Drabble:162

That evening Rose came home to find her son sitting on the back porch. At twelve, Mason-Ivan was already taller than her, and had the distinct facial features of the Belikovs', though his darker hair and happy-go-lucky personality most definitely came from Rose.

Which was why, she was surprised to find him skulking in the backyard instead of hanging out with his sister, or friends, or even reading.
"Hey, Masey", she greeted, coming to sit beside him. "What's up?"
He shrugged nonchalantly, not meeting her eyes.
"Come on, tell me", she wheedled, nudging his shoulder. "And I might even convince your dad to let you go to that concert you wanted to go to"
"Mom, really, it's nothing", he replied, braving a smile. But Rose could read the sadness in his expression.

"Don't tell me nothing's wrong", she said concernedly. "What has got you so upset?"
He deliberated-whether to lie-for a moment, but he didn't like lying to his mom. Like, ever. So, letting out a deep sigh, he began. "It's just that…..I feel so…unworthy. I mean, you and dad are total badasses-don't even try to deny it!", he protested when she opened her mouth. "And me? I can't even land a proper backwards roundhouse kick!"

"Oh, Masey!", Rose sighed. "You'll get there. Keep practicing, and work on your momentum and stretching, that's what your father made me do, and-"
"But I'll never be as good as either of you", Mason-Ivan let out in a small voice, hanging his head.

"Is that what this is about?", Rose queried, bewildered. "Baby it took us years to get to where we are, years of hard work and exceptional, terrible circumstances. You should never hold yourself up against us"

"That's the thing, I can't", he returned dejectedly. "I will never measure up. You just don't get how hard it is being your son" Seeing his mother's face fall at his words, he shook his head. "Not like that mom. You two are the best parents anyone could have, and I love you guys. Except for, you know, when I randomly bump into you guys making out. That's gross", he made a made that made Rose laugh.
"We'll try to be more discreet", she returned with a grin.

"Thank you", he replied. "But that's not what I was getting at. What I meant was you guys have such legendary careers that everyone expects me to excel. And when I can't….it-"

"Feels gut-wrenching?", Rose interjected. "You feel small, and alone, and useless? Trust me I know how you feel, for I grew up in the shadow of the great Janine Hathaway's reputation"

"But your reputation now surpasses hers", he defended loyally.

"And yours will too, when you grow up", she replied. "But even if it doesn't, your dad and I will always be proud of you, whatever you do"

"Even if I run away and join a circus?", he questioned.
"As long as you're not the clown. We both know how your father gets around them", she wrinkled her nose, and he couldn't help but laugh. "Feel better, Masey?"

"Thanks, Mom", he answered truthfully, giving her a bear hug. "You're awesome"

"I know", she brushed his shoulder mockingly. "Just so you know, you can talk to me about anything anytime, as for practicing, I'm sure your father would love to train you and show you some tricks, if you ask"

"Really?", Masey asked, surprised. "He wouldn't mind that I'm bad at combat?"

"It would be my honor to teach you ", Dimitri answered, from where he was leaning against the door. "And trust me, you could never be-what do you kids call it these days-right, the suckiest pupil I've had to mentor. Your mother has that distinct honor"
Rose stuck her tongue out at him good-naturedly as Masey leaped up to hug his father. "Thanks, Dad!", he beamed, rushing inside. "This is so cool! I'm gonna go call Kyle. He's gonna flip!"

"So how much did you hear?", Rose asked, once Masey disappeared.
"Enough", he replied mysteriously, extending a hand to pull her up. "Remind me of that thing he said, about not kissing while he was around"
"Well, he's not around", Rose smiled, leaning up to kiss Dimitri, just the same moment that Masey returned. "Eww! Mom!", he whined. "I thought we had a deal!"

So, in case you haven't read my 'You and Me make 3' fic, I recently finished it, and had a headful of thoughts about Masey, and what better place to let them out than here?
I hope you enjoyed this, and don't forget to leave a review.
Also, I'll be putting up additional piece(s) to the last drabble, so look for that later this week.
Cheers!