A step forward

[Persephone]

The music scratched to a halt and all the spot lights went to the stage where a stripper pole was positioned. Stripper pole?....Ava watched as Blaze came cartwheeling out and dancing her damn heart out. Laughing, only Blaze would be able to get away with flashing the crowd while doing a risque stripper routine and no one would bat an eyelash.

"Well I say she's feeling a hell of a lot better!"

Ava shouted over the loud music and screaming crowd. Soon, the spotlight was pointing at the six as Blaze beckoned them down to the stage. Alycia grabbed Cameron and practically dragged his ass down there while Cass scampered down like a starving dog seeing a t-bone stake for the first time. Mike grabbed Karen, and Sally grabbed Nicolas. Scooting her body out from the booth, Ava ignored Simon and took Haleigh by the hand.

"Common Hales. If we have to act like strippers, there's no one i'd rather do it with than you!"

She quipped as she lead the way down to the dance floor, lifting their hands above the crowd as they weaved in and out of the gyrating bodies. Ava began to move her body slowly to the music but kept her movements on beat. She wasn't like Blaze--no cartwheels and dipping it low for her. When Ava danced, she gave a little which produced A LOT. Always sensual even without trying. Laughing, she turned around and backed up into her sister as the two kept in perfect timing with each other.

 

[Recall]

Club Envy - Floor Show!

Vivica was sipping her drink, listening to the others carry on. She was definitely happy to have Sally Spectra and Simon around. Sally had a way that seemed to definitely lighten things up and make everything around her fun and exciting. Knowing that she had a friend in Simon and that Blaze definitely seemed to embrace and even THANK her for coming, Vivica was beginning to lighten up...even as she watched Cameron and Alycia playing "doctor" together. Her nose scrunched up for a moment.

"I love Cameron....but does Alycia even KNOW how many nasty things those lips have been on? Hmph! Well, she's probably no better...I wonder how many shows she probably put on for Judge's in their private chambers to pass the bar?"

She laughed to herself as all of a sudden the lights shift in the club and a giant scratching sound could be heard by the DJ. A catwalk leading to a stripper pole appears as "Tambourine" by Eve could be heard playing. Vivica's eyes lightened up as she took another sip of her drink.

"Yes! Bitch! This is my SONG! Now where is my little fruit puff Andre when I NEED him?!"

She watched with delight as Blaze CARTWHEELS onto the catwalk and begans a wild little strip tease on the pole. Blaze had ALWAYS been a little scandalous, but Blaze Victory?! She was a FULL BLOWN EVENT! :haha:

Blaze didn't even have to GESTURE before Vivica made her way to the dancefloor.

"Now, we are talking! Finally! I've been waiting to SERVE it up all NIGHT!"

As everybody made their way to the dancefloor, Vivica was front row center as she began to work her body in ways that would simply put the other bitches in The Six...TO SHAME. Vivica may not have been able to cause world disasters with her abilities..but on the dancefloor, she could most certainly start her OWN kind of "Inferno".

Bopping and swaying to the beat, she was surprised as Blaze pulls Cass and Vivica up onto the catwalk with her.

Blaze: "Alright girlies, this is my party! DON'T DISAPPOINT ME!"

Vivica smiles as she sticks her tongue out at the elemental.

"Girl! I'mma SHOW this tambourine right HERE, honey!"

Vivica dropped it low a few times before popping up and spinning around in a circle, her movements in EXPERT timing with the rhythm of the song, but it was clear that she wasn't following some choreographed routine. While she may have used her abilities to do some spectacular things nowadays, DANCING was one thing that was simply a PART of her. She grabbed onto the pole as her and Blaze began to dance around with each other, gyrating and grinding.

With one hand on the pole, she spun around opposite of Blaze as the two of them had inadvertantly seemed to SYNC as they spun around and bobbed and weaved in and around each other, before Vivica spun away with her hands up. She winked at Blaze as she continued.

"You CERTAINLY know how have to have a good TIME, B! WORK IT!"

Vivica was now feeling herself and carrying on in a way that showed she gave absolutely NO MORE shits about Ava and Alycia.

 

[Artemis]

Out on the dance floor

And Alycia..... that woman. She was doing her damnedest to NOT even look at Haleigh. Clearly she was not happy if she was refusing to greet her. It probably had something to do with last night. Haleigh suppressed a sigh. I've got enough enemies. I guess I should play nice with my allies. Especially if I have to see her with him. Haleigh cleared her throat.

Good evening, Alycia. I can see you're still upset about our little..... disagreement last night. I realize I may have reacted with a bit more...... haste than was appropriate.

Oh do you realize that? I'm glad...24 hours turn around is a VAST improvement from your previous 6 months to a YEAR turn around time to realize you were completely callous and out of the way with me!

:: Alycia replied in a bitchy tone as she finally turned around to look at Haleigh directly in the eye.::

And while I refuse to apologize for my quick decision making, since it's basically WHO I AM and it's gross to apologize for being yourself, I WOULD like to say I'm sorry to keep letting you down. You'll be pleased to know I have since made myself aware of more than ONE perspective on the situation and have adjusted my plan of action.

:: Alycia was prepared to make more snappy and bitchy remarks, but Haleigh actually took the wind out of Alycia's sails with this next part. The amazon's facial expression softened as she leaned forward a bit and slowly sighed::

It wasn't JUST about what you were trying to do with Delilah. Though THAT was upsetting indeed.

When I left this world for Themyscira, I was pretty much broken in half and had no idea what would happen to me. BEFORE that...you and I had reached a place that I never saw us being in before.

And before I met...and BECAME an amazon, there was someone who was always challenging me NOT to resort to that self depracating reflex I had of calling myself "only human" when dealing with the Six. That person was YOU.

I wanted you to SEE what I had become since my time on Themyscira, and I owed you a big "THANKS" for doing what a FRIEND...or at least what I THOUGHT was a friend...would do for me.

But if anyone knows how fast things can change and that a person can't always get what they want, it's me. Delilah's tragedy has had a huge ripple effect and you werent hear for the initial fall out, but you are now and you're doing your best to try to help. You're doing exactly what this team has come to expect from you.

It's good to have you back...

:: Alycia left it there. She wouldn't allow herself to look for anything more or less from Haleigh, but at least the air was now clear between them and they could go forward.::

Cameron proposed a toast.

To Ava Cassadine! May this be the beginning of a BEAUTIFUL partnership...for maybe more than just ONE of us at this table! CHEERS!

"Hear, hear."

and how about...to passion, which can make the days and nights more memorable even down to the smallest detail! BLAZE reminds of this often, I think.

"Cheers."

and also...to the feeling of excitement that comes with change and new beginnings! That's something MORE then one person at this table can attest to tonight I'm sure!

"Indeed."

:: Alycia took a long drink.::

:: The DJ scratched and sounded off and Blaze Victory came out, hot like FIRE!::

Wow!

:: quickly accepting another drink from the server as Sally Spectra and Cass could be heard cheering and whooping it up for Blaze who was shaking, shimmieing & cartwheeling!::

ALRIGHT, BLAZE!

<< GASP!>>

<< Karen covers her mouth in disbelief as Blaze definitely shows just how BAD she can be, FLASHING them and then cartwheeling down the the catwalk>>

Oh my STARS!

Did you expect anything LESS from HER!? I only wish MORGAN were here to see this!

:: Alycia laughs as she nudges Karen, trying to help her take it all in stride::

Anything LESS" indeed...

<< Karen replies dryly>>

<< Sally was certainly enjoying the show, cheering Blaze on, and men down below were HOWLING like dogs in heat! Karen placed her hand on her forehead, shaking it to the negative>>

This is certainly a far cry from any "debutante ball" I went to in MY youth.

<< But it wasn't over yet...the DJ and Blaze called for them...ALL of them to join her on the dance floor. Karen's sapphire blue eyes widen and she gulped>>

AW shit! Let's GO Doc!!

Shake my.... tambourine? REALLY?!

Yes really!

Oh absolutely NOT!

<< She purses her lips and shakes her head>>

Oh KAREN, this is PLAY TIME, remember? FOR BLAZE? Come on! GIVE IT A WHIRL!

:: She encourages, as she pulls Cameron up from his seat, taking him out to the dance floor, while Sally Sprectra was already leading a wide-eyed Nicolas out there as well::


C'mon Baby Boy!

:: Alycia taunts Cameron::

KEEP UP!

:: Dancing with style, skill and sex appeal as she moves from in front of him to the back of him, dancing up on him::

 

[Longshot]

Club Envy - Hazing Season

Simon couldn't help but be pleased at his interaction with Karen. He always got some kind of perverse pleasure out of taunting lofty and icy women of privelege. In fact, at many of his family parties growing up, it had been one of his favorite and most legendary activities. Simon had been known more than once in his life to be the cub to many a COUGAR in the city, and his playfulness with Karen was indicative of that. Finally Cameron showed up with a beautiful red head. Surveying her up and down he realized that the woman did bare a striking resemblance to Ava.

Cameron and Haleigh made their introductions.

Haleigh: "You must be Simon. I'm Haleigh, Ava's older sister."

Simon looked her up and down and cracked a devious smile.

"Damn! The damage YOU two must have done growing up!"

He pursed his lips as he took another sip of his cocktail, as Cameron took a seat and began fondling Alycia. Simon was rather intrigued by this because from all he had EVER read about Cameron was that he was somewhat of a womanizing playboy...a man after Simon's own heart. But here he was with Ava, and he had no interest in entertaining ANY of the other drop dead gorgeous women around him...except for perhaps Dr. Victoria...and maybe the sister. Yeah, definitely the sister. But the sheer relationships that all of these people seemed to share, coupled with the looks he was seeing people making, led him to be a little offput by everyone.

"This group is rather...incestuous....which reminds me...I should text the concierge and get a bottle of PUREL sent up to my room....."

Cameron looked to the others.

Cameron: "From the emotions i'm picking up in this room...I'm thinking Simon made just about as splashing a first impression as I imagined?!"

Simon shrugged, finishing off his drink as another one was promptly delivered. The VIP servers were DEFINITELY putting their work in with THIS group.

Alycia: "Yeah...the kind of splash a person wearing "cement shoes" makes when he's thrown into the hudson river..."

He cocked an eyebrow at Alycia.

"The feeling is mutual. YOU seem to have the personality of a pissed off SCORPION..."

Karen: DISMEMBERED

Simon laughed.

Alycia: Oh my gawd, Karen, you are a MESS!

"Yeah, and now she's talking about my "member"....Cheers!"

Sally: "NOW, NOW ladies! No need to waste a good looking specimen of a man...even if he COULD do with a few more meals. You better fatten him up a bit Ava. He's so skinny, the WIND could blow too hard and he'd be out at my office in LA before you knew what was happening! *I've* gotta have...a man I can GET AHOLD of...ya know what I mean Doctor?"

Simon liked Sally.

"Hey now...we all know those big guys with the hulking muscles tend to have small dicks...meanwhile, I'm sitting over here VERY secure in MY manhood...."

He smirked and looked over at Ava, who seemed LESS than pleased.

Cassandra introduced herself and was about the only person outside of Nicolas who didn't seem to want to eat him as an appetizer.

"Now, see THERE is the ettiquette we were talking about. Hi Cassandra! I'm Simon Pratt. Charmed to meet you!"

He winked at her as Cameron made a TOAST for Ava's new position. It was interesting to be around her friends. They all seemed genuinely happy for her, which led Simon to believe that there WAS more to her than just a bitchy ice queen who had gotten a wild hair up her ass earlier and let him do bad things to her. Simon was intrigued to say the least. Ava...was not.

She seemed to have cooled off and when the lights shifted and the music started up...She NOTICEABLY ignored him and ran off with her sister. Soon, Simon was the only one at the table.

"God...MORE dancing?! Don't they know i'm a WASP?"

Simon made his way to the main floor, and promptly headed over to the BAR, and resting his elbow on it. He sipped his drink for a moment, before deciding...

"What the hell..It's not like i'm competing for Miss Congeniality..."

He DOWNED his drink, deciding that he was tipsy enough to dance as he moved over to the catwalk and the dance floor as he found Vivica who was dancing on top of the catwalk, he began to dance at her from below in a funny and humorous kind of way, giving her a shimmy and unbuttoning his shirt a bit before exposing his bicep.

"You like this, Lennox?!"

He pretended to LICK his own nipple before giving Vivica the shame finger and buttoned his shirt up a little bit. He would let Ava pull away for now. She was celebrating and he KNEW that no matter WHAT her friends may have thought that the SEX they had just had was TOO good for either of them to NEVER do again.

 

[Prophet]

Club Envy

Cameron and Alycia were taking a moment to privately enjoy each other's company as the others carried on around them. Right now, the two seemed to have laser focus on each other.

He kissed her mouth which seemed to surprise her for a moment as he thanked her for being here with him tonight and for the MOST PART, reeling herself in at his behest.

I..."heard" the sincerity in your tone when you asked me to leave the little wench alone. I owe her NOTHING, but even I can see how much all of THIS [tonight] means to you. I care for Firebird...BLAZE too. She welcomed me back to the Six during the Blue Moon without reservation and with such passion...it touched my heart. She deserves all of this...and it's no less than SURPRISING that in the absence of Morgan, YOU would be one of the people responsible for this night in her honor.

I wouldn't want to do anything to RUIN this for her...OR to ruin all that you've worked for.

:: She "replied" to his thought call with sincerity. Despite what that xerox copy machine [vivica] and the sociopath [haleigh] thought, ALYCIA had a heart AND she had genuine ties to more than one person in the Six now. Just like Cameron, she had changed...and it seemed that the two of them, with their key changes, were now primed to be a PERFECT FIT for each other and they were coming closer to that conclusion!::

Cameron blushed for a moment as he continued their telepathic conversation.

"Well, Alycia...you of all people should know the changes people are capable of. Morgan and I have come to a new respect and love for her each other. She is family. Surviving the Citadle has bonded us in a way that nobody who wasn't there will understand. Blaze is a part of HER, and if there is anybody who understand what it feels like to not fit in with this group...it's ME...."

he placed his hand over hers.

:: Alycia DID have her concerns[ Vivica was NOT one of them ] , which were inflamed by the arrival of Haleigh. The woman seemed to not care about friendships, so why would she have any respect for personal relationships? Would Alycia's genuine feelings about Cameron override her growing contempt and distrust of Haleigh?::

AM I "here with YOU?"

He kissed her again on the lips, this time for a longer and more romantic amount of time before looking at her intensly.

"Well....I was hoping by now, you might have realized that..I kind of have a thing for you, Barnett. As long as you WANT to be here with me...I'll take it..."

:: Alycia smirked a bit as she allowed Cameron to hold her gaze and their eyes searched each other even as they "spoke" via thoughtcall::

I carried Delilah to NYC as a favor to her, to help her be able to EXHALE. Which reminds me...HOW are you going to explain THIS to her!? As it is...*I* didn't even know about the sudden change of plans until you messaged while I was en route via Dome!

:: With everything that had happened once Alycia and Delilah arrived here, from Alycia meeting with Karen and Michael to help Karen finish up HER part in a matter regarding Blaze, up to tonight's events, Alycia hadn't immediately realized how BADLY this would look and FEEL to Delilah if she happened upon them all. She NEEDED time away and basically she'd feel like everyone just FOLLOWED her out here, even though that wasn't the case. AND it was a big enough hotel that she COULD likely avoid any contact with them if she was that set on it::

Still...if there's ONE THING OTHER than being here for Blaze that I am enjoying, it's being here...with YOU, now....and I'll enjoy it MORE...LATER!

:: Without blinking or looking like she was moving at all where she as sitting, her hand was now GRIPPING Cameron "down below".::

AND...one good turn deserves another. I helped you out...you're going to help ME out!

Cameron sighed heavily for a moment.

"Well...Delilah already KNOWS...in fact, she was in the club earlier...but unfortunately..as much as Delilah wants her space...she DID return to the Parthenon...I can only do so much to give her what she needs...as much as life has HALTED for her...it still moves on around her..I'd love to have her here...but she doesn't want to be...and that's her perogative. We can't stop all the progress we've made on this team in order to walk on eggshells around her.. I won't have another situation like The Blue Moon happen on MY watch...ever again..."

at the mention of things to come later on this evening, Cameron smiled devilishly as his eyes widened with delight. He let out a small grunt.

"Mm, don't tease me, Alycia...you've been talking a LOT of talk..you're gonna have to WALK it...or RIDE it...so to speak..."

The two were so locked into their moment that Cameron didn't even NOTICE Haleigh as she approached, but the second she did, Cameron went instinctively on edge. He hadn't been trying to make Haleigh feel a certain way, but he couldn't help but think how painful it had been for HIM for some time, seeing Haleigh with Zach. He had hoped she didn't find his actions disrespectful, but with the two of them? It seemed that EVERYTHING the other did was so...PERSONAL...it left them almost unable to move forward...which was something Cameron was TRYING To do with Alycia.

The two's exchange did NOT seem to go as planned as Alycia didn't seem to really be accepting of Haleigh's apology. Still, the two seemed to find a little peace and that was comforting.

Cameron raised a glass and toasted Ava's new business venture as well as laughed at ALL of the comments about Simon Pratt. When he looked at Simon he definitely saw HIMSELF. Though, Simon seemed to have a finesse that Cameron just DIDN'T have at that age...and his barbs didn't seem to cross the lines that Cameron used to. But Cameron understood that The Six could NOT live forever, and most likely WOULDN'T...they needed ALLIES...new recruits, and that was part of his interest in Simon.

Soon, the music changed and Blaze Victory could be seen flashing the crowd and engaging in quite the pole dance on stage. Alycia dragged Cameron down to the dancefloor as the two seemed to melt into each other.

Alycia: C'mon Baby Boy! KEEP UP!

Cameron smiled as his body grinded to the beat in SYNC with Alycia's movements. Cameron was NYC's Perennial Party Boy for a long time, and he had learned to dance well at a young age, thanks to Vivica's many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins who used to find the humor in trying to teach the "white boy" how to move. Eventually, he had danced to their satisfaction, and now he was moving along with Alycia in a masculine, yet sexy way. He lifted her hand in the air as she began to swirl around him, before landing in front of him. Cameron gently let his hand stroke down her arm, before he placed his hands squarely on her hips, their bodies rolling up and down.

Everybody was FINALLY having a good time, and in those moments, and now especially here with Alycia, he let the stress of the last hour melt away as he got lost in the dance and the atmosphere of the club. THIS was how things were supposed to go.

 

[Ruby]

Club Envy: DANCING TIME!

:: Cass was dancing and having a GREAT time on the catwalk. She WOULD’VE joined the two beauties on the pole but they had a good thing going, and she didn’t see how it would be even possible to get in on the act. So she sat down and ‘slid’ off the catwalk and walked over to the bar. She was thirsty…as well as FAMISHED. She glanced to her right and noticed a decent-looking guy. So she GRABBED him by the hand, with NO words exchanged, and DRAGGED him around the stairs leading to the VIP section. She brought him over to a cozy corner where there were potted plants. She ‘threw’ him on the floor and the guy looked shocked…as well as turned on. She knelt down and straddled him. ::

Good thing I’m hidden by these plants!

:: She pressed her forehead against his and kissed him, laying her hand on his shoulder….as she slowly began to drain him of energy. He flailed his arms and legs but luckily nobody was watching…or cared enough to find out what was making that racket. When she got enough energy to satisfy her, she left him unconscious on the floor and left, heading for the bar. ::

“A double shot of rum, please.”

:: The bartender got her her shot and she DOWNED it, then slammed the glass on the counter. She noticed Simon was looking up at Blaze’s dance partner, looking goofy. He had nobody to dance with, and his so-called ‘fiancee’ seemed to want nothing to do with him. ::

“Hey Pratt! Looking for a dance partner?”

:: The energy all around her was ELECTRIC. She started dancing, making sure to not touch Simon. She didn’t want to be in the rags about how she was looking to ‘break up Simon Pratt and Ava Cassadine’s engagement’. ::

 

[Black Widow]

Ava picked up on Haleigh's veiled threat, but Simon was oblivious. He suggested that the two sisters had done some damage when they were younger.

"Oh Simon, you have no idea. The damage I can do, even alone, is LEGENDARY."

She replied, taking another draw from her glass. She was starting to feel relaxed and calm, like maybe she didn't want to rip Simon limb from limb.... like maybe she could just stand there for a minute and focus on the way her blood rushed throughout her body, and that alone was enough to quell the violence that was rising in her soul. This little swizzle stick was fucking her sister, Alycia was a single glass away from boning Cameron right in front of her, and Haleigh herself hadn't been laid in days. What was this world coming to?!?

Zach...... when I see you next, my man......

Alycia tried to front for a second, and get herself drop kicked.... but Haleigh had made an offensive move in time to shut down her needless bitchery. Alycia then said some things that surprised Haleigh, namely that she had appreciated Haleigh's inability to accept Alycia's 'only human' cop out.

"Well.... you're welcome, I guess."

She replied with slight uncertainty. They left it that. Now wasn't really the time for heart-to-heart talks. Especially not if Alycia had a handful of Cameron's balls. Haleigh decided she could not have this conversation right now, and Alycia got herself suitably distracted. Haleigh purposely ignored their tonsil hockey, in favor of giving Cass her divided attention.

Cass declared that she had, indeed, killed. And more than once! She even delivered the assertion with a wink and a smile.

"Whatever, as long as you aren't going to cry about it."

She said nonchalantly, as Blaze made her appearance, putting on a show and calling them all up on stage. Sally and Nicolas were the first to join her, and Haleigh couldn't determine who was molesting WHO in that coupling. Karen allowed Mike to drag her on stage as well. Cameron and Alycia followed suit, looking like they were working through their sexual tension some more. Simon teased Vivica, who was strutting her stuff with Cass and Blaze, and Ava declared that there was no one she would act like a stripper with except Haleigh.

Haleigh drained her glass and followed her sister's lead, making sure to keep her back to Alycia and Cameron. She didn't need, or want, to see that happening. While she didn't dance often, she COULD dance, and it was obvious as soon as she started keeping time with Ava. The two sisters were not as loud or ostentatious as some of their friends, but there was something about their partnership that kept drawing the eye. Their individual styles complimented each other.

 

[Titan]

Club Envy, The Parthenon

The people in this club were batshit crazy. A young redhead (clearly REALLY drunk) started doing cartwheels and flashing her hoo ha. Then she was dancing on a stripper pole. Why did this club even HAVE a stripper pole? Then EVERYONE was dancing, including his boss. For fuck’s sake, what was going on?!

Of course all of this was on TOP of his confusing interlude with Delilah. What did he do now? Should he call her? Have Sally call her for him? Send flowers? Show up tomorrow night? Sneak into her room and cover himself in whipped cream? Was she mad at him? He knew she had a good time so it couldn’t be that…

Why were women so bleedin’ difficult? He felt tired and confused, and not nearly drunk enough. He downed the rest of his pint, and then felt bad for drinking on Sally’s dime. He had to do something other than just sit here. Of course he knew the barman would give him another beer so it’s not like he had to worry about getting thirsty…

He jumped up, and strode over to where Sally was dancing with a much younger man who looked like a male model. He gave an elaborate bow and a charming smile.

“May I…cut in?”

And then to Sally.

“If you’re going to buy me drinks you might as well get a dance out of it.”

He started shaking his proverbial moneymaker in Sally's general direction.

He smiled to himself.

I'm totally going to get a raise for this.

 

[Rampage]

He jumped up, and strode over to where Sally was dancing with a much younger man who looked like a male model. He gave an elaborate bow and a charming smile.

“May I…cut in?”

He looked to Sally, who recognized the young man. He smiled and stepped to one side.

No problem from me. Enjoy.

Nicolas danced a bit behind Sally before noticing Ava and Haleigh silently steaming up their own corner. He winked at Haleigh before deciding not to go over. She was having fun with her sister and he would see her soon enough. He decided that taking the rear of Sally and letting the new kid take some of the front was fair enough. For NOW.

 

[Persephone]

Ava continued dancing, her rhythm matching Haleigh's as both sisters moved to the beat. It had been ages since she and Haleigh had gone out and had fun like this. Contrary to popular belief, they DID have fun--even moreso together. They were drawing in quite the crowd around them as men and woman alike were dancing while watching them dance. Admist the crowd of sweaty, gyrating bodies, Ava ran her fingers through her long locks, pulling them away from her face. The whole building felt like it was on fire and she could feel her skin begin to get sticky with sweat. Everyone seemed to be lost in the music.

Oh you're JOKING.

Ava almost choked out loud as she caught sight of Cass approaching Simon and start dancing with him. He welcomed it--of course--which irked Ava even more. However she managed to look unphased by the situation, her body still moving to the music. Her eyes met with Simon's from across the dance floor...Lets see how quickly he drops the tart.

Turning around, she now faced Haleigh and stopped dancing. Leaning in toward her sisters ear.

"I'm going to grab a drink. I'll be back."

She shouted over the music. Moving past Haleigh, Ava's eyes met with Simon's again as she weaved between the mass of people before finally reaching a clearing near one of the smaller private VIP suites that were positioned under the large VIP lounge [which is on the second floor] the six had occupied earlier. There was a heavy black curtain that concealed the small suite; Ava slipped inside, disappearing from sight.

 

[Longshot]

Club Envy - ANOTHER Interlude

Simon was having his fun dancing and teasing Vivica in a playful way. Dancing had never been his forte, but if you put a rapier in his hand and told him to go, he would have made quick work of the floor in front of him. Soon he heard a voice call to him from behind.

Cass: “Hey Pratt! Looking for a dance partner?”

He turned around and saw Cassandra. She was definitely hot, in a playful and young kind of way. Normally, Simon would have made short work of a girl like Cass in the club. But tonight his attention was placed squarely somewhere else.

"I wasn't LOOKING, but well...here you ARE! Let's dance"

Simon did his best to dance with Cassandra as he noticed that he felt a pair of EYES on him from across the room. They belonged to Ava. As his gazed drifted over to her, they were locked in a stalemate. She seemed to be voicing her displeasure with him dancing with Cass as well as BECKONING him to make some kind of move. His eyes never left hers as he saw her whispering something to Haleigh before taking leave and heading up the stairs and into one of the VIP booths.

"Now we're talking..."

He began to bob and weave in between Cass as he looked at her before walking away.

"Thanks for serving your purpose, Cass..I'll return the favor soon!"

As the others seemed to be lost in the dance, nobody noticed as Simon left and headed up into the VIP area, up the stairs and behind the curtain of a random and unused VIP booth for the night. As he walked in, there she was, her face reflecting against the shadows.

Ava: You're a BASTARD, Pratt...

She smacked him and before he could even SAY anything, Ava was upon him, her lips feverishly melting with his as he pushed her back and ONTO the table behind them.

"Ava...do me a favor...shut the fuck up..."

His face went into her neck as he began to kiss her passionately on the neck, his hands moving at a rapid pace around her body, until his thumb latched on to one of the sides of her panties. He leaned into her face, whispering as he let his hands do the rest of the work.

"Goddammit...I'll be a happy man as long as you let me do this as many times as I want as much as possible...Mmm..."

She bit his lip as he met her once again. The alcohol was flowing through them and their encounter earlier had left BOTH of them wanting more. Wasting NO time, Simon made quick work of his own pants, as they fell to the floor and Simon positioned them BOTH of the top of the table surrounding the VIP booth. Whatever it was about her...he WANTED her. He wanted every piece of herself that she was willing to GIVE. Her friends were non consequential to him. He knew that Ava made her own decisions, and he knew...especially at seeing her behavior at him dancing with Cass...she WANTED him just as much as he wanted her. The charge between them was MORE than electric, it was something altogether different. He screamed out for a moment as she caressed him, thankfully all of which was subdued against the loud and bumping BASS that only seemed to HELP their situation on the table..

"I'll never dance with another woman again...just...keep...doing....THAT..."

 

[Persephone]

Ava was standing with her arms crossed in the middle of the room. Seeing the curtain sway just slightly, she knew it was him. Right on time. Soon Simon slipped in, looking quite pleased with himself. With his whole SHOW he had put on starting with Karen and ending with Cass. Shaking her head, Ava met him half way as he began to approach her.

"You're a BASTARD, Pratt."

She stated cooly with a swift SMACK to his face. But Ava didn't follow the smack by a typical storming out of the room. No, she was turned on and ATTACKED his lips with hers, wrapping her arms around him before eagerly pulling him towards her. He followed her lead by pushing her back even further until her hips hit the table, shifting it just slightly. Using him as leverage, she lifted herself onto the table and spread her legs enough for his body to stand between them.

Simon: "Goddammit...I'll be a happy man as long as you let me do this as many times as I want as much as possible...Mmm..."

Biting his lip, Ava grinned wickedly.

"If you keep making me feel the way you do....then i'll be MORE than happy to oblige."

And they were off, feverishly ravaging each other for a second time this evening. It was spontaneous, public, and slightly dangerous...who knows if some elite club member could walk in at any moment. But more importantly for Ava, it was FUN. She may not have enjoyed the way Simon had interacted with her friends and team mates, but as far as the sex goes? Oh yes, sign her up! He was fantastic and damn gorgeous. So in that moment, as Simon hollered out stating he would NEVER dance with another woman again, Ava decided that she'd keep him for a while as a fuck buddy. Thank goodness the music was loud.

-15 minutes later-

Smoothing out the hem of her dress, Ava pulled the curtain aside and slipped out of the VIP suite that she and Simon just tainted. Everyone in the club was still in a state of frenzy, dancing and swaying their bodies to the music. And Blaze was still on a roll dancing along side of Vivica on stage. Making her way up to one of the bars, the bartender immediately came over to her.

"Double Goose and Red Bull."

 

[Ruby]

Club Envy: a turn of events...

:: Cass was dancing…but Simon looked as if had other things on his mind. ::

"I wasn't LOOKING, but well...here you ARE! Let's dance"

Gee, thanks…I think?

:: Cass smiled sweetly – it was FAKE – and continued to dance. It was apparent he had NO interest as he slowed down his dancing…..until he stopped altogether. ::

*dismissively*: "Thanks for serving your purpose, Cass..I'll return the favor soon!"

:: And then…he just walked away. Cass narrowed her eyes. ::

What a fucking asshole…and I didn’t think Ava was into THAT kind of sex. Huh. But instead of complaining, I’ll just drink something with an umbrella in it and go on living my life. After all, he’s NOT worth it.

:: She headed back to the bar and ordered a mai tai, along with some pretzels. The bartender came with her pretzels and her drink…and sure enough, there WAS an umbrella in it. She took her drink and the bowl of pretzels and headed back to the VIP section. As she headed by some booths on her way back to her friends, a hand shot out and grabbed her wrist. Cass turned to see a beautiful redhead sitting in one all by herself. ::

Bianca: “I’m sorry, I spotted you dancing with Simon Pratt and I couldn’t help wondering…”

:: Cass was quick to set her straight on THAT. ::

“No, we are not together. I was dancing with him just because. I’m WELL AWARE that he’s with Miss Cassadine.”

:: She used Ava’s name formally because she knew if she used Ava’s first name, the journalist or reporter would be ALL over her like bees on honey. Bianca laughed. She motioned to the other side of the booth. ::

Bianca: “Please…sit down, Miss Johnson.”

:: Cass sat down. She was surprised somebody here KNEW her name. ::

Bianca: *laughs*: “I can see you are surprised that I know you. I’m Bianca Montgomery, one of the publicists at the PR firm used by The Parthenon. We are a big deal here in New York, used by celebrities and politicians alike. We make it our business to not only know who’s who here in THIS city, but also in other cities as well. Let me just say, Cass, or, should I call you “CJ”, that though you manage After Dark over in Los Angeles, you have a big following here in New York. Are you aware that YOU are considered to be ONE of the hottest bachelorettes in L.A.? Why, our people are figuring out how to get YOU to New York!”

:: Cass didn’t speak. She didn’t even know she was so well-known. ::

“I…I don’t really know what to say. I’m just a manager at a nightclub. That’s all.”

Bianca: *chuckles* “Oh, Cassandra! If you only knew. If you only KNEW. You are a minor celebrity in your own right. Here, I’ll show you.”

:: Bianca reached into her bag and pulled out a file. Cass wanted to know why she was carrying a file folder around with her and why it had her name on it. Also, how did she even KNOW Cass was here? She bit her lip. ::

Bianca: “Here, take a look. Articles, blog posts, pictures…all about YOU. You are in demand. People love you. You are driving people absolutely crazy! But in a good way, of course.”

:: Bianca was nudging Cass’ ankle with her shoe. She didn’t know what to make of THAT. Maybe the chick was just overexcited? She silently flipped through the file. People DID seem to love her. Every article, every blog post…they were ALL positive and upbeat. There were no negative responses. At all. ::

“Um, I’m not sure exactly what’s going on right now. What does this mean? I mean, what are you offering?”

:: Bianca laughed and leaned across the table. ::

Bianca: “Cassandra. We’re asking if we could represent you. We can get you more press than you could ever dream of! We can offer you exclusive access to the BEST parties, movie premieres, etc, etc. You’d meet all kinds of people! Look, sweetie, you were BORN to be so much BIGGER than a manager of a nightclub. You could really BE somebody! What do you say?”

:: Cass blinked. This woman was proposing that she become a…socialite? ::

“Thanks, but no thanks. I’m not an actress or a singer. I’m neither a model nor a politician. I don’t play sports. So, based on those things, you’re actually asking me to become another Kim Kardashian. I have nothing against Miss Kardashian, in fact I’ve met her a few times and she’s REALLY nice, but I’m quite happy where I am. I would feel really uncomfortable if my sole purpose suddenly became all about the parties, movie premieres, etc, etc. I’m not wired that way. ANYWAY, if I ever DO need a publicist, I’d just use the firm After Dark uses.”

:: Bianca smiled. She looked highly amused. ::

Bianca: “Oh, Cass, just think about it! You are far too brilliant to be working at a nightclub all your life. A gorgeous girl like you deserves BETTER. Look, here’s my card in case you change your mind. Ta-Ta!”

:: Bianca left, leaving her card on the table. Cass slowly picked it up and placed it beside her pretzels. She took a few sips of her drink and looked up when she heard someone else slide into the booth. THIS woman had blonde hair and winked at Cass. ::

Charlotte: “Hi, I’m Charlotte. What’s yours?”

“If you’re another publicist, I’m not interested.”

:: Charlotte chuckled. Her green eyes sparkled. ::

Charlotte: “Oh, I’m not a publicist…”

:: Charlotte moved until she was in the middle of the booth. She patted the spot on her right. Cass realized she had something VERY different in mind…and yet, she was intrigued. She had never thought she was gay OR bisexual but hey, there’s a first for everything, right? She slid until she was sitting beside Charlotte. She turned until she was sitting sideways, facing Charlotte. She pulled the pretzels towards them. ::

“Here, have some.”

:: Maybe this is what she needed tonight. A crazy, ridiculous one night stand with a member of the same sex. That thought actually appealed to her. Charlotte was bold…courageous. She trailed a finger down Cass’ shoulder of her dress all the way to her ‘neckline’ of her dress…and let it linger THERE for just a minute before taking it away. ::

WHOA…

Charlotte: “I’m not looking for anything serious, really.”

:: Yep. Charlotte was DEFINITELY bold. Cass shrugged. Neither was she, truth be told. Hell, she didn’t even know if she LIKED girls. But she was willing to ‘experiment’ tonight. ::

“That’s cool, neither am I. To tell you the truth, I haven’t been with a chick before. So this…whatever it is, would be an experiment for me.”

:: Charlotte looked delighted. She faced forward and took hold of Cass’ left hand. It felt…different from holding a dude’s hand. It was softer and smoother than that of a man’s hand. It felt good. Cass smiled and before she knew it, Charlotte placed her lips on hers and gave her a tiny kiss. Her lips felt full and supple. Soft and delicious with just a HINT of her cherry lipgloss. Charlotte pulled back and smiled. Cass’ eyes were wide open in shock…and delight. It surprised her that she kissed a girl and she lii-ked it! Before Cass could think, she lightly grasped Charlotte by the face and pulled her to her and kissed her back. Again, and again, and again. It was weird, and intriguing, and amazing all at the same time. ::

Good thing it’s dark and nobody can really see us here.

:: Charlotte broke away first, breathing heavily. Cass was disappointed. ::

Charlotte: “Upstairs?”

:: Cass shook her head. She was at a party for somebody she considered to be a close friend of hers. She couldn’t just LEAVE. ::

“I’m sorry, but I’m here at a party for a friend of mine. I can’t just leave. I’m sorry. But…I like doing THIS for right now. And hey…”

:: Cass surprised herself by winking at Charlotte. ::

*wickedly*: “There’s always the AFTER PARTY, right?”

:: Charlotte smirked and cupped Cass’ head in her hands and brought the dark-haired beauty’s face to hers and kissed her again. ::

Charlotte: “I like the sound of THAT…”

:: Charlotte and Cass continued to kiss in the booth, shrouded by the darkness of the club... ::

 

[Seer]

and so it went

<< Blaze Victory set Envy on FIRE, as only SHE could!>>

<< With her Six family joining her on the dance floor and the select, ELITE patrons of the club surrounding them like so many stars in a solar system, They tear the club up.>>

<<FLASH!>>

<< Captured images of>>:

<< Sally Spectra, channeling her inner "MAE WEST" with Nicolas King behind her and Andrew Murphy in front of her.>>

<< Blaze Victory, out on the edge of the catwalk. An image of her and Vivica Lennox scandalizing the stripper pole; ANOTHER image of Blaze Victory, playing the role of "Madonna" to Cassandra Johnson's "Britney" and Vivica's "Christina". It was more than a little interesting that Blaze seemed to bring out something in BOTH women, the likes of which Cameron and the others may or may NOT have realized about Vivica and Cass before!>>

<< Ava Cassadine and Haleigh Davidoff, dancing together much to the delight of on lookers, these sisters were putting the Hilton sisters to shame with half the effort and TWICE the syle. The GABOR sisters would be proud>>

<< Karen Victoria and Michael Armstrong dancing together as lovers do, with Karen showing all the little girls in the club what a WOMAN can look like and do withought having to dress half naked.>>

<< Simon Pratt, much like his emerging relationship with The Six, he is seen moving from one person to the next in several pictures including Vivica Lennox, Cassandra Johnson and most noticeably, Ava Cassadine. EACH image is rather salacious, but Simon is no stranger to contorversy both in and out of the public eye.>>

<< Alycia Barnett and Cameron King dancing together with the look in their eyes saying it all. Understanding. LUST...and something else. LOVE perhaps?>>

<< These images will splash across TMZ and many more the next day, and as only the Six can do, MEMORIES are made once more.>>

<< After the wild dancing concludes and other "extra curricular activities around the VIP lounge are completed The Six have returned to their table.>>

<< Karen Victoria, having been more than a good sport for most of the evening, informs Michael and the others that she is taking her leave. She hugs Blaze goodbye, kissing her on the cheek and informing her that she has a special surprise for her the next day.>>

<< Michael offers to escort her to their suite, probably for reasons LESS than chilvalrous The witch informs him that wont be necessary and instead, slips into the ladies room and uses her magick to teleport herself to their suite. Sally decided to bid a fond farewell also, informing them she had a "NIGHT CAP" waiting for her that she didn't want to miss Several hugs, air kisses and a SPECIAL goodbye to Michael and Nicolas, and the fashion goddess slipped away into the evening to enjoy her night cap.>>

<< This left the Six along with Simon and Vivica and down on the main floor- among the few elite guests remaining- Andrew, whom Sally had just passed and said goodnight to, reminding him to BE ON TIME for work the next day.>>

<<Some changes and shifts are made in the club as the Six now prepare for their last perhaps most unexepected, but sure to be FUN part of their night out. Blaze was seated with her group once again, looking quite pleased with herself and her team/family. She was looking forward to what was next...AND of course more drinks!>>

 

[Ruby]

The Parthenon - Club Envy: VIP

:: Cass was back in the VIP section sipping her mai tai. Her face was flushed and her hair was mussed but nobody seemed to notice it WASN'T because of the dancing... Luckily she and Charlotte made a stop in the ladies room for a few touch ups before parting ways until their next 'meeting'...if it happened at all. Cass wasn't sure WHAT to think. Nothing in this group of beautiful people was predictable. NOTHING. She turned to Mike, who was sitting beside her. ::

That make-out session with Charlotte was...INTERESTING and also...INTRIGUING.

*softly*: "Before I forget, I just wanted to thank you for being a 'big brother' to me even while I still held you at arm's length. It couldn't have been easy at times, but just being there with me and Karen as we went on her teaching errands - and yes, I knew what she was doing every time she invited you to come along - made me feel safe and protected. So...thanks."

:: She had wanted to tell him that for some time now, but she didn't know when the next opportunity would arise, since they rarely saw each other anymore. She picked up his hand and gave it a light squeeze.

 

[Firebird]

Envy

Blaze sat sideways in her chair. She decided to swap her seat with Sally Spectra's, that big THRONE-like chair that Sally had just looked so comfy and totally diva-esque.

Sitting as she was, her long legs were drapped over one side and she sort of lay back, as if she were in a chaise lounge. She had thrilled, shocked and caused quite a stir! It was GREAT!

She casually waved a server over.

"I'd like a vodka martini please?"

She said in a low tone as she continued to giggle a bit at the mayhem she'd caused.

Simon, Vivica and Cass had prooven to be DELIGHTFUL additions to her party. But it remained to be seen if any of them were good for something more than laughs, cheap thrills and scandal!

Ava was obviously hot and bothered. It was all over her face and radiating from her like a tree struck by one of her lightning bolts.

You all were ALMOST as good as me out there.

She said with a wink and apparently some of you were good at OTHER things as well, isn't that right, vacuum sales man?

Eyeing Simon rather knowingly. Could he BE anymore obvious?

She stretched a bit as the server came with her drink.

"Oh THANK you!"

Blaze said as she took the drink from him.

She lookd over at Haleigh.

"How you doing over there, Hales!?"

"Which one of these LIGHT WEIGHTS do you want to bet will hit the floor before the night's over?"

"My money's on Cam over there...."

Looking at Cameron as he sat with Alycia, looking like a cat who just swallowed a canary.

"Or maybe Mikey?"

"I'm sure Karen won't mind. She's probably already passed out! She gave it a good try though! But Alycia and Ava BOTH look like they're in need of some...satisfaction this evening?"

Laughing a bit as she noted Alycia's facial expression and Ava, who was MORE than a bit wound up.

"So Nic & Cam...what's next on our journey down the yellow brick road?"

She lets her head tilt back a bit as she runs run of her hands through her auburn hair.

She felt like she'd just gone over the moon tonight with her wild dance spectacle. It'd been SO LONG since she'd been able to let go like this. She'd never be able to thank Cam and Nicolas enough!

 

[Arsenal]

Karen begged off on something scandalous at the moment. No problem. You did not have to rush when you knew they would still be there for you. Waking her later o would be all the sweeter. And knowing Karen, she would probably be dressed - or UN-dressed - for the occasion.

Mike sat back down beside Cass, who seemed to be having a great time. She looked beautiful but she seemed more...outgoing. He was happy for her. Life is too short to be bottled up. Cass took his hand and squeezed it lightly.

*softly*: "Before I forget, I just wanted to thank you for being a 'big brother' to me even while I still held you at arm's length. It couldn't have been easy at times, but just being there with me and Karen as we went on her teaching errands - and yes, I knew what she was doing every time she invited you to come along - made me feel safe and protected. So...thanks."

No problem hon. That's what teammates - and hopefully FRIENDS - are for. Just remember that you don't need to go through life worried or scared. Because whatever has you spooked has to go through all of US first. And if it can do that we're fucked anyway so to hell with the worry. Enjoy your life.

Mike pops her on the leg playfully and nods to the staff who set up a viewing screen and hand him a remote control before giving the tight-knit group some space. It should be on Cam now, assuming he isn't too drunk to play Monty Hall.

 

[Ruby]

Club Envy: VIP

No problem hon. That's what teammates - and hopefully FRIENDS - are for. Just remember that you don't need to go through life worried or scared. Because whatever has you spooked has to go through all of US first. And if it can do that we're fucked anyway so to hell with the worry. Enjoy your life.

:: Cass turned and nodded slowly at him before giving him a quick hug. It was nice that he said those things. REALLY NICE. ::

"Thank you for saying those words to me. You have no idea how much they're appreciated. And yes...we ARE friends." *shyly*: "But I will always think of you as my 'big brother'..."

:: She smiled at him and then had a look around. Blaze. Nicolas. Cameron. Alycia. MIKE. They were all a part of her crew now, as well as those in absence, Sharon and Karen, and she really appreciated them all. Sure, there were those in attendance who acted antagonistic towards her but they were in the minority. She didn't understand WHY they hated her so much but it didn't bother her as much as it would have in days long past. She was just happy to be here among friends. ::

:: She took a sip of her mai tai and grinned to herself. Though she was a part of the group now, she felt as if she were sitting on the outside looking in; at least, for this moment. And she relished that because it caused her to look around at everybody and and reflect again... ::

Maybe I DO belong here. I CAN see myself adjusting to this group and hanging out with these guys. I can also see them becoming 'family' to me in the future, which will be good. I don't know what my purpose is yet with these guys but I'm willing to sit back and find out when it happens.

:: She was fighting HARD within herself to overcome her past. The Nazis tried to break her when they made her into their lab rat...and that didn't happen. At least, not completely. She had managed to fall in love after that whole trauma...even though her 'prince charming' turned out to be a crazy monster. THAT would've pushed her almost to the breaking point...if it hadn't been for these guys. She still didn't know what would've happened if it hadn't been for Alycia and her words. ::

Dare to believe in yourself for your future and take a step FORWARD! NO MAN on this team would hurt you the way that boy did...and they would KILL any man who tried to hurt you now!

:: She smiled. ::

Challenge accepted, Alycia.

:: Of course, she had already accepted that 'challenge'. But there was no reason why she couldn't 'renew' herself to it, right? ::

 

[Prophet]

Blaze Victory, This is Your Life!

After tearing it up on the dancefloor, Cameron led Alycia and Nicolas ushered the overs back to their private table, up the stairs and far away from the prying eyes of the other patrons in the club. The only people allowed in the club this evening were actual RESIDENTS of The Parthenon's private floors as well as those who were members of The Parthenon Clubhouse. There was NOBODY left in this club that WASN'T on par with the members of The Six in terms of notoriety and success.

Once everybody was at their table, Blaze wasted no time in taking her throne and poking fun at the others.

Blaze: "I'd like a vodka martini please?"

Cameron laughed, his arm wrapped firmly around Alycia as the two were draped over each other in a very relaxed and comfortable way.

"Just get an IV, Blaze...it'd be easier!"

He stuck his tongue out and gave Alycia a squeeze as Blaze moved on to the others.

Blaze: "Which one of these LIGHT WEIGHTS do you want to bet will hit the floor before the night's over? My money's on Cam over there..."

Cameron laughed out loud, fulling enjoying Blaze's outrageous nature as he kindly stuck his middle finger up and pointed it right at her.

"Hey...don't count me out YET! I've been building my tolerance all weekend! In fact, it's been my goal for the last FEW days to get each and every one of you as DRUNK as possible... [looks around] And I think i've SUCCEEDED!"

Blaze: "So Nic & Cam..what's next on our journey down the yellow brick road?"

As soon as Blaze finished her sentence a giant viewing screen could be seen flowing down behind them as he looked over to Mike who nodded to him that everything was ready.

"I'm glad you ASKED Blaze...Now...I don't mean to KILL the mood we've all got going tonight...but I'm SURE by now you all know how sentimental I can get..That's right, your boy is a PANSY when it comes to the mushy stuff...Before we get to the video...I want to tell a story...a story about Blaze..."

Cameron stopped for a moment and looked down, before winking to Alycia and standing up from his seat and making his way over to the projection screen, stopping in front of it.

"We all have little moments that we've shared with each other along the way that have deepened our friendships and given us insight into each other...and SOMETIMES, though RARELY these moments DON'T become GENERAL KNOWLEDGE between all of us...Ever since Nicolas and I decided to do this for you...I was reminded of the moment when I felt I truly understood who Blaze was...Allow me to SHOW you...."

Prophet placed his hands out in front of him as his crackling electric red energy signature began to swirl in front of him for a moment in a large and circular pattern. The circle nearly became as LARGE as the Projection Screen behind him. It became clear that Cameron was giving the group a GLIMPSE....of the PAST...of a moment with Blaze from long ago. Within this CIRCLE of energy, the memory began to play in full color, as if the group were watching a movie, but this movie was only available in Cameron's mind....until NOW.

Sal's Diner...Two Years Ago..

<< A very drunk, younger Cameron King is stumbling on the streets on his way home from a night of debauchery and clubbing, as he rounds 57th street. He knew that Blaze Fielding would probably be just locking up Club Venom at this time and he was hoping to catch her for a ride home or find an after party to go to.

Stumbling around, he passes a very strange looking Diner, with a Neon Light that says "Sal's". All the light compared to the dark streets of New York was quite the contrast and as he looked into the place, he noticed someone in particular. Blaze Fielding aka Foxfire. She was sitting alone, though she didn't look sad in particular, just reflective. Furrowing his brow, he took a hard left and managed to enter the doors of the old style diner, promptly sitting down in the booth, across from Blaze. >>

Cameron: I thought *hiccup* the women in your family didn't eat...

<< Blaze rolls her eyes and laughs >>

Blaze: Well THIS girl does, Cam. Stick around for a while will ya? This place has the BEST french fries in the entire city...and you look like you NEED some food.

Cameron: I swear to drunk i'm not God...

<< The two burst out into laughter. >>

Mentally, everyone in attendance would see these memories very vividly in their minds thanks to the illusion of the memory he was projecting to them. Cameron smiled for a moment.

"I asked her how she found this place..and she told me that it was by accident. That she had accidentally left her cell phone in the club, and that she came in here to try and call a taxi..and she decided to indulge herself a little bit...and she got some food..."

"Said they were the best fries she ever tasted, and that the patrons in the diner at this hour always kept her entertained...but I always remember THIS night in particular, because it was the first time that I got to see how truly passionate and perceptive of a person that she was..."

The memory played on for them.

<< Blaze and Cameron were now eating what looked to be THREE plates of french fries in the middle of the table, and most of the standards for eating properly had gone out the window. The table was a mess with different dipping sauces and napkins, but the two were laughing so hard, they hardly cared. >>

Cameron: And THAT...is how..I know...that Morgan doesn't wear any underwear!

<< Blazes laughs out loud, her infectious laughter heard throughout the diner. >>

Blaze: Oh come on! I could have told you that!!!

<< After another fit of laughter, the two settled down and Blaze let out a big sigh, before she became transfixed on the colorful cast of characters that were in the diner around them. A large man eating alone, a group of "women" who had just gotten off "the late shift" and elderly couple, who appeared to be eating BREAKFAST, indicated how long they had been there. >>

Cameron: Wow.. where did you go just now, Blaze?

<< The elemental smirked at him and stretched her arms. >>

Blaze: I was just thinking about...all of these people in here..Thinking about their "stories" I guess...

<< Cameron looked around the bar, somewhat confused. >>

"Blaze was always a REALLY perceptive person, and you could tell that it was because of her already heightened senses. She watched people..She watched how they ate, how they interacted with people..she really tried to get a true sense of WHO they were..."

Cameron: What about their stories?

Blaze: I don't know...I just find them all kind of.. fascinating. You know...living the life that we do, I think we forget..just how DIFFERENT we might all have turned out..Like look at that couple over there..

<< Pointing to the elderly couple. >>

Blaze: They've probably been married for 50 years. They've stuck together through the ups and downs..all of it. You don't have to be a telepath or have heightened senses to know that they really "love" each other...Look at the way he pets her hand, and how her body is leaned into him like...I don't know..maybe i'm just lethargic, but don't you ever wonder, or worry...that we might never GET that?

<< Cameron thought for a moment. >>

Cameron: I never really thought about it Blaze...

Blaze: Well..I do...I think we sit around with super powers, and for the most part, we BITCH about them. The responsibilty...the WORK. THE LOSS...I've fallen victim to it...FOR SURE. But then I sit here..in this deli...and I can't help but just...be GRATEFUL... I mean...LOOK at who we protect? Look around! The work we do...it ALLOWS that couple to BE at this diner.. fifty years later...still so in love.. If we didn't FIGHT how we FIGHT..think of what this city would BE like..well...we don't have to THINK. We KNOW...

<< Both of them had flashes of the events that transpired in the Citadle. >>

Cameron: You know.. I never pegged you for being the introspective type. You are usually the first girl dancing on the table...

<< Blaze placed her hand over Cameron's >>

Blaze: And WHY do you think that IS, Cam? I'ts because I KNOW and have experienced FIRST hand how short...and just truly PRECIOUS life is...and I've made the decision to LIVE it...When i'm OLD as HELL...and that's NOT a likely scenario given our line of work.. I want to be able to say..I had a FULL LIFE. I want to dance on tables! I want to drink a few cocktails, romance some women! I want to take my top off and RUN through Central Park in the middle of the night!

<< She picked up a fry, dipped it in ranch dressing and ate it quickly. >>

Blaze: I want to eat french fries that are so good, they make me see STARS. I want PASSION...always. I can't live without it...

Cameron was smiling as the images flooded through him again. He hadn't thought about that night in a very long time, but he would remember it fondly. He looked at Blaze Victory.

"And that's what i've always REMEMBERED about Blaze...she was PASSIONATE. She truly had a "fire" in her belly, and she never looked back. She was fearless, and she never cared about what others thought of her decisions.."

And in beautiful juxtaposition, Cameron walked over, the memory still playing, and put his hand over Blaze's just as Foxfire had put hers over his, what felt like a lifetime ago.

"And you...are the same way..We could spend all day picking apart the differences between YOU and "OUR" Blaze..but essentially? When I LOOK at you? When I think about all of this "crosstime alternate" business? I don't see that. I see the SAME Blaze. Because OUR Blaze would have jumped into that stepping disc too. She wouldn't have stopped, if she could have found a way to be with her sister, SHE WOULD have done it..."

He looked at the others around him as he spoke.

"EVERYTHING that I love about Blaze...you ARE..So stop looking at it like a pros and cons list...because you are HERE. And YOU...my dear....are OUR Blaze...and you always have been...Different choices? Yes...Different Sensibilities? YES...Same Soul, same FIRE, same person we have loved? Yes, Blaze....because you're home..."

Just at that moment, the VIP Wait Staff arrived, filling the table with plates of steaming hot, delicious smelling fries... A scent that Cameron took in and sat with for a moment, reflecting on that night with his friend.

"But...enough MUSH....I decided with all the drinking we've been doing...we could use some FOOD. I give you fries, freshly DELIVERED from Sal's DINER! Enjoy them...eat them in CELEBRATION...in remembrance of Foxfire and in honor of FIREBIRD! And watch THIS while doing so...."

Just then a MOVIE began to play on the Projection Screen.

Announcer: "Blaze Victory....THIS IS YOUR LIFE!"

The screen played "RAY OF LIGHT" by Madonna as images began to bombard the screen of Blaze in her younger days.

There was flashes of HER & MORGAN dancing in a club, and even a long forgotten photo of them from their days on VALIANT!

The pictures flashed forward in pace with the song as MORE photos flashed before her eyes peppered with words that said "FIERY" "PASSIONATE" "STRONG" "SCANDALOUS" which flashed just as it showed her on stage at Club Venom doing a sexy strip tease for the audience and even some photos of her DJing on busy nights at the club.

Yes, ALL of these were just SOME of the great memories that FOXFIRE had shared with her team. Cameron and Blaze at work at King Enterprises with Vivica working on the Parthenon/Illustra partnership. Haleigh and Blaze in one of Haleigh's infamous JETS, flying off to lord knows WHERE...even a picture of a drunken FOXFIRE with Alexis Quartermaine, her hand DANGEROUSLY close to being UP the meta human's dress.

Blaze would see a fast and furious but BEAUTIFUL collage of the woman she was HERE in the mainstream timeline...Some of the moments she had experienced in HER time, and some would be NEW...but they still represented WHO Blaze was at her core.

Cameron watched as the video began to play off, pictures flashing at RAPID speed before looking at Blaze to see her reaction. The lights went up as the music and video ended. Cameron smiled at Blaze and wrapped his arm around her shoulder and SQUEEZED. He whispered into her ear...

"Told you we were gonna kick your ass....and we aren't even DONE yet, girl!"

He kissed her on the cheek. Tonight was a good night.

 

[Isis]

Take me as I am

::Everyone was clapping and Blaze Victory seeme truly surprised and touched by Cameron's thoughtful retrospective of Blaze Fielding (Foxfire) and how she mirrored and highlighted Firebird, now that she was here and properly assuming the life that was and still IS "BLAZE".::

:: There was one other in attendance. She had MISSED the hot and salacious antics in Envy just a little while ago, by CHOICE, but she did give her word that she would appear and join them at some point tonight, and now that time was at hand.::

:: Standing in the shadows far back, Dominique watched with a calm facial expression. The Six had such a depth of emotion when it came to their interpersonal relationships. It was easy to see why Nicolas could not...WOULD not let go of them so easily::

:: For quite a while, she did not see the point of them and did not feel they served Nicolas' needs well. It didn't matter that she wasn't always concerned for his wellbeing either...she just didn't understand OR care for The Six as a whole. But Harbinger, Rampge, Spellbinder, Persephone and most recently Prophet had ALL, in his/her own way, managed to show Dominique while they were such a strong unit. ::

:: Her overlapping connections with them in the recent years had caused her to ponder her own situation at the Hellfire Club with the Sisterhood. But now was not the time for that.::

:: She was here, as a personal favor to her nephew and her rather..."COMFORTABLE" business partner, Cameron, to help keep a smile on Blaze's face and a melody in her heart with the gift of song.::

:: A few hours earlier, she BALKED at the listing of songs Cameron sent her. They were some of Blaze's favorites. It was a very...eclectic selection...to say the least.::

:: FINALLY, she found one that she felt was worth her serious time and consideration of singing. She met with the DJ to have him pull up the clearest, most nuanced and ear pleasing version of the song he could find that would allow her live vocals to flow over it. She then ran through the song. Once with the DJ and once AFTER she met with Nicolas.::

:: Now, the time was at hand.::

:: her high heels could be heard as she steps out of the shadows at the back end of the private club.::

Announcer: And now, Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the STAR of the Parthenon, Dominique Deveraux!

:: Dominique Deveraux takes the stage. She looks upon her small but no less engaged and interactive audience and smiles, ever so slightly as she is handed a microphone.::

Good evening.

:: The glamorous chanteuse greets them with her clear tone of voice::

I was asked by Cameron King, and my nephew, Nicolas King, to come say hello tonight to a very special young lady.

I understand that you, Blaze Victory, are the source of celebration tonight.

:: Everyone claps as a soft beam of light shines down on Blaze. The LARGE SCREEN behind Dominique is now showing a silent montage of more recent images of Firebird from various SPECTRA events::

Well...I can certainly see why.

:: Winking knowingly at the young girl::

Though I did not know your counterpart/predecessor personally, I DID learn about her from her...YOUR sister, Morgan Victoria.

There are few things in this life that any of us can be certain of. But you, Blaze? YOU CAN be certain that MORGAN loves you very much and is FIERCELY proud of you.

And the EAGERNESS that your friends, Cameron and Nicolas displayed when putting together this event for you, is a testimony to their LOVE for you as well. Never doubt that, child.

To find love is truly a precious thing. To find ACCEPTANCE is just as important.

:: She looks at Nicolas for a moment as she says this, before looking up and out to the DJ who is hidden within the shadowed booth::

:: A crystal clear, ear pleasing song begins to play as Dominique holds her microphone::

The journey to find acceptance begins from within, Blaze. You had more than begun your journey when you took that daring leap of faith and jumped into the stepping disc to follow after your sister.

Now that you are here, know that you ARE loved by your friends. ACCEPT that love, just as they ACCEPT YOU for who YOU are and NOT just who you share an uncanny resemblence and connection to.

Listen...

:: Dominique begins her strong, nuanced cover of Mary J. Blige's "Take me as I am", moving with grace, ease and steps in time to the slower tempoed song::

:: Images of Foxfire enjoying personal moments of affirmation and affection with her Six family played on the monitor behind Dominique and were balanced out by more recent images of FIREBIRD with some of those same Six family members. Blaze's sparkling apple green eyes, her infections smile, her flowing auburn hair, the sense of PASSION and craving of emotion...all of these things RADIATED from the screen whether it was a scene with Foxfire OR Firebird. Images of either one of them being the "center of attention" with the others reveling in the moment...in HER can be seen flashing across the screen.::

:: Dominique steps down from the stage and moves about the Six, singing and engaging them with the skill and ease of a true songstress. Her voice seems to lull them all as she finally focuses in on Blaze and images of Firebird hugging almost every member of the Six present flash across the screen ::

:: Dominique ends the song with her head bowed and after a generous applause from her audience, she looks up and locks eyes with Blaze.::

You and I are not that much different...we came from a place of destruction and dared to launch ourselves into a..."brave new world". Like me...you felt that you were LOST. But you've been FOUND.

And just as I have done...YOU must accept your reality...and make it your own.

You will have help and the acceptance you want and DESERVE!

Enjoy your evening, Blaze Victory...and the rest of your life.

:: and with that, Dominique backs way, returning to the stage as the audience applauds once more::

Thank you.

:: Dominique curtsies with grace, appreciative of the reception...even as Blaze and Michael make it a point to WHISTLE and add a bit more...exuberance to their response::

:: After a few moments, Dominique exits the stage and the private club, leaving the Six to the rest of their evening.::