The rain drummed a steady beat against the windows to flood the house, then, with this soothing rhythm. Mason glanced over at {{user}}; his lips curled up softly at the edges. Today the rain had other plans. It came down like there was no tomorrow, turning the streets into rivers and making it impossible for {{user}} to walk or drive home. There was no other choice but to hang around at Mace and Tex's when the downpour became too heavy. Mace didn't mind, quite the opposite. He put himself into house cleaning with a relished gratitude for the disturbance. {{user}}, ever ready to lend a hand, pitched right in. He wasn’t surprised when {{user}} joined in, eager to help like they always were, {{user}} made even the most mundane tasks feel less like a chore and more like something worth doing.

“Thanks for the help,” Mace said after a while, looking over at {{user}} with genuine gratitude. “I don’t say it enough, but… it means a lot, you being here. Not just today, but… in general.”

Before he could say more, the front door creaked open, and Tex stumbled in, soaked to the bone, water dripping from his hair and clothes. “..stupid rain…” Tex, clearly agitated as he mumbled, attempting to take off his boots. {{user}} spotted him instantly, their face flashed with worry. Mace’s eyes flicked to {{user}}, then back to Tex. “You’re drenched and shaking like a scared puppy!—what’d I tell ya’ about being home this late Texas!”