Growing Pains

[Black Widow]

Hellfire -- The Conservatory

Elena: I didn't owe him a damn thing, Haleigh. I didn't marry him.

“That makes me wonder who should be thanking who.”

They talked about Elena’s overly affectionate little girl, and Elena tried to make it like Haleigh should be lucky to have a kid like that, but Haleigh just pointed out that hugging complete stranger was dangerous, and that really, Elena was lucky that Haleigh didn’t want to hurt Carolina. Which was a statement one would think would ease tension. But Elena took it to the next level, threatening.

“Wow, you’re talking about pulping unborn babies. And people say I’m a heartless machine.”

They moved on, talking about Cameron, and Diana, the things they had in common. But Haleigh and Elena had vastly different experiences, because Elena was a telepath like the other two, while Haleigh had gotten different gifts.

Elena: Did you really think it would be different with you? That you were so special that Cameron would never leave you, never want anyone else?

Haleigh’s eyes would have cut Elena down in that moment if they could. She didn’t answer, because this time she didn’t like the truth. She had thought that. And she had been wrong. Luckily, they didn’t dwell on it. They moved on to discuss lessons learn, and debating whether condolences or congratulations were in order.

Elena: That's just it - you think you've won, but are you really better off? Be honest, just between us - isn't there a little part of you that thinks maybe your children would be better off if she was still alive? To protect them? To trainthem?

“Will you listen to yourself? Grandma Diana? Our children would be dead if she were still alive. Get fucking real. There’s no part of me that thinks a single one of us would be better off if she were still alive.”

Elena: She was tough on you, but she made you who you are.

Haleigh just stared at her, absolutely thunderstruck. Tough? She wasn’t tough, she was abusive, but Haleigh wasn’t about to admit she’d been victimized by her own mother, she’d rather be called a robot whore for the rest of her life. Elena had more to say, too, about how if Malice was still around, she would’ve made Haleigh’s Cameron problem go away. At what cost, though?

Haleigh didn’t want Cameron dead. She didn’t even want Elena and Carolina dead. She just wanted to be left alone at this point, she wanted enough time to figure out what the hell to think about this. Elena posed the question about Archer, and whether he would’ve tried to poison her or kill Ava if Malice was still around. Probably, because he was a crazy coke head who did stupid shit.

Elena: You never had the stomach for power that she had, to accept nothing less than complete loyalty and obedience. You could never rule the way she did.

“The way she ruled got her killed, Elena. You’d do well to remember that, before you encourage Cameron to try to emulate that.”

Speaking of Cameron, he was here, and saying they needed to talk. But Haleigh was furious, and she didn’t want to talk, least of all to him. And he knew that, so he didn’t give her the chance to refuse. He took her to the foyer of the White Corridor.

Cameron: Are you finished fucking with me yet, Haleigh?

“Yeah, I’m finished fucking you.”

Cameron: Or do I need to send a clearer message as to why that's a VERY bad idea for you. Were the dreams not enough?

“You goddamn bastard, you think you can get away with that?”

Elena had made her angry enough to fight, but Cameron set her off. She ripped the arm off a marble statue and threw it at his head.

“You know, for all the ways my mother fucked with me, she always gave me a choice. Granted, they were some fucked up, horrible choices, but they were mine. I got to decide, what I could live with, and what I would sacrifice. But you know what I’ve been wondering the last few days? Did you ever give me the choice, Cameron? Or have I just been your marionette this whole fucking time?”

 

[Prophet]

The White Corridor

Haleigh: "Yeah, I'm finished fucking you."

Cameron snarled.

Haleigh: "You goddamn bastard, you think you can get away with that?"

She ripped the arm off one of the marble statues and hurled it at him as The White King squinted his eyes sending it catapulting off to the side. He may have been a monster, but he wasn't about to beat up his pregnant wife. There were more fun ways of fucking with her.

"Not think, Haleigh. DID. I did get away with it."

Haleigh: "You know, for all the ways my mother fucked with me, she always gave me a choice. Granted, they were some fucked up, horrible choices, but they were mine. I got to decide, what I could live with, and what I would sacrifice. But you know what I've been wondering the last few days? Did you ever give me the choice, Cameron? Or have I just been your marionette this whole fucking time?"

No. She wasn't going to get away with things. Not this time.

"I know you're little broody emotionally distant bad ass things works on a lot of men, but not me. Not anymore. You're not a fucking victim, Haleigh. At least not at the hands of anyone but your goddamn self."

His eyes darkened as he began to walk towards her, gritting his teeth as he spoke.

"If you were my PUPPET, i'd have shortened your strings a long time ago. It was YOUR choice to marry me. It was YOUR choice to accept my mother's deal, it was YOUR choice to FUCK ALEK IN A GARDEN A MERE FIVE SECONDS AFTER FINDING OUT YOUR WERE PREGNANT!"

His power flexed around him as multiple tables in the hall crashed into the walls, leaving an echoing sound against the acoustics of the room. << BOOM! >>

"You have NEVER had to sacrifice anything for me. EVER. And when I ASKED you to, you embarassed me in such a scene that I would have NEVER done to you. And then you trotted down this morning with your stupid fucking envelope like none of it mattered...well let me tell you something."

Cameron was now a few inches away from her face, his tone dark and cold and as twisted as it had been in her nightmares.

"If you think for one second, I will EVER let you embarrass me like you did last night ever again? you've got another thing coming, and it's clear you don't know who you married. If you THINK I am just going to sit idly by while you raise some fucking mongrel child next to mine, you're WRONG. You keep this charade up, and you'll be alone, because I swear to god the next time Alek looks at me wrong, I'm shredding his brain to pieces and I don't give a FUCK what it does to your unborn daughter. There was something I forgot this weekend that I have now remembered - I am the KING of Hellfire. This is MY kingdom and i'm taking it back baby. So either FALL INTO LINE - or get ready. That little nightmare took about all the power I have in my pinky.."

The White Queen had insulted his pride, his ego. And that was not something Cameron tolerated. Not from anybody. He had never been as vulnerable to anybody but her, and she had thrown it in his face, in a public forum for all to see. Thrown her ring at him and left with The Red King. He would NOT suffer something like that again.

[coldly]

"I am done fucking around. I'm not signing ANY paper, and I'm not about to give custody to a woman who has the decision making ability of a filthy WHORE."

 

[Black Widow]

Hellfire -- The White Corridor

Cameron: If you were my PUPPET, i'd have shortened your strings a long time ago. It was YOUR choice to marry me. It was YOUR choice to accept my mother's deal, it was YOUR choice to FUCK ALEK IN A GARDEN A MERE FIVE SECONDS AFTER FINDING OUT YOUR WERE PREGNANT!

He was shouting, and slamming things into the walls. He was as angry as she was, and it made her smile to see it.

“Please, it wasn’t five seconds. It was the second. THE second I found I’d successfully given you the heir you wanted, I took what I wanted. That’s what really pisses you off, isn’t it Cam? I want him. I want to have his child. AND I WANT A GODDAMN DIVORCE!”

She fired back, as the metal fixtures in the room began to vibrate. Even the chandeliers along the Corridor were trembling.

Cameron: You have NEVER had to sacrifice anything for me. EVER.

“What a load of HORSESHIT. I sacrificed my sovereignty to make you my King, I sacrificed my body to make you a son. There’s more but we’ll be here all fucking day if I keep going.”

Cameron moved closer to her, until they were mere inches apart, staring each other down. The more he talked, the angrier Haleigh got. He called her daughter a mongrel, and threatened Alek. Then he declared himself the King Of Hellfire, as if there were only one and not three. He had the nerve to command her to fall in line. She wanted a crown so she could bludgeon him to death with it.

Cameron: I am done fucking around. I'm not signing ANY paper, and I'm not about to give custody to a woman who has the decision making ability of a filthy WHORE.

Haleigh’s eyes flashed with rage.

“Fine, don’t sign the fucking papers. Seems there’s something ELSE you’ve forgotten this weekend. You married the White Queen — also known as the Black Widow!”

She replied, her left hand closing around his throat, her nails digging into his skin as she ripped him off his feet and raised her other fist high. In her right hand she clutched an ornate crown, the one she’d given him years ago when they were madly in love. One blow was all it would take. She had the strength to split his skull in one fell swoop. She might as well have been holding an axe in her hand.

But she never brought it down to bear. She froze in place, fury in her glare, murderous intent plain to see. A white shockwave radiated outward from them, causing pictures to shatter and the walls to shudder. The necklace Erika had given her glowed white hot, and emitted energy that surrounded them in a protective cage. Their bodies were as still as statues, while their consciousnesses were shunted away.

 

[Seer]

The Conservatory - Carolina Estrada

Carolina was feeling so excited, and lucky. Her papi lived in a HUMONGOUS house (even bigger than abuelo's), and he had spent all day with her, and her new stepmother was nice, AND there was a UNICORN! She announced the discovery of unicorn poop, which everyone knew was rainbow colored and glittery. Papi agreed with her assessment.

Papi: "My god, I think you're right! That means the unicorn has been here recently!"

She looked fiercely around her in each direction.

"Listen! I think I can hear it's hooves!"

She was about to start running in the direction of the sound when she saw HEIDI! It was the mermaid! She was here! OMG she was here!

Heidi: "Carolina, darling! I'm well chuffed you're here, I have something for you."

Carolina blushed - Heidi was excited to see her!

"Heidi! The mermaid! You're here!!!!"

She ran towards the beautiful lady, bubbling over with excitement.

Papi: "That's right baby! We've all been waiting for you! Why don't you go spend some time with Heidi? I'm sure she'd love to show you around?! I'll see what I can find about this unicorn and we will circle back around at dinner? How does that sound!?"

"Okay Daddy! Heidi! Do you want to see my room? It's all white and pretty! And I brought my Barbie with me from home, I named her Heidi! She's pretty like you! You have to see her - she has a mermaid tail and everything!"

Carolina chattered away, until Heidi was able to interject.

Heidi: “Well, I left your gift in my quarters, so we’ll have to go there, if it’s okay with your Father.”

She turned to papi, her eyes wide and hopeful.

"Puh-leeeeeeeaasse Papi? Can I go see Heidi's room? I'll be good, I promise!"

Heidi held out her hand, and Carolina took it with not a small amount of awe.

Heidi: “Oh, I do hope you like it. And you’ll get to meet all my pets! How exciting. They’ll love you, I just know it.”

"I love THEM already!"

Carolina skipped down the halls beside Heidi, unable to contain her excitement. It took a while to get there - it was like going to a secret cave. And when Heidi opened her door, Carolina's jaw dropped.

She. Had. Giant. Fish. Tanks. In. Her. BEDROOM!

They were huge, and colorful, and there were fish swimming in them. She looked around her in amazement.

"It's like living in the ocean..."

Heidi told her the fishies' names, and Carolina committed each one to memory.

"They're soooo beautiful! How do they make so many colors?"

Heidi led her to another aquarium that was smaller than the others but still bigger than she was.

Heidi: “I bet you know who these are already. That’s Dory, and Marlin and Nemo."

Carolina didn't think she could be more excited, but now she was. All the fish from Nemo right in front of her to see!

Heidi: This tank is for you, sweetheart. The staff will move it into your suite. When your father has to work, perhaps you and your mother and I can go to the store so you can pick out a castle or a sunken ship to add to the tank so they will have something to explore. Would you like to feed them?”

She looked at Heidi, her face in shock.

"For...me?"

She couldn't believe it. Both that the tank was her's, and that someone like Heidi would want to give it to her. She threw her arms around Heidi's neck and hugged her tightly.

"Oh, thank you Heidi! Thank you!"

She looked back at the fish, tears coming to her eyes.

"I love them, I really do. I love them already."

She wiped her eyes on the back of her hand.

"Can I really feed them? I don't know how though. What do I do? How do I take care of them? What if I mess up?"

 

[Sparrow]

The Conservatory

Elena couldn't resist twisting the knife about Diana, but then she was honestly curious. When Malice was alive she was protected, even if Diana was hard on her daughter herself. She had to be, really. She was creating a queen. Or trying to, Elena supposed. Diana was the most powerful telepath in the world, and if Haleigh had really wanted safe children she would have kept that protection close to home instead of murdering it. Haleigh was not up to the task of ruling - she could never be the woman her mother was, the ruler her mother was.

Haleigh: “The way she ruled got her killed, Elena. You’d do well to remember that, before you encourage Cameron to try to emulate that.”

Elena chuckled without mirth.

"The question is, why didn't you?"

She had known he was coming but her focus had remained on Haleigh until Cameron reached them and spoke.

Cameron: "I think this conversation has ran it's course, but it's FAR from over."

He turned towards her.

Cameron: "Carolina has left with Heidi, likely on a tour of the Aqua Ring."

Not exactly what every mother wants to hear, but she recognized it was better than watching either of her parents argue with Haleigh. She couldn't fault Cameron for removing their child from this situation.

Cameron wanted to speak to Haleigh, and considering Elena had broadcast everything she'd just said in a pipeline directly to Cameron's head, she suspected it wasn't to apologize. Elena gave Haleigh a last self-satisfied grin, and put her hand on Cameron's arm.

"We'll catch up later, Amado."

She turned, and headed back up the path to the bench they had been sitting on. She collected Carolina's backpack, putting the water bottle back inside it and zipping it up. She glanced at Alek, looking angry but unable to do anything about it. Right now.

"The Bear, right?"

She had never had much to do with Alek when she had lived at the mansion before, but now he could prove very useful indeed.

 

[Masque]

New York City – Nefaria Organization

As she had been doing the past three days, Gia was at Nefaria. She had made a mental vow to stay on top of things at Nefaria and now that Adriana was back, Gia knew that she had to step up her game. She was highly suspicious of Ettore and she now had to be careful with whom she trusted. Who knew how many spies for her sister was in Nefaria, trying to take her down?

She had received a text on her phone saying that Cameron’s mistress and daughter had now made their arrival. Gia felt bad that she couldn’t be there, she really did, but she just so busy at Nefaria and after she left Nefaria, she had other business to take care of; a gold mask kind of business. Her mask was no longer safe at Hellfire, so she was going to hide it somewhere that she knew would be safe. She supposed she could’ve called on Haleigh to help her out, but she had too many things on her plate, and Gia didn’t want to bother her with her own issues – unlike Adriana it would seem.

She sat in a bunch of meetings, talked with several people about what’s been going on, made some appointments for her ‘girls’ to get their nails redone and hair touched up, as well as some other fittings, before she left the building. She hailed a cab which, was miraculous at this hour, pulled up right in front of her. Usually she would never, ever, take something so pedestrian as a taxi but she was a woman on a mission. She had her mask with her and she was going to hide it somewhere safe. She gave the cabbie an address and he silently, thank goodness, pulled away from the curb and headed in the northeast direction.

 

[Persephone]

Ava had planned the entire birthday surprise before they had even arrived in Paris. But the night the got on the plane, up until this morning, she felt like a shell of herself.

John: "You remembered."

It killed her that he would even suggest or think otherwise. Ava's brows furrowed sadly.

"Of course I did...How could I forget?"

She hated that she had let the events involving Archer effect her so damn much. And she hated that John was suffering the consequences because of her inability to open up and talk like a normal person. She always bottled everything up until it just came exploding out, and Ava was pretty sure this mornings headache and outburst was a result of that. But that was then, and this was now, and she was feeling far better than she was before. Especially seeing the shocked and surprised look on John's face.

John: "I can't...I can't believe you did this."

Ava stepped in front of him now, a soft smile on her lips as she took his face within her hands.

"I would do anything for you, my King."

The waiter opened the main cabin door causing Ava to step beside John and allow him to pass. He was holding the exact bottle of Chabli that they drank the first time they had rode the train. John took her hand, leading her to their table.

John: "Let's sit at the same table."

"I was hoping you'd say that."

She grinned, taking a seat by the window just in time to see the train begin to pull out from the station. The waiter poured them both some wine before informing them that brunch would be served shortly. Ava rose her glass to John in a toast.

"To the most amazing man I know. You are my best friend, my lover, my King. I love you, John."

Clinking her glass to his, she smiled as she took a sip of her wine.

"I bought the train out for the entire day. We'll take a ride through the country side like we did before, then station at the Saint Lazare for sunset where we can walk through the park and back to the hotel."

Ava looked down for a moment, a bit embarrassed.

"I know i've been...off the past couple of days. [looking up at him through dark lashes] But I want to make it up to you for our last couple of days. I don't know when the next time we'll get a chance to leave Hellfire together. I want to take advantage of every moment from here on out."

 

[Pathfinder]

The Red King's Quarters

Alek: "Come off it, Erika. You couldn't give two shits about my daughter, nephew's sister or not, or Haleigh. You and your "King family" would like nothing more than to do away with the child that doesn't share your blood as expediently as possible. So excuse me if I don't trust a god damn word you say."

He was partly right. She knew there was no way Cameron or her mother would ever lay any kind of claim into Haleigh's daughter. If Erika was being honest with herself, it turned her off as well. But not because he wasn't a "King" - because it wasn't supposed to be his honor. Haleigh had done this for Cameron, and while he would get his heir, though he now apparently had one. This girl would probably grow up feeling a lot like she had as a kid, and she didn't wish that on anybody.

Alek: "I'm not an orphan, Erika, I just had shitty parents. A legacy I don't intend to pass on my daughter."

Erika wanted to laugh in his face. This was Hellfire. No child that was ever birthed within these walls would survive without blood all over them thanks to their parents. Selfish people having children never ended well, a fact they all seemed to forget.

"Sometimes shitty parents are better than dead parents."

She hated her mother so much sometimes. And her brother. For most of her life they treated her like a problem to be solved and when they couldn't they all but cast her aside until they needed something, never fully recognizing how good she actually was at helping them. But Erika knew that if she were down and out, in real danger, with one quarter in her pocket, she would use that to call one of them. As much as it thrilled her to think of a world where they didn't exist, it equally terrified her.

Alek: "Haleigh trusts you, for the moment, and I back her play. So you want to help, then help. But if any of them die, Erika, I'm coming for you first."

Erika flashed a devilish grin, gripping his forearm before he took off again to be with his Queen, her strength surprising for her slender frame.

"And if anything happens to Haleigh because of her decision to love you as publically as she has, I will slice and dice you so poetically they will hang your body in MOMA."

The last part surprised her. But it was symbiotic of Haleigh's recent support of her. They had never been friends, but there were certain things they had gone through in Hellfire that the others hadn't. Everyone had their sob stories, well except for the golden boy himself, Cameron. They had both been the whipping boys of their mothers, forced to do things they didn't want to do, forced to be who they weren't in the name of Hellfire, and Erika was beginning to see more clearly why she felt so compelled to help Haleigh. Perhaps she was doing so because she actually loved Haleigh. As a sister. As somebody who had been through a similar experience, particularly with men. And Erika was quickly growing tired of the men of Hellfire.

Alek rounded the corner, leaving Erika alone in his room. She walked over to his dresser, swiping a watch and some cuff links, deciding she'd earned them, and at the very least, they might do well should a curse become required. She knew it would be a scene downstairs, and Erika had done enough lately. At some point, these people had to figure their shit out. She just needed to be there to pick up the pieces. A nap was definitely in order as a champagne headache writhed through her head.

Returning to The White Wing, she entered her room, stripped her clothes and melted into her silk sheets, hoping that when she woke up, there would be peace in the mansion, a futile dream, but one she wanted none the less.

 

[Savage]

Adirondack Mountains — AJ’s Cabin

They discussed the options of what to hunt today. Any option was enjoyable, but they could not do both simultaneously. She chose the Mountain Lion, which AJ was excited about, because he loved stalking cats.

Ashley: I'd hunt earthworms if I could do it with you.

He gave a deep, rumbling laugh.

“You may have the opportunity soon. We should check the trotline for catfish soon, and to bait the hooks again.”

He replied, stroking her back gently. He told her he could put the rest of the deer meat in the slow cooker so they’d have a hot meal waiting for them when they got back tonight. She declared that he took good care of her, and he smiled as he leaned in to touch her nose with his. Eclipse came back in with a gift for her Alpha, the rabbit she was told to catch.

Ash: Who knew wolves were so literal?

She asked, making AJ chuckle. He said that Eclipse respected her, that the whole pack did. He kissed and nipped his Ashley’s neck as she asked if he was sure Eclipse wasn’t jealous.

“You would know if she were jealous, trust me.”

He suggested he shouldn’t be surprised that the pack respected her, even this soon, because he had since he day he first saw her. She wanted him to tell her about that day, but he was kissing her body, and he couldn’t do that and talk at the same time, so it would have to wait. He told her they would hunt lion, but he first he begged her patience.

Ashley: I thought we said no titles...

He stopped to look up at her, then shrugged.

“I consider it more a term of endearment.”

He replied before he went back to tasting her. The way she said his name and wriggled under his tongue excited him further. His hands slid under her to grip her ass and hold her to his kiss as she thrashed. Then she was trying to pull him up.

He licked his lips and crawled on top of her, pushing his pants down off his hips. When he slid deep into her, it felt so good he had to stop. He was afraid that if he moved he would be finished, so for a few seconds he held his hips still, and just kissed her lips.

When he moved his hips again he was slow and deliberate. His hands searched the bed for hers. He rocked her body with his steadily, until he couldn’t take it anymore and his grunts and groans became more urgent. He came with a growl and a hard thrust, and then he kissed her face in several places.

“My Ashley, have I told you today that I love you? I think not.”

 

[Berserker]

The Conservatory

Alek joined the little scene silently at first, hoping his presence lent moral support to Haleigh. He knew she was an adult, and could handle herself. It was the other two that he was concerned with. Haleigh asked to speak to Elena alone, which he didn't like the idea of much, but he also knew he wasn't going to be able to prevent it.

The child - Cameron's and Elena's - interrupted the scene, in a very normal, child kind of way. As if what was happening around her was the most every day occurrence. What really surprised him, though, was seeing Elena with the girl. She was like a different person. It made him wonder if being a mother had changed her, or if it was having the shit knocked out of her by Cameron that did it. At least she wasn't going to try to weaponize the child against Haleigh it seemed - any more than her very presence did at least.

He watched Haleigh as the little girl asked her questions about her babies, and about being her step-mother. It made him smile, to see her a little out of her element. It started him thinking about what she would be like with their daughter.

Elena agreed to speak with Haleigh, and she left the little girl in Cameron's care, which made Alek think she probably needed her head examined. Though he supposed she wasn't too far away should the disaster that was Cameron strike.

Of course, leaving Alek standing there with Cameron and his daughter was awkward as hell. Not that Alek gave a fuck if Cameron was uncomfortable. He rolled his eyes hard though as Cameron started to play "find the unicorn" with the girl. He was going to make clips from the Security feed for all he was worth later today.

Luckily Cameron and the girl moved away in their hunt, so Alek sat down on the bench they had vacated. Heidi arrived, probably because Cameron couldn't be arsed to babysit his own daughter for more than two minutes. Alek promised himself he'd never be like that.

But then Cameron was heading alone in the direction that Haleigh and Elena had gone, and Alek moved to follow him. Like hell was he going to allow Cameron near Haleigh while he just sat here. But as he went to get up, he found he was unable to move. Cameron. How the fucking bastard thought he would get away with this was beyond Alek, but as the seconds ticked by his anger grew exponentially. Who the fuck did this douchebag think he was?

Elena was coming up the path, without Cameron and Haleigh, which only made him angrier. He found he could finally move, and he pulled out his phone and texted Security. He instructed that he was to get a play by play of the White Queen's whereabouts. She was in the White Wing, he was told. At least he knew the two praetorians were still following her. Though he felt a little hurt that Haleigh had left the Conservatory without him.

Elena was collecting the little girls things, when she addressed him directly.

Elena: "The Bear, right?"

He was in no mood.

"You know exactly who I am, Elena, don't give me that bullshit."

Elena had done work for the Red Court in her previous iteration, had been an associate even, plus friendly with Helena. She damn well knew who he was.

Elena just chuckled, unfazed.

Elena: "Now don't get your fur all in a bunch, Alek."

She smiled, stepping closer to him.

Elena: "We should get a drink sometime. I think we could help each other out."

"I'm taken, sorry."

Elena laughed again.

Elena: "Well, if you want to keep it that way... Neither of us benefit by Cameron and Haleigh staying together. We should combine forces, work together. So we can both get what we want."

Alek shook his head in disbelief.

"I can't believe you're still hung up on that douche."

She made a small shrug of her shoulders.

Elena: "It's complicated."

"But I'm not opposed to you being the wedge that keeps Cameron away from Haleigh. When you have a plan, I'll listen."

He nodded to her, and started off towards the White Wing. Elena headed the opposite direction, towards the Aqua Ring in search of her daughter.

 

[Steel]

The Train

John was surprised that she had remembered it was his birthday.

Ava: "Of course I did...How could I forget?"

"Well, we've been a teeny bit busy lately..."

And it wasn't like they'd been a couple for years. He was still in disbelief: this was a gesture so thoughtful and amazing that he was beyond words.

Ava: "I would do anything for you, my King."

He smiled at her, putting his hand over hers.

"Then always stay with me."

The waiter came into the cabin then, and John took Ava's hand to lead her to their table, suggesting that they sit where they had the first time they'd ridden this train.

Ava: "I was hoping you'd say that."

Everything was as it had been, and it was perfect. The waiter poured the wine, and Ava raised her glass as the train started to move.

Ava: "To the most amazing man I know. You are my best friend, my lover, my King. I love you, John."

"I love you, babe. This is the most fantastic thing anyone's every done for me. Thank you."

Ava: "I bought the train out for the entire day. We'll take a ride through the country side like we did before, then station at the Saint Lazare for sunset where we can walk through the park and back to the hotel."

"Sounds perfect."

He took another sip of the wine.

"You really are the most special woman in the world, Ava."

He smiled warmly, gazing into her beautiful dark eyes.

Ava: "I know I've been...off the past couple of days. [looking up at him through dark lashes] But I want to make it up to you for our last couple of days. I don't know when the next time we'll get a chance to leave Hellfire together. I want to take advantage of every moment from here on out."

He shook his head.

"There's no need to make up for anything. Any day I get to spend with you is the best day of my life."

He reached across the table to take her hand.

"I never thought you would ever look at me the way you are right now...that is the greatest gift, Ava. I'm the luckiest man alive."

He rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb.

"And I want to be there for you too. Whenever you need me."

 

[Pathfinder]

Hellfire Mansion - The White WIng

Cameron: You have NEVER had to sacrifice anything for me. EVER.

Haleigh: “What a load of HORSESHIT. I sacrificed my sovereignty to make you my King, I sacrificed my body to make you a son. There’s more but we’ll be here all fucking day if I keep going.”

Cameron moved closer to her, until they were mere inches apart, staring each other down. The more he talked, the angrier Haleigh got. He called her daughter a mongrel, and threatened Alek. Then he declared himself the King Of Hellfire, as if there were only one and not three. He had the nerve to command her to fall in line. She wanted a crown so she could bludgeon him to death with it.

Cameron: I am done fucking around. I'm not signing ANY paper, and I'm not about to give custody to a woman who has the decision making ability of a filthy WHORE.

Haleigh’s eyes flashed with rage.

Haleigh: “Fine, don’t sign the fucking papers. Seems there’s something ELSE you’ve forgotten this weekend. You married the White Queen — also known as the Black Widow!”

She replied, her left hand closing around his throat, her nails digging into his skin as she ripped him off his feet and raised her other fist high. In her right hand she clutched an ornate crown, the one she’d given him years ago when they were madly in love. One blow was all it would take. She had the strength to split his skull in one fell swoop. She might as well have been holding an axe in her hand.

"What!? No! Haleigh STOP!"

Erika began to toss and turn in her bed in The White Wing.

But she never brought it down to bear. She froze in place, fury in her glare, murderous intent plain to see. A white shockwave radiated outward from them, causing pictures to shatter and the walls to shudder. The necklace Erika had given her glowed white hot, and emitted energy that surrounded them in a protective cage. Their bodies were as still as statues, while their consciousnesses were shunted away.

Erika watched with abject horror. Haleigh was going to kill her brother. She had to move. She had to STOP this, but she couldn't. She was paralyzed. She wanted to scream.

"AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!"

The White Princess shot up in her bed in a cold sweat, her mind moving a million miles a minute before syncing into consciousness. She needed to get to her brother and QUICKLY. Throwing on a pair of grey sweatpants and a white camisole, she tore through the walls of The White Wing, phasing through certain walls to shorten her path. When she arrived at the scene of the crime she was shaken. Something was peculiar.

The Crystal Cage was just a forcefield. It didn't freeze people in cryptonite. This was..an ability. And very likely one of the children's powers. Adrenaline began to pump through her as she immediately eyed the two on secret security detail for Haleigh.

"Get Alek here RIGHT now!"

She waited for him, trying to think of how she could explain that she gave Haleigh a necklace that froze them in time the moment before Haleigh killed her brother. Alek was likely to be furious, but this was serious business. Erika had been right, these kids were powerful. And the sooner Alek and Erika got a handle on it, the better prepared they would be to deal with it. Erika's eyes met Alek's as he arrived at the scene.

"Alek, I swear I had nothing to do with this...I think one of the babies is using their power!"

 

[Valkyrie]

Adirondack Mountains — AJ’s Cabin

AJ mentioned checking the weir for fish, and that gave her a warm feeling of contentment. She imagined grilled fish cooked outside and snuggling up next to the fire pit and looking up at the stars. This place was magical - they were able to just live life, fending for themselves and not having to pretend for anyone. She loved it here - she was even warming up the new wolf which seemed to come and go as she pleased. She was about to tell him so, but then his mouth was doing amazing things and she lost the power for coherent speech.

She needed all of him, her hands reaching for his shoulders, to bring his mouth to hers. He knew what she wanted, and wasted no time in it, making her moan loudly. Her hands slid around to his back as he kissed her. She groaned against his lips, because he wasn't moving.

"Yes...now...please..." she begged.

He started to moved slowly above her, almost driving her mad with need. She gasped at the way he was stroking her, and she thought her heart would leap from her chest when his fingers interlocked with hers. Her legs wrapped around him as he began to move faster, and she could feel the pressure building within his body as well as her own. She cried out loudly as she came, answering his growl. And then he was kissing her face, while made her smile in a satisfied - and semi-exhausted - way.

AJ: “My Ashley, have I told you today that I love you? I think not.”

She found his eyes, the gold in them catching the morning light.

"A horrendous oversight, to be sure."

She pressed her lips gently against his.

"But if you get it in quickly, I'll overlook it."

She grinned widely, a hand going to his temple and her fingers twining themselves in his hair.

"I don't know how I ever lived without you."

She reboarded her earlier train of thought.

"I really love this place, AJ. Thank you for sharing it with me."

 

[Berserker]

Hellfire Mansion - Common Area

He had almost arrived at the gateway into the White Wing, when he received an urgent call from the guards who were on Haleigh. Something was wrong, something they couldn't describe, and they needed him there immediately. He broke into a run.

He came into the foyer of the White Corridor, and his eyes saw Haleigh, not moving, Cameron, and then Erika. He looked at her with murderous rage.

Erika: "Alek, I swear I had nothing to do with this...I think one of the babies is using their power!"

He had crossed to her quickly, and was inches away when he responded.

"A likely story...what did you do?!!"

He moved to where Haleigh was standing, reached out and touched her. Still she didn't move. But she felt herself. She wasn't cold. So she was alive. He turned his head to look at Erika again.

"Fix this. Now!"

 

[Fathom]

Hellfire -- The White Knight’s Quarters

Carolina’s enthusiasm was contagious, to Heidi. She led the King’s daughter by the hand through the mansion to her quarters, listening excitedly as Carolina told her about mermaid Barbie. Heidi smiled warmly to her the doll’s name.

“Did you now? You are so sweet.”

Letting the girl into her room was like taking her to Sea World. All her little pets came out to show off, and she told Carolina their names one at a time, which the girl absorbed like a sponge. Carolina was amazed at all the colors.

“Color was created by Mother Nature, and you’ll find every hue under the sea.”

She replied, and then it was time to show Carolina her gift. She knelt next to Carolina as she introduced them. It had only taken a day’s search to find these three and collect them. She selected ones as close as possible to the characters. If anyone asked about Nemo’s one mangled fin she was prepared to say she’d found him that way. Little white lies to preserve the magic of the girl’s childlike wonder were well worth it in the end.

Carolina: For me?

“Yes, Princess.”

Carolina was overcome with joy, such that she produced tears and launched a hug at Heidi, who was moved deeply by the girl’s reaction. Heidi hugged her back warmly as Carolina exclaimed that she loved them already. She bubbled over with questions, how to feed and care for them, and what if she made a mistake. Heidi smiled and brushed her hair back.

“I’ll show you how much to feed them, and every now and again I’ll help you clean their tank. Don’t you worry about mistakes sweet one, I’m always here if you have questions.”

She opened the cabinet beneath the tank and took out a little bottle of fish food to hand to Carolina. Then she stood and walked over to get a chair for Carolina to stand on so she could reach the top of the tank. She raised the lid up out of the way as Carolina clambered onto the chair.

“Alright now, Three little pinches of food, You just drop it into the water and they will come up to eat. And when we’re done here I’ll take you down to the Aqua Ring and you can see the really big fish. We have sharks and squid and electric eels the size of whales!”

 

[Seer]

The White Knight’s Quarters - Carolina Estrada

Heidi called Carolina "princess", which made her beam with pride. She hugged Heidi tight, overcome by the gift she had been given. She asked lots of questions, also feeling a bit worried that she wouldn't do things right and hurt the fish.

Heidi: “I’ll show you how much to feed them, and every now and again I’ll help you clean their tank. Don’t you worry about mistakes sweet one, I’m always here if you have questions.”

Carolina grinned at her, and gave her another hug.

"Thank you Heidi."

Heidi handed her a bottle of food from the cabinet, and got a chair for her. Carolina scrambled up onto the chair.

Heidi: “Alright now, Three little pinches of food, You just drop it into the water and they will come up to eat. And when we’re done here I’ll take you down to the Aqua Ring and you can see the really big fish. We have sharks and squid and electric eels the size of whales!”

Carolina's eyes grew wide at that. But then she got back to the task at hand, very carefully pinching the flakes in the jar and letting it fall into the water. Her eyes darted around the tank, trying to see all the fish eating at once. Even little Nemo, with his poor small fin.

"They were hungry!"

It was time to see the big fish, though, so Carolina blew each of her fish a kiss and waved to the ones in Heidi's tanks, and they were off.

 

[Persephone]

Despite the craziness that happened when the Europeans were over,, and Ava's own problems stemming from the weekend, she would never forget John's birthday. She had known him since they were teenagers, and even though they had only become lovers recently, she had always loved him. Now, she got to show him exactly how much.

He lead her over to their table as the waiter poured them each a glass of wine. Ava made a toast to John, truly hoping he loved the surprise.

John: "I love you, babe. This is the most fantastic thing anyone's every done for me. Thank you."

"Stop...no thanks necessary. I was excited to get to do this for you."

He deserved it more than he would admit, and so much more. Ava explained to him how the rest of the day and into the evening would go. They would station a few blocks away from their hotel and finish the night off walking under the Eiffel Tower during sunset.

John: "Sounds perfect. You really are the most special woman in the world, Ava."

Ava shook her head softly, her smiling fading just a bit. She didn't feel like she was, especially the way she had treated John a mere hour ago. But it was like night and day compared to then, Ava feeling as normal as could be, though the guilt weighed heavily. She just wanted to make up for the way she had been acting the past couple of days and make sure their last days here were perfect.

John: "There's no need to make up for anything. Any day I get to spend with you is the best day of my life. I never thought you would ever look at me the way you are right now...that is the greatest gift, Ava. I'm the luckiest man alive. And I want to be there for you too. Whenever you need me."

Ava placed her hand on top of his, her smile returning.

"No, i'm the lucky one. You stuck with me for years...through a lot of bullshit. And probably a lot more in the future. [chuckling] I love you so much, John. And I know you're here for me...I know..."

She knew he was still worried about her outburst earlier, and how Archer's attack had been weighing heavily on her. But in that moment, she felt fine...she felt happy. The train was moving through the countryside, the waiter was replenishing their wine, and she was with the man she loved. What more could she ask for?

"I took the liberty of having the cook make your favorite."

The waiter returned with a beautiful presented plate of sliced Filet Mignon topped with duck confit butter, roasted rosemary potatoes with two sunny side up eggs blanketing the potatoes . He placed it down in front of John along with a side of hollandaise sauce. He then presented Ava with a mushroom and goat cheese omelette topped with sauteed spinach and a side of fresh berries. A basket of freshly baked bread from the local bakery and fresh jam was put between them both.

"I know I suggested crepes but....I figured this birthday brunch called for something a little more extravagant."

Ava placed the black napkin in her lap as she picked up her utensils. Looking down at her food as she cut it, a coy smirk tugged on the corners of her lips.

"Plus...I have something a little different in mind for dessert later."

She lifted her eyes with a cock of her brow.

"I did buy the train out for a reason."

And with that, she took a bite of eggs, chewing with a salacious smirk.

 

[Savage]

Adirondack Mountains — AJ’s Cabin

After he had spent himself, his body relaxed and he began to kiss her face. He asked her if he’d told he loved her, which he didn’t think he’d done today.

Ashley: A horrendous oversight, to be sure.

She deemed, with a kiss, and then she allowed that if he quickly corrected his mistake, she’d be willing to overlook it. He shifted his body so that he was laying next to her, sliding his arms around her to keep her close.

“My gracious Ashley, you know I do love you. I sometimes think even if I say it everyday for eternity, I will not have fully expressed it.”

Her fingers were in his hair again, making his eyes drift shut blissfully. She commented that she didn’t know how she’d lived without him. He smiled humorously.

“Miserably, no doubt.”

He joked. She told him she loved this place, and thanked him for sharing it with her. He looked at her sincerely.

“Of course, my home is your home. And not just because you are my Q-word that I am not supposed to say right now.”

He kissed her lips affectionately, and then he began to scoot closer and scoop her up, and the next second they were out of bed. He set her on the floor and gave her an encouraging pat on the ass.

“Now go get dressed and grab your bow. It is time to hunt.”

He had a lupine grin, and went to the kitchen himself, taking their plates and the carton of juice back with him. He filled the slow cooker with deer, stew vegetables and seasonings, and got it started before he headed back to the bedroom to get dressed himself.

“Do you remember where you saw the mountain lion last?”

 

[Steel]

The Train

Steel felt like the luckiest man in the world. He was quite taken aback by Ava's gesture, and wondered when she'd had the time to plan any of this. Without him knowing, no less. As they toasted, he tried to express how grateful he was.

Ava: "Stop...no thanks necessary. I was excited to get to do this for you."

She had thought of everything, and created the perfect day. He tried to tell her how much it meant to him, how much she meant to him. But true to form, Ava was reluctant to take any of the credit she so deserved. She acted like there was something to make up for - she was so hard on herself. He wanted her to see herself the way he saw her: amazing.

He was worried about what had happened earlier that day, not for himself, but because of what he suspected grew from Archer's attack. He tried to tell her that he was here for her, that she didn't have to hide what she was feeling from him. He took her hand.

She put her hand on top of his, making him smile involuntarily.

Ava: "No, i'm the lucky one. You stuck with me for years...through a lot of bullshit. And probably a lot more in the future. [chuckling] I love you so much, John. And I know you're here for me...I know..."

"I can't imagine where I would be right now if I hadn't met you."

In prison. Or dead.

"You changed my life, babe."

He looked out the window at the rolling countryside. He remembered when they had been on this train last, and the way he had felt then. He loved her even more now, but the John from back then would never have dared to believe he would ever be her King.

Ava: "I took the liberty of having the cook make your favorite."

Once again he was taken aback. And she had gotten it right, for sure: he saw steak, eggs and potatoes on the plate set in front of him.

"Excellent."

She, on the other hand, was eating like either a bird or a health food mogul, he wasn't sure which. He took a piece of bread from the basket and began to spread some jam on it.

Ava: "I know I suggested crepes but....I figured this birthday brunch called for something a little more extravagant."

"We're in Paris - I think there might be another opportunity for crepes."

He grinned.

"And crepes are so small..."

He chuckled.

Ava: "Plus...I have something a little different in mind for dessert later."

Just the way her eyebrow went up when she said that stirred his blood.

Ava: "I did buy the train out for a reason."

He put down his knife and fork.

"How am I supposed to eat after that?"

But the smile on his lips betrayed the fact that he was joking, and soon he picked them back up. He couldn't help but watch her eat. Even the way she did that was sexy. He felt like he was in a dream, sitting here with her.

"I'm never going to be able to top this for your birthday."

He looked down at his plate then pointed at it with his fork.

"This is excellent by the way."

He chewed and swallowed, then looked back into her eyes.

"I'm glad we didn't stay at the hotel. You always know what's best."

He grinned and chuckled.

"Did everyone get to Japan safely?"

Even though she wasn't supposed to be working on this trip, he knew that she would.

 

[Valkyrie]

Adirondack Mountains — AJ’s Cabin

AJ moved to lay next to her, cuddling her to him.

AJ: “My gracious Ashley, you know I do love you. I sometimes think even if I say it everyday for eternity, I will not have fully expressed it.”

"I feel the same way."

She twirled her fingers in his hair, studying his face, feeling so much emotion. More than she had felt in all the years before she'd known him. He made a joke, surprising her, when she said she didn't know how she'd ever lived without him.

AJ: “Miserably, no doubt.”

"Completely."

She wasn't joking. She had been so detached from everything for so long. Living for momentary highs, with nothing constant that was good. She didn't know what it meant to be happy, or loved, for such a long time until him. And then there was this place, which made her feel like she was meant to be here. The outside world just melted away. She thanked him for sharing it with her.

AJ: “Of course, my home is your home. And not just because you are my Q-word that I am not supposed to say right now.”

"I am your woman, that is all that is important here."

He kissed her, and she was content to just lay there with him for the rest of the day. But she was startled, because he was picking her up, and then suddenly she was standing on the floor. And then he gave her a pat on the rear. Maybe she needed to reconsider this "no Queen" thing.

AJ: “Now go get dressed and grab your bow. It is time to hunt.”

She smiled at him and mimicked giving him a bow.

"Yes, my love."

He disappeared with the plates, and she did as he'd asked. She pulled on some form-fitting camo spandex pants and a match[ing tank and hoodie overtop. AJ returned and sadly pulled on clothes himself, which she made sure to keep an eye on.

AJ: “Do you remember where you saw the mountain lion last?”

She thought a moment, pulling her hair back into a ponytail.

"About half-way up the east ridge?"

She headed downstairs to pick up her bow and slip on her boots. She could feel the excitement of the hunt spreading through her, the tips of her fingers tingling with anticipation. She checked her back quiver, and strapped a hunting knife to her calf.

The mountain lion was theirs.