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It was a long flight even with the speed of the x-jet to get to Muir Island. When they were about an hour out Sadria got on the radio and called the island. “Excalibur, Laoch ‘ere.”, Donovan answered using his code name. Sadria smiled a little hearing her nephew’s voice. She hadn’t ever met Donovan or most of her nephews and nieces. But she knew it was him by the accent and she had been told he went by the codename Warrior, well Laoch which was Gaelic for warrior. “Laoch, Dreamer c’ecking in. We are bout an ‘our out.”, Sadria replied. Donovan smiled. He knew his Aunt’s codename in America was Dreamer. “Aye. T’anks for da ‘eads up. Ah’ll let Wolverine know yer inbound and get da lights on da roof fer yer landing flipped on.”, he said trying to remain professional. “T’ank ya Laoch”, she answered. “And...Auntie. Ah look forward ta finally meeting ya. Dah always talked fondly of ya and mah uncles dat went ta America. And yer son and daughter do noting but speak o ‘ow wonderful ya are.”, Donovan said letting it get less professional. Sadria smiled. “Oh Ah sure yer dah ‘ad many a fun tales to tell bout me and mah younger brothers. Yer two youngest cousins and Ah look forward ta meeting ya too mac dearthár (nephew). Dreamer out.”, she said getting off the radio. Sadria glanced over her shoulder the three kids they’d brought along asleep in their seats.
Donovan got up from the radio and walked to the bunk where Kyle was sleeping. He peeked in and smiled the kid still sound asleep in the cot. He decided to not wake the boy up yet so instead he walked to the bunk where he knew Rose had gone and knocked on the metal door. “Rose? Aunt Sadria just radioed in, dey are an ‘our out.”, he said through the door. Rose grumbled sitting up rubbing her eyes getting out of the bed. “I’m up.”, she said yawning fixing her hair as she opened the door. She’d had some weird dreams mostly about Merrick and Faelan, dreaming of what Faelan was going to grow up to look like. Having been looking at Kyle most of the day just put that thought into her mind. “You alrig’t? Ah kne ya mig’t not answer dat. After all w’y tell me wat bodering ya. We apparently ain’t close enoug’ dat ya’d tell me personal tings.”, Donovan sighed. Rose groaned a little. “It’s not like that Donovan. I’m just not really talking to anyone about it.”, she sighed. “Aye, well Ah ain’t a shrink but even Ah kne dat canna be ‘ealthy. And ya say we are yer team. Da way ya talk bout a team it’s supposed ta be family. Ah don’t know wat kind o family da ‘owletts are but Ah kne da Kearney clan dinna fash about keeping tings bottled up.”, Donovan shrugged turning to walk away.
Rose sighed. “Fine. My issue is that I’m an emotional sadists. I am the bringing of my own unhappiness. I went home and told the man I love that I can’t be with him because it was the ‘responsible’ thing to do because of the distance.”, she admitted following after him. Donovan stopped and sighed nodding as he turned to look at her. So she had fallen in love with Merrick after all. “You called it off because of him ‘aving a kid? Ah mean da distance dinna boder ya before.”, Donovan asked. “In a way yes. His heart has always been in Bayville with his family. His family is the most precious thing to him. And then he had his son which just ties him even more to Bayville. I’ve got four more years of medical school, and even after that I’m not going back to America because I’m running this team. I might have been able to deal with being a long distance girlfriend, I was already dealing with being a long distance friend with benefits. But I just...I could be a long distance mother. Merrick and Faelan need and deserve someone that can be there for them. They deserve better than what I can offer. So I told him we couldn’t be more than friends anymore. And I don’t even know if we are that. Which I had to fight for years to get him to call me his friend.”, she explained frowning. “I just apparently am not meant to have love. First guy I loved I tell him, he picks my cousin. Second guy I love I call it off before it could be more to be responsible.”, she sighed shaking her head.
Donovan frowned a little and on just instinct hugged her. “Rose, everyone is meant to ‘ave love. Maybe these just weren’t your times. Ah sure ‘owever dat if ya told Merrick ‘ow ya feel it’d change tings.”, he said letting her go. He didn’t like giving that advice. Rose just shook her head. “It wouldn’t matter. I won’t be moving back to America and he’d never move here. So it just couldn’t work.”, she explained. “W’y wouldn’t he move?”, he asked. “Well for one he doesn't fly well. For another his life is there. His family and his business. Everything is there.”, she answered. “Everyting but you.”, Donovan countered. “Yes but if he came here with Faelan all he’d have would be me and Faelan…”, she frowned. “Well if Ah was in dat position. Long as Ah ‘ad my kid and you dat all Ah’d need in life.”, Donovan shrugged. Rose smiled a little at the sweet comment. “Yes well it doesn’t matter now. He’s probably already moved on. There was another woman he’d gotten close to over the last year. She didn’t have to fight tooth and nail for him to call her friend like I did. She became his best friend in a matter of months. And he smiled when he was with her and they had a connection. No he’s probably already gotten over me, if there was anything to get over.”, she frowned thinking about Zoe making Merrick happy.
“Ah dinna kne. Finding any woman dat could filler yer place dinna seem feasible to me.”, Donovan stated. “Yeah well I’m not even sure what my place or role was with him. I was just a girl he slept with and there is a long list of names that have done that.”, she sighed. “Aye. Be dat as it may. Silver lining in a way, least dere aint’ more Bryant men for ya to get ‘ung up on.”, Donovan smiled a little. rose glared. “Not funny Donovan.”, she said walking past him to the kitchen getting a bottle of water from the fridge. “Aye, well Ah was just teasing princess. Ya’ll find a bloke.”, he said. Rose shook her head taking a sip from the bottle. “Maybe, but right now I don’t even want to try.”, she stated. “Well…”, he said leaning on the counter looking at her. “When ya decide ya want to try could always give a Kearney a chance.”, he commented referring to himself. “Oh well please I could throw a stone anywhere in the whole of the United Kingdom and probably hit a Kearney.”, she joked not really getting what he was saying. Donovan laughed a little. “Aye dere are many of my kin round. But Ah was talking more about me den mah cousins.”, he stated. Rose looked at him and blinked. “What? Wait? You…”, she said a bit taken by surprise by that. Yeah he'd flirted over the years but she kind of figured he was joking with her.
Donovan smirked. “Aye. Ah dinna kiss ya just fer da sake of our mission today.”, he smiled. “But..we’re teammates.”, she said shaking her head. Donovan shrugged his broad shoulders a little. “And? Wat yer point? Atif and Billy are teammates and getting married after university. And yer nephew Xavier plans to join da team as our tech’ guy after he graduates and he’s engaged ta Ashley who just joined da team.”, he countered not really seeing her point. “I’m the team leader. And as I just said I’m not really looking.”, Rose said shaking her head. “Still don’t see your point in regards to the team dynamics. And Ah dinna mean right dis minute. Ah said w’en yer ready ta try, Ah’ll be ‘ere.”, he explained. “You’d...you would wait?”, she questioned. “Aye. Been waiting t’ree years wat some more. Not like Ah got a time limit in life.”, he commented. “Four? Wait what?”, she questioned blinking. “Ah voiced mah opinion a few times over da years. But ya were ‘ung up on da bloke back in da states so dinna notice.”, he explained. “I just I didn’t think you were serious. But why?”, she questioned. “W’y wat?”, he tilted his head to the side in question. “Why me? Give me a reason.”, she answered. “ya want a list den? Alrig’t. Well yer galánta for starters. Den dere’s yer voice and skills wid a guitar. Yer a bonnie fig’ter, yer smart, yer verra kind too. And well den dere yer verra fine round arse.”, he smiled giving her a list. Rose wasn’t sure how to even respond to this. So Donovan was good looking, but she’d spent the last three years not thinking about him that way. Granted that was because the only man she was focused on had been Merrick. “Um...well let’s go wait for the X-Men to get here.”, she said changing the subject walking out of the room.
Zoe hadn’t been able to stop smiling the whole shift which Jada and Melissa both found to be a little weird. “So what’s got you in a such a good mood?”, Jada asked in the break room as Zoe was punching out. “I’ve got a date.”, Zoe said putting her punch card away. “Ooo been in America over a year and finally snagged a date. Who with? One of those cute guys in your cast at the theater?”, Jada asked teasing. “Nope. Much better. Merrick. Night.”, Zoe said with a wave leaving Jada with that to do with what she wanted. Zoe didn’t really care at the moment. On her way up the stairs she sent a text to Merrick. ‘So you didn’t say where we were going? What’s the dress code?’, she inquired. Merrick was busy fixing little sandwiches and a pasta salad to bring on the date. He checked his phone and smiled seeing a text from her. ‘Casual. I recommend comfortable shoes.’, he answered going back to packing up the basket. ‘Alright. See you soon.’, she replied before setting her phone on her kitchen counter getting out of her work clothes and taking a shower before standing in front of her closet with a towel wrapped around her debating what she wanted to wear on her first date with Merrick. She pulled out a teal flowy sleeveless tunic with an ornamental laced front and back yoke and a similar zigzag lace pattern for the hem, then from her dresser she pulled out a pair of simple medium wash skinny jeans then slipped into a pair of sneakers for comfort. Sure they wouldn’t make her taller but she didn’t mind feeling short next to him. If things went the way she hoped height wouldn’t matter as it never mattered when horizontal. She pulled open one of the hidden jewelry drawers and picked out one of the necklace and earring set she’d bought from him.
Merrick finished packing the basket dinner before heading upstairs and taking his shower to get ready for the date. He rarely put much thought into what he wore, only on those rare occasions he went on a date. As he looked in his closet he tried to not think about the last date he went on which was last summer with Rose. he said casual so that’s what he was going with. He pulled out a simple white v neck tee then put a dark wine colored long sleeve button down where he left the top three buttons open then pushed the sleeves up slightly over it, and a pair of dark wash jeans and his sneakers. He did a quick check that he had everything before giving Faelan a hug and kiss then grabbed the basket and blanket he’d set aside to leave. He wasn’t sure why but he was nervous. “It’s just Zoe…”, he reminded himself. “You’ve hung out with her a thousand times.”, he kept talking to himself as he drove. “Yeah but this isn’t hanging out. This is taking her on a date. This also isn’t just going to her apartment and fooling around. This isn’t a hook up. This needs to be different. This is different who am I kidding. But is this...is this too soon after Rose?”, he questioned himself but shook his head. “I was never dating Rose, I was sleeping with Rose. Just because I thought there was a chance of being more doesn’t mean there was. So time is irrelevant. In four years of sleeping with Rose I got as close to her as I have gotten to Zoe in eighteen months. That’s gotta mean something.”, he sighed talking to himself still as he parked. he got out of the car and used his spare keys he’d never given back to get upstairs and knocked on her door.
Zoe looked at the clock on the stove and smiled he was right on time. She pulled the door open and smiled at him. “God you look good.”, she said not even thinking about keeping that thought to herself. Merrick smirked laughing a little. “Thanks…”, he looked her over and subconsciously his lips rubbed together. Zoe smirked. “I’ll take that reaction to mean you like what you see too.”, she teased. Merrick raised an eyebrow then realized what he was doing with his lips and laughed. “Yeah. But you look good in sweats to me. You ready to go?”, he asked. Zoe nodded and stepped into the hall locking her door following him down to the car getting in. “So where are we going?”, she asked as they backed out of the parking spot. “You’ll see when we get there.”, he stated driving. Zoe shook her head a little but smiled looking out the window. She’d ridden in that seat so many times since coming to America but this was the first time she was there to go on a date with him. As they drove she started to recognize where they were going. She’d gone to the ground breaking ceremony two months ago to help with Faelan while Merrick and Jacob did the whole first couple shovels into the ground. She’s been proud of Merrick and his accomplishment as she stood there holding Faelan next to Hazel and the rest of his family and the Haven members. She had to admit it was a bit disheartening if his idea of a first date was taking her to see how the build was going.
Merrick didn't say anything as he parked. The building for the office was mostly just a slap of recycled concrete with flecks of varied greens and blues of recycled glass mixed in and then some framing made from timbers of trees that had been fallen for the purpose of the build. Merrick had wanted to reuse as much as possible and not waste anything and Jacob was onboard with the eco friendly project. Zoe got out and looked at the structure starting to walk in that direction while Merrick got out and popped the trunk taking out the blanket and basket of food he’d made plus a bottle of wine he’d grabbed. He raised an eyebrow as she started in the direction of the building. “It looks like it’s coming along..”, Zoe commented trying to not sound disappoint that this was their first date. “Where are you going hellraiser?”, he questioned. Zoe turned and blinked seeing him with a blanket over his left arm and a picnic basket in his right hand. “We aren’t looking at the sanctuary office….are we?”, she asked sheepishly. “No. Now back away please there are signs that say hard hat zone for a reason. Come on. We’re going this way.”, he said heading the opposite direction of the structure. Zoe blushed a little feeling a tad stupid and hurried to catch up to him. her dark blue eyes looking at the basket curiously. “So a picnic dinner in the woods?”, she smiled.

“A tad more than that..”, he said stepping over tree roots and rocks never once looking down. Zoe had to pay attention to her step so she didn’t trip and wondered how he was able to walk so confidently through the forest and not trip. Then she reminded herself he’s an animal shifter of course he’s got that perfect grace, this was his element after all. She was curious where he was leading her as he held back some branches with his right arm. “After you.”, he said. She ducked under his arm and stepped out of the edge of the forest to realize that the faint smell of the ocean she had picked up during the walk was just that the ocean. They’d reached a cliff at the edge of the property. The tall trees had created their own soft line as they knew not to grow too close to the cliff’s edge. So it was about six feet worth of push grass then two feet of just rock to the edge. It had an amazing view out over the Atlantic ocean and the sun was just starting to set. She drew in a breath smiling as she walked closer. His idea of a first date was a picnic atop a cliff that overlooked the ocean at sunset. This truly felt like one of the senses from a play or one of her sister’s favorite romance movies. She turned and looked at him as he set the basket down and was shaking the blanket out and laying it over the grass. Did Rose realize what she’d given up? Merrick was amazing, kind, and apparently a closet romantic.

“This is...is...mozzafiato.”, she said walking over to the blanket he’d laid out. Merrick nodded a little getting down onto the blanket and opening the basket. “Yeah it’s very beautiful out here. Figured you’d enjoy eating here.”, he said setting out two plates, two wine glasses and forks. Zoe smiled and sat down next to him wondering what was inside the basket. He set on each plate a squared wax paper wrapped item which Zoe picked up hers and looked at the open end and smiled he’s made sandwhiches. And from the smell and look they were hummus, cucumber and carrot on whole wheat. Next he set a bowl with a serving spoon on the blanket which was covered by plastic wrap so she could easily see it was a string bean, arugula pasta salad. Then he set two mason jars that were just layered with blueberries, cream, and strawberries out with spoons. Zoe laughed a little watching him and wondered if he did all this himself. “Something funny?”, he asked taking out the bottle of wine and pour her glass offering it to her. Zoe shook her head taking the glass. “No it’s just..well did you get help with this idea and the food or is it all you?”, she asked taking a sip of the wine. “Just me. I made everything but the wine which well I bought that.”, he said pouring his glass. “Wow...who knew.”, she said getting comfortable next to him setting the glass down. “Knew what?”, he asked. “That you could be this romantic.”, she stated. Merrick shrugged. “I have my moments. So let’s eat.”, he said taking the plastic wrap off the pasta salad serving it up . Zoe nodded and started eating just enjoying being there with him
Sadria called in of their final approach and Rose turned on the landing lights upon the roof of the building. “Donovan can you go get Kyle? Let him know they are here.”, she said glancing to Donovan. She wasn’t sure how she was supposed to be around him now that he’d made it perfectly clear he was interested in her. But she was going to ignore it like she’d been before. She was still getting over Merrick so moving on would be nothing more than a rebound and Donovan was a member of the team so him being a rebound would just end badly. Donovan nodded. “Ah got him.”, he said walking away. To him it made no difference in how he was going to act around her whether he’d made it clear or not that he was interested in her. Rose went to the roof to greet the team while Donovan went to the bunker and flicked on the light nudging Kyle. “Oy wee laoch. Time to get up. Da institute people are ‘ere to speak to ya.”, he said softly. Kyle grumbled awake having hoped the kidnapping, the death of his family that it was all just a nightmare. But as he opened his eyes and saw Donovan he knew it hadn’t been a nightmare it was reality. “I’m up…”, he said sleepily sitting up. His hair was a little messy from sleeping and his clothes certainly looked worse for the wear having been wearing them now over two days. There wasn’t really much he could do about the clothes but he ran his hands through his hair to try and fix it as he followed Donovan out of the bunker.
Kyle stuck close to Donovan as they got the lounge. He saw two older women both with fiery red hair and green eyes hugging Rose. Kyle then looked to see three kids. A girl who he had to admit was cute with her fair skin, dark ebony hair and hazel eyes then two boys one blonde with blue eyes and black wings the other having black hair and honey eyes with white wings. Sadria turned her attention seeing them walk in from the corner of her jade eyes. She smiled brightly seeing Donovan. “Lord ya are da spitting image o Alan!”, Sadria exclaimed walking over and hugging her nephew. Donovan chuckled a little and hugged her. “It’s good ta meet ya auntie. And t’anks Ah get told often by clansmen dat Ah favor dah.”, he said letting her go. “Auntie Sadria Ah’d like ya to meet Mister Kyle Fraser. Kyle dis is mah auntie Sadria Ah told ya bout.”, Donovan introduced. Kyle smiled shyly. “Hello Misses…”, Kyle was drawing a blank on her last named. “Delaney..”, Donovan whispered. “Right Misses Delaney.”, Kyle greeted. Sadria crouched down to get eye level with the boy. She smiled sweetly at the boy assessing him. “Well ya are a ‘andsome lad. Ah kne we are but strangers, however may Ah hug ya? One person w’o been t’rough a great loss to anoder?”, she requested. Kyle wasn’t exactly sure what she mean but nodded. Sadria hugged him gently but tightly. She may not have lost her parents as he had, but she’d lost her husband, a brother, and many dearly loved friends in the most horrid ways. She’d been kidnapped and held against her will.
Jean walked over and placed a hand on Sadria’s shoulder. Sadria nodded and released the boy. Jean smiled at him and crouched down as well and looked at him. ‘I am Misses Jean Shadow. We are here to help if you will let us. Misses Delaney and I both know what you are going through. We have experienced the great loss of people we love being taken from us by force and being kidnapped and harm being done to us just because we are mutants. We survived those hardships and the Institute was part of how we did that. At the institute we may not all be related but we are family.’, she spoke directly to his mind. Kyle blinked hearing her voice but not seeing her lips move. He looked to Donovan and then to Rose both nodded. Oror and the twins moved closer. “Misses Shadow is a telepath. So is Misses Delaney. That’s their gift.”, Ororo explained. “Gift? You mean their mutation?”, Kyle asked looking at the girl. “Yes. We call them gifts because that is what our founder Professor Charles Francis Xavier called them and why he started the institute. I’m Ororo Fearbirgh.”, she greeted extending her hand. “Fearbirgh? That sounds more our side of the pond.”, Kyle said being polite and kissing her hand. Ororo giggled a little. “Well my father is from Inverness. He’s the headmaster at the institute.”, she explained. Kyle nodded looking at the two with wings. “Oh and these two...well go on tweedles introduce yourselves.”, Ororo instructed. Evan smiled. “I’m Evan Marcus Kearney II, Donovan’s second youngest cousin. Darren Delaney is the youngest of us in America.”, Evan said extending his hand. Kyle nodded shaking his head. “And I’m his twin brother Hiro Marcus Kearney. I hear you’re a shifter. Watch this..”, Hiro said back up a little and changing to a tiger.
Kyle blinked watching Hiro transform. Hiro transformed back and smiled. “Pretty cool huh? My mom can do that too. My Uncle Hiro, where I got my name, was able to change into a ram.”, Hiro said proudly. Kyle smiled a little nodding. “Well if we are showing powers…”, Evan said picking up a glass of water from a table and touched the water it instantly freezing then evaporating then returning to water. “I manipulate particles.”, Evan explained. Kyle nodded impressed and looked at Oror. “Um mine...well it’s a bit more complicated. I’ll try.”, she said closing her eyes focusing on a memory for some reason the memory of gardening with Stephan came to mind and how during his ivory fur and feathers got helping her dig in the rich soil. She closed her hands tightly and kept focusing on the memory and as she opened her hands inside a tiny bubble was the memory. Kyle blinked looking at the bubble not just because it appeared from nowhere but what was inside it. he inched a little closer looking at the strange boy with her. Ororo opened her eyes and smiled looking at the memory ball before squeezing her hands together and the bubble disappeared. “That was one of my memories. When I was gardening in June with Stephan Wagner. He’s one of the other boys that goes to the Institute. He has avian wings along with some avian and lion physical characteristics. His wings are so beautiful. No offense to Hiro and Evan’s angel wings…”, she said glancing to the twins. “None taken. We all know that you favor Stephan..”, Hiro said. Evan elbowed his twin. “His wings. Which have a bigger span than ours.”, Evan added.
Kyle nodded a little with a smile watching the interaction between Ororo and the twins. He was still trying to place why the girl seemed familiar. “So you’ve never been to Cambridge before? Or maybe London?”, he asked looking to Ororo. Ororo shook her head. “Nope. I’ve been to New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Toronto. I haven’t had any jobs that have brought me across the Atlantic.”, Ororo stated. Kyle furrowed his brow a little. “Then...well why do you look familiar?”, he asked. “Well I do modeling so you might have seen one of my face on a poster or in a magazine.”, Ororo shrugged. Kyle nodded, of course she was a model. “Yeah that’s probably it. Well guess you have all shown what you can do...so I’m up.”, Kyle smiled a little and took a breath. His brown hair, soft brown eyes and child like appearance altered as he grew in height and his appearance took on that of Donovan but wearing his Glasgow Warriors rugby uniform of a black under armour material top with light blue sleeves with the same ‘Macron’, “Glasgow Warriors’, ‘BT Sport’, and ‘Malcolm Group’ logos and Kearney written across the shoulder and the number six on the back along with the matching shorts. Donovan looked to his left and blinked then laughed. Rose shook her head at the impression. Obviously even before today Kyle was a fan of Donovan’s. Kyle chuckled. “Wat? Dinna fash, mate. It only temporary.”, Kyle said though his voice was an exact replica of Donovan’s before he changed back to himself.
“So he’s a s’ifter similar ta wat Mystique ‘ad been.”, Sadria commented. “Who was Mystique?”, Rose questioned not sure if the name was familiar. “Mystique was before your time Rose. She was Kurt’s mother, but died during the year Landon and Lily were born.”, Jean explained. Rose nodded. “So Kyle. It’s up to you if you want to leave with Misses Shadow and Delaney.”, Rose said looking to the boy. “Aye, as we told ya even if ya go and c’ange yer mind we’ll ‘elp best we can.”, Donovan said placing a hand on Kyle’s shoulder. Kyle nodded. “I know. And thank you so much Donovan and Miss Rose. I owe you my life. So guess I should try to do something good with it. So I’ll give the institute a chance.”, Kyle agreed. “We’re happy to have you Kyle. The other students are always excited to meet a new person.”, Jean said. “Yeah basically all of us grew up together because our parents all went to the institute in their youth together. Welcome to the institute.”, Ororo smiled giving Kyle a hug. Kyle blushed a little but quickly got it under control. “Thanks Ororo. It’ll be a change but I’ll try to adjust.”, he smiled. Donovan crouched down next to Kyle placing a hand on his shoulder. “Alrig’t mate. So guess dis will be goodbye fer now.”, he said reaching into his back pocket and handing Kyle first a small white card.
“Ya get in any trouble or need someting or just need someone ta talk to ya call me, aye? And since Ah kne ya ain’t leaving wid not but what ya got on yer back..”, he said reaching into the wallet again. The benefits of being a professional athlete with a recent endorsement deal with dove men he at least was making decent money. He made £2.3 million as his salary playing for the team. So he didn’t really think much as he handed Kyle £500 in fifty notes. “So ya use dis ta get yerself some stuff w’en ya get dere and convert dis to the US dollar.”, he explained. Kyle blinked at being handed the ten large notes. “Five...five hundred quid?”, Kyle stammered. Sadria smiled a little seeing her nephew being so kind. Rose blinked she knew that Donovan wasn’t exactly strapped for cash as he’d been during his university years slinging beers at the pub, but to hand a ten year old five hundred quid. She did the conversion quickly in her head and realized he basically just handed that boy $786 dollars to start him out in his new life in America. Donovan nodded and gave Kyle a hug. “Ya keep yer c’in up aye. Mind mah auntie and ya’ll do bonnie.”, Donovan said letting the boy go. Kyle nodded and put the money into his dirty jeans pocket. “Thank you so much Donovan.”, he smiled before turning to see Rose. Rose smiled and bent down giving Kyle a tight hug.
“When you get there you will probably come across another redhaired woman, that will be my mom. She’ll be very nice to you. And you might meet a short grumpy looking man with her, that’s my dad Logan and don’t let his grumpy exterior fool you he’s a rather nice guy and you could learn much from him. Good luck Kyle.”, she said hugging him. “Thank you Miss Rose. Bye to you both.”, Kyle said looking at Rose and then Donovan with a slight smile. “I’m ready to go Misses Delaney and Shadow.”, he said stepping forward. “Well take good care o him.”, Sadria assured. “Come on Kyle wait till you see the x-jet it is awesome.”, Hiro said racing for the stairs that lead to the roof. Evan sighed and ran after his brother. Ororo rolled her eyes and linked arms with Kyle. “You’ll learn that Hiro is impulsive.”, Ororo explained as she walked with Kyle following the twins. Sadria hugged Donovan and kissed his cheek. “Ya be a good lad. Give mah love to yer dah and mum. And when ya see yer grandparents give dem da biggest ‘ugs from me and yer Uncles.”, she smiled before hugging Rose. “Give ma love ta Atif and Ashley. Yer doing yer daddy verra proud ya kne.”, she sighed smiling. “Ah will auntie.”, Donovan agreed. “I’ll tell them. And thanks Misses Delaney.”, Rose smiled. Coming from someone who’d idolized her father, who’d trained under him it meant a lot to hear she was living up to the name Wolverine. “We will radio when we have landed.”, Jean said with a wave to them heading after the children with Sadria leaving. “He’ll be okay dere...rig’t?”, Donovan asked hearing the engines of the jet as they took off. Rose nodded. “Yeah. He’ll be okay. They’ll probably have him speak with Misses Wagner, she’s a human but the sweetest woman ever. She’s the school’s psychologist. She’ll help him through this trauma.”, Rose assured. “We should go back to the cottage. See what was up with that briefcase and get your watch back so you can get home.”, Rose sighed. Donovan nodded grabbing her wrist and they disappeared from the island and returned to the cottage in Cambridge.
With their food gone Zoe leaned into Merrick’s side as they sat watching the sun going down and the colors of the sky changing subtly as it did and reflected over the ocean. They’d talked while they ate about random things like they always did, there was a small amount of awkwardness but that was more nerves than anything. They Were already comfortable around each other, they’d been best friends over over a year. It was just this wasn’t them hanging out it was an official date. Zoe knew why she was nervous and anxious at least. Merrick had always been rather sweet to her, but this wasn’t just sweet merrick this was verging on romantic. And she just wondered what exactly this date might turn into. He’d said he was up for breaking his rule but at his shop didn’t feel it was a good place to break the rule amongst the sawdust and such. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye and wondered if maybe here at the cliff under by the light of the setting sun was a good place. “Merrick?”, she questioned softly. “Yeah?”, he asked turning his head to look at her. He had his right arm around her, leaning on his left. “This has been...well amazing. I don’t think any guy I’ve known would have thought to do something like this as a date let alone the first. Though saying first implies there would be others.”, she tried to explain but rambled a little as she was trying to hint at wondering if there would be more dates between them. Merrick smirked a little. “You’re rambling hellraiser.”, he teased. “I’m glad you’ve been enjoying tonight. But are you trying to get to a point?”, he questioned.
Zoe smiled a little embarrassed. “Well I’m just wondering. You said this afternoon you wanted to break the rule, but weren’t going to have sex with me at the shop and instead asked me on this date. So I’m just trying to figure out if we are breaking the rule tonight, if this is just kind of that prelude to romance me into sex. Or if it’s not is this a first date meaning more will follow or just a date?”, she questioned. Merrick smiled at her and leaned down kissing her softly. “This isn’t a prelude to sex, or me trying to romance you into having sex. I may have said to hell with me rule that says I can’t be with you but other rules still stand. I don’t talk or pressure a woman into doing anything they don’t want to.”, he started to explained. Zoe chuckled softly. “Well if you were just trying to romance me into sex I was going to say not really needed. I’ve wanted to sleep with you since well probably last March when we met but mostly since last September when you started spending the night.”, she smiled. “Yes well be that as it may, and how good the idea of sex with you sounds….it’s not my objective at this point. Or what I meant by breaking the rule.”, he explained. Zoe raised an eyebrow at that statement. Merrick kissed her again softly on the lips. “Will you go out with me? Meaning more dates and the whole girlfriend title. Which would mean being more than auntie Zoe to Faelan..”, he questioned. Zoe’s smile expanded from ear to ear practically. He was asking her out, to be his girlfriend...a commitment he’d only made to one other woman. She nodded before speaking. “Yes. Of course I’ll date you and be more than aunt to Faelan. I love that sweet cucciolo.”, she said before giving him a kiss. She wasn't sure how long he’d want to hold off having sex with her but she didn’t care. She was his girlfriend and right now that’s what mattered. They’d take that step when they were both ready...well when he was ready since she already was.

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It was a long flight even with the speed of the x-jet to get to Muir Island. When they were about an hour out Sadria got on the radio and called the island. “Excalibur, Laoch ‘ere.”, Donovan answered using his code name. Sadria smiled a little hearing her nephew’s voice. She hadn’t ever met Donovan or most of her nephews and nieces. But she knew it was him by the accent and she had been told he went by the codename Warrior, well Laoch which was Gaelic for warrior. “Laoch, Dreamer c’ecking in. We are bout an ‘our out.”, Sadria replied. Donovan smiled. He knew his Aunt’s codename in America was Dreamer. “Aye. T’anks for da ‘eads up. Ah’ll let Wolverine know yer inbound and get da lights on da roof fer yer landing flipped on.”, he said trying to remain professional. “T’ank ya Laoch”, she answered. “And...Auntie. Ah look forward ta finally meeting ya. Dah always talked fondly of ya and mah uncles dat went ta America. And yer son and daughter do noting but speak o ‘ow wonderful ya are.”, Donovan said letting it get less professional. Sadria smiled. “Oh Ah sure yer dah ‘ad many a fun tales to tell bout me and mah younger brothers. Yer two youngest cousins and Ah look forward ta meeting ya too mac dearthár (nephew). Dreamer out.”, she said getting off the radio. Sadria glanced over her shoulder the three kids they’d brought along asleep in their seats.
Donovan got up from the radio and walked to the bunk where Kyle was sleeping. He peeked in and smiled the kid still sound asleep in the cot. He decided to not wake the boy up yet so instead he walked to the bunk where he knew Rose had gone and knocked on the metal door. “Rose? Aunt Sadria just radioed in, dey are an ‘our out.”, he said through the door. Rose grumbled sitting up rubbing her eyes getting out of the bed. “I’m up.”, she said yawning fixing her hair as she opened the door. She’d had some weird dreams mostly about Merrick and Faelan, dreaming of what Faelan was going to grow up to look like. Having been looking at Kyle most of the day just put that thought into her mind. “You alrig’t? Ah kne ya mig’t not answer dat. After all w’y tell me wat bodering ya. We apparently ain’t close enoug’ dat ya’d tell me personal tings.”, Donovan sighed. Rose groaned a little. “It’s not like that Donovan. I’m just not really talking to anyone about it.”, she sighed. “Aye, well Ah ain’t a shrink but even Ah kne dat canna be ‘ealthy. And ya say we are yer team. Da way ya talk bout a team it’s supposed ta be family. Ah don’t know wat kind o family da ‘owletts are but Ah kne da Kearney clan dinna fash about keeping tings bottled up.”, Donovan shrugged turning to walk away.
Rose sighed. “Fine. My issue is that I’m an emotional sadists. I am the bringing of my own unhappiness. I went home and told the man I love that I can’t be with him because it was the ‘responsible’ thing to do because of the distance.”, she admitted following after him. Donovan stopped and sighed nodding as he turned to look at her. So she had fallen in love with Merrick after all. “You called it off because of him ‘aving a kid? Ah mean da distance dinna boder ya before.”, Donovan asked. “In a way yes. His heart has always been in Bayville with his family. His family is the most precious thing to him. And then he had his son which just ties him even more to Bayville. I’ve got four more years of medical school, and even after that I’m not going back to America because I’m running this team. I might have been able to deal with being a long distance girlfriend, I was already dealing with being a long distance friend with benefits. But I just...I could be a long distance mother. Merrick and Faelan need and deserve someone that can be there for them. They deserve better than what I can offer. So I told him we couldn’t be more than friends anymore. And I don’t even know if we are that. Which I had to fight for years to get him to call me his friend.”, she explained frowning. “I just apparently am not meant to have love. First guy I loved I tell him, he picks my cousin. Second guy I love I call it off before it could be more to be responsible.”, she sighed shaking her head.
Donovan frowned a little and on just instinct hugged her. “Rose, everyone is meant to ‘ave love. Maybe these just weren’t your times. Ah sure ‘owever dat if ya told Merrick ‘ow ya feel it’d change tings.”, he said letting her go. He didn’t like giving that advice. Rose just shook her head. “It wouldn’t matter. I won’t be moving back to America and he’d never move here. So it just couldn’t work.”, she explained. “W’y wouldn’t he move?”, he asked. “Well for one he doesn't fly well. For another his life is there. His family and his business. Everything is there.”, she answered. “Everyting but you.”, Donovan countered. “Yes but if he came here with Faelan all he’d have would be me and Faelan…”, she frowned. “Well if Ah was in dat position. Long as Ah ‘ad my kid and you dat all Ah’d need in life.”, Donovan shrugged. Rose smiled a little at the sweet comment. “Yes well it doesn’t matter now. He’s probably already moved on. There was another woman he’d gotten close to over the last year. She didn’t have to fight tooth and nail for him to call her friend like I did. She became his best friend in a matter of months. And he smiled when he was with her and they had a connection. No he’s probably already gotten over me, if there was anything to get over.”, she frowned thinking about Zoe making Merrick happy.
“Ah dinna kne. Finding any woman dat could filler yer place dinna seem feasible to me.”, Donovan stated. “Yeah well I’m not even sure what my place or role was with him. I was just a girl he slept with and there is a long list of names that have done that.”, she sighed. “Aye. Be dat as it may. Silver lining in a way, least dere aint’ more Bryant men for ya to get ‘ung up on.”, Donovan smiled a little. rose glared. “Not funny Donovan.”, she said walking past him to the kitchen getting a bottle of water from the fridge. “Aye, well Ah was just teasing princess. Ya’ll find a bloke.”, he said. Rose shook her head taking a sip from the bottle. “Maybe, but right now I don’t even want to try.”, she stated. “Well…”, he said leaning on the counter looking at her. “When ya decide ya want to try could always give a Kearney a chance.”, he commented referring to himself. “Oh well please I could throw a stone anywhere in the whole of the United Kingdom and probably hit a Kearney.”, she joked not really getting what he was saying. Donovan laughed a little. “Aye dere are many of my kin round. But Ah was talking more about me den mah cousins.”, he stated. Rose looked at him and blinked. “What? Wait? You…”, she said a bit taken by surprise by that. Yeah he'd flirted over the years but she kind of figured he was joking with her.
Donovan smirked. “Aye. Ah dinna kiss ya just fer da sake of our mission today.”, he smiled. “But..we’re teammates.”, she said shaking her head. Donovan shrugged his broad shoulders a little. “And? Wat yer point? Atif and Billy are teammates and getting married after university. And yer nephew Xavier plans to join da team as our tech’ guy after he graduates and he’s engaged ta Ashley who just joined da team.”, he countered not really seeing her point. “I’m the team leader. And as I just said I’m not really looking.”, Rose said shaking her head. “Still don’t see your point in regards to the team dynamics. And Ah dinna mean right dis minute. Ah said w’en yer ready ta try, Ah’ll be ‘ere.”, he explained. “You’d...you would wait?”, she questioned. “Aye. Been waiting t’ree years wat some more. Not like Ah got a time limit in life.”, he commented. “Four? Wait what?”, she questioned blinking. “Ah voiced mah opinion a few times over da years. But ya were ‘ung up on da bloke back in da states so dinna notice.”, he explained. “I just I didn’t think you were serious. But why?”, she questioned. “W’y wat?”, he tilted his head to the side in question. “Why me? Give me a reason.”, she answered. “ya want a list den? Alrig’t. Well yer galánta for starters. Den dere’s yer voice and skills wid a guitar. Yer a bonnie fig’ter, yer smart, yer verra kind too. And well den dere yer verra fine round arse.”, he smiled giving her a list. Rose wasn’t sure how to even respond to this. So Donovan was good looking, but she’d spent the last three years not thinking about him that way. Granted that was because the only man she was focused on had been Merrick. “Um...well let’s go wait for the X-Men to get here.”, she said changing the subject walking out of the room.
Zoe hadn’t been able to stop smiling the whole shift which Jada and Melissa both found to be a little weird. “So what’s got you in a such a good mood?”, Jada asked in the break room as Zoe was punching out. “I’ve got a date.”, Zoe said putting her punch card away. “Ooo been in America over a year and finally snagged a date. Who with? One of those cute guys in your cast at the theater?”, Jada asked teasing. “Nope. Much better. Merrick. Night.”, Zoe said with a wave leaving Jada with that to do with what she wanted. Zoe didn’t really care at the moment. On her way up the stairs she sent a text to Merrick. ‘So you didn’t say where we were going? What’s the dress code?’, she inquired. Merrick was busy fixing little sandwiches and a pasta salad to bring on the date. He checked his phone and smiled seeing a text from her. ‘Casual. I recommend comfortable shoes.’, he answered going back to packing up the basket. ‘Alright. See you soon.’, she replied before setting her phone on her kitchen counter getting out of her work clothes and taking a shower before standing in front of her closet with a towel wrapped around her debating what she wanted to wear on her first date with Merrick. She pulled out a teal flowy sleeveless tunic with an ornamental laced front and back yoke and a similar zigzag lace pattern for the hem, then from her dresser she pulled out a pair of simple medium wash skinny jeans then slipped into a pair of sneakers for comfort. Sure they wouldn’t make her taller but she didn’t mind feeling short next to him. If things went the way she hoped height wouldn’t matter as it never mattered when horizontal. She pulled open one of the hidden jewelry drawers and picked out one of the necklace and earring set she’d bought from him.
Merrick finished packing the basket dinner before heading upstairs and taking his shower to get ready for the date. He rarely put much thought into what he wore, only on those rare occasions he went on a date. As he looked in his closet he tried to not think about the last date he went on which was last summer with Rose. he said casual so that’s what he was going with. He pulled out a simple white v neck tee then put a dark wine colored long sleeve button down where he left the top three buttons open then pushed the sleeves up slightly over it, and a pair of dark wash jeans and his sneakers. He did a quick check that he had everything before giving Faelan a hug and kiss then grabbed the basket and blanket he’d set aside to leave. He wasn’t sure why but he was nervous. “It’s just Zoe…”, he reminded himself. “You’ve hung out with her a thousand times.”, he kept talking to himself as he drove. “Yeah but this isn’t hanging out. This is taking her on a date. This also isn’t just going to her apartment and fooling around. This isn’t a hook up. This needs to be different. This is different who am I kidding. But is this...is this too soon after Rose?”, he questioned himself but shook his head. “I was never dating Rose, I was sleeping with Rose. Just because I thought there was a chance of being more doesn’t mean there was. So time is irrelevant. In four years of sleeping with Rose I got as close to her as I have gotten to Zoe in eighteen months. That’s gotta mean something.”, he sighed talking to himself still as he parked. he got out of the car and used his spare keys he’d never given back to get upstairs and knocked on her door.
Zoe looked at the clock on the stove and smiled he was right on time. She pulled the door open and smiled at him. “God you look good.”, she said not even thinking about keeping that thought to herself. Merrick smirked laughing a little. “Thanks…”, he looked her over and subconsciously his lips rubbed together. Zoe smirked. “I’ll take that reaction to mean you like what you see too.”, she teased. Merrick raised an eyebrow then realized what he was doing with his lips and laughed. “Yeah. But you look good in sweats to me. You ready to go?”, he asked. Zoe nodded and stepped into the hall locking her door following him down to the car getting in. “So where are we going?”, she asked as they backed out of the parking spot. “You’ll see when we get there.”, he stated driving. Zoe shook her head a little but smiled looking out the window. She’d ridden in that seat so many times since coming to America but this was the first time she was there to go on a date with him. As they drove she started to recognize where they were going. She’d gone to the ground breaking ceremony two months ago to help with Faelan while Merrick and Jacob did the whole first couple shovels into the ground. She’s been proud of Merrick and his accomplishment as she stood there holding Faelan next to Hazel and the rest of his family and the Haven members. She had to admit it was a bit disheartening if his idea of a first date was taking her to see how the build was going.
Merrick didn't say anything as he parked. The building for the office was mostly just a slap of recycled concrete with flecks of varied greens and blues of recycled glass mixed in and then some framing made from timbers of trees that had been fallen for the purpose of the build. Merrick had wanted to reuse as much as possible and not waste anything and Jacob was onboard with the eco friendly project. Zoe got out and looked at the structure starting to walk in that direction while Merrick got out and popped the trunk taking out the blanket and basket of food he’d made plus a bottle of wine he’d grabbed. He raised an eyebrow as she started in the direction of the building. “It looks like it’s coming along..”, Zoe commented trying to not sound disappoint that this was their first date. “Where are you going hellraiser?”, he questioned. Zoe turned and blinked seeing him with a blanket over his left arm and a picnic basket in his right hand. “We aren’t looking at the sanctuary office….are we?”, she asked sheepishly. “No. Now back away please there are signs that say hard hat zone for a reason. Come on. We’re going this way.”, he said heading the opposite direction of the structure. Zoe blushed a little feeling a tad stupid and hurried to catch up to him. her dark blue eyes looking at the basket curiously. “So a picnic dinner in the woods?”, she smiled.

“A tad more than that..”, he said stepping over tree roots and rocks never once looking down. Zoe had to pay attention to her step so she didn’t trip and wondered how he was able to walk so confidently through the forest and not trip. Then she reminded herself he’s an animal shifter of course he’s got that perfect grace, this was his element after all. She was curious where he was leading her as he held back some branches with his right arm. “After you.”, he said. She ducked under his arm and stepped out of the edge of the forest to realize that the faint smell of the ocean she had picked up during the walk was just that the ocean. They’d reached a cliff at the edge of the property. The tall trees had created their own soft line as they knew not to grow too close to the cliff’s edge. So it was about six feet worth of push grass then two feet of just rock to the edge. It had an amazing view out over the Atlantic ocean and the sun was just starting to set. She drew in a breath smiling as she walked closer. His idea of a first date was a picnic atop a cliff that overlooked the ocean at sunset. This truly felt like one of the senses from a play or one of her sister’s favorite romance movies. She turned and looked at him as he set the basket down and was shaking the blanket out and laying it over the grass. Did Rose realize what she’d given up? Merrick was amazing, kind, and apparently a closet romantic.

“This is...is...mozzafiato.”, she said walking over to the blanket he’d laid out. Merrick nodded a little getting down onto the blanket and opening the basket. “Yeah it’s very beautiful out here. Figured you’d enjoy eating here.”, he said setting out two plates, two wine glasses and forks. Zoe smiled and sat down next to him wondering what was inside the basket. He set on each plate a squared wax paper wrapped item which Zoe picked up hers and looked at the open end and smiled he’s made sandwhiches. And from the smell and look they were hummus, cucumber and carrot on whole wheat. Next he set a bowl with a serving spoon on the blanket which was covered by plastic wrap so she could easily see it was a string bean, arugula pasta salad. Then he set two mason jars that were just layered with blueberries, cream, and strawberries out with spoons. Zoe laughed a little watching him and wondered if he did all this himself. “Something funny?”, he asked taking out the bottle of wine and pour her glass offering it to her. Zoe shook her head taking the glass. “No it’s just..well did you get help with this idea and the food or is it all you?”, she asked taking a sip of the wine. “Just me. I made everything but the wine which well I bought that.”, he said pouring his glass. “Wow...who knew.”, she said getting comfortable next to him setting the glass down. “Knew what?”, he asked. “That you could be this romantic.”, she stated. Merrick shrugged. “I have my moments. So let’s eat.”, he said taking the plastic wrap off the pasta salad serving it up . Zoe nodded and started eating just enjoying being there with him
Sadria called in of their final approach and Rose turned on the landing lights upon the roof of the building. “Donovan can you go get Kyle? Let him know they are here.”, she said glancing to Donovan. She wasn’t sure how she was supposed to be around him now that he’d made it perfectly clear he was interested in her. But she was going to ignore it like she’d been before. She was still getting over Merrick so moving on would be nothing more than a rebound and Donovan was a member of the team so him being a rebound would just end badly. Donovan nodded. “Ah got him.”, he said walking away. To him it made no difference in how he was going to act around her whether he’d made it clear or not that he was interested in her. Rose went to the roof to greet the team while Donovan went to the bunker and flicked on the light nudging Kyle. “Oy wee laoch. Time to get up. Da institute people are ‘ere to speak to ya.”, he said softly. Kyle grumbled awake having hoped the kidnapping, the death of his family that it was all just a nightmare. But as he opened his eyes and saw Donovan he knew it hadn’t been a nightmare it was reality. “I’m up…”, he said sleepily sitting up. His hair was a little messy from sleeping and his clothes certainly looked worse for the wear having been wearing them now over two days. There wasn’t really much he could do about the clothes but he ran his hands through his hair to try and fix it as he followed Donovan out of the bunker.
Kyle stuck close to Donovan as they got the lounge. He saw two older women both with fiery red hair and green eyes hugging Rose. Kyle then looked to see three kids. A girl who he had to admit was cute with her fair skin, dark ebony hair and hazel eyes then two boys one blonde with blue eyes and black wings the other having black hair and honey eyes with white wings. Sadria turned her attention seeing them walk in from the corner of her jade eyes. She smiled brightly seeing Donovan. “Lord ya are da spitting image o Alan!”, Sadria exclaimed walking over and hugging her nephew. Donovan chuckled a little and hugged her. “It’s good ta meet ya auntie. And t’anks Ah get told often by clansmen dat Ah favor dah.”, he said letting her go. “Auntie Sadria Ah’d like ya to meet Mister Kyle Fraser. Kyle dis is mah auntie Sadria Ah told ya bout.”, Donovan introduced. Kyle smiled shyly. “Hello Misses…”, Kyle was drawing a blank on her last named. “Delaney..”, Donovan whispered. “Right Misses Delaney.”, Kyle greeted. Sadria crouched down to get eye level with the boy. She smiled sweetly at the boy assessing him. “Well ya are a ‘andsome lad. Ah kne we are but strangers, however may Ah hug ya? One person w’o been t’rough a great loss to anoder?”, she requested. Kyle wasn’t exactly sure what she mean but nodded. Sadria hugged him gently but tightly. She may not have lost her parents as he had, but she’d lost her husband, a brother, and many dearly loved friends in the most horrid ways. She’d been kidnapped and held against her will.
Jean walked over and placed a hand on Sadria’s shoulder. Sadria nodded and released the boy. Jean smiled at him and crouched down as well and looked at him. ‘I am Misses Jean Shadow. We are here to help if you will let us. Misses Delaney and I both know what you are going through. We have experienced the great loss of people we love being taken from us by force and being kidnapped and harm being done to us just because we are mutants. We survived those hardships and the Institute was part of how we did that. At the institute we may not all be related but we are family.’, she spoke directly to his mind. Kyle blinked hearing her voice but not seeing her lips move. He looked to Donovan and then to Rose both nodded. Oror and the twins moved closer. “Misses Shadow is a telepath. So is Misses Delaney. That’s their gift.”, Ororo explained. “Gift? You mean their mutation?”, Kyle asked looking at the girl. “Yes. We call them gifts because that is what our founder Professor Charles Francis Xavier called them and why he started the institute. I’m Ororo Fearbirgh.”, she greeted extending her hand. “Fearbirgh? That sounds more our side of the pond.”, Kyle said being polite and kissing her hand. Ororo giggled a little. “Well my father is from Inverness. He’s the headmaster at the institute.”, she explained. Kyle nodded looking at the two with wings. “Oh and these two...well go on tweedles introduce yourselves.”, Ororo instructed. Evan smiled. “I’m Evan Marcus Kearney II, Donovan’s second youngest cousin. Darren Delaney is the youngest of us in America.”, Evan said extending his hand. Kyle nodded shaking his head. “And I’m his twin brother Hiro Marcus Kearney. I hear you’re a shifter. Watch this..”, Hiro said back up a little and changing to a tiger.
Kyle blinked watching Hiro transform. Hiro transformed back and smiled. “Pretty cool huh? My mom can do that too. My Uncle Hiro, where I got my name, was able to change into a ram.”, Hiro said proudly. Kyle smiled a little nodding. “Well if we are showing powers…”, Evan said picking up a glass of water from a table and touched the water it instantly freezing then evaporating then returning to water. “I manipulate particles.”, Evan explained. Kyle nodded impressed and looked at Oror. “Um mine...well it’s a bit more complicated. I’ll try.”, she said closing her eyes focusing on a memory for some reason the memory of gardening with Stephan came to mind and how during his ivory fur and feathers got helping her dig in the rich soil. She closed her hands tightly and kept focusing on the memory and as she opened her hands inside a tiny bubble was the memory. Kyle blinked looking at the bubble not just because it appeared from nowhere but what was inside it. he inched a little closer looking at the strange boy with her. Ororo opened her eyes and smiled looking at the memory ball before squeezing her hands together and the bubble disappeared. “That was one of my memories. When I was gardening in June with Stephan Wagner. He’s one of the other boys that goes to the Institute. He has avian wings along with some avian and lion physical characteristics. His wings are so beautiful. No offense to Hiro and Evan’s angel wings…”, she said glancing to the twins. “None taken. We all know that you favor Stephan..”, Hiro said. Evan elbowed his twin. “His wings. Which have a bigger span than ours.”, Evan added.
Kyle nodded a little with a smile watching the interaction between Ororo and the twins. He was still trying to place why the girl seemed familiar. “So you’ve never been to Cambridge before? Or maybe London?”, he asked looking to Ororo. Ororo shook her head. “Nope. I’ve been to New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Toronto. I haven’t had any jobs that have brought me across the Atlantic.”, Ororo stated. Kyle furrowed his brow a little. “Then...well why do you look familiar?”, he asked. “Well I do modeling so you might have seen one of my face on a poster or in a magazine.”, Ororo shrugged. Kyle nodded, of course she was a model. “Yeah that’s probably it. Well guess you have all shown what you can do...so I’m up.”, Kyle smiled a little and took a breath. His brown hair, soft brown eyes and child like appearance altered as he grew in height and his appearance took on that of Donovan but wearing his Glasgow Warriors rugby uniform of a black under armour material top with light blue sleeves with the same ‘Macron’, “Glasgow Warriors’, ‘BT Sport’, and ‘Malcolm Group’ logos and Kearney written across the shoulder and the number six on the back along with the matching shorts. Donovan looked to his left and blinked then laughed. Rose shook her head at the impression. Obviously even before today Kyle was a fan of Donovan’s. Kyle chuckled. “Wat? Dinna fash, mate. It only temporary.”, Kyle said though his voice was an exact replica of Donovan’s before he changed back to himself.
“So he’s a s’ifter similar ta wat Mystique ‘ad been.”, Sadria commented. “Who was Mystique?”, Rose questioned not sure if the name was familiar. “Mystique was before your time Rose. She was Kurt’s mother, but died during the year Landon and Lily were born.”, Jean explained. Rose nodded. “So Kyle. It’s up to you if you want to leave with Misses Shadow and Delaney.”, Rose said looking to the boy. “Aye, as we told ya even if ya go and c’ange yer mind we’ll ‘elp best we can.”, Donovan said placing a hand on Kyle’s shoulder. Kyle nodded. “I know. And thank you so much Donovan and Miss Rose. I owe you my life. So guess I should try to do something good with it. So I’ll give the institute a chance.”, Kyle agreed. “We’re happy to have you Kyle. The other students are always excited to meet a new person.”, Jean said. “Yeah basically all of us grew up together because our parents all went to the institute in their youth together. Welcome to the institute.”, Ororo smiled giving Kyle a hug. Kyle blushed a little but quickly got it under control. “Thanks Ororo. It’ll be a change but I’ll try to adjust.”, he smiled. Donovan crouched down next to Kyle placing a hand on his shoulder. “Alrig’t mate. So guess dis will be goodbye fer now.”, he said reaching into his back pocket and handing Kyle first a small white card.
“Ya get in any trouble or need someting or just need someone ta talk to ya call me, aye? And since Ah kne ya ain’t leaving wid not but what ya got on yer back..”, he said reaching into the wallet again. The benefits of being a professional athlete with a recent endorsement deal with dove men he at least was making decent money. He made £2.3 million as his salary playing for the team. So he didn’t really think much as he handed Kyle £500 in fifty notes. “So ya use dis ta get yerself some stuff w’en ya get dere and convert dis to the US dollar.”, he explained. Kyle blinked at being handed the ten large notes. “Five...five hundred quid?”, Kyle stammered. Sadria smiled a little seeing her nephew being so kind. Rose blinked she knew that Donovan wasn’t exactly strapped for cash as he’d been during his university years slinging beers at the pub, but to hand a ten year old five hundred quid. She did the conversion quickly in her head and realized he basically just handed that boy $786 dollars to start him out in his new life in America. Donovan nodded and gave Kyle a hug. “Ya keep yer c’in up aye. Mind mah auntie and ya’ll do bonnie.”, Donovan said letting the boy go. Kyle nodded and put the money into his dirty jeans pocket. “Thank you so much Donovan.”, he smiled before turning to see Rose. Rose smiled and bent down giving Kyle a tight hug.
“When you get there you will probably come across another redhaired woman, that will be my mom. She’ll be very nice to you. And you might meet a short grumpy looking man with her, that’s my dad Logan and don’t let his grumpy exterior fool you he’s a rather nice guy and you could learn much from him. Good luck Kyle.”, she said hugging him. “Thank you Miss Rose. Bye to you both.”, Kyle said looking at Rose and then Donovan with a slight smile. “I’m ready to go Misses Delaney and Shadow.”, he said stepping forward. “Well take good care o him.”, Sadria assured. “Come on Kyle wait till you see the x-jet it is awesome.”, Hiro said racing for the stairs that lead to the roof. Evan sighed and ran after his brother. Ororo rolled her eyes and linked arms with Kyle. “You’ll learn that Hiro is impulsive.”, Ororo explained as she walked with Kyle following the twins. Sadria hugged Donovan and kissed his cheek. “Ya be a good lad. Give mah love to yer dah and mum. And when ya see yer grandparents give dem da biggest ‘ugs from me and yer Uncles.”, she smiled before hugging Rose. “Give ma love ta Atif and Ashley. Yer doing yer daddy verra proud ya kne.”, she sighed smiling. “Ah will auntie.”, Donovan agreed. “I’ll tell them. And thanks Misses Delaney.”, Rose smiled. Coming from someone who’d idolized her father, who’d trained under him it meant a lot to hear she was living up to the name Wolverine. “We will radio when we have landed.”, Jean said with a wave to them heading after the children with Sadria leaving. “He’ll be okay dere...rig’t?”, Donovan asked hearing the engines of the jet as they took off. Rose nodded. “Yeah. He’ll be okay. They’ll probably have him speak with Misses Wagner, she’s a human but the sweetest woman ever. She’s the school’s psychologist. She’ll help him through this trauma.”, Rose assured. “We should go back to the cottage. See what was up with that briefcase and get your watch back so you can get home.”, Rose sighed. Donovan nodded grabbing her wrist and they disappeared from the island and returned to the cottage in Cambridge.
With their food gone Zoe leaned into Merrick’s side as they sat watching the sun going down and the colors of the sky changing subtly as it did and reflected over the ocean. They’d talked while they ate about random things like they always did, there was a small amount of awkwardness but that was more nerves than anything. They Were already comfortable around each other, they’d been best friends over over a year. It was just this wasn’t them hanging out it was an official date. Zoe knew why she was nervous and anxious at least. Merrick had always been rather sweet to her, but this wasn’t just sweet merrick this was verging on romantic. And she just wondered what exactly this date might turn into. He’d said he was up for breaking his rule but at his shop didn’t feel it was a good place to break the rule amongst the sawdust and such. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye and wondered if maybe here at the cliff under by the light of the setting sun was a good place. “Merrick?”, she questioned softly. “Yeah?”, he asked turning his head to look at her. He had his right arm around her, leaning on his left. “This has been...well amazing. I don’t think any guy I’ve known would have thought to do something like this as a date let alone the first. Though saying first implies there would be others.”, she tried to explain but rambled a little as she was trying to hint at wondering if there would be more dates between them. Merrick smirked a little. “You’re rambling hellraiser.”, he teased. “I’m glad you’ve been enjoying tonight. But are you trying to get to a point?”, he questioned.
Zoe smiled a little embarrassed. “Well I’m just wondering. You said this afternoon you wanted to break the rule, but weren’t going to have sex with me at the shop and instead asked me on this date. So I’m just trying to figure out if we are breaking the rule tonight, if this is just kind of that prelude to romance me into sex. Or if it’s not is this a first date meaning more will follow or just a date?”, she questioned. Merrick smiled at her and leaned down kissing her softly. “This isn’t a prelude to sex, or me trying to romance you into having sex. I may have said to hell with me rule that says I can’t be with you but other rules still stand. I don’t talk or pressure a woman into doing anything they don’t want to.”, he started to explained. Zoe chuckled softly. “Well if you were just trying to romance me into sex I was going to say not really needed. I’ve wanted to sleep with you since well probably last March when we met but mostly since last September when you started spending the night.”, she smiled. “Yes well be that as it may, and how good the idea of sex with you sounds….it’s not my objective at this point. Or what I meant by breaking the rule.”, he explained. Zoe raised an eyebrow at that statement. Merrick kissed her again softly on the lips. “Will you go out with me? Meaning more dates and the whole girlfriend title. Which would mean being more than auntie Zoe to Faelan..”, he questioned. Zoe’s smile expanded from ear to ear practically. He was asking her out, to be his girlfriend...a commitment he’d only made to one other woman. She nodded before speaking. “Yes. Of course I’ll date you and be more than aunt to Faelan. I love that sweet cucciolo.”, she said before giving him a kiss. She wasn't sure how long he’d want to hold off having sex with her but she didn’t care. She was his girlfriend and right now that’s what mattered. They’d take that step when they were both ready...well when he was ready since she already was.