Cotton Candy Anyone? (the Bryants)

[Mason McQueen]

Mason's car.^^.

Once again, Mason was late. Ten minutes late, but late nonetheless. In his defense though, it was a huge improvement, considering he was thirty minutes off for the yoga class he had with Flo just a few days ago and arrived almost an hour after his appointed jog-start time with Ella. Then again, he hasn’t been on time ever since he moved out from his parents (he was late for his own wedding, how do you top that?), so I guess that’s to be expected anyway.

After his flurry of apologies (which went longer than expected, mostly because he rambled in the middle of it all; why must Flo’s stare be so scary anyway?), everything went by smoothly, according to the man at least. Sure their schedule got derailed for a good half hour or so, but considering he allotted an hour and a half wiggle room for it all, they still did fine. They avoided the morning rush and arrived fifteen minutes before the amusement park opened. They would’ve had time to stop by McDonalds had Flo not insisted against it and brought out those tasty peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches.

“Enjoying the place so far Gwynnie?” he asked two and a half hours later as they got off the rollercoaster (where Mason totally did not scream, no it was the person beside him, not him). “If you’re hungry, Paul told me of a good Indian place just down the road. They’ve got wicked chicken curry he says.” Then again, it’s just half past twelve and they’ve barely been to half of the rides, so he figures the two still have their energies up. “Or if you want I can show you my skills in the games and win that platypus stuffed animal.”

He’s totally not showing off. Nope. Not one bit.

[/justify][/font]

[Florence Bryant]

Flo and Gwynie had been looking to their trip with Mason for a week or so now. The woman was lucky enough to get the summer off because of her daughter, and the pair of them had been sharing all sorts of silly things to do together. Poor little Dug wasn't ready to go out and have his injections, so the woman had booked a pet sitter.

They'd had a great time on the rollercoasters and Flo had even had a little sneaky handholding with Mason - after all, it was sort of another date, right? "It's great." Flo admitted with a big grin, before resting her cheek on her friend's shoulder. "I saw a pizza hut in the forecourt, we could always grab some stuff there." She added cheerily, before moving away to bend down and lift up her daughter with an ooph. "You're getting too old for lifting, Gwyn."

When Mason tried to act Manly, Florence simply laughed and arched an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? You wanna try and win that?" She snorted and glanced at her daughter. "I bet you a kiss on the lips you'll miss." She said simply, setting Gwyneth back down and having a stretch. "You win, you get the kiss. You lose, I get to tell Gwynie about the burrito incident." A terrible threat indeed.

[Gwynie Bryant]

Going to the fair was a huge deal for Gwynie. In her limited experience with the world, there was nothing more fun than hanging out with her mother and riding rides over and over again. She didn’t even mind that Flo had brought along Mason (she ignored the fact that Mason had invited them). Gwynie was even willing to overlook the fact that he was late. She liked Mason; he was funny and liked to give her stuffed animals. And apparently his power was to make his hair grow out really long. She hadn’t seen him do it yet, but her little fingers itched to braid the potential lengthy locks. Boys had braids sometimes, right? Well, either way, she was going to ask him about it someday.

Gwynie knew her mother thought she was being real sneaky when she held Mason’s hand on the roller coasters, but Gwynie read Nancy Drew books. She practiced being observant all the time—nothing got past her ever. So of course she saw it. Duh. She didn’t know how she felt about it yet. Mason was hardly a Prince Charming, and he screamed like a little girl on the roller coasters. But then, Gwynie and Flo also screamed on the roller coasters, and it was nice that he didn’t try to make them feel silly about it. Honestly, Gwynie didn’t think Mason could make them feel silly about anything, seeing as how he was kind of silly himself. So, the jury was still out on Mason being Flo’s boyfriend and she would probably have to do some investigating on him soon. Dr. Campbell’s daughter liked to play spies, according to Nikko, so maybe Gwynie could ask her. Her name was Ginny, right?

At Mason’s question, however, Gwynie trained a wide smile at him. “It was awesome! We should go on it again! But after the carousel, we should go on the carousel!”

She squeaked happily as Flo hauled her up off her feet. “Nuh-uh,” Gwynie disagreed with Flo’s assessment of age and lifting, “I’m not even as tall as you yet.”

She brightened at the prospect of watching Mason win a stuffed platypus (which she would wheedle out of him, certainly), but grew intrigued as her mother upped the game. “I wanna know about the burrito incident! What happened?” She looked from Mason to Flo. “Oh, and kissing my mom will cost you the platypus,” She informed him with a grin. Hey, she wasn’t gonna make this easy for him.

[ooc: aaah I totally suck D: sorry for the wait]

[Mason McQueen]

The handholding came at a surprise to Mason, but not an unpleasant one at that. While he isn’t against some sort of ‘skinship’ with Flo, he just wasn’t sure how she’d take it if he’d be the one to initiate it. (He doesn’t want to come off as too forward; considering how he’s interacted with Flo lately though, I highly doubt any move on his part would be considered ‘too forward’). And besides, Gwynie’s with them; he values her opinion above all – or at least a little below Flo’s – and he doesn’t want to give her the wrong idea. Once he’s sure he’s on her good side, maybe. But until then, he’d probably rely on Flo to make the first move whenever her daughter’s around.

Rather pathetic, he knows, but it’ll have to do for now. Not like they’ll have little Flo running around with them in all their dates, right?

“Carousel it is then,” nodded the man in agreement. Considering his voice about which rides to go to have been fairly non-existent since they began, he wouldn’t really contest Gwynie about thinking that he’s the tag-along. It’s not like he minds it anyway. “You can ride up my shoulders if you want,” said the man as he tapped his shoulders. He’s fairly sure he can carry the twelve year-old. He might’ve difficulty have this been set maybe half a year ago, but since he’s been exercising quite a whole lot lately, he just might be able to pull this off. “That way you can even scout if there are line-ups around the rides.”

His eyes widened at the bet, not because it included the kiss, but because the burrito incident was suddenly brought to the plate. Anything but that is acceptable really. “Are you serious?” It didn’t help that Gwynie seemed so enthusiastic hearing about it. He would need to win that freaking platypus now.

He promptly led the two girls to the said booth and took out five dollars from his pocket. The game was a fairly simple one; he just has to knock out the pyramid of cans down (all 6 cans at that) to win the platypus. It wasn’t that far off and he had three balls, how hard could it be.

Apparently very hard.

While the first one made the top three cans fall instantly, the second barely made any improvement; it missed the leftmost can by a mere millimeter, according to Mason at least. Inhaling deeply, he threw the third one and, surprise surprise, it missed. By a long shot. Amazing.

Handing the consolation prize

[/url] to Gwynie, he stretched his arm out for a bit and paid another five bucks. “Nope. The bet isn’t over just yet.” He was going to get that platypus if it’s the last thing he does.

Who knew Mason had testosterone in him?[/justify][/blockquote][/font]

[Florence Bryant]

Flo grinned as Gwynie asked about the burrito incident. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough." She assured the girl, kissing her forehead and walking behind Mason to the booth, smirking triumphantly. There was no way he was going to get that platypus, and Flo knew it.

As for how their relationship was going? Flo's jury was out right now about it. This was only really their second proper date and she wasn't sure as to whether this would be a forever thing or a summer of fun, and she was comfortable about this. There was no need to her to decide anything right now, instead she was enjoying watching Mason trying to be machismo and failing.

Leaning against the wall, she watched Mason throw the balls and clapped when the first one hit, then laughed at his misery. "Another go?" She teased, stroking through Gwynie's hair and shaking her head. "Give it up Mas, you're going to fail." She added, shaking her head. Scratching her nose, Flo looked over and raised a finger. "One second guys, I'm going to get a milkshake."

Her head tilted.

"You want one guys?" Her grin was large and infectious, and she wagged her finger. "Gwynie, make sure Mason doesn't cheat, or you can throw something at him."

[Eck short and awful D:]

[Gwynie Bryant]

"Yay!" Gwynie hugged the stuffed toy Mason handed her, "Thank you!" She didn't really think that Mason would be able to get the big prize, but it was funny watching him try to win the game and act like a manly man. It was nice because she knew he wasn't a manly man, so it didn't make her uncomfortable. It just made it easier to tease him.

Like this burrito incident nobody seemed to know about. "What happened?" She insisted, having fun watching Mason squirm, "I wanna know! You should tell me or I'll ask someone else." She looked at them warningly. "Like... like..." Who were the adults in her life who knew everything? "James." She settled on, "Or Sean. They know everything." It didn't really cross her mind that they wouldn't know this. Because in Gwynie's mind, they already knew everything so.

"I wanna chocolate one!" Gwynie called after her mom. When she left, Gwynie hovered next to Mason, resting her chin on the counter of the booth. After a moment she said: "So do you like my mom, or what?" She looked up at him, still unable to look completely stern. He was just too funny.

[ooc: aaahh late again D: I'm sorry]

[Mason McQueen]

While Mason would feel bad if things didn’t work out, he would happily accept it as long as Flo’d still be his best friend and Gwyneth wouldn’t feel awkward around him. The last thing he wants is to have an awkward relationship with the Bryants. He’s trying things out as much as Flo (and Gwynie) is anyway; if it doesn’t go as planned, he would at least want for them three to be able to bond over it and laugh about the various mishaps each one did. (Though he has no doubt that the bulk of which is about him).

“I’ll get a chocolate one too,” Mason shouted, though his eyes never left the targets. He could see the booth attendant laughing at him from the side already, but he didn’t care; he needs to win this – his pride and dignity is on the line after all. Determination was burning in his eyes that if he’d been Cyclops, he would’ve punched a hole right through the cans already. “It’s a boring tale Gwen,” he said as he rolled his sleeves up (as if that’d help), trying to distract the twelve year-old, “I mean, wouldn’t you rather learn about what your mom did during our junior Fall Dance?” It wasn’t as horrid as his, but he hopes it might be enough to get the pre-teen off his back.

He was in the middle of throwing his third ball (only one can remained) when the young Bryant suddenly asked the million-dollar question, making him suddenly lose his balance and the ball go way off. Darn it.

Promptly choosing a different consolation prize (a dog stuffed animal this time), he quickly gave it to Gwynie and ushered her to the side as they waited for Flo to come back. “Well,” he said, clearing his throat and unconsciously scratching the back of his head, “Would you mind if I did?” Yes, he was being unfair that he was answering the kid’s question with another question, but he’d rather do things one step at a time.

Plus, he was hoping he could stall Gwynie long enough until Flo comes back with the milkshakes so he can evade more Detective Gwen questions.

ooc:
HEEEE. Stop apologizing you guuuys. D;. At the risk of sounding hypocritical though, my muse may have been a bit wonky on this one too. -nodnod-. -spreads the love-
Incoherent. I know. >.<
- Jam

[Florence Bryant]

"Two chocolates, coming up." Flo chirruped, laughing at Mason's uselessness at throwing. Disappearing off out of sight and hoping that Gwynie would look after Mason and not be too tough on him. Pulling her hair from her face, she walked over to the queue for milkshakes and hummed to herself as the line got to the front. "Hi, Two chocolate milkshakes and one banana, please." She said cheerily, before waiting.

She guessed that this little experiment in their relationship could go either way, and she was okay with that. She'd waited 10 years to find the right man, and she could wait longer for her daughter. Besides, and she admitted this with guilt, Darryl was coming back in the Autumn term and she still wanted to try the waters with him. It was going to be interesting, but hey, you wait for one man and two come along at once. Funny that.

Grabbing the milkshakes, she headed back over and rested her head on the top of Gwynie's. "Hey chicken." She laughed, passing over the milkshake. "Has Mr. McQueen been behaving himself or do we need to tell him off?" Flo put her hands on her hips and sucked on the straw of her milkshake, leaning against the booth wall. "I hope the milkshakes are alright, there was a huuuge queue." She paused, giving Gwynie her milkshake.

"Lets see if I can embarrass our host." She smirked, paying some money and grabbing the set of balls. Now, unfortunately we know that Florence was on the softball team when she was younger, and has an excellent pitching arm. ... So when the first ball knocked down all the cans but one, she grinned over at Mason. "Epic fail, my dear." She said, throwing the second one and knocking the last can down, before turning and throwing the last ball playfully at Mason's head.

"Girl power, Gwyn." She laughed, holding her hand out for a high five.

[Gwynie Bryant]

Gwynie figured Mason’s question was a fair one. She played with the ear of her new stuffed dog while she thought about it. Mason was a cool guy; he was funny and he made them laugh. He was hardly dashing or charming, but he wasn’t a total jerk either. And what was it that Alex told her? Nobody is better than anyone. Mason certainly didn’t act like he was better than anyone. And he didn’t treat her like a dumb little kid. That was nice.

Finally, Gwynie shrugged, “I don’t think so. But you’re gonna have to be extra nice to her. I think she acts all tough and girl power and sassy because she keeps trying to pretend she doesn’t care. So you be careful and don’t make her cry.” She gave him her best glare, “Or you’ll be in trouble.”

Before she could elaborate further, Florence came back with milkshakes. “Yay! Thanks, mom.” Gwynie squealed, instantly back to cheerful. She took a healthy slurp of her milkshake, “Mr. McQueen almost won, but he didn’t. But I got a puppy!” She showed her mother the little stuffed dog.

She watched with a delighted grin as her mother knocked down all the cans in only two tries. Gwynie cheered, “Yay! Girl power!” She high fived her mother before turning and giving Mason a ‘see what I mean?’ kind of glance.

[Mason McQueen]

Mason struggled to keep a straight-face and look serious throughout Gwynie’s lecture, not because he was bored or anything, but more along the lines of him finding an adorable kid talk about things of such gravity and depth just too cute for words. If it was up to him, he would’ve pinched the twelve year-old’s cheeks halfway through her speech, laughingly assured her that her that he knows why her mom acts so tough and bossy (though he would argue that it isn’t just an act) and promised that he won’t make Flo cry.

But, knowing how pre-teens hate being babied, he simply grinned and bent down closer so that they’re talking at eye-level. “Don’t worry, I won’t make her cry. I mean, have you seen her around me? She’s make me cry so hard that I won’t even have the time to plan revenge on her,” he nodded, chuckling slightly. “But yeah, I promise you can kick my feet or punch me in the arm if you think I’m doing something bad to your mom. I can even pinky swear on that if you like,” added the man, extending his pink and wiggling it in front of Gwen.

He perked up when Flo came back with their drinks, feeling himself just a tad bit flushed when the young Bryant mentioned the whole almost won experience. “I tell you, the game’s rigged,” he whispered, covering his mouth as if the booth attendant even cares about their conversation. “They’re yummy,” he chirped as he took a sip.

While he indulged Flo when she said she’d try the game at first, the moment she held the ball, his face fell visibly. He remembered she was a pro softball player in their youth after all. He’s dead.

The ball hit his forehead and bounced back down on his open knuckles as he shook his head in disbelief. “Well, I sort of did win Gwen something. So shall Gwynie be spared the burrito story and me the embarrassment that’ll follow?” Highly unlikely, but it’s worth a shot.

ooc:
ZOMG. I am soooo sorry I missed this one. >.<
- Jam

[Florence Bryant]

Eyeing Mason thoughtfully, Flo rubbed her chin. "Have you two been talking about me?" She said suspiciously, raising an eyebrow. "Nothing bad I hope! Else no lazy bed-with-pizza night tonight." She said, waggling a finger playfully at Gwynie. Like hell she'd say no to her favourite holiday activity with her daughter. Duvets, pillows, a DVD in the TV in her room, and pajamas. Two giant pizzas, a huge bottle of coke and icecream, then swooning sighs as the two watched girly films with romance. They'd often wake up the next morning having fallen asleep some time around midnight, and have cold pizza for breakfast... What can Flo say? It's a rare holiday thing.

"Well..." She began, putting a hand on her hip as she passed Gwynie the giant stuffie. "How about I tell Gwynie later at home when you aren't here to get embarrassed about it?" Like Flo was going to pass up an opportunity to tell tales on Mason, she'd been doing it her entire childhood, why stop now? Sipping her milkshake, she rested her chin on Mason's shoulder, then did her best puppy eyes.

"I'm hungry now." She cooed, inviting Gwynie to join in with the sad puppy face. "Could we go to that yummy looking McDonalds?" Tugging on Mason's arm like a child, she hummed and then grinned. "Or are you scared you're going to get fat with all that useless throwing and lack of exercise?" She teased, putting one hand on her hip, then taking a big slurp of milkshake.

Her stomach did grumble a little at the idea of going off to get some food, though. Apparently making Mason's masculinity disappear was hungry work. Not to mention she'd already told Gwynie about the yoga incident, and though Mason, bless his heart, was still going, it was still hilarious.

It just so happened that just as Flo stood there, a guy walked past and wolfwhistled.

"What a sleaze." She rolled her eyes, then leant on Mason to make a point. "Gwynie? If any guys think it's okay to do that to you, you can show them your fist real close up." No one ruins girl power by treating her like a piece of meat. Oh hell no.

[Gwynie Bryant]

A smile spread across Gwynie’s face and she held out her pinky to hook onto Mason’s, “Okay, pinky swear.” She still wasn’t totally sold on Mason, having gotten used to the idea that guys were kind of risky to be around (aside from the “safe” ones like James and Chase and Sean) because they could hurt your feelings. But still. Mason seemed okay. She could consider this.

When Flo raised a suspicious brow, Gwynie giggled, “Nooo~! We weren’t talking bad about you at all!” She laughed, “I want the pizza night!” Pizza night was a big deal—they rarely did that kind of stuff, since Flo always tried to keep Gwynie healthy. But they also liked to have their Girl Times. So it was exciting.

“Noo! Nuh uh!” Gwynie shook her head vehemently, “I wanna hear the burrito story! You didn’t win the whole thing, Mason!” She gave him a wicked grin before her mother offered a reasonable alternative, “….I guess that would be okay.” She glanced at Mason to see how he felt about this.

Gwynie scowled at the offensive fellow. “What a jerk,” She chimed in, reaching up to take her mom’s hand, glaring protectively. Nobody was rude to Gwynie’s mom if she could help it.

[Mason McQueen]

An eight year-old girlchildtrapped in a thirty year-old man’s body, Mason wouldn’t deny it that he felt real good at the small gesture he and Gwynie shared. It is small, yes, but to the man, it was the affirmation that he’s slowly earning the little girl’s trust. Slow and sure wins the race after all. (And yes, that’s his ‘comeback’ to all who tell him that ‘nice guys finish last’, if it makes any sense at all).

“Nope, technically we weren’t,” he grinned, purposefully stressing the word ‘technically’ as he chuckled, “You think you can turn around for a bit so we might get to it now? After all, it’s undair that you have a plethora of ammo against me and I have barely anything.” Somehow he feels so cheated on how one mishap made by him can quickly eclipse and make trivial five Flo blunders. It’s like the world’s conspiring against him, he says. “N’aww. Just kidding,” added the man soon after, ruffling Gwen’s hair and pulling her close, “Gwyneth here is a tough nut to crack. Seems that pizza-night of yours is really special that she isn’t really budging. You think I can join it then?”

He’s not really serious about his last question, but hey, there’s nothing wrong in asking, right?

His bright expression quickly turned into one of betrayal, shaking his head to make his message more apparent. “That is just unfair,” he playfully whined as they walk towards the food court, “Guess I’ll have to stick around you two longer then. Never leave you out of my sight.” And off went the I’ve-got-my-eyes-on-you gesture. Did he look intimidating though? Not one bit.

“Hey. I’m not fat anymore. I’ve learned to like the gym. And do yoga. And possibly trying out kickboxing next. I think.” He’s no hunk, but he’s getting there. Or at least he hopes he’ll get there before he’s fifty.

And then a jerk suddenly found it fitting to show himself. Great.

As it was though, Mason was torn. A non-confrontational man by nature, first thought that came into mind was to simply tell Flo and Gwynie to ignore him. However, the way Flo reacted, he felt like he should do more than just shoot the man a glare. Should he go to him and tell him to stop that? Be ‘assertive’, try to find whatever ‘machismo’ he has inside and go do the whole poke-at-your-chest-to-instigate-a-fight thing? But then wouldn’t Flo think that he’s trying too hard? And how would Gwynie think about him too?

In the end, he decided to simply went with whatever came through his mind first. “Not cool dude,” he said, his voice firm but more reprimanding than confrontational, “Please don’t do that again. I’m fairly sure no one appreciates it.” He gave the man one last glare before leading the two to the food court. “He is, and he doesn’t even deserve your attention Gwen. Heck, he doesn’t even deserve being talked about while we’re choosing food to eat.” He tried to smile brightly, hoping it’d change the mood. And considering the number of food choices in front of them, well, distracting the man was actually pretty easy.

“So, just tell me what you want then you can choose wherever you want to seat. I’ll just bring it to you afterwards.”

ooc:
Gawd.SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG. D;. I totally did not mean it to be this late. Please forgive me. >.<
- Jam

[Florence Bryant]

If there was one way to piss Flo right off, it was a guy randomly perving on her and making her look like a piece of meat in front of her daughter. Gwyneth was her pride and joy, and she didn't want the preteen feeling like she had to have a man in her life to feel validated. She did smile at Mason's reaction though, and gave him a little nudge with her hip. "Thanks Masie." She said, squeezing Gwyn's hand.

"We'll tell the burrito story tonight, because no boys allowed at pizza night. Unless you're willing to wear a nightie and squeeze in my double bed." Flo laughed, heading along to the McDonalds with the smile back on her face. This was actually pretty nice, just spending some fun time with her bestie and her daughter, who was technically also a bestie. Maybe it was weird to have such a great relationship with your daughter? Who knew. All she decided was that she was happy to be with the little group.

Settling down at a table, Flo squinted over at the menu and let out a hmm. "Vanilla coke, Big Mac, Medium Fries and a Smartie McFlurry." She listed out simply, a typical order when she actually came to eat junk food. She looked over at Gwynie and gave her a light cuddle. "What about you, hon? Anything catch your fancy?"

Resting one elbow on the table, then her chin on her hand, she smiled to herself. This was totally an alright day. She just hoped Dug was behaving himself at home and not giving the petsitter too much hassle. "Mas?" She said suddenly. "If I was a princess in a castle and another man was after me, would you fight too?" It was a sudden amusing thought, brought on by a conversation she'd had with Darryl to remind him to come back soon else she might tell Mii he's abandoned her.

... So she might have this image of the scene from Bridget Jones in her head, but it was enough to make her smile.

[Gwynie Bryant]

Gwynie giggled a little bit when Mason looked really thrilled at the pinky promise. That was nice; you didn’t see that every day. So, she let him half-hug her, and smiled up at her mother, “Don’t believe him, mom! I was a perfect angel.” She giggled a little bit before looking up at Mason, “Pizza Night is suuuuper special. We almost never do it.” She laughed louder at the image of Mason in a nightie, “He could wear a pink one. We could paint his toenails!” Of course, she was joking; because No Boys meant No Boys. At least for a while.

Gwynie looked up at Mason with wide eyes as the man told off that jerk who whistled at Flo. Wo-ow… She didn’t think Mason had the guts to tell someone to lay off like that, and she was very, very impressed. “That was awesome,” She informed Mason simply, “Way to tell him off!” She made a little fist and punched it in the air in celebration. She looked up at her mother and smiled as if to say this guy is nice.

“Ooohh…” She was then distracted by the promise of food, “I wanna kids meal wiiiiith…” Well she already had a milkshake… “A cheeseburger and fries. And I already got a drink, so.” She eyed the toy counter, “and a girl’s toy.” She added this with firmness. This was very important, after all.

Her mother’s question made her dissolve into giggles. “Mama!” She said, reprimandingly, even though she was grinning. She didn’t think that was a very fair question! It wasn’t as though Mason was a very fight-y person.