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Xavier felt terrible that he had gotten shot, he knew as soon as his Aunt was told he was going to get the third degree. After his Aunt Teresa removed the bullet with her powers and Ashley carefully stitched him up Xavier planted himself in front of his computer and his fingers were quickly moving over the keyboard. “Xavier? What are you doing? You should be resting. We should be back at our apartment sleeping.”, Ashley questioned leaning on the back of his chair rubbing his shoulders. “I know beloved. I know. But I need to get started on this research. We need to know how so many of them got into that party. There's no way that someone like Mason Templeton would have let this many people slip through security. Someone hired them for this event, someone planned this. I need to know who. To make up for my own error tonight.”, Xavier sighed. “Xavier...that wasn’t an error. That was bravery. We took the mission to protect Mason, it doesn’t matter that in the long run we discovered he’s the wind mutant who killed those men that took Kyle or that interfered with Hudson and Teresa’s mission. You did what you had to do, you tackled that man to save Mason, anything else was outside of your control. Let your programs run, but you are coming home with me.”, Ashley said. “Aunt Rose won’t see it that way I’m sure.”, he sighed. “That doesn’t matter. Now you are coming with me.”, Ashley said putting her hands on him and hitting her teleporter taking them both back to their flat in Glasgow.
It was the next day that everything was reported back to Rose, however it was after she received a phone call from her older sister Amiko. “Roselyn Elizabeth Howlett when I was told that Xavier was going to be part of Excalibur it was told that it would be as tech only. Yet here I read the news and my little brother Hudson participates in a brawl to stop a terrorist attack at a charity event and as I read the article it describes an ‘asian’, because god forbid they try to know the difference between races, young man who had only been identified as a guard of the Madripoor King was SHOT! You hear me? My son was SHOT!”, Amiko demanded. Rose pulled her phone from her ear regretting answering her sister’s call. “Yes I hear you Amiko. I don’t even need to phone to hear you all the way from Tokyo. I haven’t even gotten a report from the team yet. Remember that you are thirteen hours ahead of me right now. So it’s only three in the morning here, eight in the morning in England and four in the afternoon there. I’ve been having a kind of crummy visit. I wasn’t fully onboard with Xavier going on the mission, or the mission happening without me. But I put my faith in my team and our brother. And Xavier made the point that he is trained in combat and I think he just wants to live up to the Howlett and Yashida legacies. I know how that feels doing what I can to live up to dad’s legacy.”, she grumbled rubbing her hand over her face.
Amiko took a deep breath slowly exhaling. “I know...I just...I worry. For years I tried to keep Xavier out of it all. Sure Huang taught him the ways of his family, teaching him to be samurai. Then he goes to America and picks up more training with Uncle John. But now he’s getting married to Ashley, who I adore, and wants to help her and help you. I just well I worry because some of these fights, when it comes to fighting mutants he will not really be up to the challenge. I just want to keep him safe.”, she sighed. Rose nodded looking at the clock on the nightstand of her hotel room before looking to the wall that she knew separated her room and Donovan’s. “I know Amiko. It is my concern too. He may be older than me but he’s my nephew. I know it’s my duty to keep him safe. I don’t generally let him go on missions. But this was to face humans and we were short staff because four of us are here. I figured with him having Skye, Teresa, Hudson and Ashley there they’d keep him safe. I don’t know the exacts of what happened yet. I’m sure I will when they call. So can we discuss this later? Like when I’m actually awake and fully debriefed?”, she requested. Amiko sighed again. Rose could hear Huang in the background telling her to just let her sister sleep and just put trust that their son is a grown man and therefore can take care of himself. “Alright. Enjoy the rest of your visit home. We’ll see you at the wedding in September. I miss and love you osanai imōto (baby sister).”, Amiko smiled. “I love and miss you too Ane (big sister).”, Rose replied as they hung up.
She tried to go back to sleep, but now that she knew Xavier had been shot during the mission and it made headlines around the world she was worried. So she called Xavier. “Um morning Aunt Rose. I was waiting till a better time of day to call you.”, Xavier answered with a sigh. “I’m certain you were. And I appreciate that. However your mother didn’t give that courtesy. Apparently you made the paper.”, Rose replied. Xavier groaned running a hand of his face. “Haha (mother). I am sorry. I can explain what happened.”, he said. “I’m certain you can. So please do before I get calls from my parents and Uncle John.”, she sighed. “Everything seemed to be going alright, we almost wondered if they wouldn’t attack at all and my intel was a dud. Then a waiter pulled a gun and went after a woman, research tells me is Tiffany Wilson wife of the ceo of Wilson Industrial best friend of Mason Templeton. She handled it rather well kicking the shit out of the man just as Mason walked in. Then hell broke lose. All the waitstaff was in on this and dropped their serving trays to brandish their weapons instead. One pointed a gun at Mason. The primary reason for the mission was to keep him safe. HIs bodyguard pushed him to the ground and well I tackled the man pointing the gun. In the tussle he shot me in my left leg. No major artery was hit. We used my tie as a bandage and the fight carried on. Uncle Hudson and Aunt Teresa were marvelous as one would expect of Institute alumni. Ashley covered my back and Skye just took on anyone that came her way. Tiffany and her husband Ashton stayed and fought as did Mason and his bodyguard Adder. Side note Uncle Hudson recognized their scents. They are the wind and snake mutants that interfered with his last mission here and the mission where you and Donovan saved Kyle. Before Ashley forced me to come home I started running full background checks on all the waitstaff and also on Mason Templeton and his friends. So far nothing big to report. But I’m going to keep digging.”, Xavier explained.
Rose nodded. “Are you alright? Did the bullet go straight through?”, she questioned. “I’m fine Aunt Rose. And no the bullet did not go straight through. And please do not begin to yell about me fighting with an injured leg. I have been sufficiently bitched out by Haha (mother) and my Saiai (beloved).”, he sighed hoping to not get reprimanded by her as well. “Then I won’t. You did what was necessary for the mission. So keep researching and let me know the moment you learn something. We will all be home next week so we can all start addressing where we go from here on this. Especially now that we have it confirmed that Mason Templeton and his bodyguard Adder are the ones that have been interfering and dropping bodies. I’ll debrief the others later. I’m going to try and get some sleep. Night Xavier.”, Rose yawned. Xavier nodded. “Of course. Good night Aunt Rose. The team all looks forward to all of you returning. Skye I think actually misses Donovan.”, Xavier smiled before hanging up. At least he wasn’t yelled at by her. He did feel bad that his mother had called her at such an ungodly hour when not a life or death situation. But at least knowing his aunt was not mad Xavier grabbed his travel mug of coffee and quickly headed to his office having gotten a job at Silvercloud based out of Glasgow. He of course had no idea that Silvercloud was really Forge, his grandfather’s long standing friend and fellow X-Men. Rose tried to go back to sleep but couldn’t she’d missed this mission and her nephew had been injured as a partial result.
Rose sighed getting out of the bed, she grabbed her room key getting out of the bed leaving her room and going started to knock on Donovan’s door. Donovan was asleep in his bed when the knocking started and he jarred awake sitting up in his bed a hot knife in his hand out of instinct.”Wat?”, he murmured as the hot knife disappeared. “Donovan? It’s Rose.”, she called from her side of the door. “Rose?”, he questioned looking around his dark hotel room and to the clock. He groaned getting out of the bed and opening the door. “Wat wrong?”, he asked assuming she was at his door this late because something had happened. It certainly wasn’t for a shag that he was sure of. “Nothing exactly wrong. I just can’t sleep. Amiko, Xavier’s mother, called me upset about the mission I let him go on. Apparently it made the headlines because the COH did go all terrorist on the charity event and Xavier was shot in the leg. I called Xavier and he told me everything, he’s investigating who hired the waitstaff because all of them were armed. He’s also investigating Mason Templeton since my brother confirmed he and his bodyguard at the wind and snake mutants that messed up his mission and killed those men when we saved Kyle. I just I can’t sleep and I’m thinking I should go back early or something.”, she explained unloading her mental load on him. Donovan sighed and nodded rubbing the back of his neck. “Dat da ‘azard o our job. Long as it wasn’t fatal. He investigating so it’ll take time. Noting ya could do bout it at da moment princess. Come on, ya can bunk in ‘ere.”, he said taking her arm and bringing her into the room. Rose nodded letting the door close behind her as he lead her over to his bed. There was no pretense of anything beyond sleeping happening and eventually Rose did fall asleep, feeling slightly less restless with Donovan laying next to her.
Merrick hadn’t been sleeping great since seeing Rose and then buying the engagement ring for Zoe. He was mostly over the run in with Rose, if anything he actually felt bad for how he had handled it. Otherwise he was just anxious in regards to proposing and finding the right time and way to do so. He wasn’t like his cousin Landon so he couldn’t just write a song or even get words to properly express how he felt. In the spirit of feeling bad about how he’d been so cold to Rose he’d actually started work on something he’d planned to make before Faelan was born but never did because Rose walked away ending what they had. Today however he was putting aside any concerns about Rose, he was going to have a day with just Zoe. His parents were taking Faelan to the zoo while he helped Zoe run lines. And for that last couple days Merrick had taken to carrying the small circular wooden box he’d made containing the pearl engagement ring. Today he had it with him as he sat on the sofa holding the thick script in his hand to help her with her lines. Zoe was sitting in the chair kaddie corner holding her copy of the script. She smiled a little looking at him. “Thanks for running lines with me. I know there’s a thousand things you’d rather do.”, she smiled turning to the next page. “True. Can think of lots of things I’d rather do over reading lines with you. For example sex on the couch or the kitchen counter.”, he smirked turning the page. Zoe chuckled shaking her head. “Sex the only thing you think about?”, she teased. “No...but when we are actually alone with no fear of interruption it’s a prominent thought.”, he winked.
Merrick cleared his throat before starting the next line he was supposed to read. “Miss Bennet, I have struggled in vain but I can bear it no longer ... . The past months have been a torment…”, he paused as the script required though he gave no real depth to the lines reading them rather mono tone. However his eyes were reading further and he blinked for a moment. This was the part where the character basically proposes to Zoe’s character. He felt the weight of the ring box in his cargo pocket and the time and place found him. “I came to Rosings with the single object of seeing you...I had to see you…”, he continued reading the lines. “Me?”, Zoe read delivering it with confusion that her character was supposed to have. “I've fought against my better judgement, my family's expectation…”, he paused per the script. “The inferiority of your birth.. .my rank and circumstance..all those things.. .but I'm willing to put them aside... and ask you to end my agony…”, he continued to read. The lines were at least in a small way having some meaning to him. “I don't understand…”, Zoe replied. Zoe was flipping to the next page not looking at Merrick. It was now or never he decided getting to his right knee between the sofa and the coffee table taking the circular box from his pocket. It looked much like a mini tree trunk and carved into the top the simple words ‘Marry Me’. “I love you. Most ardently.”, he said with actual passion. Zoe blinked hearing him deliver a line with the conviction the character was supposed to have, her dark blue eyes looking up from her copy of the script going wide seeing him on his knee holding a box that said ‘Marry Me’.
“Me...Merr..Merrick…”, she stammered dropping her script covering her mouth. “Are you...is this…”, she tried to find the right way to know if he was serious. “Am I serious? Is this happening?”, he finished her thoughts pushing the lid that was on a swing hinge to reveal the pearl engagement ring. “Dio mio…”, she whispered looking at the ring then back at his face. “So?”, he asked a bit nervous. Zoe nodded slowly. “Ye..yes. A thousand times yes.”, she smiled. A rush of relief washed over Merrick as he took the ring from the box setting the box on the coffee table in favor of picking up her left hand and gently slipping the ring onto her ring finger. This was far from what Zoe had expected from him. They’d only been officially dating nine months, and they’d talked about maybe moving in together but this..this level of commitment she’d hoped for but figured would be years away. She couldn’t help herself but she was crying, but happy tears as she slid out of her chair onto the floor and kissing and hugging him. “I can’t..I can’t believe this.”, she said in shock. Merrick laughed a little at her reaction reaching up to wipe the tears. “Why are you crying hellraiser?”, he asked mostly teasing. “Because I’m happy.”, she answered giving him another kiss. “Ti amo.”, she smiled hugging him tight around the neck. “I love you too.”, he smiled back before kissing her a bit more passionately holding the kiss longer as his arms wrapped around her tight as he stood up bringing her with him. There wasn’t really words after that both knew where they were going as they found their way back to the bedroom.
It was later laying in her bed that words came back. “Non posso crederci. Si sta andando ad essere mio marito..”, she sighed softly speaking italian. “Hmm?”, he questioned with a raised brow rolling a little in the bed to look at her. “Sorry. Slip up still. I said; I can't believe this. You're going to be my husband”, she explained with a smile rolling to face him placing her left hand on his cheek. “Not a title I thought I’d ever have till you.”, he admitted taking her hand from his face and kissing her ring. “Nothing about my life is what I thought I’d have.”, he sighed. “That’s a good thing right?”,she asked. Merrick nodded. “A fantastic thing. I never thought about my future when I was in high school, probably why I got a liberal arts degree just to make my parents happy. I wouldn’t have considered that I’d be an entrepreneur or start an animal sanctuary. Before Faelan I never thought ‘dad’ would be a name I’d ever be called or a role I’d be good at. But now I can’t imagine not being a dad.”, he sighed. “Because you are an amazing dad. Faelan is so lucky to have you.”, she smiled kissing him softly. “Mmm. I never thought I was the marrying type, that I’d settle down and be with just one woman let alone be in love. Then I met you. You hellraiser are a game changer.”, he explained or was trying to explain.
Zoe smiled, knowing he was trying to get the right words. “I’ve lived through so much shit, so much pain that happiness just seemed impossible. Then you showed up at the Haven and everything changed. I got a best friend that day and started to actual feel happy. I can’t imagine...well I can’t imagine life without you. And because of that I want to settle down and to love just you for the rest of my life.”, he smiled. “Aw you are very good with words when they do come to you. You could have said that back in the living room as your proposal.”, she smiled. “Yeah I probably could. But I didn’t have the words then. That’s why I carved the words ‘marry me’ into the box. I didn’t trust that my voice would even work when I got onto my knee to ask. I know I didn’t go big or really romantic persay. Landon wrote Rachel a song to ask her to marry him. Robert went simple but he had the right words when he proposed to Josalyn at that restaurant which overlooks Boston harbour. Thomas got Landon and Cora Lee to play their song while walking in the moonlight at their favorite park, Malcolm to set of lighting fireworks, and then made a mini film expressing how much he loves Lily. William proposed on a gondola ride at Valentine’s Day.”, he admitted. “It was a perfect proposal Merrick. I didn’t need or want anything big. You told me that you love me and got down on your knee and offered that box to me and revealed this beautiful engagement ring.”, she assured kissing him. “You could have offered me a little plastic container with a ring from a gumball machine and I’d have said yes, because the ring and the proposal don’t matter what matters is that I get to have you for the rest of my life. That I get to call you husband.”, she smiled.
“I like saying that…”, she chuckled. Merrick smiled giving her a kiss rolling her to her back, pinning her to the bed. “Good. Because I like hearing. A title I can definitely get used to. Think you can get used to being a wife?”, he asked. Zoe chuckled as she was pinned to the bed. “Oh most definitely. Our families are going to flip, you know that.”, she laughed. Her dad was still warming to the idea of her being with Merrick, Alexander seemed rather indifferent at best, but she knew her mother and sister would be over the moon when they hear. “Oh yeah. Nana Hazel is going to be happy I didn’t take forever to ask. She was with me last week when I bought the ring.”, Merrick nodded. He knew that for the most part his family would be happy with the announcement. All but one, however her opinion didn’t matter to him anymore. This was one woman, one happiness he was not going to let Emma ruin. “Wow bought the ring last week and proposed this. That is a fast turn around for you.”, she teased. “Guess now we have to tell everyone and guess figure this all out like the when and where and all that. And how we are paying for it.”, she smiled thinking about it all. “Yeah well paying for it is going to take some saving up. And since Josalyn is getting married in August and Lily is getting married next April figure wait till maybe 2031? Dont need to overload my family with all three of us getting married in rapid succession.”, he suggested.
Zoe smiled nodding. “That will give up plenty of time to plan and save. So till then we keep living separate? You and our son at the Haven and me here?”, she asked. “No, at least not the whole time. I know living in the apartment won’t work for the three of us, your second bedroom wouldn’t really fit Faelan’s nursery furniture. And I don’t want us to live at the Haven with my family. I feel bad enough for Sebastian on nights you stay with me.”, he admitted. “Why do you feel bad? And what would you suggest we do then?”, she asked. “I feel bad because the soundproofing is only between floors. So my poor sixteen year old brother is right down the hall having to use earplugs to not hear his older brother having sex with his girlfriend’s older sister. Cause face it you aren’t exactly quiet Zoe.”, he explained kissing her neck. Zoe laughed. “I could be quiet if I wanted to. It’s just...well I enjoy myself that much with you I can’t help it. But alright so you’ve ruled out the two places we live. So what do you suggest?”, she asked. “Aonair Mac Tíre. Malcolm is investing in the company so I can open the store up in Boston. That means all the finished pieces I have taking up the living spaces of the house can be shipped there. I can keep the basement for my workshop and then just fix the upstairs so it’s liveable again. You can paint the rooms whatever you want. We use the living room set you have here, bring my bedroom set for our room, put yours in a spare bedroom, Faelan’s nursery would fit into Landon’s old room, and you’d even get to keep your office/art room. It’s still Haven property so it’s still safe guarded by the laws. I would just need to talk to David to confirm it’s okay.”, Merrick suggested.
“So just live at Aonair Mac Tíre? I could work with that.”, she smiled. “And I’m not saying it’d be forever, just a start till we could afford our own house. Because I don’t know about you… but I want a big family.”, he smirked. Zoe chuckled. “I want a big family too. Faelan needs siblings.”, she smiled giving him a kiss. “How many do you think you’d want? After we get married of course.”, she asked. “Of course. I don’t know five or six? I’m an animal animals tend to have litters.”, he teased still kissing at her neck. “Five or six? Are we counting Faelan in that?”, she asked. “Yes I’m including him. Just giving a rough estimate. You’re the one that will be pregnant so it’ll be dependent on how many times you’re willing to be pregnant. Which between now and when we decide to start to add to our family we can get in lots of practice.”, he smiled. “Practice?”, she questioned. His answer was not verbalized as instead his hand gently nudged it’s way between her legs and started to tease at her. “Ooo practice…”, she moaned getting the hint of where things were going. Her hand moving to tease back, taking advantage of their alone time before they’d be calling friends and family to announce the engagement. Which when the announcement went out basically it was well received with many happy congratulations. His parents agreed to keep Faelan overnight so they could have the whole day and night as just them.
The next morning Merrick woke up as his normal and carefully slid out of the bed not wanting to wake her. He smiled as he got dressed looking at her asleep in the bed the engagement ring shining a little with the glimmer of sunlight peeking in through the blinds. As he went to go make some coffee he was thinking about everyone they’d already called to tell about the engagement and one name fluttered into his mind. He sighed and looked to the hallway and the partially opened bedroom door. If he was going to move into the next phase of his life, he needed to give Zoe all of him. And the only way to go forward and give all of him to Zoe was to know that his past was resolved and couldn’t bite him in the ass later. So he picked up his cell and from memory alone sent a text message to Rose. ‘Can we talk? Cafe Lola?', he asked choosing a coffee shop they never went to together. A place that holds zero memories for them. Rose rolled to grab her cell lying in bed next to Donovan. She blinked seeing to was from Merrick and replied with a simple 'Sure'. Merrick took a breath getting her reply. '30 minutes.', he suggesting knowing how long it would take him to walk over from the apartment. 'See you there'., she answered. She carefully got out from Donovan’s arms a little confused but headed out without telling Donovan because she is just in shock. he sigh rethinking facing her again as he sat on Zoe's couch he'd made for Christmas. But he knew he had to do this. So he got up and before he headed out left a note for Zoe. Basically saying 'Have something I need to do. Back soon.'
Rose had already gotten to the cafe and was sitting at a table for two, sipping an iced vanilla coffee with about six torn up napkins in front of her. He had walked wanting the ten blocks from Zoe's place to think. The smell of her hit him before he saw her. He sighed and took a breath walking into the cafe and to the table. "Hi. Thanks for... showing.", he greeted taking a seat across from her. "No problem," she said. She piled up the napkin remains and sipped her coffee again. She wasn't sure what to say but figured he called the meeting, so it meant he had something. "So. Well guess first sorry for last week and how I was.",he apologized. "You don't need to apologize. We.. Haven't talked since everything," she said softly. Rose tried to look at him, but kept glancing past. It was hard. Merrick wasn't exactly maintaining eye contact either. "No I do. I went asshole Merrick mode and it was uncalled for. I made an awkward situation into a bad one.",he was mostly looking down at his hands folded in the table. She looked at him and her hand moved to cover his, but only a fraction of an inch. She set her hands on the table and sighed. "Yeah, I'm amazing at doing that too," she said. He sighed seeing her hands reaching and then stopping. "It's not... Well this isn't easy.", he sighed. She sighed. "Yeah I... I get it.", she nodded. "I've never really been in this type of a situation. Partially because I didn't generally do attachments. And then most times a woman walked away from me Emma had a hand in it.",he growled a little just saying her name.
"This time it was my own fault. This time...",trying to find the correct words. "This time when my heart got stomped it was my fault and no one else's.", he finding the words. Rose opened her mouth to argue but then closed it, nodding slightly for him to continue. "I've... Made a lot of mistakes too, especially involving.. Us.",she admitted. "Can't really change the past. I slept around... a lot. Even after it seemed... felt like there was an us. I'm the one that made that choice. That got Jenna pregnant, Faelan isn't a mistake mind you because well that kid changed me in good ways. I'm the one that choose to get involved with Zoe. And I knew it could cost me in the end and it did.",he sighed a little. Rose shook her head. "It... Wasn’t' just Faelan, it wasn't just what you did with Zoe. We were never together, you and I never spoke how much we cared about each other.",she sighed. "God, you have just... No idea how much I wanted to stay. Faelan looks like an amazing pup and I always knew he'd be an amazing father once I got to know you. But I couldn't be a mother and I couldn't give you the wife or life you deserve." Rose tightened her hands around each other and her shoulders shook before she got control of them. "I know people hate me for my decision to not.. be with you. And that's a burden I'll bare. Because I don't think it was a mistake," she whispered. "I'd have stayed in the UK, in my heart I know I would have. And what then? Across the world love? No, you'd be forced to stay or come with me. Abandoning your sanctuary, your life, your friends, your family and more. I... I couldn't do that. I couldn't bare the idea of being called a 'Love' or 'Wife' and never being home. Of... Of being there less than dad was.", she continued in her explanation of her actions last summer.
"But I don't think it was a mistake because just from the pictures of you and Zoe, what people said... I knew you loved her. And I knew she could be the mother and lover I could never be.", she added. "No we didn't. I just didn't and don't say... anything especially feelings easily.",he nodded a little. "And he is, he's gaining control of his powers and he's learning Italian and Greek god help me.",he smiled a little talking about Faelan. "No one hates you.",he sighed a hand reaching seeing her shaking but stopped himself. "I am happy with her. I love her. Which she's well she's part of why I asked you to meet.", he explained. She smiled as he talked about Faelan. He sounded... happy when talking about him. She saw his hand and she reached over, touching it gently. But it wasn't the spark like before. It was like she was touching Landon's hand. And he could tell the difference in the touch. "Oh?", she asked. He sighed a little her touch was different. The spark wasn't really there. That urge to kiss her or more wasn't there, the craving had passed. "I figure you learned second hand when we went public about dating. So this I just, I figured you deserved to hear this from me. I proposed to her yesterday.", he stated. Rose nodded. She remembered the pain but slight relief of seeing them happy and smiling. She was quiet as she listened and then her eyes widened. There was that breaking feeling, the feeling that she permanently lost something she’d wanted so badly. But then a wave of relief, stronger than before. "Oh my god, Merrick...",she squeezed his hand and smiled softly. "Congratulations!", she smiled. "Thanks. Basically my whole family is thrilled. I think Nana Hazel is beyond thrilled, but she was with me when I found the ring in Boston.",he smiled softly. Rose kept the soft smile.
"I know how much you love her, and how much Faelan does. I... saw all of you at the park.", she said softly. Merrick nodded. "I know you did. I didn't look but I'd know your scent miles away if the wind is blowing just right. And yeah Faelan is over the moon about her. Asks me any night she isn't at the Haven or we aren't at her place why mamma doesn't live with us.", he smiled a little. She chuckled quietly. There was a flash of pain in her eyes, but it faded. Old wounds never heal. "That's... That's how I was able to let go.",she said softly. "It wasn't Faelan or just Zoe. It was because I knew as much as it hurt, you'd be happier and Faelan would have a better life in the long run.",she sighed. "Can't really say that's a ‘what if’ story that won't be told. I know I'm happy with Zoe and Faelan's happy. And you seem to be doing alright. With the Kearney who'd been flirting with you since freshmen year of university.", he commented remembering hearing something about her starting to date someone. "Donovan..",she sighed. "He's sweet, really. But... We just got together, honestly, after I saw you with Zoe. It isn't anything serious.",she explained. Merrick nodded. "I see. Well maybe he'll make you happier than I could. He at least is over there, can be with you, fight alongside you.", she smiled a little. Donovan could do all the things he never could for her, he was too tied to bayville to leave it. She nodded and smiled more. "He is a nice guy, really. But...right now, it is just starting.", she shrugged a little.
"Yeah. Well good luck with it. Actually having a boyfriend, that'll be a new experience for you. You deserve that.", he nodded. "Thanks.", she said. She was still unsure about Donovan, but wanted to give him a chance. And in just the last couple weeks he’d at least been there without any pressure for her. "You're the one getting married though. I really am happy for you. She's getting the best guy I know.", she smiled. "Not exactly how I figured my life would end up. None of this is what I pictured if I ever thought of my future. Then again never really looked to the future much.",he shrugged. He snorted a little being called the best guy. "That's probably debatable. If I am even a sliver of being a good guy I had help to get to that. And don't argue, we both know I was a complete asshole before you and Leslie.", he smiled. "You thought I was going to argue with that?",she teased softly. "And Zoe seems smart. Could you even see her being with a bad guy?", she asked. "Who knows, taste for the crazy is in the Petridis DNA. Her dad was married to Geri and her brother is engaged to Talia.",he shrugged. "Which of course her dad and brother aren't exactly thrilled with the idea of both Zoe and Gina being with Bryant-Frost men. But I've never been one to give a fuck, especially about Alexander's opinions.",he smirked. Rose laughed and nodded. "I'm glad you came to tell me, Merrick.", she smiled a little. "I figured if I could face you, then I could fully move on.", he explained. "Seems to me that you're facing me pretty well.",she stated. They were now able to maintain eye contact. There wasn’t that fear that they’d feel the old urges and craving for each other.
"Yeah I guess. It doesn't really feel the same anymore. Which is a good thing. You've got Donovan you're starting new with and I've got Zoe.", he nodded. "I'd like to hope that someday we can talk, and be friends again.", she suggested. "Maybe. Who knows.",he shrugged. "I should head back to the apartment. Stayed at Zoe's last night. Before I do. Well.. happy birthday I suppose. I didn't know what to do with this after last summer.",he sighed setting a box on the table. Inside was the maple bracelet with her tattoo design, but on the inside was the bark were instead of the wolf brand of his company was their initials he'd craved the summer before Faelan. "Zoe will probably want more of her fiance.",she chuckled softly and then quieted at the box. She moved it and opened it, blinking and gasping softly. She covered her mouth and her eyes watered a bit. She closed her eyes to calm down and opened them, smiling softly at him. "Thanks, Merrick...",she managed to say. She’d not expected this. Expected any of this. Merrick nodded a little. "You're welcome little wolf. I hope that you get everything you want and deserve in life. And as a small heads up, I don't know the exact plans but.... Emma...",he started to explain a growl again at the mention of her. "Is being sent by the Demon King to England next fall after she graduates college.", he informed standing up. "I'm just glad that you're already getting that.",she tilted her head then smirked, her fangs showing. "I'll bite her for you if she steps in the way.",she offered. "Feel free to kill the fucking cunt.",he commented not only swearing but giving permission to actually kill one of his siblings. Rose blinked and eyed him. She didn’t know what Emma had done but it had to be bad for Merrick to talk like this.
"Merrick, you know I'll do it if I get the chance. I'm more like dad that way. Our rule is no killing, but...",she flexed her hands. She almost had to do it before. Merrick nodded standing up. "Yeah I know you would. I would too buy I'm not allowed by the rules that govern me. You aren't bound to Haven laws. So you get into that situation don't hold back, certainly not for my sake.", he said giving his permission. Rose nodded. She had her own hatred of Emma. Though it was because of what she did to Merrick and people he cared for. She stood up then walked over. "Last hug?", she questioned. Merrick groaned a little and rolled his eyes playfully. "Fine. Guess can manage that.",he teased giving her a tight hug. She chuckled and hugged him back tightly, closing her eyes. She had missed this... but she knew whatever they had before wasn't coming back. He was someone else's now. "Thanks for meeting me, Merrick. I'm sure it'll be a beautiful wedding.",she smiled. "Thanks for showing up. And yeah, lord help me Nana Hazel is probably already getting ideas since my sisters haven't wanted her input.",he chuckled. "Ha, good luck.",she stepped back and picked up the box.
"Bye, Merrick. You still have my number if you need anything. And thanks for the heads up.", she nodded. "Thanks. Good luck with college and your team. Bye Roselyn.", he replied. She chuckled and nodded, heading out to her bike. She sat on it and looked at the box, running her thumb on it before putting it in the compartment and pulling on her helmet, heading to the hotel. Merrick walked back to Zoe's apartment in silence. Letting himself back in. With Faelan at the Haven he just undressed and crawled back into bed with Zoe pulling her close and just holding her. Zoe mmhed softly as she felt him, cuddling into him. "Hey, lupo," she whispered quietly. She smiled and turned over to face him, cuddling into his chest and mmhing into the crook of his neck. "Morning hellraiser." He said softly kissing the top of her head. He hadn't been sure if she'd wake up while he was gone, mornings still not her thing but sometimes she surprised him by getting up early.She mmhed happily and closed her eyes, sleeping in today and just enjoying the warmth of her fiance. Rose returned to Donovan’s hotel room, he was still sleeping exactly as she’d left him the blanket kicked away just wearing a pair of shorts. She set the box carefully on a nightstand taking off her jacket and shoes before getting into the bed still dressed. Donovan must have felt the movement on her side as he reached an arm out and pulled her over not saying a word just wanting to hold her. Rose sighed a little a small smile on her face. She’d successfully closed a chapter of her life and could now look to the new that was holding her close.
An ocean away Xavier and Arcade were both digging into the same thing not knowing the other was investigating. Both found their way to the same final result. It had taken a few days of digging because it was very well hidden, companies part of companies part of companies and so forth. By the time the digging was complete Rose and the others were back from Bayville. Xavier had sent a notice to all Excalibur members to meet at Muir Island he had something. So once time was allowed they all started to appear in the meeting area of Muir Island. Xavier was sitting at the head of the table with his tablet in his hand. He’d linked it up to the main screen behind him so he could easily go over what he’d found with the team. he was still mad at himself for getting injured on the mission, so finding all this out was his way of making up for it. He waited till the team had all taken seats before standing up. “Thanks for coming everyone. I know I don’t generally call meetings, usually it’s Aunt Rose’s job for that.”, Xavier greeted with a smile.
“You said you found something?”, Rose asked. Xavier nodded. “Indeed I did. And wow I didn’t expect I. I had to conference with Forge a couple days ago and do some digging on his side just to see that I’m right.”, Xavier explained. “Get on wid it den.”, Donovan encouraged. Ashley glanced a bit annoyed at her cousin, the water in Donovan’s bottle shooting out and hitting him the face. “Shh my husband is talking.”, Ashley scolded. Rose tried to not laugh, Atif and Skye did laugh as Donovan wiped his face off with his shirt. “Thank you Saiai. As I was saying...I double checked with Forge. The company that managed the waitstaff from the COH hit on Leah’s Lost Souls even last month is a sub of a sub of a sub of a shell company. But it all brought me back in the end to Trask Industries. I recognized the name from stuff that Landon and I had talked about back in high school when we studied under Forge. So I double checked with Forge that it’s the same Trask that I recognized. And Forge confirmed it’s the same. For those of you who are looking at me like I’m a hydra. Trask Industries was founded by Boliva Trask. He was the creator of the sentinels that years back gave my grandfather trouble before the government shut them down. Boliva is of course dead, however his son Larry did survive and it’s Larry’s son Donald that is in charge of the company now. And Donald is following in his grandfather and great uncle’s footsteps and wants the mutant race wiped off the planet. So from the looks of it he’s one for the big players in the COH and basically from what me and Forge could dig up there’s a price on Mason’s head.”, Xavier explained as pictures and lines of connection started to display on the screen behind him.
“Ah volunteer ‘appily ta keep a watc’full eye on Mason, he rat’er good looking.”, Skye smirked raising her hand. Donovan rolled his eyes. “Ah tink dat be a bad idea.”, Donovan said. “Skye will keep an eye on Mason.”, Rose stated. “Skye lives near him, and if necessary she can use the excuse of her job at GQ to get close to him. So I want someone to keep their eyes on his friend Adder when she’s not around Mason.”, Rose said starting to break things down. “I can keep an eye on Adder. I’ve gotta start doing some of my residency work down in London anyways.”, Atif offered. “Or Ah can.”, Donovan offered. “Atif will take it. Adder knows your face Donovan. You’ll get spotted. She doesn’t know Atif. Who else is close to Mason?”, she asked. “His parents in York. But they generally covered since his father's in politics. His little sister Gabrielle whom is living in Nottingham with her boyfriend Andy. And then there’s Ashton and Tiffany and Mason’s godson Blake in Manchester.”, Xavier explained pulling up at chart on the screen that showed all their faces. explained. “Alright Billy you keep your eyes on Gabrielle and this Andy. Ashley if you can kept tabs on Mister and Misses Templeton. I suppose Donovan and I will keep track of Ashton and Tiffany and the baby. Xavier I want you to keep working with Forge. Let’s see what else the Church of Humanity is hiding. and get anything you can about Trask.”, Rose concluded. “I’m on it Aunt Rose.”, Xavier nodded shutting down the screens he’d had up.
“So before we all go take care of our individual business. Can we all just take a moment and pick on… Ah mean congratulate mah brot’er and Rose fer starting dating w’ile in America?”, rose teased giving a little applause. Donovan rolled his eyes and kicked his sister’s chair pushing her away. “Bite me.”, Donovan shook his head. “Oh I’m sure Rose will do enough of that.”, Atif teased. Rose turned a little red covering her face with her hands. “Could we not? Seriously it’s been just over two weeks. Let’s just all chill about this. We have work to do. You all have assignments.”, Rose started trying to get control. “Aye dont’ ya ‘ave people ta go follow?”, Donovan agreed. “Yes we do. Noticed that Rose also made sure her assignment put her with you.”, Billy smirked. “Ugh.”, Rose groaned. “What you t’ougt fer a moment ya could date mah brot’er and not get teased?”, Skye smiled rolling her chair back over to the table. “No but I figured maybe it wouldn’t be this bad. We don’t all go around picking on Billy and Atif or Ashley and Xavier.”, Rose stated. “Aye but dey came as a set.”, Skye pointed out. “Aye well ‘ow bout ya closer yer gob bout it. Rose and Ah trying dis out, and people making it an issue in regards ta da team dynamic ain’t gonna ‘elp. So let’s just all get ta work. Ah got a ‘ouse ta go look at in a couple ‘ours and training wid da team dat pays me after dat. So if ya’ll excuse me. Rose ya still coming ta look wid me?”, he asked standing up and looking at Rose. Rose nodded getting up. “Let’s just not let relationships affect team dynamics okay guys. And yes I’m still coming Donovan. Not letting you buy a crummy house and expect poor Kyle to live in it.”, she said. “Everyone has their assignments I suggest we get to work.”, she added looking to the others before Donovan took her hand and hit his teleporter.
Xavier wasn’t the only one to dig and find the connection to Trask Industries, Arcade also figured that out. And when he did he went straight to Mason’s office. Donald looked up from his computer as he come rushing into the office carrying his table and some papers. “Can I help you Webber?”, Donald asked. “I need to speak with Mister Templeton immediately.”, he said trying to stop papers from falling. “He’s on a conference call at the moment. He should have a free minute after that to speak with you. If you want you can take a seat or come back later.”, Donald said glancing to Mason’s calendar. “I’ll wait.”, he said taking a seat. He nervously tapped his foot while he waited. Trask was a competitor company now to find out that even beyond wanting to try and get Templeton Enterprises out of business for the sake of being a competitor their CEO wants Mason dead for his foundation, it was a bit nerve racking. In his office Mason was leaning on his elbows with his forehead resting his palms talking to Khumar on a conference call. Khumar was proving to still be a difficult man to deal with for Mason. They’d been discussing business of an expansion on the factory that would double productivity and add more jobs to the area. Near what Mason hoped was the end of the call, Khumar was pushing wanting Mason to return to India soon.
“You should really come back to India, bring your lovely ‘bodyguard’.”, Khumar said putting a dirty context to the word bodyguard. “Khumar, Adder is in the room and you are on speakerphone, so maybe stop being inappropriate.”, Mason sighed trying to maintain professionalism. Adder rolled her eyes even married now Khumar was terrible. “Oh, well hello lovely Nāga.”, Khumar smiled. Mason shook his head against his palms. “Khumar, how is Aishwarya...your wife? I understand congratulations are in order as you are expecting a son in the fall. You work fast.”, Mason teased a little changing the subject wanting to remind Khumar that he’s a married man. “Oh she’s well. Morning sickness still rampant in our house but well. Yes well Rohans don’t waste time I suppose. Heir to the family fortune is important. You should start thinking about it. Not like you don’t have options for who to have a son with.”, Khumar smirked. Adder shook her head, she didn’t really want to think about Mason starting a family. “Last time, please stop being inappropriate. I haven’t had a serious relationship in a long time. So not exactly near the stage of marriage and children..”, Mason explained just wanting the call to end. “Who says you have to be married to or even dating the woman you have children with?”, Khumar countered. Mason rolled his eyes and looked at Adder mouthing the words ‘Oh my god this man.’ Adder tried to not laugh. “I say. Khumar I should get going. I have another meeting to attend. I’ll talk to the board about the expansion plans. Goodbye.”, Mason said reaching for the end button. “Bye my friend.”, Khumar said just before Mason hung up.
“I swear...that man.”, Mason groaned shaking his head. “He’s terrible we bot’ know but ya need his company and ya’ve a contract t’at says ya can’t get rid of him.”, Adder shrugged. “Shouldn’t you be just as outraged at his words as I am? The man is sitting there basically implying all sorts of incredulous things about you and I. Heck the man suggest I have children with whoever doesn’t matter if I’m married to the woman.”, he sighed shaking his head. “Ah am. Ya just outraged enoug’ fer us bot’, Mason. K’umar likes ta talk and being inappropriate is just part of t’at. Ah say selective listening. He can t’ink and say w’at he likes. We bot’ know yer not t’e sort o man t’at he is. W’en ya start a family we bot’ know it’ll be after yer married and wit’ someone ya love. Ya just ain’t t’e sort ta sleep round and certainly not t’e sort to knock a bird up just because ya can.”, Adder explained. “Fair enough. So what’s next on the schedule?”, he asked. “Lunc’.”, Adder stated standing up. “Donald before I go on lunch there anything not in my calendar?”, he asked buzzing Donald. “Actually sir Webber Torque is out here wanting to speak with you. He seems a bit...off…”, Donald answered whispering the last part. Adder raised an eyebrow, Arcade was always a little off but she knew he was looking into who hired the wait staff that went all terrorist at the charity event. “Send him in, lunch can wait.”, Mason instructed. Adder sighed and sat back down she was hungry and Mason had said they’d go to the Bear and Staff for some fish n chips and a pint. “Mister Templeton will see you now.”, Donald said pointing Webber to the door.
Arcade quickly got his things together and went into the office closing the door. Mason arched an eyebrow looking at him, he could certainly see why Donald said he was off. Arcade was always a bit scattered so Mason didn’t think much of the messy red hair or that his tie was off centered and part of his shirt was untucked, however he seemed to be visibly shaking. “Webber?”, Mason greeted. “Sir..hold on..”, he said setting down his things on Mason’s desk and pulling a pen from his pants pocket and clicking it twice a red light flashing and scanning the room. Adder looked at Mason who shrugged at her not sure what his, neurotic borderline tourette's syndrome, tech guy was doing. “Okay it’s safe to talk.”, he said pocketing the pen after the light changed green. “W’at was t’at?”, Adder asked? “That Adder is my invention that detects if there are any bugs in the room, not like the insect kind of but the kind used to eavesdrop on people. I needed to know that we were secure before I started to talk.”, Arcade explained picking up some of the papers and handing them to Mason. Mason took the pages and started to look them over. “Am I? Am I reading this correctly?”, Mason asked handing the page to Adder to look at. “Yes sir. I did that digging you asked me to. And it all lead me back to Trask Industries. I put a trojan into their computer system, specially Donald Trask himself’s computer. That way it will report back to me on any activities that he’s taking part of.”, he said nodding. “So as you can see from my findings… Task is apparently a backer of the COH financially and is using it to further his own desires. Which includes killing you sir.”, he explained a little nervous.
Mason sighed and stood up putting a hand on Alan’s shoulder. “Calm down. Trask can try all he likes to get to me. He’s not going to succeed. I’m rather well protected.”, Mason assured glancing to Adder. Adder set the paper aside and nodded. “Ain’t nobody gonna ‘urt Mason. Ah get paid ta make sure t’ey don’t. Now t’at we know w’o be’ind it we can better prepare. Ya just keep doing yer job and Ah’ll keep doing mine. Between us we’ll keep Mason safe.”, she assured. Arcade nodded. “Okay, if you...you’re sure. I’ll keep digging and let you know if I get anything from the trojan. Just...well here.”, he said giving Mason the pen. “So you know you are safe to talk.”, he said before leaving. Mason arched his brow again watching him leave looking down at the pen. “Well at least we have a name for who’s trying to kill me.”, he shrugged putting the pen into his pocket. “Yea. Now just need ta figure out w’en dey plan ta try again and stop dem.”, Adder nodded. “Come on pet, I owe you some fish n chips and a pint.”, he suggested. Adder nodded a little grabbing her jacket as they walked out together. “Be back in about two hours Donald.”, Mason waved as they left the office to have lunch.
There was so much more that both Excalibur and Mason’s team didn’t know about the Church of Humanity and it’s real puppeteers. Donald Trask was certainly not the only one, he just happened to be the first they found. And at least, for now he didn’t know he’d been found out. He didn’t even know that a trojan had been planted into the computer system used in his company to spy on him. Donald was in his office on a video conference call with his three colleagues that all were the puppeteers of the Church of Humanity. Trask looked very much like his grandfather Boliva having the same squared jawline. “So our attempt to eliminate Mason Templeton failed last month. I believe we have truly underestimated Templeton and what he is capable of. We need to find more out about this man to better know his weakness and take him out. Ideas?”, Trask asked looking at the video screen. “I have a scientist here in my location that I had working with experimenting on mutants but I am moving him over to a different department, He’s got an aptitude for computers and hacking. I will put him on trying to find out more about Mason Templeton.”, Olivia Queen spoke up. “Who’s the hacker? Can he be trusted?”, David Stryker asked. “Last thing we need is a double agent situation.”, Thomas Pierce chimed in. “Alan Kilty is his name. And he has so far proven to be rather valuable to us. He’s been able to give us technology that rivals that of Silvercloud.”, Queen replied. “Alright well implement that next phase. After he digs up some dirt on Templeton we will need him to start looking into Silvercloud. They are getting too big for our tastes and we know that they give funds to pro mutant organizations in America.”, Trask said with a nod. “Already have him digging into both. We shall have answers soon.”, Queen answered. “Alright so let’s ready for our next move.”, Stryker said. “We all know what to do. We will reconvene in a month.”, Trask said as the conference ended.
Over at Queen Incorporated Alan had been moved to a new office. As he followed the armed guard to the room he blinked in awe at the work space he was being given it, It was triple his previous space with a number of computers but he saw no one else working in the room which he was sure was intended for a team. Alan was pushed into a chair in front of a row of computer screens. “So what do you think of your new facilities Alan?”, Olivia Queen asked walking into the room wearing a white skirt and blazer suit set extending her arms out. Alan turned and blinked he’d never seen his employer in person before but he at least knew what Olivia Queen looked like. She was probably a beautiful woman in her youth, but now age lines were just visible on her once flawless face (it obvious to Alan’s keen eye she probably had plastic surgery) and what was probably blonde hair was all gray worn short and chopped slightly at an angle so one side was a bit longer than the other. “Um..sure. But why am I here? Did I do something wrong that I got pulled from my assignment?”, Alan asked trying to stand but the guard just pushed him back into the chair. “Wrong?”, she laughed though Alan was certain it was more a witch’s cackle. “Heaven's no. You are just needed elsewhere. I need you to do some investigating for me. Check up on our competition. And you are the brightest in the world able to hack basically anything.”, she smiled deviously. “Um okay. Who am I investigating?”, he asked trepidatiously. “Mason Templeton the CEO of Templeton Enterprises and Jonathon Silvercloud of Silvercloud.”, she explained. “Alright. I’ll get started ma’am.”, Alan said spinning his chair and booting up the computer to start his research.
Arcade back in his office at Templeton Enterprises was doing more digging and found a connection between Trask and Queen. As he started digging into Queen he found that they were far from what they appear. He discovered that they were doing experiments on mutants. And in his researched he found one the scientists just called her experiment 35, some called her Myst on the sly. They’d been experimenting on her since she was a child trying to understand her mutant that allowed her to become a gaseous state. The issue was that after all the years of experimenting she hadn’t been able to reform to a solid person. Arcade did more digging into Myst and found her rather interesting. He took control over some of the security cameras wanting to get a look at this Myst. And there she was floating around her containment cell, having given up many years ago of escaping. Her day was monanontinty just solitude between scientists coming to test this or that on her. He wanted to make contact so he brought up a chat window and started to type to Myst. ‘Myst. My name is Arcade. I have taken over the security camera by your cell, just nod so I know you read this.’ he sighed hitting enter. Myst noticed the screen go black which usually was just playing a loop of an infomercial, intended she assumed to just drive her crazy. She blinked, well to the best that a gaseous faint form of a woman could as she read his message. She wondered who this ‘Arcade’ was. She nodded a little looking up at the camera. ‘I’m going to help you. Just give me time to find a way.’ he typed. Myst nodded again but held great doubt at the idea of anyone coming to help her.

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Xavier felt terrible that he had gotten shot, he knew as soon as his Aunt was told he was going to get the third degree. After his Aunt Teresa removed the bullet with her powers and Ashley carefully stitched him up Xavier planted himself in front of his computer and his fingers were quickly moving over the keyboard. “Xavier? What are you doing? You should be resting. We should be back at our apartment sleeping.”, Ashley questioned leaning on the back of his chair rubbing his shoulders. “I know beloved. I know. But I need to get started on this research. We need to know how so many of them got into that party. There's no way that someone like Mason Templeton would have let this many people slip through security. Someone hired them for this event, someone planned this. I need to know who. To make up for my own error tonight.”, Xavier sighed. “Xavier...that wasn’t an error. That was bravery. We took the mission to protect Mason, it doesn’t matter that in the long run we discovered he’s the wind mutant who killed those men that took Kyle or that interfered with Hudson and Teresa’s mission. You did what you had to do, you tackled that man to save Mason, anything else was outside of your control. Let your programs run, but you are coming home with me.”, Ashley said. “Aunt Rose won’t see it that way I’m sure.”, he sighed. “That doesn’t matter. Now you are coming with me.”, Ashley said putting her hands on him and hitting her teleporter taking them both back to their flat in Glasgow.
It was the next day that everything was reported back to Rose, however it was after she received a phone call from her older sister Amiko. “Roselyn Elizabeth Howlett when I was told that Xavier was going to be part of Excalibur it was told that it would be as tech only. Yet here I read the news and my little brother Hudson participates in a brawl to stop a terrorist attack at a charity event and as I read the article it describes an ‘asian’, because god forbid they try to know the difference between races, young man who had only been identified as a guard of the Madripoor King was SHOT! You hear me? My son was SHOT!”, Amiko demanded. Rose pulled her phone from her ear regretting answering her sister’s call. “Yes I hear you Amiko. I don’t even need to phone to hear you all the way from Tokyo. I haven’t even gotten a report from the team yet. Remember that you are thirteen hours ahead of me right now. So it’s only three in the morning here, eight in the morning in England and four in the afternoon there. I’ve been having a kind of crummy visit. I wasn’t fully onboard with Xavier going on the mission, or the mission happening without me. But I put my faith in my team and our brother. And Xavier made the point that he is trained in combat and I think he just wants to live up to the Howlett and Yashida legacies. I know how that feels doing what I can to live up to dad’s legacy.”, she grumbled rubbing her hand over her face.
Amiko took a deep breath slowly exhaling. “I know...I just...I worry. For years I tried to keep Xavier out of it all. Sure Huang taught him the ways of his family, teaching him to be samurai. Then he goes to America and picks up more training with Uncle John. But now he’s getting married to Ashley, who I adore, and wants to help her and help you. I just well I worry because some of these fights, when it comes to fighting mutants he will not really be up to the challenge. I just want to keep him safe.”, she sighed. Rose nodded looking at the clock on the nightstand of her hotel room before looking to the wall that she knew separated her room and Donovan’s. “I know Amiko. It is my concern too. He may be older than me but he’s my nephew. I know it’s my duty to keep him safe. I don’t generally let him go on missions. But this was to face humans and we were short staff because four of us are here. I figured with him having Skye, Teresa, Hudson and Ashley there they’d keep him safe. I don’t know the exacts of what happened yet. I’m sure I will when they call. So can we discuss this later? Like when I’m actually awake and fully debriefed?”, she requested. Amiko sighed again. Rose could hear Huang in the background telling her to just let her sister sleep and just put trust that their son is a grown man and therefore can take care of himself. “Alright. Enjoy the rest of your visit home. We’ll see you at the wedding in September. I miss and love you osanai imōto (baby sister).”, Amiko smiled. “I love and miss you too Ane (big sister).”, Rose replied as they hung up.
She tried to go back to sleep, but now that she knew Xavier had been shot during the mission and it made headlines around the world she was worried. So she called Xavier. “Um morning Aunt Rose. I was waiting till a better time of day to call you.”, Xavier answered with a sigh. “I’m certain you were. And I appreciate that. However your mother didn’t give that courtesy. Apparently you made the paper.”, Rose replied. Xavier groaned running a hand of his face. “Haha (mother). I am sorry. I can explain what happened.”, he said. “I’m certain you can. So please do before I get calls from my parents and Uncle John.”, she sighed. “Everything seemed to be going alright, we almost wondered if they wouldn’t attack at all and my intel was a dud. Then a waiter pulled a gun and went after a woman, research tells me is Tiffany Wilson wife of the ceo of Wilson Industrial best friend of Mason Templeton. She handled it rather well kicking the shit out of the man just as Mason walked in. Then hell broke lose. All the waitstaff was in on this and dropped their serving trays to brandish their weapons instead. One pointed a gun at Mason. The primary reason for the mission was to keep him safe. HIs bodyguard pushed him to the ground and well I tackled the man pointing the gun. In the tussle he shot me in my left leg. No major artery was hit. We used my tie as a bandage and the fight carried on. Uncle Hudson and Aunt Teresa were marvelous as one would expect of Institute alumni. Ashley covered my back and Skye just took on anyone that came her way. Tiffany and her husband Ashton stayed and fought as did Mason and his bodyguard Adder. Side note Uncle Hudson recognized their scents. They are the wind and snake mutants that interfered with his last mission here and the mission where you and Donovan saved Kyle. Before Ashley forced me to come home I started running full background checks on all the waitstaff and also on Mason Templeton and his friends. So far nothing big to report. But I’m going to keep digging.”, Xavier explained.
Rose nodded. “Are you alright? Did the bullet go straight through?”, she questioned. “I’m fine Aunt Rose. And no the bullet did not go straight through. And please do not begin to yell about me fighting with an injured leg. I have been sufficiently bitched out by Haha (mother) and my Saiai (beloved).”, he sighed hoping to not get reprimanded by her as well. “Then I won’t. You did what was necessary for the mission. So keep researching and let me know the moment you learn something. We will all be home next week so we can all start addressing where we go from here on this. Especially now that we have it confirmed that Mason Templeton and his bodyguard Adder are the ones that have been interfering and dropping bodies. I’ll debrief the others later. I’m going to try and get some sleep. Night Xavier.”, Rose yawned. Xavier nodded. “Of course. Good night Aunt Rose. The team all looks forward to all of you returning. Skye I think actually misses Donovan.”, Xavier smiled before hanging up. At least he wasn’t yelled at by her. He did feel bad that his mother had called her at such an ungodly hour when not a life or death situation. But at least knowing his aunt was not mad Xavier grabbed his travel mug of coffee and quickly headed to his office having gotten a job at Silvercloud based out of Glasgow. He of course had no idea that Silvercloud was really Forge, his grandfather’s long standing friend and fellow X-Men. Rose tried to go back to sleep but couldn’t she’d missed this mission and her nephew had been injured as a partial result.
Rose sighed getting out of the bed, she grabbed her room key getting out of the bed leaving her room and going started to knock on Donovan’s door. Donovan was asleep in his bed when the knocking started and he jarred awake sitting up in his bed a hot knife in his hand out of instinct.”Wat?”, he murmured as the hot knife disappeared. “Donovan? It’s Rose.”, she called from her side of the door. “Rose?”, he questioned looking around his dark hotel room and to the clock. He groaned getting out of the bed and opening the door. “Wat wrong?”, he asked assuming she was at his door this late because something had happened. It certainly wasn’t for a shag that he was sure of. “Nothing exactly wrong. I just can’t sleep. Amiko, Xavier’s mother, called me upset about the mission I let him go on. Apparently it made the headlines because the COH did go all terrorist on the charity event and Xavier was shot in the leg. I called Xavier and he told me everything, he’s investigating who hired the waitstaff because all of them were armed. He’s also investigating Mason Templeton since my brother confirmed he and his bodyguard at the wind and snake mutants that messed up his mission and killed those men when we saved Kyle. I just I can’t sleep and I’m thinking I should go back early or something.”, she explained unloading her mental load on him. Donovan sighed and nodded rubbing the back of his neck. “Dat da ‘azard o our job. Long as it wasn’t fatal. He investigating so it’ll take time. Noting ya could do bout it at da moment princess. Come on, ya can bunk in ‘ere.”, he said taking her arm and bringing her into the room. Rose nodded letting the door close behind her as he lead her over to his bed. There was no pretense of anything beyond sleeping happening and eventually Rose did fall asleep, feeling slightly less restless with Donovan laying next to her.
Merrick hadn’t been sleeping great since seeing Rose and then buying the engagement ring for Zoe. He was mostly over the run in with Rose, if anything he actually felt bad for how he had handled it. Otherwise he was just anxious in regards to proposing and finding the right time and way to do so. He wasn’t like his cousin Landon so he couldn’t just write a song or even get words to properly express how he felt. In the spirit of feeling bad about how he’d been so cold to Rose he’d actually started work on something he’d planned to make before Faelan was born but never did because Rose walked away ending what they had. Today however he was putting aside any concerns about Rose, he was going to have a day with just Zoe. His parents were taking Faelan to the zoo while he helped Zoe run lines. And for that last couple days Merrick had taken to carrying the small circular wooden box he’d made containing the pearl engagement ring. Today he had it with him as he sat on the sofa holding the thick script in his hand to help her with her lines. Zoe was sitting in the chair kaddie corner holding her copy of the script. She smiled a little looking at him. “Thanks for running lines with me. I know there’s a thousand things you’d rather do.”, she smiled turning to the next page. “True. Can think of lots of things I’d rather do over reading lines with you. For example sex on the couch or the kitchen counter.”, he smirked turning the page. Zoe chuckled shaking her head. “Sex the only thing you think about?”, she teased. “No...but when we are actually alone with no fear of interruption it’s a prominent thought.”, he winked.
Merrick cleared his throat before starting the next line he was supposed to read. “Miss Bennet, I have struggled in vain but I can bear it no longer ... . The past months have been a torment…”, he paused as the script required though he gave no real depth to the lines reading them rather mono tone. However his eyes were reading further and he blinked for a moment. This was the part where the character basically proposes to Zoe’s character. He felt the weight of the ring box in his cargo pocket and the time and place found him. “I came to Rosings with the single object of seeing you...I had to see you…”, he continued reading the lines. “Me?”, Zoe read delivering it with confusion that her character was supposed to have. “I've fought against my better judgement, my family's expectation…”, he paused per the script. “The inferiority of your birth.. .my rank and circumstance..all those things.. .but I'm willing to put them aside... and ask you to end my agony…”, he continued to read. The lines were at least in a small way having some meaning to him. “I don't understand…”, Zoe replied. Zoe was flipping to the next page not looking at Merrick. It was now or never he decided getting to his right knee between the sofa and the coffee table taking the circular box from his pocket. It looked much like a mini tree trunk and carved into the top the simple words ‘Marry Me’. “I love you. Most ardently.”, he said with actual passion. Zoe blinked hearing him deliver a line with the conviction the character was supposed to have, her dark blue eyes looking up from her copy of the script going wide seeing him on his knee holding a box that said ‘Marry Me’.
“Me...Merr..Merrick…”, she stammered dropping her script covering her mouth. “Are you...is this…”, she tried to find the right way to know if he was serious. “Am I serious? Is this happening?”, he finished her thoughts pushing the lid that was on a swing hinge to reveal the pearl engagement ring. “Dio mio…”, she whispered looking at the ring then back at his face. “So?”, he asked a bit nervous. Zoe nodded slowly. “Ye..yes. A thousand times yes.”, she smiled. A rush of relief washed over Merrick as he took the ring from the box setting the box on the coffee table in favor of picking up her left hand and gently slipping the ring onto her ring finger. This was far from what Zoe had expected from him. They’d only been officially dating nine months, and they’d talked about maybe moving in together but this..this level of commitment she’d hoped for but figured would be years away. She couldn’t help herself but she was crying, but happy tears as she slid out of her chair onto the floor and kissing and hugging him. “I can’t..I can’t believe this.”, she said in shock. Merrick laughed a little at her reaction reaching up to wipe the tears. “Why are you crying hellraiser?”, he asked mostly teasing. “Because I’m happy.”, she answered giving him another kiss. “Ti amo.”, she smiled hugging him tight around the neck. “I love you too.”, he smiled back before kissing her a bit more passionately holding the kiss longer as his arms wrapped around her tight as he stood up bringing her with him. There wasn’t really words after that both knew where they were going as they found their way back to the bedroom.
It was later laying in her bed that words came back. “Non posso crederci. Si sta andando ad essere mio marito..”, she sighed softly speaking italian. “Hmm?”, he questioned with a raised brow rolling a little in the bed to look at her. “Sorry. Slip up still. I said; I can't believe this. You're going to be my husband”, she explained with a smile rolling to face him placing her left hand on his cheek. “Not a title I thought I’d ever have till you.”, he admitted taking her hand from his face and kissing her ring. “Nothing about my life is what I thought I’d have.”, he sighed. “That’s a good thing right?”,she asked. Merrick nodded. “A fantastic thing. I never thought about my future when I was in high school, probably why I got a liberal arts degree just to make my parents happy. I wouldn’t have considered that I’d be an entrepreneur or start an animal sanctuary. Before Faelan I never thought ‘dad’ would be a name I’d ever be called or a role I’d be good at. But now I can’t imagine not being a dad.”, he sighed. “Because you are an amazing dad. Faelan is so lucky to have you.”, she smiled kissing him softly. “Mmm. I never thought I was the marrying type, that I’d settle down and be with just one woman let alone be in love. Then I met you. You hellraiser are a game changer.”, he explained or was trying to explain.
Zoe smiled, knowing he was trying to get the right words. “I’ve lived through so much shit, so much pain that happiness just seemed impossible. Then you showed up at the Haven and everything changed. I got a best friend that day and started to actual feel happy. I can’t imagine...well I can’t imagine life without you. And because of that I want to settle down and to love just you for the rest of my life.”, he smiled. “Aw you are very good with words when they do come to you. You could have said that back in the living room as your proposal.”, she smiled. “Yeah I probably could. But I didn’t have the words then. That’s why I carved the words ‘marry me’ into the box. I didn’t trust that my voice would even work when I got onto my knee to ask. I know I didn’t go big or really romantic persay. Landon wrote Rachel a song to ask her to marry him. Robert went simple but he had the right words when he proposed to Josalyn at that restaurant which overlooks Boston harbour. Thomas got Landon and Cora Lee to play their song while walking in the moonlight at their favorite park, Malcolm to set of lighting fireworks, and then made a mini film expressing how much he loves Lily. William proposed on a gondola ride at Valentine’s Day.”, he admitted. “It was a perfect proposal Merrick. I didn’t need or want anything big. You told me that you love me and got down on your knee and offered that box to me and revealed this beautiful engagement ring.”, she assured kissing him. “You could have offered me a little plastic container with a ring from a gumball machine and I’d have said yes, because the ring and the proposal don’t matter what matters is that I get to have you for the rest of my life. That I get to call you husband.”, she smiled.
“I like saying that…”, she chuckled. Merrick smiled giving her a kiss rolling her to her back, pinning her to the bed. “Good. Because I like hearing. A title I can definitely get used to. Think you can get used to being a wife?”, he asked. Zoe chuckled as she was pinned to the bed. “Oh most definitely. Our families are going to flip, you know that.”, she laughed. Her dad was still warming to the idea of her being with Merrick, Alexander seemed rather indifferent at best, but she knew her mother and sister would be over the moon when they hear. “Oh yeah. Nana Hazel is going to be happy I didn’t take forever to ask. She was with me last week when I bought the ring.”, Merrick nodded. He knew that for the most part his family would be happy with the announcement. All but one, however her opinion didn’t matter to him anymore. This was one woman, one happiness he was not going to let Emma ruin. “Wow bought the ring last week and proposed this. That is a fast turn around for you.”, she teased. “Guess now we have to tell everyone and guess figure this all out like the when and where and all that. And how we are paying for it.”, she smiled thinking about it all. “Yeah well paying for it is going to take some saving up. And since Josalyn is getting married in August and Lily is getting married next April figure wait till maybe 2031? Dont need to overload my family with all three of us getting married in rapid succession.”, he suggested.
Zoe smiled nodding. “That will give up plenty of time to plan and save. So till then we keep living separate? You and our son at the Haven and me here?”, she asked. “No, at least not the whole time. I know living in the apartment won’t work for the three of us, your second bedroom wouldn’t really fit Faelan’s nursery furniture. And I don’t want us to live at the Haven with my family. I feel bad enough for Sebastian on nights you stay with me.”, he admitted. “Why do you feel bad? And what would you suggest we do then?”, she asked. “I feel bad because the soundproofing is only between floors. So my poor sixteen year old brother is right down the hall having to use earplugs to not hear his older brother having sex with his girlfriend’s older sister. Cause face it you aren’t exactly quiet Zoe.”, he explained kissing her neck. Zoe laughed. “I could be quiet if I wanted to. It’s just...well I enjoy myself that much with you I can’t help it. But alright so you’ve ruled out the two places we live. So what do you suggest?”, she asked. “Aonair Mac Tíre. Malcolm is investing in the company so I can open the store up in Boston. That means all the finished pieces I have taking up the living spaces of the house can be shipped there. I can keep the basement for my workshop and then just fix the upstairs so it’s liveable again. You can paint the rooms whatever you want. We use the living room set you have here, bring my bedroom set for our room, put yours in a spare bedroom, Faelan’s nursery would fit into Landon’s old room, and you’d even get to keep your office/art room. It’s still Haven property so it’s still safe guarded by the laws. I would just need to talk to David to confirm it’s okay.”, Merrick suggested.
“So just live at Aonair Mac Tíre? I could work with that.”, she smiled. “And I’m not saying it’d be forever, just a start till we could afford our own house. Because I don’t know about you… but I want a big family.”, he smirked. Zoe chuckled. “I want a big family too. Faelan needs siblings.”, she smiled giving him a kiss. “How many do you think you’d want? After we get married of course.”, she asked. “Of course. I don’t know five or six? I’m an animal animals tend to have litters.”, he teased still kissing at her neck. “Five or six? Are we counting Faelan in that?”, she asked. “Yes I’m including him. Just giving a rough estimate. You’re the one that will be pregnant so it’ll be dependent on how many times you’re willing to be pregnant. Which between now and when we decide to start to add to our family we can get in lots of practice.”, he smiled. “Practice?”, she questioned. His answer was not verbalized as instead his hand gently nudged it’s way between her legs and started to tease at her. “Ooo practice…”, she moaned getting the hint of where things were going. Her hand moving to tease back, taking advantage of their alone time before they’d be calling friends and family to announce the engagement. Which when the announcement went out basically it was well received with many happy congratulations. His parents agreed to keep Faelan overnight so they could have the whole day and night as just them.
The next morning Merrick woke up as his normal and carefully slid out of the bed not wanting to wake her. He smiled as he got dressed looking at her asleep in the bed the engagement ring shining a little with the glimmer of sunlight peeking in through the blinds. As he went to go make some coffee he was thinking about everyone they’d already called to tell about the engagement and one name fluttered into his mind. He sighed and looked to the hallway and the partially opened bedroom door. If he was going to move into the next phase of his life, he needed to give Zoe all of him. And the only way to go forward and give all of him to Zoe was to know that his past was resolved and couldn’t bite him in the ass later. So he picked up his cell and from memory alone sent a text message to Rose. ‘Can we talk? Cafe Lola?', he asked choosing a coffee shop they never went to together. A place that holds zero memories for them. Rose rolled to grab her cell lying in bed next to Donovan. She blinked seeing to was from Merrick and replied with a simple 'Sure'. Merrick took a breath getting her reply. '30 minutes.', he suggesting knowing how long it would take him to walk over from the apartment. 'See you there'., she answered. She carefully got out from Donovan’s arms a little confused but headed out without telling Donovan because she is just in shock. he sigh rethinking facing her again as he sat on Zoe's couch he'd made for Christmas. But he knew he had to do this. So he got up and before he headed out left a note for Zoe. Basically saying 'Have something I need to do. Back soon.'
Rose had already gotten to the cafe and was sitting at a table for two, sipping an iced vanilla coffee with about six torn up napkins in front of her. He had walked wanting the ten blocks from Zoe's place to think. The smell of her hit him before he saw her. He sighed and took a breath walking into the cafe and to the table. "Hi. Thanks for... showing.", he greeted taking a seat across from her. "No problem," she said. She piled up the napkin remains and sipped her coffee again. She wasn't sure what to say but figured he called the meeting, so it meant he had something. "So. Well guess first sorry for last week and how I was.",he apologized. "You don't need to apologize. We.. Haven't talked since everything," she said softly. Rose tried to look at him, but kept glancing past. It was hard. Merrick wasn't exactly maintaining eye contact either. "No I do. I went asshole Merrick mode and it was uncalled for. I made an awkward situation into a bad one.",he was mostly looking down at his hands folded in the table. She looked at him and her hand moved to cover his, but only a fraction of an inch. She set her hands on the table and sighed. "Yeah, I'm amazing at doing that too," she said. He sighed seeing her hands reaching and then stopping. "It's not... Well this isn't easy.", he sighed. She sighed. "Yeah I... I get it.", she nodded. "I've never really been in this type of a situation. Partially because I didn't generally do attachments. And then most times a woman walked away from me Emma had a hand in it.",he growled a little just saying her name.
"This time it was my own fault. This time...",trying to find the correct words. "This time when my heart got stomped it was my fault and no one else's.", he finding the words. Rose opened her mouth to argue but then closed it, nodding slightly for him to continue. "I've... Made a lot of mistakes too, especially involving.. Us.",she admitted. "Can't really change the past. I slept around... a lot. Even after it seemed... felt like there was an us. I'm the one that made that choice. That got Jenna pregnant, Faelan isn't a mistake mind you because well that kid changed me in good ways. I'm the one that choose to get involved with Zoe. And I knew it could cost me in the end and it did.",he sighed a little. Rose shook her head. "It... Wasn’t' just Faelan, it wasn't just what you did with Zoe. We were never together, you and I never spoke how much we cared about each other.",she sighed. "God, you have just... No idea how much I wanted to stay. Faelan looks like an amazing pup and I always knew he'd be an amazing father once I got to know you. But I couldn't be a mother and I couldn't give you the wife or life you deserve." Rose tightened her hands around each other and her shoulders shook before she got control of them. "I know people hate me for my decision to not.. be with you. And that's a burden I'll bare. Because I don't think it was a mistake," she whispered. "I'd have stayed in the UK, in my heart I know I would have. And what then? Across the world love? No, you'd be forced to stay or come with me. Abandoning your sanctuary, your life, your friends, your family and more. I... I couldn't do that. I couldn't bare the idea of being called a 'Love' or 'Wife' and never being home. Of... Of being there less than dad was.", she continued in her explanation of her actions last summer.
"But I don't think it was a mistake because just from the pictures of you and Zoe, what people said... I knew you loved her. And I knew she could be the mother and lover I could never be.", she added. "No we didn't. I just didn't and don't say... anything especially feelings easily.",he nodded a little. "And he is, he's gaining control of his powers and he's learning Italian and Greek god help me.",he smiled a little talking about Faelan. "No one hates you.",he sighed a hand reaching seeing her shaking but stopped himself. "I am happy with her. I love her. Which she's well she's part of why I asked you to meet.", he explained. She smiled as he talked about Faelan. He sounded... happy when talking about him. She saw his hand and she reached over, touching it gently. But it wasn't the spark like before. It was like she was touching Landon's hand. And he could tell the difference in the touch. "Oh?", she asked. He sighed a little her touch was different. The spark wasn't really there. That urge to kiss her or more wasn't there, the craving had passed. "I figure you learned second hand when we went public about dating. So this I just, I figured you deserved to hear this from me. I proposed to her yesterday.", he stated. Rose nodded. She remembered the pain but slight relief of seeing them happy and smiling. She was quiet as she listened and then her eyes widened. There was that breaking feeling, the feeling that she permanently lost something she’d wanted so badly. But then a wave of relief, stronger than before. "Oh my god, Merrick...",she squeezed his hand and smiled softly. "Congratulations!", she smiled. "Thanks. Basically my whole family is thrilled. I think Nana Hazel is beyond thrilled, but she was with me when I found the ring in Boston.",he smiled softly. Rose kept the soft smile.
"I know how much you love her, and how much Faelan does. I... saw all of you at the park.", she said softly. Merrick nodded. "I know you did. I didn't look but I'd know your scent miles away if the wind is blowing just right. And yeah Faelan is over the moon about her. Asks me any night she isn't at the Haven or we aren't at her place why mamma doesn't live with us.", he smiled a little. She chuckled quietly. There was a flash of pain in her eyes, but it faded. Old wounds never heal. "That's... That's how I was able to let go.",she said softly. "It wasn't Faelan or just Zoe. It was because I knew as much as it hurt, you'd be happier and Faelan would have a better life in the long run.",she sighed. "Can't really say that's a ‘what if’ story that won't be told. I know I'm happy with Zoe and Faelan's happy. And you seem to be doing alright. With the Kearney who'd been flirting with you since freshmen year of university.", he commented remembering hearing something about her starting to date someone. "Donovan..",she sighed. "He's sweet, really. But... We just got together, honestly, after I saw you with Zoe. It isn't anything serious.",she explained. Merrick nodded. "I see. Well maybe he'll make you happier than I could. He at least is over there, can be with you, fight alongside you.", she smiled a little. Donovan could do all the things he never could for her, he was too tied to bayville to leave it. She nodded and smiled more. "He is a nice guy, really. But...right now, it is just starting.", she shrugged a little.
"Yeah. Well good luck with it. Actually having a boyfriend, that'll be a new experience for you. You deserve that.", he nodded. "Thanks.", she said. She was still unsure about Donovan, but wanted to give him a chance. And in just the last couple weeks he’d at least been there without any pressure for her. "You're the one getting married though. I really am happy for you. She's getting the best guy I know.", she smiled. "Not exactly how I figured my life would end up. None of this is what I pictured if I ever thought of my future. Then again never really looked to the future much.",he shrugged. He snorted a little being called the best guy. "That's probably debatable. If I am even a sliver of being a good guy I had help to get to that. And don't argue, we both know I was a complete asshole before you and Leslie.", he smiled. "You thought I was going to argue with that?",she teased softly. "And Zoe seems smart. Could you even see her being with a bad guy?", she asked. "Who knows, taste for the crazy is in the Petridis DNA. Her dad was married to Geri and her brother is engaged to Talia.",he shrugged. "Which of course her dad and brother aren't exactly thrilled with the idea of both Zoe and Gina being with Bryant-Frost men. But I've never been one to give a fuck, especially about Alexander's opinions.",he smirked. Rose laughed and nodded. "I'm glad you came to tell me, Merrick.", she smiled a little. "I figured if I could face you, then I could fully move on.", he explained. "Seems to me that you're facing me pretty well.",she stated. They were now able to maintain eye contact. There wasn’t that fear that they’d feel the old urges and craving for each other.
"Yeah I guess. It doesn't really feel the same anymore. Which is a good thing. You've got Donovan you're starting new with and I've got Zoe.", he nodded. "I'd like to hope that someday we can talk, and be friends again.", she suggested. "Maybe. Who knows.",he shrugged. "I should head back to the apartment. Stayed at Zoe's last night. Before I do. Well.. happy birthday I suppose. I didn't know what to do with this after last summer.",he sighed setting a box on the table. Inside was the maple bracelet with her tattoo design, but on the inside was the bark were instead of the wolf brand of his company was their initials he'd craved the summer before Faelan. "Zoe will probably want more of her fiance.",she chuckled softly and then quieted at the box. She moved it and opened it, blinking and gasping softly. She covered her mouth and her eyes watered a bit. She closed her eyes to calm down and opened them, smiling softly at him. "Thanks, Merrick...",she managed to say. She’d not expected this. Expected any of this. Merrick nodded a little. "You're welcome little wolf. I hope that you get everything you want and deserve in life. And as a small heads up, I don't know the exact plans but.... Emma...",he started to explain a growl again at the mention of her. "Is being sent by the Demon King to England next fall after she graduates college.", he informed standing up. "I'm just glad that you're already getting that.",she tilted her head then smirked, her fangs showing. "I'll bite her for you if she steps in the way.",she offered. "Feel free to kill the fucking cunt.",he commented not only swearing but giving permission to actually kill one of his siblings. Rose blinked and eyed him. She didn’t know what Emma had done but it had to be bad for Merrick to talk like this.
"Merrick, you know I'll do it if I get the chance. I'm more like dad that way. Our rule is no killing, but...",she flexed her hands. She almost had to do it before. Merrick nodded standing up. "Yeah I know you would. I would too buy I'm not allowed by the rules that govern me. You aren't bound to Haven laws. So you get into that situation don't hold back, certainly not for my sake.", he said giving his permission. Rose nodded. She had her own hatred of Emma. Though it was because of what she did to Merrick and people he cared for. She stood up then walked over. "Last hug?", she questioned. Merrick groaned a little and rolled his eyes playfully. "Fine. Guess can manage that.",he teased giving her a tight hug. She chuckled and hugged him back tightly, closing her eyes. She had missed this... but she knew whatever they had before wasn't coming back. He was someone else's now. "Thanks for meeting me, Merrick. I'm sure it'll be a beautiful wedding.",she smiled. "Thanks for showing up. And yeah, lord help me Nana Hazel is probably already getting ideas since my sisters haven't wanted her input.",he chuckled. "Ha, good luck.",she stepped back and picked up the box.
"Bye, Merrick. You still have my number if you need anything. And thanks for the heads up.", she nodded. "Thanks. Good luck with college and your team. Bye Roselyn.", he replied. She chuckled and nodded, heading out to her bike. She sat on it and looked at the box, running her thumb on it before putting it in the compartment and pulling on her helmet, heading to the hotel. Merrick walked back to Zoe's apartment in silence. Letting himself back in. With Faelan at the Haven he just undressed and crawled back into bed with Zoe pulling her close and just holding her. Zoe mmhed softly as she felt him, cuddling into him. "Hey, lupo," she whispered quietly. She smiled and turned over to face him, cuddling into his chest and mmhing into the crook of his neck. "Morning hellraiser." He said softly kissing the top of her head. He hadn't been sure if she'd wake up while he was gone, mornings still not her thing but sometimes she surprised him by getting up early.She mmhed happily and closed her eyes, sleeping in today and just enjoying the warmth of her fiance. Rose returned to Donovan’s hotel room, he was still sleeping exactly as she’d left him the blanket kicked away just wearing a pair of shorts. She set the box carefully on a nightstand taking off her jacket and shoes before getting into the bed still dressed. Donovan must have felt the movement on her side as he reached an arm out and pulled her over not saying a word just wanting to hold her. Rose sighed a little a small smile on her face. She’d successfully closed a chapter of her life and could now look to the new that was holding her close.
An ocean away Xavier and Arcade were both digging into the same thing not knowing the other was investigating. Both found their way to the same final result. It had taken a few days of digging because it was very well hidden, companies part of companies part of companies and so forth. By the time the digging was complete Rose and the others were back from Bayville. Xavier had sent a notice to all Excalibur members to meet at Muir Island he had something. So once time was allowed they all started to appear in the meeting area of Muir Island. Xavier was sitting at the head of the table with his tablet in his hand. He’d linked it up to the main screen behind him so he could easily go over what he’d found with the team. he was still mad at himself for getting injured on the mission, so finding all this out was his way of making up for it. He waited till the team had all taken seats before standing up. “Thanks for coming everyone. I know I don’t generally call meetings, usually it’s Aunt Rose’s job for that.”, Xavier greeted with a smile.
“You said you found something?”, Rose asked. Xavier nodded. “Indeed I did. And wow I didn’t expect I. I had to conference with Forge a couple days ago and do some digging on his side just to see that I’m right.”, Xavier explained. “Get on wid it den.”, Donovan encouraged. Ashley glanced a bit annoyed at her cousin, the water in Donovan’s bottle shooting out and hitting him the face. “Shh my husband is talking.”, Ashley scolded. Rose tried to not laugh, Atif and Skye did laugh as Donovan wiped his face off with his shirt. “Thank you Saiai. As I was saying...I double checked with Forge. The company that managed the waitstaff from the COH hit on Leah’s Lost Souls even last month is a sub of a sub of a sub of a shell company. But it all brought me back in the end to Trask Industries. I recognized the name from stuff that Landon and I had talked about back in high school when we studied under Forge. So I double checked with Forge that it’s the same Trask that I recognized. And Forge confirmed it’s the same. For those of you who are looking at me like I’m a hydra. Trask Industries was founded by Boliva Trask. He was the creator of the sentinels that years back gave my grandfather trouble before the government shut them down. Boliva is of course dead, however his son Larry did survive and it’s Larry’s son Donald that is in charge of the company now. And Donald is following in his grandfather and great uncle’s footsteps and wants the mutant race wiped off the planet. So from the looks of it he’s one for the big players in the COH and basically from what me and Forge could dig up there’s a price on Mason’s head.”, Xavier explained as pictures and lines of connection started to display on the screen behind him.
“Ah volunteer ‘appily ta keep a watc’full eye on Mason, he rat’er good looking.”, Skye smirked raising her hand. Donovan rolled his eyes. “Ah tink dat be a bad idea.”, Donovan said. “Skye will keep an eye on Mason.”, Rose stated. “Skye lives near him, and if necessary she can use the excuse of her job at GQ to get close to him. So I want someone to keep their eyes on his friend Adder when she’s not around Mason.”, Rose said starting to break things down. “I can keep an eye on Adder. I’ve gotta start doing some of my residency work down in London anyways.”, Atif offered. “Or Ah can.”, Donovan offered. “Atif will take it. Adder knows your face Donovan. You’ll get spotted. She doesn’t know Atif. Who else is close to Mason?”, she asked. “His parents in York. But they generally covered since his father's in politics. His little sister Gabrielle whom is living in Nottingham with her boyfriend Andy. And then there’s Ashton and Tiffany and Mason’s godson Blake in Manchester.”, Xavier explained pulling up at chart on the screen that showed all their faces. explained. “Alright Billy you keep your eyes on Gabrielle and this Andy. Ashley if you can kept tabs on Mister and Misses Templeton. I suppose Donovan and I will keep track of Ashton and Tiffany and the baby. Xavier I want you to keep working with Forge. Let’s see what else the Church of Humanity is hiding. and get anything you can about Trask.”, Rose concluded. “I’m on it Aunt Rose.”, Xavier nodded shutting down the screens he’d had up.
“So before we all go take care of our individual business. Can we all just take a moment and pick on… Ah mean congratulate mah brot’er and Rose fer starting dating w’ile in America?”, rose teased giving a little applause. Donovan rolled his eyes and kicked his sister’s chair pushing her away. “Bite me.”, Donovan shook his head. “Oh I’m sure Rose will do enough of that.”, Atif teased. Rose turned a little red covering her face with her hands. “Could we not? Seriously it’s been just over two weeks. Let’s just all chill about this. We have work to do. You all have assignments.”, Rose started trying to get control. “Aye dont’ ya ‘ave people ta go follow?”, Donovan agreed. “Yes we do. Noticed that Rose also made sure her assignment put her with you.”, Billy smirked. “Ugh.”, Rose groaned. “What you t’ougt fer a moment ya could date mah brot’er and not get teased?”, Skye smiled rolling her chair back over to the table. “No but I figured maybe it wouldn’t be this bad. We don’t all go around picking on Billy and Atif or Ashley and Xavier.”, Rose stated. “Aye but dey came as a set.”, Skye pointed out. “Aye well ‘ow bout ya closer yer gob bout it. Rose and Ah trying dis out, and people making it an issue in regards ta da team dynamic ain’t gonna ‘elp. So let’s just all get ta work. Ah got a ‘ouse ta go look at in a couple ‘ours and training wid da team dat pays me after dat. So if ya’ll excuse me. Rose ya still coming ta look wid me?”, he asked standing up and looking at Rose. Rose nodded getting up. “Let’s just not let relationships affect team dynamics okay guys. And yes I’m still coming Donovan. Not letting you buy a crummy house and expect poor Kyle to live in it.”, she said. “Everyone has their assignments I suggest we get to work.”, she added looking to the others before Donovan took her hand and hit his teleporter.
Xavier wasn’t the only one to dig and find the connection to Trask Industries, Arcade also figured that out. And when he did he went straight to Mason’s office. Donald looked up from his computer as he come rushing into the office carrying his table and some papers. “Can I help you Webber?”, Donald asked. “I need to speak with Mister Templeton immediately.”, he said trying to stop papers from falling. “He’s on a conference call at the moment. He should have a free minute after that to speak with you. If you want you can take a seat or come back later.”, Donald said glancing to Mason’s calendar. “I’ll wait.”, he said taking a seat. He nervously tapped his foot while he waited. Trask was a competitor company now to find out that even beyond wanting to try and get Templeton Enterprises out of business for the sake of being a competitor their CEO wants Mason dead for his foundation, it was a bit nerve racking. In his office Mason was leaning on his elbows with his forehead resting his palms talking to Khumar on a conference call. Khumar was proving to still be a difficult man to deal with for Mason. They’d been discussing business of an expansion on the factory that would double productivity and add more jobs to the area. Near what Mason hoped was the end of the call, Khumar was pushing wanting Mason to return to India soon.
“You should really come back to India, bring your lovely ‘bodyguard’.”, Khumar said putting a dirty context to the word bodyguard. “Khumar, Adder is in the room and you are on speakerphone, so maybe stop being inappropriate.”, Mason sighed trying to maintain professionalism. Adder rolled her eyes even married now Khumar was terrible. “Oh, well hello lovely Nāga.”, Khumar smiled. Mason shook his head against his palms. “Khumar, how is Aishwarya...your wife? I understand congratulations are in order as you are expecting a son in the fall. You work fast.”, Mason teased a little changing the subject wanting to remind Khumar that he’s a married man. “Oh she’s well. Morning sickness still rampant in our house but well. Yes well Rohans don’t waste time I suppose. Heir to the family fortune is important. You should start thinking about it. Not like you don’t have options for who to have a son with.”, Khumar smirked. Adder shook her head, she didn’t really want to think about Mason starting a family. “Last time, please stop being inappropriate. I haven’t had a serious relationship in a long time. So not exactly near the stage of marriage and children..”, Mason explained just wanting the call to end. “Who says you have to be married to or even dating the woman you have children with?”, Khumar countered. Mason rolled his eyes and looked at Adder mouthing the words ‘Oh my god this man.’ Adder tried to not laugh. “I say. Khumar I should get going. I have another meeting to attend. I’ll talk to the board about the expansion plans. Goodbye.”, Mason said reaching for the end button. “Bye my friend.”, Khumar said just before Mason hung up.
“I swear...that man.”, Mason groaned shaking his head. “He’s terrible we bot’ know but ya need his company and ya’ve a contract t’at says ya can’t get rid of him.”, Adder shrugged. “Shouldn’t you be just as outraged at his words as I am? The man is sitting there basically implying all sorts of incredulous things about you and I. Heck the man suggest I have children with whoever doesn’t matter if I’m married to the woman.”, he sighed shaking his head. “Ah am. Ya just outraged enoug’ fer us bot’, Mason. K’umar likes ta talk and being inappropriate is just part of t’at. Ah say selective listening. He can t’ink and say w’at he likes. We bot’ know yer not t’e sort o man t’at he is. W’en ya start a family we bot’ know it’ll be after yer married and wit’ someone ya love. Ya just ain’t t’e sort ta sleep round and certainly not t’e sort to knock a bird up just because ya can.”, Adder explained. “Fair enough. So what’s next on the schedule?”, he asked. “Lunc’.”, Adder stated standing up. “Donald before I go on lunch there anything not in my calendar?”, he asked buzzing Donald. “Actually sir Webber Torque is out here wanting to speak with you. He seems a bit...off…”, Donald answered whispering the last part. Adder raised an eyebrow, Arcade was always a little off but she knew he was looking into who hired the wait staff that went all terrorist at the charity event. “Send him in, lunch can wait.”, Mason instructed. Adder sighed and sat back down she was hungry and Mason had said they’d go to the Bear and Staff for some fish n chips and a pint. “Mister Templeton will see you now.”, Donald said pointing Webber to the door.
Arcade quickly got his things together and went into the office closing the door. Mason arched an eyebrow looking at him, he could certainly see why Donald said he was off. Arcade was always a bit scattered so Mason didn’t think much of the messy red hair or that his tie was off centered and part of his shirt was untucked, however he seemed to be visibly shaking. “Webber?”, Mason greeted. “Sir..hold on..”, he said setting down his things on Mason’s desk and pulling a pen from his pants pocket and clicking it twice a red light flashing and scanning the room. Adder looked at Mason who shrugged at her not sure what his, neurotic borderline tourette's syndrome, tech guy was doing. “Okay it’s safe to talk.”, he said pocketing the pen after the light changed green. “W’at was t’at?”, Adder asked? “That Adder is my invention that detects if there are any bugs in the room, not like the insect kind of but the kind used to eavesdrop on people. I needed to know that we were secure before I started to talk.”, Arcade explained picking up some of the papers and handing them to Mason. Mason took the pages and started to look them over. “Am I? Am I reading this correctly?”, Mason asked handing the page to Adder to look at. “Yes sir. I did that digging you asked me to. And it all lead me back to Trask Industries. I put a trojan into their computer system, specially Donald Trask himself’s computer. That way it will report back to me on any activities that he’s taking part of.”, he said nodding. “So as you can see from my findings… Task is apparently a backer of the COH financially and is using it to further his own desires. Which includes killing you sir.”, he explained a little nervous.
Mason sighed and stood up putting a hand on Alan’s shoulder. “Calm down. Trask can try all he likes to get to me. He’s not going to succeed. I’m rather well protected.”, Mason assured glancing to Adder. Adder set the paper aside and nodded. “Ain’t nobody gonna ‘urt Mason. Ah get paid ta make sure t’ey don’t. Now t’at we know w’o be’ind it we can better prepare. Ya just keep doing yer job and Ah’ll keep doing mine. Between us we’ll keep Mason safe.”, she assured. Arcade nodded. “Okay, if you...you’re sure. I’ll keep digging and let you know if I get anything from the trojan. Just...well here.”, he said giving Mason the pen. “So you know you are safe to talk.”, he said before leaving. Mason arched his brow again watching him leave looking down at the pen. “Well at least we have a name for who’s trying to kill me.”, he shrugged putting the pen into his pocket. “Yea. Now just need ta figure out w’en dey plan ta try again and stop dem.”, Adder nodded. “Come on pet, I owe you some fish n chips and a pint.”, he suggested. Adder nodded a little grabbing her jacket as they walked out together. “Be back in about two hours Donald.”, Mason waved as they left the office to have lunch.
There was so much more that both Excalibur and Mason’s team didn’t know about the Church of Humanity and it’s real puppeteers. Donald Trask was certainly not the only one, he just happened to be the first they found. And at least, for now he didn’t know he’d been found out. He didn’t even know that a trojan had been planted into the computer system used in his company to spy on him. Donald was in his office on a video conference call with his three colleagues that all were the puppeteers of the Church of Humanity. Trask looked very much like his grandfather Boliva having the same squared jawline. “So our attempt to eliminate Mason Templeton failed last month. I believe we have truly underestimated Templeton and what he is capable of. We need to find more out about this man to better know his weakness and take him out. Ideas?”, Trask asked looking at the video screen. “I have a scientist here in my location that I had working with experimenting on mutants but I am moving him over to a different department, He’s got an aptitude for computers and hacking. I will put him on trying to find out more about Mason Templeton.”, Olivia Queen spoke up. “Who’s the hacker? Can he be trusted?”, David Stryker asked. “Last thing we need is a double agent situation.”, Thomas Pierce chimed in. “Alan Kilty is his name. And he has so far proven to be rather valuable to us. He’s been able to give us technology that rivals that of Silvercloud.”, Queen replied. “Alright well implement that next phase. After he digs up some dirt on Templeton we will need him to start looking into Silvercloud. They are getting too big for our tastes and we know that they give funds to pro mutant organizations in America.”, Trask said with a nod. “Already have him digging into both. We shall have answers soon.”, Queen answered. “Alright so let’s ready for our next move.”, Stryker said. “We all know what to do. We will reconvene in a month.”, Trask said as the conference ended.
Over at Queen Incorporated Alan had been moved to a new office. As he followed the armed guard to the room he blinked in awe at the work space he was being given it, It was triple his previous space with a number of computers but he saw no one else working in the room which he was sure was intended for a team. Alan was pushed into a chair in front of a row of computer screens. “So what do you think of your new facilities Alan?”, Olivia Queen asked walking into the room wearing a white skirt and blazer suit set extending her arms out. Alan turned and blinked he’d never seen his employer in person before but he at least knew what Olivia Queen looked like. She was probably a beautiful woman in her youth, but now age lines were just visible on her once flawless face (it obvious to Alan’s keen eye she probably had plastic surgery) and what was probably blonde hair was all gray worn short and chopped slightly at an angle so one side was a bit longer than the other. “Um..sure. But why am I here? Did I do something wrong that I got pulled from my assignment?”, Alan asked trying to stand but the guard just pushed him back into the chair. “Wrong?”, she laughed though Alan was certain it was more a witch’s cackle. “Heaven's no. You are just needed elsewhere. I need you to do some investigating for me. Check up on our competition. And you are the brightest in the world able to hack basically anything.”, she smiled deviously. “Um okay. Who am I investigating?”, he asked trepidatiously. “Mason Templeton the CEO of Templeton Enterprises and Jonathon Silvercloud of Silvercloud.”, she explained. “Alright. I’ll get started ma’am.”, Alan said spinning his chair and booting up the computer to start his research.
Arcade back in his office at Templeton Enterprises was doing more digging and found a connection between Trask and Queen. As he started digging into Queen he found that they were far from what they appear. He discovered that they were doing experiments on mutants. And in his researched he found one the scientists just called her experiment 35, some called her Myst on the sly. They’d been experimenting on her since she was a child trying to understand her mutant that allowed her to become a gaseous state. The issue was that after all the years of experimenting she hadn’t been able to reform to a solid person. Arcade did more digging into Myst and found her rather interesting. He took control over some of the security cameras wanting to get a look at this Myst. And there she was floating around her containment cell, having given up many years ago of escaping. Her day was monanontinty just solitude between scientists coming to test this or that on her. He wanted to make contact so he brought up a chat window and started to type to Myst. ‘Myst. My name is Arcade. I have taken over the security camera by your cell, just nod so I know you read this.’ he sighed hitting enter. Myst noticed the screen go black which usually was just playing a loop of an infomercial, intended she assumed to just drive her crazy. She blinked, well to the best that a gaseous faint form of a woman could as she read his message. She wondered who this ‘Arcade’ was. She nodded a little looking up at the camera. ‘I’m going to help you. Just give me time to find a way.’ he typed. Myst nodded again but held great doubt at the idea of anyone coming to help her.