[Mason Lancaster]

Little supernovas in my head; Little soft pulses in my dead
Little souvenirs and secrets shared; A little off-guard and unprepared

CW: drinking and driving, language?

---

The night before was only bits and flashes in Mason's memory. He had gone out with his coworkers, breaking his own rule not to drink after a particularly rough day. He had told himself it would be fine, he'd just have a drink or two and then he would stop. He'd go home and everything would be okay. However, that was not what happened. Mason had two drinks, then a third and fourth. Everything was alright, he was feeling great. Then the group started doing shots. He knew he shouldn't, he knew he had already passed his limit, but what would one shot hurt?

Mason vaguely remembered driving home. His heightened senses and reflexes were severely dulled by the amount that he'd had to drink, but they were the only reason he was even able to operate his vehicle. He was lucky that he hadn't ended up in a ditch, or even worse, crashing and potentially hurting someone else. He was uniquely acquainted with what could have happened, and he was surprised no one stopped him from leaving. Maybe his ability hid just how fucked up he was. It wasn't like his coworkers knew about his gifts, and he didn't know how he acted when he was shit faced.

This morning was hell. It was his own fault, but Mason was pissed off at the world today. Mostly, though, he was angry at himself. He was having a hard time keeping his gifts in control. Everything was too much. The sun was too warm on his back, too bright in his eyes and his sunglasses offered very little relief. The feeling of the bottom of his shorts rubbing against his skin was a constant irritant as he jogged through the path in the park. He had on bluetooth earbuds, trying desperately to drown out all other sounds with his music playing loudly. It did nothing to help the pounding pain that danced behind his eyes, but he didn't care, he needed one thing to try to focus on, something to try to keep all of his other senses from completely overwhelming him.

Slowing his pace, Mason took in a deep breath. He could feel himself spiraling, letting the anger and shame overwhelm him as much as his senses did. His fingers twitched with the need to punch something. A punching bag, a person, a wall... None of those were readily available, and only one of those options was a healthy outlet for his rage. Mason realized he was standing directly next to a large tree. That would do. Without thinking in through, Mason pulled his arm back and punched the tree, hard. As soon as his fist connected with the rough, ungiving bark of the tree trunk, he let out a pained groan. 

"Oh, you stupid fuck.." Mason mumbled under his breath, directed at himself, shaking his hand out. He was hoping the blinding flash of pain would subside quickly. It didn't take long before it faded enough so that he could examine his hand, angry red flesh inflamed around several superficial scratches on the surface. It was already starting to swell up, and it looked and felt likely swell more and bruise. At least it didn't appear to be broken. That was a good thing. He could only imagine having to explain how he broke his hand at work, that would be absolutely embarrassing. How'd you break your hand? - Oh, you know, punching a tree, like a fucking moron. He imagined the conversation in his head.

Mason looked around for the closest bench. He spotted an empty one, not far from where he was, and made his way over to sit down. He pulled out his phone, pulling up Maddie. He didn't care if things had been tense with them, she still usually answered his calls and texts.

"Hey, you home? I need your help..."

Mason hit send on the text message, then leaned his head against the back of the bench and closed his eyes. He was in such a bad mood, and he didn't want to make himself anyone else's problem, so he was hoping that his sister would answer his text soon.

---

Tag: open
Note: Calm him down, rile him up, whatever you're in the mood for!

[Deleted]

CW: swearing, sexy thoughts

Tomas hadn’t slept well. This wasn’t exactly abnormal for him; he had never been a sound sleeper, but last night was different. It wasn’t his swirling emotions or thoughts that prevented him from sleep. In fact, falling asleep hadn’t really been a problem last night. It had been a dream that had woken him hours before his alarm; sweating, panting with an ache of wanting deep in his stomach. His mind wandered back to the dream – Large green eyes looking deep into his, his soft lips tracing kisses along her fair skin, dark wavy hair clutch between his fingers, bringing her full lips to his and…and…Tomas shook his head as he felt the ache in his stomach spread lower, stirring desire in other places. He needed to stop this right now, these thoughts were dangerous and would just lead to heartbreak – his, no doubt.

He had tried meditating for an hour, that was clearly not working to clear his mind. He could try and work through the thoughts but managing someone’s finances while distracted but anything, let along a forbidden woman was not a good idea. No, the only thing that was going to work was a long, harsh run and then maybe an ice-cold shower.

Pulling on baggy running shorts, a breathable t-shirt and his running shoes Tomas headed out of his downtown apartment. It was still early and the people he ran by were either early rises- getting a productive start on the day or making their way home after a long night, many looked like they were partaking in the stride of pride, and he had to force himself to not think about his dream again.

Tomas ran for 30 minutes before he made it to the park he frequented for his runs. It was quieter here and he enjoyed the sound of nature, the breeze through the trees and a small stream weaving its way lazily along. The calm around him also made it easier to spot the out of place aggression that Mason had just aimed at a tree.

Tomas wasn’t surprised to see his best friend out running. He was however, surprised to see him punching a tree. He wasn’t going to lie, his friend looked a little worse for wear and he watched him for a few moments as he examined his hand, sat on a bench -pulled out his phone and began texting. Concern rose in Tomas’s chest and he made his way over to Mason, who now had his eyes closed, leaning back against the bench.

“Well you look like shit,” His tone was a friendly mocking as he stood before Mason “What happened to you?”

Mason Lancaster

[Mason Lancaster]

Little supernovas in my head; Little soft pulses in my dead
Little souvenirs and secrets shared; A little off-guard and unprepared

---

Mason felt the shadow pass over his closed eyes. The bright sun was temporarily blocked out. He thought maybe it was a cloud, but then a familiar voice sounded over the music he had blasting in his earbuds. He opened his eyes, sat up, and pulled the earbuds out of his ears.

”Thanks. That’s about how I feel this morning.” Mason wasn’t surprised to see his best friend standing there. This was a park he knew they both frequented. It had some of the best running paths in town.

”I drank last night. Way too much.” Mason admitted, running his uninjured hand through his sweat-dampened hair. If it had been anyone but Tomas or Maddie, he wouldn’t have admitted that so readily. But they both knew him, they knew how hard he tried to keep himself in check. He could down a whole bottle himself easily, but he didn’t want to do that. He wasn’t about to follow in his father’s footsteps. He had to be better than that.

The look of concern on his friend’s face didn’t escape Mason’s notice. He glanced down at his hurting hand, wishing for a moment he shared Tomas’ gift of accelerated healing. That would come in handy right about now. Though he still knew it would hurt, at least it wouldn’t bruise and look as nasty as it was bound to. ”I take it you saw me punch the tree?” He questioned, already knowing the answer. Why else would Tomas look so concerned? ”That tree had it coming, let me tell you.” He joked, but he was aware he was going to have to address his anger at some point.

Mason pulled up his phone. No notifications. Either his sister was ignoring him, or, more likely, still sleeping. She didn’t tend to be an early riser. From her late shifts and even later nights out, Mason knew she had no reason to be up this early. And a buzzing phone wasn’t enough to wake her from her sleep.

”It is all just too much this morning.” Mason admitted. ”I’m feeling overwhelmed. I messaged Maddie, hoping she could help, but she hasn’t messaged me back yet. I’m guessing she hasn’t gotten out of bed. Or maybe she's just still not talking to me.”

Maddie’s ability to stop his gifts would be more than welcome right now. It would at least give him time to calm down, to forgive himself and get past the hangover from hell he was feeling. Even with their current tension, he figured she would at least text him back to find out what was going on. He hoped she was still sleeping. He didn't want to dwell on the possibility that she was still so mad at him that she'd ignore him asking her for help.

With a long sigh, Mason tried to push back his feelings of self loathing and anger. Tomas was out here, which was great, but shouldn’t he be at work already?

”What’s got you out here instead of holed up in that fancy office of yours already?” Mason respected Tomas, but it didn’t mean he didn’t tease his friend as well. Tomas found his niche in an office, managing people’s money, where Mason found his in a very different field. They’d both come a long way from the little punks they were in high school, though right now Mason felt more like that punk kid than he had in a long time.

---

@tomas

[Deleted]

When Mason confessed to drinking to much last night Tomas felt worry prickle along his spine. He knew his friend’s motivation to be teetotal and he knew how much Mason would punish himself internally and externally (if the tree punch was anything to go by) for slipping up. Tomas had met Mr Lancaster a few times before his death and he had heard lots about him, he would probably feel the exact same about alcohol if he were in Mason’s shoes.

Tomas gave a slightly crooked smile at Mason’s joke about the tree, he went to step forward and pat his friend on the shoulder for comfort but though better of it. Masons superhuman senses were probably making this hangover close to unbearable. Hangovers were something Tomas had experienced mildly, not because he hadn’t drank to excess before, but because the accelerated healing meant that by the time he rolled out of bed the next morning his powers had starved off the hangover. He had however witnessed many a friend or acquaintances hangovers. “You just made a mistake Mase, youve beaten yourself up over it” he gestured to the hand “now forgive yourself a little, we all fuck up every now and again.”

Tomas watched as Mason pulled out his phone, as he mentioned Maddie, Tomas felt his mouth go dry and he swallowed hard before speaking, his voice slightly raspy, “I’m sure your right, shes probably still in bed.” He tried to reassure his friend again while also ignoring his imagination which flashed an image of Maddie asleep in his bed rather then her own. This run was supposed to be putting an end of these thoughts.

Thankfully Mason changed the subject (kind of), away from Maddie and onto why Tomas was not at work already. The answer to this question, unbeknownst to his friend was, in fact, Maddie and his damned imagination. He obviously wasn’t about to tell him that though, “A bad night sleep” he shrugged, “Just needed to get into a better headspace before I head into the office, my client list today require patience” he added, sighing as he thought about the meetings he had today. “When are you next at work?” he asked “I hope not today,” he pulled a face and then grinned as he gave his friend the once over again.

Mason Lancaster

[Mason Lancaster]

Little supernovas in my head; Little soft pulses in my dead
Little souvenirs and secrets shared; A little off-guard and unprepared

---

Mason knew that Tomas had a point. Everyone made mistakes, missteps. He wasn’t like his father. Elijah would still be drunk the next morning, and he’d take his anger out on anyone who got in his path. Mason had made a point to be the one to be in his father’s path more often than not, trying to protect his sister and even his mother from his father’s outbursts. Mason could handle it. He could dodge any punch or thrown bottles his direction, and Elijah frequently wore himself out before any real damage was done.

That wasn’t Mason. Not anymore. He didn’t take his anger out on people who deserved it. He took it out on himself. ”You’re right. I know you are. But I still hate it.”

Mason slipped his phone back into his pocket. ”Eventually she’ll respond. I’ll just have to deal with it for now.” Even as angst filled as Mason was feeling, he knew that the hangover would fade on its own, however slowly. He’d be back to feeling in control of himself by the end of the day. He just didn’t want to wait that long if he didn’t have to.

More than his overwhelmed senses though, he wanted to know that his sister wasn’t still mad at him, that she would forgive him. As much as he tried to protect her, the truth was he needed her as well. Without Maddie and Tomas, Mason would be adrift, he wouldn’t have anyone he trusted enough to talk to about his darkest days, his worst moods.

”Oh, damn. Anything serious?” Mason was concerned when Tomas said he hadn't slept well and he wasn’t in a good headspace. Had he had another panic attack last night? Or even this morning? Mason worried that Tomas would downplay whatever was plaguing him after seeing Mason’s own state of mind this morning, but he hoped that his best friend would still confide in him if there was something serious going on.

”And no, I don’t go in until tomorrow.” Mason answered, dreading going in for the 24 hour shift starting at eight the next morning. He already knew his hand was still going to be aching from his stupidity with the tree.

---

@tomas
Let me know for any changes.

[Deleted]

Tomas frowned slightly when Mason mentioned that Maddie would “respond eventually”. The siblings had been almost inseparable the entire time he had known them. It was strange for Mason to feel like Maddie wouldn’t respond as soon as she woke up, rather than "eventually" He knew things had been slightly strained since Mason had moved his mother in with him. Maddie had not been in support of the move and to be honest Tomas thought it was madness as well, although his opinion on parents wasn’t great at the best of times.

When Mason enquired about his bad night sleep, he gave him a reassuring smile. Mason had been witness to Tomas’s mental health crisis more then a few times in their friendship and if a panic attack had been what kept him from sleeping he would have no problem telling his friend. He did however have a big problem with telling his friend the real reason for his sleepless night, so instead he just shrugged it off, “Just to many thoughts in my head” he tapped his temple “The run has helped.” he smirked and nudged his friend in the ribs, hoping it didn’t send his friends senses into overdrive “Seeing you look this crap has helped put things in perspective. Did you throw up this morning or have you not reached that stage in the hangover yet?” he joked.

His two thought streams merged together and he let out another laugh, louder this time “Does your mum know how wasted you got? Oh man, I cannot believe she is living with you.” he couldn't get the disbelief from his voice, he couldnt wrap his head around it. “Has Maddie even been over to your place since she moved in?” he knew Maddie was mad about it, but he wondered how it was effecting things between the siblings.

Mason Lancaster

[Mason Lancaster]

Little supernovas in my head; Little soft pulses in my dead
Little souvenirs and secrets shared; A little off-guard and unprepared

---

Mason nodded when Tomas said he just had too much going on in his head. He knew what that was like. There had been many late night gym trips when he couldn’t get his own mind to quiet down.

When he was jabbed in the ribs, Mason scowled. He would have laughed, but it would just encourage his friend to continue prodigy him. Tomas was part of a small group of people who could get away with it in the first place.

”So glad to be of assistance.” Mason couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle. ”No, I haven’t thrown up, God, I don’t even want to think about that happening right now.” Mason knew that it was a possibility. He was hoping it wouldn’t happen though, since it had not happened yet. But with his senses so out of control, he needed to stay away from food for a while, just in case the smell set his stomach off.

Tomas asked about Miranda and Maddie, and Mason realized it had been longer than he liked since they had really had a chance to catch up.

”My mother does not know, thankfully.” Mason could only imagine how that conversation would go. ”And I’m planning on keeping it that way.” He already felt like a hypocrite, he was trying so hard to keep Miranda from falling off the wagon and here he went out and got hammered. She’d be right to lecture him, though more likely she would just use it as an excuse to go on her own bender, pointing out that not even he is able to resist temptation all the time.

”Maddie was over last week, actually.” Mason answered, letting out a long sigh. ”We’ve all been so busy lately, we haven’t had much chance to catch up. I convinced her to come over for dinner, told her it was what I wanted to do for an early birthday thing. It didn’t go well, and she’s mad at me. Said I manipulated her into being around mom, and I should have known how it would go. She hasn’t really talked to me since then.”

But she would respond today. He said he needed help, so she’d answer that. At the very least, she’d text back to ask what kind of help. Right? Mason told himself she would, that she wouldn’t ignore him so completely.

”Needless to say, it’s been a rough week. Mom’s in a mood, too.” Mason leaned his head back against the back of the bench again. ”I should get up and keep running. But I can’t stand the feeling of the shorts rubbing against my skin right now.” He should have worn pants instead, that would have at least solved one of the problems that he was having.

---

@tomas
Let me know for any changes.

[Deleted]

Tomas gave a nod and a soft chuckle at Mason wanting to keep his drunk escapades to himself, he didn’t blame him. Miranda did not need the excuse and Mason really didn’t need the earful he was going to get from her if she did find out, “My lips are sealed,” he said grinning at his friend.

The conversation turned to Maddie and the failed trip to Masons for his birthday. Tomas hadn’t heard this story yet and he grimaced as Mason told it. His heart bled for his friend. He had always taken on all the responsibility: The beatings from his father, the role of protector for both his mother and Maddie.

Sometimes Tomas liked to believe that their lives were completely different from when they were little shit bags causing trouble and hiding from their parents. But when he really thought about it nothing much had changed - Tomas was still angry and avoiding his parents at all costs, Mason was still the protector, getting in harms way to protect everyone else. Hell, even his best friend’s job had him running towards danger not away from it. “You know if you ever need to crash at mine, the door is always open” he offered his friend.

“and Maddie will come around, you know she won’t be mad at you forever,” Tomas tried to reassure him, “What exactly went down between Miranda and Maddie? Or would you rather spare me the details?” Maddie was fiery when she wanted to be, and he could only imagine how the ‘family dinner’ went down. He frowned at the look of discomfort of Masons face, he wished his accelerated healing was something he could pass along, “How long until your senses settle back down?” he gestured to the shorts, he didn’t want to think about what It must feel like to have heightened senses the way Mason did, especially when you felt uncomfortable.

Mason Lancaster

[Mason Lancaster]

Little supernovas in my head; Little soft pulses in my dead
Little souvenirs and secrets shared; A little off-guard and unprepared

---

It was no secret between them that Mason’s parents were both addicts. Mason tried his best, fully aware that genetics were against him and he could easily slip into the same habits as his parents. But one night here and there wasn’t the end of the world. He knew that, but it was still hard to forgive himself for over indulging. He knew that Tomas would never run to his mother to tell on him, and even if Miranda did find out it wasn’t like he had really done anything wrong. Well, mostly. He shouldn’t have driven home. But he was an adult. He was allowed to cut himself some slack.

None of this was going to help Mason feel better at this moment though. As hard as he was on himself, hangovers were particularly rough for him. They were a reminder of his poor choices the night before. A reminder that he should stay sober, or at least within his own limits.

Tomas listened, and offered his own place for Mason to crash if he needed to get away. Mason appreciated the gesture, but shook his head. ”It’ll be fine. Mom is a lot, but it’s better that I don’t leave her alone every single night.” He did enough of that when he was at work. At minimum, she was alone every third night with his schedule, but it was more like Mason only being home a couple nights a week with how much overtime he picked up.

They both knew Maddie would get over her anger at some point. Mason figured she was already starting to realize that it wasn’t really his fault. He knew he was the easiest person for her to lash out at when she was upset, though. He took her anger willingly. She didn’t do the kinds of crap he did. She didn’t take it out on strangers. She didn’t start fights or walk up and punch random trees like he did this morning. She just shut him out, processed, and then would come back and act like nothing happened when she was over it.

”Mom and Maddie had a good one this time.” Mason shook his head. ”You know how Maddie just blames mom for everything, especially now that dad’s gone. So she was already defensive. But then mom decided to lay into her. Told her she parties too much, she isn’t living up to her potential, whatever that means to mom. Then she started in on her, saying she should settle down and have kids before she gets too old. Maddie was so pissed. I honestly didn’t know mom was going to be like that, but it’s not like Maddie ever does what she says anyway. I don’t know why she took it so personal this time.”

The shouting had reminded him of when they were teenagers still. Maddie was stubborn, it was a family trait apparently. She’d argue and yell with Elijah, or sometimes with Miranda. Mason would have to step in and calm everyone down the best he could, and keep himself from rising to the same level of anger as the rest of them. He’d push down his anger at home, then let it seep out at school, fighting with anyone who looked at him wrong. He was grateful that he’d come a long way since those days, that he was more in control of himself and had an easier time recognizing his own emotions and needs now.

”Oh god, I don’t even know, man. Maybe a couple hours? Maybe longer. Depends on how long this hangover sticks around.” Mason smirked. ”We can’t all be like you and wake up all shiny and new the next morning.” Just having Tomas to talk things out with was helping. His senses were still heightened, his emotions were still a mess, but Mason felt more grounded than he had just moments ago.

---

@tomas
Let me know for any changes.

[Deleted]

Tomas grimaced as Mason explained what happened - felt for his friend, but he felt for Maddie as well. He knew exactly what it was like to have overbearing parents forcing their expectations on you and he didn’t blame Maddie for kicking off. He also didn’t blame Mason for wanting something that resembled a family. Tomas had never really had one, but he heard that sometimes they could be kind and fun and loving, well that’s what some girl he met at the gym had told him anyway.

“Miranda isn’t after you to settle down and start a family then?” Tomas joked, he wasn’t sure what Mason’s current dating life was like but he was pretty sure if he had someone special he would know about it. “Or are you off the hook because you’ve taken her in?” Tomas had no intention of having children, not only because he knew it would make his parents furious that he wasn’t providing an heir for the Callaway name but also because he was pretty sure he would be a terrible father.

He laughed when Mason talked about Tomas’s lack of hangovers, he really didn’t know of a time when his accelerated healing wasn’t a positive gift, plus it was hilarious to watch the confusion on peoples faces when he took a particularly nasty blow at the Dojang or spat out a mouthful of blood during a nasty bar fight only to reveal no injuries at all. “Well some of us are just more gifted then others” he added an heir of arrogance to his, Mason might not have accelerated healing but his superhuman reflexes made him one of few people who could best Tomas in a fight, it didn’t matter how many martial arts Tomas mastered it was no good when the person your sparring with could basically predict your blow before you landed it. “You know, a really greasy fry up and a raw egg smoothie will clear that hangover right up,” he grinned imagining that disgusting concoction.

Mason Lancaster

[Mason Lancaster]

Little supernovas in my head; Little soft pulses in my dead
Little souvenirs and secrets shared; A little off-guard and unprepared

---

Mason shook his head when Tomas asked why Miranda wasn’t nagging him to settle down and start a family in the same way she was nagging Maddison. ”Apparently I’m living up to my potential and saving people.” Mason rolled his eyes. He hated thinking of his life that way. Potential was crap. He had the potential to walk around angry and fighting like he had as a kid. He had the potential to be a raging addict like his parents had been. He had to work hard to change that course, to prove he could handle the pressure that came along with being something better than what he came from.

It wasn’t that Mason was ashamed of his childhood. He went through it, and there was no changing it. The experiences he had shaped him into the man he was now. He just wanted more than that.

”Besides, apparently throwing myself in harm’s way constantly makes me not great boyfriend or husband material.” He shrugged.

It wasn’t like Mason was really looking for a relationship, anyway. In his experience, they were a lot of work that he just didn’t have the time or emotional energy for. He’d have to find the right person, someone who understood not only his job, but also him. That was asking for too much though, so he’d pretty much given up. Also, it didn’t help that for someone who was so intune with his senses and anticipating what people needed, he was absolutely clueless when a woman liked him. He basically needed a neon sign with it in writing before he realized someone was flirting with him. Somehow, noticing the subtle body language that came along with flirting had passed him by.

Tomas made one of his typical overly arrogant statements about his gift, and Mason turned his head and opened his eyes to look at him. If he didn’t know his best friend so well, he’d have risen to the bait and let the irritation drive him to more anger. But he was well aware that Tomas was taking the opportunity to tease him, and it was appreciated.They’d been friends for so long that Mason thought of Tomas as basically his brother. They’d taken different paths in life, but they still remained close, and they were able to just let their guard down and be themselves around each other.

Before Mason said anything about their gifts, Tomas had moved on, describing about the worst breakfast Mason could even imagine at the moment. ”That sounds horrible. If you don’t stop I might just puke right now. I’ll make sure to do it in your direction.” Mason was only half joking. His face had become slightly more pale as he thought about the foods that Tomas described, and he felt his stomach churn. ”For real, though, I might throw up if you don’t stop talking about food.” He admitted the truth in a more serious tone than before.

”I think I need to go get coffee.” Mason groaned. He desperately wanted to be rid of this hangover already. Pulling his phone out of his pocket again, he sighed. No new notifications. He opened his text messages anyway.

”If you’re up, text me back. I ran into Tomas. Wanna get coffee?” He hit send on his text then looked back at Tomas. ”How late can you be for work today?”

---

@tomas

[Deleted]

Tomas rolled his eyes when Mason repeated his mother’s words about ‘meeting his potential’, he had heard those words spoken to him so many times, he knew his parents would never be satisfied with whatever he did, it sounded like Miranda would put that same pressure on Maddie. She was right however, about Mason saving lives and throwing himself in harms way.

Masons superhuman reflexes and senses mostly kept him safe on his job. They were also why Tomas had given Masons details over to Noah for recruitment to Blackstorm. Although sometimes Tomas felt guilty about that, he did nothing good for society, except making the rich richer – Blackstorm was his way of helping the Gifted, push for a better world. Mason already did that on a day to day basis. He knew he friends views of the gifted being out and open though and hoped he would be glad to join to fight.

Tomas grinned as Tomas turned a interesting shade at the mention of food and commented on throwing up all over Tomas, he wrinkled his nose at the thought and stepped away from his friend ever so slightly. “Coffee sound like a good idea,” he nodded, he hadn’t had he morning black coffee, so busy trying to get out the door and get thoughts of Maddie from his head he totally forgot. “I mean I’ve made most of my clients a fortune already this year, I’m sure I can take a morning without anyone caring.” It was true, when you made people as much money as Tomas did, they really didn’t care what hours you kept, as long as you kept making money. “Any place in particular you want to go?” he asked his friend.

Mason Lancaster

[Mason Lancaster]

Little supernovas in my head; Little soft pulses in my dead
Little souvenirs and secrets shared; A little off-guard and unprepared

---

Their parents were complicated. Mason had been trying hard to mend his relationship with his mother, but it was still strained from time to time. Tomas didn’t talk to his parents at all, and if it was up to Maddie she would do the same thing as him. She would be thrilled if she never had to speak to Miranda again, but Mason thought it would be a shame. Now that their father was gone, there was some hope for their mother’s redemption. Mason believed that she deserved a second chance.

As their conversation carried on, Mason thought his friend looked far too pleased with himself at Mason’s discomfort thinking about food. If he was feeling better, he would have pretended he was about to puke on Tomas, but at the moment he didn’t think he should tempt fate.

”Good.” He pushed his phone back into his pocket and stood up. He was going to have to live with the irritant of his shorts, it wasn’t like he could just stay on the bench forever. ”Maybe once I’ve had some coffee I’ll start feeling better.” He appreciated that Tomas was making time to go with him. He wasn’t sure about no one caring, but he figured if it would cause any major issues at work that Tomas would have said so.

”I texted Maddie. Maybe she’ll meet up with us. If she ever wakes up and looks at her phone.” The truth of the matter was Tomas had probably been correct, and Mason knew that. Maddie worked a lot of late nights and had never been much of a morning person to begin with. More likely than not, she’d wake up around eleven and see his multiple messages and then be really worried. He hadn't even bothered to put what he needed help with.

”There's that cafe right around the corner, you good with that one?” Mason was already walking, assuming Tomas would be cool with whatever place would serve coffee that Mason drank. Mason was the picky one when it came to coffee.

---

@tomas

[Deleted]

Tomas started when Mason mentioned that he had messaged Maddie to see if she wanted to join them. It wasn’t like he hadn’t spent time with Maddie since his feelings towards her had started to morph into something new and apparently obscene, if the dream from last night was anything to go by. He was usually good at compartmentalising things but with the thoughts of her now effecting both his waking and sleeping hours it was getting more and more difficult to keep his reactions to her presence under wraps. “Oh erm yeah sure it would be great to see Maddie,” he managed to make the words sound somewhat casual but he could feel his heart pounding a little harder in his chest. He started to walk along the path with Mason, hoping his friend hadn’t noticed the change in his body language at the mention of Maddie. “Any café will do,” he muttered not really caring where they went, still distracted by the idea of seeing Maddie.

A flash of his dream playing in his minds eye Tomas straightened his spine, thankful that his friend’s gift did not include telepathy. Tomas needed to change the subject and fast, the run had been such a successful distraction until now. “Have you been dating lately?” Ok it wasn’t the best subject change, he needed something new, “Or anything interesting outside of family drama happening?” he added “Anything with…” he looked around to make sure no one was around “Blackstorm?” There that was a better subject change, although Tomas wasn’t sure anyone had any updates on Blackstorm, he had deposited some of his funds to help get a gifted out of trouble with a nasty hunter recently, bribery always interested the corrupt, but other than that there hadn’t been much contact on his front, maybe Mason knew more.

Mason Lancaster

[Mason Lancaster]

Little supernovas in my head; Little soft pulses in my dead
Little souvenirs and secrets shared; A little off-guard and unprepared

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Mason did his best to ignore the rubbing sensation from the hem of his shorts as they began walking. It wasn’t as bad walking as it had been when he was running, and he had Tomas to talk to while they walked to distract him at least. Tomas agreed to the cafe absently, and Mason continued in that direction as they spoke.

The questions Tomas was asking were enough to bring a smirk to Mason’s face, despite how he was feeling.

”Dating? Uh, no. Not since Cami.” Mason scratched the back of his head. Cami had managed to catch Mason’s attention, and they’d made it almost eight months before she threw a book at his head and told him she was done. When he caught it, he realized it was a self help book on dating and communicating. It had been close to a year since she dumped him, and Mason didn’t have much interest in looking for anyone else. He had a couple dating apps installed on his phone, thanks to one of his coworkers insisting, but he didn’t ever really use them.

Mason shrugged to answer the rest of Tomas’s questions. ”Just the usual. Working a lot. I’ve passed on a couple names, helped a few people out of sticky situations, hopefully.” Mason hadn't done as much work with Blackstorm as he originally thought he would be doing, but he was happy to assist when he was needed.

"What about you, anything new? You seeing anyone of importance?" Mason knew that his best friend was somewhat of a playboy, so he didn't expect there to be anyone who was actually important, but maybe he'd be surprised.

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@tomas