Thanksgiving - The Kingstons' House, Seattle

[Rick Ferguson]

Rick was already going for a plate full of seconds.

"Everything's great Mrs. Kingston! Especialy the turkey and gravy!"

[Marcus Kingston]

"I know. I know. Such a shame you boys aren't here more often so I can cook for you. After you both graduate, you boys should settle down here in Seattle," she said with a firm nod.

"I don't know mom. I don't have a clue where we're going but I do miss being here. Besides, I'm not sure how much we'll be living life or just being X-men at some point."

[Rick Ferguson]

"I decided a few years ago to just take things as they come. I mean, I could've started planning where to go to college back in high school, but then the XLU opportunity came up, so I took it."

[Marcus Kingston]

She smiled. "I know..I know. Wishful thinking," she said, sighing a little. "Besides, it's good you boys are getting to see so much of the world around you. Don't stay stuck living in one place for most of your life. You don't get to grow much from that."

Marcus was a fast eater and already finished up his third plate, more than ready to throw in the towel now. "True." He smirked then glanced over at his father. Jacob had been quiet most of the night after the family gave thanks.

[Rick Ferguson]

"Yeah, that's one of the best things about it. Seeing the world outside of small-town Alberta's been great." He was still working on his second, and noticing that evreryone else was mostly done, asked "So, there must be some football games on today, right? Or the parade." Something Jacob can watch instead of just sitting around making this awkward. Ugh.

[Marcus Kingston]

"Yeah. Usually is. I'm surprised it's not on already," Marcus said in disbelief as he glanced over at his father. Jacob perked up a little. "Haven't been in much of a mood to watch it yet," he said with a shrug. "I should at least check and see what the score his though," and he with that, he excused himself from the table and headed into the livingroom.

Elizabeth was silent for awhile then finally scoffed, shaking her head and returning to the boys at the table. "Once again, I apologize about this. I don't think he'll ever get over this."

"You'd think four years would be enough then again, I really don't know how long people can be upset over something. Maybe something else is up.."

[Rick Ferguson]

"I just don't understand how some geek can be like that. Doesn't he remember how he was treated in high school?"

[Marcus Kingston]

"Sometimes I wonder too Marcus." She nodded in agreement with Rick. "You'd think he would of encompassed everything me, him and my family went through as well," she said with a roll of her eyes. "Anyway..I don't know what to say to him. He normally doesn't want to talk about it either."

Marcus just shrugged. "Anyway, the only one he's truly making miserable is himself. I'm happy this way and with who I'm with. So mom, really, don't worry about it. If Dad wants to bitch about it the rest of his life, so be it."

[Rick Ferguson]

"I wouldn't be shocked if we even gave him a grandkid. What's the big deal?" He rolled his eyes.

[Marcus Kingston]

"Before you go, maybe you should just talk to him." She didn't feel like putting a damper on their time anymore with talk like this. She stood up. "Were you going to get some more food Rick? If not, I was gonna start putting the left overs away," she said, smiling warmly.

"Sure Mom.." Even though we've both tried that several times. He stood up, sighing and shaking his head. "I'm gonna go stand outside for a bit." He walked to the front door then stepped outside, quietly.

[Rick Ferguson]

"No, I think I'm as stuffed as I can be, thanks!"

[Marcus Kingston]

She nodded then went to storing a lot of the left over food in containers and putting it in the fridge.

"You know, you're a good man Rick. Sure Jacob knows that to and it kills me in a way," she said, giggling to herself.

[Rick Ferguson]

"I try to make a good impression, even when he makes me want to headdesk," he admitted, grinning almost sheepishly.

[Marcus Kingston]

"You've done that again and again," she nodded in agreement. "Oh..those boys Marcus had a thing for before." She shook her head at the thought.

"Anyway, I appreciate you boys coming by the visit but you don't have to if it's always going to be awkward like this. I can always just leave the stick in the mud right here to mope on his own. No need to rain on our parade," she said teasingly but it was apparant she wasn't too happy that things had to be that way.

[Rick Ferguson]

"That would probably make things easier," he admitted, "but I'd hate for him to miss out on London just because of me. I can handle anything for a week or two."

[Marcus Kingston]

"Well, I meant after the trip," she said, grinning. "I'm glad dear. That you'll put up with that. I hardly can myself and though I can't vouch for his behavior now, he's a good man otherwise."

[Rick Ferguson]

"It's fine, don't worry about it." He smirked a bit to himself, looking down at the table. "We were supposed to take a trip of our own over the Christmas holiday, but I'm not sure if it's gonna work out."

[Marcus Kingston]

"Oh? What happened? School just get too busy?""

[Rick Ferguson]

"No, school won't be a problem. Paying for it will. 'Cause, well...." His voice shrank to a whisper. "I bought rings."

[Marcus Kingston]

"Rings for..wh.." She cut herself off and moved closer to Rick, glancing out towards the living room then the door Marcus left through. When it seemed clear, "Like weddings rings..?" she whispered.

[Rick Ferguson]

Rick simply nodded, smiling.

[Marcus Kingston]

"OH MY GOD!"

"Elizabeth!? Something wrong?"

"No! Things are fantastic!" She wrapped her arms around Rick, hugging him tightly as she did her best to contain her excitement which leaked out in a low squeal.

[Rick Ferguson]

Rick was totally caught off guard by the sudden hug, but he did his best to place his constrained arms around her sides.

"Hey, I just figured that it was about time."

[Marcus Kingston]

She pulled back. "Oh god. We'll have to tell him," she said while glancing into the livingroom again. She nodded eagerly. "You're right it is!" She smiled. "So, when are you popping that question?"

[Rick Ferguson]

"Whenever we can go on that trip." He shrugged. "I mean, there are plenty of good places to propose in London, but we haven't taken a trip for just the two of us in a long time. But I've already started saving up."

[Marcus Kingston]

"Of course. If you need any help with money on the trip I'll gladly pay up, especially if you're going to propose there.""

[Rick Ferguson]

"Oh no, I couldn't, really. That's so nice of you, but..." He frowned a bit.

[Marcus Kingston]

"Huh? Why not?" She asked, noting the frown. "I'd be more than happy to help."

[Rick Ferguson]

"I'm just...not sure that I should accept money for that kind of thing..."

[Marcus Kingston]

"Oh. Good point.." She smiled warmly. "Anyway, maybe Marcus could just pay for the trip I suppose. Not that he knows you bought that stuff already."

[Rick Ferguson]

"No, definitely not. That'd defeat the whole purpose."

[Marcus Kingston]

"Okay..okay. Sure I can't help ssoommeehooww?" She asked. She knew the boys may of been low on cash especially since the last time she talked to Marcus, a good amount of money was going to the damages he caused. "Just, it'd be nice to make that moment as wonderful as possible."

[Rick Ferguson]

Rick smirked a little bit. "Well...I'll see how things go. There's always moneygrams, right?"

[Marcus Kingston]

"Just if you need the help, let me know." She smiled then glanced towards the door. "You're going to be a son-in-law," she giggled at the idea of that then stood up.

[Rick Ferguson]

"And I don't think I could ask for a better future mother-in-law." He smiled, then looked at the door as well, hoping Marcus didn't have his ear to the door.