#˗ˏˋ ᵃᶜᵗ ᶤ· ﹙ ic ﹚ ﹕ make 'em laugh.

[greenelight]

the   white   bear   sebastian won him moments earlier stays   firmly   tucked   under   his   arm   as   he   follows   the professor   over   to   the   ferris   wheel   ,   the   tall   metal   structure   a   heck   of   a   lot   more   intimidating   up   close.   this   carnival   date   truly   has   turned   out   to   be   a   lot   more   fun   that   mason   imagined   ,   feeling   so   carefree   for   the   first   time   in   what   feels   like   years.   the   professor   brings   out   his   more   fun   &   playful   side   ,   a   part   of   him   he's   had   to   keep   tucked   away   ever   since   he began pouring   himself   into   the   heartbreaker   case.   mason is   terrible   when   it   comes   to   taking   time   off   for   himself   ,   but   tonight   has   proven   to   him   just   how   important   it   is   to   enjoy   life   when   given   a   chance   to   breathe   ,   especially   if   it   means   spending   more   time   with   someone   as   wonderful   as   sebastian   moran.   he   sighs   ,   admiring   him   as   the   professor   rambles   excitedly   about   the   view   they'll   see   overlooking   the   city   once   they   reach   the   top.   he   really   is   so   sweet   &   genuine.   mason   never   did   believe   he'd   ever   fall   in   love   again   ,   but   sebastian   makes   it   so   easy   &   he's   never   felt   so   safe   as he does holding   his   hand   in   his   own.

the   line   for   the   ferris   wheel   doesn't   last   too   long   &   soon   they   make   it   inside   their   own   little   bench   ,   the   attendant   making   sure   they're   strapped   in   before   closing   the   door.   mason   was   being   truthful   when   he   said   he   wasn't   afraid   of   heights   ,   but   the   ricketiness   of   the   old   ferris   wheel   does   leave   him   a   bit   uneasy   ,   his   body   jumping   as   the   ride   begins   to   move   ,   a   hand   placed   over   sebastian's   when   he   reacts.   ❝   sorry.   ❞   mason   smiles   apologetically   ,   sitting   back   &   attempting   to   get   comfortable.   ❝   i   forgot   how   shaky   these   rides   can   be.   haven't   been   on   one   of   these   things   since   i   was   a   boy.   ❞

˗ˏˋ     ᵒᵛᵉʳᵗᵘʳᵉ·     entering   the   stage   ﹕  @wineassassin  as   sebastian   moran.

[greenelight]

mason   remembers   those   days   when   he   would   cross   an   ocean   just   to   go   see   the   man   he   was   falling   for   ,   how   he'd   spend   his   weekends   flying   over   to   him   ,   then   dozing   off   the   minute   he   was   in   his   arms.   sebastian   was   always   so   sweet   &   doting   whenever   he   arrived   to   him   in   the   middle   of   the   night   &   their   first   reunion   in   bed   would   always   be   sweet   &   gentle   ,   mixed   with   love   &   shared   kisses   in   between.   they   are   in   a   similar   position   now   on   the   couch   ,   the   love   still   the   same   ,   if   not   bigger   as   they   lay   with   one   another   ,   sebastian   finally   calm   after   all   his   cleaning   &   organizing.   he   appreciates   his   need   to   remain   tidy   ,   but   their   vacation   is   coming   to   an   end.   soon   they'll   be   going   back   to   work   full   time   &   they'll   have   less   moments   like   these   to   enjoy   ,   sans   the   weekend   of   course.   mason   sighs   ,   kissing   sebastian's   knuckles   even   as   he   stands   &   begins   talking   about   food.   he   does   want   to   eat   since   it's   been   a   while   since   their   last   meal   ,   but   it's   always   hard   to   separate   after   such   a   long   cuddle.   his   body   will   always   need   sebastian   to   remain   close   &   he's   accepted   that   fact   to   remain   true   for   the   rest   of   their   lives.

❝   oh   ,   you're   tempting   me   with   my   two   favorites.   that's   gonna   be   really   tough.   ❞   mason   kisses   sebastian's   knuckles   again   ,   so   doting   &   gentle   how   he   pays   attention   to   each   part   of   him   ,   happily   waiting   to   see   his   husband's   reaction.   ❝   i   honestly   could   do   some   pad   thai   if   i'm   being   honest.   when   was   the   last   time   we   had   good   take   out   food   that   wasn't   pub   or   heavy   food ?   ❞   he   giggles,   standing   to   join   his   husband   wherever   he   planned   to   go   ,   still   clinging   to   his   hand   ,   grinning   happily.   ❝   do   you   remember   that   chinese   food   we   got   from   that   one   place   in   london   ?   it   does   not   compare   to   our   usual   place   here in new york at   all.   aside   from   your   mom's   food   ,   the   food   in   london   tends   to   be   a   bit   heavy   for   me.   pretty   sure   i   gained   a   few   pounds   from   it   &   it   went   all   to   my   hips   ,   not   that   i   think   you   mind.   ❞

"okay. the husband will chill." he laughs before shutting his eyes, making a sincere attempt to calm himself down and stop bouncing around with ideas. snuggled up with mason on the couch, sebastian can hear his steady breathing, the soft shift of clothes on clothes, their bodies adjusting against each other. he tries to focus on that, on the subtle movements, on the sound of cars outside and birds in the backyard trees. that helps relax him down to a more manageable level, and by the time he opens his eyes again, he's a new person.

"see? better." strong hands snake up the back of mason's shirt and smooth over his bare skin, tracing around marks and moles he finds without even looking. that tracing turns to kneading after a minute, finding a bit of tension in his lower back. "this is what plane rides do to you," he tells @greenelight matter of factly, brows quirking. "i remember how tense you'd be after flying to see me, back when we were first dating. how we'd lay in bed and you'd doze off, and i'd lay beside you and massage your back. eventually i'd fall asleep too, but for a little while, i'd try to make you feel more comfortable beside me. the two of us sprawled in the bed where we first became whole."

sebastian leans in and noses mason's ear and temple, then shuts his eyes and casts his breathing in a slow, rhythmic pulse. "i'm happy we're home. i know i've said that a few times already, and i really do miss london... but this... here, on the couch with you, this is home. you're home."

if they fall in and out of sleep, neither of them notice. eventually sebastian adjusts and climbs off the couch, clinging to mason's hand as he does so. "let's order dinner. i'm feeling peckish." sebastian leans down, kisses mason's hair, and goes to retrieve his phone from the charger nearby. "pad thai?" he asks his husband, "or our favorite burgers? i could do either. up to you, broadway baby."

[greenelight]

is   it   extra   to   roller   blade   right   into   a   party   ?   oh   definitely.   but   then   again   ,   maybe   it's   not   such   a   bad   thing   when   so   many   people   sort   of   expect   it   from   you most of the time.   the   crowd   parts   like   the   red   sea   to   allow   him   &   mary   jane   space   to   ride   into   the   middle   of   the   dance   floor   ,   mason's   hand   in   hers   not   as   a   cutesy   in - character thing   ,   but   more so   for   balance   since   he's   not   exactly   well   adjusted   to   the   roller   skates   yet.   as   he   struggles   to   keep   balance   ,   mary   jane   looks   as   flawless   as   ever   ,   even   giving   fucking margo   robbie   from   barbie   a   run   for   her   money   as   she   dons   her   aerobics   outfit   like   a   model   on   a   runway   walk   &   less   like   someone   just   attending   a   halloween   party.   when   it   comes   to   celebrity   status   ,   some   people   just   ooze   that   sort   of   vibe   effortlessly   with   how   they   carry   themselves   &   mary   jane   does   it   with graceful ease.   mason   often   wonders   what   her   secret   is , but he's too afraid to ask.

❝   okay   ,   we   made   our   grand   entrance.   lemme   rest   over here   for   a   minute.   ❞   mason   releases   mary   jane   from   his   hold   &   rests   his   back   against   a nearby   wall   ,   happy   to   have   support   for   just   a   short   while where he's not trying to avoid faceplanting onto the floor.   he   can   see   people   staring   at   his   friend   &   whispering   to   each   other   in between pining looks.   they're   all   probably   trying   to   muster   up   the   courage   to   talk   to   mary jane.   tch.   if   only   they   knew   how   approachable   she   really   was   ,   despite   her   glanderous   aura.   ❝   you   doin'   okay , red   ?   ❞   mason   asks   ,   pulling   out   gum   from   his   obnoxiously   yellow   fanny   pack   &   offering   it   to   here.   ❝   i   hope   i'm   not   embarrassing   you   here.   i   know   i'm   not   the   best   ken   ,   but   i'm   doing   my   best. i'm really more of an allan type , really.   ❞   he   pauses   ,   grinning.   ❝   why   did   you   ask   me   to   do   this   ,   huh   ?   is   peter   not   into   the   halloween   thing   ?   ❞

˗ˏˋ     ᶤᶰᵗ·     halloween   party   ﹕  🧛‍♂️   go   to   a   costume   party.   co   -   starring  @folkpoet   as   mary   jane   watson.

[greenelight]

for   the   first   time   in   his   immortal   life   ,   the   former   pianist   feels   blessed   knowing   he   no longer needed   to   sleep.   this   ability   allows   him   all   the   time he wanted   to   admire   his   new   lover   as   he   comfortable   sleeps   in   his   arms   ,   long   fingers   gently   caressing   through   his   curls   as   he   allows   sebastian   the   rest   he   so   deserves.   what   a   plot   twist   this   man   has   become   for   him.   an   eternity   of   loneliness   ,   a   life   cursed   with   sorrow   now   brightened   fully   by   this   professor's   existence   ,   pushing   his   way   into   the   vampire's   life   despite   the   resistance   mason   initially   put   up   upon   their   first   meeting.   he   normally   believes   himself   to   be   stronger   when   it   comes   to   avoiding   others   advances   ,   but   sebastian   was   different   from   those   who   usually   pursue   him.   they   had   an   immediate   connection   &   understanding   of   one   another   that   was   rarely   ever   found   ,   enticing   the vampire   to   pursue   this   friendship   with   him   ,   but   of   course   ,   romance   eventually   found   its   way.   there   was   true   fear   in   mason's   non   -   beating   heart   when   he   revealed   to   the   professor   what   he   really   is   ,   but   somehow   sebastian   managed   to   accept   him   all   the   same   ,   knowing   that   despite   his   monstrous   form   ,   he   was   the   one   he   was   meant   to   be   with.   a   lifetime   of   loneliness   has   soften   him slightly   ,   he   fears   ,   but   he   can't   resist   the   human   any   longer   ,   not   when   he's   managed   to   make   him   fall   for   him   ,   a   task   he   never   thought   to   be   possible.

mason   continues   his   gentle   caresses   until   finally   the   professor   stirs   hours   later   ,   blue   eyes   meeting   his   own   hazel   as   he   smiles   ,   leaning   in   to   gift   his   lover   a   good   morning   kiss.   ❝   mmm.   you   slept   beautifully   ,   ❞   he   mumbles   against   his   lips   ,   deepening   their   reunion   a   bit   with   a   heady   sigh   ,   having   wanted   to   continue   their   physical   exploration   since   their   first   kiss   the   night   before.   never   did   he   think   he'd   find   something   that   tasted   better   than   blood   ,   the   professor's   lips   the   closest   to   something   sweet   he's   ever   had in over a century.   the   vampire   has   no   need   to   breathe   ,   but   he   parts   to   give   sebastian   a   moment to compose himself   ,   tucking   his face   into   the   crook   of   his   neck   &   plying   gentle   kisses   along   the   sensitive skin.   he   won't   dare   to   bite   or   mark   him   here   ━━   to   do   so   would   be   an   invasive   &   terrible   move ,   &   mason   refuses to   do   that   to   him   ,   not   unless   he   expresses   the   desire   to.   ❝   to   sleep   ,   perchance   to   dream   .   .   .   what   did   you   dream   of   ,   my   darling   ?   ❞   mason   purrs   ,   kisses   now   moving   to   his   jaw.   ❝   i   quite   enjoyed   holding   you   all   night.   it   felt   so   peaceful   &   safe   watching   you   rest.   i   honestly   think   i   could   do   that   for   longer   if   you'd   let   me.   ❞

˗ˏˋ     ᵒᵛᵉʳᵗᵘʳᵉ·     entering   the   stage   ﹕   @wineassassin   as   sebastian   moran.

[greenelight]

mason   giggles   at   atticus'   teasing insistence   of   translating   ,   a   little   amused   at   the   idea   of   him   needing   to   be   that   bridge   of   support   for   all   his   slang   &   odd   phrases   ,   but   soon   all   of   the   goes   away   when   his   boyfriend   properly   kisses   him   ,   all   teasing   falling   to   the   wayside   for   just   a   moment as he sinks into the pleasurable sensation.   mason   is   excited   to   be   heading   to   australia   to   meet   his   boyfriend's   parents   &   truly   begin   their   relationship   on   a   strong   foundation   ,   but   he   puts   that   on   the   backburner   for   the time being   ,   allowing   that   desire   that   begins   to   build   within   him   to   flicker   into   a   flame   that   burns   deliciously   ,   a   burn   that   consumes   his   lips   ,   his   tongue   &   he   welcomes   it   all   gladly.   strong   ,   slender   hands   begin   to   work   on   his   shirt   &   mason   reaches   out   to   touch   atticus'   bare   skin   ,   admiring   the   softness   ,   the   strong   muscle   he   finds   .   .   .   everything. it's hard to believe atticus' was so lonely for all this time. anyone would be lucky to have a man like him on their arm & somehow , he decided to choose a simple life with mason. it will never fail to make him happy knowing where he decided to settle down ━━ he'll just have to remind him of his appreciation with sweet kisess & gentle touches.

it   isn't   long   before   the actor   finds   his   back   against   the   wall   just   a   few   feet   from   the   bedroom   ,   eyes   heavy   as   they   part   enough   to   take   a   breather   ,   though   mason's   hands   continue   to   touch   &   caress   every   inch   of   him unable & unwilling to stop.   ❝   you're   good   at   guessing   games   ,   ❞   mason   coos   gently   ,   smiling   as   he   tugs   atticus   in   closer by his belt loops   ,   their   bodies   almost   flush   despite   the   layer   of   clothes   still   donning   their   lower   halves.   ❝   i   don't   think   i   need   to   say   anything   else   ,   since   you're   on   the   right   track   &   all.   ❞   another   kiss   is   gifted   ,   this   one   slower   as   it   savors   the   taste   of   him   ,   all   while   he   keeps   atticus   as   close   as   he   can   ,   not   wanting   him   to   part   away   even   for   one   second.   he   loves   him.   he   loves   everything   about   him   &   it   feels   surreal   that   they   were   going   to   travel   &   be   together   versus   this   long   distance   uncertainty   they   once   had   together.   mason   had   to   remind   himself   that   this   was   their   reality   now   ,   that   the   warmth   of   his   body   &   the   sounds   that   come   from   are   real   &   that   they   wouldn't   have   to   ever   be   apart   ever   again.   ❝   i   love   you   , atticus ,   ❞   he   whispers   into   his   boyfriend's   mouth   ,   followed   by   a   teasing   lick.   ❝   i   really   ,   really   do.   i   still   can't   believe   you   even   want   to   be   with   me.   what   did   i   do   to   deserve   someone   like   you   .   .   .   ❞

This trip would be one of the best things to happen to him — two of his worlds meeting, his family meeting the love of his life. His mum had pestered at him, trying to convince Atticus to come back home on their dime to meet the boy he’d dropped everything for. He knew they’d love Mason — it wasn’t just anyone who could make the youngest Levy son stay in one place. “ You gonna try surfing? I think I’d like to see you on a board. ” He scrunches his nose and starts laughing, then leans in to steal another kiss or three from his boyfriend. “ God, and I’ll have to translate for you. My parents and older brother totally don’t know American. ”

Atticus leans in to kiss him again, but instead is surprised with the direction Mason guides them — and he’s happy to oblige. “ Three guesses? Think I can do it? ” He grins, head tilting slightly as he feigns being in deep thought. “ Does it involve this going away? ” He pulls at his button up, hands moving to his chest to start working at the buttons. As he undoes them, he leans in to kiss Mason, actually doing so this time. He loved him. He wanted a life with him, and they were taking one of the first steps towards that. A big one, nonetheless, but one that was necessary. As he keeps kissing Mason, he shrugs his shirt off and hears the buttons clatter to the ground. Hardly the first time. “ And . . . maybe this? ” His fingers dance at the hem of Mason’s shirt, and his teeth sink into his lower lip as he waits for his boyfriend’s answer. “ Am I going in the right direction? ”

[greenelight]

if    you    would    have    told    the    aspiring    actor    that    his    husband's    former    handler    would    soon    become    a    very    close    friend    of    his    ,    he    would    have    called    you    insane.    was    it    wrong    for    him    to    judge    @satellitewar    [    as    emily    kelso    ]    simply    because    she    was    tied    to    his    work    in    treadstone    ?    absolutely    it    was    ,    but    it    made    sense    why    he    felt    that    way.    that    organization    kept    sebastian    from    living    the    quiet    life    he    so    rightfully    deserved    &    made    it    hell    for    them    to    be    able    to    enjoy    a    somewhat    normal    relationship    when    they    were    trying    to    make    things    work    long    distance.    now��   ,    mason    understands    that    his    anger    was    misplaced    when    targeting    poor    emily    &    he's    learned    &    did    his    best    to    open    his    heart    to    the    woman    ,    especially    now    that    she    no    longer    is    connected    to    treadstone.    she    means    a    lot    to    sebastian    &    he    wants    to    make    peace    with    her    if    that's    what    he    wants    ,    though    now    he    does    it    because    he    actually    wants    to    &    sees    the    woman    beyond    her    original profession.    she's    smart    ,    a    workaholic    &    maybe    a    little    socially    clueless    ,    but    she    is    good    deep    down    &    mason    makes    note    of    that.

sebastian    had    to    run    &    get    more    hors    d'oeuvres    for    their    hang    out    ,    leaving    the    two    of    them    alone    with    their    glasses    of    wine    in    hand.    this    was    the    perfect    opportunity    to    ask    emily    about    what    working    with    sebastian    was    like    ,    especially    when    it    comes    to    the    small    little    crush    he    knew    she    used    to    have    for    him.    mason    predicts    the    eyeroll    that    emily    immediately    gives    him    ,    the    blush    on    her    cheeks    definitely    from    the    query    &    not    the    delicious    wine    sebastian    had    poured    them    earlier.    ❝    i    knew    you    were    going    to    ask    me    all    these    questions    one    day    ,    ❞    she    manages    with    a    pout    &    all    mason    can    do    is    grin    wickedly    in    response    ,    sipping    his    wine    as    if    he    is    nothing    but    innocent    in    his    query.    ❝    i    mean    ,    can    you    blame    me    for    being    curious    ?    you    did    say    how    infuriating    he    could    be    when    it    came    to    direction    ,    so    i    can't    help    but    wonder    why    that    did    something    for    you    ?    d'you    like    bad    boys    ,    em    ?    you    like    chatty    brits    ?    ❞    mason    snorts    as    he    tries    to    control    his    laughter    ,    almost    spilling    his    wine    in    the    process.    ❝    i    mean    ,    no    shame    if    you    did.    i    clearly    do    ,    since    i    married    the    man    ,    but    c'mon.    it's    just    us    girls    here    .    .    .    ❞    he    winks.    ❝    you    can    be    honest.    &    then    you    can    tell    me    more    about    this    new    target    of    yours.    going    for    blondes    now    ,    i    hear    ?    ❞

[greenelight]

not   in   any   shape   to   go   anywhere   ?   mason's   brows   raise   at   jodie's   comment   ,   wondering   what   exactly   that   even   meant.   they   aren't   as   close   as   this   conversation   may   lead   others   to   believe   ,   so   he   doesn't   know   everything   about   this   woman   or   any   of   the   troubles   she   deals   in   secret.   now   he   can't   help   but   wonder   if   that   was   merely   a   jest   at   her   age   or   if   something   else   is   going   on.   ever   the   curious   one   ,   mason   tries   to   push   his   questions   away   &   meet   her   comments   with   a   smile   ,   but   that   sentence   will   remain   at   the   back   of   his   head   for   a   while   ,   forever   curious   as   to   what   sort   of   weight   those   words   have ,   if   any at   all.   it's   probably   nothing.   you're   worrying   too   much   ,   he   tells   himself   &   he   relaxes   a   bit   as   he   sips   his   tea   some   more   ,   breaking   the   silence   finally   after   what   felt   like   too   long   a   pause.   ❝   alright   ,   i'll   bring   the   whole   tea set   here   then.   that's   easy   to   do.   it's   a   good   thing   you   live   not   too   far   from   my   place   ,   jodie.   makes   bringing   victor   back   here   all   that   much   easier.   ❞

the   comment   about   his   cat   does   earn   him   a   laugh.   he   knows   victor   wouldn't   actually   steal   his   cat   ,   but   the   idea   if   kinda   charming   if   you   think   about   it.   bumblebee   rarely   takes   to   stranger   as   quickly   as   she   did   victor   ,   almost   as   if   she   were   adopting   him   &   not   the   around   way   around.   ❝   yeah   ,   you'd   probably   fall   in   love   with   her   too.   she's   a   real   sweetheart   &   a   fluffy   white   ball   of   pure love.   she   has   a   better   grooming   routine   than   i   do   ,   so   i   get   why   she's   the   favorite.   ❞   it's   true.   despite   struggling   with   finances   from   time   to   time   ,   mason   never   fails   to   ensure   bumblebee   has   the   best   care.   even   her   insurance   is   better   than   his   own.   ❝   'preciate   the   offer   &   i'll   definitely   take   you   up   on   it   one   day.   its   not   a   big   secret   or   anything   &   victor   knows   this   already   ,   but   i   had   a   really   abusive   relationship   that   i   got   out   of   three   years   ago.   i'm   doing   much   better   &   i'm   in   therapy now   ,   but   i   still   struggle   with   sleeping   &   nightmares   of   him   coming   back.   ❞   mason   notes   the   way   his   hands   remain   still   when   telling   jodie   of   all   this   ,   a   clear   sign   that   he's   truly   improved   from   when   this   first   started   years   ago.   ❝   he's   locked   up   right   now   &   i   have   a   restraining   order   on   him   ,   so   we're   good   for   now.   it's   actually   kinda   nice   when   victor   comes   over   when   i   can't   sleep.   helps   distract   me   from   all   that.   ❞

she  may  not  be  old  ,     but  jodie  certainly  doesn't  feel  as  young  as  she  used  to  be.     she  can't  tell  if  that's  just  being  in  her  forties  ,     or  having  terminal  cancer———probably  the  latter.     actually  ,     almost  definitely  the  latter.     nothing  ever  ached  her  as  terribly  as  it  does  now;     and  now  breathing———breathing  !     having  to  breathe  in  and  out  all  day  long  is  like  going  on  a  hike  ,     now  ,     an  uphill  incline  with  weights  on  your  ankles  ,     no  water  in  sight.     oh  well.           ❛❛  you  may  just  have  to  bring  the  tea  bags  here  ,     mason.     i  may  not  be  as  old  as  i  feel  ,     but  i'm  in  no  shape  to  be  going  anywhere  ,     at  this  point.  ❜❜           she  says  it  as  casually  as  having  arthritis  in  the  knees  ,     as  if  dying  was  simply  a  flight  or  three  of  those  pesky  stairs.     either  it  doesn't  bother  her  at  all  ,     or  it  hasn't  processed———but  victor  ,     there  he  goes.    smile  gone  in  an  instant  ,     teeth  gnawing  at  the  inside  of  his  lips  ,     eyes  glazed  over.     he's  been  doing  that  a  lot  lately  ,     she's  noticed.     never  seems  to  hear  a  thing  after  his  eyes  go  dim.     jodie  sighs  ,     feeling  her  mistake  ,     and  traces  a  finger  along  the  edge  of  her  mug. 

❛❛  well  ,     anyways.  ❜❜          sometimes  she  sounds  so  much  like  a  mum  ,     she's  sure  her  own's  ghost  must  be  laughing  at  her  somewhere.          ❛❛  we  appreciate  you  and  your  cat  ,     deary.     and  if  she  ended  up  here  ,     i'd  surely  tell  you   .  .  .   eventually.  ❜❜          and  just  like  that  ,     the  mischief  returns  to  her  eyes  ,     another  smile  before  she  takes  a  sip.     no  use  dwelling  on  something  none  of  them  can  change.     building  tender  memories———that's  what  matters.           ❛❛  i  won't  pry  about  your  personal  stuff  ,     dear  ,    but  if  you  ever  need  a  mum  to  talk  to  about  it———well.     you  know  where  i  live.     you're  welcome  to  call  or  even  just  show  up  ,     doesn't  matter  if  its  two  in  the  morning.  ❜❜

[greenelight]

the   adrenaline   of   performing   on   stage   is   pumping in his veins   as   he   settles   down   inside   his   dressing   room   ,   the   roar   of   the   applause   still echoing   in   his   ears.   tonight's   performance   was   especially   perfect   tonight   ,   with   the   full   cast   giving   it   their   all   &   the   crew   changing   scenes   &   props   with   flawless   ease.   not   every   show   can   go   that   smoothly every time ,   &   it   really   lifted   everyone's   spirits   to   get   that   applause   ,   that   recognition.   it's   a   constant   reminder   of   why   they   all   love   this   sort   of   work   they   do   &   why   they   wouldn't   change   it   for   the   whole   damn   world.   mason   sighs   ,   smiling   brightly   as   he   takes   a   moment   to   let   it   all   soak   in   ,   happy   that   people   seemed   to   enjoy   the   show   so   much that the applause lasted for a while , which led to a second bow moments after the first.   he's   about   to   begin   taking   off   his   stage   make   up   when   he   hears   a   knock   &   the   door   &   then   his   smile   only   widens   at   the   sound.   oh , he   knows   who's   behind   that   door.

still   in   costume   ,   mason   opens   the   door   &   is   greeted   with   two   large   sets   of   bouquets.   hiding   from   behind   the   flowers   are   both   his   husband   &   emily   ,   to   his   great   surprise ,   &   he   stands   aside   to   allow   them   both   the   chance   to   come   in   ,   shocked   that   the   former   handler   managed   to   make   it.   he   thought   she   was   coming   to   his   show   next   weekend   ?   either   he   got   his   dates   mixed   up   ,   or   this   was   a   pre   -   planned   surprise   she   concocted   with   sebastian.   ❝   don’t   i   know   you   ?   ❞   emily   teasingly   asks   before   going   in   for   a   hug   &   mason   gleefully   accepts   ,   almost   lifting the smaller woman   up   off   the   floor   from   just   how   happy   he   is   to   see   her.   ❝   oh   my   god   ,   you   surprised   me   !   i   was   totally   not   expecting   you   !   ❞   he   releases   her   ,   damn   near   on   the   verge   of   tears   when   he   does.   shit.   he   shouldn't   get   so   easily emotional   like   this   ,   but   he   can't   help   it   !   he   loves   seeing   people   he   loves   watch   him   work.   it   just   means   the   whole   damn   world   to   him.   ❝   how   did   you   like   it   ?   was   i   good   ?   did   you   like   the   cast   ?   did   you   have   to   console   seb   when   i   died   on   screen   ?   ❞   mason   turns   to   his   husband   ,   gifting   him   a   quick   kiss   in   greeting.   ❝   god   ,   this   is   so   great   !   i'm   so   glad   you're   here   !   we   have   to   go   get   a   drink   after   this.   i   have   stage   door   stuff   i   have   to   do   ,   but   if   you're   willing   to   wait   ,   you   should   go   out   with   us   !   pleeeease   ?   i'll   get   on   my   knees   &   beg   if   i   have   to   !   ❞

˗ˏˋ     ᶤᶰᵗ·     dressing   room   ﹕   romancing   the   stone.   co   -   starring   @satellitewar   as   emily   kelso.

[greenelight]

the   fire   provides   such   a   nice   warmth   on   such   a   cold   night   ,   silence   falling   between   the two men   as   they   curl   around   the   flames   in   an   attempt   to   warm   up   before   they   sleep.   hazel   eyes   curiously   drift   over   to   the   knight's   helmet   as   he   remains   with   his   armor   on   despite   them   taking   a   rest   ,   as   he   has   done   every   night   since   they   began   this   journey together.   the   prince   is   grateful   for   din's   help   in   keeping   him   hidden   &   helping   him   flee   to   another   city   across   the   kingdom   ,   but   he   can't   help   but   wonder   why   he   insists   on   keeping   himself   hidden   from   him   ,   especially   now   when   things   are   so   quiet   with   no   chance   of   anyone   approaching   them   without   giving   themselves   away.   the silence   between them continues   on   as   mason   ponders   if   he   should   bring   it   up   or   no   ,   knowing   it   would   be   best   to   keep   it   to   himself   ,   but   his   inquisitive   mind   will   not   rest   until   he   knows the reason for his need for mystery.

❝   does   your   armor   not   cause   you   discomfort   ,   sir   djarin   ?   ❞   the prince   poses   the   query   as   one   of   care   ,   which   he   does   have   genuine concern   considering   how   intricate   &   heavy   his   armor   appears   to   be. carrying that much weight after a long day cannot be good on the muscles.   ❝   there   is   no   need   to   hide   yourself   when   it   is   just   us.   i   assure   you   that   you   can   be   comfortable   &   allow   your   body   to   fully   rest   if   you   so   desire.   ❞

˗ˏˋ     ᵒᵛᵉʳᵗᵘʳᵉ·     entering   the   stage   ﹕  @satellitewar   as  din   djarin.

[greenelight]

when   they   arrive   ,   the   other   members   of   their   group   have   already   begun   tending   to   their   campsite   &;   while   this   has   been   done   countless   times   before   ,   the   prince   still   struggles   with   the   simple   task   of   setting   up   a   tent.   the   last   time   he   tried   ,   it   all   ended   in   failure   &   he's   pretty   sure   there   was   a   lot   of   laughter   shared   in   secret   due   to   his   inability   to   complete   a   task   that   is   probably   a   common   skill   for   most   people.   he's   had   things   done   for   him   for   most   of   his   life   ,   so   unfortunately   he's   left   with   little   to   no   skills   that   could   help   him   survive   in   the   real   world.   it's   what   made   his   sudden   decision   to   run   away   all   the   more   difficult at the start   &   now   that   he's   going   back   ,   he's   sure   many   assume   it's   because   he   misses   home   &   the   privileges   he   once   had.   truthfully   ,   the   prince   hasn't   had   a   true   home   in   a   long   time   ,   but   being   with   this   group   .   .   .   this   was   the   closest   he's   ever   felt   to   having   a   comforting   ,   safe   place   ,   pits   of   death   included.   &   yes   ,   that   does   include   the   banter   shared   with   astarion   as   well   ━━   especially   so   ,   to   be   honest.   it's   nice   to   have   someone   to   talk   to   who   seems   to   actually   want   to   talk   to   him   ,   even   if   they   do   talk   about   less   than   conventional   things   like   deals   &   returning   favors.   at   this   point   ,   mason   will   take   anything   &   the   vampire   is   a   lot   of   fun   to   be   around   .   .   .   well   ,   for   now   anyway.   he   still   hasn't   seen   him   eat   or   indulge   in   much   of   anything   &   even   vampires   need   sustenance   ,   but   would   he   ever   try   to   take   a   drink   from anyone in the camp , or even   him   ? the prince shivers. he doesn't want to think about it.

❝   can't   blame   me   for   trying.   but   good   to   know   you   think   i'm   adorable.   i   should   use   my   boyish   good   looks   to   win   your   favor   more   often.   ❞   teeth   are   exposed   as   he   flashes   a   charming   grin   ,   hands   outstretched   as   they   reach   one   of   the   campfires   that   have   been   set   ,   the   warmth   a   welcomed   sensation   from   such   a   cold   ,   crisp   day.   the   flames   almost   lick   at   the   skin   of   his   palms   ,   but   he   quite   likes   the   subtle   burn.   ❝   you   can   keep   your   secrets   if   you   want.   i   have   plenty   else   to   keep   me   up   at   night   ,   but   your   need   for   a   favor   from   me   won't   be   one   of   them.   still   ,   you   can   surprise   me   with   it   later   &   i'll   pretend   you   left   me   squirming   with   anticipation.   ❛   oh   astarion   ,   please   tell   me   what   you   plan   to   ask   of   me.   i'm   at   the   edge   of   my   seat   !   ❜   ❞   laughter   bubbles   in   his   throat   as   he   gently   elbows   the   vampires   in   a   show   of   friendship   &   comfort   ,   perhaps   a   naive   thing   to   do   ,   given   how   little   time   they've   come   to   know   one   another   ,   but   mason   can't   help   it   ━━   he   finds   himself   in   a   good   mood   whenever   in   his   presence.   ❝   in   truth   ,   get   me   to   the   kingdom   in   one   piece   &   you   can   have   whatever   favor   you   need.   jewels   ,   gold   .   .   .   what   sort   of   things   does   a   man   like   you   desire   ,   astarion   ?   ❞   the   prince   is   curious   to   know   ,   as   the   vampire   is   not   quite   like   any   man   he   has   ever   or   will   ever   meet   in   all   his   life. what is it that he could ever possibly need or want ?

“  that it would, my dear, that it would. so, we best avoid any stray feet, ” mason's amusement adds to astarion's own, gladdened by the prince's ability to jest and brush off idle threats with humour. oh, it's some of his favourite kind of banter. there was no point pretending they lived in a fairy tale world, untouched by darkness and corruption; such naivety would only ever end in a miserable death. a spot of dark humour went a long way, without it he just might expire from boredom. he's intent on forgetting the cobweb altogether until they reach camp, where he would strip and soak his blouse in a water barrel. however, it's a matter sooner resolved when mason brushes the remaining bits of tacky web from his person in a gesture wholly unnecessary. astarion supposes this is one of those moments where he should be thankful for the prince's good nature or just ... simply acknowledge that small gestures of kindness are simply what normal people do. instead, the vampire watches as mason dusts the web from his fingers, resuming their repartee and all prior consideration of goodwill vanishes.

“  hmm, saving someone from a pit of death... and saving another from cobwebbed clothing― i wouldn't exactly call that 'even', no, but you're adorable for trying, ” astarion laughs to himself as they head towards camp, or the beginnings of. there's an unlit firepit and tents in the midst of being set up. a tedious task lies ahead, but with how often they set up camp, it's becoming much more second nature than anything else. “  i suppose i could let you know in advance, but where's the fun in spoiling the surprise? ” nevermind the fact that he hasn't hashed out the details as of yet. he's not sure he's ever had someone owe him a favour before, and who knew what the future might bring? “  i'm not opposed to negotiating the terms. i'd hate for it to keep you up all night, not when there's other things you could be doing, ” the obvious insincerity pairs with the insinuation as if it's been said a thousand times before. nevertheless, astarion gleefully leaves mason with the thought.

[greenelight]

when   being   cast   for   this   upcoming adventure   film   ,   mason   had   originally   thought   that   they   would   be   filming   on   a   sound   stage   or   with   a   green   screen   that   would   be   heavily   edited   later   on   after   their   performances   were   recorded.   instead   ,   they   are   told   they   are   to   film   a   few   scenes   on   location to give a more immersive experience to the audience   &   apparently   their   chosen destination   would   be   the   country   of   atlantis.   mason's   never   traveled   so   far   ,   let   alone   to   such   a   beautifully lush place like atlantis before   ,   but   he   was   excited   at   the   prospect   of   exploring   the   land   & the cities there   ,   only   to   discover   that   many   of   the   atlanteans   were   not   pleased   at   their   sudden presence.   apparently   the   studio   did   not   get   prior   permission   from   the   king   to   film   their   scenes   here   ,   so   now   they   are   heavily   watched   by   many   of   the   citizens   to   ensure   they   do   nothing   disrespectful   ,   especially   considering   how   well   protected   &   beautiful   their   land & technology   is.   the   whole   situation   has   kept mason   so   on   edge   that   he   didn't   expect   to   run   into   the   princess   of   atlantis   herself during one of his morning walks.   he   feels   awkward   as   he   stands   before   her , frozen like a statue   ,   unsure   if   he   should   bow   or   curtsy   in   her   presence.

❝   um . . . i'm   really   sorry   about   this   .   .   .   about   all   of   this   ,   ❞   he   offers   ,   wringing   his   right   wrist.   ❝   i   can   confirm   that   we   actors   &   most the   crew   had   no   idea   the   studio   didn't   get   clearance   to   film   here.   sorry   if   we   are   intruding   on   your   home.   ❞

˗ˏˋ     ᵒᵛᵉʳᵗᵘʳᵉ·     entering   the   stage   ﹕  @satellitewar   as   princess   kida.

[greenelight]

anytime   they're   apart   ,   the   reunion   is   always   something   to   behold.   it   could   be   for   a   day   or   even   just   a   few   hours   ,   but   no   matter   the   time   or   distance   ,   they   always   come   together   as   one   just   the   same.   as   mason   arrives   from   after   a   long   &   arduous   rehearsal   ,   his   husband   is   there   right   as   he   arrives.   arms   are   outstretched   as   mason   falls   right   into   them   ,   incredibly   exhausted   ,   but   never   too   tired   to   give   sebastian   a   proper   greeting. the   former   hitman   wraps   his   strong   arms   around   the   actor   &   brings   him   closer   to   his   chest   ,   mason   responding   with   a   gentle   sigh   of   contentedness.   ❝   broadway   baby   ,   ❞   coos   sebastian   as   he   ruffles   mason's   fluffy   hair   &   the   actor   can't   help   but   smile   as   he   shuts   his   eyes   ,   feeling   safe   &   incredibly   at   peace.

❝   mmm   yes   ,   that's   me.   one   broadway   baby   ,   at   your   service.   ❞   they   stay   like   that   for   a   while   until   they   are   finally   interrupted   ,   the   jingling   of   a   familiar   collar   announcing   the   arrival   of   their   cat   ,   bumblebee   ,   who   weaves   in   &   out   of   their   legs   with   a   happy   purr.   mason   bends   down   &   pets   the   cat   until   she's   satisfied   &   pounces   away   ,   allowing   mason   to   divert   his   attention   back   to   his   husband   ,   sighing   as   he   reaches   up   to   cup   his   cheek   ,   eyes   speaking   nothing   but   admiration   for   the   man   before   him.   ❝   god   ,   i   missed   you   ,   ❞   he   says   with   a   sigh   ,   his   happy   smile   now   turning   small   &   slightly   apologetic.   ❝   sorry   i'm   a   bit   late.   construction   delayed   me   a   bit   &   traffic   was   horrible   ,   but   i'm   here   &   ready   to   be   fed the delicious dinner you told me about.   i'm   also   ready   to   curl   in   bed   as   soon   as   we're   done.   is   that   okay   with   you   ?   ❞   hazel   eyes   grow   wide   like   saucers   ,   pleading   with   husband   to   agree   ,   though   he   knows   damn   well   sebastian   would   never   deny   such   a   request.   ❝   i   had   a   pretty   hard   day   &   i   need   you   ,   baby.   i   really   ,   really   just   wanna   lay   with   you.   ❞

˗ˏˋ     ᶤᶰᵗ·     greene   brownstone   ﹕   personalized   ask.   co   -   starring   @wineassassin   as   sebastian   greene.

[greenelight]

its   hard   to   believe   mason has   become   so   lucky   in   life recently   ,   once   believing   he'd   forever   spend   an   eternity   either   alone   or   unhappy   all   his   life   ,   but   that   all   changed   the   moment   sebastian   came   into   the picture.   a   chance   encounter   at   uncle   trenton's   funeral   &   that's   all   it   took   to   bring   them   together   ,   their   eyes   meeting   from   across   the   room   despite   the   depressing   air   surrounding   them   ,   finding   a   positive   light   from   one   another   that   neither   could   ignore   despite   their   mutual   sadness.   mason   had   tried   to   deny   any   feelings   he   had for the lonely bachelor   ,   knowing   his   parents   had   intended   him   to   marry   his   friend   hannah   for   years   now   ,   but   the   pull   of   their   growing   love   became   too   strong to ignore   ,   so   much   so   that   not   even   social   constructs   could   keep   them   apart   &   despite   the   distance   they   had   between   their   home   &   classes   ,   it   would   never   be   enough   to   deny   what   they've   found   together. all it took was sebastian's persistence & that first , romantic kiss & now mason is forever tied to him for all eternity.

the   winter   night   drags   on   through   the   window   as   he   rests   his   head   on   sebastian's   shoulder , relaxing after a wonderful meal together.   his   parents   have   only   allowed   him   the   chance   to   visit   the bachelor   alone   thinking   this   friendship   could   provide   the   hale   family   some   monetary   benefits   ,   unaware   of   the   romance   brewing   between   the   two   men.   it   was   a   bit   nerve - wracking   lying   to   his   parents   ,   but   they   wouldn't   have   let   him   come   here   otherwise   &   sebastian's   soothing   ,   gentle   kisses   are   enough   convincing   to   make   his   guilt   melt   away.   they   enjoy   the   sight   of   snow   falling   down   from   the   sky   as   they   curl   in   closer   together   ,   soaking   in   all   that   lost   time   from   living   so   far   apart.   ❝   i   never   believed   in   true   love   until   i   met   you   ,   ❞   comes   sebastian's   admission   in   a   soft   ,   lovesick   tone   ,   &   that   is   enough   to   make   mason   pull   him   in   for   a   proper   kiss   ,   his   shyness   melting   as   he   clings   desperately   to   his   clothes   ,   wishing   for   more   of   his   touch   ,   for   more   of   this   togetherness.   ❝   it's   freeing   .   .   .   being   able   to   do   this   after   so   long   ,   ❞   mason   rasps   against   his   lips   ,   shorter   kisses   gifted   as   they   both   attempt   to   catch   their   breath.   ❝   i've   never   been   in   love   before   .   .   .      i   didn't   think   there   would   ever   be   an   opportunity   for   me   to   find   happiness   until   your   eyes   met   mine. i'm happy you convinced me to pursue this. ❞ another sigh. ❝ so happy you didn't give up on me.   ❞

˗ˏˋ     ᶤᶰᵗ·     the   moran   mansion   ﹕   lots   &   lots   of   flirting   prompts.   co   -   starring   @wineassassin   as   sebastian   moran.

[greenelight]

mason   doesn't   really   like   this   awkward   vibe   that's   happening   between   the   two   of   them.   it's   so   rare   when   they're   not   in   sync   with   one   another   ,   so   this   feels   so   out   of   place   for   them   &   he   wish   ken   would   just   say   what   it   is   that   he's   hiding   from   him.   whatever   it   is   ,   mason   knows   that   he   wouldn't   purposefully   hide   it   from   him   maliciously   or   out   of   spite.   ken   is   too   sweet   of   a   man   to   ever   do   that   to   him   ,   not   to   mention   the   fact   that   he's   really   not   good   when   it   comes   to   holding   grudges   or   hiding   secrets.   he   meant   it   when   he   said   that   ken   was   like   a   brother   to   him   ━━   they've   known   each   other   for   such   a   long   time   that   he   can   barely   fathom   the   idea   of   living   a   life   without   having   him   in   it.   whatever   it   is   that   he's   worried   about   telling   him   ,   he   can   say   it   without   fear   of   anger   or   judgement.   &   of   course   ,   after   a   little   bit   of   poking   &   prying   ,   ken   finally   does   admit   to   what   it   is   &   when   it's   revealed   to   him   mason   suddenly   understands ,   &   rather   than   be   sad   about   it   or   upset   ,   his   heart   just   softens   &   he   feels   the beginnings of tears   well up   in   his   eyes.

the   callback.   god   ,   he   remembers   how   his   week   began   with   the   rejection   of   a   part   mixed   with   some   troubling   customer   encounters   at   work   &   don't   even   get   him   started   with   the   snafu   with   the   lady   on   the   bus   just   the   other   day.   god   ,   sebastian   was   just   on   the   phone   with   him   trying   to   cheer   him   up   &   get   his   spirits   back   up   again   &   he   was   feeling   pretty   good   about   himself   until   this   point   ,   &   as   much   as   he   doesn't   like   to   show   his   tears   ,   he   lets   them   fall   a   bit   ,   unafraid   of   ken   seeing   them.   without   warning   or   any   indication   as   to   why   he's   crying   ,   mason   approaches   his ❛ brother from another mother ❜   &   wraps   his   arms   around   him   in   a   big   hug   ,   tugging   him   in   without   any   sense   of   anger   or   sadness.   ❝   fuck   ,   ken   ,   that's   great   news   !   i   knew   that   audition   meant   a   lot   to   you   !   ❞   mason   pulls   away   from   his   friend   ,   hands   still   on   his   shoulders   as   he   looks   at   him   in   awe   ,   almost   forgetting   their   earlier   awkward   confrontation   just   moments   ago.   ❝   god   ,   i'm   so   proud   of   you   !   you're   so   gonna   kill   that   part.   ❞   his nose crinkles a bit   a   bit.   ❝   ugh   ,   you   smell   like   rancid   milk.   but   seriously   ,   i'm   so   proud   &   happy   for   you.   we   gotta   celebrate   !   ❞

                    damn, he wasn't buying it. why did ken think that his lifelong friend would even remotely believe his excuses? if this was anyone else, he would've been able to keep this act up without any faltering. however, simply knowing how determined mason can be when he wants answers puts ken on edge completely. ❝ i know, i know. but i forgot because i was busy with -  ❞ his jaw snaps shut before he could finish sentence, almost slipping up before he could even try to throw mason off his scent. this wasn't working.

                    damn, he folded his arms, now he means business. ken slowly starts to accept the fact that there was no getting out of this now. he slowly nods along to mason's observations, overacting & emphasising the point too. ❝ mhm. mhm. i appreciate the observations & the compliments, buddy.  ❞ a beat, shoulders shrugging along as he chimes in at the relevant moments. ❝ mhm. brother from another mother. we're in this womb to tomb, you know.  ❞ he adds before the charm drops & he slumps slightly with defeat. his friend was right, he could tell him & he should. ❝ okay, okay, look ...  ❞ a pause, eyes rolling before his hand rests on mason's shoulder. ❝ i got the callback. the callback. & i didn't want to tell you because your week hasn't been as ... not that great for you. the last thing you needed was me getting in your way. i'm sorry.  ❞

[greenelight]

there   is   fear   in   the   prince's   eyes   as   he stands before   the   strange   elf   as   he   attempts to make   his   way   down   the   forest. he trembles   as   he   moves to retrieve   a   sword &   point   it   forward   ,   but   it's   clear   he's   had   no   real   proper combat experience   with the weapon   at   all.   aside   from   his   daily   fencing   classes back at the castle   ,   the   prince   has   no   experience   when   it   comes   to   fighting   others. even   now he   can   see   that   he   is   outmatched   here   ,   already   slowly taking   a   step   back   as   he   debates   staying   his   ground   or   running away   &   hoping   to the higher powers that be that they   don't   catch   him.

mason   keeps   his   hood   up   as   best   he   can   ,   not   wanting   to   give   away   his   identity to this stranger.   if   it   fell   at   any point in   time during their altercation   ,   his   appearance   would   easily   reveal   just   who   he   is   &   that   might   make   him   a   more   appealing   target   to   this   stranger   ,   especially   when   his   family   is   so   hated.   ❝   i   am   only   trying   to   cross   this   way   ,   ❞   the prince   says   coolly   ,   still   pointing   the   sword   at   their   chest.   ❝   please   let   me   pass   &   let   us   avoid   bloodshed.   i   mean   you   no   harm.   i'm   just   a   humble   traveler.   ❞   well   .   .   .   not   just   a   traveler   ,   but   they   don't   need   to   know   his   whole   story.

˗ˏˋ     ᵒᵛᵉʳᵗᵘʳᵉ·     entering   the   stage   ﹕   @moonsworn   as   leitha   maurilya.

[greenelight]

❝   what   is   your   honest   opinion   of   me   ?   ❞   is   it   weird   to   be   asking   victor   this   ?   they   haven't   known   each   other   long   ,   but   they   have   had   kind   of   a   weird   history   together.   he   went   from   a   pit   pocketing   target   to   friend   in   such   a   short   amount   of   time   &   while   he   appreciates   the   closeness   he   &   victor   seems   to   share   ,   mason   can't   help   but   wonder   what   exactly   it   is   that   makes   him   keep   coming   back.   it's   not   just   because   of   his   cat   ,   right   ?   mason   often   jokes   about   that   because   he   knows   she's   cute & he's taken a liking to her   ,   but   surely   there's   more   to   it   than   that   ,   right ?

mason   sets   his   mug   of   hot   cocoa   down   ,   sitting   crisscrossed   on   the   couch   just   across   from   his   friend.   bumblebee   rests   comfortable   on   victor's   lap   as   he   sits   in   the   loveseat   ,   purring   happily   as   she   nuzzles   in   closer.   ❝   you   can   be   mean   or   whatever   ,   just   so   long   as   you're   truthful   about   it.   ❞   mason   smiles   awkwardly   ,   feeling   just   a   touch   nervous.   ❝   you   did   try   to   rob   my   once   ,   but   we're   friends   now   ,   right   ?   at   least   ,   i   hope   we   are.   i   just   wondered   if   your   feelings   about   me   changed   from   back   then.   i   dunno.   it's   weird   to   be   asking   i   know   ,   but   i   can't   help   but   be   curious.   ❞

˗ˏˋ     ᵒᵛᵉʳᵗᵘʳᵉ·     entering   the   stage   ﹕  @erebius   as   victor   conley.