A debutante ball for Blaze Victory

[Longshot]

Parthenon - Ava's Penthouse

He was delighted in watching Ava try and gauge what was going on with him. She was obviously intrigued but noticeably less impulsive than she had been last night.

"Mmm. Last Night!"

As he presented her with the delicious breakfast spread she sat down and Simon presented her with her omelette which appeared to be a success. Simon was a man of many talents, a side effect of his ability to effect probability. Usually, Simon was good at everything he consciously gave an effort to. This obviously was a double edged sword because for things like cooking and athletics benefited him and things like constantly trying to avoid a relationship and a genuine connection with somebody like the plague seemed to work a little TOO well.

Ava: "You made all this? Wow...I'm actually impressed."

Simon laughed.

"It's nothing. I'm an only child of insanely rich parents. I was lonely as hell...Spent most of my childhood roaming our estate in Connecticut bothering the staff. The Chefs were the only ones smart enough to put me to work..."

He looked down at himself before looking back up at Ava.

"My sense of propriety tells me it's probably a good idea at LEAST put on some underwear...Excuse me..."

Simon went back down the hall and promptly put on his underwear before returning to the kitchen, grabbing his own omelette and sitting down across from her.

Ava: "Mmmm...this is amazing. [softly laughing] You're just full of surprises."

Simon took a bite of his omelette and swallowed.

"Me? You seemed to be full of surprises last NIGHT....ALL over this hotel I might add..Whatever got into you..."

[leaning in]

"I like it...and hope it keeps up."

Simon grabbed a bit of fruit and added it to his plate.

"And as for your restless sleep, I'll take your lame excuse for drunk DREAMING as your way of saying that you don't want to talk about it...Which is fine...we all have things we'd rather not see the light of day...."

He took a bite of a strawberry as he took a moment to enjoy the view from the window before turning back to Ava.

"I hope you don't mistake all of this for me trying to sweep you off your feet. Rest assured I am the monster you've heard of...I might not even call you again..."

Simon looked at her as he spoke facetiously. He was really enjoying Ava's company and he was trying to keep things light and easy, but he could tell that she was going through something last night, and part of him just wanted to keep the door open, in case she needed him...a thought that was TERRIFYING for him to entertain. His phone buzzed next to him. A Google alert. Simon rolled his eyes.

"Oh God...I don't even WANT to log on today to figure out what has been said and seen...what am I saying? Yes I do...I'm sure I look GREAT in all the photos. Quick bet...do you think the papers still have us as ON or have I already started cheating on you with Vivica Lennox?"

 

[Persephone]

Scooping a few olives onto her plate, she began to cut them as Simon responded to her about being full of surprises.

Simon: "Me? You seemed to be full of surprises last NIGHT....ALL over this hotel I might add..Whatever got into you..." [leaning in] I like it...and hope it keeps up."

Scoffing, Ava rolled her eyes at his assumption that this was out of character for Ava. Sure, she didn't tend to have sex in public places, but she was FAR from a prude. With her up bringing, the Greeks were known for their legendary sexual encounters.

"Contrary to popular belief, I am capable of having fun AND enjoying sex. I'm not some missionary position prude, Pratt. I thought I proved THAT last night."

Smirking, she took a bite of her omelette before taking a sip of coffee. She was already starting to feel better after her startling wake up. And obviously Ava was a bad liar before having her morning cup of coffee because Simon didn't buy a bit of her excuse from earlier.

Simon: "And as for your restless sleep, I'll take your lame excuse for drunk DREAMING as your way of saying that you don't want to talk about it...Which is fine...we all have things we'd rather not see the light of day...."

"Thank you."

Something as simple as not prying was EXACTLY what Ava wanted. Had it been anyone else--Nicolas, Cameron, Haleigh, Karen....they would have been all over her like a fly on shit. But Simon? He enjoyed her company but didn't want any of the baggage; it was perfect.

Simon: "I hope you don't mistake all of this for me trying to sweep you off your feet. Rest assured I am the monster you've heard of...I might not even call you again..."

"Honey, you sweeping me off my feet is the LAST thing I want. Believe me when I say, this [moving her fork between herself and Simon] is strictly physical."

It may have been a harsh statement if she were with any other person, but with Simon they had a mutual understanding. They liked to have sex together. They proved that last night, many times over. And if they never got together again in the future? Then last night was one hell of a ride. If they hooked up again? Great....as long as it stayed platonic. As far as Ava was concerned, she NEVER wanted to open her heart to another man again.

Finishing half her omelette, Ava glanced over at Simon's phone that began to buzz. No doubt he had alerts set up anytime a new article came out about him.

Simon: "Oh God...I don't even WANT to log on today to figure out what has been said and seen...what am I saying? Yes I do...I'm sure I look GREAT in all the photos."

Ava laughed at how ridiculously cocky he was.

Simon: "Quick bet...do you think the papers still have us as ON or have I already started cheating on you with Vivica Lennox?"

Her face immediately contorted into disgust, Ava placed her fork down on her plate.

"Let's not mention that bottom feeding parasite's name during breakfast. I'm trying to keep my food down."

Standing from her chair, Ava picked up her empty coffee mug and walked around the table towards the kitchen. Making a pit stop behind Simon, she ran her hand down his chest while leaning by his ear.

"Plus, we both know you would never cheat on your fake fiance with someone like her."

She teased, giving him a kiss on his jaw line before standing back up and walking into the kitchen. Pouring herself another cup of coffee, she turned around and leaned the small of her back against the edge of the granite counter before taking a sip.

"Plus, I think Vivica has a thing for vagina now...which is fitting since she is a giant cunt."

 

[Firebird]

Parthenon- La Bella Mafia

A little while later, Blaze Victory sat across from Vivica Lennox in the chic La Bella Mafia, enjoying some breakfast.

Blaze was wearing one of her trade mark red/black business ensembles, since she would be meeting with Sally Spectra and Cameron later in the afternoon after she paid Cass a visit. Her schedule was full but she wouldn't have it any other way. She LIKED being busy and being back in NYC, so close to where it all began for her and Morgan, she'd forgotten how much this place resonated with her...until now.

Blaze was intrigued by Vivica. She never knew the Vivica of her own native timeline. Cameron kept his relationship with her at a distance from the Six and sadly, she was lost in the same wave of attacks from Mystech/US Government that cut down Cameron.

Watching her here though, it was clear why she and Cameron had a long standing relationship. They both had a passionate core.

But as she listened to Vivica talked, she noticed that there was something else that propelled her. Bitterness...and a sense that she'd NEVER truly be taken seriously.

The fire elemental could certainly empathize. She'd gone through periods of bitterness herself and it was only RECENT that she'd been able to see that she WAS respected and taken seriously. That's a feeling that, even if you have it, it's very delicate and once it's lost...it can take forever to recover.

As she took a few bites of her dish and a sip of her drink, she decided to do what she did best.

"Viv, you're a fascinating woman to be sure. Knowing more about Cam's history in this timeline as I now do, I have a feeling that he owes alot of the foundation of his success to you AND I'm surprised that you don't have stronger ties and interaction with Morgan or Alison, since both of them love art! If you ever visited Minerva's Mansion...you might not EVER want to leave. That place is FULL of treasures. "

"BUT...inspite of all that you bring to the table...I sense bitterness, it radiates from you. I also see it in your eyes...the way you tighten up...there's a sense that you have to compete and that in spite of your best efforts that you may NEVER "measure up."

She sat back in her chair.

"Does this have something to do with Alycia and Ava?"

"I heard what you said earlier...about them. It was obvious there was more to it than a mere dislike."

"What exactly is your problem with them?"

Blaze asked in a curious, but non-confrontational way.

"If we're going to be friends...and I would like for us to be...I need to know what that's about."

"Alycia is a dear friend of mine. She's saved my life...The Six's life many times and Ava is also a friend, someone I trust with my back, someone who in a real rough house, you'd WANT on your side."

"What is it about THOSE two that causes you such unrest?"

 

[Artemis]

The Parthenon- Alycia's suite

Cameron nuzzled her neck and made growling noises as if he were a bear attacking a deer. He stopped for a moment and noticed the MARK that was left on the back of Alycia's neck and he looked up at her for a moment his playful gaze meeting hers.

"Ooh! Looks like you've already received some of that punishment...Nice..."

He loosened his grip on her for a moment before rolling to the side as she nestled into him, her head on his chest, as he began to slowly play with her hair.

"Well...bears DO like to mark their territory...."

Oh REALLY!?

He watched as Alycia's face contorted into one of disgust and anger. Cameron laughed out loud.

"I'm Kidding!"

She punched him in the stomach and he winced for a moment before he shifted in the bed once more to face her.

Yeah...you BETTER back THAT up! I'd hate to have to bend you over backwards and have you begging for mercy!

They were now laying down, face to face with their legs intertwined. They stared at each other with the same passion and intensity as they had all last night.

"All kidding aside...I'm glad to finally be laying in bed next to you...after spending the night...with all of our friends in the know...and in support...I've never had that before..."

::Sigh!::

I don't know that I EVER saw myself in a moment like this with anyone in the Six...let alone YOU. And yet...the closer I came to this moment...the more honest with myself I was.

Returning to the Six from Themyscira has been the best decision I've made.

A new life, new possibilities...seeing everyone...esepcially YOU...in a new light.

He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and cupped her face in his hand.

"I'm glad to just SEE you again...when I thought you were dead...on Sheena Island. When I watched you get MURDERED in front of me..."

:: She remained quiet as He went back to that memory.::

His mind was taken back to the night when he watched Jessica Marcus SLICE Alycia's throat open in front of him. It HADN'T been Alycia Barnett in actuality, but a Life Model Decoy. Still the imagery was horrifying and grotesque and when Cameron finally had dealt with and processed the fact that Alycia was still alive, something still felt unresolved.

"It wasn't you, Alycia. I know that...but for a momen there...I thought we lost you forever. But from out of that horrible event...I realized what I was feeling..it was REGRET..."

Alison told me all about it. She was filling me IN right when....right when Delilah DROWNED in the Aegean sea.

To say that I was shocked is MORE than an understatement. I was...HAUNTED.

That life model decoy...she VERY WELL COULD HAVE been me, Cameron.

I COULD have gone down the road she did.

I died that night in Arklay with the Six...in the worst possible way and now...aside from Haleigh, I'm the ONLY OTHER person KNOWN to have SURVIVED the T Virus. That kind of experience could have fractured a person's psyche, made them completely turn against their friends...blaming them for all of it.

After Alison told me...SHOWED me glimpses of what happened during the Viper caper with my..."doppelganger"... if there was EVERY any doubt I'd had about taking Athena's offer to go to Themyscira to RECOVER from my ordeal at Arklay Mansion and the subsequent treachery of Bishop, it was ERASED.

It DISTURBS me to know what chaos the "life model decoy" of me caused...but yet...I can understand WHY "she" was the way that she was.

It's a relief...COMFORTING to know that you all didn't hold "HER" actions against me.

Cameron pushed up from the bed as his back now rested on the headboard and Alycia followed suit.

"To say we got off on the wrong foot with each other is an UNDERSTATEMENT..but we've always had something between us..when you were captured..during the Master Mold event...you reached out to me..and I never thought much of it...and I know it was probably out of desperation and fear...but there has ALWAYS been something THERE between us...and I think we both just manifested it into contempt because it was easier than admitting that the night in my Pacific Palisades house had meant something MORE to us than we realized..."

He rolled his eyes for a moment and sighed.

"Well...it did to ME, is what i'm saying...sorry for waxing so poetic...I'm just saying that...whatever THIS is...feels really good...and it's not just a sex thing..it's something more...and..well...I'd like to explore it....."

When we first met, I was Morgan's legal counsel and confidant. My natural inclination was to protect her from foes in the legal and business worlds as well as her personal arena, where I was able.

Let's face it, you didn't do much to help yourself NOT be perceived as an enemy of her's back then.

:: Alycia laughs a bit as she nudges Cameron in his side::

I was as ruthless in the boardroom as I was in the courtroom. That served it's purpose...but if my time with the Six, getting in deeper with them all, has taught me ANYTHING, it's that not everyone is always what they seem.

There are ALOT of problems back then amongst you all...and me too.

But unlike many others...we've had the chance to not only solve them and move forward, but ALSO to learn about ourselves and each other.

I guess on some level, OUTSIDE of the fear and desperation that gripped me, I just KNEW I could reach out to you. Just like Morgan, there's a HEART beneath your "hard exterior." I have one too. and despite genetic anamolies, super powers and the like...in the end...we're ALL...

:: pausing for a beat before she said it.::

"Only human."

And I don't say that as an insult. I say that because I think for a long time, so many people on The Six didn't WANT to acknowledge their vulnerabilities.

I had no choice but to acknowledge mine and in order to SURVIVE, I took a risk I felt was worth it.

Clearly it was a risk worth taking.

:: She smiled up at Cameron, squeezing him::

Now, here I am, a changed woman, just as you are a changed man. We seem to be perfectly positioned to survey and explore each other in more than a passing way.

I'm not ready to let go of you yet, Cameron.

 

[Titan]

The Parthenon, Elevator to 94th Floor

Andrew whistled as he waited for the elevator to arrive. He checked his hair in the mirrored surface of the bay doors, then grinned at his reflection.

“Looking good, Murphy.”

The elevator dinged and he got in, and rode the express elevator to the 94th floor. A charming surprise was just what he needed to really seal the deal with Delilah. After exiting the elevator and walking down the hall with a spring in his step, he knocked loudly on her door.

He called through the door.

“Room service!”

He smiled to himself. She was going to be SO surprised to see him.

After a time, the door opened. Andrew held up the McDonald’s bag in his hand.

“Good morning, gorgeous!”

Delilah: “Andrew, why are you here? I didn’t order any room service.”

He sidled past her into the suite.

“I have to get to work, so I can’t stay, but I thought you might be hungry after all that whiskey you drank last night.”

He held out the bag to her.

Delilah: “Thanks but I have a brunch date so I’m not eating.”

He nodded, playing it cool.

“No problem, no problem. I was out pretty late myself last night…went to this club. Hit it off with multiple ladies. Just so you know, I’m not exclusive with you or anything.”

Delilah: “Yeah I saw you on TMZ with Sally.”

She tossed a copy of page six of the New York Daily News in front of him.

Delilah: “You two make a lovely couple.”

Busted.

“Well you know, she’s my boss and everything, had to dance with her. Well I’ve got to go. To work now. Take it easy.”

Delilah: “Yeah, thanks for the egg mcmuffin.”

He turned away to leave, then stopped and paused before turning back around.

“You’re not the only one whose eaten brunch at fancy restaurants before, you know. I used to have fansites. I have a verified twitter account, for chrissake.”

He paused and looked at her, arms dangling at his sides.

“I had a good time last night.”

He threw his arms up into the air.

“And I thought you good use a greasy breakfast. Egg mcmuffins are really good for hangovers. That’s all.”

He smiled quickly and then turned and left. He had to be at work on time, after all.

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah's Suite, the Parthenon 94th Floor

Delilah liked to sleep late, but she had had to get up early because she was meeting Cameron. But still, it was WAY too early for there to be a knocking at her door and a voice calling, “Room service!”

She drug her feet to the door in the pajama bottoms and cut off tee she had worn to bed. Her hair was a mess and she was groggy as all hell – but thanks to an iron stomach, not hungover. She opened the door slowly.

Aw, hell.

It was Andrew, looking way too chipper for this hour of the morning. And he had brought…McDonald’s?

“Good morning, gorgeous!”

Her face scrunched up into a sneer.

“Andrew, why are you here? I didn’t order any room service.”

He came into the suite – uninvited – and offered the bag to her as breakfast. She wrinkled her nose.

“Thanks but I have a brunch date so I’m not eating.”

“No problem, no problem. I was out pretty late myself last night…went to this club. Hit it off with multiple ladies. Just so you know, I’m not exclusive with you or anything.”

She rolled her eyes.

“Yeah I saw you on TMZ with Sally.”

She had almost spit out her morning tea as she flipped through the paper and seen the picture of Andrew and Nicole – dare she say it – grinding with Sally Spectra in Club Envy. He sure had been busy after he’d left last night.

She picked up the copy of the Daily News and tossed it towards him. She smirked.

“You two make a lovely couple.”

He seemed to be getting the picture, and moved to go. She guessed she should be polite. Sort of.

“Yeah, thanks for the egg mcmuffin.”

She was about to shut the door when he turned back towards her, looking a little miffed.

“You’re not the only one whose eaten brunch at fancy restaurants before, you know. I used to have fansites. I have a verified twitter account, for chrissake. “

Delilah’s eyes got a little wide. Andrew had stopped being a punching bag for five seconds. Didn’t change the fact that he was clearly a dumb jock who had squandered all the insanely high paychecks he’d received before he’d lost everything and become a driver for Sally.

“I had a good time last night. And I thought you good use a greasy breakfast. Egg mcmuffins are really good for hangovers. That’s all.”

Not to be kept down for long, he left smiling. He was just trying to get her to feel bad about how she’d treated him. Well, it wasn’t going to work. But still, at least now she had something to eat if Cameron stood her up…which he probably would.

 

[Longshot]

Parthenon - Ava's Penthouse

Simon cocked an eyebrow when he saw how unimpressed (understatement) Ava seemed to be with Vivica. He knew from last night that the two couldn't stand each other when he had drinks with Vivica beforehand, but now he was simply experiencing the other side of things. The relationships in The Six were definitely confusing. He didn't even really know ANYTHING about how the group was connected or what they seemed to do. Last night was eye opening. They seemed to be some kind of superhero team, but other than that it seemed that they spent most of their time drinking, having sex with each other and arguing.

"This reminds me of the summers my father used to take me to The HELLFIRE club..So much primetime soap drama...."

Ava: "Let's not mention that bottom feeding parasite's name during breakfast. I'm trying to keep my food down."

He laughed.

"Vivica, Vivica, VIVICA. It's not like she's BEETLEJUICE or Bloody Mary..."

Ava: "Plus, we both know you would never cheat on your fake fiance with someone like her. Plus, I think Vivica has a thing for vagina now...which is fitting since she is a giant cunt."

Simon nearly SPIT out his coffee as he laughed outloud for SEVERAL minutes at Ava's last statement. Just when he thought he had Ava somewhat figured out, she went and did something like that. He grabbed a napkin and dabbed his face.

"Jesus Christ, Ava...give a guy a little warning next time will ya? I't not even NOON"

He pondered for a moment.

"Okay, so I'm just going to ask this question because i'm nosy as hell and I gotta know, especially if i'm going to be hanging around with this group of people. Did you SHOOT Vivica? And if so...what the HELL did she do to deserve THAT?"

 

[Persephone]

Obviously her last statement about Vivica caught Simon off guard as he nearly spit out the coffee that he was drinking.

Simon: "Jesus Christ, Ava...give a guy a little warning next time will ya? I't not even NOON"

Softly laughing, Ava began to walk back to the dining room table.

"Sorry."

Sitting back down in her respective seat, Ava tucked on leg under her other and sat casually at the table.

Simon: "Okay, so I'm just going to ask this question because i'm nosy as hell and I gotta know, especially if i'm going to be hanging around with this group of people. Did you SHOOT Vivica? And if so...what the HELL did she do to deserve THAT?"

Sipping her coffee, Ava didn't answer immediately. She took a moment to enjoy the hot caffeinated liquid before swallowing it. Looking at Simon, he looked down right anxious to hear the answer.

"Yes, I shot Vivica. I thought I killed her....you can imagine my disappointment."

She deadpanned. Obviously Simon was taken aback by the fact that Ava openly admitted to trying to kill someone. If he only knew....Taking one more quick sip, Ava placed her coffee mug on the table before sitting back and getting more comfortable.

"She tried to shoot and kill my father. So technically I was protecting him, however i'm sure she sees it differently."

It seemed like a lifetime ago since that day...

"The thing you need to know about me Simon, is i'm fiercely loyal. To my family, to my friends, and to my team. And that's who those people were that you met last night. We're all different....we all have our issues and demons that we deal with. We all fight like damn cats and dogs. But when push comes to shove, we have each other's backs. But as far as VIVICA is concerned? I don't trust her OR like her. The only reason I tolerated her last night was because of Blaze and Cameron."

 

[Recall]

Parthenon - La Bella Mafia

After an interesting shower, Vivica slipped into her own guest suite at The Parthenon to freshen up, change her clothes and get herself together. Stepping out in a low cut revealing salmon colored dress, her chest adorned with an interesting piece of jewelry she had gotten in Italy, and her feet fitted in beautiful cream colored python pumps, she soon made her way down to La Bella Mafia where Blaze was sitting. The two greeted each other warmly.

Once they had settled on meal and drink choices and the food arrived, Blaze wasted no time in asking the questions everybody ELSE wanted to know but were too afraid to ask.

As she took a few bites of her dish and a sip of her drink, she decided to do what she did best.

"Viv, you're a fascinating woman to be sure. Knowing more about Cam's history in this timeline as I now do, I have a feeling that he owes alot of the foundation of his success to you AND I'm surprised that you don't have stronger ties and interaction with Morgan or Alison, since both of them love art! If you ever visited Minerva's Mansion...you might not EVER want to leave. That place is FULL of treasures. "

"BUT...inspite of all that you bring to the table...I sense bitterness, it radiates from you. I also see it in your eyes...the way you tighten up...there's a sense that you have to compete and that in spite of your best efforts that you may NEVER "measure up."

She sat back in her chair.

Vivica let out a heavy sigh. The last twenty four hours had been really stressful on her, being faced with The Six in a capcity that she HADN'T in QUITE some time, over a year, and here she was...being asked by Blaze the Million Dollar Question. Vivica really didn't feel like discussing this at the moment.

"Blaze...really, I've had a great time with you, but--"

The elemental continued.

"Does this have something to do with Alycia and Ava?"

"I heard what you said earlier...about them. It was obvious there was more to it than a mere dislike."

"What exactly is your problem with them?"

Blaze asked in a curious, but non-confrontational way.

"If we're going to be friends...and I would like for us to be...I need to know what that's about."

"Alycia is a dear friend of mine. She's saved my life...The Six's life many times and Ava is also a friend, someone I trust with my back, someone who in a real rough house, you'd WANT on your side."

"What is it about THOSE two that causes you such unrest?"

Vivica took a sip of her coffee and tried to gather her thoughts for a moment. As much as she despised Alycia and felt indifferent towards Ava, Blaze was their FRIEND and she didn't want to come off in a way that would damage anything that Blaze had built with them. She was only NOW just being welcomed into the timeline...but Vivica couldn't very well lie...as she had a feeling that Blaze would pick up on that.

"Blaze...I don't really know how to put this in a way that sounds diplomatic..but essentially my problems with Alycia and Ava run deeper than just the two of THEM...Ava, well the bitch shot me, so excuse me if I don't want to share secrets and braid her hair...Granted...I tried to kill Stavros, but you know what? Alycia SUCCEEDED in that and even THOSE two have seemed to break the ice between them. Ava's bullet didn't just render me nearly dead...it NEGATED my ability...."

[turning away from Blaze's inquisitive gaze for a second]

"As if I didn't feel marginalized enough by Alycia, when I awoke from the shooting I was essentially a civilian. The bullet fractured part of my spinal chord, which...as it turns out, effects the way that I am able to recall information...As much as I enjoyed not being able to recall every single thing around me in detail...from the WINS to the DEEP and PERSONAL losses at any given time...I hated it as well...and I've only just recently gotten all of it back...and THEN some...thanks to a new and very dear friend. Essentially Ava made me feel even MORE useless than I already felt..."

She took another drink of her coffee before mindlessly fiddling with her napkin.

"Which leads me to Alycia. I've known women like ALYCIA my entire life...These light skinned black girls who's parents have a little bit of money, so suddenly they DIDN'T come from the same neighborhoods, and they DIDN'T go to the same schools as us. From the word GO, she took one look at me...heard my name was VIVICA and assumed me to be like one of those women she's probably had it out for her entire life...To know that she is now an Amazon, something that's BUILT on Sisterhood? Well, that's laughable, because where was she when my best friend died? Oh that's right...she was taking CRACKS at my ineffectiveness during the reading of his goddamn WILL..."

Vivica threw her napkin down for a moment.

"And that's ANOTHER thing, Blaze. Her and CAMERON. She spent a LOT of time on figuring out how to bring the SEC down on his ass, and BURY him in litigation...and now, she wants to be in his ARMS... She makes ME feel like LESS than human and yet she runs into the arms of perhaps my GREATEST accomplishment on this EARTH...CAMERON KING...Now, I know you all have been through some SHIT with Cameron...but i've known Cameron Michael King since he was 14 years...in fact I met him on January 3rd, 2000. He was a cracker with a chip on his shoulder and a TASTE for self destruction...He was involved with GANGS..Blaze, he KILLED a woman...and who do you think protected him? I did! My MOTHER, god rest her soul, took him in when we didn't have ANY of the space, and he spent the rest of HIS adolescence as a member of OUR family...I helped him study for his brokerage exams, helped him find the FIRST ever office for King Enterprises...sacrificed my OWN career and happiness to see him succeed, and for what? For him to find The Six and basically regard me as some flickering flame into his past...one that lately he seems to have FORGOTTEN happened?"

She took a bite of her food, trying to calm herself down a little bit.

"I don't need a PARADE, Blaze...I am not looking for any kind of award..but you know what? I may not be an elemental?! I may not control the dimension of LIMBO...I'm not a WEATHER Goddess...but for CHRISSAKE, without the work that *I* did..there would BE no Cameron King for everybody to FAWN over. So yeah, I feel the need to compete because you know what? I WANTED Alycia to like me...I felt like for some stupid reason that if SHE validated me...then that had meant I had "made it"...and you know what? I think she KNEW that, I think she SENSED it...and at the end of the day? I think she purposefuly preyed on it for no other reason than to assert herself as the ALPHA black woman...As much as I'd LOVE for her to be on my side, Blaze? The world is not going to stop for me because Alycia Barnett doesn't like me...but you know what? I hope the world STOPS spinning for Alycia until SHE gives me the CREDIT and RESPECT I deserve...as a woman who's worked closely with The Six and practically hand delivered a founding member..."

Vivica looked at Blaze, unsure of how the woman would react.

 

[Prophet]

Parthenon - Alycia's Penthouse

When we first met, I was Morgan's legal counsel and confidant. My natural inclination was to protect her from foes in the legal and business worlds as well as her personal arena, where I was able.

Let's face it, you didn't do much to help yourself NOT be perceived as an enemy of her's back then.

:: Alycia laughs a bit as she nudges Cameron in his side::

I was as ruthless in the boardroom as I was in the courtroom. That served it's purpose...but if my time with the Six, getting in deeper with them all, has taught me ANYTHING, it's that not everyone is always what they seem.

There are ALOT of problems back then amongst you all...and me too.

But unlike many others...we've had the chance to not only solve them and move forward, but ALSO to learn about ourselves and each other.

I guess on some level, OUTSIDE of the fear and desperation that gripped me, I just KNEW I could reach out to you. Just like Morgan, there's a HEART beneath your "hard exterior." I have one too. and despite genetic anamolies, super powers and the like...in the end...we're ALL...

:: pausing for a beat before she said it.::

"Only human."

And I don't say that as an insult. I say that because I think for a long time, so many people on The Six didn't WANT to acknowledge their vulnerabilities.

I had no choice but to acknowledge mine and in order to SURVIVE, I took a risk I felt was worth it.

Clearly it was a risk worth taking.

:: She smiled up at Cameron, squeezing him::

Now, here I am, a changed woman, just as you are a changed man. We seem to be perfectly positioned to survey and explore each other in more than a passing way.

I'm not ready to let go of you yet, Cameron.

He grabbed Alycia's face for a moment and embraced her in a passionate kiss. The electric energy between them coursed through both of their bodies as it was apparent that the bond these two shared, now coupled with the honesty they were both giving each other, was increasing and deepening by the SECOND. Cameron felt like he could kiss her forever, and the second he got LOST in thought, he was snapped back into reality..as much as he craved Alycia's affection and embrace, there was a part of his mind..that always somehow managed to think...of her.

After several moments, Cameron finally pulled his lips away from Alycia as he pulled her even closer, their bodies now completely interconnected as he stared at her with an honest intensity, their foreheads touching. He spoke in a soft and vulnerable tone.

"It makes my heart so happy to hear you say that, Alycia..."

He closed his eyes for a moment.

"I don't...I just don't want to mess this up..It seems like every time I acknowledge that I have feelings for somebody...I manage to destroy any and every possibility there is for me to be happy...."

Cameron pulled back for a moment, creating a little bit of space between them.

"I need to be honest with you, and I need you to hear me and to take what I am telling you for what it is..."

He exhaled slowly and deeply.

"Haleigh..."

Cameron could feel Alycia's body tense up for a moment. He reeled her back in mentally.

"Alycia...just listen. I'm ready to go all in with you...[firmly] I MEAN it...but there are things that I need to fix with Haleigh. I'm telling you this right now because I need to know that before we go any further, that this wont become a bone of contention between us...."

"Haleigh is the only person who's had my back since the beginning. Since The Citadel...the night The Six was founded. She defended me tirelessly...and I managed to show her...what? That I would leave when things got hard? That my desire to prove myself to the others meant in a way turning my back on her? I CRASHED back into this world proclaiming my love to her while she was picking out a WEDDING venue...you need to know that while I don't have any plans to run away into the sunset with her, that the time i've spent rebuilding my life in New York, i've learned a lot of things...and one of those things...is that I will NEVER have another person like her in my life...and that it's time for me to make good on the promise that WE made each other in the Citadel...to BE there for each other..no matter WHAT..."

This was REALLY hard for Cameron to speak about with Alycia but he could tell there was already a little tension between Haleigh and Alycia about Haleigh's return and before the rumor mill got to churning he wanted to make sure that Alycia knew his intentions were pure and that he wasn't running any kind of game on her.

"I need my best friend back...and I think she needs HERS back too...and I'm telling you this because I know...given the history between Haleigh and I that it's not something that would be easy for ANY person to deal with, no matter who they are...but in changing who I am..I realized who I WAS...and if we are going to move forward...you and I..then I need to be honest...and I need to know that me being friends with Haleigh is something you can deal with..."

 

[Longshot]

Parthenon - Ava's Penthouse

Sipping her coffee, Ava didn't answer immediately. She took a moment to enjoy the hot caffeinated liquid before swallowing it. Looking at Simon, he looked down right anxious to hear the answer.

"Yes, I shot Vivica. I thought I killed her....you can imagine my disappointment."

His eyes widened for a second.

"Who the fuck ARE you guys?!"

She deadpanned. Obviously Simon was taken aback by the fact that Ava openly admitted to trying to kill someone. If he only knew....Taking one more quick sip, Ava placed her coffee mug on the table before sitting back and getting more comfortable.

"She tried to shoot and kill my father. So technically I was protecting him, however i'm sure she sees it differently."

It seemed like a lifetime ago since that day...

"The thing you need to know about me Simon, is i'm fiercely loyal. To my family, to my friends, and to my team. And that's who those people were that you met last night. We're all different....we all have our issues and demons that we deal with. We all fight like damn cats and dogs. But when push comes to shove, we have each other's backs. But as far as VIVICA is concerned? I don't trust her OR like her. The only reason I tolerated her last night was because of Blaze and Cameron."

Simon shook his head in disbelief. When Cameron King promised to keep his mutant status private, train him on how to control and use his abilities the right way and introduce him to his circle of friends, Simon definitely did not expect to find out that MANY of his fellow socialites were in fact super powered mutants on a mission to save the world while trying to kill each other in the process. He almost didn't know what to think and he almost wasn't sure if he WANTED to continue to get to know these people. He kind of liked his life the way it was, and this path...definitely presented a unique set of challenges.

"Okay..give me a minute...Vivica Lennox...my old boss, tries to kill Stavros Cassadine, an old friend and business associate of my fathers, so you shoot to kill...Okay...Got it. Also, basically you guys are like a fucked up version of this Avengers thing I've been seeing on TV...also, your sister actually is THE Black Widow...this is a lot to process..."

[Simon thought for a moment]

"You say that you guys are a family and a team and have each other's backs...well, when I worked with Vivica and Cameron...I never saw two friends as close as they were...I guess the mutual respect he got from you guys wasn't extended to her? I'm actually NOT trying to be offensive this time...I'm genuinely curious...where were you guys when Cameron dissappeared off the face of the planet and left a mountain of problems for Vivica at King Enterprises? They ripped her to SHREDS in the paper...she had to sit there in front of the world and SELL off the company...Everybody BLAMED her...during drinks with her last night...I can tell...she hasn't fully recovered from that..."

He took a bite of his omelette and washed it down with a sip from his Americano.

"Look, usually I don't give a shit about what happens to anybody besides myself.. [smirking] as i'm sure you're well aware...but Vivica...she was always 'good people'...at least to me. Cameron was always super busy...she was the one walking the floor, talking with the employees...I always felt really bad about what happened to her..."

Stopping for a moment.

"I'm not saying you should add her into your phone under the name "Bestie" and I don't know really ANYTHING that has transpired between you and your group of friends...my two cents? She's getting kind of a bum wrap...and plus, your father...WAS kind of a dick....may he rest in peace."

Simon refilled his plate with a various assortment of fruit. He looked up to a less than pleased Ava.

"Just kidding, just kidding...Don't SHOOT!"

He laughed loudly.

"Seriously...it's an admirable thing to be a part of a team. That's something I miss about college...but then again...once you're out of college, nobody cares you were a three time national title holding fencer or archer..Especially not if your a Pratt...they just want to know if you're single and have a predisposed family history of Heart Disease...So, this team? Is this like an official thing? You guys...fight the forces of evil? I mean...who ARE the forces of Evil...terrorists? Al Qaeda?! Anne Coulter?"

 

[Persephone]

Simon: "Okay..give me a minute...Vivica Lennox...my old boss, tries to kill Stavros Cassadine, an old friend and business associate of my fathers, so you shoot to kill...Okay...Got it."

Ava shrugged while nodding Yeah...that was pretty much it.

Simon: "Also, basically you guys are like a fucked up version of this Avengers thing I've been seeing on TV...also, your sister actually is THE Black Widow...this is a lot to process..."

"Trust me when I say, the Avengers can't hold a candle to what we've saved this world from. And yes, my sister is the Black Widow."

Ava air quoted. Now she could see why Haleigh was sick of this whole celebrity thing that happened to her and the other Avengers after the catastrophe in New York last year.

Simon: "You say that you guys are a family and a team and have each other's backs...well, when I worked with Vivica and Cameron...I never saw two friends as close as they were...I guess the mutual respect he got from you guys wasn't extended to her? I'm actually NOT trying to be offensive this time...I'm genuinely curious...where were you guys when Cameron dissappeared off the face of the planet and left a mountain of problems for Vivica at King Enterprises?"

"I can't speak for the others, however I was relatively new to this group of people when that all happened. I was like you....feeling these people out, wondering if I should even be apart of this group....my situation was complicated to say the least, at that time. Then...everything went to hell after Cameron disappeared and my one vivid memory of Vivica was her holding a gun to my father's head."

Simon: "I'm not saying you should add her into your phone under the name "Bestie" and I don't know really ANYTHING that has transpired between you and your group of friends...my two cents? She's getting kind of a bum wrap...and plus, your father...WAS kind of a dick....may he rest in peace."

"Excuse me?"

Ava's brows lifted, stunned and slightly offended by what he said. Sure her father was no Gandhi, and everyone in the six hated him, but he was still her father. Everyone saw the ruthless side of Stavros, but Ava saw the paternal and caring side....when he actually decided to show it that is.

Simon: "Just kidding, just kidding...Don't SHOOT!"

Rolling her eyes, Ava really couldn't fault Simon for what he said. Everyone else felt the same way.

Simon: "Seriously...it's an admirable thing to be a part of a team. ....So, this team? Is this like an official thing? You guys...fight the forces of evil? I mean...who ARE the forces of Evil...terrorists? Al Qaeda?! Anne Coulter?"

This was a loaded question, one Ava didn't quite know how to answer. Hesitating for a moment, she thought of all the "evil" they fought. Sleep demons, biologically enhanced humans, zombies, the sisterhood....Gods. If Simon was already slightly overwhelmed at the fact that she only SHOT Vivica, how the hell would he handle everything else?

"Not quite....There are people in this world like us that want unlimited power and will do anything to get it. And then there are people who believe WE are the threat and want to eradicate us. Then there's the not-quite-sure-where-to-categorize threats....and Ann Coulter falls somewhere in the middle."

Ava smiled at her Ann Coulter joke. But she could tell Simon was still unsure of how to take everything she was saying.

"Look, the reason why you haven't heard of these things is because we've been able to stop it before it's become public knowledge. We don't want the notoriety of being heroes like the Avengers. We just want to keep our lives as normal as possible and help others when we can. Sometimes trouble finds us....sometimes we find trouble. But for the most part, we are normal. I'm still just Ava Cassadine.."

 

[Longshot]

Parthenon - Ava's Penthouse

This was a loaded question, one Ava didn't quite know how to answer. Hesitating for a moment, she thought of all the "evil" they fought. Sleep demons, biologically enhanced humans, zombies, the sisterhood....Gods. If Simon was already slightly overwhelmed at the fact that she only SHOT Vivica, how the hell would he handle everything else?

"Not quite....There are people in this world like us that want unlimited power and will do anything to get it. And then there are people who believe WE are the threat and want to eradicate us. Then there's the not-quite-sure-where-to-categorize threats....and Ann Coulter falls somewhere in the middle."

Ava smiled at her Ann Coulter joke. But she could tell Simon was still unsure of how to take everything she was saying.

"Look, the reason why you haven't heard of these things is because we've been able to stop it before it's become public knowledge. We don't want the notoriety of being heroes like the Avengers. We just want to keep our lives as normal as possible and help others when we can. Sometimes trouble finds us....sometimes we find trouble. But for the most part, we are normal. I'm still just Ava Cassadine.."

He listened as he spoke. Though the conversation for the most part seemed light hearted, Simon somehow felt that he wandered into the web of a spider in associating himself with The Six. Even if he were to turn and try to run, even with what LITTLE information he had about them, he wouldn't get very far.

Without knowing it, Simon had now become a part of something hadn't intended on. His need for notoriety and infamy was splattered across the internet and the local gossip columns. People would now see him with people like Ava and Cameron and Blaze. He would be considered an ally or a close friend, and that would leave him open to a host of terrible things by the people who considered The SIX to be threat. He swallowed hard as he thought about things for a moment.

Simon was actually very good at keeping secrets. His family didn't have many skeletons in the closet as they had bodies buried on the grounds of their estate. He had seen things he shouldn't have as a boy and in turn he made sure to be the perfect son to his parents, lest they decide that even their own son be expendable in keeping the Pratt family name untarnished, and if there was one thing the Pratts were good at, it was keeping their secrets secret. So it wasn't hard for Simon to understand the general workings of this group. It was a little bit harder for him to know that he was now inadvertanly linked.

"I get it...you know outside of the mutant thing...growing up the way WE [gesturing between Ava and himsef] did, one kind of develops a rather impressive ability for keeping things hidden, whether we want to or not. I just wish Cameron would have told me a little more about how of a web the whole lot of you casts..."

[eating a strawberry]

"I guess you guys deserve a little more credit than I originally intended to give you. I can understand why you wouldn't be the most inviting group of people in the world...and I guess that means if Cameron entrusted me to meet ANY of you..that's a sign he sees something in me that could be of use...."

He cracked a grin.

"And of course...YOU'VE definitely seen something in me that's been of great use to you..Tell me something...What are we going to do Monday? I mean are you going to be sending me sexy e-mails all day because really Ava...I'm going to be very busy...I hear my new boss is a total bitch. I'll need to focus on my work..."

Simon chimed in. He never liked to show much of a serious side unless it was work related. He didn't really like to be vulnerable if he could help it. He would much rather people write him off as an impestuous cocky arrogant son of a bitch. He LIKED being underestimated. When people are quick to write you off, they are FAR slower to react when you pull the rug out from underneath them. The way Simon was became out of a desperate need to hide his status as a mutant and to shield himself from people wanting to get to know who he really was...because he knew that if they saw how TRULY ugly a person he was capable of being, they would love him about as much as his parents did...and the existence of their actual love for him was something remarkably debatable. Still...as casual as he was with Ava, he could tell that they were both kind of experiencing somewhat of a relief to be able to talk to somebody outside of their normal group about things going on in their life...even if it was sandwiched in between playful bickering and red hot sex. He placed his hand over hers for a moment and gave her a more serious look...

"You sure you're okay after last night?"

The gesture was a risk and Simon was already second guessing it right after he did it...but something about Ava Cassadine told him that part of her NEEDED somebody to be there for her..and although the feeling was UNCOMFORTABLE as hell for Simon...he strangely wished she HAD somebody to be there for her...even more STRANGE...he began to think he might be able to do that, if she let him.

 

[Persephone]

Simon: "I guess you guys deserve a little more credit than I originally intended to give you. I can understand why you wouldn't be the most inviting group of people in the world...and I guess that means if Cameron entrusted me to meet ANY of you..that's a sign he sees something in me that could be of use...."

"Cameron's been around the block a few times....he wouldn't extend an invitation out to just anyone."

And that sentiment was true. The six were exclusive and tight knit. Not just anyone could become apart of their group without proving themselves. That was part of the reason why Ava had such an issue with Cass....she seemed to have just waltzed her way in without anyone having a second thought. Who was this girl? What was her story? Why was everyone so damn welcoming. It confused Ava. It seemed while SHE was gone, Cass up and replaced her out of nowhere.

Simon: "And of course...YOU'VE definitely seen something in me that's been of great use to you..Tell me something...What are we going to do Monday? I mean are you going to be sending me sexy e-mails all day because really Ava...I'm going to be very busy...I hear my new boss is a total bitch."

Ava snapped out of her little daze and laughed at Simon.

"TOTAL bitch."

Simon: "I'll need to focus on my work..."

"Oh i'm sure she'll figure out a way to keep you focused."

Ava teased with a sly smile. It was strange how easy it was to talk to Simon. Typically she wouldn't open up so easily to someone. But with Simon? There were no expectations. There wasn't this need to keep her heart guarded because she knew Simon didn't WANT her heart. And because he knew nothing of Ava's past--or Persephone's--it was like a clean slate. No bagged, no explanations need. And best of all, no expectations. But in a move that was unexpected, Simon placed his hand on Ava's and looked rather seriously at her.

Simon: "You sure you're okay after last night?"

Ava didn't quite know what to say. First off, Simon was actually acting like he cared about her beyond sex. And secondly, he seemed genuine. It scared her. No...no..no... She did the only thing that she could think of--appeal to his inner horny male. Taking his hand, Ava stood up and moved over to him, taking a seat in his lap. She moved his hand to her hip.

"I'm perfect...aside from a little rug burn."

Cracking a smile, she leaned down and kissed him deeply. Her arms draped around his neck as she felt him pull her closer to him. After a few moments, finally Ava broke the kiss. Her face was still inches from his.

"I'm thinking....a shower sounds nice. Care to join me?"

 

[Longshot]

Parthenon - Ava's Penthouse

Ava didn't quite know what to say. First off, Simon was actually acting like he cared about her beyond sex. And secondly, he seemed genuine. It scared her. No...no..no... She did the only thing that she could think of--appeal to his inner horny male. Taking his hand, Ava stood up and moved over to him, taking a seat in his lap. She moved his hand to her hip.

"I'm perfect...aside from a little rug burn."

It was like playing a game of chess with himself. She knew his moves and he knew hers. When she showed some kind of interest he played it cool and she returned the favor for him. Thankfully, Ava executed a devestatingly effective move, completely changing the tone of the conversation and keeping it light. Simon had a feeling that her lack of interest in a relationship and her restless sleep were somehow connected. Although intrigued and genuinely concerned, for now the ball was in her court. He would play along until he got bored...and then he would move on.

Cracking a smile, she leaned down and kissed him deeply. Her arms draped around his neck as she felt him pull her closer to him. After a few moments, finally Ava broke the kiss. Her face was still inches from his.

"I'm thinking....a shower sounds nice. Care to join me?"

He kissed her back as she took a seat on his lap. She may be great at deflection and her weapon of choice was DEFINITELY a bonus in his book. He looked back at her with an intense gaze as his seafoam green eyes gleamed for a second. He winked at as he scooped her up by her legs, as she wrapped them around his waist.

"Of course...though we might need ANOTHER shower right after to wash away the dirty things i'm about to do to you...."

He began to walk down the hall and into the master bedroom, heading into the bathroom as he propped her onto the bathroom counter. He kissed her lips and whispered into her ear.

"And nice deflection, by the way..."

He moved his lips from her mouth to his neck and began to feverishly nuzzle her.

"Now get naked..."

 

[Artemis]

The Parthenon- Alycia's suite

]He grabbed Alycia's face for a moment and embraced her in a passionate kiss. The electric energy between them coursed through both of their bodies as it was apparent that the bond these two shared, now coupled with the honesty they were both giving each other, was increasing and deepening by the SECOND. Cameron felt like he could kiss her forever, and the second he got LOST in thought, he was snapped back into reality..as much as he craved Alycia's affection and embrace, there was a part of his mind..that always somehow managed to think...of her.

:: She fully gave in to the moment. Cameron had a way of enveloping her in way that she didn't WANT to stop him. He was all at once passionate and primal and on the same wave length as she was!::

After several moments, Cameron finally pulled his lips away from Alycia as he pulled her even closer, their bodies now completely interconnected as he stared at her with an honest intensity, their foreheads touching. He spoke in a soft and vulnerable tone.

"It makes my heart so happy to hear you say that, Alycia..."

He closed his eyes for a moment.

"I don't...I just don't want to mess this up..It seems like every time I acknowledge that I have feelings for somebody...I manage to destroy any and every possibility there is for me to be happy...."

Cameron pulled back for a moment, creating a little bit of space between them.

"I need to be honest with you, and I need you to hear me and to take what I am telling you for what it is..."

He exhaled slowly and deeply.

"Haleigh..."

Cameron could feel Alycia's body tense up for a moment. He reeled her back in mentally.

"Alycia...just listen. I'm ready to go all in with you...[firmly] I MEAN it...but there are things that I need to fix with Haleigh. I'm telling you this right now because I need to know that before we go any further, that this wont become a bone of contention between us...."

::Reflexively breaking his embrace of her, Alycia moved over slightly::

Don't try to pacify me, Cameron. You don't even know what I was going to say!

:: she shot back as she noticed her now unhappy countenance in the reflection the silver feminum bracelets that adorned her wrists::

"Haleigh is the only person who's had my back since the beginning. Since The Citadel...the night The Six was founded. She defended me tirelessly...and I managed to show her...what? That I would leave when things got hard? That my desire to prove myself to the others meant in a way turning my back on her? I CRASHED back into this world proclaiming my love to her while she was picking out a WEDDING venue...you need to know that while I don't have any plans to run away into the sunset with her, that the time i've spent rebuilding my life in New York, i've learned a lot of things...and one of those things...is that I will NEVER have another person like her in my life...and that it's time for me to make good on the promise that WE made each other in the Citadel...to BE there for each other..no matter WHAT..."

This was REALLY hard for Cameron to speak about with Alycia but he could tell there was already a little tension between Haleigh and Alycia about Haleigh's return and before the rumor mill got to churning he wanted to make sure that Alycia knew his intentions were pure and that he wasn't running any kind of game on her.

"I need my best friend back...and I think she needs HERS back too...and I'm telling you this because I know...given the history between Haleigh and I that it's not something that would be easy for ANY person to deal with, no matter who they are...but in changing who I am..I realized who I WAS...and if we are going to move forward...you and I..then I need to be honest...and I need to know that me being friends with Haleigh is something you can deal with..."

First let me just say...don't EVER try to pacify or silence me...OR invade the privacy of my thoughts in order to avoid what you THINK I'm going to say.

Secondly, you think I didn't notice her withering glances at me....US...last night?

I'm not a spectator in my own mind and body, Cameron. Even BEFORE I was an Amazon, my very profession required me to have an EYE for detail and to read people's body language.

:: She gets up from the bed, wrapping a silk mini robe around her body and getting a bottled water to drink::

You didn't have to "prepare" me for what you obviously need to take care of, Cameron.

:: She said calmly::

I'm not worried...in fact, I think it's the RIGHT thing for you to do and it speaks to your character, the person you are NOW.

But here's something I DO want you to consider.

DON'T present yourself to her as a door mat for her to stomp all over. Remember that SHE didn't exactly make herself available to you or ANYONE ELSE on this time for quite some time. Communication works BOTH ways and for someone like her? Her powers?? It comes alot easier and in more ways than for MOST. There are gaps in your relationship...and they were NOT all caused by you. Remember that before you let her reel you in with one of her cybertronic guilt hooks.

:: Alycia said with a bitchy tone toward the end of her statement as she folded her arms and rolled her hazel eyes::

Is YOUR friendship with Haleigh something I can deal with?

:: scoffing with a laugh as she turns back to look at Cameron::

The better question to ask is, can SHE handle a real friendship with ANYONE on this team without disappearing for 6 months at a time. Can SHE handle YOU with ME. US?

You better stop looking at her as a wounded sheep and recognize her for the WOLF that she's always been.

You may have forgotten this, but my own relationship with Haleigh came a LONG WAY through the years...there was even a time when YOU weren't around, that she and I especially found ourselves seeing each other in a new light, both professionally and personally.

She's a remarkable woman, TRULY.

:: sighing::

She deserves the credit for being the FIRST among the Six to challenge me on my reflex to discount myself as..."only human" when dealing with you all.

When I left Aerie for Themyscira, I was a broken woman and hardly registered the world around me. You weren't there to see me...to see US in the violent aftermath of what Bishop did.

I vaguely remember Haleigh expressing her displeasure over Sharon and I accepting Athena's offer to heal and recover on Themyscira but at that time I couldn't understand why.

When I returned...one of the people I MOST wanted to see...was HER.

Imagine my surprise....and utter disappointment when I DID finally see her at Melrose Place 24 hours ago. The way she behaved toward me? And that behavior came with such EASE, it was like she hadn't grown or changed...AT ALL.

Let's just say...any ILLUSION I had about where she & I stood as so-called friends has been shattered.

As far as I'm concerned....I don't even think she KNOWS how to be a friend to anyone for any sustained period of time. But that's just how *I* feel. That has no bearing on the situation between YOU TWO.

:elilah's words from yesterday were still in her mind. She WANTED to believe them, to let THEM be her solace, but she just felt like Haleigh still had a "use, abuse & dispose of" mentality and until she saw otherwise? She had no interest in being anywhere near Haleigh.::

I just wanted you to be aware that while you SHOULD be concerned about several things here...I think you might be off about which things those are.

Go to her, do what you need to do. Just don't over extend yourself or you may end up regretting it.

And while I am understanding...and ENCOURAGING even...I will NOT be an extra in somebody ELSE'S unfinished business.

Everyone else has grown up and moved on. It's time she did the same.

 

[Firebird]

Through the parthenon, by the heart

Once they had settled on meal and drink choices and the food arrived, Blaze wasted no time in asking the questions everybody ELSE wanted to know but were too afraid to ask.

Vivica let out a heavy sigh. The last twenty four hours had been really stressful on her, being faced with The Six in a capcity that she HADN'T in QUITE some time, over a year, and here she was...being asked by Blaze the Million Dollar Question. Vivica really didn't feel like discussing this at the moment.

"Blaze...really, I've had a great time with you, but--"

The elemental continued.

Vivica took a sip of her coffee and tried to gather her thoughts for a moment. As much as she despised Alycia and felt indifferent towards Ava, Blaze was their FRIEND and she didn't want to come off in a way that would damage anything that Blaze had built with them. She was only NOW just being welcomed into the timeline...but Vivica couldn't very well lie...as she had a feeling that Blaze would pick up on that.

"Blaze...I don't really know how to put this in a way that sounds diplomatic..but essentially my problems with Alycia and Ava run deeper than just the two of THEM...Ava, well the bitch shot me, so excuse me if I don't want to share secrets and braid her hair...Granted...I tried to kill Stavros, but you know what? Alycia SUCCEEDED in that and even THOSE two have seemed to break the ice between them. Ava's bullet didn't just render me nearly dead...it NEGATED my ability...."

[turning away from Blaze's inquisitive gaze for a second]

Like a moth to a flame!

Blaze sensed that Vivica LONGED for the chance to express herself on this and not just to anyone, but someone IN this group, which was more central to her own sense of self than she wanted. BUT Blaze's fire wouldn't burn or consume Vivica.

Quite the contrary. The warmth of fire could also be soothing and comforting, make a person feel safe! Vivica needed someone to listen and Blaze was happy to do so, not just to satisfy her sharp curiosity, but for Vivica's sake.

"As if I didn't feel marginalized enough by Alycia, when I awoke from the shooting I was essentially a civilian. The bullet fractured part of my spinal chord, which...as it turns out, effects the way that I am able to recall information...As much as I enjoyed not being able to recall every single thing around me in detail...from the WINS to the DEEP and PERSONAL losses at any given time...I hated it as well...and I've only just recently gotten all of it back...and THEN some...thanks to a new and very dear friend. Essentially Ava made me feel even MORE useless than I already felt..."

She took another drink of her coffee before mindlessly fiddling with her napkin.

"Which leads me to Alycia. I've known women like ALYCIA my entire life...These light skinned black girls who's parents have a little bit of money, so suddenly they DIDN'T come from the same neighborhoods, and they DIDN'T go to the same schools as us. From the word GO, she took one look at me...heard my name was VIVICA and assumed me to be like one of those women she's probably had it out for her entire life...To know that she is now an Amazon, something that's BUILT on Sisterhood? Well, that's laughable, because where was she when my best friend died? Oh that's right...she was taking CRACKS at my ineffectiveness during the reading of his goddamn WILL..."

Vivica threw her napkin down for a moment.

Blaze remained relaxed in her seated position. By now she'd crossed her smooth legs at the knee and continued to gaze at Vivica thoughtfully. It was not a look of lust, but one of soul searching and pondering. She was LISTENING to what Vivica was saying...but also noticing what she was NOT saying. The devil was often in the details.

But even as she listened carefully, she couldn't help but feel genuine sympathy for Vivica. She'd heard versions of this before...from others close at hand...and even echo'ed some of these sentiments HERSELF recently. TO be marginalized...or even to FEEL that you are...it's a terrible feeling. To be abandonned or seemingly left behind...it can be TRAUMATIC.

Maybe Cameron and the others untintentionally overlooked her...the way they had done w/ Firebird herself!

"And that's ANOTHER thing, Blaze. Her and CAMERON. She spent a LOT of time on figuring out how to bring the SEC down on his ass, and BURY him in litigation...and now, she wants to be in his ARMS... She makes ME feel like LESS than human and yet she runs into the arms of perhaps my GREATEST accomplishment on this EARTH...CAMERON KING...Now, I know you all have been through some SHIT with Cameron...but i've known Cameron Michael King since he was 14 years...in fact I met him on January 3rd, 2000. He was a cracker with a chip on his shoulder and a TASTE for self destruction...He was involved with GANGS..Blaze, he KILLED a woman...and who do you think protected him? I did! My MOTHER, god rest her soul, took him in when we didn't have ANY of the space, and he spent the rest of HIS adolescence as a member of OUR family...I helped him study for his brokerage exams, helped him find the FIRST ever office for King Enterprises...sacrificed my OWN career and happiness to see him succeed, and for what? For him to find The Six and basically regard me as some flickering flame into his past...one that lately he seems to have FORGOTTEN happened?"

She took a bite of her food, trying to calm herself down a little bit.

Blaze wondered if the Vivica in her timeline had had the same life changing role in HER Cameron that this one had in Cameron here. Maybe...maybe not. Blaze was still convinced she would have had to beat Cameron's ass HERE in mainstream just like she did in HER timeline when he got TOO out of hand but to listen to the depth of history and the intimate connection that Vivica conveyed about Cameron now, she realized that Vivica was not just some peripheral accessory. She was as intregal to his early life as Karen was to her's in her timeline. HOW COULD Vivica have been allowed to fall "through the cracks" as it were?

"I don't need a PARADE, Blaze...I am not looking for any kind of award..but you know what? I may not be an elemental?! I may not control the dimension of LIMBO...I'm not a WEATHER Goddess...but for CHRISSAKE, without the work that *I* did..there would BE no Cameron King for everybody to FAWN over. So yeah, I feel the need to compete because you know what? I WANTED Alycia to like me...I felt like for some stupid reason that if SHE validated me...then that had meant I had "made it"...and you know what? I think she KNEW that, I think she SENSED it...and at the end of the day? I think she purposefuly preyed on it for no other reason than to assert herself as the ALPHA black woman...As much as I'd LOVE for her to be on my side, Blaze? The world is not going to stop for me because Alycia Barnett doesn't like me...but you know what? I hope the world STOPS spinning for Alycia until SHE gives me the CREDIT and RESPECT I deserve...as a woman who's worked closely with The Six and practically hand delivered a founding member..."

Vivica looked at Blaze, unsure of how the woman would react.

Blaze inhaled slowly...and then exhaled with the same slow rate. She takes a long drink before settlingback.

"You know, Viv? There's more than a few people on my team that would have lied, blew smoke or acted indignant over my piercing through to the heart of what's troubling them. You have more courage...more HEART than most."

"If you don't believe anything else...believe THAT."

"Now....I need you to hold on for me."

She quickly withdraws her iphone from her clutch and glides her well manicured nails over the screen, pulling up CASS and tapping out a text:

Hey Cassie, sit tight. I'm heading up your way and I'll have someone with me I want you to meet!

Placing her phone back in her clutch, the fire elemental smiles at Vivica.

"Sorry...but I needed to send an urgent message."

"Let's get out of here. Don't want to let the calories settle!"

She winks as she has the server put the bill on her SPECTRA expense account, knowing how Sally PREFERS as many receipts as possible for tax write offs!

"Let's take a walk. I hope you don't mind, but this hotel has so much to offer in the way of interior design, I'm sure YOU can appreciate that more than most. and a little walk will give me time to respond to you."

And off they go walking together casually, making their way as Blaze leads them on a certain scenic route.


"Viv...there's alot going on here. But it's not just Ava, Alycia or even the Six in general. It's also YOU...and perhaps even moreso, CAMERON."

Blaze felt this was a chance for her to "pay it forward" in a way. Cameron had educated and enlightened her...now she could do the same for Vivica. Blaze knew most people, some of which were on her very team, were rather sensitive and didnt like being corrected or even challenged, but she could see that Vivica appreciated "real talk." That was the best kind of talk there was!

"Ava was doing what comes naturally. She was trying to protect her father. I don't know why the rest of the Six didn't do a better job of looking out for YOU out in the battled field...as I wasn't there for that caper...but I do know that when it comes to Persephone, especially POST "seige perilous merge"? She is not just a cold, heartless bitch. She's as deep and complex as they come, but I also know she doesn't let go easily...OR let people IN easily. NONE of us do and Cameron, KNOWING that, should have made an effort to bring you further in and help bridge the gap."

"You're right, Alycia DID kill Stavros...in self defense. The moment he stalked her into her office and attacked her, he brought his death on himself. Everyone knows that...including AVA, but that was her father and were family is concerned...sometimes logic just...."checks out."

"Even ALYCIA knew this, which is why she never tried to check or negate Ava's hatred of her. What you're seeing now between them? That's a recent development but it's real and happening the way it's supposed to."

"I know the feeling very well, as you know, I DO have a sister. One that I love very much and am VERY protective of and I will burn this entire hotel DOWN to nothingness before I let her be hurt."

"...you obviously were victimized in that caper and I'm sorry that happened to you. BUT here you are NOW. BETTER than ever! Let me give you some advice when it comes to Ava."

"Ava is every bit as in tuned with nature as her codename Persephone implies. She can even CONTROL animals, read their thoughts, know their instincts. SHE has those same instincts and when she's around someone who gives off the vibe of "PREY?" that's how she's going to treat them."

"And believe me...if you had encountered her BEFORE she "merged" via the seige perilous, in her original timeline? You wouldn't be here now to feel ANY kind of way about it. You'd be nothing more than a sorch mark on the ground."

"She did something that was fucked up...we ALL have, for any number of reasons."

"She's come a long way from her original timeline and even since that caper involving Stavros. But if you keep coming at her from BACK THEN...that's how you're going to continue to get treated by her."

Moving on to Cameron.

"Viv, I've learned more about the nature of your relationship to Cameron from YOU in the last half hour than I have from Cameron in all the time I've known him and even before you shared that, I could tell there was more to you and him than what was immediately visible. You ARE his foundation. You were there when he was lost...and for all intents & purposes...an orphan! "

"But that's the thing...he WAS, at that time, not a whole person. A boy who had had been ABUSED by his violent, insane, sick bitch of a mother, seemingly abandonned by one sister....and manipulated by the other. You and your mother obviously stood in the gap for him...but I dont think either of you knew the depths to which he had been dragged by his birth family and how that still haunts HIM to this day. It's one of the reasons why he has this ANNOYING habit of disappearing even from US every so often! It's only been RECENT that he's come to realize he may find himself in a situation where there is NO ONE to help him if he keeps disappearing."


"I KNOW the pain of loss and abandonment. It can damage you...and clearly it damaged him. You said so yourself...he even murdered someone. But he's NOT the first on the team to have spilled blood for less than justifiable reasons."

"I think an ongoing issue with Cameron is that he's NEVER been completely WHOLE. Every time one thing or person comes...something else is IMMEDIATELY negated and he'll never be able to "have it all." It may even be an unconscious thing on his part. A self sabotaging reflex. He's NEVER known what it is to have a WHOLE and COMPLETE LIFE that HE was in control of....until JUST NOW apparently."

"I'm not going to suggest that I know him BETTER than you? But i DO know his heart. I can tell the real from the fake and while he has OBVIOUSLY neglected you...it was NOT out of contempt."

"He's been...he's been working OVERTIME, trying to hold US together in the aftermath of the "Blue Moon..."

Stopping herself from spilling off into THAT story, as bad as it was.

"You'll notice that my sister is ABSENT. So is HIS sister for that matter, along with our other team mate, Delilah Trelevan, whom i'm sure you've met. Well...ALL THREE of them NOT being here is a direct result of the Blue Moon caper we just emerged from and Cameron has done aLOT to try to keep us together in that aftermath."


She winks at Vivica as she wraps her arm under and around the girl, now walking arm and arm with her, not concerned with what anyone else passing by might thing.

"The sense of family and the need to preserve it...that's something he learned from you and your mother I'll bet. YOU held HIM together when none of us were there, before any of us knew him, before even his own sister became aware of him again." He owes you his life and all you want...is for him to truly realize that. I think he DOES in a "matter-of-fact" way...but YOU need it to come from the HEART...the SOUL. I get that...and he's going to as well. Even if I have to set his tight, round ass on FIRE to make him feel it."


Laughing a bit as she nudged Vivica and they continued on, passing through a circular walk way with beautiful flora and plant arrangements all around them and a waterfall flowing just to their left, causing Blaze to raise her voice just a bit so Vivica could hear her.

"Seriously, this whole weekend...he did this for me...him and Nicolas both. I love them very much, but I know that sometimes a person has to "take care of home" first. Cameron and I are family and in many ways...we SHARE the role of The Six's "HEART"...but YOU are HIS heart. I see that all about you. He'll never be truly be the complete man he yearns to be without ALL the pieces in place."

"He's been AMAZING lately, But despite his valiant efforts, he has once again missed one KEY detail. YOU, Vivica."



"Now about Alycia...."


Blaze sighs.

"There's nothing you could tell me that would make me think less of her. I know her. I've seen her courage, her valor, her SACRIFICE. Things that you are capable of as well."

"You two have more in common than YOU want to see! Alycia IS a ball buster, just like YOU are competitive. What's the difference between the two, a flip of the coin? A twist of circumstance?"

"BOTH of you felt you HAD to be that way, for reasons that were real and apparent to each of you."

"Is it fair for you to assume how Alycia was...or what her thought process was before you even knew her?"

"Alycia's parent's worked hard to provide their daughter with opportunity. Her father was a hard working man. He worked for a company, which tragically turned out to be owned by MYSTECH. He got sick with cancer. Mystech reneged on his health AND life policies and ACTIVELY presented him getting treatment in a timely manner. To say that they "hounded him into the grave" is an understatement. That obviously had a life altering impact on Alycia which determined her personal and professional aspirations."

"Think about it. When you knew her "back then"...what was she about? THE LAW. Practicing it, interpreting it, using it to preserve order and PROTECT the weak! WHO did she go after? WHO'S destruction was her TRUE life's mission? NO , not Cameron....I mean in the bigger picture! MYSTECH."

"Viv, Alycia had this reflexive habit of discounting herself when dealing with the Six, often remarking how "surprised she was they still wanted/needed her despite her being...'ONLY HUMAN'." You think YOU short changed yourself? You guys were doing the SAME THING. This woman spent her life striving to succeed beyond her father's biggest hopes for her...never feeling like it was enough because he saw NONE of it. He was already dead. She used the power of the LAW to stand as an EQUAL and a VALUED ally among the Six, and even then, she felt like it wasnt enough. You went out in the field with the Six. You gave of yourself...risked your life, just like she did. You're the same! Courage, valor, bravery...being able to makewhat could be the ultimate sacrifice in the name of helping others? Are those NOT the hallmarks of an Amazon? "

"Now...I dont know WHY Alycia zero'ed in on you the way she did. But knowing her as I do, back then, she was Morgan's legal counsel and confidant. She protected Morgan, Karen, Alison and Myself, even BEFORE the Six, from legal threats across the board. When Cameron came around, he WAS a gigantic DICK HEAD, Vivica. There's no denying it. Alycia was doing what she ALWAYS did. Trying to help us...PROTECT US from him. I can only assume that SHE decided since YOU were an extension of him...you must have been as BAD as he was."

"It was...a reasonable conclusion to draw, but an UNFAIR one and really, shame on her for not giving you a chance and again...this is one of those situations where, if Cameron had been more involved in integrating you into the Six's PERSONAL world, it might have gone differently."



"Hell... for all we know...YOU could have made all the difference in helping to STOP the Inferno before it started! He wouldn't listen to anyone else, maybe he would've heard you...before it was too late."

The fire elemental said with thoughtfullness as she reached an elevator and went inside.


"But at anyrate...the bottom line is, Alycia was obviously in ball buster mode and...like so many OTHERS in this group...she wasn't always as selective with her targets as she shouldve been."

"And yes, I know about the SEC and what she was about to do. Is that any different...any MORE disturbing than the idea of having a team mate who's father BUILT Master Mold? Or having a sister who nearly brought HELL to earth? Viv, nobody on this team has gotten it right all the time and yet...here we are. We're the most interesting and SCAREY people any of us knows. Believe that."

"When it comes to Alycia? It sounds to ME like the TWO OF YOU need to lay THAT to rest and the only way you're going to do it is to confront each other and get it out of yourselves."

"She's not the same woman she was then, Vivica...and clearly you arent either. But you're still HAUNTED by this stuff and I know Alycia...she may be an amazon, but she's one HELL of a grudge holder, just like my sister. So that means SHE'S probably just as pissed off as you are."



"There's alot of pain and unresolved issues here...but there comes a point where you have to take control of this carousel of pain you're on and get off that ride before you waste MORE time going around in circles."

"Like it or not...you're already apart of MY world...The Six's world. It's CAMERON'S world too and when you have THAT kind of connection? It is not easily broken...AND *I* know better than most how important...how LIFE SAVING connections like this can be."

"You're apart of him...and if *I* don't do anything else...I AM going to make SURE that you two recognize and RESPECT that connection because it's just as important as his connection to his sister, his only surviving relative, Alison Marble. "


"You'll start from WITHIN, first and foremost...and then go to Cameron. THEN, if you're the brave, bold woman you want me to believe you are...you'll handle your business with Alycia and then Ava."

Nodding to Vivica in affirmation as they road up the elevator.

"Ultimately, You don't really need Alycia's validation. You WANTED her comradery because you saw a kindred spirit. It's not too late for that. You want to, at least be on level ground with Ava. Well with that, you're just going to have to pay youro dues like anyone else...including the person I'm about to introduce you to once we get off the elevator. Finally and most of all...you NEED and DESERVE RECOGNITION from Cameron and you'll get that. You'll have a helping hand from yours truly!"

Resting one of her well manicured hands on her ample chest.


"I'm going to have a talk with Cameron. You may not want or need a "parade"...but you DO need to be treated with dignity and respect. I know Cameron is not trying to hurt you on purpose...but you know sometimes with men, they just screw EVERYTHING up."

Laughing smugly as she thought of some of Cameron's wackier moments in both this AND her timeline...

"Now, BEFORE I let you go...I have someone I want you to meet!"

The elevator dings and the doors open as they are now on a higher floor, heading to VIP club balcony where Cass was sitting. Vivica would recognize her from the night before, when Blaze pulled HER up on to the catwalk as well before pulling off her "Madonna MTV VMA" nod :nod:

"Hey Cassie, sorry I'm late, but it couldn't be helped!"

"I want you to meet someone."

Gesturing to Vivica.

"This, is Vivica Lennox. She's a business woman, art buyer and Cameron's rock. She's also a super, like WE are, so you can speak freely in front of her. Isn't she hot?"

Blaze said without missing a beat.

"Vivica, this is Cassandra Johnson. She's the newest member to our team. She's been having a hard time too...but it might interest you to know that Cameron, of all people, has been VERY instrumental in bringing her properly into the fold."

Blaze looks at Cass.

"I wanted you to meet her because I think she'll help you get a better feel for Cameron...AND because we're going to be seeing alot more of her in general and I think it would help you BOTH to get to know each other."


Eyeing them both for a moment as they looked at her in a rather bewildered way

"And I wanted to see my back up dancers from last night look in the clear light of day!"

Laughing

"Did anybody get the latest TMZ? I wanna see how we look in the shots that I'm sure they took PLENTY of last night!"

 

[Orion]

Parthenon penthouse 9401

Zach pulled his shirt off the arm of a chair and put it on. He found his pants on the floor and reached in the pockets until he found his cell phone. If he wasn't going back to Melrose today, he'd need a change of clothes. Haleigh probably needed some also. He called his assistant and asked him to bring a couple of outfits from his apartment at the Pavilion, for both him and Haleigh.

He rolled up his sleeves, buttoned a couple of buttons and rubbed his hair to make sure it all laid down. Heading back out into the dining area, he saw Haleigh had already made his plate and sat down at the table as haleigh and Nic talked about Delilah.

Haleigh: Wow, fuck. Do you think you could put your erection away for a minute? We were talking about Delilah's dilemma. Can we get back to that?

Nicolas: Look Haleigh, a Mom and a kid ON THIS TEAM...in our family...are separated.

Well this was news to HIM. But that explained why he'd been getting the radiation of Delilah's grief and anger at Melrose lately.

"Babe, do you think I should talk to Delilah? We haven't had much contact lately, but I'd be happy to help her with the emotional turmoil she's in. I could feel it all the way across the courtyard at Melrose the last couple of days.... I wondered what was up...... I didn't know she was separated from her kid."

Haleigh: I don't think she's up for much talking. The only thing that's going to help her now is getting her kid back..... but I dunno, call her I guess.

Nicolas: You are not one of us who was there that night Zach, she MIGHT be receptive. Fair warning, she HATES when we use our powers on each other, so she might be hostile to anything but a listening ear. You should be easily able to discern that.

"Well, understandably, she gets upset when she feels like she has no privacy and she doesn't like the idea that something might be done to her without her permission, or her knowledge.... I'll offer what I can. If she doesn't go for it, then at least I tried."

Haleigh was feeling massively guilty, but without knowing why, he didn't want to say anything in front of company. Nic seemed to have an idea though, and his response seemed to lessen Haleigh's load. He let them talk as he continued eating. He didn't really get involved in six stuff unless it felt into his realm of expertise. However, as he sensed the frustration building in Nicolas, he set down his silverware. Nic snapped a fork, and Zach reached over and placed his hand on Nicolas's shoulder.

"Nic, Haleigh's right. Exhaustion and frustration is an unhealthy combination. Even if Set wasn't an issue, it's not good to stress yourself out and stretch yourself to the limit."

He said gently, his eyes glowing as he drained some of the excess emotion from Nicolas.

 

[Black Widow]

Nicolas: you saved the goddamn world Hales. Stop beating yourself up because you could not be in two places at once and therefore could not do what you MIGHT not have been able to do anyway IF you were here. You did great where you were and several of us could have retrieved you at any time had we chosen. Forgive yourself for living and let's help our family.

He had a point, and she felt relieved, but even still.... if she was honest with herself about how she really felt right now.... the scary version was that she thought she might let the whole world burn if it meant she could have made the situation better for her family.

Nicolas: THAT is why I came here, my geekfest over Banner notwithstanding. My hangup so far is that the solution must be airtight. I have seen the footage thanks to Mike. If we suppress either of them and it fails for even 3 seconds, Delilah is DEAD. That is why I have not already licked this hon. I cannot find a solution that leaves them both alive AND makes it stay that way for good. I have watched Alexia die by computer simulation a dozen times. I have yet to simulate her passing a year old without killing her mother, whom I have killed over 80 times. I have managed to simulate them BOTH dying TWICE. So no, I don't sleep much. Not yet. Because it is too important. But I know my responsibilities to keep Set locked away and I will do what I have to do.

Zach: Nic, Haleigh's right. Exhaustion and frustration is an unhealthy combination. Even if Set wasn't an issue, it's not good to stress yourself out and stretch yourself to the limit.

"You've done everything you can at this point, Nicolas. Let Banner do some bloodwork and radiation testing, and we'll know more. If it takes all our combined magic, science, and technology, we WILL reunite those two. And then we'll work on getting Delilah, Morgan and Alison to reconcile."

 

[Ruby]

VIP Clubhouse - Patio

:: Cass was lying back in the chair, enjoying the warmth of the sun with her eyes closed when she received a text. She opened her eye and grabbed her phone. She noticed the server had brought another margarita so she took a sip of that and opened her text. ::

Oh Em Gee, Babes, what’s this I’m reading on TMZ? Are you making out with a GAL and does she have her hand sort of up your dress?! It’s a blurry picture…but I can tell it’s a woman and I can’t really see her hand…hmmm. What kind of party did you GO to last night? And Shania Twain?! Girl, you know I love you and all, but your taste in music? We HAVE to have a talk when you get back. You looked amazing by the way. Love you! Xxx

:: Cass chuckled to herself, but before she could type a reply, another text from him came in. ::

Look at YOU dancing on the catwalk! But there’s one thing I don’t get. It says that you left the catwalk in a huff because you saw that Blaze Victory and a Miss Vivica Lennox – who is GORGEOUS by the way – were having a grand ole’ time dancing together. So, Britney, care to state a comment?

UGH! I HATE tabloids and vultures like them…!

:: She sighed and tapped a reply on her phone. ::

As you WELL know, Bryan Ross, there was no ‘huff’. I simply looked at the two of them dancing around the pole and saw that there was no opening for a THIRD dancer and I left because I had spotted somebody from my group dancing alone and I thought they would like a partner. Turns out, THAT was a mistake. Let the records show that Simon Pratt is most definitely worthy of Miss Cassadine. LOL! Also, I LOVE Shania Twain and I don’t care who knows it! LOL! Love you back.

:: Right away, Bryan texted back. Cass had to laugh. He was so crazy and kooky. No wonder they became the best of friends while Ella was away. She was the same. ::

LOL! Oh, Cassie, I knew you would react like that! Now, about that mysetrious blonde woman…

:: Cass sighed and replied back. ::

She was…just an experiment. She came on to ME. I, of course, was too drunk to know what I was doing…but I KNEW what I was doing. I don’t know, Ross, last night was…pretty damn amazing! But it was my first time with a woman and I have never been more confused. I think I just need to talk it out with somebody I trust. Like Blaze. Of course, I ALWAYS value your opinions but you’re on the West Coast and Blaze and I are on the East, so it just makes sense. I’m actually meeting with her in…well, she’s late, but she’ll be here. I hope!

:: Blaze Victory. Cass put her phone down and stared at nothing in particular while lost in thought. She knew that Blaze was into girls and so she wanted her advice and ask her questions and whatnot. She and Ella had heart-to-hearts all the time and she couldn’t wait to have some of her own with Blaze. There was just something about the girl Cass liked. It was as if there was a connection between the two of them that destined them to become close friends, if not best friends. Cass felt safe with her and she treasured their blossoming friendship. Her phone beeped twice. ::

I’m not even going to pretend to be insulted because I’m glad you’re moving beyond me and Ella. You need MORE friendships like ours. Babes, you know I love giving you my opinions but what you DON’T have right now is me right there beside you giving you a huge hug. I hope you and Miss Victory have the BEST friendship.

:: Cass smiled and bit her lip. Bryan truly was a treasure. She missed him dearly. She tapped out a reply. ::

Thank you, Bryan. That means so much to me.

:: She was still smiling when she checked her next text from Blaze… ::

Hey Cassie, sit tight. I'm heading up your way and I'll have someone with me I want you to meet!

:: …and just like that, her smile disappeared. COMPLETELY. ::

Fan-freakin’-tastic. Oh joy.

:: She set her phone down and took a long sip of her margarita. It irked her that she wouldn’t be able to have a heart-to-heart with Blaze, but she hoped she would be able to have another opportunity to have one again. ::

She just better not bring up last night in front of this person!

:: Cass was nice to people, she truly was, but she wasn’t about to go declaring her private thoughts and emotions to a STRANGER. She kept her life PRIVATE from people until she got to know them better. She was fine if other people declared their private lives willy-nilly but she wasn’t built like that. It was a self-protection thing. Though she had made connections with Nicolas, Cameron, and Alycia, she didn’t know them well enough to spill her secrets. Well, ALYCIA was the exception. Alycia just had that aura about her where Cass felt she could tell Alycia anything and it would be safe. She had that connection with Blaze as well, but she considered the lovely fire elemental a close friend. ::

:: She took a sip of her drink and sighed, ‘getting lost’ in the expanse of Central Park. She LOVED nature and she was hoping she could get in a run through the park while she was here. She grinned when she heard Blaze’s voice. ::

"Hey Cassie, sorry I'm late, but it couldn't be helped!"

"I want you to meet someone."

Gesturing to Vivica.

"This, is Vivica Lennox. She's a business woman, art buyer and Cameron's rock. She's also a super, like WE are, so you can speak freely in front of her. Isn't she hot?"

*agrees*: “She’s pretty.”

:: She stood up and gave Blaze a hug. That, and her compliment to Vivica, was all she could get in before Blaze went on without missing a beat. But Cass was being honest: Vivica WAS pretty. :nod: ::

"Vivica, this is Cassandra Johnson. She's the newest member to our team. She's been having a hard time too...but it might interest you to know that Cameron, of all people, has been VERY instrumental in bringing her properly into the fold."

*hurt*: What, I’m not hot?

"I wanted you to meet her because I think she'll help you get a better feel for Cameron...AND because we're going to be seeing alot more of her in general and I think it would help you BOTH to get to know each other."

:: Cass looked at Blaze strangely, and could see Vivica was giving Blaze the same look of bewilderment. ::

"And I wanted to see my back up dancers from last night look in the clear light of day!"

Laughing

"Did anybody get the latest TMZ? I wanna see how we look in the shots that I'm sure they took PLENTY of last night!"

:: Cass ignored the last thing Blaze said and turned to Vivica. ::

“Yes, Cameron told me you were his best friend yesterday. Sorry I didn’t introduce myself last night. A lot of things were going on. I had noticed you, though, and I wanted to say that you looked great last night. That color purple looked amazing on you.”

:: She smiled at the dark beauty. ::

“Please, have a seat.”

:: She took a sip of her margarita, and all of a sudden a server delivered a fresh, new fruit platter along with some plates. Cass picked some pineapple and then some raspberries and took a slice of melon. She looked at Blaze and answered her question about TMZ. ::

“My friend already texted me some pictures and such,”

:: She got her phone and pulled up the pictures Bryan had sent and made a folder of them, excluding the ones of her and Charlotte. Apparently he had just sent more to her. She clicked on a beautiful picture of Vivica and passed the phone to her. ::

“See? That colour of purple looks so good on you!”