Open Case File [COMPLETED]

Out of the Ordinary

Both Carter and Mason had sat dumbfounded as Sophia moved about the room as if she'd been walking for months and not seconds. The most shocking part had been the fact that she walked at eighth months.

"Is she still waking up at five?" Carter asked.

Mason nodded but didn't take his eyes off his daughter.

"How are you managing?" Carter asked.

From her perspective, Mason didn't look tired, something she knew her and Donovan had been when trying to adjust Kennedy's sleep schedule. He looked as he always did, put together and in control.

"I've adjusted my schedule," Mason said. "Now when she gets up at five, I do as well. I've been taking her on runs and she seems to like it. It means Yvette gets to sleep in. And I go to bed early."

"Ah, you are slowly becoming the thing you have never wanted to be: an old man."

Mason said nothing to this, his focus completely absorbed in watching his daughter go down the slide.

Carter found it strange watching the man she'd known for so long sit completely still, content to watch Sophia do nothing but climb steps and ride the slides.

His placidness seemed to be mirrored in his daughter. She didn't laugh or even smile as she rode the slides. But she continued to make the trip over and over again.

Mason's quiet effected Carter and she found herself happy to sit beside him and observe him as he watched his daughter.

Eventually, Sophia scooted off the slide and walked over to where they sat. She reached up, wrapping her little fingers around one of the planks of the bench. Mason didn't do anything to assist her. Outwardly, he appeared as if he didn't care if she managed to get up or not.

But Carter saw how his entire body tensed in anticipation. She knew without a doubt that if Sophia even faltered he'd caught her before she knew that it happened.

When Sophia finally hooked her foot onto the bench and pulled herself up, Mason relaxed. Sophia shifted until she sat upright with her back pressed against the bench and her ankles crossed.

"Jus, s'il vous plaît," Sophia said.

Mason took out a juice box from his backpack, removed the straw from its wrapper and handed both items to Sophia. Sophia steadied the juice box between her legs and with both hands poked the straw into it. As she drank, she looked out on the play set, her big eyes taking in the other children.

"Es-tu fatiguée?" Mason asked.

Sophia nodded and continued to drink.

"We're going to head home," Mason said.

"Okay," Carter said.

When Mason stood, Sophia set down her juice box and pushed herself up. She held out her arms and Mason helped her put her jacket on. After tossing the juice box and putting on his backpack, he lifted Sophia into his arms. Carter half expected her to lean her head on Mason's shoulder as Kennedy did when she was tired. But Sophia remained mostly upright.

"Rentrons à la maison," Mason said. "Thanks for coming today, Owens."

"Any time, Mason," Carter said.

As they headed off, Mason spoke to Sophia and she looked back at Carter and waved.

"Goodbye."

Carter smiled and waved. "Bye, Sophia."

Carter remained standing there, seeing how Mason spoke to Sophia continuously and her head bobbed in response. The sight of her friend sharing secrets with daughter stayed with Carter as she headed home.

In the apartment, she found Kennedy passed out on the couch and Donovan in the kitchen, preparing dinner. After kissing her daughter's head, Carter moved to the kitchen.

"Have a fun time?" Donovan asked.

Carter settled onto a barstool and rested her chin in her hand.

"What is it?" Donovan asked, pausing his work.

"I don't think there has ever been a father more in love with his daughter," Carter said.

Donovan stared at her blatantly offended. "Am I not standing right here?"

"You love Kennedy, yes. That's not in question. But looking at Mason... He would move the earth and sky for Sophia."

Donovan raised his eyebrows, still annoyed. "And you don't think I wouldn't for Kennedy?"

Smiling at his irritation, Carter rounded the counter and cupped his face. "I know you would. But you live with the realistic view point that it isn't not possible to move the earth and sky. Mason loves Sophia to such a degree he would believe he could."

Donovan dropped his annoyance. "He loves her a lot."

"He loves her with his entire heart. Something I don't think Mason ever thought he could do. And to be honest, neither did I."

**********************************************************************

Say it with me 'awwwww'!

Now that we've let that out, go ahead and let out all the fuzzy and warm feelings you have inside right now. 💬💭🗯☺️

(sushilsanu you better leave a comment because this chapter is posted for you. You and the other commenters who really wanted it)

Because let's face it, we never expected this from Mason. I didn't expect it! I legit thought when I wrote this chapter Mason would be his usual snarky self with witty comebacks for Carter.

But nooooooo! He had to go and surprise me yet again for like the MILLIONTH time!! How does he keep doing that?!! But seriously, I never in a million (seems to be a running theme to me right now) years thought he'd just sit quietly and watch his daughter.

I mean it's freaking Mason Douglas we're talking about! The guy always has something to say and he always does with Carter! But he barely talked!! Who is this and where has Mason gone!!?!?

But let's face it, it was freaking adorable how he loves Sophia. And she really is an odd little duck. But then again her father isn't normal so that makes sense.

As for her walking perfectly at eight months, for those of you who know kids might say that's not possible. Actually it is, it's what my older brother Kevin did. Just stood up and started walking like it was no big deal. He's an odd one as well so that makes sense.

I hope you enjoyed this and it gave you an interesting insight to Mason and into who Sophia will grow up to be.

Vote, comment, follow because it is your payment for the stupid amount of love I have for you. You think that love comes free! Nah! It doesn't! It must be paid for with your blood, sweat, and tears. (*tries not to sing but breaks out into song in my head and visualizes the choreography*)

I'm gonna go...And do something...

Laters!!