You want to do What? [Mason]

[Florence Bryant]

Flo was originally only going downtown to pick up some new shoes for an outfit she'd just bought when he'd received a text from Mason asking if she wanted to meet up with him around five. Shrugging to herself - it was a nice week day off for her - she agreed without any further wonder as to why one of her best friends had suddenly asked her for a late lunch. It was a common occurance between her and Mii, so why would meeting up with Mas be any different?

In fact, if anything, Flo had known Mason for longer, seeing as the pair of them went to Hammel together. So she'd grabbed a nice pair of Jimmy Choo's with her shoe fund (yes, she has one) and then sat waiting at the lunchery for her friend. She'd texted Gwynie to let her know she'd be home about an hour and a half later than she'd been expecting and then added that if she could order in some Mexican for later she'd be an absolute angel. As it was, she asked for a table for two in the corner and waited for Mason to arrive.

Whatever he wanted to talk to her about was obviously important. Maybe he had gum in his hair again? She didn't know. Humming to herself and sipping a blended coffee drink, she leant back in her chair and watched the door. Rubbing her nose, Flo checked her outfit over once or twice - it never does to be messy looking in public. Glancing at the time once more, she propped her chin on her hand and sighed.

Hurry up Mason.

[Mason McQueen]

More free time usually means more sleeping time for Mason. More lounging around the couch, less moving about. And yes, that’ll usually mean he’ll be regaining those pounds he lost for a bet just a few months ago. Thankfully though he has quite the concerned meddling brother, who not only is pushing the man to get off the couch, but to get back in one of area of his life that he has tried his hardest to forget that it ever existed – dating.

He knew that Angela passed away a little over a year ago already. That she’d want him not to be a hermit and have someone to grow old with. He’s moved on, sort of (getting away from their old house and moving to Pilot Ridge has been a huge help). So no, it’s not because of the baggage. It’s about him being a thirteen year-old girl once more around certain people. And his little brother’s not having any of that. Why else would he grab Mason’s phone and text Flo to meet up at five anyway?

Yes, his brother’s a meddling bitch jerk. But how else will Mason break off his shell if he wasn’t prompting?

Asking Flo out has never been an option in the man’s mind. Possibly because he considers her one of his few best friends (and knows that she thinks of him the same way) and he wouldn’t want her to feel weird around him. Not to mention he wasn’t so sure if he does like like Flo. Then again, isn’t that what dates are for? To see if it would work or not?

Reluctantly, he set out from his house, inwardly hoping that he wasn’t overdressed for the meet (he would’ve wanted to wear a simple t-shirt, but he figures he ought to at least look decent, despite Flo seeing him in all sorts of indecency way back). Despite setting out early however, he somehow lost track of time when he passed through all these stores and decided maybe he’d get Flo a little something. Unfortunately for him, almost every item he says speaks ‘Flo’ and he’s not quite sure if his little gesture would be taken as him being a little too forward. Decisions, decisions.

“Sorry I was late,” said Mason with a weak grin on his face, “Not that it was anything new, isn’t it?” Self-depreciation to loosen the nerves. Not too shabby, right? “And yeah, I got this for you,” added the man as he handed her a bag

[/url], “The saleslady seemed like she won’t let me go away until I bought one from her shop. Scary really.”

Hopefully everything goes well then.[/justify][/blockquote][/font]

[Florence Bryant]

Flo was just about to sigh and text Mason to tell him to hurry his backside up when he showed his face through the door. Dropping her phone back into her purse, she smiled and gave him a friendly wave. When he came closer and pulled up a seat, the woman nearly squealed at having a present. Yeah, she likes presents. A lot. She did look surprised though - Mason rarely brought presents unless it was her birthday or Christmas or international best friend day - but it was a welcome one.

"Ooh, thanks." She cooed, taking the little bag in her hands and opening the ribbon. She hesitated for a second, eyeing Mason with a grin. "If you're going to start getting me presents every time you're late, then you're going to get poor very quickly." She added with a chuckle, before tipping the bag's contents onto her palm. Insert girlish squeal here. "It's lovely Mas, thanks." Flo said, moving to fasten the bracelet around her wrist. To hell if it didn't match the outfit perfectly - she wanted to show her appreciation for the gift.

Running her hands through her hair, she sipped her coffee pensively for a moment. "Now I feel bad that I haven't got you anything. Let me pay for lunch?" The conjurer suggested, laying her hands flat on the table for a moment. Not that she ever knew what to buy Mason, even after all these years. Last time they'd swapped presents she'd bought him a new watch, but she wasn't sure if he liked it at all. Eventually, the tiny bit of guilt subsided and she leant forward curiously.

"So, what are we meeting for? It sounded more important than a social visit." She asked, rubbing her cheek for a moment, before admiring her bracelet again. "You haven't got brother problems, right?" She added delicately, touching Mason's hand for a moment, before hailing over the waitress to get Mason something to drink and pass over the menus. Flo looked devious for a moment. "If it's about that mole again, Mas, I told you it was totally normal. Even if it is on your butt."

Of course the waitress just happened to come over then. Flo had probably planned it like that.

[Mason McQueen]

Mason would like to remind Flo that he did send a Mother’s Day gift. The tacky stuffed toy. Though he only did that once (just this year), so he figures that doesn’t belong in the whole times-when-Mason-remembers-to-send-gifts category.

Mason couldn’t help but sigh inwardly when Flo accepted the gift without any question. Seems his whole intro about him being late did the trick. It wasn’t what he was going for, but since that’s what Flo concluded, he might as well go with that. “It’s the new punctuality exercise my therapist is telling me,” said the man as he sat down, “Think it would work?” Mason had to repeatedly tell himself not to think about stuff too much, else Flo might pick up that something’s up; heaven knows how receptive the woman is. Though the moment he saw Flo wear the bracelet and seem really happy about it, he could feel his worry slowly go away. There’s just something about seeing his gift be truly appreciated that just removes all sense of anxiety inside him. “Glad you like it. Think you’d prefer me being punctual anytime soon then?”

“No, no, please don’t,” Mason waved as he looked from the menu and back to Flo, “It’s nothing really. I was just reminded of you when I saw that. For some weird reason.” He quickly stopped himself in case he sounded anymore weird, or creepy. “And besides, I invited you for lunch. It’s all good.” And he does agree than gifts for men are a whole lot harder to choose than gifts for women. He himself faces the said dilemma every time whenever he’s looking for something to give his brother. You can’t possibly give bracelets or bags to guys the same way you give them to girls really.

He couldn’t help but blush a little at Flo’s question. He knew he would have to explain the whole situation soon enough, and he can’t quite blame his brother. He’d look like quite the pathetic fool if that happens. “Can’t guys call their best friends randomly for lunch like girls do?” he grinned. But then he saw Flo’s expression and, well, realized that such a reason wasn’t enough. “I wanted to ask you if you have, err.” He nervously scratched the back of his head, purposefully avoiding Flo’s gaze. (Not unlike a ten year-old boy really). “Have you planned anything for the summer yet? Like, any recruitment trips or whatever?” Because you certainly can plan recruitment trips.

He was just about to ask Flo about amusement parks when she suddenly mentioned the birthmark event (nope, not a mole, a birthmark. Just looks like one, he says). Without a moment to spare, the man turned as red as a tomato, hiding behind his menu and shouting (just slighty) “Flo! You told me you’d never say it in public!” He made a few grumbling sounds then added, “You’re a bully, you know that?”

[Florence Bryant]

Flo did like that little surprise on Mothers day, the two stuffies are lined up on the end of her bed as well as a Tigger plush her daughter bought for her. Flo also wants to mention that she did bring Mason a beautiful set of flowers on the anniversary of his wife's death, too. That's not really a gift though.

The conjurer wrinkled her nose in disbelief at Mason's little story. "You go to a therapist about your tardiness?" She asked, her voice raising at the end to signify she didn't buy it at all. "But yes, buying gifts is a good way for people to forgive the fact you were over... oh... ten minutes late." She tapped her phone knowingly, then nursed the cup of coffee in front of her. "But I must admit, this was an excellent choice." Turning her wrist this way and that, she smiled at the gift. It really was nice. She'd have to do something nice for her bestie next time they met up.

When Mason started blushing, Flo completely ignored the menu and set it down beside her now empty coffee cup. "... You're blushing Masie." She accused him, pointing at his face. "And you only ever call me for lunch if something's upset you or something important has come up. Otherwise we meet at my house and have cake." Rubbing her chin thoughtfully, she turned back to her menu to look at the options, pondering over them before settling on a very delicious sounding pasta dish with lots of fresh herbs and tomatoes and chicken. When he asked for her plans for the summer, Flo looked confused for a moment. "Honestly... um."

Suddenly realisation hit the woman like a ton of bricks and she burst into a fit of laughter, hitting her forehead with her palm. "Mason? Are you asking me on a DATE?" She exclaimed, closing her menu and bopping her best friend on the head with it. "And no, I don't have anything planned yet. Gwynie and I have been looking at going somewhere on holiday but we can't decide." She still looked heavily amused at the idea of her best friend suddenly asking her to go out with him during the summer, but then she shrugged. It wasn't like Vincent Verax had suddenly asked her. Aaand Mason and her knew each other well enough.

"Oh shush Mas you big baby." She teased, rolling her eyes and smiling at the waitress. "Ignore my big soppy idiot of a friend over there." She began, laughing. "I'll have an iced caramel frapuccino and the fusilli alla rusticana, thank you." Flo eyed her bashful friend and gave him a gentle kick under the table.

"And I don't know what my date wants, but I'm sure once he's done imitating a tomato he'll let you know."

[Mason McQueen]

Seems like Flo knows exactly how to make Mason just a tad bit more confident about himself. From her jesting to the countless times she’s showed her appreciation for his untimely gift, the man is slowly realizing that such an endeavor isn’t so scary after all. “Yup. It’s gotten so worse that I need to see a professional already,” his voice was becoming a bit playful, signifying that indeed, he was becoming comfortable with the whole arrangement. “I’m glad you like it. Don’t expect a new one next time though. I just slipped today; I’ll be so punctual next time, you’d feel bad about yourself.” Though he was actually thinking of showing up with the brown bracelet he saw just beside the one he gave Flo. It was partly the reason why he was late; he took so long deciding which to buy. If he just knew he could’ve had the chance to give them both to Flo, he would’ve been a whole lot faster.

But then Flo had to point out his blush and all improvements on his self-esteem went tumbling down. And no, that finger certainly wasn’t helping things. “C-can’t I shake things up a bit? I don’t w-want you to be b-bored with me after all.” Boy was that excuse lame or what. And that’s without factoring the stutter he suddenly found himself with. “And besides, I’m busy b-back then too. Now I have more f-free time to explore.” He did think about simply going to Flo’s house and asking her there (great would be an understatement to her cooking, no bias whatsoever he says) but there’s just something about the setting and (possibly) the motive behind his invitation that somehow says it’s not too proper to just do it in Flo’s house. (Plus he doesn’t want Gwynnie to see him blush more than her).

Flo realizing things only made matters worse. The man turned as red as ever, inwardly hoping the ground would eat him there and then. He tried hiding his face under the menu (given his tall frame, it was rather hard to do) but could not escape the wrath of Flo’s thwack. “N-no!” he protested, even though it was fairly obvious what he was doing, “I m-mean, not exactly.” Enter his whole introspection about friends dating. Yes, he’s going through puberty again, forgive him. “My brother won three tickets to the amusement park over the next town. JellyPop-land or something, I think. Perks of reporting about the place, I think.” He promptly took a sip off the glass beside him, thankful the waitress had the presence of mind to give him one even without him asking. It really helped calm his nerves a bit. “You want to come with? With Gwynnie, of course. Maybe during the July4 holidays or something?”

“I’ll get the maple-glazed salmon please. And a cup of caffè macchiato.” Now that the menus are gone, he has no choice but to look at Flo directy. Damn. “You’re not mad, are you?” he asked, clearing his voice. He would run away, but considering how jittery he’s become already, he’d probably just fall without a few paces and make a bigger fool out of himself.

ooc:
Late. I'm sorry. >.<
- Jam

[Florence Bryant]

As it is, Flo is now trying to see Mason in a dating sort of light, rather than a tease-the-crap-out-of best friend. It's turning out to be difficult, they've known each other for some time after all. "I'd never get bored of you, Mas." She added, a little softer and giving her bestie a squeeze on the hand. It was the truth! She'd never get bored of teasing him about his power, or how he sometimes pouted when he didn't get what he wanted. "So... what you're saying is this would be a date but like... a testing the water kind of thing?" She questioned, smiling as the waitress bustled off.

That'd make things a lot easier anyway. Less pressure to perform.

"I like that idea. And Gwynie loves theme parks. It sounds good." She mulled the idea over in her head a little more. "July 4th sounds great, do you think the park takes dogs? Gwynie got her puppy last week and with all the fireworks around I don't want him at home." She had a think about that, then settled back in her chair, giving Mason an easy smile. "Hey, I'm sure we can see how things go, it's not like I wont be your friend any more if it doesn't work out." Flo chuckled and rested her chin in her hands.

"I'm not mad, Mas. Just surprised, I didn't think I was your type." It was flattering though, for a lady who'd only been on one date recently, it was a totally fresh thing for her. "It's not like the men are queuing up for me, not with Gwynie having a big say on who gets the chuck." She frowned a moment and stared into her empty coffee cup, looking a little sad. "I wish she'd been around when I dated her dad, but then... I got a great daughter out of that so no harm done."

That topic had left her feeling a little vulnerable, and she hugged herself. "I'm kind of.. honoured though." She added after a long silence. "That you'd pick me as your first date since..." Flo trailed off, then looked up as their drinks arrived, a little relieved to have the distraction. "Thank you." She said brightly, before sipping her drink.

[Mason McQueen]

As expected, Flo is taking things a whole lot better than Mason was. While Flo seemed to have managed to keep all her anxiety in, Mason’s all but a mess. His hands are all clammy, his breathing’s increased quite a bit, his still as red as ever and he feels as if he has a million butterflies all cramped into the small space that is his stomach making their fluttering all the more nauseating. Probably a good thing that he’s managed to tell Flo (or Flo’s managed to figure things out – what’s the difference he says) what his ulterior motives are really before he’s eaten.

“E-exactly,” the man nodded, Flo’s apparent calmness slowly spreading over him too. (He won’t deny that the squeeze on his hands helped a whole lot too).

A huge smile followed soon after when he heard Flo agree to the idea. Things are going smoothly and according to plan – Mason could totally live with this. “I’m not so sure. I think they do, but I haven’t checked it yet.” A crucial fact at that; he does have Chowder to think about too. “If anything, we can leave her puppy at my brother’s care. I leave Chowder with him all the time and my baby’s turned out fine. If anything, we can maul Paul afterwards.” The man found himself slowly loosening up the more he talked, especially when he imagined how his younger brother would look like when Flo decides to beat him up. Not exactly a good thought, but it helps. “And Gwynnie got a puppy? What breed?” That’ll help him figure out what to give Gwynnie next time.

“You’re not the only one. I wouldn’t think you’d be my type too until now,” Mason blurted out, chuckling. Then he realized how that must’ve sounded and whatever shade of red he lost quickly came back. “No! I mean- It’s not like- You’re- Oh god.” In the end he just gave up and scratched the back of his head. Flo’s a smart woman (way smarter than he thinks, at times), she’ll figure out what he’s trying to say, right?

“Gwynnie’s awesome. And I’m not just saying it because, err, you know.” Even before he came into the decision to see if he and Flo could work out, he’s always been fond of the girl. So much spunk in her, not unlike Flo. “If Gwynnie was around, you wouldn’t have ended up with Derek in the first place.” Mason had a hunch when he first saw the man, but he put it aside; Flo seemed happy at that time anyway. When he heard what had happened, he felt guilty, thinking he could’veshould’ve done something. What it was though, he has no idea.

He smiled weakly and nodded as the waitress served their drinks, eagerly sipping his in an effort to calm his nerves. “Who told you you’re my first date since?” he grinned, trying to wave off Flo’s compliment (at least he thinks it is one) with his very transparent bluff. “It’s nothing. I mean, I suppose it’s about time and all that.” Life must go on after all.

ooc:
I apologize for the quality, rambling and being late. I don't know what's up with my muse lately. D;
-Jam

[Florence Bryant]

"It's a little springer spaniel puppy." Flo explained when Mason asked about the puppy. That was one thing that was nice about Mason, he was always interested in Gwyneth and what she was up to. "I hope he can come along, Gwynie would be so happy to bring him." She smiled and sipped her coffee, enjoying the tension melting away as she got used to this whole dating idea.

She did laugh when Mason put his foot in his mouth again and had to hide the fact she was about to tease him again by sticking her face into her coffee cup. "Oh I see. Last resort am I?" Flo smirked, shaking her head. "You sure know how to make a girl feel special." She added cheekily, leaning backwards in her chair and closing her eyes. "I'll remember that when we go walking down the aisle together. 'Do you take this man?' 'Yes but I'm only his last resort!'" She flashed a dangerous grin.

"Gwynie is the best thing in my life." She said suddenly, moving forward and grinning. "And thankfully she has none of her father's personality traits. Not much of his looks either." She shrugged. Talking about Derek was totally a mood killer really, he was such a complete jerk and Flo couldn't believe she dated him. Not that she blamed Mason for her own mistakes. Mason was at a different uni and they only met on weekends, he wasn't going to interfere.

"Your brother talks." Flo added with a chuckle to Mason's next question, only to start when the waitress placed their orders on the table, with complimentary garlic bread. "Mmm, this smells great Mas." She grinned, digging in, before wafting the garlic bread under her companion's nose. "Well, if you intend on kissing me at any point today, you'd better eat some of this, or I'll stink you to death." She smirked.

"You aren't a vampire, right?"

[Mason McQueen]

Mason loves kids, there’s no doubt about that. He would’ve wanted to have some of his own the moment he got married, but since Angela was a bit caught up with her work during their early months and that they weren’t so stable financially back then, they postponed it. Put it off too much that they didn’t have a chance to have one of their own. Angela’s death aside, it’s that lack of a kid that makes Mason a bit sadder than usual.

He did figure out a way to channel all his frustrations, notably by spoiling his nephews every time he goes for a visit, much to his older sister’s chagrin. Such would also explain why he’s rather friendly to his students (sometimes a bit too lenient at that), and would really like to get closer to his friend’s kids, Nikolai and Gwyneth included. “A springer spaniel? Aww. That’s so cute. I want to meet him sometime,” nodded the man, grinning widely in glee. It’s a good thing they got into the whole dog talk really. It helped him get a whole lot less nervous. “And at least he’s a he. I don’t have to fear Chowder suddenly humping him when they meet.”

Once again Flo has managed to make Mason speechless. The only consolation is he’s not blushing as much anymore. Well, maybe a bit more than normal, but instead of fidgeting with his fingers or scratching the back of his head, he went back to his more natural teasing defense mechanism – pouting like a little kid. He puffed his cheeks and pouted, looking at Flo with a defeated gaze. “At least you’re not a rebound or anything. Or is that worse than being one?” Somebody just shut his mouth please? He doesn’t really mean to look like a dork; he just can’t help it.

Mason knew Derek was quite the subject for Flo (he could still remember how she sounded when he talked to her about it even though it’s been a few months already) so he simply nodded and let the conversation flow to the next topic, hoping he’d fare better.

Or not.

“Kissing?” Flo wasn’t expecting one, isn’t she? That was something he totally did not plan for. Probably because he’s not totally on to the whole physical contact (other than holding hands) until he’s fairly sure they’re good (third or fourth date maybe?). Blame the magical mix of his relatively shy personality and his strict Christian upbringing. (It would’ve been until marriage really, if it wasn’t for his friends’ influences). “I practically sparkle in the sun, if that’s what you’re asking.”

This is probably the first time he’s encountered garlic bread and was so torn on whether or not he should eat some himself.

ooc:
-hugs Zuu- Hopefully that'll distract you from the badness of this one. -goes to start on Romeo's app too- :3
- Jam

[Florence Bryant]

Flo loves kids just as much as Mason does. Hence why she hadn't aborted Gwynie when she was given the shock of her life. She adored her daughter, and if it weren't for the fact she's such a busy lady with no significant other, she'd probably have had another by now. Still, she's happy enough for her little girl for her to never worry about that ever again.

"Maybe come over mine after we finish lunch? Gwynie's ordering in Mexican, but I'm sure they'll be enough, you know she orders way more than we actually eat." Flo laughed gently and tucked into her meal, twisting her fork around to get a nice amount of pasta and chicken on. "As for humping... well." Flo paused, tapping the utensil against her lip. "What do you think on neutering? I mean, as long as he's normally on a leash and doesn't start humping, we shouldn't need to get him done, right?" The woman also wanted her daughter to have the option to maybe take the pup to shows if she wanted to, it was her puppy, after all.

When Mason started getting all blushy, Flo had to try not to laugh at him, and instead took another bite of garlic bread. "Oh Mas you idiot I'm TEASING." She said with a chuckle, shaking her head and dipping the bread in her sauce. "I knew you looked sparkly! I thought Gwynie had just thrown glitter on you." She added with a smirk, pausing to offer a fork of her pasta over. "Honestly, try this, it's gorgeous." She waggled the fork under Mason's nose.

"And the bread. Eat some or I'll FORCE you to eat some." The conjurer grinned, then looked down at her bracelet. "Thanks for this Masie. You're such a sweetie."

[Mason McQueen]

Mason’s admiration for Flo soared to incredible heights when he heard the conjurer’s decision not to abort the then fetus Gwynnie (despite the pressure from that jerk). Even more so when he learned that she’d keep and raise her all by herself. To the man, it really showed how strong Flo’s character is. She might tease him a little too much, but her heart’s in the right place. Probably one of the many reasons that drew the man to her in the first place anyway.

“I haven’t had Mexican in a while,” nodded the man, taking a piece off his salmon, “Sure she wouldn’t mind?” He doesn’t want to shock the girl after all. Then again, maybe it’s a good thing. So that they can acclimatize to each other and all that. Gwynnie’s top priority in this endeavor after all; if she’s not comfortable around Mason, then this could never work. (At least that’s why he’s been ‘bribing’ the girl early on). “No. I know what you’re thinking. His incessant humping is so not derived from me.” He tried keeping a stern face, but after three or four shakes, a giggle broke through. “I’m not for neutering, but that’s just me.” Despite knowing that it isn’t necessarily animal mutilation, he still feels like it. He’d rather have a hormonal Chowder than a surgically altered one. “What does Gwynnie say about it anyway?”

Like the mature thirty-one year old man that he is, Mason simply stuck his tongue out at Flo and tried some of the vegetables that came with his dish. Damn they taste bland. Should’ve gone with the ribs then. One could never go wrong with coleslaw after all, he thought as he sneakily put his vegetables aside.

“I’m a special kind though. Even indoors, I sparkle.” And by sparkling he means sweating. He doesn’t know why, but his sweat glands are a whole lot more active compared to most men. He hasn’t looked in it yet, but he has a feeling it had something to do with his relative lack of body hair.

He crinkled his nose just slightly when Flo offered him her food to try, a bit reluctant at first though he doesn’t really know why. But then the woman insisted and bam, the man took a big bite. “Yummy,” he said as he chewed, remembering to cover his mouth in case the food splattered across, “Could use a bit more basil though. But that’s just me.” Remembering to return the gesture, he tore off a chunk from his fish and offered it to Flo. “The fish is so fresh,” he assured her.

[Florence Bryant]

Of course Flo teased Mason. It was the best way for her to show her affection without bonking him over the head or snuggling him all the time. It's difficult for girls and guys to show non romantical affection, in her opinion. One hug too many and suddenly you're into each other, and you can't go underwear shopping together - at least, Flo thinks if she took Mason to anywhere that involved boobs he'd probably nosebleed and die in the doorway.

"I'm sure she wont, you've come over for takeout before." Flo assured her friend, and possible future boyfriend. "Just don't expect Gwynie to save you the last beef burrito." She smirked and took a few more bites of pasta and garlic bread. She did frown when Mason cut her off before she could make a sly comment about Chowder's humping. Damnit. "It never crossed my mind!" She lied, putting her hands up defensively. "I've not asked Gwyn about it yet, I'll do it tomorrow when we go out shopping." Flo was of the same opinion as Mason - she'd rather be a responsible owner and keep the pup from bitches in heat than get his manhood lopped off.

She DID however scowl when she noticed Mason pushing his veggies to one side. Uh oh. Mummy mode activated. "Mason, you're not 5, eat your greens." She pointed at the pile of vegetables and wrinkled her nose. Not even Gwynie got away with not eating vegetables, no matter how "gross" they looked. Flo did make an effort to make the veggies delicious and crunchy, but still - Mason is a grown man and he should eat his greens like a good boy.

"Mm." The conjurer looked thoughtful; she knew what Mason meant. "In one of my Cosmo magazines they talk about certain botox injections into the sweat glands to stop them being so overactive. You should talk to your doctor about it." She concluded, grabbing another bite of garlic bread - the stuff was delicious. "At least you aren't a smelly sweater, Mas. Else I'd be spraying you with anti-persperant all over."

She was pleased Mason agreed the pasta was yummy, though nearly bonked him over the head with her fork when he said it could use more basil. "You could use more basil." She retorted childishly, before willingly trying some of the salmon. She gave it a few thoughtful chews, then nodded. "It is fresh, you're right." Not being a massive seafood person - she likes shrimp enough to use them regularly but that's about it - she couldn't really comment too much about it, but it was nice enough for Salmon, and as long as Mas liked it, that was all that mattered.

"Doesn't mean you're off the hook about not eating the veggies." Flo added sternly, taking a sip of her drink. "Don't tell me I've got to use the aeroplane trick on you too?"

[Mason McQueen]

Underwear shopping is certainly not one for Mason. He can go dress shopping, shoe shopping, heck even grocery shopping with most anyone and actually enjoy it, but go underwear shopping with him and he’d be as red as a beet. He could still remember the horror he felt when Flo first dragged him to a lingerie shop when they were teens, or when Sam forced him to buy one for Angela as a wedding gift for their first night together. Nope, certainly something he’d wish would never happen again.

“Oh! Yeah. Right,” mumbled the man. Apparently he’s been overanalyzing everything. If he just learned to relax, maybe Gwynnie wouldn’t be as surprised when Flo tells her that awkward Mr. McQueen would be talking Mommy out to dinner sometime in the future. (Mason says they could always take Gwyneth with them, since it seems that he’d have to woo her much more than Flo really). “Ha. You know better than to give me burritos Flo,” he laughed, waving his hand in front of him as if fanning a certain smell away. Not the most proper topic at the table, but he just can’t help it. “Chinese and Italian works better with my tummy anyway.”

And Flo caught her. Damn. Was he that obvious really? “But they don’t taste good,” he whined, dropping his shoulders and pouting. But then he realized that he did sound like a five year-old (because of his reason, not his whining; grown men whine all the time after all) so he tried to be more in depth with his reason. “I mean, the vegetables don’t taste like anything. At all,” he grumbled, hoping Flo wouldn’t make him put them into his mouth anymore, “Taste it. It’s like they’re just blanched or something.” To prove his point, he grabbed the melon slice with his fork and reached across the table to give it to Flo.

Botox injections? That’s something he hasn’t heard about. “Hrmm. I’ll look into it. Maybe it’s just hormonal imbalance or something though.” He made a mental note to take a trip down the labyrinth they call the research complex within the next week then. “Thank goodness no.” He’d be so embarrassed of himself if he was. “I can fill a bucket after an hour of workout though. Not really that fun.” Not to mention rather disgusting. If he hadn’t known Flo for a while, he’d be so embarrassed talking about all this things already.

“I could use more pepper. And a bit more ginger,” corrected Mason, grinning widely as he nodded. Seafood is something Mason would die for. He actually prefers it over pork or beef, able to consume a large salmon raw (yes, he does love his sashimi). What he does hate about them though is that most invertebrates cost more per weight due to their shells. A huge rip-off really. “I am fresh,” he protested, telling himself that since this is Flo there has to be some sort of innuendo around it, he just don’t know what. He did give his shirt (especially around the armpits) a sniff, just to check.

He could see the snicker in the waitress as she passed by and overheard Flo about the aeroplane trick. He swears Flo is doing all this on purpose. The problem now is getting back at her.

[Florence Bryant]

Seeing how much Flo likes looking at lacy silky numbers in the local lingerie shop, Mason should be glad Flo no longer drags him along to help her out - though she does admit when she first needed to buy bras she took him along for moral support. It was scary okay?! Either way, the only way she could show her fondness for Mason without holding a slumber party was to mock him on well... everything.

"Ewwww Maaaassss." She scowled when he made the wafting gesture, giving him a kick under the table. "I wasn't even thinking about your particular burrito reaction till you mentioned that." She looked down at her pasta and huffed. "I feel put off my meal now." She complained, pretending to push it away and look heartily offended. It didn't last long, Flo instead turned back with a grin and laughed. "Well, don't worry, Gwynie always orders the mild things too, you can steal those. We certainly don't want a Mason Trumpet Solo tonight with our meal."

Mason's whining about the veggies did nothing to perturb the conjurer from nagging him about eating them. She did try the piece offered, then shrugged. "It tastes FINE to me Mason, now if you don't eat them quickly, I'm going to really embarrass you." She threatened, wagging her finger and then stubbornly grinding a little salt and pepper on the offensive veggies. "Or no dessert." Flo added as an extra thread, before finishing off her pasta and helping herself to more of the garlic bread. She's hungry - when you're as high energy as Florence, you'd eat a lot too.

"That's one thing I don't get about your side effects Mas." She said between mouthfuls of bread. "Like... considering hair is your power, why you only have it on your head." She smirked a bit. "You're like a Ken Doll." It was a tease, to be sure, but Flo was being mean on purpose so Mason would be a good boy and eat his greens. "A sweaty Ken doll." She added, reaching over to take a sip of coffee.

"As for you, I think you've got a weird palate." She complained, happy with the flavourings in her meal. "You don't complain half as much about my cooking." Flo smirked confidently, finishing off the last of the garlic bread and playing with her bracelet. "And stop sniffing yourself, I was TEASING." She added, looking out of the window for a moment to watch a group of Hammel teens walking past. She gave them a friendly wave.

"Unless the only reason you say you like my cooking is to try and get into my panties." Flo suddenly thought, turning back from the window and staring at Mason in an accusatory way. "Because really," She said in a louder voice, purposely using the nearby waitress to cause Mason to squirm. "That would be terrible, using compliments to try and bed me." She pretended to look deeply hurt, and put a hand on her chest as if to hold a broken heart. Drama queen.