Restless hearts and minds

[Persephone]

Despite a shaky start, the evening proceeded without any problems and ended the same. Everyone separated and either went back to their suites or headed to other locations. As for Ava and Simon, they decided to relax out on the balcony with a couple drinks. It was a beautiful evening and the view was amazing. The various buildings illuminated the city with a faint glow, almost sending Ava in a trance as she stared out at them.

Simon: "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.."

"That's understandable. But it's who we are."

Ava stated matter-of-fact. Simon was the newbie, not only to this group but to the world of the supernatural. So obviously it was a little overwhelming....but these were party tricks in comparison to what they've seen and done in the past.

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

Softly laughing.

"I don't care....honestly, you could have made her trip and fall out the window and I would have found it hilarious."

She quipped lightheartedly....although the thought of Cass falling out of a 90 story building WAS quite appealing.

Simon: "It's beautiful out tonight, right? Beautiful night, delicious wine...beautiful woman.."

With her eyes fixed on New York, Ava softly smiled hearing Simon's words. Finishing off her wine, he immediately refilled it and gave her a kiss on the cheek. That made her pause a moment...her thoughts going to what they had spoke about earlier. This situation between them was essentially a fling--no strings attached. She just had to keep reminding herself that it was nothing more than that and that Simon understood where he stands.

Simon: "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?"

Not answering him immediately, Ava just sat there silently letting her mind wonder.

"I'm just thinking about how normal everything feels. This whole weekend....sitting up here and drinking with you....starting my new position tomorrow at Zenith. It's nice..."

But there was no single stretch of time where the six was truly normal and happy without some catastrophe happening. It was the unfortunately truth....Standing from her chair, Ava moved to the wrought iron railings of the balcony and leaned forward, taking in the cool breeze that swept around her body.

"Plus i'm a little drunk, so i'm probably more reflective than I normally would be."

Ava laughed softly before finally moving away from the railing.

"Anyway, I should probably be getting back to my suite. Big day tomorrow."

 

[Longshot]

Parthenon - VIP Clubhouse

Simon watched Ava for a moment as she was deep in thought, not immediately answering his question. He watched as the wind blew easily through her long and gorgeous hair and then weave down near the end of her dress, causing the fabric to somewhat ripple. She was one of the most gorgeous women he had ever seen in his life and to know that she was like him, that if even if all they ever did was engage in acts of sexual depravity he could for a few moments be himself, well the thought both excited and terrified him.

He really shouldn't try and get closer to Ava Cassadine. There was something about her that decidedly dark. Something she was keeping inside of her. The few minutes he saw her struggling in her sleep had told him that much. Then there was the fact that she was now going to be his boss. They would be working side by side together on The Parisian Parthenon. Simon liked to have fun but the thing he loved more than fun was success. Continuing anything with Ava seemed to point to some kind of setback for him...both professionally and personally. Yes, all of that seemed logical in his mind, and yet...here he was with her again, drinking wine and looking at the stars like she had just accepted his varsity pin.

Ava: "I'm just thinking about how normal everything feels. This whole weekend...sitting up here drinking with you...starting my new position tomorrow at Zenith. It's nice..."

And then she said things like that. Cameron had taken him under his wing and he was now introduced to a world that he knew he could not just simply walk out of without some kind of damage. A world he wasn't really sure he WANTED to be a part of and honestly, had it not been for Ava he probably would have made the decision to tell Cameron 'thanks, but no thanks' and found work in another firm. Simon was walking too dangerously close to personal revelation and quite possibly growth both of which he fought incredibly hard against.

She walked over the railing and looked out against the night sky.

Ava: "Plus i'm a little drunk, so i'm probably more reflective than I normally would be."

Thank God. In a short amount of time, both of them had seemingly learned perfectly how to balance the deeper conversations with the overt message that they were not looking for anything serious with one another. It was what kept the pursuit going.

Ava: "Anyway, I should probably be getting back to my suite. Big day tomorrow."

Simon thought for a moment before standing up and moving next to Ava.

"I should probably get home too..I've got a new boss to try and impress...."

He breathed the words into her neck as he kissed it before moving up and reaching her lips, kissing them with an intense heat.

"This has been...fun, Ava..."

He whispered into her ear, now holding her tightly..unafraid of any press or paparazzi or wandering eyes. The Clubhouse was this exclusive and this expensive for a reason. It offered actual and complete privacy. He leaned his face into her neck again, taking in her scent one last time.

"I'll see you at work tomorrow.....Miss Cassadine..."

Simon winked as he said his goodbye with a final kiss and headed out of the clubhouse. He didn't want to test his luck and try and sleep with his boss the day before she was about to be so. That would just look crass. Instead he wanted to go home and wash the events of the weekend away, leaving only the good parts..the tall, dark and beautiful parts.

 

[Artemis]

Parthenon- Alycia's suite

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.



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.

::Alycia laughed a bit, recalling Alison and Karen both groaning about Michael startling them out of bed with his early morning drills. BUT the effort had paid off in many ways, Karen was an excellent physical hand-to-hand combatant now and could handle several small fire arms as well allowing her to surprise her foes by doing something OTHER than magick if the need to change tactics arose and ALISON, while she was already a vicious fighter and HARD to surprise, Michael had helped HER to learn the use of several fire arms as WELL as growing her trust in him as her chief of security at Minerva's Mansion.::

I think you're right. Karen is much more serene now. Her credentials as a psychotherapist have been recognized again, not only in the state of New York but also California. If she ever wants to become a doctor full time again, all her licensing and credibility is back. But she definitely enjoys living a semi-retired life and honestly? Mike is GOOD for her. I havent seen her THIS calm and centered even when I FIRST MET her and Morgan all those years ago.

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.

:: Alycia smiled, quickly placing her hand on Nicolas' hand as he touched her and patting it a few times. They had come a long way in their friendship and she had learned to appreciate Nicolas as a fine man and overall human being. ::

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.

:: Alycia's hazel eyes widen with surprise as she sits up a bit::

:: That WAS a bit....offputting. She didn't know if she liked the idea of having him do ALL of this for her. She was HARDLY poor and for her, being involved in the architecture of something, especially something that would bare HER name was important to her.::

Nicolas...that WAS a bit presumptuous of you. I would have liked to have more of a hand in this...especially since it will bare MY NAME.

:: She said rather pointedly::

:: She laid back again, sighing as she relaxed once more::

But...I suppose it WILL be nice to have this hurdle cleared as we move forward.

Just DON'T get in the mind set that you're going to be my "central bank" or anything.

:: She said as she rolled her eyes and waved her hand at Nicolas, laughing once more.::

:: She stretched and then finally stood up.::

I think I'm going to get ready to call it a night. It's been a fantastic weekend, but now I'm ready for some sleep.

:: As Nicolas stood up, she walked with him to the double doors and before she opened them, she gave Nicolas a big hug.::

Well done with Blaze, and everything else.

You're a great guy, Nic! I'm glad you and Morgan have found your way back to each other.

:: After opening the doors, she leans against one as she walks Nicolas step out.::

I'll see you sometime tommorow.

Good night.

:: And with a smile, she closes the door, slowly walking her way back into her suite, unzipping her dress along the way and finally slipping out of it and leaving it on the chaise lounge at the foot of her bed.::

 

[Firebird]

The Parthenon- Blaze's penthouse

::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.”

"Well...this was MY first time meeting her too. Well...at least HERE in this timeline. So for me it was a tremendous, PLEASURABLE discovery too."

She winked at Cass as she took another long drink and then poured some more into her flute.

:: 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…”

Blaze eyed Cass rather knowingly.

"Girl, stop stalling and spit it out!"

"Viv isn't even here and even if she were...I ALWAYS have time for my teammates and friends. What's up?"

 

[Orion]

penthouse 9401

Haleigh left to talk to Alycia. It was late, but after discussing it, they both thought it would be a good idea if Haleigh patched things up fully with Alycia, before this landmine she'd stepped on turned into a nuclear bomb.

He'd talk Haleigh down from the ledge of crazy unstable behavior, that was half the battle. He knew her well enough to know what to say and how to avoid a bigger downward spiral..... because sometimes, Haleigh would let herself feel TOO much, and do something she regretted, and that would set off a huge freefall of poor decision-making.... it was like she would realize she had a close call playing chicken with herself, then she would freak out about it and over correct by pushing everyone, especially Zach, away.

That was what happened at the LAST Cameron-Haleigh reunion. It always came back to Cameron. That fucking guy. Zach could punch him right now.... He wanted to. Every time Cameron came around, it was like Haleigh got some kind of electrical short and her brain would click on and off opposite her heart. And when her brain was off and her heart was on.... it led to some major disasters. See: SET and Nicolas. And then Haleigh would launch a while new iOS called self-loathing 5.0. He couldn't let that happen. She had come so far..... He had to do something.

He didn't realize it, but he was putting his tennis shoes on. He had also put on a t-shirt and some Nike sweatpants while he was deep in thought. He was in the elevator, heading to the 95th floor-- Cameron's floor-- before he even noticed his surroundings.

STERCO, I'm going to beat this guy to death if I see his stupid face right now.

That would NOT be a diplomatic solution. But it would feel nice. The doors opened and he resisted the temptation to bang down the door for a moment before pressing the button to the lobby. He would go for a run. It was like 4am, but this city never slept, and they were close enough to the park that he could get in an hour run, then work out his aggression with some free weights and start his day.

But first, a phone call. It went straight to voice mail. Cameron's drunk ass probably passed out already. He could leave a message. He tried not to sound hateful, but it was a challenge.

"Cameron. It's Zach. I just talked to Haleigh."

Be terse, and to the point, and manage your own emotions well enough to avoid spewing forth a string of obscenities in two languages.

"Look man, I don't know what you said to her..... but it's not cool, you messing with her head like that. Do everybody a favor and just let her be. I'm not trying to sound possessive, or saying 'leave my Woman alone', caveman style..... I mean, you're going to do whatever you want, and so will she.... I'm not stupid or delusional..... it's just..... Haleigh would benefit from you keeping a healthy distance right now. I saw you with Alycia tonight, that seems like a great thing for you. I'm asking you not to drag Haleigh down like you've done before."

 

[Prophet]

Parthenon - Cameron's Penthouse

Cameron was awakened by the vibrating tone and bright light of his iPhone chirping on the nightstand next to his bed. He groggily woke up and looked at the phone call. It was from Zachary Armani. He sat up in a tired and pissed off kind of way. as he clicked the voicemail message and took a listen.

"Cameron. It's Zach. I just talked to Haleigh."

""Look man, I don't know what you said to her..... but it's not cool, you messing with her head like that. Do everybody a favor and just let her be. I'm not trying to sound possessive, or saying 'leave my Woman alone', caveman style..... I mean, you're going to do whatever you want, and so will she.... I'm not stupid or delusional..... it's just..... Haleigh would benefit from you keeping a healthy distance right now. I saw you with Alycia tonight, that seems like a great thing for you. I'm asking you not to drag Haleigh down like you've done before."

"Is this guy fucking serious right now?"

Cameron was suddenly very awake...but the LAST thing he wanted to do was to go down and start some kind of nonsense with Zach...it ALMOST wasn't worth saying anything as Zach didn't seem to be able to express ANY kind of emotion unless it was to defend the actions of Haleigh.

BUT...Cameron was NOT going to let this go. Cameron exhaled deeply.

"Hey Zachary...it's Cameron...Just got your message."

Zach would hear the thoughts in his head as if Cameron was speaking into his ear. Cameron's tone was even though pointed as he continued.

"In an effort to save time...I thought it might be a good idea to force you to RELIVE the conversation that we just had on the roof...and THEN...I've got something to say to you."

All at once, the images began to swirl in Zach's mind. The lobby of The Parthenon faded around him as it was replaced with the night sky of The Parthenon. In front of him, he would see Haleigh and Cameron talking as they were a mere few moments earlier. Flashes of their conversation would fill his mind.

<<FLASH!>>

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."

<<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..."

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."

<<FLASH!>>

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..."

<<FLASH!>>

As the images faded around Zach, his mind was consumed with absolute darkness as Cameron's astral form appeared in his mind, with an extremely agitated look on his face.

"Take what you saw, or don't Zach...I don't really give a shit. But don't then feel compelled to speak for you girl when she clearly can't control herself. I haven't seen you in a LONG ass time...and i'm NOT the same person I was...but don't come at me like you are doing ANYTHING other than trying to protect the only thing you have...."

"You like to tout how big of a mistake I am for Haleigh...well, I've NEVER been with Haleigh and she's managed to fuck a BIG CHUNK of her life up for herself...and guess who was RIGHT by her side when that all happened? Because it wasn't me. It was you. Instead of spending your time trying to placate her and temper her emotions and make EVERYTHING better...you NEED to be forcing her to look in a mirror and help her REALIZE that she is in a state of ARRESTED DEVELOPEMENT...brought on NOT by the fact that she is in love with ME...but because she has a man behind her who will hold her and co-sign everything she does, even if it is to the detriment to herself..."

His voice was getting louder now in Zachary's head.

"Haleigh and I have had our problems...and I extended an OLIVE branch...to try and help her progress along her path...which would serve to help the BOTH of you...she did what she does best...KEEP things messy...and part of you WANTS her to keep things messy...because if she DOES ever get her shit together...if she DOES ever truly make BIG progress...She won't NEED you anymore, because everything that she could get from YOU at that point...she could get from a labrador.."

"I plan on letting her be...two hours was enough. Two hours in and a wrench gets thrown into my relationship with Alycia and I get a voicemail from Doctor Feelgood. Don't pretend your phone call was anything BUT a jealous little boy scared that somebody played with his toy truck..I'm an empath TOO ya know. You have however...won this little battle, Zach. I have no interest in entertaining a man who consistently falls on his own sword and constantly tries to be a good person for no other reason than to make sure his girlfriend stays by his side or a woman who can't get out of her way long enough to do ANY kind of good for herself...."

Cameron was finished...for the most part.

"If you want her to say yes to your proposal, Zachary...First...I'd get a new ring, because that one has my stink all over it...but secondly...give her a REASON to say YES...otherwise cut off your balls and give them to somebody that would actually use them...I'm DONE. So enjoy the MESS that both of you have made...and I will enjoy NOT being any kind of part to it ANY MORE..."

And just like that...Cameron was OUT of Zach's mind and back in his bedroom at The Parthenon he shook his head in disgust. As much as he wished he could have just regarded Zach as nothing, that man walked around with a chip on his shoulder and song in his heart, and the tune was getting too tragic and irritating for Cameron to listen to any longer. He rubbed his eyes as he picked up his phone, where he sent a text message to Alycia, hoping that she was still awake...

Alycia...you still awake...need to talk to you...

 

[Black Widow]

penthouse 9401

Zach had taken it.... rather well, actually. He ended got a bag of frozen peas for her knuckles. They were swelling pretty bad. He encouraged her to have Jasper look at it in the morning.

She was a little overwhelmed by his level of patience and commitment, but he had proven he wasn't going to give up on her based on one stupid move, and knowing he wouldn't bail on her gave her a sense of security she hadn't had in a long time.

She found Alycia's suite with ease and took a deep breath. She knocked on the door, then when she didn't get a timely response, started banging on it.

"Alycia! Let me in, I have to talk to you. It's important!"

She didn't knock the door off its hinges, though she could have. She kept on hammering it until Alycia opened it.

"So I just did something crazy and its going to majorly piss you off, but it's important for you to remember that is not Cameron's fault at all and we both agreed it was a big no-no that should not ever be repeated..... and I wouldn't normally say this conversation has to happen at 4 in the morning, but MALICE lives like right down the street and I feel like she's going to show up RIGHT FUCKING NOW to take advantage of the mind fuck opportunity."

 

[Artemis]

The Parthenon- Alycia's suite

She knocked on the door, then when she didn't get a timely response, started banging on it.

:: timing can make or break situations and communication. ::

:: Cameron's text comes through Alycia's phone, which is on the nightstand, next to her bed, which she is not in because she is making her way toward the double doors of her suite.::

Alycia! Let me in, I have to talk to you. It's important!"

She didn't knock the door off its hinges, though she could have. She kept on hammering it until Alycia opened it.

:: Quickly wrapping her satin mini robe around her tight form, she finally reaches the doors.::


:: Alycia's feminum bracelets shimmer in the darkness of her penthouse as she grabs the doorknob and flings the door open. Her hair blows back a bit as her hazel eyes fix on Haleigh::


:: Alycia bellows::

Are YOU out of your mind!? Banging on my door like some lunatic?

So I just did something crazy and its going to majorly piss you off, but it's important for you to remember that is not Cameron's fault at all and we both agreed it was a big no-no that should not ever be repeated..... and I wouldn't normally say this conversation has to happen at 4 in the morning, but MALICE lives like right down the street and I feel like she's going to show up RIGHT FUCKING NOW to take advantage of the mind fuck opportunity.

:: Alycia stood there, not terribly willing to let Haleigh in at first. but the woman was VERY adamant. Alycia rolled her eyes and stood to the side, gesturing for Haleigh to come in.::

"Mind fuck" indeed.

::SLAMMING the doors shut once Haleigh was inside::

You were fucked out of YOUR mind AGES ago.

What the HELL do you want!?

:: she marches past Haleigh, leading her to where they're going to have this little chat. Now BACK in the same sunken living room that she and Nicolas had been in earlier, she grabs a bottled water from the mini bar and seats herself in the chair she'd been in a little while ago, letting Haleigh find her own seat.::

WELL!?

 

[Ruby]

The Parthenon - Blaze's Penthouse

"Well...this was MY first time meeting her too. Well...at least HERE in this timeline. So for me it was a tremendous, PLEASURABLE discovery too."

Okay. Careful steps, Cassie. Careful steps.

:: She took a long sip and then cradled the flute in her hands. ::

"Girl, stop stalling and spit it out!"

"Viv isn't even here and even if she were...I ALWAYS have time for my teammates and friends. What's up?"

:: Cass took a deep breath. She wasn’t sure how to maneuver this conversationbecause it was new territory to her…and it also terrified and intrigued her at the same time. ::

So…when did YOU first begin to look at women differently? I mean, last night when I had sex…was INTERESTING to say the least, but I also enjoyed it; REALLY enjoyed it.”

:: Cass was blushing by now. ::

“My last relationship was with a man, so I’m just wondering if I’m doing this because I’m curious and it’s new or am I really bisexual…I don’t know.”

:: She looked at Blaze quickly and then looked away. She DID have feelings for her, but if she and Vivica are embarking on a new relationship, she wouldn’t stand in the way of that. Like with men: chicks over dicks, but only the female version…if there was one. ::

“Do you have any advice or something for me?”

:: She bit her lip and then GULPED down the contents her flute before pouring another one. ::

What the HELL am I doing?!

 

[Black Widow]

Alycia: 'Mind fuck' indeed. You were fucked out of YOUR mind AGES ago.

"No argument there. I can't even tell you when it happened, but I'm pretty sure it predates any contact with Malice."

Alycia: What the HELL do you want!?

"I told you, damage control....."

She replied, gingerly running her fingertips over her swollen knuckles.

Alycia: WELL?!

"Well... there's really no easy way to say this....."

She sat down on the edge of the arm chair, glancing around the room to acquaint herself with the surroundings in case she had to throw a table in between them to slow Alycia down.

"I kissed Cameron. On mouth. But I stopped immediately when I realized what I was doing! And I'd like to reiterate that both of us agreed it was fucked up and not at all what we wanted. Also, I apologize for my crazy plan to get Alexia back, and my general disregard for your feelings. Basically I'm sorry for being an asshole all the time."

She was tensed and ready for Alycia to flip out..... but better that Alycia flip out on her, than for her to go psycho on Cameron. This wasn't totally his fault, he shouldn't have to face her Desert Eagles. And yes, Haleigh noticed that Alycia was wearing her adamantium gauntlets.

 

[Orion]

Parthenon lobby

Cameron: In an effort to save time...I thought it might be a good idea to force you to RELIVE the conversation that we just had on the roof...and THEN...I've got something to say to you.

Zach reached out to a marble pillar for support, a sense of vertigo over took him as his scenery changed. He watched their interaction, leaning against the pillar.

Cameron: but don't come at me like you are doing ANYTHING other than trying to protect the only thing you have....

of COURSE I'm trying to protect her, you inconsiderate ass. YOU may only care about yourself, but I actually care about HER. I know you can't fathom that, but there it is.

Cameron: . Instead of spending your time trying to placate her and temper her emotions and make EVERYTHING better...you NEED to be forcing her to look in a mirror and help her REALIZE that she is in a state of ARRESTED DEVELOPEMENT...brought on NOT by the fact that she is in love with ME...but because she has a man behind her who will hold her and co-sign everything she does, even if it is to the detriment to herself...

you judgmental motherfucker..... ooo, look at me, I'm Cameron, King of the fucking free world, I've grown so much. I'm so special and mature and so much better than the only person who had my back years ago when everybody hated me and I was just a regular rich bastard with no idea how in over my head I REALLY was.

Cameron: She won't NEED you anymore, because everything that she could get from YOU at that point...she could get from a labrador...

well I hope not, because I'm an open minded guy, but bestiality is where I draw the line.

Cameron: I plan on letting her be...two hours was enough. Two hours in and a wrench gets thrown into my relationship with Alycia and I get a voicemail from Doctor Feelgood. Don't pretend your phone call was anything BUT a jealous little boy scared that somebody played with his toy truck..I'm an empath TOO ya know.

Fuck you, playboy.

Cameron: If you want her to say yes to your proposal, Zachary...First...I'd get a new ring, because that one has my stink all over it...but secondly...give her a REASON to say YES...otherwise cut off your balls and give them to somebody that would actually use them...I'm DONE. So enjoy the MESS that both of you have made...and I will enjoy NOT being any kind of part to it ANY MORE...

yeah, whatever, go fuck yourself.

So much for being eloquent, but Cameron was in his mind, so it wasn't like that was going to get filtered. His surroundings returned to him and he pushed out into the brisk evening air and picked up speed.

 

[Artemis]

The Parthenon- Alycia's suite

"Well... there's really no easy way to say this....."

She sat down on the edge of the arm chair, glancing around the room to acquaint herself with the surroundings in case she had to throw a table in between them to slow Alycia down.

:: Alycia watched Haleigh, who was rather muted at this moment. She seemed to be assessing her surroundings. was she EXPECTING a battle to erupt between them?::

"I kissed Cameron. On mouth. But I stopped immediately when I realized what I was doing! And I'd like to reiterate that both of us agreed it was fucked up and not at all what we wanted. Also, I apologize for my crazy plan to get Alexia back, and my general disregard for your feelings. Basically I'm sorry for being an asshole all the time."

She was tensed and ready for Alycia to flip out..... but better that Alycia flip out on her, than for her to go psycho on Cameron. This wasn't totally his fault, he shouldn't have to face her Desert Eagles. And yes, Haleigh noticed that Alycia was wearing her adamantium gauntlets.

:: Alycia took a long drink of water, then exhaled with a bit of a laugh as she stretched in her seat. There was silence for a moment, only the soft hum of power from the building exterior could be heard faintly in the dark penthouse::

That's it?


THAT'S your urgent...EARTH SHATTERING revelation?

:: She sat up and scooted forward a bit in her seat to get a closer look at Haleigh, gazing into her eyes without waver::

I could've guessed what was coming when you two had "ALONE TIME" together.

:: She spoke in a low, even tone::

Stevie Wonder could see the impending collision of the Cameron/Haleigh TRAINWRECK.

Cameron spent almost an HOUR this morning, championing his cause...YOU. He was determined to WIN that argument with ME. I finally relented, for HIS sake, because he was CONVINCED that you had GREW UP AND PROGRESSED enough to deal with him as the MAN he is TODAY and NOT the ASSHOLE you MIRRORED several years ago in the citadle.

He DEFENDED you when I told him just who you ARE and what you DO.

:: She leans back and has a HEARTY laugh::

WELL!

I guess YOU prooved my point for me, didn't you? I didnt even HAVE to make a rebuttal or a closing argument. You prooved my case against you with a SLAM DUNK...or in this case a MAKE OUT.

:: She sat back up again::

I'm not threatened by you when it comes to Cameron, Haleigh. YOU are his PAST. I am his PRESENT. NOW he understands that. You should too, on your way back up to your penthouse, where YOUR MAN, ZACHARY is waiting?

Cameron's a big boy and he can take care of himself. He ALSO knows that he will have to CLEAN UP the messes HE makes.

As for what happened at Melrose Place?

:: Scoffing::

Well, that was MY fault for being the fool, much like Cameron was this morning. I believed that like the REST of us, you had grown up and progressed PAST the point where you regarded friendships with anyone who isn't man like a drunken co-ed would regard a box of pop-up panties. Convenient...disposable.

You show up...OUT OF THE BLUE, after COSPLAYING AS AN AVENGER for MONTHS, and expected to just...TAKE OVER a situation you knew NOTHING about and only had ONE, SKEWED SIDE of the story about...and I....someone who was THERE...FOR ALL OF IT...tried to stop you...STOP HER [DELILAH] from doing something STUPID and I get dismissed and disrespected.

HER I could expect it from...she's out of her mind with grief, rage....a sense of loss and and it's understandable. YOU? I expected BETTER and once again...I was a FOOL for it.


GROW UP, Haleigh. Everyone ELSE on this team has. YOU should too. Otherwise you're going to find yourself even MORE an outcast than you already think you are and at times, seem to PRIDE yourself on being.

STOP taking perverse pleasure out of hurting and alienating people just to preserve YOUR stunted comfort zone or you're gonna find out REAL FAST what it is to TRULY be a pariah and Zach is going to grow TIRED of your 1 dimensional foolishness and fuckery and LEAVE you for a woman who doesnt thrive off of conflict and dysfunction.

 

[Prophet]

Parthenon - Cameron's Penthouse

Alycia didn't respond. A quick mental scan of the floors beneath him would show that Haleigh and Alycia were in her apartment talking. He let out a giant groan.

"Great...just GREAT..."

Jumping off his bed he put his underwear on as he walked out to the balcony that was connected to the master bedroom of his penthouse. He sat in one of the plush charcoal grey outdoor chairs as he propped his feet up on the glass table that lay beside it. As he looked out in the sky he attempted to calm himself down from the stupid back and forth he had just engaged in with Zach.

The man's words resounded in his head as he lay on the chair.

Zach: "of COURSE I'm trying to protect her, you inconsiderate ass. YOU may only care about yourself, but I actually care about HER. I know you can't fathom that, but there it is...."

Cameron grimaced. Of course he cared about Haleigh. He cared about all of them. That's why he was here. For are far as he had come recently, he realized he HADN'T been prepared to deal with people who had been unaware of these changes, or didn't realize just how far they had gone. Zach and Haleigh were two of these people. Zach may have had Cameron's number a year or two ago...but now it was a different story. Protecting somebody and truly caring about somebody were two very different things. He had protected people he didn't like, for the sake of the team, but he wouldn't protect the people he cared about from FACING the things he thought they needed to face. Not that he was the moral highground, but out of going through the things that he went through, he HAD learned a thing or two along the way, and if he could share that, then good. Zach now made him nervous because he didn't know whether he was protecting Haleigh because of the love he had for her, or due to self preservation...to keep this 'relationship' they had afloat.

Zach: "you judgmental motherfucker..... ooo, look at me, I'm Cameron, King of the fucking free world, I've grown so much. I'm so special and mature and so much better than the only person who had my back years ago when everybody hated me and I was just a regular rich bastard with no idea how in over my head I REALLY was."

That one stung a little. Cameron had worked HARD to get to where he was at the moment. He was revelling in his successes, both personally and professionally. But he wasn't ignorant to the fact that he still had learning to do...as did EVERYBODY on the team, and that everything he built was contingent on him continuing to walk the walk. He didn't think he was better then Haleigh. He didn't even think he was better than Zach...and back in the day...everybody hated the BOTH of them. The difference between Cameron and Haleigh was that although Haleigh had taken steps...Cameron took leaps. He wasn't holding that over her head...but she had to KNOW that she couldn't approach him in the same way she used to. Cameron HAD approached Haleigh differently...assuming she was farther along than she was. There was no judgment so much as dissappointment and a little bit of anger that Haleigh could never just seem to let go and 'surrender'. He would always respect and love Haleigh for having his back the way she did...in fact up until an hour or so ago, he never questioned it...he even defended her against Alycia. So much time had passed between Haleigh and Cameron that Cameron never took into account the fact that the reason things might not ever go back to normal between them was because the two people Cameron and Haleigh were in the Citadel were NOT the two people they were today.

He wished he would have dealt with things better, but Zach was still a trigger that was easily pulled when it came to Cameron, though he was beginning to matter less and less to Cameron. He respected the man for his record and for being able to maintain Haleigh's interest as long as he had, but the way that Haleigh spoke of, the amount of credit she gave him...Cameron didn't agree with and he was quite frankly sick of having this guy floating over his head all the time that was touted as being BETTER than him. Cameron knew he wasn't perfect, and he knew it was stupid to have this kind of animosity over a situation he didn't care to deal with anymore, but sometimes a person knows how to push a button and sometimes even without intending to they do.

Cameron shifted to the side as he tried to clear his mind for a second. Sometimes, when he needed somebody to talk to, he often found a quiet place where he could talk outloud...to his SISTER, Alison. It was a way for him to leave her a type of psychic note in the timeline. He didn't like to bother her these days as she was going through her own pain, so he would leave her these messages for times when she was busy looking through the timelines...like somewhat of a psychic "voicemail".

"Well, Sis...the weekend for the most part has been a success...no, that's narrow. It WAS a success...I've never seen Blaze so happy. I think Nicolas, Alycia, Karen and I really hit it out of the park on this one. Blaze isn't going anywhere now...anytime soon..so don't worry...when Morgan comes back...she'll have her sister...and we'll have our teammate...I really wish you could have been there..."

Leaning back in the chair, he continued.

"Vivica has been around lately, too...which is nice. She looks so good...and she sees happy...but, I wouldn't be me if any number of women weren't mad at me. I really dropped the ball with her..I forgot about her, and I need to make it up to her somehow...thankfully Blaze has really been able to bridge the gap between her and The Six...in more ways in one...that one...I'll just have to tell you about in person..."

[smiling]

"Just like you saw...Ava agreed to my offer to join The Zenith Group...she starts tomorrow..and we were BOTH right about that little blonde boy...Simon Pratt. I know she's going through a lot right now..and in true Ava fashion she isn't going to come out with it until absolutely necessary..but you should SEE those two together, Al. They....really, really like each other...I can feel it. This could be the start of something big for her...and to be honest...for the first time in my life..I feel squared away with Ava. I respect her...and hell..I even like her...a lot. I'm really looking forward to working with her. You'll hate Simon when you meet him..he's like Old Cameron 2.0 only he was raised with more money. He'll come around once the gang beats him into submission...and I see a lot of potential in him..."

Cameron sat up for a moment and looked at the clock through the sliding glass door. It was getting incredibly late. He needed rest if he was going to be at full force tomorrow, ready for Ava.

"I gotta get to sleep so lemme try and wrap this up...Haleigh came back as you know...and she's managed to cause a stir like always...Don't worry..I'm being smart this time...at least with her...Zach on the other hand can suck my dick. I'm sorry...progress takes time and...well...I think things are going well with Alycia...I can sense the potential for something big here and I think i'm gonna go for it. That is...if her conversation with Haleigh doesn't derail things anymore...that's another in person kind of story..."

[standing up, looking up at the sky]

"Anyway...I love you Alison...and I miss you more than you can imagine. I wish you would have been here...but I know it's just not possible now. Take your time. Know that I have your back..and i'll support you in whatever I can do...and... [pausing for a moment] she's okay..she's not fine...but she's okay. Good Night, Alison...and again...I love you..."

Cameron blew a kiss into the air and gave a warm smile, knowing that Alison would stumble upon his message at some point soon. He laid back down in his bed as he looked at his phone. No reply from Alycia, which could have meant a multitude of things from both of them being dead...to Alycia being so pissed off at both him and Haleigh that she never wanted to see them again...they were still talking...Haleigh hadn't told her. The possibilities were endless and he was not a seer. But Cameron knew himself and he hadn't done anything wrong tonight. The only mistake he had made was giving Haleigh more credit than she deserved and thinking of that...made him a little sick.

He clapped his hands as the air conditioning came on his room and he pulled the sheet over his body, attempting to lose himself in his dreams and get some much needed rest.

 

[Black Widow]

Alycia's suite

Alycia took a long drink of water calmly and then laughed. As if it was some kind of joke..... this bitch is about to go berserk! I'd better make sure it looks like self defense when it's over with. What closet would she keep her 9-iron in?

Alycia: That's it?

"Um..... Well I didn't shoot sparks out of my nipples or anything, so yeah, that's it....."

Alycia: THAT'S your urgent...EARTH SHATTERING revelation?

"I can't fucking believe this. You aren't even upset about it. Did everyone start taking Zyprexa while I was gone? Because you bitches are all super fucking chill."

Alycia: I could've guessed what was coming when you two had "ALONE TIME" together.

(Sarcastically) "WELL, I should have fucked him then, I didn't realize you were so cool with it."

Alycia: Stevie Wonder could see the impending collision of the Cameron/Haleigh TRAINWRECK.

"Oh, okay, here we go. You were just warming up, I see. Great."

Alycia straight up gloated about her discussion with Cameron, how she had been RIGHT and blah blah blah. Good thing Haleigh had true selective hearing. She could choose to listen to the water sloshing around in Alycia's glass, rather than suffer through the bleating of miss always-right.

"Oh, Alycia, you're so insightful! Won't you please tell me more about myself?"

She replied with a heavy sardonic tone. And Alycia spun into telling Haleigh about how she'd mishandled the effort with Delilah.

Alycia: You show up...OUT OF THE BLUE, after COSPLAYING AS AN AVENGER for MONTHS--

"I was WORKING WITH SHIELD, saving this very fucking building from demolition, thank you very fucking much!"

Alycia: and expected to just...TAKE OVER a situation you knew NOTHING about and only had ONE, SKEWED SIDE of the story about...and I....someone who was THERE...FOR ALL OF IT...tried to stop you...STOP HER [DELILAH] from doing something STUPID and I get dismissed and disrespected.

"At least I was TRYING to do something! You have just given up! I see it in your face, in all your faces. You don't think this can be fixed, or at least it isn't your problem, so you're giving Delilah a reach-around and pushing her to get over it-- and that's making HER WORSE!"

Alycia: HER I could expect it from...she's out of her mind with grief, rage....a sense of loss and and it's understandable. YOU? I expected BETTER and once again...I was a FOOL for it.


"Yeah, you are a fucking FOOL! You act like we used to braid each other's hair and have sleep overs, but if we were ever even CLOSE to being friends, I didn't know about it, so stop acting like I let you down or broke a pinky-swear or something, because we worked together when we had to and I wanted to help you over your 'only human' crutch-cop out because it was better for the big picture as far as team business, but that was about it. And where ever it was that you got this stupid idea that I'm some kind of person remotely in touch with the concept of a 'decent human being'? That's your fucking bad, because I've been pretty fucking consistently deranged this whole time."

Alycia: GROW UP, Haleigh. Everyone ELSE on this team has. YOU should too. Otherwise you're going to find yourself even MORE an outcast than you already think you are and at times, seem to PRIDE yourself on being.

"Oh, go fuck the horse you rode in on. I've made some huge sacrifices for this team, I've earned my place, and there isn't ONE ACTUAL SIX MEMBER that will call me an outcast."

Alycia: STOP taking perverse pleasure out of hurting and alienating people just to preserve YOUR stunted comfort zone or you're gonna find out REAL FAST what it is to TRULY be a pariah and Zach is going to grow TIRED of your 1 dimensional foolishness and fuckery and LEAVE you for a woman who doesnt thrive off of conflict and dysfunction.

"Well I hope you're WRONG..... because I have very few tethers holding me to the human race..... Cameron used to be one, but he's 'grown' or some shit. Alison and Morgan are gone, Delilah is teetering on a mental precipice.... if Zach goes TOO.... and all that connects me to giving a fuck is AVA? My sister and I might just say 'fuck all this ethical bullshit' and join the Hellfire Club, because 'POWER WITHOUT CONSEQUENCE' is sounding better every day I look at YOUR judgmental face."

She stood up abruptly, shaking her head at the insanity of even having this conversation. She thought she could come here and explain it and apologize and DO THE RIGHT FUCKING THING, the MATURE thing, without getting vilified? What WAS she thinking?

"So anyway, I just figured it was better to hear it from me than getting some kind of creepy twisted psycho stalker Sandman visit in your sleep from Malice..... and I didn't think Cameron should have to explain himself for MY impulsive reaction. You'll have to excuse me, I'm going back to 'my man's, one of the very few people who actually make an effort to make me feel marginally better about myself, even when I don't shine."

 

[Artemis]

Parthenon- Alycia's suite

"I can't fucking believe this. You aren't even upset about it. Did everyone start taking Zyprexa while I was gone? Because you bitches are all super fucking chill."

Why is it so hard to believe that people DO change and PROGRESS as they LEARN and GROW?

:: She said with laughter in her tone::

(Sarcastically) "WELL, I should have fucked him then, I didn't realize you were so cool with it."

Hardly that. I simply gave Cameron more credit than I did you. I EXPECTED YOU to revert to impulse driven fuckery and deep down...Cameron did too. He was just determined to proove ME wrong, but for ME, there was no prize in it. I have trust and respect for him. HE doesnt squander those GIFTS, like YOU do.

"Oh, Alycia, you're so insightful! Won't you please tell me more about myself?"

Why deprive Karen of ANOTHER opportunity to try to CRACK your demented ego? Although I'm sure even SHE would have any number of other things she'd rather do than revisit a therapy session with YOU.

"At least I was TRYING to do something! You have just given up! I see it in your face, in all your faces. You don't think this can be fixed, or at least it isn't your problem, so you're giving Delilah a reach-around and pushing her to get over it-- and that's making HER WORSE!"

NO. We acknowledged our LIMITATIONS and that we FAILED, though NOT for a lack of trying. We're not gods and goddesses, none of us has the power to do WHATEVER we want.

There was NOTHING we could do, short of standing back and letting her have her way and DIE, leaving that baby ORPHANED in a world no child should have to face alone.

We've taken SOLACE in knowing that Alexia is SAFE in the care of Ororo and we're holding on to HOPE that ORORO will come through, as she has MANY times in the past.

"Yeah, you are a fucking FOOL!

::Alycia lifted her eyebrows and smirked, nodding her head and speaking rather calmly::

No less than you.

You act like we used to braid each other's hair and have sleep overs, but if we were ever even CLOSE to being friends, I didn't know about it, so stop acting like I let you down or broke a pinky-swear or something, because we worked together when we had to and I wanted to help you over your 'only human' crutch-cop out because it was better for the big picture as far as team business, but that was about it. And where ever it was that you got this stupid idea that I'm some kind of person remotely in touch with the concept of a 'decent human being'? That's your fucking bad, because I've been pretty fucking consistently deranged this whole time.

:: She titled her head as she gazed at Haleigh, yawning and stretching::

This is quite efficient. Letting YOU expend all of this energy trying to be what I already know you are...a nasty, souless BITCH, while I sit back and let you CONFIRM the VERY THING I said to Cameron!

Listen, I am NOT under any illusions about our past. In fact, I'm remembering that QUITE WELL. You WERE the one who helped me come around and let go of that "only human" reflex. I'll ALWAYS credit you for that. I'm not embarrassed OR ashamed to say I needed THAT before I could even begin my healing and reinvention on Themyscira.

However, You've ALSO just confirmed what I said to Cameron. VERY LITTLE that you do, FOR ANYONE, is driven by pure motive. EVERYTHING about you is greed, avarice, narcissism and sociapathic. ONLY YOU could take pride in doing a genuinely GOOD DEED for an equally, PURELY SELFISH and TWISTED motive and think that as long as it benefits YOU, that makes your motives ok.

But that's just YOU to a tee.

NOTHING good and DECENT would EVER abide in that neutron waste dump you call a "HEART". But don't worry. We all make mistakes. Mine was believing that when you returned, you'd be interested in continuing on the path of PROGRESS you were the last time I saw you. I'm not ashamed that I thought of you as a friend. I can give anyone, who shows they deserve it, a chance.

"Oh, go fuck the horse you rode in on. I've made some huge sacrifices for this team, I've earned my place, and there isn't ONE ACTUAL SIX MEMBER that will call me an outcast."

Moves of strategy I'm sure. Since that's the way you started out and that's the way you conduct all of your business and personal affairs. Using everyone as a means to an end. Offering JUST ENOUGH of a pretense to pass under the radar, thinking that your "good works" and LESS THAN altruistic "sacrifices" will make up for...or EXCUSE your TOTALLY deficient character and personality?

Are you willing to take a poll on that? ESPECIALLY when they find out how you launched yourself onto Cameron like a cat in heat? MAYBE the reason why you think that is because, as usual, you live in your own self centered world, comfortable with your own STUNTED VIEW of things.


:: She waves her hand, replying in a wistful tone::

I imagine the ONLY reason ZACH can stomach you is because of his OWN mutant abilities. It would take NOTHING LESS than an act of super powers or supernatural to reign in your toxic ways.

You've been gone, for MONTHS. It doesnt matter WHERE OR WHY. You havent been here and that itself isn't necessarily a bad thing. But in that time, EVERYBODY has changed, MOVED ON. Sure there's no doubt that you have the respect and trust of this team in battle and you fascinate most of the men because of your "atypical" ways... But there's more to life than battle or espionage or sitting on obscene amounts of money and "intell" as you play spy games around the world.

There are people, with feelings, minds and HEARTS, EXPECTATIONS ...and part of being a REAL FRIEND is recognizing and rising to MEET those expectations. But that's NOT YOU, is it? It NEVER has been.

:: Her tone and presentation changed, as she began to put more FORCE into her withering verbal attack on Haleigh::

Everyone is supposed to kow tow to you and tolerate your bullshit. Well, keep thinking that's the order of the day and see what happens.

"Well I hope you're WRONG..... because I have very few tethers holding me to the human race..... Cameron used to be one, but he's 'grown' or some shit. Alison and Morgan are gone, Delilah is teetering on a mental precipice.... if Zach goes TOO.... and all that connects me to giving a fuck is AVA? My sister and I might just say 'fuck all this ethical bullshit' and join the Hellfire Club, because 'POWER WITHOUT CONSEQUENCE' is sounding better every day I look at YOUR judgmental face."

"tethers"...is that what they are to you? essentially another means to an end? it's THEIR responsibility to "anchor" you?

:: Alycia scoffs::

You're weak as HELL. I can't believe I didn't see this before!

EVERYBODY on this team knows who their ultimate source of strength and self reliance is. It comes from WITHIN. ONLY when a person has their shit together INTERNALLY can they possibly be of any benefit or any real, HEALTHY support to the ones around them. EVERYBODY ELSE, EVEN NICOLAS has come to understand that. Your SISTER too. She may not be overly fond of me and HERA knows the feeling is MUTUAL, but I'll give credit were credit's due.

She has a LIFE. She's found a companion AND she manages to do this all the way remaining CONNECTED to her team and NOT being bound by her PAST or using it as an excuse for SHITTY, CHILDISH behavior. She's not about to THROW ALL of that progress away just to pacify YOU.

Yes, You go to Malice and the Hellfire club. Perhaps THEN you'll finally understand what it is to be USED by someone the way you USE and throw away just about EVERYONE in your life and then be met with NOTHING but indifference when you wonder WHY you're nothing more than her PAWN and PLAYTHING, to be tossed away when you've out lived your usefullness.

:: Alycia's words were like arrows of VENOM, shooting at Haleigh in RAPID and LASER focused accuracy. The not of contempt she held for Haleigh had SWELLED into a SYMPHONY.::

She stood up abruptly, shaking her head at the insanity of even having this conversation. She thought she could come here and explain it and apologize and DO THE RIGHT FUCKING THING, the MATURE thing, without getting vilified? What WAS she thinking?

"So anyway, I just figured it was better to hear it from me than getting some kind of creepy twisted psycho stalker Sandman visit in your sleep from Malice..... and I didn't think Cameron should have to explain himself for MY impulsive reaction. You'll have to excuse me, I'm going back to 'my man's, one of the very few people who actually make an effort to make me feel marginally better about myself, even when I don't shine."

Malice is quite a convenient scapegoat for you, isn't she? But unlike you, SHE never PRETENDS or PLAYS at being anybody's FRIEND or someone to have any trust or expectation in. Having HER come crashing through the door would be REFRESHING, considering she's not a self loathing, life draining BITCH with the personality of a viper!

:: Alycia suddenly FELT the tone and force of her own voice and presentation as she realized just how much VENOM she was spitting out. She covered her mouth with her hands as she looked astonished for a brief momenet. Her feminum bracelets shmmered once more as she felt the conviction of ATHENA wash over her.::

Bright LADY! WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!?

:: IMMEDIATELY she was convicted in her heart. She was HARDLY doing this to HELP she was just satisfying her need for REVENGE and to what end? There is such a fine line between JUST criticism and even warranted condemnation, and being CRUEL to the point of destroying what flicker of hope a person has FOR growth and change. ::

:: There was even a CRACK of thunder outside that caught BOTH of them of guard as a night time thunderstorm was beginning::

Haleigh...WAIT A MINUTE.

:: Alycia commanded with the force of her amazonian voice and tone::

:: Ther was silence as Haleigh STOPPED , but didn't turn around just yet. Alycia stood up. She crossed her bracelets in front of her chest in an X pattern, the clinking sound got Haleigh's attention, it was a solemn gesture on Alycia's part. ::

I have gone too far.

Yes, you're wrong...but SO AM I.

There is no honor, no justification in tearing someone down in a moment of weakness. Especially if there's no interest in helping the person to rebuild BETTER than before.

:: Alycia said without hesitation::

I'm SORRY for verbally assaulting you the way I did.

:: She said with a calm, even tone and displayed sincerity::

:: All the while, her PHONE on her nightstand in the master bedroom continued to glow and vibrate intermitently with an alert of a text from Cameron. She had yet to even be aware of this, but right now, She was addressing the situation at hand.::

 

[Firebird]

The Parthenon- Blaze's penthouse

:: She took a long sip and then cradled the flute in her hands. ::

:: Cass took a deep breath. She wasn’t sure how to maneuver this conversationbecause it was new territory to her…and it also terrified and intrigued her at the same time. ::

So…when did YOU first begin to look at women differently? I mean, last night when I had sex…was INTERESTING to say the least, but I also enjoyed it; REALLY enjoyed it.

Blaze focused on Cass with her apple green eyes, gazing at her calmly but with focus. She knew there as more to this, so she waited as Cass seemed to open up more with it.

:: Cass was blushing by now. ::

“My last relationship was with a man, so I’m just wondering if I’m doing this because I’m curious and it’s new or am I really bisexual…I don’t know.”

:: She looked at Blaze quickly and then looked away. She DID have feelings for her, but if she and Vivica are embarking on a new relationship, she wouldn’t stand in the way of that. Like with men: chicks over dicks, but only the female version…if there was one. ::

“Do you have any advice or something for me?”

:: She bit her lip and then GULPED down the contents her flute before pouring another one. ::

What the HELL am I doing?!

Blaze smiled at Cass, taking her hand and placing it on Cass' cheek, gently holding it there. she stared at Cass a bit more before finally breaking her silence.

"I love that you came to me about this, tonight. You're a thoughtful and sincere girl not to mention BEAUTIFUL."

Winking at her as she rubbed her hand down Cass' face, leaving a soothing warming sensation in the aftermath of her touch.

"And have more feeling in your heart than you've been ready to acknowledge...until now."

"It's just like I told you at Minerva's Mansion!"

She said as she nodded, taking Cass' hands into her own and holding them

"You're doing what comes natural. But we don't always know all sides of ourselves at any given moment."

"MOST people live their lives convinced they can only be a certain way or that they are who they are because that's ALL they know. They haven't been anywhere or around anyone that touches the parts of them that they unconsciously neglect."

"Cass, you've been around the world longer than ALL of us in many ways. Surely you can't tell me that in all your travels and adventures, this is literally the FIRST TIME in your life you've noticed the beauty of a woman or allowed yourself to fully investigate your sexuality and orientation?"

Blaze didn't ask this to shame or condemn Cass, she was genuinely curious, because it was EASY to dismiss Cass as just another "little girl", but Blaze never underestimated anyone...friend or foe...and when she wanted to know something, she asked directly. Some people could handle it, some couldn't. She had faith that Cass was the former rather than the latter.

She continues to hold Cass' hands, raising them up a bit before sitting them back down on her leg.

"Don't be afraid of who you are or to learn MORE about who you are. Self discovery is so important! It leads to so many other things in other areas of our lives!"

"I know people will say i'm a lesbian or perhaps bi. But in MY mind, I don't really wear a "label" when it comes to my orientation. I've found beauty and appeal in BOTH genders at different times in my life. I've never felt the NEED to lock on to one or the other. True I spend more time with women, but that's okay with me. If a man who hits all the right notes comes along, we'll make some music together too, but no matter what, I'll still be ME and I'll fully enjoy the fact that I'm NEVER afraid to be who I am or enjoy what comes to me. "

"If you're finally seeing something in women that you didnt notice you saw before and it's drawing you closer, then take a closer look! Don't be a stranger to yourself or a prisoner in your own mind."

Squeezing Cass hands, Blaze smiles reassuringly at her.

"I don't just have advice either. I have FRIENDSHIP and comfort ready for you, always!"

She pulls Cass into a tight hug. And after a few moment, she GOOSES Cass

"Hey, I just wated to check out what I've seen Mike and a few others glancing at more than once!"

Blaze winked at Cass and laughed, pouring another drink for herself

 

[Rampage]

So much for sleep.

Nicolas' eyes flashed open as he sensed a outpouring of psychic energy. His training immediately had him looking for MALICE, but he immediately realized it as someone else: Cameron King. And the target was...ZACH?!

Nicolas jumped (LITERALLY) into a pair of jeans and boots and wasted no time shadow-stepping straight up to Cam's room. Zach was in no great distress and no longer mentally engaged, but there was definitely quite a bit of residual energy FROM Cam to Zach.

Nicolas found Cam feverishly dialing a phone number over and over. He knew that the man knew he was there, so he simply waited to be acknowledged. He started with one simple question.


I take it that did not go particularly well. Care to talk about it?

 

[Ruby]

The Parthenon - Blaze's Penthouse

"I love that you came to me about this, tonight. You're a thoughtful and sincere girl not to mention BEAUTIFUL."

"And have more feeling in your heart than you've been ready to acknowledge...until now."

"It's just like I told you at Minerva's Mansion!"

:: Cass felt the warmth of Blaze’s hand as Blaze ran it down her cheek soothingly. Cass smiled softly as the fire elemental grabbed her hands in hers. She knew that she was right in coming to Blaze, and that her friend would understand her confusion and whatnot. ::

"You're doing what comes natural. But we don't always know all sides of ourselves at any given moment."

"MOST people live their lives convinced they can only be a certain way or that they are who they are because that's ALL they know. They haven't been anywhere or around anyone that touches the parts of them that they unconsciously neglect."

"Cass, you've been around the world longer than ALL of us in many ways. Surely you can't tell me that in all your travels and adventures, this is literally the FIRST TIME in your life you've noticed the beauty of a woman or allowed yourself to fully investigate your sexuality and orientation?"

“You know, it might surprise you that yes, this was my first dalliance with a woman…but I have long noticed that certain women were more good-looking than others. I’ve always been comfortable enough in my orientation, which I have always thought was ‘straight’, to admit women were hot and attractive.”

:: She looked down at their entwined hands and cleared her throat. She wasn’t sure if she should say this next part, but then decided to take a giant leap. ::

Here goes nothing…

:: She took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly before looking up at Blaze again. ::

*bashfully*: “The thing is I didn’t begin to notice women in a different light until I met you.”

:: Cass’ eyes widened when she realized that what she said COULD be misconstrued into something else entirely. She didn’t WANT Blaze to know what she was feeling…at least not at this stage. ::

“I mean…I just meant that…” *frustrated*: “Oh you KNOW what I mean!”

:: She rolled her eyes and shook her head and let out a frustrated sigh. She squeezed them shut for a few seconds, waiting as her embarrassment dies down. She wasn’t blushing, but she FELT embarrassed. ::

Ugh, this is so annoying!

:: She opened her eyes. ::

"Don't be afraid of who you are or to learn MORE about who you are. Self discovery is so important! It leads to so many other things in other areas of our lives!"

"I know people will say i'm a lesbian or perhaps bi. But in MY mind, I don't really wear a "label" when it comes to my orientation. I've found beauty and appeal in BOTH genders at different times in my life. I've never felt the NEED to lock on to one or the other. True I spend more time with women, but that's okay with me. If a man who hits all the right notes comes along, we'll make some music together too, but no matter what, I'll still be ME and I'll fully enjoy the fact that I'm NEVER afraid to be who I am or enjoy what comes to me. "

"If you're finally seeing something in women that you didnt notice you saw before and it's drawing you closer, then take a closer look! Don't be a stranger to yourself or a prisoner in your own mind."

:: Cass smiled at Blaze…but it was forced. She wished she, HERSELF, could be as confident. ::

“I wish that I could say I know who I am…but that sadly isn’t true.”

"I don't just have advice either. I have FRIENDSHIP and comfort ready for you, always!"

“Aww, thank you so much!”

:: Cass closed her eyes as she hugged her friend…and then her eyes popped open WIDE. ::

*shocked*: “BLAZE!”

"Hey, I just wanted to check out what I've seen Mike and a few others glancing at more than once!"

:: Cass waited until Blaze put down her flute of champagne…and then she returned the ‘favour’. :hehe2: ::

“Take THAT!”

:: Cass laughed. ::

 

[Prophet]

Parthenon - Cameron's Penthouse

Cameron lay in bed as he checked his phone seeing that Alycia had not responded to his text message. Another mental scan would prove that she and Haleigh were still engaged in conversation, and an emotional scan would reveal that Alycia and Haleigh were BOTH feeling very confrontational. He lay down in his bed as he attempted to call Alycia, hoping to maybe break up the conversation the two were having and calm things down. Just as he was dialing the numbers on his phone, he felt that Nicolas was in the room.

"Out of the shadows NK...All's quiet on the Western Front."

Nicolas appeared in Cameron's bedroom as Cameron hopped up from bed, grabbed a pair of basketball shorts and a tank top from his dresser and quickly put them on. He figured since it was THIS late there was really no use in attempting to get some sleep.

Nicolas: "I take it that did not go particularly well. Care to talk about it?"

Cameron sighed as he motioned for Nicolas to follow him down the hall and into the kitchen area.

"Do things ever go well for me when they involve Haleigh or Zach?"

Cameron opened his freezer and grabbed a bag of Espresso Roast as he began to fiddle with his machine that rested by his gas stove. He shot a look over at Nicolas.

"Figure we might as well perk the fuck up since neither of us are going to be getting any kind of sleep. You want a latte or something while I have it out?"

He added the ground roast to his machine and pushed a button as he waited for it to heat up.

"Don't worry though man..it was just a parlour trick I whipped up to show Mister Wonderful just how grossly he underestimates me as a man and conversely how he overestimates his own woman."

Cameron leaned against the fridge, letting the cold stainless steel cool his back. The only light in the kitchen was from a small decorative table lamp that lay on the counter behind the island.

"Long story short...I went to go talk to Haleigh tonight...to try and start fixing things between us..or at least get us on a better path...and she ups and KISSES me on the lips. I pulled back and told her that wasn't going to fly anymore...ESPECIALLY considering Alycia...no...not even considering Alycia..it's just..."

He leaned forward, throwing his hands up in the air.

"Who the FUCK does she think she is? She chastised me and shut ME out for SO long after *I* went away and for what *I* did when I came back and saw her at the church with Zach. [quoting] "My timing is horrible! Zach is a good man! He was there for me when you weren't!" She basically built him up to be the ANTI-Cameron...and then what does SHE do? LEAVES...and when she comes back and sees that I am happy...well adjusted even? She kisses me."

The buzzer went off on the espresso machine as Cameron walked over to it and began to prepare some shots.

"Then, she leaves after NO progress was made in our conversation and 30 minutes later, I get a voicemail from Zach telling me to leave Haleigh alone, that he's NOT being a jealous boyfriend, that it's best if I just keep my distance from her..."

[he shot a devilish almost sadistic smirk at Nicolas]

"When...we're both telepaths, NK...we know he's a jealous boyfriend..."

[continuing]

"Anyway...I decided i'd had enough and sent him a friendly 'get the fuck off my back' message. And NOW..as i'm sure you've sensed...Alycia and Haleigh are in her penthouse talking. I haven't even gotten a chance to tell Alycia anything. So basically...two hours after letting Haleigh back in even for a goddamn second, she manages to bring a TIDAL wave of emotional bullshit and fuckery...and what SUCKS is that this time...is that even *I* can't rationalize it this time. Especially not after championing for Haleigh for over an hour with Alycia this morning, telling her that things we would be fine and that the two of us are mature enough to be friends...Well..I can---well...COULD have..but she..she just CAN'T..."

Once again, the buzzer went off on the espresso machine as Cameron grabbed two glasses, steamed some milk and dropped two shots in each cup before handing one to Nicolas.

"Hey..you asked if I wanted to talk...I'd be just as happy going down to the Danger Room...setting a scenario where a thousand Zach Armani clones have escaped the Hellfire Club and spend the next two hours dismembering him in all sorts of ways..."

 

[Rampage]

Cameron sighed as he motioned for Nicolas to follow him down the hall and into the kitchen area.

"Do things ever go well for me when they involve Haleigh or Zach?"

Hell no. THAT is why in part I am here. If I thought you were sharing recipes with Armani I would still be in bed.

Nicolas makes his way down the hall and takes a seat as Cam starts messing with his expresso machine.

"Figure we might as well perk the fuck up since neither of us are going to be getting any kind of sleep. You want a latte or something while I have it out?"

He added the ground roast to his machine and pushed a button as he waited for it to heat up.

Sure. Has to be better than beating the hell out of the phone right?

"Don't worry though man..it was just a parlour trick I whipped up to show Mister Wonderful just how grossly he underestimates me as a man and conversely how he overestimates his own woman."

Cameron leaned against the fridge, letting the cold stainless steel cool his back. The only light in the kitchen was from a small decorative table lamp that lay on the counter behind the island.

"Long story short...I went to go talk to Haleigh tonight...to try and start fixing things between us..or at least get us on a better path...and she ups and KISSES me on the lips. I pulled back and told her that wasn't going to fly anymore...ESPECIALLY considering Alycia...no...not even considering Alycia..it's just..."

He leaned forward, throwing his hands up in the air.

"Who the FUCK does she think she is? She chastised me and shut ME out for SO long after *I* went away and for what *I* did when I came back and saw her at the church with Zach. [quoting] "My timing is horrible! Zach is a good man! He was there for me when you weren't!" She basically built him up to be the ANTI-Cameron...and then what does SHE do? LEAVES...and when she comes back and sees that I am happy...well adjusted even? She kisses me."

The buzzer went off on the espresso machine as Cameron walked over to it and began to prepare some shots.

Nicolas is smirking a bit at this point. The fact that Cameron seems so incredulous is endlessly amusing to him right now.

"Then, she leaves after NO progress was made in our conversation and 30 minutes later, I get a voicemail from Zach telling me to leave Haleigh alone, that he's NOT being a jealous boyfriend, that it's best if I just keep my distance from her..."

[he shot a devilish almost sadistic smirk at Nicolas]

"When...we're both telepaths, NK...we know he's a jealous boyfriend..."

[continuing]

"Anyway...I decided i'd had enough and sent him a friendly 'get the fuck off my back' message. And NOW..as i'm sure you've sensed...Alycia and Haleigh are in her penthouse talking. I haven't even gotten a chance to tell Alycia anything. So basically...two hours after letting Haleigh back in even for a goddamn second, she manages to bring a TIDAL wave of emotional bullshit and fuckery...and what SUCKS is that this time...is that even *I* can't rationalize it this time. Especially not after championing for Haleigh for over an hour with Alycia this morning, telling her that things we would be fine and that the two of us are mature enough to be friends...Well..I can---well...COULD have..but she..she just CAN'T..."

Nicolas looks as he gets his drink from Cam, tossing half of it back immediately. He sighs as he starts to finally talk.

Cam. You are so transformed from before. Everyone sees it and I am glad for you. That is why I did not kill you when you went for Aunt D.

Nicolas winks and relaxes, not betraying how much of a joke that last joke was.

But Haleigh? She is the same Haleigh, man. The same one. That means that she leads with her emotions, often in a way that is hedonisic, almost always without consideration of the people it would affect.

Now look at you. You meet her late at night...I can faintly smell the great alcohol and...Cuban is it? Yep...you had Cubans. Why even wear underwear in that situation?

Nicolas fully laughs, realizing that Cam was not in a great mood, he subsides.

Sorry- Look Cam, you are a smart guy. You can read people even without using telepathy. But you have to realize who people are and control what you can control - YOURSELF- instead of expecting people to be as transformed as you are. Surely you did not REALLY think you would just chat Haleigh and you into some new safer place? Or that some lecture from you about her lack of growth would spur the growth you want to see?

Nicolas finished his shot and took another from Cam as he chimed back in.

"Hey..you asked if I wanted to talk...I'd be just as happy going down to the Danger Room...setting a scenario where a thousand Zach Armani clones have escaped the Hellfire Club and spend the next two hours dismembering him in all sorts of ways..."

Talking is fine with me. I would prefer if we could find a way forward that did not make me feel like I have to start refereeing.

Nicolas paused, a new evil gleam coming across his face.

But if you like, we can go to the DR. I would love to introduce you to Jotunheim. No Zachs, but definitely a lot of things to kill. WE can chat this out further while you get some stress relief. Grab a coat and we can be off...