Topic: Best Laid Schemes

Mason

Date: 2012-09-19 15:48 EST
"The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men,
Gang aft agley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
For promis'd joy!"
To a Mouse by Robert Burns


The snow laden trees surrounding the small clearing and pond gobbled up the sound of their laughter as Mason and Eva slid to a stop on the ice in the middle of the pond. Flat on his back with Eva beside him, her head resting on his shoulder. He was looking up to the night sky. Stars and moons were so bright out here. His voice softened. ?Almost looks like you could pluck them from the sky. Which one do you want, kitten??

Eva turned her head from looking at him, to look at the sky. Then she raised her arm and pointed. ?That one.?

He lifted his arm and laid it along hers, hand over hers, same finger atop hers to point. ?That one there.? He was squinted to make sure they were looking at the same one.

Who could tell? But she didn't question it. They were looking at the same star as far as Eva was concerned. ?Yeah, that one.?

?Gotcha.? Mason?s thumb and forefinger pinched the spot in the sky as if he had just caught the star and plucked it from the velvet night. His arm moved. ?Edge of the moon...? Of the two moons Rhydin had, one was just a sliver tonight. ?How's that for a band??

Eva?s cheeks warmed with color, but she kept her eyes up on the sky, and on his hand as she replied quietly. ?That's perfect.?

Mason brought the star he plucked from the sky, because he never let go the pinch, over towards the sliver of moon. His hand wavered until it looked like just the right spot. Then his fingers opened as if he'd just dropped a stone into a setting. He leaned up on an elbow and thumb and index made a circle to pull the night ring from the sky. He sat up slowly and held his hand out for hers.

Eva hesitated for a moment, which hand to give him, then she twisted to her side a little and gave him her left hand, eyes watching his hands as a means to avoid his eyes for the moment.

Mason took her hand in his and slid circled fingers around her ring finger. Had anyone seen them they would have thought them crazy. Adults lost in make believe. Mason, he thought he saw a glint there on her hand. His eyes crept up when he was done.

Eva raised her eyes to his, and her nervous embarrassment faded, a soft smile curving her lips. She leaned up, and pressed a tender kiss to his lips, then whispered. ?Are you happy??

He whispered back to her ?Yes, kitten....are...are you?? His turn for nervousness as he looked at her.

She nodded, and released a contented sigh as she smiled ? Yeah... I am.? Her body curled against his on the ice, and she lowered her head back to his shoulder ?Very.?

Oh god, how Mason smiled. He laid back on the ice. His arm tucking around her as he looked up at the stars again.



?So you?re taking her to a smelly old pond?? Tom paused in his work of setting the tables for the Guerrilla Gourmet event that night and just stared at Mason.

The question jolted Mason out of his stroll down memory lane. The knife in his hand started rocking again to dice the shallots. ?It?s not a smelly old pond. It?s romantic. And besides it is frozen over.?

Tom started to laugh. ?So a smelly old frozen pond. How is that romantic??

?Because it?s revisiting a date we had a few years ago.? Mason scraped the shallots into a prep bowl. ?And it will be better. A five course meal made by me instead of a bowl at the noodle stand. I?ve got lighting for the footpath, a tent pavilion for the candlelight dinner. Music to dance to instead of slipping, sliding and falling on the ice. I have it all planned out. All that?s left is talking to one of her brothers and I?m all set.?

Mason straightened up, grinning. ?And next Saturday there is no forecast for sleet or snow.?

Tom shook his head and moved to the next table. ?Okay, okay. But you know what they say about the best laid plans...?

?Yeah yeah.? Mason waved him off of that saying. ?You?ll see, it will be perfect.?

Mason

Date: 2012-10-06 12:33 EST
Hours later Mason was relaxing in the comforting embrace of a hot bath. Eva was perched on the lip of the tub behind him massaging shampoo through his hair. ?Mmmm....?:His eyes closed as he took a few sips of bourbon. ?How did I get this lucky??

?Well... you did feed me pretty good tonight.? There was a smile in her voice as she teased him. ?Tip your head back for me a little, biscuit.? She had a little cup she was going to use to rinse his hair.

He did as she asked and tipped his head back. His eyes opening to try and get a look at her. ?You liked it, really??

Eva paused and looked at him. ?Babe...? She shifted a little so he could see her face. ?It was... incredible. I didn't... I didn't like it... I loved it.?

?You were the only one I really wanted to impress.? He said quietly.

?You succeeded.? Eva smiled as she said it. Her hand on his forehead to protect his eyes, she gently spilled water from the cup over his hair, rinsing out the shampoo. ?And I definitely wasn't the only one impressed.?

It was true, the event had gone exceptionally well. The guests enjoyed the food, the service and the cooking performance. It was a show as much as it was a gourmet meal. Lucrative as well. That was the reason Mason had decided to keep doing them even after he had enough to buy the ring. It was something both he and Eva could share to make their life together comfortable.

After rinsing his hair and conditioning it, Eva finally slipped into the tub behind him. A little shifting, splashing and tickling, Mason leaned back and rested his head on the front of her shoulder.

Eva was quiet for a few moments, hesitating over something until she finally stumbled out with it. ?Babe... can I... can I ask you something??

?Of course, kitten. You can ask me anything you want.? Mason turned his head a little to try and see her face.

She knew he was trying to look at her, but she didn't move to make that easier. ?I know.... I mean.... you said that... that the thing tonight was... was ours... but.... but why didn't you tell me about it? I mean... before....?? She was trying to make the question casual, but there was a little bit of hurt in her voice.

Crap. Here was the tricky part. He couldn't tell her the absolute truth. He couldn't tell her that this wasn't the first time and that he had started it to make money to buy a ring for her. But he could tell her part of the truth. ?I wasn't sure it would work and I didn't want you to see me fail.?

?Oh.? That was not an "Oh" that was satisfied with his answer. She kept up her gentle caress of his chest, but she sighed a little. ?Okay.? It was not okay at all.

Mason was quiet for a few minutes. Tom?s words from earlier came back to him ?Okay, okay. But you know what they say about the best laid plans...? Mason twisted and looked at Eva.That old saying about best laid plans never told you that your plans would be undone by the soft sigh and look of hurt in the eyes of the one you loved. ?We have to go out.?

Mason

Date: 2012-10-09 14:52 EST
? Mason, it's freezing outside! Your hair is wet. Why do we have to go out? It's late already.?

?Because I'm not telling you the whole truth and to do that we have to go somewhere.? There was an edge to his voice. It wasn't bad, just said he wasn't going to tell her unless they went out.

Eva rolled her eyes as Mason got up an out of the tub. ?Jesus.? She'd been hurt before, but now she was irritated. He was lying to her and somehow that made it her problem, her problem so that she needed to go out into the freezing cold, in the middle of the night, now that she finally got out of her fancy clothes and that damn lingerie. She wasn't saying anything, but in her head, she was starting to get really worked up.

Eva tried to contain her mood as they got dressed. But Mason seemed to be getting more and more nervous. This was so not what he had planned. They should both be all dressed up for a night of romance, not in jeans and sweaters.

Out on the street Mason flagged down a cab. In his perfect plan they would have been getting into Lil?s posh carriage that he had arranged to borrow for that night. Mason murmured directions to the cabbie before settling beside Eva in the back seat. Despite her being annoyed at him she did slip her hand into his when he reached for her.

Eva leaned towards him a little, but she looked away from him, out the window as the cab drove along. ?I thought you were tired... I just wanted you to have a good night...? She was practically muttering to herself. ?Shouldn't have said something til tomorrow....?

?Hey...kitten. I am having a good night.? Mason gave her hand a squeeze.

Eva glanced at him, still frowning a little, but she nodded. She was quiet another moment before speaking. She couldn't hold onto her hurt this long, now that it was out. Especially because she had no idea why they had to go to out right now. ?You didn't... you didn't have to lie to me... I mean... you didn't really lie... it's just... you didn't have to keep it from me... I mean... I wish... I just wish you felt comfortable failing in front of me... I mean... I don't... I don't know why you were worried about that...?

Mason sighed. ?That's only a small part of it, babe. But..I can't help it, part of me still wants to impress you.?

?You do impress me...? Eva shifted a little, trying to look at him more. ?It impresses me even when you just try.... I mean... even.... even coming up with the idea for that... I mean.... I never would have thought of that, but you did!? Eva was getting animated again, her eyes imploring him to understand her. ?Even if it didn't work out, it would have impressed me.?

Mason couldn't help it. He started to smile a little. Seeing her get so animated, telling him that he impressed her. He lifted her hand in his, even though she had a glove on he kissed it softly. ?Thank you.?

He certainly had not planned a fight on their perfect night. His smile soothed her a lot. He could see her irritation fading a little, and a smile threatening her lips.

The cab pulled to a stop just outside the glen. Mason reached over the seat and paid the driver before he opened the door. He reached back inside for Eva's hand to help her out. It was cold. But it was also quiet, the sounds of the city dampened by the snow heavy trees.

?We still need to be here, babe?? Eva asked, confused. Hadn't they just made up in the cab? What else was there?

?This way.? Mason tucked their joined hands into the pocket of his coat and started them walking.

Mason

Date: 2012-11-23 14:22 EST
The snow crunched softly under their feet, breaths lifting little smoke clouds above their heads. For his perfect night this path would have been lit by fairy lights but tonight they had to rely on light from the moon and a half that hung up in the sky. Mason kept glancing at her, trying to see if she recognized where they are going.

For Eva confusion had turned to mild annoyance again. But she kept trying to shove it down. She was too cold to pay much attention to their path, her head down, leaning into him a little, trying to stay warm as she walked.

Eventually they came into a clearing with a frozen pond. It was the same one she had brought him to one night when they had first started dating. Over there would have been the heated tent with a gourmet meal he would have cooked for her. Soft music would have been playing, candles...total romance. Tonight it was only moonlight and glistening snow. Mason grinned as they stopped at the edge. ?Look familiar??

When Eva finally looked up, of course she recognized it. She went running up here all the time when she wanted to get away. ?Yeah...? Eva said quietly as a smile started to form. They had been up here a few times actually. After the first time, they came back to swim a couple times in the summer, and then once on Valentine's day, a night not much different than this. ?Is it solid??

"One way to find out.? Mason took a step out onto the snow covered ice. He smiled at her and tugged her out onto the ice. Eva laughed as her sneakers slid on the ice. Mason turned to face her, taking her other hand in his to steady them both as they slid out towards the middle of the frozen pond. On the perfect night he had envisioned there would have been a carpet runner for them to walk on.

?I love it here.? Eva smiled as she looked at him. But there was a question in her smile. What were they doing there? They were okay, weren't they?

Mason pulled her close as he saw that question in her eyes. His smile softened, his voice quiet. ?Dance with me.?

Eva blushed a little, a soft laugh tripping over her lips. She was happy to be close with him. It was warmer, and of course, it was him. She put one gloved hand on his shoulder, and then reached for his hand. ?We need music.?

Mason glanced around in search of some inspiration. He didn't find it in the snow covered landscape. He found it in what they were doing. He started to hum. A song from one of those old movies they had gone to see on a date night. His deep voice was soft as he settled his cheek against hers and started to sing. ?Heaven, I'm in heaven. And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak and I seem to find the happiness I seek...when we're out together dancing cheek to cheek....?

Eva?s smile deepened at the song he picked. ?I think you sang that last time we were here...? She remembered, dancing just like this. Whatever they were doing there, she knew they were okay.

?Did I?? He continued to hum, singing another phrase here and there as they danced around slowly until he dipped her back. ? ...and I seem to find the happiness I seek, when we're out together dancing cheek to cheek.? Mason pulled her back up and hugged her close. His face buried in the cool crisp fall of hair from beneath her cap. He breathed in deeply, inhaling her scent as he liked to do.

She pulled him tighter to her, leaning on him, letting her eyes close. She still didn't understand this. But he seemed to need it. So that was okay with her. She could dance with him in the ice and snow any night he needed.

It was now or never. That little annoying voice in the back of his mind was getting louder. She's gonna say no. You aren't marrying material. Why would she want to marry a loser like you? Mason took a deep breath and lifted his head. ?You think we can find it?? He was referring to the other thing they had done that night.

?Our star?? Eva knew what he meant of course. She pulled back from him and tipped her head up, as if she could see it standing there with him. Out in the woods, the sky was so clear that even with a full moon and a half, you could see the stars.

?No.. we have to do it right.? He let go of her hands so he could sit down then he offered his hands to her to help her sit beside him without her falling on her ass.

She lowered slowly, carefully, laughing as she almost slipped again, sitting half on him, half on the ice, before settling back beside him. ?Sorry.? She reached for his hand, laid down on her back so she could look up at the sky. ?Let's see...?

Mason prayed his hand wasn't shaking as she held it. With his other hand he pointed up at the sky way off to the side. ?That one??

?No...? She dragged their hands back closer, over their heads, picking out a particularly shiny one. She pointed with a fuzzy gloved finger, trying to guide his hand. ?See it??

?That one?? Again he had moved their hands to point at a different star.

? No! Mason....? She nudged him, laughing, and tried to drag his hand back to the one she'd picked out. ?That one.?

He laughed as she dragged his hand until he was pointing at it too. "Are you sure? I think you're wrong.? Mason thought that would distract her enough that she wouldn't notice him reaching into his pocket with his other hand.

?Am I sure?? She laughed again, nudging him one more time, assuming he was teasing her. ?I'm pointing right at it! That's the one.? Of course she had no idea, but she could convince herself that she recognized the sparkle.

This was it.

?No no... that's not it. I told you I'd pull it down for you but I don't want to pull down the wrong one. I think it's that one.?

Mason lifted his other hand and pointed just beside the star she was pointing to. His finger in her line of sight and something glittered there. With the snow and moonlight the facets of the diamond sparkled brightly on the ring on the tip of his finger. Mason turned his head to watch her reaction when she noticed it.

It took her a second. She was about to complain to him that he was pointing to the wrong one, her mouth opened - but empty of sound. Her lips closed and she stared. Even laying there on the ice, she felt like all of the blood rushed suddenly out of her head. The smile fell from her face, and her lips parted for a whisper. ?Oh god....? As soon as she said the words, her gloved hand dropped to cover her mouth, to stop herself from speaking. Her eyes filled with tears. And she was filled with an unspeakable emotion. Dread and joy, tangled up in a tight exhilarating ball centered in her chest.

He heard the whisper and he instantly started to worry. Crap! Crap! Mason shifted and rolled so he could get up on one knee. His gaze sought hers. ?I don't think I knew that night. But tonight... tonight I know without a doubt...?.He reached for the hand she wasn't trying to swallow and held it gently. His voice a little shaky with emotion, and a bit of worry. ? Elinor McCall....will you do me the honor of being my wife?? He cleared his throat. ?Will you marry me??

Mason held his breath.

Mason

Date: 2013-01-03 14:29 EST
As Mason shifted to one knee, Eva moved to sit up, her eyes on his. She wasn't expecting it. She was so not expecting it, she didn't know what to say or do. She knew he was asking her something, but she didn't hear the words. Tears slipped down her cheeks, her brow in a deep furrow. In her eyes there was so much uncertainty. What if she screwed it up? What if she hurt him? Lost him? Did something wrong? "Are... are you sure?? she stammered out quietly.

She was crying, that wasn't fair. Mason swallowed thickly, trying to stop his eyes from welling up as well. ?I've never been surer of anything in my life.? He took a slow breath, already he was steeling himself for her to say no.

Eva sat there a moment, trying to stop her crying, but unable to. When she finally asked her next question, her voice was watery, barely able to keep it together. "Do you... do you think... do you think your mom would approve?? She knew his family was gone. But she needed the blessing of his family.

No fair again! There was no stopping a few tears escaping now. "I know she would. Dad, he would have buddied up to you. Shared inside jokes with you?. Mason sniffled. ?Lil approves.? She was like the closest thing he had to living family. "She even hit me on the back of the head so I would never forget to treat you right.?

She laughed at that, through the tears, lifting her hand to wipe her face with her glove. She sniffled, her eyes on his. "You talked to John....?? It was half statement, half question. She wouldn't ask him to talk to Gus - that would be inappropriate. But John was the right one to talk to in her mind.

Crap! On the perfect night he would have already talked to John. "No.... I wanted to, but I...oh god... I'm really messing this up aren't I??

"No!? Kind of, but she wanted to reassure him. But she couldn't help feeling it was important to her. "No... I mean...? She sniffled. ?You're not messing it up... but.... but I just....? She tipped her head one way, then the other, and looked up at him, pleading quietly. ?Could you??

?You think he's still up?? He was completely serious.

?Now?? Both brows lifted. That was a 'no.' She looked at him a moment, then realized. She pulled her hands from him, and cupped his face in both of her gloved hands, making sure he was looking at her. ?Mason.... yes.? That was her answer. Yes, yes, yes, she would marry him. But at some point, and soon, he was gonna have to talk to John.

Mason stared at her. For a second his mind was caught on her expression, no. Then his brow crinkled, an uncertain smile wavered. ?Yes.....? You said yes?? He needed to hear it one more time.

Eva?s eyes started tearing up again and she nodded. ?Yes... I mean..? Then she just blurted out what she was thinking before she could stop herself. "I'm so scared, Mason.?

?YES! SHE SAID YES!? Now a few snow owls and woodland creatures were scared too as Mason's yell rang through the crisp night. He took a deep breath and even though he had a smile plastered to his lips it was clear he was sincere. ?I'm scared too, kitten. So many ways I could fail you....fail us...but...I'm more scared of letting you slip away.?

She laughed at his shout, and it released the tension that the fear had created. And his words were so reassuring. She nodded at them, and then leaned suddenly towards him, trying to get her arms around his shoulders. ?Me too.?

Mason fell back on his butt as she suddenly lunged a hug at him. His arms went around her to pull her close to him. ? And this is the real reason I didn't tell you about Guerilla Gourmet. I started it to earn money to get my kitten a rock she deserves?
.
?Oh... oh god...? She was gonna start crying again. Suddenly it all made sense. She loosened her hold of him and leaned back and finally looked down, trying to look for the ring, really for the first time since she'd seen it glimmering on the tip of his finger.

?Wait...is this a good cry or a bad one?? Mason stammered as he watched her finally getting a good look at the ring.The stone was a very decent size, close enough to a full carat to call it that. The band, platinum. There was a small bit of filigree around the setting but for the most part it was elegant in it's simplicity.

?Good... it's good.? She laughed through her tears. She was touched, deeply. He'd been working secretly to save money for a ring. How could she not feel touched? She reached for his hand, but she didn't take off her gloves. She just looked at the ring on his finger and whispered. "It's beautiful.?

?Like you.? Mason?s smile softened as he watched her. Then suddenly. ?Damn...? He looked up at the sky then around quickly. "Oh...? He reached into his pocket and fished out his lighter. "Hold this...? He handed the ring to her. ? It's got an inscription.? He cupped his hands around the lighter and flicked it on to give her light to see the inscription. In a nice cursive scroll it said ?I got you, babe.?

For a moment she looked like she didn't want to hold the ring, but of course she took it from him. Her fuzzy gloved fingers had a little trouble holding the ring to see the inscription, but when she did, her eyes started to fill with tears all over again, and once more she was crying. She had to believe she deserved this. "I deserve this.? she whispered.

Mason hunched down a little more to try and see her expression and whispered back. ?You do.? He reached one hand and curled his fingertips beneath her chin, lifting gently. ?OW!? He shook his other hand as he had left the lighter burning and it was starting to overheat. He looked back at Eva. "I love you, Elinor.? Before she even had to worry about saying it back to him he was kissing her. Tenderly, lovingly, happily...she had said yes.

She returned his kiss, salty from her tears, but just as loving, tender, and happy as he was. She let her eyes close a moment, trying to find her center, then leaned back from the kiss and looked up at him. ?But you have to talk to John, okay??

?Okay. I will, I promise.?