Hard Workin' Man [Open]

[KIERAN "K.J." MCPHERSON]

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[SCOTT MATTHEW CLAYTON]

Scott had vowed to go to the ocean at least once during his stay here, and so to the ocean he went. He had walked through town though, and got distracted by a few things. Before he realized it, the sun was beginning to set! He rushed himself to the docks -after asking several times where they were- and once he reached it he gazed out into the open waters. Maybe someday he would buy himself a boat and travel the seas, though he may want to have someone else with him so that he wouldn't crash into any rocks or get lost. Simon had tagged along, but he certainly wasn't happy about being so close to the water. A grumpy expression was on the cat's face to express this displeasure, as though to possibly say, 'Really? We were SO much better off in Boston, you big-headed buffoon.'

Scott started to drift off into his thoughts as he looked out into the ocean. He really needed to look up the listings for houses that were for sale in the town. Maybe he could find a nice-looking one? Or, maybe even better, a house that was near the water! Scott smiled to himself as he thought about having a house like that. Every day he could look out his window and see the ocean, and maybe could even walk down to the beach to hang out with his friends -okay, so it was still only a few people in the imaginary scenario, but he was working on it darnit! Simon may not be the happiest cat in the world, but he wouldn't have to go with him on his walks to the beach or the docks.

He would want a somewhat big house with a lot of rooms. He always liked things to be spacious, and he would want to have company over to celebrate something (or just have them over for the heck of it). He would want a few guest rooms just in case someone needed to crash over for the night, or maybe they wanted to be in a different place for one night. He wished he would have a bedroom that had a window facing the ocean. That would be nice.

Simon grumbled, and sneezed. Scott looked down at the cat, and said, "Bless you, Simon." He then looked up... and realized there was someone in one of the boats near him. He smiled. Oh boy! A person! The man was dressed in heavy winter clothing, and was sitting down while repairing some sort of trap -Scott did not have that much extensive knowledge about fishing and anything else concerning boats, much to his disappointment. He didn't look too busy, thankfully, so maybe Scott could converse with the man. Scott usually talked to mostly anyone, though if the person was talking to someone else he generally did not interrupt them. He just wasn't as good about telling whether or not someone wanted to be talked to if they were alone, though.

Scott called out, "Greetings sir! That's a nice boat you have there!" It definitely was a nice-looking boat in Scott's opinion. He waved to get the man's attention -just in case the man hadn't heard Scott call out to him- and he had a big smile on his face. Simon rolled his eyes, and meowed, as though to say, 'Just because someone is alone does not mean they want to be talked to.'

[KIERAN "K.J." MCPHERSON]

[/color] Kieran called back, then set a mended trap down and picked up another, setting to work on it. He smiled at the fact that his boat had been complimented. She was a beautiful vessel. Thanks! he nodded. She means a lot to me...You obviously know a looker when you see one. KJ of course meant his beautiful boat.

Kieran wasn't entirely sure if the man needed something or was just making conversation. Should he ask, or just let it go and see if he moved on? Should he invite him aboard? It was all a bit strange, considering he'd never seen the guy before. But maybe he was just catching on to this Maine friendliness. People in Hope Harbor were especially friendly and forward. Only awkward silence was setting in between them and KJ hated an awkward silence, so he decided he should think of something to say quickly. You're not from around here, are you? I've never seen you before. People didn't usually come down to the harbor without a reason and the people with reason, were the regulars. So someone who wasn't normally there was bound to raise some questions. [/ul][/size]

[SCOTT MATTHEW CLAYTON]

Scott smiled as the man greeted him. The man actually noticed him! Scott was excited. He was making friends on his own! Not that he didn't have a hard time making friends on his own; it was just that in a small town like this if you mess something up once it may come back to haunt you forever. At least, that's how it felt like back in his hometown.

Scott was happy that the man liked his compliment of the boat. It was a nice boat, and Scott really vowed that someday he would get one himself. Not like those other vows he had made in the past; this one was serious. If he got a home on or around the beach, got himself a boat, and had people he could talk to, he would be set for life.

Scott didn't mind the silence after the man spoke. Maybe he was thinking of something? Scott did, after all, interrupt the man during his work, so maybe he was thinking of a way to say that? Or maybe he was just curious about what a man like Scott was doing out on the docks. Lots of people go onto the docks, right?

Scott blinked, and then realized why the man was possibly silent. "Oh, yeah, sorry! Yeah, I'm from Boston, err, that's where I work. I'm a doctor, but I decided to, um, take a vacation and see different places. Hope Harbor was one that was suggested to me by a coworker, and, well, here I am now. Well, I arrived two days ago, but the first day I had gone to the wedding of..." Scott froze for a second. Crap! What were their names? He was pretty sure that Lexi had said them, but he still couldn't remember. He continued, "Uh... two people. But then some bad accidents happened and I spent most of that night and the next day helping the victims. I haven't had much time yet to walk around and see the sights." Scott rubbed the back of his head. The incident was unfortunate, but he didn't let it get to him. Things like that happened, and if he let them get to him he would be in the loony bin. He remained happy that at least some people survived to carry on the memories of the ones that passed away.

Simon meowed grumpily, as though to say, 'Stupid ocean. Stupid humans.'

[KIERAN "K.J." MCPHERSON]

[/color] KJ asked, but knew that had to be the one. Weddings inn Hope Harbor were town events, so it was impossible not to know when one was happening. KJ was acquainted with both families, but didn't know them well, so he worked instead of attending. He had however, he had finished the day early to go home and make a special dinner for his sister. Valentine's day wasn't just for couples. It was for anyone that loved anyone else to show it in a special way. KJ loved his sister Ruby and so he made dinner and brought her flowers and chocolates. She'd been delighted of course. Ruby was a girl who was not picky, thus easily pleased and most always content.

Yeah I heard about the accidents. Kieran nodded, as he continued to work. I'm sure they appreciated your help at the hospital....They're understaffed from what I hear. He explained. Yeah there's lots to see, if you like to do outdoorsy stuff. If not, you've come to the wrong town. Kieran laughed a little. The trails are really pretty, and there's the Leap, there's an Island that's pretty cool, but you'll want to wait till it warms up to go out there. KJ threw out a few ideas for the guy. So, are you staying at the Inn, or did you rent a house? Lots of people came and rented the costal houses in the summers, but from the fall till the spring, they were boarded up, because it was too cold and the Maine winters were too hard on the properties to live in. It wasn't cheap to rent the places, but the people came in droves. Often times there weren't enough rental properties to meet the need.


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[SCOTT MATTHEW CLAYTON]

Scott blinked, and nodded. "Yeah, sorry. I'm not that familiar with everyone's names yet." He sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. He would have to work on that if he was going to be a part of this town.

Scott smiled as the man spoke. "Yeah, that's the impression I got as well. I hope they get more people soon." And by more people he meant he really wanted to be hired there, but for right now he didn't want to let others really know that he wanted to stay for good. Or maybe he should let people know. He hadn't really made up his mind about that yet.

Scott smiled again as the man listed off the things one could do in or around the town. "That's pretty cool! What's the Leap exactly?" He tilted his head a little in curiosity.

Scott blinked. "Uh, oh, I'm staying at the Inn. I only have a week-long vacation unfortunately. Well, I guess I could extend it since I haven't been on one in about five years and back in Boston there's plenty of people to look after the patients. I haven't thought about that, actually." Scott paused as though he was thinking. Perhaps... well... he would have to ponder that at another point. He spoke again, "I'm guessing you are from around here?" He tilted his head again.

Simon meowed grumpily, his mood not improving. While the cat followed his master around everywhere, he disliked water in any form such as rain, ocean, or bath water. He could drink the liquid, but he couldn't have it on his fur. Scott learned this the hard way when he playfully splashed some water onto Simon when he was a kitten. Kitten's claws were sharp.

[KIERAN "K.J." MCPHERSON]

[/color] He said encouragingly. KJ understood the whole forgetting of names thing. He wasn't much good at remembering himself often times. Faces, he never got faces. But names, usually slipped his mind, and rather quickly too unless they were very unique. There were too many other things knocking around in KJ's head, to remember the names of every person he met.

KJ smiled when the guy said he hoped that hospital got more staff soon. Well, maybe you oughta consider moving here and getting a job at the hospital...if you're any good at what you do, they'll snap you right up, so I hear...Though you wouldn't get paid nearly as much as you do back in Boston. Small town...small budget. KJ explained. Oh it wasn't that they didn't have rich people in town. That was evidenced by the recent and rather extravagant wedding. It was just that the majority of the people were middle and upper middle class. And they were all happy to be so. But someone from Boston making say, $400,000 a year, likely didn't care to drop to $90,000 - $100,000. Still that new British doctor, Oliver Welcott had done so. Though from what KJ had heard, his circumstances were quite a different nature that this guys.

Oh the leap? KJ asked, trying to think of how best to describe it. Well it's better in the summer, but it's basically just a scenic area, with a lot of big rocks and cravases and mini canyons and waterfalls and stuff. It's pretty cool. But you have to use caution. Tourists end up getting hurt there every year, cause they just jump and crawl around up there with abandon and then they end up slipping inbetween some of the rocks. He wasn't trying to scare the guy. Just encouraging him to se caution if he went up there. Especially this time of the year.

KJ nodded. I see..Well I've heard it's a nice place...never had any cause to stay there mysef. He admitted. I can't remember the last time I took a vacation...But I promised my sister I'd take her somewhere this summer..She's a teacher. Works really hard. She deserves a nice speical trip. It was obvious that he adored his "Rubarb" as he called Ruby. That's right. KJ answered. Born and raised right here in Hope Harbor, and I plan to die here too...maybe even on my boat. He smiled and winked. But at the same time KJ thought it wouldn't be half bad to die at sea, but only after he'd reached a ripe old age. Whenever and wherever he did die, he'd told Ruby he wanted to be buried at sea. She told him, he was too young to even start talking or thinking about anything like that. I'm Kieran McPherson by the way, but everyone calls me KJ KJ reached his large, strong hand out and shook the other man's firmly. Pleasure to meet you Scott He replied, after Scott had introduced himself.. So, does that cat folow you everywhere? KJ asked, a hint of amusement in his tone. He'd never quite seen anything like it.[/ul][/size]

[SCOTT MATTHEW CLAYTON]

Scott smiled. This man did seem really nice. "I hope so. Don't want to mess up, ya know?" He shrugged sheepishly. Maybe the reason why first impressions were drilled into Scott's mind was because of his grandmother telling him to look presentable in front of her guests. He loved his grandmother and all, but she sure could be strict sometimes.

Scott blinked and looked embarrassed. Were his intentions that obvious? He wasn't exactly the most subtle guy out there, but he was sure he was at least somewhat good at masking what he wanted to do. "Uh, I don't mind about that. I've always liked small and quiet towns." He blurted out. Oops. Scott awkwardly smiled to mask his embarrassment. Plus, he had a savings account, and so even if he had a lower income he probably would still be able to support Simon and himself.

He tilted his head to the side when Kieran talked about The Leap. "Gosh, it sure does sound nice. People say I'm clumsy but I'm sure I would be fine if I visited the place." Simon, however, glared at Scott as though to possibly say, 'You trip over your own two feet on flat surfaces. How do you think you would be able to keep balance on uneven rocks and cliff edges?' Scott paused and asked, "Is there some sort of tour guide that's around there? Or do people just go by themselves or in groups to the place?" He didn't exactly have the 'friends' that may want to form a group, though then again Lexi seemed nice enough. He would have to see.

He nodded. "Mhm! I haven't talked to anyone there yet to be honest, though I may do that tomorrow or the next day." He smiled when Kieran mentioning his sister. "That's nice. I have a brother, but he lives in California. He makes me text or video chat him all the time. I sometimes forget to." Scott tilted his head as though thinking. It was either he forgot to talk to him or he left his laptop on and did his own thing. Usually Matt's girlfriend spoke up and made fun of him for keeping the video chat running. He blinked at Kieran. "I see. If you don't mind me asking... when did you get the boat?" The man seemed to cherish it a lot. Perhaps it was passed down from generation to generation? Scott smiled when the man introduced himself. He stuck out his own hand to shake Kieran's, though he lost his balance a little; he wasn't sure if it was from the back that Kieran was stronger than he was, or if Scott just had poor balance in general. It could have been either possibilities. "It's nice to meet you Mr. McPh- err, KJ. I'm Scott, err, Clayton. I'm usually just called Scott, though some people call me by my middle name, Matthew. They get confused since my brother's name is Matthew as well." Scott looked as though he was thinking, but broke out of his thoughts when Kieran spoke. "Oh? Simon? Yeah, he does. He's a good cat. Aren't you, lil' buddy?" Scott cooed at the cat and leaned down to scratch the cat behind the ear. Simon was not exactly impressed by this, and had a pretty grumpy expression on his face. Then again, he was around water, so he wasn't skipping with joy in the first place.

[KIERAN "K.J." MCPHERSON]

[/color] He assured the other guy. People in Hope Harbor were generally kind and patient. There were of course, exceptions to that rule, but that was true anywhere one went. The important thing was for Scott to know that people in HH would welcome him, as long as he was kind and didn't disturb their way of life. This guy didn't seem the type to do anything like that though. KJ was beginning to think this guy might really fit in here. Well then this sounds about the right place for you...Small, quiet, easy-going. KJ liked when nice new people moved into town. Not that he was a very social person. But he liked to have some people to hang out with from time to time. Maybe Scott would be one of those people eventually. KJ really had to be careful who he brought around though. His sister Ruby, got uncomfortable around guys very easily. But who could blame her, with what she'd been through.

KJ shook his head in the negative about the tour guide. Not really...People just do it on their own most of the time...Or if they know a local, they ask them to show them around. He explained. KJ wasn't sure how well a tour guide would do in Hope Harbor. There was a lot to see, despite it being small. But KJ wasn't sure there was anything that would take more than a day or two to see. It's not hard to find though, and pretty self explanitory. Even people that were really bad with directions could easily find their way around in Hope Harobor. You should go to Portland too. Kieran suggested. There's lots to see and do there. Great places to eat as well.


Well you really should. I'm sure they could use you....I mean, if you're planning to stay...If you're not, it'd just be a teaser to them. KJ laughed a little. He'd hired guys to work on the boat before and they'd left right when he'd needed them most. Fortunately that didn't always happen to KJ. He might have gotten a complex about being a bad employer or something, but he wasn't of course.

A brother...that's nice. He said genuinely. Kieran had always wanted to have a brother. But he wouldn't give up his Ruby for the world. She was the most precious and most perfect sister in the world. Kieran was lucky to have her. And they got on very well, they hardly ever had a disagreement. They were more like best friends then brother and sister. Do you visit him often JK inquired. If he had a family member in California, he'd probably go often. He'd heard Cali was pretty cool. But for a small town boy like himself, it might seem too fast paced.

No, I don't mind you asking. KJ said cheerfully. He always enjoyed talking to people about his boat. She was his pride and joy, second only to Ruby of course. I purchased her about 4 or 5 years ago. Best decision I've ever made. She's served me well and will till the day I die I'm sure....My sister tells me I'm married to this boat....I suppose she's right in a way. This was indeed Kieran's first true love.

It's nice to meet you Scott KJ replied, giving the man a firm hand shake. He noticed that the hand shake made Scott lose his balance slightly, or maybe it was the slight sway of the boat. It was hard to keep balance on a boat if one didn't have their "sea legs". Either way, KJ made no comment.

Kieran laughed a little at the cat, finding it quite amusing. Well I've heard of dogs following their owners everywhere...But not cats. Pretty cool you've been able to train him so well though. KJ was thinking of getting a dog, but he wasn't sure what kind yet, and he'd have to clear it with Ruby...just out of courtesy.
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[SCOTT MATTHEW CLAYTON]

Scott nodded. "Yeah! I've noticed that. I'm really glad that people around here are nice." He hadn't ran into a mean person yet in this small town, and he was pretty sure there probably wasn't anyone too grumpy that lived here. Everyone seemed friendly and open with each other, which was something Scott really liked. Though... Scott's mind began to drift back to what happened at the wedding when Kieran spoke again. He blinked. "Oh! Err, yeah. It sure does." Was Scott really that obvious? He still wasn't too sure why he didn't openly just say, 'Hey I'm looking to move to this town!' He just felt embarrassed for some reason.

Scott tilted his head. "Ooooh okay, I see. It really does sound like fun. Maybe I will take a visit there at some point." Scott nodded again. "Well, that's good. I was afraid it was hidden somewhere and I would possibly get lost." He rubbed the back of his head. Scott blinked, and he nodded. "I, uh, probably will at some point. I wanna check out everything that's here first -you know, for vacation stuff." Scott was definitely not that subtle of a guy, and when he tried to cover up his intentions his words and tone sounded very awkward.

Scott pursed his lips. He looked as though he was deciding on something, and finally said, "Weeelll, Boston's really noisy, and I was hoping to find a quieter place to settle down..." He sheepishly scratched his nose. "I guess I'm just too nervous to tell anyone here that. I don't know how they would treat me if they knew I wanted to move here." He shrugged, his face a little red from embarrassment.

Scott shook his head. "No, that's why he tries to call me so much. He always gets embarrassed when his girlfriend points it out to him, but I don't see why he does." He shrugged. "But, really, he's the best. He always makes sure I'm safe and I haven't hurt myself in whatever sort of fashion he thinks I'll hurt myself in." Scott was somewhat aware of the fact that he was clumsy, but he did not think he was as clumsy as he really was.

Scott smiled. "That's cool! I've never had something like this to be passionate about. Well, I have my job that I try my best at, but it's a bit different I guess." Scott looked around, and then he appeared as though he was thinking. "Well, actually, my brother jokes all the time that I'm married to this coat I have on." Scott gestured to the beige trench coat he was wearing. "I always try to wear it, but I'm not too sure why. I'm also not too sure why my brother teases me about it so much. I like it." Scott shrugged again.

Scott smiled and nodded. "Mhm! I've had him since he was a kitten. He goes with me pretty much everywhere. He doesn't exactly like water though, but he's a trooper and will still follow me around."

Simon meowed in annoyance, as though to say, 'I'm DEFINITELY not a trooper, and we're SERIOUSLY leaving soon, even if I have to force you myself to leave.'

[KIERAN "K.J." MCPHERSON]

[/color] KJ said encouragingly. Yeah definitely....vacation stuff...Find something fun to do...something they don't do in Boston. On the VERY rare ocassion that KJ did take a vacation, he always made sure that he and Ruby experienced new things. things completely different from their normal life and routine. Wasn't that the point of going new places on vacation? To experience things you couldn't at home?

Well if quiet, sleepy little town is really what you've been looking for, then you've found it! Aside from the Avery attacks, one would be hard pressed to find a town quieter than Hope Harbor. Of course there were the sounds of the ocean and everything that came along with it, waves crashing against the shore, gulls calling through the air, the occasional ding of a bouie or the low horn of a passing ship. Those were quiet town sounds though, at least in KJ's opinion they were. And they were all sounds that he absolutely LOVED. The sounds spelled home for the Hope Harbor native. KJ continued his work while listening to the other man You'll be welcomed with open arms. The residents love new people. For istance...there's this Doctor that moved here from London a few years back and it took him a while, but he's adjusted quite well now and everyone loves him. And then there's this girl...Kylie Stowe I think her name is, anyways, she's a fashion designer from Chicago, she's dating a local guy, the town adores her....You've got nothing to worry about....Besides, I'm sure the girls here are ready for some new bloood, they've been dating and dumping the same guys for years. Of course KJ wasn't really one that had been dated and dumped. He hadn't had a girlfriends since his freshman year of high school. People often said, if he wasn't so manly in build and skill set and his job choice, they'd have thought he was gay. Nope, KJ was just waiting for the right girl.

It's nice to have siblings to watch out for you and in my case to take care of. KJ was in no way implying that Ruby didn\t watch out for him or take care of him, because she did and did a lovely job of it at that. It was just that, he sort of felt that he was Ruby's protector and Ruby of course, felt the same way. She liked having KJ as her protector.


KJ shrugged when Scott said he didn't have a boat to be passionate about. Well the ocean life isn't for everyone. It's rugged and hard and she's unpredictable. Y'know the old addage "Hell hath no fury like a woman scored?" Well that's the ocean. She's a woman scorned by many a sailor and she seeks to take out her revenge on almost anyone who braves her deep waters. KJ wasn't sure Scott would relate to that, but he didn't mind if he didn't get it. Most people didn't. KJ had a different perspective then most. It's just something that makes you comfortable.KJ said in referece to the coat. There was really nothing wrong with something making you comforatble.

I've never met a cat that did like water. KJ announced. But he does seem pretty cool anyway. He smiled at the other man and finished with his trap, then began to clean up. So if you're still here over the summer, when the ocean's calmer, you'd be welcome to come aboard for a day. KJ invited. [/ul][/size]

[SCOTT MATTHEW CLAYTON]

Scott nodded. "I mean, there are things to do in Boston. Just... err, not so scenic, you know?" He did travel to the various spots and buildings that could be considered 'touristy' but... there was something about small towns that made him feel at home. He was raised in one, and so he was never a 'big city kid'. He tolerated the crowds, but he just wasn't sure how much more he could handle before he had a mental breakdown.

Scott smiled. Accidents happened in small, quiet towns, sure. One time there was a huge fire that burnt down a lot of houses where he was from, and it was devastating. Of course, it had been a wildfire, but it was still sad to see so many things ruined, and so many lives destroyed by it. Scott strived on, though, and he didn't let death get the best of him. He was a doctor, after all; despite hospitals being places of healing, sometimes death was lurking around the corner waiting to take someone from their loved ones. It would drive Scott crazy if he had to think about all the lives that had been lost in one way or another. He then blinked when Kieran spoke. Really? Another doctor like him? Well, he was most likely there for a while now, but... still. This was good news! He was glad so many people were welcomed- then Kieran began to talk about dating. Uh oh.

It wasn't that Scott was opposed to dating, per se, it was just... he wasn't too sure who he wanted to be with. He hadn't thought about it that much in the past, so when the subject was brought up he wasn't too sure what to say. Scott had never seriously dated anyone; yes, there were one or two times a girl asked him out, but then they never called him back since they found out he was... well, weird. He didn't think he was weird, but apparently some people thought otherwise. He smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck. "Uh, hehe, yeah I guess." Would someone ask him out? He wasn't the one who would be doing that, so...

Scott nodded. "Yeah. I've always wondered why he hadn't moved to Boston to check up on me every single day, but then again he has a really well-paying job, and his girlfriend's family lives in California. I think, anyways." Scott looked as though he was thinking as he tried to remember where Matthew's girlfriend's family lived. Was it in California?

Scott tilted his head slightly as Kieran spoke. That's true, but he wasn't too sure if he was the type to be on the ocean. Of course Simon wouldn't be too pleased, but maybe the cat would tough it out and join him on the boat -if he got one, that is. He was amazed that Kieran was so passionate about the ocean, and it was how he described the waters that made Scott seem even more amazed. "That's pretty cool." Was what he said. Boy, he sure sounded like an idiot at times. He then blinked and looked at his coat. He nodded, "Yeah, I guess."

Scott beamed happily. "Yeah! I dunno what I would do without him; he's kinda a part of my life, you know?" Simon meowed grumpily. Scott then blinked, and looked excited. "Really?! Gosh, thanks! I can't wait!" Okay, so now he had to figure out a way to be here during the summer without things looking suspicious... Scott was never the best at hiding his intentions, and even when he did he was never able to do it for long. He just was not a secretive man; why lie about something when the truth was better? Still... he didn't want to guarantee anything yet. Even if things were set in stone concerning intentions.