For @mindblindbard‘s Mind Blind, because I am still obsessed with it! Based on a line in the update, dealing with Mason being very embarrassed about what he accidentally did in a text to Gray.
“Oh, don’t worry. You know your nipples are cute.”
John Wiseman can barely keep his features marshalled into a pensive stare as he looks at the screen of his son’s phone. He glances up at Mason, who is looking at him somewhat hopefully.
Mason’s features fall. “Urgh, it’s bad, isn’t it?”
“Well, sport, it’s not exactly great.” John admits. “To be fair though, telling your crush his dimples are cute is overplaying your hand a bit.”
Mason lets his head drop to the table with a small thud. Immediately, Mario pops by to wipe up the spilled pink lemonade on the table. He glances at John.
“Boy trouble?” He mouths. John nods. “Deep dish?”
“And extra garlic bread.” John smirks. Perhaps emotional eating wasn’t the best coping mechanism, but the Wiseman men had a weakness for it. John glanced at the old lunchbox Mason had brought with him, wondering if Nick had made him any food.
Mason’s head lifts up. “I hate being awkward. It’s like, I can handle everything else, but when it comes to him, I’m just this weird, silly, sploof.”
“I’m sorry?” John asked, smirking.
“I don’t know. I’m spiraling, Dad.” Mason admitted. “It’s just rough that I still have this stupid crush.”
John chuckled. “I get it. Love is rough. Still... maybe you turn off autocorrect for next time?”
Mason nods. “Definitely.”
“Now, let’s tuck into some garlic bread, yeah?” John grins at his son’s delighted smile as Mario brings two little plastic baskets chock-full of garlic bread and deftly sets them on the table before patting Mason on the back.
“Don’t you worry there, bambino.” Mario trills - John rolls his eyes overdramatically - “Anyone who don’t feel the same for you ain’t worth your time.”
“Grazie, Mario.” Mason says, smiling.
“I’ll bring the pizza as soon as it’s ready. You need it.”
Mason grins. John feels a twinge of guilt that Hope couldn’t be here to see his smile - that with things as they were, Mason might never feel safe enough to smile within her brainrange - but he quashes it in favor of reaching over to squeeze his son’s shoulder. “I believe in you, Button. You know that.”
Mason nods. “Thanks, Dad. I... I believe in me too.”
No I will not give you this ball... it’s for Bella!! *runs into her* ————————————————— #maygray #kofuandbella #fetch #whatsthat #dontunderstand #samoyed #samoieda #samoyedo #samoyedsofinstagram #fluffy #fuzzyface #happy #silly #playtime #dogpark #alaskanmalamute #malamute #malamutesofinstagram #teddybear #wolfcub #happyfriday #friyay
fanfic written for @mindblindbard‘s amazing Grayson Black because I cannot get Mind Blind out of my head for any reason! Also he said my superpower was my brightness and I swooned.
note: The characters may be terribly ooc and I’m so sorry if they are; please know that I have endless love and respect for this story!
Pairing: MayGray - Mason Wiseman x Grayson Black
Mason could never really pinpoint the time he fell head over heels for Gray. It wasn’t at first, of course. He had been too afraid of losing Nick to someone else, and at first he had been afraid he had. Cold mind-over-batters. Lonely nights when Sally couldn’t come over and Gray and Nick were out. Times spent in the company of his books, glancing out of the window in sadness.
And then, somehow, Gray became another friendly shining face in the dark sea of loneliness. He was always coming over to raid the fridge or to see Nick, but Mason never failed to notice that Gray came to see him, too. To smile and speak, to watch Jeopardy! together and compete to win while Nick finished making another delicious meal.
And admiration and companionship bloomed into love... at least on Mason’s part. He remembered those shining moments with total clarity - when he and Gray broke out into a concert of Disney songs after Mason figured out just what exactly the man was trying to hum off-key while they did the dishes; when Mason finally beat Gray at Jeopardy!; when they discovered a mutual sincere love for ABBA - each thing made Mason’s heart beat faster.
He hadn’t gathered up the courage to tell Gray yet of his crush. One of the many great things about Grey was the lack of involuntary mind-reading (although Mason wondered if he’d be willing to sacrifice that just to have Gray’s big arms wrapped around him). So instead of the physical contact he craved, he tried another tack. Baking.
Mason loved his brother. Nick was his hero. And he had spent many hours serving in the kitchen as Nick’s sous-chef and assistant baker. So he felt confident in making mind-over-batters on his own, even if he was convinced that Nicky Mouse’s would always be superior.
The cookies had been cooling for a while when Gray entered, flashing Mason a soft smile and automatically reaching for a cookie. “Evening, Mason. Everything fine?”
Mason grinned softly, willing himself not to blush and most likely failing. “Yup! All good!”
“Mmm, these are better than usual.” Gray chuckled. “Don’t tell Nick I said that; he’ll be crushed.”
Mason could barely contain his delight, but tried his hardest. “Really? Well, that’s... your secret’s safe with me. Er... you know.”
Gray’s smile faltered, and Mason knew he was chiding himself for being insensitive. He awkwardly cleared his throat and glanced back at the cookie. “When did Nick get here? He told me he’d be staying later than usual. I thought I’d pop in and keep you company.”
“Well, that’s the thing.” Mason said dramatically, trying to ignore his heart fluttering at the idea that Gray wanted to keep him company. “He didn’t. I made the cookies!”
He gave a megalomaniacal laugh, then blushed. “Not that that’s evil, just... I’m surprised you thought they were good.”
“They truly are. Better than Nick’s.” Gray’s smile was wide again, and Mason couldn’t help but look into those eyes for a fraction too long and instead glance at the long scar along his jaw. “Heh, I don’t mind if you tell him that. Sometimes your brother needs a challenge.”
“Ah, no. Nicky Mouse? He’s too sweet; I’d never break his heart like that. Best to keep my amazing baking skills under wraps. Don’t wanna jeopardize getting his baking.”
“So why did you make your own... mind-over-batters, you call them? Couldn’t deny the cravings?”
“Hey, you’re on thin ice, cookie thief.”
“You said you weren’t angry about that!”
“I’m only angry about it when it suits me.” Mason smirked, and Gray laughed. “I actually made them for you. You take care of Nick...and me, too. I, uh, I actually used to be afraid Nick wouldn’t want to spend time with me anymore once you moved in-”
“But then I realized that I was being selfish. Nick’s given up so much to take care of me, and I love him so much for it. I don’t know what I’d do without him. And I think he’s real lucky to have a friend like you. We both are. So... I made these for you to say thank you for being there. I don’t know what I’d do without you, either.” Mason slowly looked up to meet Gray’s eyes, smiling softly. “And also... because... I want you to know that I’ll make you cookies so you don’t have to steal mine.”
Gray laughed, his arm moving as if to reach over and squeeze Mason’s shoulder, but the movement turned awkward as he stopped, pretending to stretch. “Well, I’m... I’m touched, Mason. And I feel lucky indeed to have both of you as friends. So, you could say... you’ve gawt a friend in me, pardner.”
Mason guffawed in surprise, doubling over. “What was that? Were you doing John Wayne?”
Grayson chuckled, grinning at making Mason laugh. “Alright. Now, where are those pads? I want to make sure my score’s right this time.”
Mason grabbed for the remote to turn on Jeopardy!. Maybe one day Gray could sit closer. Maybe one day they could play this game and be touching, cuddling, even. But for now, Mason was happy just being near him.
More MayGray fluff for @mindblindbard‘s IF Mind Blind! This world occupies so much of my brain space and I love it!
Thought I’d go into the aftermath of Mason’s revealed feelings. When he tries his hardest to not keep crushing on Gray after being rejected.
- - -
“You don’t have to stay here, guys. I don’t mind being on my own.” Mason said softly, making Nick and Gray exchange a look. Even without being able to read his mind, both men would have been able to point out the lie. Mason hated being alone physically, perhaps because he was almost never alone mentally.
“Hey, we’re not gonna leave you alone while you’re sick, Button.” Nick chuckled softly, leaning over to ruffle Mason’s hair.
“Besides, we don’t have to stay here at all. It just so happens we like your company.” Gray smiled at the young man.
“And there was nothing else to do tonight.” Nick teased, earning a gentle shove from his brother.
“So... shall we watch Mamma Mia! again?” Grayson asked hopefully.
Nick sighed as Mason nodded eagerly. “As long as you don’t mind my sick voice.”
“Eh, Gray can’t sing anyway, and he’s healthy as an ox.” Nick smirked.
“Arse.”
“Only to you, Darling.” Nick joked.
Mason relaxed a little bit. He had told his father everything (technically, he had thought it, but intentionally so), and John Wiseman’s sage advice had been to just let it all happen, to let himself feel his feelings, whether they were still for Gray or for somebody else. He was glad that Gray was still Nick’s friend, and his... but still, his feelings would not leave, even after two years. He almost hoped they would, but it was obvious by the time he and Gray were belting out the lyrics to “Waterloo” during the end credits and Nick was pretending to cover his ears to block out their singing that he was still deeply, madly in love with Grayson Black.
Something in Grayson’s eyes changed as he saw Mason realize this, and he awkwardly turned away, trailing off from singing. Mason, too, felt the sudden tension and turned away to the screen.
“Is it over?” Nick asked suddenly, quickly cutting through the tension. “Why don’t we have some cookies?”
“I’m always ready for cookies.” Mason grinned, sniffling.
“Gray? Order us up a couple of deep dish pizzas?”
“Of course. You’re not cooking?”
“If I have to make enough cookies for the two of you sugar-hounds, I’m not gonna have enough energy to cook, too!” Nick chided playfully. He gently patted his brother’s shoulder, trying not to pry on his intimate self-realization but hearing it anyway. I’m always here if you need to talk, Button. I’ll always be there for you.
I know, Nicky Mouse. I don’t know what I’d ever do without you.
Heh. Don’t you worry about it. You’ll never have to find out.
Grayson smiled as he realized the brothers were communicating silently. “I’ll order the pizzas, then.”
“Thanks, Gray. Why don’t you pick out another movie, Mason? We’ll be waiting a while for the mind-over-batters.”
Mason nodded, glad the mood had returned to easy and calm. He wished it could always be like this...
Written for Mind Blind, a WIP interactive fic by @mindblindbard and which is currently consuming quite of bit of my brain.
Pairing: MayGray (Mason Wiseman and Grayson Black)
Yes, the title is a reference to Mamma Mia. Spoilers for the latest update of Mind Blind.
Mason’s mind is short-circuiting. Because this can’t be happening. Gray is... hugging him. He’s hugging him and the only thing that makes it anything less than perfect is the fact that Nick is right there in his head making a strange strangled squealing noise that indicates his utter delight.
On second thought, it’s good to know that his brother is happy for him. Maybe the only not-perfect thing is the taste of vinegar and burning on his tongue from his ill-advised attempt at stomaching Gray’s baking. (But, oh, the sound Gray made when tasting those mind-over-batters. And said his baking was better than Nick’s!)
His heart is fluttering like it’s his first kiss, which somewhere deep inside he has been saving for Gray, even if he won’t admit it.
And for some reason, his mind goes back to that dance in high school. He’s seventeen and it’s a couple days before winter break and his heart was broken because the guy he thought would be his date not only stood him up, but did it at the dance that Nick had spent so long teaching him how to dance for, that Sally had helped him dye the ends of his hair for to make him seem cooler and maybe a little mysterious in a bad boy kind of way but ultimately had been a mistake - and it was Gray all over again telling him that they just... couldn’t.
And Mason had wondered if he would ever get to experience that feeling of being held in someone’s arms, someone who wasn’t the best brother in the whole world or the sweetest friend anyone could ask for. Someone who was handsome, and sweet, and kind, and cared.
And, heaven help him, someone who hummed Disney songs off-key and had a terrible Texan accent. He wondered if he’d ever be loved the way he dreamed, the way he wished for, the way he longed to be.
Now, finally, here... he leaned forward and listened to Gray’s heart beating within his perfect broad chest, heard the blood rushing through his body, smelled him and felt his warmth. A treat for all the senses, and for the soul.
It had hurt to be isolated. Alone from the pack. Nick and Sally and Dad were good, but they weren’t enough. Mason needed more. It was why he practically shivered with happiness when Glitch was so physically affectionate, and why now he was lingering in this beautiful moment for what was probably too long but he didn’t care.
He didn’t even dare to think the words that were threatening to expand through his consciousness until there was nothing else, instead pulling away and smiling, full of hope.
Mason is talking with Gray, and Nick has been seeing all the thoughts pass through his brilliant little brother’s brain. And while he’s distracted, Nick lets out a thought.
Let yourself hope for this, Button. I promise that I will help you be happy. Even if I have to Alien out of you and shake some sense into Gray.
And of course Mason hears. Even Nick has trouble realizing just what an intellect his brother’s smile hides.
Thanks, Nick. I love you.
I love you too, Button. BOGO bros for life, right?
Doing an MC overview for my Buttons from @mindblindbard‘s AMAZING in-progress interactive fiction Mind Blind! Seriously, I love this thing and am so excited!
Mason Wiseman - Cheerful | Sweet | Terrified
Confident - Accepting - Insightful - Ethical
Nicky Mouse - best relationship | Dad: great | Mom: terrified of her
Strategy: Who’s on First | Eats mind-over-batters
RO: Grayson Black | Save Name/Ship Name: MayGray
(face claim: Miles McMillan)
“I can handle anything as long as I have you, Nicky Mouse.”
Devilishly smart and clever, Mason scored a 280 on his ASE by virtue of his intelligence. A lover of books and reading, he has battled an intense feeling of loneliness due to his mind blindness. He loves Nick dearly, and has accepted the fact that his love for Grayson Black is not going away, although he desperately hopes one day Gray might hug him close. Best friends with Sally, but his confidence and overall cheer masks his fear-ridden insides. He’s terrified of losing Nick, Gray, or Sally, the only people he trusts, and he’s absolutely terrified of his mother after the Incident, and though he loves his father, he still feels like he was abandoned, only exacerbating his issues with loneliness.
Morbid - Resentful - Innovative - Expedient
Nick-Nack - okay relationship | Dad - trying | Mom - doesn’t want to see
Strategy: Terrible images | Eats Peanut Butter Pollards
RO: Kent Zarneki | Save Name/Ship Name: Mythtaken
(face claim: Giles Matthey)
“Antigone and Cassandra, huh? I’m more like Andromeda myself.”
Theo is obsessed with Greek Mythology. At first it helped him escape from his circumstances by letting him imagine a world of heroes... and then it comforted him that even in the epic legends, the best heroes could never get a break either. Morbid and broody, Theo cares more for animals than human company at the moment - at least animals either can’t read his mind or don’t comment on what they find there. He’s never been as attracted to anyone as he has Kent Zarneki, even if he’s still pissed at him. Passed the ASE due to his knowledge of fighting.
Ellis Wiseman - Resilient | Easygoing | Guilty
Humorous - Accepting - Interpersonal - Expedient
Nickerbocker - feels guilty | Dad - guilty | Mom - feels guilty
Strategy: Personal affirmation | Eats snickerdoodles
RO: “Glitch” Parker | Save Name/Ship Name: ComedyDuo
(face claim: Tyler Posey)
“Ah, no. Gotta be a level ten friend to access the Tragic Backstory, hon.”
The big ASE Caper has been the highlight of Ellis’ young life so far, in a life that has contained more than a fair bit of stinky things. However, he has developed the best kind of defense against bad thoughts - humor and a healthy case of denial. He has a deep-seated guilt that he was the one to tear apart his family, and carries a harsh self-deprecating wit with him. He finds it hard to trust people, because it seems like he ruins the lives of everyone who comes near. However, meeting with fellow funnyman Glitch may just provide Ellis with the help and understanding he needs to overcome his guilt and fully commit to training at Aeon. He also used to have a crush on Grayson, but all that flew out the window as soon as he saw Glitch.
Confident - Resentful - Insightful - Effort
Tick - resentful | John - resents | Hope - blames
Strategy: Terrible images | Eats chocolate chip cookies
RO: Ambrose Kim | Save Name/Ship Name: DaddyIssues
(face claim: Britt Robertson)
“Someday, I'm gonna show the world what I can do.”
Pen is angry. Angry at her father for abandoning her. Angry at her mother for the incident. And even angry at her brother for being so intrusive. Perhaps she’d be kinder if everyone would stay OUT of her head. But as of now, she’s eager to prove that even though she’s a zero and has all the disadvantages, she’ll break the scale when it comes to MIV training. If she can rein in her attraction to Ambrose Kim and control her temper. Despite her anger, she is true friends with Sally, especially due to the mind blindness thing.
