grayscollins

[grayscollins]

All of him knew that whatever Harper wished he would grant it to them wholeheartedly. The long voyage away from Cape May had set him back into the days where he had to know that distance truly made the heart grow fonder. But with the history he knew about Harper's upbringing and all that she had, and despite the fact that Brodie truly had a the temperament of a raging bull, he unfortunately could see both sides of the coin. He knew a different kind of overprotectiveness when it came to Harper, not that he viewed them to be fragile like glass, but they'd been through so much as it was and still managed to light up a room no matter where they went. Despite the grudge the siblings may have had now, Grayson would do what it took to make it easier for Harper, always.

As Harper rested their head on his shoulder, Grayson instinctively took to draw tiny circles on their back to ease their worries. He knew his inflections betrayed him, but didn't difficult conversations always garner that type of response. That same nagging feeling of wondering if she could ever view him the same way he viewed her came up once more before it burst into a thousand pieces as he heard Harper speak about wanting a title. At first he had to make sure he wasn't just hearing things, but then the rest of their statement resonated and his shoulders relaxed.

"I'm shit at a lot of things, but it's never involved you," Grayson said. "So if it's a title you want, I can give that to you too. My first wife will be a little heart from it but... I'm sure she'll learn to ride another wave." He quipped, knowing Harper would know that he was referring to being married to the sea, a fact that most of their friends knew about him. But now, he'd found somewhere to tether on land, his very own partner in life. He leaned down then to place his forehead on their own, "You've always been mine just as I've been yours." He said softly. "And I want to brave every single storm that's in front of us as long as we can be realistic with all of it." Grayson looked into her eyes then, the twinge of solemnity bleeding into his irises. Their age difference, their beacons of life, his lack of familial support, what he could offer versus what they deserved, that was all on the table.

Under most circumstances, Harper would find themselves unsettled in moments of silence, wanting to fill the space with their usual commentary or quaint observations. Anything to minimize the forthcoming tension, or avoid a topic of conversation they just weren’t ready for. But there was none of that here. At least not with him, not tonight. That wasn’t to say there wasn’t a great deal of apprehension on her part; the tightening grip she maintained around his hands had been evidence of that. Still managing their thousand-watt smile — it was practically impossible not to, now that Grayson had returned — Harper eventually nodded in agreement, quick in their movements to sit beside him on a nearby bench. 

“Well, if there’s anyone who knows about twatbag siblings…” Harper began in an attempt to lighten the mood, knowing the dynamic that Grayson shared with his siblings was as complicated as hers with Brodie was becoming. They were still unable to speak of the latter; the impact of her brother’s absence in recent weeks had been profound, one that was as painfully obvious as it felt. And then, upon realizing what it was that he pulled from his pocket, and the level of effort that necessitated its reconstruction, they weren’t able to speak at all. One hand clasped over their mouth, using the other to run a finger across the beads, once he fastened the bracelet around their wrist. “You don’t have to apologize, and you certainly didn’t have to do all of this. Grayson, I’m…” Unable to quantify in words just how much this meant to her, they opted instead to wrap their arms around him, forehead resting on his shoulder, in their attempt to express what words could not. 

As Grayson continued, Harper initially suspected this might be the start of a goodbye speech, and their body jolted backwards in response. But upon realizing that was not the message he was trying to convey, they moved closer again to return his gesture, extending their hand and placing it upon his cheek. The sentiments he shared had been equally true for her. Up until now, labels always seemed to be a pointless formality, ones she felt were hardly warranted where the two of them were concerned. But things were different now, and if they were going to do this, if they were going to commit to this, she wanted to do right by him, and for him. “What if I said I wanted one?” Fearing she had been a bit too forward with her intentions, they were quick to clarify. “Not that I need a title, or for us to label our… I just.. I care about you, too, Gray.”  

[grayscollins]

Grayson eyed the drink trays and then upon the frantic confirmation he simply nodded and easily took the trays over to the table where Diana was walking towards. But he had only halfway caught that they were a table of doctors, because with the way they were questioning him it certainly seemed like they were detectives instead. But instead of walking away, he decided to face it, even questioning if it was fine for him to take a loose chair to sit adjacent to them in their cozy booth. It seemed the consensus was yes, and he said, "If you're waiting for me to say you should see the other guy, now would be the only time I would I hope you don't." He looked over at Diana then and said, "Is that it? Or do you need me to grab another round?"

"Actually since you're asking yes. Those drink trays are also mine. Well, not mine mine but my groups." She would have slapped her forehead if she wasn't carrying the tray he'd just given her. "Would you mind carrying them over? I've got hungry doctors so if you please?" She gestured over to her table where she caught eyes with her girls. Two of them stared at his busted lip without shame. One bluntly asked what was the reason for the busted lip shushing the other girlfriends when they told her to not ask. Diana just shrugged and sat down, not everyone at the table had social medias so she knew why the questions.

[grayscollins]

Grayson took a bit to take in Allegra's woes and couldn't help but smirk at the issue. "Doesn't that Tesla thing break down on you every couple of months?" He teased. "I wish I could help out, but I think whatever mechanics that car has isn't really the same as the interior of ship." He eased into the conversation with his friend, thankful for the distraction. But just as she asked why he had gotten into the fight to begin with, he said, "Would you find me childish if I said he started it?" By now, he wanted it to be a distant memory.

𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐘 𝐖𝐇𝐎 doesn't feel like the way she described? She was a bit under stress, not because of the excess of work but also the fact her ex reached out, meddling with her sentiments. Upon his question… ❛ Ah, the mechanic. He didn't fix my Tesla. ❜ It seems whatever happened at the event was very eventful… Maybe the fight went way too far… ❛ Why am I NOT surprised that people got into a fight with him? ❜ He may be a good person, but she didn't know him well. He seems like a jackass. Either way, she only knew him on the surface. ❛ And why's that? ❜

🌸 @grayscollins

[grayscollins]

"I'm managing I think," Grayson said with a chuckle. Once it seemed everything was placed and tucked well onto the counter he asked, "Would you mind terribly wrapping it up in paper material? Just want to make sure it has less of a chance of breaking." He noted how her smile seemed to blossom at the mention of Harper, a feeling he knew all too well. But then as Lucy described the ambiance to be akin to a grandmothers home, he had to joke, "And you managed that without the smell of moth balls, I have to tip my hat to you." Then came the pivotal question, how did he know Harper? "Well actually ... as of late, that's my partner. Or well, I'm also their partner too."

"Looks like you've found quite the haul. Do you need any help? Did you find everything you were looking for?" She said noticing how full the man's hands were. She smiled at the mention of Harper. "Oh Harper is great! Thank you, my goal is always to make this place feel really homey and well put together. Kind of like a grandmother's home may be. How do you know Harper?"

[grayscollins]

As the woman spoke, he noted how she slipped into what seemed to be a usual accent until the subtle hint of twang entered the mix. "I'll tell you, that's the bloody good party trick." Grayson said with a laugh as he kept his hand wrapped around the glass filled with brown liquid. He took a small sip before the sound of jazz started filling the space only with her explanation on what was in a mint julep. "Bourbon? Not the spirit I thought would be in there," He noted as he looked at her glass a bit more intently. "Seems you're a master in it, you could probably put Aretha's to shame."

Tallulah canted her head to the side in anticipation of what absurdity was about to come out of the man's mouth. A polite laugh followed once all was revealed, never really paying much mind to the linguistics of it all. "I'd say the later." Tallulah started. "It gets a little bit of a bad wrap with all these fast place northerners, but I like to think I can slip in and out of it pretty easily." Tallulah added, deliberately switching from one accent to the other as she spoke to prove her point. With a couple more drinks in her, she might not have been able to demonstrate so effortlessly. "It's bourbon, some simple syrup, and a sprig of mint." She rattled off the recipe, one she'd often whip up for her late husband many, many moons ago. "Next to me, Aretha's makes the best one in Jersey."

[grayscollins]

Darling @harpersato, For the inevitable moment when you feel peck-ish but cannot possibly be bothered to get a full meal. The best part is, the snacks are yours and yours only. There will be no one to fight you for the rights to the last crunchie (though I wouldn't mind indulging in a piece of the mars bar.)

The second gift? Felt suitable. Do not ask how much it was, it doesn't matter.

To another rotation around the sun, happy birthday to my anchor.

Love, Gray

[grayscollins]

Gray had been in the establishment trying to get some takeaway when fire alarms started blaring. He was quick to make it to the exit while ensuring others who may not have been as quick got safely over the threshold. But with standing out in the open, he'd soon gotten soaked from the rain, trembling slightly from the cold.

As he backed away to let the firefighters do their thing, he heard a familiar voice beckoning him to get out of the cold rain and into somewhere for a proper cup of tea. "A cuppa on you?" Grayson began, "Don't mind if I do, extra points if there's somewhere with food I'm famished."

⤷ open to: f/m/nb - feel free to assume connections or come plot ! ⤷ based on: there is a minor fire at the location they were at and end up being asked to evacuate the building/store/restaurant/etc. Bonus; it's raining. ⤷ tag: @capemaystarters

A short series of cursed rolled off the brit's tongue as himself and a couple others had been hastily booted out of the vacinity. Firetrucks were now blocking off the main street, Ishaan now thankful that he had opted to walk from his place to this very location, even through this rainy weather.

Looking off to his right, he noticed a familiar presence shaking like leaf. Hesitant at first, the professor pushed his spectacles further up the bridge of his nose before approaching them with careful steps.

"hey..it's probably not how you thought your evening would turn out but maybe we could grab a cup of tea and get you somewhere warm, at least? It's on me"

[grayscollins]

@huntermcgill

Grayson always had a five minute rule once it came to administering anti-nausea remedies. If the passenger did not recover as quickly as one would have hoped, he had no issue with turning around and docking back to land. But he couldn't fight off the amusement that spread on his features as he watched the surgeon struggle to get his bearings with his new sea legs. All of the jokes that rolled out of him just made Gray bark with laughter.

"You must be a hit in triage, Dr. McGill." Grayson said with smirk as he saluted the man. "And if you start singing sea shanties I'll know it's only friendship, the notes I've heard you try to hit...not very seduction worthy." He'd gone off again to grab two beers and an emergency ginger ale for Hunter. Once he'd popped off his own tab, Gray let the stillness take over.

"Now that, that is what it's all about, when the sea herself welcomes you with a warm embrace. She might even be apologizing to you." He said with a chuckle. "Anywho, what's been new with you?"

As the boat gently rocked beneath his feet, he couldn't help but feel a hint of excitement despite his reservations about sailing. He raised an eyebrow at Grayson's words, his amusement evident. "It is beautiful," he started, reaching for the railing, "although I'm not sure how beautiful it will still be when I throw up my lunch."

When Grayson returned with a selection of supplies, Hunter chuckled at the term 'sickness kit.' He slipped the seasick bracelet onto his wrist, giving it a curious look. "If this thing works like magic, I'll owe you my life," Hunter remarked, still maintaining his light-hearted tone. As Grayson explained the other options in the kit, Hunter chuckled. "Medicines and barf bags, huh? You really know how to woo a guy," he joked, but the gratitude in his eyes showed that he truly was thankful for Grayson's thoughtfulness.

Feeling a bit more at ease with the potential remedies at hand, Hunter decided to make the best of the situation. "Alright, Captain Gray, I'm putting my faith in you and your seasickness arsenal," he declared with mock solemnity. "But if I do end up serenading you with sea shanties, just know it's a sign of true friendship, okay?"

[grayscollins]

In the deepest depths of his heart, he knew that could go on and remain in the perfect utopian bubble he had built with Harper. They could forgo the conversation, focus on his grand acts of gifting and service because in truth he had wanted to win his favor back into Harper's good graces after thinking he'd been in the bad parts of them. But now, he couldn't help but feel the same pit that he'd felt since the night of the fight, while battling with the urge to just stay close, every voice in his head screaming at him to not pop the bubble. But knowing that Harper was not a one-off, knowing that there was a very real sentiment that she was it for him, he had to trudge through the uncomfortable, despite knowing they were trying to move the conversation along.

"Can we sit?" Grayson asked, chuckling still at their sentiment with a longing sigh. Once they were able to, Grayson focused on their intertwined hands and stood firm in his decision to parry the conversation back to where it needed to be. "About the note, Harper," He began. "I just wanted to give you my apologies. You deserve that, and I can't not give it to you because I should have walked away, and no matter how much of an absolute twatbag he might be, he's still your brother. And I know how important he is to you." He continued, digging through her pocket to find a newly reconstructed bracelet. It was missing quite a few of the original beads but it was nothing that he couldn't improvise. "Juno sniffed around the sites and led me to these fragments. I figured eventually someday you might want them back."

He sat with the stillness of the moment and pushed forward once more. "Harper, there's going to be quite a few obstacles we'll have to face going forward if we continue to choose each other. And it'll be hard and I can toughen up to roll with the punches, but the last thing I want is for you to be in the crossfire of anything that might be tailored to just associating with me." He looked over to her then, gently caressed her face as he said, "I'd be mad not to choose you, so I will stay utterly mad in being with you. I don't care about titles, I don't care about semantics, I just care about you."

“Of course you left me a note,” they nodded, without a single hint of disdain or hostility as they acknowledged his confession. The only apparent sentiments were a profound sense of relief at his return, and the familiar and ever-growing desire for his presence and companionship. The same could hardly be said of the person they were sure confiscated the letter — likely incinerating the envelope and its contents with his favorite lighter, if she knew them at all. And judging by Gray’s response, he had likely drawn a similar conclusion. But that would be another conversation for another time; Harper would make sure of it, one way or another. Right now, she was resigned to make the most of their time together, equally adamant in their refusal to allow this discovery to ruin their time together. 

Desperate to move the conversation forward, Harper indicated towards the bouquet, practically beaming at the sight of the oversized floral arrangement. Their gaze had soon returned to Grayson, hands moving from their placement around his shoulders in a downward motion, until their fingers were interlocked with his. “Now, let’s see what we have here: a bouquet of my favorite flowers, my favorite jumper of yours, and, unless my sense of smell deceives me, a dash of that vanilla ginger cologne of yours, which you know is another one of my absolute favorites?” They asked with a wide and knowing grin, pulling him from the middle of the stock room to the entrance of the back office. A space that offered space, privacy and discretion, should any of those needs be warranted. “If I didn’t know any better, Grayson Collins, I’d say you were trying to have your way with me.”

[grayscollins]

Grayson took another took at the menu but everything seemed to read as blank to him as if he couldn't get decipher it. He boiled it down to fatigue and a hint of hunger as he spoke over to the bartender, "Could I put in a pint Guinness and a basket of ch- sorry french fries?" That would have to do for now, he peered over to the woman beside him, "If you know what you'd like, feel free to put your drink on my ticket." He offered politely.

ivy always like to try new things and there always seemed to be something new on the menu so she scanned the board to see what today's new menu item was. "oh yes of course. its a real tough decision on what i want to eat right now, so im gonna need a minute" she said with a small chuckle. "yeah they do a really good job at that and i know for a fact Ill order something and then ill see something else and be like oh i should have ordered that" ivy said looking at the other. "i mean you can never go wrong with a beer."

[grayscollins]

Upon hearing the woman's remark on not knowing too many drinks on the rocks, he had to shake his head. "Don't think of it that way, in reality there are plenty of things that can be on the rocks. Less hardcore to think that the ice really just helps to dilute it too" He concluded with a slight chuckle. And truth be told the last thing he needed was to get drunk out of his mind. Instead, he'd ease some of his own self tension, but still be quite aware of what burdened him. Once the woman ordered, he nodded curtly to the bartender as he ordered his drink. "On my tab please," He said slipping a card over. "Whatever else you need, all on me."

"Oh yeah if you haven't eaten much then I don't think that's all that good of an idea. Maybe you shouldn't do that then. I don't know if i could do something on the rocks to be honest with you. I'm not too sure i'm that hardcore. Kudos to you though!" She smiled softly over at him. "I like both white and red. Wine is something that I can appreciate the flavor of any kind." She admitted to him. "That's okay that you aren't sure. I think I might just go with a nice pinot to start out with." She said as she then walked up to the bartender and placed her order then turned to the gentleman. "And whatever he is getting on the rocks."

[grayscollins]

American slang was something he was still trying to get acquainted with, but between KJ and Iris, he was sure to be caught up to speed at some point. He wracked his mind to remember what playback meant and assumed it meant to repeat himself. But playing back the moment, Grayson winced at the thought. "Wasn't my best moment, but I didn't see him as a person I saw him as prey." Grayson admitted. "The guy tore off his bloody shirt shouting something about independence day and I just tore it to bits and used his own shirt against him."

''I-- Playback.'' Maybe he misheard Gray, Did he.. hogtied? brow raising impossibly higher as he stares at the other, arms folding over his chest. Now he wished he could've stuck around to see it, maybe he'll look for a video or a picture, or.. something so he could get his eyes properly on the events. ''..Hogtied? In the midst of all this ass kickin' that went on with the two of ya', how in the hell did he get.. hogtied?''

[grayscollins]

Grayson weighed out his options finding that there were at least three large bottles he could give for some of the crew to share. As for the rest, he would take the entire lot of the four medium bottles and certainly call it a day after. The shop itself felt quaint and warm, everything that was stocked seemed to be in perfect symmetry and he couldn't help but smile knowing that it might have a certain stock persons handy work. As he re-met with Lucy at the register, he said, "Harper's mentioned you a lot since we got to talking about their jobs. It's very lovely in here."

She smiled at his reply hoping he didn't take offense to her calling him a pirate. "Of course you can take a look at the bottles." She lead him to the back wall where there were 5 large bottles and 4 medium bottles. "Let me know if you fancy any of these and I will box them up for you." She left the man to consider his options as she went back up front after hearing the bell on the front door ring.

[grayscollins]

At Hunter's insistence in seeking adventure in ways Gray saw fit, rather then meander around town to random bars (where trouble might be brewing), he opted to take the man aboard one of the many boats he could take out as The Starlight got maintenanced. "Sorry, I can't hear all of your whining over the sounds of the water, isn't it beautiful?" He nearly shouted, snickering as he noted the grimace of his face. It wasn't anything he hadn't dealt with before, someone who suddenly got seasickness or a serious case of sea legs.

"I can probably get us back within 20 minutes, " Grayson noted, "Or I can anchor her right here to give you a break." He had decided to do the latter as Hunter looked like a color that wasn't agreeable to a human who was well. Once he'd properly anchored the boat, he walked back over to Hunter with a myriad of supplies. "We call this a sickness kit," Gray began, "There's seasick bracelets, medicines, barf bags, take your pick."

WITH: Grayson Collins ( @grayscollins )

LOCATION: Somewhere at sea

With his head buried in his hands, as if seeking refuge from the turmoil within, he sat there, feeling the unwelcome gift of seasickness courtesy of the relentless waves. "This is the worst thing ever. How do you manage this every day?" It didn't come as a surprise that Hunter was prone to seasickness; being on boats was not a regular part of his life. In fact, he wasn't particularly fond of even venturing into the ocean. His only memory of being on a ship was when he was six years old, and his school had the 'brilliant' idea of taking a trip on the Saint Lawrence River. In short, it didn't end well. "I think I'm going to die." Of course, he was exaggerating, but that didn't make him feel any less dizzy. "When can we get back to land?" he asked with a chuckle, taking a sip of water to ease his discomfort.

[grayscollins]

Stepping aside for the woman to order, Grayson listened as she explained the habit she was trying to avoid to which he had to nod and laugh softly. "Not really sure what that's like," He admitted, pulling from his phone a very outdated not-so-smart phone. It had everything he needed though the ability to text and make phone calls, everything he could have just done in the comfort of his home on a laptop. "Thank you," He began once more as he ordered himself a beer and promptly waved for her to go in the direction of the open seat. "I think that's not taken yet if you haven't found somewhere to sit just yet."

Jordyn didn't go out much. It reminded her of being back in New York but she needed a drink and somewhere to relax. Jazz helped sometimes. She had made it in but the bar was a little busy. She had promised herself she would stay off her phone but after a moment, it seemed like it was her turn to order.

"It's alright. I was trying to convince myself not to check my work emails." She admitted with a chuckle. "I'll be quick." The brunette told him honestly. Jordyn approached the bar and ordered a martini with extra olives and moved to the side. "Here you go, all yours." She said with a bright smile.

[grayscollins]

It was the unspeakable sound of grief paired with undertones of relief that Gray couldn't quite wrap his mind around. The relief should have been squared away, he'd left a note primed at Harper's door explaining in detail how he wanted to have a discussion on what happened, how he was prepared to make reparations on her request, whatever it was she needed for him to process, he'd do just that. But days after the incident, he found himself wondering if he simply should have knocked on their door, gotten it out of the way before the charter that had him at sea for two weeks. Instead, he got by with just throwing himself in preparations and that was before he'd fixated on fixing pieces of a bracelet that he knew all too well. Why he'd found it in shambles via Juno's sharp senses? He'd never know. Not until he asked.

But Harper clung to him as if letting go would have him dissipate into smoke and all he could do was hold their frame as close to him as he physically could get them to. Paired with soft shushes and gently caressing her hair, he simply nodded and said, "Yes I left you a note before I left and I had Iris watch over Juno while I was away. I have no intention of leaving the states, not for some time anyway, and if I was going to consider it," He began, tilting their face up, "You would of course be the first to know, in person, as you deserve to know." He pressed his forehead against Harper's and swiped away any stray tears that remained, waiting for the emotions to run its course. "I know I left it on your mat, I didn't swipe it back unless..." He sighed then, pulling away as he considered the options. "Unless someone else swiped it before you got to it."

Perhaps it had all been a matter of inconvenient timing. A prolonged and almost comical misunderstanding between the two of them. This certainly wouldn’t have been the first instance, and, if the last few weeks had been any indication, it probably wouldn’t be the last. But then he made mention of the note, one they had never received, and things immediately started to make a lot more sense. Why the endless number of phone calls and text messages had gone unanswered. Why the packages they left outside his apartment — an engraved tea box from a shop they frequented in Oxford, and three packages of peanut butter biscuits for Juno — had gone untouched, until Harper brought them back into their apartment and hid them away at the bottom of her closet. They would deal with all of that later, but for now, their focus would remain solely on Grayson. Where it should be. Where it always was, despite their abysmal efforts of pretending otherwise.

“Me? Not want to see you? Why would I ever not want to see you, Gray? You’re my…” Harper paused, realizing the two of them never had the chance to have that conversation. Something they would likely be revisiting, once all of this had been properly squared away. “I thought that maybe you decided to go back home, after all. Or that something that happened to you out on the water, there are storms and undercurrents and…” The mere thought of such a thing had been unthinkable, and, even though he was clearly safe now, the idea of any harm befalling Grayson had sent them into a spiral. Face pressed upon his chest as hands clutched the fabric of what had quickly became a tear-soaked shirt, Harper failing completely in their effort to keep their emotions in check. “You… you left me a note?” 

[grayscollins]

"Point to you Ricci," Grayson began. "I've definitely seen better days but I'll survive it." He watched as the blonde ordered her drink and then swiftly ordered right after her, noting she was waiting for him to be properly situated. And once they were, he could see the growing confusion on her features. It didn't help but he'd been cryptic and he owned up to that. "Sorry for speaking on tongues," Grayson said as he gently tapped his knuckles on the surface of the counter bar. "Ever run into the Sato's?" He questioned. "I got into a fight with the brother."

𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐑𝐀 was quickly at thought so… ❛ I would say it's not being well enough or sad enough is just like okay, in a way in between these lines. ❜ Her response might be confusing to some, but in her head, she thinks a bit understandable. ❛ One word as Americans say: 'shit'. ❜ She explained. The Italian blonde requested her drink, paid, and left just waiting for the request at the side of Grayson. The more he spoke, the more she feels clueless, so she squinted her eyes at him. ❛ Okay. I'm sorry for that. But 'we', we who? ❜ Somehow she feels like she is solving a riddle.

🌸 @grayscollins