable way to eat a grilled cheese.

Mason shrugged. "Work is work." He said, "You know, its fine." Business wasn't booming thank to his incarceration, but it wasn't too bad. Mason realized they needed drinks to wash down the sandwiches.

"I think all I have is water and beer." He said with a chuckle glancing at their plates. He didn't have napkins either, but he might have paper towel on hand.

[CAIM VENUS HYSSOP]

Mason looked a bit distracted and part of Caim was a bit worried that this whole visiting thing was probably a bad idea. What if she really was bothering him and he was being nice? But she dismissed the worry knowing that it was just insecurity speaking. Mason was quiet, and serious. And also obviously had touchy family related issues at the moment. Key would be patient, and she didn't really mind the quiet. She was quiet and serious herself, but she also switched her personalities depending on the people she was hanging out with. Sam obviously made her air-guitar; and when Gilly was around, she was the only one who could drive Caim to actually be snarky and mean; around her mom, Caim could be immature and actually whine.

She wasn't sure who she was around Mason yet: whoever this Caim was, she didn't know her yet. Clearly though, given Mason's seven word vague response, this Key was going to have to do most of the talking.

“Water's great.” Key said brightly. She was not a fan of beer. She sat down dutifully in her seat in front of her sandwich, and waited for Mason to sit down, too, before eating.

“Are you going to the festival?” Key asked, partially making conversation and partially hoping to work in an invitation somewhere in there.

[MASON MIEL CAIN]

Mason grabbed two glasses and filled them with water, mostly to distract himself from looking at her. He forgot how pretty she was, and the blonde seemed to add to it. Maybe it just made her look less sad and thus more open to anything mason wanted to give her, but he couldn't be sure. "Dig in." He said, Bon appetite was too pretentious for someone like him. Mason hasn't gone to college and still felt dumb for it. Not that Chloe went either, she had been alone and taking care of everything when he was gone.

"Oh," mason said. Honestly he'd forgotten about the festival. Holidays in jail had been miserable so he forgot he could look forward to them again. "I forgot about that. I may check it out.." Normally he went with Chloe but she had a date and mason would feel awkward showing up alone. "It would be better if I had someone to go with, the towns not really welcoming me back." Not that he really blamed them.

"Are you going?" He asked, taking a bite of his grilled cheese.

[CAIM VENUS HYSSOP]

They were making accidental eye contact too often when neither of them were talking. From Key's perspective, he was catching her staring a lot. At his suggestion, Key gladly bit into her sandwich. It was a completely legitimate form of escapism from the sheer please of looking at him. She found herself that grilled cheese was always good – always a good idea and always delicious. It was the perfect blend of carbs and fat that made one feel full and satisfied. And it was warm and toasty. Key was a delicate and polite eater – she took little bites and always used her utensils whenever they were presented. She sipped gently, too, whenever she reached out for her glass.

Key smiled sadly. Ex-cons weren't exactly town sweethearts. “You can meet up with me.” Key offered, as gently and casually as she could muster. “I'll be there, maybe seeing a friend of two.” Mostly it was Ethan, although Sam did offer to maybe meet up with her (with Chloe), though Key wrote that off as just being polite. Obviously he'd want to be with his girlfriend.

She smiled encouragingly. “It'll be fun.” It was her most favorite holiday/festival. Mostly because she loved autumn and all things associated with it. Jack-o-lanterns. Pumpkin pie. Sparkling cider. Caramel apples. Candy – lots of. The changing color of leaves and all the smells. Most of the stands and events around town placed orders for her candles, so during the festival, the whole town smelled of pumpkin spice and apple cinnamon. “I'm personally planning on eating and drinking everything in sight, so I may need someone big and strong to carry me home.” She joked, trying to lighten his mood. That was mostly a joke, though there was some truth in how excited Key was for apple turnovers and pumpkin pie bars.