Restless hearts and minds

[Ruby]

:: Cass was flopped on the couch in the spacious living area. She had got back fifteen minutes ago and she was bushed. ::

*mutters*: “Oh my gosh, who knew how DRAINING dinner would be?”

:: But she had fun. After her two beers, Nicolas had spotted her and HAULED her ass back to the dance floor. She danced and laughed and there were PICTURES to be taken. But right now, she felt drained emotionally. She did not expect seeing Karen give Blaze adoption papers to hit her like that. She groaned as she sat up. She got up off the couch and went to the kitchen area, taking out a bottle of champagne from the wine/beer fridge and setting it on the counter while taking down an empty flute. She stared at the flute and then at the bottle. She ripped the foil of the bubbly and DRANK straight from the bottle! She snickered as she took the flute and the bottle and brought them both into her room. She then laid out her pjs on her bed. ::

“Oh, what a day!”

:: She collasped on her bed and sighed. ::

Blaze sure looked happy tonight.

:: She laid there for a minute or two, thinking. ::

“Blaze…”

:: That reminded her that she still wanted to talk with Blaze. She sat up and went out to the main area. Her night of champagne, ice cream, and maybe a romantic comedy or two would have to wait a bit longer. She pulled her heels back on and went to Blaze’s penthouse. She knocked on the door… ::

 

[Firebird]

Parthenon- Blaze's penthouse

It had only been a couple hours since Blaze's "debutante ball" had concluded but the fire elemental felt like she was on cloud 9 still, like she had finally found all her "missing pieces" at least. Nic, Cam, Alycia ...they were right. She DID belong here.

At the moment, she was in her penthouse apartment of the Parthenon, standing in her master bedroom, admiring her feminine form in a full length, three way mirror. Yes, she decided to copy her sister by adding THAT ammenity to her master bedroom

She had changed out of her ball gown and was now in a sexy red lingerie outfit from the Spectra "Naughty Sweetheart" line.

She loved rocking her short skirts, dresses and high heels just as much as Morgan or Cass, but after a while, it was time to be comfortable! But comfortable didn't have to sacrifice SEXY.

Madonna's "Inside of Me" was playing at a low but still clearly heard volume througout her penthouse, which was illuminated by the soft glow of exquisite vanilla scented candles, one of her favorite scents.

She'd ordered SEVERAL bottles of dom perignon on ice and was now enjoying a flute of champagne, dancing around a bit, by herself as she stopped, turned around in the mirror once more and held out her hand with her ring on it. This beautiful, flawless, PRECIOUS ring, given to her by her MOM.

Mom!

Blaze closed her eyes and sighed. Thinking of Karen, Morgan and Blaze Fielding. Whom she'd learned so much about from Cameron and some of the others in the past 2 days and finally sensed...FELT...and "FACED" tonight as Firebird's soul was kissed by the astral ghost of Foxfire.

Yes, today was a good day indeed. Friends, FAMILY, THE FUTURE. Everything seemed so bright...and so RIGHT for a change.

She was happy to wind down, relaxing in the comfort of her plush surroundings in the Parthenon this evening. It would soon be time to head back to LA she'd have plenty of reasons to return to NYC time and time again now. The possibility of relocating here seemed more distinct as well, but what about Morg??

That would be something she'd want to talk to Morgan about. After all, her sister belonged here as much as anyone else. They could still work with Sally and handle their own individual endeavors. But that would all fall into place in the right time, Blaze was certain of that.

For now, she just enjoyed this time and space she was in.

Soon there was a knock at the door.

She made her way through the penthouse and up to the front double doors. Opening them, she finds....

"Cassie!"

She smiles widely.

"C'mon in! I've got some bottles of dom p chilled and it'd be shame to let them go to waste."

Blaze brought Cass inside and closed the doors behind them, leading Cass further in to penthouse. To the large, spacious, step-down living room, which had floor-to-ceiling windows giving a breath taking view of the night time sky and skyline of the city.

" Have a seat anywhere on the sectional! it's quite comfortable."

Blaze quickly went to retrive the bottles of dom p and another flute for Cass. She set them up on a rolling serving tray so they could both easily reach them as they sat and talked. Blaze seated herself as she poured Cass her first flute.

"This has been an amazing weekend. I'm still not sure if this is real...or one LONG ASS DREAM and I'm still back at Melrose Place just about to wake up."

"But either way, I'm glad you were here to share it with me. You're a good friend and you have a good spirit. There's more to you than meets the eye, like a resilience in you that I don't think you know you have sometimes. "

Blaze smiled at Cass.

"But we all need time to find out and learn more about ourselves. Cam and Nic helped ME with that just recently."

Sighing as she sat back a bit, gulping down more of her champaign and relaxing


"So what's up? You said you had wanted to talk to me about something earlier?"

 

[Ruby]

The Parthenon - Blaze's Penthouse

:: Blaze threw open the doors wearing something that Cass had seen from the Spectra line in the stores. ::

"Cassie!"

:: Cass chuckled. ::

“Good grief! You definitely like to show off your body. I bet you’d even do that if there was an entire crowd out here.”

:: Cass shook her head as Blaze invited her in. ::

"C'mon in! I've got some bottles of dom p chilled and it'd be shame to let them go to waste."

“That’s so funny, Dom P was what I had in mind as well for my nightcap. Of course…”

:: She looked at the fire elemental’s “outfit”. ::

“Now I feel a bit overdressed. I originally was going to put on MY pjs and come over, but this being a hotel, and CAMERON’S at that, I didn’t want to treat it as a college dorm. Also I had the thought that they’d be TOO provocative, but seeing you…they might as well be a granny nightgown.”

:: She chuckled again as she followed Blaze to the step-down living room. She should’ve known better. This was BLAZING HOT VICTORY after all. Looking around her, she could see that this was classic “Blaze”. Blaze directed her to the sectional. ::

" Have a seat anywhere on the sectional! it's quite comfortable."

:: Cass sat down on the soft couch and gazed admiringly out the window. ::

“Boy, what a view! It’s impressive!”

:: She stared out the window for a few seconds and then turned to Blaze who handed her the flute and then poured for her sitting down beside her. ::

"This has been an amazing weekend. I'm still not sure if this is real...or one LONG ASS DREAM and I'm still back at Melrose Place just about to wake up."

"But either way, I'm glad you were here to share it with me. You're a good friend and you have a good spirit. There's more to you than meets the eye, like a resilience in you that I don't think you know you have sometimes. "

:: Cass adjusted her position, kicking her heels off and tucking her legs underneath her facing Blaze. ::

“Well, Blaze, if you want to find out if it’s real, come over and I’ll pinch ya! Because, it’s fucking REAL! Ohmigosh, you had one hell of a night, Blazing Hot Victory! When Karen handed you those papers, I started blubbering like a baby!”

:: She pointed to her makeup-free face. ::

“I had to wash everything off! But I didn’t manage to scare anybody, so I’m guessing I don’t look half-bad…”

:: She thought for a bit. ::

“As for resilience, I’m not too sure about that. I survived a LOT in my life but I think I only did because I HAD to…there was no choice. Anyway, thanks for saying that. That means a lot and I’m definitely glad I came…”

"But we all need time to find out and learn more about ourselves. Cam and Nic helped ME with that just recently."

:: Cass took a sip of champagne and gazed out the window, looking as if she was far away at the moment. ::

*sadly*: “Yeah…I just wish I knew where I belonged. So much of my life was left…open. I HATE that feeling…”

:: It was true. After she was snatched from her family at a young age, Bryda Jesko became known as number 129678 while in the secret German lab. Shortly after she left, she went into hiding to avenge her family’s death and changed her name to Cassandra Johnson because people didn’t know what happened to Bryda Jesko. Sure, she pretty much hung out with a group of vampires but she didn’t belong with them, even though she was quite welcome to and the majority of them had accepted her. Blaze’s voice brought her back to the present. ::

"So what's up? You said you had wanted to talk to me about something earlier?"

:: Cass had a sheepish look about her. ::

“Oh, I don’t know. It just seems trivial in light of what just happened tonight…”

:: She let out a small gasp. ::

“Before I forget, thank you so much for introducing me to Viv, Blaze! I really like her. She’s pretty cool.”

:: She smiled at her friend and then cocked her head with a thought. She had noticed the scent of vanilla candles as she walked in, as well as Madonna playing, but didn’t really think about it…until now. ::

“Hey, I’m not interrupting anything, am I? I mean, if you have plans, I can come back tomorrow…”

 

[Prophet]

Parthenon - The Roof

The evening had been a smashing success. The whole weekend actually. The moon was high on the island of Manhattan tonight as Cameron King stood on the roof of The Parthenon Hotel, a staggering 95 stories in the air. For the most part, the roof of the Parthenon was uncharacteristically simple; decorated only with a landing pad for helicopters and other small aircraft carriers. Standing near the edge, a cool and relaxing night wind blew around him in almost caressing manner as he took in the view.

As he looked at the bright and busy skyline of the city, he took a moment to reflect on just how hard he had come since returning to New York fulltime. He had pooled four of his important and prominent business associates together in order to create The Zenith Group which had turned into a mutli-billion dollar machine in record time. He was no longer competing in his industry, he had finally taken the crown, and this time he had done it without the help of his powers or through his connection with The Six. He was completely self-made this time, and that felt incredibly good. He thought of the exciting new opportunities that were about to commence with Ava as well as Blaze and Sally, a warmth of joy rushed over his body. Ever since returning to The Six he had made it his mission to try and bring them home to the city where they belonged. It was why he had done more construction to The Parthenon, adding the basement floors for The Six to train, work and plan, along with their exclusive and private penthouse apartments. He also had begun thinking of The Six and their legacy. With The Zenith Group, Cameron was trying to expand his empire in as many different industries as possible, allowing The Six a seemingly endless supply of resources and power. If they could learn ANYTHING from MysTech it would be the benefit of covering ALL of their bases.

He had truly come a long way in a seemingly short period of time...but in reality, this had been a journey Cameron had been on for the last six years. Each step seemed to be more painful than the next, but finally he was able to walk freely with the knowledge that he was capable of grateness and respected by his teammates. As he thought of his teammembers, he could think of NO other time when his relationships and status within them was as high as it was now, and though he was trying not be arrogant about this, he couldn't help but be very proud of himself. Every one of those changes had involved hard work on his part. They were battles hard fought, and he had finally come out on the other side with everyone of them...except Haleigh.

To be honest, Cameron just didn't know where to go from here with her. The two cared about each other in a way that scared the hell out of both of them. It seemed like romance was a foregone conclusion between each other, still Cameron couldn't understand why every time he was in her presence, every time they accidentally made contact with each other, he felt incredibly alive and vulnerable...and that was really a big part of the problem. In a perfect world, they would have been able to push their walls down and realize that there was something between them that simply wouldn't go away...EVER...they would be able to ATTEMPT being together..but they both felt that if the line was ever crossed completely, if they ever gave into the desire they had, it would end in absolute and utter ruin...though where they were at now seemed far worse. It was like having the other in their life without being able to have them in their life...at least if one of them were dead they would know that it was OVER. But they were both alive...and both intertwined in a way that would just NOT let them be able to avoid each other anymore. The team was down three incredibly important members, and right now Cameron and Haleigh seemed the best and most ironically suited to get the team back to it's center, and they were both already unknowingly doing so since Haleigh's return.

Tonight, while Cameron did want to get a LITTLE serious, he mostly wanted to just spend time with her and for it to NOT be so awkward, for it to NOT be painful and silent. He wanted to enjoy the company of his best friend in the entire world again. He wanted to, if only for a moment, feel that feeling of the two of them being connected once again, in a POSITIVE way. He would go off of Haleigh at first though he knew she would avoid any tension at all costs. But who know's maybe she was ready to at least gleam the subject of them and a way to move forward...that was a longshot. Sitting next to Cameron were two empty brandy glasses as well as a bottle of Marquis de Montesquiou 1904 Vintage Armagnac, a perfect pairing with the cigars that Haleigh was going to bring. He crouched down as he set on the edge of the building, his feet dangling in the air off the side of the building as he remained reflective, watching his city as he waited for a long coming reunion.

 

[Black Widow]

Rooftop

They were in the elevator after having said their goodnight. Zach was in an exceptional mood. The night had gone so well, everyone had ended on a positive note, and a large group of happy people always lifted his spirits.

Zach: oh hey, by the way, I kind of promised Jazz that we'd play doubles tennis with him.

"Who's the fourth?"

Zach: Cassie.

"Wow, finally. She's been batting her eyelashes at him forever."

Zach: What? He said she turned him down because she didn't want to get involved with someone she worked with.

"Yeah, and then she came straight to me for advice, and we talked it over and she ended up hoping he'd ask again."

Zach: My Gods, women are impossible. How is a guy supposed to know that?

"Yeah, no kidding. I told her to just go talk to him.... but she seemed reluctant. I don't know..... sometimes she can be such a girl about shit like that. You know she's a serial monogamist."

Zach: yeah, she's a real sweetheart though. Her and Jasper are perfect for each other. Oh! I also may have told Vivica that we would be at her art gallery opening.

"DAMN, anything else? Perhaps you promised Simon that I'd autograph his necktie?"

Zach: hehe, no, but did you see the look on his face?

"Yeah, I saw it, I put it there. So before we call it a night.... there's someone I need to talk to."

Zach: ahhh.... okay. Don't forget about me...

He was wrapping his arms around her again, nibbling at her ear lobe.

"Yeah, not fucking likely.... you've got me all hot and bothered. Between this and under the table earlier...."

Zach: so I'll wait up, then.

The elevator doors opened on the penthouse floor. Zach stepped out, fishing his keycard out of his pocket. Haleigh let the elevator doors close again before she selected the rooftop.

She wasn't quite sure what to expect. From Cameron or the conversation. She had two El Rico Habano Panetelas, Cuban cigars rolled in the 1950s. She'd bought a box of 25 for 5 grand a few years back. Usually she would break them out on a special occasion. Her and Zach always had one New year's.... and it had become a birthday tradition with the guys of the Six. Now seemed like a good time.... it would at least give them something to do, or talk about.

It was a beautiful night. The lights of the city, even THIS late, made it seem bright. She spotted Cameron's silhouette and headed over. She pulled off her heels before carefully sitting on the edge. It wasn't heights that gave her trouble, it was her hemline.

"These fucking dresses now. How do women do this all the time? I feel like I have to decide whether I want my tits hanging out, or my ass. It's too much to ask for a dress that fully covers both."

 

[Prophet]

Parthenon - The Roof

Haleigh: "These fucking dresses now. How do women do this all the time? I feel like I have to decide whether I want my tits hanging out, or my ass. It's too much to ask for a dress that fully covers both."

Cameron smiled at the sound of her voice as Haleigh appeared taking off her heels and sitting next to him. He put his arm around her for a moment, giving her somewhat of a side hug.

"You know for somebody so capable, you sure do BITCH a lot..."

He winked jokinly as he grabbed his two brandy glasses and filled them to the appropriate point, swirling them around before he passed one over to Haleigh. He sniffed his glass as he took a sip of the brandy. It was glorious, it burned a little bit as Cameron exhaled with what felt like a breath of fire.

"Okay...not trying to toot my own horn or anything, Hales...but this shit is LEGIT..Spark up those cubans, babe..let's keep the party going."

As Haleigh continued began to prepare the cigars, Cameron continued to look out at the skyline, a little lost in the view. He began to look around at different landmarks and attractions.

"It's crazy to think how many times we've lost our lives within a ten mile radius in this place...You can see it all from here.."

[pointing to his left]

"The Citadel........"

[pointing his finger directly in front of him]

"Hellfire Club is over there..."

[and finally to the right]

"That's where Illustra used to be...Just crazy to think about sometimes, eh?"

Cameron took another sip of his brandy as he swirled the goblet in his hand and Haleigh gave him his cigar and he lit it, taking in the delicious flavor in his mouth for a few moments before blowing the smoke out in a ring pattern.

"Damn...that's a good cigar..."

For a moment they just kind of sat there and enjoyed the view and the cigars. Though they were silent, it did feel somewhat easier this time. Perhaps it was all of the dancing and good vibes Cameron had picked up from Blaze's dinner, but perhaps they were making progress. It kind of felt normal.

"It's good to have you back...It's weird...ever since The Blue Moon...everything that happened with Delilah and Alison and Morgan...I've been keeping everything together...I took care of Delilah after she gave birth...kept her here...Bought The Parthenon back from Morgan, to give her the rest of the money she needed to revive Illustra...Ava is going to be working with me on The Parisian Parthenon...and I even have a project with Blaze...Trained Cass in The Danger Room....I've been trying to get us all back home...and keep us safe..It just feels weird...I feel like a totally different person lately...which I guess is good...but having you back makes me feel a little bit more NORMAL...makes me not forget how DIFFERENT things were not so long ago with me...all my running away from the team...all the 'drama'...."

He stopped for a moment, not wanting to go much further.

"You definitely seemed to take your leave from The Six and do something pretty spectacular...pretty brave...and pretty public for somebody like us. I can already sense that my sister gave you HELL for that...among other things...So are you happy to be back? Are we easier to deal with than Tony Stark?"

Cameron laughed for a second before taking another long and drawn out puff of his cigar.

"That was a stupid question...of course we AREN'T...just kind of grasping at straws here...actually been a REALLY long time since we've sat down and just kind of hung out...in fact...I don't even remember the last time it happened...feels like it was before The Inferno..."

He looked out into the sky once more as once again a gentle breeze flowed in the air, gently swirling around the two of them as the lights of the city seemed to illuminate their skin.

"I just thought...that maybe...it was time...that we were ready to start trying to change that?"

 

[Artemis]

Parthenon- Alycia's suite

:: Alycia was sitting in a large chair near the floor-to-ceiling- window in her sitting room, she was laid back and relaxed, having taken her high heels off and now resting her feet on the ottoman in front of her. She was still in her stylish dress though. ::

::Sigh!::

Oh Nicolas, what a weekend, huh?

I love high heels but I've had ENOUGH of these for the evening.

:: She'd also had enough of Simon and Vivica and was glad she didn't have to see EITHER of them...for a while at least::

Did you see Blaze and Karen's faces?

I'm so happy....RELIEVED for Blaze. I appreciate you and Cam involving me in helping with Blaze and Karen. We really came together to help her when it mattered most. And thankfully, she trusted us enough to LET us.

Things couldn't have turned out better.

:: Her head was laid back on the chair but she turned it to look over at Nicolas, who was nearby in another chair::

All of this has caused me to think about your proposal to me back at Minerva's Mansion.

:: She paused for a moment, still gazing at Nicolas with her hazel eyes. She knew at this moment that Cameron was up on the roof of the Parthenon, doing his emotional dance with Haleigh. Was he going to be smart? Was he going to MOVE ON or was he going to fall into that same old carousel of dysfunction with Haleigh that he had come to ROMANTICIZE? She was giving him time to do something, but she was not going to wait for long, NOR was she going to be an "extra" in their emotional side show. She had things she wanted...needed to do and she was about to start one of them now, with Nicolas.::

Nicolas, I've decided to accept your proposal.

I knew from the moment you presented it to me it was the PERFECT fit for me as I returned to "man's world" and plotted my course.

I've been happy to serve on the Six's "front roster" in the absence of Morgan and Delilah....:: pausing for a moment to laugh a bit :: even IF there haven't been any major threats for us to address and I'll be fine to move back to the reserve roster when the time is right...whether that's sooner or later.

Your proposal taps into what has always been my passion and now, with all the changes I've been through, being the new woman that I am, I think there's no better time than NOW to return to my passion in this whole new, far reaching way.

On that end table next to your chair?

:: she nods in its direction. the folder contains the original packet Nicolas gave her, plus some notes and photos of the locations she's narrowed her consideration down to::

There's the folder you gave me, with my notes in it.

I'm ready to pull the trigger on this. I just need to make up my mind on my office space. I want to purchase an entire building and the land it sits on. Then have it rennovated and outfitted with the latest technology for various functions, along with some special amazonian accents in my private office inside. My FIRST thought was to go to Haleigh and commission Clandestine Inc for security and other contacts...but...

:: Nicolas notices Alycia's face tighten up with some irritation::

I dont really care for the idea of even talking to Haleigh at this point, much less working with her in any official capacity outside of the Six.

Which makes the other part of my idea a bit more tricky...

Zachary Armani. He was my "successor" when I retired from my ADA position and managed to "fill in" when I vacated my federal position as "Special Assistant to the National Security Advisor of the President of the United States; Chairwoman on the comittee of Super Human Activities."

:: Alycia laughs as she tosses out THAT mouthful of a title for the first time in a LONG time::

We worked very well together, Nicolas, in all the stages of my professional career. He's provided some key and timely assistance and he really stood in the gap for ALL of us when BISHOP outed all of us.

The more I've thought about this...I keep coming back to him. His credentials are second to none.

:: sighing once more as she looks away::

But he's connected to HER[ which itself is a mystery to unravel] ...and I REALLY don't want to be bothered with her.

:: She would NOT devote MORE of her conversation with Nicolas to Haleigh by mentioning that at this very moment she's on the roof talking to Cameron as they revisit their dysfunctional fuckery.::

So let's discuss other options for the specs of the building I select. I can take care of the purchase of the building and land easily enough. It's just a question of the tech, staffing and networks.

:: She knew what Zach would say and she was not exactly certain NICOLAS wouldn't follow suit. But she gave Nicolas credit for being honest with her.::

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas was relaxing in Alycia's suite. The night was winding down and she had already pulled her shoes off. Nicolas was facing her, a glass of orange juice in his hand. He was actually considering getting some sleep tonight for the first time in quite a while. But he and Alycia had some business outstanding and he hoped to be getting good news.

Did you see Blaze and Karen's faces?

I'm so happy....RELIEVED for Blaze. I appreciate you and Cam involving me in helping with Blaze and Karen. We really came together to help her when it mattered most. And thankfully, she trusted us enough to LET us.

Things couldn't have turned out better.

I can't disagree with that. In the end it was a whole team effort. Without many of us, none of this would have happened. That includes you cupcake.

:: Her head was laid back on the chair but she turned it to look over at Nicolas, who was nearby in another chair::

All of this has caused me to think about your proposal to me back at Minerva's Mansion.

:: She paused for a moment, still gazing at Nicolas with her hazel eyes. She knew at this moment that Cameron was up on the roof of the Parthenon, doing his emotional dance with Haleigh. Was he going to be smart? Was he going to MOVE ON or was he going to fall into that same old carousel of dysfunction with Haleigh that he had come to ROMANTICIZE? She was giving him time to do something, but she was not going to wait for long, NOR was she going to be an "extra" in their emotional side show. She had things she wanted...needed to do and she was about to start one of them now, with Nicolas.::

Nicolas, I've decided to accept your proposal.

I knew from the moment you presented it to me it was the PERFECT fit for me as I returned to "man's world" and plotted my course.

I've been happy to serve on the Six's "front roster" in the absence of Morgan and Delilah....:: pausing for a moment to laugh a bit :: even IF there haven't been any major threats for us to address and I'll be fine to move back to the reserve roster when the time is right...whether that's sooner or later.

Your proposal taps into what has always been my passion and now, with all the changes I've been through, being the new woman that I am, I think there's no better time than NOW to return to my passion in this whole new, far reaching way.

On that end table next to your chair?

:: she nods in its direction. the folder contains the original packet Nicolas gave her, plus some notes and photos of the locations she's narrowed her consideration down to::

There's the folder you gave me, with my notes in it.

I'm ready to pull the trigger on this. I just need to make up my mind on my office space. I want to purchase an entire building and the land it sits on. Then have it rennovated and outfitted with the latest technology for various functions, along with some special amazonian accents in my private office inside. My FIRST thought was to go to Haleigh and commission Clandestine Inc for security and other contacts...but...

Nicolas' sat up. SOMETHING was eating at 'Lycia. And while he was VERY happy that she was taking him up on his offer, her expected a bit more celebrating.

I dont really care for the idea of even talking to Haleigh at this point, much less working with her in any official capacity outside of the Six.

Which makes the other part of my idea a bit more tricky...

Zachary Armani. He was my "successor" when I retired from my ADA position and managed to "fill in" when I vacated my federal position as "Special Assistant to the National Security Advisor of the President of the United States; Chairwoman on the comittee of Super Human Activities."

:: Alycia laughs as she tosses out THAT mouthful of a title for the first time in a LONG time::

We worked very well together, Nicolas, in all the stages of my professional career. He's provided some key and timely assistance and he really stood in the gap for ALL of us when BISHOP outed all of us.

The more I've thought about this...I keep coming back to him. His credentials are second to none.

:: sighing once more as she looks away::

But he's connected to HER[ which itself is a mystery to unravel] ...and I REALLY don't want to be bothered with her.

Nicolas looked back at Alycia as she grew silent. He thought for a moment and then spoke.

I need you to be comfortable with how this is handled. That is the most important thing here. There is PLENTY of money available to acquire the land, assuming I do not already own a parcel you like. As for working with Z...I have no issue with that. He has managed to be very professional in assisting me as well, even in the aftermath of the Set debacle and my...ahem...interaction with Haleigh. But have you considered talking to Haleigh about this? And please tell me this is not over Cameron.

Alycia was not immediately forthcoming and changed the subject back to the building. Fine with him, she can take her time. But he would need to have a talk with Cameron and see what the hell was going on.

So let's discuss other options for the specs of the building I select. I can take care of the purchase of the building and land easily enough. It's just a question of the tech, staffing and networks.

I am here to support you in any way I can. There is a real possibility that I already own the land and/or building that you need. Mike has also made himself available to assist you should you require it. He has gained a TON of experience in this sort of thing in his time on Aerie between renovations, upgrades and repairs he has overseen. And given the feet we will step on when you start back up, I would be most comfortable with a level of security on par with there. I would even like for there to be some magical wards and alarms in place. A visit with Aunt D, Ma or Ali should settle that easily enough. The starting place for me is to find out where you want to be located. The rest takes care of itself. We can even build something from the ground up. Given the possible costs of retrofitting an older building, we lose no money or time going that route.

 

[Artemis]

Alycia's suite

Nicolas' sat up. SOMETHING was eating at 'Lycia. And while he was VERY happy that she was taking him up on his offer, her expected a bit more celebrating.



Nicolas looked back at Alycia as she grew silent. He thought for a moment and then spoke.

I need you to be comfortable with how this is handled. That is the most important thing here. There is PLENTY of money available to acquire the land, assuming I do not already own a parcel you like. As for working with Z...I have no issue with that. He has managed to be very professional in assisting me as well, even in the aftermath of the Set debacle and my...ahem...interaction with Haleigh. But have you considered talking with Haleigh about how you feel? And please tell me this is not over Cameron

:: After avoiding him on this before, she decided to speak on it now. Why should she remain silent. Haleigh never shut her mouth and Cameron couldn't stop going on about how much they meant to each other...::

:: she couldnt help but scoff with a laugh though, when Nicolas wondered if it was OVER Cameron::

Please.

If they want each other THAT badly, they can have one another. I didn't come back from Themyscira for HIM. I came back because there was a need...and because I felt it was TIME.

As it is, they're both stuck in the past over something that is no longer relevant. I'm giving him CREDIT for wanting to clear the air, with the expectation that he's ready to MOVE ON, but she's made a CAREER out of keeping her adamantium tentacles of dysfunction wrapped around his balls for so long, I dont know if she can let go. I saw her glaring at Cameron and I at the club last night. She was seething with jealousy. Um...doesnt she have a man!?

:: Alycia laughed loudly at how pathetic it was::


No, Nic. My problem with Haleigh is that she's the same ill mannered sociopath she always was. She regards friendships the way a drunk co-ed regards a box of pop-up panties. Convenient and DISPOSABLE.

:: She eats a few pieces of fresh cut fruit off a platter she had sent to her suite::

The only people she treats with any kind of decency and respect are MEN, most of whom she'd just as soon sleep with; her sister; and most recently Delilah, whom she was so eager to fan the flames and dischord and hatred against Morgan and Alison with.

What kind of person does that?

Nic, when I just happened to DISCOVER that she was back "in town" from COSPLAYING as an "AVENGER"

:: she accented that last barb with bitchy sarcasm::

She was coaxing Delilah to SHOOT HER with a gun so that they could PRETEND Haleigh was injured and dying...so they could try to LURE Ororo there under false pretense...SO that Haleigh could "SOMEHOW" try to force Ororo to hand over Alexia or that she would try to "run around" Ororo to GET Alexia.

And the more appalling thing was...Delilah was on the verge of doing MORE than "consider" that RIDICULOUS scheme.

When I confronted Haleigh about what she was doing and how STUPID it was to try to deceive, let alone make an ENEMY out of Ororo, she found every way she could to justify her actions and blame US for Delilah.

She's the same rude, projecting woman she's always been. And *I* was the fool for believing we had formed a real friendship before I left for Themyscira.

I have no interest in wasting my time talking to her about anything and Cameron better not go soft and STUPID while he's up there now with her...because I won't waste my time on HIM either if I see any foolishness blossoming.


:: Back to the other topic...::

I am here to support you in any way I can. There is a real possibility that I already own the land and/or building that you need. Mike has also made himself available to assist you should you require it. He has gained a TON of experience in this sort of thing in his time on Aerie. And given the feet we will step on when you start back up, I would be most comfortable with a level of security on par with there. I would even like for there to be some magical wards and alarms in place. A visit with Aunt D, Ma or Ali should settle that easily enough. The starting place for me is to find out where you want to be located. The rest takes care of itself. We can even build something from the ground up. Given the possible costs of retrofitting an older building, we lose no money or time going that route.

I actually like the idea of building a new structure from the ground up. Would be easier to do and would save some time with not having to retrofit.

:: she nodded in agreement::


I'd be happy to have Mike on board! There's a number of ways he could help. But...Karen has become comfortable with life on Aerie. Would Mike spending so much time state-side put a strain on their relationship?

:: Alycia asked with concern::

 

[Rampage]

Alycia laid out her issues with Haleigh in more detail than even he expected. It was personal and deep, and Nicolas decided that now was not the time to play Dr. Phil. So he focused on what he COULD get done.

I'd be happy to have Mike on board! There's a number of ways he could help. But...Karen has become comfortable with life on Aerie. Would Mike spending so much time state-side put a strain on their relationship?

:: Alycia asked with concern::

Nicolas thought about it and then shook his head in the negative.

Should be no issue. The use of teleportation has removed the travel time lost and Ma and Ali would prefer not to have to deal with Dire Wolves and combat training for a few days per week. Besides, some of this can be done electronically or delegated to people he trusts should there be a conflict. Besides, I think that Karen would love to visit NYC a bit more after this current trip. She has had a blast.

Nicolas grew a bit mores serious as he spoke again.

In any case, I am SO glad you decided to do this. I NEED your help. I...just thank you so much for this. I NEED to help these kids, end some of that suffering.

Nicolas reached out and tickled her cheek.

I cannot thank you enough for being amazing this week. Seeing you work your magic as you fixed weeks of documents in days reaffirmed my faith in you in asking you to do this. So I hope you forgive me when I tell you that I purchased all intellectual property related to the name 'Charope', registered the LLC in your name and have prepared an initial retainer/investment wire to be sent to the account of your choosing in the amount of twenty million dollars.

Nicolas smirked at Alycia with a gleam in his eye. Someone in this room was a presumptuous bastard.

 

[Longshot]

Parthenon - VIP Clubhouse

The evening had definitely been an unusual one for Simon. Sitting amongst all of the members of The Six and their friends while such an intimate and private event was underway made him feel a little uncomfortable, but the importance of the moment was not lost on him. Simon wasn't exactly sure what the full story was with all of these people were, but it was apparent that they had gone through a lot of things together, and were uniquely bonded in a way that Simon had never experienced.

He began to understand the REASON they seemed to be so offput by him. They really were a family, and by the way everyone seemed to react to him, it let him know that maybe in the past there were certain members of their family that did not measure up to what they needed. Essentially, they employed the same tactics in dealing with new people that Simon did whenever anybody started to get a little too close. As he sat out on the patio of the VIP Clubhouse high in the sky of The Parthenon with a glass of white wine in his hand and Ava Cassadine next to him, both enjoying a miraculously beautiful view of the city, he began to let his initial frustrations with Cameron and Ava's friends melt away for the most part.

He leaned back in his chair and let out a relaxed sigh. He was a little tipsy and enjoying it completely as he sipped on his wine and talked out loud, his gaze transfixed on the sky.

"Well...looks like I survived another round against your group of friends...I gotta say..I've never seen ANYTHING like I have tonight...teleporation, spells...it's kind of a lot to take in.."

Simon looked over at her.

"And hey...I'm sorry for messing with that Cassandra..but I REALLY couldn't help myself."

[a smile curled up in her lips]

"Outside of that...it was a fairly pleasant evening..I'm glad Cameron invited me...it was like being the fly on one HELL of a wall..."

Simon watched Ava now who was looking up at the sky as well. He reached his hand out and put it on her knee and gave it a squeeze.

"It's beautiful out tonight, right?"

[taking another sip]

"Beautiful night, delicious wine...beautiful woman.."

He leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek as he filled her wine glass up as well. Simon could tell that Ava's mind was somewhere else.

"While I'd like to think my handsome and never-ending good looks have rendered you speechless...I can tell you've got a lot on your mind. What's up?"

 

[Black Widow]

rooftop

Cameron: You know for somebody so capable, you sure do BITCH a lot...

"Yeah yeah. YOU try to wear this thing, and heels and all, see if YOUR nipples aren't always threatening to pop out and say hi. Maybe you'd bitch TOO, okay? I'm a woman on the verge of a wardrobe malfunction, and I don't really care around you, Zach, Nic and the girls, but with these throngs of paparazzi hanging around us all the time, you'll have to forgive me if I'm not keen on the idea of upskirt pictures of my snatch circulating the internet."

Cameron: Okay...not trying to toot my own horn or anything, Hales...but this shit is LEGIT..Spark up those cubans, babe..let's keep the party going.

"Oh? Let's see.... ah yes, this will be very nice VSOP. Good choice, Stud."

She praised, looking over the bottle then accepting a glass from him. She clipped the ends of the cigars with a stainless steel cutter that she pulled from thin air, then cleaned them up and flipped the cutter over in her hands, turning it into a Zippo. A couple of short puffs and hers was evenly lit, then she took a lungful as she passed the lighter to Cameron. She exhaled slowly before lifting the glass, smelling the aroma of the brandy. She took a sip and smiled in appreciation. So smooth, a little smoky. She got a hint of vanilla as well.

The city was beautiful this time of night. All the lights really made the activity seem alive. All the little people, scurrying around, trying to participate in this thing called life. Oblivious to the two people sitting up here watching them, two people that had saved them more than once.

Cameron: It's crazy to think how many times we've lost our lives within a ten mile radius in this place...You can see it all from here.. [pointing to his left] The Citadel........[pointing his finger directly in front of him] Hellfire Club is over there...[and finally to the right] That's where Illustra used to be...Just crazy to think about sometimes, eh?

"Yeah. So much blood, sweat and tears. So many memories in this city. Makes me want to come back, almost. L.A. is awesome, but this city just feels like home."

Cameron: ..I've been trying to get us all back home...and keep us safe..It just feels weird...I feel like a totally different person lately...which I guess is good...but having you back makes me feel a little bit more NORMAL...makes me not forget how DIFFERENT things were not so long ago with me...all my running away from the team...all the 'drama'....

She didn't interrupt, didn't respond right away. She filed her kind with smoke one more and let him pause to gather his thoughts.

Cameron: You definitely seemed to take your leave from The Six and do something pretty spectacular...pretty brave...and pretty public for somebody like us. I can already sense that my sister gave you HELL for that...among other things...

"Eh, she can think whatever. We all agreed to focus more on work.... my work required travel. I should have checked in more, should have been here for Delilah.... but I can't change it now, I can only try to fix it."

Cameron: So are you happy to be back? Are we easier to deal with than Tony Stark?

"Are you kidding, Tony Stark is like the boy version of ME."

Cameron: That was a stupid question...of course we AREN'T...just kind of grasping at straws here...actually been a REALLY long time since we've sat down and just kind of hung out...in fact...I don't even remember the last time it happened...feels like it was before The Inferno...

She cleared her throat and took a sip of brandy. Was she ready to talk about this? Was he even talking about it? With him she never really knew. They never actually discussed it directly unless they were fighting about it, and even then neither of them found the courage to really look at it straight.

Cameron: I just thought...that maybe...it was time...that we were ready to start trying to change that?

"Well.... there's been so much..... tension between us..... and it just keeps snowballing. Cameron....."

She stopped taking for a second, her turn to gather her thoughts. Time for another trip to no-bullshit land.

"When you came back, and said.... what you did..... the timing was so terrible. I was going to marry another man! What did you want me to say? I couldn't dump him at the altar! I mean I could have but I would have felt like the world's biggest asshole. So instead I shut you down. And then the thing with Sharon.... which made me feel like a fucking retard, and it hurt, and on top of feeling betrayed by him, I knew I'd missed my chance with you. And of course, you were hurt by the rejection, which was not at all what I wanted, and that was it for us. We never recovered. And I've been choking down the regret ever since."

Nothing quite like putting it all out there. The cigars and brandy helped, but only slightly in Haleigh's case. Mostly, she'd just learned that even when Cameron could read her thoughts, it didn't mean she was communicating well. And now that he couldn't read her mind anymore, she had to express herself clearly, because they might never have a talk like this again, and she truly missed the camaraderie she'd had with him before the shit hit the fan. She wanted THAT back more than anything, when she really thought about it. Sure, she was attracted to him. Sitting here next to him, feeling the heat from his body, noticing every time their arms brushed together, that was ALWAYS a part of the tension, but not the hard part to deal with.

 

[Prophet]

Parthenon - The Roof

He eyed her up and down trying to gauge how she was going to proceed with this conversation. Cameron had noticed that ever since Haleigh returned her mind was incredibly blocked off from him, and it stunk of Diana. When those two had a meeting of the minds so to speak, Haleigh MUST have seen something about Diana in order for her to so blatantly seal Haleigh's brain like that. He hadn't mentioned anything about it before because he could barely speak about Malice without fighting everything in his body to break the truce and brutally give her back everything she had done to him and his family over the years. The others may have had their bad moments with Malice, but Cameron and his family? They lost EVERYTHING.

Cameron didn't speak of it because the important thing now was to get Haleigh and him back on the right track and involving or prying about Diana would have done anything BUT complete that goal. He took a deep puff as he swirled the smoke around in his mouth waiting for her.

Haleigh: "Well.... there's been so much..... tension between us..... and it just keeps snowballing. Cameron....."

"Well..here we go..."

She stopped taking for a second, her turn to gather her thoughts. Time for another trip to no-bullshit land.

"When you came back, and said.... what you did..... the timing was so terrible. I was going to marry another man! What did you want me to say? I couldn't dump him at the altar! I mean I could have but I would have felt like the world's biggest asshole. So instead I shut you down. And then the thing with Sharon.... which made me feel like a fucking retard, and it hurt, and on top of feeling betrayed by him, I knew I'd missed my chance with you. And of course, you were hurt by the rejection, which was not at all what I wanted, and that was it for us. We never recovered. And I've been choking down the regret ever since."

Cameron let out an exhausted sigh, partly because of relief and partly out of remorse for everything that had gone on between them. He listened to her words and slowly formulated what he wanted to say. This had been a long time coming for the two of them.

"Haleigh...I mean I know i've apologized to you for in the time that followed...but I can't say it enough...I'm incredibly sorry for doing what I did to you and Zach..When I came back, I just felt so alone...our relationships with The Six were still ANYTHING but stable...and I think..I guess I just got scared. The one person I wanted to see more than anybody was you...and then when I saw you there...with Zach...at a church..."

<<FLASH!>>

Haleigh stared increduously as Ororo prefaced Cameron's return.... mentioning that she secretly nursed him back to health.... it was a wild tale indeed.... nigh unbelievable.... but coming from Ororo, it HAD to be true, right?

"You.... did WHAT?!"

She asked, bewildered. Could it be true? It stirred up so many conflicting emotions.... to have Cameron back.... would be a true gift.... but also... it would complicate things. Letting Cameron go was the first step in becoming truly serious with Zach.... the thought of his return brought intense self doubt.... had she made the wrong decision? Given up on him too easily? He appeared in a swirl.... and Haleigh STARED at him, with a shocked expression... one that turned to horror quickly as he spoke. She BACKPEDDLED as he moved closer.... she didn't mean to hurt him... but she was so STUNNED by the one-two punch just delivered that she seemed overwhelmed.

"You.... NO.... I BURIED you.... I... God DAMN it.... I put flowers on your GRAVE two days ago!" She breathed, looking quickly to Ororo. "Is this some kind of SICK JOKE?? WHY are you doing this?! Haven't I done EVERYTHING you asked of me, Ororo? I know it can be lonely in Limbo... but it's not right to entertain yourself by cooking up some apparition to haunt me with!"

Haleigh was not taking it well... and her reaction no doubt dashed what ever hopes Cameron had of a pleasant reunion. Zach, meanwhile, glared silently at Cameron, as if he had come back JUST to interfere with his and Haleigh's wedding... it wouldn't be something that surprised Zach, knowing Cameron the way he did. Haleigh sat down in chair abruptly, raising her hand to her mouth, as the reality sunk in.... her heart raced as she looked at Cameron.... but she couldn't SAY anything more.... she could scarcely BREATHE.

My God.... could it be? She thought to herself.... it was all so much to take in... here he was, right in front of her... and Haleigh's face portrayed mixed emotions.

<<FLASH!>>

They were standing close now... and Cameron posed a rhetorical question... one that Haleigh felt she NEEDED to answer. "OF COURSE I would, Cameron! OF COURSE! I would have done ANYTHING to get you back!"

She replied fervently... but as Cameron insulted Zach, with palpable hostility, Haleigh SLAPPED him, fixing Cameron with a silencing glare. Her voice wasn't loud.... but her tone was deafening. "Zachary is a GOOD man. He was THERE for me when YOU weren't.... in EVERY way that YOU refused to be! [disbelieving laugh] You don't GET it, do you? I'm NOT mad at HER [ gesturing to Ororo].... that was misplaced.... the person i'm REALLY mad at... is [poking him forcefully in the chest] YOU. [poking him again] You LEFT me... without ONE WORD, [poke] you ABANDONNED me... and it REALLY hurt... because... it's not the FIRST TIME something like that has left me cold and alone.... but THIS time... I had Zach to turn to.... so don't YOU be mad at HIM... because [poking him one last time] YOU made YOUR bed.... and I was never in it."

Haleigh held his eye contact, as Zach looked on, feeling a little vindicated and relieved. He wondered if this meant Cameron was no longer a threat.... but doubted it.... for some reason... he KNEW Haleigh still loved Cameron... and that was why she was MAD at him now....

<<FLASH!>>

:: Cameron's face fell back at the touch of Haleigh's hand slapping in the face. And for what? Zach's sake? He was a good man? So the fuck what? She didn't really love him, she didn't really love him, she was settling. She was doing what she thought was the right thing, moving on, and Cameron wasn't having it AT ALL. ::

"I wasn't there for YOU!? Don't EVEN play that card with me, HALEIGH! DON'T EVEN! (laughs) Let's not forget how EMOTIONALLY unavailable you have been to me since day ONE! You sit on your THRONE of excuses Haleigh. EXCUSES for why you can't tell me what you REALLY feel, and how I WON'T until I hear it from you. I never REFUSED to be there for you Haleigh, I refused to be there for the WALL that you kept up around me, SO if you MARRYING this guy makes you REALLY feel like you did the right thing, that you MOVED on, Haleigh, then go ahead and do it, but we both know, its a fucking JOKE, a means to an end. I can't believe I REALLY thought we could make this work, I CAN'T BELIEVE it!"

:: He was really hurt by this, looking at her now, his mind was receiving images of the times Zach and Haleigh had spent together. The days, the nights, the stuff he never wanted to see. He wanted to explode he had tried to be cool, calm and collective but seeing that man there, seeing him with his arm around Haleigh, kissing her in his visions, to know, she SLEPT with him, it was almost too much to take. He leaned in, this time really only going for a last jab before he left, whispering in her ear. ::

"Just remember, i know the secrets you keep you when you lay down to sleep, i know how you really feel, so when this is over, and you realize the MISTAKE you are making, gimme a call, until then... I wash my hands of you..."

:: It was the last thing he wanted to say, he wanted to beat the shit out of Zach and grind his face into the pavement, but he couldn't. He was angry, and it was understandable on BOTH sides. He looked over to Ororo, and sighed. ::

"Thank you for everything Ororo. Honestly, I don't think even YOU knew this was going to happen. But I can't stay here, and you don't have to chaperone me. I need to see my sister. I need to be alone, I need... I need to THINK!"

:: And with that Cameron left the Cathedral, the church, the grounds all together and began to make his way back to Illustra Inc. Thinking that it couldn't possibly get any WORSE ::

<<FLASH!>>

Cameron was taken back for a moment, thinking of Haleigh and Cameron's bittersweet reunion. The emotion were so RAW between them, the tension so thick. That was the moment that really changed everything for them. Cameron shook his head as he snapped back into reality.

"I just lost it...in the worst way possible. I don't know what I was thinking...I think part of me DID just want you to leave Zach and ride off into the sunset with me....and believe me..even as I say it out loud I realize how ridiculous it is..It was a stupid and primal reaction, and when you shut me out...I just didn't know what to do with myself...From the first hour we became a team...I always had you on my side...and there I was...restored by Ororo after being tortured to death by Erika and Malice...and I was alone. We were ride and die together for so long...connected at the hip...ugh...Haleigh I'm just really sorry about that. I know...broken record...but at some point I hope you will accept that I mean that..."

[as Haleigh spoke of Sharon and Zach and the fallout that occured between that]

"Look...neither of us were perfect..when you shut ME down...I lashed out too...I mean I fought Zach in the courtyard of Melrose Place...and for WHAT?! Because he had 'won'? Looking back...it just kind of sickens me...I put all of this anger on some guy who's actually been pretty good to you when I should have focused on trying to fix us...but you should have too...I get that i'm not easy sometimes, Haleigh...but neither are you..."

Cameron took another sip of his brandy as he laid his head on Haleigh's shoulder and continued to look out at the skyline as he talked.

"I've regretted it to...you're not alone in that club. We can't even go to anybody for advice..ya know..people think our friendship was one of convenience, out of necessity...but we've always respected each other in a way the other's didn't...we weren't just allies...we were friends...really good friends...we confided in each other...and when you look back at who we used to be? It sounds ludicrous...I was a self absorbed prick who could have watched ALL of them burn in flames and not care...and you would have lit the match. We knew each other...and we accepted each other...without question...I never really had that before. I mean I definitely didn't have it with anybody else on the team...the only other person to EVER care about me like that was Vivica...and I knew when I met her that she was a one in a million kind of girl..."

He leaned back up, setting his glass of brandy on the ledge as he kicked his feet back and forthe slowly.

"It feels a little weird...to talk to each other without some kind of contempt...or anger...With everything that happened during The Blue Moon...the fallout with Delilah, Morgan and Alison...it just got me realizing how EASILY that could happen to any number of our relationships...I thought of you...and I realized that what happened between them...really happened between us FIRST...and when I sat there and realized that we STILL haven't recovered...it got me worried. I've been doing the best that I can to help them, but I've recently been told that sometimes you have to take care of home first..."

[grabbing his glass once more as he looked at Haleigh]

"Outside of all that, Haleigh...I just really miss my best friend. I MISS you. I think we both realize that it just probably CAN'T ever be what it WAS again...but that might not be the worst thing...I'd like to think we are BOTH different people, no matter what the others might say...maybe something NEW...would be better..."

Cameron was silent for a moment as he took yet another puff from his cigar. It was pretty delicious. He was feeling generally positive about his words. He was clear but he still kept somewhat of a distance, afraid to push Haleigh into a place that would cause her to withdraw, and since he couldn't read her mind or get a sense of her mentally, he would have to use his own skills as a human to gauge that.

"I think we owe it to ourselves..."

He placed his arm around her shoulder and scooped her in for a hug.

"And I think we owe it to our team...they need us. And we are a fuckin' force of NATURE when we're together..."

 

[Black Widow]

Rooftop

Cameron: Haleigh...I mean I know i've apologized to you for in the time that followed...but I can't say it enough...I'm incredibly sorry for doing what I did to you and Zach..When I came back, I just felt so alone...our relationships with The Six were still ANYTHING but stable...and I think..I guess I just got scared. The one person I wanted to see more than anybody was you...and then when I saw you there...with Zach...at a church...

She nodded, remembering. That had been such a pivotal moment in their relationship, his return. She had been so surprised and overwhelmed by it, there in the church she had decided to be married in.

He explained his side and she listened, patiently. They had never addressed it. He laid his head on her shoulder and for a little while, it felt as comfortable to be around him as it once was.

Cameron: Outside of all that, Haleigh...I just really miss my best friend. I MISS you. I think we both realize that it just probably CAN'T ever be what it WAS again...but that might not be the worst thing...I'd like to think we are BOTH different people, no matter what the others might say...maybe something NEW...would be better.....I think we owe it to ourselves...(He placed his arm around her shoulder and scooped her in for a hug.) And I think we owe it to our team...they need us. And we are a fuckin' force of NATURE when we're together...

Yes, we are.

She thought, and she leaned in and pulled him into a kiss.

And just as he began to respond, she pulled back, her hands leaving his face to cover her own.

"FUCK! I shouldn't have done that."

She punched the rooftop beside her, cracking the brick. She shook her hand.

"That was selfish and impulsive. I'm sorry. You're with Alycia, I know that. And Zach....."

She laughed in disbelief of herself. Had she really just reacted that instinctively?

"How about we pretend THAT didn't just happen."

 

[Orion]

penthouse 9401

Zach strolled down the hall to the penthouse, untying his bow tie as he went. He thought about the night, the time spent with these great people Haleigh had introduced him to.

All the ways Haleigh enriched his life. He accessed the penthouse and began to undress. He thought back on his early days with the company. He had just suffered a debilitating setback, both emotionally and professionally. But Haleigh had taken a chance on hiring him, and ever since, she'd been making his life better.

He got into pajama pants, then started looking through the cabinets for candles. It had been a while since he'd had the chance to do something special for her. He began to set up patchouli scented candles of varying sizes, creating a lighted path to the bedroom, where he carefully placed the rest of the candles around the room.

Haleigh had said she wouldn't be long. An hour at most. He could relax and read something while he waited, and when she got back, surprise her.

She might make it seem like she didn't like the mushy romantic stuff, but Zach knew she DID appreciate him making an effort.

 

[Prophet]

Parthenon - The Roof

He was expecting her to say something eloquent. To maybe agree with him and I don't know joke about stupid things for the rest of their time together. Cameron was finally hoping to lay what had gone on between them to rest and to finally start on a new path together. One that would be good for both of them.

Haleigh's lips were on his mouth before he even realized what was happening as a crack of electricity charged through his body. He was literally shocked.

"Haleigh?!"

Cameron's body was fighting two sides...one that KNEW this kiss was a terrible idea and should never EVER have happened and another side of him...that really wanted to kiss her. THANKFULLY, he didn't have to make that decision as Haleigh pulled away from him.

Haleigh: "FUCK! I shouldn't have done that..."

He rolled his eyes as he scooted away from her, still incredibly confused as she PUNCHED the rooftop beside her, nearly shattering it.

"No, Haleigh...you REALLY shouldn't have..fuck..."

Haleigh: That was selfish and impulsive. I'm sorry. You're with Alycia, I know that..and Zach...How about we pretend THAT didn't just happen...

Cameron stood up from where he was standing and began to walk back and forthe, a little exasperated.

"That's kind of the problem with us, isn't it? Pretending that nothing's happened. You know, I talked to Alycia this morning about you. I TOLD her that we were mature enough to do this. That we COULD be friends..I CARE about her Haleigh...and to be honest, you really AREN'T her favorite person right now...no you know, that's none of my business....and in an effort to move FORWARD...I'm going to continue to BELIEVE that we ARE....but THAT..."

He extended his hand for Haleigh to grab so that he could lift her from sitting as well.

"Haleigh...just can't happen again. And don't go all 'Calm down, Cameron...it wasn't that big of a deal' on me...because we've spent months trying to analyze glances at each other...and with Alycia...we're good for each other....and I don't know WHAT she and I could turn into...but I know she isn't gonna stick around if she suspects ANY kind of funny business..."

Cameron walked over to her as he was now face to face with the redhead.

"And at some point...I gotta TRY and grow up, Hales..."

There was still a spark between them and the kiss had been proof of that. Even standing close together now, it was evident...but Cameron was desperately trying to prove to himself that he could be FRIENDS with Haleigh...and that he could possibly love and be happy with another woman...but he suddenly realized he was dealing with Haleigh. He always, as stupid as it sounded...wanted to proved Alycia wrong about Haleigh. Unfortunately, right now...she was proving to be to the form that Alycia had cast her in.

"So basically, hands off the merchandise from here on out!"

He smiled.

 

[Black Widow]

Rooftop

She shrank a little as he rebuked her. She knew as well as he did that had been a bad move. And yet, it had been kind of nice.

He stood up and started pacing. She massaged her knuckles. She HAD to stop punching the molding.

Cameron: That's kind of the problem with us, isn't it? Pretending that nothing's happened. You know, I talked to Alycia this morning about you. I TOLD her that we were mature enough to do this. That we COULD be friends..I CARE about her Haleigh...and to be honest, you really AREN'T her favorite person right now...

"Aww, FUCK HER, she can blow me. I apologized already, if she wants to be a pussy about it, whatever."

Cameron: ...no you know, that's none of my business....and in an effort to move FORWARD...I'm going to continue to BELIEVE that we ARE....but THAT...

He helped her up, and neither of them were refilling their glasses now. She stood upright, rigid and rooted to the spot as he gestured. She just wanted him to calm down. It had been a regrettable action, but it didn't have to be such a huge deal.

Cameron: Haleigh...just can't happen again. And don't go all 'Calm down, Cameron...it wasn't that big of a deal' on me...because we've spent months trying to analyze glances at each other...

Well, that was true, but only because Cameron had to been so ambiguous with his wording and his embraces and his meaningful glances. She'd had to interpret his every breath since seeing him again, just to try and divine how to react properly around him.

Cameron: and with Alycia...we're good for each other....and I don't know WHAT she and I could turn into...but I know she isn't gonna stick around if she suspects ANY kind of funny business...

"Of course not, and I wasn't trying to mess with that. I was...... Well I don't know, like I said, impulsive and selfish."

Fuck, I really fucked it all up again, didn't I ??

Cameron: And at some point...I gotta TRY and grow up, Hales...So basically, hands off the merchandise from here on out!

"Right, again, I'm sorry."

She turned her back to him, going to stand once more at the edge of the building. She looked down towards the people walking on the street again.

"Well, I think it'd be great, if we could be friends..... even after everything. Just friends..... who are otherwise involved with other people. I don't have a problem with Alycia, or with 'YOU and Alycia'. I'm not trying to derail that."

She crossed her arms, looking anywhere but his face right now. She took a final drag on her cigar, then snuffed out out.

"I should get back..... to Zach. This was a good talk. I'm glad we could clear the air."

And with that she turned to leave.

 

[Prophet]

Parthenon - The Roof

Haleigh was incredibly awkward during this encounter, and it was noticeably out of character even for her. Normally, she had a lot more control over her emotions, her presentation and what she said to Cameron regarding them. He didn't really get it. She seemed to be in a good place with Zach, she had obviously experienced a high degree of success with what she had done during her leave of absence with The Six, but when it came to him..she was different this time. More open, more impulsive..and less indignant than usual. Haleigh always had a way with words, but why wasn't she using them now?

Something was going on with her and Cameron didn't know what. He had been honest with her about his feelings and she had countered with barely any words and a kiss. None of this made sense...and to be honest it pissed Cameron off a little bit. He was really trying to get things clearer between them and she just had the uncontrollable ability to keep things murky. Cameron was beginning to think she liked it that way.

Haleigh: "Well, I think it'd be great, if we could be friends...even after everything. Just friends...who are otherwise involved with other people. I don't have a problem with Alycia, or with 'YOU and Alycia'. I'm not trying to derail that.

"I didn't think you were..."

[thinking]

"But you might want to stop subconsciously and constantly trying to derail YOU and Zach...especially when the fact that the man keeps his engagement ring to you in his nightstand at Melrose Place basically RADIATES from him at all times...."

Cameron sighed as he took a puff of his cigar.

"Well...we're off to a great start, aren't we?"

He rolled his eyes and smiled.

Haleigh: "I should get back...to Zach. This was a good talk. I'm glad we could clear the air."

And then she left.

Cameron was absolutely bamboozled. What had just happened there? If he had hoped to get some closure and move on with Haleigh, he certainly didn't get it. As much as he wanted to move forward in his own life, he wanted Haleigh to move forward in her life. Her only problem was that she was incredibly and without a doubt always in her own way..and Cameron realized that sometimes...she was in HIS way. He really loved and cared for Haleigh but he also wasn't going to sacrifice everything he had accomplished personally and professionally in some kind of effort to try and 'fix' Haleigh. She was a big girl, and eventually she was either going to learn...or she would permanently and unknowingly strongarm her way out of the group. He would always be there for her if she needed him and she knew that...and he also knew that much of her reaction WAS genuinely impulsive and selfish...but this encounter coupled with his conversation with Alycia earlier this morning had given a somewhat new awareness about Haleigh that he wasn't sure he liked or wanted to know.

Picking up the two brandy glasses and the extinguished cigars, he made his way down the stairs from the roof and into his penthouse on the top floor of The Parthenon. He placed the glasses in the kitchen sink and threw away the cigars. Walking into his master bedroom, he took his clothes off and sunk into the cool and amazing feel of his egyptian cotton sheets. Light from the moon shone into his window as he began to close his eyes...and FINALLY decompress...be alone with his thoughts and his mind...for the first time in three days. He had accomplished so much and he had much to be proud of...but even he could not fight the feeling that this joy the group was feeling would not last...and he KNEW it would end sooner rather than later. The only thing he could do now...was try to prepare for what was coming for them.

 

[Black Widow]

penthouse 9401

for fuck's sake, what is wrong with me? Why can't I control myself sometimes?

That talk could have gone better. She started it off so well but then Cameron had started talking and she'd just felt such a connection with him..... when he put his arm around her, kissing him just seemed like the most natural thing to do.

Haleigh opened the door to her penthouse and got a subtle wave of candle scent. She came in and saw a lighted path. With some confusion she followed the path into the bedroom, where Zach was setting his iPad off to the side. He was shirtless, in pajama pants, with a goofy smile on his face.

"I am the world's biggest fucking asshole."

She said, closing her eyes in contempt. He sat up sharply.

Zach: Haleigh, what's wrong?

"I just made a huge mistake, and here you are, waiting in a room full of fucking candles..... and I just kissed Cameron King!"

He crossed the room and took her in his arms.

Zach: okay, well, what happened?

"We were talking and reminiscing and trying to set the record straight and I don't know what came over me, I just reacted when he hugged me and I kissed him but pulled back quickly. And we both agreed it shouldn't have happened but fuck, I can't take it back."

Zach: all.....alright. it'll be okay, at least you both realized that it was a mistake.

She pushed his arms away.

"It'll be okay? How can you be so fine with this? You should be angry with me, you should be hurt. Don't you have any respect for yourself?"

Zach: I have plenty, but that makes no matter. What matters is that I love you.

She couldn't understand how clear he was being.

"Why?? Why do you love me? How is that possible?"

Zach: Because you aren't like other women, Haleigh. You cuss and you fight and you fuck and you aren't afraid to be ugly. Because you say what your thinking, instead of making me figure it out. Because you don't play games, and what you see is what you get. Because ever since I met you, I've been in awe of you. Because you're a goddamn Superhero. Because you make me feel like a goddamn Superhero.

He sat down on the edge of the bed.

Zach: I LIKE spending time with you. I like working with you. I know that I can just be myself around you, and that by itself is enough. So if I have to wait while you make sure Cameron is a huge mistake for you, which he always has been, then so be it, I'll be right here, as always.

She sat down next to him, trying to unzip her dress. He was tempering her emotions again, she could feel herself relax.

"No, you're right. Cameron is a big mistake. He's a great friend, but that should be it. I have to stop expecting Cameron to read my mind. I have to stop trying to read his. We once knew each other that WELL, we were once very similar, but We've both changed."

 

[Orion]

penthouse 9401

Zach heard the door open and shifted his weight, setting his iPad on the bedside table as she came in. He felt a little surge of emotion, and looked up with a smile, hoping she'd be pleased.

Haleigh: I am the world's biggest fucking asshole.

Okay, not the reaction he was going for. He could tell instantly that something bad had happened. She had this self-loathing expression like she'd just killed someone or ran over their dog. He sat up.

"Haleigh, what's wrong?"

Zach: I just made a huge mistake, and here you are, waiting in a room full of fucking candles..... and I just kissed Cameron King!

wow, AWESOME. He thought sarcastically. That was definitely NOT good. But he focused on the fact that she said KISSED, as opposed to something else, because that was a two on the scale of horrible decisions she was capable of making when it came to Cameron. He crossed the room and took her in his arms, because she looked like she needed a hug.

"Okay, well, what happened?"

Please tell me that stronzo acted inappropriately. I will go upstairs and fuck him up. Cameron acted like the whole fucking world belonged to him, like he was just entitled to everything. But Zach wouldn't even care if it weren't for the fact that Cameron and Haleigh were toxicly attracted to each other. He doesn't even love her, not really. He loves the idea of her, but if he actually got her? That shit would spontaneously combust. He only really cares about himself. He wouldn't be able to accept her for how she is..... not as a woman he was dating. He'd never put her first. She deserves better than he is capable of being.

Haleigh: We were talking and reminiscing and trying to set the record straight and I don't know what came over me, I just reacted when he hugged me and I kissed him but pulled back quickly. And we both agreed it shouldn't have happened but fuck, I can't take it back.

ahhh, so it wasn't Cameron being his stupid self, it was Haleigh being reactive. Okay... that's easier to deal with than this being something HE pushed on her.

"all.....alright. it'll be okay, at least you both realized that it was a mistake."

She pushed him away, inspiring some confusion on his part. Why was she upset, he was trying to be supportive.....

Haleigh: It'll be okay? How can you be so fine with this? You should be angry with me, you should be hurt. Don't you have any respect for yourself?

"I have plenty, but that makes no matter. What matters is that I love you."

It bothered him that she couldn't really let Cameron go, but Zach genuinely wanted her to be happy. He wanted to be the one that made her happy..... and though he was unnerved that Cameron was getting even her smiles, he could control his own emotions well enough to acknowledge that it was a good thing if she was smiling, whoever she was with. He had faith that if he gave her the chance to work through her weird relationship with Cameron, that she would realize Zach was way better for her in the long run.

Haleigh: Why?? Why do you love me? How is that possible?

"Because you aren't like other women, Haleigh. You cuss and you fight and you fuck and you aren't afraid to be ugly. Because you say what your thinking, instead of making me figure it out. Because you don't play games, and what you see is what you get. Because ever since I met you, I've been in awe of you. Because you're a goddamn Superhero. Because you make me feel like a goddamn Superhero."

He sat down on the edge of the bed. He felt more naked than he actually was, but it was TIME to finally talk about it. He didn't know if he was brave enough to mention the ring at home, because the Gods don't even know how she'd react right now, but he knew if he was going to salvage their relationship, or even hope to return it to its former glory, this was his chance, and it was going to take a leap of faith.

"I LIKE spending time with you. I like working with you. I know that I can just be myself around you, and that by itself is enough. So if I have to wait while you make sure Cameron is a huge mistake for you, which he always has been, then so be it, I'll be right here, as always."

She sat down next to him, trying to unzip her dress. He drained some of the emotional turmoil, just to help her relax and think clearly. He knew if she got overwhelmed she'd shut the emotions OFF, which was definitely not good. She needed to deal with them.

Haleigh: No, you're right. Cameron is a big mistake. He's a great friend, but that should be it. I have to stop expecting Cameron to read my mind. I have to stop trying to read his. We once knew each other that WELL, we were once very similar, but We've both changed.

OH, thank the Gods. he thought, sighing with relief. It sounded like a break through. Now with Haleigh there was the threat of a backslide, but a break through was promising. Could she finally be taking off the rose-colored glasses and starting to see Cameron in the cold light of day?