the most beautiful bike in the....well it soon will be. {Davin}

[jasonwright]

Jason still can believe Iris bought him a bike, his very own bike. But she did and it needs a little more than some TLC. The handlebars are bent, the paint more than sad, the tires need replaced, as well as a bunch of interior problems. But she's beautiful and Jason feels incredibly lucky to have her.

So he's asked around with the other guys at the docks, striking up their regular conversations about the weather and the catch for the day. Everyone had the same recommendation. They all told him to go ONLY to Oceanside Auto and to ask for a guy named Davin. "He's amazing. He fixed my vet after I thought I totaled it." "He's fair too, willing to help out where he can."

That's really all it took and now Jason's spent the morning wheeling this sorry looking (but lovable) bike from the apartment to the auto place. When he gets there, he looks around, probably looking a bit like a lost puppy. He worked as a mechanic a few times in his life, but never long term. He knows his way around an engine, but he doesn't have the right tools or know how for this job.

"Uh...excuse me?" He approaches a mechanic who is bent under the hood of a car. "I'm looking for Davin."

Comments

[davin]

Davin is bent over with his head stuck under the hood of a Lexus, shaking his ass to the music coming from the stereo across the service bay. He's staring at a gasket and willing the screw to turn into place, and when it's done he blinks from all the concentration just in time to hear someone approach.

"Ya found 'im!"He calls out from under the hood, making sure everything is in order before standing up. "What can I do ya - whoa."

Davin blinks as he comes face to face with a criminally hot guy, and his cheeks go a little pink as he realizes that he just cut himself off mid-sentence because he was blinded by some dude's looks. Oh, but what looks they are. He chuckles and shakes his head, holding his hand out.

"I'm Davin," he says politely, because he can be professional. Usually. "How can I help you?"

[jasonwright]

Jason smiles when Davin introduces himself. He's surprised, actually, because Davin looks much younger than he pictured with how much the guys went on and on about his work. He must just be a natural.

Taking the other man's hand, he shakes it then gestures to the bike. "Nice to meet you, Davin. I'm Jason. My girlfriend gifted me with this amazing bike and word on the street is you can help clean her up."

[davin]

Ah, a girlfriend. Of course. Not like this guy is anywhere near his league, anyway. He dismisses the idea of flirting from his mind, though it'll probably happen anyway. It's just an ingrained part of his personality at his point.

He shakes Jason's hand and looks over at the bike, raising an eyebrow as he approaches. The thing has seen better days, that's for sure, but it has a lot of potential. He looks up at Jason with a grin. "Labor o' love, aye?"

He looks the bike over with a more professional eye, nodding to himself a bit. "You lookin' t'do a full restoration, then?"

[jasonwright]

"Definite labor of love," he laughs. Jason watches the way Davin inspects the bike, just to try to get an idea of how this guy works. He definitely looks like he knows what he's doing and Jason can't really help but like the guy already.

"Yup. Think that can be done?"

[davin]

"Aye, she's nowhere near a goner. I can get her shiny and purrin' like new, I'm sure." He leans down to get a closer look at the bike's parts, trying to see which can be shined up and salvaged and which will need to be replaced. He runs a finger along the gas tank until he reaches the ignition, but remembers that he probably shouldn't start it up with a touch when its owner is standing right there. "Can I see the keys?"

He holds out his hand patiently and finally drags his gaze up from the bike to look at Jason. "You thinkin' all at once or over time? Only difference is funds. I had a guy who brought me his old Mustang about once a month to get somethin' new done."

He laughs fondly at the memory. He'd been a nice guy in his late twenties, buying this part or that with every new paycheck. Davin knows what it's like to not have a lot of money, and he loves what he does and the magic makes it easy, so he's always willing to work out a deal.

[jasonwright]

"Over time," Jason answers, fishing the keys from his jacket pocket to hand over to Davin. He wishes he had the money to fix the bike up immediately. Hell, Jason wishes he had the money for a lot of things. He's never wanted the finer things in life, used to living off the absolute minimum, but there are those times where Jason longs to have much more stable finances.

"I work mostly at the docks on the boats. Do some construction jobs. Handyman, whatever pays, really. I don't make much," he shrugs and, deciding to just get it out there, he admits to the truth. "I came to Siren Cove a drifter and my girlfriend recently gave me the first real home I've had since I was a kid. But I can work, if you ever need help with anything. And I can pay a bit over time. So yeah, definitely no rush on it, man."

[davin]

Davin takes the keys and blinks at the sudden onslaught of information, but he tilts his head and nods along as he listens closely, expression warm and without judgement. He reaches out and claps Jason on the back and smiles at him. "I'm sure we can work somethin' out, don't ya worry."

He throws a leg over the bike and sits on it, sliding the key into the ignition and carefully turning it over. The engine takes a few tries to fire up, and then it splutters when it does, but it's not completely lost. He turns off the bike and looks over at Jason curiously, one eyebrow arched.

"You ever done any work in an auto shop, Jason?"

[jasonwright]

He smiles slowly when Davin accepts his brief life's summary without comment or question. He's not really sure why he opened up about it, but Davin seems understanding and he didn't want to give the wrong impression about what he could afford. Watching as Davin tries to start her up, Jason's actually surprised when it sputters briefly to life. "I can see why everyone said to ask for you," he grins.

"Worked in a few shops off and on. I know my way around, but it's...definitely been awhile."

[davin]

Davin grins proudly up at Jason and pulls the key out of the ignition. He knows that a lot of people look at him and don't think he's capable of running an auto shop at his age. He's been working on cars since he was fourteen, and he knows that he's damn capable. Tom knows it too, and that's why he put Davin in charge over all the old, lazy guys that work in the shop.

"The only thing I can't really budge on is the parts," Davin explains as he gets off the bike. "But I have a few places I can call around an' see if we can get some decent used ones."

He spins the keys around his finger and looks around, making sure Mel's grouchy old ass isn't nearby before leaning in closer. "Look, between you an' me, I could use someone I actually fuckin' like around here. How 'bout you come in a few days a week an' help me out with some of the minor stuff, oil changes and tire rotations an' the like. An' we can figure out a ration between payment in check and in labor. Does that sound like it could work?"

[jasonwright]

Jason can't help but grin when Davin leans in. He glances around at the shop, noting just a few other mechanics around, but more...taking up space than actually working. He considers the offer--he's done at the docks by noon, helps at the garden a few days of the week, and Iris doesn't get home until after four. He's got the time and the motivation.

He gives Davin a nod. "I can do that. Especially if it helps this place out. And I promise, I don't really get in the way. You wont' even notice me."

[davin]

"Yeah, I don't see how that's possible." He raises an eyebrow and gestures to Jason's, well, everything. "But I'm sure all the noticin' won't kill me."

And sexual harassment within five seconds of employment. Probably a record. He blushes a little and then claps his hands together. "Okay, well, how about I keep the keys to this beauty and tomorrow I'll go over her an' come up with some sort of plan and a basic estimate, stuff like that?"

[jasonwright]

Ever the one to dismiss any form of flirtation as obviously something else entirely, Jason immediately chalks Davin's statement up to the fact that he tends to stick out like a sore thumb. "I'll be a very helpful worker, promise," he ads.

"That sounds perfect." Jason smiles and pats the bike. "I'll be on the boats a lot the next few days so take your time if you need. No rush on it. I'm just glad you're willing to look her over."

[davin]

Jason either has a very good poker face or Davin's flirting went right over his head. He suspects the latter, and for some reason he finds that entirely adorable. And familiar. Davin flirts like he's getting paid for it, but if someone else starts it, he doesn't tend to see it until it's been made fairly obvious. Probably why he's good at hook ups, but sucks at dating. Which is super unfortunate.

"I'm sure you will," Davin tells him, eyes alight with amusement. "And I'm glad t'do it, man. Now why don't ya buy your new boss a lunchtime beer an' we'll hammer out some details, aye?"

He winks to let him know that he's just kidding, about the beer at least, and carefully rolls the bike over to corner in Davin's part of the service bay, which is about half of the whole thing by now. He pockets the keys and wipes his hands on a clean rag before tossing it overhand onto his workstation. "Mel, I'm takin' lunch. That Ford's gettin' picked up in an hour, and it still needs its oil changed."

"Then why are you taking lunch if it needs shit done?" Mel gripes, and Davin grits his teeth.

"Because the Ford was your intake, and I'm telling you to do it," he grits out. Mel rolls his eyes and Davin takes a deep breath before turning around and coming up next to Jason. "C'mon, I really need that beer."

[jasonwright]

Jason watches the whole exchange between Davin and Mel with a sour face. Now he can really see why Davin was so eager for help. He's always worked his ass off at any job that gave him the opportunity and never understood people who slacked on their jobs. He's a patient guy. He's the kind of guy to keep to himself and get the job done. But Mel rubs Jason the wrong way already. Stopping himself from rolling his eyes, he nods at Davin. "I can see why you need that beer. And the help."

He pats Davin on the back and leads him away from the bay, adding "It's alright. I'm sure Mel there will get that Ford's oil changed and cleaned up in now time." He knows Mel heard him, because he says it loud enough for the whole shop to hear. And Jason realizes as quiet as he usually is, he may be speaking up a bit more about these guys if they don't step up.

"You like Coombs Tavern?"

[davin]

Davin sighs in relief and leads Jason out, pausing to look at him with wide as as he calls out to Mel. It's not that Davin has any trouble sticking up for himself, because it doesn't, but he usually tries to pick his battles. No one really stands up for Davin, and he has a bit of a swooning for Prince Charming moment as Jason pats him on the back.

"You heard the man!" Davin calls out with a cackle, his grateful expression turning gleeful. He's back in good spirits by the time they're outside, and he grins over at Jason. "Yeah, I like that place."

They walk for awhile and Davin shrugs, breaking the comfortable silence. "The owner of the place, Tom, he's out of town a lot. When he's back I'm gonna sit down with him to talk about some staff turnover. Those assholes are so pissed that Tom chose me to run the place, an' I'm sick of it. I'm either too young or too goddamn gay for their likin', so they can just try an' find new jobs. I'm done."

He realizes that he sort of went on a full tilt vent that included coming out to his new friend / employee, and he sighs and scrubs at his pink cheeks with an awkward chuckle. "Sorry, that one's obviously been buildin' up for awhile."

[jasonwright]

If there's one thing that Jason is aware of about himself it's that he doesn't like judgement. At all. So they're lazy assholes and they like to act like they're better than Davin? That'll be something he's going to have trouble keeping his mouth shut about, though it seems like Davin is more than capable of taking care of himself. He's not sure how young the guy is, but Jason's almost thirty and been on his own since he was ten. He's worked for and with guys like these and his patience for their bullshit is thin.

Jason arches an eyebrow, only a little surprised when Davin suddenly opens up. But the guy did seem a bit overwhelmed with the lack of help in the shop. "No apologizing," he says, shaking his head. "They're assholes. And it's obvious why Tom handed the reins to you if they can't even finish a damn oil change for a customer without passing the buck." His voice may tense a bit, more than a little frustrated with the guys' behaviour.

"And if their beef with you is that you're younger, gay, and more successful? Screw 'em. I honestly don't care where they work. There's people out there a lot more talented and a lot more appreciative of what you do, Davin."

[davin]

Davin looks over at Jason and he probably has stars in his eyes, but it's such a nice thing to hear. Something he needs to hear.

"Careful, Prince Charming, I may get a crush," Davin says with a teasing smirk as he bumps their shoulders together. His expression goes more serious and soft with a small, genuine smile gracing his lips. "But seriously, thank you."

[jasonwright]

That brings a laugh out of Jason and he probably turns a bit red as he always does when someone compliments him. "Just speaking the truth. And if you need someone to remind you of how much they suck, I'm happy to help out."

Soon they arrive at Coombs' Tavern and Jason lets Davin take the lead to choose a table. He takes a seat, leaning his elbows onto the table as he glances up at Davin. "Okay, so how old are you?"

[davin]

Davin grins when he sees the blush on Jason's cheeks and has to physically restrain himself from flirting. Oh, it's hard.

... Damnit.

He takes a seat and looks up at Jason, cracking up at his question. "It's the button nose, innit? I look like fuckin' Bambi."

He recognizes the bartender, and when she taps the handle for Guinness, he nods and winks at her before turning back to Jason with an impish smile. "I'm twenty-two."

[jasonwright]

Bambi. He smiles because while Jason's missed a lot of pop culture and daily conversational references go right over his head, he does actually remember seeing Bambi as a kid. And he laughs because now that he looks at Davin, it's a pretty damn accurate description.

"Hate to break it to you, but you're going to look 20 even when you're 40. Jesus, you're probably about my youngest brother's age. If I remember right. Born in..." he squint and rubs a hand over his beard. Jesus, it's hard to remember details like that when you haven't spoken to someone for almost twenty years. "1991. Which makes me feel old."

[davin]

"Probably." Davin wrinkles his nose and then laughs delightedly. "I was born in '92, old man. But don't worry, you don't look like you need t'go gettin' yourself a walker just yet. You can't possibly be as old as you're makin' it seem."

The waitress comes over with Davin's standard beer order and turns to take Jason's order, doing a bit of a double take when she sees him. Oh good, Davin's not the only one. She turns and gives Davin a sort of wide eyed look and he just returns it with one that manages to convey I know, right? as he reaches for his beer. "What's your poison, man?"

[jasonwright]

"I feel older than I am, I won't even lie." Jason looks up and gives the waitress a smile, ordering himself a Guinness as well. He thanks her before glancing around the place. He'd been here once, just on the outside when he was first summoned to a witches council of some sort. But he chickened out and left. It's actually a really cozy spot with a nice atmosphere.

"I'll be thirty in December. Life certainly feels like it's been longer than that, to be honest."

[davin]

"You are so my type. God, how is that fair?" He grins and lifts his pint to take a sip. It's easier to flirt when he knows that he doesn't have a chance. And Jason is his type, hot and a little older and nice, and he's into bikes. But alas, poor Jason was not gifted with homosexuality. "Your girlfriend's a lucky lady."

He winks and grabs the laminated food menu, stomach growling as he looks it over.

[jasonwright]

Jason shakes his head with a small laugh. He's still not used to people giving him attention versus being ignored on the streets. "Nah. I'm the lucky one. She's amazing. The best person you'll ever meet."

He follows suit, glancing over the menu and frowns. Everything looks good and Jason eats like a damn horse. "So how long have you been working on cars?"

[davin]

"Jesus," he laughs, letting out a low whistle. "Stop, you're too wonderful. Who's your girl? Maybe I know her."

Davin sets down the menu after deciding on the burger, because he pretty much always gets the burger. "Since I was about fourteen. I had a, uh, bit of a hard time focusing, and I thought it might help. Turns out I was very right."

Shortly after discovering his magic at thirteen and before proper training with his grandmother over in Ireland, he was making metal float without thinking about it and shorting out lamps with a touch. Cars seemed like a good combination of both his powers, and he started tinkering around with his parents' cars, taking them apart and putting them back together. Not only did it help him get a handle on his powers, he found that he really enjoyed it. It was nice to have something to be good at.

"I just really like it," he says with a shrug. "Taking them apart and finding the one tiny thing that's broken, and fixing it. I don't know, it's relaxing."

[jasonwright]

"Iris Kouris," he says. "Real sweet redhead. She works at the elementary school."

"Yeah?" he asks, looking at Davin from over his menu. "It's rare to find something you're good at and interested in at such a young age." Hell, at fourteen, Jason was fighting and getting arrested before he found boxing to channel his anger. "I like to keep my hands busy. Working on cars definitely helps with that and keeps your mind sharp. Unless you're Mel, I'm guessing."

The waitress comes over again to take their order. Jason asks for a burger, fries, chicken strips, pretzels, and nachos. When she gives him a questioning look, he shrugs. "I work on a boat. I get really hungry."

[davin]

"How funny," Davin replies, lighting up when Jason mentions Iris. "I just met her the other night. She found me dead on my feet and dragged me to the diner. Made me eat and promise to get rest, did just about everything short of tuckin' me in."

He laughs at the memory and gives Jason a warm smile. "She's sweet. A little bossy," he adds with a wink. "But sweet. I can see why you guys are together. One hell of a couple."

His eyes widen when Jason places his order, one daunting to even Davin's large stomach. "Or you have a tapeworm." He chuckles and places his own order for a burger and fries with a piece of apple pie to come later. "Thanks, darlin'."

[jasonwright]

He laughs and shakes his head. "That sounds just like something she'd do. I got into a fight before we started dating and she insisted I sleep on her couch so I wouldn't be too sore for work the next day. It's very difficult to say no to her."

"Sorry." He grins when he sees Davin's eyes go wide. It's pretty much the reaction he gets with anyone he shares a meal with these days. "I'm still not used to eating regularly throughout the day. I'm like a street cat, gotta eat everything in front of me."

[davin]

Davin's expression softens as he watches Jason speak, nodding a little. The hints he's dropped are enough to Davin the impression of someone who hasn't had the easiest life, but Jason came out of it as a good, kind person who smiles without restraint. It makes Davin happy to see.

"No judgement here," Davin assures him, referring to more than just his lunch order. "But I'm stealin' some'a your nachos, street cat."

He grins and takes another long sip of his Guinness before crossing his arms on the table and leaning in. "So, you're my first ever actual hire, so bear with me while I flounder m'way through it, aye?"

[jasonwright]

"I guess I can share my nachos with you. Just this once," he laughs. The waitress picks up their menus with a smile to each of them before she leaves to put their food in.

Jason plays with the rim of his glass and purses his lips. "I dunno. I've worked for so many amazing bosses, my standards are kinda high by now." He's not usually the sarcastic sort, but it's thick in his statement and the way his expression changes. Jason's had some good bosses, yeah, but they're few and far between the lousy ones. He's pretty sure Davin's already lightyears ahead of most.

[davin]

"Well now you're just blowin' smoke." He winks and smiles around the rim of his glass before taking another sip. "Nah, I think we'll get along just fine, you an' me. And it'll be nice to have a friend in the shop."

Davin loves what he does, and he's proud of what he's accomplished, but he's starting to dread going to work. He doesn't like the isolation, or the disdain. Davin craves approval and he wants to be a good person, someone easy to like, so when people so openly dislike him, it really gets him down.

[jasonwright]

"I'm looking forward to it. I haven't worked under a hood in years and I'm itching to get back." He's mostly looking forward to a change of scenery. While Jason loves being out on the water and working the boats, the guys aren't the friendliest and he keeps mostly to himself. Working at the shop with Davin sounds like it'll be a nice change of pace.

Part of their food arrives and Jason digs into his fries first thing. "And hell, if that means we get lunches like this a little more often, it'll be awesome."

[davin]

Davin grins brightly and reaches over to snag one of his nachos, as promised. "You can count on it."

They tuck into their food in comfortable silence and then Davin looks up when he's no longer ravenous, sucking mustard from his thumb and reaching for his beer. "So, speaking of business, we should try to get a schedule nailed down for ya. It doesn't have to be anythin' too exact, but it'd be nice to have a window to schedule things in. When can ya work?"

[jasonwright]

It's easy for Jason to get sucked into the silence of meal time and he's almost startled when Davin speaks again. It's also easy for him to forget anything around him that isn't food. By now he's finished off his fries, the burger, and most of the nachos and he nods, looking back up at Davin.

"I work the boats Monday through Thursday, but I'm free by one. Fridays I help out at the community garden and do some odd construction jobs here and there. I'm free on weekends if you ever need extra help there, too."

[davin]

Davin wants to be amused by how into his food Jason is, but really it makes him feel a pang deep in his chest. For all Davin has been through, he's never had to worry about where his next meal was coming from. If Davin has anything to say about it, Jason never will again.

He takes a long drink and wipes his fingers on a napkin while he thinks, finally nodding to himself and looking up at him. "How about, just to start, Tuesdays and Thursdays from two to six, and Saturdays from twelve to four? We can do that for a week or two and see if you like it, if you need more or less hours, whatever. Sound good?"