Our Protector

Stay - 3

Mason POV

I woke up feeling something soft against my face. When I opened my eyes I realized it wasn't something, but someone instead. I tilted my head up slightly and internally groaned when I saw I was laying against the president.

I quickly sat up and apologized to her. She gave me a soft smile while telling me not to worry about it and that we had visitors.

I turned to look to where the president was gesturing and I pouted seeing my parents smirking faces. "Mom, dad, what are you doing here?" I questioned already remembering the answer.

Dad spoke up, "You apparently said you wanted to go home, but I don't know... You looked pretty comfortable cuddling with Elise here." He said with a grin and I put the palms of my hands to my eyes to try to hide from the embarrassment.

My mom spoke next. "We aren't taking you home Mas. We want you to try it for two weeks here before you give up. Obviously if something happens that will be different, and you can always ask to call us if you are feeling homesick. But I want you to give this a try. It's in the rules and you know this babes." Mom told me and I felt my eyes well up. She was always less gentle than dad.

"Mom please." I tried begging her and she shook her head.

"Have they been nice to you so far?" Mom asked and I nodded my head.

"Dey been very nice." I said as I attempted to control my tears.

Mom came over and wiped my tears away, "Then no more tears Mas. I want you to do this for yourself okay? I won't force you, but babes, I think this is something you will end up really liking. Just trust me okay?"

I nodded my head yes and mom kissed my forehead as dad walked over and roughed up my hair. "Be good Mason, we love you." My parents said at the same time and sort of chuckled at that.

I nodded as I waved goodbye. Scarlett showed them out of the room as Elise tried to brush the rest of my tears away. I leaned into her touch because I felt desperate for comfort. Elise noticed that.

"Baby, can I give you a hug?" She asked and I immediately nodded.

She wrapped me into her arms and held me tightly. My head was laying directly on her chest and I inhaled her scent which helped me feel more grounded. I stayed in her arms for as long as I needed before breaking the hug.

I gave her a small smile as I looked up at her. "Thank you." I whispered. She didn't say anything, she just nodded her head with a simple smile.

She stood up and I quickly followed as Scarlett followed behind us. I took a deep breath before reaching out for her hand. She looked down at me with a bright smile as she gave it a little squeeze.

I turned slightly to still see Scarlett behind us so I reached for her hand too and she gave me a light chuckle. "Want to hold my hand little one?" Scarlett asked and I nodded shyly.

They walked us to my apparent room. I walked in an awe of the room. It had a light pastel purple color on the walls with soft looking white bedding on the bed. I looked up to Elise. "Can I get on the bed?" I asked and she nodded happily.

I ran and jumped on to the bed only to land halfway on it causing both to chuckle at me. I turned around at them with a pout sported on my face. "It's not nice to laugh." I told them and they both looked at me while trying to hide their smiles.

"Sorry baby. That was mean of us." Elise said as she came over to help me on the bed.

I cringed slightly at the touch as my ribs were a little sore from the tackle I experienced earlier. Elise noticed.

"Sweetheart, are you okay?" Scarlett asked clearly she noticed as well.

"She was tackled by one of the guards." Elise said clearly upset about it still, but her tone caused me to flinch. "Sorry baby girl." She said apologetically as she kissed my forehead out of instinct. I was surprisingly okay with that.

"Which guard?" Scarlett asked and I reluctantly told her. She quickly left the room before I could say anything causing me to tear up.

"P'ease don't let her hurt him." I begged while internally groaning at my baby talk slipping out yet once again.

"Shh babes, you're okay. I promise you Scarlett won't hurt him. She just needs to talk to him about proper protocol. Now why don't you lay in this big bed of yours and see what you think?" Elise suggested and I took a deep breath before leaning back.

I smiled softly as I laid there. Elise gave me a simple smile. "Well, I will leave you to get settled in." Elise told me and I nodded while a yawn slipped out.

"I think I may actually take a nap. Do...Do you. Nevermind." I mumbled out and Elise smoothed my hair back.

"What's your question my dear?" Elise asked me and I blushed bright red.

"Do you think you could stay with me? If you can't or don't want to that's totally fine too." I rushed out and Elise smiled at me as she sat down in the bed.

"Of course I can stay with you. Come lay with me?" She asked and I nodded before laying back down and cuddling against her with my head on her stomach.

"Thank you." I said quietly.

Elise kissed my head once again. "Of course my dear. I would do anything to make you feel more welcome here." Elise told me and I smiled brighter.

"What's Scarlett going to do to Mason?" I asked Elise quietly and she sighed quietly.

"Let's not think about that right now, okay?" Elise suggested and I nodded before slowly drifting to sleep.