Cameron Johnson

“I’ve had actual experience with the paranormal. It’s pretty serious stuff when it’s happening to you,” he said, a smile still on his lips to keep the conversation light–he wouldn’t go into that unless the guy asked about it. “Hell yeah, always a good idea just in case,” he laughed, grabbing a second plant himself. “Ah, undergrad, really? I’m a daily user, not gonna lie,” he admitted. “Helps with a lot, you know?” Hearing that he mentioned Cliffside, he gave a nod when the other said that he liked it so far. “I’ve got some friends over at Cliffside. Thought about getting a house there, but apartment living’s working for me right now, over at Coral Reef—it could be better, but it’s a nice view and near the beach,” he told him with a shrug. And why, he didn’t really know, but there was something about the guy, a pull towards him to get to know him a little better. Which led him to his next statement. “You like coffee? Maybe we could grab some sometime. Wouldn’t hurt,” he said with a little smirk. 

“Have you? Well, far be it from me to argue with you about them.” Cameron chuckled softly, thankful that he had no tales of paranormal encounters to share. He wasn’t particularly superstitious, unless it came to wearing a favorite pair of socks while watching a big game, but he also didn’t want to rule anything out. “I’ll take your word on that for now, but I may have some followup questions later.” Even though he didn’t smoke weed himself, he wasn’t going to judge the other man for doing it regularly. Nathan seemed like he was doing just fine after all. “That sounds nice. I guess I’m just not that into the beach.” He replied in response to learning which neighborhood Nathan lived in. Cameron eyed both plants in his hands once more before deciding he was definitely going to buy them. “I do like coffee.” He nodded, his lips parting in a genuine smile of interest. “Busy now?” @nathan-brcdley​

“Ooh, now that’s a good question. My schedule is so hectic at the moment. I really need to hire some more help at the bookstore. This summer has been busier than I thought it would be and I’m kind of swamped. Maybe around Labor Day, since so many other things are closed? I mean, I don’t know what your schedule is like but most business are closed that day, right?” Owen offered, feeling his face heat in slight embarrassment.

“Well, apart from the chaos, I’m sure it’s great to have all that business. Good for you, man.” It took Cameron just a moment to consider the proposed day for their hike. It wasn’t too far off, but it did give him some time to get new outdoor shoes for the occasion. “Hm, sure. I think it’s the perfect excuse to close the studio for a few hours at least. Labor Day then.” He nodded, offering a modest smile in his companion’s direction. “It’s a date.”   @oowenlewis​

“Well, I guess I’m just that good,” he replied a bit arrogantly, though just playing around with the guy as he gave him a grin and a chuckle. “Yeah, for sure, man. Energy is everything. I need to make sure to set a good vibe in my place, don’t wanna attract any bad spirits…” he trailed off, only halfway serious, though he did in fact believe in spirits. “If you don’t like it you can always get another one,” Nathan reasoned. “This one here’s $9.99,” he murmured. “Cameron,” he repeated, in order to remember the name. “Nice to meet you. I have a feeling you don’t come here often, kind of like me? You interested in swinging by the dispensary sometime? I work there, we’ve got great stuff. I’m not tryin’ to make a sale–just generally wanna help you out,” he laughed. “If that’s not your thing, do me a favor and pretend I didn’t say that.” He chuckled, hoping he was making a good impression with Cameron but at the same time, not overthinking it. “So you just got a new home? Sweet, sweet. What neighborhood you in?”

“Guess so.” Cameron smiled a little brighter, appreciating the younger man’s confidence. “Oh, I didn’t realize these guys were spirit-repellent also. Cool.” He teased back, his gaze meeting Nathan’s in signal that he could be playful too. “Hm, I think I should get two then. In case I kill one, I’ll have a backup handy.” He nodded to confirm his plan, taking up a second plant. “Dispensary, you said? I guess cannabis is another way to set that good vibe.” He chuckled softly. “I can’t unhear what I heard, man. Sorry. I’ll admit I haven’t touched the stuff since I was in undergrad though.” He nodded at the mention of his new residence. “Yeah. Cliffside. Much different than what I’m used to, but I like it so far.” @nathan-brcdley​

14. How do they respond to difficult social moments? What makes them consider a social situation difficult? 

Cameron is very diplomatic in a difficult social situation. He keeps his feelings to himself when he sees someone else getting more emotional. He tends to get quiet and tries to remain rational, which sometimes can be aggravating to the other person if they’re looking for a reaction from him. A social situation is difficult for Cameron if the other person expects him to behave in a manner opposite to his character. If the other person is verbally or physically aggressive in effort to rile him up, Cameron will do his best to simply exit.  

17. - Answered.

17. How do they view and feel about relationships, and how might this manifest in how they handle them, if it does? 

Cameron is most content in a monogamous relationship with the right person. He’s able to envision a future with marriage and kids, but hasn’t found ‘the one’ to make that happen with yet. While he doesn’t like to hurt people, he’s not the best at openly working through ruts with his partner. Boredom has spelled trouble for his relationship in the past, with him looking elsewhere for the spark he was missing. 

20. What kind of activities, interests, and hobbies do they have? What significance and impact do these have in their lives, both positive and negative?

Cameron enjoys anything having to do with music. He likes attending live shows as much as staying in for the night to play his vinyls. He used to enjoy running/hiking, but hasn’t done it in a while. He enjoys playing piano, guitar and writing songs. He’s adept at making beats and often will grab whatever is on the table and start making a melody before it goes out of his head. Music has always been Cameron’s saving grace and he can’t remember what life was like before learning to play guitar. He’s got a playlist for literally every mood. Sometimes though Cameron can forsake people for his love of music/his work.

21. What is their preferred level of activity and stimulation? How do they cope if they get either too little or too much?

1. How do they move and carry themselves? Pace, rhythm, gestures, energy?

Cameron exudes a quiet confidence and calm energy. He takes his time and is deliberate with his actions. He doesn’t rush anywhere and doesn’t like to be rushed. He’s a good dancer but not a show off and sometimes when he’s in a great mood, little dance-like moves will give it away.   

3. How do they dress? What styles, colors, accessories, and other possessions do they favor? Why?

Cameron is a sweater weather kind of guy. He favors a light shirt layered with a light piece of outerwear usually like a jean jacket. He likes rich earth tones, particularly shades of green. If he doesn’t have to wear a suit, he won’t. He takes pride in his record collection and his lyric books.   

7. What do they care deeply about? What kind of loyalties, commitments, moral codes, life philosophies, passions, callings, or spirituality and faith do they have? How do these tend to be expressed?

Cameron cares deeply about his family, particularly his sister Amanda/Chey. He’s not religious or all that spiritual either, but he does believe in treating others well because it’s the right thing to do. Cameron tries to offer wise counsel to those in need and he’ll quietly perform acts of service if he knows someone well enough. He loves music and relates super well to anyone who shows any affinity for music as well.  

8. What kind of inner life do they have — rich and imaginative? Calculating and practical? Full of doubts and fears? Does it find any sort of outlet in their lives?

“Mm,” he chuckled. “And lucky for you, I’m a lover, not a fighter.” He shrugged and flashed a lazy, half smirk. There was a slight flirtatious note in his tone, but anyone who was not observing carefully would not have caught it. “Yeah, man, I have no idea, either. Just something simple that I won’t end up killing, y’know?” he murmured casually as he browsed through the plants. “I’d say green is pretty much always a good thing, for the majority of plants. Think I might just get this little guy,” he said, pulling out a small Aloe Vera. From his small bit of knowledge of plants, he knew that Aloe Vera was good for burns and it tended to be an easy plant to maintain, needing little water, and could grow to be pretty large. “It’s nice to look at and it’s got medicinal uses, so sounds good to me.” He shrugged. Then, pausing, he extended his free hand. “Nathan,” he introduced. 

“Is that so?” Cameron grinned at the handsome stranger. “You know.. I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone actually say that in real life.” He didn’t hate it coming from this guy either. Nodding, he turned his gaze back to the greenery. “Right. Same. I’m trying to get some good energy in my new home. People say a plant is good for that kind of thing.” He listened to the other man’s explanation behind his choice. “Huh. Maybe I should get one like that too,” he thought out loud, perusing the row of similar-looking plants until the other man offered his hand to shake. Cameron accepted the gesture and offered a firm shake in return. “Cameron, but Cam is fine.” @nathan-brcdley​

“Much better off than me obviously.” Owen teased right back, hoping to soothe any hurt feelings he may have caused. “Then maybe the next time you see a club, go in because you want to. Not because you have to. I feel like it would certainly be easier to do business, not in a club, but then again, what do I know? We should go hiking together sometime! I won’t pick anything too strenuous if you haven’t done it in a while. It’ll get you back in the groove, you know? Then we could always do a harder one.”

“I guess I’ll take that.” Cameron chuckled, simply happy not to be obligated to go out until the wee hours of the morning for the sake of signing an artist who was on the fence at this point. His former colleagues back at the label in LA could have their fill. “Fair point. I’ll have to experiment one night, see what I really think.” It seemed like a level-headed suggestion; he wasn’t in a rush to get back in there anyway. “Yeah? You’d be up for that?” Cameron smiled when Orion offered to meet up with him for a hike. “That sounds good to me. I’ll have to get some decent footwear. When are you thinking?” @oowenlewis​

“Damn, and to think I was planning an olive-only dish,” she responded sarcastically, just to add to the mocking that he supposedly lived for. Giving his shoulder a hard pat, she let out a sigh and smiled. “Looks like we’re both officially old. You more than me, obviously…” A birthday with Cameron around was one worth celebrating. Chey moved from the kitchen and wandered to his living room, falling back onto the couch rather dramatically. “So,” she broke the momentary silence as he finished up a box. “When do you plan on telling me the real reason why you’re here now?” Straight the point - Chey was never one to bullshit with him. 

“I know you were.” Cameron quipped in return, grinning at Chey as she left him with his last kitchen box.  He pulled a face of exaggerated discomfort when his sister clapped his shoulder. “Painfully obvious. My knees ache when there’s 90% humidity in the air now.” That was half true actually. He so hoped that arthritis was not in his future. Cameron had grabbed the left over packing paper from the box he’d emptied and started to break the box down when he heard his sister’s blunt inquiry from the next room. He paused for a moment, chewing apprehensively on his lip. “Wow. And here I thought we might make it to that dinner without having this conversation..silly me.” He washed his hands quickly in the kitchen sink, pacing slowly out toward the living room as he dried his palms on his jeans. “Can’t we just leave it as a testament to how much I missed you?” @mandacjs​ 

“I couldn’t very well call myself a bookstore owner if I didn’t.” He laughed along. “Not really, I’m getting a bit old for that. It was never really my scene to begin with. I’m pretty gangly, dancing in a club and trying to be sexy are not my strong suits. But I do like going out in general. Going to a good bar, meeting up with friends, maybe seeing a comedian or movie. I like hiking and sailing too. Anything that involves going out and exploring.”

Cameron feigned offense at the implication that there was a cut off age for going out at all hours of night. “If you’re too old for that ..what’s that make me?” Truthfully, he’d felt out of place in the nightlife scene as well, but he wasn’t sure if he was completely done with it either. “You know, when I was living in LA I’d go to the clubs so often for business purposes. I don’t actually know if I’ve ever had a good time at one.” A beat passed and he shook his head. “Man, I haven’t been hiking..in years. I even used to run cross-country, but I just gave it up one day. I’d probably catch an asthma attack if I tried it now.” @oowenlewis​

Cameron was the one who usually got to hear those private songs of hers. She didn’t have to worry about judgement from him, and normally, he seemed impressed by the things she created. “Yeah, maybe you can come over for dinner this weekend. I’ll play some for you then.” Putting up the last of his dishes, she stepped away and pushed off his arm before laughing a bit. “Of course I’ll make fun of you. I thrive off of it,” she joked. She walked over to his fridge which was mostly empty except the beer she had brought over. Chey took one and opened it up for herself. “Well, now that you’re in town… I hope this means you’ll come hang out with me on my birthday. Because you obviously haven’t forgotten about it, right?”

At the offer of dinner at his sister’s, Cameron smiled. He was far from a gourmet chef and the idea of a decent home-cooked meal was very appealing to him. He needed a taste of home in this new place. He didn’t know how long it might take for him to feel at home here. “Sure. As long as there are absolutely no olives on the menu, I’ll be there.” He chuckled, his grin broadening when Chey jostled his arm. “That is my sole purpose for being, to be mocked by my little sister. Keeps me humble.” When she mentioned her impending birthday, Cameron did a double-take. “What? Who said you were allowed to have a birthday this year? The older you get, the older I get.. it’s a whole thing.” His expression softened almost immediately though and he nodded. “Of course I’ll be there, whatever you want. Well, almost whatever. No piercing pacts this year.” @mandacjs​

“How about we make it interesting?” She questioned as they began to make their way down the pier towards where the games were located; her eyes glancing across in that direction every so often as she looked for what game to play. “Whoever loses has to buy the first round of drinks?” It wasn’t exactly big stakes but this was all just a bit of fun at the end of the day. As they came across the game booths, her eyes mainly focused on that before she spotted one she liked. “What about that one?” She gestured towards the basket ball hoops. @cameronjx​

Cameron eyed Athena with intrigue when she proposed stakes for winning their friendly competition. He grinned when the outcome was a round of drinks. Even if he managed to lose, they would both win alcohol in the end. “Perfect. It’s a bet.” He nodded, coasting beside Athena as she browsed the available games. While she was looking at the booths, he took the opportunity to admire her. She was quite pretty in person, more so than in her photos. When she stopped to direct his attention to the basketball game, Cameron grinned and made a show of rolling up his shirt sleeves. “You wanna go first or shall I set the pace?” @athenalewis​

“Oh sure, it definitely seems that way. Not that I know anything about music production but doing any kind of collaboration with the masters is probably amazing.” He laughed, enjoying the conversation. “Oh man, that’s a question innit? Over the years? Probably in the thousands. Books from my childhood that I gave away or things I read in an airport. But in my current collection? I probably have a little over 200. I own a bookstore, I have to know what I’m talking about. I’m no hypocrite.”

“Yeah.” Cameron nodded, suddenly missing the professional ease of living in LA. While it wasn’t impossible to still work out collaborative projects with high profile musicians here, it wasn’t the same. The label he’d left retained most of his contracts. He was starting over here in more ways than one. Thankfully, he was patient by nature. “That’s true. Don’t think you could be trusted if you only had a couple coffee table books to your name.” Cameron raised a playful brow. “So besides the store and the beach.. where do you go for fun? Into the nightlife scene at all?”  @oowenlewis​

“You say that like you’ve experienced it. Gotten a little daring among the dunes, eh Cameron?” Owen asked, raising his eyebrow with a cheeky grin. Huh, that was something he had never done before. Time to add it to the bucket list. “That’s cool. I think it’s great that you’ve been able to work with different kinds of people who create in different styles. There’s a real artistry in every genre but I feel like alternative would suit you. You’ve got that cool vibe.”

“Ha-ha. I’ll just leave that up to your imagination for now.. ” Cameron chuckled, declining to confirm or deny how much action he’d gotten at the beach. Although his most recent relationship had ended badly due to his impropriety, he typically tried his best to comport himself like a gentleman. Cameron lifted his hand to comb his fingers through his hair as they shifted topics. “Yeah. It’s definitely a cool experience. Stretching yourself creatively through collaboration can be very rewarding.” It didn’t always produce good music, but there was always a lesson or a potential partnership that emerged from it. “Hm. Thanks. I try not to be too on the nose about it, but I do take some pride in my obligatory vinyl collection .. how many books do you think you’ve acquired over the years?”@oowenlewis​

“I am too, don’t feel bad.” Owen said right back, knowing that he was nowhere near what some people would consider manly. He was okay with it though, he liked who he was. “That’s fair, everyone likes what they like and you’re certainly not alone in disliking sand. It does get everywhere.” Seagulls flew overhead and the sound of talking and laughing filled the air around them. “Really? That’s so cool! What kind of songs do you write? Folksy alternative stuff or more mainstream pop? Are you secretly a rapper writing sick bars?”

“I don’t feel bad. I’m very confident about standing by my aversions. Thankfully, I don’t have so many.” Cameron liked to think of himself as a laid back person. He wasn’t super finicky outside of his lukewarm feelings on beaches. He had a rather strong dislike of olives, but that was another story. “Right?” Cameron shrugged heavily. Sand was a menace. “I mean.. in places you didn’t even realize it could go. It’s weird.” Cameron grinned when they started to talk music, laughing at the prospect of him writing rap songs. “I guess somewhere in the alternative lane. I can honestly say I have never written a sick bar. I have co-produced a handful of rap tracks for others, but it’s not really my wheelhouse.” @oowenlewis​