"Flowers In The Attic" - Cameron & Ava

[Prophet]

:: Greenough, Montana was one of the most beautiful places that Cameron had ever seen in his life. A few days ago, he was the one to alert Haleigh's family that she was in fact, dead. The only problem was for as deep as he knew Haleigh, he didn't really know anybody in her family. It was something she didn't talk about freely and when he was faced with the fact that his best friend was dead, he became obsessive in his need for closure, to speak with somebody who knew Haleigh as deeply as he had. He needed to see somebody who missed her like he did. The rest of The Six...in the aftermath of The Inferno, they seemed more concerned with Morgan and her current emotional state. They hated him. The only person he had to rally around him was Alexis and she seemed to be going through something incredibly dark. He felt alone and incredibly depressed, and this was what drove him to press Cassandra Allusi on the phone to reveal to him a contact of Haleigh's that wasn't Zachary Armani. He had seen the flirtation between the two of them, knew that they were somewhat of an item, and he hated it. He should have staked his claim when he had the chance. He had been so STUPID in wanting to impress his sister, wanting The Six to like him, that Haleigh had died and he hd never been able to say exactly how he felt about her, and neither had she. After talking with Cassandra, he rented an obnoxiously flashy car and began to drive towards Montana - towards a resort in Greenough that Haleigh's sister was supposedly relaxing at. Most worldly wasped vacationed in Spain or Italy, or if they were feeling incredibly luxurious, they spent their summers in Borneo, in huts over the ocean. Apparently, Ava was not that kind of woman. He knew that things had not been easy between them for quite some time, with Ava seeming to take the mantle of her father's business, one that had deep ties to MysTech in the past. It created friction. In fact, they didn't speak much, so as Cameron drove, the road underneath him covering miles and miles of open road, he began to get a bit nervous and frantic. ::

"What am I doing? Why am I doing this?"

:: Cameron was conflicted. His best friend was dead and he felt a compulsive need to take care of things for her. Regardless of their relationship right in this moment, he knew that Haleigh would want Ava to know if anything happened to her. Just as he would want to know if anything happened to Erika or Alison. Ava was Haleigh's family, and although many couldn't see Haleigh as a human being, he could. Morgan and Alison may have counted Haleigh out, but he wouldn't. Haleigh Davidoff was dead, and her family deserved to know that. Maybe they didn't need to know the true details, but they deserved to have an appropriate period of mourning. His rented Aston Martin was doing surprisingly well against the snowy terrain. In another hour or so he pulled into the driveway of an exclusive and luxurious resort. ::

:: The Westmore was at the crossroads of incomprable luxury and unspoiled wilderness. A luxury ranch resort situated on a sprawling 37,000 acre authentic working cattle ranch in western Montana, The Westmore provided an unfiltered connection with the natural beauty of Montana amidst a landscape of impeccable rustic elegance and comfort. It was one of the best "Last Places" on Earth. Offering adventure, spa treatments, camping, horses and every other luxury, Cameron could see as he closed the gap on the wildnerness and the welcome lodge why somebody might like to stay here. He gave the valet the keys to his car and it zoomed away, leaving him against a brilliant and beautiful lodge that seemed as if it existed at the center of nature itself. As he sat his bags down he checked into his room, a private bungalow on the far corner of the property, away from the tourists and those who might bother him, his room having a view that would make the most avid stargazer jealous. He was led to his room, and there he stayed for several hours. He took a shower, thinking of Haleigh, allowing himself a few moments to grieve. Here, away from the others he could openly miss her. He could remember her scent and feel bad about it. He could fall apart and nobody would judge him for it. It was freeing. The beauty of nature around him, it wasn't long before Cameron felt incredibly comforted in Montana. The Westmore was everything he needed and more. Returning to the lodge, he used his telepathic abilities to figure out just exactly where Ava Cassadine was staying and how long she intended to be there. Word was she at the stables teaching the employees exactly how to dazzle people with horses. ::

:: Relaxed, he made his way towards the stables, and once inside he made out the BEAUTIFUL form of Ava Cassadine, riding a horse, talking to the employees. She looked so different from Haleigh, yet there was a similarity that couldn't be denied. She had the same bravery, the same kind of moxy. Rather pensively, he approached the situation, calling out to Ava, trying to appear as sensitive and serious as possible. ::

"Ava Cassadine? I'm Cameron King.. a friend of your sister's...I need to talk to you immediately...please. It's about Haleigh."

 

[Persephone]

There were times when being the furthest away from civilization was when Ava felt the most alive. Away from the scrutiny of people, of her father, their business. She felt a freedom she had long since lost after leaving school and pursuing a career in her family business--a business built on the blood and bones of innocents. But it was all for her father....the love of her life. She grew up worshiping him and the stories he used to tell her about them being the descendants of Greek Gods. How they were strong and fearless....that they could conquer anything and anyone. Their blood was ancient and worthy of so much more than those who walked among them. The stories used to fill her heart with such pride, thinking she was something special. Thinking she was a God among men. But as she grew older, the fairytale began to diminish and she saw her father for what he really was--a greedy, power hungry man. A man hell bent on controlling others and making them live in fear. His company was directly affiliated with MysTech--a corporate powerhouse known for dealing with mutants and non-humans. He supplied them with the technology and weapons that afforded MysTech the ability to do horrible things to these mutants. Experiment, torture, kill so many innocent lives. He was in bed with the Hellfire Club who was directly linked to MysTech, and was run by two powerful men whom Ava had met only once and knew they were immoral and evil. Cassadine Enterprises was in the forefront of it all, backing MysTech and in turn making billions of dollars off them. They weren't Gods, but they acted them.

But despite everything, Stavros was still Ava's father. She loved him regardless of how dark his heart was. Regardless of what he had done to build his business to what it was. Through everything he ALWAYS treated her like his little princess, putting her needs first. Putting his love for her first. And THAT was why she would always remain loyal to him. But loyalty came at a cost, and sometimes dealing with MysTech was a heavy burden to carry. She needed time away...time to herself. And that was when she would vacation to Greenough, Montana. It was one of the most beautiful places she had ever been. So untouched by modern day society and technology. And The Westmore was a luxury estate that resided right in the middle of it all.

Ava had already been there for three days, enjoying the comforts and luxury that the lodge offered. But of course, her favorite place to be were the stables. Growing up, she loved horses; there was something about them that she felt a connection with--a bond. As a child her mother put her in every riding class imaginable--dressage, jumping, even western and barrel racing. It didn't matter the class, as long as it involved horses Ava was thrilled. Her love for them carried into adulthood, and it was one of the reasons why she loved going to The Westmore because they had beautiful stables and riding trails that went on for miles. That particular cold day, Ava was in the stables preparing to head out for a ride when she heard a scream coming from the riding ring. A woman had been tossed off a horse named Midnight, notorious for being stubborn and temperamental. Quickly running to the outside of the ring, the woman scurried away from the bucking horse unhurt but shaken up. Midnight was huffing and lifting it's front legs, neighing loudly and running across the ring. The handlers didn't quite know what to do as they ran into the ring trying to grab the horse and coax him to a stands till. Ava watched, her eyes following Midnight as he bucked away from one of the handlers, knocking the man down. The other handler quickly ran to his friends aid as Midnight ran around the ring, circling frantically. That was when Ava climbed onto the railings, hoisting herself over the top and jumping into the soft dirt.

Handler: "Miss Cassadine! No! Please, it's dangerous!"

Midnight was circling the outer half of the ring, charging straight for her. She stood, calmly, watching the black stallion gallop, his nose flare, his eyes wide. Everyone witnessing the event began to scream out as the horse charged closer and closer until suddenly he slid to a halt a mere foot from Ava. Unfazed, she kept her eyes locked on Midnight's, her hand out stretching to his bridle, grabbing a hold of it.

"Shhhh...."

Midnight huffed out a gently neigh, moving his head up and down almost as if saying 'yes' to Ava. She smiled, running her hand down the length of his nose.

"I know...it's okay."

The fear in Midnight's eyes disappeared as he stood calmly with Ava, nuzzling her hand. The witnesses were in awe, mouths opened with shock at what they just saw. Ava glanced over seeing the handlers slowly walking to her, unsure of what they just saw.

"He's okay...just a little scared."

Handler: "I've never seen anything like that in my life."

Ava smiled, her arm hooking under Midnight allowing her to pet his neck.

"A spooked horse? That's surprising."

She joked, handing the reigns off to the handler.

Handler: "How did you--"

Cameron: "Ava Cassadine?"

Hearing her name, she turned to see a man standing a few feet away on the other side of the ring. He didn't look familiar, but he looked far too polished and dressed up to work for the lodge.

Cameron: "I'm Cameron King.. a friend of your sister's...I need to talk to you immediately...please. It's about Haleigh."

Ava's heart immediately dropped and the blood disappeared from her face. Midnight began to fidget again causing Ava to look back over to him.

"It's okay....it's going to be okay."

She softly whispered, though at that point she wasn't talking to the horse. Ava made her way over to the gate, exiting the ring as Cameron met up with her. She knew this was bad....she could see it on his face. And she knew Haleigh would have never sent someone to her that she didn't know....that wasn't Zach or Cassandra. Ava didn't say a word to Cameron as they exited the barn, away from prying eyes. The cold bitter winter air hit her exposed skin as she slowed her pace before turning to Cameron.

"What happened."

 

[Prophet]

:: To watch her next to the horse was incredible. It was clear her connection was deeper than merely a healthy passion for animals, and using his PSI powers he gleamed that she too was a mutant. As she stood there in the cold, Cameron began to feel a bit bad for her. He was looking at a woman who had no idea that her sister was dead. But he was trying to do the right thing. This wasn't something you should hear on the phone and while it may not be ideal information coming from a stranger, Cameron knew what often happened to the messenger of such news. He didn't want Ava to be angry at Zach or Cassandra. None of this had been their fault. ::

:: He pulled his jacket over him warmly as he looked her up and down, trying to figure out the right words to say in such a situation. ::

"You don't know me..but in the last year or so, I've grown incredibly close to your sister. I guess you could say she was my best friend."

:: Cameron winced as he realized that Ava had just put together that he was speaking of her sister in the past tense. ::

"Ava..your sister is dead."

:: crossing his arms he exhaled loudly. ::

"She died in the field..and while I can't offer much in the way of details, I can offer my sincerest condolences."

[looking away]

"I was there..I saw it happen."

[shaking his head]

"I just thought..I know that you two haven't been very close lately..or at least that was what I gathered. Haleigh doesn't talk much about family, I just thought that since I couldn't...I don't know..save her, the least I could do was have the balls to deliver the message to her sister in person."

:: He reached for her hand and looked into her eyes. ::

"I'm here for you if you need anything...even if it's just somebody to yell at."

:: Cameron surveyed the area around him, looking up and down the expansive property. ::

"Is there any place we could get a drink? I feel like this is a situation that calls for alcohol."

 

[Persephone]

Cameron: "You don't know me..but in the last year or so, I've grown incredibly close to your sister. I guess you could say she was my best friend."

"Was."

Ava repeated, seeing Cameron wince at the realization that he referred to Haleigh in the past tense. He didn't need to say the words....Ava already knew. The pain was already filling every fiber of her being.

Cameron: "Ava..your sister is dead."

But he said them anyway. Inhaling a sharp breath, she stepped forward toward the tree line, her back to Cameron. She felt the tears welling in her eyes as she tightly folded her arms across her chest. There was a brief moment of silence between the two of them as she tried to gather her thoughts.....Her sister was dead.

"How?"

It was the only thing she could say manage to say without her voice wavering in grief. Tears fell down her cheeks as she stared at the woods, not wanting to look at this man she didn't know when her heart was literally breaking in two. Despite the fact that she and Haleigh had drifted apart, she was still Ava's big sister. The person that she could go to any time for help. Someone she could call after months of not speaking with each other and still feel loved and supported. They had a bond like no other, despite Ava's father's efforts to break it. And when Haleigh left for New York to join her new 'super friends' and Ava left for Greece to join her father, their relationship strained.

Cameron: "She died in the field..and while I can't offer much in the way of details, I can offer my sincerest condolences. I was there..I saw it happen."

She nodded slowly. Clearing her throat, Ava wiped the tears from her cheeks.

"At least you were there with her when it happened."

A pang of guilt resonating in the tone of her voice. She wished she could have been there instead of with her father. Maybe she could of done something. And even if she couldn't have, maybe she could of at least comforted Haleigh in her last moments. Been with her...ANYTHING.

Cameron: "I just thought..I know that you two haven't been very close lately..or at least that was what I gathered. Haleigh doesn't talk much about family, I just thought that since I couldn't...I don't know..save her, the least I could do was have the balls to deliver the message to her sister in person."

Ava's face contorted with pain, her hand moving to cover her mouth as the first sound of grief managed to escape. She inhaled a shaky breath, trying to calm herself. If she didn't, she knew she would completely break down.

"I'm sorry. I just need a moment."

Ava craned her neck back, the winter wind dancing along her tear stained cheeks causing them to try almost as instantly as they fell. She took in a few slow breaths when she felt Cameron's hand grasp hers, causing her to finally turn and meet with his eyes.

Cameron: "I'm here for you if you need anything...even if it's just somebody to yell at."

She did want to yell. She wanted to scream at the top of her lungs at how unfair all this was. How she let time slip by because of business and power. How she let her sister slip away because of MysTech and money. She wanted to yell, but not at Cameron.

Cameron: "Is there any place we could get a drink? I feel like this is a situation that calls for alcohol."

Ava smiled despite herself, nodding as her fingers brushed another tear away that managed to fall.

"Alcohol sounds amazing right now. My private cabin is just past the barn."

Gesturing down the trail toward the large cabin overlooking the frozen lake.

"We can commiserate in peace."

She deadpanned morbidly as they both started to walk down the trail to the cabin.

 

[Prophet]

She hadn't immediately tried to kill him, attack him or yell at him, which left him to question whether or not Ava and Haleigh were actually related for a moment. But as he saw tears fall from her face for a moment, wiping them away with a quiet strength, he began to see the resemblance. He missed Haleigh so much. He felt incredibly alone. The rest of The Six hated him. Even Alison. Everybody blamed him for what had happened. So angry were they that they couldn't see how much his heart had broken in losing her. Maybe that was telling. Maybe the decision he had made earlier to leave had been a good one. Most likely they wouldn't notice. But this wasn't about him right now. He had come to be a source of comfort from one of the only people that Cameron knew that Haleigh cared about, because he certainly wasn't about to go and console Zach.

Ava: "Alcohol sounds amazing right now. My private cabin is just past the barn."

Ava pointed to the trail towards the large cabin that looked over the frozen lake. Despite how cold and freezing the area was, even in it's frozen state, it was incredibly beautiful. Cameron nodded as he took a moment to let Ava lead the way.

Ava: "We can comiserate in peace."

"Peace. Now that's something I haven't had in a long time. Lead the way."

They made their way down the path, walking slowly and silently, the only interaction between them being the breath that they inhaled and exhaled, leaving a smoky cloud jetting out of their mouths. Cameron pulled his jacket over him, before realizing how selfish that was. He took his jacket off and decided to break the silence.

"It's freezing. Would you like my coat? I tend to run a little hot anyway."

Their eyes met for a moment. Ava Cassadine was an incredibly beautifful woman. Haleigh and Ava didn't look alike in the traditional sense, but their movements matched, the way they carried themselves were similar, and it made him feel a tinge of regret and jealousy. He could look at Ava and SEE Haleigh, their connection was undeniable. He couldn't look at either of his sisters and feel that reflected back. They were strangers, completely and totally. They never had time to learn anything from each other. Perhaps that would never change. Still, it was oddly comforting now to be next to Haleigh's next of kin. He felt like he was actually near her.

Cameron wanted to hold on to this moment for a minute. To hold on to her tight. He didn't want to have drinks and talk about all the ways he missed Haleigh and then leave feeling as empty as he felt when he arrived. He had made an impulsive decision to seek out Ava, to deliver the news, and part of that was selfish. He needed to know that while she was gone, that a part of her was still here, and as he looked at Ava..he saw it.

He looked towards the frozen lake as they got closer and closer towards Ava's cabin.

"How about a little detour...delay the awkward conversation about life and death?"

He extended his arm as Ava wrapped hers around it and the two strolled down to the shore of the lake which was frozen and calm, but none the less beautiful or powerful looking. Cameron stood there looking at the beautiful surroundings around him.

"I've never...seen a frozen lake before. Grew up in Los Angeles. Definitely didn't have the kind of upbringing that would allow me to go to a place like this..do you..you think we could walk on it?"

He smirked for a moment.

"I'm gonna try."

He looked at the shore and tapped the ground with his feet. It was firm and cold. Hesitating for a moment, he stepped onto the lake. And he remained. Cameron flashed a somewhat jovial smile as he looked at Ava, almost in disbelief that this was happening.

"Holy hell! I'm walking on water!"

[extending his hand]

"Ava...you gotta try this."

Cameron could see her hesitation. The way that she tried to remain kind faced because he had delivered the news about her sister in person, while also being angry at her death and him for not just getting on with it. But as an empath, he could sense that she was feeling the same way that he was feeling. She had only but a few moments to process the death of her sister, but she felt the same way...the sudden urge to feel alive. To find comfort in something. To not think for a while. Cameron would do whatever Ava wanted, but he decided upon viewing that lake, that he needed something more from this experience..from her. He found himself wanting to know more about Ava from her own perspective, and not the various and vague references Haleigh had made about her. Did they have the same fire. Were they both just as withholding, unable to say how they felt? Did she have her own triangle going on.

"Did her lips taste the same.."

He shook his head at the very thought! What was happening to him!?

"Come on, Ava...walk on water with me. Just for a moment. Then we can go and drink ourselves stupid."

 

[Persephone]

They made their way down the snowy trail towards her cabin quietly. She didn't want to talk or think about what had happened to Haleigh despite having so many questions. She knew the questions would only lead to painful answers, and she wasn't ready for those answers. At least not immediately. Wrapping her arms around herself, Ava shrugged her shoulders up as the cold permeated the layers of her jacket and sweater.

Cameron: "It's freezing. Would you like my coat? I tend to run a little hot anyway."

Looking over at Cameron, he had already taken his jacket off, handing it over to her. She gave him a faint smile....even that gesture of gratitude seemed to hurt.

"Thank you."

She softly said taking the coat and wrapping it around herself so it was draping against her shoulders. Her amethyst eyes lifted and immediately met with his, their gaze holding for a few moments. Ava could see the love he had for Haleigh, the need to want to be close to her again. It was then that she realized he didn't just come here as a courtesy to her....to tell her face to face that Haleigh was dead. He came here to be close to Haleigh in the only way that he could now: through HER.

Ava averted her gaze, looking over the massive frozen lake they were approaching. She didn't know whether to be angered by his selfishness, or to do the same exact god damn thing. This man was the last person to see Haleigh alive....he was Ava's last connection to her sister.

Cameron: "How about a little detour...delay the awkward conversation about life and death?"

Looking over at him, his eyes were focused on the lake. He seemed mesmerized by it.

"Hopefully indefinitely."

She added, not really WANTING to talk about life and death. Not WANTING to talk about her sister. Ava just wanted to forget that he even showed up with such news. She wanted the peace back she felt before he told her about Haleigh.

Cameron linked his arm with hers and Ava began to walk with him to the edge of the lake.

Cameron: "I've never...seen a frozen lake before. Grew up in Los Angeles."

"How tragic."

She added with a small smirk as she glanced over at him.

Cameron: "Definitely didn't have the kind of upbringing that would allow me to go to a place like this..do you..you think we could walk on it?"

Ava hesitated, looking back at the lake. It seemed solid enough, but then again she didn't want to have to dive into below freezing water to fish his ass out.

"Uh...I don't know.."

Cameron: "I'm going to try."

And he was off, walking onto the frozen water like a little kid on a cold winters day. Ava couldn't help but smile, moreso anticipating him either falling on his ass or through the ice.

Cameron: "Holy hell! I'm walking on water!"

Ava laughed, shaking her head.

"A modern day Jesus."

She quipped, the wind sweeping through her long chocolate locks and blowing a few strands across her face.

Cameron: "Ava, you gotta try this."

Ava opened her mouth in hesitation, a small scoff type laugh being heard as she smiled.

"Oh no, i'm quite happy on land."

He extended his hand out, not taking no for an answer. Tucking the wind blown strands behind her ear, Ava looked at Cameron--this well dressed man, standing on a frozen lake in the middle of winter--an she couldn't help but realize in that moment why Haleigh chose him as a friend. He was sweet...kind hearted enough to try and ease a bit of her pain away by distracting her.

Cameron: "Come on, Ava...walk on water with me. Just for a moment. Then we can go and drink ourselves stupid."

Shaking her head, Ava glanced away with a small smile. He definitely didn't take no for an answer. It reminded her so much of Haleigh.

"Fine..."

She relented, taking a slow small step onto the snowy ice. With her arms out to the side balancing her, she slowly made her way over to Cameron, only managing to slip once right as she met with him. His arms quickly wrapping around her waist and steadying her. Ava's eyes met with his, their bodies touching and faces close. Only the visible frosty air from their breaths between them.

"Thanks stud."

She placed her hands on his shoulders, steadying herself on the ice before he let go of her. Was it wrong that she didn't want him to let go of her? That the warmth of his body was comforting....that the look in his eyes felt so familiar...Ava finally let go of Cameron, her body now steadied on the slick ground.

"Well as fun as this has been, i'd prefer a hot toddy and a fire over cold water and bruises."

A light hearted joke to ease the growing tension that was so obviously building between them.

"Ready to head in?"

 

[Prophet]

Ava: "Thanks stud."

:: The hairs on the back of his neck stood on edge as butterflies filled his stomach. That had been Haleigh's moniker for him. Nobody else had ever called him that, except for Haleigh. But Ava just did. Immediately, he felt closer to her as they spun around in a circle on the ice very slowly. Soon a light snow fall had begun to fall as crystal flecks found their way into both Cameron and Ava's hair. ::

Ava: "Well as fun as this has been, i'd prefer a hot toddy and a fire over cold water and bruises. Ready to head in?"

:: Cameron smiled. ::

"Sometimes bruises can be fun to make."

:: He digressed as he helped Ava back onto solid ground and they continued to walk the path to the cabin in silence. Making their way towards the front door of the cabin, Ava swiped her key car. Inside was a beautiful and open penthouse suite who's interior was like some high fashion version of the great outdoors. It screamed money and power, and as Cameron surveyed the walls with Ava walking in front of him, giving him a tour of sorts, he began to see that it was also incredibly Ava. Ava led them to the living room, turning a dial as a giant fire began to roar in the fireplace in front of them. Ava walked over to the bar. ::

"I'm secretly relieved I don't have to chop any firewood. I mean..I'm pretty manly, but...that would suck."

:: Cameron laughed for a few seconds, relaxing himself a bit more. It felt good to be close to her. It was almost like being with Haleigh, but a completely different side to her. Interacting with them both, he could see that they were very similar, maybe not personality, but the way they held a glass, walked, carried their shoulders. It was so similar. He found himself a bit enchanted, and after what he was going through with this team at the moment, with Morgan vowing to completely take him down, it felt good to get lost in this winter wonderland, so he was letting himself do just that. ::

"This place..it's so beautiful. Peaceful.."

:: Ava gave Cameron a hot toddy in a warm mug as he cupped it in his hands. ::

"Haleigh would have loved this place."

:: Cameron eyed Ava to get a sense of the temperature in the room. ::

"I'm sorry I didn't notify you sooner. Or over the phone. I guess I just felt like it was too big to do over the phone. I know you didn't know me..but I just kind of thought, deep down Haleigh would want us to know each other."

:: pausing ::

"So far so good in my book. You make a damn good hot toddy."

:: he took a long sip and pursed his lips together. ::

"How are you feeling? What can I do for you?"

 

[Persephone]

Ava held onto Cameron as they slowly navigated around in a circle, trying to gather their bearings on the ice. She smiled and it felt easy with him. Like she were with an old friend despite only meeting him fifteen minutes earlier. This must have been why Haleigh was so close with him--she understood fully.

Cameron: "Sometimes bruises can be fun to make."

Ava softly laughed.

"As long as there's a good story behind them I suppose."

She added with a smile as they both steadied each other and made their way back to solid ground. Ava looked up into the white sky, seeing the soft flakes of snow falling around them. She took a long breath in, the gravity of the situation hitting her once again. This wasn't just a walk or a playful get to know you. This was Haleigh's friend telling her that her sister was dead. She wouldn't get to spend another day in the snow with her. Another vacation in Switzerland snowboarding, or getting snowed in when she visited New York City in the winter. No more movies. No more horseback riding. No more shooting range. Nothing. It was gone. SHE was gone.

Ava began to walk toward the cabin silently, her amethyst eyes blank as she looked out onto the beautiful horizon, not once appreciating it's beauty like she normally would have. Finally, after what seemed like hours, they arrived at her cabin. It was funny how time passed so slowly when the world around you went numb. Opening her door, Ava stepped inside, taking her jacket off and hanging it up on the hook by the door. She politely showed Cameron around the main parts of the cabin--it was beautifully decorated if not personalized for her. She stayed there enough, the staff knew her taste well. Arriving in the main living room, it had a beautiful overlook of the snowy mountains and lake, as well as a large fireplace.

Cameron: "I'm secretly relieved I don't have to chop any firewood. I mean..I'm pretty manly, but...that would suck."

"No wood chopping in LA?"

Ava joked, turning the electric fireplace on. She walked over to massive kitchen that overlooked the living room and began to make them both some hot toddies.

Cameron: "This place..it's so beautiful. Peaceful.."

Ava took a moment herself, nodding at how absolutely serene it was.

"I know....I love it here."

She murmured as she walked over to Cameron, handing him the warm cup of alcohol before sitting down next to him.

Cameron: "Haleigh would have loved this place."

Ava's eyes immediately lowered as her stomach flipped at the mention of Haleigh in the past tense. Ava didn't answer, her eyes only lifting the flickering flames that roared in the fireplace. She almost hated Cameron for tarnishing this place for her by giving her the news of Haleigh....speaking about her in the past tense.....reenforcing that she was dead. Parting her dry lips with her tongue, Ava slowly took a sip of her hot toddy desperately needing the effects of alcohol.

Cameron: "I'm sorry I didn't notify you sooner. Or over the phone. I guess I just felt like it was too big to do over the phone. I know you didn't know me..but I just kind of thought, deep down Haleigh would want us to know each other."

Ava gently nodded, knowing this must have been extremely hard for Cameron as well. Having to tell someone you don't know that their sister was dead over the phone would have been hard enough, but he had the balls to come and tell her in person. He may not have known it, but Ava appreciated that more than she could ever express to him. She finally looked over at him, the reflection of the fire illuminating the glassy tears that were in her eyes.

"No...i'm...i'm glad you came. I just--it's still hard to process it....her being gone."

They both fell silent for a moment, the only noise in the room was the soft crackling of snow hitting the window panes.

Cameron: "So far so good in my book. You make a damn good hot toddy."

Ava softly laughed despite herself, lifting her mug up for a cheers.

"Glad you approve."

They clinked their mugs together before both taking a long, well deserved, drink. Then Cameron turned toward her, looking at her sincerely. His eyes were kind...she could see he really cared and it wasn't just an act for her benefit.

Cameron: "How are you feeling? What can I do for you?"

Ava parted her lips to speak, but she hesitated. She wasn't used to being so open with people she didn't know. She was very private and reserved with strangers, but with Cameron it was different. She felt like she COULD open up to him. Be a friend to him. Biting her bottom lip, she softly scoffed.

"I have no idea."

She answered truthfully.

"I don't even know what i'm feeling right now. What I want...or need...or...[groaning] I'm just glad you're here. I think it would be a lot harder if I had to deal with this alone. My father isn't exactly Haleigh's biggest fan. He would be glad she was gone..."

Ava said bitterly while shaking her head. She loved her father, but she HATED how he hated Haleigh. She didn't understand why....why he could hate someone she loved so much. What brought on the contempt. It was something she always questioned him about but he always dismissed.

Ava placed her hand on Cameron's forearm, gently squeezing it.

"Thank you for being here....I can see why Haleigh was so close with you...."

She gently rubbed the pad of her thumb along his skin as her voice trailed off, her eyes locked with his. She was overwhelmed with pain, the alcohol barely dulling just a fraction of it. She just wanted to feel something....anything that was remotely good. She could feel herself leaning into Cameron, her line of sight lowering to his lips. But then she stopped, swallowing hard as she used that momentum to stand from the couch. She needed to breathe. She needed space before she did something she might regret.

"I think I need something a little stronger."

Walking over to the wet bar, Ava exhaled a heavy breath as she put her mug down and picked up a crystal tumbler and poured herself a double helping of cognac. Finishing it almost immediately, she refilled the glass while licking her lips. If she wasn't going to allow herself to feel good, she was going to feel numb.

 

[Prophet]

Ava: "I don't even know what I'm feeling right now. What I want...or need...or [groaning] I'm just glad you're here. I think it would be a lot harder if I had to deal with this alone. My father isn't exactly Haleigh's biggest fan. He would be glad she was gone."

:: Her words hit him like a ton of bricks. The Six hated Haleigh. They hated HIM. Her death was slowly tearing him apart from this inside out, and the people around him, while somber, seemed almost relieved. Cameron and Haleigh had been broken up and Morgan could heal from what she had done. She got to almost destroy the world and live, and Haleigh was dead because she tried to stop it. And Haleigh and Cameron were still the villains. They hadn't been good people to Alison or Morgan, but the same could be said of the other two. They looked out only for each other. Alison had tried to kill them BOTH their very first caper together. But they had survived because they had each other. When they were together, it didn't matter what Morgan and Alison said because they both knew that they were going to do whatever they saw fit, and they were going to back each other up no matter what. ::

:: All of that was gone, and he felt as if he had to mourn in secret, because if he expressed those emotions outloud, things would only get worse for him. Morgan would continue her rampage against him. Trying to ruin everything he had created. He didn't want to give her any more ammunition. He connected to Ava in this moment, knowing that she understood what it was to love a woman so many people just COULDN'T. ::

"That can't be true. He may never show it, but there's got to be a small part of him that would care, Ava."

:: Ava's hand touched his arm as his spine became tingly and the hairs on his arm stood upright. ::

Ava: "Thank you for being here...I can see why Haleigh was so close with you..."

:: Their eyes locked together for a moment. There was a connection between them. A chemistry. He wasn't sure where it was coming from or if it was necessarily RIGHT to be feeling, but there were two people grieving the loss of somebody they loved, somebody they knew in a different way than most. That revelation was somewhat intoxicating. Ava leaned in and he met her measure, the heat between their bodies pooling in between them, gently blowing across his collar bone. She looked at her lips, he looked at hers. Plump, beautiful. His mind was chaotic and he wanted to kiss her, badly. Wanted to taste what it was that Haleigh had kept secret from him for so long. But she pulled away, his ears ringing at their closeness. ::

Ava: "I think I need something a little stronger."

:: Ava made her way over to the bar and downed some cognac quickly as Cameron began to feel an increase in tension in the room. This was an awkward situation. But it didn't have to be. Cameron made his way over to the bar, as Ava faced the counter, Cameron came up behind her, reaching over her for a glass, his arm delicately grazing her shoulder as he grabbed it. He looked at Ava. ::

"It's okay, Ava. I feel it too."

:: He didn't indicate whether or not he meant the connection between them or the loss of Haleigh Davidoff. ::

How about we both get numb together? Forget the world for awhile. Talk about..the good stuff."

:: He poured himself a glass of cognac as well and downed it quickly, wiping his mouth with his arm before filling his glass again. ::

"You had a headstart."

:: Their eyes met once again for a few moments in silence that seemed to speak. ::

"Maybe we need a little bit of music in this place?"

 

[Persephone]

After briefly explaining her father's distain for Haleigh, Cameron tried to be sweet and suggest that Stavros had some love for.

Cameron: "That can't be true. He may never show it, but there's got to be a small part of him that would care, Ava."

Ava scoffed softly with a shake of her head.

"You obviously don't know my father."

Stavros tolerated Haleigh on a good day, and mainly for the sake of their mother and Ava. But he hated Haleigh--thought she was a terrible influence on Ava. Said she wasn't her 'real' sister and that her blood was tainted. At a certain point Ava just stopped listening and caring because she loved Haleigh regardless of her father's disapproval.

Ava sighed, really not wanting to think about her father's hatred for Haleigh. She changed the subject to thanking Cameron before realizing that she was about to KISS him. She quickly navigated her way away from him and to the wet bar to pour herself a drink.

Ava already downed a double shot of cognac, barely feeling the effects of the alcohol. Her eyes shut as she held the empty glass in her hand....she wanted to kiss Cameron. To touch him. To have him make her feel something other than aching pain in her chest. But she also couldn't get Haleigh out of her head. She was dead...she would never see her again...hear her. She didn't even have time to process it--REACT to it. She was playing host...trying to keep it together...trying to save her emotions for when Cameron left. Everything was building up inside of her about to explode if she didn't do SOMETHING. Scream. Yell. Cry. Fuck. ANYTHING.

Cameron's arm brushed against her shoulders snapping Ava out of her overwhelmingly loud thoughts. She opened her eyes and looked over at him as he reached for a glass.

Cameron: "It's okay, Ava. I feel it too."

She doubted it. He probably didn't feel a fraction of what she was feeling at that very moment. It was taking every fiber of her being to hold herself together and not completely break apart in front of him.

He took a helping of cognac and downed it without so much as a wince.

Cameron: "You had a headstart."

Ava looked up into his eyes. Their stare holding for a few long moments. The room silent with tension.

Cameron: "Maybe we need a little bit of music in this place?"

The silence seemed deafening as Ava nodded.

"Sure."

Filling her glass with another helping of cognac, Ava took a long swig as she walked over to the media center and put on some music that was already pre programmed. She really didn't care what was playing, it was more just a baseline action at this point. But as she turned back around to face Cameron, she realized the cognac was finally starting to hit her. She was warm and everything seemed a little less sharp and precise around her. She felt more relaxed....like the thousand pounds of pain was slowly lifting off of her. Ava made her way back over to the couch and sat back down, finishing off her glass once again.

Nodding to the decanter.

"Might as well bring the whole damn thing over."

She quipped with a sardonic laugh.

Cameron came back over and sat down next to her, pouring her another glass.

"Thanks."

She gently swirled her glass around as she leaned her elbows on her knees, looking blankly at fireplace.

"How long will you be here for? At the lodge?"

 

[Prophet]

Ava: "Might as well bring the whole damn thing over."

"Well...THAT'S a loaded statement."

Music began to fill the area as Cameron brought the entire crystal bottle over to them and took a seat on the couch next to Ava. He sat down next to her, his mind began to think of all the things he might like to do to Ava Cassadine. She was absolutely gorgeous. Ava was so much like her sister and yet so different. In the downtime, in the times when Haleigh and himself would just hang out and drink in Brooklyn when the rest of The Six was up in arms about any number of things that either Haleigh and Cameron had done that week, he had learned a bit about Haleigh's childhood. One thing that came to his mind was Lara Cassadine. Even though Haleigh had a different mother, she was never at a loss of good things to say about Lara. She rehabilitated horses, she taught her community, and seeing Ava with the horse a few hours earlier, it had been a big moment for Cameron. It was like seeing Haleigh completely naked. Haleigh always talked in code, she never gave the full story, but Haleigh was dead, and in her death, and in watching Ava, Cameron got a bit of what it was like to grow up like Haleigh and Ava did.

Ava: "Thanks."

"My pleasure."

Cameron poured her some more alcohol. He was getting pretty drunk himself and with every sip and every question Ava answered, he somehow found himself more connected to Haleigh, and he was beginning to think the same could be said for Ava. He was glad he came to Montana, glad he intervened so aggressively, to be the one that informed Ava instead of Cassandra. He was getting an inside scoop into Haleigh's life, one she would have NEVER given him willingly.

Ava: "How long will you be here for?At the lodge?"

He blinked for a moment before filling his glass and taking a sip, getting lost in the music for a moment.

"I'll be here for however long I'm needed, Ava."

Cameron tinged her glass in a celebratory manner.

"And I mean that."

The two of them were drunk and relaxed and Cameron felt himself becoming very comfortable with Ava. He placed his hand on her inner thigh in a jovial manner as he continued speaking.

"So...you're a mutant...just like me aren't you?"

Cameron laughed and took another sip of his drink.

"That whole thing with the horse. You could understand him..couldn't you? Haleigh...she didn't talk much about family...but she definitely talked about your Mom. She loved Lara."

[thinking for a moment]

"She used to think that Lara was Dr. Doolittle. That she could talk to animals...control them...And it's obvious that you actually can..So..I gotta ask..."

He leaned back against the couch, overreaching his arm and wrapping it around Ava with ease.

"What's it like?"

[sitting up]

"I mean... we all might as well be honest here.. I'm a telepath...I always know what people are thinking! but a HORSE? I mean...wht does a horse think? What does that look like? What does it feel like? Was your mom a mutant too? or just intuitive?"

 

[Persephone]

Ava wasn't too sure how to take Cameron at the moment. They both were grieving heavily for Haleigh, yet there was this instant draw to him that made her feel almost guilty that she would be thinking such thoughts after just finding out her sister died. Then again, emotions always did tend to interweave with her. She got up and walked to the sound system, wanting to cut the deafening silence, before she sat back down next to Cameron. He had brought over the whole bottle of cognac as requested making her faintly smile. He poured her a little bit more as she asked him how long he was going to be staying at the lodge for.

Cameron: "I'll be here for however long I'm needed, Ava. And I mean that."

Ava clinked their glasses together, her midnight eyes meeting with his. She didn't need to respond to him, her look of gratitude enough to show Cameron how much she appreciated that. Ava was a woman of kept many people at an arms length. Growing up with someone like Stavros as a father, she was hard set to trust anyone, especially when the majority of their business revolved around MysTech. But she felt a calmness when around Cameron, like she could trust him. She wasn't sure if it was fact she was very intoxicated or just who he was, but she began to loosen up a bit more as they spoke. His hand was on her thigh, their conversation flowing without effort. It almost felt as if he wasn't there because her sister was dead. It almost felt normal.

Cameron: "So...you're a mutant...just like me aren't you? That whole thing with the horse. You could understand him..couldn't you?"

Ava simply smirked as she lifted the rim of her glass up to her lips, an unsaid yes to his question.

Cameron: "Haleigh...she didn't talk much about family...but she definitely talked about your Mom. She loved Lara."

Swallowing the cool cognac, her eyes lowered just a bit at the thought of her mom and how much she adored Haleigh.

"She was wonderful. And she loved Haleigh."

Her mother always protected Haleigh from Starvros' distain. Ava never understood why Stavros hated Haleigh so much, but Lara always made sure to show love to Haleigh the same way she showed love to Ava. Lost in her thoughts for a moment, Ava looked over feeling Cameron's arm wrap casually around her shoulder. He was pretty intrigued with this whole speaking with animals thing, it was pretty amusing.

Cameron: "She used to think that Lara was Dr. Doolittle. That she could talk to animals...control them...And it's obvious that you actually can..So..I gotta ask...What's it like? I mean... we all might as well be honest here.. I'm a telepath...I always know what people are thinking! but a HORSE? I mean...what does a horse think? What does that look like? What does it feel like? Was your mom a mutant too? or just intuitive?"

Ava laughed - actually laughed. She thought about the question for a moment, trying to figure out the best way to describe it. Not many people knew of her abilities aside from her father and Haleigh. It was a rough time of mutants being looked at as second class citizens or 'problematic'. It was best for business that Ava was known as 'human', so talking about her abilities? It wasn't something she was used to.

"Animals are so much easier than people. They don't hide how they feel. If they're scared, they react. If they're happy, they're content. They don't know how to be jealous or vindictive or cruel. They just know how to be. And that's what I love about them. When I see them.....I immediately feel this overwhelming sense of calm, even if they're frightened. Because I know that I can help them in the most primal way."

The firelight reflected off of Ava's midnight eyes as she stared at the flames, getting lost in her own words.

"When I speak to them, it's not how I speak to you with words. I guess...I just understand and communicate with them as if using a different language. It's hard to explain..."

She smiled to herself and shook her head before finally looking over at Cameron.

"Sorry if i'm making absolutely no sense....i've never really talked about my abilities before."

Her eyes were locked with Cameron's, brows furrowing a bit with curiosity. Her mind was clouded by alcohol but lucid enough to know he looked absolutely handsome even if his eyes were filled with sadness. The same sadness she felt but tried so desperately to hide. She wanted to kiss him. She wanted to make the sadness go away, even for just an hour. He said he was a telepath....would he actually know what she was thinking?

"You say you're a telepath too.....so you know what i'm thinking right now?"

 

[Prophet]

Ava: "Animals are so much easier than people. They don't hide how they feel. If they're scared, they react. If they're happy, they're content. They don't know how to be jealous or vindictive or cruel. They just know how to be. And that's what I love about them. When I see them...I immediately feel this overwhelming sense of calm, even if they're frightened. Because I know that I can help them in the most primal way."

"Now that...is hot."

It was interesting. How Ava was decribing her own version of telepathy was almost how Cameron felt about his own. He was intrigued. And drunk. And she smelled good.

Ava: "When I speak to them, it's not how I speak to you with words. I guess..I just understand and communicate with them as if using a different language. It's hard to explain...Sorry if I'm making absolutely no sense...I've never really talked about my abilities before."

Their eyes were locked. He could feel her thoughts and emotions beckoning to him like a siren's call, but he was trying his damndest not to. If he had learned one thing from The Six so far it was that a person's mind was private to them, that their thoughts and desires weren't his to do with what he wanted to. But what had that gotten him so far? Hurt. He tried to be exactly what they wanted. He TRIED to play by their rules and all it did was find Haleigh DEAD and left him with nobody to mourn with. Morgan had taken his best friend from him and then blamed him for the act. She had no control over herself, or remorse. She was a prideful and HORRIBLE woman and all Cameron could do was think of those last moments when Haleigh was alive...when Cameron found himself taking the WEAK way out. He sided with Morgan and Alison, because he was in self preservation mode, and he had let her down. It was something he would never forgive himself for.

Ava: "You say you're a telepath too...so you know what I'm thinking right now?"

Cameron almost blushed for a moment. His mind reached out to hers and saw her thoughts and feelings. They matched his. She wanted him badly. She wanted to kiss him and have him fuck the pain away...and he wanted to. And while he was incredibly drunk, there was still a part of him that was trying to be a gentleman. He had already let Haleigh down, the LEAST he could was not fuck her sister.

"Yeah. I do."

He laughed as his eyes glanced down at Ava's breasts from behind her top before looking back at her.

"You're pretty fucked up you know that?"

Maybe he just needed to change the scenery a bit, stay strong. But something had been unlocked between them. A chemistry that was unique and interesting, and Cameron knew they had gone too far to go back now.

"Looks like I'll do what I do best...hurt her. [Haleigh]..."

"Why don't we hang out on the deck? Get a fire going?"

Cameron snapped his fingers as the doors to the patio opened and a fire began to spark up in the fire pit several feet away from them, a telekinetic trick. He grabbed Ava by the hand and pulled her up. They were chest to chest. Staring at each other for several moments in silence, before Cameron tightened the grip on her hand. He delicately brushed a few strands of hair behind her ear and gave a warm smile, snapping back into reality and leading her out to the patio where the fire was roaring and the music from the speakers outside were playing. Cameron took a seat on the small loveseat, patting the cushion and motioning Ava to sit down next to him.

"You know...what you said before. About animals being much easier than people? That's not necessarily true."

He took a long swig of his drink.

"I can see through what humans hide. When they're scared? I know. When they're happy? I can feel it. Their jealousy and vindictive or even CRUEL nature...you can understand it..if you only just PUSH past the surface level..and take a deeper look."

[smirking]

"Humans can't help but BE, either. The only difference is that animals don't necessarily care if you notice. Humans need it desperately.."

He leaned back into the love seat, one leg hanging over the other, his knee touching with Ava.

"Like me for example..I've always been..well, for the most part..an ASSHOLE. I've killed. I've ruined people's lives. I've done...REALLY terrible things in the name of making of my own empire. Every second of my life...I project this persona like things don't get to me...like PEOPLE don't get to me...all the while? All I want is for somebody to SEE me...and of course..I don't make it easy. I push people away. I isolate myself...I try to make myself the WORST PERSON POSSIBLE to get people to leave me alone..."

[taking another sip]

"And yet...at night I lay in my bed..and wonder where the people are. Wonder who is going to take the time to look beneath..to take an interest. And there are but a few who do...and what do I do to them?"

[reflectively]

"I hurt them. More than they can take it. On purpose."

His drunken mind wandered to Haleigh once more. It should have been easy for them. He had been in love with Haleigh Davidoff from the moment he had met her, and he realized it when they were in the Citadle fighting for their lives against Ant Lions. It was life or death, and all Cameron could remember about that event was how Haleigh's fire red hair smelled and looked in the harsh flourescent lighting. But he had met his match. They would NEVER let themselves make it easy for the other. Even if she were to come back tomorrow, he would punish her, he would test her to the ends of the Earth, just so that he could prove to himself that when he was at his worst..she would leave. And vice versa. They kept each other at a distance because they KNEW..that if they EVER let each other freefall..into love. With each other. That they would be vulnerable, that they would be naked and with nowhere to hide..and that was just something that Cameron and Haleigh didn't do. People like Cameron and Haleigh didn't DESERVE love. That one special person. But it was that kindred flame within them that kept them drawn to each other. She ran from it. Into the arms of Zach Armani..and Cameron ran from it..into the arms of whatever woman who would have him.

"Alexis"

She had fallen off the wagon. She needed him. She left in the middle of the night without a word. Something about her brother. And where was he? He was sitting in Montana with Haleigh's sister trying to pretend she didn't look as good as she did.

"Do I sound stupid? Or self loathing? Because I probably am."

He could hear the howl of a wolf in the distance.

"Death has a really sobering way of showing you all the things you lack."

Cameron looked over to Ava as the howling of the wolves became stronger, her face a beautiful amber hue against the flames of the fire pit. These feelings were too much. He had gotten too introspective. Shown a stranger his hand. He had to make her forget.

"You're beautiful, you know that?"

He squeezed her hand.

"I know this is...every shade of wrong. I know this is just...chaotic emotion trying to process a traumatic event but..."

Their gaze was LOCKED on each other.

"I have wanted nothing more in the last thirty minutes than to kiss you like you have never been kissed before."

And so he did, his lips landing passionately against hers. Her lips were warm, like pillows, soft and sweet. His hand touched her cheek and grazed it delicately. She was either going to slap him, or take it further, and Cameron decided that he didn't care which direction she went, as long as she forgot the part where he had opened up to her. Is this what Haleigh tasted like?

 

[Persephone]

Ava always had a fight or flight instinct, and not necessarily 'flight' in terms of running away as much as pushing away. If she was hurt or angry she would make it her life's mission to make the person who hurt her suffer. It was the Greek in her - a Cassadine trait. If she was scared or sad, she would immediately shut down and not let anyone in. If that didn't work, she would hurt them to push them away. Anything so she didn't look weak. Weakness was not in the Cassadine vocabulary. But how does someone 'shut down' around a telepath? The moment Cameron told Ava that Haleigh had died he must have immediately been able to sense her anguish and pain despite her cold outward facade. He knew she was spiraling down a deep dark hole of despair with no hopes of getting out. If his powers were anything like her powers? She was a beacon of pain and he could feel every bit of it. But the alcohol helped, dulling the pain enough to converse with a handsome man who knew her sister. But what she wanted more than anything right now was to dull the remaining pain there was left. To feel some sense of pleasure amongst the endless fog of hurt. Her dark eyes were locked with Cameron's, and she flat out asked him if he knew what she was thinking in that moment. How she wanted to kiss him. Wanted him to fuck her senseless and make her cry with pleasure instead of pain.

Cameron: "Yeah. I do. You're pretty fucked up you know that?"

Ava shrugged one shoulder up, thinking that was the answer to her question.

"I've been called worse."

Either he didn't find her attractive or he was so loyal to Haleigh that the thought of fucking her sister was unimaginable. Ava decided on the latter in hopes that she wasn't making a fool out of herself.

Cameron: "Why don't we hang out on the deck? Get a fire going?"

Ava was pretty far gone in the drunk department and the thought of getting off the couch was not appealing. But Cameron snapped his fingers and the back door opened causing Ava to look over her shoulder. The fire within the pit sparked a flame and soon was burning bright. Cocking up an eyebrow as she turned back around to Cameron, she smirked.

"I guess I have no choice now."

She joked, her tone was lighter than usual. Ava went to stand but Cameron took her hand and pulled her up, their bodies pressed together intimately. Ava was tall but Cameron was taller, her head tilted back slightly to meet his eyes. His blue eyes. Cameron gently pushed a few strands of her chocolate hair away from her face making Ava lower her eyes.

"Careful...."

She warned. If he didn't want to sleep with her for Haleigh's sake he was doing a very bad job of showing it. And Ava's inhibitions were already long gone. Cameron finally pulled away from her and lead them both to her patio, taking a seat on one of the love seats before she sat next to him.

Cameron: "You know...what you said before. About animals being much easier than people? That's not necessarily true. I can see through what humans hide. When they're scared? I know. When they're happy? I can feel it. Their jealousy and vindictive or even CRUEL nature...you can understand it..if you only just PUSH past the surface level..and take a deeper look. Humans can't help but BE, either. The only difference is that animals don't necessarily care if you notice. Humans need it desperately.."

"But that's where you're wrong."

Ava countered, finishing off her tumbler of scotch with one gulp.

"I never said animals and people were different. What I said was that animals don't hide what they feel. They just feel them and react. If i'm hurt? I refuse to let anyone see. I won't allow myself to look weak for anyone for any reason. If they're [animals] hurt, they react in the most primal way. They live it. Breath it. Feel it. Because they don't care what others think of them. They don't care if they look weak or vulnerable. They live in the moment until that moment passes and life moves on."

Ava's eyes were averted from Cameron's as she spoke, her words resonating more about her current situation than she liked to admit.

"I envy them. Because no matter how hard we try as human beings? There's always that little voice of doubt within us that holds us back. Even the strongest and the most fearsome of people aren't as transparent with their emotions and feelings as animals are."

Maybe that second glass of scotch wasn't the best idea because Ava was opening up way more than she would have liked. But fuck it, he was a telepath so he probably knew what was brewing in her head anyway. Cameron began to reflect as well, his words resonating with Ava more than he probably realized.

Cameron: "Like me for example..I've always been..well, for the most part..an ASSHOLE. I've killed. I've ruined people's lives. I've done...REALLY terrible things in the name of making of my own empire. Every second of my life...I project this persona like things don't get to me...like PEOPLE don't get to me...all the while? All I want is for somebody to SEE me...and of course..I don't make it easy. I push people away. I isolate myself...I try to make myself the WORST PERSON POSSIBLE to get people to leave me alone...And yet...at night I lay in my bed..and wonder where the people are. Wonder who is going to take the time to look beneath..to take an interest. And there are but a few who do...and what do I do to them? I hurt them. More than they can take it. On purpose."

Ava lifted her glass up, pointing at Cameron with a knowing look.

"And that's the difference."

Her point proven. She leaned forward and placed her glass on the edge of the stone lined firepit before sitting back. There was no judgement in her tone - no malice. Because she did the same exact thing. She pushed people away, hurt them if need be. She had to in her line of work, with who her father was and what her legacy meant as being the sole heir to the Cassadine name. She was of the 'God's blood' as her father would say - the ancient Grecian Gods their ancestors. There was no room for emotional weakness. Only greatness.

Cameron: "Do I sound stupid? Or self loathing? Because I probably am."

"You sound human."

Ava's eyes looked toward the tree line hearing the howl of a wolf from afar. The faintest of smiles played on her lips, hearing the call of the wolf to it's pack.

Cameron: "Death has a really sobering way of showing you all the things you lack."

"Well, i'm not ready to be sober yet."

She added grimly, the thought of truly realizing all her faults that lead to Haleigh's death suffocating. She wanted to stay in cloudy haze of drunkeness for as long as possible. The wolf howled once again, the sound calming as it echoed along the quiet expanse of the snowy forrest.

Cameron: "You're beautiful, you know that?"

That snapped Ava back to reality, her eyes shifting to meet with Cameron's. So he did think she was beautiful. He was as good at controlling his emotions as he claimed to be. Ava could see in his eyes he wanted her just as badly as she needed him.

Cameron: "I know this is...every shade of wrong. I know this is just...chaotic emotion trying to process a traumatic event but..."

"Cameron..."

Ava's chest began to rise and fall as her breathing began to pick up, not having to be a telepath to know where this was headed. She wanted so badly for him to make her forget everything from today, but she also knew this was her sister's best friend. That he loved Haleigh above anything else, and likely Haleigh loved him just as much. What kind of sister would she be if she allowed this to happen?

Cameron: "I have wanted nothing more in the last thirty minutes than to kiss you like you have never been kissed before."

...The kind that abandoned Haleigh and sided with her father. Ava met Cameron's kiss half way, their lips locked together with heated intent. Her mind was dizzy and body flushed with adrenaline. She parted her lips to taste him, deepening the kiss as her hand slid along his jawline to hold him in place. She arched her body into his, pulling herself closer to him while her hand slid down Cameorn's neck to the collar of his button down shirt. Breaking the kiss, her breath was rapid and hot against his lips, keeping their faces close. She let her fingers delicately undo the first button of his shirt, then the second. Her eyes smoldered as they remained locked with his.

"Tell me to stop..."

Ava offering him one more out. One more chance to leave. Because if he didn't stop it? She wasn't about to either.

 

[Prophet]

Ava: "But that's where you're wrong."

Cameron was intrigued.

Ava: "I never said animals and people were different. What I said was that animals don't hide what they feel. They just feel them and react. If I'm hurt? I refuse to let anyone see. I won't allow myself to look weak for anyone for any reason. If they're [animals] are hurt, they react in the most primal way. They live it. Breath it. Feel it. Because they don't care what others think of them. They don't care if they look weak or vulnerable. They live in the moment until that moment passes and life moves on."

There it was. That innate and intoxicating personality trait that it appeared all daughters of Stavros had. That icy cold exterior with a hint of warmth underneath. He was drunk, and his mental faculties were not what they usually were. Whenever he got like this, his instinct kicked in. He didn't just look for a hot woman to bang without any connection. He looked for the deep stuff. The dark stuff, and sometimes the ugly stuff. He was a playboy, but each of the women he had ever had in his bed, he had connected to on some kind of emotional level. In an essence, it was what allowed him to walk the streets and not get lynched by any number of women he had bedded and not called back. Cameron connected to people quickly and intensely, and watching Ava's glossy lips make words that were clever and smart and just as insightful as any telepath. He was enchanted.

Ava: "You sound human."

"But I'm not...and neither are you."

Cameron leaned back, the howl of the wolves somehow seeming to get closer, to almost mesmerize him as he began to get incredibly comfortable and intimate with Ava.

Ava: "Well, I'm not ready to be sober yet."

"I'm not ready to be sober ever."

And he made his move. He wanted to kiss her and he did. And she followed his lead, meeting him half way, a sure indication that he was not alone in his feelings. Her hand delicately grazed his jawline before GRIPPING his face, holding him in place. It was ELECTRIC. It was more than just a physical connection. Cameron was having a PSYCHIC connection, which as any telepath knew, made intimate relations THAT much more INTENSE. She leaned into him and grabbed the collar of his shirt, her strength more than matching his. She was like a well matched sparring partner, meeting him at his measure, countering his every move.

Ava: "Tell me to stop."

Cameron leaned in, his hot breath against the vein of her neck, the lightness of his lazy scruff grazing the spot between her neck and her jaw as he spoke to her, kissing her and nibbling just a bit with his teeth.

"Tell me you want to stop."

She undid the second button. Her fingers were manicured, cold and warm at the same time as he watched in peer pleasure as she indivdually did each button while kissing his chest as she made her way down. In a fit of passion, Cameron GRABBED Ava by the wrists and pulled them over her head, flipping her over onto the outdoor couch and pinning her down on her back as he kissed her passionately as something caught the corner of his eyes. Lifting his head up, he could make out the visage of a beautiful grey wolf in the distance. Had she called him here? Was he friend or foe.

"Well this is exciting."

Cameron ripped Ava's shirt from her body as she lay there, her body was cascading with the light of the fire and the moon above them. He looked down at her breasts before looking at her in the eyes again. They laughed for a moment at the absurdity of the situation as his face was in her neck yet again.

<< FLASH! >>

As his lips touched her collar bone, he began to have some kind of psychic event. He could feel somebody watching them. A woman. At first he thought it was Haleigh and he fought against the shame, nibbling on Ava's neck again. This was something different. Something OLD and powerful, but it only seemed to SUPERCHARGE Cameron's passion as his hands moved over Ava's body gently and in all the right places.

"Who..ARE you?"

Every touch, every grab, every kiss, every time he felt her skin, he could see ANOTHER woman in his mind, as if she were standing just outside of the spotlight, too far for him to clearly make out, but he could feel her. Whatever it was, it excited him, and the sheer sensation alone had made him forget exactly what he was doing, but he wasn't looking back.

"Who cares..just keep touching me..."

 

[Persephone]

The alcohol and grief clouded Ava's better judgement. He was a mutant. Obviously someone associated with her sister, which meant someone against the company her and her father supplied for. He could have been a spy. He could have been there under the false pretenses of wanting to comfort her but in reality on a mission to take her down. It was stupid - so stupid. But the moment she felt his lips on hers, she didn't care. She wanted to feel something other than the suffocating grief of loss. She wanted to feel something other than shame and guilt. And when their lips met in a fiery passion, all thoughts of who Cameron King was and what his real intentions were went out the window. Her tongue could taste the cognac he had been drinking, their kiss deep and filled with need. Her fingers went to his shirt and began to undo it with skill an ease, yet on the verge of ripping it off. Her lips broke away from his and went to his chest, tasting his skin, moaning softly into it. Then suddenly Cameron grabbed her wrists making her gasp in as he flipped them both over and his body pressed into hers, pinning her onto the outdoor couch.

It was then a soft growl could be heard and both her and Cameron looked over to see a lone grey wolf staring at them both - the wolf on edge with how Cameron was handling her. Ava gestured with her chin and the wolf's ridged stance eased before he began to back away and retreat back into the woods. Cameron didn't waste any time quite literally ripping her five hundred dollar designer shirt open, Ava not wearing a bra under the thin silky material. He was certainly a lot rougher than he looked, a bit surprising but not unwelcomed. Ava did like a bad boy - someone willing to take charge. It was hot and her body was definitely responding to it. Cameron's head dipped into the crook of her neck, kissing and biting her flesh. Moaning softly, she arched her body into his as her hands pulled the rest of Cameron's shirt open, pushing it off his shoulders and discarding it onto ground. She went for his belt now, undoing it before going for his pants button and zipper. That was when Cameron pulled back and looked down at her.

Cameron: "Who...ARE you?"

Ava's brows furrowed with confusion. They were both pretty drunk, but what the hell was he talking about?

"What..?"

She asked out of breath, her chest rapidly rising and falling from adrenaline and excitement.

Cameron: "Who cares..just keep touching me..."

Honestly, Ava didn't care WHO Cameron thought she was at this point, she was already too far gone to stop now. Pressing her lips against his in a heated exchange, she pushed his pants over his hips hastily before hiking up her black skirt. She could already feel his arousal against her and knew he was more than ready for her. Hooking her leg around him as he pushed into her, Ava gasped out a cry of pleasure and rolled her eyes shut.

"Fuck..."

She groaned against his shoulder, her already deep voice going an octave deeper. They began to move as one rapidly, their bodies so in synch that it was a little surprising considering how drunk they both were. He felt amazing, his body giving her the pleasure she so desperately craved and needed. And for a little while, Ava forgot about the pain, about her sister, and about the mess her life had suddenly become within the past 12 hours.