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Up in Harvard, with the weekend approaching Hope had gone to the grocery store as it was her week to buy groceries for the house. She’d gotten everything on the list and was frowning as she thought about how this weekend she wouldn’t get to spend with Jessa. Jessa was going down to Bayville for the weekend to visit her parents. Sure Hope could have used the excuse of going to see her parents too, but she knew Jessa’s parents didn’t like her. Not just because she’s a mutant but well they didn’t like of their precious daughter being a lesbian. So out of respect Hope just kept her distance from Jessa’s family. She knew they were still important to Jessa. And well she loved Jessa so she wouldn’t push the issue. As she got into line she was behind some guy who just put two cases of beer, three bottles of tequila, salt, a bag of limes and a couple packs of condoms onto the belt. “Looks like someone’s got a fun weekend planned.”, Hope commented. “Oh yeah…”, Alan Synder smiled turning to look behind him. He didn’t recognize Hope but she recognised him and held back her urge to punch him for sleeping with her girlfriend. She reminded herself that they weren’t dating when it happened so she couldn’t be mad. “It’s going to be an epic weekend my side chick is coming to my place for the whole weekend while she’s told her girlfriend she’s going to visit her parents. It’s kind of sad that her girl believes she’s going to see her parents when everytime she uses that excuse it’s to come fuck me.”, he smiled brightly.
Hope’s eyes narrowed looking at Alan. “Girlfriend?”, she questioned. “Yeah she’s dating a girl. Which is totally hot in my book. Cause come on, not to be offensive, but lesbians are hot. I tell her to bring her girlfriend but she says her girlfriend has a bad temper and zero tolerance for men. I said if I could make her go bi I could make her girlfriend too. I’m apparently that good in bed. So figure I nail the girlfriend and I could get myself into a three some.”, he continued to grin. Hope lost it at this point, this guy just told her that Jessa had been cheating on her for months not even knowing it. And then the gall to suggest sex with him would ever make her like guys. She couldn’t take it and balled her hands into fists and decked him hitting him square in the jaw. Alan stumbled back bracing himself on the conveyor belt holding his jaw looking at her. “What the fuck?”, he questioned. “Hi asshole I’m Hope, the bad tempered girlfriend.”, she said glaring. “Oh...well you can join us this weekend if you want. Let me change your mind about cock. I changes Jessa’s.”, he smiled. The lights started to flicker in the store and the items on the shelves started to lift off as Hope was starting to just lose her control with her temper. “Outside now you piece of fucking shit. Merrick and Tommy apparently didn’t do a good enough job last Christmas teaching you a lesson. I won’t fucking hold back like they did. I’ll beat the shit out of you.”, she demanded. “I’m not going to fight a girl.”, he scoffed though she knew he was nervous. “Too bad bitch.”, she said shoving him out of the aisle forgetting about the groceries and continued shoving him outside and to the parking lot and from there just started punching him over and over.
As the fight raged on, mostly one sided because even though Alan was trying to fight back he wasn’t hitting her at best he busted her lip with a lucky punch, people started filming the fight and the store manager called the police. An officer had to pull Hope off Alan and an ambulance was called as Alan was in far worse shape than Hope. As they were cuffing Hope and getting Alan into the ambulance Hope sent a telepathic message to him. ‘How’s it feel to be sent to the hospital by a five foot four one hundred twenty pound girl you cock sucker?’. Alan having no clue where that came from started trying to shout but his jaw was broken. Hope made her phone call to the house to say she was in jail for beating the crap out of Alan Synder after he opening admitted to sleeping with Jessa every weekend she’s said she went to her parents and was going to be sleeping with this weekend too. Gabriel, Bianca, Blaire and Tristan all loaded up and drove down to get her. Gabriel wrote the check for the bail money as they brought Hope out. “We hope to not see you again for any more assaults. If he chooses to file against you you will be notified.”, the office said uncuffing her. “Thanks.”, Hope sighed walking over to her friends rubbing her wrists. “You know cop cuffs hurt a little more than the plastic ones I use. I might need to swipe a pair from your dad or uncle.”, Hope smirked talking to Blaire.
“Oh yeah metal cuffs like cops use are the best. My dad and I can agree on that.”, Tristan smirked. Gabriel sighed shaking his head. “You owe me a grand.”, he commented walking to his car. “Oh I’ll pay you back. I’ve got more than that in savings.”, Hope shrugged walking out with the group but stopped dead seeing Jessa standing there makeup streaking down her face crying. “Hope…”, Jessa sniffled. Bianca glared but was too polite to say anything just linking arms with Gabriel walked away from Jessa to the car. Tristan raised an eyebrow not sure what was going to happen but figuring he wanted to watch this trainwreck. Hope just glared silently at Jessa reading her mind. Normally Hope would never done that but all respect and love for Jessa had been crushed. Blaire was the one to speak. “You...you don’t get to talk to our Hope. Not after you lied, cheated, and used her like this. It was bad enough you slept with that sleaze when you weren’t dating earlier this year. But to keep doing it? To cheat on her like that? After begging her to take you back? You piece of worthless….ooo I’m so angry I can’t form a proper sentence. But I can say this. Stay away from Hope you slut, why don’t you go to the hospital and check on your lover.”, Blaire went off. Tristan gently grabbed Blaire’s arm as she was about to step in the direction of Jessa. They just bailed Hope out, they didn’t need to post bail for Blaire and it would be bad for her record being a cop’s daughter and in law school.
“I…”, Jessa went to speak. “Save it Jessa. Listen to Blaire. Leave. Go check on Alan. I’ve already read your mind. Yes I read your mind, I’ve lost that much respect for you. I know you’ve been sleeping with him behind my back since I took you back. If you wanted to be bisexual fine. Be upfront about it. Don’t lie to me. Don’t tell me you love me. Don’t tell me I’m the only person you love. Don’t talk marriage to me. I wouldn’t have cared if you said you were bisexual. I loved you. But you cheated, you lied and you broke my heart. So you can go to hell. Go be straight, or bi whatever. But don’t ever come near me again. I’m done forgiving you.”, Hope cut her off. “Let’s go guys.”, she said taking Blaire’s other hand and heading for the car. Tristan just remained silent in this and walked along with them to the car. Hope climbed into the back of the suv and covered her face with her hands starting to cry. She’d loved Jessa since the first day she saw her. They’d been on such a rollercoaster with Jessa’s parents not wanting her anywhere near her. Jessa’s parents trying to ‘fix’ her lesbianism with church camps and such that were supposed to specialize in ‘fixing’ people. Jessa questioning if she should be with her for various reasons. Jessa sleeping with Alan when they weren’t together just to see if she liked guys, yet still came begging her to take her back. And despite them having talked marriage and living together post graduation Jessa did this. Blaire frowned getting in next to Hope and just hugged her. “Oh Hope.”, Blaire sighed. There wasn’t much she could say but she knew she could be there for Hope they were best friends after all.
While Hope was getting over her devastating break up Zoe was getting out of the shower to get ready for her date. She of course not really thinking much as she walked out of the bathroom with just her towel around her head. “Zoe?”, Merrick called unlocking the door and coming inside walking far enough in just in time to see her completely naked dripping wet body. “Merrick!?”, she let out a startled cry quickly covering herself with the towel from her hair. Merrick quickly turned around to not look. “Jeez some warning before you just walk into my apartment!? What if I had a guy over? You can turn around I’m covered.”, she demanded fixing the towel. Merrick took a breath and turned around. “I called you, you didn’t answer. Apparently because you were in the shower. And I would have smelled another guy in your place before I got up the stairs. You said you needed a ride to the train station. I said I would drive you and take the train with you since I’m going to a bar with Malcolm tonight. I’m early, though just in time for a fantastic view.”, he explained smirking. Zoe rolled her eyes. “Uh huh.”, she shook her head. “I’m sorry I saw you naked? Not. It really isn’t a new view. Saw it a lot including in the shower. Difference I don’t get to touch your naked body and work my way around some bases like I used to.”, he smiled. “Yes well seeing a girl naked and getting to do all those fun intimate things is reserved for Rose only. And if Devon’s lucky maybe he’ll get to some bases.”, she smiled ducking into her bedroom to change.
Merrick rolled his eyes and leaned against the hallway where he could still see into the bedroom but not as directly. “It’s a first date no bases. You’re better than that.”, Merrick commented. Zoe chuckled getting dressed conscious of the fact he could see her. “Fine no bases just first which is kissing. And should you be watching me get dressed?”, she asked. Merrick shrugged. “Probably not. But whatever, it’s not cheating. So where’s Devon taking you?”, he asked. “Umm a place called Black Tree Orchard.”, she answered settling into her dress and zipping it most of the way before walking to the door. “Some help?”, she asked turning so her partially exposed back was to him. Merrick sighed zipping her up. “I prefered unzipping clothes.”, he commented. “I know. I remember. But come January you’ll get to unzip Rose out of clothes all the time.”, she teased going to her dresser and opening a jewelry drawer taking out one of the necklace sets Hazel had given her putting them on. The blue gems in the necklace and earrings may not have gone with the pearl ring she work on her right hand but they did go well with the light blue dress satin shelf dress she’d chosen to wear. “You and those dresses I swear...it’s a good thing I have Rose and am moving.”, Merrick shook his head. Zoe laughed grabbing a black shawl and her high heels. “Why is that?”, she tease putting an arm on him for support slipping into her shoes. “Because you wouldn’t be going on this date.”, he stated. “Oh and why not?”, she asked fixing the shawl. “Because you’d be too busy having your brains fucked out on that bed.”, Merrick smiled walking for the door. “Tease a girl…”, she laughed shaking her head following him grabbing her purse.
They rode the train together and once they got to Manhattan they went their separate ways, Zoe giving him a kiss on the cheek before she headed off to meet Devon. Merrick sighed taking out his cell that had started to ring a tone he knew very well. “Hey little wolf. What’s going on across the ocean?”, he asked smiling as he walked. “Hi baby. Not much finished my homework and stressing the test Monday. Wanted to hear your voice. Where are you I hear a lot of traffic?”, she asked. “Aw I miss you too.”, he chuckled. “And I’m in Manhattan, heading to snag Mal from Cora Lee’s clutches to go bar hopping. Don’t stress tests, you're smart you always pass.”, he smiled. “Ah boys night out huh?”, she teased. “Yeah kind of a boys weekend. In Manhattan tonight going to bars with Mal. Then tomorrow will be up in Harvard with Tristan.”, he commented. “Wow hanging out with Tristan on purpose? Who are you and where’s my Merrick?”, she chuckled. “He’s not all that bad when he’s not hitting on me. The gimpy bastard amuses me I guess. He’s at least got some interesting stories.”, he shrugged. “Oh he tell you the one about the cowboy, the lawyer and the scot?”, she laughed. “Yeah I heard all about that. Told him he’s a more secure and laid back guy than me. Because no way in hell I’d agree to or suggest a threesome with you.”, Merrick explained walking.
“Oh really you wouldn’t want a threesome?”, Rose asked chewing on the end of her pen lounging on her bed having closed her text books. “Heck no for a number of reasons. I don’t like guys so wouldn’t want one in my bed. I’m the only man you’ve been with and I’m keeping it that way. I’m not a sharer and I’m territorial.”, he laughed. “Mhmm well good to know you still don’t like men and aren’t willing to share me with another man. What about if the third was a girl?”, she asked. “You telling me you’re bisexual suddenly? Because that’s the only what that setup can really work.”, he laughed figuring that was a joke. “Well no I’m not. But I’m just asking. If was was me, you and Zoe would you say no?”, she asked intentionally throwing in someone she knew he was attracted to. “I would still say no.”, he stated. “Really? You aren’t just saying that because you think I want to hear that?”, she asked furrowing her brow. “Really. I don’t need anyone else in my bed but you Rose. And I know you threw Zoe’s name out there because you know I’m close to her and was a bit more than close to her before our son. But the only way I’d ever sleep with Zoe is if you ever said I’m not who you want. Because as long as you want me and love me the only woman I want to make love to is you.”, he explained turning the corner to the shared Manhattan house. “Sometimes you are good with words you know that.”, she smiled. “I’ve been told when I’ve the inkling for it I am. I don’t need or want anyone but you. I’m too territorial to share you with anyone else and I’m not sure someone else could physically survive what we do in bed beautiful.”, he smirked walking up the steps and ringing the bell.
Rose chuckled. “You’re right. I don’t want or need anyone but you. I wish it was April so I could be there with you again.”, she sighed. Malcolm was the first to the door. “Hey man.”, Malcolm greeted. “I miss you too baby. You’ll see me soon enough I promise. And when we see each other again I can guarantee that your clothes will be being ripped off and you’ll find yourself either on the nearest piece of furniture or against the nearest wall getting nonverbal proof you’re who I want.”, Merrick smiled. Malcolm raised an eyebrow. “Hi Rose and Um gross man.”, Malcolm chuckled. Rose covered her face laughing. “HI Malcolm.”, she laughed. “She says Hi. But that sound like a plan Rose?”, Merrick said. “Sounds fantastic though next time you see me will be Lily’s wedding. And she might kill you if you rip the bridesmaid’s dress.”, Rose laughed. “Fine only because you are talking about Lily’s wedding, I won’t rip the dress up till after the reception. But prior and during...it’s at the Haven I can easily get you into one of the little hiding places I know and a dress is easy enough to hike up. Now I should probably go before Malcolm pretends to be offended by me talking about screwing your brains out.”, he laughed. “You are...you are just something. I love you Merrick. Talk to you soon. Have fun on your boys weekend and stay out of trouble.”, she smiled. “I love you too Rose. Stay out of trouble too. Talk to you soon.”, Merrick said as they ended the call. “Dude….”, Malcolm sighed shaking his head. “I don't talk that way to Cora Lee in front of you.”, he sighed walking down the stairs. “Yeah, you better not that’s my cousin creepo. Come on let’s go drink. I’ve only got months left till I move to England and you’ll never have to hear that conversation again.”, Merrick smiled as they walked down the street to find a bar.
While Malcolm and Merrick went out to just enjoy some drinks and each other’s company Zoe headed to the restaurant that Devon said to meet him at hoping to enjoy company of someone new. Tonight she would not think about the upcoming audition nor would she think about Merrick moving away. She smiled recognizing Devon sitting on a little wooden bench outside small glass front of the restaurant that was sandwiched between a space for lease and an italian shoe and clothing store. She did glance into the window of the italian store for a moment missing Florence. “You made it.”, Devon smiled getting up from the bench. “And wow...you look...fantastic.”, he commented looking at her. Zoe smiled. “Ciao Devon. And thanks. I love these kind of dresses and just this period of clothes.”, she greeted. “Well it’s certainly working for you, vintage looks good on that body.”, he smiled giving her a slight hug in greeting and a light kiss on the cheek. “And you even have jewelry that goes with it. Well except the ring but it’s a nice ring.”, he complimented. “Thank you. I owe a very sweet woman and man for them.”, she explained. Devon raised an eyebrow as he opened the door to the restaurant. “Hmm?”, he asked confused. “The dress and jewelry were given to me by Hazel Frost, Josalyn’s great grandmother. And the ring was a twenty-first birthday gift from her and my best friend, her great grandson, Merrick Bryant-Frost.”, Zoe explained walking inside. “Right...the large guy you were at the wedding with. Who Robert assured me has a girlfriend that’s not you, right?”, he asked as they walked inside.
Zoe chuckled and nodded as they were led to a table and took their seats. “Yes that’s him. And Robert did not provide incorrect information. Merrick is my best friend and has been since I moved to America. But he’s never been my boyfriend. His heart has always belonged to Rose, that’s his girlfriend. So enough about Merrick. Tell me a bit more about you Devon.”, she smiled looking up from the menu wanting to change the subject. Devon smiled, he was okay with changing the subject. So they talked about themselves. He told her about his job as an anchor for Boston’s channel 7 news and that he was down in the city visiting his younger sister that worked as an assistant at a talent agency. And Zoe told him about moving from Florence, working at her Uncle’s restaurant and performing in plays and musicals at the Bayville Opera House and her upcoming audition for Chicago. So as they ate their meals and talked Zoe did find herself having a good time. He was a nice guy, fairly witty and had gotten her to smile even laugh a little with tales of Robert from when they were kids. Neither were aware that sitting not too far was Shawn Boykin, who knew Devon in a somewhat friendly bases. He’d meet Devon a few years back and had befriended him and through Devon met his younger sister helping her get a job at his father’s talent agency. She’d been cute but nothing panned out and he mostly avoided her. But he noticed Devon with an attractive and rather unique looking woman with snow white hair, which of course caught Shawn’s eyes just as much as the light blue shelf dress she was wearing.
Shawn got up when he saw Devon heading for the restrooms curious at this point. “Hi Devon.”, Shawn greeted. Devon sighed. “Hello Shawn.”, he greeted to be polite. “Didn’t know you were in town.”, Shawn smiled. “Well if you ever called my sister like you said you would and weren’t avoiding her at the office you’d know I’m in town visiting.”, Devon stated. “You know I’m a busy guy. I can’t call everyone back. And apparently going on dates? That your girlfriend out there?”, Shawn asked knowing the answer just by reading Devon’s mind quickly. “No she’s not my girlfriend. It’s a date. And not your business.”, Devone commented washing his hands. “I’ll give you credit she’s very attractive. Sure you aren’t out of your league with her?”, Shawn smiled his wide grin as he washed his hands. “A waitress isn’t what I would call out of my league.”, Devon defended. “A waitress? A face like that? Posture and just the presence she has? No way she’s just a waitress.”, Shawn smiled doing another quick scan of Devon’s mind. So the girls name is Zoe DeLuca and she’s an actress in Bayville and she had an audition for a play soon. “She dabbles in singing and acting. And don’t even think about it Shawn. She’s my date and I’m not introducing you. Why don’t you call my sister like you said you would.”, Devon said sternly shaking his head as he went back out to the table returning to his conversation with Zoe. Shawn just smiled drying his hands. “No worries Devon you already told me everything I needed. I’ll get my introduction my way.”, he said to himself tossing the paper towel into the wastebasket returning to his meal and paying his bill before leaving. He had some digging to do on a Zoe DeLuca and what company puts on plays in Bayville and what they were going to be doing next.
After their dinner Devon grabbed them a taxi and they headed to the Cicada club. Zoe loved the feel of the club just standing in line seeing the bouncer dressed up in retro style and hearing a pop jazz playing inside. “What’s this place? Cause it sounds and looks pretty amazing. “, Zoe asked. “It’s called the Cicada. I haven’t been before. My sister recommended it. Said the band, Blaze something, is amazing and great for dancing. And I recalled you were having fun dancing at the reception.”, he answered. “Blaze? Hmm why does that sound sort of familiar? Oh well. I do enjoy dancing. And well since I’ve been practicing routines for my audition of Chicago I’ve learned a few new moves.”, she smiled as it was finally their turn to walk inside. The club was very retro in style and a few patrons had dressed up to fit the theme. She laughed a little as she looked to the stage and saw Merrick’s cousin Landon at the mic dressed in his black slacks, maroon button up with sleeves rolled up and narrow black tie. “It’s Blaze Halo. That's why the name sounded familiar.”, she chuckled. “You know the band?”, he asked as she headed for a table. “The singer…”, Zoe commented pointing. “He’s Merrick and Josalyn’s cousin on the Bryant side. He helped Merrick move furniture for me.”, she explained. Landon was getting ready to start the next song when he raised an eyebrow seeing a familiar face. “Hold up boys, be right back.”, he smiled jumping down from the stage walking over. “Merrick didn’t say anything about you coming to the club. How’s it going Zoe?”, Landon smiled giving her a hug. “Hey Landon. You didn’t need to get off stage to say hi to me. And I didn’t even know I’d be here tonight. I’m on a date. This is Devon Montgomery. Devon this is Landon Bryant.”,she smiled returning the hug.
Devon gave a nod looking at Landon. “Nice to meet you.”, Devon answered offering a hand. Landon shook his giving a firm squeeze. “Nice to meet you too. You behave yourself with Zoe. My cousin will rip you to shreds if you don’t.”, Landon smirked that signature Bryant smirk with the devious glint in his eyes. Zoe rolled her eyes. “Bryants…”, she muttered. Landon chuckled. “Aw you love Merrick and his overprotective territorial ways. I should get back to the set. You kids have a good time.”, Landon smiled giving Zoe a wink before getting back on stage. “So how well do you know the Landon guy?”, Devon asked. “Not extremely. I’ve met him a few times because of Merrick. Landon’s best friends with Merrick’s girlfriend Rose.”, she explained. Devon just nodded a little as they sat down. Landon got back on the stage and the band started to play, first Mitch on piano then Ben on drums and Dan on the old school bass in a vintage forties style. “You shoooout it out. But I can't hear a word you saayyy. I'm talking looud, not saying muuuuch. I'm criticiiizzzed but all your bullets ricocheeeet. You shoot me down, but I get uuuuup.”, Landon smiled putting his emphasises and holding certain notes longer. “He’s a good singer.”, Zoe commented as she and Devon ordered some drinks. “I'm bulletproooof, nothing toooo loseeee. Fire awaay, fire away. Ricochet, you take youur aim. Fire awaay, fire away. You shoot me down but I won't faaaall. I am ti-tanium. You shoot me down but I won't fall. I am ti-taaan-iuuuummmmmm yeah.”, Landon smiled as he sang on. People dancing. Zoe noticed that some of those dressed up were rather good dancers, probably rehearsed the moves.
“Cut me doooowwwn. But it's you who'll have further to faaaall. Ghost tooowwwn and haunted loooovvvve. Raise your voooiiiice, sticks and stoooones may break my booones. But I'm talking loooud not saying muuuuuch.”, the song carried on. “ I'm bulletproof, nothing to loooose. Fire away, fire away. Ricocheeeet, you take your aiimmm. Fire away, fire away. You shoot me doooown but I won't faaall. I am ti-taniuuum. You shoot me dooown but I won't faaaall. I am ti-taniuuum. I am ti-taniuuum. I am ti-taniuuuuuuuu-whoa whoa- babahdadap”, Landon smooth voice floated around the room through the sound system. “Stone-heeeaaart, machine gun. Firing at the ones who run. Stone heeeaart loves bulletproof glaaaa-aaa-aaass. Stone heeearrt, machine guns. Firing at the oooones who ruuuuuunnnn. Stone heeeaart loves bulletproof glaaaa-aaa-aaass I'm bulletproof, nothing to loooose. Fire away, fire away. Ricocheeeet, you take your aiimmm. Fire away, fire awaaaaayyyyyy. You shoot me doooown but I won't faaall. I am ti-taniuuum. You shoot me dooown but I won't faaaall. I am ti-taniuuum. I am ti-taniuuum. Bulletproof, nothing to loooose. Fire away, fire away. Fire away, fire away. Fire away, fire awaaaaayyyyyy. Ricocheeeet, you take your aiimmm. Fire away, fire awaaaaayyyyyy. You shoot me doooown but I won't fall. I am ti-taniuuum. You shoot me doown but I won't faaall. I am ti-taniuuummmmm”, Landon wrapped up the song his voice going soft at the end as they switched to the next song him grabbing his sax it was just just an instrumental. Devon and Zoe finished their drinks and ended up dancing most of the night.
Overall Zoe had a good time with Devon, she of course had no idea about Shawn’s interest in her. The night ended with Devon walking her to the train station where she met Merrick to go back home. Devon paused looking at Merrick, who was just leaning with his arms folded waiting, a bit apprehensively. Merrick pushed off the wall he was leaning on smelling Zoe approaching. “You ready hellraiser? Last train home leaves in like ten.”, Merrick greeted. “Oh shoot. Um well it’s been fun Devon, I better hurry running in heels isn’t always easy.”, she smiled giving him a quick kiss on the lips. “Call me sometime.”, she said before heading over to Merrick. “Bye Zoe.”, Devon nodded with a smile. It was a quick kiss but he at least got one. Merrick resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the kiss. “Let’s go hellraiser. My bed is calling my name and I will still have to get up early with Faelan.”, Merrick said heading into grand central station. Zoe waved to Devon and headed after Merrick trying to keep up in her heels. “Wait for me! My feet are killing me from dancing.”, she shouted. Merrick stopped and sighed walking over to her. “Two choices, take off the heels to keep up or I carry you because I’m not missing the last train out of the city.”, he said. “Even without my heels I couldn’t keep up with your long legs and this floor is disgusting.”, she stated looking around at the floor around them. Merrick rolled his eyes and crouched down in front of her. “Come on then. Cause I’m not calling dad to drive all the way here to pick us up nor going to crash at the manhattan house.”, he said. Zoe laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck and getting on his back.
She had no issues with getting a piggy back ride from him. It got them to the train just in time. Though her being on his back got a few looks from the other last train passengers but they ignored them. “So I take it you had a good date with what’s his name?”, Merrick asked. Zoe nodded getting down from his back and carefully sitting on one of the seats. “Yes. He was very nice. We had good conversation over dinner. He took me to a club called the cicada which I found fun loving the music and the dancing. And yes I noticed your cousin Landon was singing front for the band. He even came over to say hello. How was your bar hopping with Malcolm?”, she smiled. Merrick shrugged and sat down next to her with a sigh and a yawn. “Well I’m glad you had a good time. Malcolm and I had a good time. Ended up doing the West Village pub crawl. Started at the Whitehorse Tavern on Hudson and three hours later found ourselves at The Bitter End down on Bleeker. So yeah a very good night.”, he smiled. “Oh how many bars did you guys hit?”, she asked. “About a dozen. Didn’t stay in one overly long. Basically had a few at each place and left around the moment a group of women would walk our direction with intent.”, he shrugged. “Aw didn’t want to deal with chicks hitting on you?”, Zoe teased leaning against his arm yawning. “Nope. Get tired of having to explain I’ve got a girlfriend in England and that it’s serious. For whatever reason they seem to think out of sight is out of mind. And that any of them are good enough for me to cheat on Rose with.”, he shook his head.
“Silly bitches overestimate their looks and/or underestimate my will power.”, he added moving his arm around her fixing her shawl. “Mmm...silly women…”, Zoe nodded closing her eyes falling asleep during the train ride exhausted from practice, work and then all the dancing she did at the club. Merrick sighed and kissed the top of her head. “You’re something else Zoe.”, he spoke softly rubbing her arm watching for their stop. He didn’t want to wake her even when he knew they were close to the stop. So instead as it got closer he carefully moved her to his lap to hold her as he stood up, much like how he’d move Sebastian if he fell asleep on the sofa. He was silent in his movements and careful to not jar her. “Let’s get you home..”, he said getting her off the train heading for his car. Zoe shivered a little and snuggled closer as he carried her not waking up till he put her in the front seat. And then it was only for a moment before she rested her head against the window sleeping again. Merrick ended up carrying her upstairs to her apartment and laid her down in her bed only removing her heels and her jewelry carefully, he didn’t dare tempt himself by getting her out of the dress. “Good night Zoe.”, he smiled giving her a kiss on the forehead before leaving and locking her apartment behind him and going to his own bed at the Haven to sleep.
It was a early evening when Merrick arrived at the shared house outside of Harvard to pick up Tristan. It was weird that the ‘rodeo clown’ had somehow managed to become one of his friends. If someone had told him five years ago that Blaire Delaney’s summer ‘fling’ would be one of his friends he certainly wouldn’t have believed it. But then again if someone said five years ago he’d be a father and in love with Rose he wouldn’t have believed that either. Life was not at all what he’d have thought it’d be and there’s nothing about his life he’d change. He was running low on time left in the states so he was trying to spend what time he could with friends and family. This weekend was about hanging out with the guys. He’d been in the city bar hopping last night with Malcolm and tonight he was going on a pub crawl here in Harvard with Tristan. He had no clue that yesterday Hope had been arrested for assault and that Gabriel had bailed her out let alone the reason. So as he knocked on the door and Hope opened the door he didn’t think twice about her glaring up at him. “Tristan! The wolf in sheep's clothing is here.”, Hope called. Merrick smiled letting fangs grow a little. “Nice to see you too Hope.”, he commented his fangs receding as he noticed her eyes were bloodshot. “Minor over step here probably, but you okay? You’re eyes are bloodshot.”, Merrick asked. “Your’s don’t look much better.”, Hope commented. “Yes well I was in Manhattan bar hopping till around 1 with Malcolm and awake at 6 with Faelan. So I’ve got a good excuse.”, Merrick replied stepping inside.
“Hey handsome.”, Tristan greeted heading out of the downstairs bedroom he shared with Blaire. He’d just finished getting dressed and was putting his black cowboy hat on. Hope rolled her eyes heading for the living room picking up a glass, that from the smell Merrick knew to be scotch. “Hey gimpy, she okay?”, Merrick asked nodding to Hope who just downed her glass and was pouring another from a bottle. Tristan shook his head. “Not really. She had an extremely bad day yesterday.”, Tristan explained grabbing his leather jacket from the closet. “How bad is shots of scotch bad?”, Merrick asked tilting his head to the side watching Hope. “Worst day of my life so far bad. Alright? Because you apparently have softened since you stopped being Academy and went easy on a piece of shit.”, Hope stated downing her shot. “Softened? I went Haven, I’m not allowed to fight anymore Summers. Went easy on what piece of shit? How about you hit pause on being a bitch and tell me why you are pissed at me?”, Merrick growled low reminding himself he is Haven and isn’t allowed to fight. Hope rolled her eyes. “Alan douchebag Snyder. Ran into the fucker yesterday and not knowing who I was the piece of fucking shit starts talking about how he’s been fucking Jessa behind my back. Maybe if last year you and your brother-in-laws kicked his ass better he’d have learned to not touch what isn’t his.”, Hope glared.
“Time. So I’m getting cunty Summers because your girlfriend cheated on you? If she’d cheated on you with me I could get being mad at me. We kicked his ass for not wanting to take no for an answer from E. I wasn’t there to teach him a lesson about not touching what is already owned. If your girl didn’t say no that’s not on me and the lesson I dished out. I’m not going to pretend I know shit about you or your life Summers. We have never even been acquaintances. But if Jessa was cheating by sleeping with Alan is she really worth your liver?”, Merrick replied. “Says the guy that’s on day two of going bar hopping.”, Hope snorted. “I don’t drink very often Summers. And I’m on a timer of how long I get to go out drinking with friends. So any time I get between now and my deadline I’m going to hang out with my friends whether alcohol is involved or not. But whatever Summers. You do what you want to, cause the whole alcoholism worked out great for your dad. You know when my sister-in-law dumped him to try and screw my girlfriend’s dad and ended up dating a transgender mutant for a while before going for my brother. It took your school burning and people dying and being locked in a bunker for him to clean up. But I’m sure it won’t come to that for you. Have a good night Summers.”, Merrick said getting the final word as he walked out to his car. Tristan just blinked at the exchange but ducked out after Merrick not wanting to deal with the aftermath of that.
“So I’m your friend?”, Tristan chuckled getting into the car. Merrick laughed shaking his head pulling out. “Seriously? Of everything I just said you focus on that part?”, Merrick sighed shaking his head. Inside Hope looked at the bottle in her hand thinking about what Merrick said. Alcoholism did run in her family. And Merrick was right her dad had gone down that dark path and it had taken the extreme events of the school being attacked to pull him out of it. Did she want to be like her dad and let one high school love send her into that spiral? She knew the answer and set down the bottle and headed up to her bedroom starting to find every picture she had with Jessa in it cutting Jessa out of them if it was a group photo or just shredding them before looking for anything that Jessa had ever given her over the years throwing them all into a trash bag with the intent to burn them. “Yeah I heard the rest of it. You were subtly being a nice guy telling Hope that a cheater isn’t worth her going down the same alcoholic road her dad did. And granted I would love to hear more about this transgender mutant you said Jean used to date. I honed in on that you called me your friend.”, Tristan grinned. Merrick rolled his head driving. “You’re tolerable. And god I can’t even remember the guy’s name. But basically his mutation was he could swap genders at will. So Jean was bisexual and he filled both sides of the coin. It was weird and she doesn’t like to talk about it.”, Merrick explained. “Hmm interesting. So how goes the plans for moving?”, Tristan asked changing the subject. “Going good. I’ve got everything approved and since Jenna gave up rights to Faelan I don’t need to track her down to get her okay to leave the country with him. Logan’s on board and has started coming to the Sanctuary taking it over for me. Training the new hires has gone well so they should be ready for the grand opening in a couple weeks. How you feeling since the last back surgery?”, Merrick said making conversation as he found a parking spot near where the pub crawl was.
“Feeling good. Not I’m going to go jump on a bull anytime soon good. But a bit more flexible. Holly called and asked me to come help around the ranch and my doctors said I can start driving for myself again which is great. Holly is going to let me use the truck since she generally drives her car and Sammy has his own car these days. That way I can get to the ranch as I need to. Will only suck that a few days out of the week I’ll just be crashing in the guest room at Holly’s so I’m there for morning chores. But it’s work, it’s work I know and it’s for Holly. She’s a ring away from being my mom at this point. Which with how you are going to Rose it makes me wonder how much longer my dad and her are going to do the whole dating across the country thing. I mean they are older than us and obviously wouldn’t be looking for kids but it’s gotta be rough only seeing each other every so often when the rodeo passes through or dad’s got business here.”, Tristan shrugged as they got out of the car. “They’ll figure it out I’m sure. And hey a job is a job right. Gets you some money.”, Merrick commented locking the car as they made their way to the first bar. “Yeah which I wanted to talk to you about something. I know you plan to keep Aonair Mac Tíre going post relocation. You ever consider letting people buy stock?”, Tristan asked as they headed into the bar. “Um hadn’t thought about it. Why?”, he asked. “Well I was talking to Sammy, basically about the idea of me working on the ranch. And we were talking about finances somehow. Accountants…”, he smiled rolling his eyes. “And I was talking about your business and he said it would probably be a good investment especially knowing your work sells.”, Tristan explained as they took seats at a table and ordered their first round.
“You want in on Aonair Mac Tíre?”, Merrick asked. “Yeah. You’re work is impressive. Your sales are good, again Sammy went into that I don’t really pay attention to that stuff. What do you think?”, he asked. Merrick shrugged giving a nod as their beers were set down picking up his taking a long swig. “Alright. I don’t even know how this would work. I’ll talk to my dad in the morning on how we do this. But I guess having someone I can trust state side to look in on the business when I move could be worth sharing my profits.”, he stated. Tristan smiled. “Aw you trust me.”, he teased with a wink. “Ugh man don’t wink at me. So I’ll talk to my dad tomorrow and we’ll get it figured out. Now let’s just have a good time because tomorrow I’ve got work at Wal-Mart, orders to fill at the shop, and a wolverine coming to the Sanctuary. “, he said taking another swig. “Busy man. So the original Wolverine will oversee a real wolverine coming in. Ironic or poetic? Let’s have some fun.”, Tristan laughed. “You two looking for some fun? Because we are looking for some fun too.”, a pair of women giggled walking over to their table. Merrick sighed setting his beer down and looked at the duo giving them a quick assessment. “We aren’t looking for that kind of fun ladies. This is a guys night not to mention pretty sure the ‘fun’ you are talking would get us both beheaded by our girlfriends.”, Merrick said simply. “Well I don’t see your girlfriends anywhere or rings on your fingers.”, the blonde stated. “One night wouldn’t hurt either of you and I’m pretty sure my friend and I could offer more than your girlfriends.”, the brunette stated.
Merrick and Tristan both laughed at that statement. “One I doubt either of you are going to give that man what his girl gives him.”, Merrick laughed. “He’s right. Not many women are willing to put on a strapon to fulfil the fact I’m bisexual.”, Tristan grinned noticing the uncomfortable expressions the girls were giving him now. “And I doubt either of you are going to give this man the wild animal sex his girl gives. Show them the scar Rose gave you.”, Tristan chuckled. Merrick shook his head but smirked and pulled the left shoulder of his tee enough to show the bite mark he never had healed from years ago. The girls both blinked at the bite mark. “Whoa you two are freaks.”, the blonde said. Merrick laughed smiling letting fangs grow out just a little as he let his shirt go. “You’ve got no idea Goldilocks. I suggest you continue looking for the bed that’s just right cause neither of ours is going to be.”, Merrick said his fangs receding before he took a swig of his beer. “Come on let’s go.”, the brunette said grabbing her friend’s hand and tugging her away both a little startled by his scar and his fangs. “You’re terrible…”, Tristan laughed drinking his beer. “I’m terrible? I show a scar from Rose’s fangs and my own fangs. You talk about Blaire wearing a strap on to fulfil your desire to have a cock in your ass. I think we are equally terrible. To being terrible men in the pursuit of being loyal boyfriends.”, Merrick chuckled holding up his beer. “Amen.” , Tristan smiled clinking his beer with Merrick’s before drinking. The pair continued their bar hopping ending up hitting about ten bars before calling it a night and Merrick dropped Tristan back at the house before driving himself home.

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Up in Harvard, with the weekend approaching Hope had gone to the grocery store as it was her week to buy groceries for the house. She’d gotten everything on the list and was frowning as she thought about how this weekend she wouldn’t get to spend with Jessa. Jessa was going down to Bayville for the weekend to visit her parents. Sure Hope could have used the excuse of going to see her parents too, but she knew Jessa’s parents didn’t like her. Not just because she’s a mutant but well they didn’t like of their precious daughter being a lesbian. So out of respect Hope just kept her distance from Jessa’s family. She knew they were still important to Jessa. And well she loved Jessa so she wouldn’t push the issue. As she got into line she was behind some guy who just put two cases of beer, three bottles of tequila, salt, a bag of limes and a couple packs of condoms onto the belt. “Looks like someone’s got a fun weekend planned.”, Hope commented. “Oh yeah…”, Alan Synder smiled turning to look behind him. He didn’t recognize Hope but she recognised him and held back her urge to punch him for sleeping with her girlfriend. She reminded herself that they weren’t dating when it happened so she couldn’t be mad. “It’s going to be an epic weekend my side chick is coming to my place for the whole weekend while she’s told her girlfriend she’s going to visit her parents. It’s kind of sad that her girl believes she’s going to see her parents when everytime she uses that excuse it’s to come fuck me.”, he smiled brightly.
Hope’s eyes narrowed looking at Alan. “Girlfriend?”, she questioned. “Yeah she’s dating a girl. Which is totally hot in my book. Cause come on, not to be offensive, but lesbians are hot. I tell her to bring her girlfriend but she says her girlfriend has a bad temper and zero tolerance for men. I said if I could make her go bi I could make her girlfriend too. I’m apparently that good in bed. So figure I nail the girlfriend and I could get myself into a three some.”, he continued to grin. Hope lost it at this point, this guy just told her that Jessa had been cheating on her for months not even knowing it. And then the gall to suggest sex with him would ever make her like guys. She couldn’t take it and balled her hands into fists and decked him hitting him square in the jaw. Alan stumbled back bracing himself on the conveyor belt holding his jaw looking at her. “What the fuck?”, he questioned. “Hi asshole I’m Hope, the bad tempered girlfriend.”, she said glaring. “Oh...well you can join us this weekend if you want. Let me change your mind about cock. I changes Jessa’s.”, he smiled. The lights started to flicker in the store and the items on the shelves started to lift off as Hope was starting to just lose her control with her temper. “Outside now you piece of fucking shit. Merrick and Tommy apparently didn’t do a good enough job last Christmas teaching you a lesson. I won’t fucking hold back like they did. I’ll beat the shit out of you.”, she demanded. “I’m not going to fight a girl.”, he scoffed though she knew he was nervous. “Too bad bitch.”, she said shoving him out of the aisle forgetting about the groceries and continued shoving him outside and to the parking lot and from there just started punching him over and over.
As the fight raged on, mostly one sided because even though Alan was trying to fight back he wasn’t hitting her at best he busted her lip with a lucky punch, people started filming the fight and the store manager called the police. An officer had to pull Hope off Alan and an ambulance was called as Alan was in far worse shape than Hope. As they were cuffing Hope and getting Alan into the ambulance Hope sent a telepathic message to him. ‘How’s it feel to be sent to the hospital by a five foot four one hundred twenty pound girl you cock sucker?’. Alan having no clue where that came from started trying to shout but his jaw was broken. Hope made her phone call to the house to say she was in jail for beating the crap out of Alan Synder after he opening admitted to sleeping with Jessa every weekend she’s said she went to her parents and was going to be sleeping with this weekend too. Gabriel, Bianca, Blaire and Tristan all loaded up and drove down to get her. Gabriel wrote the check for the bail money as they brought Hope out. “We hope to not see you again for any more assaults. If he chooses to file against you you will be notified.”, the office said uncuffing her. “Thanks.”, Hope sighed walking over to her friends rubbing her wrists. “You know cop cuffs hurt a little more than the plastic ones I use. I might need to swipe a pair from your dad or uncle.”, Hope smirked talking to Blaire.
“Oh yeah metal cuffs like cops use are the best. My dad and I can agree on that.”, Tristan smirked. Gabriel sighed shaking his head. “You owe me a grand.”, he commented walking to his car. “Oh I’ll pay you back. I’ve got more than that in savings.”, Hope shrugged walking out with the group but stopped dead seeing Jessa standing there makeup streaking down her face crying. “Hope…”, Jessa sniffled. Bianca glared but was too polite to say anything just linking arms with Gabriel walked away from Jessa to the car. Tristan raised an eyebrow not sure what was going to happen but figuring he wanted to watch this trainwreck. Hope just glared silently at Jessa reading her mind. Normally Hope would never done that but all respect and love for Jessa had been crushed. Blaire was the one to speak. “You...you don’t get to talk to our Hope. Not after you lied, cheated, and used her like this. It was bad enough you slept with that sleaze when you weren’t dating earlier this year. But to keep doing it? To cheat on her like that? After begging her to take you back? You piece of worthless….ooo I’m so angry I can’t form a proper sentence. But I can say this. Stay away from Hope you slut, why don’t you go to the hospital and check on your lover.”, Blaire went off. Tristan gently grabbed Blaire’s arm as she was about to step in the direction of Jessa. They just bailed Hope out, they didn’t need to post bail for Blaire and it would be bad for her record being a cop’s daughter and in law school.
“I…”, Jessa went to speak. “Save it Jessa. Listen to Blaire. Leave. Go check on Alan. I’ve already read your mind. Yes I read your mind, I’ve lost that much respect for you. I know you’ve been sleeping with him behind my back since I took you back. If you wanted to be bisexual fine. Be upfront about it. Don’t lie to me. Don’t tell me you love me. Don’t tell me I’m the only person you love. Don’t talk marriage to me. I wouldn’t have cared if you said you were bisexual. I loved you. But you cheated, you lied and you broke my heart. So you can go to hell. Go be straight, or bi whatever. But don’t ever come near me again. I’m done forgiving you.”, Hope cut her off. “Let’s go guys.”, she said taking Blaire’s other hand and heading for the car. Tristan just remained silent in this and walked along with them to the car. Hope climbed into the back of the suv and covered her face with her hands starting to cry. She’d loved Jessa since the first day she saw her. They’d been on such a rollercoaster with Jessa’s parents not wanting her anywhere near her. Jessa’s parents trying to ‘fix’ her lesbianism with church camps and such that were supposed to specialize in ‘fixing’ people. Jessa questioning if she should be with her for various reasons. Jessa sleeping with Alan when they weren’t together just to see if she liked guys, yet still came begging her to take her back. And despite them having talked marriage and living together post graduation Jessa did this. Blaire frowned getting in next to Hope and just hugged her. “Oh Hope.”, Blaire sighed. There wasn’t much she could say but she knew she could be there for Hope they were best friends after all.
While Hope was getting over her devastating break up Zoe was getting out of the shower to get ready for her date. She of course not really thinking much as she walked out of the bathroom with just her towel around her head. “Zoe?”, Merrick called unlocking the door and coming inside walking far enough in just in time to see her completely naked dripping wet body. “Merrick!?”, she let out a startled cry quickly covering herself with the towel from her hair. Merrick quickly turned around to not look. “Jeez some warning before you just walk into my apartment!? What if I had a guy over? You can turn around I’m covered.”, she demanded fixing the towel. Merrick took a breath and turned around. “I called you, you didn’t answer. Apparently because you were in the shower. And I would have smelled another guy in your place before I got up the stairs. You said you needed a ride to the train station. I said I would drive you and take the train with you since I’m going to a bar with Malcolm tonight. I’m early, though just in time for a fantastic view.”, he explained smirking. Zoe rolled her eyes. “Uh huh.”, she shook her head. “I’m sorry I saw you naked? Not. It really isn’t a new view. Saw it a lot including in the shower. Difference I don’t get to touch your naked body and work my way around some bases like I used to.”, he smiled. “Yes well seeing a girl naked and getting to do all those fun intimate things is reserved for Rose only. And if Devon’s lucky maybe he’ll get to some bases.”, she smiled ducking into her bedroom to change.
Merrick rolled his eyes and leaned against the hallway where he could still see into the bedroom but not as directly. “It’s a first date no bases. You’re better than that.”, Merrick commented. Zoe chuckled getting dressed conscious of the fact he could see her. “Fine no bases just first which is kissing. And should you be watching me get dressed?”, she asked. Merrick shrugged. “Probably not. But whatever, it’s not cheating. So where’s Devon taking you?”, he asked. “Umm a place called Black Tree Orchard.”, she answered settling into her dress and zipping it most of the way before walking to the door. “Some help?”, she asked turning so her partially exposed back was to him. Merrick sighed zipping her up. “I prefered unzipping clothes.”, he commented. “I know. I remember. But come January you’ll get to unzip Rose out of clothes all the time.”, she teased going to her dresser and opening a jewelry drawer taking out one of the necklace sets Hazel had given her putting them on. The blue gems in the necklace and earrings may not have gone with the pearl ring she work on her right hand but they did go well with the light blue dress satin shelf dress she’d chosen to wear. “You and those dresses I swear...it’s a good thing I have Rose and am moving.”, Merrick shook his head. Zoe laughed grabbing a black shawl and her high heels. “Why is that?”, she tease putting an arm on him for support slipping into her shoes. “Because you wouldn’t be going on this date.”, he stated. “Oh and why not?”, she asked fixing the shawl. “Because you’d be too busy having your brains fucked out on that bed.”, Merrick smiled walking for the door. “Tease a girl…”, she laughed shaking her head following him grabbing her purse.
They rode the train together and once they got to Manhattan they went their separate ways, Zoe giving him a kiss on the cheek before she headed off to meet Devon. Merrick sighed taking out his cell that had started to ring a tone he knew very well. “Hey little wolf. What’s going on across the ocean?”, he asked smiling as he walked. “Hi baby. Not much finished my homework and stressing the test Monday. Wanted to hear your voice. Where are you I hear a lot of traffic?”, she asked. “Aw I miss you too.”, he chuckled. “And I’m in Manhattan, heading to snag Mal from Cora Lee’s clutches to go bar hopping. Don’t stress tests, you're smart you always pass.”, he smiled. “Ah boys night out huh?”, she teased. “Yeah kind of a boys weekend. In Manhattan tonight going to bars with Mal. Then tomorrow will be up in Harvard with Tristan.”, he commented. “Wow hanging out with Tristan on purpose? Who are you and where’s my Merrick?”, she chuckled. “He’s not all that bad when he’s not hitting on me. The gimpy bastard amuses me I guess. He’s at least got some interesting stories.”, he shrugged. “Oh he tell you the one about the cowboy, the lawyer and the scot?”, she laughed. “Yeah I heard all about that. Told him he’s a more secure and laid back guy than me. Because no way in hell I’d agree to or suggest a threesome with you.”, Merrick explained walking.
“Oh really you wouldn’t want a threesome?”, Rose asked chewing on the end of her pen lounging on her bed having closed her text books. “Heck no for a number of reasons. I don’t like guys so wouldn’t want one in my bed. I’m the only man you’ve been with and I’m keeping it that way. I’m not a sharer and I’m territorial.”, he laughed. “Mhmm well good to know you still don’t like men and aren’t willing to share me with another man. What about if the third was a girl?”, she asked. “You telling me you’re bisexual suddenly? Because that’s the only what that setup can really work.”, he laughed figuring that was a joke. “Well no I’m not. But I’m just asking. If was was me, you and Zoe would you say no?”, she asked intentionally throwing in someone she knew he was attracted to. “I would still say no.”, he stated. “Really? You aren’t just saying that because you think I want to hear that?”, she asked furrowing her brow. “Really. I don’t need anyone else in my bed but you Rose. And I know you threw Zoe’s name out there because you know I’m close to her and was a bit more than close to her before our son. But the only way I’d ever sleep with Zoe is if you ever said I’m not who you want. Because as long as you want me and love me the only woman I want to make love to is you.”, he explained turning the corner to the shared Manhattan house. “Sometimes you are good with words you know that.”, she smiled. “I’ve been told when I’ve the inkling for it I am. I don’t need or want anyone but you. I’m too territorial to share you with anyone else and I’m not sure someone else could physically survive what we do in bed beautiful.”, he smirked walking up the steps and ringing the bell.
Rose chuckled. “You’re right. I don’t want or need anyone but you. I wish it was April so I could be there with you again.”, she sighed. Malcolm was the first to the door. “Hey man.”, Malcolm greeted. “I miss you too baby. You’ll see me soon enough I promise. And when we see each other again I can guarantee that your clothes will be being ripped off and you’ll find yourself either on the nearest piece of furniture or against the nearest wall getting nonverbal proof you’re who I want.”, Merrick smiled. Malcolm raised an eyebrow. “Hi Rose and Um gross man.”, Malcolm chuckled. Rose covered her face laughing. “HI Malcolm.”, she laughed. “She says Hi. But that sound like a plan Rose?”, Merrick said. “Sounds fantastic though next time you see me will be Lily’s wedding. And she might kill you if you rip the bridesmaid’s dress.”, Rose laughed. “Fine only because you are talking about Lily’s wedding, I won’t rip the dress up till after the reception. But prior and during...it’s at the Haven I can easily get you into one of the little hiding places I know and a dress is easy enough to hike up. Now I should probably go before Malcolm pretends to be offended by me talking about screwing your brains out.”, he laughed. “You are...you are just something. I love you Merrick. Talk to you soon. Have fun on your boys weekend and stay out of trouble.”, she smiled. “I love you too Rose. Stay out of trouble too. Talk to you soon.”, Merrick said as they ended the call. “Dude….”, Malcolm sighed shaking his head. “I don't talk that way to Cora Lee in front of you.”, he sighed walking down the stairs. “Yeah, you better not that’s my cousin creepo. Come on let’s go drink. I’ve only got months left till I move to England and you’ll never have to hear that conversation again.”, Merrick smiled as they walked down the street to find a bar.
While Malcolm and Merrick went out to just enjoy some drinks and each other’s company Zoe headed to the restaurant that Devon said to meet him at hoping to enjoy company of someone new. Tonight she would not think about the upcoming audition nor would she think about Merrick moving away. She smiled recognizing Devon sitting on a little wooden bench outside small glass front of the restaurant that was sandwiched between a space for lease and an italian shoe and clothing store. She did glance into the window of the italian store for a moment missing Florence. “You made it.”, Devon smiled getting up from the bench. “And wow...you look...fantastic.”, he commented looking at her. Zoe smiled. “Ciao Devon. And thanks. I love these kind of dresses and just this period of clothes.”, she greeted. “Well it’s certainly working for you, vintage looks good on that body.”, he smiled giving her a slight hug in greeting and a light kiss on the cheek. “And you even have jewelry that goes with it. Well except the ring but it’s a nice ring.”, he complimented. “Thank you. I owe a very sweet woman and man for them.”, she explained. Devon raised an eyebrow as he opened the door to the restaurant. “Hmm?”, he asked confused. “The dress and jewelry were given to me by Hazel Frost, Josalyn’s great grandmother. And the ring was a twenty-first birthday gift from her and my best friend, her great grandson, Merrick Bryant-Frost.”, Zoe explained walking inside. “Right...the large guy you were at the wedding with. Who Robert assured me has a girlfriend that’s not you, right?”, he asked as they walked inside.
Zoe chuckled and nodded as they were led to a table and took their seats. “Yes that’s him. And Robert did not provide incorrect information. Merrick is my best friend and has been since I moved to America. But he’s never been my boyfriend. His heart has always belonged to Rose, that’s his girlfriend. So enough about Merrick. Tell me a bit more about you Devon.”, she smiled looking up from the menu wanting to change the subject. Devon smiled, he was okay with changing the subject. So they talked about themselves. He told her about his job as an anchor for Boston’s channel 7 news and that he was down in the city visiting his younger sister that worked as an assistant at a talent agency. And Zoe told him about moving from Florence, working at her Uncle’s restaurant and performing in plays and musicals at the Bayville Opera House and her upcoming audition for Chicago. So as they ate their meals and talked Zoe did find herself having a good time. He was a nice guy, fairly witty and had gotten her to smile even laugh a little with tales of Robert from when they were kids. Neither were aware that sitting not too far was Shawn Boykin, who knew Devon in a somewhat friendly bases. He’d meet Devon a few years back and had befriended him and through Devon met his younger sister helping her get a job at his father’s talent agency. She’d been cute but nothing panned out and he mostly avoided her. But he noticed Devon with an attractive and rather unique looking woman with snow white hair, which of course caught Shawn’s eyes just as much as the light blue shelf dress she was wearing.
Shawn got up when he saw Devon heading for the restrooms curious at this point. “Hi Devon.”, Shawn greeted. Devon sighed. “Hello Shawn.”, he greeted to be polite. “Didn’t know you were in town.”, Shawn smiled. “Well if you ever called my sister like you said you would and weren’t avoiding her at the office you’d know I’m in town visiting.”, Devon stated. “You know I’m a busy guy. I can’t call everyone back. And apparently going on dates? That your girlfriend out there?”, Shawn asked knowing the answer just by reading Devon’s mind quickly. “No she’s not my girlfriend. It’s a date. And not your business.”, Devone commented washing his hands. “I’ll give you credit she’s very attractive. Sure you aren’t out of your league with her?”, Shawn smiled his wide grin as he washed his hands. “A waitress isn’t what I would call out of my league.”, Devon defended. “A waitress? A face like that? Posture and just the presence she has? No way she’s just a waitress.”, Shawn smiled doing another quick scan of Devon’s mind. So the girls name is Zoe DeLuca and she’s an actress in Bayville and she had an audition for a play soon. “She dabbles in singing and acting. And don’t even think about it Shawn. She’s my date and I’m not introducing you. Why don’t you call my sister like you said you would.”, Devon said sternly shaking his head as he went back out to the table returning to his conversation with Zoe. Shawn just smiled drying his hands. “No worries Devon you already told me everything I needed. I’ll get my introduction my way.”, he said to himself tossing the paper towel into the wastebasket returning to his meal and paying his bill before leaving. He had some digging to do on a Zoe DeLuca and what company puts on plays in Bayville and what they were going to be doing next.
After their dinner Devon grabbed them a taxi and they headed to the Cicada club. Zoe loved the feel of the club just standing in line seeing the bouncer dressed up in retro style and hearing a pop jazz playing inside. “What’s this place? Cause it sounds and looks pretty amazing. “, Zoe asked. “It’s called the Cicada. I haven’t been before. My sister recommended it. Said the band, Blaze something, is amazing and great for dancing. And I recalled you were having fun dancing at the reception.”, he answered. “Blaze? Hmm why does that sound sort of familiar? Oh well. I do enjoy dancing. And well since I’ve been practicing routines for my audition of Chicago I’ve learned a few new moves.”, she smiled as it was finally their turn to walk inside. The club was very retro in style and a few patrons had dressed up to fit the theme. She laughed a little as she looked to the stage and saw Merrick’s cousin Landon at the mic dressed in his black slacks, maroon button up with sleeves rolled up and narrow black tie. “It’s Blaze Halo. That's why the name sounded familiar.”, she chuckled. “You know the band?”, he asked as she headed for a table. “The singer…”, Zoe commented pointing. “He’s Merrick and Josalyn’s cousin on the Bryant side. He helped Merrick move furniture for me.”, she explained. Landon was getting ready to start the next song when he raised an eyebrow seeing a familiar face. “Hold up boys, be right back.”, he smiled jumping down from the stage walking over. “Merrick didn’t say anything about you coming to the club. How’s it going Zoe?”, Landon smiled giving her a hug. “Hey Landon. You didn’t need to get off stage to say hi to me. And I didn’t even know I’d be here tonight. I’m on a date. This is Devon Montgomery. Devon this is Landon Bryant.”,she smiled returning the hug.
Devon gave a nod looking at Landon. “Nice to meet you.”, Devon answered offering a hand. Landon shook his giving a firm squeeze. “Nice to meet you too. You behave yourself with Zoe. My cousin will rip you to shreds if you don’t.”, Landon smirked that signature Bryant smirk with the devious glint in his eyes. Zoe rolled her eyes. “Bryants…”, she muttered. Landon chuckled. “Aw you love Merrick and his overprotective territorial ways. I should get back to the set. You kids have a good time.”, Landon smiled giving Zoe a wink before getting back on stage. “So how well do you know the Landon guy?”, Devon asked. “Not extremely. I’ve met him a few times because of Merrick. Landon’s best friends with Merrick’s girlfriend Rose.”, she explained. Devon just nodded a little as they sat down. Landon got back on the stage and the band started to play, first Mitch on piano then Ben on drums and Dan on the old school bass in a vintage forties style. “You shoooout it out. But I can't hear a word you saayyy. I'm talking looud, not saying muuuuch. I'm criticiiizzzed but all your bullets ricocheeeet. You shoot me down, but I get uuuuup.”, Landon smiled putting his emphasises and holding certain notes longer. “He’s a good singer.”, Zoe commented as she and Devon ordered some drinks. “I'm bulletproooof, nothing toooo loseeee. Fire awaay, fire away. Ricochet, you take youur aim. Fire awaay, fire away. You shoot me down but I won't faaaall. I am ti-tanium. You shoot me down but I won't fall. I am ti-taaan-iuuuummmmmm yeah.”, Landon smiled as he sang on. People dancing. Zoe noticed that some of those dressed up were rather good dancers, probably rehearsed the moves.
“Cut me doooowwwn. But it's you who'll have further to faaaall. Ghost tooowwwn and haunted loooovvvve. Raise your voooiiiice, sticks and stoooones may break my booones. But I'm talking loooud not saying muuuuuch.”, the song carried on. “ I'm bulletproof, nothing to loooose. Fire away, fire away. Ricocheeeet, you take your aiimmm. Fire away, fire away. You shoot me doooown but I won't faaall. I am ti-taniuuum. You shoot me dooown but I won't faaaall. I am ti-taniuuum. I am ti-taniuuum. I am ti-taniuuuuuuuu-whoa whoa- babahdadap”, Landon smooth voice floated around the room through the sound system. “Stone-heeeaaart, machine gun. Firing at the ones who run. Stone heeeaart loves bulletproof glaaaa-aaa-aaass. Stone heeearrt, machine guns. Firing at the oooones who ruuuuuunnnn. Stone heeeaart loves bulletproof glaaaa-aaa-aaass I'm bulletproof, nothing to loooose. Fire away, fire away. Ricocheeeet, you take your aiimmm. Fire away, fire awaaaaayyyyyy. You shoot me doooown but I won't faaall. I am ti-taniuuum. You shoot me dooown but I won't faaaall. I am ti-taniuuum. I am ti-taniuuum. Bulletproof, nothing to loooose. Fire away, fire away. Fire away, fire away. Fire away, fire awaaaaayyyyyy. Ricocheeeet, you take your aiimmm. Fire away, fire awaaaaayyyyyy. You shoot me doooown but I won't fall. I am ti-taniuuum. You shoot me doown but I won't faaall. I am ti-taniuuummmmm”, Landon wrapped up the song his voice going soft at the end as they switched to the next song him grabbing his sax it was just just an instrumental. Devon and Zoe finished their drinks and ended up dancing most of the night.
Overall Zoe had a good time with Devon, she of course had no idea about Shawn’s interest in her. The night ended with Devon walking her to the train station where she met Merrick to go back home. Devon paused looking at Merrick, who was just leaning with his arms folded waiting, a bit apprehensively. Merrick pushed off the wall he was leaning on smelling Zoe approaching. “You ready hellraiser? Last train home leaves in like ten.”, Merrick greeted. “Oh shoot. Um well it’s been fun Devon, I better hurry running in heels isn’t always easy.”, she smiled giving him a quick kiss on the lips. “Call me sometime.”, she said before heading over to Merrick. “Bye Zoe.”, Devon nodded with a smile. It was a quick kiss but he at least got one. Merrick resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the kiss. “Let’s go hellraiser. My bed is calling my name and I will still have to get up early with Faelan.”, Merrick said heading into grand central station. Zoe waved to Devon and headed after Merrick trying to keep up in her heels. “Wait for me! My feet are killing me from dancing.”, she shouted. Merrick stopped and sighed walking over to her. “Two choices, take off the heels to keep up or I carry you because I’m not missing the last train out of the city.”, he said. “Even without my heels I couldn’t keep up with your long legs and this floor is disgusting.”, she stated looking around at the floor around them. Merrick rolled his eyes and crouched down in front of her. “Come on then. Cause I’m not calling dad to drive all the way here to pick us up nor going to crash at the manhattan house.”, he said. Zoe laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck and getting on his back.
She had no issues with getting a piggy back ride from him. It got them to the train just in time. Though her being on his back got a few looks from the other last train passengers but they ignored them. “So I take it you had a good date with what’s his name?”, Merrick asked. Zoe nodded getting down from his back and carefully sitting on one of the seats. “Yes. He was very nice. We had good conversation over dinner. He took me to a club called the cicada which I found fun loving the music and the dancing. And yes I noticed your cousin Landon was singing front for the band. He even came over to say hello. How was your bar hopping with Malcolm?”, she smiled. Merrick shrugged and sat down next to her with a sigh and a yawn. “Well I’m glad you had a good time. Malcolm and I had a good time. Ended up doing the West Village pub crawl. Started at the Whitehorse Tavern on Hudson and three hours later found ourselves at The Bitter End down on Bleeker. So yeah a very good night.”, he smiled. “Oh how many bars did you guys hit?”, she asked. “About a dozen. Didn’t stay in one overly long. Basically had a few at each place and left around the moment a group of women would walk our direction with intent.”, he shrugged. “Aw didn’t want to deal with chicks hitting on you?”, Zoe teased leaning against his arm yawning. “Nope. Get tired of having to explain I’ve got a girlfriend in England and that it’s serious. For whatever reason they seem to think out of sight is out of mind. And that any of them are good enough for me to cheat on Rose with.”, he shook his head.
“Silly bitches overestimate their looks and/or underestimate my will power.”, he added moving his arm around her fixing her shawl. “Mmm...silly women…”, Zoe nodded closing her eyes falling asleep during the train ride exhausted from practice, work and then all the dancing she did at the club. Merrick sighed and kissed the top of her head. “You’re something else Zoe.”, he spoke softly rubbing her arm watching for their stop. He didn’t want to wake her even when he knew they were close to the stop. So instead as it got closer he carefully moved her to his lap to hold her as he stood up, much like how he’d move Sebastian if he fell asleep on the sofa. He was silent in his movements and careful to not jar her. “Let’s get you home..”, he said getting her off the train heading for his car. Zoe shivered a little and snuggled closer as he carried her not waking up till he put her in the front seat. And then it was only for a moment before she rested her head against the window sleeping again. Merrick ended up carrying her upstairs to her apartment and laid her down in her bed only removing her heels and her jewelry carefully, he didn’t dare tempt himself by getting her out of the dress. “Good night Zoe.”, he smiled giving her a kiss on the forehead before leaving and locking her apartment behind him and going to his own bed at the Haven to sleep.
It was a early evening when Merrick arrived at the shared house outside of Harvard to pick up Tristan. It was weird that the ‘rodeo clown’ had somehow managed to become one of his friends. If someone had told him five years ago that Blaire Delaney’s summer ‘fling’ would be one of his friends he certainly wouldn’t have believed it. But then again if someone said five years ago he’d be a father and in love with Rose he wouldn’t have believed that either. Life was not at all what he’d have thought it’d be and there’s nothing about his life he’d change. He was running low on time left in the states so he was trying to spend what time he could with friends and family. This weekend was about hanging out with the guys. He’d been in the city bar hopping last night with Malcolm and tonight he was going on a pub crawl here in Harvard with Tristan. He had no clue that yesterday Hope had been arrested for assault and that Gabriel had bailed her out let alone the reason. So as he knocked on the door and Hope opened the door he didn’t think twice about her glaring up at him. “Tristan! The wolf in sheep's clothing is here.”, Hope called. Merrick smiled letting fangs grow a little. “Nice to see you too Hope.”, he commented his fangs receding as he noticed her eyes were bloodshot. “Minor over step here probably, but you okay? You’re eyes are bloodshot.”, Merrick asked. “Your’s don’t look much better.”, Hope commented. “Yes well I was in Manhattan bar hopping till around 1 with Malcolm and awake at 6 with Faelan. So I’ve got a good excuse.”, Merrick replied stepping inside.
“Hey handsome.”, Tristan greeted heading out of the downstairs bedroom he shared with Blaire. He’d just finished getting dressed and was putting his black cowboy hat on. Hope rolled her eyes heading for the living room picking up a glass, that from the smell Merrick knew to be scotch. “Hey gimpy, she okay?”, Merrick asked nodding to Hope who just downed her glass and was pouring another from a bottle. Tristan shook his head. “Not really. She had an extremely bad day yesterday.”, Tristan explained grabbing his leather jacket from the closet. “How bad is shots of scotch bad?”, Merrick asked tilting his head to the side watching Hope. “Worst day of my life so far bad. Alright? Because you apparently have softened since you stopped being Academy and went easy on a piece of shit.”, Hope stated downing her shot. “Softened? I went Haven, I’m not allowed to fight anymore Summers. Went easy on what piece of shit? How about you hit pause on being a bitch and tell me why you are pissed at me?”, Merrick growled low reminding himself he is Haven and isn’t allowed to fight. Hope rolled her eyes. “Alan douchebag Snyder. Ran into the fucker yesterday and not knowing who I was the piece of fucking shit starts talking about how he’s been fucking Jessa behind my back. Maybe if last year you and your brother-in-laws kicked his ass better he’d have learned to not touch what isn’t his.”, Hope glared.
“Time. So I’m getting cunty Summers because your girlfriend cheated on you? If she’d cheated on you with me I could get being mad at me. We kicked his ass for not wanting to take no for an answer from E. I wasn’t there to teach him a lesson about not touching what is already owned. If your girl didn’t say no that’s not on me and the lesson I dished out. I’m not going to pretend I know shit about you or your life Summers. We have never even been acquaintances. But if Jessa was cheating by sleeping with Alan is she really worth your liver?”, Merrick replied. “Says the guy that’s on day two of going bar hopping.”, Hope snorted. “I don’t drink very often Summers. And I’m on a timer of how long I get to go out drinking with friends. So any time I get between now and my deadline I’m going to hang out with my friends whether alcohol is involved or not. But whatever Summers. You do what you want to, cause the whole alcoholism worked out great for your dad. You know when my sister-in-law dumped him to try and screw my girlfriend’s dad and ended up dating a transgender mutant for a while before going for my brother. It took your school burning and people dying and being locked in a bunker for him to clean up. But I’m sure it won’t come to that for you. Have a good night Summers.”, Merrick said getting the final word as he walked out to his car. Tristan just blinked at the exchange but ducked out after Merrick not wanting to deal with the aftermath of that.
“So I’m your friend?”, Tristan chuckled getting into the car. Merrick laughed shaking his head pulling out. “Seriously? Of everything I just said you focus on that part?”, Merrick sighed shaking his head. Inside Hope looked at the bottle in her hand thinking about what Merrick said. Alcoholism did run in her family. And Merrick was right her dad had gone down that dark path and it had taken the extreme events of the school being attacked to pull him out of it. Did she want to be like her dad and let one high school love send her into that spiral? She knew the answer and set down the bottle and headed up to her bedroom starting to find every picture she had with Jessa in it cutting Jessa out of them if it was a group photo or just shredding them before looking for anything that Jessa had ever given her over the years throwing them all into a trash bag with the intent to burn them. “Yeah I heard the rest of it. You were subtly being a nice guy telling Hope that a cheater isn’t worth her going down the same alcoholic road her dad did. And granted I would love to hear more about this transgender mutant you said Jean used to date. I honed in on that you called me your friend.”, Tristan grinned. Merrick rolled his head driving. “You’re tolerable. And god I can’t even remember the guy’s name. But basically his mutation was he could swap genders at will. So Jean was bisexual and he filled both sides of the coin. It was weird and she doesn’t like to talk about it.”, Merrick explained. “Hmm interesting. So how goes the plans for moving?”, Tristan asked changing the subject. “Going good. I’ve got everything approved and since Jenna gave up rights to Faelan I don’t need to track her down to get her okay to leave the country with him. Logan’s on board and has started coming to the Sanctuary taking it over for me. Training the new hires has gone well so they should be ready for the grand opening in a couple weeks. How you feeling since the last back surgery?”, Merrick said making conversation as he found a parking spot near where the pub crawl was.
“Feeling good. Not I’m going to go jump on a bull anytime soon good. But a bit more flexible. Holly called and asked me to come help around the ranch and my doctors said I can start driving for myself again which is great. Holly is going to let me use the truck since she generally drives her car and Sammy has his own car these days. That way I can get to the ranch as I need to. Will only suck that a few days out of the week I’ll just be crashing in the guest room at Holly’s so I’m there for morning chores. But it’s work, it’s work I know and it’s for Holly. She’s a ring away from being my mom at this point. Which with how you are going to Rose it makes me wonder how much longer my dad and her are going to do the whole dating across the country thing. I mean they are older than us and obviously wouldn’t be looking for kids but it’s gotta be rough only seeing each other every so often when the rodeo passes through or dad’s got business here.”, Tristan shrugged as they got out of the car. “They’ll figure it out I’m sure. And hey a job is a job right. Gets you some money.”, Merrick commented locking the car as they made their way to the first bar. “Yeah which I wanted to talk to you about something. I know you plan to keep Aonair Mac Tíre going post relocation. You ever consider letting people buy stock?”, Tristan asked as they headed into the bar. “Um hadn’t thought about it. Why?”, he asked. “Well I was talking to Sammy, basically about the idea of me working on the ranch. And we were talking about finances somehow. Accountants…”, he smiled rolling his eyes. “And I was talking about your business and he said it would probably be a good investment especially knowing your work sells.”, Tristan explained as they took seats at a table and ordered their first round.
“You want in on Aonair Mac Tíre?”, Merrick asked. “Yeah. You’re work is impressive. Your sales are good, again Sammy went into that I don’t really pay attention to that stuff. What do you think?”, he asked. Merrick shrugged giving a nod as their beers were set down picking up his taking a long swig. “Alright. I don’t even know how this would work. I’ll talk to my dad in the morning on how we do this. But I guess having someone I can trust state side to look in on the business when I move could be worth sharing my profits.”, he stated. Tristan smiled. “Aw you trust me.”, he teased with a wink. “Ugh man don’t wink at me. So I’ll talk to my dad tomorrow and we’ll get it figured out. Now let’s just have a good time because tomorrow I’ve got work at Wal-Mart, orders to fill at the shop, and a wolverine coming to the Sanctuary. “, he said taking another swig. “Busy man. So the original Wolverine will oversee a real wolverine coming in. Ironic or poetic? Let’s have some fun.”, Tristan laughed. “You two looking for some fun? Because we are looking for some fun too.”, a pair of women giggled walking over to their table. Merrick sighed setting his beer down and looked at the duo giving them a quick assessment. “We aren’t looking for that kind of fun ladies. This is a guys night not to mention pretty sure the ‘fun’ you are talking would get us both beheaded by our girlfriends.”, Merrick said simply. “Well I don’t see your girlfriends anywhere or rings on your fingers.”, the blonde stated. “One night wouldn’t hurt either of you and I’m pretty sure my friend and I could offer more than your girlfriends.”, the brunette stated.
Merrick and Tristan both laughed at that statement. “One I doubt either of you are going to give that man what his girl gives him.”, Merrick laughed. “He’s right. Not many women are willing to put on a strapon to fulfil the fact I’m bisexual.”, Tristan grinned noticing the uncomfortable expressions the girls were giving him now. “And I doubt either of you are going to give this man the wild animal sex his girl gives. Show them the scar Rose gave you.”, Tristan chuckled. Merrick shook his head but smirked and pulled the left shoulder of his tee enough to show the bite mark he never had healed from years ago. The girls both blinked at the bite mark. “Whoa you two are freaks.”, the blonde said. Merrick laughed smiling letting fangs grow out just a little as he let his shirt go. “You’ve got no idea Goldilocks. I suggest you continue looking for the bed that’s just right cause neither of ours is going to be.”, Merrick said his fangs receding before he took a swig of his beer. “Come on let’s go.”, the brunette said grabbing her friend’s hand and tugging her away both a little startled by his scar and his fangs. “You’re terrible…”, Tristan laughed drinking his beer. “I’m terrible? I show a scar from Rose’s fangs and my own fangs. You talk about Blaire wearing a strap on to fulfil your desire to have a cock in your ass. I think we are equally terrible. To being terrible men in the pursuit of being loyal boyfriends.”, Merrick chuckled holding up his beer. “Amen.” , Tristan smiled clinking his beer with Merrick’s before drinking. The pair continued their bar hopping ending up hitting about ten bars before calling it a night and Merrick dropped Tristan back at the house before driving himself home.