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Landon and team Alpha had all been given mission details from Forge. Landon had programmed a simulation based on that into the MDR to run through with the team when they arrived. He hoped they were ready for this. He had a bit of a hard time thinking about the fact they weren’t little kids anymore. He still remembered his mother watching them at the daycare, babysitting for their parents, changing diapers and all those things. He knew he couldn’t treat them as children with this mission. This mission was serious. A bombing at the UN was huge and dangerous. He knew it worried Rachel that he’d agreed to the mission and that the young team was even being sent on the mission. He’d caught her twirling her bracelet and if she wasn’t spinning that on her arm she was fiddling with her engagement ring. He sighed as he walked into the living room before having to go pick up the team from the station. Rachel sat on the couch her legs curled up against her chest, her chin resting on her knees with eyes closed spinning her engagement ring. He walked over sitting on the coffee table in front of her and kissed her hands before taking them in his. “Hey goddess.”, he spoke softly smiling at her.
Rachel let out a breath opening her eyes looking at her fiance. “Hi.”, she smiled softly. “It’s going to be okay. I won’t let anything happen to the kids.”, knowing she was worried about the mission. “I know..and that worries me more. I know what lengths you were willing to go to to protect your team before. And now…”, she frowned. “I was scared when you faced Wanda, both times, because I couldn’t lose you and you weren’t even mine yet. And now… you are mine. I don’t think I could survive losing you.”, she sighed. Landon smiled squeezing her hands gently kissing her forehead. “My beautiful, loving, compassionate goddess. I can’t make you a promise that everything will be okay. But just know I’m going to do everything I can to come back to you. I’ve got far too much to live for.”, Landon tried to assure her giving her a soft kiss on the lips. Rachel nodded a little and sighed. “Okay. Just make sure you come back to me please.”, she conceded. “I will. I better go pick up the kids from the train. Be back shortly with the motley crew.”, he smiled before kissing her hands standing up. “Alright I’ll be here when you return. See you soon. Love you.”, Rachel nodded letting her knees down. Landon smiled seeing her relax a little. He leaned down giving her a slightly longer kiss on the lips. “Mmm I love you too.”, he smiled before heading out the door to go to the station.
The team had packed their bags, including their uniforms, for their weekend and mission in Manhattan. On the train they’d made sure to stay close together. Ororo and Nathan kept Stephan between them to prevent any outsiders from accidently feeling his wings that the inducer hid. Nathan otherwise kept Inola on his other side between him and Marco while Tyler sat on the other side of Ororo. The general idea the boys had was with Inola and Ororo being the youngest and the only girls on the team keeping them surrounded by the rest of the team would act as a deterrent from any creeps. Though a couple of guys who’d gotten on in Jamaica Queens and sat across from Ororo kept whispering to each other glancing at her looking her over with smirks. Stephan didn’t really care for how the strangers were looking at her and reached over taking her hand into his defensively. Ororo smiled squeezing his hand back leaning over kissing his cheek before resting her head on his shoulder. This of course got raised eyebrows from the two strangers seeing her kiss the awkward looking albino. They whispered a little each other about her. Nathan sighed his Shadow green-yellow eyes looking over to them hearing their thoughts before his head turned to look past Stephan at Ororo leaning against her boyfriend then his eyes returned to the strangers waiting to see if they did or said anything as stupid as they were thinking.
One decided to take the chance and leaned across the aisle and touched Ororo’s knee. “Excuse me but you look soo familiar. My friend as I are trying to place how we might know you.”, he smiled. Before Ororo could even react Taylor’s hand had grabbed the strangers and bent it back sharply. “Hands off buddy.”, Taylor warned. “Whoa sorry…”, the guy said pulling his hand back. Stephan’s red eyes looked to the stranger narrowing his eyes. An air of tension in the other five members of Alpha ready to defend Ororo. Ororo lifted her head casually from Stephan’s shoulder and patted Taylor’s arm. “My apologies. My ‘bodyguard’ here takes his job rather seriously.”, Ororo commented giving a basic reason for Taylor’s reaction. “I’m afraid I don’t know you. If I look familiar it is probably from a fashion magazine or clothing advertisement that I’ve modeled for.”, she spoke calmly. She was used to this kind of thing. The others weren’t and she knew were on edge with this mission. “Oh that’s it. The Candie's girl. We work at a Kohl's department store. So there are posters of you hung up in the junior’s department.”, the other nodded smiling ignoring Taylor. “So these are all your bodyguards? They look a little young for that…”, the first asked rubbing his wrist. “Well you look a little old to be hitting on a teenage girl.”, Taylor countered smugly. “Oh no they aren’t. This one likes to think himself as my bodyguard. They are my friends, and this one is my boyfriend.”, Ororo explained not giving more detail than that. “Boyfriend?”, the second arched an eyebrow looking from Ororo to Stephan. “Mmhmm.”, Ororo nodded smiling proudly. “Cutting the convo short it’s our stop. Come on”, Marco stated standing up. “Have a nice day gentlemen.”, Ororo gave a nod standing up.
Nathan took Inola’s hand standing up. “Let’s all just stick close together. This is a busy terminal.”, Nathan commented. Inola shrugged, who was she to argue with having to hold hands with Nathan Shadow. He did have those Shadow eyes like his Uncle Merrick that she admitted were attractive. Stephan stood with Ororo as did Taylor the team following Marco off the train. “You know Taylor that wasn’t necessary.”, Ororo commented as they walked. “He touched your knee I felt it necessary.”, Taylor shrugged. “I am in agreement with Taylor.”, Stephan commented. Ororo blinked and looked to her usually mild mannered boyfriend. “What? He touched you and nothing gives him or anyone the right to touch you. I didn’t do it myself because that would have caused more trouble with my ‘hands’ being more like claws at the touch.”, Stephan shrugged. Ororo laughed shaking her head a little hugging his arm. “Awe you’re cute when you want to be protective about me.”, she smiled. “What about me?”, Taylor asked pretending to be indigent. “You don’t count Taylor. You’re Riley’s problem.”, Ororo smiled as they all walked up. “I see Landon.”, Nathan commented spotting his ‘cousin’ in the crowd. Landon raised an arm waving to the group. Inola turned to see. “Hmm so all Bryant men are hot. Noted.”, Inola smiled. The others shook their heads as they walked over to Landon. Landon smiled at the group his eyes glancing to Ororo walking close to Stephan holding his hand.
“About time you two.”, Landon teased before looking to the rest of the team. “Hey kiddos. Good train ride in? And you’ve gotta be Inola Pierce. Nice to meet you. My future uncle-in-law and Forge have said good things about you.”, he greeted. Stephan blushed a little at the comment. “Landon…”, Stephan shook his head. Nathan smiled giving Landon a one armed hug still holding Inola’s hand. “Hey coz.”, Nathan greeted. “Well I see my reputation proceeds me. Nice to meet you.”, Inola greeted. Landon arched an eyebrow at the hand holding. “Got something to say coz?”, he teased Nathan. Nathan rolled his eyes. “Nope. Just keeping her from wandering off from the group.”, Nathan shook his head. “I’m not complaining.”, Inola smirked. Landon chuckled. “Fair enough. Come on. This way to the house. We’ve got the rooms ready for you. Marco and Taylor you’ll bunk together, same for Stephan and Nathan then Inola and Ororo. I’m supposedly to take extra care to keep an eye on the love birds…..”, Landon explained as they walked glancing to Stephan and Ororo. “But I doubt that will be an issue. Since somehow I don't think my future cousin really has it in him to try sneaking into Ororo’s room. And I’m banking that Ororo wouldn’t go venturing into Stephan’s...this early in life.”, Landon teased. Ororo and Stephan both turning a shade of pink. “Landon…”, Ororo shook her head. Landon just smirked as he lead the team to the house.
“Honey I’m home!? Brought children!”, Landon teasingly called walking into the house. The kids all shook their heads following him inside, Nathan shutting the door having walked in last. “Hey guys.”, Rachel smiled. She was glad to see the younger institute students and all but not for the reason they were there. “Hello cousin.”, Stephan smiled. Rachel smiled and glanced to Stephan’s hand holding Ororo’s just at the same time as Ororo turned off his inducer. “There that’s better.”, Ororo smiled leaning up kissing his cheek. “Aren’t you two a toothache waiting to happen.”, Lily commented squeezing past the group holding his briefcase against her chest having gotten home from work. Inola’s eyes moved to the red haired girl recognizing her as one of the identical twins from pictures in Merrick’s office. “You’ve gotta be bossman’s triplet or one of them.”, Inola commented. Nathan nudged her a little before giving Lily a hug. “Hey Aunt Lily. Which Aunt Lily and Rachel meet Inola, she volunteers at the sanctuary.”, Nathan explained. “Ah. Hey nephew. Nice to meet ya Inola. Hope Merrick isn’t too much a pain in the ass, or Mister Howlett for that matter.”, Lily smiled. “Love to catch up but I’ve got an article due that I need to wrap up research for and write. See ya guys later. And just promise to keep Landon out of trouble with this. The rest of us, especially Rose, won’t be there to pull his tattooed ass out of danger this time.”, Lily sighed looking to her cousin briefly worry in her green-yellow eyes before disappearing upstairs.
“Why does everyone assume bossman’s mean? I find Merrick delightful.”, Inola asked with a laugh. Landon smiled shaking his head pausing to give Rachel a kiss. “Mmmm I’ll show the team their rooms. You order the pizzas?”, he asked pulling back. Rachel nodded. “Yeah should be here soon.”, Rachel answered. “And people think my coz is mean because well he was when we were younger. He mellowed with time, love, and fatherhood. Don’t ask me in which order they had their effect. Come on guys rooms are this way. Pizza should be here soon so we can eat and I’ll go over the general plan for this mission before we start running it in the MDR.”, Landon grinned heading up the stairs. The six followed Landon upstairs dropping off their bags in the rooms as he assigned them. The rooms were a bit bigger and certainly nicer than the ones at the dorms, but this was a private residents. The only issue any could find was the rooms only had one bed. “So we are not only sharing rooms but having to bunk in the same bed?”, Taylor asked. “Yeah sorry Taylor. All our rooms have just queen size beds. You guys are using what were considered Tommy, Cora Lee and Ashley’s bedrooms. We tend to use Rachel’s old room as the default private phone call or quite homework space.”, Landon shrugged. “Um Landon, with my wings and such I don’t know about sticking me and anyone in a shared bed.”, Stephan spoke up. “He’s got a point coz. He may be my buddy but I’ve got no interest in being that close, like Ororo, to Stephan.”, Nathan laughed. Landon nodded. “Yeah didn’t think about that. Noted. Alright Stephan take Rachel’s old room then.”, he agreed.
“PIZZA IS HERE!”, Rachel called up the stairs. “Let’s go eat then and we can go over my plan for this mission and you guys can give any input since it’s still your team.”, Landon suggested heading downstairs. The kids all hurried down the stairs as they heard more people getting home. There was a mad dash for the pizza wanting to grab at least a slice before Tommy got his. Once everyone was settled and had gotten something to eat Taylor looked to Landon figuring it was time to get to business. “So you have a plan already?”,Taylor asked. Everyone’s attention turned to Landon as he sat on the couch with an arm around Rachel. He nodded taking his arm from around her and setting his tablet on the coffee table bringing up a hologram of the UN. “Whoa..”, Inola commented moving with the others closer to the table. Landon smirked. “Forge may be the tech guru but I’m a techie and dreamer too.”, he chuckled at Inola’s reaching. “So based on intell we know that the plan is to place multiple bombs throughout the 39 stories. We know that the UN will be in session, and every day there are tours given. We also know that mixed in with these civilians will be FOH. And then we’ll probably run up against a team from the Academy as Azazel plans to have the Acolytes involved.”, Landon reviewed. “Now I know what each of you can do. I’ve watched your survival training sessions, your individual sessions and your team sessions.”, he continued.
“You have access to that stuff?”, Inola arched an eyebrow. “There’s basically nothing I don’t have access to. Plus studying your moves and how you work as a team helps me figure out how we can do this. Marco and Nathan I’ll want you guys getting civilians out and searching for the FOH so we can find the locations of the bombs. I don’t want you over doing it in regards to getting people out so just do it the old fashion way. Pull the fire alarm people will leave.”, Landon started to explain pointing to Marco and Nathan. Marco and Nathan nodded. Nathan glad he wouldn’t need to use his powers too extensively. “Stephan you’ve got the best eyes and Inola you’re the best shot. We never aim to kill obviously, however you two are the eyes. You go basically into overwatch. Watch the exits, make sure people are getting out safely and keep on the lookout for Academy. They’ll want to stop us. They don’t want to save lives they want to take them.”, he explained pointing to Inola and Stephan. “Can do.”, Inola nodded as Stephan nodded with her. “Taylor and Ororo you two are quick on your feet I need you with me searching for the bombs physically.”, Landon explained. “Got it. But what will you be doing?”, Ororo asked. “I get the ‘fun’ job. I’ll be bomb hunting but it’ll be my job to disarm them so to speak.”, he explained. Rachel held back a small gulp reaching and holding his arm when he said he’d be disarming the bombs.
“What’s ‘so to speak’ mean?”, Marco asked. “We find a bomb I turn it into something that can’t go boom. But I need to physically see the bomb for my powers to be able to change it. Depending on how many they put around the building this is going to be very draining on me. So if the FOH or the Academy start a fight I’ll be depending on you six to have my back on this. I won’t have time to stop and fight them since I’ll literally be against a clock to find and disarm all the bombs. Anything you guys want to add?”, he asked looking at their faces. “Actually...no. This is laid out great. And don’t worry we’ve got your back.”, Taylor smiled. “Good. Now if something goes wrong I’ve got this from Forge.”, he said holding up a watch. “A watch?”, Nathan asked. “A teleporter. It’s the prototype he built before giving seven to Excalibur for their use. If things go bad I will call for an emergency evac. That means we will all meet here.”, he said pointing to a spot on the hologram. “Once we are all together we hold onto each other and I’ll use the teleporter and we’ll be on the terrace here at the house. Otherwise once I give the all clear we evac through the back to go unnoticed and ditch our uniforms and blend into the crowd that will probably have formed.”, he explained. “Got it.”, the team agreed. “Good. Now go get some sleep tomorrow we start running the simulation so we can learn our roles and get prepared for any fighting. I don’t know what Academy team will be there so I’ve got it to cycle through the three teams of students and then even some of the adults for good measure.”, he finished turning the hologram off. “You think of everything huh?”, Nathan teased. “Yes, I try at least. Now get to bed kids.”, he nodded to the stairs. The team headed up to their assigned rooms to get some sleep knowing they’d be going through plenty of training come morning.
While the team was in Manhattan training for their mission Malcolm wasn’t there. He’d gone to Bayville to stay at the Haven to spend the weekend with Merrick, Tristan and Zoe. Tristan had come down earlier in the week to work out at Boland Ranch. It felt rather strange to him after so longer always falling asleep and waking up to Blaire for her to not be there. But it was a necessary thing. This was his job. He tried to not over do it around the ranch. He was just glad he could still ride a horse without much pain. And with that last surgery he had his back was feeling a lot better. Tonight he had gotten dressed to head to Club 21 with Merrick, Malcolm and Zoe getting a ride to the Haven from Holly since he did plan to drink. “Thanks for the ride Holly.”, Tristan waved getting out of the truck. “No drinking and driving right.”, Holly warned. “Of course not officer. The club isn’t too long of a walk to the Haven if needed. And Merrick said something that if we all were too trashed we’ll just sleep at Zoe’s place which is a few blocks. I can manage a few blocks drunk.”, Tristan grinned. Holly laughed shaking her head. “That poor girl having to find room to fit you, Malcolm and Merrick for a night. Well have fun and behave.”, Holly added before pulling away. Tristan grinned wondering where Zoe would put them all if they had to sleep it off at her place. He imagined that Merrick and her would take the bed, though no hanky panky of course. He shook the thoughts away and headed inside.
Tristan laughed getting spun around as a wolf pup ran past him followed quickly by Merrick’s little brother Sebastian. “Get back here it’s bath time Faelan...oh hi Tristan. Merrick and Malcolm are upstairs.”, Sebastian paused momentarily to point before racing after his nephew again. Tristan shook his head and headed up the stairs. He could hear Malcolm and Merrick talking. “So let me get this straight. You want me to make an engagement ring out of ebony and purpleheart and the alexandrite stone you picked for Cora Lee?”, Merrick questioned as he was pulling his button up on. “Yeah basically.”, Malcolm smiled leaning against the wall by Merrick’s door. “And you want this done before I leave for England so you can pop the question at New Years?”, Merrick was shaking his head pausing picking up Tristan’s scent. “You can stop eavesdropping gimpy.”, Merrick rolled his eyes. “Didn’t want to interrupt.”, Tristan teased stepping into the doorway before smirking tilting his head looking at Merrick open shirted. “God damn I envy Rose.”, he commented. Merrick rolled his eyes while Malcolm laughed. “So can you do it? I’ve known you to make jewelry in short time frames. I want this to be special and she’s loved your jewelry you’ve made Lily. And wood at least wouldn’t be an issue for me when we hold hands like metal.”, Malcolm asked.
Merrick sighed thinking as he button up his hunter green shirt. “Alright fine. I’ll fit it into my work load. You fucking owe me.”, Merrick grumbled before tucking his shirt into his jeans leaving the top couple buttons undone always hating to button his shirt completely. “You’ll be my bestman doesn’t that count as repayment?”, Malcolm smiled. Merrick narrowed his eyes playfully growling. “And I won’t make you wear a tie, promise.”, Malcolm added. “Aw but he looks hot with a tie. I’ve seen pictures.”, Tristan chimed in. “How do you think you’re back would fair me throwing you down the stairs?”, Merrick asked with a smirk. “I don’t want to test the theory. Sooo we picking Zoe up on the way or meeting her there?”, Tristan asked changing the subject. “Picking up. So if we are off the subject of engagements and such let's go.”, Merrick shook his head. “Well unless we are going to discuss this ring you've got stashed away for Rose. “, Malcolm teased. Tristan chuckled as Merrick hit Malcolm in the chest before leaving the room. “See you caught him. Faelan you be good for uncle Sebastian while I'm out tonight.” Merrick snowed seeing his little brother holding a wiggling Faelan. “Bye Dada.” Faelan tried to wiggle from Sebastian to get to his dad. “Your kid is so cute.”, Tristan chuckled. “Of course he is.”, Merrick smiled giving Faelan a kiss on the head. “Night pup.” Merrick waved before heading down to the car with Malcolm and Tristan.. “Well unless we are going to talk about the ring you’ve got stashed away for Rose.”, Malcolm teased. Tristan laughed a little as Merrick hit Malcolm in the chest before leaving the room. He stopped seeing his little brother with Faelan trying to wiggle his way out his arms. “Hey Bastian. See you caught him.”, Merrick smiled. “Now Faelan you be good for Uncle Sebastian while daddy’s out with his friends.”, Merrick smiled giving Faelan a kiss. “Bye pup.”, he added. “Bye dada.”, Faelan pouted. “Your kid is too cute. Don’t worry daddy will be returned no worse for the wear by your Uncles Malcolm and Tristan along with Auntie Zoe.”, Tristan smirked. “Indeed. Now let’s go pick up hellraiser.”, Merrick shook his head before heading to the car with Tristan and Malcolm right behind him.
Merrick had sent a text to Zoe before pulling out of the Haven driveway so she was already downstairs waiting when they pulled in. Malcolm and Merrick both got out of the front seat after they parked, Malcolm moving to sit in the back so Zoe could have the front. Klaus was standing outside smoking a cigarette chatting with Zoe as they pulled in. He arched an eyebrow at the two larger men getting out of the car for one to move to cram himself into the back with another man. “Let’s go hellraiser.”, Merrick called keeping the passenger door open. “Vous allez le club avec trois hommes magnifiques? Seigneur j'envie votre endurance apparente mon cher. (You're going to the club with three gorgeous men? Lord I envy your apparent stamina my dear.)”, Klaus asked in French blowing a smoke ring. Zoe laughed a little at Klaus as she fixed her jacket as the cold November air blowing through. “Oui, je vais le club avec eux. Cependant, ils sont tous prononcés pour. Il est un des amis accord juste. D'ailleurs ce serait Robin pense à vous entendre parler comme ça. Nuit Klaus. (Yes I'm going to the club with them. However they are all spoken for. It's a just friends deal. Besides what would Robin think to hear you speak like that. Night Klaus.)”, Zoe laughed waving to Klaus pausing giving Merrick a kiss on the cheek. “Hey handsome.”, she smiled before getting in. “Hey guys. Malcolm you didn’t need to give up the front seat. You are so much taller than me.”, Zoe commented looking into the back. She had to admit Klaus was right. Malcolm was an attractive man and Tristan with that dimple smiling at her was just adorable. “No worries it’s a short drive to the club anyways.”, Malcolm shrugged. “Still sweet of you.”, Zoe smiled as Merrick got into the car.
“Do I want to know what the Frenchmen I’ve seen Alec throw pans at was saying in French? Remember I took the class but I passed only because of my looks.”, Merrick asked waving to Klaus through the windshield before pulling out. Zoe laughed shaking her head. He’d told her once about his French teacher that hit on him. “Ohhh god I remember that teacher.”, Malcolm laughed. Tristan arched an eyebrow. “I missed something. I hate that I grew up across the country.”, Tristan pouted leaning forward. Merrick rolled his eyes. “French teacher in junior high and high school had a very inappropriate attraction for our Merrick. It’s why he wore baggy clothes like the first day you meant him at the beach.”, Malcolm explained. “Oooo. A ‘Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir’ situation? How intriguing. But okay so creepy teacher forced hotty Merrick into hiding that great body. Which by the way Zoe, I envy you and Rose for getting to touch that.”, Tristan laughed from the back seat. Merrick shook his head while Zoe laughed. “Yeah well you and me both envy Rose in that department. Lucky girl snagged Lupo Cattivo and soon he’ll be all hers in England.”, Zoe sighed a little as they parked. “Okay. So deal is we limit the conversation tonight to not use the words ‘move’ and ‘England’. I’m trying to not think so much about the timer over my head. We drink and just enjoy tonight. Agreed?”, Merrick turned in his seat to look at all three. “Agreed. As long as I can drag you out to the dance floor a couple times.”, Zoe smiled before getting out of the car. Merrick sighed and got out waiting for Tristan and Malcolm to climb out of the car before the quartet headed into the club.
Merrick check their coats taking Zoe’s revealing her black and white color block sheath dress. Merrick handed over her coat blindly his eyes more focused looking at her before shaking the thoughts away. “Thanks Merrick. Now let’s get to the bar and order our first round.”, Zoe smiled noticing how he was looking at her. “Yeah let’s drink.”, Tristan agreed. “Yes liquor, plenty of it.”, Merrick nodded putting an arm around Zoe’s shoulders as they made their way to the bar ordering three beers, a glass of wine, and four shots of tequila. There was laughing and conversation about anything that wasn’t Merrick moving away. Between rounds of liquor and water there was dancing. Currently Zoe had Merrick out on the dance floor for a slow song while Malcolm and Tristan were posted up leaning on the table they’d been using, both trying to stay standing. “You know I know he goes great with Rose, but damn he looks good with that girl.”, Tristan sighed shaking his head sipping his beer as he looked to the dance floor. Merrick and Zoe were dancing close. Zoe’s arms wrapped around his neck her fingers lightly playing with the hairs on the back of his head while his arms were holding her close sitting at the small of her back absentmindedly rubbing circles with his thumbs and her head resting against his chest. Malcolm nodded leaning on his elbows sipping his beer. “Yeah. If Rose had walked that summer she met Faelan we wouldn’t be facing him moving, at least to England. Only moving would be him and Zoe moving in together.”, Malcolm agreed.
As the song came to an end the pair pulled apart. “Hey I’ll be back just hitting the bathroom.”, Merrick spoke into her ear as a loud uptempo song started. Zoe nodded. “I’ll be at the table with the boys.”, she said before heading to the table while Merrick went to the restroom. “Having a good time Zoe?”, Tristan smiled noticing Zoe looking over her shoulder to Merrick’s back in the crowd as he made his way to the bathrooms. “Hmm? Um yeah. Just, I know we said no talking about it. But I’m going to miss him when he leaves. He was the first friend, not counting Uncle Alec, I made here. It won’t be the same with him gone.”, she sighed. Malcolm rubbed her back handing her a drink. “Hey I’m with you Zoe. Merrick’s been my best friend since I can remember. It’ll be weird that I can’t just come to Bayville and hang out.”, Malcolm empathized. “I’ve not been as close to him or as long as Mal. And till recently I wouldn’t even have imagined the man would think of me as his friend. But I’m glad that I am. Despite the stories I was told about his rebellious youth he’s a rather awesome guy. He’s actually made this adjustment to being here a lot easier for me. I’ll miss his fine ass.”, Tristan agreed taking a drink. “Merrick doesn’t make friends easily, but when he does we become his family we become his pack.”, Malcolm sighed. Zoe frowned taking the shot she’d been handed. “This blows. I mean I like Rose and I want him happy. But he’d giving up everything for her. She better appreciate it.”, she sighed taking another shot. “She will. I know Rose. And when he shows up there and she gets told he’s moving she’ll know what he’s given up to have her.”, Tristan assured.
“You know I don’t think he gets what him leaving will mean. I don’t mean to just us, to everyone here. I think he needs to know.”, Malcolm smiled a thought forming. “What’s the plan Sparky?”, Tristan asked raising an eyebrow Malcolm now having his and Zoe’s attention. “We throw him a party. We can have it at the Haven so it’ll be open to either side to come. I’ll get with Tommy and have him put together a video. We get everyone to say something on the video about Merrick. Share a memory, tell him he’ll be missed and what he means even give Tommy pictures to throw in the video of people with Merrick so he can see the good times he’s made happen.”, Malcolm explained. “I’m liking this idea. Let’s do it. I’ll even get Alexander to take part. He may like to say he hates Merrick but he’s gotta have good memories of him.”, Zoe smiled. “I’m in. Merrick’s too awesome to not realize that for himself. I’ll see if Blaire has any pictures from that beach party I first met him that can be used.”, Tristan offered. “Perfect. Now shhh he’s coming back.”, Malcolm smiled finishing off his beer. Merrick raised an eyebrow. “You three are quite. I’m terrified.”, Merrick greeted leaning around Zoe to take his beer drinking it. “We were just contemplating how drunk we all are and if we should leave soon.”, Zoe quickly covered up leaning back against him. “Mmmhmm. Well I am drunk I’ll admit that. I told Aurelia I’d be leaving the car here so it doesn’t get towed. So we all looking to start our walk to Zoe’s to crash?”, Merrick asked finishing the beer and then grabbing one of the remaining tequila shots and downing it. “Sounds like a plan. To Zoe’s.”, Tristan and Malcolm agreed finishing off the last two shots. Zoe laughed a little. “Oh boy I come home with three hot men, if Klaus or one of the other waitresses could see this I’d never hear the end.”, Zoe chuckled feeling a bit tipsy herself. “Mmm well let them see.”, Merrick said as they headed to get their coats before their walk to Zoe’s apartment.
The four tried to quietly stumble up the stairs to Zoe’s apartment not wanting to wake Alec up. As they got inside they took off their jackets and shoes. “So who is sleeping where?”, Malcolm asked yawning pulling out his cell. ‘Safe @ Zoe. Crash her living room. Love you.’, he quickly texted with some grammar errors in his drunk text to Cora Lee. “Yes where you stashing us?”, Tristan asked doing the same as Malcolm. ‘We @ Zoe. Sleeping off drink. Love you.’, Tristan texted Blaire. Cora Lee rolled in her bed, she didn’t sleep as easily since starting to share the bed with Malcolm, hearing her phone go off. ‘Glad you made it the few blocks in one piece. Love you too. See you tomorrow.’, she replied before trying to fall asleep knowing he was at least safe. Blaire was still up alternating between studying for a test, writing a term paper, and working a case for her job. She smiled hearing Tristan’s familiar ringtone. She giggled reading the text. ‘Okay remember to do your stretches. Love you baby.’, she texted back returning to her work. “I no know about you. I built bed. I sleep in it.”, Merrick commented walking in the direction of the bedroom unbuttoning his shirt. “And no Tristan you do not share bed too.”, Merrick added before walking into the room continuing to disrobe just on autopilot before crawling into her bed in just his boxers not fully covering up. “I’ll get you guys blankets.”, Zoe chuckled heading to her office getting out the extra blankets and pillows. “You take couch. You got the bad back.”, Malcolm pointed as he pulled off his shirt to get ready to just pass out.
“Here you two go.”, Zoe said handing Malcolm the bundle of blankets and pillows ignoring that he was shirtless. “Thanks. Night.”, Malcolm and Tristan waved as Zoe went back to her bedroom. “What’s the odds he’s in animal form?”, Tristan asked with a laugh taking a pillow and a blanket from Malcolm starting to undress enough before collapsing on the couch. “God this is almost as comfortable as Blaire’s bed. That man is magic with furniture.”, Tristan yawned getting comfortable. Malcolm chuckled. “I’m not a betting man.”, Malcolm shook his head tossing the pillow onto the floor and laying down pulling the blanket over himself ready to sleep. Zoe sighed smiling softly as she looked to her bed seeing Merrick laying there on his back in his boxers. His eyes were closed so she figured he was probably passed out already. She quietly changed into a pair of shorts and tank top walking to the side of the bed looking at him debating if she should just take her other pillow and a blanket to sleep on the floor to avoid being in the bed with him. “Sleeeep hellraiser.”, Merrick mumbled rolling and grabbing her from the side of the bed pulling her into the bed holding her tight. Zoe chuckled a little being pulled to her bed. “Alright drunk kitten.”, Zoe laughed softly running her hand through his hair. “Meow.”, Merrick replied closing his eyes again falling asleep not a thought given to holding and cuddling her close. Zoe sighed softly hearing him purr and snuggled to him. How she’d missed having him close keeping her warm at night. “I love you and god I’m going to miss you.”, she whispered before falling asleep in his arms contently listening to his pur.

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Landon and team Alpha had all been given mission details from Forge. Landon had programmed a simulation based on that into the MDR to run through with the team when they arrived. He hoped they were ready for this. He had a bit of a hard time thinking about the fact they weren’t little kids anymore. He still remembered his mother watching them at the daycare, babysitting for their parents, changing diapers and all those things. He knew he couldn’t treat them as children with this mission. This mission was serious. A bombing at the UN was huge and dangerous. He knew it worried Rachel that he’d agreed to the mission and that the young team was even being sent on the mission. He’d caught her twirling her bracelet and if she wasn’t spinning that on her arm she was fiddling with her engagement ring. He sighed as he walked into the living room before having to go pick up the team from the station. Rachel sat on the couch her legs curled up against her chest, her chin resting on her knees with eyes closed spinning her engagement ring. He walked over sitting on the coffee table in front of her and kissed her hands before taking them in his. “Hey goddess.”, he spoke softly smiling at her.
Rachel let out a breath opening her eyes looking at her fiance. “Hi.”, she smiled softly. “It’s going to be okay. I won’t let anything happen to the kids.”, knowing she was worried about the mission. “I know..and that worries me more. I know what lengths you were willing to go to to protect your team before. And now…”, she frowned. “I was scared when you faced Wanda, both times, because I couldn’t lose you and you weren’t even mine yet. And now… you are mine. I don’t think I could survive losing you.”, she sighed. Landon smiled squeezing her hands gently kissing her forehead. “My beautiful, loving, compassionate goddess. I can’t make you a promise that everything will be okay. But just know I’m going to do everything I can to come back to you. I’ve got far too much to live for.”, Landon tried to assure her giving her a soft kiss on the lips. Rachel nodded a little and sighed. “Okay. Just make sure you come back to me please.”, she conceded. “I will. I better go pick up the kids from the train. Be back shortly with the motley crew.”, he smiled before kissing her hands standing up. “Alright I’ll be here when you return. See you soon. Love you.”, Rachel nodded letting her knees down. Landon smiled seeing her relax a little. He leaned down giving her a slightly longer kiss on the lips. “Mmm I love you too.”, he smiled before heading out the door to go to the station.
The team had packed their bags, including their uniforms, for their weekend and mission in Manhattan. On the train they’d made sure to stay close together. Ororo and Nathan kept Stephan between them to prevent any outsiders from accidently feeling his wings that the inducer hid. Nathan otherwise kept Inola on his other side between him and Marco while Tyler sat on the other side of Ororo. The general idea the boys had was with Inola and Ororo being the youngest and the only girls on the team keeping them surrounded by the rest of the team would act as a deterrent from any creeps. Though a couple of guys who’d gotten on in Jamaica Queens and sat across from Ororo kept whispering to each other glancing at her looking her over with smirks. Stephan didn’t really care for how the strangers were looking at her and reached over taking her hand into his defensively. Ororo smiled squeezing his hand back leaning over kissing his cheek before resting her head on his shoulder. This of course got raised eyebrows from the two strangers seeing her kiss the awkward looking albino. They whispered a little each other about her. Nathan sighed his Shadow green-yellow eyes looking over to them hearing their thoughts before his head turned to look past Stephan at Ororo leaning against her boyfriend then his eyes returned to the strangers waiting to see if they did or said anything as stupid as they were thinking.
One decided to take the chance and leaned across the aisle and touched Ororo’s knee. “Excuse me but you look soo familiar. My friend as I are trying to place how we might know you.”, he smiled. Before Ororo could even react Taylor’s hand had grabbed the strangers and bent it back sharply. “Hands off buddy.”, Taylor warned. “Whoa sorry…”, the guy said pulling his hand back. Stephan’s red eyes looked to the stranger narrowing his eyes. An air of tension in the other five members of Alpha ready to defend Ororo. Ororo lifted her head casually from Stephan’s shoulder and patted Taylor’s arm. “My apologies. My ‘bodyguard’ here takes his job rather seriously.”, Ororo commented giving a basic reason for Taylor’s reaction. “I’m afraid I don’t know you. If I look familiar it is probably from a fashion magazine or clothing advertisement that I’ve modeled for.”, she spoke calmly. She was used to this kind of thing. The others weren’t and she knew were on edge with this mission. “Oh that’s it. The Candie's girl. We work at a Kohl's department store. So there are posters of you hung up in the junior’s department.”, the other nodded smiling ignoring Taylor. “So these are all your bodyguards? They look a little young for that…”, the first asked rubbing his wrist. “Well you look a little old to be hitting on a teenage girl.”, Taylor countered smugly. “Oh no they aren’t. This one likes to think himself as my bodyguard. They are my friends, and this one is my boyfriend.”, Ororo explained not giving more detail than that. “Boyfriend?”, the second arched an eyebrow looking from Ororo to Stephan. “Mmhmm.”, Ororo nodded smiling proudly. “Cutting the convo short it’s our stop. Come on”, Marco stated standing up. “Have a nice day gentlemen.”, Ororo gave a nod standing up.
Nathan took Inola’s hand standing up. “Let’s all just stick close together. This is a busy terminal.”, Nathan commented. Inola shrugged, who was she to argue with having to hold hands with Nathan Shadow. He did have those Shadow eyes like his Uncle Merrick that she admitted were attractive. Stephan stood with Ororo as did Taylor the team following Marco off the train. “You know Taylor that wasn’t necessary.”, Ororo commented as they walked. “He touched your knee I felt it necessary.”, Taylor shrugged. “I am in agreement with Taylor.”, Stephan commented. Ororo blinked and looked to her usually mild mannered boyfriend. “What? He touched you and nothing gives him or anyone the right to touch you. I didn’t do it myself because that would have caused more trouble with my ‘hands’ being more like claws at the touch.”, Stephan shrugged. Ororo laughed shaking her head a little hugging his arm. “Awe you’re cute when you want to be protective about me.”, she smiled. “What about me?”, Taylor asked pretending to be indigent. “You don’t count Taylor. You’re Riley’s problem.”, Ororo smiled as they all walked up. “I see Landon.”, Nathan commented spotting his ‘cousin’ in the crowd. Landon raised an arm waving to the group. Inola turned to see. “Hmm so all Bryant men are hot. Noted.”, Inola smiled. The others shook their heads as they walked over to Landon. Landon smiled at the group his eyes glancing to Ororo walking close to Stephan holding his hand.
“About time you two.”, Landon teased before looking to the rest of the team. “Hey kiddos. Good train ride in? And you’ve gotta be Inola Pierce. Nice to meet you. My future uncle-in-law and Forge have said good things about you.”, he greeted. Stephan blushed a little at the comment. “Landon…”, Stephan shook his head. Nathan smiled giving Landon a one armed hug still holding Inola’s hand. “Hey coz.”, Nathan greeted. “Well I see my reputation proceeds me. Nice to meet you.”, Inola greeted. Landon arched an eyebrow at the hand holding. “Got something to say coz?”, he teased Nathan. Nathan rolled his eyes. “Nope. Just keeping her from wandering off from the group.”, Nathan shook his head. “I’m not complaining.”, Inola smirked. Landon chuckled. “Fair enough. Come on. This way to the house. We’ve got the rooms ready for you. Marco and Taylor you’ll bunk together, same for Stephan and Nathan then Inola and Ororo. I’m supposedly to take extra care to keep an eye on the love birds…..”, Landon explained as they walked glancing to Stephan and Ororo. “But I doubt that will be an issue. Since somehow I don't think my future cousin really has it in him to try sneaking into Ororo’s room. And I’m banking that Ororo wouldn’t go venturing into Stephan’s...this early in life.”, Landon teased. Ororo and Stephan both turning a shade of pink. “Landon…”, Ororo shook her head. Landon just smirked as he lead the team to the house.
“Honey I’m home!? Brought children!”, Landon teasingly called walking into the house. The kids all shook their heads following him inside, Nathan shutting the door having walked in last. “Hey guys.”, Rachel smiled. She was glad to see the younger institute students and all but not for the reason they were there. “Hello cousin.”, Stephan smiled. Rachel smiled and glanced to Stephan’s hand holding Ororo’s just at the same time as Ororo turned off his inducer. “There that’s better.”, Ororo smiled leaning up kissing his cheek. “Aren’t you two a toothache waiting to happen.”, Lily commented squeezing past the group holding his briefcase against her chest having gotten home from work. Inola’s eyes moved to the red haired girl recognizing her as one of the identical twins from pictures in Merrick’s office. “You’ve gotta be bossman’s triplet or one of them.”, Inola commented. Nathan nudged her a little before giving Lily a hug. “Hey Aunt Lily. Which Aunt Lily and Rachel meet Inola, she volunteers at the sanctuary.”, Nathan explained. “Ah. Hey nephew. Nice to meet ya Inola. Hope Merrick isn’t too much a pain in the ass, or Mister Howlett for that matter.”, Lily smiled. “Love to catch up but I’ve got an article due that I need to wrap up research for and write. See ya guys later. And just promise to keep Landon out of trouble with this. The rest of us, especially Rose, won’t be there to pull his tattooed ass out of danger this time.”, Lily sighed looking to her cousin briefly worry in her green-yellow eyes before disappearing upstairs.
“Why does everyone assume bossman’s mean? I find Merrick delightful.”, Inola asked with a laugh. Landon smiled shaking his head pausing to give Rachel a kiss. “Mmmm I’ll show the team their rooms. You order the pizzas?”, he asked pulling back. Rachel nodded. “Yeah should be here soon.”, Rachel answered. “And people think my coz is mean because well he was when we were younger. He mellowed with time, love, and fatherhood. Don’t ask me in which order they had their effect. Come on guys rooms are this way. Pizza should be here soon so we can eat and I’ll go over the general plan for this mission before we start running it in the MDR.”, Landon grinned heading up the stairs. The six followed Landon upstairs dropping off their bags in the rooms as he assigned them. The rooms were a bit bigger and certainly nicer than the ones at the dorms, but this was a private residents. The only issue any could find was the rooms only had one bed. “So we are not only sharing rooms but having to bunk in the same bed?”, Taylor asked. “Yeah sorry Taylor. All our rooms have just queen size beds. You guys are using what were considered Tommy, Cora Lee and Ashley’s bedrooms. We tend to use Rachel’s old room as the default private phone call or quite homework space.”, Landon shrugged. “Um Landon, with my wings and such I don’t know about sticking me and anyone in a shared bed.”, Stephan spoke up. “He’s got a point coz. He may be my buddy but I’ve got no interest in being that close, like Ororo, to Stephan.”, Nathan laughed. Landon nodded. “Yeah didn’t think about that. Noted. Alright Stephan take Rachel’s old room then.”, he agreed.
“PIZZA IS HERE!”, Rachel called up the stairs. “Let’s go eat then and we can go over my plan for this mission and you guys can give any input since it’s still your team.”, Landon suggested heading downstairs. The kids all hurried down the stairs as they heard more people getting home. There was a mad dash for the pizza wanting to grab at least a slice before Tommy got his. Once everyone was settled and had gotten something to eat Taylor looked to Landon figuring it was time to get to business. “So you have a plan already?”,Taylor asked. Everyone’s attention turned to Landon as he sat on the couch with an arm around Rachel. He nodded taking his arm from around her and setting his tablet on the coffee table bringing up a hologram of the UN. “Whoa..”, Inola commented moving with the others closer to the table. Landon smirked. “Forge may be the tech guru but I’m a techie and dreamer too.”, he chuckled at Inola’s reaching. “So based on intell we know that the plan is to place multiple bombs throughout the 39 stories. We know that the UN will be in session, and every day there are tours given. We also know that mixed in with these civilians will be FOH. And then we’ll probably run up against a team from the Academy as Azazel plans to have the Acolytes involved.”, Landon reviewed. “Now I know what each of you can do. I’ve watched your survival training sessions, your individual sessions and your team sessions.”, he continued.
“You have access to that stuff?”, Inola arched an eyebrow. “There’s basically nothing I don’t have access to. Plus studying your moves and how you work as a team helps me figure out how we can do this. Marco and Nathan I’ll want you guys getting civilians out and searching for the FOH so we can find the locations of the bombs. I don’t want you over doing it in regards to getting people out so just do it the old fashion way. Pull the fire alarm people will leave.”, Landon started to explain pointing to Marco and Nathan. Marco and Nathan nodded. Nathan glad he wouldn’t need to use his powers too extensively. “Stephan you’ve got the best eyes and Inola you’re the best shot. We never aim to kill obviously, however you two are the eyes. You go basically into overwatch. Watch the exits, make sure people are getting out safely and keep on the lookout for Academy. They’ll want to stop us. They don’t want to save lives they want to take them.”, he explained pointing to Inola and Stephan. “Can do.”, Inola nodded as Stephan nodded with her. “Taylor and Ororo you two are quick on your feet I need you with me searching for the bombs physically.”, Landon explained. “Got it. But what will you be doing?”, Ororo asked. “I get the ‘fun’ job. I’ll be bomb hunting but it’ll be my job to disarm them so to speak.”, he explained. Rachel held back a small gulp reaching and holding his arm when he said he’d be disarming the bombs.
“What’s ‘so to speak’ mean?”, Marco asked. “We find a bomb I turn it into something that can’t go boom. But I need to physically see the bomb for my powers to be able to change it. Depending on how many they put around the building this is going to be very draining on me. So if the FOH or the Academy start a fight I’ll be depending on you six to have my back on this. I won’t have time to stop and fight them since I’ll literally be against a clock to find and disarm all the bombs. Anything you guys want to add?”, he asked looking at their faces. “Actually...no. This is laid out great. And don’t worry we’ve got your back.”, Taylor smiled. “Good. Now if something goes wrong I’ve got this from Forge.”, he said holding up a watch. “A watch?”, Nathan asked. “A teleporter. It’s the prototype he built before giving seven to Excalibur for their use. If things go bad I will call for an emergency evac. That means we will all meet here.”, he said pointing to a spot on the hologram. “Once we are all together we hold onto each other and I’ll use the teleporter and we’ll be on the terrace here at the house. Otherwise once I give the all clear we evac through the back to go unnoticed and ditch our uniforms and blend into the crowd that will probably have formed.”, he explained. “Got it.”, the team agreed. “Good. Now go get some sleep tomorrow we start running the simulation so we can learn our roles and get prepared for any fighting. I don’t know what Academy team will be there so I’ve got it to cycle through the three teams of students and then even some of the adults for good measure.”, he finished turning the hologram off. “You think of everything huh?”, Nathan teased. “Yes, I try at least. Now get to bed kids.”, he nodded to the stairs. The team headed up to their assigned rooms to get some sleep knowing they’d be going through plenty of training come morning.
While the team was in Manhattan training for their mission Malcolm wasn’t there. He’d gone to Bayville to stay at the Haven to spend the weekend with Merrick, Tristan and Zoe. Tristan had come down earlier in the week to work out at Boland Ranch. It felt rather strange to him after so longer always falling asleep and waking up to Blaire for her to not be there. But it was a necessary thing. This was his job. He tried to not over do it around the ranch. He was just glad he could still ride a horse without much pain. And with that last surgery he had his back was feeling a lot better. Tonight he had gotten dressed to head to Club 21 with Merrick, Malcolm and Zoe getting a ride to the Haven from Holly since he did plan to drink. “Thanks for the ride Holly.”, Tristan waved getting out of the truck. “No drinking and driving right.”, Holly warned. “Of course not officer. The club isn’t too long of a walk to the Haven if needed. And Merrick said something that if we all were too trashed we’ll just sleep at Zoe’s place which is a few blocks. I can manage a few blocks drunk.”, Tristan grinned. Holly laughed shaking her head. “That poor girl having to find room to fit you, Malcolm and Merrick for a night. Well have fun and behave.”, Holly added before pulling away. Tristan grinned wondering where Zoe would put them all if they had to sleep it off at her place. He imagined that Merrick and her would take the bed, though no hanky panky of course. He shook the thoughts away and headed inside.
Tristan laughed getting spun around as a wolf pup ran past him followed quickly by Merrick’s little brother Sebastian. “Get back here it’s bath time Faelan...oh hi Tristan. Merrick and Malcolm are upstairs.”, Sebastian paused momentarily to point before racing after his nephew again. Tristan shook his head and headed up the stairs. He could hear Malcolm and Merrick talking. “So let me get this straight. You want me to make an engagement ring out of ebony and purpleheart and the alexandrite stone you picked for Cora Lee?”, Merrick questioned as he was pulling his button up on. “Yeah basically.”, Malcolm smiled leaning against the wall by Merrick’s door. “And you want this done before I leave for England so you can pop the question at New Years?”, Merrick was shaking his head pausing picking up Tristan’s scent. “You can stop eavesdropping gimpy.”, Merrick rolled his eyes. “Didn’t want to interrupt.”, Tristan teased stepping into the doorway before smirking tilting his head looking at Merrick open shirted. “God damn I envy Rose.”, he commented. Merrick rolled his eyes while Malcolm laughed. “So can you do it? I’ve known you to make jewelry in short time frames. I want this to be special and she’s loved your jewelry you’ve made Lily. And wood at least wouldn’t be an issue for me when we hold hands like metal.”, Malcolm asked.
Merrick sighed thinking as he button up his hunter green shirt. “Alright fine. I’ll fit it into my work load. You fucking owe me.”, Merrick grumbled before tucking his shirt into his jeans leaving the top couple buttons undone always hating to button his shirt completely. “You’ll be my bestman doesn’t that count as repayment?”, Malcolm smiled. Merrick narrowed his eyes playfully growling. “And I won’t make you wear a tie, promise.”, Malcolm added. “Aw but he looks hot with a tie. I’ve seen pictures.”, Tristan chimed in. “How do you think you’re back would fair me throwing you down the stairs?”, Merrick asked with a smirk. “I don’t want to test the theory. Sooo we picking Zoe up on the way or meeting her there?”, Tristan asked changing the subject. “Picking up. So if we are off the subject of engagements and such let's go.”, Merrick shook his head. “Well unless we are going to discuss this ring you've got stashed away for Rose. “, Malcolm teased. Tristan chuckled as Merrick hit Malcolm in the chest before leaving the room. “See you caught him. Faelan you be good for uncle Sebastian while I'm out tonight.” Merrick snowed seeing his little brother holding a wiggling Faelan. “Bye Dada.” Faelan tried to wiggle from Sebastian to get to his dad. “Your kid is so cute.”, Tristan chuckled. “Of course he is.”, Merrick smiled giving Faelan a kiss on the head. “Night pup.” Merrick waved before heading down to the car with Malcolm and Tristan.. “Well unless we are going to talk about the ring you’ve got stashed away for Rose.”, Malcolm teased. Tristan laughed a little as Merrick hit Malcolm in the chest before leaving the room. He stopped seeing his little brother with Faelan trying to wiggle his way out his arms. “Hey Bastian. See you caught him.”, Merrick smiled. “Now Faelan you be good for Uncle Sebastian while daddy’s out with his friends.”, Merrick smiled giving Faelan a kiss. “Bye pup.”, he added. “Bye dada.”, Faelan pouted. “Your kid is too cute. Don’t worry daddy will be returned no worse for the wear by your Uncles Malcolm and Tristan along with Auntie Zoe.”, Tristan smirked. “Indeed. Now let’s go pick up hellraiser.”, Merrick shook his head before heading to the car with Tristan and Malcolm right behind him.
Merrick had sent a text to Zoe before pulling out of the Haven driveway so she was already downstairs waiting when they pulled in. Malcolm and Merrick both got out of the front seat after they parked, Malcolm moving to sit in the back so Zoe could have the front. Klaus was standing outside smoking a cigarette chatting with Zoe as they pulled in. He arched an eyebrow at the two larger men getting out of the car for one to move to cram himself into the back with another man. “Let’s go hellraiser.”, Merrick called keeping the passenger door open. “Vous allez le club avec trois hommes magnifiques? Seigneur j'envie votre endurance apparente mon cher. (You're going to the club with three gorgeous men? Lord I envy your apparent stamina my dear.)”, Klaus asked in French blowing a smoke ring. Zoe laughed a little at Klaus as she fixed her jacket as the cold November air blowing through. “Oui, je vais le club avec eux. Cependant, ils sont tous prononcés pour. Il est un des amis accord juste. D'ailleurs ce serait Robin pense à vous entendre parler comme ça. Nuit Klaus. (Yes I'm going to the club with them. However they are all spoken for. It's a just friends deal. Besides what would Robin think to hear you speak like that. Night Klaus.)”, Zoe laughed waving to Klaus pausing giving Merrick a kiss on the cheek. “Hey handsome.”, she smiled before getting in. “Hey guys. Malcolm you didn’t need to give up the front seat. You are so much taller than me.”, Zoe commented looking into the back. She had to admit Klaus was right. Malcolm was an attractive man and Tristan with that dimple smiling at her was just adorable. “No worries it’s a short drive to the club anyways.”, Malcolm shrugged. “Still sweet of you.”, Zoe smiled as Merrick got into the car.
“Do I want to know what the Frenchmen I’ve seen Alec throw pans at was saying in French? Remember I took the class but I passed only because of my looks.”, Merrick asked waving to Klaus through the windshield before pulling out. Zoe laughed shaking her head. He’d told her once about his French teacher that hit on him. “Ohhh god I remember that teacher.”, Malcolm laughed. Tristan arched an eyebrow. “I missed something. I hate that I grew up across the country.”, Tristan pouted leaning forward. Merrick rolled his eyes. “French teacher in junior high and high school had a very inappropriate attraction for our Merrick. It’s why he wore baggy clothes like the first day you meant him at the beach.”, Malcolm explained. “Oooo. A ‘Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir’ situation? How intriguing. But okay so creepy teacher forced hotty Merrick into hiding that great body. Which by the way Zoe, I envy you and Rose for getting to touch that.”, Tristan laughed from the back seat. Merrick shook his head while Zoe laughed. “Yeah well you and me both envy Rose in that department. Lucky girl snagged Lupo Cattivo and soon he’ll be all hers in England.”, Zoe sighed a little as they parked. “Okay. So deal is we limit the conversation tonight to not use the words ‘move’ and ‘England’. I’m trying to not think so much about the timer over my head. We drink and just enjoy tonight. Agreed?”, Merrick turned in his seat to look at all three. “Agreed. As long as I can drag you out to the dance floor a couple times.”, Zoe smiled before getting out of the car. Merrick sighed and got out waiting for Tristan and Malcolm to climb out of the car before the quartet headed into the club.
Merrick check their coats taking Zoe’s revealing her black and white color block sheath dress. Merrick handed over her coat blindly his eyes more focused looking at her before shaking the thoughts away. “Thanks Merrick. Now let’s get to the bar and order our first round.”, Zoe smiled noticing how he was looking at her. “Yeah let’s drink.”, Tristan agreed. “Yes liquor, plenty of it.”, Merrick nodded putting an arm around Zoe’s shoulders as they made their way to the bar ordering three beers, a glass of wine, and four shots of tequila. There was laughing and conversation about anything that wasn’t Merrick moving away. Between rounds of liquor and water there was dancing. Currently Zoe had Merrick out on the dance floor for a slow song while Malcolm and Tristan were posted up leaning on the table they’d been using, both trying to stay standing. “You know I know he goes great with Rose, but damn he looks good with that girl.”, Tristan sighed shaking his head sipping his beer as he looked to the dance floor. Merrick and Zoe were dancing close. Zoe’s arms wrapped around his neck her fingers lightly playing with the hairs on the back of his head while his arms were holding her close sitting at the small of her back absentmindedly rubbing circles with his thumbs and her head resting against his chest. Malcolm nodded leaning on his elbows sipping his beer. “Yeah. If Rose had walked that summer she met Faelan we wouldn’t be facing him moving, at least to England. Only moving would be him and Zoe moving in together.”, Malcolm agreed.
As the song came to an end the pair pulled apart. “Hey I’ll be back just hitting the bathroom.”, Merrick spoke into her ear as a loud uptempo song started. Zoe nodded. “I’ll be at the table with the boys.”, she said before heading to the table while Merrick went to the restroom. “Having a good time Zoe?”, Tristan smiled noticing Zoe looking over her shoulder to Merrick’s back in the crowd as he made his way to the bathrooms. “Hmm? Um yeah. Just, I know we said no talking about it. But I’m going to miss him when he leaves. He was the first friend, not counting Uncle Alec, I made here. It won’t be the same with him gone.”, she sighed. Malcolm rubbed her back handing her a drink. “Hey I’m with you Zoe. Merrick’s been my best friend since I can remember. It’ll be weird that I can’t just come to Bayville and hang out.”, Malcolm empathized. “I’ve not been as close to him or as long as Mal. And till recently I wouldn’t even have imagined the man would think of me as his friend. But I’m glad that I am. Despite the stories I was told about his rebellious youth he’s a rather awesome guy. He’s actually made this adjustment to being here a lot easier for me. I’ll miss his fine ass.”, Tristan agreed taking a drink. “Merrick doesn’t make friends easily, but when he does we become his family we become his pack.”, Malcolm sighed. Zoe frowned taking the shot she’d been handed. “This blows. I mean I like Rose and I want him happy. But he’d giving up everything for her. She better appreciate it.”, she sighed taking another shot. “She will. I know Rose. And when he shows up there and she gets told he’s moving she’ll know what he’s given up to have her.”, Tristan assured.
“You know I don’t think he gets what him leaving will mean. I don’t mean to just us, to everyone here. I think he needs to know.”, Malcolm smiled a thought forming. “What’s the plan Sparky?”, Tristan asked raising an eyebrow Malcolm now having his and Zoe’s attention. “We throw him a party. We can have it at the Haven so it’ll be open to either side to come. I’ll get with Tommy and have him put together a video. We get everyone to say something on the video about Merrick. Share a memory, tell him he’ll be missed and what he means even give Tommy pictures to throw in the video of people with Merrick so he can see the good times he’s made happen.”, Malcolm explained. “I’m liking this idea. Let’s do it. I’ll even get Alexander to take part. He may like to say he hates Merrick but he’s gotta have good memories of him.”, Zoe smiled. “I’m in. Merrick’s too awesome to not realize that for himself. I’ll see if Blaire has any pictures from that beach party I first met him that can be used.”, Tristan offered. “Perfect. Now shhh he’s coming back.”, Malcolm smiled finishing off his beer. Merrick raised an eyebrow. “You three are quite. I’m terrified.”, Merrick greeted leaning around Zoe to take his beer drinking it. “We were just contemplating how drunk we all are and if we should leave soon.”, Zoe quickly covered up leaning back against him. “Mmmhmm. Well I am drunk I’ll admit that. I told Aurelia I’d be leaving the car here so it doesn’t get towed. So we all looking to start our walk to Zoe’s to crash?”, Merrick asked finishing the beer and then grabbing one of the remaining tequila shots and downing it. “Sounds like a plan. To Zoe’s.”, Tristan and Malcolm agreed finishing off the last two shots. Zoe laughed a little. “Oh boy I come home with three hot men, if Klaus or one of the other waitresses could see this I’d never hear the end.”, Zoe chuckled feeling a bit tipsy herself. “Mmm well let them see.”, Merrick said as they headed to get their coats before their walk to Zoe’s apartment.
The four tried to quietly stumble up the stairs to Zoe’s apartment not wanting to wake Alec up. As they got inside they took off their jackets and shoes. “So who is sleeping where?”, Malcolm asked yawning pulling out his cell. ‘Safe @ Zoe. Crash her living room. Love you.’, he quickly texted with some grammar errors in his drunk text to Cora Lee. “Yes where you stashing us?”, Tristan asked doing the same as Malcolm. ‘We @ Zoe. Sleeping off drink. Love you.’, Tristan texted Blaire. Cora Lee rolled in her bed, she didn’t sleep as easily since starting to share the bed with Malcolm, hearing her phone go off. ‘Glad you made it the few blocks in one piece. Love you too. See you tomorrow.’, she replied before trying to fall asleep knowing he was at least safe. Blaire was still up alternating between studying for a test, writing a term paper, and working a case for her job. She smiled hearing Tristan’s familiar ringtone. She giggled reading the text. ‘Okay remember to do your stretches. Love you baby.’, she texted back returning to her work. “I no know about you. I built bed. I sleep in it.”, Merrick commented walking in the direction of the bedroom unbuttoning his shirt. “And no Tristan you do not share bed too.”, Merrick added before walking into the room continuing to disrobe just on autopilot before crawling into her bed in just his boxers not fully covering up. “I’ll get you guys blankets.”, Zoe chuckled heading to her office getting out the extra blankets and pillows. “You take couch. You got the bad back.”, Malcolm pointed as he pulled off his shirt to get ready to just pass out.
“Here you two go.”, Zoe said handing Malcolm the bundle of blankets and pillows ignoring that he was shirtless. “Thanks. Night.”, Malcolm and Tristan waved as Zoe went back to her bedroom. “What’s the odds he’s in animal form?”, Tristan asked with a laugh taking a pillow and a blanket from Malcolm starting to undress enough before collapsing on the couch. “God this is almost as comfortable as Blaire’s bed. That man is magic with furniture.”, Tristan yawned getting comfortable. Malcolm chuckled. “I’m not a betting man.”, Malcolm shook his head tossing the pillow onto the floor and laying down pulling the blanket over himself ready to sleep. Zoe sighed smiling softly as she looked to her bed seeing Merrick laying there on his back in his boxers. His eyes were closed so she figured he was probably passed out already. She quietly changed into a pair of shorts and tank top walking to the side of the bed looking at him debating if she should just take her other pillow and a blanket to sleep on the floor to avoid being in the bed with him. “Sleeeep hellraiser.”, Merrick mumbled rolling and grabbing her from the side of the bed pulling her into the bed holding her tight. Zoe chuckled a little being pulled to her bed. “Alright drunk kitten.”, Zoe laughed softly running her hand through his hair. “Meow.”, Merrick replied closing his eyes again falling asleep not a thought given to holding and cuddling her close. Zoe sighed softly hearing him purr and snuggled to him. How she’d missed having him close keeping her warm at night. “I love you and god I’m going to miss you.”, she whispered before falling asleep in his arms contently listening to his pur.