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Rachel and the rest of the Manhattan house had to adjust to the idea that Landon was returning to active duty for the X-Men, even if it was temporary. The Fayte sisters were still not adjusting well to the death of their parents. The youngest, Delilah had become like a zombie. She went through the motions of day to day life but there was no emotions. That spark of life, the gentle, loving and carefree girl she’d been had died with her parents. She felt more like a shell of who she was. The middle daughter, Persephone was just so filled with anger that she had nowhere to direct it. She started to lash out getting in trouble in school. A few scuffles here and there with fellow students. The eldest, Crista was bearing the heavy burden of trying to help her sisters while working three jobs to support them. The money for their parents life insurance policy had covered the funeral costs but it was running out and Crista feared that soon they’d need to sell possessions and worse the house. She was hiding that from her sisters. She didn’t want to tell them that they might need to move. She wanted to hold out for as long as they could. She at least wanted Persephone to graduate from high school. Crista had to get help from extended family, her father's cousin Daniel. Daniel and his wife Kelly were willing to help as best they could. Daniel had been close to Christopher when they were kids. And they felt bad that the accident left the three girls dependent on each other. Crista had assured Daniel that the help would just be till June when Persephone graduated. They they’d sell the house and move. She was considering Bayville since she’d been checking into community colleges and Bayville was well ranked and seemed to have reasonable rental prices.
Crista was so preoccupied dealing with finances, her three jobs and trying to help her sisters she’d completely forgotten that she had a boyfriend. Crista was rushing to change her clothes needed to get out of the uniform for the dinner she worked at in the morning to the black skirt and white button up to wear to the seafood restaurant she had to work at tonight when her phone started to ring. She picked up not even bothering with caller id keeping it on speaker phone. “His this is Crista Fayte.”, she greeted. “Hey Crista it’s Joseph. Um do you maybe have a couple minutes?”, he asked nervous. He’s been putting a lot of thought into this. Their relationship wasn’t even a relationship anymore. He was over at Stony Brook finishing his degree and she was running like a chicken with her head cut off working three jobs to take care of her sisters. He felt like a total asshole that he was calling to break up. He knew he should do it in person, but with coming into the last month of the semester he didn’t have time and Crista never had time. “Oh yeah um if you talk quick. I’m changing to go work at Red Lobster.”, she nodded starting to button her shirt. Joseph sighed a little. “Right. I’ll try to be quick. I know this is a complete asshole move. And I should be doing this in person. But I’m over loaded with class work and well you are always overloaded with work.”, he started to explain. Crista paused arching an eyebrow looking at the phone sitting on her bed. “What’s going on Joseph?”, she asked.
“This relationship. It’s not even a relationship anymore. I see you for all over ten maybe twenty minutes when I’ve been able to come visit you. I spend more time with your sisters than I have you. And I get you need to work and you are supporting your sisters. But I have no place in your schedule. We barely even talk these days you are always so busy doing something and when you aren’t working you’re sleeping. Which I know you are tired and need that sleep. But you realize we haven’t done more than a quick kiss in the last six months? We used to spend a couple hours a day just making out. That’s not even getting into the face how often we used to have sex. Which god I miss sex.”, he explained putting it all out there. Crista blinked, the reality that this was a break up call setting in. “I love you and all Crista. But right now I don’t think there can be an us. You don’t have the time for me. And I know it’s selfish but I need someone that I’m not fighting tooth and nail just for a couple hours of her time. Maybe some day we can reconnect and rekindle when things have become less chaotic for you. But right now… I just can’t keep doing this.”, Joseph sighed. Crista choked back her emotions. She was so angry that he was doing this over the phone. But she could understand it. They hadn’t really had time together in so long and she couldn’t tell when she would have time for a relationship. Then knowing soon she’d have to move her sisters even further away. He did deserve to have a girlfriend that could actually spend time with him. But then the sadness hit her. That she’d be losing someone who’d been in tiny ways trying to support her. “I get it… I do. It’s okay.”, Crista said taking a breath to regain composure.
She went to pick up her phone seeing the call waiting indicator. “Um Joseph if that’s all I need to go. The high school is calling.”, Crista sighed. “Yeah um that was all. Bye Crista.”, Joseph sighed hanging up. Crista switched to the second line. “This is Crista Fayte.”, she greeted. “Miss Fayte. Good afternoon. This is Principle Henderson from the High School. I need you to please come immediately to pick up Persephone. We can discuss at that time her suspension and it’s reasoning.”, a man’s voice greeted. Crista pinched the bridge of her nose. Her sister had been acting out a lot but to get suspended. “Yeah. I’ll be right there Mister Henderson.”, she frowned hanging up. She grabbed her jacket and purse heading for the beat up car her parents had left them calling Red Lobster as she drove. “HI this is Crista. I’m calling to say I might be a little late for my shift. I have to go to the high school for an emergency about my sister.”, Crista explained to her boss. “You know Crista this is the fourth time in the last two months you’ve called in like this.”, Russ sighed shaking his head. “Look I know Russ but I’m her legal guardian. I have to go.”, she sighed. “Fine but I don’t know how many more times I can save your job for you. get here as soon as you can.”, Russ said hanging up. “Great...just fucking great. My boyfriend dumps me, my sister gets suspended and now one of my jobs in in jeopardy. That’s just what I need.”, Crista cursed punching the steering wheel.
Persephone was sitting outside the principal’s office her arms folded holding her ribs a look of annoyance on her face. Thought it was hard to tell if she really looked annoyed, her lip was busted and her right eye was slightly swollen and turning black and blue. In the chairs to her right sat the five boys she’d gotten into a fight with. They didn’t look much better than she did. A couple looked okay nothing but a few scratches. The one had a broken nose, another had a busted lip, and two others had black eyes. All six were waiting for their parents or in Persephone’s case guardian to arrive and take them home. Persephone refused to regret the fight. She’d been leaving her shop class having just finished a rebuild of her teacher’s Ford Fusion’s transmission that had died on him when she came upon the group of, her own description, douchebag jocks taunting a new student in an otherwise empty hallway. She’d seen the new student in lunch the period before. He’d been sitting by himself with his hood pulled up trying to hide from everyone with his metal crutches as it his side. Persephone hadn’t bothered trying to talk to the kid. After all she hadn’t exactly been the most social since her parents died. But when she walked out of the shop to the sounds of ‘hey freak!’ and ‘mutie in the middle!’ taunts seeing the five lettermen jocks tossing a book bag high in the air and the new kid jumping to try and get it back.
But it was as she got a look lower she realized what the jocks were talking about. The kid was certainly a mutant. His legs, which she could only see because apparently they’d dragged the poor boy out of the locker room post shower, looked like that of a satyr hooves and all. Persephone’s kelly green eyes looking higher seeing the kid trying to jump while holding his towel with one hand and saw the small horns on his head as his curls were matted from his shower to now longer hide them. It made her think of her little sister. Her sister at least could hide her hooves and such with her powers, but her antlers had to be cut down to hide. And as she thought about her little sister anger started to boil up in Persephone. “HEY DOUCHEBAGS!! BACK OFF!”, She shouted still carrying her torque wrench from the shop and swung at the guy closest to her. It certainly got their attention as they dropped the kid’s bag. The boy quickly scrambled to get his bag and before the five moved to surround her she caught a glimpse of the boy’s eyes. There was fear and gratitude mixed in them. She wasn’t sure if the fear was still for himself or now for her. “You little fucking greasy bitch!”, the one she’d hit yelled taking a swing at her. Persephone had managed to move out of the way letting his fist hit a locker but had found herself running into one of his buddies. “My mom told me not to hit girls. But I think an exception can be made.”, the one she ran into glared punching her in the face. “Wow well if you are going to punch like that, I could see why. You punch like a toddler.”, Persephone retorted throwing a punch of her own. It was a combination of seeing them picking on the kid just because he was a mutant and just wanting to have something to focus all her rage at that kept her fighting. The boy had run off to get help. But when he’d returned with the principal and school nurse Persephone was on the ground beaten but the boys weren’t much better off and only stopped kicking her because the principal yelled at them to.
She’d been taken to the nurse's office to have her injuries addressed and was told she was lucky she’d not broken anything. The principal had met with each of them alone and gotten each of their sides of the stories. The boys said she hit them out of nowhere and that all they’d been doing was helping the new kid which didn’t match up with the story the boy and Persephone told. Persephone and the five boys were still getting suspended for fighting and the police were still getting called for the assault. As they sat waiting Persephone could feel them staring angrily at her. because she’d gotten involved and because they decided to all gang up and beat on her they were now suspended, off all school sports for the rest of the year and if she decided to press charges they could be seeing jail time. After all courts wouldn't care that she started the fight, they’d just see five young men of much larger builds ganging up and beating up on the poor orphan girl. Crista was the first guardian to arrive, getting there at the same time as the police. It was officer O’Bryan, the same that had told them about their parents accident. He paused recognizing Crista as he removed his hat and held the door for her. “I take it you’re here about the same thing as me.”, he greeted. “Oh um Officer….”, Crista blinked trying to remember his name though he looked familiar as she walked inside. “O’Bryan.”, he nodded following her inside. “Right. Um hi. And what do you mean the same thing? Mister Henderson only told me Persephone was getting suspended not arrested.”, Crista asked concerned now that the police were involved.
“She’s not getting arrested. But if she gives the say so I might be arresting some boys.”, he explained as he walked alongside her and opened the office door for her. Crista furrowed her brow, repeating the line ‘might be arresting some boys’ in her mind. ‘What the hell happened?’, Crista wondered. But her answer was given as she stepped inside and saw her sister with her busted lip and black eye. “PERSEPHONE!”, Crista yelled racing over to her sister kneeling on the floor looking at her face gently turning it by her chin. “Hey Crista… oh and hey Office O’Bryan.”, Persephone greeted solemnly. The boys all looked to the officer with a twinge of fear. “What the hell happened? Are you okay?”, Crista asked worried giving zero attention to the five boys. “I’d like to know what happened myself.”, O’Bryan said taking out a pad of paper and a pen. Persephone sighed. “I was leaving shop, just finished that extra credit of rebuilding a transmission. See these five douchebags taunting the new kid because he’s a mutant with a physical mutation. They were throwing his bag over his head and apparently had dragged him out of the gym showers because poor kid only had a towel he was trying to keep on.”, she started to explained. ‘He is a satyr it reminded me too much of Delilah and well it got me angry thinking of someone treating her like that.’, she explained telepathically to her sister. Crista nodded a little. She couldn’t fault Persephone for getting angry thinking of someone trying to treat their baby sister that way. She had to admit the idea made her angry as she shot a glare to the five boys. “What happened next Miss Fayte?”, O’Bryan asked. “I yelled for them to back off and hit asshole number one down there with my torque wrench I still had on me. Then the five of them turn on me as expected. I duck asshole number one’s punch and run into asshole number two. He punched me in the face busting my lip. From there it was a brawl me versus the five of them. The kid went to get help and by the time he got back with it these buttmunches had me on the ground kicking my ribs.”, Persephone explained.
O’Bryan nodded writing it all down before his gaze looked to the five boys. All five looked to the ground. They weren’t complete idiots. Self defense as an excuse went out the door when more than just the boy she’d hit first got involved. “You boys realize if Miss Fayte tells me she’s pressing charges you’ll be going with me and not your parents.”, he said putting his notepad away as the principal came out. “Oh good you are here officer. Hello Crista. So i suppose you now know why your sister is suspended for the week. We can’t tolerate fighting, no matter the reason.”, Henderson said. Crista nodded a little but was keeping her eyes on Persephone. “What do you want to do Perse? It’s your call.”, Crista asked. “I want to go home. And I want these douchebags to rot.”, she said sternly glaring at the five boys who all gulped. The parents of the five boys came rushing in. Their mothers checking them for injuries. “What are you going to do about who did this to our boys?”, one mother asked looking from the principal to the officer. “I’ve suspended her and them for the fight. As for what the officer is going to do…”, Henderson said looking to O’Bryan. “What I’m going to do is take all five of these boys to the precinct and book them for assault.”, he instructed reaching for his radio. “I need back up, five juveniles to be taken in for a 240.”, he called over the radio. “What?!”, a mother yelled holding her son tight. “My son… our sons would never hit a girl.”, she demanded. Crista stood up and narrowed her eyes and the woman. “Oh really? Really? That so? How about you look at my kid sister. Want to tell me how she got the black eye, the busted lip or the bruised ribs? She sure the hell didn’t do it to herself. Your boys….are not the little angels you like to think.”, Crista glared at the woman. “She...she had to have provoked them.”, a mother defended. “Nothing...I mean NOTHING gives them the right to lay a finger on my sister and sure the hell not to gang up and beat on her. See you in court. Let’s go Persephone I’m taking you to the hospital. Officer, we’ll stop by the station after to file the charges.”, Crista said taking Persephone’s hand.
Persephone blinked seeing Crista rage out, well rage for Crista. She quickly got her bookbag and jacket and left with her sister. “Whoa Crista I’ve never seen you pissed.”, Persephone commented as she got into the car. “Yeah well I don’t care if you started the fight, you started it for the right reasons. Nothing gives them the right to gang up on you like that. Come on let’s get you checked out and get medical documentation of your injuries to give to the police. I hope those little shitheads get a fitting punishment. I’m sure assault won’t look good on their records when it comes time to look for colleges and jobs.”, Crista snorted pulling out of the high school parking lot as a couple more police cruisers pulled in to pick up the five boys. This day just didn’t seem to be getting any better for Crista. She kept a close eye on Persephone the rest of the day, calling in from work saying her sister had been assaulted so she needed to stay with her. Delilah was worried when word spread across the school about her sister’s fight. She’d rushed into the house after getting off the bus and right to Persephone. Persephone had to retell the story to Delilah. Which even sweet Delilah narrowed her eyes at the tale. Delilah upset that someone would treat that boy the way they had and even more that those boys had beaten up her big sister. With the events behind them and the days slipping by Crista was starting to wish they could move sooner than later. She wanted to get her sisters out of this town. Away from all of this and start fresh. She’d been reading up on Bayville more and more. She knew they had a good college and high school. So that’d be good for her sisters. She also read that the town seemed to be a bit more on the level in regards to their treatment of mutants. Maybe starting over in Bayville would work out for all three of them. She could only hope.
Time was running out for Merrick. He’d finished all his packing and got all his things in order. His and Faelan’s furniture were all ready to be shipped to the house in Surrey. Logan had taken over the Sanctuary fully so that was running smoothly. He had enough stock at the store in Boston that he wasn’t worried about needing to resupply it with more pieces till after the new year. He’d, with his father’s help, sold Tristan thirty percent of Aonair Mac Tíre. So when Tristan wasn’t working the ranch for Holly he was running the overall business at the shop in Boston for Merrick. He’d at least learned from years of the rodeo and ranching how to keep books and such. And there was a store manager that kept the employees in check for him. So all of that was being handled and in the hands of people Merrick trusted. He still had a nervous pit in his stomach about the move. He didn’t want to leave his businesses, his friends and his family but he knew if he didn’t he’d never have Rose. He kept reminding himself that having her was worth what he was giving up. Faelan still didn’t really understand what was going on, but Merrick hadn’t given him much detail not wanting the toddler to blow up his spot accidentally some Skype or phone call with Rose. While he was busy getting everything ready for the flight he had no clue that his three best friends were planning a huge surprise party for him at the Haven or the great lengths that they’d gone to in its planning.
Between the three of them and with Tommy’s help, they’d gotten pictures and video of everyone but Emma giving a memory about Merrick that they treasure and telling him goodbye. Tristan had even called Rose and secretly recorded her talking about how much she loves Merrick to be added into the film. Between Kim, Aislinn, Zoe and Alec there was a huge spread of vegetarian dishes being served. All of Merrick’s favorites had been prepared. Zoe’s opinion was if someone didn’t like that it was a meat free event they could leave because this was for Merrick. Tristan, Blaire and the others from their house had gotten decorations. Gabriel and Hope hanging anything that needed to go up high. The whole first floor of the Haven being set as party central. Malcolm got Landon and his band to agree to handle the music. And Logan and Aurelia had offered up the booze. Everything was in place and everyone willing to come, even Academy students, had arrived at the Haven to wait for Merrick to arrive. Merrick had taken Faelan for a final check up at the Hamilton Clinic and to pick up his prescription medication to handle the flight. He didn’t even think anything of Kisa trying to rush him out, he figured she was closing up and probably had plans with her husband. Couldn’t fault the woman wanting to spend time with her husband. “Alright let’s go home…”, Merrick sighed getting Faelan into the car. He tried to not think about how this was the last time he’d be able to call it home. Tomorrow they’d be on a plane going to their new home.
He wasn’t paying much attention as he walked into the Haven carrying Faelan. But as soon as he closed the door he paused. He could smell a number of people and as he looked around the dark house he could see banners and balloons. “SURPRISE!”, everyone shouted coming out of hiding as the lights flew on. Merrick groaned shaking his head. “Seriously? I could smell all of you and even in the dark could see the decorations. What are you guys doing?”, Merrick asked. Kim walked over taking Faelan from him. “Ask your friends dear.”, Kim smiled. Merrick arched an eyebrow looking in the direction of the culprits grinning at him. Malcolm, Tristan and Zoe all shrugged. “You honestly thought we would let you leave without a proper goodbye?”, Zoe asked walking over hugging him tight. “I didn’t exactly… I mean I figured maybe hang out with you guys tonight. But this? Jesus there’s a lot of people here.”, Merrick said looking around as he hugged Zoe. It was truly mixed company. There was of course his parents, Sebastian, Gina, Demitri, Jean, Nathan, Josalyn, Robert, Lily, Tommy, Logan, Aurelia, Alec, Landon, Rachel, Cora Lee, and Blaire. But there was also most of the institute kids, their parents, and he was even more surprised to see academy students and their parents especially when he noticed Alexander was there. “Because a lot of people care about you handsome.”, Tristan smiled patting his shoulder. “Right...how much did you pay the academy kids?”, Merrick countered keeping an arm around Zoe as she pulled him further into the festivities. “Not a dime.”, Malcolm smiled. “Now come on. Come sit. There’s something we want to show you.”, Malcolm insisted.
Merrick laughed a little nervous as the trio guided him to the couch which was moved to face the big screen tv directly. He sat in the middle finding himself sandwiched between Malcolm and Tristan. “What is going on guys?”, Merrick asked. “Shhh…”, Zoe insisted with a smile grabbing the remote. Merrick shook his head and pulled her to sit on his right leg. “Alright everyone find a seat.”, Malcolm instructed. Everyone crammed as best they could getting seats on chairs, stools, and the floor or just standing to watch. Cora Lee and Blaire squeezed their way over to use their boyfriends as furniture for what was about to happen. Zoe smiled and hit play. It started with a black screen and a baby picture fizzled into focus. It was Merrick’s baby picture taken at the institute after he was born. ‘Merrick Edward Bryant-Frost came into this world June 10th, 2006 at 3:45am. He weighed in at a healthy 9lbs 5oz.’ the words scrolled across the bottom of the screen. Merrick groaned shaking his head leaning his forehead on Zoe’s shoulder. “What did you three do?”, he muttered “Shh.”, Tristan elbowed him. The picture faded out and a few more started to come onto the screen of him with his sisters before cutting to Lily. “Alright so I apparently get to kick this off not so little brother.”, Lily sighed running her hand through her hair.
“Where do I even begin to talk about you? To express myself? Guess I just let it flow. I couldn’t ask for a better brother than you Merrick. I know when I left the Academy it hurt you, that you thought I was leaving you and replacing you by spending more time with Demitri and Landon. But they could never be you. They aren’t my triplet, you are. I remember when we were little, before I left that you were the one that I knew would always be there to pick me up if I fell. You’ve always had such a big heart even if you liked to encase it with reinforced steel walls. Our whole lives you’ve acted as the big brother, even though I’m two minutes older than you.”, Lily smiled. “You lived life a bit dangerously and no one knew if you really had direction. But now. God now you are on track. You have it all together. And soon you will really have it all as you leave to be with Rose. And I couldn’t be prouder of everything you’ve accomplished. That you are following your heart and going to the woman you love. I’m going to miss you, but I know you’ll be well loved over there and how happy you and Faelan are going to be with Rose. And I know I’ll see you again. Family never really leaves us right. I’ll see you in April when you come home to walk me down the aisle. Who knows maybe one day I’ll get to stand up at your wedding. I guess the only thing left I can say is I love you Merrick and you are the world.”, Lily said blowing a kiss.
Merrick shook his head lightly keeping a hand over his face while the other still held Zoe. As lily faded out Josalyn appeared. “Merrick...god what do I say to you? You are the one that is good at talking to siblings. Of giving the pep talks. Like you did for me at my wedding. You have always been my rock. The one that no matter what was happening, no matter what I did I could go to. You are the heart of this family. We all know it. When...when Nana passed away. We all knew it killed you. You were her favorite and loved her best. But because you are our rock you stood solid and let us all cry upon your shoulder. You are just the most amazing brother ever. And Rose better know how lucky she is to have you and Faelan in her lives. And that you are doing all this for her. This is above and beyond the most romantic gesture I could ever imagine a man doing to the woman he loves. And I wish you all the happiness in the world in your move and your future with her. And know that no ocean will stop me from loving my triplet. I will be just a phone call away if you ever need me or even when you just want to shoot the breeze. I love you Merrick.”, Josalyn smiled softly before fading out. Next were Kim and Christian. “Okay...I’m not going to cry. I swear I’m not going to cry during this.”, Kim started. Christian smiled a little hugging his wife kissing her cheek. “He'll understand if you cry.”, Christian assured. Kim sniffled and nodded before looking to the camera. “Merrick, my sweet boy. Words can’t begin to tell you how much you mean to me. Or how much I’m going to miss you as you take this new step into the unknown. I won’t be there to see you every day, to make sure you eat all three meals. For the first time in your twenty-three years of being the love of my life we will be apart. I’m not going to know what to do with myself.”, Kim sniffled brushing back a tear.
“Merrick I am so proud of the man you’ve grown to be. And I know my grandmother was just as proud. I’m sure she’s watching over you and Faelan as your guardian angel. And I know she’s smiling that you are going to Rose. I know you are doing the right thing. Because if you love someone..”, Christian paused taking Kim’s hand. “You don’t let anything or anyone stop you from being with them. I know you will do great in this next chapter of your life. I’ll miss you though but I know I need to let you do this. We love you Merrick.”, Christian smiled. Merrick was holding back tears. HIs mother and father had been the ones to really get to him so far. It wasn’t unexpected given how much they mean to him. Zoe sighed and leaned into him resting her head against his as the video continued. Sebastian got to say his peace, choosing to just read his essay on why he looked up to Merrick from an old English assignment. The video continued with everyone present, and then some that weren’t talking along with pictures of Merrick with people. Merrick laughed a little as the picture of him, Malcolm, Tristan, Tommy, Landon, Billy, Atif, and Xavier from the summer he started hooking up with Rose came up. “Oh god that picture..”, Merrick shook his head. Zoe and Blaire both laughed a little. “I love this picture.”, they spoke in unison before laughing. Merrick and Tristan both laughed. Then the picture of Merrick, Tristan and Malcolm in boxers in Zoe’s kitchen came up. Blaire let out a whistle. “God damn.”, Blaire smirked leaning into Tristan giving him a kiss on the cheek. Cora Lee shook her head a little leaning into Malcolm. “Seriously Zoe pictures in boxers made the cut?”, Merrick sighed shaking his head. “What it’s a moment I’ll never forget.”, Zoe teased.
Merrick rolled his eyes but smiled. The pictures changing to show pictures of him with Nana Hazel. He got a little misty eyed seeing her face. Then the screen changed to black. ‘As a reminder to you and to us why you are doing this’ the words said simply. Then pictures of him with Rose and Rose with Faelan started coming up. Merrick smiled, it was a good way to end the video showing him pictures of Rose. Though he wondered why there hadn’t been a segment with the trio that surrounded him and put this all together. The the screen went black and he figured it was over then he heard Tristan talking. “Come on Rose just tell me. You are one of my most beloved friends. And sure I like Merrick and all. But I just want to hear it from you. Sell me on this whole ‘Merrick and Rose’ relationship.”, Tristan spoke. Merrick raised an eyebrow looking to his right at Tristan. Tristan just grinned. A picture of Rose appeared on the screen. “Ugh. You are such a pain in the ass.”, Rose sighed. “Yes I know. Now just tell me. What is it about Merrick that makes him the guy for you.”, Tristan insisted. “Alright fine. You want me to tell you about Merrick. I will since it’ll shut you up.”, Rose sighed. “My earliest memories of Merrick I thought he was this vicious dog the academy kept on a chain to unleash when they saw fit. I mean with how he was in school can’t fault me for that conclusion. And I couldn’t understand why even Rachel defended him after the hell he put her through in school. But then he left the Academy and started to show who he really was.”, Rose continued.
“When he left the Academy I realized he was just some attack dog there for their bidding. He was a protective wolf that only sought to protect his pack, his family. He left the Academy for his mother, to keep her safe. That showed he had a softer side. And the more I got to know him. I realized that the vicious attack dog, even the protective wolf were just a front. They hid the man he really is.”, he explained a smile could be heard in her voice. “Oh and what’s the man he really is?”, Tristan asked. “He’s this gentle, kind, compassionate, and loving man. Sure he’s only that way to the people he cares about. But that’s what matters. That he’s that man for those that mean something to him. And I don’t know how I managed it, I don’t care either I’m just glad I get to be one of those people he cares about, that he loves. Because I love him Tristan. God I love him so much.”, she sighed softly. “I used to think I would be like Uncle John. Go lifetimes refusing love because why love? There would be no future with someone like me and anyone else. But with him. With Merrick….I look at him or just think about him. And I feel hope. I know that with him I have a future. Because no matter what my doubts are he’s the one that will tell me to let the doubts go. He’s the one that makes me believe and feel that hope. He makes me so happy Tristan. It’s agony being away from him, but when I get to talk to him and even more when I get to see him all the doubts and worries about the distance and how we’ll make our future happen disappear. Because I know he loves me and I love him and we are both too stubborn to let this go and I know we will have a future together.”, Rose finished a smile in her voice. The picture of Rose disappeared along with the audio. “Okay…”, Merrick started to say before the black disappeared.
There sitting on stools at the island counter at Zoe’s apartment sat Malcolm, Zoe and Tristan. “Did you honestly think we’d let this video end without getting in our say?”, Malcolm smiled at the camera. “You don’t get off that easy big guy.”, Tristan chimed in. “This is probably the only format I’ll be able to say goodbye to you and not start crying.”, Zoe admitted. Merrick’s eyes looked to Zoe who’s head was against his shoulder and she nodded a little. “Guess I’ll go first since I’m newest.”, Tristan smiled. “When I met you that day on the beach five years ago I had my own doubts about you. I’d heard horror stories of the asshole you were in high school. And you were more than a little grumpy when you arrived. Then you took that shirt off. God damn man never hide a body like that again, the world needs to see that.”, Tristan chuckled starting out with a bit of a joke. “Then it was a couple years later that you literally saved my life. You didn’t have to get involved that day. But you’re just that type of awesome man. You couldn’t bring yourself to do nothing so stepped in and protected me and Blaire. You showed yourself that day to be a hero. Because man you are my hero. After my injury when I came East and so many times wanted to crawl into a dark hole and stay there you wouldn't let me. You said you were only doing nice things because you’d promised Rose to be nicer to her friends. But that’s not it. I have no clue how I managed it, but you let me in. You let me become your friend. And you were there for me when I needed a friend. No offense to my amazing Blaire or to our roomies Hope, Bianca and Gabriel. You guys are the greatest, but Merrick is a whole different column. With you there’s a kinship man. I’ve never really had a best friend, I traveled too much for that. But in the last couple years that I’ve been here you’ve become that best friend. And I’m going to miss you like crazy. Miss having someone to just hang out with, to swap stories. To laugh with. To turn down propositions from chicks at bars and clubs with. But I know it’s for the greater good. that greater good being you and Rose happy under one roof. I know what you are going through man. Leaving what you know for the love of your life. I don’t regret for a second coming to be with Blaire and I don’t think you’ll regret going to Rose. Now I’m not going to get all lifetime movie special on you. So I’ll leave it with...jerk.”, Tristan grinned.
Merrick sighed shaking his head a little covering his face while Tristan talked. He rolled his eyes a little at the last part, but had to admit it was rather touching to be called Tristan’s best friend. “Bitch.”, Merrick muttered nudging Tristan with his elbow. “Alright I’m going to go next, give Zoe time to compose herself.”, Malcolm smiled the camera moving to focus on him. “Merrick you have been my best friend for as long as I can remember. Peas in a pod our mothers used to say. If you did something I was right behind you and vice versa. You were the big brother I never had and better because you are the best friend I always needed and wanted. I knew that I could always depend on you. Even if we didn’t agree I knew you’d have my back. Like when I told you about Cora Lee. I knew you didn’t want to approve, but you backed me. You kept it secret till we could go public. You even helped us when it came down to it. I don’t think I could ever imagine my life without you in it. You pushed me to be better. And I don’t just mean in our training. Which yes having to spar you pushed me to be stronger. But despite your own academic record you were always there pushing me to do better in my classes. You’re the reason I skipped a grade. You would stay up late helping me study and always told me that just because I had brawn didn’t mean I also couldn’t have brains. You were and will always be the most awesome man I’ll ever know. I’m going to miss you when you leave for England. But I know it won’t be like I won’t see or talk to you again. Unlike you I like flying. So if you can come back to visit I’ll come to you. Not like Cora Lee will complain about going to see Rose. Which wow man I am just so happy you finally got her. For those unaware in the audience this man had the hugest crush on Rose in school. He’d never admit it of course. But it was one of the factors that made him dislike Landon, the lucky Bryant that got to be so close to Rose. Well Merrick you are the lucky one now. Because she is all yours. And I don’t need a crystal ball or Atif’s powers to know that you two are going to be happy. See you around man.”, Malcolm waved.
There was some looks around the room at Malcolm revealing Merrick had a school crush on Rose. Merrick sighed looking to Malcolm. Malcolm turned enough to look at him and smiled. The video panned to look at Zoe. “You ready now?”, Tommy asked. Zoe sighed and nodded. “Yeah I think I’m ready.”, she took a deep breath and looked up at the camera. “Merrick… lupo cattivo… you are above and beyond the most amazing man I have ever meet and probably will ever meet. Your reputation had preceded you when I first arrived in Bayville. Which honestly the idea that you had a list of lovers wasn’t a huge surprise. You are absolutely gorgeous. Then I had to stay at the Haven. I was a stranger to you and despite all accounts of the man you were that night you… that night you were the sweetest man to ever live. You came to my room for the purpose of only making sure I was okay. You wouldn’t let me focus on what was happening outside with Geri. Instead you gently placed a hand on my face and made me focus on talking to you. I will never forget how kind you were that night. And after the fight was over and we went downstairs, you used your body to shield me from Geri as she was taken away. I hardly knew you yet… yet I felt safe with you there. I knew you’d protect me.”, Zoe spoke trying to keep her emotions in check but there were tears welling in her eyes. “And from that day on you became such a large part of my life. We became best friends who shared everything with each other. There was never anything I felt I couldn’t tell you and I knew that you always told me everything and were nothing but honest. It’s no wonder that I love you so. You’ve supported me in everything. You have come to every show I’ve been in even when I’m just a background character there to fill in space. You encouraged me to follow my dreams. And I’m encouraging you to follow yours. And I know being with Rose is that dream. you deserve this happiness. Ciao lupo cattivo. Ti amo.”, Zoe sighed blowing a kiss at the screen. The screen went black and the video stopped.
Merrick felt the tears from Zoe on his shoulder and hugged her tight. He was holding back tears of his own. He refused to let himself cry. Even if this was probably the most amazing and touching thing anyone could have ever done for him. Instead he just hugged Zoe tight and rubbed her back. “It’s okay hellraiser. It’s okay.”, he whispered. Cora Lee and Blaire shifted to the couch arms and Malcolm and Tristan hugged Merrick and Zoe too. Kim quickly snapped a picture of the four hugging with a smile. “Okay okay let go.”, Merrick demanded laughing. “I hate you three soo much.”, Merrick laughed. “Aww we love you too.”, Tristan and Malcolm teased letting go. Zoe however hadn’t let go having turned on his lap to wrap her arms around his neck to hold him closer. “I don’t think I can let you go.”, she whispered. Merrick sighed hugging her again and kissed her cheek. “You’re going to have to though. I’m hungry and I smell one hell of a spread of food.”, Merrick smiled at her gently raising her head off his shoulder to look at him as he leaned his forehead against hers. “Ti amo fino alla luna e ritorno. (I love you to the moon and back.)”, he whispered having learned it just for the purpose of saying it to her. Zoe sighed. “Fino alla Luna e ritorno. (To the moon and back)”, she whispered back before kissing his nose. His nose twitched at the kiss which got her laughing as well as the rest of the room. “Come let’s feed you lupo cattivo.”, Zoe sniffled wiping away her tears moving off his lap.

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Rachel and the rest of the Manhattan house had to adjust to the idea that Landon was returning to active duty for the X-Men, even if it was temporary. The Fayte sisters were still not adjusting well to the death of their parents. The youngest, Delilah had become like a zombie. She went through the motions of day to day life but there was no emotions. That spark of life, the gentle, loving and carefree girl she’d been had died with her parents. She felt more like a shell of who she was. The middle daughter, Persephone was just so filled with anger that she had nowhere to direct it. She started to lash out getting in trouble in school. A few scuffles here and there with fellow students. The eldest, Crista was bearing the heavy burden of trying to help her sisters while working three jobs to support them. The money for their parents life insurance policy had covered the funeral costs but it was running out and Crista feared that soon they’d need to sell possessions and worse the house. She was hiding that from her sisters. She didn’t want to tell them that they might need to move. She wanted to hold out for as long as they could. She at least wanted Persephone to graduate from high school. Crista had to get help from extended family, her father's cousin Daniel. Daniel and his wife Kelly were willing to help as best they could. Daniel had been close to Christopher when they were kids. And they felt bad that the accident left the three girls dependent on each other. Crista had assured Daniel that the help would just be till June when Persephone graduated. They they’d sell the house and move. She was considering Bayville since she’d been checking into community colleges and Bayville was well ranked and seemed to have reasonable rental prices.
Crista was so preoccupied dealing with finances, her three jobs and trying to help her sisters she’d completely forgotten that she had a boyfriend. Crista was rushing to change her clothes needed to get out of the uniform for the dinner she worked at in the morning to the black skirt and white button up to wear to the seafood restaurant she had to work at tonight when her phone started to ring. She picked up not even bothering with caller id keeping it on speaker phone. “His this is Crista Fayte.”, she greeted. “Hey Crista it’s Joseph. Um do you maybe have a couple minutes?”, he asked nervous. He’s been putting a lot of thought into this. Their relationship wasn’t even a relationship anymore. He was over at Stony Brook finishing his degree and she was running like a chicken with her head cut off working three jobs to take care of her sisters. He felt like a total asshole that he was calling to break up. He knew he should do it in person, but with coming into the last month of the semester he didn’t have time and Crista never had time. “Oh yeah um if you talk quick. I’m changing to go work at Red Lobster.”, she nodded starting to button her shirt. Joseph sighed a little. “Right. I’ll try to be quick. I know this is a complete asshole move. And I should be doing this in person. But I’m over loaded with class work and well you are always overloaded with work.”, he started to explain. Crista paused arching an eyebrow looking at the phone sitting on her bed. “What’s going on Joseph?”, she asked.
“This relationship. It’s not even a relationship anymore. I see you for all over ten maybe twenty minutes when I’ve been able to come visit you. I spend more time with your sisters than I have you. And I get you need to work and you are supporting your sisters. But I have no place in your schedule. We barely even talk these days you are always so busy doing something and when you aren’t working you’re sleeping. Which I know you are tired and need that sleep. But you realize we haven’t done more than a quick kiss in the last six months? We used to spend a couple hours a day just making out. That’s not even getting into the face how often we used to have sex. Which god I miss sex.”, he explained putting it all out there. Crista blinked, the reality that this was a break up call setting in. “I love you and all Crista. But right now I don’t think there can be an us. You don’t have the time for me. And I know it’s selfish but I need someone that I’m not fighting tooth and nail just for a couple hours of her time. Maybe some day we can reconnect and rekindle when things have become less chaotic for you. But right now… I just can’t keep doing this.”, Joseph sighed. Crista choked back her emotions. She was so angry that he was doing this over the phone. But she could understand it. They hadn’t really had time together in so long and she couldn’t tell when she would have time for a relationship. Then knowing soon she’d have to move her sisters even further away. He did deserve to have a girlfriend that could actually spend time with him. But then the sadness hit her. That she’d be losing someone who’d been in tiny ways trying to support her. “I get it… I do. It’s okay.”, Crista said taking a breath to regain composure.
She went to pick up her phone seeing the call waiting indicator. “Um Joseph if that’s all I need to go. The high school is calling.”, Crista sighed. “Yeah um that was all. Bye Crista.”, Joseph sighed hanging up. Crista switched to the second line. “This is Crista Fayte.”, she greeted. “Miss Fayte. Good afternoon. This is Principle Henderson from the High School. I need you to please come immediately to pick up Persephone. We can discuss at that time her suspension and it’s reasoning.”, a man’s voice greeted. Crista pinched the bridge of her nose. Her sister had been acting out a lot but to get suspended. “Yeah. I’ll be right there Mister Henderson.”, she frowned hanging up. She grabbed her jacket and purse heading for the beat up car her parents had left them calling Red Lobster as she drove. “HI this is Crista. I’m calling to say I might be a little late for my shift. I have to go to the high school for an emergency about my sister.”, Crista explained to her boss. “You know Crista this is the fourth time in the last two months you’ve called in like this.”, Russ sighed shaking his head. “Look I know Russ but I’m her legal guardian. I have to go.”, she sighed. “Fine but I don’t know how many more times I can save your job for you. get here as soon as you can.”, Russ said hanging up. “Great...just fucking great. My boyfriend dumps me, my sister gets suspended and now one of my jobs in in jeopardy. That’s just what I need.”, Crista cursed punching the steering wheel.
Persephone was sitting outside the principal’s office her arms folded holding her ribs a look of annoyance on her face. Thought it was hard to tell if she really looked annoyed, her lip was busted and her right eye was slightly swollen and turning black and blue. In the chairs to her right sat the five boys she’d gotten into a fight with. They didn’t look much better than she did. A couple looked okay nothing but a few scratches. The one had a broken nose, another had a busted lip, and two others had black eyes. All six were waiting for their parents or in Persephone’s case guardian to arrive and take them home. Persephone refused to regret the fight. She’d been leaving her shop class having just finished a rebuild of her teacher’s Ford Fusion’s transmission that had died on him when she came upon the group of, her own description, douchebag jocks taunting a new student in an otherwise empty hallway. She’d seen the new student in lunch the period before. He’d been sitting by himself with his hood pulled up trying to hide from everyone with his metal crutches as it his side. Persephone hadn’t bothered trying to talk to the kid. After all she hadn’t exactly been the most social since her parents died. But when she walked out of the shop to the sounds of ‘hey freak!’ and ‘mutie in the middle!’ taunts seeing the five lettermen jocks tossing a book bag high in the air and the new kid jumping to try and get it back.
But it was as she got a look lower she realized what the jocks were talking about. The kid was certainly a mutant. His legs, which she could only see because apparently they’d dragged the poor boy out of the locker room post shower, looked like that of a satyr hooves and all. Persephone’s kelly green eyes looking higher seeing the kid trying to jump while holding his towel with one hand and saw the small horns on his head as his curls were matted from his shower to now longer hide them. It made her think of her little sister. Her sister at least could hide her hooves and such with her powers, but her antlers had to be cut down to hide. And as she thought about her little sister anger started to boil up in Persephone. “HEY DOUCHEBAGS!! BACK OFF!”, She shouted still carrying her torque wrench from the shop and swung at the guy closest to her. It certainly got their attention as they dropped the kid’s bag. The boy quickly scrambled to get his bag and before the five moved to surround her she caught a glimpse of the boy’s eyes. There was fear and gratitude mixed in them. She wasn’t sure if the fear was still for himself or now for her. “You little fucking greasy bitch!”, the one she’d hit yelled taking a swing at her. Persephone had managed to move out of the way letting his fist hit a locker but had found herself running into one of his buddies. “My mom told me not to hit girls. But I think an exception can be made.”, the one she ran into glared punching her in the face. “Wow well if you are going to punch like that, I could see why. You punch like a toddler.”, Persephone retorted throwing a punch of her own. It was a combination of seeing them picking on the kid just because he was a mutant and just wanting to have something to focus all her rage at that kept her fighting. The boy had run off to get help. But when he’d returned with the principal and school nurse Persephone was on the ground beaten but the boys weren’t much better off and only stopped kicking her because the principal yelled at them to.
She’d been taken to the nurse's office to have her injuries addressed and was told she was lucky she’d not broken anything. The principal had met with each of them alone and gotten each of their sides of the stories. The boys said she hit them out of nowhere and that all they’d been doing was helping the new kid which didn’t match up with the story the boy and Persephone told. Persephone and the five boys were still getting suspended for fighting and the police were still getting called for the assault. As they sat waiting Persephone could feel them staring angrily at her. because she’d gotten involved and because they decided to all gang up and beat on her they were now suspended, off all school sports for the rest of the year and if she decided to press charges they could be seeing jail time. After all courts wouldn't care that she started the fight, they’d just see five young men of much larger builds ganging up and beating up on the poor orphan girl. Crista was the first guardian to arrive, getting there at the same time as the police. It was officer O’Bryan, the same that had told them about their parents accident. He paused recognizing Crista as he removed his hat and held the door for her. “I take it you’re here about the same thing as me.”, he greeted. “Oh um Officer….”, Crista blinked trying to remember his name though he looked familiar as she walked inside. “O’Bryan.”, he nodded following her inside. “Right. Um hi. And what do you mean the same thing? Mister Henderson only told me Persephone was getting suspended not arrested.”, Crista asked concerned now that the police were involved.
“She’s not getting arrested. But if she gives the say so I might be arresting some boys.”, he explained as he walked alongside her and opened the office door for her. Crista furrowed her brow, repeating the line ‘might be arresting some boys’ in her mind. ‘What the hell happened?’, Crista wondered. But her answer was given as she stepped inside and saw her sister with her busted lip and black eye. “PERSEPHONE!”, Crista yelled racing over to her sister kneeling on the floor looking at her face gently turning it by her chin. “Hey Crista… oh and hey Office O’Bryan.”, Persephone greeted solemnly. The boys all looked to the officer with a twinge of fear. “What the hell happened? Are you okay?”, Crista asked worried giving zero attention to the five boys. “I’d like to know what happened myself.”, O’Bryan said taking out a pad of paper and a pen. Persephone sighed. “I was leaving shop, just finished that extra credit of rebuilding a transmission. See these five douchebags taunting the new kid because he’s a mutant with a physical mutation. They were throwing his bag over his head and apparently had dragged him out of the gym showers because poor kid only had a towel he was trying to keep on.”, she started to explained. ‘He is a satyr it reminded me too much of Delilah and well it got me angry thinking of someone treating her like that.’, she explained telepathically to her sister. Crista nodded a little. She couldn’t fault Persephone for getting angry thinking of someone trying to treat their baby sister that way. She had to admit the idea made her angry as she shot a glare to the five boys. “What happened next Miss Fayte?”, O’Bryan asked. “I yelled for them to back off and hit asshole number one down there with my torque wrench I still had on me. Then the five of them turn on me as expected. I duck asshole number one’s punch and run into asshole number two. He punched me in the face busting my lip. From there it was a brawl me versus the five of them. The kid went to get help and by the time he got back with it these buttmunches had me on the ground kicking my ribs.”, Persephone explained.
O’Bryan nodded writing it all down before his gaze looked to the five boys. All five looked to the ground. They weren’t complete idiots. Self defense as an excuse went out the door when more than just the boy she’d hit first got involved. “You boys realize if Miss Fayte tells me she’s pressing charges you’ll be going with me and not your parents.”, he said putting his notepad away as the principal came out. “Oh good you are here officer. Hello Crista. So i suppose you now know why your sister is suspended for the week. We can’t tolerate fighting, no matter the reason.”, Henderson said. Crista nodded a little but was keeping her eyes on Persephone. “What do you want to do Perse? It’s your call.”, Crista asked. “I want to go home. And I want these douchebags to rot.”, she said sternly glaring at the five boys who all gulped. The parents of the five boys came rushing in. Their mothers checking them for injuries. “What are you going to do about who did this to our boys?”, one mother asked looking from the principal to the officer. “I’ve suspended her and them for the fight. As for what the officer is going to do…”, Henderson said looking to O’Bryan. “What I’m going to do is take all five of these boys to the precinct and book them for assault.”, he instructed reaching for his radio. “I need back up, five juveniles to be taken in for a 240.”, he called over the radio. “What?!”, a mother yelled holding her son tight. “My son… our sons would never hit a girl.”, she demanded. Crista stood up and narrowed her eyes and the woman. “Oh really? Really? That so? How about you look at my kid sister. Want to tell me how she got the black eye, the busted lip or the bruised ribs? She sure the hell didn’t do it to herself. Your boys….are not the little angels you like to think.”, Crista glared at the woman. “She...she had to have provoked them.”, a mother defended. “Nothing...I mean NOTHING gives them the right to lay a finger on my sister and sure the hell not to gang up and beat on her. See you in court. Let’s go Persephone I’m taking you to the hospital. Officer, we’ll stop by the station after to file the charges.”, Crista said taking Persephone’s hand.
Persephone blinked seeing Crista rage out, well rage for Crista. She quickly got her bookbag and jacket and left with her sister. “Whoa Crista I’ve never seen you pissed.”, Persephone commented as she got into the car. “Yeah well I don’t care if you started the fight, you started it for the right reasons. Nothing gives them the right to gang up on you like that. Come on let’s get you checked out and get medical documentation of your injuries to give to the police. I hope those little shitheads get a fitting punishment. I’m sure assault won’t look good on their records when it comes time to look for colleges and jobs.”, Crista snorted pulling out of the high school parking lot as a couple more police cruisers pulled in to pick up the five boys. This day just didn’t seem to be getting any better for Crista. She kept a close eye on Persephone the rest of the day, calling in from work saying her sister had been assaulted so she needed to stay with her. Delilah was worried when word spread across the school about her sister’s fight. She’d rushed into the house after getting off the bus and right to Persephone. Persephone had to retell the story to Delilah. Which even sweet Delilah narrowed her eyes at the tale. Delilah upset that someone would treat that boy the way they had and even more that those boys had beaten up her big sister. With the events behind them and the days slipping by Crista was starting to wish they could move sooner than later. She wanted to get her sisters out of this town. Away from all of this and start fresh. She’d been reading up on Bayville more and more. She knew they had a good college and high school. So that’d be good for her sisters. She also read that the town seemed to be a bit more on the level in regards to their treatment of mutants. Maybe starting over in Bayville would work out for all three of them. She could only hope.
Time was running out for Merrick. He’d finished all his packing and got all his things in order. His and Faelan’s furniture were all ready to be shipped to the house in Surrey. Logan had taken over the Sanctuary fully so that was running smoothly. He had enough stock at the store in Boston that he wasn’t worried about needing to resupply it with more pieces till after the new year. He’d, with his father’s help, sold Tristan thirty percent of Aonair Mac Tíre. So when Tristan wasn’t working the ranch for Holly he was running the overall business at the shop in Boston for Merrick. He’d at least learned from years of the rodeo and ranching how to keep books and such. And there was a store manager that kept the employees in check for him. So all of that was being handled and in the hands of people Merrick trusted. He still had a nervous pit in his stomach about the move. He didn’t want to leave his businesses, his friends and his family but he knew if he didn’t he’d never have Rose. He kept reminding himself that having her was worth what he was giving up. Faelan still didn’t really understand what was going on, but Merrick hadn’t given him much detail not wanting the toddler to blow up his spot accidentally some Skype or phone call with Rose. While he was busy getting everything ready for the flight he had no clue that his three best friends were planning a huge surprise party for him at the Haven or the great lengths that they’d gone to in its planning.
Between the three of them and with Tommy’s help, they’d gotten pictures and video of everyone but Emma giving a memory about Merrick that they treasure and telling him goodbye. Tristan had even called Rose and secretly recorded her talking about how much she loves Merrick to be added into the film. Between Kim, Aislinn, Zoe and Alec there was a huge spread of vegetarian dishes being served. All of Merrick’s favorites had been prepared. Zoe’s opinion was if someone didn’t like that it was a meat free event they could leave because this was for Merrick. Tristan, Blaire and the others from their house had gotten decorations. Gabriel and Hope hanging anything that needed to go up high. The whole first floor of the Haven being set as party central. Malcolm got Landon and his band to agree to handle the music. And Logan and Aurelia had offered up the booze. Everything was in place and everyone willing to come, even Academy students, had arrived at the Haven to wait for Merrick to arrive. Merrick had taken Faelan for a final check up at the Hamilton Clinic and to pick up his prescription medication to handle the flight. He didn’t even think anything of Kisa trying to rush him out, he figured she was closing up and probably had plans with her husband. Couldn’t fault the woman wanting to spend time with her husband. “Alright let’s go home…”, Merrick sighed getting Faelan into the car. He tried to not think about how this was the last time he’d be able to call it home. Tomorrow they’d be on a plane going to their new home.
He wasn’t paying much attention as he walked into the Haven carrying Faelan. But as soon as he closed the door he paused. He could smell a number of people and as he looked around the dark house he could see banners and balloons. “SURPRISE!”, everyone shouted coming out of hiding as the lights flew on. Merrick groaned shaking his head. “Seriously? I could smell all of you and even in the dark could see the decorations. What are you guys doing?”, Merrick asked. Kim walked over taking Faelan from him. “Ask your friends dear.”, Kim smiled. Merrick arched an eyebrow looking in the direction of the culprits grinning at him. Malcolm, Tristan and Zoe all shrugged. “You honestly thought we would let you leave without a proper goodbye?”, Zoe asked walking over hugging him tight. “I didn’t exactly… I mean I figured maybe hang out with you guys tonight. But this? Jesus there’s a lot of people here.”, Merrick said looking around as he hugged Zoe. It was truly mixed company. There was of course his parents, Sebastian, Gina, Demitri, Jean, Nathan, Josalyn, Robert, Lily, Tommy, Logan, Aurelia, Alec, Landon, Rachel, Cora Lee, and Blaire. But there was also most of the institute kids, their parents, and he was even more surprised to see academy students and their parents especially when he noticed Alexander was there. “Because a lot of people care about you handsome.”, Tristan smiled patting his shoulder. “Right...how much did you pay the academy kids?”, Merrick countered keeping an arm around Zoe as she pulled him further into the festivities. “Not a dime.”, Malcolm smiled. “Now come on. Come sit. There’s something we want to show you.”, Malcolm insisted.
Merrick laughed a little nervous as the trio guided him to the couch which was moved to face the big screen tv directly. He sat in the middle finding himself sandwiched between Malcolm and Tristan. “What is going on guys?”, Merrick asked. “Shhh…”, Zoe insisted with a smile grabbing the remote. Merrick shook his head and pulled her to sit on his right leg. “Alright everyone find a seat.”, Malcolm instructed. Everyone crammed as best they could getting seats on chairs, stools, and the floor or just standing to watch. Cora Lee and Blaire squeezed their way over to use their boyfriends as furniture for what was about to happen. Zoe smiled and hit play. It started with a black screen and a baby picture fizzled into focus. It was Merrick’s baby picture taken at the institute after he was born. ‘Merrick Edward Bryant-Frost came into this world June 10th, 2006 at 3:45am. He weighed in at a healthy 9lbs 5oz.’ the words scrolled across the bottom of the screen. Merrick groaned shaking his head leaning his forehead on Zoe’s shoulder. “What did you three do?”, he muttered “Shh.”, Tristan elbowed him. The picture faded out and a few more started to come onto the screen of him with his sisters before cutting to Lily. “Alright so I apparently get to kick this off not so little brother.”, Lily sighed running her hand through her hair.
“Where do I even begin to talk about you? To express myself? Guess I just let it flow. I couldn’t ask for a better brother than you Merrick. I know when I left the Academy it hurt you, that you thought I was leaving you and replacing you by spending more time with Demitri and Landon. But they could never be you. They aren’t my triplet, you are. I remember when we were little, before I left that you were the one that I knew would always be there to pick me up if I fell. You’ve always had such a big heart even if you liked to encase it with reinforced steel walls. Our whole lives you’ve acted as the big brother, even though I’m two minutes older than you.”, Lily smiled. “You lived life a bit dangerously and no one knew if you really had direction. But now. God now you are on track. You have it all together. And soon you will really have it all as you leave to be with Rose. And I couldn’t be prouder of everything you’ve accomplished. That you are following your heart and going to the woman you love. I’m going to miss you, but I know you’ll be well loved over there and how happy you and Faelan are going to be with Rose. And I know I’ll see you again. Family never really leaves us right. I’ll see you in April when you come home to walk me down the aisle. Who knows maybe one day I’ll get to stand up at your wedding. I guess the only thing left I can say is I love you Merrick and you are the world.”, Lily said blowing a kiss.
Merrick shook his head lightly keeping a hand over his face while the other still held Zoe. As lily faded out Josalyn appeared. “Merrick...god what do I say to you? You are the one that is good at talking to siblings. Of giving the pep talks. Like you did for me at my wedding. You have always been my rock. The one that no matter what was happening, no matter what I did I could go to. You are the heart of this family. We all know it. When...when Nana passed away. We all knew it killed you. You were her favorite and loved her best. But because you are our rock you stood solid and let us all cry upon your shoulder. You are just the most amazing brother ever. And Rose better know how lucky she is to have you and Faelan in her lives. And that you are doing all this for her. This is above and beyond the most romantic gesture I could ever imagine a man doing to the woman he loves. And I wish you all the happiness in the world in your move and your future with her. And know that no ocean will stop me from loving my triplet. I will be just a phone call away if you ever need me or even when you just want to shoot the breeze. I love you Merrick.”, Josalyn smiled softly before fading out. Next were Kim and Christian. “Okay...I’m not going to cry. I swear I’m not going to cry during this.”, Kim started. Christian smiled a little hugging his wife kissing her cheek. “He'll understand if you cry.”, Christian assured. Kim sniffled and nodded before looking to the camera. “Merrick, my sweet boy. Words can’t begin to tell you how much you mean to me. Or how much I’m going to miss you as you take this new step into the unknown. I won’t be there to see you every day, to make sure you eat all three meals. For the first time in your twenty-three years of being the love of my life we will be apart. I’m not going to know what to do with myself.”, Kim sniffled brushing back a tear.
“Merrick I am so proud of the man you’ve grown to be. And I know my grandmother was just as proud. I’m sure she’s watching over you and Faelan as your guardian angel. And I know she’s smiling that you are going to Rose. I know you are doing the right thing. Because if you love someone..”, Christian paused taking Kim’s hand. “You don’t let anything or anyone stop you from being with them. I know you will do great in this next chapter of your life. I’ll miss you though but I know I need to let you do this. We love you Merrick.”, Christian smiled. Merrick was holding back tears. HIs mother and father had been the ones to really get to him so far. It wasn’t unexpected given how much they mean to him. Zoe sighed and leaned into him resting her head against his as the video continued. Sebastian got to say his peace, choosing to just read his essay on why he looked up to Merrick from an old English assignment. The video continued with everyone present, and then some that weren’t talking along with pictures of Merrick with people. Merrick laughed a little as the picture of him, Malcolm, Tristan, Tommy, Landon, Billy, Atif, and Xavier from the summer he started hooking up with Rose came up. “Oh god that picture..”, Merrick shook his head. Zoe and Blaire both laughed a little. “I love this picture.”, they spoke in unison before laughing. Merrick and Tristan both laughed. Then the picture of Merrick, Tristan and Malcolm in boxers in Zoe’s kitchen came up. Blaire let out a whistle. “God damn.”, Blaire smirked leaning into Tristan giving him a kiss on the cheek. Cora Lee shook her head a little leaning into Malcolm. “Seriously Zoe pictures in boxers made the cut?”, Merrick sighed shaking his head. “What it’s a moment I’ll never forget.”, Zoe teased.
Merrick rolled his eyes but smiled. The pictures changing to show pictures of him with Nana Hazel. He got a little misty eyed seeing her face. Then the screen changed to black. ‘As a reminder to you and to us why you are doing this’ the words said simply. Then pictures of him with Rose and Rose with Faelan started coming up. Merrick smiled, it was a good way to end the video showing him pictures of Rose. Though he wondered why there hadn’t been a segment with the trio that surrounded him and put this all together. The the screen went black and he figured it was over then he heard Tristan talking. “Come on Rose just tell me. You are one of my most beloved friends. And sure I like Merrick and all. But I just want to hear it from you. Sell me on this whole ‘Merrick and Rose’ relationship.”, Tristan spoke. Merrick raised an eyebrow looking to his right at Tristan. Tristan just grinned. A picture of Rose appeared on the screen. “Ugh. You are such a pain in the ass.”, Rose sighed. “Yes I know. Now just tell me. What is it about Merrick that makes him the guy for you.”, Tristan insisted. “Alright fine. You want me to tell you about Merrick. I will since it’ll shut you up.”, Rose sighed. “My earliest memories of Merrick I thought he was this vicious dog the academy kept on a chain to unleash when they saw fit. I mean with how he was in school can’t fault me for that conclusion. And I couldn’t understand why even Rachel defended him after the hell he put her through in school. But then he left the Academy and started to show who he really was.”, Rose continued.
“When he left the Academy I realized he was just some attack dog there for their bidding. He was a protective wolf that only sought to protect his pack, his family. He left the Academy for his mother, to keep her safe. That showed he had a softer side. And the more I got to know him. I realized that the vicious attack dog, even the protective wolf were just a front. They hid the man he really is.”, he explained a smile could be heard in her voice. “Oh and what’s the man he really is?”, Tristan asked. “He’s this gentle, kind, compassionate, and loving man. Sure he’s only that way to the people he cares about. But that’s what matters. That he’s that man for those that mean something to him. And I don’t know how I managed it, I don’t care either I’m just glad I get to be one of those people he cares about, that he loves. Because I love him Tristan. God I love him so much.”, she sighed softly. “I used to think I would be like Uncle John. Go lifetimes refusing love because why love? There would be no future with someone like me and anyone else. But with him. With Merrick….I look at him or just think about him. And I feel hope. I know that with him I have a future. Because no matter what my doubts are he’s the one that will tell me to let the doubts go. He’s the one that makes me believe and feel that hope. He makes me so happy Tristan. It’s agony being away from him, but when I get to talk to him and even more when I get to see him all the doubts and worries about the distance and how we’ll make our future happen disappear. Because I know he loves me and I love him and we are both too stubborn to let this go and I know we will have a future together.”, Rose finished a smile in her voice. The picture of Rose disappeared along with the audio. “Okay…”, Merrick started to say before the black disappeared.
There sitting on stools at the island counter at Zoe’s apartment sat Malcolm, Zoe and Tristan. “Did you honestly think we’d let this video end without getting in our say?”, Malcolm smiled at the camera. “You don’t get off that easy big guy.”, Tristan chimed in. “This is probably the only format I’ll be able to say goodbye to you and not start crying.”, Zoe admitted. Merrick’s eyes looked to Zoe who’s head was against his shoulder and she nodded a little. “Guess I’ll go first since I’m newest.”, Tristan smiled. “When I met you that day on the beach five years ago I had my own doubts about you. I’d heard horror stories of the asshole you were in high school. And you were more than a little grumpy when you arrived. Then you took that shirt off. God damn man never hide a body like that again, the world needs to see that.”, Tristan chuckled starting out with a bit of a joke. “Then it was a couple years later that you literally saved my life. You didn’t have to get involved that day. But you’re just that type of awesome man. You couldn’t bring yourself to do nothing so stepped in and protected me and Blaire. You showed yourself that day to be a hero. Because man you are my hero. After my injury when I came East and so many times wanted to crawl into a dark hole and stay there you wouldn't let me. You said you were only doing nice things because you’d promised Rose to be nicer to her friends. But that’s not it. I have no clue how I managed it, but you let me in. You let me become your friend. And you were there for me when I needed a friend. No offense to my amazing Blaire or to our roomies Hope, Bianca and Gabriel. You guys are the greatest, but Merrick is a whole different column. With you there’s a kinship man. I’ve never really had a best friend, I traveled too much for that. But in the last couple years that I’ve been here you’ve become that best friend. And I’m going to miss you like crazy. Miss having someone to just hang out with, to swap stories. To laugh with. To turn down propositions from chicks at bars and clubs with. But I know it’s for the greater good. that greater good being you and Rose happy under one roof. I know what you are going through man. Leaving what you know for the love of your life. I don’t regret for a second coming to be with Blaire and I don’t think you’ll regret going to Rose. Now I’m not going to get all lifetime movie special on you. So I’ll leave it with...jerk.”, Tristan grinned.
Merrick sighed shaking his head a little covering his face while Tristan talked. He rolled his eyes a little at the last part, but had to admit it was rather touching to be called Tristan’s best friend. “Bitch.”, Merrick muttered nudging Tristan with his elbow. “Alright I’m going to go next, give Zoe time to compose herself.”, Malcolm smiled the camera moving to focus on him. “Merrick you have been my best friend for as long as I can remember. Peas in a pod our mothers used to say. If you did something I was right behind you and vice versa. You were the big brother I never had and better because you are the best friend I always needed and wanted. I knew that I could always depend on you. Even if we didn’t agree I knew you’d have my back. Like when I told you about Cora Lee. I knew you didn’t want to approve, but you backed me. You kept it secret till we could go public. You even helped us when it came down to it. I don’t think I could ever imagine my life without you in it. You pushed me to be better. And I don’t just mean in our training. Which yes having to spar you pushed me to be stronger. But despite your own academic record you were always there pushing me to do better in my classes. You’re the reason I skipped a grade. You would stay up late helping me study and always told me that just because I had brawn didn’t mean I also couldn’t have brains. You were and will always be the most awesome man I’ll ever know. I’m going to miss you when you leave for England. But I know it won’t be like I won’t see or talk to you again. Unlike you I like flying. So if you can come back to visit I’ll come to you. Not like Cora Lee will complain about going to see Rose. Which wow man I am just so happy you finally got her. For those unaware in the audience this man had the hugest crush on Rose in school. He’d never admit it of course. But it was one of the factors that made him dislike Landon, the lucky Bryant that got to be so close to Rose. Well Merrick you are the lucky one now. Because she is all yours. And I don’t need a crystal ball or Atif’s powers to know that you two are going to be happy. See you around man.”, Malcolm waved.
There was some looks around the room at Malcolm revealing Merrick had a school crush on Rose. Merrick sighed looking to Malcolm. Malcolm turned enough to look at him and smiled. The video panned to look at Zoe. “You ready now?”, Tommy asked. Zoe sighed and nodded. “Yeah I think I’m ready.”, she took a deep breath and looked up at the camera. “Merrick… lupo cattivo… you are above and beyond the most amazing man I have ever meet and probably will ever meet. Your reputation had preceded you when I first arrived in Bayville. Which honestly the idea that you had a list of lovers wasn’t a huge surprise. You are absolutely gorgeous. Then I had to stay at the Haven. I was a stranger to you and despite all accounts of the man you were that night you… that night you were the sweetest man to ever live. You came to my room for the purpose of only making sure I was okay. You wouldn’t let me focus on what was happening outside with Geri. Instead you gently placed a hand on my face and made me focus on talking to you. I will never forget how kind you were that night. And after the fight was over and we went downstairs, you used your body to shield me from Geri as she was taken away. I hardly knew you yet… yet I felt safe with you there. I knew you’d protect me.”, Zoe spoke trying to keep her emotions in check but there were tears welling in her eyes. “And from that day on you became such a large part of my life. We became best friends who shared everything with each other. There was never anything I felt I couldn’t tell you and I knew that you always told me everything and were nothing but honest. It’s no wonder that I love you so. You’ve supported me in everything. You have come to every show I’ve been in even when I’m just a background character there to fill in space. You encouraged me to follow my dreams. And I’m encouraging you to follow yours. And I know being with Rose is that dream. you deserve this happiness. Ciao lupo cattivo. Ti amo.”, Zoe sighed blowing a kiss at the screen. The screen went black and the video stopped.
Merrick felt the tears from Zoe on his shoulder and hugged her tight. He was holding back tears of his own. He refused to let himself cry. Even if this was probably the most amazing and touching thing anyone could have ever done for him. Instead he just hugged Zoe tight and rubbed her back. “It’s okay hellraiser. It’s okay.”, he whispered. Cora Lee and Blaire shifted to the couch arms and Malcolm and Tristan hugged Merrick and Zoe too. Kim quickly snapped a picture of the four hugging with a smile. “Okay okay let go.”, Merrick demanded laughing. “I hate you three soo much.”, Merrick laughed. “Aww we love you too.”, Tristan and Malcolm teased letting go. Zoe however hadn’t let go having turned on his lap to wrap her arms around his neck to hold him closer. “I don’t think I can let you go.”, she whispered. Merrick sighed hugging her again and kissed her cheek. “You’re going to have to though. I’m hungry and I smell one hell of a spread of food.”, Merrick smiled at her gently raising her head off his shoulder to look at him as he leaned his forehead against hers. “Ti amo fino alla luna e ritorno. (I love you to the moon and back.)”, he whispered having learned it just for the purpose of saying it to her. Zoe sighed. “Fino alla Luna e ritorno. (To the moon and back)”, she whispered back before kissing his nose. His nose twitched at the kiss which got her laughing as well as the rest of the room. “Come let’s feed you lupo cattivo.”, Zoe sniffled wiping away her tears moving off his lap.