Rose of destruction

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- The White Princess's Suite

Haleigh had climbed on top, one of her favorite positions. She could control the tempo and the angle, and she liked to see the lust in his gaze as he watched her move. His hands on her hips, hers on his chest, she began to smirk as his expression changed to one of ecstasy and they locked eyes.

When they were done she leaned forward and relaxed on his chest for a bit. A knock at the door saved them from having to awkwardly avoid cuddling. She left him on the floor and answered the door.

"It's about fucking time."

She said coldly to the girl with the cart, and opened the door to let her in. She directed the service to the dining area, and went about collecting all her strewn articles of clothing and pulling them back on. If they weren't discussing strategy or sex, they didn't have much to say to each other, so they ate in relative silence. Haleigh wolfed down her food, a sign of how hungry she'd been. When she was done she leaned back and wiped her mouth with her napkin.

"I know better than to think any conversation I have with my sister will be 'private', even if we think we're alone."

She began, looking at him.

"Be advised I'll say whatever it takes to get Seph back 'on track'. I may even encourage her to manipulate you, if I think that'll redirect her in an agreeable way. If I don't think that's going to do it, I may stoke her competitive side, see if I can make her come back to you in jealousy. It'll be YOUR JOB to reel her back in at that point, so I suggest you prepare yourself to adapt to whatever state she's in when she DOES speak to you again. And before you get all righteous on me, I will skewer your balls with this butter-knife if you suggest, yet again, that I don't have her best interests in mind."

 

[Valkyrie]

The Clocktower

"Don't blame Liz. I tempted her with Chinese and double XP. But as soon as Rose gets back to us with the okay, I’ll have my men working on getting The Sanctuary completely secured."

She gave him an amused and slightly perturbed look.

“I don’t give a fuck if the Sanctuary is secured.”

So this was the guy. She watched Zizi’s demeanor as she turned to her and said simply, “Liz?”

Zizi went off to look for the costume she’d asked for. Turning her attention back to THE Gabe, she looked him up and down before commenting on him being too hot to be a nerd.

"I try not to live up to the Urkle stereotype."

“Well, well done.”

She smiled at him like a cat, still sizing him up as she told him she’d heard a lot about him.

"Yeah? Hopefully all good things."

“All good things.”

She crossed her legs, and proceeded to try and gauge how into Zizi he was, and plant the seed that he should go into her bedroom, toss the wheelchair aside and fuck her right then and there.

He looked shocked that she had asked about it. Hmm.

"No...no, Lizzie and I are just friends."

What a moron.

“What are you, a moron?”

"I'm an asshole, I wouldn't do that to her. She deserves better than someone like me."

Ashley rolled her eyes, picking up his soda and taking a drink.

“What a load of horseshit. If you wanted to deserve her, you’d act accordingly.”

"I might be a 'nerd', but I think with my dick a little too much."

“Oh, do you now? Well, then that explains it.”

She leaned down as if she was imparting great knowledge on him.

“You’re a man. EVERY man thinks with his dick too much. What you’ve got to ask yourself is, do you want to let some other guy think his dick right into Zizi’s panties.”

She slipped off the counter, and slapped Gabe on the back. She picked up an eggroll and took a bite.

“Food for thought,” she said with her mouth full.

She left to find Zizi, realizing the irony of the situation. A week ago, she would have fucked a guy that hot right there on the floor. ESPECIALLY one that thinks with his dick too much.

Walking into Zizi’s bedroom, she was in the closet obviously still searching.

“Don’t worry about it, Zees. Hey, look…”

She laid down on Zizi’s bed.

“I know you’ve been in love with this guy forever but…”

Zizi shushed her emphatically.

“He can’t hear us, he’s busy shooting at ten year old boys who are better than he is in that game.”

She traced a pattern on the bedspread.

“So are you absolutely sure he’s the guy you want? I mean, I am the LAST person to tell you not to fuck a sexy guy like that if you want him but…are you sure you aren’t just going to be hurt? Talking to him out there…I’m not sure he’s…not an asshole. What I mean is, I'm not sure he's really a relationship type guy.”

What she really wanted to say was, you'll just pine after him forever while he fucks anything that moves other than you. But she decided to try the "friendly" approach. She knew that Zizi had known Gabe like forever, but she severely suspected that Zizi's view of him was photoshopped at best.

 

[Berserker]

The Hellfire Club - The White Princess' Suite

After two or three tries he had managed to call their order in to the kitchen. There had to be an award she could win for a mouth like that. And now she was on top of him, riding him like a thoroughbred stallion. His hands moved to her hips, his eyes watching her body appreciatively as it thrashed on top of him. His eyes locked on hers as he came.

“Oh, FUCK.”

He was breathing hard as she collapsed on top of him, his arm wrapping around her back and finding its way to her ass. There was a knock at the door and she rolled off of him to answer it.

Unfortunately, Haleigh started putting her clothes back on. He pulled on his boxers before joining her at the dining table where he inhaled his food like, well, like a bear. It was a long time before Haleigh broke the silence.

"I know better than to think any conversation I have with my sister will be 'private', even if we think we're alone. Be advised I'll say whatever it takes to get Seph back 'on track'. I may even encourage her to manipulate you, if I think that'll redirect her in an agreeable way. If I don't think that's going to do it, I may stoke her competitive side, see if I can make her come back to you in jealousy. It'll be YOUR JOB to reel her back in at that point, so I suggest you prepare yourself to adapt to whatever state she's in when she DOES speak to you again. And before you get all righteous on me, I will skewer your balls with this butter-knife if you suggest, yet again, that I don't have her best interests in mind."

She was smarter than he gave her credit for. She knew the importance of keeping Persephone on his good side, and she was willing to do anything to make that happen. Which, of course, suited him perfectly.

He grabbed the butter knife from her hand and began putting jam on a slice of toast with it.

“Oh, I think it’s clear that you do.”

He took a bite.

“But I am curious as to why you chose to push her back to me, when you could’ve just tried to keep me agreeable yourself.”

 

[Cypher]

Ashley: “I don’t give a fuck if the Sanctuary is secured.”

"So you don't give a fuck about children's safety? Good to know."

He quipped evenly, his brows furrowing at the utter lack of compassion from this woman. She may have been physically hot, but it didn't go beyond that. It made him question why Zizi was even friends with someone like her. Zizi had a heart of gold. She would give her last dollar to a homeless person in need. Hell, she would probably give the shirt off her back if she wasn't worried about being indecently exposed. The parallels between the two were astronomical. But this chick continued to talk without a filter and without a care.

Ashley: “What a load of horseshit. If you wanted to deserve her, you’d act accordingly.”

"I'm not a relationship person. Just ask my ex."

He responded truthfully, not that he needed to explain anything to this stranger.

"I might be a 'nerd', but I think with my dick too much."

Ashley: “Oh, do you now? Well, then that explains it. You’re a man. EVERY man thinks with his dick too much. What you’ve got to ask yourself is, do you want to let some other guy think his dick right into Zizi’s panties.”

Gabe narrowed his eyes, a look of distain appearing on his face. Any sexual thoughts he had about her were gone. This lady was fucking nuts AND rude. And he sure as hell wasn't going to sit there and listen to her drag Zizi's name in the mud.

"DON'T talk about her like that."

His warning fell on deaf ears because obviously she didn't care about anything he had to say. She slid off the desk, stole his egg roll, and slapped his back for good measure.

Ashley: "Food for thought."

He turned and watched her disappear down the hall and go into Zizi's room. Shaking his head, whatever unlucky bastard nailed this chick better watch his balls. She would eat them and spit them out.

"Bitch."

Turning back around, Gabe sighed and tossed his controller onto the computer desk before sitting back. Despite Ashley's complete lack of tact, it got him thinking. Was Zizi actually interested in him? And if she was, how the fuck was he going to navigate around that. Groaning out, he shut his eyes and let his head fall back against the chair.

"I need a fucking pint."

 

[Masque]

Hellfire Mansion – Red Rook’s Quarters



Amanda: “I’m not necessarily one for colloquialims…but yes, I know the saying. Hello Gia.”

Gia didn’t miss the slight grimace on Amanda’s face, though the girl DID hide it well. She had heard the whispers and the gossip about her, and as much as she outwardly projected that she DIDN’T care…inwardly she DID care. Great. Apparently Hellfire would be like high school all over again. She gave Amanda a…pleasant-ish smile in response.

Persephone: "Is that a fact? Well, thank you for your warm yet INTRUSIVE welcome. And i'll take the second part into consideration...."

“’Intrusive’? If I wanted to be intrusive, I would’ve just walked in WITHOUT knocking.”

If you ever hope to survive, goddess, you’d better get used to people just barging in whenever and wherever they please.

Amanda: "I missed you at The Blackout Party. Though I heard you had quite the encounter with Scion. In fact..I heard she nearly painted you like one of her french girls."

Gia chuckled.

“You MISSED me? That sounded ALMOST believable. As for the encounter with Scion, tell me; what ARE the people saying? I love a good tabloid story, especially if it’s about me.”

Gia smirked at Amanda. Persephone was at the bar pouring a drink. She came back with it and handed it to Gia.

Persephone: "Now Amanda...she's much more beautiful than those French Girls."

“Thank you, for the wine and the sort-of-but-not-really-genuine compliment.”

Gia took a sip and then nodded. It was a great tasting wine.

Persephone: "Speaking of Scion, I heard the White Court has been icing her out per Diana's orders. Can't hang with the Princess so you come to what? Make nice with her sister?"

“Actually, the White Court has been icing ME out as well, and yes, Diana had ordered us to not engage with her. So, since the White Knight and Rook seem to have a different opinion of me than I have of myself, I just thought I’d branch out.”

Persephone was VERY intuitive and Gia kind of liked that. Gia took another sip of wine and sighed. She might as well be honest. Gia DID like Haleigh, and she DID hope that they could become friends and since Persephone was her sister, maybe, Gia wanted to align herself with her; make sure that she was okay. But there was always a risk to being honest here at Hellfire: it can come back later to bite you in the ass [among other, more dangerous, things]. Gia shrugged.

“You need allies in this place because people are NOT going to go easy on you or your sister considering your former alliance [the Six]. YOUR success at Hellfire is OUR [Hellfire] success. Though I may be a WEAK ally, and yes, that means that I’m WELL AWARE of what people have been saying about me, I could use a few allies myself.”

Gia stared into the glass of wine. She knew that she was taking a HUGE risk, especially since the Black Knight was right there, but she decided to let down her guard for once.

“People…”

Gia glanced at Amanda out of the corner of her eye.

“People think that I’m weak, that just because I have bodyguards they assume that I don’t know how to defend myself. I have heard the whispers. They all think that I can’t hack it in this place.”

Gia looked into Persephone’s eyes.

“I need people who can show me how to do that. I need people to teach me how to get my hands dirty.”

Gia picked some non-existent lint from her jeans just so that she would have something to do. It was the FIRST time she showed her vulnerable side and she didn’t know how Persephone or Cobra would react. In fact, she felt a bit scared. Persephone’s phone beeped.

Persephone: "I'm beginning to get a complex." [sarcastically] "I'm beginning to wonder who will show up at my door next. Emiko?" [with a laugh] Now THAT would be an entertaining twist."

“Oh, she wouldn’t BOTHER with the door; she’d just POP in.”

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

COD was getting hot and heavy.

"Oh shit! They're all on B Flag! Go around the side of the house, back door! Back door!"

Zizi pressed hard on her controller.

“Oh no! Sniper!”

"DAMN. Ugh, so close."

“How did I miss that? I’m sorry.”

She heard the door click open and turned, hearing Ashley yelling for her.

“Zees do you still have the Princess Leia costume? The sexy one not the hair buns one…”

She shut her eyes for moment, wanting to crawl under the table with embarrassment. She guessed her fun was over now that Ashley was home.

"You have a sexy Princess Leia costume?"

She tried to get out a plausible response.

“It was a gift.”

Ash had come into the main room.

“Ashley, this is Gabe. He’s helping me with the security system for the Sanctuary.”

She noticed Gabe checking Ashley out. She had missed the top button on her dress, and it was incredibly short to begin with.

Ashley was smirking at her, calling her out for playing video games with Gabe.

"Don't blame Liz. I tempted her with Chinese and double XP. But as soon as Rose gets back to us with the okay, I'll have my men working on getting The Sanctuary completely secured."

She beamed as he stood up for her. He really was such a nice guy, and he cared about the children at the Sanctuary so much. But next to Ashley…he wouldn’t even look at her. Not the way he was looking at Ashley.

“Let me go look for that costume…”

After her back was to them, she let the tears fall from her eyes. What had she been thinking? She was just his friend, and that’s all they would ever be. Buddies. And despite her earlier pep talk to herself that she was okay with that, she really wasn’t. It wasn’t fair. It just wasn’t fair.

Entering her room, she went to the closet to look for the costume Ashley wanted. WHY she wanted it was a mystery. Ashley hated Star Wars. She said people who liked it were the biggest nerds on the planet, who were too busy watching a stupid movie to go out and get themselves laid. Needless to say, they disagreed on this point.

She wiped her face and tried to get a hold of herself. She had to go back out there eventually, and it couldn’t look like she’d been crying.

Ashley came into her room and shut the door behind her.

“I don’t know what I did with that…”

“Don’t worry about it, Zees. Hey, look…I know you’ve been in love with this guy forever but…”

“Ashley!”

She turned and held up her hands, making shushing sounds and pointing out towards Gabe.

“He’ll hear you!”

“He can’t hear us, he’s busy shooting at ten year old boys who are better than he is in that game.”

Zizi crossed her arms.

“He’s a very good player.”

“So are you absolutely sure he’s the guy you want? I mean, I am the LAST person to tell you not to fuck a sexy guy like that if you want him but…are you sure you aren’t just going to be hurt? Talking to him out there…I’m not sure he’s…not an asshole. What I mean is, I'm not sure he's really a relationship type guy.”

Zizi was taken aback.

“He was in a relationship with Ava Cassadine for two years.”

Ashley: “Well, there you go.”

She looked down at her lap. Why was she saying these things? Unless…

“If you want to sleep with him, you can. I mean, I saw the way he was looking at you and…”

Ashley: “Zizi, no, that’s not what I’m saying. He just seems like a one and done type of guy. I just want you to be sure he’s the guy you think he is.”

“I’ve known him most of my life. He is.”

Ashley: “Well, then, he got REALLY upset when I suggested someone else might be looking to take you on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.”

Zizi’s mouth dropped open.

“What did you do?”

Ashley: “Just planted the seed that you are more desirable than he’s been giving you credit for. No need to thank me…”

“Oh, this is bad. This is very, very bad.”

Ashley scoffed.

“He’s a genius, Ashley. Do you think he won’t figure out what you’re doing?”

She put her head in her hands.

“What if he never wants to see me again?”

Ashley was across the bed like a shot. She pulled Zizi’s hands away.

Ashley: “He will. He’s your oldest friend. And he cares about you, even if he doesn’t know it. And if he doesn’t throw you down on this bed and fuck your brains out? Well then he’s an idiot and we’ll find you someone who deserves you.”

She looked into Ashley’s face. She nodded.

“And you’re sure you don’t want to sleep with him?”

At that, Ashley laughed and fell backwards onto the bed.

Ashley: “Zach is keeping me quite satisfied at the moment, thank you very much. He was VERY appreciative of the naughty nurse earlier…so I thought I’d try out your Princess Leia.”

“Uh, I’m not sure I want to hear about this.”

But that didn’t faze Ashley in the slightest.

Ashley: “He is…he is amazing. And not just in bed – he’s phenomenal with his dick –“

“Okay, now I’m sure I don’t want to hear this.”

Ashley: “But…he’s really nice. And he makes me feel…safe. I think he might really be looking for more than just sex from me.”

More astounding than that was that it sounded like she was looking for more than just sex from him.

“Well, then, don’t mess it up. And make sure he knows how you feel.”

Ashley snorted.

Ashley: “Oh, he knows.”

Zizi rolled her eyes.

“I mean that you care about him more than just as a bed partner.”

Ashley sat up and smiled.

Ashley: “Oh, you just leave that to me.”

She stood and pulled her dress down.

Ashley: “Now, I promised Zach I’d pick him up something to eat. And I will leave you and Gabe to continue doing your thing.”

Ashley eyed her knowingly, and Zizi felt bad that she did want Ashley to leave.

“Ash – thanks.”

She smiled, and Zizi followed her back out into the main room where Ashley waved to Gabe and then was out the door.

“Sorry about that. Team Deathmatch?”

 

[Persephone]

Gia: “Actually, the White Court has been icing ME out as well, and yes, Diana had ordered us to not engage with her. So, since the White Knight and Rook seem to have a different opinion of me than I have of myself, I just thought I’d branch out.”

"Is that so?"

So the White Court wasn't playing nice and she thought the Red Court would take her in. How cute.

Gia: “You need allies in this place because people are NOT going to go easy on you or your sister considering your former alliance [the Six]."

Persephone let out a laugh, amazed by how utterly frank she was being on a subject she knew absolutely NOTHING about. The goddess' eyes darkened as she narrowed her gaze at Gia.

"Watch it little one, you're treading on thin ice."

She warned evenly, shifting her eyes over to Amanda who sat quietly.

Gia: "YOUR success at Hellfire is OUR [Hellfire] success. Though I may be a WEAK ally, and yes, that means that I’m WELL AWARE of what people have been saying about me, I could use a few allies myself.”

"Well you're execution is SHIT to say the least."

Persephone stood from her seat, looking down at Gia with contempt in her eyes. She leaned down, getting right into the White Bishop's face.

"Rule number one: Don't come into MY chambers and act like you know the ins and outs of whats going on with me AND my status here at Hellfire."

She hissed before standing back upright. She kept her eyes locked on Gia's as she reached for Amanda's empty wine glass, taking it.

[parseltongue] "If you swallow her in one bite, i'll make it worth your while."

Turning from both of them, Persephone walked over to the wet bar and replenished Amanda's wine.

Gia: “People…People think that I’m weak, that just because I have bodyguards they assume that I don’t know how to defend myself. I have heard the whispers. They all think that I can’t hack it in this place.”

"Maybe you CAN'T."

She responded matter-of-factly before turning around and looking at the Bishop. She heard how Gia became apart of the Inner Circle. She was appointed because her father had went to prison and she was the next in line to serve. But she was young and green. She didn't know how to navigate a place like Hellfire Club or the people within the walls. She tried to act like she did, and Persephone gave her credit for that. But acting and doing were two completely different things.

Gia: “I need people who can show me how to do that. I need people to teach me how to get my hands dirty.”

A sly smile appeared on the goddesses lips as she walked back over to the couch, handing Amanda back her wine.

"And you want us to?"

She stated more than asked. Scoffing softly, Persephone disappeared into her bathroom.

"I've done my fair share of teaching in my day, sweetie. I've retired from that game."

She shouted from her walk in closet, referring to her says as a Dire Wraith in the Masters of Evil.

"BUT I will give you some advice. DON'T show any vulnerability. And DON'T show any weakness. The moment you do the people in this club will eat you alive. [a little joke Amanda would get] You have daddy's name, but that doesn't mean you have the same respect."

Persephone emerged from her bathroom now dressed in a form fitting crimson bodycon dress that fit her slim body to perfection. Nude heels completed the look. It was a far cry from the jeans and t-shirt she had on before. She sure as hell wasn't going to show up to her lunch date without looking the part of the Red Rook.

"You need to make a name for yourself, Gia. Whatever that entitles. And by doing so? You'll get in Diana's good graces, and in turn, the White Courts."

Sitting back down in the arm chair.

[deadpan] "You're welcome."

She finished off her wine after jokingly asking who would arrive to her door next. Her guess was Emiko.

Gia: “Oh, she wouldn’t BOTHER with the door; she’d just POP in.”

[with a laugh] "Probably. Although i'm not sure wine and chit chat is her thing. She seems more like the disembowel and sake type."

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- The White Princess's Suite

He believed her so much, he took the knife out of her hand before acknowledging her loyalty to her sister. Good. They were beginning to understand each other in more than just a carnal way.

Alek: But I am curious as to why you chose to push her back to me, when you could’ve just tried to keep me agreeable yourself.

Haleigh gazed steadily at him as she lowered her coffee mug from her lips. She knew that Alek wanted her sister for different reasons than what he wanted Haleigh for, and that was perfectly fine. She also knew that his allegiance was much more secure if he wanted to make love than if the sex was just for sport.

"Because if she'd asked you to stop fucking me, you would have."

She replied simply. It was time to give him a little insight to help him navigate his side of the alliance.

"Instead, she tried to keep playing the way we were. But I know my sister, and I know that the fact that she CARED bothered her so much, she decided she couldn't let herself do it. So now she's lashing out at us, pushing you away to protect herself, punishing you for making her feel something."

She sipped her coffee, then shook her head.

"It's not logical, but you know how women get. At any rate, she's probably also worried that you aren't strong enough to protect her from her enemies."

She flashed him a dirty smirk, thinking about his aggression from earlier.

"You and I both know that you ARE strong enough.... and we both know you're very secure in your status here at Hellfire. A relationship with YOU insulates her in a way I currently can't, even IF I've improved my mother's opinion of me. When we can finally get my sister to realize that, we'll have it made."

She gave a slight frown.

"Of course, when she DOES eventually let herself care about you, that means she WILL want us to stop fucking. Hopefully by then, the Black Queen will have produced a Bishop clone.... I'd LOVE to have another go at HIM."

 

[Cypher]

Zizi: "Sorry about that."

Gabe turned to see both Ashley and Zizi walking back toward him. Ashley gave him a wave as she headed for the front door. Gabe just gave her an unimpressed look and a quick two finger wave just to be polite in front of Zizi.

"She's charming."

He remarked sarcastically. Zizi rolled up next to him and grabbed her controller.

Zizi: "Team Deathmatch?"

She was already in the process of finding a lobby when Gabe put his hand on her controller, stopping her. She looked upset despite her best efforts to hide it. And he knew that Ashley had been just as brash with Zizi now as she was with him.

"Hey? You okay?"

In her typical Zizi way she played off her emotions like everything was fine. And right then, he knew what Ashley had said was true. Rolling his eyes shut, he sighed.

"Shit."

He murmured to himself, letting his hand head forward for a moment. Rubbing the back of Zizi's hand with his thumb, he finally looked up at her.

"For a genius, I am pretty fucking stupid. Your friend was right about that much."

He looked into Zizi's eyes, perplexed.

"Why didn't you tell me, Liz? I mean...it's not like I haven't thought about you before. You're smart, GORGEOUS, fucking strong as hell. I mean, who else could being mortally wounded and become paralyzed and STILL be a badass who puts together a superhuman group that saves the world? I mean, you're legit the real Professor X."

He joked with a small smile.

"That's pretty hot."

His face became more serious now.

"But you know my track record. You know how I am....I don't--I just....[sighing] You deserve the world, Lizzie. I would fuck it up like I've done so many times before."

Scoffing, he looked down.

"I'm more like my dad than I like to admit."

 

[Ruby]

Charope, LLC – The Infirmary




Zach: "Yes, Jake was hurt, but I've been told he should make a full recovery, so we can thank the Gods for that."

:: Cass breathed a sigh of relief. The child – Jake – was going to be okay. That news made her happy, and she made a mental note to pass it along to the rest of the Six. Zach’s phone beeped with a text and Cass smiled knowingly as she caught the smile on her friend’s face. It made her happy to see him happy. Though she loved Haleigh dearly – another reason why she couldn’t just jump on board the kill team train – her preoccupation with Cameron, and she could deny it all she wanted but it WAS there, made her undeserving of Zach. He deserved to be with somebody who appreciated him for HIM, and not because he was just a substitute for Cameron. If Ashley, aka Pretty Blonde Naked Chick , made him happy then that was all that mattered. Zach put his phone away. ::

“It’s so good to see you so happy.”

Zach: “How are you doing, Cass? I imagine Haleigh’s departure hasn’t been easy for you.”

:: Cass grew quiet as she figured out how to respond. The departure of both Haleigh and Ava was still a sore spot for her, the Six were broken no matter what any of them said, her family was divided on what to do about both Haleigh and Ava, and her ‘feeding supplies’ were cut off due to recent events [Haleigh’s defection]. ::

*quietly*: “No. It hasn’t been easy.”

:: Cass could feel the tears in her eyes so she used her fingers to clear them. ::

“I miss her…I miss THEM.”

:: Cass made a strangled cry. ::

“They want to kill them, you know? Last night they were talking about KILL TEAMS and I…well I couldn’t deal with that. I still can’t.”

:: Cass stared at the wall without really seeing it. ::

“When I first joined the Six, I was a hardass; a bitch. I kept to myself and I lashed out at anybody and everybody who tried me. Over time, and with Karen and Sharon’s help, though there HAD been times where Sharon wanted to knock my block off, they helped me start to realize that I could, maybe, somehow, learn to trust them [the Six]? And I HAVE now…I DO trust them. It took a LONG time but I now realize that they ARE my family and that I can trust them.”

:: She glanced over at Zach. ::

“That includes you, as well. Though you, Sharon, Alycia, and Vivica, are now a part of the Birds of Prey, I want you to know that I consider all of you as part of my FAMILY.”

:: She cleared her throat. ::

“For so long they [the Six] have told me over and over that they are my family, and that I can trust them, and now that both Haleigh and Ava are gone they just expect me to turn my back on them? I can’t do that. It just doesn’t gel with me, you know? Not with what they have all been saying to me over and over and over. Especially with that bizarre dream we all had a while back…”

:: Cass shook her head. ::

“For whatever reason, throughout my past with the Nazis, I still managed to survive with my humanity and empathy intact. I’m NOT like them. Past experiences…should’ve hardened me, and they DID, and still do [thinking about Ben ], but learning to TRUST and learning to ACCEPT them as my family…softened me. If I were to turn my back on them…it would feel as if I was abandoning them. I was abandoned by somebody once, and it’s a terrible place to be in, emotionally and mentally.”

And I still miss him, even though I shouldn’t.

“Not to mention that my feeding schedule has been seriously disrupted. Haleigh and I had this partnership where she would find targets for me to feed on. Nicolas was able to step in, when Haleigh wasn’t able to help, but it had been severely impacted by recent events. I know that I do need to feed soon…”

:: In order to maintain her youthful looks, Cass needed to feed on people’s psionic energies to survive. If she consumed enough energy, she could go for MONTHS without feeding on people. If she didn’t, she’d start to age and lose her vitality. Her abilities would weaken as well. So she preferred to keep on top of things by feeding on a semi-regular basis, though she didn’t need to. There was also that file that Haleigh had on her over at Clandestine. Cass wasn't too sure WHY she had a file on her, but she could only assume that she had her own Haleigh-ish reasons for it. It was filled with information about her past, her TRUE identity, Bryda Jesko, and other information that Cass didn't want anybody else knowing. ::

 

[Berserker]

The Hellfire Club - The White Princess' Suite

"Because if she'd asked you to stop fucking me, you would have."

He swallowed. He hated that she was right. Hated it. That Persephone held that kind of power over him, something he never allowed to happen. If he could have made it not true, if he could hate her, he would have.

“But she didn’t.”

He watched Haleigh, trying to glean from her face whether she believed what she was saying, or whether it was just a game.

"Instead, she tried to keep playing the way we were. But I know my sister, and I know that the fact that she CARED bothered her so much, she decided she couldn't let herself do it. So now she's lashing out at us, pushing you away to protect herself, punishing you for making her feel something."

He nodded. That was what he had thought, but it was still good to hear her say it. And he wasn’t any less pissed off about it, either. Persephone’s stubbornness was the cause of all this headache…needlessly. It made no sense for Seph to run away from him.

"It's not logical, but you know how women get. At any rate, she's probably also worried that you aren't strong enough to protect her from her enemies."

“She’s said as much.”

Now THAT hurt him to hear her say.

"You and I both know that you ARE strong enough.... and we both know you're very secure in your status here at Hellfire. A relationship with YOU insulates her in a way I currently can't, even IF I've improved my mother's opinion of me. When we can finally get my sister to realize that, we'll have it made."

“So, Haleigh, you and I are finally on the same page. I didn’t think it would happen, I must admit.”

"Of course, when she DOES eventually let herself care about you, that means she WILL want us to stop fucking. Hopefully by then, the Black Queen will have produced a Bishop clone.... I'd LOVE to have another go at HIM."

He feigned being wounded by her words.

“Come now, don’t tell me I’m not enough for you.”

He smiled playfully.

“But that time hasn’t come yet.”

He leaned towards her.

“And I look forward to seeing what weapon you choose next.”

He glanced down at his lap.

“Mine is always at the ready.”

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

"She's charming."

The sarcasm in his voice was surprising.

“She’s…different. But she’s a good friend.”

Zizi picked up her controller and got ready to kill some virtual soldiers. Gabe’s hand was suddenly on top of hers and she looked over at him quizzically.

“Don’t you want to play anymore?”

"Hey? You okay?"

“Of course.”

"Shit."

Oh no. Ashley, what have you done?

His thumb was rubbing the back of her hand. Which would have been wonderful, if it wasn’t out of pity.

”For a genius, I am pretty fucking stupid. Your friend was right about that much."

Her voice was pleading.

“Look, whatever she said, she didn’t mean it…”

He looked into her eyes, and she thought how easy it would be to get lost in his.

"Why didn't you tell me, Liz? I mean...it's not like I haven't thought about you before. You're smart, GORGEOUS, fucking strong as hell. That's pretty hot."

Zizi felt like she couldn’t breathe. She wished she had that teleport-y thing Zach had so she could just disappear. The things he was saying…they were great. Fantastic even. Things she never dreamed she would ever hear him say. But she knew they were just the words that proceeded but.

"But you know my track record. You know how I am....I don't--I just....[sighing] You deserve the world, Lizzie. I would fuck it up like I've done so many times before.

Zizi forced herself to smile. Then to let out a little laugh.

“You’ve…you’ve got it all wrong. Ashley – she just gets overprotective. She just wanted to make sure you weren’t trying to take advantage of me, that’s all. Whatever she said…it was all made up. It was a test. Ta da – you passed.”

She willed him to believe her. Otherwise, she knew, everything would be over. Their friendship, afternoons together playing video games and eating pizza. Late night skyping.

“You know the only man I’m waiting for is Doctor Who.”

He was looking down now.

"I'm more like my dad than I like to admit."

That was enough to make her forgot how embarrassed she felt. It was her turn to put her hand on his.

“You are nothing like your father.”

Her voice was steady and sure. If there was anything she knew in this world, it was that. She leaned her head so that he had to look up into his face.

“You are a good man. And my best friend.”

She smiled, genuinely – this time she didn’t have to force it.

“I would never do anything to mess that up. Besides, I’m way too-”

Broken.

“Busy to be in a relationship right now. You would deserve someone who was-“

Whole.

“Devoted to you.”

She patted his hand.

“You’ll find someone.”

She held up her controller.

“Now, are we going to do this or what?”

 

[Orion]

Charope, LLC -- The Infirmary

Cass: No. It hasn’t been easy. I miss her…I miss THEM.

His expression one of concern, he reached out and touched her forearm, relieving some of that sorrow.

"I'm sorry Cass, I miss them too."

Cass: They want to kill them, you know? Last night they were talking about KILL TEAMS and I…well I couldn’t deal with that. I still can’t.

"I know. I can't either. Do you want some good news? Morgan doesn't want to kill them either. I know you haven't known her for as long as the others, but trust me, if she wants to rescue Haleigh and Ava? She can find a way, and she can inspire the others to rally."

He admitted, and then she talked about her rough start with the Six, and how she came to trust them, and consider them her family. He could tell that it bothered her that some of the rest of the Six seemed to so easily let their friends go.

"Hey, I know it's hard to understand how the others can be so cold about this. I've been struggling with that too, some of the Birds of Prey have pretty much written Haleigh and Ava off -- even people I would've expected to try to save them. But.... everybody has their own way of coping, Cass. That sense of loss you feel? They feel it TOO, and they've known Haleigh for years, so for them, this is an unfathomable betrayal."

She also spoke of her own past, and why she didn't like the idea of what felt like abandoning Haleigh and Ava. Zach gave her a gentle smile, and squeezed her arm in support.

"Then DON'T abandon them, Cass. Follow your heart, do what feels RIGHT. But for your own sake, please, PLEASE be careful. I rushed right into a trap last night, and I'm lucky to have survived."

Cass: Not to mention that my feeding schedule has been seriously disrupted. Haleigh and I had this partnership where she would find targets for me to feed on. Nicolas was able to step in, when Haleigh wasn’t able to help, but it had been severely impacted by recent events. I know that I do need to feed soon…

"Oh, of COURSE! Gods, I should've remembered that. Look, I know the field operative in charge of the finding bad guys for you to target. I can introduce you to him, he's probably already got someone lined up for you. He used to report directly to Haleigh whenever he had a target ready, but she's been suspended from Clandestine since her defection."

 

[Cypher]

Zizi: “You’ve…you’ve got it all wrong. Ashley – she just gets overprotective. She just wanted to make sure you weren’t trying to take advantage of me, that’s all. Whatever she said…it was all made up. It was a test. Ta da – you passed.”

He shook his head firmly.

"I would never take advantage of you. You know that."

She was one of very few women he wholeheartedly meant that about.

Zizi: “You know the only man I’m waiting for is Doctor Who.”

He forced a small smile, but it was hardly convincing. He couldn't shake the feeling that Zizi was just putting on an act for his own benefit. That she was trying to make HIM feel better because of his stupidity and utter lack of self awareness. It was so much like what his father used to do. Blindly get high and drunk, beat his mother, then make HER feel like she was in the wrong. Having HER try and gloss everything over and make him feel better for his short comings. Time and time again Gabe was reminded of how much alike he was of the man he hated so incredibly much.

He felt Zizi's hand on his now. He bit the dry skin off his bottom lip--an anxious habit.

Zizi: “You are nothing like your father.”

"Yeah."

He responded softly with a sigh. He caught Zizi dipping her head down, her eyes finally meeting with his. She was steadfast in her convictions. Always reminding him he was a better man that he really was.

Zizi: “You are a good man. And my best friend.”

His brows were furrowed as he nodded, his gruff hand cupping the side of her face.

"Your mine too. You know I wouldn't have gotten through half the bullshit thrown my way without you."

And it was true. She was always there for him--morning, noon, or night. Time zones be damned. It really hadn't hit him how much Zizi WAS there for him....what she sacrificed for him. He studied her face for a moment, his thumb gently running along the soft skin of her cheek. He remembered what his mother said once when he brought Zizi back to Wales with him for a vacation. She's a keeper. Don't be an idiot Gabriel, even your grandmother likes her. And you know the only person she likes is Johnny Carson. He remembered laughing it off, thinking it was ridiculous because they were FRIENDS. Cyber buddies. Colleagues. But looking at her now, remembering everything she had done for him....remembering being at the hospital after she had been brought in years ago, thinking he was going to loose her....maybe there could be more.


Zizi: “I would never do anything to mess that up. Besides, I’m way too busy to be in a relationship right now. You would deserve someone who was devoted to you.”

Maybe not. He nodded, giving Zizi a smile and retracting his hand back.

"Doubtful, but i'll just have to keep going through the bads to get to the goods."

He joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Zizi: “You’ll find someone.”

"Yeah, you too. When you're not playing superhero cyber women."

And that was that.

Zzi: “Now, are we going to do this or what?”

She held up the controller and he smiled.

"Only if I get to pick the map. We've played Nuketown like 5 times already now Zee."

He quipped playfully knowing it was her favorite map. He took the controller from her hand.

"Time for some Hijacked."

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

"I would never take advantage of you. You know that."

She smiled.

“Of course I do. I certainly didn’t put her up to it.”

He touched her face. His hands were rough. Rougher than you would expect a guy who works on computers all day’s hands to be.

"You’re mine too. You know I wouldn't have gotten through half the bullshit thrown my way without you."

She put her hand on top of his, and held it to her face.

“Gabriel…I…”

She wanted to say something profound. Something that would make him realize that he loved her and that no on else but her would do. But instead she told him that he deserved someone who could give him everything he wanted, and he pulled his hand away. He might as well have taken all the oxygen from the air. She told him he would find someone eventually.

"Yeah, you too. When you're not playing superhero cyber women."

“Yeah…that does keep me busy.”

And the moment was over, the chance forgotten. But it was for the best. Telling Gabe how she really felt would have only made things weird, and he would have found reasons to distance himself from her. And that would be worse than anything.

So, back to Call of Duty.

"Only if I get to pick the map. We've played Nuketown like 5 times already now Zee. Time for some Hijacked."

“You’re on. I kill at close quarters combat. Want another soda?”

She wheeled herself to the fridge, and only allowed herself a brief flash of pain while the door blocked her from his sight. And when she wheeled back towards him the mask was back up, and she was Lizzie, his best gal pal once again.

 

[Ruby]

Charope, LLC – The Infirmary





:: Zach touched Cass’ arm and somehow relieved her of some of the sorrow she had been carrying around since Haleigh had announced that she was leaving the Six to join the Hellfire Club. ::

*softly*: “Thank you.”

Zach: "I'm sorry Cass, I miss them too.”

:: Cass mentioned the plan for the kill teams and how she did not agree with it. ::

Zach: “I know. I can't either. Do you want some good news? Morgan doesn't want to kill them either. I know you haven't known her for as long as the others but trust me; if she wants to rescue Haleigh and Ava? She can find a way, and she can inspire the others to rally."

:: Cass smiled at Zach. That WAS good news! She hadn’t known Morgan for that long, Zach was right about that, but she hoped that they could maybe strike up a friendship now that she was back. ::

“That’s great! Oh, that makes me so happy! It’s just that both Haleigh and Ava are FAMILY, and I always believed that you should never give up on family.”

:: Which was why Cass was so confused by how easily the rest of her family could turn their backs on them. ::

Zach: "Hey, I know it's hard to understand how the others can be so cold about this. I've been struggling with that too, some of the Birds of Prey have pretty much written Haleigh and Ava off -- even people I would've expected to try to save them. But.... everybody has their own way of coping, Cass. That sense of loss you feel? They feel it TOO, and they've known Haleigh for years, so for them, this is an unfathomable betrayal."

:: Cass considered his point(s). He was right; everybody DID have their own way of coping. She had seen many different coping tactics while in Germany: good ones, bad ones, and the downright ugly ones. ::

“I get what you’re saying. Still, I just feel that we should at least TRY to save them before writing them off completely.”

Zach: "Then DON'T abandon them, Cass. Follow your heart, do what feels RIGHT. But for your own sake, please, PLEASE be careful. I rushed right into a trap last night, and I'm lucky to have survived."

:: Cass grabbed Zach’s hand and gave it a squeeze. He really was a sweetheart. ::

“I promise that I will be careful, and I WILL follow my heart.”

:: Talk turned to her feeding schedule. ::

Zach: "Oh, of COURSE! Gods, I should've remembered that. Look, I know the field operative in charge of the finding bad guys for you to target. I can introduce you to him; he's probably already got someone lined up for you. He used to report directly to Haleigh whenever he had a target ready, but she's been suspended from Clandestine since her defection."

“You would do that for me? That would be awesome, Zach! Thank you! Yes, I would like to meet him.”

:: Even if Zach suggested that he would get into contact with the guy himself, Cass would’ve INSISTED that she meet him. She always had trouble trusting strangers, especially MEN thanks to a previous relationship, and now that Zach said that he would introduce the two of them she already felt better about it. She got out of her chair and gave him a hug. ::

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- The White Princess's Suite

She saw the face he pulled when she suggested he'd have been faithful to Persephone if she'd asked him to. He was the kind of man who thought fidelity was a bad thing.

He agreed with her about Seph's methodology, and caught his displeasure when she said Seph didn't think he could protect her. She stroked his ego a bit, and that was when she got confirmation that she had him, hook, line, and sinker.

Alek: So, Haleigh, you and I are finally on the same page. I didn’t think it would happen, I must admit.

"Yeah, don't be too hard on yourself, I can be difficult to understand at first."

She said with a wink, and then she joked about hoping to have a clone of Bishop to play with.

Alek: Come now, don’t tell me I’m not enough for you.

She rolled her eyes at that. She knew he wasn't being serious.

"I told you last night that you WERE, do you need to hear it again? I won't exactly be pleased when our playtime is over, but if my sister asks ME to find some other sparring partner, I'll respect her wishes at that time."

Alek: But that time hasn’t come yet.

"No, it hasn't."

Her smile betrayed her own selfish desire to keep their arrangement as it was.

Alek: And I look forward to seeing what weapon you choose next.

"I was thinking Bō Staves."

Alek: Mine is always at the ready.

She laughed wickedly.

"Excellent."

She replied, setting her empty coffee mug on the table. She checked the video feed of the Red Rook's room.

That's an odd group.

She thought, her curiosity peaked, as she rose from her chair.

"You're welcome to stay here if you like, I'm going to check in on my sister."

She didn't care to wait for his answer, and just disappeared from her suite, and reappeared in the Red Rook's living room, slung across the loveseat casually.

"Well, look at that, I've crashed a party."

 

[Valkyrie]

The Infirmary

It was clear that Gabe cared about Zizi. His refusal to talk about her like a ride at a carnival spoke to that. But that didn’t mean he idealized her the way Zizi obviously did him. And Ashley tended to believe him when he said he lead with his dick and would only break Zizi’s heart. The problem was, it was already breaking by his inattention. There wasn’t much to be done, though. This was one of those things that Zizi would have to realize for herself before she could move on. Ashley had always thought John had a soft spot for Zizi, but now that he was all “Sharon this and Sharon that” she wasn’t about to suggest it.

She picked up a massive amount of really unhealthy food, and high tailed it back to the Infirmary. She fully intended to take Zizi’s advice and a) not fuck this up (Zizi of course had not said fuck, but Ashley was certain that was what she had meant) and b) make sure he knew how she felt about him. Well, Ashley wasn’t sure exactly how she did feel about him, other than the fact that she didn’t have the urge to kick him out of the room once she was done having sex with him (the way she normally would have) and that she definitely liked spending time talking to him. Also he had very nice thighs.

Steel was still sitting in the waiting area when she returned, looking bored as ever. She gave him a slice of pizza before waltzing into Zach’s room without knocking. Only to find Cass with her arms around Zach.

“Well, isn’t this a pretty picture?”

She tossed the pizza box and bags of food onto the foot of the bed. She stood with her arms crossed giving the two of them a steely gaze while tapping her foot against the linoleum.

“She’s not feeding off of you, is she? Because if she is, I believe I made a threat about ripping someone’s hands off that I plan to collect on.”

 

[Persephone]

No sooner than Persephone suggesting someone else popping up to their impromptu get together, Haleigh suddenly appeared sprawled out on her love seat looking as smug as ever. Persephone was less than impressed or happy that she showed up, but it wasn't surprising. Haleigh kept tabs on her like she were her child.

Haleigh: "Well, look at that, I've crashed a party."

Rolling her eyes.

"Not the POP I was expecting."

She remarked evenly, referring to her mentioning Emiko before. Taking a sip of wine, her eyes met with Haleigh's and remained locked for a moment. They narrowed just a enough before Persephone swallowed the red liquid and smirked.

"Feel free to stay and enjoy the company of the Black Knight and White Bishop. I'm late for a date."

Placing her empty wine glass down on the coffee table, Persephone stood and smoothed out the wrinkles of her fitted crimson dress. Looking over at Amanda and Gia, Persephone gave them both a nod.

"Ladies, it's been entertaining to say the least."

Looking at Gia, she knew with the right guidance the White Bishop would be a force to be reckoned with. Unfortunately Persephone didn't have the time nor energy to do that at the moment. But she hoped Gia would heed her advice. Giving her an amicable smile.

"Gia."

Shifting her eyes to Amanda, her smile immediately became much more playful as her eyes darkened with seduction. Now Amanda was a different story. She had much in common with the snake hybrid, and she was determined to get into her pants. It would be a fun game to play.

"Amanda."

Her voice a little lower and more sultry. Turning to Haleigh now, Persephone's face remained even and unreadable, her smile fading. She began to walk to her chamber room door, passing Haleigh. She finally acknowledged her, though her tone was much less pleasant.

"Haleigh."

Opening her door, Persephone turned to look over her shoulder.

"Have a good afternoon. [looking at Haleigh now] I know I will be."

Grinning, Persephone exited her room, the door closing behind her. Her grin faded and her eyes darkened in anger immediately. Haleigh had the NERVE to show up unannounced, YET AGAIN, reeking of sex. Obviously Haleigh knew what had transpired between Persephone and Alek, which was why she was there to begin with. Persephone DIDN'T want to hear it. Walking with a purpose down the Red Corridor, her heels slamming into the hardwood floors as she entered the elevator. Hitting the parking garage button, the doors closed.

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- The White Princess's Suite

Persephone: Not the POP I was expecting.

"That's what HE said."

Haleigh replied suggestively, hoping her sister would get the hint and kick the others out, because THIS was a bit more urgent than whatever topic they were discussing at their little tea party. But no, Seph threw her for a loop, and told Haleigh to enjoy the company of the girls, while Seph herself went out to find someone else for Alek to murder.

Haleigh watched her sister with narrowed focus as she bid adieu to Gia with a friendly smile. So the White Bishop was making nice, that was a good start. Then Seph turned to Amanda, and Haleigh saw plain desire on the Goddess' face, and took note. When they locked eyes again, Seph's smile died.

You ought to be happy with me Sis.... if you still WANT him, or even if you DON'T.... one way or the other, I just fell on a sword for you.

Seph walked out and shut the door. Haleigh tracked her through the camera feeds to the elevator, and then her gaze snapped to Amanda.

"She will most CERTAINLY require your body for her allegiance."

She warned, a reference to their last conversation. On the other end of the couch, the mafia princess was sitting pretty. Haleigh smiled warmly at the girl.

"Branching out, Gi? I know it's been lonely in the White Wing lately. But don't worry.... I suspect my mother will soon rescind the order to ostracize me, and we'll get to spend some quality time together, clothing optional, because I know what a free spirit you are."

She said with a wink, and disappeared again. She seized the elevator in between floors, and reappeared inside it, leaning back into the corner underneath the camera. She snapped her fingers, muting the audio feed. It wasn't a guarantee but it was worth a try.

"So, you wanted to get away from me, and you decided that the best escape route involved getting into a metal box, on metal cables, driven by a mechanical motor?"

She was overcome with the giggles for a moment.

"Your tactics need improvement, Sis."

She said, looking at Seph with a much more serious expression.

"I'm tired of you throwing grenades in my lap. I'm tired of trying to guess whether you want me to toss them back, or just swallow them. I want there to be ONE person in this place that I'm not playing a game with."