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Things didn’t get better between Adder and Mason after they returned from India. They had originally said that they’d just hang out and binge watch some movies and put away a few pints together. Instead Mason went to Manchester and spent nearly a week with Ashton and Tiffany leaving Adder behind in London. He wouldn’t even tell them what was wrong beyond just saying that his trip to India left a bad taste in his brain that he just needed to try and shake. Even when he came back he was distant. Mason just couldn’t bring himself to be as close to Adder as he had been before. Having her stretch over him on the couch, lean into him while watching the telly, even sharing drinks just seemed too intimate and all made him think of the night of passion he thought he’d had with her just to wake up and realize he’d been tricked. And it was worse that he couldn’t just explain to Adder why he was being this way. Not without telling her that it’d been her the trickster had made him see, that it was her who he longed for. Instead he put up a barrier between them. He was still there he’d still hang out and drink and watch telly but he’d sit in his recliner and give her the run of the couch. He just started spending more time away from her and the flat, generally just going alone to a pub to drink.
And that left Adder feeling neglected and just tossed aside like he didn’t want her around anymore. So she turned to what she knew, going back to street fights and now that she was of age started drinking more. There were days that she didn't come to the office with him and instead one of the other security staff was with him. He may have been keeping his distance but he was still keeping tabs on her. He knew she was back into the fights, he didn’t even need sources to tell him that. She’d come home with cuts and bruises so he knew just from that. But through keeping tabs on her he also found that she’d at times gone home with one of the blokes from the fights and slept with him. She never brought these guys to their flat or mentioned them directly to him. The idea that she was basically now just having casual sex with blokes, well it hurt him but solidified that he was right in the perspective that she hadn’t and wouldn’t want him that way. So he stayed distant and drank alone at locals pubs to not think about India or that at the moment in time Adder was either in the midst of a street fight or off shaggy some bloke.
Tonight was just like most nights over the last couple months. Adder had been with him at the office but when it was time to leave she went her way and he went his. He knew she was going to another fight, but didn’t try and stop her. Instead he went to a pub in a more doggy area of town. He stood out like a sore thumb sitting at the grimey bar in his slim fit emerald green dress shirt, camel colored tailored blazer, brown plaid skinny tie, paired to be more casual with a dark wash pair of straight legged jeans, and brown oxfords. He kept his brown wool newsboy cap on pulled slightly forward though he doubted much he'd’ get recognized in a dive like this. And he was mostly left alone, he got a few looks of confusion of why someone dressed as nice as him was in a place like this but no one spoke to him other than the bartender who took his order. He’d chosen the pub because it was only four blocks from the fights Adder was at. No matter what she was still his mate and he felt a responsibility to her so he stayed as close as he could without feeling too close. He wasn’t sure he’d ever fully shake what he felt for her, but he at least knew he didn’t want to shake that feeling of friendship or more importantly his sense of duty to her in keeping her safe.
Mason wasn’t the only one out of place in not just that neighborhood but the pub. Skye had recently moved to London for her new job working as a photographic editor at GQ. The only reason she was in this neighborhood was on Excalibur business, following a target trying to find who he was supposed to be meeting because all the intel they had so far something big was going to be going down and soon. And since she’d moved to London she offered to handle this while Rose was going to Bayville to spend Christmas with Merrick and Faelan. Skye was hopeful that Rose would finally just tell the man how she felt before she came back because to go another month with Rose on the fence between excited and happy talk about Merrick and Faelan to sad and depressed worried that her being in their lives was not a good thing. No one really looked to the door when her target walked in but when she did eyes found their way to her. Skye knew she stood out, but there was very little she could do about her physical appearance. She tried to not look directly at her target as she unbuttoned her brown trench coat revealing her cream silk v neck dress with it’s brown belt that was the same length as her trench coat stopping just above her knee leaving her knee visible between the hem and the top of her brown boots.
She headed for the bar taking off her brown and gold tweed cap revealing more of her dark red hair, her azure blue eyes looking around the pub to find somewhere to sit that she could still watch her target without being outed. She spotted an empty seat next to a man who looked as out of place as she did in the dingy bar. So she walked over to ask if the seat was taken. Mason hadn’t turned when the man or Skye walked in he was watching the rugby game on the television behind the pub. “Bloody Kearney! Someone just take that ass out already.”, he shouted at the screen before finishing his third shot of tequila. He knew that none of the players on the London team was going to be able to do it, he’d seen Donovan take a bullet and recover like it was a mere scratch. This however didn’t change his opinion of the man. From just that one day and watching rugby matches since Donovan joined the warriors he could easily tell the man was arrogant and thought himself invisible. “Oy, ya got a problem wid Kearney?”, Skye asked tucking her cap into her jacket pocket.
Mason’s brow furrowed hearing a thick female Scottish accent behind him. Which he of course took this to mean it was some Scottish bird who favored Donovan either because she was a Warriors fan in general or because he was ‘cute’. “Yes I do…”, Mason started to say turning to argue with the woman who in his mind was probably going to be some partially toothed Scottish woman given the location of the pub. But he froze seeing Skye, she certainly wasn’t some partial toothed woman nor did she look like she belonged in this dive bar. He didn’t generally go for red heads, he’d actually never been with one but he had to admit she was rather beautiful. Skye folded her arms across her chest. “So wat yer problem wid Kearney? Dat he got skill as a player and ya don’t or just dat he crushes yer team every time dey come against him?”, she questioned. “I’m… I’m certainly not professional level at rugby, but I’m a fair player in a casual setting. And perhaps it’s the fact he does steamroll my guys when we play the Warriors. Also perhaps it’s because he’s an arrogant prick who thinks himself invincible and puts his teammates at risk because of it.”, Mason said after a moment. “Why do you defend him? And please don’t say it’s because he’s attractive you’ll dash all hope.”, he added with a smile.
Skye laughed at the idea of calling her twin attractive. “Aye he is an arrogant prick and does tink himself invisible.”, she agreed with a nod. “Ah defend him cause only Ah get ta talk shite bout mah twin.”, she smiled sitting down glancing to her target who wasn’t paying attention to her which was good. Talking to whoever this man was would at least offer a way to blend. Mason was lifting his pint glass to his lips whens he said ‘twin’ and stopped looking at her. “You… you’re Donovan Kearney’s twin? Hmm… well I’m sure I speak for the blokes glad you don’t look like him.”, Mason commented taking a sip. This was a huge red flag in his mind. He immediately started to wonder what powers, if any she had and if like her twin she went around with a mask at night. He of course wasn’t going to bring that up, as that would out him as one of the mutants who was there that night back in September with her twin and a different red head. “Aye well we canna look identical being different genders. Ah favor da female Kearneys more looking muc’ like some of mah aunties most of w’om got da red ‘air. Donovan looks like our grandsire getting da black ‘air and strong jaw. So hope dat yer ‘ope dinna get das’ed too badly.”, she said before looking at the three empty shot glasses and one empty pint glass and the half full he was working on. “So ya drinking cause yer an alcoholic or ya just trying ta ferget someting?”, she asked pointing to the glasses.
Mason chuckled a little and sipped his pint.. “Hope not dashed completely at least.”, he answered before looking at the glasses. “Not an alcoholic. I suppose you could say I’m drinking to forget, Miss Kearney.”, he shrugged finishing the pint. As he looked past her to the front windows of the pub he saw Adder walking with a man’s arm around her shoulders and his eyes narrowed for half a second before focusing back on Skye. Out on the street Adder was mostly just going through the motions of life. She’d met the man at the fights he’d been rather impressed with her skill in the fight and how flexible she . She hadn’t even caught his name when he asked if she’d like to take off from the fights with him. “So my place or yours?”, the bloke asked with a smirk. She wasn’t fully paying attention she was bored and looked to the pub thinking of getting a drink before going with the man when she saw Mason. She stopped walking and looked at him, he was smiling and obviously flirting with the redhead he was talking to. “Adder?”, the man questioned. She blinked and looked back at him. “Yea?”, she asked. “I asked your place or mine.”, he repeated. “Yers. Ah got a roommate so Ah don’t bring blokes ‘ome.”, she said glancing back to her roommate chatting up some bird. “Alright well let’s go.”, he encouraged walking away with her.
“Skye.”, she said never being a fan of being called ‘Miss’. Mason tilted his head a little confused by the one word response, maybe it was that he was drunk or that he’d just seen Adder but he was a bit off his game. “Hmm?”, he questioned. Skye smiled. “Ah was gunna say Ah’m impressed yer not smashed but apparently ya are. Skye Kearney, it’s mah name.”, she explained offering her hand. “Oh right. Sorry, but I figure you're not drunk if you can stand. Pleasure to meet you Skye. I’m Mason Templeton.”, he said giving her hand a light kiss which in his mind was a good idea but he almost fell off his stool in the effort. Skye laughed and moved to help brace him and get him back fully on the stool. “Ya can barely sit up. Englishmen just don’t know ‘ow ta ‘old deir liquor.”, she chuckled. “Now wait did ya say Mason Templeton? Like Templeton Enterprise CEO? Same Mason Templeton dat in two days is ‘aving an interview and some p’otos done fer a two page article in London’s GQ?”, she asked looking at him questioningly. Mason looked at her puzzled. “Yeah. That would be me. How do you know that?”, he asked now suspicious. Had her brother and that other girl figured out who he was? “Ah work fer GQ. Ah started a couple weeks ago as da p’otograp’ic editor. Ah’m in c’arge of da p’otos’oot and making sure dat ya and more importantly da p’otograp’er ‘ave everyting ya need and dat da end result are pictures we can use. Dey interviewing ya bout some new foundation ya starting dat is a tad controversial, rig’t?”, she explained. Despite paying attention to him she was still glancing occasionally to her target trying to be subtle.
“Oh alright well that makes sense how you know. And yeah, they want to interview me because I’m starting a foundation for orphaned mutants. We’ll be opening multiple locations throughout the United Kingdom to help these children whose families either deserted them for being different or their families have died in some of the recent violence that has befallen mutant families. And the locations won’t just be for orphaned children but homeless mutants as well to try and help them get on their feet and prove that having a mutation doesn’t make you a leper and you shouldn’t be treated as one. Mutation isn’t a disease or contagious they are just people like you and me and deserve the same amount of respect and god given rights. I know that a new religious organization is out there trying to say otherwise. But we are all God's children and made in his image.”, Mason explained. Skye smiled even smashed he could be eloquent. “Ya aren’t wat Ah expected Mister Templeton.”, she shook her head before ordering a pint. “Mason, you can call me Mason. And what pray tell did you expect?”, he asked ordering another pint. “Cancel his pint and give him a water or some coffee.”, she told the bartender who nodded.
“I hardly know you and you are trying to enforce a drink limit?”, he asked. “Yes Ah am. And apparently da barkeep agrees dat ya’ve drank enouf. As fer wat Ah was expecting. Well ta be blunt, Ah didn’t expect ya to be bout mah age, let alone good looking nor have suc’ conviction. Ah’ve seen a picture of yer dah he ain’t wat Ah’d call an attractive man.”, she explained taking a sip of her pint as the bartender set a coffee and water in front of Mason. “Glad to exceed expectations. I look more like the my mother’s side of the family. And what do you mean my conviction?”, he asked sipping the coffee. “Ah figured wid yer dah’s political appointment and views dat dis foundation was just for publicity rat’er dan because ya believe in it.”, she explained. “It like ya got a personal stake in it. Dat it has affected ya, w’ic’ is ‘ard ta believe given yer breeding dat ya’d ever known ‘ards’ip.”, she added. Mason smiled a little nodded. “Well I personally haven’t. However a close friend has. She was abandoned at birth for having a physical mutation, she was treated poorly at the orphanage for it, she ran away and lived on the streets doing god know was to survive till I found her. I helped her the best I could and got her off the streets.”, he explained with a sigh thinking about Adder.
Skye nodded smiling softly he had a good heart that she could tell. “Wat ya calling dis foundation anyways?”, Skye asked. “Leah’s Lost Souls. In honour of my friend who’d suffered so much.”, he explained finishing the coffee. “Da bird know ya starting and naming a foundation after her?”, she asked. Mason shook his head. “No. We haven’t… been as close as we used to. But that happens you grow up and you can’t spend as much time with those who’d been so close to you. Not that anyone would know it’s for her as she doesn’t ever go by her birth name. I’m the only one that ever uses it and that’s sparingly. But enough about that. Want to explain why a beautiful woman like you is in a dive like this?”, he asked wanting to get off the subject of Adder. Skye smiled shaking her head. “Ah’m new ta London. Only moved in ta mah flat couple weeks ago. So still getting da lay o da land. Was t’irsty and ‘appened upon dis place. Da same could be asked of ya. After all not really da sort o place one would expect ta run into a ceo of a company as big as yers.”, she commented killing off her pint. “I was considering heading out till you walked over. Which I don’t generally do this, ever, but want to share a taxi?”, he offered with a smile drinking more of his water. Skye chuckled. “Really? Yer trying ta pick me up? Ya canna probably stand and ya tink Ah’d go wid ya fer a one nig’ter wid some drunk?”, she questioned still laughing.
Mason chuckled. “Yes and no. Yes I’m hitting on you but no I’m not looking to take you home for a one night stand. Could however use someone to help get me home and to my flat without falling down. Though I don’t know if you're strong enough you look to be maybe 8 stones.”, he commented finishing the water. Skye chuckled shaking her head. “Ya’ve a good eye even drunk fer weight Ah’m 8.8 stones. But trust me Ah muc’ stronger dan Ah look.”, she smiled. Oh she knew she was much stronger than her appearance gave her credit. She could lift the whole building they were sitting in easily but that wasn’t the point. She looked over at her target who looked to have passed out drunk at his table. Mason glanced to the direction she was looking. “Do you know him?”, he asked. Skye shook her head. “No just wondering if he breat’ing.”, she said getting up using it as a reason to get closer reaching into her pocket for one of the trackers that she’d grabbed from Muir Island before teleporting to her flat. She was careful as she approached him and lightly touched his neck putting the tracker onto his skin just under the collar of his shirt in the back so it wouldn’t be noticed as easily. “He breathing?”, Mason asked starting to get up from his stool and having to grab the bar to stay standing. “Aye he’s breathing. Ya mig’t wanna call dis one a taxi we’n he wakes.”, she suggested to the bartender.
She laughed turning and seeing Mason trying to stay standing. “Let me ‘elp ya mate.”, she chuckled going over to him. “Use me fer support.”, she said grabbing his arm and getting it over his shoulder. “You sure… cause I do outweigh you by a few stones.”, Mason questioned skeptical. “Aye Ah sure, dinna fash. Ya don’t weig’ more dan mah yank cousin w’om Ah’ve ‘elped ta his ‘ouse more dan once in university.”, she smiled slipping an arm around Mason’s waist to help keep him stable. Mason nodded a little and reached into his back pocket taking out his wallet taking out a bit more than his tab and her drinks would have costed turning just enough to set it on the bar top. “Come on den.”, she said helping him out of the pub and to the street hailing a cab. She carefully got him into the back and got in next to him. “Where ya heading?”, the driver asked. “Um Ah’m going ta 19 Chesham. Ah don’t know w’ere he needs ta go.”, she said. “55 Eaton Place.”, Mason said with a small laugh. “Truly small world we live blocks away from each other.”, he smiled. “Apparently it is. Go ta Eaton first so Ah can see him to his flat, but wait fer me as Ah won’t be long.”, Skye instructed. The driver nodded and pulled away heading in that direction.
They pulled up out front of his building and she carefully helped get him out of the cab and started inside and to the elevator. As they rode up in the elevator Adder was walking up to the building not really thinking anything of seeing a waiting cab. Her night had been a bit of a bust, she’d won at her fights but the bloke she’d left with was not really much of a performer outside of a fight not having lasted very long. She snorted a little deciding to take the stairs. “He lasted longer in t’e ring t’an did in bed.”, she sighed shaking her head. “Alrig’t we ‘ere mate. Just stay wid me a bit longer. Wouldn’t like ta leave ya passed out in suc’ a nice ‘allway.”, Skye try to encourage but Mason’s eyes were already getting heavy and had closed. “Aw mate…”, Skye sighed leaning against the door with Mason’s dead weight on her. She reached into his jacket pocket. “Not getting frisky mate, just looking fer yer keys.”, she said finding them and reaching behind her trying to get the door open. As Adder entered the hall from the stairs the sight didn’t look at all innocent. It looked like Mason had the red haired bird from the pub against their front door kissing at her neck. Her copper snake eyes narrowed as she considered just turning around.
“Oy!”, Skye yelled. “Be a mate and ‘elp a lass. He’s passed out drunk and Ah canna get da door and ‘old him up at da same time.”, Skye called spotting Adder. She didn’t know that Adder lived with Mason or care she was just someone who could maybe help her. Adder stopped as she was about to turn. So the bird wasn’t making out with Mason and about to go into their flat for a one night stand. They may not be on the best of terms at the moment but he is still her mate and her boss who she is paid to protect. So she moved over getting past Skye and getting her key into the lock and opened the door. Skye blinked that the woman had a key but wasn’t about to question at the moment. Instead she just adjusted her grip on Mason, and given the girl had snake eyes and some visible scales Skye didn’t think twice about using her powers so she lifted Mason off the ground easily to carry in her arms like he was as light as a feather. Adder set her keys on the little stand about to turn to help the bird but blinked seeing her carrying Mason like it was nothing. “So Ah guessing yer a mutant too t’en.”, Adder commented. “Aye. Figured it was alrig’t given he’s passed out and yer a mutant too. He dinna mention a…. girlfriend. So Ah sorry dat yer bloke was flirting wid me at da pub.”, she apologized. Adder snorted. “Ah ain’t his girlfriend. We flatmates and dat, rig’t now, only cause Ah’m his bodyguard. Tonig’t just ‘appened ta be my day off. ‘Ow muc’ did he drink?”, she asked.
“Oh, Ah see. Well by time Ah was at da pub he ‘ad t’ree shots and one pint and was working on da second pint. We started talking and Ah got da bartender ta switc’ him ta coffee and water but apparently not soon enuff. Can ya point me in da direction of his room so Ah can set him down?”, Skye questioned. Adder nodded and pointed. “Straig’t down t’e ‘all.”, she instructed. “Tanks.”, Skye nodded carrying him carefully down the hall and setting him down on his bed Adder behind her. “Dere ya go mate. Sleep off watever ya were trying ta ferget in da drink.”, Skye said softly standing up fixing her dress. “Ya got him from ‘ere?”, she asked. Adder shrugged. “Not muc’ ta do wit’ him at t’is point in t’e morning need ta make sure Ah got plenty of water and tylenol fer him. So he said he was drinking ta ferget somet’ing?”, Adder asked. “Aye. Dinna go inta wat, but gotta be someting ruff.”, Skye said glancing to him before looking back at Adder. “Well tanks fer getting him back safe, miss.”, Adder said gesturing to the door. “Yer welcome. Da name’s Skye Kearney by da way.”, she smiled walking out of Mason’s room and back in the direction of the front door. Adder followed closing Mason’s door behind her. “Ah’m Adder. Well Ah will assume he got yer number. So if he ever wants ta see ya again…”, Adder said trying to be nice but really just wanted the bird to leave. “No he didn’t get mah number, but he’ll see me again. In two days actually, Ah work at GQ so Ah’ll see him w’en he comes fer his interview and pictures. Nice ta meet ya Adder.”, Skye smiled leaving the apartment. Adder furrowed her brow not aware of him having an interview with GQ, she’d have to ask him about that in the morning.
Mason woke a bit confused and his head pounding in the morning. He sat up looking around seeing he was in his room and still wearing all of his clothes. “Well that is either a good or bad thing.”, he frowned. He got out of his bed and went to his bathroom getting a quick shower hoping the water would help clear his head. He remembered getting into the cab with Skye and pulling up to his building, but it got very hazy and then nothing from that point on. He sighed getting out of the shower. “I owe Skye an apology.”, he sighed getting dressed his head still hurting before venturing out into the communal space of the flat. He wasn’t sure he’d see Adder as she’d left her fight with some bloke. So he was a bit shocked to see her sitting at the table drinking a cup of coffee. “Morning Mason.”, she said pointing to a chair where a cup of coffee, a glass of water, a plate of toast with jam and two aspirins sat. Mason laughed a little sitting down but stopped laughing as it hurt his head. “Thanks Adder. So um… what time did you get in?”, he asked picking up the two aspirins and swallowing them before drinking the glass of water. “Same time as ya did.”, she commented. “Oh…”, he said before sipping the coffee.
Apparently things didn’t go too well between her and the bloke if she was home that quickly. “Er… so I know I left the pub with a bird last night…”, he started to think of how to phrase this. “Yea. Skye Kearney she was trying ta get yer drunk ass inta t’e flat w’en Ah walked up. Ah ‘elped her get t’e door. Ya realize she’s a mutant?”, Adder said looking over at him. “Right Skye Kearney. Explains why I was still fully dressed, guess that’s a good thing. Last time I drank and went to a room with a bird I just met I thought it was someone else and things went bad. And no I didn’t know for a fact she’s a mutant. I guessed because I recall yelling about Donovan Kearney watching the rugby match at the pub and she defended him because apparently she’s his twin sister. How’d you confirm it?”, he asked taking a bit of his toast. He smiled she’d used the raspberry preserves he likes. “Wait so ya broug’t ‘ome a bird ya know is related ta someone w’o mig’t or mig’t not know our identities? And Ah know she a mutant cause she lifted ya up like ya weig’ed not’ing and carried ya to yer room.”, she answered.
“Hmm. So super strength. Explains why she insisted that I could lean on her despite her only weighing just under 9 stones. If she knew who I was she was very good at hiding it. She was actually rather surprised that I’m the same Mason Templeton that her company is interviewing the day after tomorrow and is the CEO of Templeton Enterprises.”, he explained with a shrug. “W’at so surprising bout t’at?”, she asked. “Apparently I don’t look or act how she expected me to. I physically look more like a Steed than a Templeton. Guess she’d seen a picture of my father and had a certain image in her head of what his son would look like and well attractive wasn’t in her image.”, he smiled a little remembering her saying he was attractive. “Ah see. So w’en was Ah gunna be told ya ‘ad an interview some place?”, she asked. “Um. When it was relevant or I knew you’d be the one from the security staff going with me.”, he shrugged finishing his toast. “W’at t’at supposed ta mean?”, she said defensive. “That for the last couple months who my bodyguard has changed daily and occasionally it’s you. Donald sent you an email to put in your calendar for the event as head of security. Which I should get going to the office, but before I get there I need to stop at a flower shop.”, he said standing up finishing the coffee. “W’at we stopping at a flower s’op fer?”, Adder asking standing up having dressed in her black suit for work. “We? You’re coming to the office?”, he commented. “Yea Ah coming. Now w’at ya need at a flower s’op?”, she asked getting their coats. “I owe Skye an apology and a thank you. Since I don’t think I got her number and don’t remember what her house number is from the taxi over I’ll just send flowers to GQ’s office.”, he said taking his jacket and heading out. Adder rolled her eyes but followed him out.
“Yea Ah’ve got it under control Donovan. No Ah don’t need any ‘elp. Ah’ll see ya and da ot’ers in a couple days wid wat Ah find.”, Skye said being vague as she was talking on her cell to her twin as she walked into the office. “Good morning Miss Kearney.”, her assistant greeted her. “Ah told ya Mark call me Skye. And good morning ta ya too. Ya seem c’ipper fer a Monday.”, she commented. “Ah’m not c’ipper Ah’m perturbed. Rose is in America wid da man-whore who begot a son wid some ot’er bird.”, Donovan frowned. He had not really been supportive of Rose’s surprise trip to see Merrick. He felt that this meant she truly did love Merrick and any chance he had was going to go down the drain. “No, not you Donovan Ah talking at Mark.”, she said rolling her eyes making a face at Mark which got him to laugh. “Ah’ll talk ta ya later Ah gotta work. Bye Donovan.”, she sighed hanging up shaking her head. “Siblings.”, she sighed. “I’m amazed you aren’t the one in the chipper mood Skye.”, Mark smiled. Skye raised an eyebrow. “W’y would Ah be in a c’ipper mood?”, she asked taking her messages from him before walking into her office. She stopped nearly dropping her coffee. Her desk had a large blue vase with what looked like two dozen long stemmed blue roses. “MMMaaaarrrrrkkk!?”, she questioned.
Mark peeked his head into her office and smiled.”That would be why I assumed you were in a good mood. I didn’t read the card. Just put it on your desk when it came for delivery about fifteen minutes ago.”, Mark smiled. “Ah...Ah don’t kne w’o’d be sending me flowers…”, she furrowed her brow and cautiously took the card and opened it. and started to laugh reading the note. Mark hurried into the office curious. “So who are they from? What’s the note say? I mean you've been in London two weeks and already a man is sending flowers? Come on I’ve lived in London for six months and haven’t gotten a man to send me flowers yet.”, Mark encouraged. Skye sighed and read the note aloud. “Skye, Sorry dat Ah was too drunk last nig’t ta make a good impression. Ah’d like ta make it up ta ya. Dinner? Tonig’t say 7 at Hawsmoor? Call me 020 7946 0243 w’en ya decide. Look forward to ‘earing from ya. Mason.”, Skye sighed shaking her head looking at the card then to the roses. “OH MY GOD! Did you hook up last night and it was a fail? Cause wow girl, man sure knows how to show he’s sorry for a poor performance in the bedroom. And the Hawsmoor that’s a fancy place. Who’s this Mason chap?”, Mark asked.
She chuckled shaking her head at him. “No Ah dinna ‘ook up wid anyone. Ah was talking wid Mason at a pub I wandered inta and we s’ared a cab since he lives in da same area as me. He was verra drunk and Ah ‘elped him up ta his flat and his flatmate ‘elped me get him inside. And Mason is… well Mason Templeton. W’o we ‘ave a s’oot wid day after next fer an article dey writing bout him.”, Skye explained putting the card down on her desk. “Oooo. He at least good looking? I’ve never seen him but I’ve seen pictures of his dad.”, Mark asked. Skye smiled. “Yea… he good looking.”, she sighed. “So do you want me to call or are you going to call to confirm?”, he asked. “Ah can call mahself. Out wid ya.”, she shooed him out of her office moving the flowers to gain space on her desk. She debated if she should even call. She need to track that COH man for the team. Did she really have time to socialize? She sighed and looked at the card before picking up the phone and dialing. She figured it was probably his office number so she’d get a receptionist or something.
Mason was at his desk reviewing some papers for an expansion of the factory in New Delhi when his cell started to go off. Adder raised an eyebrow as he picked it up not recognizing the number. “Hello.”, Mason greeted. “Um ‘ello. Ah calling ta speak wid Mason Templeton..”, Skye said feeling a bit awkward about it all. She hadn’t called a man in a while, generally they called her. Mason smiled hearing the thick Scottish accent at the other end and knew who it had to be. “Morning Skye this is Mason. What did you think I gave you my office number?”, he asked with a smile. “Yea would made sense. ‘Ow is yer ‘ead?”, she asked making conversation. “It’ll survive. Not the first time I’ve been that drunk just the first time when with a woman. I’m afraid I didn’t make a very good first impression. So what’s your answer do I get a second chance at a first impression?”, he asked. “In yer defense mate ya were smas’ed by da time Ah arrived in da pub. Not ta mention ya weren’t really wid me. Ah was ‘elping ya get to yer flat and dat all Ah planned ta ‘elp ya wid even if ya were sober. But Ah suppose dinner doesn’t sound ‘orrid. So alrig’t. Ah’ll meet ya dere. Now Ah got work ta go do, and Ah sure as a CEO of yer own company ya got tings ya ougtta be doing.”, Skye answered. “I look forward to dinner. Bye Skye.”, Mason said ending the call.
Skye kept her eyes on the app during the day to check on the location of her target and when possible listening to the audio but nothing was really going on to get concerned about. She had her fingers crossed that she could get through her evening with Mason without having it interrupted to go after this guy. Though she wasn’t even really sure what this dinner was, had she agreed to a date? After she got home from work something actually did come up on her app. Something was going down she heard from the audio the target and three others were heading to a residence and they were talking about making sure they had their guns. She looked at the clock and sighed reaching into the far back of her closet for her black and violet uniform changing from street clothes into the kevlar costume and donned her mask pulling her hair back. “Dis better not take long.”,she said grabbing her teleporter watch and communicator. “Donovan. Ah need ya ta meet me at da coordinates Ah just forwarded ta ya. Target and some o his pals are arming demselves to go after somebody.”, she said before hitting her button and being transported to the location. Donovan arrived seconds after her in his uniform.
“Well at least we got ‘ere before dem. Let’s check wid da civilians first, get dem away from ‘ere.”, Skye greeted doing a telepathic scan of the area, or at least as far as her telepathy could extend. Donovan nodded and went to the back door the small house and knocked. He was greeted by a rather pregnant woman who looked rather startled by him being there and quickly covered her stomach spikes coming up along the length of her arm. “What do you want? I told your buddies we aren’t going to sell or move so now you come back dressed in costumes to scare us off?”, she glared at Donovan. “Woa lassie. Ah ain’t one of dem. Ah one of you.”, he said letting his hot knives extend from his fingers to prove it. “But dey comin fer ya. Mah sister and Ah are ‘ere ta stop dem. Is it just you?”, he asked. The woman blinked her spikes reseeding when he proved he was a mutant. “No, I’ve got two little ones playing in the playroom. What do you mean they are coming? How are you going to stop them?”, she asked. “Ya get yer kids and get somew’ere safe in yer ‘ouse, like a basement. Den call fer da police tell dem dere men trying ta break inta yer ‘ouse. We will ‘andle da rest and ‘ave um ready fer pick up.”, Donovan instructed before racing back out front. “Mutant woman wid two wee ones and one on da way. Told her ta get her barrens ta a safe place and call da police. So we need ta wrap dem up quick.”, Donovan said. Skye nodded. “Good cause Ah got a date, Ah tink”, she said before flying up into the sky to keep her eyes out for them.
“A date!?”, Donovan yelled up. “Ah see some men coming.”, she called down to her twin before flying and landing at the end of the driveway of the farm putting her hands out in front of her. In the car the three men looked confused by the costumed woman standing in their way. “Just run her over.”, one said. The driver nodded and stepped harder on the gas pedal. “IOLA!”, Donovan yelled. “AH GOT DIS LAOC’!”, Skye shouted back bracing herself and when the truck came at her she gripped hard into the front putting all her effort into trying to walk forward. But she kept slipping so instead she tightened her grip and flew up taking the truck and it’s passengers with her. She could hear them screaming and watched them trying to scramble out of the truck to realize they were too far off the ground for that. “Laoc’ get some rope.”, she said over the communicator coming down for a landing flipping their truck so it was upside down. Donovan didn’t find any rope but he did find some chain that fell from their truck. Skye pulled the driver’s side door off and reached in pulling out one of the men. “Ya ain’t gunna be ‘arming no one.”, she glared. The other two went to scramble out the passenger side just to find themselves face to face with Donovan. “Ya ain’t going nowe’re fellas. Da police are on deir way fer ya.”, Donovan said. One snorted and swung punching Donovan in the jaw.
Donovan cracked his jaw setting it back into place. “Dat ‘urt.”, Donovan said before punching the man back. The third tried to sneak away but Donovan tossed a couple hot knives ahead of him. “Ah said ya ain’t going now’ere mate.”, Donovan warned. Skye brought the other around and grabbed the other to. “Now you lot stand nice and still and dis can be all done nice and easy.”, she said taking the chain from Donovan. “Fook you, you mutant whore.”, one shouted spitting at Skye’s face. Skye narrowed her eyes as she wiped away the spit. “Dat was just uncalled fer and disgusting.”, she said before punching him hard in the face knocking him out. “Either of you two want ta get yer head crushed next?”, she questioned. They both shook their heads looking to their friend who was out cold from one swing of the petite looking woman. “Good.”, she snorted wrapping the chair around them and bending it together so they weren’t going to get anywhere. “Ya got da standard note Laoch?”, she asked looking to her brother. “Aye.”, he said taking out a piece of paper that simply said ‘Caught these criminals about to do harm to some innocent people. -E.’. He attached it with a pin to the unconscious fellow. “Alrig’t let’s go.”, Donovan said standing up. “Aye.”, Skye agreed as they both hit the buttons on their watches.
Skye hadn’t expected Donovan to go to her flat. So when they arrived at the same time she blinked. “Wat ya doing?”, she demanded taking off her mask. “Wat ya mean ya’ve got a date?”, Donovan asked taking off his mask. “Ya been in London fer two weeks eit’er at work or following dat sleaze back dere dat ya knocked out. ‘Ow’d ya meet a bloke already? W’o is he?”, Donovan asked. Skye rolled her eyes. “Ah met him while following da target. Ah used talking ta him as a cover so Ah dinna get noticed following him last night. And not like ya’d kne him, his name is Mason Templeton. Now if ya’ll excuse me Ah ain’t much time to shower and change fer dinner. Get yer arse back to Glasgow.”, she explained. “Ya canna start seeing someone.”, Donovan frowned. “Ooo? Dat so? And w’y mig’t dat be brot’er?”, she demanded putting her hands on her hips glaring up at her brother. “Cause if ya start ‘aving a boyfriend den Ah da only one on da team widout someone. Atif and Billy are engaged. Xavier will be moving ta Glasgow in da summer and be getting married ta Ashley. And lord knows dat even if Rose comes back and dinna tell Merrick ‘ow she feels she basically dating da unwort’y git.”, Donovan sighed. “So wat cause we twins if yer alone Ah need ta be? Dat ain’t ‘ow dis is gunna work. Ah agreed ta dinner wid him. He ain’t mah boyfriend. And don’t ya start bout Rose and Merrick. Ya know she in love wid him, and he in love wid her. And ya don’t get ta say w’ose unwrot’y of her. Now get out mah flat so I can get ready fer mah date.”, she said grabbing his watch and hitting ‘home’ and before he could say a word he was gone.
Skye wasn’t even sure if this was a date or what it was. So she wouldn’t count chickens before they hatch. But she showered and dressed like it was, besides it was a nice restaurant he’d invited her to. She slipped into an orchid v neck dress with a ruffled skirt and empire waistband and a pair of metallic gold heels. She managed to get her hair into a dutch fishtail brain that swooped down along her left before grabbing her jacket and getting a taxi to go meet Mason for dinner. She knew she was running late and had been tempted to use her watch to get there but thought that might look weird. She just hoped she wasn’t running too late. When she finally got inside and was taking off her brown trench coat she spotted him leaning against a wall waiting with arms folded across his chest his jacket hung over his arms wearing a wine red button down where the collar, cuffs and pocket flap were in a heather grey plaid pattern and black dress slacks. She saw him reach into his pocket and take out a gold pocket watch to check the time and frown. Maybe this was a date he at least looked dressed for one, but then again he was dressed nice in a dive bar last night.
“Sorry Ah’m late. Mah brot’er wouldn’t let me off da p’one. And got worse w’en Ah told him Ah ‘ad ta go meet someone fer dinner. So Ah had ta rus’ ta get ready and over ‘ere.”, she excused herself only giving part of her reasoning for being late. Mason put his watch away and looked over hearing her voice a smiled stepping away from the wall. “No worries. If this is the end result of you rushing not sure I could stand how good you could look when given more time.”, Mason smiled greeting. Skye rolled her eyes. “Trying ta make up fer yer poor pick up lines at da pub already?”, she teased. Mason shrugged. “It working?”, he asked. “Maybe…”, she laughed. Mason looked to the host. “We are ready for our table now.”, he instructed. “Of course. Right this way Mister Templeton.”, the maitre'd said grabbing two menus and escorting them back to a table. Mason pulled out her chair when they got to the table, an act Skye had not witnessed in her years of dating. “Um...tanks…”, she said sitting down a little confused. “Never had someone pull out a chair for you?”, he asked. “No never.”, she admitted. “Hmm… well happy to prove chivalry isn’t dead.”, Mason smiled taking his seat. “So wat is dis?”, she asked as she looked at the menu. “What is what?”, he asked. “Tonig’t. We met last nig’t by accident and ya were apparently ‘aving a bad nig’t. Dinna really require ya sending flowers or asking me ta dinner.”, she explained setting the menu down when the waiter walked over.
“Can I start you out with some drinks, maybe an appetizer?”, he asked smiling looking from Mason to Skye. “Ah’ll take da Kernel London Porter. Da grilled chicken wid baked sweet potato and da creamed spinach.”, Skye said being to the point knowing what she wanted. Mason chuckled a little. “A woman who knows exactly what she wants. Not many people are so decisive. I’ll take a Kernel London Porter as well. And I’ll have the filet, medium rare with peppercorn sauce, anya potatoes, and the mushrooms.”, Mason smiled handing the menus to the waiter. “Alright I’ll get those orders in and have your drinks right out.”, he smiled walking away. “Well I felt bad to left such a poor first impression. So the flowers were to apologize. The dinner… well this is a date or at least it’s intended as one. Haven’t gone on a date in many months so figured why not ask the pretty bird out to dinner.”, he explained. Skye laughed a little shaking her head. “Well good ting Ah dressed like dis was a date. Ya make a ‘abit of asking random strangers ya meet w’ile drunk on dates?”, she asked. Mason shrugged. “Not generally speaking. I make exceptions for people I think were very attractive and seemed interesting. And you are certainly attractive, oddly the first time I’ve shown interest in a redhead. And I’m certainly seeing that you are interesting.”, he commented. “O red not yer regular flavour? And wat ya mean by dat yer seeing Ah’m interesting?”, she questioned as the waiter set their beers down. “No it’s not, but exceptions can be made. And well for starters you have super strength I hear.”, he explained speaking quietly when discussing powers. “Yer flatmate tell ya bout dat huh?”, she asked. Mason nodded. “Yes she did. Makes me wonder what more there is to find out about you.”, Mason smiled
The dinner went well enough they talked about their childhoods and pastimes. By desert they’d covered a good portion of their lives. “So your family basically only has twins?”, Mason asked finishing his beer. “For da most part aye. Ah’ve a cousin in America w’o wasn’t born wid a twin and one of mah great uncles dinna ‘ave a twin. But ot’erwise Kearney clan reproduces in sets it seems.”, she smiled. “Well that would explain why the name is so common you breed like rabbits.”, he teased. “Aye. Terrifying Ah suppose.”, she shrugged finishing her beer. “Well I suppose it does say one thing about the Kearney line.”, Mason commented motioning for the waiter and the check. “Aye? Wat dat?”, she asked. Mason handed over his card and waited till the waiter had walked away to answer. “That they must be damn good in bed.”, Mason chuckled. Skye laughed shaking her head. “Ya looking ta find out?”, she asked getting her purse and jacket as the waiter walked back over. Mason smirked. “Maybe I am. What might my odds be?”, he asked signing the check and getting his jacket as he put his wallet back. “Canna say beyond dat tongi’t yer odds are a zero. Ah ain’t da type ta go dat far on a first date, actually Ah ain’t da type go goes dat far wid anyone Ah’ve not been dating fer a few weeks.”, she explained as they walked out. “Fair enough. Can’t blame you for have morals, that’s a good quality to have. Can I give you a ride home?”, he asked pointing to his car. “Sure dat be fine. We don’t live too far away from each ot’er.”, she commented getting into the car. “We don’t? I’m sorry I don’t remember much of last night after we left the pub.”, he apologized. “Aye. Ah’m over at 19 Chesham.”, she explained. “Well that will certainly make getting to know you that much easier.”, he commented driving.
He parked out front of the building. “Well dis is me. Ah ‘ad a good time. Nig’t Mason.”, she said moving to get out of the car. “Can I walk you up at least? I was raised you take your date to their door.”, Mason asked. Skye sighed and nodded. “Sure no ‘arm in it Ah suppose.”, she said getting out of the car and heading into her building. Mason quickly followed behind her and up to her flat. “Alrig’t well ya’ve walked me ta mah door. Good nig’t Mason.”, Skye said getting her keys from her purse. “Good night Skye. I had a good evening.”, Mason said still standing there. Skye got her door unlocked and looked at him and sighed. Months since his last date, somehow she had a feeling something bad had happened with some girl by his slight out of practice awkwardness. She could easily have just read his mind but she didn’t like to do that to people without permission. But she didn’t need to read his mind to wager why he was still standing there. He was debating kissing her. She decided to make the decision for him and leaned up giving him a quick peck on the lips. “Nig’t.”, she said. Mason smiled a little at the quick peck before leaning in and actually kissing her as a quick peck wasn’t going to do. Skye blinked a little not having expected him to kiss her, but she returned the kiss for a moment before pulling back. “Ah s’ould go inside now before Ah tink of letting ya in.”, Skye smirked. Mason chuckled. “Good night Skye. I’ll see you again soon.”, he smiled before walking away. It felt good to have gone on a date and not be reminded of India or Adder.

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Things didn’t get better between Adder and Mason after they returned from India. They had originally said that they’d just hang out and binge watch some movies and put away a few pints together. Instead Mason went to Manchester and spent nearly a week with Ashton and Tiffany leaving Adder behind in London. He wouldn’t even tell them what was wrong beyond just saying that his trip to India left a bad taste in his brain that he just needed to try and shake. Even when he came back he was distant. Mason just couldn’t bring himself to be as close to Adder as he had been before. Having her stretch over him on the couch, lean into him while watching the telly, even sharing drinks just seemed too intimate and all made him think of the night of passion he thought he’d had with her just to wake up and realize he’d been tricked. And it was worse that he couldn’t just explain to Adder why he was being this way. Not without telling her that it’d been her the trickster had made him see, that it was her who he longed for. Instead he put up a barrier between them. He was still there he’d still hang out and drink and watch telly but he’d sit in his recliner and give her the run of the couch. He just started spending more time away from her and the flat, generally just going alone to a pub to drink.
And that left Adder feeling neglected and just tossed aside like he didn’t want her around anymore. So she turned to what she knew, going back to street fights and now that she was of age started drinking more. There were days that she didn't come to the office with him and instead one of the other security staff was with him. He may have been keeping his distance but he was still keeping tabs on her. He knew she was back into the fights, he didn’t even need sources to tell him that. She’d come home with cuts and bruises so he knew just from that. But through keeping tabs on her he also found that she’d at times gone home with one of the blokes from the fights and slept with him. She never brought these guys to their flat or mentioned them directly to him. The idea that she was basically now just having casual sex with blokes, well it hurt him but solidified that he was right in the perspective that she hadn’t and wouldn’t want him that way. So he stayed distant and drank alone at locals pubs to not think about India or that at the moment in time Adder was either in the midst of a street fight or off shaggy some bloke.
Tonight was just like most nights over the last couple months. Adder had been with him at the office but when it was time to leave she went her way and he went his. He knew she was going to another fight, but didn’t try and stop her. Instead he went to a pub in a more doggy area of town. He stood out like a sore thumb sitting at the grimey bar in his slim fit emerald green dress shirt, camel colored tailored blazer, brown plaid skinny tie, paired to be more casual with a dark wash pair of straight legged jeans, and brown oxfords. He kept his brown wool newsboy cap on pulled slightly forward though he doubted much he'd’ get recognized in a dive like this. And he was mostly left alone, he got a few looks of confusion of why someone dressed as nice as him was in a place like this but no one spoke to him other than the bartender who took his order. He’d chosen the pub because it was only four blocks from the fights Adder was at. No matter what she was still his mate and he felt a responsibility to her so he stayed as close as he could without feeling too close. He wasn’t sure he’d ever fully shake what he felt for her, but he at least knew he didn’t want to shake that feeling of friendship or more importantly his sense of duty to her in keeping her safe.
Mason wasn’t the only one out of place in not just that neighborhood but the pub. Skye had recently moved to London for her new job working as a photographic editor at GQ. The only reason she was in this neighborhood was on Excalibur business, following a target trying to find who he was supposed to be meeting because all the intel they had so far something big was going to be going down and soon. And since she’d moved to London she offered to handle this while Rose was going to Bayville to spend Christmas with Merrick and Faelan. Skye was hopeful that Rose would finally just tell the man how she felt before she came back because to go another month with Rose on the fence between excited and happy talk about Merrick and Faelan to sad and depressed worried that her being in their lives was not a good thing. No one really looked to the door when her target walked in but when she did eyes found their way to her. Skye knew she stood out, but there was very little she could do about her physical appearance. She tried to not look directly at her target as she unbuttoned her brown trench coat revealing her cream silk v neck dress with it’s brown belt that was the same length as her trench coat stopping just above her knee leaving her knee visible between the hem and the top of her brown boots.
She headed for the bar taking off her brown and gold tweed cap revealing more of her dark red hair, her azure blue eyes looking around the pub to find somewhere to sit that she could still watch her target without being outed. She spotted an empty seat next to a man who looked as out of place as she did in the dingy bar. So she walked over to ask if the seat was taken. Mason hadn’t turned when the man or Skye walked in he was watching the rugby game on the television behind the pub. “Bloody Kearney! Someone just take that ass out already.”, he shouted at the screen before finishing his third shot of tequila. He knew that none of the players on the London team was going to be able to do it, he’d seen Donovan take a bullet and recover like it was a mere scratch. This however didn’t change his opinion of the man. From just that one day and watching rugby matches since Donovan joined the warriors he could easily tell the man was arrogant and thought himself invisible. “Oy, ya got a problem wid Kearney?”, Skye asked tucking her cap into her jacket pocket.
Mason’s brow furrowed hearing a thick female Scottish accent behind him. Which he of course took this to mean it was some Scottish bird who favored Donovan either because she was a Warriors fan in general or because he was ‘cute’. “Yes I do…”, Mason started to say turning to argue with the woman who in his mind was probably going to be some partially toothed Scottish woman given the location of the pub. But he froze seeing Skye, she certainly wasn’t some partial toothed woman nor did she look like she belonged in this dive bar. He didn’t generally go for red heads, he’d actually never been with one but he had to admit she was rather beautiful. Skye folded her arms across her chest. “So wat yer problem wid Kearney? Dat he got skill as a player and ya don’t or just dat he crushes yer team every time dey come against him?”, she questioned. “I’m… I’m certainly not professional level at rugby, but I’m a fair player in a casual setting. And perhaps it’s the fact he does steamroll my guys when we play the Warriors. Also perhaps it’s because he’s an arrogant prick who thinks himself invincible and puts his teammates at risk because of it.”, Mason said after a moment. “Why do you defend him? And please don’t say it’s because he’s attractive you’ll dash all hope.”, he added with a smile.
Skye laughed at the idea of calling her twin attractive. “Aye he is an arrogant prick and does tink himself invisible.”, she agreed with a nod. “Ah defend him cause only Ah get ta talk shite bout mah twin.”, she smiled sitting down glancing to her target who wasn’t paying attention to her which was good. Talking to whoever this man was would at least offer a way to blend. Mason was lifting his pint glass to his lips whens he said ‘twin’ and stopped looking at her. “You… you’re Donovan Kearney’s twin? Hmm… well I’m sure I speak for the blokes glad you don’t look like him.”, Mason commented taking a sip. This was a huge red flag in his mind. He immediately started to wonder what powers, if any she had and if like her twin she went around with a mask at night. He of course wasn’t going to bring that up, as that would out him as one of the mutants who was there that night back in September with her twin and a different red head. “Aye well we canna look identical being different genders. Ah favor da female Kearneys more looking muc’ like some of mah aunties most of w’om got da red ‘air. Donovan looks like our grandsire getting da black ‘air and strong jaw. So hope dat yer ‘ope dinna get das’ed too badly.”, she said before looking at the three empty shot glasses and one empty pint glass and the half full he was working on. “So ya drinking cause yer an alcoholic or ya just trying ta ferget someting?”, she asked pointing to the glasses.
Mason chuckled a little and sipped his pint.. “Hope not dashed completely at least.”, he answered before looking at the glasses. “Not an alcoholic. I suppose you could say I’m drinking to forget, Miss Kearney.”, he shrugged finishing the pint. As he looked past her to the front windows of the pub he saw Adder walking with a man’s arm around her shoulders and his eyes narrowed for half a second before focusing back on Skye. Out on the street Adder was mostly just going through the motions of life. She’d met the man at the fights he’d been rather impressed with her skill in the fight and how flexible she . She hadn’t even caught his name when he asked if she’d like to take off from the fights with him. “So my place or yours?”, the bloke asked with a smirk. She wasn’t fully paying attention she was bored and looked to the pub thinking of getting a drink before going with the man when she saw Mason. She stopped walking and looked at him, he was smiling and obviously flirting with the redhead he was talking to. “Adder?”, the man questioned. She blinked and looked back at him. “Yea?”, she asked. “I asked your place or mine.”, he repeated. “Yers. Ah got a roommate so Ah don’t bring blokes ‘ome.”, she said glancing back to her roommate chatting up some bird. “Alright well let’s go.”, he encouraged walking away with her.
“Skye.”, she said never being a fan of being called ‘Miss’. Mason tilted his head a little confused by the one word response, maybe it was that he was drunk or that he’d just seen Adder but he was a bit off his game. “Hmm?”, he questioned. Skye smiled. “Ah was gunna say Ah’m impressed yer not smashed but apparently ya are. Skye Kearney, it’s mah name.”, she explained offering her hand. “Oh right. Sorry, but I figure you're not drunk if you can stand. Pleasure to meet you Skye. I’m Mason Templeton.”, he said giving her hand a light kiss which in his mind was a good idea but he almost fell off his stool in the effort. Skye laughed and moved to help brace him and get him back fully on the stool. “Ya can barely sit up. Englishmen just don’t know ‘ow ta ‘old deir liquor.”, she chuckled. “Now wait did ya say Mason Templeton? Like Templeton Enterprise CEO? Same Mason Templeton dat in two days is ‘aving an interview and some p’otos done fer a two page article in London’s GQ?”, she asked looking at him questioningly. Mason looked at her puzzled. “Yeah. That would be me. How do you know that?”, he asked now suspicious. Had her brother and that other girl figured out who he was? “Ah work fer GQ. Ah started a couple weeks ago as da p’otograp’ic editor. Ah’m in c’arge of da p’otos’oot and making sure dat ya and more importantly da p’otograp’er ‘ave everyting ya need and dat da end result are pictures we can use. Dey interviewing ya bout some new foundation ya starting dat is a tad controversial, rig’t?”, she explained. Despite paying attention to him she was still glancing occasionally to her target trying to be subtle.
“Oh alright well that makes sense how you know. And yeah, they want to interview me because I’m starting a foundation for orphaned mutants. We’ll be opening multiple locations throughout the United Kingdom to help these children whose families either deserted them for being different or their families have died in some of the recent violence that has befallen mutant families. And the locations won’t just be for orphaned children but homeless mutants as well to try and help them get on their feet and prove that having a mutation doesn’t make you a leper and you shouldn’t be treated as one. Mutation isn’t a disease or contagious they are just people like you and me and deserve the same amount of respect and god given rights. I know that a new religious organization is out there trying to say otherwise. But we are all God's children and made in his image.”, Mason explained. Skye smiled even smashed he could be eloquent. “Ya aren’t wat Ah expected Mister Templeton.”, she shook her head before ordering a pint. “Mason, you can call me Mason. And what pray tell did you expect?”, he asked ordering another pint. “Cancel his pint and give him a water or some coffee.”, she told the bartender who nodded.
“I hardly know you and you are trying to enforce a drink limit?”, he asked. “Yes Ah am. And apparently da barkeep agrees dat ya’ve drank enouf. As fer wat Ah was expecting. Well ta be blunt, Ah didn’t expect ya to be bout mah age, let alone good looking nor have suc’ conviction. Ah’ve seen a picture of yer dah he ain’t wat Ah’d call an attractive man.”, she explained taking a sip of her pint as the bartender set a coffee and water in front of Mason. “Glad to exceed expectations. I look more like the my mother’s side of the family. And what do you mean my conviction?”, he asked sipping the coffee. “Ah figured wid yer dah’s political appointment and views dat dis foundation was just for publicity rat’er dan because ya believe in it.”, she explained. “It like ya got a personal stake in it. Dat it has affected ya, w’ic’ is ‘ard ta believe given yer breeding dat ya’d ever known ‘ards’ip.”, she added. Mason smiled a little nodded. “Well I personally haven’t. However a close friend has. She was abandoned at birth for having a physical mutation, she was treated poorly at the orphanage for it, she ran away and lived on the streets doing god know was to survive till I found her. I helped her the best I could and got her off the streets.”, he explained with a sigh thinking about Adder.
Skye nodded smiling softly he had a good heart that she could tell. “Wat ya calling dis foundation anyways?”, Skye asked. “Leah’s Lost Souls. In honour of my friend who’d suffered so much.”, he explained finishing the coffee. “Da bird know ya starting and naming a foundation after her?”, she asked. Mason shook his head. “No. We haven’t… been as close as we used to. But that happens you grow up and you can’t spend as much time with those who’d been so close to you. Not that anyone would know it’s for her as she doesn’t ever go by her birth name. I’m the only one that ever uses it and that’s sparingly. But enough about that. Want to explain why a beautiful woman like you is in a dive like this?”, he asked wanting to get off the subject of Adder. Skye smiled shaking her head. “Ah’m new ta London. Only moved in ta mah flat couple weeks ago. So still getting da lay o da land. Was t’irsty and ‘appened upon dis place. Da same could be asked of ya. After all not really da sort o place one would expect ta run into a ceo of a company as big as yers.”, she commented killing off her pint. “I was considering heading out till you walked over. Which I don’t generally do this, ever, but want to share a taxi?”, he offered with a smile drinking more of his water. Skye chuckled. “Really? Yer trying ta pick me up? Ya canna probably stand and ya tink Ah’d go wid ya fer a one nig’ter wid some drunk?”, she questioned still laughing.
Mason chuckled. “Yes and no. Yes I’m hitting on you but no I’m not looking to take you home for a one night stand. Could however use someone to help get me home and to my flat without falling down. Though I don’t know if you're strong enough you look to be maybe 8 stones.”, he commented finishing the water. Skye chuckled shaking her head. “Ya’ve a good eye even drunk fer weight Ah’m 8.8 stones. But trust me Ah muc’ stronger dan Ah look.”, she smiled. Oh she knew she was much stronger than her appearance gave her credit. She could lift the whole building they were sitting in easily but that wasn’t the point. She looked over at her target who looked to have passed out drunk at his table. Mason glanced to the direction she was looking. “Do you know him?”, he asked. Skye shook her head. “No just wondering if he breat’ing.”, she said getting up using it as a reason to get closer reaching into her pocket for one of the trackers that she’d grabbed from Muir Island before teleporting to her flat. She was careful as she approached him and lightly touched his neck putting the tracker onto his skin just under the collar of his shirt in the back so it wouldn’t be noticed as easily. “He breathing?”, Mason asked starting to get up from his stool and having to grab the bar to stay standing. “Aye he’s breathing. Ya mig’t wanna call dis one a taxi we’n he wakes.”, she suggested to the bartender.
She laughed turning and seeing Mason trying to stay standing. “Let me ‘elp ya mate.”, she chuckled going over to him. “Use me fer support.”, she said grabbing his arm and getting it over his shoulder. “You sure… cause I do outweigh you by a few stones.”, Mason questioned skeptical. “Aye Ah sure, dinna fash. Ya don’t weig’ more dan mah yank cousin w’om Ah’ve ‘elped ta his ‘ouse more dan once in university.”, she smiled slipping an arm around Mason’s waist to help keep him stable. Mason nodded a little and reached into his back pocket taking out his wallet taking out a bit more than his tab and her drinks would have costed turning just enough to set it on the bar top. “Come on den.”, she said helping him out of the pub and to the street hailing a cab. She carefully got him into the back and got in next to him. “Where ya heading?”, the driver asked. “Um Ah’m going ta 19 Chesham. Ah don’t know w’ere he needs ta go.”, she said. “55 Eaton Place.”, Mason said with a small laugh. “Truly small world we live blocks away from each other.”, he smiled. “Apparently it is. Go ta Eaton first so Ah can see him to his flat, but wait fer me as Ah won’t be long.”, Skye instructed. The driver nodded and pulled away heading in that direction.
They pulled up out front of his building and she carefully helped get him out of the cab and started inside and to the elevator. As they rode up in the elevator Adder was walking up to the building not really thinking anything of seeing a waiting cab. Her night had been a bit of a bust, she’d won at her fights but the bloke she’d left with was not really much of a performer outside of a fight not having lasted very long. She snorted a little deciding to take the stairs. “He lasted longer in t’e ring t’an did in bed.”, she sighed shaking her head. “Alrig’t we ‘ere mate. Just stay wid me a bit longer. Wouldn’t like ta leave ya passed out in suc’ a nice ‘allway.”, Skye try to encourage but Mason’s eyes were already getting heavy and had closed. “Aw mate…”, Skye sighed leaning against the door with Mason’s dead weight on her. She reached into his jacket pocket. “Not getting frisky mate, just looking fer yer keys.”, she said finding them and reaching behind her trying to get the door open. As Adder entered the hall from the stairs the sight didn’t look at all innocent. It looked like Mason had the red haired bird from the pub against their front door kissing at her neck. Her copper snake eyes narrowed as she considered just turning around.
“Oy!”, Skye yelled. “Be a mate and ‘elp a lass. He’s passed out drunk and Ah canna get da door and ‘old him up at da same time.”, Skye called spotting Adder. She didn’t know that Adder lived with Mason or care she was just someone who could maybe help her. Adder stopped as she was about to turn. So the bird wasn’t making out with Mason and about to go into their flat for a one night stand. They may not be on the best of terms at the moment but he is still her mate and her boss who she is paid to protect. So she moved over getting past Skye and getting her key into the lock and opened the door. Skye blinked that the woman had a key but wasn’t about to question at the moment. Instead she just adjusted her grip on Mason, and given the girl had snake eyes and some visible scales Skye didn’t think twice about using her powers so she lifted Mason off the ground easily to carry in her arms like he was as light as a feather. Adder set her keys on the little stand about to turn to help the bird but blinked seeing her carrying Mason like it was nothing. “So Ah guessing yer a mutant too t’en.”, Adder commented. “Aye. Figured it was alrig’t given he’s passed out and yer a mutant too. He dinna mention a…. girlfriend. So Ah sorry dat yer bloke was flirting wid me at da pub.”, she apologized. Adder snorted. “Ah ain’t his girlfriend. We flatmates and dat, rig’t now, only cause Ah’m his bodyguard. Tonig’t just ‘appened ta be my day off. ‘Ow muc’ did he drink?”, she asked.
“Oh, Ah see. Well by time Ah was at da pub he ‘ad t’ree shots and one pint and was working on da second pint. We started talking and Ah got da bartender ta switc’ him ta coffee and water but apparently not soon enuff. Can ya point me in da direction of his room so Ah can set him down?”, Skye questioned. Adder nodded and pointed. “Straig’t down t’e ‘all.”, she instructed. “Tanks.”, Skye nodded carrying him carefully down the hall and setting him down on his bed Adder behind her. “Dere ya go mate. Sleep off watever ya were trying ta ferget in da drink.”, Skye said softly standing up fixing her dress. “Ya got him from ‘ere?”, she asked. Adder shrugged. “Not muc’ ta do wit’ him at t’is point in t’e morning need ta make sure Ah got plenty of water and tylenol fer him. So he said he was drinking ta ferget somet’ing?”, Adder asked. “Aye. Dinna go inta wat, but gotta be someting ruff.”, Skye said glancing to him before looking back at Adder. “Well tanks fer getting him back safe, miss.”, Adder said gesturing to the door. “Yer welcome. Da name’s Skye Kearney by da way.”, she smiled walking out of Mason’s room and back in the direction of the front door. Adder followed closing Mason’s door behind her. “Ah’m Adder. Well Ah will assume he got yer number. So if he ever wants ta see ya again…”, Adder said trying to be nice but really just wanted the bird to leave. “No he didn’t get mah number, but he’ll see me again. In two days actually, Ah work at GQ so Ah’ll see him w’en he comes fer his interview and pictures. Nice ta meet ya Adder.”, Skye smiled leaving the apartment. Adder furrowed her brow not aware of him having an interview with GQ, she’d have to ask him about that in the morning.
Mason woke a bit confused and his head pounding in the morning. He sat up looking around seeing he was in his room and still wearing all of his clothes. “Well that is either a good or bad thing.”, he frowned. He got out of his bed and went to his bathroom getting a quick shower hoping the water would help clear his head. He remembered getting into the cab with Skye and pulling up to his building, but it got very hazy and then nothing from that point on. He sighed getting out of the shower. “I owe Skye an apology.”, he sighed getting dressed his head still hurting before venturing out into the communal space of the flat. He wasn’t sure he’d see Adder as she’d left her fight with some bloke. So he was a bit shocked to see her sitting at the table drinking a cup of coffee. “Morning Mason.”, she said pointing to a chair where a cup of coffee, a glass of water, a plate of toast with jam and two aspirins sat. Mason laughed a little sitting down but stopped laughing as it hurt his head. “Thanks Adder. So um… what time did you get in?”, he asked picking up the two aspirins and swallowing them before drinking the glass of water. “Same time as ya did.”, she commented. “Oh…”, he said before sipping the coffee.
Apparently things didn’t go too well between her and the bloke if she was home that quickly. “Er… so I know I left the pub with a bird last night…”, he started to think of how to phrase this. “Yea. Skye Kearney she was trying ta get yer drunk ass inta t’e flat w’en Ah walked up. Ah ‘elped her get t’e door. Ya realize she’s a mutant?”, Adder said looking over at him. “Right Skye Kearney. Explains why I was still fully dressed, guess that’s a good thing. Last time I drank and went to a room with a bird I just met I thought it was someone else and things went bad. And no I didn’t know for a fact she’s a mutant. I guessed because I recall yelling about Donovan Kearney watching the rugby match at the pub and she defended him because apparently she’s his twin sister. How’d you confirm it?”, he asked taking a bit of his toast. He smiled she’d used the raspberry preserves he likes. “Wait so ya broug’t ‘ome a bird ya know is related ta someone w’o mig’t or mig’t not know our identities? And Ah know she a mutant cause she lifted ya up like ya weig’ed not’ing and carried ya to yer room.”, she answered.
“Hmm. So super strength. Explains why she insisted that I could lean on her despite her only weighing just under 9 stones. If she knew who I was she was very good at hiding it. She was actually rather surprised that I’m the same Mason Templeton that her company is interviewing the day after tomorrow and is the CEO of Templeton Enterprises.”, he explained with a shrug. “W’at so surprising bout t’at?”, she asked. “Apparently I don’t look or act how she expected me to. I physically look more like a Steed than a Templeton. Guess she’d seen a picture of my father and had a certain image in her head of what his son would look like and well attractive wasn’t in her image.”, he smiled a little remembering her saying he was attractive. “Ah see. So w’en was Ah gunna be told ya ‘ad an interview some place?”, she asked. “Um. When it was relevant or I knew you’d be the one from the security staff going with me.”, he shrugged finishing his toast. “W’at t’at supposed ta mean?”, she said defensive. “That for the last couple months who my bodyguard has changed daily and occasionally it’s you. Donald sent you an email to put in your calendar for the event as head of security. Which I should get going to the office, but before I get there I need to stop at a flower shop.”, he said standing up finishing the coffee. “W’at we stopping at a flower s’op fer?”, Adder asking standing up having dressed in her black suit for work. “We? You’re coming to the office?”, he commented. “Yea Ah coming. Now w’at ya need at a flower s’op?”, she asked getting their coats. “I owe Skye an apology and a thank you. Since I don’t think I got her number and don’t remember what her house number is from the taxi over I’ll just send flowers to GQ’s office.”, he said taking his jacket and heading out. Adder rolled her eyes but followed him out.
“Yea Ah’ve got it under control Donovan. No Ah don’t need any ‘elp. Ah’ll see ya and da ot’ers in a couple days wid wat Ah find.”, Skye said being vague as she was talking on her cell to her twin as she walked into the office. “Good morning Miss Kearney.”, her assistant greeted her. “Ah told ya Mark call me Skye. And good morning ta ya too. Ya seem c’ipper fer a Monday.”, she commented. “Ah’m not c’ipper Ah’m perturbed. Rose is in America wid da man-whore who begot a son wid some ot’er bird.”, Donovan frowned. He had not really been supportive of Rose’s surprise trip to see Merrick. He felt that this meant she truly did love Merrick and any chance he had was going to go down the drain. “No, not you Donovan Ah talking at Mark.”, she said rolling her eyes making a face at Mark which got him to laugh. “Ah’ll talk ta ya later Ah gotta work. Bye Donovan.”, she sighed hanging up shaking her head. “Siblings.”, she sighed. “I’m amazed you aren’t the one in the chipper mood Skye.”, Mark smiled. Skye raised an eyebrow. “W’y would Ah be in a c’ipper mood?”, she asked taking her messages from him before walking into her office. She stopped nearly dropping her coffee. Her desk had a large blue vase with what looked like two dozen long stemmed blue roses. “MMMaaaarrrrrkkk!?”, she questioned.
Mark peeked his head into her office and smiled.”That would be why I assumed you were in a good mood. I didn’t read the card. Just put it on your desk when it came for delivery about fifteen minutes ago.”, Mark smiled. “Ah...Ah don’t kne w’o’d be sending me flowers…”, she furrowed her brow and cautiously took the card and opened it. and started to laugh reading the note. Mark hurried into the office curious. “So who are they from? What’s the note say? I mean you've been in London two weeks and already a man is sending flowers? Come on I’ve lived in London for six months and haven’t gotten a man to send me flowers yet.”, Mark encouraged. Skye sighed and read the note aloud. “Skye, Sorry dat Ah was too drunk last nig’t ta make a good impression. Ah’d like ta make it up ta ya. Dinner? Tonig’t say 7 at Hawsmoor? Call me 020 7946 0243 w’en ya decide. Look forward to ‘earing from ya. Mason.”, Skye sighed shaking her head looking at the card then to the roses. “OH MY GOD! Did you hook up last night and it was a fail? Cause wow girl, man sure knows how to show he’s sorry for a poor performance in the bedroom. And the Hawsmoor that’s a fancy place. Who’s this Mason chap?”, Mark asked.
She chuckled shaking her head at him. “No Ah dinna ‘ook up wid anyone. Ah was talking wid Mason at a pub I wandered inta and we s’ared a cab since he lives in da same area as me. He was verra drunk and Ah ‘elped him up ta his flat and his flatmate ‘elped me get him inside. And Mason is… well Mason Templeton. W’o we ‘ave a s’oot wid day after next fer an article dey writing bout him.”, Skye explained putting the card down on her desk. “Oooo. He at least good looking? I’ve never seen him but I’ve seen pictures of his dad.”, Mark asked. Skye smiled. “Yea… he good looking.”, she sighed. “So do you want me to call or are you going to call to confirm?”, he asked. “Ah can call mahself. Out wid ya.”, she shooed him out of her office moving the flowers to gain space on her desk. She debated if she should even call. She need to track that COH man for the team. Did she really have time to socialize? She sighed and looked at the card before picking up the phone and dialing. She figured it was probably his office number so she’d get a receptionist or something.
Mason was at his desk reviewing some papers for an expansion of the factory in New Delhi when his cell started to go off. Adder raised an eyebrow as he picked it up not recognizing the number. “Hello.”, Mason greeted. “Um ‘ello. Ah calling ta speak wid Mason Templeton..”, Skye said feeling a bit awkward about it all. She hadn’t called a man in a while, generally they called her. Mason smiled hearing the thick Scottish accent at the other end and knew who it had to be. “Morning Skye this is Mason. What did you think I gave you my office number?”, he asked with a smile. “Yea would made sense. ‘Ow is yer ‘ead?”, she asked making conversation. “It’ll survive. Not the first time I’ve been that drunk just the first time when with a woman. I’m afraid I didn’t make a very good first impression. So what’s your answer do I get a second chance at a first impression?”, he asked. “In yer defense mate ya were smas’ed by da time Ah arrived in da pub. Not ta mention ya weren’t really wid me. Ah was ‘elping ya get to yer flat and dat all Ah planned ta ‘elp ya wid even if ya were sober. But Ah suppose dinner doesn’t sound ‘orrid. So alrig’t. Ah’ll meet ya dere. Now Ah got work ta go do, and Ah sure as a CEO of yer own company ya got tings ya ougtta be doing.”, Skye answered. “I look forward to dinner. Bye Skye.”, Mason said ending the call.
Skye kept her eyes on the app during the day to check on the location of her target and when possible listening to the audio but nothing was really going on to get concerned about. She had her fingers crossed that she could get through her evening with Mason without having it interrupted to go after this guy. Though she wasn’t even really sure what this dinner was, had she agreed to a date? After she got home from work something actually did come up on her app. Something was going down she heard from the audio the target and three others were heading to a residence and they were talking about making sure they had their guns. She looked at the clock and sighed reaching into the far back of her closet for her black and violet uniform changing from street clothes into the kevlar costume and donned her mask pulling her hair back. “Dis better not take long.”,she said grabbing her teleporter watch and communicator. “Donovan. Ah need ya ta meet me at da coordinates Ah just forwarded ta ya. Target and some o his pals are arming demselves to go after somebody.”, she said before hitting her button and being transported to the location. Donovan arrived seconds after her in his uniform.
“Well at least we got ‘ere before dem. Let’s check wid da civilians first, get dem away from ‘ere.”, Skye greeted doing a telepathic scan of the area, or at least as far as her telepathy could extend. Donovan nodded and went to the back door the small house and knocked. He was greeted by a rather pregnant woman who looked rather startled by him being there and quickly covered her stomach spikes coming up along the length of her arm. “What do you want? I told your buddies we aren’t going to sell or move so now you come back dressed in costumes to scare us off?”, she glared at Donovan. “Woa lassie. Ah ain’t one of dem. Ah one of you.”, he said letting his hot knives extend from his fingers to prove it. “But dey comin fer ya. Mah sister and Ah are ‘ere ta stop dem. Is it just you?”, he asked. The woman blinked her spikes reseeding when he proved he was a mutant. “No, I’ve got two little ones playing in the playroom. What do you mean they are coming? How are you going to stop them?”, she asked. “Ya get yer kids and get somew’ere safe in yer ‘ouse, like a basement. Den call fer da police tell dem dere men trying ta break inta yer ‘ouse. We will ‘andle da rest and ‘ave um ready fer pick up.”, Donovan instructed before racing back out front. “Mutant woman wid two wee ones and one on da way. Told her ta get her barrens ta a safe place and call da police. So we need ta wrap dem up quick.”, Donovan said. Skye nodded. “Good cause Ah got a date, Ah tink”, she said before flying up into the sky to keep her eyes out for them.
“A date!?”, Donovan yelled up. “Ah see some men coming.”, she called down to her twin before flying and landing at the end of the driveway of the farm putting her hands out in front of her. In the car the three men looked confused by the costumed woman standing in their way. “Just run her over.”, one said. The driver nodded and stepped harder on the gas pedal. “IOLA!”, Donovan yelled. “AH GOT DIS LAOC’!”, Skye shouted back bracing herself and when the truck came at her she gripped hard into the front putting all her effort into trying to walk forward. But she kept slipping so instead she tightened her grip and flew up taking the truck and it’s passengers with her. She could hear them screaming and watched them trying to scramble out of the truck to realize they were too far off the ground for that. “Laoc’ get some rope.”, she said over the communicator coming down for a landing flipping their truck so it was upside down. Donovan didn’t find any rope but he did find some chain that fell from their truck. Skye pulled the driver’s side door off and reached in pulling out one of the men. “Ya ain’t gunna be ‘arming no one.”, she glared. The other two went to scramble out the passenger side just to find themselves face to face with Donovan. “Ya ain’t going nowe’re fellas. Da police are on deir way fer ya.”, Donovan said. One snorted and swung punching Donovan in the jaw.
Donovan cracked his jaw setting it back into place. “Dat ‘urt.”, Donovan said before punching the man back. The third tried to sneak away but Donovan tossed a couple hot knives ahead of him. “Ah said ya ain’t going now’ere mate.”, Donovan warned. Skye brought the other around and grabbed the other to. “Now you lot stand nice and still and dis can be all done nice and easy.”, she said taking the chain from Donovan. “Fook you, you mutant whore.”, one shouted spitting at Skye’s face. Skye narrowed her eyes as she wiped away the spit. “Dat was just uncalled fer and disgusting.”, she said before punching him hard in the face knocking him out. “Either of you two want ta get yer head crushed next?”, she questioned. They both shook their heads looking to their friend who was out cold from one swing of the petite looking woman. “Good.”, she snorted wrapping the chair around them and bending it together so they weren’t going to get anywhere. “Ya got da standard note Laoch?”, she asked looking to her brother. “Aye.”, he said taking out a piece of paper that simply said ‘Caught these criminals about to do harm to some innocent people. -E.’. He attached it with a pin to the unconscious fellow. “Alrig’t let’s go.”, Donovan said standing up. “Aye.”, Skye agreed as they both hit the buttons on their watches.
Skye hadn’t expected Donovan to go to her flat. So when they arrived at the same time she blinked. “Wat ya doing?”, she demanded taking off her mask. “Wat ya mean ya’ve got a date?”, Donovan asked taking off his mask. “Ya been in London fer two weeks eit’er at work or following dat sleaze back dere dat ya knocked out. ‘Ow’d ya meet a bloke already? W’o is he?”, Donovan asked. Skye rolled her eyes. “Ah met him while following da target. Ah used talking ta him as a cover so Ah dinna get noticed following him last night. And not like ya’d kne him, his name is Mason Templeton. Now if ya’ll excuse me Ah ain’t much time to shower and change fer dinner. Get yer arse back to Glasgow.”, she explained. “Ya canna start seeing someone.”, Donovan frowned. “Ooo? Dat so? And w’y mig’t dat be brot’er?”, she demanded putting her hands on her hips glaring up at her brother. “Cause if ya start ‘aving a boyfriend den Ah da only one on da team widout someone. Atif and Billy are engaged. Xavier will be moving ta Glasgow in da summer and be getting married ta Ashley. And lord knows dat even if Rose comes back and dinna tell Merrick ‘ow she feels she basically dating da unwort’y git.”, Donovan sighed. “So wat cause we twins if yer alone Ah need ta be? Dat ain’t ‘ow dis is gunna work. Ah agreed ta dinner wid him. He ain’t mah boyfriend. And don’t ya start bout Rose and Merrick. Ya know she in love wid him, and he in love wid her. And ya don’t get ta say w’ose unwrot’y of her. Now get out mah flat so I can get ready fer mah date.”, she said grabbing his watch and hitting ‘home’ and before he could say a word he was gone.
Skye wasn’t even sure if this was a date or what it was. So she wouldn’t count chickens before they hatch. But she showered and dressed like it was, besides it was a nice restaurant he’d invited her to. She slipped into an orchid v neck dress with a ruffled skirt and empire waistband and a pair of metallic gold heels. She managed to get her hair into a dutch fishtail brain that swooped down along her left before grabbing her jacket and getting a taxi to go meet Mason for dinner. She knew she was running late and had been tempted to use her watch to get there but thought that might look weird. She just hoped she wasn’t running too late. When she finally got inside and was taking off her brown trench coat she spotted him leaning against a wall waiting with arms folded across his chest his jacket hung over his arms wearing a wine red button down where the collar, cuffs and pocket flap were in a heather grey plaid pattern and black dress slacks. She saw him reach into his pocket and take out a gold pocket watch to check the time and frown. Maybe this was a date he at least looked dressed for one, but then again he was dressed nice in a dive bar last night.
“Sorry Ah’m late. Mah brot’er wouldn’t let me off da p’one. And got worse w’en Ah told him Ah ‘ad ta go meet someone fer dinner. So Ah had ta rus’ ta get ready and over ‘ere.”, she excused herself only giving part of her reasoning for being late. Mason put his watch away and looked over hearing her voice a smiled stepping away from the wall. “No worries. If this is the end result of you rushing not sure I could stand how good you could look when given more time.”, Mason smiled greeting. Skye rolled her eyes. “Trying ta make up fer yer poor pick up lines at da pub already?”, she teased. Mason shrugged. “It working?”, he asked. “Maybe…”, she laughed. Mason looked to the host. “We are ready for our table now.”, he instructed. “Of course. Right this way Mister Templeton.”, the maitre'd said grabbing two menus and escorting them back to a table. Mason pulled out her chair when they got to the table, an act Skye had not witnessed in her years of dating. “Um...tanks…”, she said sitting down a little confused. “Never had someone pull out a chair for you?”, he asked. “No never.”, she admitted. “Hmm… well happy to prove chivalry isn’t dead.”, Mason smiled taking his seat. “So wat is dis?”, she asked as she looked at the menu. “What is what?”, he asked. “Tonig’t. We met last nig’t by accident and ya were apparently ‘aving a bad nig’t. Dinna really require ya sending flowers or asking me ta dinner.”, she explained setting the menu down when the waiter walked over.
“Can I start you out with some drinks, maybe an appetizer?”, he asked smiling looking from Mason to Skye. “Ah’ll take da Kernel London Porter. Da grilled chicken wid baked sweet potato and da creamed spinach.”, Skye said being to the point knowing what she wanted. Mason chuckled a little. “A woman who knows exactly what she wants. Not many people are so decisive. I’ll take a Kernel London Porter as well. And I’ll have the filet, medium rare with peppercorn sauce, anya potatoes, and the mushrooms.”, Mason smiled handing the menus to the waiter. “Alright I’ll get those orders in and have your drinks right out.”, he smiled walking away. “Well I felt bad to left such a poor first impression. So the flowers were to apologize. The dinner… well this is a date or at least it’s intended as one. Haven’t gone on a date in many months so figured why not ask the pretty bird out to dinner.”, he explained. Skye laughed a little shaking her head. “Well good ting Ah dressed like dis was a date. Ya make a ‘abit of asking random strangers ya meet w’ile drunk on dates?”, she asked. Mason shrugged. “Not generally speaking. I make exceptions for people I think were very attractive and seemed interesting. And you are certainly attractive, oddly the first time I’ve shown interest in a redhead. And I’m certainly seeing that you are interesting.”, he commented. “O red not yer regular flavour? And wat ya mean by dat yer seeing Ah’m interesting?”, she questioned as the waiter set their beers down. “No it’s not, but exceptions can be made. And well for starters you have super strength I hear.”, he explained speaking quietly when discussing powers. “Yer flatmate tell ya bout dat huh?”, she asked. Mason nodded. “Yes she did. Makes me wonder what more there is to find out about you.”, Mason smiled
The dinner went well enough they talked about their childhoods and pastimes. By desert they’d covered a good portion of their lives. “So your family basically only has twins?”, Mason asked finishing his beer. “For da most part aye. Ah’ve a cousin in America w’o wasn’t born wid a twin and one of mah great uncles dinna ‘ave a twin. But ot’erwise Kearney clan reproduces in sets it seems.”, she smiled. “Well that would explain why the name is so common you breed like rabbits.”, he teased. “Aye. Terrifying Ah suppose.”, she shrugged finishing her beer. “Well I suppose it does say one thing about the Kearney line.”, Mason commented motioning for the waiter and the check. “Aye? Wat dat?”, she asked. Mason handed over his card and waited till the waiter had walked away to answer. “That they must be damn good in bed.”, Mason chuckled. Skye laughed shaking her head. “Ya looking ta find out?”, she asked getting her purse and jacket as the waiter walked back over. Mason smirked. “Maybe I am. What might my odds be?”, he asked signing the check and getting his jacket as he put his wallet back. “Canna say beyond dat tongi’t yer odds are a zero. Ah ain’t da type ta go dat far on a first date, actually Ah ain’t da type go goes dat far wid anyone Ah’ve not been dating fer a few weeks.”, she explained as they walked out. “Fair enough. Can’t blame you for have morals, that’s a good quality to have. Can I give you a ride home?”, he asked pointing to his car. “Sure dat be fine. We don’t live too far away from each ot’er.”, she commented getting into the car. “We don’t? I’m sorry I don’t remember much of last night after we left the pub.”, he apologized. “Aye. Ah’m over at 19 Chesham.”, she explained. “Well that will certainly make getting to know you that much easier.”, he commented driving.
He parked out front of the building. “Well dis is me. Ah ‘ad a good time. Nig’t Mason.”, she said moving to get out of the car. “Can I walk you up at least? I was raised you take your date to their door.”, Mason asked. Skye sighed and nodded. “Sure no ‘arm in it Ah suppose.”, she said getting out of the car and heading into her building. Mason quickly followed behind her and up to her flat. “Alrig’t well ya’ve walked me ta mah door. Good nig’t Mason.”, Skye said getting her keys from her purse. “Good night Skye. I had a good evening.”, Mason said still standing there. Skye got her door unlocked and looked at him and sighed. Months since his last date, somehow she had a feeling something bad had happened with some girl by his slight out of practice awkwardness. She could easily have just read his mind but she didn’t like to do that to people without permission. But she didn’t need to read his mind to wager why he was still standing there. He was debating kissing her. She decided to make the decision for him and leaned up giving him a quick peck on the lips. “Nig’t.”, she said. Mason smiled a little at the quick peck before leaning in and actually kissing her as a quick peck wasn’t going to do. Skye blinked a little not having expected him to kiss her, but she returned the kiss for a moment before pulling back. “Ah s’ould go inside now before Ah tink of letting ya in.”, Skye smirked. Mason chuckled. “Good night Skye. I’ll see you again soon.”, he smiled before walking away. It felt good to have gone on a date and not be reminded of India or Adder.