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Excalibur was feeling a bit of the crunch as a new semester at University started for Rose, Atif, and Billy coinciding with Xavier and Ashley taking a week honeymoon to Italy. Skye and Donovan were doing what they could to pick up the slack but they both had their jobs to juggle as well. And Skye had the added difficulty of making time for Mason while still keeping tabs on Jonathan Fuller. Which wasn’t the easiest thing to do. Jonathan had come under surveillance by the COH as he continued digging into what they really do. Every time he thought he was getting closer to having some solid evidence to present for the article it seemed to just vanish. This of course was no coincidence. Queen had added to Arcade’s responsibilities. As he seemed to be making no headway with his research into Mason Templeton she had him making sure to more properly cover up any illegal COH activities. Arcade knew that helping Queen was wrong. However she was paying him a good salary and since he was living in his lab he also had free room and board allowing him to start saving a nest egg for when he knew this whole thing would come crashing down. Plus working for Queen guaranteed him access to tech from not just her company but Trask, Stryker and Pierce and his research into Silvercloud was proving more useful to his efforts of helping the mutant named Myst. He just knew that sooner than later he was going to have to disappear from Queen and when he did he was going to take Myst with him.
It was well past midnight and the number of security was lessened in the late hours. This made it even easier for Arcade to go visit Myst in the containment cell she was held prisoner. The guards didn’t generally come near her unless there was an issue, they thought she was creepy with how she couldn’t take a solid form. So Arcade just kept a loop on the security footage of her sleeping so they’d never know. Myst however wasn’t sleeping. Every couple weeks it seemed that Arcade had made some improvements to his device that he was sure someday with the right tech and calibration would allow her to take a solid form. So with the hope of one day being whole again Myst was always eager for him to come visit. Though even if he hadn’t brought the device with improvements she was eager to see him again. He was the only person she’d met that never called her freak or treated her like one. He was her connection to the outside world, he was her one true friend. She hovered around her cell, the lower half of her body just a whisp of gas while her upper half was a tad more detailed yet still a gas. As the doors opened to her area Myst rushed to ‘lay’ on her bed to pretend to sleep in case for some reason the guards had come to check on her. “It’s just me.”, Arcade spoke softly as he closed the door behind him. Myst opened her eyes moving away from the bed to float closer to the glass wall of her cell that separated them.
“I wasn’t sure if you’d come tonight.”, she said softly. Arcade smiled getting a chair and setting is closer to the cell. “Of course I’d come. I haven’t made any new progress with the locket. But I’m still researching and trying. I’m not going to give up on it though.”, he explained sitting down. “So this is just a strictly social visit?’, she asked. “Basically. What they do here, what they have me doing. I know that I won’t be able to keep doing it long. I may have limited morals but for what I have they are crossing them.”, he sighed leaning his head of red hair against the glass. “So you are going to quit your job? But...then.”, she frowned realizing if he left that would leave her completely alone. “I wouldn’t leave you.”, he said sitting back up in the chair to look at her. “When the time comes for me to leave, when this place can offer me nothing further and my morality cannot be silenced. Well I’ll bust you out of here and take you with me.”, he explained. Myst blinked, take her with him. “But Webber… wouldn’t that be dangerous? I mean it’s dangerous enough that you come see me.”, she sighed. “Well yes it would be. But I couldn’t leave you here. So in the rather near future we will both be leaving this place. Just well when we do I can’t guarantee that after we are out our lives will be secure or that we’d be doing very legal things.”, Arcade explained with a sigh. “What do you mean? What illegal things would we be doing?”, Myst asked. “Some of the tech that I’d need to really finish the locket I don’t have. And the company that does I can’t hack that deep into.”, he explained.
“So we’d have to steal it.”, Myst nodded. “Basically. But I’ve done some research on that idea too. And I’ve found three of the best thieves in the world. Which for the right price could probably hire them. And given that we’d both need to keep a low profile and not show up on any databases to avoid Queen finding us getting a regular job won’t be something I could do.”, he explained. “So you’ve thought this through.”, she sighed. “If it will get you the tech I’m willing to do it. And you’re right, when we leave here it’s not like Queen would just give up on tracking us down. I certainly couldn’t hold a job, I mean I’m just a cloud of gas able to sort of maintain a general shape. And if you quit and help me escape Queen will hunt you. Are you sure you want to keep helping me? I don’t want to see you get hurt Webber.”, she frowned. “When we get out of this place Queen won’t find us. There’s no one on staff smart enough to trace me. I won’t get hurt and most of the reason I want to get you out of here is so they can’t hurt you anymore. You don’t deserve to be held in this glass cell. You should be free. Free to live your life. And if I can get the tech I need to get the locket to work you can live however you want in total control of your abilities. They’ve held you here for over half your life. I’ve read the files I know what they’ve put you through since bringing you here when you were ten. I’m astounded by you.”, he ranted a little but sighed at the end.
“Astounded by me?”, she questioned. She didn’t like to think about the fact she’d been held prisoner in the same cell for thirteen years. She’d done her best to block out all the memories of the pain she’d suffered over the years at the hands of the scientists. How her childhood, her control, even her physical form had been taken from her by them. She couldn’t even fully remember her life before being brought here. She couldn’t even remember the face of her parents. “Yes. Astounded by how strong you are. You’ve gone through so much. Most would have broken long ago. But you haven’t. You’ve kept going.”, he explained. Myst smiled a little. “I’ve considered giving up. Then you came along. You didn’t treat me like the others do. You never call me Experiment 35. I’m not some number to you. You even asked me my name. And when I couldn’t even remember what it was you asked me what I wanted to be called. You have showed me that not all humans are cruel. You taught me about the outside world, about what happens beyond these walls. I owe so much to you...to your friendship.”, she sighed. Arcade sighed reaching up and placing a hand on the glass of her cell. “It’s more than just friendship Myst.”, he stated. It’d not been just friendship for him for a year now. It had started as curiosity when he first started working for Queen, and the more he talked to her it became friendship and now...well now he knew it was love. Myst smiled placing her barely formed hand near the glass where his hand was. “I know. It’s getting late you should go before someone sees you.”, she sighed. Arcade sighed standing up. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Bye Myst.”, he said as he put the chair back. “Looking forward to it. Bye Webber.”, she smiled watching him leave.
Rose had just finished up some of her homework and looked to the clock and for half a second debated making the call before grabbing her phone and calling Merrick. Merrick sighed taking out his cell that had started to ring a tone he knew very well. “Hey little wolf. What’s going on across the ocean?”, he asked smiling as he walked. “Hi baby. Not much finished my homework and stressing the test Monday. Wanted to hear your voice. Where are you I hear a lot of traffic?”, she asked. “Aw I miss you too.”, he chuckled. “And I’m in Manhattan, heading to snag Mal from Cora Lee’s clutches to go bar hopping. Don’t stress tests, you're smart you always pass.”, he smiled. “Ah boys night out huh?”, she teased. “Yeah kind of a boys weekend. In Manhattan tonight going to bars with Mal. Then tomorrow will be up in Harvard with Tristan.”, he commented. “Wow hanging out with Tristan on purpose? Who are you and where’s my Merrick?”, she chuckled. “He’s not all that bad when he’s not hitting on me. The gimpy bastard amuses me I guess. He’s at least got some interesting stories.”, he shrugged. “Oh he tell you the one about the cowboy, the lawyer and the scot?”, she laughed. “Yeah I heard all about that. Told him he’s a more secure and laid back guy than me. Because no way in hell I’d agree to or suggest a threesome with you.”, Merrick explained walking.
“Oh really you wouldn’t want a threesome?”, Rose asked chewing on the end of her pen lounging on her bed having closed her text books. “Heck no for a number of reasons. I don’t like guys so wouldn’t want one in my bed. I’m the only man you’ve been with and I’m keeping it that way. I’m not a sharer and I’m territorial.”, he laughed. “Mhmm well good to know you still don’t like men and aren’t willing to share me with another man. What about if the third was a girl?”, she asked. “You telling me you’re bisexual suddenly? Because that’s the only what that setup can really work.”, he laughed figuring that was a joke. “Well no I’m not. But I’m just asking. If was was me, you and Zoe would you say no?”, she asked intentionally throwing in someone she knew he was attracted to. “I would still say no.”, he stated. “Really? You aren’t just saying that because you think I want to hear that?”, she asked furrowing her brow. “Really. I don’t need anyone else in my bed but you Rose. And I know you threw Zoe’s name out there because you know I’m close to her and was a bit more than close to her before our son. But the only way I’d ever sleep with Zoe is if you ever said I’m not who you want. Because as long as you want me and love me the only woman I want to make love to is you.”, he explained turning the corner to the shared Manhattan house. “Sometimes you are good with words you know that.”, she smiled. “I’ve been told when I’ve the inkling for it I am. I don’t need or want anyone but you. I’m too territorial to share you with anyone else and I’m not sure someone else could physically survive what we do in bed beautiful.”, he smirked walking up the steps and ringing the bell.
Rose chuckled. “You’re right. I don’t want or need anyone but you. I wish it was April so I could be there with you again.”, she sighed. Malcolm was the first to the door. “Hey man.”, Malcolm greeted. “I miss you too baby. You’ll see me soon enough I promise. And when we see each other again I can guarantee that your clothes will be being ripped off and you’ll find yourself either on the nearest piece of furniture or against the nearest wall getting nonverbal proof you’re who I want.”, Merrick smiled. Malcolm raised an eyebrow. “Hi Rose and Um gross man.”, Malcolm chuckled. Rose covered her face laughing. “HI Malcolm.”, she laughed. “She says Hi. But that sound like a plan Rose?”, Merrick said. “Sounds fantastic though next time you see me will be Lily’s wedding. And she might kill you if you rip the bridesmaid’s dress.”, Rose laughed. “Fine only because you are talking about Lily’s wedding, I won’t rip the dress up till after the reception. But prior and during...it’s at the Haven I can easily get you into one of the little hiding places I know and a dress is easy enough to hike up. Now I should probably go before Malcolm pretends to be offended by me talking about screwing your brains out.”, he laughed. “You are...you are just something. I love you Merrick. Talk to you soon. Have fun on your boys weekend and stay out of trouble.”, she smiled. “I love you too Rose. Stay out of trouble too. Talk to you soon.”, Merrick said as they ended the call.
Rose sighed setting her phone aside as Octopus jumped up on her bed. “Hey Occy. You knew I was talking to our Merrick didn’t you?”, she smiled petting the large orange maine coon. Octopus just purred his loud deep pur. “Eventually we’ll be together, and you’ll meet Faelan. I just don’t know when or how. I’ve got so much going on over here. With university and the team.”, she frowned. This was what nagged at her and had since the first moment she laid eyes on Faelan. She’d not wanted to fall in love with Merrick, to not care so deeply about Faelan, because she didn’t want to hurt them. She knew her role as leader of Excalibur meant she couldn’t just walk away from it. Even if she’d be walking away for the man she loves and his son that she called her own. She tried to not think about how the distance could potentially ruin her relationship. She sighed sitting up on her bed starting to move the books when her watch started to beep. She quickly hit the answer option. “Wolverine? Need back up.Ah’ve got a good size group ‘eading in Fuller’s direction and dey don’t look da type dat just want ta talk.”, Skye’s voice came through the communicator part of the teleporter watch. “Let me change and I’ll be there.”, Rose answered quickly getting off the bed and reaching into her closet to change into her uniform.
Skye hadn’t been thrilled about having to keep an eye on the journalist Jonathan Fuller, she’d rather have been spending time with Mason. But he had some trainees he planned to work with. He didn’t go into details about it and she didn’t want to read his mind to find out what exactly he was doing. She had her own assumption that by ‘trainees’ he meant that his little team was expanding. It worried her that he was training more people to join his team, worried that they might not have his self control in a fight and not stop themselves from killing someone. Less bodies had been found, so he was upholding his end of the agreement that he’d stop killing. But she didn’t dare fool herself into thinking that others weren’t killing, like Adder. Which she liked Adder, for the most part. She had no real quarrel with the woman. The only thing that really bothered Skye about Adder was that she knew deep down Mason loved Adder. And the more time they spent together the more she could feel that powerful emotion growing in him. She had no one to blame but herself for it. She’d been the one to point out that he’d not really been being the best of mates which got Mason to apologize to Adder for his behavior and start spending time together again. Skye pushed the worries aside, she could be concerned with what her boyfriend was doing and how he felt about his bodyguard later. Right now she had to focus on the group of over a dozen that were heading in Fuller’s direction.
She felt a tad awkward ‘spying’ on Jonathan especially since it appeared he was on a date. But it was her job, so she stayed out of sight wearing her Excalibur uniform staying on rooftops as she watched the group of men below gathering their weapons of brass knuckles, knives, and guns. She was thinking to drop in without Rose when Rose appeared next to her in her uniform. “So what’s going on?”, Rose asked peering over the ledge of the roof. “Dis group ‘ave been following him and his date all nig’t. Not all toget’er, but dere’s been one of dese guys all along da paths t’rough da park. Dey weren’t exactly quiet in deir t’oughts. So Ah kne dis was w’ere dey were going ta meet up fer da attack. He’s inside da restaurant wid his date, dey plan to burst inta da restaurant and take him.”, Skye reported. “Alright well let’s stop them before they get the chance.”, Rose said her claws popping out as she dropped down from the building to land between the group of men pulling on masks and the back entrance to the restaurant. Skye nodded and jumped off the roof floating down to land behind the group so that between her and Rose they had them cornered. “Ah tink yer not dressed properly fer a nice place like dis.”, Skye smiled as her boots touched ground. “Who the fook are you?”, one man asked as he had pulled his ski mask over his face. “Your worst nightmare I’m sure.”, Rose smiled glancing to Skye who was cracking her knuckles. “Aye. So if yer looking fer a brawl or ta get yer mitts on Fuller ya gunna need ta go t’rough us.”, Skye grinned.
The men all started to laugh holding up their weapons. “Two birds against the twenty of us? I like our odds.”, one said slipping on his brass knuckles. “Ten a piece Ah tink we can manage dat, aye Wolverine?”, Skye smile. “Oh yes I think we can manage. So who’s first?”, Rose asked taking a fighting stance her bone claws ready to hack and slash. Her nails grew out to claws and her fangs popped. “Let’s get um boys.”,one said rushing to punch Skye with his brass knuckles. Skye grabbed his fist and started to squeeze harder and harder. “Jesus Christ…”, he howled in pain falling to his knees in pain as the brass knuckles were getting pressed into his hand rather than really hurting her. “Ya no idea wat ya just got yerselves inta.”, Skye smiled tossing the man aside. And so the brawl was one. Skye and Rose were doing a good job keeping the group contained in the alley. Skye tossing the fallen into a nearby dumpster. “That’s it...I’m done playing games.”, one said getting to his feet and aiming a gun at Skye. Skye flew up the shot hitting the wall instead before she dived down and knocked the man out cold. Another tried to shoot at Rose but she just kept going after him and he watched in terror as the bullets pushed back out of her chest. “What...what are you?”, he stammered realizing he was the last one standing. “I told you, your worst nightmare. You stay away from Jonathan Fuller or you deal with us.”, Rose growled.
Jonathan had no idea that there was anyone after him tonight or that Skye and one of her associates were watching his back. He was trying to not think about Skye Kearney, it wasn’t because finding out about her powers freaked him out. That was rather the opposite he found it very intriguing. But she was taken and had made it rather obvious that wasn’t about to change. So he decided there was no use pinning for a woman he couldn’t have. So when he’d been asked on a date by a bird at his local grocery store he agreed. What better way to not think about one woman than to spend time with a different one. It seemed to be going extremely well. Jonathan was starting to think this might end with a ‘nightcap’ at her place. “What would you say to getting out of here? Duck out the back?”, she questioned with a coy smile. “Well let me pay the check first.”, Jonathan agreed before catching the attention of their waiter. As they got up to leave and the woman took his arm heading for the back door to the restaurant he didn’t think anything of it. He had no idea that in the alley they were about to step into was a brawl between a group of Church of Humanity and two members of Excalibur, one being Skye. As the door swung open into the alley the man who was left standing raised his gun, but wasn’t pointing at Rose who stood before him but past her to Jonathan, and fired.
“JONATHAN!”, Skye shouted seeing him and the gun pointed at him before she went to tackle the shooter. It was too late the bullet had been fired, the most Skye focing the man to the ground did was alter the trajectory. Rose’s head turned on a swivel as she watched the bullet pierce Jonathan’s side. Her mind was instantly going into her med student relm double checking that based on its entry point if it wouldn’t pierce any major organs. Rose moved to rush to help him as Jonathan slumped down against the door his hands holding his left side where the bullet had penetrated. Before Rose could reach him his date had pulled a gun from her purse and had it pressed against his head. “Don’t move.”, she instructed. Jonathan was trying to apply pressure to his bleeding wound when he felt the barrel of a gun pressed against his head and heard his date. “Seriously? Bloody fooking ‘ell.”, Jonathan cursed. Rose froze her eyes narrowing on the woman holding the gun. Skye had knocked the man who’d shot Jonathan out and was standing up as the woman pointed the gun at Jonathan. “Yer gonna put dat gun down lassie.”, Skye said. “Why should I? I’m here to finish what those fools failed to. I’m going to kill this prick so he can’t write that damn piece and can stop digging into our business. And there’s nothing you can do about it.”, she said cocking the gun. Rose looked to Skye. ‘You got a plan?”, she questioned telepathically. ‘Aye. Da bitc’ gonna get one ‘ell a ‘eadache.’, Skye replied before turning her telepathic focus to the woman taking control over her mind.
The woman’s expression conveyed her confusion as she involuntarily uncocked the gun and removed it from Jonathan’s head before tossing it out in the alley at Skye’s feet. With the weapon out of the way Skye shifted gears causing the woman to feel pain even though none was physically being inflicted. “AHHH!”, she screamed holding the sides of her head as she leaned in the doorway in pain. “Wolverine get Fuller.”, Skye said not taking her focus off the woman. Rose nodded rushing over to Jonathan and pulling up his dress shirt to get a better look at the entry point and then checking the back confirming the bullet did go all the way out. “You’ll be alright Fuller. The bullet went clean through and it’s low enough that it didn’t hit anything major. But you need medical attention to stop the bleeding.”, Rose said remaining calm. She ripped his shirt and used some to press against the entry wound and then more on the opposite side against the exit wound and wrapped the remains tight around his abdomen to hold the fabric in place to slow the bleeding. “Iolar he needs a hospital.”, Rose said looking to Skye. “Aye.”, Skye nodded having walked closer before removing her telepathic hold on the woman and just slugged her knocking her out. “Ah’ll take him.”, Skye said leaning down carefully lifting Jonathan up like he weighed nothing. “And I’m turning in my man card to who?”, Jonathan asked being lifted up. “Meet ya back at base Wolverine.”, Skye nodded to Rose before flying straight up out of the alley and heading for the closest hospital.
Rose sighed looking at the pile of unconscious Church of Humanity members. She started moving them all into a pile, with the alley door closed and all the noise in the restaurant, the nightclub next door and from the busy streets no one seemed to have heard the shot fired. She was thankful for that as she snapped pictures of each of the men and the woman before heading back to Muir Island. She uploaded the pictures into the computer and brought up the identification program that Forge and Xavier had programmed for them to be able to quickly identify people. As the program ran she pulled back her mask and sighed sitting down in a chair. She looked at her phone and debated calling Merrick but stopped herself. “No he’s out with Malcolm he won’t be able to answer.”, she frowned. She wanted to talk to someone. Well not just someone. It had to be someone that could understand, that would truly listen. She’d been afraid, that they would lost Jonathan. The first person they were supposed to protect. And he’d been shot, sure it could have been worse. But it still scared her, he could have died and no amount of her powers or medical training would have saved him if that bullet had hit its original target of his heart. Rose swiped to her contacts and called Landon. It rang a couple times before she heard him finally pick up out of breath.
“Someone better be dying….”, Landon answered out of breath. “Um…”, Rose wasn’t sure how to reply to that. “I’m joking Rose...no one’s dying right?”, Landon asked sitting up in his bed. “Everything alright?”, Rachel asked sitting up next to him, Rose could hear in the background and could tell her cousin was a bit out of breath too. “Oh I’ve...interrupted…”, Rose sputtered realizing the more common reason a couple could be out of breath. Landon laughed a little. “Not technically...what’s wrong Rose?”, Landon answered running a hand over his hair smiling as he glanced to his left and his naked fiance. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to interrupt. I just..”, Rose sighed. “It’s fine Rose. I won’t give details but trust me I wouldn’t have answered the phone if we were the middle of that.”, Landon tried to assure. “Now what’s got you calling so late?”, he asked. “I well I needed someone to talk to, just got back from an impromptu mission.”, Rose sighed. At least she hadn’t interrupted really. She’d have felt very bad. She knew how annoyed she and Merrick got when someone interrupted them even if it was Faelan crying though they were more forgiving in their son’s case he didn’t know better or get that they needed and liked their private time. “And Merrick’s out bar hopping with Malcolm. I'm the second call? I feel special.”, Landon chuckled getting out of the bed and grabbing some clothes. “Rach I’ll be back in a few. No falling asleep on me cause I’ll just wake you up again. I love you.”, Landon smiled holding the phone away to muffle what he said a little before giving Rachel a kiss. Rachel laughed shaking her head returning the kiss. “Mmm.. I love you too. And I’ll make an effort to stay awake.”, she teased laying back down pulling up the covers enjoying that they smelled like them and what they’d just done.
“You’re positive I didn’t interrupt?”, Rose asked slightly teasing having heard the exchange between her cousin and Landon. “Yeah I’m sure. Not everyone has boundless stamina like you and my cousin. Some require a short rest.”, Landon chuckled closing the door and heading down the hall to Rachel’s old room which he used when he needed quiet from the house. “Who needed the rest you or my cousin? Wait don’t answer that.”, Rose said covering her face shaking her head. “I’m a Bryant. You have been fucking a Bryant since you were sixteen. Who do you think needed the rest?”, Landon answered closing the door and sitting on the bed. Rose laughed shaking her head. “Alright so enough about my sex life. I doubt you called to ask me how that’s going. So what’s going on? What happened that you needed to call across the ‘pond’ to talk?”, he asked. “Well there’s a journalist named Jonathan Fuller. I’m not sure if Xavier has mentioned him or not in the conversations you had with him and Forge before the wedding.”, Rose started. “Guy who did the article about the Leah’s Lost Soul attack and has been talking to your teammate Skye trying to get more information about the COH.”, he said recalling that little bit. “Yeah that’s him. Well after the wedding Skye did meet with him. He painted a target on his back with that initial article and word was getting around he wanted to be a bigger piece. So I told Skye to meet him and that we need to keep an eye on him.”, she explained.
Landon nodded listening. “Alright. So you’ve had her on journalist watch. What happened tonight?”, he asked. “Skye was following him as she’s supposed to. And she wasn’t the only one about twenty guys had been spotted following him at various points during his ‘date’ tonight. They all planned to meet up in an alley behind the restaurant Fuller was taking his ‘date’. Skye called me for back up. “, she continued. “Okay makes sense. She’s got telepathy, flight and the strength but even with that taking on twenty alone would be difficult. Only telepaths I know that could handle that many at once are Aunt Jean and if he overloaded his bracelet Nathan. Alright so she calls you in as backup.”, he commented. “Right. She gives me the lowdown and so we dropped down. She landed behind them to block the exit of the alley and I landing in front to block the alley entrance to the restaurant. Straight forward enough brawl. We kicked their asses, because as you pointed out she’s got the strength and I’ve got the endurance, claws and healing. Then we’ve got one left standing just as the door opens from the restaurant. And it’s Fuller and his date coming out.”, she sighed. “The date was a plant? Member of the COH there to ensure that Fuller was in the right place at the right time.”, Landon concluded. “Yeah. Guy goes to shoot Fuller, Skye tackled him to the ground. The bullet went clean through his left side. No major arteries hit. I move to help him as he slumped down against the door and his date points a gun at his head.”, Rose sighed.
“No one heard the shot?”, he questioned. “There’s a nightclub next to the restaurant and with the busy street and general sounds of the restaurant human ears didn’t pick it up. The bullet was lodged in the wood of the door. And standing there with that woman holding the gun to his head and seeing him bleeding out. I was afraid. I was afraid I was going to have to see someone die and not be able to stop it. He’s not part of my team but we are supposed to protect him. And here he was bleeding out with a gun to his head. And I couldn’t do anything. If I made a move she could pull the trigger and then he would be dead and no one would ever put the truth about the church out there.”, she admitted. Landon sighed nodding a little. That’s why she called. She was scared. “Rose it’s okay to be scared in that moment. Any idea how many times in the fights against Scarlet Witch I was scared. Not for myself, I wasn’t worried if I lived or died in those battles. I was scared for all of you. I was scared that she was going to kill all of you and I wouldn’t be strong or fast enough to save you.”, he said trying to offer her some sort of comfort. “But you were. You didn’t let her kill us. You put yourself between her and us every time. It’s part of what makes you such an amazing guy and why you were a great leader.”, Rose sighed. “Being insane with no consideration of my own well being makes me amazing and a great leader? I recall at the time that’s not how you phrased. I think you called me something like a selfish bastard for not thinking what me being hurt or worse killed would do to you and the others.”, he smiled.
Rose sighed shaking her head. “Well yes you were still a selfish bastard not thinking about yourself. But I can get it now. I mean sure I was a team leader at the school, but we didn’t go on missions certainly not life and death ones like you took us team leaders on. And now I’m a real team leader, and we go on missions and lives do hang in the balance. And I should have taken that bullet tonight for Fuller, should have risked my life to protect the man because his life matters more than mine. But I froze. I couldn’t make that sacrifice. It wasn’t just that I didn’t think I could have reached the woman in time to stop her from firing and killing him. I was thinking about Merrick and about Faelan.”, she frowned shaking her head. “I know it’s hard to kill a Howlett but it can be done. My sister Raziel had the accelerated healing powers too and she was still killed. And I just thought about what if I died tonight? I’d never get to see Merrick again, never get to hold Faelan and watch him grow. And now that I’m back at Muir Island thinking about it I wonder just how this relationship can work. I get one month a year with them. What kind of girlfriend does that make me? What kind of mom? I spend so little time with them and for what? To go out and risk my life to fight the Church of Humanity instead of doing what you did? Of just walking away from it. I could transfer medical schools. I could go to Harvard Medical, it’s closer and I could be with them.”, she admitted getting it all off her chest.
Landon sighed he knew the idea of walking away from the life was one Rose didn’t take easily. Rose was bred to be a hero, basically. Her father was the most famous and infamous mutant in known history. He knew that saving people, fighting evil there were the Howlett family business. So walking away from her wasn’t easy not even close like it was for him. But he also knew what his cousin had planned for the coming year. He knew why Malcolm was spending more time with Merrick and would be for the next few months. Merrick was going to make the ultimate sacrifice to be with Rose. To make the three of them; Merrick, Faelan and Rose a family where they could finally be together. “Rose. Listen to me, okay. There is nothing wrong with how you felt. You thought about the people who mean the most to you. You thought about the man you love and the son you’ve accepted as yours. Merrick doesn’t doubt that you love him, and he gets it. He understands the life you’ve chosen. That saving people and fighting evil are part of who you are. They are traits that he loves about you. He wouldn’t ever ask you to change that for him. And Faelan...that little boy loves you. He doesn’t need to understand what’s going on or the reasons he just knows you are mommy and he loves you. You are fighting to make the future better for Faelan and other kids like him. Things have a way of working themselves out. You just gotta have faith.”, Landon assured. “You sound like Atif with that last line.”, she smiled a little. “Yeah well we are your best friends. Atif can see the future, so you should always listen to him. And I don’t need to see the future to know that you are doing what you should be.”, Landon smiled.
“How did you do it?”, she asked. “Do what?”, he asked confused. “Walk away. You’d wanted to be an X-Men since were kids. You trained harder than any of us for this. And then we graduate and you walk away like it didn’t mean anything to you.”, she asked. Landon sighed. “I faced death twice at the same woman’s hands. I put her, with your help, in a cell so she can’t hurt anyone again. I walked away because as much as I like fighting, enjoyed planning missions and leading others I just couldn’t keep doing it. Because it would be endless. Till people are educated and can learn to understand mutants they will never accept us and the cycle will continue. So I walked away because as good as I am at the hero stuff I’m just as good at uncovering secrets and reaching people. I knew that the world would still be in good hands, that without me there were still amazing heroes to protect the innocent. I knew that even if I wasn’t fighting to protect people they would have others like you to protect them. And I would do the research I would take their fears of mutants and turn it and find answers and ways to educate them to take away that fear.”, he explained. Rose nodded smiling a little. “I guess you’re right. We handle the fighting and you handle the educating so we have less people to fight.”, she sighed. “So what happened with Fuller?”, he asked wanting to get back on track.
“Skye took control of the woman’s mind forcing her to throw the gun before starting to give her what I’m guessing would be psychic blasts by how the woman crumpled in pain before Skye gave her a solid right hook. Skye took Fuller to a hospital after I dressed his wound. I’m waiting for her to report back to know his status.”, she explained. “See you guys saved him and sent a message to the COH that Fuller’s got some serious protection. Sucks for the guy that his date turned out to just be there to kill him.”, Landon smiled. “Yeah. It’s getting late. You should get back to my cousin. I’m going to wait for Skye. Night Landon.”, she sighed. “Alright. Night Rose. Love you.”, he smiled. “Love you too.”, Rose sighed hanging up. Saying the words to Landon held much different meaning than they had years ago, than they do when she says them to Merrick. And she knew they held a different meaning for him than when he said them to Rachel. She sighed putting her phone down. At least the conversation had made her feel better.
Skye had gotten Jonathan to the nearby hospital setting him in a wheelchair that was left outside. “Ah canna take ya inside dressed like dis. But yer ‘ere ya’ll be safe.”, Skye explained. Jonathan winced holding his side looking up at her. He’d never seen her in the uniform before tonight. It certainly left very little to the imagination the black kevlar fitting rather snugly to her body accenting the curves and with the uniform not having pants he could see the full length of her creamy toned legs even with the purple bands on the thighs and the just below the knee boots. She was gorgeous that mask couldn’t hide her blue eyes. “I understand. So what do I say happened?”, he asked. “Ya tell dem da trut’. Ya say w’en leaving out da back way wid yer date ya came upon a fig’t between some men and two masked women. Dat da man fired upon ya and yer date pulled a gun on ya.”, she explained Jonathan nodded his face growing paler. “Right, and then the two masked women saved me from my own date and one brought me to the hospital. Will I see you after this?”, he asked. “Ya mig’t Ah canna say. Ah need ta go. Just keep outta trouble.”, Skye smiled hitting the teleport function of her watch disappearing. Someone from inside the hospital noticed Jonathan and the masked individual and came running out but was too late as Skye disappeared. They hurried Jonathan inside to get him treated for the gunshot wound to his abdomen. He didn't remember much after that having lost a lot of blood and having been put under as well as given pain medication.
Skye had gotten back to Muir Island and let Rose know that Jonathan got to the hospital and was going to receive medical care he required before she teleported home. “Wat is wrong wid me?”, Skye muttered to herself changing out of her costume. “Ah mean sure Ah oug’t ta been concerned fer da man. Ah supposed ta protect him from dese people. But w’en dat gun went off...Ah dinna kne if wat Ah was feeling was the rig’t sort o concern.”, she frowned getting into street clothes. “He’s a nice bloke, verra good looking. And he certainly in s’ape wid abs like dose….”, she smiled a little but shook her head. “No. Ah will not and can not like him. Ah supposed ta protect him and Ah’ve got Mason. Ah love Mason and he loves me.”, she reaffirmed. “Just he loves Adder too.”, she frowned getting on her sneakers. She wasn’t consciously aware of why she was getting dressed or where she was going till she was outside getting into a cab and the driver asked ‘Where to miss?’. She blinked and looked at him. Where was she going? Did she say the hospital Jonathan was in or Mason’s flat? She made her choice and gave Mason’s address. As she rode the elevator up she was trying to think about what to tell him. She couldn’t divulge any details of what happened tonight. So she’d just have to tell him that a mission tonight had gotten to her. Which was true. She wasn't sure how to feel about what happened tonight and how worried she was about Jonathan.
Inside the flat Mason was sitting on the sofa a pint bottle in his left hand his right hand resting casually on Adder’s bare legs as she was laying on the sofa her legs across his lap wearing her pajama shorts and a tank drinking her pint as they watched a rugby match on television. “Come on! It’s not fair with his mutation to be playing!”, Mason grumbled unintentionally slapping Adder’s leg in frustration as Donovan Kearney just caused Mike Brown the Harlequin's fullback to be taken out of the game with an injured leg. “Ah know ‘ow ya feel mate, but don’t take it out on mah leg!”, Adder hissed. It had hurt, but mostly she hissed because the slap startled her. Mason chuckled. “Sorry, pet. Didn’t mean to hurt you.”, Mason apologized. “Yes well doesn’t make mah leg ‘urt any less.”, Adder said sitting up a little and looking at her leg. There was a faint red mark along her scales that blended with her skin. “Ya left a mark.”, she teased pointing to the light red area on her leg. “My humble apologies.”, Mason chuckled lifting her leg up with his free hand and bending enough before kissing the red mark. Adder blinked a little trying to hide a smile when his lips touched her leg. She reminded herself it meant nothing, he was Skye’s and could never be hers. So no reason to getting hot and bothered over it. It was only after Mason had done it that his mind thought about it. Part of him wanting to kiss higher on her leg and do everything he’d done in India but to the real Adder this time. However that part was stifled by the part that reminded him that he had Skye.
It was the knock at the door that startled them both. Mason instantly letting go of her leg and both looking to the door. “Ah’ll get it.”, Adder said setting her beer down on the coffee table getting off the sofa. Mason wondered who could be knocking this late. Skye had some ‘business’ she was handling. Which he knew meant something for her team. So he didn’t expect to see her. Alan had already emailed him a new full report on the Church’s activities for the current quarter and first couple months of any plans for the new year. So he shouldn't be hearing from him, not to mention he’d just text instead of showing up in person. He then considered the three new recruits; Turner, Ian and Garrison who were all renting a flat nearby having started working for him while also starting training with him and Adder for the purpose of being part of the team. “If it’s the boys tell them to bugger off till tomorrow.”, Mason instructed, turning his head watching Adder walk to the door, figuring it was probably one of them.“If it’s As’ton’s little brot’er Ah’ll just punc’ him in t’e jaw in advance of w’atever pick up line he plans ta use. If it’s one of t’e ot’ers Ah’ll be nice.”, Adder replied with a smile glancing back at him before opening the door. She was in a way hoping for Turner so she could punch him again. She’d been enjoying using the three new recruits as punching bags, but mostly Turner. Ian and Garrison were nice enough guys and didn’t make rude comments or hit on her because Garrison at least preferred guys. Turner however was trying to get under her skin using his empath abilities against her to try and talk and act more like what he knew she wanted. It wasn’t working because who and what she wanted was Mason and no one else could be him.
Adder froze and blinked seeing Skye standing at the door. “Um ‘ello.”, she greeted. Skye didn’t often come to the flat, and Adder was okay with that. It always hurt seeing him with Skye. “Ello Adder. Can Ah see Mason?”, Skye questioned. “Who is it pet?”, Mason called watching the rugby match. Skye choked back hearing him call Adder ‘pet’. She knew it was a nickname from when they’d first met and that it stemmed from Ashton calling Adder Mason’s pet in university. But sometimes the way he said it Skye knew there was more meaning. “It yer bird mate.”, Adder called. Mason blinked setting down his pint getting up. “Skye?”, he questioned heading for the door. “I didn’t think I’d see you tonight. You said you had business to attend to. You aren’t hurt or anything right?”, he asked looking Skye over just in case. Something seemed off tonight that much he could tell. Adder took this as a cue and moved away from the door heading back to the living room to give them their space. “Ah ain’t ‘urt. And Ah did ‘ave business. Ah ‘andled it. Just...Ah got ‘ome and Ah dinna want ta be alone. So ‘ere Ah am. Ah can go if ya like. Ah kne ya dinna expect me and so ya were just planning a nig’t in wid Adder.”, Skye explained thinking maybe coming was a bad idea. She was trying to not read their minds, but bubbling just below the surface she could feel she’d interrupted possibly something between them. And part of her was furious about it and glad she was interrupting where the other couldn’t be mad because he’d loved Adder first and it made her feel less guilty about being attracted even a little to Jonathan.
“No it’s alright, love.”, Mason smiled softly reaching for her hand pulling her into the flat and hugging her. He wasn’t sure what happened tonight but something did. She never really came over when Adder was there. “Adder and I were just watching the rugby match. If you don’t mind us cursing the existence of your twin…”, Mason offered. Skye smiled a little hugging him back. He smelled so good, she always liked the way he smelled. “Ah s’ould...Ah s’ould let ya two watc’ da matc’. On principle Ah’d c’eer fer Donovan. Da ‘ug ‘elped t’ough. Ah’ll call ya tamorrow. Nig’t Mason.”, she sighed giving him a long kiss. She wanted to hold the kiss, not just to remind him who his girlfriend was but to remind herself who’s girlfriend she was too. Mason mmmed returning the kiss as Adder tried to just ignore them watching the match. “You sure?”, he asked pulling back. “Ah’m sure. Nig’t.”, she smiled stepping back into the hall. “Um alright. Good night love.”, he nodded watching her get on the elevator before closing the door. Something didn’t feel right. Skye rarely came to his flat and her saying she hadn’t wanted to be alone. He wasn’t sure what happened on her mission but the way she was just now had him worried. And that worried mixed with a sense of guilt as he walked back to the sofa.
Sure it was just him kissing a red mark he’d left on Adder’s leg, but he felt guilt over it. Not directly because of the generally innocent gesture of kissing a ‘boo boo’, but because of where his mind went when he’d done it. Because he’d thought of India and felt that desire to kiss Adder and to make passionate love to her. “So she didn’t want ta stay?”, Adder questioned looking at him as he walked back to the living room. Mason forced himself out of his own thoughts and looked at Adder when she spoke. And that wave of guilt was there crashing against him. He couldn’t help it as he looked at her. Her short choppy blonde hair tucked just slightly behind her ears, her copper snake eyes, the subtle scales that trailed down her neck, the white lacework spaghetti strap scoop neckline of her black top, the matching black shorts with the same white lace detail along the bottom that sat above mid thigh with how she was sitting, and then those long legs with the subtle scales that trailed down them none of it went unnoticed by him and all of it reminded him why he had and, he wouldn’t admit to it, still did want her. “Yeah. She didn’t want to intrude on us hanging out watching the match.”, he shrugged pushing back his thoughts as he sat back down next to her picking up his beer. Adder silently nodded. She was glad Skye hadn’t chosen to stay. She didn’t dislike Skye as a person, it was just that when Skye was around Mason’s focus was on Skye. And try as she might to hide it seeing them in love hurt. The last thing she wanted was the telepath to realize her feelings.
She glanced out of the corner of her eyes at Mason smiling a little. He looked as good now in his navy Oxford University shorts and tee as he had back in University when she’d first started living with him. She missed those days, mostly the semester she lived hidden in the dorm with him and Ashton. She missed sharing his bed, even if it was innocent sleeping under separate blankets. She’d enjoyed those nights of having him there beside her in the bed and how in his sleep he’d always put a protective arm across her. She could still remember waking up during the night sometimes confused about where she was when she’d first started living there. Having spent so many years on the streets cold and shivering it was an odd sensation to wake in a comfortable bed under warm blankets and then feeling the weight of his arm across her and feeling, hearing and smelling his subtle minty breath from his mouthwash and toothpaste against her neck. “Well Ah’m sure you two can spend time toget’er tomorrow. Ah’ll train t’e boys alone.”, Adder commented sipping her beer. “I’ll still help train them. Wouldn’t leave you alone with Turner of all people. I’ll make it up to her, take her out to the Spitalfields Tea Dance or find the Nomad Cinema.”, he shrugged. “Bot’ sound like nice date nig’t plans.”, Adder nodded. When he talked about date plans it sometimes made her miss having a boyfriend. She hadn’t had a boyfriend since Oliver. Sure she’d spent a night here and there with men she’d met through fighting, but they weren’t serious. “I’ll worry about it in the morning. Let’s watch the game.”, Mason nodded relaxing into the sofa one arm stretching across the back of the couch behind her. “Sure.”, she agreed focusing on the match.

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Excalibur was feeling a bit of the crunch as a new semester at University started for Rose, Atif, and Billy coinciding with Xavier and Ashley taking a week honeymoon to Italy. Skye and Donovan were doing what they could to pick up the slack but they both had their jobs to juggle as well. And Skye had the added difficulty of making time for Mason while still keeping tabs on Jonathan Fuller. Which wasn’t the easiest thing to do. Jonathan had come under surveillance by the COH as he continued digging into what they really do. Every time he thought he was getting closer to having some solid evidence to present for the article it seemed to just vanish. This of course was no coincidence. Queen had added to Arcade’s responsibilities. As he seemed to be making no headway with his research into Mason Templeton she had him making sure to more properly cover up any illegal COH activities. Arcade knew that helping Queen was wrong. However she was paying him a good salary and since he was living in his lab he also had free room and board allowing him to start saving a nest egg for when he knew this whole thing would come crashing down. Plus working for Queen guaranteed him access to tech from not just her company but Trask, Stryker and Pierce and his research into Silvercloud was proving more useful to his efforts of helping the mutant named Myst. He just knew that sooner than later he was going to have to disappear from Queen and when he did he was going to take Myst with him.
It was well past midnight and the number of security was lessened in the late hours. This made it even easier for Arcade to go visit Myst in the containment cell she was held prisoner. The guards didn’t generally come near her unless there was an issue, they thought she was creepy with how she couldn’t take a solid form. So Arcade just kept a loop on the security footage of her sleeping so they’d never know. Myst however wasn’t sleeping. Every couple weeks it seemed that Arcade had made some improvements to his device that he was sure someday with the right tech and calibration would allow her to take a solid form. So with the hope of one day being whole again Myst was always eager for him to come visit. Though even if he hadn’t brought the device with improvements she was eager to see him again. He was the only person she’d met that never called her freak or treated her like one. He was her connection to the outside world, he was her one true friend. She hovered around her cell, the lower half of her body just a whisp of gas while her upper half was a tad more detailed yet still a gas. As the doors opened to her area Myst rushed to ‘lay’ on her bed to pretend to sleep in case for some reason the guards had come to check on her. “It’s just me.”, Arcade spoke softly as he closed the door behind him. Myst opened her eyes moving away from the bed to float closer to the glass wall of her cell that separated them.
“I wasn’t sure if you’d come tonight.”, she said softly. Arcade smiled getting a chair and setting is closer to the cell. “Of course I’d come. I haven’t made any new progress with the locket. But I’m still researching and trying. I’m not going to give up on it though.”, he explained sitting down. “So this is just a strictly social visit?’, she asked. “Basically. What they do here, what they have me doing. I know that I won’t be able to keep doing it long. I may have limited morals but for what I have they are crossing them.”, he sighed leaning his head of red hair against the glass. “So you are going to quit your job? But...then.”, she frowned realizing if he left that would leave her completely alone. “I wouldn’t leave you.”, he said sitting back up in the chair to look at her. “When the time comes for me to leave, when this place can offer me nothing further and my morality cannot be silenced. Well I’ll bust you out of here and take you with me.”, he explained. Myst blinked, take her with him. “But Webber… wouldn’t that be dangerous? I mean it’s dangerous enough that you come see me.”, she sighed. “Well yes it would be. But I couldn’t leave you here. So in the rather near future we will both be leaving this place. Just well when we do I can’t guarantee that after we are out our lives will be secure or that we’d be doing very legal things.”, Arcade explained with a sigh. “What do you mean? What illegal things would we be doing?”, Myst asked. “Some of the tech that I’d need to really finish the locket I don’t have. And the company that does I can’t hack that deep into.”, he explained.
“So we’d have to steal it.”, Myst nodded. “Basically. But I’ve done some research on that idea too. And I’ve found three of the best thieves in the world. Which for the right price could probably hire them. And given that we’d both need to keep a low profile and not show up on any databases to avoid Queen finding us getting a regular job won’t be something I could do.”, he explained. “So you’ve thought this through.”, she sighed. “If it will get you the tech I’m willing to do it. And you’re right, when we leave here it’s not like Queen would just give up on tracking us down. I certainly couldn’t hold a job, I mean I’m just a cloud of gas able to sort of maintain a general shape. And if you quit and help me escape Queen will hunt you. Are you sure you want to keep helping me? I don’t want to see you get hurt Webber.”, she frowned. “When we get out of this place Queen won’t find us. There’s no one on staff smart enough to trace me. I won’t get hurt and most of the reason I want to get you out of here is so they can’t hurt you anymore. You don’t deserve to be held in this glass cell. You should be free. Free to live your life. And if I can get the tech I need to get the locket to work you can live however you want in total control of your abilities. They’ve held you here for over half your life. I’ve read the files I know what they’ve put you through since bringing you here when you were ten. I’m astounded by you.”, he ranted a little but sighed at the end.
“Astounded by me?”, she questioned. She didn’t like to think about the fact she’d been held prisoner in the same cell for thirteen years. She’d done her best to block out all the memories of the pain she’d suffered over the years at the hands of the scientists. How her childhood, her control, even her physical form had been taken from her by them. She couldn’t even fully remember her life before being brought here. She couldn’t even remember the face of her parents. “Yes. Astounded by how strong you are. You’ve gone through so much. Most would have broken long ago. But you haven’t. You’ve kept going.”, he explained. Myst smiled a little. “I’ve considered giving up. Then you came along. You didn’t treat me like the others do. You never call me Experiment 35. I’m not some number to you. You even asked me my name. And when I couldn’t even remember what it was you asked me what I wanted to be called. You have showed me that not all humans are cruel. You taught me about the outside world, about what happens beyond these walls. I owe so much to you...to your friendship.”, she sighed. Arcade sighed reaching up and placing a hand on the glass of her cell. “It’s more than just friendship Myst.”, he stated. It’d not been just friendship for him for a year now. It had started as curiosity when he first started working for Queen, and the more he talked to her it became friendship and now...well now he knew it was love. Myst smiled placing her barely formed hand near the glass where his hand was. “I know. It’s getting late you should go before someone sees you.”, she sighed. Arcade sighed standing up. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Bye Myst.”, he said as he put the chair back. “Looking forward to it. Bye Webber.”, she smiled watching him leave.
Rose had just finished up some of her homework and looked to the clock and for half a second debated making the call before grabbing her phone and calling Merrick. Merrick sighed taking out his cell that had started to ring a tone he knew very well. “Hey little wolf. What’s going on across the ocean?”, he asked smiling as he walked. “Hi baby. Not much finished my homework and stressing the test Monday. Wanted to hear your voice. Where are you I hear a lot of traffic?”, she asked. “Aw I miss you too.”, he chuckled. “And I’m in Manhattan, heading to snag Mal from Cora Lee’s clutches to go bar hopping. Don’t stress tests, you're smart you always pass.”, he smiled. “Ah boys night out huh?”, she teased. “Yeah kind of a boys weekend. In Manhattan tonight going to bars with Mal. Then tomorrow will be up in Harvard with Tristan.”, he commented. “Wow hanging out with Tristan on purpose? Who are you and where’s my Merrick?”, she chuckled. “He’s not all that bad when he’s not hitting on me. The gimpy bastard amuses me I guess. He’s at least got some interesting stories.”, he shrugged. “Oh he tell you the one about the cowboy, the lawyer and the scot?”, she laughed. “Yeah I heard all about that. Told him he’s a more secure and laid back guy than me. Because no way in hell I’d agree to or suggest a threesome with you.”, Merrick explained walking.
“Oh really you wouldn’t want a threesome?”, Rose asked chewing on the end of her pen lounging on her bed having closed her text books. “Heck no for a number of reasons. I don’t like guys so wouldn’t want one in my bed. I’m the only man you’ve been with and I’m keeping it that way. I’m not a sharer and I’m territorial.”, he laughed. “Mhmm well good to know you still don’t like men and aren’t willing to share me with another man. What about if the third was a girl?”, she asked. “You telling me you’re bisexual suddenly? Because that’s the only what that setup can really work.”, he laughed figuring that was a joke. “Well no I’m not. But I’m just asking. If was was me, you and Zoe would you say no?”, she asked intentionally throwing in someone she knew he was attracted to. “I would still say no.”, he stated. “Really? You aren’t just saying that because you think I want to hear that?”, she asked furrowing her brow. “Really. I don’t need anyone else in my bed but you Rose. And I know you threw Zoe’s name out there because you know I’m close to her and was a bit more than close to her before our son. But the only way I’d ever sleep with Zoe is if you ever said I’m not who you want. Because as long as you want me and love me the only woman I want to make love to is you.”, he explained turning the corner to the shared Manhattan house. “Sometimes you are good with words you know that.”, she smiled. “I’ve been told when I’ve the inkling for it I am. I don’t need or want anyone but you. I’m too territorial to share you with anyone else and I’m not sure someone else could physically survive what we do in bed beautiful.”, he smirked walking up the steps and ringing the bell.
Rose chuckled. “You’re right. I don’t want or need anyone but you. I wish it was April so I could be there with you again.”, she sighed. Malcolm was the first to the door. “Hey man.”, Malcolm greeted. “I miss you too baby. You’ll see me soon enough I promise. And when we see each other again I can guarantee that your clothes will be being ripped off and you’ll find yourself either on the nearest piece of furniture or against the nearest wall getting nonverbal proof you’re who I want.”, Merrick smiled. Malcolm raised an eyebrow. “Hi Rose and Um gross man.”, Malcolm chuckled. Rose covered her face laughing. “HI Malcolm.”, she laughed. “She says Hi. But that sound like a plan Rose?”, Merrick said. “Sounds fantastic though next time you see me will be Lily’s wedding. And she might kill you if you rip the bridesmaid’s dress.”, Rose laughed. “Fine only because you are talking about Lily’s wedding, I won’t rip the dress up till after the reception. But prior and during...it’s at the Haven I can easily get you into one of the little hiding places I know and a dress is easy enough to hike up. Now I should probably go before Malcolm pretends to be offended by me talking about screwing your brains out.”, he laughed. “You are...you are just something. I love you Merrick. Talk to you soon. Have fun on your boys weekend and stay out of trouble.”, she smiled. “I love you too Rose. Stay out of trouble too. Talk to you soon.”, Merrick said as they ended the call.
Rose sighed setting her phone aside as Octopus jumped up on her bed. “Hey Occy. You knew I was talking to our Merrick didn’t you?”, she smiled petting the large orange maine coon. Octopus just purred his loud deep pur. “Eventually we’ll be together, and you’ll meet Faelan. I just don’t know when or how. I’ve got so much going on over here. With university and the team.”, she frowned. This was what nagged at her and had since the first moment she laid eyes on Faelan. She’d not wanted to fall in love with Merrick, to not care so deeply about Faelan, because she didn’t want to hurt them. She knew her role as leader of Excalibur meant she couldn’t just walk away from it. Even if she’d be walking away for the man she loves and his son that she called her own. She tried to not think about how the distance could potentially ruin her relationship. She sighed sitting up on her bed starting to move the books when her watch started to beep. She quickly hit the answer option. “Wolverine? Need back up.Ah’ve got a good size group ‘eading in Fuller’s direction and dey don’t look da type dat just want ta talk.”, Skye’s voice came through the communicator part of the teleporter watch. “Let me change and I’ll be there.”, Rose answered quickly getting off the bed and reaching into her closet to change into her uniform.
Skye hadn’t been thrilled about having to keep an eye on the journalist Jonathan Fuller, she’d rather have been spending time with Mason. But he had some trainees he planned to work with. He didn’t go into details about it and she didn’t want to read his mind to find out what exactly he was doing. She had her own assumption that by ‘trainees’ he meant that his little team was expanding. It worried her that he was training more people to join his team, worried that they might not have his self control in a fight and not stop themselves from killing someone. Less bodies had been found, so he was upholding his end of the agreement that he’d stop killing. But she didn’t dare fool herself into thinking that others weren’t killing, like Adder. Which she liked Adder, for the most part. She had no real quarrel with the woman. The only thing that really bothered Skye about Adder was that she knew deep down Mason loved Adder. And the more time they spent together the more she could feel that powerful emotion growing in him. She had no one to blame but herself for it. She’d been the one to point out that he’d not really been being the best of mates which got Mason to apologize to Adder for his behavior and start spending time together again. Skye pushed the worries aside, she could be concerned with what her boyfriend was doing and how he felt about his bodyguard later. Right now she had to focus on the group of over a dozen that were heading in Fuller’s direction.
She felt a tad awkward ‘spying’ on Jonathan especially since it appeared he was on a date. But it was her job, so she stayed out of sight wearing her Excalibur uniform staying on rooftops as she watched the group of men below gathering their weapons of brass knuckles, knives, and guns. She was thinking to drop in without Rose when Rose appeared next to her in her uniform. “So what’s going on?”, Rose asked peering over the ledge of the roof. “Dis group ‘ave been following him and his date all nig’t. Not all toget’er, but dere’s been one of dese guys all along da paths t’rough da park. Dey weren’t exactly quiet in deir t’oughts. So Ah kne dis was w’ere dey were going ta meet up fer da attack. He’s inside da restaurant wid his date, dey plan to burst inta da restaurant and take him.”, Skye reported. “Alright well let’s stop them before they get the chance.”, Rose said her claws popping out as she dropped down from the building to land between the group of men pulling on masks and the back entrance to the restaurant. Skye nodded and jumped off the roof floating down to land behind the group so that between her and Rose they had them cornered. “Ah tink yer not dressed properly fer a nice place like dis.”, Skye smiled as her boots touched ground. “Who the fook are you?”, one man asked as he had pulled his ski mask over his face. “Your worst nightmare I’m sure.”, Rose smiled glancing to Skye who was cracking her knuckles. “Aye. So if yer looking fer a brawl or ta get yer mitts on Fuller ya gunna need ta go t’rough us.”, Skye grinned.
The men all started to laugh holding up their weapons. “Two birds against the twenty of us? I like our odds.”, one said slipping on his brass knuckles. “Ten a piece Ah tink we can manage dat, aye Wolverine?”, Skye smile. “Oh yes I think we can manage. So who’s first?”, Rose asked taking a fighting stance her bone claws ready to hack and slash. Her nails grew out to claws and her fangs popped. “Let’s get um boys.”,one said rushing to punch Skye with his brass knuckles. Skye grabbed his fist and started to squeeze harder and harder. “Jesus Christ…”, he howled in pain falling to his knees in pain as the brass knuckles were getting pressed into his hand rather than really hurting her. “Ya no idea wat ya just got yerselves inta.”, Skye smiled tossing the man aside. And so the brawl was one. Skye and Rose were doing a good job keeping the group contained in the alley. Skye tossing the fallen into a nearby dumpster. “That’s it...I’m done playing games.”, one said getting to his feet and aiming a gun at Skye. Skye flew up the shot hitting the wall instead before she dived down and knocked the man out cold. Another tried to shoot at Rose but she just kept going after him and he watched in terror as the bullets pushed back out of her chest. “What...what are you?”, he stammered realizing he was the last one standing. “I told you, your worst nightmare. You stay away from Jonathan Fuller or you deal with us.”, Rose growled.
Jonathan had no idea that there was anyone after him tonight or that Skye and one of her associates were watching his back. He was trying to not think about Skye Kearney, it wasn’t because finding out about her powers freaked him out. That was rather the opposite he found it very intriguing. But she was taken and had made it rather obvious that wasn’t about to change. So he decided there was no use pinning for a woman he couldn’t have. So when he’d been asked on a date by a bird at his local grocery store he agreed. What better way to not think about one woman than to spend time with a different one. It seemed to be going extremely well. Jonathan was starting to think this might end with a ‘nightcap’ at her place. “What would you say to getting out of here? Duck out the back?”, she questioned with a coy smile. “Well let me pay the check first.”, Jonathan agreed before catching the attention of their waiter. As they got up to leave and the woman took his arm heading for the back door to the restaurant he didn’t think anything of it. He had no idea that in the alley they were about to step into was a brawl between a group of Church of Humanity and two members of Excalibur, one being Skye. As the door swung open into the alley the man who was left standing raised his gun, but wasn’t pointing at Rose who stood before him but past her to Jonathan, and fired.
“JONATHAN!”, Skye shouted seeing him and the gun pointed at him before she went to tackle the shooter. It was too late the bullet had been fired, the most Skye focing the man to the ground did was alter the trajectory. Rose’s head turned on a swivel as she watched the bullet pierce Jonathan’s side. Her mind was instantly going into her med student relm double checking that based on its entry point if it wouldn’t pierce any major organs. Rose moved to rush to help him as Jonathan slumped down against the door his hands holding his left side where the bullet had penetrated. Before Rose could reach him his date had pulled a gun from her purse and had it pressed against his head. “Don’t move.”, she instructed. Jonathan was trying to apply pressure to his bleeding wound when he felt the barrel of a gun pressed against his head and heard his date. “Seriously? Bloody fooking ‘ell.”, Jonathan cursed. Rose froze her eyes narrowing on the woman holding the gun. Skye had knocked the man who’d shot Jonathan out and was standing up as the woman pointed the gun at Jonathan. “Yer gonna put dat gun down lassie.”, Skye said. “Why should I? I’m here to finish what those fools failed to. I’m going to kill this prick so he can’t write that damn piece and can stop digging into our business. And there’s nothing you can do about it.”, she said cocking the gun. Rose looked to Skye. ‘You got a plan?”, she questioned telepathically. ‘Aye. Da bitc’ gonna get one ‘ell a ‘eadache.’, Skye replied before turning her telepathic focus to the woman taking control over her mind.
The woman’s expression conveyed her confusion as she involuntarily uncocked the gun and removed it from Jonathan’s head before tossing it out in the alley at Skye’s feet. With the weapon out of the way Skye shifted gears causing the woman to feel pain even though none was physically being inflicted. “AHHH!”, she screamed holding the sides of her head as she leaned in the doorway in pain. “Wolverine get Fuller.”, Skye said not taking her focus off the woman. Rose nodded rushing over to Jonathan and pulling up his dress shirt to get a better look at the entry point and then checking the back confirming the bullet did go all the way out. “You’ll be alright Fuller. The bullet went clean through and it’s low enough that it didn’t hit anything major. But you need medical attention to stop the bleeding.”, Rose said remaining calm. She ripped his shirt and used some to press against the entry wound and then more on the opposite side against the exit wound and wrapped the remains tight around his abdomen to hold the fabric in place to slow the bleeding. “Iolar he needs a hospital.”, Rose said looking to Skye. “Aye.”, Skye nodded having walked closer before removing her telepathic hold on the woman and just slugged her knocking her out. “Ah’ll take him.”, Skye said leaning down carefully lifting Jonathan up like he weighed nothing. “And I’m turning in my man card to who?”, Jonathan asked being lifted up. “Meet ya back at base Wolverine.”, Skye nodded to Rose before flying straight up out of the alley and heading for the closest hospital.
Rose sighed looking at the pile of unconscious Church of Humanity members. She started moving them all into a pile, with the alley door closed and all the noise in the restaurant, the nightclub next door and from the busy streets no one seemed to have heard the shot fired. She was thankful for that as she snapped pictures of each of the men and the woman before heading back to Muir Island. She uploaded the pictures into the computer and brought up the identification program that Forge and Xavier had programmed for them to be able to quickly identify people. As the program ran she pulled back her mask and sighed sitting down in a chair. She looked at her phone and debated calling Merrick but stopped herself. “No he’s out with Malcolm he won’t be able to answer.”, she frowned. She wanted to talk to someone. Well not just someone. It had to be someone that could understand, that would truly listen. She’d been afraid, that they would lost Jonathan. The first person they were supposed to protect. And he’d been shot, sure it could have been worse. But it still scared her, he could have died and no amount of her powers or medical training would have saved him if that bullet had hit its original target of his heart. Rose swiped to her contacts and called Landon. It rang a couple times before she heard him finally pick up out of breath.
“Someone better be dying….”, Landon answered out of breath. “Um…”, Rose wasn’t sure how to reply to that. “I’m joking Rose...no one’s dying right?”, Landon asked sitting up in his bed. “Everything alright?”, Rachel asked sitting up next to him, Rose could hear in the background and could tell her cousin was a bit out of breath too. “Oh I’ve...interrupted…”, Rose sputtered realizing the more common reason a couple could be out of breath. Landon laughed a little. “Not technically...what’s wrong Rose?”, Landon answered running a hand over his hair smiling as he glanced to his left and his naked fiance. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to interrupt. I just..”, Rose sighed. “It’s fine Rose. I won’t give details but trust me I wouldn’t have answered the phone if we were the middle of that.”, Landon tried to assure. “Now what’s got you calling so late?”, he asked. “I well I needed someone to talk to, just got back from an impromptu mission.”, Rose sighed. At least she hadn’t interrupted really. She’d have felt very bad. She knew how annoyed she and Merrick got when someone interrupted them even if it was Faelan crying though they were more forgiving in their son’s case he didn’t know better or get that they needed and liked their private time. “And Merrick’s out bar hopping with Malcolm. I'm the second call? I feel special.”, Landon chuckled getting out of the bed and grabbing some clothes. “Rach I’ll be back in a few. No falling asleep on me cause I’ll just wake you up again. I love you.”, Landon smiled holding the phone away to muffle what he said a little before giving Rachel a kiss. Rachel laughed shaking her head returning the kiss. “Mmm.. I love you too. And I’ll make an effort to stay awake.”, she teased laying back down pulling up the covers enjoying that they smelled like them and what they’d just done.
“You’re positive I didn’t interrupt?”, Rose asked slightly teasing having heard the exchange between her cousin and Landon. “Yeah I’m sure. Not everyone has boundless stamina like you and my cousin. Some require a short rest.”, Landon chuckled closing the door and heading down the hall to Rachel’s old room which he used when he needed quiet from the house. “Who needed the rest you or my cousin? Wait don’t answer that.”, Rose said covering her face shaking her head. “I’m a Bryant. You have been fucking a Bryant since you were sixteen. Who do you think needed the rest?”, Landon answered closing the door and sitting on the bed. Rose laughed shaking her head. “Alright so enough about my sex life. I doubt you called to ask me how that’s going. So what’s going on? What happened that you needed to call across the ‘pond’ to talk?”, he asked. “Well there’s a journalist named Jonathan Fuller. I’m not sure if Xavier has mentioned him or not in the conversations you had with him and Forge before the wedding.”, Rose started. “Guy who did the article about the Leah’s Lost Soul attack and has been talking to your teammate Skye trying to get more information about the COH.”, he said recalling that little bit. “Yeah that’s him. Well after the wedding Skye did meet with him. He painted a target on his back with that initial article and word was getting around he wanted to be a bigger piece. So I told Skye to meet him and that we need to keep an eye on him.”, she explained.
Landon nodded listening. “Alright. So you’ve had her on journalist watch. What happened tonight?”, he asked. “Skye was following him as she’s supposed to. And she wasn’t the only one about twenty guys had been spotted following him at various points during his ‘date’ tonight. They all planned to meet up in an alley behind the restaurant Fuller was taking his ‘date’. Skye called me for back up. “, she continued. “Okay makes sense. She’s got telepathy, flight and the strength but even with that taking on twenty alone would be difficult. Only telepaths I know that could handle that many at once are Aunt Jean and if he overloaded his bracelet Nathan. Alright so she calls you in as backup.”, he commented. “Right. She gives me the lowdown and so we dropped down. She landed behind them to block the exit of the alley and I landing in front to block the alley entrance to the restaurant. Straight forward enough brawl. We kicked their asses, because as you pointed out she’s got the strength and I’ve got the endurance, claws and healing. Then we’ve got one left standing just as the door opens from the restaurant. And it’s Fuller and his date coming out.”, she sighed. “The date was a plant? Member of the COH there to ensure that Fuller was in the right place at the right time.”, Landon concluded. “Yeah. Guy goes to shoot Fuller, Skye tackled him to the ground. The bullet went clean through his left side. No major arteries hit. I move to help him as he slumped down against the door and his date points a gun at his head.”, Rose sighed.
“No one heard the shot?”, he questioned. “There’s a nightclub next to the restaurant and with the busy street and general sounds of the restaurant human ears didn’t pick it up. The bullet was lodged in the wood of the door. And standing there with that woman holding the gun to his head and seeing him bleeding out. I was afraid. I was afraid I was going to have to see someone die and not be able to stop it. He’s not part of my team but we are supposed to protect him. And here he was bleeding out with a gun to his head. And I couldn’t do anything. If I made a move she could pull the trigger and then he would be dead and no one would ever put the truth about the church out there.”, she admitted. Landon sighed nodding a little. That’s why she called. She was scared. “Rose it’s okay to be scared in that moment. Any idea how many times in the fights against Scarlet Witch I was scared. Not for myself, I wasn’t worried if I lived or died in those battles. I was scared for all of you. I was scared that she was going to kill all of you and I wouldn’t be strong or fast enough to save you.”, he said trying to offer her some sort of comfort. “But you were. You didn’t let her kill us. You put yourself between her and us every time. It’s part of what makes you such an amazing guy and why you were a great leader.”, Rose sighed. “Being insane with no consideration of my own well being makes me amazing and a great leader? I recall at the time that’s not how you phrased. I think you called me something like a selfish bastard for not thinking what me being hurt or worse killed would do to you and the others.”, he smiled.
Rose sighed shaking her head. “Well yes you were still a selfish bastard not thinking about yourself. But I can get it now. I mean sure I was a team leader at the school, but we didn’t go on missions certainly not life and death ones like you took us team leaders on. And now I’m a real team leader, and we go on missions and lives do hang in the balance. And I should have taken that bullet tonight for Fuller, should have risked my life to protect the man because his life matters more than mine. But I froze. I couldn’t make that sacrifice. It wasn’t just that I didn’t think I could have reached the woman in time to stop her from firing and killing him. I was thinking about Merrick and about Faelan.”, she frowned shaking her head. “I know it’s hard to kill a Howlett but it can be done. My sister Raziel had the accelerated healing powers too and she was still killed. And I just thought about what if I died tonight? I’d never get to see Merrick again, never get to hold Faelan and watch him grow. And now that I’m back at Muir Island thinking about it I wonder just how this relationship can work. I get one month a year with them. What kind of girlfriend does that make me? What kind of mom? I spend so little time with them and for what? To go out and risk my life to fight the Church of Humanity instead of doing what you did? Of just walking away from it. I could transfer medical schools. I could go to Harvard Medical, it’s closer and I could be with them.”, she admitted getting it all off her chest.
Landon sighed he knew the idea of walking away from the life was one Rose didn’t take easily. Rose was bred to be a hero, basically. Her father was the most famous and infamous mutant in known history. He knew that saving people, fighting evil there were the Howlett family business. So walking away from her wasn’t easy not even close like it was for him. But he also knew what his cousin had planned for the coming year. He knew why Malcolm was spending more time with Merrick and would be for the next few months. Merrick was going to make the ultimate sacrifice to be with Rose. To make the three of them; Merrick, Faelan and Rose a family where they could finally be together. “Rose. Listen to me, okay. There is nothing wrong with how you felt. You thought about the people who mean the most to you. You thought about the man you love and the son you’ve accepted as yours. Merrick doesn’t doubt that you love him, and he gets it. He understands the life you’ve chosen. That saving people and fighting evil are part of who you are. They are traits that he loves about you. He wouldn’t ever ask you to change that for him. And Faelan...that little boy loves you. He doesn’t need to understand what’s going on or the reasons he just knows you are mommy and he loves you. You are fighting to make the future better for Faelan and other kids like him. Things have a way of working themselves out. You just gotta have faith.”, Landon assured. “You sound like Atif with that last line.”, she smiled a little. “Yeah well we are your best friends. Atif can see the future, so you should always listen to him. And I don’t need to see the future to know that you are doing what you should be.”, Landon smiled.
“How did you do it?”, she asked. “Do what?”, he asked confused. “Walk away. You’d wanted to be an X-Men since were kids. You trained harder than any of us for this. And then we graduate and you walk away like it didn’t mean anything to you.”, she asked. Landon sighed. “I faced death twice at the same woman’s hands. I put her, with your help, in a cell so she can’t hurt anyone again. I walked away because as much as I like fighting, enjoyed planning missions and leading others I just couldn’t keep doing it. Because it would be endless. Till people are educated and can learn to understand mutants they will never accept us and the cycle will continue. So I walked away because as good as I am at the hero stuff I’m just as good at uncovering secrets and reaching people. I knew that the world would still be in good hands, that without me there were still amazing heroes to protect the innocent. I knew that even if I wasn’t fighting to protect people they would have others like you to protect them. And I would do the research I would take their fears of mutants and turn it and find answers and ways to educate them to take away that fear.”, he explained. Rose nodded smiling a little. “I guess you’re right. We handle the fighting and you handle the educating so we have less people to fight.”, she sighed. “So what happened with Fuller?”, he asked wanting to get back on track.
“Skye took control of the woman’s mind forcing her to throw the gun before starting to give her what I’m guessing would be psychic blasts by how the woman crumpled in pain before Skye gave her a solid right hook. Skye took Fuller to a hospital after I dressed his wound. I’m waiting for her to report back to know his status.”, she explained. “See you guys saved him and sent a message to the COH that Fuller’s got some serious protection. Sucks for the guy that his date turned out to just be there to kill him.”, Landon smiled. “Yeah. It’s getting late. You should get back to my cousin. I’m going to wait for Skye. Night Landon.”, she sighed. “Alright. Night Rose. Love you.”, he smiled. “Love you too.”, Rose sighed hanging up. Saying the words to Landon held much different meaning than they had years ago, than they do when she says them to Merrick. And she knew they held a different meaning for him than when he said them to Rachel. She sighed putting her phone down. At least the conversation had made her feel better.
Skye had gotten Jonathan to the nearby hospital setting him in a wheelchair that was left outside. “Ah canna take ya inside dressed like dis. But yer ‘ere ya’ll be safe.”, Skye explained. Jonathan winced holding his side looking up at her. He’d never seen her in the uniform before tonight. It certainly left very little to the imagination the black kevlar fitting rather snugly to her body accenting the curves and with the uniform not having pants he could see the full length of her creamy toned legs even with the purple bands on the thighs and the just below the knee boots. She was gorgeous that mask couldn’t hide her blue eyes. “I understand. So what do I say happened?”, he asked. “Ya tell dem da trut’. Ya say w’en leaving out da back way wid yer date ya came upon a fig’t between some men and two masked women. Dat da man fired upon ya and yer date pulled a gun on ya.”, she explained Jonathan nodded his face growing paler. “Right, and then the two masked women saved me from my own date and one brought me to the hospital. Will I see you after this?”, he asked. “Ya mig’t Ah canna say. Ah need ta go. Just keep outta trouble.”, Skye smiled hitting the teleport function of her watch disappearing. Someone from inside the hospital noticed Jonathan and the masked individual and came running out but was too late as Skye disappeared. They hurried Jonathan inside to get him treated for the gunshot wound to his abdomen. He didn't remember much after that having lost a lot of blood and having been put under as well as given pain medication.
Skye had gotten back to Muir Island and let Rose know that Jonathan got to the hospital and was going to receive medical care he required before she teleported home. “Wat is wrong wid me?”, Skye muttered to herself changing out of her costume. “Ah mean sure Ah oug’t ta been concerned fer da man. Ah supposed ta protect him from dese people. But w’en dat gun went off...Ah dinna kne if wat Ah was feeling was the rig’t sort o concern.”, she frowned getting into street clothes. “He’s a nice bloke, verra good looking. And he certainly in s’ape wid abs like dose….”, she smiled a little but shook her head. “No. Ah will not and can not like him. Ah supposed ta protect him and Ah’ve got Mason. Ah love Mason and he loves me.”, she reaffirmed. “Just he loves Adder too.”, she frowned getting on her sneakers. She wasn’t consciously aware of why she was getting dressed or where she was going till she was outside getting into a cab and the driver asked ‘Where to miss?’. She blinked and looked at him. Where was she going? Did she say the hospital Jonathan was in or Mason’s flat? She made her choice and gave Mason’s address. As she rode the elevator up she was trying to think about what to tell him. She couldn’t divulge any details of what happened tonight. So she’d just have to tell him that a mission tonight had gotten to her. Which was true. She wasn't sure how to feel about what happened tonight and how worried she was about Jonathan.
Inside the flat Mason was sitting on the sofa a pint bottle in his left hand his right hand resting casually on Adder’s bare legs as she was laying on the sofa her legs across his lap wearing her pajama shorts and a tank drinking her pint as they watched a rugby match on television. “Come on! It’s not fair with his mutation to be playing!”, Mason grumbled unintentionally slapping Adder’s leg in frustration as Donovan Kearney just caused Mike Brown the Harlequin's fullback to be taken out of the game with an injured leg. “Ah know ‘ow ya feel mate, but don’t take it out on mah leg!”, Adder hissed. It had hurt, but mostly she hissed because the slap startled her. Mason chuckled. “Sorry, pet. Didn’t mean to hurt you.”, Mason apologized. “Yes well doesn’t make mah leg ‘urt any less.”, Adder said sitting up a little and looking at her leg. There was a faint red mark along her scales that blended with her skin. “Ya left a mark.”, she teased pointing to the light red area on her leg. “My humble apologies.”, Mason chuckled lifting her leg up with his free hand and bending enough before kissing the red mark. Adder blinked a little trying to hide a smile when his lips touched her leg. She reminded herself it meant nothing, he was Skye’s and could never be hers. So no reason to getting hot and bothered over it. It was only after Mason had done it that his mind thought about it. Part of him wanting to kiss higher on her leg and do everything he’d done in India but to the real Adder this time. However that part was stifled by the part that reminded him that he had Skye.
It was the knock at the door that startled them both. Mason instantly letting go of her leg and both looking to the door. “Ah’ll get it.”, Adder said setting her beer down on the coffee table getting off the sofa. Mason wondered who could be knocking this late. Skye had some ‘business’ she was handling. Which he knew meant something for her team. So he didn’t expect to see her. Alan had already emailed him a new full report on the Church’s activities for the current quarter and first couple months of any plans for the new year. So he shouldn't be hearing from him, not to mention he’d just text instead of showing up in person. He then considered the three new recruits; Turner, Ian and Garrison who were all renting a flat nearby having started working for him while also starting training with him and Adder for the purpose of being part of the team. “If it’s the boys tell them to bugger off till tomorrow.”, Mason instructed, turning his head watching Adder walk to the door, figuring it was probably one of them.“If it’s As’ton’s little brot’er Ah’ll just punc’ him in t’e jaw in advance of w’atever pick up line he plans ta use. If it’s one of t’e ot’ers Ah’ll be nice.”, Adder replied with a smile glancing back at him before opening the door. She was in a way hoping for Turner so she could punch him again. She’d been enjoying using the three new recruits as punching bags, but mostly Turner. Ian and Garrison were nice enough guys and didn’t make rude comments or hit on her because Garrison at least preferred guys. Turner however was trying to get under her skin using his empath abilities against her to try and talk and act more like what he knew she wanted. It wasn’t working because who and what she wanted was Mason and no one else could be him.
Adder froze and blinked seeing Skye standing at the door. “Um ‘ello.”, she greeted. Skye didn’t often come to the flat, and Adder was okay with that. It always hurt seeing him with Skye. “Ello Adder. Can Ah see Mason?”, Skye questioned. “Who is it pet?”, Mason called watching the rugby match. Skye choked back hearing him call Adder ‘pet’. She knew it was a nickname from when they’d first met and that it stemmed from Ashton calling Adder Mason’s pet in university. But sometimes the way he said it Skye knew there was more meaning. “It yer bird mate.”, Adder called. Mason blinked setting down his pint getting up. “Skye?”, he questioned heading for the door. “I didn’t think I’d see you tonight. You said you had business to attend to. You aren’t hurt or anything right?”, he asked looking Skye over just in case. Something seemed off tonight that much he could tell. Adder took this as a cue and moved away from the door heading back to the living room to give them their space. “Ah ain’t ‘urt. And Ah did ‘ave business. Ah ‘andled it. Just...Ah got ‘ome and Ah dinna want ta be alone. So ‘ere Ah am. Ah can go if ya like. Ah kne ya dinna expect me and so ya were just planning a nig’t in wid Adder.”, Skye explained thinking maybe coming was a bad idea. She was trying to not read their minds, but bubbling just below the surface she could feel she’d interrupted possibly something between them. And part of her was furious about it and glad she was interrupting where the other couldn’t be mad because he’d loved Adder first and it made her feel less guilty about being attracted even a little to Jonathan.
“No it’s alright, love.”, Mason smiled softly reaching for her hand pulling her into the flat and hugging her. He wasn’t sure what happened tonight but something did. She never really came over when Adder was there. “Adder and I were just watching the rugby match. If you don’t mind us cursing the existence of your twin…”, Mason offered. Skye smiled a little hugging him back. He smelled so good, she always liked the way he smelled. “Ah s’ould...Ah s’ould let ya two watc’ da matc’. On principle Ah’d c’eer fer Donovan. Da ‘ug ‘elped t’ough. Ah’ll call ya tamorrow. Nig’t Mason.”, she sighed giving him a long kiss. She wanted to hold the kiss, not just to remind him who his girlfriend was but to remind herself who’s girlfriend she was too. Mason mmmed returning the kiss as Adder tried to just ignore them watching the match. “You sure?”, he asked pulling back. “Ah’m sure. Nig’t.”, she smiled stepping back into the hall. “Um alright. Good night love.”, he nodded watching her get on the elevator before closing the door. Something didn’t feel right. Skye rarely came to his flat and her saying she hadn’t wanted to be alone. He wasn’t sure what happened on her mission but the way she was just now had him worried. And that worried mixed with a sense of guilt as he walked back to the sofa.
Sure it was just him kissing a red mark he’d left on Adder’s leg, but he felt guilt over it. Not directly because of the generally innocent gesture of kissing a ‘boo boo’, but because of where his mind went when he’d done it. Because he’d thought of India and felt that desire to kiss Adder and to make passionate love to her. “So she didn’t want ta stay?”, Adder questioned looking at him as he walked back to the living room. Mason forced himself out of his own thoughts and looked at Adder when she spoke. And that wave of guilt was there crashing against him. He couldn’t help it as he looked at her. Her short choppy blonde hair tucked just slightly behind her ears, her copper snake eyes, the subtle scales that trailed down her neck, the white lacework spaghetti strap scoop neckline of her black top, the matching black shorts with the same white lace detail along the bottom that sat above mid thigh with how she was sitting, and then those long legs with the subtle scales that trailed down them none of it went unnoticed by him and all of it reminded him why he had and, he wouldn’t admit to it, still did want her. “Yeah. She didn’t want to intrude on us hanging out watching the match.”, he shrugged pushing back his thoughts as he sat back down next to her picking up his beer. Adder silently nodded. She was glad Skye hadn’t chosen to stay. She didn’t dislike Skye as a person, it was just that when Skye was around Mason’s focus was on Skye. And try as she might to hide it seeing them in love hurt. The last thing she wanted was the telepath to realize her feelings.
She glanced out of the corner of her eyes at Mason smiling a little. He looked as good now in his navy Oxford University shorts and tee as he had back in University when she’d first started living with him. She missed those days, mostly the semester she lived hidden in the dorm with him and Ashton. She missed sharing his bed, even if it was innocent sleeping under separate blankets. She’d enjoyed those nights of having him there beside her in the bed and how in his sleep he’d always put a protective arm across her. She could still remember waking up during the night sometimes confused about where she was when she’d first started living there. Having spent so many years on the streets cold and shivering it was an odd sensation to wake in a comfortable bed under warm blankets and then feeling the weight of his arm across her and feeling, hearing and smelling his subtle minty breath from his mouthwash and toothpaste against her neck. “Well Ah’m sure you two can spend time toget’er tomorrow. Ah’ll train t’e boys alone.”, Adder commented sipping her beer. “I’ll still help train them. Wouldn’t leave you alone with Turner of all people. I’ll make it up to her, take her out to the Spitalfields Tea Dance or find the Nomad Cinema.”, he shrugged. “Bot’ sound like nice date nig’t plans.”, Adder nodded. When he talked about date plans it sometimes made her miss having a boyfriend. She hadn’t had a boyfriend since Oliver. Sure she’d spent a night here and there with men she’d met through fighting, but they weren’t serious. “I’ll worry about it in the morning. Let’s watch the game.”, Mason nodded relaxing into the sofa one arm stretching across the back of the couch behind her. “Sure.”, she agreed focusing on the match.