Chapter 4: City In The Clouds

  Wednesday, December 25th. In the apartment, Mason and Aria leave their rooms and lean against their doors with their arms crossed.

  Aria: Well, well, well. Looks like we have two big old presents under that tree. You know, there's only one way to choose who gets theirs first.

  Mason: So it would seem.

  They run into the living room, tackling atop each-other to get to their presents under the Christmas tree. Mason manages to struggle his gift out first and he stands in victory.

  Mason: Looks like you're just a bit too slow!

  Aria: Ah, Man!

  Aria puts her gift on the coffee table and they sit on the couch.

  Aria: Well, I hope you like it.

  Mason tears open his gift and pulls out a silver necklace with a round piece on the end that has a smile on it.

  Aria: You can open the little locket.

  Mason opens the locket and sees a picture of himself and a picture of Aria.

  Aria: If I do ever move away from here, I want you to remember me.

  Mason starts tearing up.

  Aria: I can return it if-

  Mason: I like it. I just wasn't expecting something this nice.

  Mason wipes away the tears and smiles at Aria.

  Mason: Thank you. You should open mine.

  Aria opens her gift and pulls out a gold version of Mason's necklace. The pictures on the inside are almost the same as the ones in his.

  Mason: I guess we think alike.

  Aria hugs Mason with a big smile on her face.

  Aria: You're gonna make a lucky lady really happy one day!...

  Mason's arms start to move around her when Aria stands up and starts walking towards the bathroom.

  Aria: I'll go try it on!

  As Aria enters the bathroom, Mason's phone rings and he answers it.

  Mason: Who's this?

  Keanu: It's Keanu. I see that you've kept her safe.

  Mason: Hey! What took you so long?

  Keanu: Joel Valentine and his son, Vinny, are dead. Aria is safe. Until we meet, farewell.

  Keanu hangs up and Mason puts his phone down as Aria walks into the living-room with her necklace around her neck.

  Aria: Who was that?

  Mason: Keanu. He says you're safe. Mafia lost interest.

  Aria: W-Wow... So, what now?

  Mason: Let's celebrate! How about we go to that New Year's festival in Asgard?

  Aria: I'd love that! Just, remember to pack this time.

  After two days, Mason and Aria walk to the train station with one suitcase each at 2 PM. They both have their coats zipped up and white gloves on because of the snowy weather. They walk through the crowded station and make it to the ticket master.

  Mason: Two tickets to Asgard.

  Wayne: Going to the big festival?

  Mason: Yeah. Hopefully, this trip will be less exciting.

  Wayne takes out two tickets to Asgard.

  Wayne: Yes. I heard about that shooting at the Olympics. Anyway, that'll be 1,000 dollars.

  Mason: A thousand? But, it's a fourth as long as the trip to Jotunheim.

  Wayne: Asgard is an expensive city. Just, be glad it isn't Vanaheim.

  Mason gives Wayne the thousand dollars and he gives Mason the tickets.

  Wayne: The next train to Asgard should be here any minute. Have a nice day.

  Mason: You too.

  Mason and Aria step out onto the boarding platform.

  Mason: The queen lives in Asgard, right?

  Aria: Unless she made up with king Unger. Why?

  Mason: It would be cool to meet her.

  Aria: Okay... What's the real reason?

  Mason: We have the same last name. She might be my mother, or at least know something about her.

  Aria: Why would you want to know someone who didn't want you?

  Mason: … I never got the luxury of knowing my family hated me. Even if they're horrible, I'd rather know it than wonder forever...

  Aria: I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to come out like that.

  Mason: I know.

  Before long, a train with ten cars pulls up to the station and everyone starts boarding it. Mason and Aria put their luggage under some seats and they sit next to each other.

  Aria: Even if we don't meet the queen, it'll still be cool to see the castle...

  Mason stares blankly through the window with his head resting on his fist as the train starts moving.

  Mason: Yeah. Anyway, what else do you wanna do in the next three days?

  Aria: Probably see all the sights and eat at some fancy restaurants. Maybe we could see that Seven Deadly Sinners movie.

  Mason: I'd like to see one of those fancier theaters.

  Aria: Maybe they'll serve us popcorn in a silver bowl.

  Mason turns to Aria with a smile.

  Mason: And soda in a golden chalice.

  The train arrives outside of Asgard at 8 PM. The passengers step off onto a train station that looks the same as the one in Hjarta Steinn. As they leave the station, they're met with a rock wall on the right and an iron gate with a brick wall around it on the left. A black man in silver armor with a golden zweihander stands atop the gate.

  Heimdall: I Am The All Seeing Heimdall! I Can See Your Heart's Desires From Near And Far! I Have Determined That You All May Enter Asgard! Do Not Waste This Privilege!

  Heimdall thrusts his blade down into the gate and it lifts upwards as people flood into the city. Mason and Aria are some of the last people to pass the gate onto a bridge over roaring water. Mason follows the water with his eyes to a waterfall at the top of the mountain. A rock wall rests on the right side of the stream as a dense city, that rests on four gigantic stair-steps with paths leading up and down at both ends, stands on the left. There appears to be a small church above the city.

  Mason: Wow.

  Aria: Sure is beautiful. We'll have to come back in the daytime.

  Mason: For sure. Anyway, let's find that hotel. Look for signs that say “Majesty”.

  They walk through the crowded city streets for a while before finding the Majesty hotel on the third of four layers of the city. Aria is the first to see the hotel.

  Aria: There it is!

  Mason: Finally. Time for a fancy bed.

  A gunshot suddenly rings out from the crowd behind them. The people in the crowd scatter and Aria runs inside the hotel, leaving Mason to look at some poor woman with a hole in the back of her head.

  Mason: W-What on Earth?… (Where'd the shooter go?)

  Mason looks around, but can't see anything and guards start swarming the scene.

  Mason: (Gotta get Dante here and find Aria)

  Mason walks into the hotel and calls Elise on his phone.

  Mason: Hey, Elise. I'll need to call in a favor.

  Elise: Is this urgent?

  Mason: As urgent as murder gets. If you don't mind, I'll need you to get Dante here.

  Elise: Where are you?

  Mason: The Majesty in Asgard.

  Elise: I'll see what I can do.

  Mason: Thank you.

  He hangs up his phone and looks around the empty lobby for Aria.

  Mason: Aria!

  A man from behind the counter speaks.

  Barry: Are you looking for the red-headed woman? She ran into the bathroom on your right.

  Mason: Thanks.

  Mason walks into the women's bathroom at the right of the welcome desk and finds Aria hunched over a sink. Her hands rest at the sides of the sink, her head is turned downward, and her face is one of sad disgust. Mason sets his luggage down, walks up to her, and notices her puke in the sink. He then starts rubbing her shoulders.

  Aria: A-Are they here to kill me?

  Mason: Nobody's going to kill you. That out there was just some coward murderer.

  Aria: S-Someone's dead? Oh gosh.

  Mason: Don't worry about it. I'll deal with it... Let's get you to bed.

  Aria washes out the sink and cleans her mouth. They then pick up their luggage and walk to the front desk.

  Mason: Room for Mason Dreemurr.

  Barry: One moment...

  The man looks at his computer.

  Barry: There you are. A room for two.

  The man gives Mason a key to room 324.

  Mason: By the way, a friend of mine will be here soon. Could you go ahead and charge another room to my card?

  Barry: For how long?

  Mason: As long as that case out there takes.

  Barry: I'll see what I can do.

  Mason: Thanks.

  Meanwhile, there's a small, single-room apartment in Hjarta Steinn with a kitchen on the right side next to a small bathroom with a shower. There's a window above a small bed with red sheets and pillows. Dante is in the bed in his robe, watching a small TV that's on the kitchen counter.

  Dante: Ugh! Isn't there anything good on? Maybe politics will be interesting.

  He flips the channel to the news.

  News: With that, Benjamin Jeremy Taylor, along with an anonymous contributor, has finished construction on the Star Fight tower just one mile away from Hjarta Steinn, but what is this piece of architecture going to be used for? And, what is the meaning of the name “Star Fight?” For now, we may just have to wait for the answer. Back to you Mike.

  Mike: Thanks, news anchor. So, Jay, have you heard of the petition to get the government to see what weird secrets could be in that Star Fight place?

  Jay: Well, that's stupid. Since when does the government look into things that are worth looking into?

  Mike: That's right, Jay! It seems that this petition will be about as effective as me trying to quit drinking.

  Dante: Why do I pay for this crap?

  Just then, a knock comes from his door and he gets up and opens it to see Elise.

  Dante: What's going on? A case?

  Elise: Get dressed. Mason needs your help in Asgard.

  Dante: Did the vacation go that poorly already?

  Elise: There's been a murder.

  Dante: Finally!

  Dante walks into the closet to the left on the front door.

  Dante: Been waiting for a murder case since I became an apprentice!

  After a few seconds, he leaves the closet fully dressed.

  Dante: Let's Rock, Yo!

  Elise: Alright.

  Elise opens a portal to the Majesty's women's bathroom and they step through it and into the lobby. The lobby is mirrored on both sides, except for the bathroom signs on either side. There are sets of couches, coffee tables, and chairs atop zebra-print carpets on both sides of the room. The floor is covered in gold, or something that looks like it. The entrance of the hotel is all glass and there are mats in front of the doors that say “Welcome.” The front desk is pure white and has the name of the hotel above it. There's an elevator at the end of the left and right hallways right before a turn towards the back of the hotel.

  Elise: Mason should likely be here soon.

  Dante: I can wait... So, what do you look like under there? Big scar? Tattoo?

  Elise: I look like a woman.

  Mason walks into the lobby from the right hallway.

  Mason: Thanks again for this.

  Elise: I believe you owe me a favor now. I'll be sure to come up with one.

  Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

  Mason: Anytime.

  Elise walks back into the bathroom.

  Mason: Don't need a coat up here?

  Dante: It ain't that cold. Plus, I've got a coat on all the time. Now, what's the case?

  Mason: Let me show you.

  Mason leads Dante to the brick road outside. There's now emergency tape around the scene with three guards behind it and a crowd of people around it.

  Mason: Pretty fast response time.

  Dante: Likely 'cause the station is just down the street over there. Also, did this just happen?

  Mason: Yeah. Just about ten minutes ago.

  Dante: Haven't got the case yet?

  Mason: Nope, but I don't think there'll be many other takers.

  They walk up to the people guarding the body.

  Felix: Sir, you'll need to stay behind the tape.

  Mason: Most of your detectives are on vacation, right?

  Felix: All of them, actually. This kind of thing never happens this time of year here.

  Mason: Then, this is the point where you let me and my partner through.

  Mason shows the guard his detective's ID. The guard takes the ID and shows it to the man behind him.

  Felix: Hey! This guy wants to investigate. Should we let him?

  Sven: Mason Dreemurr? His career started a year ago and he's solved 52 cases out of an assigned 57. Quite the detective. Let me clear this with the captain.

  The guard uses his radio to contact his captain.

  Sven: We've got Mason Dreemurr here wanting to solve our murder... Yes... Partner too... She's... I'll let them know.

  The guard turns down the radio and gives Mason his ID.

  Sven: There will be a highly important lady supervising your investigation shortly... Where's your badge, sir?

  Mason: Left it at home. Didn't think I'd need it.

  Sven: Should we get you a temporary one?

  Mason: I'll be fine without it.

  A woman with long, black hair, blue eyes, smooth skin, and an all-around regal look about her walks through the crowd of people.

  Lady: Citizens! May your minds be at ease and may your rest be long on this night. If you would kindly, leave this cold street and find a warm place to slumber.

  The crowd of people soon leaves the scene and the three guards walk to the entrance of the hotel as the woman walks up to Mason.

  Mason: You our supervisor?

  Lady: This will be my role tonight. Where shall we begin?

  Mason: First, the body.

  Mason kneels next to the body.

  Lady: Shouldn't you use better gloves?

  Mason: These ones have done me well before.

  The body has short, blond hair and is faced down in a pool of blood.

  Mason: You see a point of impact?

  Dante: Try moving the hair.

  Mason moves the hair on the head and a bullet hole becomes visible.

  Mason: There it is.

  Mason reaches to his right, grabs the body's shoulder, and turns it around.

  Mason: Exit wound just below the left eye.

  Dante: Was there a big crowd?

  Mason: Yeah, people all over.

  Dante: A good chunk of blood splatter probably landed on the people. Probably already got their clothes in the wash by now. There's still a bit in front of her, though. You can follow the angles backwards to that alley next to the hotel.

  Mason: Let's check it.

  Lady: Shouldn't you look for identification?

  Mason: I guess we could do that first.

  Mason opens the body's coat and checks its inner pockets. He pulls out a wallet and opens it.

  Lady: Rosemary Mayflower. Rose was a Republican senator from Vanaheim. She was against the fingerprint-protected guns proposal made earlier this year.

  Mason: Fingerprint guns? How do those work?

  Lady: With the help of Odin Tech, we would make guns that could lock out a user if they don't have the correct fingerprints. All other guns would be replaced.

  Dante: That's stupid. What if someone hacks into a gun? They could disarm an army of guards with just one guy.

  Mason: Anyway, let's see that alley.

  They walk into the alleyway on the right of the Majesty. There are three metal trash cans and some broken cardboard boxes.

  Dante: Now, if this guy's a real idiot, he'd have thrown away the gun right here before disappearing into the crowd.

  Lady: Why is it a bad decision to get rid of a murder weapon?

  Dante: Putting it in the trash isn't getting rid of it if we can still find it.

  Mason opens the first trash can and pulls out a revolver by its barrel.

  Mason: We have an idiot. Now, we bring this to the guys at the lab and see what they come up with.

  Lady: Won't the perpetrator be gone by the time we get our results?

  Dante: How many exits are there to Asgard?

  Lady: Just the one.

  Dante: We'll need to see Heimdall, then.

  Mason: Let's give this to the Guard Post first.

  After giving the weapon to the Guard Post, they walk to the front gate of Asgard.

  Lady: Heimdall! We must speak with you!

  Heimdall jumps off of the gate.

  Heimdall: Whatsoever should it be?

  Mason: There's been a murder on layer three. See any suspicious people?

  Heimdall: If I did, they wouldn't be here.

  Dante: How did I get in, then?

  Heimdall: Perhaps you know a practicing mage, or the ways of the criminal underworld. It would take quite the smart man to illegally enter Asgard uncaught. They may have also been born here, but I would've seen their intentions by now.

  Mason: Then, he hasn't left the city.

  Heimdall: I shall keep this gate closed until this matter is resolved.

  Lady: Thank you, Heimdall.

  Heimdall jumps atop the gate and looks upon the city.

  Mason: Guess that leaves us with some waiting time.

  After two days, they meet again in the captain's office in the Guard Post, which is built just like the one in Hjarta Steinn.

  Bob: The gun you found brought up fingerprints from a man named “Johnathan Joseph,” a programmer from Muspelheim. Our men found him in a structure, one that's set to be demolished soon, yesterday night, but he hasn't confessed to anything yet.

  Dante: We'll get it out of him before he knows it.

  Bob: If you can't, we do have relaxant serum prepared. Relaxes you. Makes you more willing to talk.

  Mason: Sounds like fun. Maybe next time.

  Dante: Be back in a bit.

  Mason, Dante, and the woman walk up to the visiting booths and find John. He is white with brown eyes and long, blond hair.

  Mason: So, you killed that woman? How close were you two?

  John: “Close?” I have no idea who that lady was.

  Mason: A guy kills someone he doesn't know out on the street and leaves with only a single trace?

  John: I didn't kill anyone. Just because I threw away my firearm at that location, that doesn't mean I used it.

  Dante jumps on the seat.

  Dante: Maybe so, but the ballistics test says you fired that weapon that night.

  John: They do, do they? Have you had the thought that another person may have taken it from me?

  Dante: The fingerprint test says that didn't happen. No glove prints, either.

  John: I suppose there's no denying it then. You've backed me into a corner. Yes, I was the one that killed that poor woman two nights ago.

  Dante: Well, that was easy. Why'd you do it?

  John: Don't beg for too many treats, little kitty. You've gotten your confession. Now, leave me to rot away here.

  Mason: (He's already confessed. Why hide something now?) I'm with the cat here. Why'd you do it?

  John: *Sigh* Fine. I'm a programmer, right? I want a Democrat to take this woman's seat. They vote in the gun laws. I take over the guns. Happy now?

  Mason: (This guy's weirdly calm. Who just spews out their whole plan like that?)

  Dante: Thought you didn't know her?

  John: I knew she was a Republican and that's all I needed. Would you let me rot now?

  Dante: If that's all there is.

  Dante looks to Mason.

  Mason: Yeah. Let's get going.

  The three of them start walking downstairs.

  Mason: You think that's all there is?

  Dante: That's all he's giving us right now. It'll get the case solved... Anyway, let's tell the captain we got that confession.

  Mason: No. Tell the captain you got it, and that I said you should be promoted.

  Dante: But... Alright.

  Dante walks into the captain's office.

  Lady: I'll be on my way. This was intriguing. Farewell, guards.

  Guards: Farewell, My Queen!

  Mason: (Queen?)

  The queen walks towards the lobby

  Mason: Wait!

  Mason stops Astral in the lobby.

  Mason: You're the queen? Astral Dreemurr?

  Astral: Yes.

  Mason: Why didn't you tell me sooner?

  Astral: I thought that you would have known.

  Mason: Right, well... Are you my mother? It's a loose thread, but we have the same last name.

  Astral: I cannot give you the solace you desire, Mason. I'm sorry.

  Mason: I thought so. You have a good one.

  Astral: Farewell.

  Mason walks back into the other room and Dante walks out with a detective's badge on.

  Mason: Well, well. How's it feel to be a real detective?

  Dante: Feels like I'll be doing your job more often. Anyway, how's Aria doing?

  Mason: She's feeling better. Should be fine by tomorrow. By the way, you gonna stay for the festival?

  Dante: About that... You know how my dream is to work in some big city on Manus?

  Mason: Of course.

  Dante: Well, there's a spaceport in Vanaheim. Next flight leaves on the 31st at 4 AM. I can make it if I go in the next couple hours.

  Mason: Then, let's not waste them.

  Mason and Dante spend the next two hours getting lunch before going to the front gate of Asgard.

  Dante: Come visit sometime. I'll send you my new address.

  Mason: See you then, little buddy. It's been a bash.

  Mason fist-bumps Dante before he leaves the city. Just as they start going their separate ways, they look back at each-other and smile one last time.

  Mason: (Yeah, I'm gonna miss that cat)

  Another day passes in Asgard in peace and, that following night, Mason and Aria take a stroll. They find themselves in front of a structure on the fourth layer of the city that looks like a gothic church with a massive yard that has a metal fence around it. Somewhere in the city, Moonlight Sonata is playing on an organ.

  Aria: He really told you that quickly?

  Mason: Yeah. Something about that guy was off... Anyway, this is the castle?

  Aria: Isn't it beautiful?

  Mason: It looks like a church. I like the style.

  Aria: That reminds me. Are you a Christian?

  Mason: I uh... I never really thought about that sort of thing. What about you?

  Aria: Yes. I've been one most of my life.

  Mason: Cool. (Maybe I should start thinking about that stuff)

  In the park in front of the castle, they find a wood bench and sit on it.

  Mason: This is my kind of beauty... I bet you can see half the continent from here.

  Aria: You know, if you had a girlfriend, this would be the best place for your first kiss.

  Mason: What do you think I should look for in a woman?

  Aria: Probably someone you have a lot in common with. Someone who believes in what you do. Someone you really like. Also, someone really hot!

  Mason: Heh. That sounds pretty good. (Kiss Her!)

  Aria: I know that's what I'd want in a guy... It sure is cold out here.

  Mason: Let's head back to the hotel. I think I can see a snow cloud coming in.

  They get up and walk to the lobby of the Majesty.

  Aria: Man! I could really go for a snack right now.

  Mason: I'll go get something for you.

  Aria: But, it's about to snow.

  Mason: Yeah. Want anything in particular?

  Aria: Just some milk chocolate, and maybe a soda?

  Mason: I'll get a cherry and a grape. Be right back.

  Aria: Hey!

  Aria hugs Mason.

  Aria: You're the best friend a girl could ask for.

  With that, Aria leaves Mason there.

  Mason: (She She She doesn't care about me the same way. That That's fine. Just get the snacks and come back)

  Mason drags his weight as he walks outside.

  Dante: You Idiot! Why would she ever care about you?

  Astral: No woman will ever care about you. You have no family. You come from nothing. You are nothing!

  Aria: Stupid Mason. I know you care about me, I just don't care about you.

  Mason: AAH!!!

  Reality around Mason shatters like glass and falls into the black void at his feet. All the color in his body turns white and two chains wrap around his arms, one blue and the other red. At the end of the red chain, there's a red Mason.

  Mason: You Weren't Good ENOUGH!

  The red Mason starts pulling his chain. At the end of the blue chain, there's a blue Mason.

  Mason: All I wanted in life was someone like her. I guess it just wasn't meant to be.

  The blue Mason starts pulling his chain. The power of the red and blue terribly rip up the white Mason's arms as he falls to his knees in agony. Once they're done, they vanish and the white one falls on his face. Then, out of the darkness comes a dark haired Angel with pure-white clothing. The Angel picks up Mason and cradles him in her arms. Before long, his colors return to him.

  Mason: M-Mother?

  Lilith: Dreemurr. My name is Lilith. Come find me. You are my only hope.

  Mason wakes up in a bed. To his left, there's a table with a lamp on it, another bed, and a big window. In front, there's a TV on a dresser. To the right, there's the front door and the bathroom, which has the sink on the outside. Aria sits on the right end of his bed. Mason sits up and sees that his arms are covered in medical wrappings. Aria turns to Mason with tears in her eyes.

  Aria: Why? Why did you do it?

  Mason: Why?! Are you blind to the fact that I want more out of you than just a friend, or are you just willfully ignorant of my emotions? You're just like everyone else. Just leave me and screw yourself.

  He puts on a mad expression and looks down. Aria gently puts her left hand around Mason's right hand.

  Aria: No. I need to know why you cut yourself.

  Mason: If it'll get you outta here quicker. I still have no clue who my parents are, my best friend just left me, and the woman I fell for couldn't care less about me. That good enough for you?

  Mason's eyes start watering as Aria lets a few tears flow.

  Aria: M-Mason, I... I lo...

  Aria looks into Mason's eyes.

  Aria: I want you too...

  Mason: You're just saying that to make me feel better.

  Aria hugs Mason and kisses his left cheek.

  Aria: I want you.

  Mason: B-But, I...

  Mason starts crying hard.

  Mason: I'm So Stupid! What's Wrong With Me?!

  Aria: You're not the only stupid one. I should've told you how I felt sooner.

  Aria starts crying harder.

  Mason: At least you didn't go as far as me.

  Aria holds his face in front of hers.

  Aria: Stop beating yourself up! You're not a bad guy. You just have some issues...

  They start to calm down.

  Aria: Please, tell me about your problems in the future. I want to know what you're going through.

  Mason: And, you deserve to, if you'll be my girlfriend.

  Their tears soon stop flowing and Mason hugs her.

  Aria: Girlfriend?

  Mason: Well, we can date first.

  Aria: I was just thinking, maybe we could move a little faster. I mean, if we've both fallen for each-other...

  Aria blushes.

  Mason: You... You wanna marry me?

  Aria: I do.

  In that moment, the image of Aria in a wedding dress with a heavenly light shining on her face appears in Mason's mind. Then, Aria's eyes water.

  Aria: I think I'm gonna cry again.

  Their arms tighten around each-other, and they smile as they look into one-another's eyes.

  Mason: You know, your eyes are really hypnotizing.

  Aria: Yeah? What are they telling you to do?

  Mason and Aria slowly close their eyes as their heads slowly drift towards each-other. As their lips meet, their breaths stop for a moment as if a spell went through both of their bodies. They both move their right hand to the back of the other's neck to bring their faces even closer together. After a while, the two slowly move an inch away from each-other and open their eyes only partially. Aria is calm, but Mason has to catch his breath. As they look at one-another, they can't help but smile and Aria gently pushes Mason until he's laying down with her laying on top of him.

  Aria: So, marriage. How soon can we get that done?

  Mason: Soon? Don't you want to plan our decorations, and flowers, and send invitations, and-

  Aria: I just want to be with you. I don't want to hold back anymore.

  This answer visibly flusters Mason.

  Mason: Um. W-Well, there's one or two things I have to do first.

  Aria: Like?

  Mason: Like, buying us some wedding rings.

  Aria: I guess that Is kinda important.

  Mason: And, I want to buy a house for us.

  Aria: I don't need a house to be happy with you.

  Mason: Where will we put our kids?

  She giggles and wraps her arms around his neck.

  Aria: I don't know. Never-mind.

  Mason: You're so cute when you laugh.

  Aria: You really mean that?

  He blushes.

  Mason: I said that out loud?

  They both laugh a little.

  Aria: You know, I feel like you compliment me a lot more than I compliment you. I'm sorry. I'm just not that good at that stuff.

  Mason: I don't need compliments to be happy with you.

  Aria: But... You deserve them too.

  Mason: … Well, how do you feel when you look at me?

  Aria: I feel like...

  She blushes and looks down. He then brings her gaze back to his.

  Mason: It's just us. You can say anything.

  Aria: I, uh..... You're... Handsome... You're really handsome.

  The two get excited and lose themselves in each-other's eyes.

  Aria: ….. A-Anyway, while you're busy getting all that done, that'll give me time to pick out a dress. Would you rather something easy or hard to get off?

  She unconsciously bites her lower lip.

  Mason: Anything that doesn't show too much skin. I want you to myself.

  He whispers in her ear;

  Mason: All to myself.

  Aria: Same to you, handsome.

  The two kiss deeply once more and then she rests her head on his chest.

  Aria: Could you turn that lamp off?

  Mason: Of course.

  He turns the light off and holds her in the dark.

  Mason: … Might not get any sleep tonight.

  Aria: Me neither.

  He blushes again.

  The End Of Book 1:

  Mason Dreemurr: You Are (Not) Alone

  Written By

  Joshua F.R. Chitwood

  Inspired By

  A Certain Stranded Porter

  “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence”

  -Aristotle