A Weekend Affair # 4 - The Black Gala

The Black King & Queen's Suite

When they were finished, Ava curled up against him, and he wrapped his arms around her. He felt so at peace, lying there with her, like this. He had always been her armor, whether she wanted it or not, but now he felt like she was allowing herself to be protected by him.

Ava: "You have no idea how much I needed that...How much I needed you."

He gently pulled her hair away from her face.

"I'm here. I'll always be here."

Ava: "I hate this.....them..."

"I know."

Ava: "But I'll protect her children...."

That surprised him, perhaps more than it should have. He hadn't expected her to agree so quickly, though he knew if she wasn't upset that that would have been what she wanted. Which was why he had pressed her on it. He wasn't going to set her up to feel guilty later. They were already dealing with enough of that courtesy of Stavros Cassadine.

"Thank you."

He kissed the top of her head.

"Why don't we skip brunch tomorrow? Stay in bed..."

He tickled her gently.

"Have chocolate cake for breakfast..."
 
Ava laid within Steel's arms, staring at the large window that line their bedroom overlooking the upper east side. She needed John more than she had realized, his body giving her the release she had craved desperately. But as she laid there, slowly coming down from her high, Ava came to the realization that she not only hated the situation, but the people involved as well.

John: "I know."

His tone understanding despite John being friends with these people. Haleigh and Cameron's ridiculous open marriage had literally fucked everything up while Kelly set off the bomb to complete the job. Cameron was too prideful to ask his wife to stop being with other men while Haleigh was too selfish to keep her legs shut and comply. They were both toxic and now that toxicity was starting to seep into the rest of Hellfire. Even worse, there were innocent children thrown into the mix. As much as Ava wanted to write Haleigh off and tell her to deal with her own damn problems, John had pleaded with her to help protect her kids from Cameron if he went off the deep end. A part of Ava didn't want to, yet she knew these children weren't at fault. So she agreed to protect them if need be.

John: "Thank you."

Ava didn't deserve his thanks. She wasn't doing it for Haleigh, she was doing it because John asked. She felt him kiss the top of her head causing her to tilt it back and finally look up at him.

John: "Why don't we skip brunch tomorrow? Stay in bed..."

The thought sounded amazing. John even emphasizing it with a little tickle making Ava recoil and tense, a smile finally forming on her lips.

John: "Have chocolate cake for breakfast..."

"Chocolate cake?"

Ava lightly laughed, the act almost feeling foreign to her at this point.

"You do realize who you're talking to right?"

Ava was by far the healthiest member of Hellfire, something that was engrained in her after being merged with Persephone. Living in ancient Greece, food was simple and fresh, and as the years went on it remained that way up until the 20th century. That was when McDonalds and Pizza Hut became the norm. It was disgusting and unnecessary. But that wasn't to say she didn't enjoy chocolate cake, it was just always a running joke with everyone which Ava didn't really mind.

"It's a date."

She wasn't about to show her support at the White Brunch after everything that had just transpired. Fuck what the Europeans thought. There were more than just fissures in Hellfire now, there was a giant fucking crater in it. Ava sat up on her elbow and looked down at John.

"Lets leave. Go to Arklay tonight...away from the city... away from all of it."

They had spoken before about making use of Arklay more. Now was the perfect opportunity.

"We can take a ride in the morning, watch the sun rise. Have the staff make a buffet of cakes."

She smiled at that, the thought actually making her happy.
 
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The Black King & Queen's Suite

The "chocolate cake" made her laugh, as he'd hoped.

Ava: "Chocolate cake? You do realize who you're talking to right?"

"The girl who secretly loves chocolate cake."

He leaned down and planted a kiss on her nose with a smile. No one could be completely healthy all the time, after all.

Ava: "It's a date."

He grinned widely, happy for the chance for alone time with her, doing something fun and normal, which he thought she desperately needed right now. She also needed a break from her duties, visiting guests or no. She propped herself up on one elbow, giving him an extremely nice view to look up at.

Ava: "Lets leave. Go to Arklay tonight...away from the city... away from all of it. We can take a ride in the morning, watch the sun rise. Have the staff make a buffet of cakes."

He found her hand.

"Let's do it. Cake for breakfast...and a bottle of champagne for tonight."

Normally he would have reminder her of her obligation to make a good showing in front of their guests. But he knew that right now her well being was more important. Plus, no matter what they did from here out, they were going to come out looking the best of all the courts for the weekend anyway.

"Let's just try and make that ride more uneventful than our last together."
 
John suggested chocolate cake for breakfast making Ava smile. She was not a chocolate cake kinda girl, at least not all the time. She playfully asked him if he knew who he was talking to.

John: "The girl who secretly loves chocolate cake."

Ava contemplated that for a moment, a smile threatening to show as she tried to play it off like she didn't secretly like chocolate cake. But finally she let a little laugh escape, agreeing that it would be a date. She wanted nothing more than to take a step away from her duties as Queen, especially after what happened with her father and Haleigh. She had done her part, stolen Sub Zero and secured it to the American Branch, traded her Princess all while making an alliance with the European Red Queen, and gained a fantastic new Bishop. If that wasn't enough in anyone's eyes? They could go fuck themselves. But Ava wanted more than just a brunch of cake, she wanted to leave for the night. To escape to Arklay and away from every bit of heartache she had experienced within the walls of Hellfire. John grinned happily, taking her hand within his.

John: "Let's do it. Cake for breakfast...and a bottle of champagne for tonight."

In all honesty, she half expect John to decline and tell her she needed to stay and make face. But he agreed making Ava smile happily. She suggested a ride to watch the sunrise and a buffet of cakes. But honestly, just being isolated in their suite at Arklay with John would have been more than enough for her.

John: "Let's just try and make that ride more uneventful than our last together."

She slightly grimaced at the thought. Damn...the Red Hunt seemed like a lifetime ago.

"Yeah...that was terrible."

She shook her head with a small chuckle.

"It'll be boring in comparison."

Ava reached over to her phone before laying back next to John. She pulled up Amanda's text thread.

"I'll leave word with Amanda so she can hold down everything here, you text the staff at Arklay."

Ava began to write up a quick text to her Knight before sending it. Amanda would be made Princess soon, so this was the perfect opportunity for her to show her leadership skills while Ava and John were gone for the morning.

>> "John and I will be leaving until tomorrow afternoon. I need a moment to breathe after tonight. Please inform the rest of the court and keep things in order while we're gone. If there are any problems, text us immediately."

Ava left out exactly why they were leaving, but she knew Amanda would understand part of the reason.

"Okay....done."

They needn't pack or even dress, there was more than enough clothing in their Arklay suite. They literally could leave right then. Ava sat up, feeling excited to leave the drama of Hellfire behind and forget it existed, even if it was only for twelve hours. She took John's hand.

"Ready?"
 
The Black King & Queen's Suite

He loved to see Ava smile. And he would do anything to see it more. So he agreed to spend the night back at Arklay, to miss the White Court's brunch in the morning. She suggested a sunrise ride and he asked that it please be less eventful than the last time, when they'd fought and then he'd nearly killed himself chasing after her.

Ava: "It'll be boring in comparison."

"Excellent. Boring is good."

She reached for her phone and he ran his fingers down her back before she laid back down.

Ava: "I'll leave word with Amanda so she can hold down everything here, you text the staff at Arklay."

He reached for his own phone, which was somewhere on the floor in his jacket, and when he'd finally found it made the preparations for their arrival. Yes, they wanted chilled champagne and a bouquet of gardenia waiting for them. No, they wanted interrupted as little as possible. Yes, they would be taking Ava's horse plus one out at dawn. And could they pack a picnic of desserts for them?

Ava: "Okay....done. Ready?"

She took his hand, and he smiled.

"Are you sure we shouldn't put on some clothes first?"

He smiled a little sheepishly. What if the servants were setting up their room when they arrived? It was a fleeting thought, knowing that Ava wouldn't give a flying fuck about it if they were.

"Alright, then, ready."

He gave her hand a squeeze, and for the second time the he was transported as if by magick, finding himself in their room at Arklay. Despite what they had done there earlier in the day, it still felt odd to call it their room. But at the same time, it felt like the most natural thing in the world. He had spent so much time at Ava's side, more and more he felt like they had been together all along. The staff had worked fast, the champagne set up with two glasses sitting on the night table, and a large bouquet tied with a black ribbon lay on the bed. He walked over to it and picked it up, forgetting that he was stark naked. He handed it to her with a bow.

"For you, my lady...."

He grinned and set to work on the champagne. They might not have been married yet, and they might have only just officially gotten together, but he was going to make tonight as much a honeymoon as he could, if it would make her happy.
 
Ava was ready to get the hell out of Hellfire, and after giving Amanda notice, she was prepared to leave immediately. John gave her a bit of an embarrassed smile which was so incredible adorable.

John: "Are you sure we shouldn't put on some clothes first?"

Ava climbed onto her knees and wrapped her arms around John's neck, pulling herself against him. Giving him a little peck on the lips, she playfully shrugged.

"I plan on staying naked until sunrise."

John didn't seem to mind that answer making her lightly chuckle.

John: "Alright, then, ready."

Hugging herself against him, Ava rested her chin on his shoulder as the tornado of winds enveloped them both and transported them far away from Hellfire and to Arklay. Upon arriving, all tension within Ava's body immediately vanished. They were completely alone - minus the graveyard staff - but more importantly, away from the Inner Circle, the Europeans, the Royals. Exhaling out a breath of relief, John pulled away from Ava which made her brows furrow, turning to see him walk toward the bed and pick up a large bouquet of her favorite flower: gardenias. He didn't need to do this...but the fact that he did made her heart fill with such love. He knew she was going through a hard time, and to do something as simple yet thoughtful as making sure her favorite flowers were there for her meant more than he could ever know.

"John..."

There was a black satin bow holding the bouquet together as John walked back over to her, bowing as he held them out.

John: "For you, my lady...."

Ava smiled, taking the flowers.

"Why thank you, kind sir."

She played along with a soft laugh, bringing the peddles to her nose and taking in the wonderful scent.

"They're beautiful...thank you."

John then began to open the bottle of champagne he had chilling by the bed as Ava walked toward the french doors leading out to the balcony. Pushing them open, the cool spring breeze began to sweep into the room as Ava placed her flowers on the side table before taking a step outside into the moonlight. They had a beautiful view of the tree lined mountains, private and untouched. It almost felt as if they weren't in New York. Shutting her eyes, Ava let her head relax to the side a bit as she felt the energy of the nature that surrounded them. This was why she wanted to come to Arklay; the city was suffocating, but this was open and free.

"All we need is some music."

She smiled to herself, wanting a proper dance with her king. One not laced with pain and surrounded by catastrophe. She turned to look over her shoulder at John, the wind sweeping her hair along her face.

"And this will be absolutely perfect."
 
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Well this was a mess of awkward that Ben hadn't intended to step in. The entire European Red Court seemed to be as if Helfire were a stage production put on by Fox Family Channel. They were still devious and dark as the rest of them, but they definitely had a bit of a squeaky clean edge, which amused Ben. Cassandra was a bit like that herself. She definitely needed to be around people who saw the world the same that she did. Ben made a few good natured jokes to lighten the mood and to give Cass a good old fashion ribbing.

"We're practically eskimo brothers at this point. It just makes sense."

He had meant in the way that the courts seemed to be intertwined as of late, nut it was clear both The Red Rook and new Red Princess took another meaning, which only confirmed to Ben that Damien and Cassandra would most certainly become an item at some point. All the while, The Black Rook kept an eye on the comings and goings of the members of The Inner Circle. Something big was brewing, and whatever it was, was causing a great amount of turmoil across multiple courts, but his Queen and King had not yet ordered him to act in any way, and he knew it better not to meddle when one didn't need to. But he did keep a watchful eye on Erika who seemed to be all over the place.

"Good for her."

Cassandra: "It's not funny."

Damien: "It kind of is, love. However, we haven't reached that part yet. Got any tips? She looks to be the kind of girl who likes it on the bottom."

Ben laughed, fully not prepared to answer a question like that.

"Sorry Damien. I'm a bit too much of a gentleman to reveal such secrets.

He noted that red suited Cass and gave her his seal of approval for the move she had made to The Red Court as she gave him a hug, one that still beckoned for him, despite this new life that she had.

Cassandra: "I'll miss you too, Ben. Could we meet sometime tomorrow so we could talk? Please Ben? It's really important, and it would mean a lot to me."

He felt his face flush a bit, it was the opposite of the experience he had just had with Erika, but it made him appreciate the situation more. All he wanted to do was walk over to Erika, declare himself as her brother and just...know her. He could understand where Cassandra was coming from now, and he had Erika to thank for that.

"Of course, Cassie. We can have coffee in The Black Parlour before brunch."

Damien: "So, mate? Got any stories about our Cassandra here? I'm eager to hear some stories of what she was like on the Black Court."

Ben smirked.

"Well, mate. Just like Vegas, what happens on The Black Court stays on The Black Court. If you wanna know about your new Princess, I think it best just to ask her."

He saluted them with his drink before casting a humorous glance at Cassandra.

"Just don't go spilling all our secrets now, eh?"
 
Thankfully the pervy conversation between Heidi and her King was over as Amanda alerted her to a fire that had started in the attic levels of the mansion and was roaring like crazy. All Knights had access to most rooms in Hellfire as it was necessary for them to be able to protect their court at all costs and the scene they came to in the attic was rather chaotic. The entire old War Room of the original Inner Circle was ablaze with a fiery glory, which led her to believe that while Kelly had survived her confrontation with Cameron, it had not gone well. Talisman was a bit of a historian, she would not destroy a place like this without reason. It meant that Kelly had cut ties with Hellfire. Amanda knew in this moment that Kelly was going to try and take them down.

She watched with amusement as Heidi acted a human fire extinguisher, exponging the flames just as quickly as they were rising and spreading to different parts of the mansion.

Heidi: "So, suffice it to say that argument ended on not so good terms."

"That's an understatement. This is a warning."

The Black Knight looked at The White Knight with a bit of concern.

"It's the start of a war. Kelly wouldn't just destroy a place like this out of spite, or to get attention. This place was important to her. It would be like her destroying The Body Shoppe."

[pausing]

"We need to up security across the board."

Just then Amanda became aware of the moving of quite a large amount of members of The Red Guard heading through The Red Corridor, circling around the area of The Red King's quarters. What was happening tonight?

"Not only that, something is brewing in The Red Corridor..I'd contact AJ but..."

"I banged him the night before and probably pissed off his Queen..."

"He's likely preoccupied with his Queen. Perhaps you should go see your King about that dance?"

Her phone vibrated.

>> "John and I will be leaving until tomorrow afternoon. I need a moment to breathe after tonight. Please inform the rest of the court and keep things in order while we're gone. If there are any problems, text us immediately."

Amanda furrowed her brow.

"Jesus Christ."

If Kelly was declaring war with Hellfire, that likely meant Ava and the REST of The Black Court would likely find themselves in her crosshairs. It was where she had the most history, and bad blood. She fiddled with her phone shooting a text message to John.

>> "Update on The White King - Cameron is fine. Talisman is missing in action. She set the Old War Room on fire. Security issue seems to be developing in The Red Corrider surrounding The Red King. I'm going to rally the troops on The Black Court and do a thorough inspection of The Black Corridor before turning in. Will keep you posted. Enjoy your getaway."

"We don't do this enough, Heidi. And Cameron was right. That dress is stellar...but I've got a court to rally.."

She pressed a few buttons in her phone, checking messages before slinking it back into her cleavage undetected, looking back at Heidi with a smile.

"Let's touch base tomorrow, once AJ is in the loop, and sweep the guest list, as well as vendors and staff. We're going to need to make sure our hands are in everything until our courts know where they want to move. Enjoy you're night."

She nodded to The White Knight before pressing her com link, making sure not to disturb The Black King.

>> [via com link]: "Alright boys. Get your asses to The Black Parlour for a nightcap."

The Black Knight slithered from the sterile and uncomfortable White Corridor before relaxing as she turned the corner towards black, heading into the parlour and promptly pouring herself some whiskey. This evening had not gone as anticipated and Amanda was a bit pissed. This was supposed to the event of The Black Party and it had devolved into a bunch of drama. It was disrespectful, but Amanda was now more concerned with protecting her court against ANY move that Kelly King might think of.
 
John: "Get him to his bed. And for fuck's sake, don't let anyone see you."

Daniel fought the urge to laugh as he listened to John's orders. The Black King had somehow managed to sound both impressed but stern as he gave the order. Daniel had known Kings, but he had never served one. It was interesting and he kind of liked it. He looked at Archer for a moment, knocked unconscious, his head resting in a mop bucket, and he couldn't help but to snap a picture that he later planned to show Ava. That and he was not looking forward to dragging Archer down the many flights of stairs to The Black Corridor and in his room. He wasn't worried about being caught, his abilities allowed him to move freely. The only person he would have to be careful about were the magick users, specifically Brienne. But he could figure out a way around that. He looked down at Archer and smiled again.

"Alright you dirty scag, time for bed."

Using his powers of illusion, Daniel cloaked himself as he slung Archer over his shoulders, thankful that his dedication to the gym was for more than looking good in his swim trunks as he moved through the mansion with ease, making his way towards The Black Corridor, about to round the corner, when he caught Brienne Shaw making her way towards her room with The White Rook stalking close behind. The Black Bishop slunk behind the corner, pressing himself against the wall as he watched Zach enter Brienne's room. He flashed a mischevious smile, looking over at Archer's still unconscious body.

"Eh, she does bed the hot ones Arch, you gotta give her that."

Once the coast was clear, he slipped past the door of The Black Queen and into Archer's suite, taking full opportunity to strip him naked and plop him in his bed. He would rise early in the morning to temper The Black King emotionally so that he didn't cause a scene at another event, but he was beginning to wonder for a bit how long he was going to have to keep this up. He tucked Archer into bed and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Sleep well, dead man."

The Black Bishop was about to return to the party, not wanting to waste his outfit on the likes of Archer Fairchild when Amanda came over the com link.

>> Amanda: "Alright boys. Get your asses to The Black Parlour for a nightcap."

Daniel sighed heavily.

[via com link]: "On my way, but I hope by boys you mean more than just Ben. No offense Ben."

Thankful he was already in The Black Corridor so the trip to the parlour was a short one. He arrived to see Amanda downing whiskey like it was water, to which he walked up to the bar and grabbed a bottle of water. Daniel drank as much as any proper wasp did, but considering the kind of night The Black Court was having, Daniel wanted to remain as clear as possible.

"Well, I took a stand for womankind tonight and beat Archer unconscious..."

[smirking]

"I'm assuming listening behind a door was just as exciting by the way you're drinking?"
 
John: "I know how to take care of my Queen."

Erika smirked and rolled her eyes a bit as he leaned in closer.

John: "I know what she's gone through. I've been by her side for a long time."

The White Princess gave a wicked smile. Those who weren't legacy children were often off put by how often those who were mentioned it, so she didn't pay his words much mind. Suffice to say, had this been twelve hours earlier, she would have used her magick to warp the techno organic steel of his body from the inside out, skinning him alive. She wasn't saying she knew Ava better, or that John was somehow incapable, she was merely making a friendly suggestion. It was his own insecurities that led him to his words.

"Well I lived through them with her, John. [Sarcastically] Forgive me for waxing nostalgic."

She still tried to make nice with John, still unsure of what to make of him. He was The Black King, but so far, Erika had seen no difference from Rook to King, except for the place in which he stood around her. She wondered if and when he would actually claim his new title, and remember he was no longer just The Black Queen's bodyguard but her partner - and not just romantically. Ava was not the only person he had to impress anymore.

"I'm probably not the best ally to have...but I ask that in the days to come, you might not discount me as quickly as others might. I'm a mess, but when I get it right? Well..I think I really get it right."

John: "Then get it right."

"Well fuck you too, buddy."

She took a sip of hemlock as John left.

[under her breath] "Ya glorified gigolo."

She watched as Cameron left, and assumed that he was going to speak to his wife. Tonight had been very successful for her, and she wanted to share it with Zach, but she couldn't find him. For a moment, she wondered if he was with Brienne and she began to second guess her idea to get them closer together. That and she was beginning to understand JUST the kind of magick that Brienne was working on Haleigh Davidoff. The White Queen was a hussy, but she wasn't stupid. Or maybe she was? Erika didn't know anymore. But to know that Haleigh was pregnant with Alek's baby at and around the same time that she became pregnant with Cameron's baby...and knowing that Cameron alerted her to Brienne's magick at The Red Hunt? Well, it didn't take much to put two and two together, and Erika knew that if Zach could work his magick, Brienne might stay around long enough for Erika to expose her as the treacherous bitch that she was. Perhaps by Sunday the entire European Black Court would be dead. That could be fun.

Erika decided to end the night on a high note as she walked out of the conservatory, and to The White Corridor, on her way to the room, when she found a curious energy moving through the air. It was mystical in nature and it immediately put Erika on edge. She used her sibling bond with Cameron, one that he had just reignited and realized that she could not sense him. At all. Nowhere in the mansion. It didn't make sense. She understood perhaps shielding a conversation with one's wife, especially one with such sensitive subject matter. Racing to her room, she grabbed her scrying crystal from her jewelry box, clasping it in her hands. Haleigh was in the mansion, but she wasn't with Cameron. As the pendulum swirved in a circle, she became aware that Haleigh was still with The Red King. Cameron hadn't left the conservatory to speak with Haleigh..he'd left the mansion altogether, and she had no way to track him.

"Fuck."

[exhaling]

"Fuck fuck fuck fuck FUCK."
 
The Black King & Queen's Suite - Hellfire

He made the suggestion that perhaps they should put some clothing on, just in case they weren't alone when they arrived at Arklay. Ava pressed her nude body against his, and he started to really not care if they ever put on any clothes...

Ava: "I plan on staying naked until sunrise."

His eyes widened, and a smile spread across his face, and he told her he was ready. She kept her arms around him and they were transported in Ava's winds to their room at Arklay, which had been set up as he had specified. He looked at her, amusement on his face.

"Why doesn't your hair ever get messed up when you do that?"

He separated the two of them, so he could present her with the bouquet of her favorite flowers, then open the bottle of champagne. Ava moved out onto the balcony, already much calmer and happier. He wondered if they could move here permanently. He made a point to at least bring her here at the week ends. He watched her as he poured two glasses and took them over to her. He pressed his chest against her back, bringing her glass over her head so his arm went around her as he did so.

Ava: "All we need is some music. And this will be absolutely perfect."

The breeze was blowing her hair gently when she looked back at him, and his breath was momentarily taken away by it.

"God, Ava, you're so beautiful."

He kissed her gently, then stepped backwards into the room. Turning on the tv, he switched it to the music channels and flipped until he found something he liked. He took a sip of the champagne then set his glass down on a table and opened his arms to her as he rejoined her on the balcony.
 
They had finally arrived at Arklay and John looked down at her with a big smile.

John: "Why doesn't your hair ever get messed up when you do that?"

"Perks of being a weather goddess."

John then moved past her to the bed so he could present her with some gardenias. He had champagne chilling near them as well. The whole suite had been set up perfectly, like they were off on a retreat or honeymoon. Ava opened the balcony as John opened the champagne, taking in the scenery and the calmness of nature. She was in her element through and through, and the only thing that would make them leaving Hellfire and getting away from everything better was a little music. Ava felt John press his chest against her, presenting her with a flute of champagne making her smile. Taking a sip, she turned to look over her shoulder as he reached inside and turned on the tv, changing it to a music station. Soon some soft jazz began to play, John pausing to look at her.

John: "God, Ava, you're so beautiful."

She blushed, smiling with a bit of embarrassment at how he said it; like she were the most beautiful woman on earth. He came over to her finally, Ava placing her flute of champagne on the banister ledge before she wrapped her arms around John's neck, bringing herself against him. Welcoming his kiss, her hands slid along his cheeks, holding him there as they began to sway to the music. Finally, Ava broke the kiss, her midnight eyes looking up into his.

"And you're perfect."

She softly replied back, her nose gently rubbing against his as she smiled. Ava then laid her head on John's chest, continuing to slowly dance to the music out on the balcony under the moonlight. It was what the night should have been like. The two of them, Black King and Queen, reveling in their courts glory. But Ava didn't let herself go back to the toxic memories of the evening, instead staying the in the present with John. They had all night together away from the chaos, and Ava wasn't about to ruin a single moment of it.
 
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Arklay

Steel had held Ava close, dancing with her on the balcony to the music coming from inside the room. He had wanted to wrap her up in his arms and keep the rest of the world out, so she could never be hurt, or upset, or unhappy. Her head had rested against his chest, and the warmth from her body was like a comforting blanket.

They danced a little while longer, until Ava had led him back inside, back to bed. They'd made love slowly, sensually, exploring every inch of each other. And when they'd finished, they had fallen asleep in each others' arms, a perfect night after a horrible day.

But in his dreams, she was screaming.

Steel sat up quickly, his heart pounding, breathing hard, his body covered in a sheen of sweat. He looked back over his shoulder at Ava's still sleeping form, so peaceful in her slumber. But John's had been anything but, and as he sat there, Erika's words had come back to him, about what they had done to Ava.

He put his head in his hands. He had pushed that day out of his mind for so very long. But all these years later, and Ava was still dealing with what had been done to her. He couldn't ignore it. Even when he tried, it had still found a way to invade his consciousness...
 
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Ava laid tangled in the black satin sheets of their bed, finally having fell asleep after making love to John. He had helped her so much during her life, but this weekend? He stepped up in a way Ava could never repay him for. If she hadn't opened her heart to him, taken that leap of faith, everything that happened during the Gala would have lead to far more dire consequences. He was able to talk her down, keep her calm, and comfort her when she needed him the most. They may have only officially become a couple, but Ava had loved John for as long as she could remember, and it felt like they had always been together.

The cool nights breeze began to sweep in through the still open balcony door, blowing a few strands of Ava's hair across her cheek and shoulder. She slowly stirred, the air causing a chill to run throughout her body and give her goosebumps. Curling up in an effort to get warm, Ava reached out next to her instinctively, wanting to wrap her arm around John's chest and pull herself again him, knowing how much heat he put off. But she didn't feel him there, her hand feeling only the sheets damp with his sweat. Ava's eyes sleepily opened, seeing John sitting up in bed with his head in his heads. Immediately Ava looked concerned, even in her tired state.

"John?"

Sitting up, Ava gently ran her hand down his back noting how his skin was covered in sweat as well. Now she was fully awake, dipping her head down to try and see his covered face.

"Babe, what's wrong?"

John was such a pillar of strength, yet he looked like he was about to crumble. Had something happened when she was sleeping? Did someone text him more bad news. Even so, John never let that kind of stuff get to him, at least not this badly.

"Hey...[gently guiding his hand away from his face]...talk to me..."
 
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Arklay

In his head he could still hear her screaming.

But it wasn't a night terror, it was a memory. And that was worse. Because it was real, and he had done nothing.

Ava: "John?"

He felt her hand on his back, and he flinched a little. He didn't want her to see.

Ava: "Babe, what's wrong?"

He shook his head. He didn't want her to comfort him. He didn't want to hurt her again.

Ava: "Hey...[gently guiding his hand away from his face]...talk to me..."

He did look at her then, her beautiful dark hair tousled from sleep, her olive skin glowing in the moonlight. She looked like a dark angel. His eyes brimmed with tears, filled with pain.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Ava."

He put his arms around her and hugged her to him.

"I should have done something."

He buried his face in her neck.

"I should have stopped Diana and Stavros. I should never have let them touch you."

He took a shaky breath.

"But I did nothing. I failed you. I'm so sorry."
 
John refused to look at her which was even more concerning. Ava was fully awake now, moving closer to him and gently guiding his hand from his face. She tried to look into his eyes, and when John finally lifted them to her, there were tears there. It made Ava inhale a sharp breath, never having seen John in this state before. Ava's brows were furrowed, eyes filled with concern. Her hand was on his cheek as she tried to search his pain filled eyes for some sort of answer.

John: "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Ava."

Sorry? Why would he be sorry? John immediately wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tightly into a hug to which Ava didn't fight. She held John close, still a look of concern, still confused as to why he would be sorry. He had done absolutely nothing wrong. Ava gently rubbed his back trying to sooth him, feeling his face bury into her neck.

"Sorry? For what?"

John: "I should have done something."

"John..."

She immediately assumed her had to be talking about the Gala and what happened, but what he said next stunned her more than anything.

John: "I should have stopped Diana and Stavros. I should never have let them touch you. But I did nothing. I failed you. I'm so sorry."

Her mouth hung open a bit as she continued to hold him, shocked by what he said. He blamed himself for what Stavros and Diana did? Ava immediately began to shake her head.

"No...John, no. You are not to blame for that. Look at me..."

Pulling out of his grasp, she needed to look into his eyes while she said this. Holding his face, Ava's thumbs brushed away the tears that fell down John's cheeks as their eyes met. Seeing him like this killed her; a knife feeling like it was slicing into her chest.

"You were fifteen years old. You couldn't have done anything....no one could have. Diana was too powerful and my father was too power hungry to be stopped then. Do you hear me? You are NOT to blame for what they did."

She needed him to hear this, to understand.

"Baby....you have been the only constant good thing in my life since we met when we were kids. You've always been my protector....you've always been my rock. That night...no one could have helped me. We were all too young and not developed enough in our abilities to do anything about it."

Ava felt horrible that he was carrying this with him; that she had been so upset and wrapped up in her own feelings that she didn't once consider that maybe John had felt any sort of guilt because of what happened. She remembered that night, crying on the floor of the War Room after Diana had merged her with Persephone and her father stood there proudly watching. She remembered him having the Black Guard carry her back to her chamber room like she was nothing more than an object to him to be put away. And she remember John coming into her room as she wept in bed, trying to comfort her the rest of the night as she rode out the painful transition. It was something she never actively thought of - not a memory she wanted to relive. But now, as John looked at her with such devastation in his eyes, Ava realized that it had effected him just as badly as it did her.

"Please don't blame yourself....you have been nothing but good to me."

Ava gently kissed each one of John's tear stained cheeks before softly kissing his lips, her hands still holding his face. She rested her forehead against his, her one hand sliding down the back of his head to his neck, softly scratching it to try and ease him.

"I love you, John....I have since I was a kid. And you've never let me down, ever...okay?"
 
Arklay

He couldn’t stop himself. It all came pouring out, like he was still under the effects of the dream, out of his head.

Ava: "No...John, no. You are not to blame for that. Look at me..."

His eyes closed as he felt her hands on his face, so gentle and warm. He could see he was hurting her, and that made it worse.

Ava: "You were fifteen years old. You couldn't have done anything....no one could have. Diana was too powerful and my father was too power hungry to be stopped then. Do you hear me? You are NOT to blame for what they did."

He looked at her, eyes wide, his heart tearing from his chest.

Ava: "Baby....you have been the only constant good thing in my life since we met when we were kids. You've always been my protector....you've always been my rock. That night...no one could have helped me. We were all too young and not developed enough in our abilities to do anything about it."

“I didn’t even try.”

Large tears trailed down his cheeks.

Ava: "Please don't blame yourself....you have been nothing but good to me."

He shook his head sikently.

Her lips brushed against his cheeks and lips, her soothing touch on his face and neck. But still he felt such shame.

“I’m sorry...I shouldn’t be reminding you...”

She touched her forehead to his.

Ava: "I love you, John....I have since I was a kid. And you've never let me down, ever...okay?"

He hugged her tight again.

“I will never let anyone hurt you again. I promise. I will make it up to you.”
 
It tore Ava apart to see John blaming himself so badly for something he literally had no control over. They were ALL kids back then, and none of them had the abilities to take on Diana or Stavros. It was why they had plotted for so long and struck them when they were all able. She tried to tell him that he was in no way to blame, but he looked at her with such hurt in his eyes that Ava knew he would continue to blame himself despite her words.

John: “I didn’t even try.”

Ava gave him a hard look, her eyes unwavering.

"You would have died if you had."

And he would have. There was no doubt in her mind Diana would have struck John down without a second thought if he tried to intervene, and that would have killed Ava more than anything. Her eyes softened as she looked into his, never wanting him to blame himself for something a mad woman and power hungry man did.

"Please don't blame yourself....you've been nothing but good to me."

She pleaded with him, trying to make him see that none of this was his fault.

John: “I’m sorry...I shouldn’t be reminding you...”

"Dont....shhh, it's okay.."

She whispered as she pressed her forehead against John's, holding him close as she shut her eyes.

"Tonight has brought up a lot of memories....none of which are your fault."

Ava had loved John for a long time, telling him that he was the one person who had never let her down. She felt guilty that it had taken her so long to open her arms to him - to let him in beyond just the friendship they shared that was so apparently more. John wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight, Ava reciprocating. She kissed his neck, her hand still gently running up and down his back comfortingly.

John: “I will never let anyone hurt you again. I promise. I will make it up to you.”

That made her shut her eyes because despite her words, he still felt responsible for what happened. And despite his best intentions, there was nothing he could do. The act had been done, there was no reversing it. But that was neither his fault nor his burden to carry.

"John.."

Ava pulled back to look at him once again.

"I'm okay. I'm healthy and i'm strong and i'm powerful.....What happened all those years ago changed me for the better and worse. There was a trade off to get to where I am today....it sucks, i'm not going to deny that...but here I am now as the Black Queen, and I have you by my side as my King."

She gave him a little smile.

"I got what I wanted in the end."

Not everything that she wanted, but Ava was starting to come to terms with that. She sighed, gently shaking her head.

"Having children just isn't in my cards anymore. It's something I need to accept.....maybe this all happened for a reason, who knows.."

Taking John's hand, she interlinked their fingers together, their rings touching.

"As long as I have you by my side I can figure it out. My rock. My Steel."
 
Arklay

Erika’s words earlier had brought it all back. His deepest shame. That he had just stood by and let Stavros hurt Ava.

Ava: "You would have died if you had."

“Then maybe I should have died.”

Ava: "Please don't blame yourself....you've been nothing but good to me."

He should have kept his mouth shut. Here he was, being selfish, as if his pain was one thousandth of what she had gone through.

Ava: "Dont....shhh, it's okay...Tonight has brought up a lot of memories....none of which are your fault."

But it felt like his fault, when she talked about being nothing but Persephone. When he couldn’t give her the one thing she wanted, that had been ripped from her.

He promised her, never again, holding her tight. She pulled away to look at him.

Ava: "John...I'm okay. I'm healthy and i'm strong and i'm powerful.....What happened all those years ago changed me for the better and worse. There was a trade off to get to where I am today....it sucks, i'm not going to deny that...but here I am now as the Black Queen, and I have you by my side as my King. I got what I wanted in the end."

Not everything.

Ava: "Having children just isn't in my cards anymore. It's something I need to accept.....maybe this all happened for a reason, who knows...As long as I have you by my side I can figure it out. My rock. My Steel."

She took his hand, and he pulled their fingers to his lips and kissed her hand before looking deep in her eyes.

“I meant what I said before: if you want a baby, I will move heaven and earth to make it happen.”

He brought her hand to his cheek.

“I will never leave you.”
 
Ava tried to ease John's guilt, explaining to him that there was nothing he could do when Diana and Stavros merged her with Persephone. They were both children, and he would have died if he had tried intervening.

John: “Then maybe I should have died.”

That was like a knife to the heart, Ava recoiling a bit as she looked at him with a mixture of shock and pain. She held is face firmly, her eyes locked with his.

"Don't you EVER say that!"

Her voice was stern yet had a quiver to it at the thought of him dying. To even think of going through life without him by her side? It was unfathomable. It was heart wrenching.

"My life is better because of you, John."

She knew he was only saying these things because he was hurt and he blamed himself, but it still stung to actually hear those words come from his mouth. To think that his blame ran that deep. Her face softened as did her hands, her fingers gently tracing back to the base of his neck soothingly.

"Please don't blame yourself....you've been nothing but good to me."

She tried to explain to him that there was a trade off to what happened to her. Was she asked to be merged with Persephone? No. Did she want to at the time? No. But she did gain an exuberant amount of powers because of it which lead her to where she was today. She was the Black Queen and he was her King. She ran Cassadine Enterprises, she now held majority control over Sub Zero. She had everything she sought out for and dreamt of as a child....the one major exception was of course, having a child. It was painful and unfair, but something Ava couldn't change. It was something she would have to live with. And she wanted to make sure that John understood that it was something that he was not a fault for.

John took Ava's hand, her fingers still interlinked with his, and gently kissed her skin. She gave him a soft smile as he looked deep into her eyes.

John: “I meant what I said before: if you want a baby, I will move heaven and earth to make it happen. I will never leave you.”

Ava's smile slowly left her, her eyes lowering a bit at his words. He had been so adamant about helping her become a mother by any means necessary...but did he want to be a father? Not only that, but he could be a father to a biological child. Ava never wanted to take that from him if that was what he wanted.

"That means the world to me, John....you have no idea.."

She started, a bit hesitant before she finally looked back up into his eyes.

"But do you want to be a father?"

Ava asked, the focus of wanting babies being solely on her thus far. He was her partner - her lover. This decision was ultimately a joint one.

"I never want to force you into something that you don't want, even if that's a child. And please don't say you would do anything to make me happy in this regard....I don't want that. I want to know what you want."
 
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