Gathering at the clock tower

[Isis]

The Clocktower- Isis/Richard's apartment

I saw the look and I placed my hands on her shoulders.

Look, if all of this is too much for now, we can stay at the Parthenon and ease our way back. It is all up to you. You can do that thing that Miss Karen did for Mike where he can walk through the door and end up at their real house. That way we can be close without necessarily being immersed right now. Whatever helps you be more comfortable.

:: She looked around, as she stepped down down into the living room of her suite at the ClockTower.::

I'll be fine.

I really do need to speak with Zizi.

:: the idea about about walking through a door, and arriving in her diamond suite at the parthenon....::

That IS an excellent, idea Richard.

:: After all hadn't she reminded Vivica that she had PLENTY of options? Creating a magickal doorway between this place AND her diamond suite at the parthenon would be ideal for her and Richard.::

I'll make it so that no mere mortal, mutant or otherwise could ever discern the actual face of the doorway.

We have plenty of options to chose for which doorway I can enchant.

This provide us with an option, and a strategic advantage as well.

:: She reaches her hand up, to take Richard's hand ::

Since you came up with the idea, why don't you pick the door for me to enchant?

:: She smiles at him with approval::

 

[Oracle]

Zizi's Room

She felt Gabe's hand on the skin of her back as they kissed. Him touching her was like heaven, and even when his other hand grazed her breast on the way to join the other on her back, she responded. She remarked to him with a laugh how she had dressed for this occasion yesterday.

"You look beautiful. Yesterday....today....tomorrow....just beautiful."

She blushed, her already flushed cheeks going a distinctly darker shade of crimson. It was the perfect thing to say, him brushing the hair out of her face

"As long as I get to spend those days with you."

They shared a smile, and then Gabe cleared his throat.

"Maybe i'll take Dominique up on her offer...I'm starting to sound like i'm 16 again."

"Well, you were a very good looking sixteen year old...but I think I prefer you now."

She gave him a quick kiss on the lips, but followed his cue to put things on hold. Much more of this, and they would be past the point of no return.

"I should go check on my guests anyway."

Though her face said she'd rather stay there with him, especially since she didn't remove her arms from around his neck.

"If you would just set me in my chair...I'll see about that whiskey. You can finish getting dressed, and come out when you're ready. We'll have you all fixed up in no time."

She figured that asking him for help was the better option when the alternative was her dragging herself out of his lap and over to the chair - not the sexiest of moves.

Once she was settled, she started to go towards the door but stopped.

"Gabe?"

She kept a lingering hold of his hand.

"I love you."

She smiled and exited her bedroom, closing the door behind her to give him some privacy.

Coming back into the main apartment, she noticed that Isis and Rich were gone, leaving Vivica there alone. She sighed.

"Did I make them angry again?"

Viv passed on Dominique's message to meet them on her floor. She nodded, fixing Gabe a whiskey and waiting for him to come out of the bedroom. Once he did, she told him that they would have to go to Isis to ask her to heal him. She let him have the drink - he needed it after all that had happened to him that morning, then led him to the elevator and down to Isis & Rich's level, knocking once they arrived.

She held his hand as they waited, intertwining her fingers with his.

When the door opened, and they entered, Oracle smiled at Dominique and Rich.

"I'm sorry that I got caught up in earlier events and you had to wait. Dominique, before we have our chat, would you terribly mind healing Gabe's throat?"

She turned to him and smiled reassuringly.

"We were both a little shaken up earlier when you made your kind offer."

 

[Tachyon]

He could feel her eyes on him. He smiled as he began to work.

Thank you, Xavier.

Things have been a bit...DIFFICULT for me. Your gentility is appreciated.

No problem, love. We will have this right as rain in no time.

She exited, and he made sure to pause to watch her walk away. She was lithe, slim, yet perfectly curved where she should be. And her walk should be banned for its distraction. But after she turned the corner, Xavier refocused, clearing all glass in seconds and setting up a pile of what was left that could be recovered, almost all of it pictures of the old flame who most assuredly fucked up by crossing her.

By the time she returned, the room was spotless save for the one pile, not even a speck of glass dust to be collected.

Thankfully, when I vented my frustration, I limited it to specific things in this room. You can just... remove ALL of that...

:: gesturing to the pile of broken pictures, and other debris that she and Xavier had collected::


I have about 30 minutes until I expect Delilah here.

You know what would be nice? Some sage...to help cleanse my building after all the negativity and distress that has been within these walls...AND some floral arrangements for my office, and several other rooms!

Xavier smiled. A timed CHALLENGE?! This would be amazingly fun.

OK Charope...please do me a favor. Close your eyes and count down from 20. Trust me.

After a few moments of wonder, and hesitation, the pretty Amazon relented. Closing her eyes she began to count, laughing as she did so.

20...

The sage was easiest. Every corner in the city had some guy selling sage incense and oil and diffusers. Much of it apothecary-quality. Luckily, his investigations helped him to locate the best places, ones that real witches and other mystic beings would use. Diffusers were purchased at the same places, so a quick sweep about 16 blocks away to a known source produces roughly 4 per floor - that should give a solid background smell of sage without it being overwhelming. The unknowing supplier got 10 one-hundred dollar bills of the portion he kept from his earlier jaunt - charity begins at home for goodness' sake !- and

19...

Xavier began to place them and turn them on in places that would give the best saturation - beneath intakes and by hallways to waft outside of the doors - and then set to the next task: plants.

18...

He had become an expert on Athena, even more than before, through his studies of Persephone and through his study of what flowers Alycia would like. He placed her personal bouquet and vase from him on her sofa table beneath her window, so she could think about him when she looked out at this amazing view.

17...

He noted the color schemes for each floor. Tasteful and related on each floor with seemingly a color theme available. Very sharp yet very colorful and vibrant at once. Someone designing this knew what they were doing. Xavier chose to assume it was her.

16...15...

Colors noted, the local Lowe's was sufficient with their varieties of geraniums and pots in enough colors that he could select, take, leave the UPC's with the proper calculated cash on the registers and get back to place them in offices, hallways and by the large windows for each floor with a stick of fertilizer and a few drops of water to start them off

14...

One more idea: the lobby to Charope was a masterpiece, with it extending up the building and a balcony area fro each floor to overlook the entrance area. But it needed something awesome to set off her ideas that she had, and Xavier had JUST the thing!

13...

Trip to local greenhouse...

12...

Dwarf Kumquat, Lemon, Grapefruit and Orange Trees, two of each

11...

A half ton of soil

10...9...8...7...

removal of the marble tile and 3 feet of concrete in the middle of the lobby in a 20' diameter sun shape (also Athena's favorite) in this huge space

6...5...4...3...2...

The planting of a mini orchard of citrus (Athena's favorite fruits) in this sunspace he had made

1...

And walking up to the Amazon, his breathing actually somewhat labored. Everything done AND paid for.

She opens her eyes slowly. He is smiling, breathing heavily but smiling.

Have a look pretty lady. I hope things are more to your liking now.

Now THAT....THAT was FUN!!

 

[Matrix]

Miss D REALLY wanted to talk to Zizi and she was sure she would be fine, but the idea of an enchanted door put a gleam in her eye.

That IS an excellent, idea Richard.

I'll make it so that no mere mortal, mutant or otherwise could ever discern the actual face of the doorway.

We have plenty of options to chose for which doorway I can enchant.

This provide us with an option, and a strategic advantage as well.

:: She reaches her hand up, to take Richard's hand ::

Since you came up with the idea, why don't you pick the door for me to enchant?

:: She smiles at him with approval::

Well, this was an interesting request. I started to think strategically. I wanted a door that was not often used, accessible from anywhere in the apartment so one could not be hemmed in. After a few seconds, I had it. This floor was essentially a double suite connected by double doors that we never closed. We almost never desired or demanded enough privacy to ever close them; they stayed recessed into a wall. But if we could close and open them and go to the Parthenon? That would be phat as hell. I started to tell Miss D my decision when there was a knock at the door.

I got it Miss D.

I opened the door and it was Gabriel and Zizi holding hands. Did he hit while we was waiting? I hoped not, because if so he should still be there putting it down. I smiled and let them in.

When the door opened, and they entered, Oracle smiled at Dominique and Rich.

"I'm sorry that I got caught up in earlier events and you had to wait. Dominique, before we have our chat, would you terribly mind healing Gabe's throat?"

She turned to him and smiled reassuringly.

"We were both a little shaken up earlier when you made your kind offer."

Maybe he wasn't a crackhead after all...

 

[Isis]

The Clocktower- Isis/Matrix's apartment

:: Just as she and Richard began to walk, still hand in hand, with Dominique waiting on him to pick which door he thought she should cast her pathway spell on...::

knocking once they arrived.

She held his hand as they waited, intertwining her fingers with his.

:: they both stopped and turned::

That must be Oracle.

:: upon reaching the doors, and opening them...::

When the door opened, and they entered, Oracle smiled at Dominique and Rich.

"I'm sorry that I got caught up in earlier events and you had to wait. Dominique, before we have our chat, would you terribly mind healing Gabe's throat?"

She turned to him and smiled reassuringly.

:: Dominique looked at Elizabeth and Gabe for a moment, and then at Richard. She noted the change in posture and physical relation between the two of them.::

"We were both a little shaken up earlier when you made your kind offer."

Yes, that was apparent.

:: She eyed Gabe for a moment. He brought a high level of risk, but he seemed to matter a great deal to Oracle. ::

Very well.

:: setting her purse down, she takes a step forward::

Hold still.

:: She says as she direct his chin up .::

:: with one smooth wave of her index and middle finger in a crescent pattern across his neck and throat area, a golden, sparkling ribbon of energy trails after her motion, and a mystical chime sound off as the ribbon flows around his neck like a collar and "kisses" him, reversing the damage done to his neck and throat by Persephone's deadly grip, all pain, strain and discomfort vanished, and he was able to breathe and swallow with ease now.::

You're fine now, Gabriel Jerome, but order your steps carefully going forward, the renegade goddess and the Black Widow know no bounds.


:: She looks at him and Richard::

Now, if the two of you would excuse us, I would like to speak to Oracle in private.

:: She said it in that cold, commanding tone that everyone from , Richard and Cameron King, to Nicolas, knew left no room for objection or argument.::

 

[Matrix]

Miss D looks at him, weighing things. But I knew that she would do it for Zizi if nothing else. After it was done, she looked at me and Gabriel.

Now, if the two of you would excuse us, I would like to speak to Oracle in private.

:: She said it in that cold, commanding tone that everyone from , Cameron King, to Nicolas, knew left no room for objection or argument.::

That's our cue, man.

I threw my arm around Gabriel Jerome (the blackest name for the whitest kid ever!) and escorted him outside and down the hallway, closing the door behind me. I had a question to ask him anyway, so I asked it.

You are doing the security for Rose, right? Can you check the windows here? We have a lot of them and I am not sure she reinforced them against arms. I do not want anything happening to my Zizi, understand?

There was a slight double message in there, but it was well buried in my request...

 

[Artemis]

Charope LLC

Xavier smiled. A timed CHALLENGE?! This would be amazingly fun.

OK Charope...please do me a favor. Close your eyes and count down from 20. Trust me.

:: She gave him some "side eye" for a moment::

Oh hell.....why not!

:: She relents and closes her eyes, and begins to count. She hadn't done this since she was a little girl, waiting for her parents to surprise her with something on her birthday, or in recognition of an achievement.::

:: She counted, and she heard an odd sound that could only be associated with Xavier's high speed power signature, at times, she felt a breeze as well.::

:: The countdown continues, until she finally reaches...::

1...

And walking up to the Amazon, his breathing actually somewhat labored. Everything done AND paid for.

She opens her eyes slowly. He is smiling, breathing heavily but smiling.

Have a look pretty lady. I hope things are more to your liking now.

:: Xavier is so close, but she feels, and smells the beautiful fresh, floral scents all around her, and in her office she sees the beautiful personal bouquet of flowers on the coffee table in front of the sofa of her office, as well as the other changes. She steps forward ::


Oh...my...

:: The challenge had been accepted indeed.::

:: she looked up on to the wall mounted flat screen, and saw the mini orchard of citrus in the main lobby of Charope, along with the floral arrangements on each floor of the building, and the comforting, cleansing mist of sage that was warding away the lingering negativity from the events of the last several nights::

Everything...

:: It was as if Athena and Demeter themselves had smiled on her::

Everything is beautiful!

:: She clasped her hands together and smiled widely. ::

Xavier....

:: She turns to him, he's still standing close behind her, and his beautiful chest is heaving up and down as he breathes a bit heavier than normal from his creative efforts::

....this is marvelous!

Thank you.

:: And in that moment, with the sweet smell of the flowers around them, Alycia throws caution to the wind. She deserves this moment, and she wants him just as much as he wants her::

:: With a fraction of her amazonian strength, she TEARS his shirt off of him, and throws her arms around him, and pulls him into a pleasing kiss. He wants to consume her as much as she does him. She manages to mumble...::

My apartment is on the top floor.

:: He whisks them out of her office, up to the apartment, into her bedroom::

:: And now, with the air, and the space around this place cleansed, and it filled with new life, and new fresh scents, the amazon enjoys herself in the arms of the speedster::

 

[Tachyon]

Oh...my...

:: The challenge had been accepted indeed.::

Everything...

:: It was as if Athena and Demeter themselves had smiled on her::

Everything is beautiful!

:: She clasped her hands together and smiled widely. ::

Xavier....

....this is marvelous!

Thank you.

I was more than happy to be of serv-EH?!

:: With a fraction of her amazonian strength, she TEARS his shirt off of him, and throws her arms around him, and pulls him into a pleasing kiss.

And suddenly she was in Xavier's arms, and kissing him, and he returned her affection, finally able to hug her, then caress her back, then grasp her fabulous apple bottom. He heard her moan a bit then pull away, had he gone too quickly?

My apartment is on the top floor.

:: He whisks them out of her office, up to the apartment, into her bedroom::

Nope, just fast enough. He lay her down on her bed and in his last quick movement in this instance, he removed her clothing and set it aside in order so she could dress again professionally without wrinkles. No need in her being both LATE and with unkempt clothes. Besides, he wanted to see her just as she was now, laying before him in her purest state and ready to enjoy what he had to offer. His own clothing only consisted of athletic pants and shoes, easily discarded. He touched her face once more and paused to look at all of her, but finishing his gaze on her hazel eyes.

You are SO beautiful.

He leaned in, kissing her deeply as he felt her clutch him tightly, then claw at him as their hips collided. Xavier held Alycia with his right arm under her back and neck, kissing her breasts now as he gripped her bottom with his left hand and they became truly one. Alycia arched her back with pleasure and their moans, swears and cries combined into a symphony of ecstasy as the the tensions of the past few days washed away.

 

[Orion]

EOS Nomad -- Zach's Apartment

She had much more self-control than he expected. In fact, she was quite in control of both of them, as she blithely passed him the eggs he needed, and did her part of the cooking. She rubbed against him more than once, despite there being plenty of room for two in his kitchen. It was absolute torture.

Zach, meanwhile, kept having to peel his gaze off her body to check his own cooking. The bacon came out on the crispy side, but he managed to pay closer attention to the french toast. She had him so turned on he had to stand further away from the counter than usual, and he could tell she knew he was at her mercy, despite his efforts to tease her.

He thought she was going to take pity on him, when she first started talking about haircuts and manicures. He was finishing up the last of the toast when she mentioned something being advertised. He glanced over at her again, and as he watched her panties hit the floor he thanked all the Gods that he was done cooking.

Ashley: See they glue these little crystals all over here- And make a design.

He watched her hand trace across her skin, riveted, as his brow crept upwards in slight surprise.

"You must be making that up."

He interjected, shutting off the burner without taking his eyes off her.

Ashley: It's called the 'vajazzle'. Now, do you think I ought to get that?

"Hmm... I dunno, Ash...."

He said, taking the last of the food out of the skillet and putting it on a ceramic plate. His mouth silently formed the word 'vajazzle', as if he were contemplating it. She hopped up on the counter and sipped her coffee, as cool as could be. He felt positively ablaze with desire. He worked around her, taking all the plates of food and sliding them onto the racks of the oven. He found the 'keep warm' setting and hit start.

With that handled, he pulled off his apron and turned back to her, wearing only the most obscene expression. His hands went to her knees, parting her legs, his gaze cast down, as he visualized her suggestion again.

"Well I think it'd be pretty.... however... It's a good thing you don't have it now."

He started, and his eyes traveled up her body until they found hers. He wanted her so badly, it hurt.

"I doubt there's a glue on earth that's strong enough to hold your... vajazzle... together, given how hard I'm about to fuck you."

He replied through a wolfish smile, as he moved his hands up along the tops of her thighs, his thumbs pressing a deep course along the insides of her legs. He stopped when his grip closed tightly on her hips.

"Put your coffee down, Valkyrie."

He growled, and when she did he grabbed her ass and lifted her up, pulling her abruptly against him. He brought her away from the hot stove and carried her to the island countertop, where they had much more room and she could lean back without hitting her head on the cabinets. He kissed her aggressively, first her lips and then her neck, unleashing that passion he'd pent up trying to tease her. He promised himself he'd never make THAT mistake again.

 

[Cypher]

Zizi: "As long as I get to spend those days with you."

"You're stuck with me, kid."

He said with a smile, but despite trying to be charming his throat cracked like he was going through puberty. He finally conceded and decided to take up Isis on his offer to heal him.

Zizi: "If you would just set me in my chair...I'll see about that whiskey. You can finish getting dressed, and come out when you're ready. We'll have you all fixed up in no time."

"As you wish, m'lady."

He responded lightheartedly with a 'proper' Downton Abbey English accent and a big smile. With ease he lifted Zizi up with his arms as he stood from the bed, cradling her. He didn't put her down right away, instead giving her a long kiss, one that told her they would continue this later when their lives weren't being shit on by enemies. Finally, he lowered her to her chair, her hand grasping his.

Zizi: "Gabe?"

"Yeah?"

Zizi: "I love you."

He smiled, gently squeezing her hand.

"I love you too. Maybe more than Trek....maybe."

He joked with a grin as she left so he could finished getting dressed and she could check on her guests. Gabe put on his belt and shoes then ran some gel through his hair quickly before coming out and meeting with Zizi and Vivica. Zizi excused them both saying that Dominique and Rich were downstairs, then made their way to the elevator, heading down. A knock and a brief wait later, Dominique invited them in. He smiled and nodded to her respectfully.

Zizi: "I'm sorry that I got caught up in earlier events and you had to wait. Dominique, before we have our chat, would you terribly mind healing Gabe's throat? We were both a little shaken up earlier when you made your kind offer."

Dominique: Very well. Hold still.

He kind of tensed, not really sure what she was going to do. But as she waved her fingers around his throat, some sparkly energy ribbon began to wrap around his neck until finally all the strain and pain was gone.

"Wow, that's amazing."

He said in awe. Again, he read all of their bios and information, but seeing the actual magic and powers of these people being used was absolutely amazing.

"Thank you Ms Devereaux. I really appreciate it."

He smiled graciously at her.

Dominique: Now, if the two of you would excuse us, I would like to speak to Oracle in private.

Rich: That's our cue, man.

He nodded as both him and Rich exited Dominique's quarters and headed down the hallway giving the ladies some privacy.

Rich: You are doing the security for Rose, right?

"Just got it up and running this morning."

Rich: Can you check the windows here? We have a lot of them and I am not sure she reinforced them against arms.

"Absolutely, I was gonna go over the systems anyway once I could breathe right again."

He quipped, the joke a little grim but something to ease the tension between the two. But Rich wasn't just talking about windows. In his own subtle way, he was ensuring that Gabe understood hurting Zizi would mean Rich hurting him.

Rich: I do not want anything happening to my Zizi, understand?

He couldn't get angry at the warning, not this time. It wasn't in some boisterous, 'my balls are bigger than yours' warning like Zach had done. It wasn't rude and dismissive like Ashley. He was kind but firm about it, in a way a real man would respond in the situation when his friend started dating a dude he didn't know. Gabe nodded, giving him a reassuring look.

"Got it. Nothing will happen to her, I promise you that."

He gave Rich a friendly pat on the shoulder.

"And if it does, I give you permission to punch me with that third arm you had earlier."

Joking with a smile, though he was half serious. Rich could fuck him up if he hurt Zizi, because he would most definitely deserve it. Gesturing with his head to the elevator, Gabe decided now would be the best time to go over all the systems.

"I'm gonna head to the control room and check everything over. It was good to meet you Rich. I'm glad Liz has someone like you watching her back."

Gabe then made his way to the elevator and down to the control room, going over all the Clocktower and Sanctuary systems with a fine tooth comb.

 

[Valkyrie]

EOS Nomad

Curiously, Zach started putting all the plates of food in the oven. She watched him over her mug of coffee, his apron not doing much to hide what was going on with him. It must have been bothering him because he ripped the apron off, turning to her with so must lust in his eyes she was surprised he could see. A wicked grin spread over her face, and she licked her lips.

Got 'im.

She breathed in sharply with anticipation as he parted her knees. And then he finally answered her question.

"Well I think it'd be pretty.... however... It's a good thing you don't have it now."

"Oh, yeah?"

She followed his eyes as they took in her body, finally meeting hers. She smiled at him seductively.

"I doubt there's a glue on earth that's strong enough to hold your... vajazzle... together, given how hard I'm about to fuck you."

Her skin broke out in gooseflesh as he touched her thighs, a shiver of pleasure coursing over her body.

"Put your coffee down, Valkyrie."

She held his gaze as she slowly set the mug down behind her on the counter. As soon as it was out of her hand, HIS hands were on her ass, carrying her to the island. Her hands clutched his back.

"I'd rather you tattoo your name on me with your cock anyway."

His mouth attacked hers as he sat her on the island, and then moved to her neck as rivulets of pleasure rushed over her skin.

"I thought...you wanted...to eat...first..."

She tried to make a joke but he was already deep inside her, filling her so completely that she could barely get the words out before she made a noise of surrender and couldn't think about anything other than what he was doing to her.

Her hand slapped onto the counter as she leaned back, grasping for something to hold on to as he unforgivingly took his pleasure.

"Yes...oh...yes, Zach...I love it when you show me your beast..."

She locked her legs around his waist, drawing him deeper against her, throwing her head back, closing her eyes. She moaned his name, it becoming a whimper as she teetered at the edge.

 

[Verdict]

The St. Regis -- Presidential Suite

After keeping Sharon up very late, Darren finally surrendered to his need for sleep in the predawn glow. It seemed like only a few seconds had passed when Sharon bolted upright, wrenching him awake as well. He lifted his head and looked around sleepily, and when he didn't see any cause for alarm his gaze settled on her. The blanket had dropped down to her waist and the sight brought a broad smile to Darren's face. He reached for her arm, and felt his way down to take her hand in his. Where did she think she was going??

"I hope you're not gon' love me and leave me like this."

He murmured playfully, his head sinking back into his pillow. She looked over at him, and for a split second she looked alarmed, as if she'd had a bad dream, but she settled back down quickly.

Sharon: Darren...I'm sorry, the crash of thunder...it caught me off guard.

"Thunder?"

He asked, looking out the window. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, not even some daybreak fog. She must have dreamt it.

Sharon: ....I should check on Alycia, and Rose, make sure that everything's okay.

"I'm sure if something was wrong, you'd be the first to know, but...."

He sat up and reached across her to the phone on the bedside table. He made sure to lean in close, pressing his bare chest against hers with a smile as he pulled the receiver off the base and brought it to her.

"You could always call. When you've satisfied that curiosity, I'll place an order with room service, and we can have breakfast in bed."

He suggested, in a deep tone.

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower - Dominique & Rich's Floor

Dominique agreed to heal Gabe, and when it was done Zizi smiled at him and squeezed his hand, as if he was a small child just through his first trip to the dentist. It was a relief to see him whole again.

Now, if the two of you would excuse us, I would like to speak to Oracle in private.

"Of course."

She turned to Gabe, giving his hand another squeeze.

"I'll meet you back upstairs. Maybe you could start going over that footage with Viv?"

She smiled warmly, watching he and Rich disappear down the hall. She did feel bad leaving Vivica alone so long, so it was good that he could keep her company.

Once they were gone, she turned smiling to Dominique.

"Thank you again for healing him. I know it must have been hurting him more than he was saying, for him to even ask. And thank you for the wards on the Clocktower, also. If Ava could get into Gabe's place, she can get into anywhere."

Zizi shuddered a bit, thinking of what it must have been like for him. She folded her hands in her lap and faced Isis.

"So, what did you want to talk about?"

 

[Tycoon]

Fifth Avenue

Gavin was on his Harley, cruising past the Metropolitan Museum of Art when Siri interrupted his music. He didn't mind, because she said it was a call from Delilah. He responded to activate the blue-tooth mic in his helmet.

"Good Morning!"

He said in a cheery tone.

Delilah: Hello, Gavin? It’s Delilah. I just wanted to thank you for last night.

"Of course, anytime. I trust you made it up to your apartment alright after I left?"

He replied politely. They'd both had a bit to drink, and he'd insisted she allow him to drop her off on his way home after the darts game. He'd called for a Clandestine driver to come pick them up, so neither of them had to worry about trying to hail a cab late at night. He sat on his side of the backseat, and she on hers.

When they stopped at the Parthenon, to avoid any sense of impropriety, he'd withheld any kind of offer to walk her to her door. That kept their outing platonic, friendly. Maybe when she wasn't fresh from a breakup he'd have the chance to pursue her a bit further.

Delilah: You really saved me, and I want you to know I appreciate it.

"Oh, really, it was my pleasure. I love beating Yanks at darts."

He teased as he signaled to turn right onto Central Park South.

Delilah: Oh, and, did you want to set up that dinner? To talk about the foundation? Maybe we could get together this week sometime, if you’re free?

"Oh splendid, how about Friday? There's this awesome restaurant near my house, Jones Wood Foundry, perhaps you've heard of it?"

He loved it because it reminded him of the U.K. It was upscale with a fun pub atmosphere, and had an excellent chef. It would be perfect for their purpose, because it wasn't such an overtly romantic type place that it would give the impression of being on a date, but they could get a private booth in the corner.

 

[MorningStar]

The Parthenon

Delilah was a little bit nervous about what he was going to say. She had been quite drunk by the time they'd left the bar, and she wasn't entirely sure if he might have been annoyed by it, or if she'd said something she shouldn't have. But he surprised her by sounding genuinely happy to talk to her.

"Of course, anytime. I trust you made it up to your apartment alright after I left?"

"Oh, um, yes, just fine, thank you."

She didn't feel the need to go into the fact that, despite her good spirits thanks to him, she hadn't in fact gone back to her own apartment until this morning.

"And thanks for, um, making sure I got home safely."

She went on to tell him how much she appreciated what he'd done for her last night.

Oh, really, it was my pleasure. I love beating Yanks at darts."

"I'm sure you cheated."

She grinned though, even though he couldn't see it. Then she asked if he wanted to meet for dinner. She half expected him to make an excuse, but he didn't.

"Oh splendid, how about Friday? There's this awesome restaurant near my house, Jones Wood Foundry, perhaps you've heard of it?"

"Oh, I have, but I haven't had a chance to go. That would be really nice. I could meet you there, around seven?"

 

[Black Widow]

East Harlem Safehouse

Persephone: If one shot kid and a sex tape is all it takes for them to turn their back on you, then you don't need them. And if they can't see what you're trying to do for them, then they don't deserve you either.

Haleigh sighed, shaking her head gently.

"Oh, it's not just that. I walked out on them to join their enemies, Seph. Every single one of them wanted me to stay, and each was willing to risk their lives to protect me from Diana. I tried to tell them I couldn't lead them to slaughter, but they didn't get it. I know it must have felt like betrayal to them. And everything I've done since that night has just been twisting the knife."

She replied solemnly. Still, though she lamented the consequences of her decision, she acknowledged how little choice she had in the matter, that Diana had threatened those who tried to remain loyal. Haleigh went on to admit that Kelly's 'advice', as terrible as it was, had planted like a seed in her psyche. And yet, it wasn't something she wanted to deal with until she absolutely had to.

Persephone: Then don't.

Haleigh lifted her gaze from her scotch to find her sister looking at her intently. Seph gave her hand a supportive squeeze, as Haleigh's brow furrowed a bit.

Persephone: I'll cross it for you.

Haleigh stared at her sister until her vision blurred with tears. It hurt to even breathe, but she made herself speak.

"You know I can't let you do that."

She responded, in a voice as rough as sandpaper.

Persephone: If and when the time comes. I'm not letting you do this alone....and I'm not letting you take on the brunt of this guilt. We're in this together, okay?

"Okay."

She managed, and the weight of the world on her shoulders didn't seem as heavy as before. She pulled fresh air into her lungs and blinked until she could see clearly again.

"When we get back to Hellfire, we've got to be harder and stronger than ever before. We've got to remove ALL doubt that we belong there. You ready for that?"

 

[Silver Swan]

The St. Regis -- Presidential Suite

You didn't hear that thunder? It wasn't natural.

Which means it was PERSEPHONE. I vowed revenge...and if she's nearby...heaven help HER!

[ Darren hadn't heard it. he seemed so calm right now, and he looked so...cute, in his slightly sleepy state.]

"I'm sure if something was wrong, you'd be the first to know,

[ Sharon was not convinced, and her facial expression indicated this, as she shook her head]

So much has happened...it's all tied to Black Widow's attack on Rose's sanctuary.

[ She sounded concerned]

but...."

He sat up and reached across her to the phone on the bedside table. He made sure to lean in close, pressing his bare chest against hers with a smile as he pulled the receiver off the base and brought it to her.

[ She relaxed a bit, and laid back as he moved over her, pressing himself against her. She didn't mind at all, as she felt his strong chest, and his skin, and took in his scent ]

"You could always call. When you've satisfied that curiosity, I'll place an order with room service, and we can have breakfast in bed."

He suggested, in a deep tone.

[ She smiled at Darren, but she was still worried, and he could see that in her silver eyes]

Monsters don't wait....

[She thought about Persephone and Black Widow]

After I call Alycia...

[ And so she called, but Alycia doesn't answer. ]

She's not answering...

[ She called again, and this time, she left an urgent voice mail. Hanging the phone up, she calls Rose, ROSE is not answering. NEITHER women is in immediate danger at this very moment, but SHARON doesn't know that...]

[ Now she started to get more worried. Had she made a mistake, leaving Alycia and Rose alone through the night? What if Persephone had attacked them already....so many things began to rush through Sharon's mind as she sat back upright]


Darren...I can't stay. I have to go, I HAVE to make sure they're okay.

[ As Darren tried to get her to calm and slow down...]

You don't understand!

[ She yelled, unintentionally causing him pain with a fraction of her sonic power. When she saw him wince...it jarred her]

....

I'm SORRY.

[ She she places her hands to her temples and shuts her eyes tightly, shaking her head]

I didn't mean to yell like that.

It's just....Alycia was nearly murdered two nights ago, but one of our enemies, she's affiliated with Black Widow, her SISTER, actually. She gutted Zachary, and stabbed Alycia in the back.

I had to chose between KILLING her, and saving them. I chose to save them...but I made sure to PUNISH HER.

And this morning....when I heard that thunder outside, I KNEW it wasn't natural. I KNEW it was her!

I just...

[ she looked Darren in the eye]

I just want to make sure that they're okay.

I'm worried that I was gone for too long...and something might have happened.

[ He hadn't been there to see the aftermath, as Sharon RAGED and nearly brought down the Charope building. Steel and Oracle managed to calm her down, but the trauma of that night clearly lingered, and now, a moment of rapture from last night was almost being overshadowed by this moment of worry and anxiety. And Sharon was feeling almost...ASHAMED that she'd left her friends alone and vulnerable!]

[ Darren could see she was struggling in this moment]

 

[Persephone]

Haleigh: "Oh, it's not just that. I walked out on them to join their enemies, Seph. Every single one of them wanted me to stay, and each was willing to risk their lives to protect me from Diana. I tried to tell them I couldn't lead them to slaughter, but they didn't get it. I know it must have felt like betrayal to them."

"You were trying to protect them. Diana is....[sighing] a beast in her own right. She knows how to exploit weaknesses and use them against you. If you had stayed it would have been a lot worse all around."

Persephone knew just how powerful Diana was first hand. The psi attack that made Ava dormant was nothing compared to what she COULD do when pushed. HALEIGH knew first hand as well after Diana's 'punishment' after the Time Square incident. The Six were lucky Haleigh had left and allotted them time to prepare.

Haleigh: "And everything I've done since that night has just been twisting the knife."

"Better you twist the knife than the Queens."

Haleigh could at least hold back even if it didn't look like she was. The Queens would twist the knife until they painted themselves in their enemies blood. Ironically, Persephone and The Sisterhood actually had something in common....it's a wonder they WEREN'T friends.

"You did what was necessary to give them a chance at survival....unfortunately the time you've bought all of them is ending."

Haleigh expressed knowing she would have to face the Birds and Six soon enough and it could result in her having to hurt or even kill them. She looked pained at the thought....Persephone's eyes softened at seeing Haleigh struggle.

"Then don't. I'll cross it for you."

She offered, squeezing her sisters hand in comfort. Haleigh's eyes began to fill with tears, but Persephone's remained steadfast and unwavering, SHOWING Haleigh that she WOULD do it for her. She would kill them all for her.

Haleigh: "You know I can't let you do that."

"Since when has that stopped me before?"

She countered with a smirk before finally her face became serious once again. Placing the empty glass down on the table, Persephone leaned forward and used her free hand to place it on Haleigh's forearm while still holding her hand.

"If and when the time comes. I'm not letting you do this alone....and I'm not letting you take on the brunt of this guilt. We're in this together, okay?"

Haleigh: "Okay."

Persephone gave her a soft smile, gently rubbing her forearm as Haleigh inhaled a deep breath in an effort to recollect herself.

Haleigh: "When we get back to Hellfire, we've got to be harder and stronger than ever before. We've got to remove ALL doubt that we belong there. You ready for that?"

It was Persephone's time to sigh now, letting her head hang forward for a moment.

"Yeah...that should be fun considering what just happened."

She groaned out, knowing Haleigh was on far better terms with everyone within the Inner Circle and Sisterhood than she was at the moment. She was most likely a fucking laughing stock because of Alek's lying ass making a fool out of her. Finally she looked up at Haleigh, her eyes expressing a little self doubt.

[deadpan]"You might be getting multiple texts."

Referring to her earlier warning about cutting people's tongues out that said anything to her. But finally, Persephone stood along side of Haleigh; still holding her sister's hand.

"Game faces on."

With one one more squeeze of Haleigh's hand, Persephone engulfed them both in a tornado of winds, disappearing from Haleigh's safe house and to Haleigh's chambers. The winds died down, only disturbing a few loose papers in the room.

"I'm going to work off some of this tension before I have to face Helena. I'll see you later."

Giving her a small smile, Persephone exited Haleigh's chambers and headed to the red wing to change into some workout clothing [sans hat] before making her way down to the state of the art gym to kill some punching bags.

 

[Isis]

The Clocktower- Isis/Matrix's apartment

Once they were gone, she turned smiling to Dominique.

"Thank you again for healing him.

:: Dominique smiled a bit as she looked at Oracle::

Clearly, he means a great deal to you.

I know it must have been hurting him more than he was saying, for him to even ask.

He was wise to do so. He would have been of no use to you, or himself, if he'd continued on without getting some attention to his wounds.

And thank you for the wards on the Clocktower, also. If Ava could get into Gabe's place, she can get into anywhere."

Not now, she can't.

:: Dominique said with a bit of smirk::

And her days of being to GET OUT of the situations she has created are NUMBERED.

::The sorceress said with certainty::

Zizi shuddered a bit, thinking of what it must have been like for him. She folded her hands in her lap and faced Isis.

"So, what did you want to talk about?"

:: Dominique normally conducted her "one on one" moments with formality and a bit of cold detachment, but with everything that had happened lately, and the heart-to-hearts she had with Richard, Vivica, and Zach...she was making an effort trying a different approach to some things.::

:: with a gesture, she summons a a chair and seats herself, making things less formal between herself and Zizi.::

So much has happened.

While I was recovering in Charope's infirmary, I've had time to reflect, think about certain things, and search my heart.

There's a reason that I initially chose to take you up on your offer, instead of exploring other options that were available to me.

I'm not one who makes decisions that I later come to regret very often, and I do not regret my decision to join forces with you.

I DID need time to decide if I could truly work with someone like Ashley Oldenburg, and I've come to the conclusion that I can.

Also, despite how much that woman INFURIATES me, and how I think her behavior is boorish and disgusting, I realize that she is but a small piece of an overall larger, and more important picture, one that has been THREATENED by the events of late.

Following the events at Charope's Infimary, I've come to...have a level of concern...and care....for those of you that I would call my....

:: Was she really saying this??::

...teammates.

:: She'd said it, and it was sincere.::

I am determined to make sure that no one else here suffers the way Zachary and Alycia did.

Even after the threat of Black Widow, Persephone, and the Inner Circle has been neutralized, there is work to be done, and Vivica reminded me that sometimes, the best moments of learning and growth can come from the must unexpected places.

I've decided to stay.

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower - Dominique & Rich's Floor

Isis sat across from Zizi, clearly wanting to say something of importance. She sat quietly, and waited for Isis to begin.

I'm not one who makes decisions that I later come to regret very often, and I do not regret my decision to join forces with you.

"I'm happy to hear that, Dominique. You and Rich have been wonderful additions to the team."

I DID need time to decide if I could truly work with someone like Ashley Oldenburg, and I've come to the conclusion that I can. Also, despite how much that woman INFURIATES me, and how I think her behavior is boorish and disgusting, I realize that she is but a small piece of an overall larger, and more important picture, one that has been THREATENED by the events of late.

Zizi simply nodded, not wishing to get into a discussion of Ashley at this time, when so much else had happened.

Following the events at Charope's Infirmary, I've come to...have a level of concern...and care....for those of you that I would call my...teammates.

Zizi grinned at her. She knew it was a difficult thing for Dominique to say, which made it all the more meaningful.

I am determined to make sure that no one else here suffers the way Zachary and Alycia did.

She reached out and touched Dominique's hand.

"That is my wish as well."

Even after the threat of Black Widow, Persephone, and the Inner Circle has been neutralized, there is work to be done, and Vivica reminded me that sometimes, the best moments of learning and growth can come from the must unexpected places. I've decided to stay.

She was silent for a couple of seconds, thinking over what had been said and also making sure Dominique was finished speaking.

"Well, you are most welcome. You and sweet Richard. You are both part of our team. And I want you to feel that way. Comfortable, here with us."

She paused for a moment.

"Most things that are important are not easy in the beginning. But they are worth it, in the end. It will take time for things to be as we all want them. But that doesn't mean it isn't worth the effort."

She smiled once again.

"Would you and Rich like to come upstairs for lunch? It won't be fancy, we'll probably just order something, but you are more than welcome to join us."