Forest had noticed a few things with Mason. He was hard on Lex, condescending at times. Rough on him physically. Bruises still remained even though there was no reason to hide Lex’s good health that Forest could tell. Surely if strangers came and tried to wander into their farm they’d have bigger problems than them figuring out that Lex’s skin was clear and healthy. Forest was not so inviting to strangers. Had no intention of letting anyone get that close to them to have a look. Forest was the type of man who didn’t like to get into another's business and so far he hadn’t said anything. Mason had not been blatant in front of him, he’d only seen the evidence and had his suspicions.<br/><br/>“I never saw the start of it. We were holed up together here, a family protecting one another. Only a little after, when me and the old man would go into town for supplies, and we never went into the city. I couldn’t imagine.” And Mason was the one who’d gotten them through it. Things made a little more sense to Forest after that.<br/><br/>“No, I think you’re right with some of it. I didn’t see it before. I’m not trying to take his place. It don’t work like that either though, him living off my generosity. The only way it works with this many people is if we all put in the time. Probably don’t help bein' a group a’ roosters without a hen in a henhouse. Everyone’s gotta be a little starved for a spot of intimacy.”<br/><br/><br/>–<br/><br/><br/>Unfortunately Mason’s mood didn’t improve with Forest trying to take a back seat so he could resume his glory position, and in fact, he pushed things to the point where the farmer couldn’t just stand back and watch anymore. He was in the kitchen, adding sugar from downstairs to a pitcher of tea. Cleaning house they’d found some of his Momma's favorite tea bags hiding and forgotten in the back of a cupboard. A blessing. He was watching from the window. Mason and Lex were outside. Bruce was barking. They seemed like they were arguing.<br/><br/>Lex started to turn, to walk away, and Mason grabbed him. He shoved him hard up against the side of the barn and had his hand around his throat. Forest left what he was doing on the counter, tossed his front door open and took the porch steps in two strides in an effort to break up whatever it was that was occurring. He was tired of it. A friendly brawl was one thing, showing Lex how to fight with that tall slender body of his, but the only thing he’d seen Mason do was<i>try</i>to keep Lex at a disadvantage. Deliberately, in everything. Wanted him to stay in the house. Clean, cook. Didn’t want him to learn how to shoot, how to do the hard work, how to fight. Mason liked Lex weak and he seemed to enjoy holding power over him. Forest grabbed Mason by the shoulder and wrenched him away, shoving the larger man back hard.<br/><br/>“You need an outlet, Mase? Need someone to throw down with?”<br/><br/>Violence erupted, just as Forest expected it to. He was ready, the two men were throwing fists and wrestling each other to the ground, but at least it was a fair fight. No different from when they’d been growing up. This was how southern boys settled their disputes and even though Forest was smaller, he was strong and tenacious. Mason’s own strength had started returning to him but the city had softened him. When they were younger Mason had easily been able to whoop him, but now it looked like Forest was going to come out on top.<br/><br/>Wallis had rushed over at the commotion, sharing a look with Lex in askance, unsure if he should let the two continue to duke it out or try to break them up.