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18

MASON

Mason had been stuck on the same picture for hours, losing time that he couldn’t afford. His short sabbatical had left him slightly behind schedule so he was still touching up photos, and even though opening night was approaching at light speed he kept flicking back to the main portrait, the focal point of his display.

At first glance, it seemed like a simple photo of Rain curled up on the couch with Mouse next to his head, but the lamplight had caught his face, casting balanced shadows across his otherworldly features and highlighting his serene gaze, which was open, empty of wailing.

The longer Mason stared at the picture the worse he felt, but he couldn’t help himself. While he’d never managed to completely capture Rain’s soul, the limited photos where his eyes didn’t scream were the closest, and Mason had finely honed what he’d learned while creating the shrine, processing each portrait to make Rain look ethereal, and he’d managed a win. The main piece held a sliver of Rain’s soul and it drew Mason’s attention again and again, haunting his every waking moment.

He frowned but his lips quivered. He still missed Rain beyond words, to the point that it physically hurt, squeezing his chest and fogging his brain. Every day he’d pondered the phone but Rain had made it very clear that Mason had crossed a line and things were over between them; plus, Rain hadn’t called so he hadn’t changed his mind.

He held out hope that Rain would come to the exhibition but Mason didn’t expect him to, and it drained much of the joy out of this turning point in his career. He should be celebrating but he was nursing a guilty, broken heart instead.

It was kind of ridiculous; Mason Hart, the King of Avoidance and Introversion had somehow stumbled into love, and he was pretty sure Rain had been just as baffled by it because every step of their slow bond had seemed to come as a shared shock. That was part of their magic and Mason wanted to return to that more than anything.

Cricket, take the bull by the horns for once.

Standing, Mason grabbed his phone and selected Rain’s number, hesitating for only a few seconds before hitting call . Was it really this easy? Then why had he waited so long to do it?

Sometimes he was really sick of himself.

The call connected and Mason’s stomach did a backflip, but as each ring went by his bravado sank, and all his hope went cold as the voicemail clicked on and a woman’s voice greeted him.

“Hi this is Sarah, new phone who dis hahaha anyway, leave me a message I probably won’t get back to you.”

It took him a few seconds to hang up after the beep and he tried the call again with the same result, eventually flopping down into his chair, defeated.

Rain had changed his number. It was to be expected, especially after the incident with his mother and Gage, but it still felt like a blow. Had he done it immediately or had he waited a while? Guilt paired with despair as Mason realized that he had no way of contacting Rain. He had no phone number, no forwarding address, The Pointe was currently under construction, and he wasn’t about to burst into Finn and Ollie’s place to see where Rain went, like when Finn had broken into Mason’s apartment, searching for Ollie.

Mason’s brain stopped and backed up. Wait a minute, Ollie knew Rain. Should Mason call him? Could Mason call him? Honestly, if he wasn’t willing to step out of his comfort zone and ask for help, then he didn’t deserve Rain. And he didn’t have to call, he could text.

Ollie. It’s Mason. Do you have Rain’s new number?

A few seconds later, Mason’s phone chirped.

Mason. It’s Ollie. Didn’t you punch my man in the face?

To be honest, with the chaos of that day and everything that had happened after, Mason had forgotten about that, and now he felt guilty on top of the heartbreak.

I’m sorry.

Honestly, it’s fine. I know you did it for love. You didn’t even hurt Finn, he said it was like being punched by a child.

Mason couldn’t be insulted because he was a photographer, not a fighter, and he breathed a sigh of relief at Ollie’s forgiveness, pledging to apologize the next time he saw Finn. Staring at the phone, Mason wondered if Ollie had remembered the original question when a second text came through.

Anyway , I’ll be over in twenty minutes , was followed by an emoji wearing sunglasses. What did that even mean?

No, don’t com - Mason typed but he hit the back button, deleting the message. Ollie was going to stop by no matter what he said and sure enough, there was a knock on his door half an hour later.

“You didn’t have to come over.” Mason stood back as Ollie strolled in, wearing a fluffy red coat over a corduroy green suit like a walking Christmas billboard.

“Aw Mason, I’m happy to see you too.” Taking off the coat, Ollie folded it over the arm of the couch, smiling. “So, you want to talk to Rain hmmm?”

Although Mason frowned it rolled right off Ollie just like it had with Gran. And with Rain.

“You should probably redirect that energy to fixing whatever happened.” Eyebrow raised, Ollie waved his index finger in a circle.

“I want to.” Those three words had to be ground out as his fight or flight kicked in, hollering that it wasn’t safe to be this honest with Ollie, but Mason stood firm. If he wanted to see Rain again, then he needed to do this.

Nodding wisely, Ollie put his hands behind his back. “Good, because Tommy told me that Rain is heartbroken and I’m here to help you fix it.”

“Why?” Mason’s brows twitched in confusion but his pulse skyrocketed, the rumble inside of him coming back to life. Was Rain heartbroken because he missed Mason? Because he still liked Mason? Or was it because he’d put his trust in a man who had used him as an object, an inspiration, and a tool, and who’d been too cowardly to admit his feelings?

Maybe Rain didn’t want to come back, but Mason needed to take a leap of faith and beg for forgiveness, tell Rain that he did want more, that his existence had been bleak without Rain in it, that having him and Mouse around had opened his soul in unexpected ways, and he’d do anything to have them back.

“ Why? Remember that thing I said the day of the fire? That we’re friends?” Ollie gestured between them and then dropped his hand. “Helping you is part of that.”

“Oh.” Mason nodded once, forcing out the words. “Thank you. For being my friend. And for understanding about Finn. And for helping me with Rain. I screwed up and I want to fix things. How do I fix them?”

Blinking, Ollie’s eyes widened. “Wow, you’re definitely in love. I hope I wasn’t this smitten when I met Finn.”

“You were worse. I have the pictures to prove it.” Mason winced as Ollie’s laughter echoed through the apartment.

“Soooo,” Ollie wiped his eyes once he was finished, “I’m just double-checking but are you still using Rain’s photos?”

“Yes.” Gesturing for Ollie to follow, Mason led him into the studio.

“How many secret rooms do you have in this place?” Ollie looked around with eyes like saucers.

Instead of answering, Mason grabbed one of the larger portraits, turning it to face Ollie, who put his hand over his chest and gasped.

“Oh my god, I’ve never seen Rain so happy,” he said softly, stepping closer and taking it in, and the expression on his face told Mason that he had chosen the theme well. After a moment, Ollie refocused, straightening his spine. “And I want him to be this happy again. Get ready for opening night because bestie Li-Li and I will make sure that Rain shows up, so you two can talk.”

But did Rain want to talk?

“Will that work?” A spark of hope lit inside Mason.

“You know what?” Ollie whispered conspiratorially as if he were certain. “I think it will.”

Mason thought he had budgeted enough time but for his next exhibition he’d double it because he was running on fumes. The days had whipped by far too fast and aside from getting his collection together, he’d also had to attend a lot of meetings and answer a disgusting number of texts. At least he’d been able to step away from the group chat, using every available second he had to make sure Rain’s portraits were perfectly displayed.

After all the years of dreaming and all the months of photography, planning, and anticipation, opening night was finally here, yet Mason couldn’t help but be distracted because a good portion of his mind circled around Rain. Would Ollie follow through and get him to come? If he did, what would Mason say? He’d run through infinite conversations in his head, knowing that he’d only have one chance, and the pressure eclipsed any apprehension he’d had about the show.

His phone buzzed and he checked it, his eyebrows lifting as he answered without hesitation.

“Hello, Ms. Chauhan.”

“Mr. Hart. I know the exhibition is tonight so I won’t take much of your time. I called to wish you luck and remind you that there’s a restraining order in place so you won’t have any familial interference this evening and for the next five years.” Unlike Stanley, Ms. Chauhan couldn’t be more on-point and professional, treating him with extra care because Liam had vouched for him, and he was beyond grateful.

“Thank you again, for everything.” The exhibition was public and would run for a month, so not having to worry about his family showing up had been an incredible boon.

“Honestly, your father did most of the work by antagonizing the sergeant,” she chuckled darkly. “He spent a long night in lockup to clear his head and he’s been slapped with a fine and the restraining order.”

“Do people violate the order?” Mason couldn’t help but worry about that.

“Sure, all the time, but in your family’s case they were given an extra warning. They will not trouble you again.” Her voice told him her certainty was at one hundred percent and he believed her.

“Good.” Now all he needed to do was wrap up the dispute over the will.

“The next time I call, I will have good news,” she stated, reading his mind. “Again, good luck tonight.”

“Thank you,” Mason managed to get in before the line went dead, and as he stared at his phone he vowed to work his ass off for her portrait because she was doing a stellar job, clearing things up at lightning speed compared to Stanley’s two-year wait.

Losing the threat of his family had taken a lot off his shoulders but the world still felt heavy without Rain in it. At least his SD card had gotten into the right hands; a few weeks after Mason had dropped it off, an internet search told him that Gage had been hauled away for multiple parole violations and was facing a few more years in prison.

Mason had never considered himself to be brave or bold, and as a child it had made him easy prey. However, as an adult, he realized that he didn’t have to be either of those things. He could defend himself and the man he cared about by hiring smarter and scarier bullies, so he could live his life without interference, and to him, nothing was more healing than that.

“Half hour!” echoed through the gallery and Mason let out a long breath, taking a few steps away and studying his portraits. He’d been given a decent section toward the center of the gallery with enough room to display eight to ten photos depending on their size, and he’d gone with nine. Three times larger than the others, the main piece hung from the ceiling a few inches away from the wall, right under the lights where Rain belonged. Mason hoped it would draw people in and from there they could disperse to either side. Focusing, he tried to find anything wrong with the photos and he finally couldn’t; he was officially done.

Cracking his neck, Mason grabbed his bag and went into one of the back rooms to change. Straightening his tie in the mirror, he checked over his dark gray suit, wondering if he was overdressed, but it was Gran’s favorite, especially the shirt. She always said it matched his eyes.

You look very dapper, Cricket. Now go out there and knock ‘em dead!

Mason hoped that somehow she was here in spirit; she would’ve been so proud.

His footsteps clacked on the hardwood floors as he emerged from the back, and he’d usually avoid the cluster of photographers in the center of the room but over the last few weeks he’d been broadening his horizons.

It had started with a visit to Gran’s bedroom, where he’d grabbed some of her self-help books a few years too late. She’d always wanted him to read from her collection and he’d always avoided it, pushing all his trauma and fear aside by delving into photography, but he couldn’t be a complete person until he did some healing. And he certainly wouldn’t have a good career without coming out of his protective shell and learning how to talk to people, so he used what he’d learned and joined everyone.

They all gave him a nod or a smile, their excitement palpable, and Mason nodded back, not used to being accepted by his peers, who continued to be surprisingly kind.

“Mason, what you pull from your subject?” Rolling his wheelchair over, Stefan gestured toward Mason’s photos. “It’s mind-blowing. Your point of view is honest and alive.”

“Thank you.” Reminding himself that not everyone was out to get him, Mason quirked his lips, giving Stefan a half-grin.

“Is this really your first exhibition?” He asked, his expression full of interest.

“I did three in school. They weren’t like this.”

Stefan raised his eyebrows. “That’s insane. Your work needs to be out there.”

“I agree.” Dolores joined them. Tall, with stark white hair, Dolores had worked with too many legends and celebrities to count; Mason wished he had half her talent. “Your technique has leveled up, Hart. Your photos are warmer. I like them.”

Dumbstruck, Mason could only swallow and nod, her compliments meaning the world to him. To be honest, over the last few days he’d been checking out his fellow photographers’ work, and after seeing the quality of their photos he’d started to worry if he even belonged among such talent, but he chalked that up to impostor syndrome. He did belong here; he’d worked hard to get to this point and he deserved it. He only wished that Rain could share this milestone with him.

Ten minutes later the doors opened to cheers from the photographers and the crowd outside, and the place slowly filled. Mason kept his eyes on the door, hoping to see Rain; Ollie had basically promised to bring him but it wasn’t a guarantee.

Someone bumped Mason’s shoulder and he turned. It had gotten crowded in the last few minutes and there were small groups around each of his portraits, including three women who stood in front of the main photo, taking in that piece of Rain’s soul.

“It’s cute at first glance but then, you feel kind of…”

“Happy, like you’re snuggling at home with your husband.”

“Mhhmm. Did you see the other pictures? This model is unreal!”

Clapping grabbed everyone’s attention and as Mason tried to see what was happening up front, he realized how truly packed it was and his palms began to sweat. Silence rippled through the room and Mason shifted, leaning against a wall so he had a clear view of Flick, a local photographer who’d taken pictures all over the world; this exhibition was her brainchild and she waited patiently until all eyes were on her.

“Hello everyone, welcome to opening night of In Sight - A Study of Portraits . I’m Flick Adams and I’ve gathered eleven talented photographers to show their work. We each have our reasons for taking portraits but it all comes down to capturing the human condition, the different ways we see others, and how that reflects in ourselves. I’m honored to be among such good company-”

That was Mason’s cue, and he grouped up with the rest of his colleagues, staying toward the back as everyone stared at them with smiles and curious eyes. Mason scanned the guests, trying to find Rain as Flick continued to speak, only tuning back in once the applause and hors d'oeuvres broke out.

The photographers quickly dispersed as the crowd dove into the free food and alcohol, and Mason tried to get back to his photos but he had trouble getting through. People had begun to cluster together, unmoving, and while Mason could hear a commotion ahead, he couldn’t see it.

Even though he hated doing so, he weaved through the crowd, his pulse racing as he realized that the excitement was centered around his photos, and once he broke through the surrounding wall of bodies he stilled, his heart pounding so loudly that he was sure everyone could hear it.

Standing in front of the centerpiece, Rain stared open-mouthed at himself, tears shimmering in his eyes as they traveled to each photo. The mirror image of subject and muse had garnered quite a bit of attention but Ollie and Liam stood behind Rain, buffering most of it until Mason unlocked, stepping forward.

Rain instinctively turned to him, his gaze weighted with wonder.

“I thought…” he stopped and took a breath. “ These pictures?”

Mason gathered whatever bravery he had because it was now or never. “It’s how I see you. How I’ve always seen you.”

A squeal sounded to their right and out of the corner of his eye, Mason saw Liam slap a hand over Ollie’s mouth and drag him off. Not wanting to do this in front of everyone, Mason tilted his head toward the back. “Can we talk?”

“Right now?” Rain’s brows were pinched with worry. “You probably shouldn’t leave-”

“Use the studio,” Dolores interrupted, sauntering over and handing Mason a set of keys. She must’ve seen the emotion on his face and knew that this was important. “First door on the left. I’ll hold the fort.”

Giving her another nod that said thank you, Mason led Rain away; luckily, it didn’t take them long to escape the crowd. Easily finding the studio, Mason unlocked it after a few tries, opening the door and stopping in shock before letting out a huff.

The room had a ton of equipment piled up in the corner but the rest was clear, and they must’ve come in after a shoot because while the cameras had been put away, the backdrop was still up, and they both stared at a garden at night, complete with a weeping willow that shone silver under a large full moon. Mason saw it as a good sign.

“It’s like talking in your yard,” Rain said as Mason locked the door behind them.

They faced each other and Mason drank his fill, taking Rain in. Wearing the stunningly distracting white suit from their last shoot, Rain would’ve had all eyes on him even if he hadn’t been staring at his photographic reflection, and Mason couldn’t look away. He’d wanted many things in his life - for his grandmother to live for another decade, for his career to soar, for his family to leave him alone, but right now he wanted Rain with an intensity he’d never felt before.

That chance he’d been hoping for? It had just fallen into his lap and there wouldn’t be another.

Clearing his throat, Mason took charge.

“Hi.” It wasn’t the best start but at least he’d gotten the ball rolling.

“Hi,” Rain said back, softly. While not awkward, the air felt charged, the current between them filling the space.

“You look nice.” While it was a simple statement, Mason put everything he could into his gaze, trying to emote as much as possible because even though Rain always read Mason like a book, he needed more, and Mason wanted to show him that he was willing to give him not just more, but everything.

“You too.” Rain looked him up and down, his stormy gaze heavy with emotion. “I’ve never seen you in a suit.”

“It was Gran’s favorite. She bought it for me.” He reached out, palms open and Rain stared at them in shock before gingerly placing his hands in Mason’s. For a second, Mason thought he would burst with hopeful joy and he soaked his voice in it, tearing down whatever walls he could. “I’m happy you came.”

Rain’s eyebrows twitched, rising a bit and a grin teased his lips. “I let Ollie and Liam think that they’re matchmakers but I wanted to see you again.”

That was another good sign; Mason had been sure that Rain was still disgusted with him. “I wanted to see you too. I tried to call you-”

“You did?” Eyes wide, Rain leaned closer. “When?”

“Two weeks ago.” Mason didn’t like how Rain cringed, scrunching his gorgeous face.

“That’s when I changed my number.”

“It’s fine. You’re here now.” Mason gently squeezed Rain’s hands, waiting until his features relaxed. “I’d like to elaborate about the…the photos. And the shrine.”

“It’s a shrine?” Rain’s shoulders rose and fell in a strange chuckle, and although his gaze said that he was no longer angry, hurt still lurked in there. Mason needed to fix that.

“I took it down.” Mason wanted to be crystal clear that he took Rain’s concerns seriously, but for some reason Rain seemed disappointed. This wasn’t going according to plan; what was he doing wrong?

Just speak from the heart, Cricket.

Breathing in deeply, Mason recalibrated, organizing his thoughts. He’d always been so focused on photos, on what the eye could see, that words had never been important to him; however, right now they were a direct link to his happiness.

So, whatever he said next? It needed to be perfect.

“I saw you at the mall last year.” It made him sound like a stalker but Mason barreled forward, laying himself bare. “You looked like you didn’t belong there, like an elfin prince who stepped out of a fantasy book or a video game.”

Rain straightened, blinking up at Mason. “An elfin prince?” Pink bloomed along his cheekbones.

“Yes. I call you that. In my head.” Mason continued to ride the momentum. “I’ve been fascinated with you ever since. I thought I’d never see you again but you helped Ollie move in. And then I saw you at The Pointe.”

“Where you took sneaky photos of me.” Rain arched his eyebrow but it wasn’t unkind.

“I couldn’t help myself.” Mason hung his head anyway. “You make my brain spin. You increase and enhance my creativity. You make me want to try new things, to put your soul on paper. I have this urge to capture everything you do. Every thought, every breath, every smile…so I can show the world how beautiful you are.”

“Mason…” Rain whispered.

“I know that isn’t an excuse for violating your privacy, for taking those storage room photos without your permission, and I’m very sorry I did that.” Mason swallowed, dragging up every last scrap of courage he had. “That night, when I heard you cry out, I investigated, wanting to see you...”

“Because you wanted to be in their place?” Tilting his head, Rain waited until Mason nodded. “You know, in a way, I could tell you were there. I felt something in the room. The air was electric like it is now.” His cheeks stayed an enticing pink, giving Mason hope that they could work things out, and Mason dove back in, going for broke.

“I went home jealous because back then I already thought of you as mine.” His voice wavered with emotion, and Rain’s eyes widened, all of the storms in them blowing away, showing Mason his reflection, as if he was suddenly Rain’s entire world. “You’ve been my muse since the moment I laid eyes on you but over the months you’ve become the most important person in my life. I’m obsessed with you, I can’t live without you, and…” Reaching into his heart, Mason gave Rain one of his rare smiles, and he could hear Gran cheering him on. “I love you.”

Rain’s eyes filled with tears.

“M-Mason I...” He sniffled, trying not to cry, and flung himself into Mason’s arms. “I love you too! I’m sorry I walked out and changed my numb-”

“Don’t ever apologize for that.” Pulling back a little, Mason placed a kiss to Rain’s lips and even though it was a gentle press, it immediately felt like home. “I did something wrong, and it scared you.”

“I forgive you.” Rain quickly wiped his cheeks but they were wet again seconds later. “Besides, you made me a shrine. That’s definitely love.”

Oh, that’s why Rain had looked sad over Mason dismantling it; he’d come to like the shrine. Why was he so perfect? This time Mason went for the hug, enjoying how Rain’s body molded against his, like they were made for each other.

“I can build you another shrine. An updated one, wherever you want, just…please come back. I miss you and Mouse. Without you, Gran’s house isn’t a home. It’s empty, like my heart.”

Letting out a shaky sob, Rain nodded into Mason’s neck. “Only if you stay like this. Keep telling me you love me, okay? And never take that kind of picture of me again.” The last sentence held a growl and Mason’s eyebrows rose.

“I promise,” fell out of his mouth so quickly that Rain chuckled, pulling away with another sniffle.

“Okay.” Scrubbing his cheeks, he smiled, and it flooded Mason with joy.

“You’ll come back?” Wearing his heart on his sleeve, his eyes widened as Rain nodded enthusiastically.

“Yes!” Rain squealed as Mason hugged him again, lifting and spinning him, too full of happiness to hold back. Things had been difficult for a long time, but now he was looking at a better future, with his bullies in their place, a career that was once again taking off, and the love of his life beside him.

Rain laughed, tossing his head back, and Mason joined him, eventually putting Rain down but not letting go. Sliding his hands along Rain’s arms, he laced their fingers together and Rain seemed pleased by it, his blush ever-present.

“How did we end up like this?” Rain’s laughter dissolved into a soft smile. “I just wanted to see your dick.”

“Kismet,” Mason declared.

“What?”

“It’s what my Gran used to say. It means fate, destiny.”

“That’s…kind of cool.” Rain’s smile turned a bit devious. “And it’s also cool that you think I’m an elfin prince. Maybe I’ll buy some pointy ears.”

Mason bit his lip.

“We should go back out there.” And he definitely shouldn’t be thinking about Rain in full elfish garb or he’d tent his pants.

“Agreed. But we have to do one thing first.” Before Mason could ask what that was, Rain stood up on his tiptoes and pressed their lips together, instantly lighting up their bond, shaking off the dust and making it stronger than ever. The kiss deepened quickly as their tongues slid against each other, becoming reacquainted, the scent of the ocean filling Mason’s nostrils, its lavender edge teasing him until he was happily drowning and reaching for more.

Moving his hands to Rain’s face, Mason dove in, the intensity ratcheting up, but Rain broke the kiss, touching his lips bashfully.

“Don’t you have an opening night to get to, Mr. Hart?” Rain was right. He’d spent enough time away and Dolores could only cover him for so long.

“I do.” He already missed the taste of Rain on his tongue but he couldn’t go without one more reassurance. Holding out his hand, he sighed in relief as Rain immediately grasped it. “After we close up, let’s go get Mouse and your things?”

“Yes,” Rain nodded, his smile so bright that Mason knew he’d remember it in his next life. “It’s time for me to come home.”