Everybody hates Claudia!

[Arsenal]

“Excuse me, but why do we give a damn whether Nicolas’ problems are exacerbated or not? You’re right, Haleigh, we saw the other morning what could happen. Why should we go out of our way for HIM? Why would we INVITE that trouble into our doorstep? He already has used his powers on me TWICE. We need to keep him as far away from Morgan as possible.”

She went and sat down next to Morgan.

“At least until we can be sure he’s really not stalking her. Because Morgan’s right – we can’t wait to take precautions until it’s too late.”

Mike listened as Delilah spoke, then replied.

People, we are already in agreement that Nicolas will not be present at MP for the time being, what more do you want? In addition, strategically speaking, if we cast out Nicolas completely, we GREATLY weaken ourselves, unless YOU have some abilities I don't know about...Delilah? Blaze? Haleigh? Can ANY of you access the astral plane, much less battle on it? Neither can I...but Nicolas can and already has to battle Barbas on our behalf. In fact, if I were Barbas, this scenario plays right into my hands. Get rid of the high-order telepath so he will leave the witches to me. In fact, it is possible that if you do cast Nicolas out, he will no longer be bothered by Barbas. But YOU certainly will.

Mike looks at all of them.

When or if you decide to accept him, forgive him, whatever...you have to live with that. But since he arrived, Nicolas has been an integral part of EVERY single victory this team has had, and has held nothing back in trying to help this team. NOTHING. None of you can say he has not reached out to you in a special way this last year, NONE of you can say that he has not been quick to forgive when YOU were in the wrong.

<<looks right at Delilah as he says the previous sentence>>

You decide how you FEEL about him on your own. But if you cast him aside...you do so at your own peril. Not because of what he will DO. But because of what he won't be here to do when we need it most. BARBAS is by far the greater danger. If this team can coordinate with the Sisterhood...we can surely find a way to cooperate with and help one of our own. If not, we aren't much of a team, and Barbas will make us pay for that.

 

[Black Widow]

MAC photoshoot

Blaze: "No! It does matter, Haleigh. Morgan wants to know so tell her. She has a right to know. The cat was let already out of the bag. There's no going back. So might as well clear the air. Otherwise Barbas could utilize that."

Haleigh looked at Blaze, irritated. She'd expected Morgan to insist on the details, but no one ELSE. Didn't Blaze understand that the particulars of the alternate's death would just offer Barbas something ELSE to threaten Morgan with? The way the alternate Morgan went… had DESTROYED the rest of the team in the alternate universe and NO ONE had handled it well or even recovered from it in the TEN YEARS since it'd happened there. Haleigh did her best not to SNAP at Blaze, but she was getting more and more irritated with the situation.

"The alternate DIED. The details AREN'T important. We have already TRIUMPHED over the situation that brought about her death in THAT timeline… we made our OWN history, that's all that matters. [turning to Morgan] I believe that you are being menaced, Morgan, but by BARBAS, NOT by Nicolas. TRUST me, Morgan… you have NOTHING to fear but FEAR itself."

Delilah: "Why should we go out of our way for HIM? Why would we INVITE that trouble into our doorstep? He already has used his powers on me TWICE. We need to keep him as far away from Morgan as possible."

"Well, we can't be tied up with it right NOW. Like I said… the situation with Barbas and Morgan must be our TOP priority. Once Barbas can no longer antagonize us and make matters WORSE… everything ELSE on our plate will be that much more solvable."

Delilah: "At least until we can be sure he's really not stalking her. Because Morgan's right - we can't wait to take precautions until it's too late."

"That's why I'd like Sharon to be with Nicolas… not only to keep him under CONTROL and to keep him calm… but also to PROVE to everyone that Nicolas isn't behind this… it's only BARBAS, playing on ALL our suspicions and paranoia."

Mike launched into his trademark Nicolas defense. Haleigh was about ready to EXPLODE all over them all. Did NO ONE listen to her anymore?

Barbas: Of COURSE they don't, Haleigh…. None of them trust you, and you know it.

GO. AWAY.

Mike continued to argue that they SHOULDN'T cast Nic out but both Haleigh AND Karen had agreed to station Sharon with him and not to write him off just yet and Mike just kept going on and ON redudantly as if EVERYONE was in favor of throwing Nicolas out, and it was grating on Haleigh's patience.

"God DAMN IT, Mike! Will you STOP with that shit already?!? We AREN'T going to cast him out, we just can't afford to help him RIGHT NOW. You didn't HEAR him with Morgan at the shoot, DID YOU? He's not COMPLETELY innocent either. If he WANTS reconciliation, he needs to find a way to SHOW IT, and he needs to STOP antagonizing Morgan every chance he gets. Until THAT DAY comes, helping HIM is going to come SECOND to preventing another fucking Inferno."

 

[Fusion]

Melrose Place - Apt 6

Clara emerged from the steamy atmosphere of the bathroom, wrapped in a robe, immersed in drying her hair with a towel.

"John, will you c--"

She stopped, as she'd looked over for Johnny but caught sight of Claudia.

"Never mind."

She passed into her room without another word. Partly, she was still a little upset that her sister was so stubbornly refusing to tell Clara the truth… but mostly, she was a little embarrassed that her sister had seen her drunk and disorderly. Clara made a point to be very well put together… to be composed and collected and now Claudia had seen through the cracks of that façade.

Claudia hadn't spoken to Johnny since coming in and Johnny, thinking she was still mad at him, didn't say anything either. Clara came out of her bedroom dried and dressed, just in time for Demetri to announce that lunch was ready. Clara, on her way to the dining room, passed through the open living room, where Claudia was determinedly transfixed on the tv.

"Claudia…. Would you like to join us for lunch? I'm sure Demetri made plenty."

A peace offering…. Despite Barbas' tampering, Clara didn't want to believe Claudia would cause her pain and as her buzz died and she came back around to sober… she tried to stubbornly deny 'her father's' earlier words.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

the dressing room

<< Karen had walked over to Morgan and hugged her, as Morgan showed signs of distress. she stroked her daughter's hair as she held her while Blaze demanded Haleigh tell the story of what happened in the alternate timeline.>>

Haleigh, we didnt ask Alison, for SURE if what happened in the other timeline was because of SET.

More than ANYTHING i want to believe you're right, but as Morgan's mother...and having HEARD the details of the alternate timeline from Michael, I have to tell you that right now...I'm TERRIBLY worried.

Barbas: Maybe even...AFRAID?

<< Karen shut her eyes tightly for a moment and gulped.>>

But...

<< looking down at Morgan and then to Delilah and Blaze.>>

We can't AFFORD to leat FEAR divide us.

<< looking at Mike.>>

Michael, it isnt about "casting him out" we KNOW that we have a DUTY and a responsibility to Nicolas but HE has a responsibility as well and antagonizing my daughter at every turn is not the way to find sympathy and we don't want another INFERNO either. Barbas doesnt "feed" on telepaths, he feeds on WITCHES. Anyone ELSE is just a "snack" of sorts...and Morgan would be a FEAST for him, providing him ALL the power he needs to PERMANENTLY return to our world. If Barbas consumes Morgan...there's no telling WHAT will happen.

I have seen young men like him as clients go through periods of extreme difficulty and uncertainty. That is why I said I am not dooming him to FAIL but i AM faulting him for not doing BETTER

We're not here to argue Nicolas' merits, accomplishments or WORTH. It is not...should not be about "poor Nicolas". The tension that exists is in LARGE part due to the STING from his last outburst. He could have hurt...KILLED Delilah and what would you have had us do THEN!? TODAY at the photo shoot, apparently he said some TERRIBLE things to Morgan. Under normal circumstances I would chalk it up to two young ex lovers quarreling as they often do, but we ALL know there is more going on here. Morgan is being STALKED by WHOM we dont know....all signs point to Barbas, but all Morgan is seeing is NICOLAS.

We can't afford to wait, we have to do something NOW.



<< looking up to the ceiling.>



Right NOW? despite our differences, I trust HALEIGH more than i trust Nicolas when it comes to my daughter. I am her mother and i am ENTITLED to that.



and so, Haleigh's suggestion is sound. we need to place Nicolas with Sharon and inform him that the condition of his remaining with US is that he STAY with Sharon at ALL times. NO CONTACT with Morgan under any circumstance and if Claudia pulls a stunt like this again?

<< she looks at Morgan>> You will just have to pull out. NO JOB..NO STATUS is worth your sanity, your well being or your LIFE. Do you understand?

<< looking at the others.>>

I want Blaze and Delilah to stay with Morgan. I realize that Morgan is my daughter, and of course I will do WHATEVER is necessary to protect her, But Blaze and Delilah are Morgan's sisters, they are just as qualified to stay with her and Michael needs protection as well and so I will stay with him.

If we can find Alison, let's ask her to stay with Haleigh. The two of them co-lead the team in Morgan's absence before and can work well together in times like this.

Now before anything ELSE? we need to leave this place. This is not the place for us to talk...or anything else.

Morgan, are you able to teleport us?

<< Morgan nods, as she lets go of her mother and stands up. she summons a disc

 

[Siren]

Shifting her eyes away from the TV as she heard Clara call out for Johnny from the hallway, Claudia blinked a few times, noting her sisters words cut off before disappearing into her room to get change. Looking back at the TV, Claudia sighed out. Deep down she knew she had to speak with her sister about EVERYTHING. What she had done, why she had done it, and why it was easy for her to just lie about it. Clara deserved the truth, especially now that she had made enemies for them BOTH.

The Closer ended, much to Claudia's surprise. She didn't even know how the one character ended up being the killer...but then again, she wasn't really paying much attention to the show in the first place. Clara soon emerged from her bedroom, heading over to the table to eat with Johnny. Flipping the TV off, Claudia began to stand from the couch when Clara asked her to join them. Turning to look at her, Claudia wasn't very hungry...but Clara was putting forth an effort, so she would do the same.

"Yeah. Okay."

Walking over to the table, Claudia was still wearing her attire from the photoshoot, minus the really cute but extremely painful heals. Taking a seat, Demetri placed three giant plates of Capellini Pomodoro [Roma tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil and extra-virgin olive oil tossed with capellini.] in front of herself, Clara, and Johnny. There was definitely enough food to feed an army....but then again, that was custom for Italians. Picking up a fork, Claudia began to poke at one of the tomatos, stiring the pasta around a bit to mix together all the ingrediants. Eventhough it was one of Claudia's favorite recipes, right now nothing seemed appetizing.

[to Clara] "How do you feel?"

The words randomly jumping out of her mouth as she looked across the table to her sister. Deciding to test out the Merlot Demetri paired with the meal, maybe it was her turn to get sloshed. Especially considering there was a very high probability that once this meal was over, Clara would once again be furious with Claudia, or want nothing to do with her AGAIN.

 

[Isis]

Auntie and Nephew

It's a pity that your role is the only reason you came, though I know I cannot ever blame you if that is your disposition concerning me.....anyway, it seems that in spite of my intentions and efforts that it is my lot to be despised. I have been attacked in ways I could have never imagined a year ago when I joined the Six, and it seems that maybe...now is the time to leave. Because I am trying to endure the abuse, hoping for better days but I am finding that I am continually provoked and losing the battle to maintain control in the face of my current treatment. And no one is more cognizant of what me losing control could cost EVERYONE than I am.

[ Dominique looked at her young nephew. So strong, so vital and yet...so fragile and so stressed. Beneath her stone faced expression, within her hard heart, there is the SMALLEST flicker of...COMPASSION!?]

[ her black opera gloved hand reaches up slowly...and then suddenly she covers his mouth, silently commanding him to stop talking.]

That's enough.

[ she says in a clear, disdainfull tone.]

The first thing you need to do is hush.

now...sit down.

[ she steps back and lets him sit in a meditation style. she spreads her black fur collared cape and the shadow casts out and around, spreading around them until all sounds and sight of the desert expanse is lost. they are now somewhere ELSE, courtesy of a spell from Dominique. it is a quiet place, serene...hidden from any where. Even Nicolas can't tell where he is.]

[ If Dominique was going to SHOW of her compassion or anything ELSE in the way of care and concern, she would do so privately. This was a family matter.]

From the very time you were born....your existence, your presence has caused chaos, heartache and misery.

[ and Nicolas is allowed to "revisit" the past...his origins in its entirety.]

But for everyone that wanted to see you destroyed, there was ONE who defied them all...and dared to love you, even KNOWING who and what you truly were.

[ his mother...and her older sister, Dominique beside her.]

After your mother's death...my life was not worth living. I left the village, wandering no where and yet...on a path. I welcomed Death's embrace but she never came...it was apparently not my destiny. Gustav came and gave you ANOTHER chance...

[ a montage of the years with Gustav, all the learning, growing, teaching, experience, even a few moments where a young Nicolas met Sharon.]

but you could not escape who you are...what you were connected to.

[ the drama of Set.]

Manipulated though you were? that is NO excuse...no absolution of guilt or responsibility. THAT is where you fail right now.

[ the affair with Haleigh replays...and Dominique FORCES him to see it.]

You lost your witch, because you betrayed her with the hybrid. The manipulation came from something that ALREADY existed.

Though you may think your actions were not your own...they WERE. accept that you are no more perfect or well meaning than any other human, ACCEPT your fallen status.

[ moving on to the more recent events]

your behavior is not befitting what your adoptive father taught you. You are acting more like an undisciplined child. someone with no sense of responsbility. you PLAY at being responsible, you BELIEVE that you are UNJUSTLY "mistreated" but you're wrong.

you're WRONG.

but now? you have ANOTHER CHANCE...

[they return to the secret darkness and Dominique is now sitting right across from Nicolas.]

The best thing that i can do for you, is to set you BACK on the path you need to be. I must not....will NOT be any kind of "mother" to you. You have that in the witch, Shadow Weaver, the mutate, Silver Swan or even the otherworldly goddess, Ororo. BUT...despite my personal feelings...

[ taking his hands into her own gloved hands.]

I have...COMPASSION for your hardship. Where you are now...is where I was in the desert before Isis greeted me.

Accept your mistakes, Nicolas and all that comes with that. Do NOT try to find fault with others or "assess blame". ACCEPT that you are where you are because of YOU and now that you understand that...TURN AROUND and GO BACK but know that because of your actions, things will NEVER be the same. It is not for you to dictate how they will be. YOU are the one with the burden.

If there is one thing that is unique among humans, it is the capacity to forgive and the DESIRE to RECOVER and move on. Just as YOU want to more forward? so do your friends. But how CAN they when you keep REMINDING them who your REAL father is?

Recovery is SLOW, Nicolas. You are young and uncoordinated and the things you do REOPEN wounds that have JUST begun to close!

Learn how to HUSH. Learn how to DO what y ou are supposed to because it is what you are supposed to do...and dont EXPECT anything else. I have accepted that no matter how I may FEEL about you...that I have a DUTY to you...that duty is tremendous burden BUT I accept it just the same.

You have your allies, those who are keeping the door OPEN for your chance. Harbinger and Silver Swan...do NOT squander their kindness or efforts...rather BUILD on them.

 

[Firebird]

From Blaze's position she could feel the glare of heated daggers thrown her way from Haleigh. While Blaze may have come across as confrontational she had no real conflict with Haleigh. She was trying to look out for Morgan since the incident in the court yard with Nicolas and Morgan. Haleigh's words filled the air with irritation.

"The alternate DIED. The details AREN'T important. We have already TRIUMPHED over the situation that brought about her death in THAT timeline… we made our OWN history, that's all that matters. [turning to Morgan] I believe that you are being menaced, Morgan, but by BARBAS, NOT by Nicolas. TRUST me, Morgan… you have NOTHING to fear but FEAR itself."

Blaze didn't push the issue from the hybrid. She knew when and with whom to choose her battles with. A difference between herself and mainstream Blaze who fought with everyone.

Everyone spoke on the situation and Blaze could see Haleigh's temper increasing even further. Walking over to the hybrid she tried to calm her down.

"When this is over, I say we hit the town and get some drinks. I'll buy." Blaze's way of apologizing for stressing the hybrid. A sly wink offered to the blonde before she over heard Karen advising herself and Delilah would be looking out for Morgan.

Nodding along as Morgan would summon a disc.

 

[Fusion]

Melrose Place -- Apt 6

Claudia decided to join them and they all sat down to eat. To the outside eye, it might look like a typical, peaceful scene, but there was an underlying current of unrest and no one seemed to want to bring it to the surface.

On the positive side, the food was excellent. Their chef was one of the best from Italy and he knew what he was doing in the kitchen… and he also made the perfect wine selection available. Clara was just thinking about it when Claudia asked how she felt.

Hmm… how do I feel? About what, exactly? About being lied to? About being treated like a teenager? Or about being dragged all the way across the country only to be stuffed into this tiny apartment and dogged persistently by the demon of fear?

Barbas: [Anthony's voice] She's being purposely vague, Princess.

She decided to answer NONE of those questions…. And instead just kept her answer as vague as the question, until she could determine what exactly her sister was driving at.

"I feel…. Warm and dry."

Clara and Johnny traded inside-joke smirks. Clara went back to eating, her appetite much more active than Claudia's. She wasn't going to push Claudia anymore… she'd tried that at the casino and met a wall… so if Claudia wasn't going to come out and SAY it…. Then Clara wasn't going to set herself up to be lied to AGAIN.

Barbas: Ignorance isn't always bliss.

 

[Siren]

Clara: I feel…. Warm and dry.

Clara's rather cryptic answer and little chuckle between herself and Johnny irritated Claudia. And the fact that Johnny seemed to be this pillar of strength and trust for Clara was even more frustrating. She understood they grew up together and were basically in love with one another, but logic seemed to take a backseat to Claudia's jealousy at the moment. Dropping her fork onto her plat with an obnoixious clank, Claudia tossed her cloth napkin on top of the untouched pasta and sat back in her chair.

"You want the truth? Fine. The fact that you believe i'm exactly like daddy makes me think regardless of what I say, you'll always look at me as monster, so here's the truth, Clara. I slept with Zachary Armani two nights ago. He came to Los Angeles to reconcile with Haleigh and I baited him into bed so I could throw our one night stand in Haleigh's face and she would want nothing more to do with me, you, or our family buisness. I hired Morgan Victoria as a model and in turn hired Nicolas as well, putting them in the same ad campaign as a way to fuck with them. To make Morgan miserable and pit her against Nicolas so he would come to me for comfort. I lie because it's easier than facing the truth. I manipulate because I want others to feel the same pain and suffering I have. I screw with peoples lives because for MY entire life everyone i've ever known has tried to knock me down and take me out. So you know what? Maybe I AM like dad. Maybe you SHOULD get as far away from me as possible. But there is ONE THING that I want to make PERFECTLY clear to you......I love you more than you know....more than you REALIZE.

Stopping, Claudia's eyes were filled with tears and she knew they would spill if she didn't take a second to compose herself.

"I never wanted to hurt you. I only wanted to protect you....and i'm sorry."

Blinking as she stood from the table, the tears that had been building in her eyes finally fell to her cheeks. Her 'confident', straight forward speech to Clara was never meant to end so emotionally, but Claudia couldn't help but feel that maybe her father was right all along about everything. And Barbas was certainly using Claudia's doubts and fears to his advantage. 'Escaping' down the hall and into her bedroom, Claudia passed Isabella, who was standing halfway between Claudia's bedroom and the main enterence to the livingroom/dining room, having heard everything. The look on her face was sympathatic and sad as she watched Claudia shut herself in her bedroom.

Barbas: How brave of you. Admitting everything to your poor little sister. It would warm my heart if I didn't know you better, Claudia.

Refusing to respond to the 'voice in her head', Claudia went to her bed. Sitting on the edge, she leaned her torso forward, running her hands back through her hair before resting her elbows on her tighs with her head still in her hands.

"Save your breath, Barbas. Because right now I already know what i'm afraid of."

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah was damn tired of the guilt tripping.

“You know, it’s not forgiveness if you use it for blackmail every chance you get…” she said under her breath. It was clear to her that if anything Mike and Nicolas forgave her LESS the more time that passed. They just liked having something to hang over her head. Well, she refused to let them make her feel bad about it anymore. Nicolas had used up all his get out of jail free cards…

Haleigh of ALL people wanted to give Nicolas the benefit of the doubt.

"That's why I'd like Sharon to be with Nicolas… not only to keep him under CONTROL and to keep him calm… but also to PROVE to everyone that Nicolas isn't behind this… it's only BARBAS, playing on ALL our suspicions and paranoia."

“I hope you’re right, but Morgan’s – and our – safety is my top priority at the moment.”

If he WANTS reconciliation, he needs to find a way to SHOW IT, and he needs to STOP antagonizing Morgan every chance he gets. Until THAT DAY comes, helping HIM is going to come SECOND to preventing another fucking Inferno."

A-fucking-men. They couldn’t coddle Nicolas as Morgan’s expense, because Nicolas could be bad when he lost his shit, but Morgan could destroy the damn WORLD.

and so, Haleigh's suggestion is sound. We need to place Nicolas with Sharon and inform him that the condition of his remaining with US is that he STAY with Sharon at ALL times. NO CONTACT with Morgan under any circumstance...

Delilah nodded, not particularly happy but accepting of the consensus and bowing to Karen’s wishes.

Morgan summoned a disc, and they were finally teleported away from this hellish affair.

 

[Fusion]

Melrose -- Apt 6

As it turned out… feigning disinterest seemed to be the number one way to find out valuable information in the Zacchara family. Claudia dropped her fork and all pretense of things being bearable and launched into revelation.

Claudia: "You want the truth?"

[haughtily] "I think I deserve it."

Claudia: "Fine. The fact that you believe I'm exactly like Daddy makes me think regardless of what I say, you'll always look at me as a monster, so here's the truth, Clara."

[surprised] "What-- I don't think--"

But there was no stopping Claudia now that the floodgates were open… Clara had wanted the truth, and now she was going to get it-- ALL of it. Claudia admitted to sleeping with Haleigh's ex [current?] boyfriend/ fiancee, and Clara looked slightly confused. A coincidence? Of course not. Claudia further explained that she'd done it on purpose as a pre-emptive strike to discourage Haleigh from wanting to work with them. Clara sighed, rubbing her eyes with her fingers. She gently set her fork down and reached for her glass of wine. But Claudia wasn't done… she'd also had designs on Nicolas and had manipulated him and the landlord in an effort to take advantage of him.

Barbas: [as Anthony] I told you she was a filthy slut. What's it going to take for you to believe me?

Clara slammed her empty wine goblet down on the table, anger seeping in. The awareness of Barbas seemed to be slowly drifting out of focus. All she could hear was her father's voice reverberating in her head. When was he going to leave her ALONE?!

SHUT UP, Daddy!

Claudia: "Maybe I AM like Dad. Maybe you SHOULD get as far away from me as possible. But there is ONE THING that I want to make PERFECTLY clear to you……I love you more than you know….more than you REALIZE."

Their eyes meet… Claudia's were brimming with tears and it struck a similar emotion in Clara… she tried for comfort.

"Claudia…."

Claudia: "I never wanted to hurt you. I only wanted to protect you…and I'm sorry."

Barbas: [as Anthony] Aww… she's sorry. Isn't that cute.

Clara watched Claudia go, pursing her lips together as her father poked fun.

It really IS disturbing how small and black your heart is, Daddy.

Barbas: Did you hear? She was trying to protect you. That excuse sound familiar?

Maybe… but I forgive her for that.

Barbas: Why? You HATE it when I say that, Princess. It's just MORE proof that she's just like me.

No…. She's NOT. For one thing… YOU would never apologizing for hurting me.

Johnny: "So… are you going to let her cool off first?"

[absently] "No… do you want the rest of this? I'm done with it."

She said, standing slowly. Johnny gratefully received her plate, and she went down the hall for Claudia's room. She didn't bother knocking on the door… just forced it open, using a little plasma energy when needed. Claudia was sitting on the edge of her bed, her face buried in her hands. Clara sat down next to her and wrapped her arms around her sister, her voice gentle.

"I love you too. [after a pause] I don't need protection anymore, Claudia…. I've been protecting MYSELF for fourteen years… and I'm not saying that to be cruel… or because I'm bitter… it's just… they way things are."

She wished Claudia hadn't burned the Black Widow bridge… and she couldn't understand Claudia's inexplicable attraction to the smarmy, barbaric PIG Nicolas King… but the deeds were done… there was no use crying over spilt milk.

"Don't worry about Davidoff… I didn't want to work with her that badly ANYWAY."

Not exactly the truth… there was so much to gain from utilizing a resource like Haleigh Davidoff… but forgiving her sister for good intentions was the right thing to do [hopefully]. Claudia seemed to be doing a fine job of beating herself up about it, at any rate. Despite Clara's displeasure at the whole wretched mess Claudia had made of things, however, Clara had to admit that her sister's devious plan to reel in Nicolas was impressively Machiavellian.

"I do have one question for you, though. [with a hint of admiration] Did your plan to lure the man next door work out the way you wanted?"

 

[Arsenal]

Hearing the responses to his was irritating but Delilah's mumbling under her breath burned him most. He kept his thoughts to himself, simply tired of swimming against the tide and satisfied overall at what had been decided.

He could not fathom how they did ot understand what he was saying. It was simple. If you need help and I help you, it should be obvious that you reciprocate when I need help. Unfortunately that is not how this was going and now Morgan's instability was hijacking EVERYTHING else.

He folded his arms and waited as they were whisked away....

...back to MP.

 

[Siren]

Claudia inhaled a deep breath in an effort to collect herself, but Clara's sudden push through the door seemed to do the trick. Looking to her sister, Claudia quickly looked away, brushing the tears from her cheeks, embarressed. It was rare for her to break down and become vulnerable in front of anyone, especially someone whom she always tried to stay strong in front of. Clara sat down next to her and Claudia shut her eyes feeling her sisters embrace.

Clara: I love you too.

Bitting her bottom lip, Clara sounded sincere enough.

Clara: I don't need protection anymore, Claudia…. I've been protecting MYSELF for fourteen years… and I'm not saying that to be cruel… or because I'm bitter… it's just… they way things are.

"I know that. I know that you're more than capable of protecting yourself. [finally looking at Clara] But that doesn't mean I can't too. You're my baby sister and i'm ALWAYS going to want to protect you, Clara. It's....in the big sister rule book or something."

Cracking a small smile, Claudia shook her head at her lame joke.

Clara: Don't worry about Davidoff… I didn't want to work with her that badly ANYWAY.

Deciding not to respond on that particular topic, she knew that Clara was pissed about her burning that particular bridge....but Claudia's opinion about Haleigh Davidoff hadn't changed. She was bad news [not that Claudia wasn't ] and she KNEW that getting even further involved with Haleigh could cost them big time; especially since she was loyal to Morgan Victoria and Co.

Clara: I do have one question for you, though.

Looking over to Clara, Claudia perked up a curious brow.

"Yeah?"

Clara: [with a hint of admiration] Did your plan to lure the man next door work out the way you wanted?

Coughing out a small laugh, Claudia couldn't believe Clara was actually ASKING her that. Especially since her sister made it MORE than clear that Nicolas was on her shit list.

"The plan's still in motion....[with a smirk] but he's hooked. A person can only take so much hatred before they seek out comfort."

Maybe a hint as to why Claudia acts the way that she does, but the brunette wouldn't allow that particular subject to be brought up either.

"Can I ask you something? [pausing as well] I'm going to sound hypocritical saying this....but I want the truth, Clara. Do you really regret coming out here with me?"

 

[Black Widow]

Back to Melrose; Apt 5

Karen laid out positions for everyone. Blaze and Delilah with Morgan, Sharon with Nicolas, and if Alison was still around, she'd stay with Haleigh. Haleigh nodded simply to this and all else that was brought up [including absently agreeing to Blaze's offer for drinks]… she was mainly focused on keeping HERSELF cool, calm, and under control. The task of trying to mediate and maintain her own composure despite the complexity of the situation was wearing on her. She wanted to help Morgan but it wasn't as simple as black and white; the blowback of Nicolas' emotion from the day made it easy for her to feel sorry for him, even though she wasn't particularly HAPPY with him at the moment. On top of all that… there was the hassle of Barbas… and the annoyance of Claudia… the inconvenience of being randomly ill to the point of passing out and if that wasn't even to make a person insane, there was also the fact that Haleigh had JUST restored her standing with Morgan and had to precariously balance her alliances to maintain the trust she had with the others.

The impromptu meeting drew to a close. Morgan transported them all back to Melrose and they went their previously designated separate ways. Haleigh told the others she'd be in her apartment and that Alison could find her there in the unlikely event that the Seer didn't already anticipate the arrangement… and she also left a blanket warning that she'd be keeping an eye on everyone but in an emergency situation... They should all go to Morgan's apartment ASAP.

She left then, heading back across the courtyard to her own apartment… she already knew from DNA signaturing that the Zacchara brood was all in their apartment… and she intended to check up on everything Claudia had been doing since she returned. She ALSO recognized, to her surprise, that Zach was in her apartment, presumably waiting for her return. She let herself in and spotted him on the couch, thumbing through a magazine.

"You're back?"

Zach: "I never left."

"I thought we agreed you'd stay at the Roosevelt until we can be rid of Barbas."

"Yes… we did. But I have something to tell you… I didn't want you to find out from someone else. You left in such a hurry this morning."

"Riiight. That I did. [she'd been sick again… it wasn't something she wanted to worry him with. A change of subject ought to do the trick...] Well, you just hold that thought a moment… I need to check on the neighbors and… make sure they weren't attacked in my absence. [holding up her hand to stall him] It'll only take a minute or two."

She pulled up a few screens and scanned the whole complex for activity. watched the surveillance tapes mostly in fast forward… she wasn't interested in Clara and Johnny clowning around in the pool or what the maid had to say about it, nor did she care much about Claudia's tv habits. She did, however, notice the visibly tense conversation at the table… and she rewound the tape and turned up the volume to find out what the argument was about.

[on video feed] Claudia:"--So here's the truth, Clara. I slept with Zachary Armani two nights ago. He came to Los Angeles to reconcile with Haleigh and I baited him into bed so I could throw our one night stand in Haleigh's face and she would want nothing more to do with me, you, or our family business. I hired Morgan Victoria as a model and in turn hired Nicolas as well, putting them in the same ad campaign as a way to fuck with them.--"

Haleigh paused the playback… she didn't need to hear any more… she wasn't even completely listening… the shock of the first revelation stunned and angered her. Behind her, she could hear Zach shifting, moving slightly closer, no doubt trying to gauge her reaction.

 

[Orion]

Melrose: Apt 5

Haleigh:"I know enough NOT to doubt that's the truth."

Her voice sounded steely, deliberately NOT pained… but he knew she was hurt by it. It made HIM angry too… hearing Claudia say it out loud CONFIRMED his suspicion that she'd done the whole thing on purpose… and the fact that he FELL for it, hook line and sinker… made him feel like a complete idiot.

"I wanted to tell you this morning... But you left… and just now…"

He tried to explain that he'd WANTED to tell her himself… but there wasn't much to say. All he WANTED to do was pull her into a hug and express how sorry he was… but he suspected that'd just piss her off more. There was a black surveillance screen in front of her, in which he could make out her reflection…. He saw her close her eyes gently, as if bracing herself for something

Haleigh: "Did you know? Did you KNOW who she was before you fucked her?"

"Of COURSE not, Haleigh. I would've NEVER touched her if I'd known."

He didn't hesitate, he didn't need to. He considered telling her about Claudia coming to his hotel suite yesterday… but he wasn't sure if that'd help or not. He drew closer to her.

"I told you before she meant NOTHING to me. That hasn't changed just because I know her name. It was MEANINGLESS. [he reached towards her, to touch her shoulder] I didn't think I had a chance--"

Haleigh: "Don't."

He withdrew his hand, watching her reflection solemnly. Don't what?

Haleigh: "I forgave you before… that still stands."

She said quietly, and he considered reaching out to her again but she passed him on the way into her kitchen. He followed her, not sure where she was going but wanting to make sure she wasn't going to do anything rash.

"Look, Haleigh, I know this is difficult for you… but you mustn't show Claudia that she's affected you, it's what she WANTS. You're not going to let her have that victory, are you?"

Haleigh punched a few buttons on her double oven and then opened it. The back of the inside of the oven lowered and mechanical drawers emerged from the darkness, presenting an array of weaponry.

Haleigh: [triumphantly] "Oh… she won't be able to enjoy it for very long."

"You're going to kill her? That won't change anything."

Haleigh: [after selecting a serrated knife as long as her forearm] "Maybe not… but it'll FEEL good."

Zach moved quickly to block her path out of the kitchen. He wasn't stupid… he KNEW she could cut him in HALF with the knife in her hand… but he put up a determined front.

"What if your anger CONSUMES you and you lose control?"

 

[Black Widow]

Melrose: Apt 5

Haleigh eyed him. He knew her too well for her to try and argue that she wasn't nearing a breaking point. He probably didn't know about EVERYTHING going on around her right now… he CERTAINLY didn't know about her bouts of 'illness'… but his suggestion halted her. She WANTED to throw herself into the abyss… spilling Claudia's blood would help her get a release from A LOT of the tension she was carrying around… and no doubt MANY of her friends would THANK her…. it'd be very satisfying, overall.

But she knew he was right. She couldn't risk it. The LAST time she'd lost control there were some inexplicable symptoms…. And she knew the broad reach of her powers put everyone not JUST in physical danger… but in danger of being 'rediscovered' as well. She sighed heavily, gently setting the knife on the marble countertop.

"Fine…. I won't kill her… or maim her. Yet. For now… I think I'll send her a little gift [off his wary expression] You know…. Just to… congratulate her… on a job well done. If you'll excuse me, I've got a call to make. [sardonically] Morgan and most of the others are just across the courtyard in Apt 4, if there's any of THEM you'd like to bang."

Zach: [gently rebuking her snipe] "Haleigh. [taking her hands in his] I want ONLY you."

[nodding, but trying to remain firm] "Just as well… I think you ought to get out of here. We can have angry make up sex after this Barbas thing is over."

He chuckled a bit, grimly… and then left… she watched him go. She couldn't decide if she wanted to cry or destroy something… the idea of him and Claudia together was not just insulting… it was sickening. She couldn't risk the wonton abandon of killing Claudia… but she DID intend to send the wretch a message. She called up the right people.

 

[Fusion]

Melrose: Apt 6

Claudia: "I know that. I know that you're more than capable of protecting yourself. [finally looking at Clara] But that doesn't mean I can't too. You're my baby sister and I'm ALWAYS going to want to protect you, Clara. It's....in the big sister rule book or something."

Clara smiled softly…. Yes… maybe that was Claudia's perogative. It may not make it any easier, for Clara wanted independence more than anything… and she wanted Claudia to trust that she was STRONG enough to BE independent too…. But one step at a time. She at least had Claudia admitting to knowing that Clara was CAPABLE. That was a start.

Claudia laughed slightly at Clara's question, as if not believing she'd ask… but she still answered anyway.

Claudia: "The plan's still in motion…. [with a smirk] but he's hooked. A person can only take so much hatred before they seek out comfort."

She nodded knowingly and for a moment, the shared a conspiratorial smirk.

"Well good job then. I may not like the guy very much… but he ALLEGEDLY saved your life… so I have to at least be cordial with him until you've [shuddering] properly thanked him, as you're so determined to do. [pause… then, perkily:] So let me know when I can go back to hating him again!"

Claudia: "Can I ask you something?"

[shrugging] "Anything."

Claudia:I'm going to sound hypocritical saying this… but I want the truth, Clara."

"Of course."

Claudia: "Do you really regret coming out here with me?"

She looked at her sister gently, her expression softening as she searched for a way to explain the multitude of her emotions.

"Claudia…. It's so complicated. I'm thousands of miles from everything I've ever known. I hate this cramped apartment. I'm pretty sure all of our neighbors are violence-prone wackos, and BECAUSE of them, I've got some ancient demon of fear convincing me that our CERTIFIED INSANE, institutionalized father is talking to me in my head…. Telling me I can't trust you… and I'm worried that you don't trust ME…. And I'm worried that you, me, John, ALL OF US are going to DIE before the night is over. It's NOT that I regret coming with YOU…. Just that I'm THOROUGHLY dissatisfied with our circumstances."

She hoped Claudia would understand… no one in their right MIND would be happy about the series of events they were subject to. From out in the apartment's commons, she faintly heard a knock at the door, followed by the chime of the doorbell. Johnny called that he'd get it. Clara glanced in the direction of the apartment proper, then back at Claudia.

"Expecting someone?"

 

[Siren]

Clara surprisingly congratulated Claudia on a job well done regarding her plans to seduce Nicolas. It was slightly odd considering most people would be disgusted by it, but that was further proof in Claudia's eyes that her sister looked past the 'bad' in her and saw something more. Something worth loving.

Clara: So let me know when I can go back to hating him again!

Laughing, Claudia nudged Clara playfully.

"Will do."

But the lightheartedness of the conversation quickly shifted to Clara expressing her feelings about the current situation. Claudia didn't blame her. Honestly, who would want to up and leave their family home, friends, town, and LIFE to move across the country with a sibling they barely remember to a cramped apartment surrounded by lunitic bitches and a psycho demon who's no stalking them? It wasn't exactly what Claudia invision EITHER.

Clara: I've got some ancient demon of fear convincing me that our CERTIFIED INSANE, institutionalized father is talking to me in my head…. Telling me I can't trust you....

Claudia lowered her eyes nodding.

Clara: and I'm worried that you don't trust ME….

Shutting them now, she continued to listen until Clara finished. Wetting her dry lips with her tongue, Claudia opened her eyes and sighed.

"Well....if it's any consolation....this isn't exactly what I signed up for either. If I knew this was how everything was going to turn out I would have never asked you to come with me. Hell, I would have never come MYSELF until the house was finished and ready to move into. I thought that living here a couple of months would be good for us, you know? We could catch up....hang out...do the girly stuff we never got to do before. I had no idea that Sharon Kelly would be living here - or Haleigh Davidoff for that matter. That a DEMON would be screwing with us and trying to kill us. I mean....it wasn't exactly in the Melrose Place brochure they mailed me, that's for sure. [pausing] I know this isn't what either of us planned for or expected, but i'm so glad you're with me, Clara. And once this damn Barbas situation is done and over with, we'll get the hell out of this shit hole apartment and move into our new house in the Hollywood Hills. [with a grin] It's ten times the size of daddy's!"

Their conversation was interrupted by a knocking and ringing of the doorbell. Johnny called out that he'd get it and Clara asked if she was expecting anyone. Well....who could she possibly be expecting? The woman's career she was screwing over? The woman's love life she was screwing over? The man's love life she was screwing over? The woman whom hated her with ever fiber of her being? Or the man she was seducing? The options were limitless at this point...

[sarcastically] "That's a loaded question...."

Claudia then went silent, trying to hear who was at the door so she could be prepared for who she had to deal with once exiting her bedroom and 'greeting' them.

 

[Fusion]

Melrose: Apt 6

Claudia: "Well… if it's any consolation…. This isn't exactly what I signed up for either. If I knew this was how everything was going to turn out I would have never asked you to come with me. Hell, I would have never come MYSELF until the house was finished and ready to move into."

[laughing softly] "Well… not much consolation, I'm afraid… but it's good to know you're not completely insane."

Clara replied with a wink. She listened to her sister talk about the bonding she thought they could do… the catching up, and Clara smiled fondly. That would have been nice. Clara chuckled when her sister mentioned that all these wonderful living conditions had been left out of the Melrose brochure.

Claudia: "I know this isn't what either of us planned or expected, but I'm so glad you're with me, Clara."

"Yes…. Me too."

She replied, with a soft smile that grew to a winning grin as Claudia mentioned their palatial estate in the Hills, when was still being renovated.

"Good. Because the fact that I can hear what's going on in the kitchen no matter WHAT room I'm in, and that my closet is about as big as a SHOEBOX…. Is starting to drive me more insane than Barbas, at this point."

Neither of them had any idea who could be at the doorway… and neither of them were exactly jumping up to find out, either. Johnny came sauntering down the hall, knocking on the half open door, pushing it the rest of the way open. He was carrying a long, slender rose box that was stain black with a red bow.

Johnny: "Been making friends, have you, Claudia? It's a flower delivery for you. It came with a card too… If it were Clara's I'd read it aloud but… you're a bit more accustomed to privacy, so…"

He said, handing the envelope containing the card, still holding the box for her, currently unopened. Clara leaned in curiously as Claudia accepted the card, interested in knowing who was behind it.

"From Nicolas?"

 

[Black Widow]

Melrose: Apt 5

Haleigh sat back in her chair, carefully watching the Zaccharas. The bodyguard had just brought her delivery in to the sisters… and she was watching the event unfold with a good deal of wicked, unabashed glee. Haleigh smirked proudly as Johnny handed the card over first. It read:

Claudia, I just thought I'd send you a token of my appreciation for all your efforts during our business venture this morning. You kept me on my toes, and that is not something easily done, so take a moment to congratulate yourself, and enjoy this little gift. I think you'll like it… it's perfectly descriptive of the direction our business relationship has taken; and it also has much to say about what you can expect from your stay here in Melrose.​

Regards,
Haleigh

P.S. A 'friendly' tip: Nicolas fancies himself a gentleman. The Mystery Stains of HO-tel sheets may not be up to his standards. Might I suggest you check your OWN linens for cleanliness before taking him to bed?​

The rose box on the outside was very beautiful… the inside was another matter entirely. There were roses, yes…. But they were badly decayed, infested with maggots and smelled TERRIBLE. A token of her 'appreciation', indeed.

But that wasn't the ONLY little surprise Haleigh had in store for Claudia EITHER…. Her post script 'suggestion' to Claudia was more sinister than simply insulting… if Claudia had the presence of mind to realize that Haleigh was literally hinting for her to check the bed for another 'gift'… then she'd immediately find the flat metallic container that Haleigh'd hidden between the sheets…. If she didn't catch the subtle threat, then she wouldn't find it until later…. Regardless… Haleigh would WAIT until the canister was found to mentally open it and release the dozen live Black Widow spiders that it contained.

It was time for Claudia to find out that she wasn't the ONLY one that took a perverse pleasure toying with other people.