I hope you share with me the keen interest in the character of Mason Lockwood, portrayed in the TV-series by Taylor Kinney: I found him inspiring (and hope to do so for many episodes to come!), not to mention smoking hot, and wondered how he would pair with some guy of my interest... This fanfiction is an experiment and a work in progress, I've only written one chapter (this short prelude) so far but I have more to come: please review if you like it! And if you have any suggestions to improve my writing style, or about the plot, or my characters or if you want to tell me whatever you feel like you should tell me, please let me know!

It is rated M because of gay content and action in chapters to come; do NOT read if you're not OK with that.

I sincerely hope there is no legal need for a seriously written disclaimer, because I obviously don't own any of this.

The Mystic Grill was as crowded as usual, that night: the raging storm wasn't getting any feebler, outside, and, though the redundant name would probably discourage any visitor, there weren't many hangouts in Mystic Falls, so a fair share of the city was in.

Bonnie had just joined Elena and Caroline at their table in an unlikely reunion, Mr. Saltzman was quietly sipping whiskey at the counter, side by side with an equally silent Mason Lockwood, and Sheriff Forbes had just come out of the restroom. As for Matt, he was playing pool with Tyler and Stefan, wondering about Caroline and the way he left her. Maybe it wasn't right to dump her that way, maybe they could really have a future together…"or maybe mom was right, and she was just a rebound girl", thought he in conclusion. He wasn't really in pain, after all; it had been tougher with Elena.

"You should get over her, dude" said Tyler to Matt.

"I have, I'm done with her" answered him, leaving no space for an allusive comment, which was due nonetheless.

"So you say you're cool?"

"Yeah."

While that reply was closing the talk, he also pocketed the final ball, winning the game.

"You done playing already?" asked Mason, walking to them.

"We could play a 2 versus 2, if that's OK with you guys" diplomatically replied Tyler.

"I'm Matt, anyhow…we had a chance to meet at the ceremony, but you know, I think you can't remember everyone…"

"Oh, that's cool…I remember you. You were with that girl, the blonde one." He was an acute observer.

"Err.- not anymore. We broke up."

Mason Lockwood was not the kind of person you'd describe as an open book. It wasn't easy to read behind his shaped body, confident attitude and intriguing look, yet Matt felt that, strangely enough, he was relieved.

"Sorry…I'm sure you'll find someone else. So, what are the teams?"

"I don't want to play any family reunion here, so I'm choosing Stefan" said Tyler

"I don't either, knowing the way you play" said him, jokingly "And you, Matt, I really hope you can play better than my nephew!"

"I hope I won't disappoint you, Mr. Lock…"

"Mason. You can cut the formal crap when you're talking with me"

"Okay Mason, I hope we'll play a'right!"

"Good, good, that's the feeling!" said Mason, putting one arm around Matt's shoulders, like a good old friend would.

Matt felt his heartbeat suddenly thrum against his ribcage, his stomach become fluttery as the heat of Mason's hand passed through his T-shirt, and as he realised what had just happened he blushed.

But no-one seemingly noticed and the pool game started.