jasonxamato

[jasonxamato]

starter for @ameriecelestino

location: amerie's place

Planning a trip with Amerie had proved to require more patience that he expected. Every time they went to make any progress, something came up. This time, it was Shane's nap. When Amerie reappeared at the table, he looked up from the scattered notes at the table. "He go down okay?" His voice was laced with genuine concern. Jason watched her closely, "Anything I can do for you right now?" He said, a softness in his voice that he only reserved for her nowadays. It wasn't that he was just offering to help, but rather that he wanted to help.

[jasonxamato]

Jason leaned an elbow on the bar, studying the man for a moment. He could tell that the other was carrying something from the day. "One of those days?" He questioned, having the bartender put the man's bourbon on his tab. "Might need another two bourbons." Jason said, "You kind of look like you've been stuck in your head for a day too long." A feeling that he was too familiar with. "No pressure to talk about it, happy to drink in silence, too." @berkanxyilmaz

As the man joined him at the bar, Berkan took another sip of his drink. His mind was still going over and over the case he lost the other day and he was beating himself up about it. It only made things worse when he spotted the family on his drive to work that morning. He saw the kid crying and the parents fighting. If only the judge had ruled differently. He sighed as the other talked and he shrugged. “Guess so.” He told the man and nodded. “I could use that bribe.” He looked at the bartender. “Another bourbon.” @jasonxamato

[jasonxamato]

Jason chuckled, "Guess I'll take that as a compliment," he joked with the man, shaking his head slowly. "Lots of spy movies, huh? Which one has been his favorite?" He questioned, a raise of his brow following the end of his words. "Bring whomever you want," he shrugged his shoulders, "honestly, the more the merrier. I'm not picky and while I'm a patient man," he had to be an as avid hiker. In fact, it was all his hiking trips that brought more patience to the man, "this project of making the home lived in is way overdue." He said with small bout of laughter. @vincentxcastro

Vincent smiled and shake his head. "Is that so? All I know that is you have this cool, chill and also maybe a tiny mysterious vibe too. All seem perfect for being a spy," he chuckled shaking his head. "You are also proving my point too but, maybe it's because I have been watching spy movies lately since my youngest is currently into spies," he sighed softly.

"I might not say no to that and might even bring some friends along. I might know someone who is looking for a project," he spoke raising a brow with a grin on his face. "It takes time." @jasonxamato

[jasonxamato]

starter for @berkanxyilmaz

location: wingman's pub

The leather stool he sat on was worn but still comfortable as he settled onto it at the corner of the dimly lit bar. "Mind if I join you?" He had already sat, but it looked like both men were at the local pub alone. There was easy conversation, humming around the establishment from almost everyone but a few people at the bar. "You look like you can use a drinking buddy," he half-joked, "or rather, I could if you're free." He said, ordering a beer on draft from the bartender as he was approached. "Next round's on me if I need to bribe you as a new friend."

[jasonxamato]

"A spy?" He chuckled with a shake of his head, "That's one I haven't heard before." Jason teased, "I've been told I'm low-key," he said, using a word he picked up from his younger colleagues, "I blend into the background. So if you need help learning to do that," he joked, laughter bubbling over his lips. "That's pretty awesome," Jason admitted, raising his brow as Vincent spoke. "I'm going to have to have you come and interior design my place." He joked with him, "I'm still working on making it have the whole lived in feeling." @vincentxcastro

Vincent could not help himself and a small chuckle escaped his lips. He really enjoyed Jason's company and the other's friendship as well. Jason was a chill guy with a vibe that matches Vincent. "I have no doubt that you will be teaching me a few things. Why do I feel you have some super hidden talent like a spy or something," he added teasing the other. "Honestly, it was when I first got my place after college, I had this small apartment that looked terrible when I first moved in. I did a lot research and I had helped from my friends some who were fashion and design majors." @jasonxamato

[jasonxamato]

"Hey," he chuckled softly, giving her a reassuring smile, "I meant it when I said I'm on board with it." He wouldn't make the mistake of starting off something new with her based on lies. Jason refused to be like his parents in so many ways. "I didn't have anything grand up my sleeve, if I'm being honest. I didn't want to go over the top and scare you off. I'm just glad you said yes." His smile warmed as he spoke, "That's all that really matters." Jason held out his hand, "Let's go. We can take my car," he suggested, "stop and pick up the food and then I think I know the perfect spot to eat." @ameriecelestino

"Unless there is anything else you'd like, of course!" Amerie had quickly added, "It was just the first thing that came to mind, but I know it isn't for everyone. I'm relaxed." A small moment of panic in case Jason had gone out of his way to plan something for them tonight. The last thing she wanted was for her ideas to mess anything up. Though his words brought her comfort while her cheeks flustered into a deeper shade of red. "Me too." She smiled genuinely. "Shall we?" @jasonxamato

[jasonxamato]

"No," he shook his head, "I don't have any family here but I do have a good friend that lives here and after everything went downhill, I figured I'd give Kismet a shot. He's been here a while and has always spoken highly of it." Jason continued as he spoke to Natalie. "I'm sorry to hear about your mom," he knew Coastal Haven was an elderly care facility. It almost made Jason wish he had a closer relationship with his parents, but then he was quickly reminded of the hell his parents put him through. "It sounds like you're both doing something good here, though." He told her, "What got you into law?" @natalie-makan

Natalie smiled at his sentiment. "It certainly seems like that's the case for a lot of people here. Almost like this place lives up to the definition of its name, literally kismet." She noted. "Do you have family here? Anyone make the move with you?" The attorney inquired, not wanting to pry but, questions were often how you were able to learn about someone and turn a stranger into an acquaintance, or even a friend. "Like I mentioned, my partner, Leo, we moved together but my mom is also at Coastal Haven. It was difficult, not having her live with us and I felt guilty at first, but it's the best and safest spot for her so it was the right choice."

[jasonxamato]

He gave the man's hand a steady shake, not flinching at the firm grip. "Nice to meet you, Cael." Jason stated in return, dropping his hand from the other's as he did so. "But yeah," his head nodded a few times, "that path seems like it could be trouble when it is wet." Jason had been exploring Kismet Harbor for some time now, but he still felt like he had not seen it all. "You hike often?" Jason question, genuinely curiously. @caelxmontgomery

[jasonxamato]

"That's commitment," he chuckled with his own words as the other man came to realize just how long he had been in Kismet Harbor. "I'm liking it more than I expected. The pace is slower but the people are good." And there was the unexpected romance that he was finding himself in with Amerie. "It's got a rhythm, but it's just taken me some time to slow down and find it." And as he did, Jason was enjoying Kismet Harbor more and more. "I have to say, it's still a little weird getting used to people knowing everyone's business before the first cup of coffee. Word sure does travel fast around here." He'd experienced it a handful of times over the last year, listening in on conversations. @nathanielxlevy

"That it is." Nate agreed before nodding again. "Yeah. I've been here about..." He took a moment to think just how long it had been. "Sixteen years now. Jesus." He chuckled a little bit as he realized it had really been that long now. "Sometimes it feels like longer, but also not that long, you know?" He chuckled as he talked to his colleague. He hadn't been able to talk to him like this yet so it was nice to do so. "How are you liking it so far?" @jasonxamato

[jasonxamato]

"Sounds like we have both done our fair share of flipping the script." He chuckled, a nod to follow. "The best moves sometimes come when you're running full speed." He let out a small laugh, "That is good timing, though." Jason continued, "One of you chasing something, the other needing out," he trailed off a moment, "I can't imagine the perfect scenario like that happens often." A smile grew, "It's a great place to work. I was lucky to find my way here. I'm happy with where I've ended up even when it wasn't at all what I expected." @natalie-makan

The raven haired woman nodded empathetically. "I definitely have some experience with having your world turned upside down in an instant." Thankfully it seemed they'd both ended up somewhere better for having dealt with it. Natalie chuckled slightly at his inquiry and shrugged. "I think I did, but it was gradual. My partner,on the other hand, he got a full serving of it right away." She noted, pausing briefly to take a sip of her drink before explaining. "He got offered a dream job and I was running away from my old one, so I was all for moving to this little town in the middle of Oregon. But, I was lucky enough to join Hawthorne Brothers and Co. and it was a far better fresh start than I ever could've hoped for."

[jasonxamato]

Jason nodded his head to the other's words. Bad parents did exist, more than he cared to admit. It was a cruel world for many in that regard. "You don't need a top seller to matter, just need to say something real." Jason felt that was the part that mattered the most. "So, yeah, tell the story. Someone is out there waiting to hear it and realize they're not the only one." @wrxnxashby

END.

"Best words I've heard from a stranger all day." Wren took that to heart. The man was right, and if Wren could offer his own perspective on something so meaningful, he wanted to do it. "Fairy tales and dragons aren't real... Bad parents unfortunately are." His smile faltered; his facade was beginning to crack. He tried so hard to pretend he didn't struggle with his past. "Maybe you're right, man. Even if I don't have a top seller, a little bit of recognition could go far."

[jasonxamato]

"I don't think that's too optimistic. People connect with the real stuff, you know?" Jason lifted his shoulders into a shrug, "That's the stuff that really sticks. I think we all like to pretend that escaping into books of fairy tales and dragons is where we want to be," he paused, "but it's the stuff that hits close to home that really means something." Not that he was a huge reader, himself, but he was feeling a bit inspired. @wrxnxashby

"Definitely get back to me on that! We could start a whole thing," Wren said, perking a suggestive brow. As the other processed what he'd just told him, Wren looked away and bit his lip. Usually the only time he spilled his guts is when he wasn't sober. It was already too late, now; he knew he'd said too much. Story or not, it was hard to hide the legitimate reason he'd even thought to write about such a thing in the first place. As he looked back to Jason, he tried his best to paste on his best 'happy' face. "I think so. I've written plenty of little things here and there, but this is the first actual story. I dunno. Maybe next I'll write a top seller." He took a sip of his now warm water. "Although, that's probably too optimistic."

[jasonxamato]

"Yeah," he chuckled, nodding his head, "that's what I've been hearing. Something in the water or there is some sort of gravitational pull." Jason never imagined he'd end up living in a place like Kismet Harbor until he was putting down his roots here. "When the job ended, it felt like the worst thing at the time, you know? Everything I built just vanished." Jason blew air over his lips, "But, I've come to believe it was a redirection rather than a fall." Jason paused a moment, "If I'm not mistaken, you're not from here either, right?" He posed the question curiously, "Did you drink the same water I did?" @natalie-makan

Natalie couldn't help her eyes widening slightly when Jason described the demise of his last job. She had thought the circumstances for her own leaving at her previous firm, personal complications and all, had been pretty awful. But, to just have the rug pulled out from under you, like Jason had, probably took the cake. "Wow. No such thing as a coincidence." She noted "I'm sorry you had to go through that, but it seems like you ended up where you were supposed to." The attorney commented with a small smile. "I feel like a lot of people end up in this town not really expecting it. Something in the water I guess."

[jasonxamato]

"Good, because I wasn't saying that to be polite." Jason grinned at the other. "I'd love to learn a few things and I'm sure we can find some skills that I can teach you." He kept his gaze on the man, "At least, it'll hopefully be a useful skill." Jason chuckled softly, "How'd you know you had an eye for interior design?" He inquired, raising a curious brow. @vincentxcastro

"Yes totally," Vincent had always liked nature and connected to it. He had a green thumb and since he could remember he had always been in the garden a lot. Spring was one of his favorite seasons because it meant that plants came back to life but he enjoyed all seasons. He believed just like plants humans and everything had their season too. "It really can, it can make a room warmer or even bigger," he nodded his head. He really enjoyed the other's company.

"Hey, I might take you up on that offer seriously," he teased with a smile on his face. "I am a strong believer of always learning something new." @jasonxamato

[jasonxamato]

"Comfort food," he smiled warmly at Amerie, "I can get on board with that." He had to admit it wasn't the date food he was thinking of, but that's because there was a lot of pressure to have the fanciest of dinners on a date. "I think if we can eat all the fried food and have a great time, that's a good sign." Though he already felt like he was comfortable enough around her that he could. "Let's do it," he told her, "I have a feeling this will be the best first date I've had in a while." @ameriecelestino

Tonight was going to be nothing but amazing. Amerie could feel it already. She had known from their unexpected meet at the camp those months back that Jason was easy going, and with tonights plans, he had only reproved her right. "Hm--" She pondered his question for a moment. "I wouldn't mind something with chips." She said, before chuckling softly as her cheeks heated up. "Do you like fish and chips? Maybe not the most date night appropriate foods, but it is very comforting." @jasonxamato

[jasonxamato]

"I'll let you know if I figure out a way to incorporate yoga with the couch, it will be the next big trend." He laughed softly, knowing he'd likely fall short on his false promise. Jason listened to the man, a slow nod indicating that he heard what he said. Yet, Jason had a feeling that was not all that the other had. If anything, it was more that was what they were willing to share with Jason. He couldn't blame him. To Wren, he was a stranger and even Jason wouldn't indulge in the troubles of his own childhood. "Sounds like it will be worth finishing." He told the man with another nod of his head. @wrxnxashby

Wren's brow raised and a proud smile grew on his lips. Who said bullshitting your way through life didn't get you anywhere? Clearly, it could get him somewhere, even if it was only a few charisma points. "Painful, even. But, such is life," he said with a shrug. "What can you do?" As the other questioned him, Wren straightened up, eager to answer the man's questions. "It's not? Huh. You'd think it was with the vast amount of literature out there." Being such a motivated reader, Wren had cracked open his fair share of books. He kept a list in his phone. 305- that was the number of books he'd read in the last two years. Now, not all of those were novels; he still counted them. "Couch yoga? That sounds like something I'd be interested in." He pulled his phone out of his back pocket and unlocked it, opening up his 'Notes' app and pulling up the story. "It's more of a short novel, I guess. It's about... A boy. His dad is an alcoholic; beats him. So, when he's alone, he can close his eyes and go off to these... Worlds. Ones outside of his own reality." He cleared his throat and shut off his phone, placing it face down on the bar. "That's all I've got," he lied.

[jasonxamato]

"Yeah, same," he said with a nod of his head. "Getting away from the grind of work is important." Jason thrived in the outdoors, which was funny for a man with a very corporate job. "You been in Kismet long or?" He questioned, knowing him from his job at HCP Holding. However, Jason had not had the opportunity to get to know many of his colleagues on a personal level in the last year. @nathanielxlevy

He laughed a little bit and nodded. “It’s the opposite of vampires. Whatever that is.” He shrugged, but even he felt like it. Heknew he was out more now that the weather was nicer and warming up. He was out running again and playing in the yard with Taylor. Warmer months were always his favorite. “You and me both.” Nate told him before shaking his head. “Not in that sense, I guess. I just came down to enjoy everything about the place so I guess Spring is part of it. How about you?” @jasonxamato