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Rose enjoyed the morning lounging around the living room of the Manhattan house catching up with her oldest friends. None of them even mentioned or asked about Merrick and Landon didn’t mention him either. It was a bit like old times. “So how goes things with Excalibur? Atif says you’ve gotten our cousins in a bit more shape.”, Ashley asked. “Yeah it’s going good. Skye takes orders very well and has been excelling in our training and in the field. She’s managed to save quite a few mutants from persecution of the Church of Humanity. Why the police are turning a blind eye to it I don’t want to know. Because if I think about that they don’t care because the people they are trying to hang, burn, or nail to crosses are mutants just turns my stomach. Donovan, well he’s excelling in his single combat training and does well enough in the field but he’s a stubborn arse that doesn’t like getting orders from me. Not sure if it’s because I’m a girl, I’m better at this than him, or that I’m American. Why do you ask?”, Rose asked looking at Ashley curiously. “I see. Well just wondering room for another member on the team?”, Ashley asked. Rose tilted her head to the side looking at Ashley then noticed from the corner of her eye Landon smirking. “Depends on who the new member is. What’s going on? I know you graduated but I thought you were going to Tokyo to be with my nephew.”, Rose questioned. “I did graduate. And I leave for Tokyo in a week to spend the summer with Xavier. But I got a job in Glasgow with the Scottish Ballet that I start this fall. So I’ll be moving to Glasgow.Xavier still has two more years of his graduates program. He’s already started looking into companies in the Glasgow area that would hire a mechanical engineer. So it looks like we will end up in Scotland. And you know me, certainly won’t let me twin have all the fun.”, Ashley explained.
“That’s…”, Rose got up and hugged Ashley. “That’s amazing. Congratulations on the job. And of course you can join Excalibur. Though I might need to call it Team Kearney plus two. And Xavier's going to move to the UK too in a few years? It’ll be so great to have more family around. So does this mean you and my nephew are going down the same road to an alter as my cousin and Landon?”, Rose asked letting Ashley go. Ashley laughed and shrugged. “I don’t know about that yet. He hasn’t asked so I can’t say for sure. I get the inclination he plans to while I’m there this summer.”, Ashley admitted. “We all know he’s going to ask it’s just a matter of when. Have you told Atif and Billy yet?”, Rose asked. “No I hadn’t yet. I wanted to talk to you in regards to joining the team before I told them. They just knew I was going to Japan this summer to be with Xavier. It’ll be nice to be with my twin again. Four years apart just seems like eternity when you’re twins. I’ve got a furnished two bedroom already lined up to move into at end of the summer so I’m all set on that front. Which before I forget Forge has something for the team. He wasn’t sure if you’d actually go near the institute since you and Duncan kind of don’t see eye to eye.”, Ashley said getting up. “I’ll be right back.”, she added heading up the stairs to her bedroom. “What would Forge have for my team?”, Rose questioned aloud. Landon and the others just smiled. “You’ll see.”, Landon said. Rose wasn’t sure how to feel about this. Ashley came back down carrying a metal case and handed it to her. “With compliments of Forge.”, she stated. Rose laughed a little opening the case to see seven watches. “Watches? Why is Forge giving me watches for the team? Why kind of 007 stuff is this?”, Rose asked taking one out of the box.
“Well was kind of my idea but Forge is the one who engineered them. Right now you have to use a teleportation disc which is clunky and you keep at the cottage in Cambridge to act as a bridge between your team and Muir Island.”, Landon started to explain. Rachel sighed smiling at her fiance, he always got so excited when it came to the new tech him and Forge dreamed up or a new discovery about civilizations he thought could be mutant related. Rose arched a brow looking at Landon. “Uh huh….”, she said still looking at the watch. “These are individual portable versions. Each of your team can wear this and that way no matter where they are living they can easily hit the button and get to Muir Island. It can also be programmed for other locations but it’s limited to within the United Kingdom for distance not having enough power to teleport about the world like Kurt can with his mutation. So for example you and the others live in Cambridge so right now using that one teleportation disc hasn’t been an issue. However Ashley will be in Glasgow which is a decent drive to Cambridge. So with this it’s a communicator so you alert her that she’s needed and she just hits the button and she’s at Muir Island or she can program the coordinates of the mission in the United Kingdom and hit the button and she’s there. And figure after you and the others graduate you won’t all be staying in Cambridge.”, Landon explained showing her the different functions. “Wow….you and Forge. When you're insane minds combine the craziest shit comes out. This is amazing.”, Rose laughed hugging Landon around the neck. “Thanks. Yeah me and Forge make an insane team I guess.”, he laughed. “You guess? Landon all the upgrades we have on our tables for music, the MDR and now this. You are Forge are mad scientists. You get the insane ideas and Forge runs with it making it reality.”, Cora Lee laughed shaking her head at her brother. Landon smirked and shrugged a little.
“So why are there seven? With Ashley the team is six.”, Rose asked. “Xavier.”, Landon said simply. “Xavier? What would my nephew need one of these for?”, she asked. “After he graduates and moves to Scotland. You’re going to need your own tech guy and he’s getting a degree in mechanical engineering. He’s worked in Forge’s lab a few times when he was state side. So he can maintain the tech that’s there for you.”, he explained. “Has anyone asked my nephew if he wants to be the tech guy for my team?”, she asked. Ashley smiled. “It was Xavier’s idea. He said if we were going to be living in the United Kingdom weather I joined the team or not he wanted to be of help to his aunt. Since he lacks any mutation of his own thus going on missions wouldn’t be viable he figured helping with the tech would make him useful to you.”, Ashley explained. “Xavier doesn’t have to be ‘useful’ to me like that. He’s my nephew, he’s my family. He doesn't have to be part of all this.”, Rose sighed. “But he is part of it. He’s the grandson of the original Wolverine and Silver Samurai so he sees it as his duty. Plus mutant rights matter to him with so many of the people he loves being mutants.”, Ashley explained. Rose nodded. “Well I can’t exactly tell him no to the help. I don’t understand Forge’s tech to the extent Xavier and Landon do. And since Landon has no intentions of joining Excalibur, Xavier is the best option for tech guru. I’ll have to call my nephew and thank him for his willingness to help after he graduates. Otherwise please give him a very tight hug when you see him.”, Rose said putting the watch back and closing the case. “I will.”, Ashley agreed.
“Well glad that’s settled.”, Landon said standing up from where he’d been sitting between Rachel and Rose and maneuvering around legs to get out of the living room. A few years ago that would have been a rather weird situation for him. Having the two girls surrounding him like that, he was glad it wasn’t weird anymore. That he had his best friend back again. “Where are you going?”, Rachel asked. “To get a drink. Anyone want anything?”, he asked as the doorbell rang. “And on cue the band shows up.”, Tommy chuckled. “They have a sixth sense for knowing when there is food or beverages.”, Malcolm teased. Landon shrugged and walked over to the door greeting his bandmates. “Hey guys, come on in. We were just hanging out catching up with Rose.”, he said. “Rose?”, Jackson questioned. Landon rolled his eyes as did the rest of the band as they walked in. Landon grabbed Jackson pulling him slightly to the side. “Look I don’t say this just because she’s my best friend. She’s had a rough couple days sooo…”, Landon said. Jackson shrugged. “Alright that’s fine. No worries Landon.”, Jackson smiled before following the others to the living room. They of course knew everyone in the room except the red head next to Rachel. “Guys this is my best friend Rose Howlett. Rose this is Mitch Jericho, Benny Linkus, Danny Lynch, Gavin Adams and Jackson Nadel.”, Landon said giving basic introductions. “ ‘ello. Nice to meet you. Landon’s talked a lot about you guys. Which Landon if you are still getting a drink can I have some alcoholic?”, Rose greeted before looking to Landon. Landon sighed. “Technically you’re still under drinking age in the states….but whatever. I’ll grab you one of the mudslides.”, he agreed. “Thank you. So Jackson right? I heard you’ve asked about me during the last five years…”, Rose said turning her attention to the blonde haired, brown eyed trumpet player. Jackson smiled a little and shrugged. Landon rolled his eyes and headed to the kitchen grabbing himself one of his Samuel Adam’s and a mudslide for Rose. “I gotta say our Landon has an eye for detail and certainly wasn’t off in his description.”, Jackson stated. “Thanks.”, Rose replied.
The others shook their heads finding seats mostly on the floor in the living room. “Nice to meet you. Landon’s talked a lot about you over the years. They all have. Along with Atif and Billy who went to Cambridge with you.”, Mitch greeted. “So you going to be around long enough that we might get a chance to hear that voice they’ve talked about?”, Gavin inquired. “I don’t know. I’m only stateside for a couple weeks. Some stuff came up so I’m leaving earlier than originally planned.”, Rose answered. Landon walked in and stepped around his bandmates to get his seat between Rose and Rachel back handing Rose the mudslide before taking a sip of his beer letting his free arm go around Rachel. “Well I’ve actually got an idea about this.”, he stated. Cora Lee and Rose laughed shaking their head. “Run for cover Landon has an idea.”, Rose teased. “Oh bite me Rose. My ideas are always the best and you know it.”, Landon said sticking his tongue out. Rose laughed. “I’ll leave the biting to my cousin. So what’s the plan?”, she asked. Rachel blushed a little as the suggestion but smiled none the less. “Open mic night at The Village Underground.”, he stated. “Landon I don’t have my guitar or anything with me.”, she said shaking her head. “So you borrow one. Gavin has three, I’m sure he’d let you use one.”, Landon said. “Plus Atif said you’d gotten into doing open mic nights at the pub near by, showing up his cousin Donovan.”, he added. “I don’t mind.”, Gavin shrugged. “Um I dunno about playing alone in a NYC club. It’s one thing the corner pub back in Cambridge…”, Rose said. “We’ll join you.”, Cora Lee said. “We?”, Rose asked. “Yeah Meddling Kids.”, Cora Lee answered. “Whoa wait you mean we could not only get to see if Landon’s description of her voice is as good as his description of her looks but also get to see our Landon in his old band?”, Jackson questioned with a smirk.
Rose sipped her mudslide and looked at Landon and Cora Lee. “Um well. If Landon is on board…”, she said looking at Landon. Cora Lee looked at her brother too pouting a little. “Come on Landon….we haven’t played as a band in five years….”, she pleaded. Landon smiled and took another long sip of his beer. “I’m in.”, he agreed. “Sweet we get to see Meddling Kids live..”, Benny chuckled. “What will you guys play?”, Danny asked. “Hmm, guess the three of us need to figure that out. Gavin think you can go grab one of your guitars so we could practice?”, Landon questioned. “Yeah sure.”, Gavin said getting up. “Should be back in ten.”, Gavin smiled heading to the door to catch a cab to his apartment. “Come on guys let’s go figure out what we want to play.”, Landon said standing up. “Where are we going to practice? I doubt you have a room setup like we had at the garage over at the Haven….I mean old Haven.”, Rose questioned standing up with Cora Lee. “Three letters, M...D...R”, Landon smirked pulling the small device from his pocket. Rose chuckled. “Yeah he kept it. We use it to train in lieu of traveling to the Institute to train.”, Cora Lee chuckled. “Like any of you complain about having the MDR. I’m not exactly welcomed with open arms at the Institute after telling Donovan he could take his headmaster job and shove it up his ass, if of course the stick up his ass allowed room.”, Landon shrugged. “Still think you gave up a sweet gig . Graduate with your masters in teaching and have a headmaster job waiting for you…”, Danny commented shaking his head. “It’s not the life I want. After graduation I’ve been looking at online school gigs where I can teach from anywhere in the world as long as I have my computer and internet. That way when Rachel graduates we can go wherever the data leads us.”, he explained. “Plus you have no idea how much would go into being headmaster of the institute, not for me.”, he added. “I’d rather travel the world with the woman I love doing something I love.”, he said giving Rachel a kiss. “And I’d rather you be traveling the world with me than you taking on the headmaster role from Mister Fearbhrigh.”, Rachel agreed. “Leading may be something you were always good at Landon, but if running that school wouldn’t make you happy so be it.”, Lily stated. “Thanks coz. Come on let’s go setup in the MDR till Gavin gets here with the guitar. Cora Lee grab your bass from upstairs and I’ll get my kit. Rose can you help?”,he asked heading for the stairs. “Yeah sure.”, Rose said following him along with Cora Lee leaving the others to talk amongst themselves. Gavin didn’t take too long showing up with his spare guitar for Rose. The trio spent a portion of the afternoon in the MDR practicing a song for this open mic night.
“Alexander? Talia? We are back for a little while. They’ve taken our nana in for surgery. So going to grab some lunch here while we wait for dad to call to say she’s out.”, Josalyn called into the large house as she walked in with Robert. Talia and Alexander were lounging in the living room having been enjoying the morning having the house to themselves. Talia leaned up a little from where she was lounging against Alexander on the sofa to look at their roommates as they piled in. She had really no opinion or interest in the health concerns of the matriarch of the Frost Family. However she did take notice when she saw Merrick walking in carrying a car seat. She considered making a rude comment but decided better, it was his great grandmother too so it made sense he was present. However she did not expect who walked in the door behind him shouldering a diaper bag. Talia’s yellow eyes went wide and she nudged Alexander. Alexander sat up and blinked looking at her older sister. “Zoe?? What? Why are you here and with him?”, Alexander questioned pointing at Merrick getting off the couch leaving Talia sitting there alone. “Nice to see you too Alexander.”, Merrick greeted setting the car seat down. Faelan started to cry getting hungry. “Aww it’s alright Faelan. We’ll get you a bottle asap.”, Zoe smiled at Faelan getting into the diaper bag pulling out one of the bottles of water and the canister of formula. “And to answer your question Alexander, I’m here because Hazel is in the hospital and I am close to her.”, Zoe said setting the bottle and formula on a table starting to measure, she’d seen Merrick do it a thousand times so she knew how much to use. Alexander was still not happy about this especially as he watched his sister fixing a bottle for Merrick’s son while Merrick got Faelan out of the car seat.
“Thanks Zoe. I’ll take it from here.”, Merrick said extending a hand for the bottle. Zoe shook her head. “No. Nana Hazel held him today. And I’m supposed to be here to help. So let me feed him.”, she said. “Zoe...”, Merrick said shaking his head. Zoe tilted her head slightly to the side looking up at him. “You trust me right?”, she questioned. “You’re my best friend of course I trust you…”, he sighed. “Then trust me with Faelan. He’s just over two months old now. And I've been around him since the day he was born.”, she requested. Josalyn, Emma, and Alexander were taking extreme interest in the back and forth. “Fine…. just mind his head and hold the bottle at a forty-five degree angle. And don’t let him eat too much too fast he’s a little glutton when he gets his mouth on that nipple.”, Merrick said giving instructions as he reluctantly transferred the crying Faelan into Zoe’s arms. Zoe laughed a little shaking her head. “I’ve held babies in my life. Maybe not as many as you have. And I’ve seen you, your mom, your dad, Aislinn, and Solangel feed him. I think I can handle it.”, she countered giving Faelan the bottle. Emma and Alexander both narrowed their eyes a little. Talia didn’t exactly care, but she knew it mattered to Alexander so she did at least pay some attention. Josalyn shook her head but smiled having really no issue with her brother and Zoe being close. All she wanted was her triplet to be happy. “Come on let’s fix some lunch. We’ve got plenty for sandwhiches. And lots of veggies for you brother.”, Josalyn said leading the way to the kitchen. “I could eat.”, Talia said getting off the couch and grabbing Alexander’s hand leading him away from his sister. Emma glared for a moment longer before following her sister and the others. Zoe waited till the others had wandered away. “You realize there was so many responses I could have given when you made that comment about him being a glutton when he gets his mouth on a nipple.”, she teased standing in the foyer feeding Faelan. Merrick chuckled a little. “Oh like what?”, he questioned. “Like father like son comes to mind.”, Zoe winked. “I suppose. Though glad you kept that to yourself till everyone else was out of hearing range.”, he sighed shaking his head.
“Well let’s go catch up and eat.”, she said heading the direction she’d seen the others go. Merrick nodded and followed along. “Here Merrick.”, Joslayn said setting a plate down with an all veggie sandwich and some chips on it. “Thanks Josalyn.”, Merrick said taking a eat pulling a chair out for Zoe next to him. Zoe sat down carefully setting the diaper bag on the floor as she fed Faelan. “Wasn’t sure what kind of sandwich you would want Zoe.”, Alexander said cutting his sandwich. “Thank you Alexander but don’t worry. Kind of have my hands full at the moment. I’ll fix a sandwich when Faelan is done eating.”, Zoe smiled at her brother. The others ate their sandwiches, Merrick glancing every so often at Zoe holding Faelan feeding him then burping him. “Here I’ll take him and you fix your lunch.”, Merrick offered. “No I’ll take him.”, Josalyn said with a smile. Zoe chuckled a little. “Dominos…”, she teased handing Faelan to his aunt. Josalyn smiled making funny faces at Faelan before he changed to wolf. “Ooo you want to play? Come on Uncle Robert and I will take you into the yard.”, Josalyn said. Robert quickly finished his sandwich being volunteered for baby duty and grabbing the diaper bag. “Um…”, Merrick furrowed his brow. “He’ll be fine Merrick. We are going to just play in the yard. Besides good practice in a way for me and Robert since we will eventually have kids.”, Josalyn said trying to be reassuring as she took Faelan out the doors off the kitchen to let him run in wolf form around the yard. “Aw having to give up control. It’ll be alright.”, Zoe teased giving Merrick a kiss on the top of his head as she rose to make her sandwich.
“Okay someone want to tell me what the fuck is going on between you two?”, Alexander demanded looking from his sister to Merrick. “We’re friends Alexander. Not sure how many times that should need to be explained.”, Zoe stated as she fixed her turkey sandwich. “Oh just right just friends. That’s not what I understand to be a fact.”, Emma stated. Merrick raised an eyebrow looking at his little sister. “Really Emma? Some days I can’t believe you.”, Merrick shook his head. Zoe turned taking a bite of her sandwich. “Really what? What do you think you know Emma?”, she questioned. “Oh I know everything.”, Emma said tapping her temple. Zoe narrowed her eyes at Emma debating if it would be okay to turn the little brat to stone. “Emma that’s not okay. Why did you use your powers on Zoe?”, Merrick scolded his voice very stern. “You were deflecting my questions about what was wrong. She apparently seemed to know the answers given she kept close to you and was trying to offer comfort. So I took a peek. Can’t say I liked what I saw.”, Emma said with a shrug. “And what pray tell did you see?”, Talia asked deciding to stir the pot. “Well for starters for what it’s worth brother I’m sorry that Rose ended up being a gigantic disappointment. But in honesty she’s not good enough for you or my nephew.”, Emma said. Alexander and Talia both blinked and looked at Merrick who was clenching his teeth growling at his sister. “My private life is just that Emma Grace the 2nd. What went on between Rose and I isn’t your business.”, he growled. “I can’t believe you Emma. You went into my mind because your brother didn’t want to tell you something?”, Zoe said in exasperation. “But your private business is Zoe's? Oh wait of course it is considering you’ve been sleeping with her.”, Emma protested knowing what she was saying was going to cause something like an atomic bomb.
Zoe rolled her eyes. "Merrick and I aren't having sex! He hasn't even spent the night since Faelan was born you arrogant, uptight, ignorant, useless, mind-fucking, low class, insensitive bitch.", she glared the Italian temper coming out. "WHAT!?”, demanded Alexander standing up eyes narrowing at Merrick. “Thanks Emma, you are a real treat to be around. My personal life isn’t anyone’s concern but you like to just put it all out there.”, Merrick shook his head before looking at Alexander. “And pipe down Alexander. I have not had sex with your sister.”, Merrick defended. “Oh and Emma is what lying that you’ve been sleeping with my sister?”, Alexander demanded. "I'm sorry, Alexander. I didn't realize it was any of your damn business. But he has stayed at my place in ocelot form sleeping in my room and we have fooled around, but we have never had sex. I think it shouldn't fucking matter since I've gotten over you fucking the chick who was literally going to maim or kill me without knowing my name.", Zoe said turning her glare to her brother Alexander glared at Merrick. “Just keep it that way. I already deal with my little sister being with a Bryant-Frost not looking to deal with my older sister being with one too.”, Alexander said walking away. Talia just smiled deviously and shook her head. “Tisk tisk, someone needs to learn who to keep his grubby paws off hmm.”, Talia taunted walking away to follow Alexander. Merrick ran a hand over his face shaking his head. “Emma...I know this is your house, but get the hell out of my sight before I lose my temper with you.”, Merrick growled straining to not yell as he pointed to the door. Emma went to speak but stopped just walking away. She rolled her eyes at Alexander and ignored Talia, then looked at Merrick. "I'm done Merrick. No more fucking standing that woman. I...am...done. My family never played nice just because we were family, I won't do it for yours. Next time she talks shit, she's getting hit.". Zoe said in frustration sitting down next to him.
Merrick sigh. "Just don't. Alright? Would rather you not end up like Leslie. And it doesn't matter. She's here in Boston and you are in Bayville. You don't have to cross paths with her often.", he requested with a sigh. "I'm done with rolling over for the whole 'keep peace within the family' shit, Merrick. That is one of the most stupid rules. She doesn't get a pussy-pass just for being your sister.", she shook her head. "She is spoiled. I won't seek out but if she does this shit again, she's a marble slab and waking up in a box locked in a metal closet.", she warned. "I can't really stop you. And I'm Haven so I can't technically get involved. And being Haven is about the only reason I don't knock your little stick up his ass brother out.", Merrick shrugged. "He deserves it.", she said simply. "I love him, but if he ever gets like that or tells me I can't do something with someone, he's getting a sore jaw.", she agreed. "It doesn't matter if you're related or not, act like a bitch and bastard and get treated like one. You can pick your family.", she added. "You can do that you aren't Haven. You don't have the laws I have to follow. And your parents won't bat an eyelash at your knocking your brother out. Though Damon would agree with him about me. And maybe you can. But Emma will always be my little sister. Always be family.", he sighed. "She doesn't deserve any pity or kindness you give her." , she shook her head. "God and if she really loved you she'd act like it, not like a spoiled brat.", she added. Merrick shrugged. "I helped raise her in a way. I helped take care of her. Just like I helped and still help take care of Sebastian. The one time I lost my temper with her was over Leslie and I got locked in my room for weeks because I wouldn't leave wolf form and only wanted to rip her and Talia into pieces.", he explained. "She still wouldn't act like this if she cared about you.", Zoe said. She wasn't whispering either or guarding her mind. She didn't care who heard. "I know. In her twisted way she thinks she's protecting me. Let's go see how Faelan is doing.", he suggested. Zoe laughed a little. "You just don't trust anyone with him.", she teased getting up bringing her sandwich. "Nope.", he said heading outside. They sat out in the warm sunshine watching Faelan run around the yard in his wolf form till the call came in that Hazel was out of surgery but needed to rest so no visitors for the rest of the day. Since they weren't going back to see Hazel Merrick and Zoe packed Faelan up and returned to Bayville neither wanted to be around Emma or Alexander more that day. Merrick dropped Zoe of at her apartment and went home with Faelan.
The time came to pack up and go to the club, the whole house plus Blaze Halo headed out to The Village Underground instruments in tow. The large group took up multiple tables as there was thirteen of them. Landon signed them up at the door for the open mic night as ‘Meddling Kids’. They sat at their table and drank a few rounds, well only those of age drank alcohol and the others drank water or sodas. “Alright so next up we have a trio that goes by Meddling Kids.”, the mc said looking around the room. “Let’s do this ladies...it’s no Draven stage but it’ll do.”, Landon said getting up and giving Rachel a kiss. “Yeah we’ll one of us gets regular gigs…”, Rose muttered getting up and taking a quick shot off Landon’s beer. “Amen, I’m the one going to school for music and don’t get the same kind of stage time.”, Cora Lee chuckled giving Malcolm a kiss following her brother and Rose in the direction of the stage. “Thank you.”, Rose spoke into the mic. “Bare with us tonight we haven’t played as a band in a few years. Hope you like this.”, she said. The music started to play. A steady beat starting in Key of G.
“Tell me ‘action’, speak louder. But there's somethin about her words, that hurt.”, Landon began signing from behind his drum kit. “Closing up, it's so late and I'm the last one still waitin for you to lock the door.”, Landon sang Rose joining him in the lyrics. “On our way home I realize. There's some kind of storm brewing in his eyes.”, Rose and Cora Lee sang. “Only veiled by a thin disguise”, Landon joined them on the verse. “Now that I've done my time. I need to move on and I need you to try”, Landon sang solo. “Cause we're out of goodbyes. We're out of goodbyes. Out of goodbyes. Never asked you to change. But sadly you don't feel the same about me. I wonder does your man still shudder, when you touch his hand. Like this man. On our way home I realize. There's some kind of storm brewing in his eyes. Only veiled by a thin disguise. Now that I've done my time. I need to move on and I need you to try. Cause we're out of goodbyes. We're out of goodbyes, we're out of goodbyes.”, the trio sang on. The old group smiled listening to Meddling Kids play, a new song at that, for the first time in five years. The band wasn’t surprised by Landon’s voice or skills on the drums they saw it every time they played. They hadn’t however heard Cora Lee as often and this was the first time they’d ever seen or heard Rose.
After the set was over they trio returned to the table to smiles and applause. Jackson even whistled a little. “God damn...Landon sure has fine ear.”, Jackson commented. “Indeed he does…”, a african american young man with a Jamaican accent. Landon raised an eyebrow putting an arm around Rachel. “And you are?”, Landon questioned. The young man smiled a bright white smile. “Shawn Boykin. I'm an agent. And this trio patching up is amazing. Who wouldn't want to come see an amazing drummer, a gorgeous and insane bassist, and a smoking hot guitarist that kills it. My father had tried to sign you five years ago to be told you broke up. He didn't get details. And um... ", Shawn looked between Landon, Rose and Cora Lee trying to read their minds but finding them unreachable. His brow furrowed as this has never happened. Landon started to laugh, he knew the guy’s name from his data base of mutants. He knew the guy had trained privately with Jean not officially joining the X-Men but wanting to learn control of his powers. “What’s so funny?”, Malcolm asked with a raised eyebrow an arm going around Cora Lee. “I know who you are Shawn and I know that look on your face. Many telepaths get that when they try to read our minds. It’s a look of confusion and frustration that our minds are blocked from you. “, Landon smiled. Shawn raised an eyebrow. “How…”, Shawn questioned. “You may not do your research but I do. Knowing about mutants is my job. You were trained by my Aunt Jean and represent Ororo Fearbirgh. Five of us at this table were team leaders at the Xavier Institute and for reasons you don’t need to know six of us have mental blocks from Aunt Jean.”, he explained. Shawn blinked he was rarely caught off guard but this time he was and it was embarrassing.
“Now in regards to your sales pitch. Pass. I graduate in three years and in five I won’t even be in the states because music isn’t my career. The ‘smoking hot’ guitarist, as you described my best friend, lives in England and in four years will be a doctor.”, he started to say. “He at least got the description right.”, Jackson commented. Landon rolled his eyes. “He’s your friend..”, Rose whispered shaking her head. She didn’t mind being complimented but with how her return home had gone so far she wasn’t really looking for male company like that. “And in regards to the ‘gorgeous’ bassist, as you called my little sister, she might be interested as music is her future career. However I’d recommend limiting the flirty tone her boyfriend there could snap you like a twig.”, Landon added with a chuckle. Shawn sighed and nodded. “So this was a one time reunion deal. Got it. Would have been nice to sign the band my dad couldn’t. Good luck in whatever your field will be then and to your career as a doctor.”, Shawn said before turning his focus to Cora Lee. “And you beautiful?”, he asked with a smile looking at her. Cora Lee rolled her eyes. “You either don’t listen or are just that set in the ways of flirting. Yes I’m majoring in music, however I just want to be a songwriter more than I want to be on stage. It’s only fun to be on stage if I’m with these two. And at the moment I’m not interested in being signed. I want to focus of my education first.”, Cora Lee answered. Malcolm watched Shawn his eyes narrowing ever so slightly a flicker of lightning in them. “Um...alright. Well after you graduate…”, Shawn said taking out a card and handing it to her. “Feel free to give me a call if you are looking to get represented. I suppose then I will leave you bakers dozen to your night. Thank you for your time.”, Shawn said with a smile and nod leaving the group.

Rose ended up spending most of her two weeks just crashing at the Manhattan house it felt so much like their institute days. She was almost sad to leave but knew she had to her back to her team and tell them about the new tech. And once she was back you immersed herself in training and patrol. The team all figured something had gone awry while she was state side just because she returned early. However It was only Atif that she confided in as to what transpired between her and Merrick. Merrick buried himself in work and taking care of Faelan. His parents ended up spending a couple weeks with his great grandmother after her surgery. But Zoe stepped up and helped with babysitting Faelan on days she could. She'd landed a minor role in a stage performance of Moulin Rouge as one of the dancers and even took Faelan to a couple rehearsals. She’d even talked Merrick into helping out with getting the sets built.

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Rose enjoyed the morning lounging around the living room of the Manhattan house catching up with her oldest friends. None of them even mentioned or asked about Merrick and Landon didn’t mention him either. It was a bit like old times. “So how goes things with Excalibur? Atif says you’ve gotten our cousins in a bit more shape.”, Ashley asked. “Yeah it’s going good. Skye takes orders very well and has been excelling in our training and in the field. She’s managed to save quite a few mutants from persecution of the Church of Humanity. Why the police are turning a blind eye to it I don’t want to know. Because if I think about that they don’t care because the people they are trying to hang, burn, or nail to crosses are mutants just turns my stomach. Donovan, well he’s excelling in his single combat training and does well enough in the field but he’s a stubborn arse that doesn’t like getting orders from me. Not sure if it’s because I’m a girl, I’m better at this than him, or that I’m American. Why do you ask?”, Rose asked looking at Ashley curiously. “I see. Well just wondering room for another member on the team?”, Ashley asked. Rose tilted her head to the side looking at Ashley then noticed from the corner of her eye Landon smirking. “Depends on who the new member is. What’s going on? I know you graduated but I thought you were going to Tokyo to be with my nephew.”, Rose questioned. “I did graduate. And I leave for Tokyo in a week to spend the summer with Xavier. But I got a job in Glasgow with the Scottish Ballet that I start this fall. So I’ll be moving to Glasgow.Xavier still has two more years of his graduates program. He’s already started looking into companies in the Glasgow area that would hire a mechanical engineer. So it looks like we will end up in Scotland. And you know me, certainly won’t let me twin have all the fun.”, Ashley explained.
“That’s…”, Rose got up and hugged Ashley. “That’s amazing. Congratulations on the job. And of course you can join Excalibur. Though I might need to call it Team Kearney plus two. And Xavier's going to move to the UK too in a few years? It’ll be so great to have more family around. So does this mean you and my nephew are going down the same road to an alter as my cousin and Landon?”, Rose asked letting Ashley go. Ashley laughed and shrugged. “I don’t know about that yet. He hasn’t asked so I can’t say for sure. I get the inclination he plans to while I’m there this summer.”, Ashley admitted. “We all know he’s going to ask it’s just a matter of when. Have you told Atif and Billy yet?”, Rose asked. “No I hadn’t yet. I wanted to talk to you in regards to joining the team before I told them. They just knew I was going to Japan this summer to be with Xavier. It’ll be nice to be with my twin again. Four years apart just seems like eternity when you’re twins. I’ve got a furnished two bedroom already lined up to move into at end of the summer so I’m all set on that front. Which before I forget Forge has something for the team. He wasn’t sure if you’d actually go near the institute since you and Duncan kind of don’t see eye to eye.”, Ashley said getting up. “I’ll be right back.”, she added heading up the stairs to her bedroom. “What would Forge have for my team?”, Rose questioned aloud. Landon and the others just smiled. “You’ll see.”, Landon said. Rose wasn’t sure how to feel about this. Ashley came back down carrying a metal case and handed it to her. “With compliments of Forge.”, she stated. Rose laughed a little opening the case to see seven watches. “Watches? Why is Forge giving me watches for the team? Why kind of 007 stuff is this?”, Rose asked taking one out of the box.
“Well was kind of my idea but Forge is the one who engineered them. Right now you have to use a teleportation disc which is clunky and you keep at the cottage in Cambridge to act as a bridge between your team and Muir Island.”, Landon started to explain. Rachel sighed smiling at her fiance, he always got so excited when it came to the new tech him and Forge dreamed up or a new discovery about civilizations he thought could be mutant related. Rose arched a brow looking at Landon. “Uh huh….”, she said still looking at the watch. “These are individual portable versions. Each of your team can wear this and that way no matter where they are living they can easily hit the button and get to Muir Island. It can also be programmed for other locations but it’s limited to within the United Kingdom for distance not having enough power to teleport about the world like Kurt can with his mutation. So for example you and the others live in Cambridge so right now using that one teleportation disc hasn’t been an issue. However Ashley will be in Glasgow which is a decent drive to Cambridge. So with this it’s a communicator so you alert her that she’s needed and she just hits the button and she’s at Muir Island or she can program the coordinates of the mission in the United Kingdom and hit the button and she’s there. And figure after you and the others graduate you won’t all be staying in Cambridge.”, Landon explained showing her the different functions. “Wow….you and Forge. When you're insane minds combine the craziest shit comes out. This is amazing.”, Rose laughed hugging Landon around the neck. “Thanks. Yeah me and Forge make an insane team I guess.”, he laughed. “You guess? Landon all the upgrades we have on our tables for music, the MDR and now this. You are Forge are mad scientists. You get the insane ideas and Forge runs with it making it reality.”, Cora Lee laughed shaking her head at her brother. Landon smirked and shrugged a little.
“So why are there seven? With Ashley the team is six.”, Rose asked. “Xavier.”, Landon said simply. “Xavier? What would my nephew need one of these for?”, she asked. “After he graduates and moves to Scotland. You’re going to need your own tech guy and he’s getting a degree in mechanical engineering. He’s worked in Forge’s lab a few times when he was state side. So he can maintain the tech that’s there for you.”, he explained. “Has anyone asked my nephew if he wants to be the tech guy for my team?”, she asked. Ashley smiled. “It was Xavier’s idea. He said if we were going to be living in the United Kingdom weather I joined the team or not he wanted to be of help to his aunt. Since he lacks any mutation of his own thus going on missions wouldn’t be viable he figured helping with the tech would make him useful to you.”, Ashley explained. “Xavier doesn’t have to be ‘useful’ to me like that. He’s my nephew, he’s my family. He doesn't have to be part of all this.”, Rose sighed. “But he is part of it. He’s the grandson of the original Wolverine and Silver Samurai so he sees it as his duty. Plus mutant rights matter to him with so many of the people he loves being mutants.”, Ashley explained. Rose nodded. “Well I can’t exactly tell him no to the help. I don’t understand Forge’s tech to the extent Xavier and Landon do. And since Landon has no intentions of joining Excalibur, Xavier is the best option for tech guru. I’ll have to call my nephew and thank him for his willingness to help after he graduates. Otherwise please give him a very tight hug when you see him.”, Rose said putting the watch back and closing the case. “I will.”, Ashley agreed.
“Well glad that’s settled.”, Landon said standing up from where he’d been sitting between Rachel and Rose and maneuvering around legs to get out of the living room. A few years ago that would have been a rather weird situation for him. Having the two girls surrounding him like that, he was glad it wasn’t weird anymore. That he had his best friend back again. “Where are you going?”, Rachel asked. “To get a drink. Anyone want anything?”, he asked as the doorbell rang. “And on cue the band shows up.”, Tommy chuckled. “They have a sixth sense for knowing when there is food or beverages.”, Malcolm teased. Landon shrugged and walked over to the door greeting his bandmates. “Hey guys, come on in. We were just hanging out catching up with Rose.”, he said. “Rose?”, Jackson questioned. Landon rolled his eyes as did the rest of the band as they walked in. Landon grabbed Jackson pulling him slightly to the side. “Look I don’t say this just because she’s my best friend. She’s had a rough couple days sooo…”, Landon said. Jackson shrugged. “Alright that’s fine. No worries Landon.”, Jackson smiled before following the others to the living room. They of course knew everyone in the room except the red head next to Rachel. “Guys this is my best friend Rose Howlett. Rose this is Mitch Jericho, Benny Linkus, Danny Lynch, Gavin Adams and Jackson Nadel.”, Landon said giving basic introductions. “ ‘ello. Nice to meet you. Landon’s talked a lot about you guys. Which Landon if you are still getting a drink can I have some alcoholic?”, Rose greeted before looking to Landon. Landon sighed. “Technically you’re still under drinking age in the states….but whatever. I’ll grab you one of the mudslides.”, he agreed. “Thank you. So Jackson right? I heard you’ve asked about me during the last five years…”, Rose said turning her attention to the blonde haired, brown eyed trumpet player. Jackson smiled a little and shrugged. Landon rolled his eyes and headed to the kitchen grabbing himself one of his Samuel Adam’s and a mudslide for Rose. “I gotta say our Landon has an eye for detail and certainly wasn’t off in his description.”, Jackson stated. “Thanks.”, Rose replied.
The others shook their heads finding seats mostly on the floor in the living room. “Nice to meet you. Landon’s talked a lot about you over the years. They all have. Along with Atif and Billy who went to Cambridge with you.”, Mitch greeted. “So you going to be around long enough that we might get a chance to hear that voice they’ve talked about?”, Gavin inquired. “I don’t know. I’m only stateside for a couple weeks. Some stuff came up so I’m leaving earlier than originally planned.”, Rose answered. Landon walked in and stepped around his bandmates to get his seat between Rose and Rachel back handing Rose the mudslide before taking a sip of his beer letting his free arm go around Rachel. “Well I’ve actually got an idea about this.”, he stated. Cora Lee and Rose laughed shaking their head. “Run for cover Landon has an idea.”, Rose teased. “Oh bite me Rose. My ideas are always the best and you know it.”, Landon said sticking his tongue out. Rose laughed. “I’ll leave the biting to my cousin. So what’s the plan?”, she asked. Rachel blushed a little as the suggestion but smiled none the less. “Open mic night at The Village Underground.”, he stated. “Landon I don’t have my guitar or anything with me.”, she said shaking her head. “So you borrow one. Gavin has three, I’m sure he’d let you use one.”, Landon said. “Plus Atif said you’d gotten into doing open mic nights at the pub near by, showing up his cousin Donovan.”, he added. “I don’t mind.”, Gavin shrugged. “Um I dunno about playing alone in a NYC club. It’s one thing the corner pub back in Cambridge…”, Rose said. “We’ll join you.”, Cora Lee said. “We?”, Rose asked. “Yeah Meddling Kids.”, Cora Lee answered. “Whoa wait you mean we could not only get to see if Landon’s description of her voice is as good as his description of her looks but also get to see our Landon in his old band?”, Jackson questioned with a smirk.
Rose sipped her mudslide and looked at Landon and Cora Lee. “Um well. If Landon is on board…”, she said looking at Landon. Cora Lee looked at her brother too pouting a little. “Come on Landon….we haven’t played as a band in five years….”, she pleaded. Landon smiled and took another long sip of his beer. “I’m in.”, he agreed. “Sweet we get to see Meddling Kids live..”, Benny chuckled. “What will you guys play?”, Danny asked. “Hmm, guess the three of us need to figure that out. Gavin think you can go grab one of your guitars so we could practice?”, Landon questioned. “Yeah sure.”, Gavin said getting up. “Should be back in ten.”, Gavin smiled heading to the door to catch a cab to his apartment. “Come on guys let’s go figure out what we want to play.”, Landon said standing up. “Where are we going to practice? I doubt you have a room setup like we had at the garage over at the Haven….I mean old Haven.”, Rose questioned standing up with Cora Lee. “Three letters, M...D...R”, Landon smirked pulling the small device from his pocket. Rose chuckled. “Yeah he kept it. We use it to train in lieu of traveling to the Institute to train.”, Cora Lee chuckled. “Like any of you complain about having the MDR. I’m not exactly welcomed with open arms at the Institute after telling Donovan he could take his headmaster job and shove it up his ass, if of course the stick up his ass allowed room.”, Landon shrugged. “Still think you gave up a sweet gig . Graduate with your masters in teaching and have a headmaster job waiting for you…”, Danny commented shaking his head. “It’s not the life I want. After graduation I’ve been looking at online school gigs where I can teach from anywhere in the world as long as I have my computer and internet. That way when Rachel graduates we can go wherever the data leads us.”, he explained. “Plus you have no idea how much would go into being headmaster of the institute, not for me.”, he added. “I’d rather travel the world with the woman I love doing something I love.”, he said giving Rachel a kiss. “And I’d rather you be traveling the world with me than you taking on the headmaster role from Mister Fearbhrigh.”, Rachel agreed. “Leading may be something you were always good at Landon, but if running that school wouldn’t make you happy so be it.”, Lily stated. “Thanks coz. Come on let’s go setup in the MDR till Gavin gets here with the guitar. Cora Lee grab your bass from upstairs and I’ll get my kit. Rose can you help?”,he asked heading for the stairs. “Yeah sure.”, Rose said following him along with Cora Lee leaving the others to talk amongst themselves. Gavin didn’t take too long showing up with his spare guitar for Rose. The trio spent a portion of the afternoon in the MDR practicing a song for this open mic night.
“Alexander? Talia? We are back for a little while. They’ve taken our nana in for surgery. So going to grab some lunch here while we wait for dad to call to say she’s out.”, Josalyn called into the large house as she walked in with Robert. Talia and Alexander were lounging in the living room having been enjoying the morning having the house to themselves. Talia leaned up a little from where she was lounging against Alexander on the sofa to look at their roommates as they piled in. She had really no opinion or interest in the health concerns of the matriarch of the Frost Family. However she did take notice when she saw Merrick walking in carrying a car seat. She considered making a rude comment but decided better, it was his great grandmother too so it made sense he was present. However she did not expect who walked in the door behind him shouldering a diaper bag. Talia’s yellow eyes went wide and she nudged Alexander. Alexander sat up and blinked looking at her older sister. “Zoe?? What? Why are you here and with him?”, Alexander questioned pointing at Merrick getting off the couch leaving Talia sitting there alone. “Nice to see you too Alexander.”, Merrick greeted setting the car seat down. Faelan started to cry getting hungry. “Aww it’s alright Faelan. We’ll get you a bottle asap.”, Zoe smiled at Faelan getting into the diaper bag pulling out one of the bottles of water and the canister of formula. “And to answer your question Alexander, I’m here because Hazel is in the hospital and I am close to her.”, Zoe said setting the bottle and formula on a table starting to measure, she’d seen Merrick do it a thousand times so she knew how much to use. Alexander was still not happy about this especially as he watched his sister fixing a bottle for Merrick’s son while Merrick got Faelan out of the car seat.
“Thanks Zoe. I’ll take it from here.”, Merrick said extending a hand for the bottle. Zoe shook her head. “No. Nana Hazel held him today. And I’m supposed to be here to help. So let me feed him.”, she said. “Zoe...”, Merrick said shaking his head. Zoe tilted her head slightly to the side looking up at him. “You trust me right?”, she questioned. “You’re my best friend of course I trust you…”, he sighed. “Then trust me with Faelan. He’s just over two months old now. And I've been around him since the day he was born.”, she requested. Josalyn, Emma, and Alexander were taking extreme interest in the back and forth. “Fine…. just mind his head and hold the bottle at a forty-five degree angle. And don’t let him eat too much too fast he’s a little glutton when he gets his mouth on that nipple.”, Merrick said giving instructions as he reluctantly transferred the crying Faelan into Zoe’s arms. Zoe laughed a little shaking her head. “I’ve held babies in my life. Maybe not as many as you have. And I’ve seen you, your mom, your dad, Aislinn, and Solangel feed him. I think I can handle it.”, she countered giving Faelan the bottle. Emma and Alexander both narrowed their eyes a little. Talia didn’t exactly care, but she knew it mattered to Alexander so she did at least pay some attention. Josalyn shook her head but smiled having really no issue with her brother and Zoe being close. All she wanted was her triplet to be happy. “Come on let’s fix some lunch. We’ve got plenty for sandwhiches. And lots of veggies for you brother.”, Josalyn said leading the way to the kitchen. “I could eat.”, Talia said getting off the couch and grabbing Alexander’s hand leading him away from his sister. Emma glared for a moment longer before following her sister and the others. Zoe waited till the others had wandered away. “You realize there was so many responses I could have given when you made that comment about him being a glutton when he gets his mouth on a nipple.”, she teased standing in the foyer feeding Faelan. Merrick chuckled a little. “Oh like what?”, he questioned. “Like father like son comes to mind.”, Zoe winked. “I suppose. Though glad you kept that to yourself till everyone else was out of hearing range.”, he sighed shaking his head.
“Well let’s go catch up and eat.”, she said heading the direction she’d seen the others go. Merrick nodded and followed along. “Here Merrick.”, Joslayn said setting a plate down with an all veggie sandwich and some chips on it. “Thanks Josalyn.”, Merrick said taking a eat pulling a chair out for Zoe next to him. Zoe sat down carefully setting the diaper bag on the floor as she fed Faelan. “Wasn’t sure what kind of sandwich you would want Zoe.”, Alexander said cutting his sandwich. “Thank you Alexander but don’t worry. Kind of have my hands full at the moment. I’ll fix a sandwich when Faelan is done eating.”, Zoe smiled at her brother. The others ate their sandwiches, Merrick glancing every so often at Zoe holding Faelan feeding him then burping him. “Here I’ll take him and you fix your lunch.”, Merrick offered. “No I’ll take him.”, Josalyn said with a smile. Zoe chuckled a little. “Dominos…”, she teased handing Faelan to his aunt. Josalyn smiled making funny faces at Faelan before he changed to wolf. “Ooo you want to play? Come on Uncle Robert and I will take you into the yard.”, Josalyn said. Robert quickly finished his sandwich being volunteered for baby duty and grabbing the diaper bag. “Um…”, Merrick furrowed his brow. “He’ll be fine Merrick. We are going to just play in the yard. Besides good practice in a way for me and Robert since we will eventually have kids.”, Josalyn said trying to be reassuring as she took Faelan out the doors off the kitchen to let him run in wolf form around the yard. “Aw having to give up control. It’ll be alright.”, Zoe teased giving Merrick a kiss on the top of his head as she rose to make her sandwich.
“Okay someone want to tell me what the fuck is going on between you two?”, Alexander demanded looking from his sister to Merrick. “We’re friends Alexander. Not sure how many times that should need to be explained.”, Zoe stated as she fixed her turkey sandwich. “Oh just right just friends. That’s not what I understand to be a fact.”, Emma stated. Merrick raised an eyebrow looking at his little sister. “Really Emma? Some days I can’t believe you.”, Merrick shook his head. Zoe turned taking a bite of her sandwich. “Really what? What do you think you know Emma?”, she questioned. “Oh I know everything.”, Emma said tapping her temple. Zoe narrowed her eyes at Emma debating if it would be okay to turn the little brat to stone. “Emma that’s not okay. Why did you use your powers on Zoe?”, Merrick scolded his voice very stern. “You were deflecting my questions about what was wrong. She apparently seemed to know the answers given she kept close to you and was trying to offer comfort. So I took a peek. Can’t say I liked what I saw.”, Emma said with a shrug. “And what pray tell did you see?”, Talia asked deciding to stir the pot. “Well for starters for what it’s worth brother I’m sorry that Rose ended up being a gigantic disappointment. But in honesty she’s not good enough for you or my nephew.”, Emma said. Alexander and Talia both blinked and looked at Merrick who was clenching his teeth growling at his sister. “My private life is just that Emma Grace the 2nd. What went on between Rose and I isn’t your business.”, he growled. “I can’t believe you Emma. You went into my mind because your brother didn’t want to tell you something?”, Zoe said in exasperation. “But your private business is Zoe's? Oh wait of course it is considering you’ve been sleeping with her.”, Emma protested knowing what she was saying was going to cause something like an atomic bomb.
Zoe rolled her eyes. "Merrick and I aren't having sex! He hasn't even spent the night since Faelan was born you arrogant, uptight, ignorant, useless, mind-fucking, low class, insensitive bitch.", she glared the Italian temper coming out. "WHAT!?”, demanded Alexander standing up eyes narrowing at Merrick. “Thanks Emma, you are a real treat to be around. My personal life isn’t anyone’s concern but you like to just put it all out there.”, Merrick shook his head before looking at Alexander. “And pipe down Alexander. I have not had sex with your sister.”, Merrick defended. “Oh and Emma is what lying that you’ve been sleeping with my sister?”, Alexander demanded. "I'm sorry, Alexander. I didn't realize it was any of your damn business. But he has stayed at my place in ocelot form sleeping in my room and we have fooled around, but we have never had sex. I think it shouldn't fucking matter since I've gotten over you fucking the chick who was literally going to maim or kill me without knowing my name.", Zoe said turning her glare to her brother Alexander glared at Merrick. “Just keep it that way. I already deal with my little sister being with a Bryant-Frost not looking to deal with my older sister being with one too.”, Alexander said walking away. Talia just smiled deviously and shook her head. “Tisk tisk, someone needs to learn who to keep his grubby paws off hmm.”, Talia taunted walking away to follow Alexander. Merrick ran a hand over his face shaking his head. “Emma...I know this is your house, but get the hell out of my sight before I lose my temper with you.”, Merrick growled straining to not yell as he pointed to the door. Emma went to speak but stopped just walking away. She rolled her eyes at Alexander and ignored Talia, then looked at Merrick. "I'm done Merrick. No more fucking standing that woman. I...am...done. My family never played nice just because we were family, I won't do it for yours. Next time she talks shit, she's getting hit.". Zoe said in frustration sitting down next to him.
Merrick sigh. "Just don't. Alright? Would rather you not end up like Leslie. And it doesn't matter. She's here in Boston and you are in Bayville. You don't have to cross paths with her often.", he requested with a sigh. "I'm done with rolling over for the whole 'keep peace within the family' shit, Merrick. That is one of the most stupid rules. She doesn't get a pussy-pass just for being your sister.", she shook her head. "She is spoiled. I won't seek out but if she does this shit again, she's a marble slab and waking up in a box locked in a metal closet.", she warned. "I can't really stop you. And I'm Haven so I can't technically get involved. And being Haven is about the only reason I don't knock your little stick up his ass brother out.", Merrick shrugged. "He deserves it.", she said simply. "I love him, but if he ever gets like that or tells me I can't do something with someone, he's getting a sore jaw.", she agreed. "It doesn't matter if you're related or not, act like a bitch and bastard and get treated like one. You can pick your family.", she added. "You can do that you aren't Haven. You don't have the laws I have to follow. And your parents won't bat an eyelash at your knocking your brother out. Though Damon would agree with him about me. And maybe you can. But Emma will always be my little sister. Always be family.", he sighed. "She doesn't deserve any pity or kindness you give her." , she shook her head. "God and if she really loved you she'd act like it, not like a spoiled brat.", she added. Merrick shrugged. "I helped raise her in a way. I helped take care of her. Just like I helped and still help take care of Sebastian. The one time I lost my temper with her was over Leslie and I got locked in my room for weeks because I wouldn't leave wolf form and only wanted to rip her and Talia into pieces.", he explained. "She still wouldn't act like this if she cared about you.", Zoe said. She wasn't whispering either or guarding her mind. She didn't care who heard. "I know. In her twisted way she thinks she's protecting me. Let's go see how Faelan is doing.", he suggested. Zoe laughed a little. "You just don't trust anyone with him.", she teased getting up bringing her sandwich. "Nope.", he said heading outside. They sat out in the warm sunshine watching Faelan run around the yard in his wolf form till the call came in that Hazel was out of surgery but needed to rest so no visitors for the rest of the day. Since they weren't going back to see Hazel Merrick and Zoe packed Faelan up and returned to Bayville neither wanted to be around Emma or Alexander more that day. Merrick dropped Zoe of at her apartment and went home with Faelan.
The time came to pack up and go to the club, the whole house plus Blaze Halo headed out to The Village Underground instruments in tow. The large group took up multiple tables as there was thirteen of them. Landon signed them up at the door for the open mic night as ‘Meddling Kids’. They sat at their table and drank a few rounds, well only those of age drank alcohol and the others drank water or sodas. “Alright so next up we have a trio that goes by Meddling Kids.”, the mc said looking around the room. “Let’s do this ladies...it’s no Draven stage but it’ll do.”, Landon said getting up and giving Rachel a kiss. “Yeah we’ll one of us gets regular gigs…”, Rose muttered getting up and taking a quick shot off Landon’s beer. “Amen, I’m the one going to school for music and don’t get the same kind of stage time.”, Cora Lee chuckled giving Malcolm a kiss following her brother and Rose in the direction of the stage. “Thank you.”, Rose spoke into the mic. “Bare with us tonight we haven’t played as a band in a few years. Hope you like this.”, she said. The music started to play. A steady beat starting in Key of G.
“Tell me ‘action’, speak louder. But there's somethin about her words, that hurt.”, Landon began signing from behind his drum kit. “Closing up, it's so late and I'm the last one still waitin for you to lock the door.”, Landon sang Rose joining him in the lyrics. “On our way home I realize. There's some kind of storm brewing in his eyes.”, Rose and Cora Lee sang. “Only veiled by a thin disguise”, Landon joined them on the verse. “Now that I've done my time. I need to move on and I need you to try”, Landon sang solo. “Cause we're out of goodbyes. We're out of goodbyes. Out of goodbyes. Never asked you to change. But sadly you don't feel the same about me. I wonder does your man still shudder, when you touch his hand. Like this man. On our way home I realize. There's some kind of storm brewing in his eyes. Only veiled by a thin disguise. Now that I've done my time. I need to move on and I need you to try. Cause we're out of goodbyes. We're out of goodbyes, we're out of goodbyes.”, the trio sang on. The old group smiled listening to Meddling Kids play, a new song at that, for the first time in five years. The band wasn’t surprised by Landon’s voice or skills on the drums they saw it every time they played. They hadn’t however heard Cora Lee as often and this was the first time they’d ever seen or heard Rose.
After the set was over they trio returned to the table to smiles and applause. Jackson even whistled a little. “God damn...Landon sure has fine ear.”, Jackson commented. “Indeed he does…”, a african american young man with a Jamaican accent. Landon raised an eyebrow putting an arm around Rachel. “And you are?”, Landon questioned. The young man smiled a bright white smile. “Shawn Boykin. I'm an agent. And this trio patching up is amazing. Who wouldn't want to come see an amazing drummer, a gorgeous and insane bassist, and a smoking hot guitarist that kills it. My father had tried to sign you five years ago to be told you broke up. He didn't get details. And um... ", Shawn looked between Landon, Rose and Cora Lee trying to read their minds but finding them unreachable. His brow furrowed as this has never happened. Landon started to laugh, he knew the guy’s name from his data base of mutants. He knew the guy had trained privately with Jean not officially joining the X-Men but wanting to learn control of his powers. “What’s so funny?”, Malcolm asked with a raised eyebrow an arm going around Cora Lee. “I know who you are Shawn and I know that look on your face. Many telepaths get that when they try to read our minds. It’s a look of confusion and frustration that our minds are blocked from you. “, Landon smiled. Shawn raised an eyebrow. “How…”, Shawn questioned. “You may not do your research but I do. Knowing about mutants is my job. You were trained by my Aunt Jean and represent Ororo Fearbirgh. Five of us at this table were team leaders at the Xavier Institute and for reasons you don’t need to know six of us have mental blocks from Aunt Jean.”, he explained. Shawn blinked he was rarely caught off guard but this time he was and it was embarrassing.
“Now in regards to your sales pitch. Pass. I graduate in three years and in five I won’t even be in the states because music isn’t my career. The ‘smoking hot’ guitarist, as you described my best friend, lives in England and in four years will be a doctor.”, he started to say. “He at least got the description right.”, Jackson commented. Landon rolled his eyes. “He’s your friend..”, Rose whispered shaking her head. She didn’t mind being complimented but with how her return home had gone so far she wasn’t really looking for male company like that. “And in regards to the ‘gorgeous’ bassist, as you called my little sister, she might be interested as music is her future career. However I’d recommend limiting the flirty tone her boyfriend there could snap you like a twig.”, Landon added with a chuckle. Shawn sighed and nodded. “So this was a one time reunion deal. Got it. Would have been nice to sign the band my dad couldn’t. Good luck in whatever your field will be then and to your career as a doctor.”, Shawn said before turning his focus to Cora Lee. “And you beautiful?”, he asked with a smile looking at her. Cora Lee rolled her eyes. “You either don’t listen or are just that set in the ways of flirting. Yes I’m majoring in music, however I just want to be a songwriter more than I want to be on stage. It’s only fun to be on stage if I’m with these two. And at the moment I’m not interested in being signed. I want to focus of my education first.”, Cora Lee answered. Malcolm watched Shawn his eyes narrowing ever so slightly a flicker of lightning in them. “Um...alright. Well after you graduate…”, Shawn said taking out a card and handing it to her. “Feel free to give me a call if you are looking to get represented. I suppose then I will leave you bakers dozen to your night. Thank you for your time.”, Shawn said with a smile and nod leaving the group.

Rose ended up spending most of her two weeks just crashing at the Manhattan house it felt so much like their institute days. She was almost sad to leave but knew she had to her back to her team and tell them about the new tech. And once she was back you immersed herself in training and patrol. The team all figured something had gone awry while she was state side just because she returned early. However It was only Atif that she confided in as to what transpired between her and Merrick. Merrick buried himself in work and taking care of Faelan. His parents ended up spending a couple weeks with his great grandmother after her surgery. But Zoe stepped up and helped with babysitting Faelan on days she could. She'd landed a minor role in a stage performance of Moulin Rouge as one of the dancers and even took Faelan to a couple rehearsals. She’d even talked Merrick into helping out with getting the sets built.