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Rose used her teleporter to get from the airport to the cottage. Upon landing she set her bag down and got out her phone to call Merrick. It only rang once before she heard his voice. “Hey. So made it alright then.”, he greeted. “Yeah. Just got to the cottage, Octopus apparently missed me.”, she laughed looking down at the large orange cat rubbing a figure eight around her legs. “Oh I bet. Can’t blame him. You’ve been gone just over seven hours and I already miss you.”, he smiled sitting down on the sofa in the living room. Rose smiled she’d been smiling since he said he loved her. “I miss you too. You do realize being long distance like this is going to suck. I mean it sucked before having to spend eleven months out of the year away from you.”, she sighed sitting down on a chair Octopus jumping on her lap purring. Merrick chuckled hearing the purring. “I can hear him purring, god almost forgot how loud he can be. And yeah long distance isn’t the greatest thing, but we’ll survive. Just means more likelihood of phone or skype sex.”, he teased. Rose rolled her eyes but was laughing a little. “I suppose that’s true. Guess take a page from Tristan and Blaire’s book and invest in a vibrator.”, she laughed. Merrick covered his face laughing. “Three years at university and you don’t own one? Damn you have way more restraint than I do.”, he laughed. “Yeah well you could just go call someone in your little book to get laid. I didn’t have that option and well I dunno guess the idea of a vibrator wasn’t the same as having you.”, she said a bit embarrassed.
“Yeah well I don’t have that option. Little black book doesn’t exist, heck it hasn’t existed since I found out about Faelan. And now that I’ve got you I don’t really need anyone else. It will be a bit odd I suppose.”, he shrugged. “What will be a bit odd?”, she asked petting Octopus. “Phone sex or skype sex. Never really done that. Never had to before.”, he admitted. “Wait am I understanding you correctly that you’ve never masturbated?”, she questioned with a raised eyebrow. Merrick chuckled. “Yeah that’s correct. I’ve never had to. Why jerk off when I was able to easily found someone willing to do that for me and more. Anyways let’s change the subject, I’m in the living room and mom should be home soon from taking cookies to people with Sebastian and Faelan.”, he said wanting to not be discussing this when people were in hearing range. Rose laughed a little. “Alright let’s change subject. I’m sure Atif and Billy will be home soon too. Can’t wait to see them and the rest of the team so I can tell them about us. Which reminds me after I get off the phone with you I need to call my parents to tell them I got home safe and about us.”, she said.
Merrick smiled he liked the word ‘us’. “Yeah I’ve told some people already.”, he said with a sigh thinking about the reactions he got. “Oh? Who have you told so far? Don’t want to double up.”, she asked. “Well got back and Zoe was here. So she was the first one I told. She was happy for us and said it was about time I told you. She had me give all the details of how it went down and she was gushing about it saying it was like a scene from one of Gina’s romance movies.”,he smiled thinking about Zoe’s reaction. “Who else did you tell? I’ll assume your mom.”, she smiled. “Mom overheard while I told my sisters. Josalyn and Emma came to visit. Which Josalyn got engaged to Robert he proposed yesterday at Rockefeller Center while ice skating.”, he explained. “Oh well congratulations to them. So how did they take being told you are with me?”, she asked knowing it was probably bad. Josalyn and Emma hated her. “They weren’t happy. Especially Emma she was pissed. And I don’t fucking care. Right now Josalyn is on thin ice with me. And Emma I might kill if I see her too soon.”, he said growling a little thinking back to that morning. He’d spent the afternoon at the gym, the shop and the shelter to try and calm down.
“What happened?”, she asked. The last time he wanted to kill Emma she’d harmed Leslie. “Zoe overheard Emma and Josalyn talking. And Emma well she admitted to being behind more than just Leslie. She admitted to being behind Katherine deciding to become a nun. for starters.”, he shrugged. “Katherine?”, Rose asked trying to place the name. “You probably wouldn’t remember her. Katherine was a senior when I was a freshmen in high school. And she was the first girl I ever slept with, we didn’t date but we certainly had a good time together. Apparently Emma didn’t like the idea or whatever and used her powers to get Katherine to give up sex and become a nun. Which whatever, Katherine from what I understand has been happy as a nun. No what I’m really pissed about is that what she did to Jenna. I didn’t love Jenna but for Emma to use her powers to have Jenna give up Faelan and wipe her mind of me and Faelan is just… unforgivable. Zoe got so mad she turned Emma to a statue. Josalyn and Robert took Emma home before I was told and could go ballistic.”, he explained. Rose covered her mouth she shouldn’t be shocked that Emma would do something like that to Jenna but still that was such a low thing to do. To take a mother away from Faelan was just horrid. “Ohh Merrick… I… I am so sorry. I wish I could be there for you.”, she frowned.
Merrick nodded. “Yeah I don’t mind when Emma does things that hurt me, but don’t hurt my son. Zoe told me what happened and I owe the Haven a new section of marble counter having cracked it with my anger. I feel bad I scared Zoe with how angry I got. I give her credit scared as she was she didn’t leave. Instead she hugged me trying to get me to calm down. It worked. I wouldn’t and couldn’t ever hurt her so her telling me was probably the safest bet. Once I had calmed down I drove her back to the restaurant since she had to work and went to the gym and went through five punching bags before going to the shop to do some work and then the shelter to try and zen.”, he sighed a little. Rose nodded. Of course Zoe comforted him, and if this had been yesterday maybe she’d have been more bothered by it. But this was today and he loves her and is dating her. So there was nothing more than friendship between him and Zoe. “I still wish I could be there for you. I just can’t believe she’d go that low. Because that hurts Faelan not you. She took his mother away from him.”, she sighed. “Yeah and I can’t forgive her for that. But he’s got you, we both have you. And sure maybe Jenna could have changed her mind about him. But who knows how long that’d take. With you he got immediately loved and accepted in all his forms.”, Merrick assured smiling a little. “Yes you both have me. I love you. I’m going to go find something to eat and call my parents. I’ll talk to you soon.”, she said.
Merrick sighed. “Say it again please.”, he asked. Rose raised an eyebrow then smiled knowing what he wanted to hear. “I love you Merrick Edward Bryant-Frost.”, she chuckled a little. “I like how that sounds. I love you too Roselyn Elizabeth Howlett”, he smiled. “I like how that sounds too. Alright, love you and I’ll talk to you later.”, she said. “Love you, bye little wolf.”, he said hanging up with a sigh. After hanging up she called up her parents. Her mother answered. “Hi Rose. You get in alright?”, Aurelia greeted. “Yeah. Just got home. Called Merrick to let him know I got here. Which he’s part of why I called.”, she sighed. “What about him?”, Aurelia asked leaning against the counter in the kitchen. She had an idea of why Rose would call about Merrick but wanted Rose to say it. “Well this morning when he took me to the airport, he chased me down inside the airport and caught up with me at security just to tell me he loves me and ask me out.”, she admitted smiling she knew she’s have to tell the story many times again and she would happily do so every time. “About time. So you are calling to say you are dating Merrick officially now? That mean I get to see Faelan more as in when You aren’t home visiting?”, Aurelia asked.
Rose laughed. “Thanks mom good to know where your priorities are in this.”, she sighed. “I’m happy for your Rose. This summer you and Merrick seemed very happy together and with the pup. And pardon me I ask if you dating him means I get to see the pup more, he’s adorable after all and you know me and pups.”, Aurelia defended. “What are we happy about?”, Logan asked. “Oh Merrick and Rose finally admitted they love each other this morning at the airport and are dating.”, Aurelia said. Logan nodded. “Good for them. He breaks my daughter's heart I still get to break him in half don’t care if he’s got a foot on me.”, Logan said lighting up a cigar. “Your father says he’s happy for you too.”, Aurelia said. “I heard him mom, remember heightened senses. As for how much you’ll see of Faelan when I’m here I can’t answer that. That’s Merrick’s call. But I’m going to get something to eat I’m sure the boys will be home soon and I’ll have to regale the whole team with my Christmas adventure.”, she smiled. “Alright well tell my other kids hello and I miss them. Stay safe as always and we love you.”, Aurelia said. “I will. Love you guys too. Bye.”, Rose sighed hanging up before starting to forage the fridge. While sitting down and eating she sent a text to the team to let them know she was home.
Skye was stretched out on her couch with Mason laying behind her watching a movie when her phone started to buzz on the coffee table. “You need to get that, love?”, Mason asked lifting his hand and using his wind to pick up her phone and bring it over to her. Skye chuckled a little. During the past week of getting to know each other they had discussed their abilities. Which him having the power over the wind and her knowing that his flatmate Adder had a snake mutation did make her suspicious that they were the pair who had killed those men back in Cambridge. She just didn’t want to think Mason capable of something like that, so she ignored it. “Tank ya.”, she smiled unlocking the phone to check the message. “Rose is ‘ome from her ‘oliday in America.”, Skye smiled. “Oh. That’s good. You going to head up to Cambridge to see her then?”, he asked moving some of her hair away from his face and her neck lightly kissing at her neck. they’d both agreed that they weren’t going to get too physical too quickly. They were still in the just hanging out not official stage. “Mmm…don’t ‘ave ta go up today”, Skye sighed sending a text back to Rose saying ‘Welcome Back! Might pop in later I’ve got someone over’. “If you wanted to go see your friend I won’t feel rejected.”, he commented still kissing her neck.
Skye smiled and set the phone on the floor before carefully rolling on the couch in his arms to face him. “Ah can see Rose any time Ah want. Ah kind of liking w’ere Ah am rig’t now.”, she smiled. “Hmm. Well we agree on that. I like where you too. Though to be honesty could think of one better place to be.”, he smiled. Skye raised an eyebrow. “Aye? W’ere dat?”, she asked having an idea of where. “Your bedroom. But we both agreed that for now that type of activity is off limits.”, he answered giving her a kiss. He let the kiss linger running his tongue across her bottom lip and the moment her lips parted slipped into to mingle and tease hers before pulling back. “Mmmm. Keep kissing me like dat and Ah canna say ‘ow long dat activity will be off limits.”, she sighed. Mason chuckled softly. “Good to know. Which I do have a question to ask you in regards to that.”, he smirked. “Wat da question?”, she asked. “What would you say to officially dating? Being exclusive since at the moment we are just two people going on dates and hanging out at your flat.”, he asked. Skye smiled. “Ah’d like dat. Now come ‘ere.”, she smiled before pulling him back to her kissing him. Sure she should probably had told him to leave and used her teleporter to get to Cambridge. She needed to debrief with Rose about the COH trio her and Donovan took down earlier in the week, but right now she just wanted to be kissing Mason.
The others all wanted to hear about what happened while Rose was away, Donovan knowing he’d need to debrief Rose about the events with the COH in London with his twin. So they all made their way to the cottage. Rose nearly choked on her water as people started just suddenly appearing. “Hey guys. God I didn’t think you’d all start just appearing.”, she laughed looking at the group. She’d gotten Skye’s text so she knew Skye wasn’t going to be showing up. “W’ere mah sister?”, Donovan asked looking around not seeing Skye. “She texted me said she would see me later because she has someone over.”, Rose shrugged. “Alright so we can worry about who Skye’s hosting later. What happened during your trip? Because well you're freaking glowing.”, Ashley asked. Rose laughed and waited for everyone to sit down. “Well that might be because Merrick told me he loves me and asked me out before I got on the plane this morning. So I’ve had this permanent smile on my face.”, Rose explained. Ashley, Atif and Billy’s eyes went wide at that news. Atif jumped up from his seat and hugged Rose. “About god damn time!”, Atif exclaimed.
“You need to tell us all about it. Wow Rose Howlett dating the infamous Merrick Bryant-Frost.”, Ashley said shaking her head smiling. Donovan didn’t look thrilled. Rose laughed a little. “Yeah thanks. I’m sure Merrick’s being told the same thing. Um well he drove me to the airport after spending the whole week with him and Faelan. Faelan was so cute he called me Ro. Love it. And Merrick made me this for Christmas from a maple tree that had to be cut down at the sanctuary that holds importance to us.”, she said holding out her left wrist. Billy shrugged not really getting the meaning of the design but Atif and Ashley blinked and looked at Rose. “He knew?”, they asked in unison. Rose nodded. “Apparently Merrick has paid attention for a long time. He said it was the whole knowing your enemy thing. I don’t know.”, Rose shrugged. “Knew what?”, Donovan asked. “The design he carved into the bracelet is the exact design that when Rose was eleven she said she wanted if she could ever have a tattoo, but being a Howlett a tattoo isn’t in the cards.”, Ashley explained. “It wasn’t a knowing your enemy thing.”, Billy stated.
Rose blinked and looked at Billy. “What?”, she asked. “Yes in our academy days my mother had told Merrick you’d be his target if a fight broke out since it seemed logical that of all of us he was the one with the right power set to face off against you. But knowing all that, knowing things like this about you wasn’t part of the assignment. Trust me I don’t know any of that shit about Landon and he was supposed to be my target. If Merrick knew that stuff about you it’s because he wanted to.”, Billy explained. Rose blinked running her fingers over the intricate design a bit baffled that Merrick memorized all these little things about her even back then because he wanted to. “So you’re telling me that he knew all this stuff because...he liked me?”, Rose said a bit shocked. “Merrick has liked you since were kids? Wow…”, Ashley said shaking her head. “Apparently. I wouldn’t know. I’m not Malcolm. I was never Merrick’s friend growing up.”, Billy shrugged. “Wonder why he didn’t just say something…”, Rose pondered. “Um same reason that Malcolm didn’t say anything for years to Cora Lee.”, Atif stated. “He was Academy and you are...well Rose mother fucking Howlett. After he stopped being Academy you were still Rose mother fucking Howlett and he was the son of the woman responsible for your dad going missing initially. Not to mention at the time you only had eyes for his cousin Landon. And beyond that Merrick is guarded about his emotions.”, Atif analyzed. Rose laughed at being called ‘Rose mother fucking Howlett’. “I suppose.”, she sighed.
“Alright so what else happened? He drove to the airport and???”, Ashley asked wanting to get the details. “We said a casual goodbye and I kissed him before getting out of his car. I was kicking myself mentally the whole way to security to get to my terminal. I thought I’d missed a perfect chance to just tell him before I left. So I was more than a little surprised standing in line for TSA to hear him yelling my name.”, Rose started. “Awww he chased after you into the airport. Hot and romantic. Who knew..”. Atif laughed. Billy rolled his eyes which was a gesture he shared with Donovan but for different reasons. “Awe you’re hot and romantic too sweetheart.”, Atif said giving Billy a kiss. “Thank you starting to feel awkward here.”, Billy laughed. “Alright what happened next.”, Ashley encouraged. “He pushes past some people in line and I step out of the line and he says there’s something he needed to do that he should have done last summer and kisses me. Which after I point out he’s been kissing me since I was sixteen. And he tells me the kiss wasn’t what he meant and in his usual way kind of stumbled for the words and eventually just said it and told me he loves me. And that he couldn’t let me leave again without telling me and knowing how I feel.”, she sighed rubbing her lips together as she smiled at the memory.
“Aw.”, Ashley and Atif said in unison. “So I told him that I love him too. And he kissed me again. After which he asked me out. He said that if you and Xavier and heck Tristan and Blaire could pull off long distance so can we. I was going to argue that the long distance will be complicated for us but he told me not to argue around the same time they announced that the owner of the Pontiac GTo needed to move their vehicle or be towed.”, Rose chuckled a little. Billy blinked. “Holly shit he left the GTO in a tow away zone to chase you down? Yeah Merrick’s in love. Cause I didn’t think he could love anything, except maybe his kid, more than that car him and Christian built.”, Billy said. “So yer dating da man-w’ore?”, Donovan asked. Rose glared over at Donovan and Ashley punched him in the ar. “Wat? Ain’t dat wat he is?”, Donovan asked rubbing his arm. “Donovan you don’t know Merrick so you should probably just stop talking. I’ve never been a Merrick fan, but I’m allowed that opinion because I grew up with the man. But he does have honor and integrity. If he’s dating Rose she’s going to be it. He isn’t going to run around. He’s not a cheater.”, Billy said actually sticking up for Merrick. Donovan sighed and just shut up. He couldn’t exactly say he had his opinion was because he didn’t think the man deserved Rose or that he figured any man who didn’t even try to be with a woman he knocked up wasn’t much for honor or integrity. “Well now that we’ve gotten that outburst over. I’m really tired guys. So I’m going to head to bed.”, Rose said starting to stand up. “Wat bout da debriefing? Dere was an incident in London earlier dis week w’ile ya was gone dat Skye and Ah took care of. Skye called me in fer backup.”, Donovan asked. Rose yawned. “I’ll go see Skye tomorrow and talk to her. I’m kind of done talking to you for the moment. Good night all.”, Rose said glaring a little at Donovan before heading upstairs.
It was the next day in the afternoon that Rose decided to go speak with Skye. So instead of just teleporting to Skye’s flat she called ahead. “‘Ello mate.”, Skye greeted with a small giggle as Mason was over at her place for lunch and he was tickling her as she was standing at the stove. “Um hi Skye. Bad time?”, Rose asked hearing the giggle. “No it’s alrig’t.”, she said still giggling trying to get away from Mason. “Mason ya stop tickling me or Ah gunna put yer arse t’rew a wall and ya kne Ah can.”, she warned. “But it’s fun to tickle you, love. Your face turns almost the shade of red as your hair.”, Mason smiled but brought his hands away. “Here’s I’ll handle the grilled cheese and tomato soup. Go talk to your mate.”, Mason said taking the spatula from her. Rose raised an eyebrow. “Mason? What is going on Skye?”, she asked. Skye moved away from the stove and smiled leaning on the counter. “Yea. Mason mah boyfriend. He’s over for lunch. Just making some grilled c’eese and tomato soup. So ‘ow was yer trip?”, she explained. “Boyfriend? Hmm seems we both have something to catch up on. Think I could drop by and meet said boyfriend?”, Rose asked. “Sure mate just make sure ya knock.”, Skye smiled glancing over to Mason. “No worries. I’ll be there in a few.”, Rose said. “Alrig’t we’ll see ya soon. So glad ya atleast called before ya popped in.”, Skye said hanging up.
“Pop in? This mean I’m meeting one of your friends?”, Mason asked flipping a sandwich. “Yeah. Mah mate Rose was already on her way ‘ere ta visit w’en she called. So ya’ll get ta meet her.”, she smiled setting the phone down. “Alright I’ll put another sandwich on there should be enough soup for three I think.”, he smiled. At that same moment Rose had teleported to the hallway outside of Skye’s flat and knocked. “Ah’ll get it.”, Skye smiled giving Mason a kiss on the cheek going to the door. “Rose.”, Skye greeted smiling giving her a hug. “Hey Skye. So this Mason why you didn’t come by last night?”, she asked stepping into the flat. “Aye he is.”, she smiled. Rose tilted her head to the side looking at Mason at the kitchen his scent hitting her. Her eyes went wide for a moment as she recognized the scent as the male mutant from the Cambridge mission. She quickly hid it because Skye seemed rather happy. So she wasn't going to say anything yet. Mason turned from the stove putting a sandwich on a plate. “Afternoon.”, he smiled. “Alrig’t so Mason Templeton dis mah university mate Rose ‘Owlett. Rose dis mah boyfriend Mason.”, Skye introduced. “Nice to meet you.”, Rose said walking over over her hand. “Pleasure is all mine. Skye speaks rather highly of you.”, Mason said shaking her hand. “So I am gone a week and you get a boyfriend? Want to tell me how that went down?”, Rose chuckled looking to Skye.
Skye laughed a little. “Um well dat’s kind of a funny story. Ah went into a dodgy pub kind of lost. Mason was at da bar drunk as ‘ell yelling at da telly cursing mah twin’s existence as da Warriors were beating da Harlequins. So Ah ‘ad ta defend mah twin. Since don’t let strangers talk shite bout him.”, she explained smiling looking to Mason. “My opinion stays the same though I’ve yet to actually meet Donovan. He’s an arrogant git that thinks he’s invincible and because of that he doesn’t think when he plays and it gets his teammates injured at times.”, Mason added. Rose chuckled. “Well at least you aren’t wrong. Donovan is certainly arrogant and an ass.”, she agreed thinking to last night and how Donovan behaved about her dating Merrick. ‘Ah went into da pub following dat target Ah said Ah’d handle. Talking ta Mason was just a good cover ta not get noticed.’, Skye spoke telepathically to Rose. Rose smiled. “Alright so he was smashed and you confronted him about his discontent with Donovan. And this blossomed into a relationship?”, Rose questioned. “Well we talked bout tings beyond Donovan. He introduced himself as Mason Templeton. Ah recognized da name cause mah magazine was doing an article and some photos dat Ah was in c’arge of dat p’otos’oot on him. He’s da CEO of Templeton Enterprises. Ah kne, Ah dinna tink he’d look dis good eit’er.”, Skye chuckled seeing a look of skepticism on Rose’s face that the man who didn’t look much older than them was a CEO.
“We talked bout da foundation we were doing da article bout. Leah’s Lost Souls. It’s supposed ta ‘elp offer support and s’etler ta ‘omless mutants and orp’aned mutant c’ildren. Apparently he ‘as a mate named Leah w’o ‘as a p’ysical mutation and was orp’aned as a babe and treated bad at da orp’anage so she ran away and lived on da streets till Mason ‘elped her get off da streets. He is ‘oping dat dis foundation will be able ta do wat he did fer his mate on a more expanded scale fer mutants in da w’ole United Kingdom.”, she explained praising him a bit with her tone. “Wow. That’s really amazing. And very nice of you. I can’t say there are many out there that would think to help mutants.”, Rose commented. She wasn’t sure if Skye even knew he was a mutant or if he knew Skye was for that matter. “Yes well we mutants should stick up for one another.”, Mason stated. “Oh so you’re..”, she questioned a little even though she knew he was because of the incident in Cambridge. “Yes, I’m a mutant too. A number of my family and closest mates are mutants. I was raised in a household that you’d assume would have taught me that I’m better than others because of my social status. But it was the opposite. I was raised to know I’m not better than anyone else and I should treat everyone equally until such a time that person had given reason to not be treated so nicely.”, he explained setting the three places at Skye’s small round table. Rose nodded she could certainly agree with that point of view. Skye grabbed some pints from the fridge and set them down as they sat down to eat.
“I don’t however go public about being a mutant or that my family is. So officially my comment on the subject is that if we were all created in God's image then we shouldn’t hate on each other for the way he chose to make us different. It seems to go over well with most. Though I’ve had some backlash on my ideals and what I’m doing from the Church of Humanity. But I ignore them and actually kind of laugh at their death threats.”, he smiled. “Death threats?”, Rose asked glancing to Skye. “Oh yeah. I get death threats since I took over my family’s company. My dad wasn’t as public about his opinions on mutants and mutant equality. I however am. My head of security who’s one of my best mates, Adder, is a mutant with a physical mutation. She has scales and snake eyes so first glance you know she’s a mutant. So the fact I would put my life in the hands of a mutant got a lot of attention. But I think we’ve gotten off track. Skye was supposed to be telling you the story about how we ended up together.”, Mason explained glancing at Skye with a smile before taking a bit of his sandwich. “Rig’t back ta mah story. Well end of da nig’t he trying at pick me up doing a shite job of it. Asking me ta s’are a taxi. Ah agreed only cause Ah dinna tink he could stand on his own. And he couldn’t. So we s’ared a taxi, it turning out we live only blocks away from each ot’er. Ah get him up ta his flat and he’s passed out on me and Ah’m trying ta keep him up and open his door. Lucky me his flatmate Adder was getting ‘ome same time. She opened da door and as he described she’s a mutant so Ah dinna tink anyting o just picking da wee lad up like a babe and carried him in and got him ta his bed.”, she explained.
Rose chuckled as she could actually imagine Skye in her petite but tall frame just picking the much larger Mason up like he was nothing, but she knew how strong Skye was. “Alright so what happened to take that random encounter of him being blackout drunk to dating?”, she asked. “Well I felt terrible, beyond the hangover the next morning. I generally don’t make such a poor first impression. I didn’t even get her number all I knew was her name and she worked for GQ. So before I went into my office I stopped at a florist and had two dozen long stemmed blue roses and a note sent to her office as an apology for the bad first impression and asking her out to dinner.”, Mason answered. Rose blinked. “Hmm alright well that’s one way to make up for it.”, she commented. “Aye. Mah assistant Mark was all giddy bout da roses dat Ah got. And so Ah called him to confirm Ah’d go ta dinner not really tinking it was supposed ta be a date. Ah figured he just gave me an office number turned out he gave me his cell. Ah was late fer dinner, tanks ta Donovan being a pain in da arse. He was all worried dat he was gunna be da last man standing in regards ta being alone. Darn fool got a couple dozen lassies dat would kill fer da job. Heck since he joined da Warriors he’s gotten just panties or nude pictures mailed ta him. Ah made him go ‘ome so Ah could get ready for dinner. Got dere and poor Mason was waiting. We ‘ad a nice dinner and apparently he t’oug’t it was a date. End of da date he walked me ta mah door and kissed me goodnig’t. And well from dere he asked me ta da movies and we ot’erwise ‘ave spent a few nig’ts just ‘anging out dis week. Den last nig’t he asked me out. And ‘ere we are all caught up.”, Skye smiled.
‘Ah was actually late fer da date cause mah target was making a run on a mutant family wid some friends. Ah called Donovan in fer backup wanting ta get it ‘andled quick w’ic’ we did. He did still get his panties in a twist bout me having a date.’, she advised Rose telepathically. Rose chuckled. “Well sounds like a whirlwind romance. I’m happy for you Skye.”, she looking to Mason. ‘Tanks mate. So ‘ow was yer ‘oliday wid Merrick?”, she asked with a smirk eating her soup. Rose smiled. “Very well actually. Spent the whole week with him and Faelan. It was great. He made me this as a present using a tattoo design I’ve always wanted but because of my powers I could never have.”, she said extending her left arm out to show the bracelet while taking a bite of her sandwich. “Aw dat’s beautiful. Ah told ya bout Merrick, her ‘not bloke’ in America dat makes amazing tings out o wood.”, Skye commented looking to Mason. Mason nodded. “Yes, I remember. The um ‘Adoness’ yank.”, Manson smiled. Rose laughed. “She told you that?.”, she shook her head. “Yeah. If I was the jealous type I’d be with how she described your Merrick.”, Mason shrugged. “Sorry about that, shouldn’t have apparently shown her that picture of him from the beach. Hope she hasn’t compared you to him or anything weird.”, Rose chuckled. Skye rolled her eyes. “Ah ‘aven’t compared dem. Ah aint’t even seen Mason widout clot’es on.”, Skye defended.
Rose blinked and looked from Mason and back to Skye. “What? You've spent a week and are officially dating and clothes have remained on? I’m shocked and confused.”, Rose laughed eating some of the soup. “Um… yes. Skye said she wasn’t that type of girl and I am okay with the getting to know each other before sleeping together. You should know who you are taking to bed.”, Mason shrugged. He was very aware that you needed to know who you took to bed. H’ed been burned bad in India by the trickster. “Really? This the same Skye that a couple dates in university sometimes was long enough..”, Rose teased. Given that Mason was the mutant from the incident in Cambridge she wondered how well Skye knew her new boyfriend. “Ah trying someting new. Dis ting called adult’ood. Now enuff bout wat we are or aren’t doing in private. Back ta yer trip ‘ome.”, Skye encouraged wanting to change the subject. “Alright. So spent the week with him and Faelan at the Haven, he took the week of so he could be with me during my stay. And he drove me to the airport, we said our goodbyes in the car and I headed in to catch my flight. I felt like an idiot for not telling him before getting out of the car and knew you’d be the first to yell at me for not. Well apparently he felt like an idiot to because in line for TSA I hear him yelling my name.”, she started to tell the story.
Skye eeked covering her mouth. “He c’ased after ya inta da airport! Dat so romantic.”, she exclaimed. Mason chuckled a little remaining silent otherwise eating. Rose smiled. “Well I ask what he’s doing and he says he had to do something he should have last summer and kissed me. I point out he’s been kissing me since I was sixteen. And that’s when in his stumbling way he tells me he loves me. Then said how he couldn’t let me leave again without saying it and without knowing how I feel. So of course I told him that I love him too. Then he asked me out which I’d be a fool if I said no despite my concerns about the long distance. He said if Xavier and Ashley and my friends Tristan and Blaire can do long distance so can we. Before I could argue they were calling for the owner of the Pontiac GTO to move it or get towed. He’d actually left his car in a tow zone, so he kissed me said he loved me again and ran to save his car.”, she said finishing the story. “Dat is...dat is just da best story ever! Bout damn time ya told dat lad yer feelings. Ah so ‘appy fer ya. Ya FINALLy dating da ‘otness.”, skye squealed hugging Rose around her neck. Rose and Mason both laughed at Skye. “She’s easily amused.”, Rose explained. “She just cares a great deal. You’re her mate, family as she’s referred to you. I find her devotion to family and her mates one of her many endearing qualities.”, Mason smiled. “I should be going. I have things to unpack and get ready for classes starting back tomorrow. I just wanted to see Skye and tell her in person about my trip.”, Rose said standing up. “Well it was a pleasure to meet you Rose.”, Mason smiled standing up. Skye hugged Rose once more. “Ah so thrilled fer ya mate. Ah’ll see ya soon.”, Skye smiled. “Nice to have met you too Mason. And I’m happy for you too Skye, see you around.”, Rose waved before leaving the flat.
It wasn’t till the February issue of GQ was printed containing the article on Mason Templeton and how he was revolutionizing humanitarian’s definition representing a new breed for young business men. Adder hadn’t been in the room during the interview and had actually not been told much about the article or why he was being interviewed. So she picked up the magazine on her way back to the flat and sat down to read it. “Introducing a new breed of young businessmen. Mason Templeton may ‘ave been basically breed to run Templeton Enterprise following in t’e long legacy of t’e Templeton line graduating from Oxford University wid his degree in business to prepare him fer his future. After his graduation Mason stepped into the role of CEO for Templeton Enterprise, becoming the youngest CEO rig’t alongside his best mate As’ton Wilson w’o took over Wilson Industries. In an industry of much older men w’o been in da business long before Mason was born ‘asn’t p’ased dis brig’t new star in da business world.”, Adder read along with a small smile. “Mason ‘as been busy as a beaver expanding his empire and now he intends to lead his company into w'at he calls t'e new century. And his first order of business ya ask? ‘Umanitarian work. Mason’s view mig’t be considered controversial but he stands by his ideals. T’is spring Mason plans to break ground on t’e first of many s’elters t’at will be part of his new foundation.”, she read on wondering what foundation and shelters. “Leah’s Lost Soul, w’en we asked w'ere t'e name came from he was ‘appy ta answer. ‘Leah is a mutant w’o during university c’anged my life for the better. She has a p’ysical mutation and for t’is she was abandoned at birt’, t’en mistreated at t’e orp’anage resulting in her running away. She ‘ad to be toug’ and grow up in a way t’at no kid s’ould. W’en Ah met her she ‘ad been living on t’e streets doing Ah don’t want ta know to survive. T’at day she c’anged mah life and Ah ‘ope t’at Ah’ve c’anged hers. She became one of t'e most influential people in mah life and Ah don’t t’ink Ah’d be t’e man Ah am today wit’out her.”, Adder read on.
She felt tears starting to form in her copper eyes as she set the magazine down to cover her mouth. She hadn’t realized that she meant this much to Mason. That he felt she’d changed his life like this. She knew he changed hers. She’d still be living on the streets stealing to get by and fighting for survival. And with how he’d been acting over the last five months she would never had guessed he felt like this. He’d never told her he was opening a foundation under her birth name. “So ta ‘onour his dear friend Mason ‘as started a foundation t’at will offer ‘elp ta t’e ‘omless mutants of t‘e United Kingdom and offer an orp’anage fer t’ose abandoned mutant c’ildren to find t’em good loving ‘omes or at t’e least prepare t’em fer t’e world. He says he understands t’e risks t’at come wit’ his foundation. To all t’e naysayers and ‘ate mongers t’at don't approve of his foundation ‘elping mutants Mason ‘ad t’is ta say. ‘Ah was raised ta believe t’at no person is better t’an anot’er and all s’ould be treated equally. Ah believe t’at as many like ta say we were all created in God’s image, so w’y s’ould we ‘ate and commit violence against one anot’er for ‘ow God c’ose ta make us different.’ We ‘ere at GQ wis’ him and his foundation t’e best of luck in all t’at he wis’es ta accomplish.”, Adder sighed smiling as she closed the magazine. She wiped her eyes again with the back of her hands. Mason was if nothing more an eloquent man. She sighed and looked to her bedroom door. She could hear Mason out in the living room watching the news and debated going to talk to him. She looked back at the magazine and nodded picking it up and walking out to the talk to him.
Mason was sitting in his recliner drinking some coffee watching the news, mostly to see how his stocks were doing. “A’em...Mason?”, Adder questioned walking in. Mason looked over for a moment. “Yeah?”, he answered. “Ah wanna talk ta ya bout t’is GQ article.”, she said holding up the magazine. Mason set down his coffee and turned off the television turning his attention to her. He’d planned the foundation from day one of taking over the business. He hadn’t discussed with with her because initially he’d wanted it to be a surprise. And well he made sure to never use the name she went by as that was probably attention she didn’t want or need. “Alright. What about it?”, he asked. “Leah’s Lost Souls?”, she started sitting down on the couch. “Do you mind that I used your birth name? I figured it was a name no one would associate with you as you are legally known as Adder. Didn’t think you’d want that kind of media attention. The only people that know your name was Leah are you and I. And the story I told about the inspiration is about you but only you, Ashton, Tiffany and I would know that.”, he explained. “Ah don’t mind t’at ya using Leah fer t’e name. But everyt’ing ya said… bout me. Ah didn’t t’ink ya… well t’at ya felt like t’at. Especially since we ‘aven’t been as close recently.”, she sighed.
“Everything I said in that article was the truth. You did change my life that night and you have been a large influence on me over the years. I hope that I changed your life that night too.”, he explained. Adder nodded. “Yea ya did. Ah don’t know w’ere Ah’d be wit’out ya. Ah don’t want ta t’ink bout w’ere Ah’d be if not fer you.”, she admitted. Mason smiled softly. “Good. And now I want to be able to help others too. This foundation was why I was so driven with the Khumar deal. The board said if I could deliver that deal they’d back my foundation plans.”, he explained before looking to the clock. “I need to go. Meeting Skye’s parents for lunch. Hoping to make a good first impression.”, he smiled standing up. He’d dressed casual, well for him, wearing dark straight leg jeans, a white button up under a camel knit pullover with a rolled collar. “Pints later maybe?”, Adder asked watching him heading for the door. “Um. I’ll check with Skye if we have plans. But I’ll be back tonight. Unless of course tonight I actually get to stay the night at her place.”, Mason smiled with a wave heading out. Adder nodded a little. That comment at least told her he hadn’t slept with Skye...yet. She still felt a distance from him but at least knowing he felt that strong about their friendship was something, a sign that he still cared. And right now she’s take that, even if he was spending all his time with his new girlfriend. She’d seen girls come and go in his life so there was no reason to get worked up over this new one. She was a redhead not even his type so Adder didn’t really see it lasting long.
The lunch with her parents had gone very well, Mason ended up spending the rest of the afternoon with Skye and stayed out till late watching movies at her flat. By the time he got back to his flat Adder had fallen asleep on the couch with a six pack on the coffee table where one was still unopened. Mason frowned remembering she’d asked to hang out and drink some pints before he left. “Sorry Adder….”, he sighed. He put the one unopened beer back into the fridge and the others into the recycling bin before bending and carefully picking Adder up from the sofa. It was the closest to her he’d physically been in months. He could feel his heart beat a little faster as she snuggled into him as he carried her. He sighed shaking his head, he still hadn’t fully gotten over her but he was at least getting there. He carefully laid her down on her bed and covered her up. “Sleep tight Adder.”, he said softly before quietly leaving the room. He leaned against the hall wall after closing her door. “She’s just my mate… she’s just my mate. I have Skye.”, he repeated to himself going to his bedroom. Eventually he hoped that one day he wouldn’t have to tell himself that.

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Rose used her teleporter to get from the airport to the cottage. Upon landing she set her bag down and got out her phone to call Merrick. It only rang once before she heard his voice. “Hey. So made it alright then.”, he greeted. “Yeah. Just got to the cottage, Octopus apparently missed me.”, she laughed looking down at the large orange cat rubbing a figure eight around her legs. “Oh I bet. Can’t blame him. You’ve been gone just over seven hours and I already miss you.”, he smiled sitting down on the sofa in the living room. Rose smiled she’d been smiling since he said he loved her. “I miss you too. You do realize being long distance like this is going to suck. I mean it sucked before having to spend eleven months out of the year away from you.”, she sighed sitting down on a chair Octopus jumping on her lap purring. Merrick chuckled hearing the purring. “I can hear him purring, god almost forgot how loud he can be. And yeah long distance isn’t the greatest thing, but we’ll survive. Just means more likelihood of phone or skype sex.”, he teased. Rose rolled her eyes but was laughing a little. “I suppose that’s true. Guess take a page from Tristan and Blaire’s book and invest in a vibrator.”, she laughed. Merrick covered his face laughing. “Three years at university and you don’t own one? Damn you have way more restraint than I do.”, he laughed. “Yeah well you could just go call someone in your little book to get laid. I didn’t have that option and well I dunno guess the idea of a vibrator wasn’t the same as having you.”, she said a bit embarrassed.
“Yeah well I don’t have that option. Little black book doesn’t exist, heck it hasn’t existed since I found out about Faelan. And now that I’ve got you I don’t really need anyone else. It will be a bit odd I suppose.”, he shrugged. “What will be a bit odd?”, she asked petting Octopus. “Phone sex or skype sex. Never really done that. Never had to before.”, he admitted. “Wait am I understanding you correctly that you’ve never masturbated?”, she questioned with a raised eyebrow. Merrick chuckled. “Yeah that’s correct. I’ve never had to. Why jerk off when I was able to easily found someone willing to do that for me and more. Anyways let’s change the subject, I’m in the living room and mom should be home soon from taking cookies to people with Sebastian and Faelan.”, he said wanting to not be discussing this when people were in hearing range. Rose laughed a little. “Alright let’s change subject. I’m sure Atif and Billy will be home soon too. Can’t wait to see them and the rest of the team so I can tell them about us. Which reminds me after I get off the phone with you I need to call my parents to tell them I got home safe and about us.”, she said.
Merrick smiled he liked the word ‘us’. “Yeah I’ve told some people already.”, he said with a sigh thinking about the reactions he got. “Oh? Who have you told so far? Don’t want to double up.”, she asked. “Well got back and Zoe was here. So she was the first one I told. She was happy for us and said it was about time I told you. She had me give all the details of how it went down and she was gushing about it saying it was like a scene from one of Gina’s romance movies.”,he smiled thinking about Zoe’s reaction. “Who else did you tell? I’ll assume your mom.”, she smiled. “Mom overheard while I told my sisters. Josalyn and Emma came to visit. Which Josalyn got engaged to Robert he proposed yesterday at Rockefeller Center while ice skating.”, he explained. “Oh well congratulations to them. So how did they take being told you are with me?”, she asked knowing it was probably bad. Josalyn and Emma hated her. “They weren’t happy. Especially Emma she was pissed. And I don’t fucking care. Right now Josalyn is on thin ice with me. And Emma I might kill if I see her too soon.”, he said growling a little thinking back to that morning. He’d spent the afternoon at the gym, the shop and the shelter to try and calm down.
“What happened?”, she asked. The last time he wanted to kill Emma she’d harmed Leslie. “Zoe overheard Emma and Josalyn talking. And Emma well she admitted to being behind more than just Leslie. She admitted to being behind Katherine deciding to become a nun. for starters.”, he shrugged. “Katherine?”, Rose asked trying to place the name. “You probably wouldn’t remember her. Katherine was a senior when I was a freshmen in high school. And she was the first girl I ever slept with, we didn’t date but we certainly had a good time together. Apparently Emma didn’t like the idea or whatever and used her powers to get Katherine to give up sex and become a nun. Which whatever, Katherine from what I understand has been happy as a nun. No what I’m really pissed about is that what she did to Jenna. I didn’t love Jenna but for Emma to use her powers to have Jenna give up Faelan and wipe her mind of me and Faelan is just… unforgivable. Zoe got so mad she turned Emma to a statue. Josalyn and Robert took Emma home before I was told and could go ballistic.”, he explained. Rose covered her mouth she shouldn’t be shocked that Emma would do something like that to Jenna but still that was such a low thing to do. To take a mother away from Faelan was just horrid. “Ohh Merrick… I… I am so sorry. I wish I could be there for you.”, she frowned.
Merrick nodded. “Yeah I don’t mind when Emma does things that hurt me, but don’t hurt my son. Zoe told me what happened and I owe the Haven a new section of marble counter having cracked it with my anger. I feel bad I scared Zoe with how angry I got. I give her credit scared as she was she didn’t leave. Instead she hugged me trying to get me to calm down. It worked. I wouldn’t and couldn’t ever hurt her so her telling me was probably the safest bet. Once I had calmed down I drove her back to the restaurant since she had to work and went to the gym and went through five punching bags before going to the shop to do some work and then the shelter to try and zen.”, he sighed a little. Rose nodded. Of course Zoe comforted him, and if this had been yesterday maybe she’d have been more bothered by it. But this was today and he loves her and is dating her. So there was nothing more than friendship between him and Zoe. “I still wish I could be there for you. I just can’t believe she’d go that low. Because that hurts Faelan not you. She took his mother away from him.”, she sighed. “Yeah and I can’t forgive her for that. But he’s got you, we both have you. And sure maybe Jenna could have changed her mind about him. But who knows how long that’d take. With you he got immediately loved and accepted in all his forms.”, Merrick assured smiling a little. “Yes you both have me. I love you. I’m going to go find something to eat and call my parents. I’ll talk to you soon.”, she said.
Merrick sighed. “Say it again please.”, he asked. Rose raised an eyebrow then smiled knowing what he wanted to hear. “I love you Merrick Edward Bryant-Frost.”, she chuckled a little. “I like how that sounds. I love you too Roselyn Elizabeth Howlett”, he smiled. “I like how that sounds too. Alright, love you and I’ll talk to you later.”, she said. “Love you, bye little wolf.”, he said hanging up with a sigh. After hanging up she called up her parents. Her mother answered. “Hi Rose. You get in alright?”, Aurelia greeted. “Yeah. Just got home. Called Merrick to let him know I got here. Which he’s part of why I called.”, she sighed. “What about him?”, Aurelia asked leaning against the counter in the kitchen. She had an idea of why Rose would call about Merrick but wanted Rose to say it. “Well this morning when he took me to the airport, he chased me down inside the airport and caught up with me at security just to tell me he loves me and ask me out.”, she admitted smiling she knew she’s have to tell the story many times again and she would happily do so every time. “About time. So you are calling to say you are dating Merrick officially now? That mean I get to see Faelan more as in when You aren’t home visiting?”, Aurelia asked.
Rose laughed. “Thanks mom good to know where your priorities are in this.”, she sighed. “I’m happy for your Rose. This summer you and Merrick seemed very happy together and with the pup. And pardon me I ask if you dating him means I get to see the pup more, he’s adorable after all and you know me and pups.”, Aurelia defended. “What are we happy about?”, Logan asked. “Oh Merrick and Rose finally admitted they love each other this morning at the airport and are dating.”, Aurelia said. Logan nodded. “Good for them. He breaks my daughter's heart I still get to break him in half don’t care if he’s got a foot on me.”, Logan said lighting up a cigar. “Your father says he’s happy for you too.”, Aurelia said. “I heard him mom, remember heightened senses. As for how much you’ll see of Faelan when I’m here I can’t answer that. That’s Merrick’s call. But I’m going to get something to eat I’m sure the boys will be home soon and I’ll have to regale the whole team with my Christmas adventure.”, she smiled. “Alright well tell my other kids hello and I miss them. Stay safe as always and we love you.”, Aurelia said. “I will. Love you guys too. Bye.”, Rose sighed hanging up before starting to forage the fridge. While sitting down and eating she sent a text to the team to let them know she was home.
Skye was stretched out on her couch with Mason laying behind her watching a movie when her phone started to buzz on the coffee table. “You need to get that, love?”, Mason asked lifting his hand and using his wind to pick up her phone and bring it over to her. Skye chuckled a little. During the past week of getting to know each other they had discussed their abilities. Which him having the power over the wind and her knowing that his flatmate Adder had a snake mutation did make her suspicious that they were the pair who had killed those men back in Cambridge. She just didn’t want to think Mason capable of something like that, so she ignored it. “Tank ya.”, she smiled unlocking the phone to check the message. “Rose is ‘ome from her ‘oliday in America.”, Skye smiled. “Oh. That’s good. You going to head up to Cambridge to see her then?”, he asked moving some of her hair away from his face and her neck lightly kissing at her neck. they’d both agreed that they weren’t going to get too physical too quickly. They were still in the just hanging out not official stage. “Mmm…don’t ‘ave ta go up today”, Skye sighed sending a text back to Rose saying ‘Welcome Back! Might pop in later I’ve got someone over’. “If you wanted to go see your friend I won’t feel rejected.”, he commented still kissing her neck.
Skye smiled and set the phone on the floor before carefully rolling on the couch in his arms to face him. “Ah can see Rose any time Ah want. Ah kind of liking w’ere Ah am rig’t now.”, she smiled. “Hmm. Well we agree on that. I like where you too. Though to be honesty could think of one better place to be.”, he smiled. Skye raised an eyebrow. “Aye? W’ere dat?”, she asked having an idea of where. “Your bedroom. But we both agreed that for now that type of activity is off limits.”, he answered giving her a kiss. He let the kiss linger running his tongue across her bottom lip and the moment her lips parted slipped into to mingle and tease hers before pulling back. “Mmmm. Keep kissing me like dat and Ah canna say ‘ow long dat activity will be off limits.”, she sighed. Mason chuckled softly. “Good to know. Which I do have a question to ask you in regards to that.”, he smirked. “Wat da question?”, she asked. “What would you say to officially dating? Being exclusive since at the moment we are just two people going on dates and hanging out at your flat.”, he asked. Skye smiled. “Ah’d like dat. Now come ‘ere.”, she smiled before pulling him back to her kissing him. Sure she should probably had told him to leave and used her teleporter to get to Cambridge. She needed to debrief with Rose about the COH trio her and Donovan took down earlier in the week, but right now she just wanted to be kissing Mason.
The others all wanted to hear about what happened while Rose was away, Donovan knowing he’d need to debrief Rose about the events with the COH in London with his twin. So they all made their way to the cottage. Rose nearly choked on her water as people started just suddenly appearing. “Hey guys. God I didn’t think you’d all start just appearing.”, she laughed looking at the group. She’d gotten Skye’s text so she knew Skye wasn’t going to be showing up. “W’ere mah sister?”, Donovan asked looking around not seeing Skye. “She texted me said she would see me later because she has someone over.”, Rose shrugged. “Alright so we can worry about who Skye’s hosting later. What happened during your trip? Because well you're freaking glowing.”, Ashley asked. Rose laughed and waited for everyone to sit down. “Well that might be because Merrick told me he loves me and asked me out before I got on the plane this morning. So I’ve had this permanent smile on my face.”, Rose explained. Ashley, Atif and Billy’s eyes went wide at that news. Atif jumped up from his seat and hugged Rose. “About god damn time!”, Atif exclaimed.
“You need to tell us all about it. Wow Rose Howlett dating the infamous Merrick Bryant-Frost.”, Ashley said shaking her head smiling. Donovan didn’t look thrilled. Rose laughed a little. “Yeah thanks. I’m sure Merrick’s being told the same thing. Um well he drove me to the airport after spending the whole week with him and Faelan. Faelan was so cute he called me Ro. Love it. And Merrick made me this for Christmas from a maple tree that had to be cut down at the sanctuary that holds importance to us.”, she said holding out her left wrist. Billy shrugged not really getting the meaning of the design but Atif and Ashley blinked and looked at Rose. “He knew?”, they asked in unison. Rose nodded. “Apparently Merrick has paid attention for a long time. He said it was the whole knowing your enemy thing. I don’t know.”, Rose shrugged. “Knew what?”, Donovan asked. “The design he carved into the bracelet is the exact design that when Rose was eleven she said she wanted if she could ever have a tattoo, but being a Howlett a tattoo isn’t in the cards.”, Ashley explained. “It wasn’t a knowing your enemy thing.”, Billy stated.
Rose blinked and looked at Billy. “What?”, she asked. “Yes in our academy days my mother had told Merrick you’d be his target if a fight broke out since it seemed logical that of all of us he was the one with the right power set to face off against you. But knowing all that, knowing things like this about you wasn’t part of the assignment. Trust me I don’t know any of that shit about Landon and he was supposed to be my target. If Merrick knew that stuff about you it’s because he wanted to.”, Billy explained. Rose blinked running her fingers over the intricate design a bit baffled that Merrick memorized all these little things about her even back then because he wanted to. “So you’re telling me that he knew all this stuff because...he liked me?”, Rose said a bit shocked. “Merrick has liked you since were kids? Wow…”, Ashley said shaking her head. “Apparently. I wouldn’t know. I’m not Malcolm. I was never Merrick’s friend growing up.”, Billy shrugged. “Wonder why he didn’t just say something…”, Rose pondered. “Um same reason that Malcolm didn’t say anything for years to Cora Lee.”, Atif stated. “He was Academy and you are...well Rose mother fucking Howlett. After he stopped being Academy you were still Rose mother fucking Howlett and he was the son of the woman responsible for your dad going missing initially. Not to mention at the time you only had eyes for his cousin Landon. And beyond that Merrick is guarded about his emotions.”, Atif analyzed. Rose laughed at being called ‘Rose mother fucking Howlett’. “I suppose.”, she sighed.
“Alright so what else happened? He drove to the airport and???”, Ashley asked wanting to get the details. “We said a casual goodbye and I kissed him before getting out of his car. I was kicking myself mentally the whole way to security to get to my terminal. I thought I’d missed a perfect chance to just tell him before I left. So I was more than a little surprised standing in line for TSA to hear him yelling my name.”, Rose started. “Awww he chased after you into the airport. Hot and romantic. Who knew..”. Atif laughed. Billy rolled his eyes which was a gesture he shared with Donovan but for different reasons. “Awe you’re hot and romantic too sweetheart.”, Atif said giving Billy a kiss. “Thank you starting to feel awkward here.”, Billy laughed. “Alright what happened next.”, Ashley encouraged. “He pushes past some people in line and I step out of the line and he says there’s something he needed to do that he should have done last summer and kisses me. Which after I point out he’s been kissing me since I was sixteen. And he tells me the kiss wasn’t what he meant and in his usual way kind of stumbled for the words and eventually just said it and told me he loves me. And that he couldn’t let me leave again without telling me and knowing how I feel.”, she sighed rubbing her lips together as she smiled at the memory.
“Aw.”, Ashley and Atif said in unison. “So I told him that I love him too. And he kissed me again. After which he asked me out. He said that if you and Xavier and heck Tristan and Blaire could pull off long distance so can we. I was going to argue that the long distance will be complicated for us but he told me not to argue around the same time they announced that the owner of the Pontiac GTo needed to move their vehicle or be towed.”, Rose chuckled a little. Billy blinked. “Holly shit he left the GTO in a tow away zone to chase you down? Yeah Merrick’s in love. Cause I didn’t think he could love anything, except maybe his kid, more than that car him and Christian built.”, Billy said. “So yer dating da man-w’ore?”, Donovan asked. Rose glared over at Donovan and Ashley punched him in the ar. “Wat? Ain’t dat wat he is?”, Donovan asked rubbing his arm. “Donovan you don’t know Merrick so you should probably just stop talking. I’ve never been a Merrick fan, but I’m allowed that opinion because I grew up with the man. But he does have honor and integrity. If he’s dating Rose she’s going to be it. He isn’t going to run around. He’s not a cheater.”, Billy said actually sticking up for Merrick. Donovan sighed and just shut up. He couldn’t exactly say he had his opinion was because he didn’t think the man deserved Rose or that he figured any man who didn’t even try to be with a woman he knocked up wasn’t much for honor or integrity. “Well now that we’ve gotten that outburst over. I’m really tired guys. So I’m going to head to bed.”, Rose said starting to stand up. “Wat bout da debriefing? Dere was an incident in London earlier dis week w’ile ya was gone dat Skye and Ah took care of. Skye called me in fer backup.”, Donovan asked. Rose yawned. “I’ll go see Skye tomorrow and talk to her. I’m kind of done talking to you for the moment. Good night all.”, Rose said glaring a little at Donovan before heading upstairs.
It was the next day in the afternoon that Rose decided to go speak with Skye. So instead of just teleporting to Skye’s flat she called ahead. “‘Ello mate.”, Skye greeted with a small giggle as Mason was over at her place for lunch and he was tickling her as she was standing at the stove. “Um hi Skye. Bad time?”, Rose asked hearing the giggle. “No it’s alrig’t.”, she said still giggling trying to get away from Mason. “Mason ya stop tickling me or Ah gunna put yer arse t’rew a wall and ya kne Ah can.”, she warned. “But it’s fun to tickle you, love. Your face turns almost the shade of red as your hair.”, Mason smiled but brought his hands away. “Here’s I’ll handle the grilled cheese and tomato soup. Go talk to your mate.”, Mason said taking the spatula from her. Rose raised an eyebrow. “Mason? What is going on Skye?”, she asked. Skye moved away from the stove and smiled leaning on the counter. “Yea. Mason mah boyfriend. He’s over for lunch. Just making some grilled c’eese and tomato soup. So ‘ow was yer trip?”, she explained. “Boyfriend? Hmm seems we both have something to catch up on. Think I could drop by and meet said boyfriend?”, Rose asked. “Sure mate just make sure ya knock.”, Skye smiled glancing over to Mason. “No worries. I’ll be there in a few.”, Rose said. “Alrig’t we’ll see ya soon. So glad ya atleast called before ya popped in.”, Skye said hanging up.
“Pop in? This mean I’m meeting one of your friends?”, Mason asked flipping a sandwich. “Yeah. Mah mate Rose was already on her way ‘ere ta visit w’en she called. So ya’ll get ta meet her.”, she smiled setting the phone down. “Alright I’ll put another sandwich on there should be enough soup for three I think.”, he smiled. At that same moment Rose had teleported to the hallway outside of Skye’s flat and knocked. “Ah’ll get it.”, Skye smiled giving Mason a kiss on the cheek going to the door. “Rose.”, Skye greeted smiling giving her a hug. “Hey Skye. So this Mason why you didn’t come by last night?”, she asked stepping into the flat. “Aye he is.”, she smiled. Rose tilted her head to the side looking at Mason at the kitchen his scent hitting her. Her eyes went wide for a moment as she recognized the scent as the male mutant from the Cambridge mission. She quickly hid it because Skye seemed rather happy. So she wasn't going to say anything yet. Mason turned from the stove putting a sandwich on a plate. “Afternoon.”, he smiled. “Alrig’t so Mason Templeton dis mah university mate Rose ‘Owlett. Rose dis mah boyfriend Mason.”, Skye introduced. “Nice to meet you.”, Rose said walking over over her hand. “Pleasure is all mine. Skye speaks rather highly of you.”, Mason said shaking her hand. “So I am gone a week and you get a boyfriend? Want to tell me how that went down?”, Rose chuckled looking to Skye.
Skye laughed a little. “Um well dat’s kind of a funny story. Ah went into a dodgy pub kind of lost. Mason was at da bar drunk as ‘ell yelling at da telly cursing mah twin’s existence as da Warriors were beating da Harlequins. So Ah ‘ad ta defend mah twin. Since don’t let strangers talk shite bout him.”, she explained smiling looking to Mason. “My opinion stays the same though I’ve yet to actually meet Donovan. He’s an arrogant git that thinks he’s invincible and because of that he doesn’t think when he plays and it gets his teammates injured at times.”, Mason added. Rose chuckled. “Well at least you aren’t wrong. Donovan is certainly arrogant and an ass.”, she agreed thinking to last night and how Donovan behaved about her dating Merrick. ‘Ah went into da pub following dat target Ah said Ah’d handle. Talking ta Mason was just a good cover ta not get noticed.’, Skye spoke telepathically to Rose. Rose smiled. “Alright so he was smashed and you confronted him about his discontent with Donovan. And this blossomed into a relationship?”, Rose questioned. “Well we talked bout tings beyond Donovan. He introduced himself as Mason Templeton. Ah recognized da name cause mah magazine was doing an article and some photos dat Ah was in c’arge of dat p’otos’oot on him. He’s da CEO of Templeton Enterprises. Ah kne, Ah dinna tink he’d look dis good eit’er.”, Skye chuckled seeing a look of skepticism on Rose’s face that the man who didn’t look much older than them was a CEO.
“We talked bout da foundation we were doing da article bout. Leah’s Lost Souls. It’s supposed ta ‘elp offer support and s’etler ta ‘omless mutants and orp’aned mutant c’ildren. Apparently he ‘as a mate named Leah w’o ‘as a p’ysical mutation and was orp’aned as a babe and treated bad at da orp’anage so she ran away and lived on da streets till Mason ‘elped her get off da streets. He is ‘oping dat dis foundation will be able ta do wat he did fer his mate on a more expanded scale fer mutants in da w’ole United Kingdom.”, she explained praising him a bit with her tone. “Wow. That’s really amazing. And very nice of you. I can’t say there are many out there that would think to help mutants.”, Rose commented. She wasn’t sure if Skye even knew he was a mutant or if he knew Skye was for that matter. “Yes well we mutants should stick up for one another.”, Mason stated. “Oh so you’re..”, she questioned a little even though she knew he was because of the incident in Cambridge. “Yes, I’m a mutant too. A number of my family and closest mates are mutants. I was raised in a household that you’d assume would have taught me that I’m better than others because of my social status. But it was the opposite. I was raised to know I’m not better than anyone else and I should treat everyone equally until such a time that person had given reason to not be treated so nicely.”, he explained setting the three places at Skye’s small round table. Rose nodded she could certainly agree with that point of view. Skye grabbed some pints from the fridge and set them down as they sat down to eat.
“I don’t however go public about being a mutant or that my family is. So officially my comment on the subject is that if we were all created in God's image then we shouldn’t hate on each other for the way he chose to make us different. It seems to go over well with most. Though I’ve had some backlash on my ideals and what I’m doing from the Church of Humanity. But I ignore them and actually kind of laugh at their death threats.”, he smiled. “Death threats?”, Rose asked glancing to Skye. “Oh yeah. I get death threats since I took over my family’s company. My dad wasn’t as public about his opinions on mutants and mutant equality. I however am. My head of security who’s one of my best mates, Adder, is a mutant with a physical mutation. She has scales and snake eyes so first glance you know she’s a mutant. So the fact I would put my life in the hands of a mutant got a lot of attention. But I think we’ve gotten off track. Skye was supposed to be telling you the story about how we ended up together.”, Mason explained glancing at Skye with a smile before taking a bit of his sandwich. “Rig’t back ta mah story. Well end of da nig’t he trying at pick me up doing a shite job of it. Asking me ta s’are a taxi. Ah agreed only cause Ah dinna tink he could stand on his own. And he couldn’t. So we s’ared a taxi, it turning out we live only blocks away from each ot’er. Ah get him up ta his flat and he’s passed out on me and Ah’m trying ta keep him up and open his door. Lucky me his flatmate Adder was getting ‘ome same time. She opened da door and as he described she’s a mutant so Ah dinna tink anyting o just picking da wee lad up like a babe and carried him in and got him ta his bed.”, she explained.
Rose chuckled as she could actually imagine Skye in her petite but tall frame just picking the much larger Mason up like he was nothing, but she knew how strong Skye was. “Alright so what happened to take that random encounter of him being blackout drunk to dating?”, she asked. “Well I felt terrible, beyond the hangover the next morning. I generally don’t make such a poor first impression. I didn’t even get her number all I knew was her name and she worked for GQ. So before I went into my office I stopped at a florist and had two dozen long stemmed blue roses and a note sent to her office as an apology for the bad first impression and asking her out to dinner.”, Mason answered. Rose blinked. “Hmm alright well that’s one way to make up for it.”, she commented. “Aye. Mah assistant Mark was all giddy bout da roses dat Ah got. And so Ah called him to confirm Ah’d go ta dinner not really tinking it was supposed ta be a date. Ah figured he just gave me an office number turned out he gave me his cell. Ah was late fer dinner, tanks ta Donovan being a pain in da arse. He was all worried dat he was gunna be da last man standing in regards ta being alone. Darn fool got a couple dozen lassies dat would kill fer da job. Heck since he joined da Warriors he’s gotten just panties or nude pictures mailed ta him. Ah made him go ‘ome so Ah could get ready for dinner. Got dere and poor Mason was waiting. We ‘ad a nice dinner and apparently he t’oug’t it was a date. End of da date he walked me ta mah door and kissed me goodnig’t. And well from dere he asked me ta da movies and we ot’erwise ‘ave spent a few nig’ts just ‘anging out dis week. Den last nig’t he asked me out. And ‘ere we are all caught up.”, Skye smiled.
‘Ah was actually late fer da date cause mah target was making a run on a mutant family wid some friends. Ah called Donovan in fer backup wanting ta get it ‘andled quick w’ic’ we did. He did still get his panties in a twist bout me having a date.’, she advised Rose telepathically. Rose chuckled. “Well sounds like a whirlwind romance. I’m happy for you Skye.”, she looking to Mason. ‘Tanks mate. So ‘ow was yer ‘oliday wid Merrick?”, she asked with a smirk eating her soup. Rose smiled. “Very well actually. Spent the whole week with him and Faelan. It was great. He made me this as a present using a tattoo design I’ve always wanted but because of my powers I could never have.”, she said extending her left arm out to show the bracelet while taking a bite of her sandwich. “Aw dat’s beautiful. Ah told ya bout Merrick, her ‘not bloke’ in America dat makes amazing tings out o wood.”, Skye commented looking to Mason. Mason nodded. “Yes, I remember. The um ‘Adoness’ yank.”, Manson smiled. Rose laughed. “She told you that?.”, she shook her head. “Yeah. If I was the jealous type I’d be with how she described your Merrick.”, Mason shrugged. “Sorry about that, shouldn’t have apparently shown her that picture of him from the beach. Hope she hasn’t compared you to him or anything weird.”, Rose chuckled. Skye rolled her eyes. “Ah ‘aven’t compared dem. Ah aint’t even seen Mason widout clot’es on.”, Skye defended.
Rose blinked and looked from Mason and back to Skye. “What? You've spent a week and are officially dating and clothes have remained on? I’m shocked and confused.”, Rose laughed eating some of the soup. “Um… yes. Skye said she wasn’t that type of girl and I am okay with the getting to know each other before sleeping together. You should know who you are taking to bed.”, Mason shrugged. He was very aware that you needed to know who you took to bed. H’ed been burned bad in India by the trickster. “Really? This the same Skye that a couple dates in university sometimes was long enough..”, Rose teased. Given that Mason was the mutant from the incident in Cambridge she wondered how well Skye knew her new boyfriend. “Ah trying someting new. Dis ting called adult’ood. Now enuff bout wat we are or aren’t doing in private. Back ta yer trip ‘ome.”, Skye encouraged wanting to change the subject. “Alright. So spent the week with him and Faelan at the Haven, he took the week of so he could be with me during my stay. And he drove me to the airport, we said our goodbyes in the car and I headed in to catch my flight. I felt like an idiot for not telling him before getting out of the car and knew you’d be the first to yell at me for not. Well apparently he felt like an idiot to because in line for TSA I hear him yelling my name.”, she started to tell the story.
Skye eeked covering her mouth. “He c’ased after ya inta da airport! Dat so romantic.”, she exclaimed. Mason chuckled a little remaining silent otherwise eating. Rose smiled. “Well I ask what he’s doing and he says he had to do something he should have last summer and kissed me. I point out he’s been kissing me since I was sixteen. And that’s when in his stumbling way he tells me he loves me. Then said how he couldn’t let me leave again without saying it and without knowing how I feel. So of course I told him that I love him too. Then he asked me out which I’d be a fool if I said no despite my concerns about the long distance. He said if Xavier and Ashley and my friends Tristan and Blaire can do long distance so can we. Before I could argue they were calling for the owner of the Pontiac GTO to move it or get towed. He’d actually left his car in a tow zone, so he kissed me said he loved me again and ran to save his car.”, she said finishing the story. “Dat is...dat is just da best story ever! Bout damn time ya told dat lad yer feelings. Ah so ‘appy fer ya. Ya FINALLy dating da ‘otness.”, skye squealed hugging Rose around her neck. Rose and Mason both laughed at Skye. “She’s easily amused.”, Rose explained. “She just cares a great deal. You’re her mate, family as she’s referred to you. I find her devotion to family and her mates one of her many endearing qualities.”, Mason smiled. “I should be going. I have things to unpack and get ready for classes starting back tomorrow. I just wanted to see Skye and tell her in person about my trip.”, Rose said standing up. “Well it was a pleasure to meet you Rose.”, Mason smiled standing up. Skye hugged Rose once more. “Ah so thrilled fer ya mate. Ah’ll see ya soon.”, Skye smiled. “Nice to have met you too Mason. And I’m happy for you too Skye, see you around.”, Rose waved before leaving the flat.
It wasn’t till the February issue of GQ was printed containing the article on Mason Templeton and how he was revolutionizing humanitarian’s definition representing a new breed for young business men. Adder hadn’t been in the room during the interview and had actually not been told much about the article or why he was being interviewed. So she picked up the magazine on her way back to the flat and sat down to read it. “Introducing a new breed of young businessmen. Mason Templeton may ‘ave been basically breed to run Templeton Enterprise following in t’e long legacy of t’e Templeton line graduating from Oxford University wid his degree in business to prepare him fer his future. After his graduation Mason stepped into the role of CEO for Templeton Enterprise, becoming the youngest CEO rig’t alongside his best mate As’ton Wilson w’o took over Wilson Industries. In an industry of much older men w’o been in da business long before Mason was born ‘asn’t p’ased dis brig’t new star in da business world.”, Adder read along with a small smile. “Mason ‘as been busy as a beaver expanding his empire and now he intends to lead his company into w'at he calls t'e new century. And his first order of business ya ask? ‘Umanitarian work. Mason’s view mig’t be considered controversial but he stands by his ideals. T’is spring Mason plans to break ground on t’e first of many s’elters t’at will be part of his new foundation.”, she read on wondering what foundation and shelters. “Leah’s Lost Soul, w’en we asked w'ere t'e name came from he was ‘appy ta answer. ‘Leah is a mutant w’o during university c’anged my life for the better. She has a p’ysical mutation and for t’is she was abandoned at birt’, t’en mistreated at t’e orp’anage resulting in her running away. She ‘ad to be toug’ and grow up in a way t’at no kid s’ould. W’en Ah met her she ‘ad been living on t’e streets doing Ah don’t want ta know to survive. T’at day she c’anged mah life and Ah ‘ope t’at Ah’ve c’anged hers. She became one of t'e most influential people in mah life and Ah don’t t’ink Ah’d be t’e man Ah am today wit’out her.”, Adder read on.
She felt tears starting to form in her copper eyes as she set the magazine down to cover her mouth. She hadn’t realized that she meant this much to Mason. That he felt she’d changed his life like this. She knew he changed hers. She’d still be living on the streets stealing to get by and fighting for survival. And with how he’d been acting over the last five months she would never had guessed he felt like this. He’d never told her he was opening a foundation under her birth name. “So ta ‘onour his dear friend Mason ‘as started a foundation t’at will offer ‘elp ta t’e ‘omless mutants of t‘e United Kingdom and offer an orp’anage fer t’ose abandoned mutant c’ildren to find t’em good loving ‘omes or at t’e least prepare t’em fer t’e world. He says he understands t’e risks t’at come wit’ his foundation. To all t’e naysayers and ‘ate mongers t’at don't approve of his foundation ‘elping mutants Mason ‘ad t’is ta say. ‘Ah was raised ta believe t’at no person is better t’an anot’er and all s’ould be treated equally. Ah believe t’at as many like ta say we were all created in God’s image, so w’y s’ould we ‘ate and commit violence against one anot’er for ‘ow God c’ose ta make us different.’ We ‘ere at GQ wis’ him and his foundation t’e best of luck in all t’at he wis’es ta accomplish.”, Adder sighed smiling as she closed the magazine. She wiped her eyes again with the back of her hands. Mason was if nothing more an eloquent man. She sighed and looked to her bedroom door. She could hear Mason out in the living room watching the news and debated going to talk to him. She looked back at the magazine and nodded picking it up and walking out to the talk to him.
Mason was sitting in his recliner drinking some coffee watching the news, mostly to see how his stocks were doing. “A’em...Mason?”, Adder questioned walking in. Mason looked over for a moment. “Yeah?”, he answered. “Ah wanna talk ta ya bout t’is GQ article.”, she said holding up the magazine. Mason set down his coffee and turned off the television turning his attention to her. He’d planned the foundation from day one of taking over the business. He hadn’t discussed with with her because initially he’d wanted it to be a surprise. And well he made sure to never use the name she went by as that was probably attention she didn’t want or need. “Alright. What about it?”, he asked. “Leah’s Lost Souls?”, she started sitting down on the couch. “Do you mind that I used your birth name? I figured it was a name no one would associate with you as you are legally known as Adder. Didn’t think you’d want that kind of media attention. The only people that know your name was Leah are you and I. And the story I told about the inspiration is about you but only you, Ashton, Tiffany and I would know that.”, he explained. “Ah don’t mind t’at ya using Leah fer t’e name. But everyt’ing ya said… bout me. Ah didn’t t’ink ya… well t’at ya felt like t’at. Especially since we ‘aven’t been as close recently.”, she sighed.
“Everything I said in that article was the truth. You did change my life that night and you have been a large influence on me over the years. I hope that I changed your life that night too.”, he explained. Adder nodded. “Yea ya did. Ah don’t know w’ere Ah’d be wit’out ya. Ah don’t want ta t’ink bout w’ere Ah’d be if not fer you.”, she admitted. Mason smiled softly. “Good. And now I want to be able to help others too. This foundation was why I was so driven with the Khumar deal. The board said if I could deliver that deal they’d back my foundation plans.”, he explained before looking to the clock. “I need to go. Meeting Skye’s parents for lunch. Hoping to make a good first impression.”, he smiled standing up. He’d dressed casual, well for him, wearing dark straight leg jeans, a white button up under a camel knit pullover with a rolled collar. “Pints later maybe?”, Adder asked watching him heading for the door. “Um. I’ll check with Skye if we have plans. But I’ll be back tonight. Unless of course tonight I actually get to stay the night at her place.”, Mason smiled with a wave heading out. Adder nodded a little. That comment at least told her he hadn’t slept with Skye...yet. She still felt a distance from him but at least knowing he felt that strong about their friendship was something, a sign that he still cared. And right now she’s take that, even if he was spending all his time with his new girlfriend. She’d seen girls come and go in his life so there was no reason to get worked up over this new one. She was a redhead not even his type so Adder didn’t really see it lasting long.
The lunch with her parents had gone very well, Mason ended up spending the rest of the afternoon with Skye and stayed out till late watching movies at her flat. By the time he got back to his flat Adder had fallen asleep on the couch with a six pack on the coffee table where one was still unopened. Mason frowned remembering she’d asked to hang out and drink some pints before he left. “Sorry Adder….”, he sighed. He put the one unopened beer back into the fridge and the others into the recycling bin before bending and carefully picking Adder up from the sofa. It was the closest to her he’d physically been in months. He could feel his heart beat a little faster as she snuggled into him as he carried her. He sighed shaking his head, he still hadn’t fully gotten over her but he was at least getting there. He carefully laid her down on her bed and covered her up. “Sleep tight Adder.”, he said softly before quietly leaving the room. He leaned against the hall wall after closing her door. “She’s just my mate… she’s just my mate. I have Skye.”, he repeated to himself going to his bedroom. Eventually he hoped that one day he wouldn’t have to tell himself that.