Gathering at the clock tower

[Orion]

EOS Nomad -- Zach's Apartment

Ashley: And you had better not forget it.

She replied, and Zach shared her smile. He suggested taking her to work with him, then joked about calling in sick, mischief in his eyes.

Ashley: I'm not sure how much work you'd get done...and you are looking quite flushed. Though, I don't know, seeing where you work could be fun...how big is your desk?

She asked him, and Zach stroked his beard thoughtfully as he considered it.

"Well big enough for you to be comfortable laid across it."

He replied, giving her a salacious wink. She floated the idea of going shooting, and his face lit up with excitement as he finished his breakfast. He was about to suggest they visit his gun safe when Zizi came on over the com-link.

Zizi> Orion, this is Oracle. Are you reading me?

"Loud and clear Oracle, go ahead."

Zizi> I've just received word that Jake is being released from the hospital.

Zach made eye contact with Ashley. She was a detective, well practiced in the art of tailing subjects without their knowledge, well experienced in providing protective detail. Would she help him shadow Jake from the hospital to the Santcuary?

Zizi> I've sent a team to ensure that he arrives back home safely. I thought you would want to know.

"Thanks for the heads up, but I should be ON THAT TEAM, Oracle."

He said, his jaw clenching in frustration. The reminder that he was being purposefully excluded from a situation he could help with was bad enough, the fact that he had a personal bond with Jake that was suffering from this ban made it so much worse. Couldn't they all see how unreasonable Rose was being, and that her decision was irrational and detrimental?

Zach wondered if they were even trying to solve that issue, or if everyone was just more comfortable now that he [and Ashley] had been essentially forced onto reserve status, out of sight, out of mind. Rose didn't want HIM around, and the Amazons had endorsed that demand. The Amazons and Isis didn't care for Ashley either, and some had issued ultimatums to Zizi, refusing to work with the group unless Ashley was cast out. Zach had done his best to convince them all that they were being unfair, but still he and Ash had been left out of the efforts to restore and secure the Sanctuary.

Zizi> I also think you and Valkyrie should come back to the Clocktower. It's the safest place for everyone to be. And it's time.

Zizi seemed to read his mind. Zach nodded, forgetting for a moment that she couldn't see his nonverbal agreement.

"We'll be there shortly."

He said, sounding pleased. He turned to Ash immediately.

"Ziz sent a team to escort Jake home, she needs us at the Clocktower."

He told her. He was still holding her hand, his thumb gently rubbing over her knuckles.

"I won't abide them being rude to you."

He said, knowing she'd understand exactly who he was talking about.

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Thanks to Isis, everyone was in place quickly. It broke her heart to see how nervous little Jake was - it was understandable, certainly, but someone of his age shouldn't have to be worried to go outside. Oracle flipped through security cams inside and outside the building, and along their route. Sharon's gryfalcons had detected something, but she could see no sign of any threat. Still, she hacked the traffic control systems and made sure the little convoy had green lights the entire way to the Sanctuary.

Oracle leaned back in her chair with a sigh of relief as finally all the children were safe and secure within the walls of the Sanctuary, and no threat appeared to be looming. At least not right now.

Thank you, very much for your assistance. Even though Jake is now home, the road to full recovery is still not complete. I'm still going to have to work with him to help him feel safe, and know that no one else will try to come carry him away in the middle of the night. The other children are going to be so happy to see him, to know that he's physically whole, but they too struggle with wonder if they'll EVER have a place in the outside world, with people like that horrible woman [Black Widow] on the loose. I hope that YOU all find her...and deal with her...because if not? WOE be until Black Widow, or any of those other perverted souls at that Hellfire Club, if they trespass here!

Zizi's smile turned briefly to one of worry - Rose was like a mama bear separated from her cubs, and ready to lash out at the smallest provocation. But Zizi reminded herself, that that instinct is what kept her children safe.

"You're quite welcome, Rose, and you know my team - my entire team - is happy and available to help with anything you need."

Zach's banning from the Sanctuary needed to be addressed: but not today. Signing off from Rose, she sighed again, feeling tension in her shoulders. But then she smiled, because Gabe's hands were on her shoulders, and the tension instantly left her body.

She tried not to giggle as she contacted Zach through the com.

"You're incredible."

She playfully slapped at his hand - but not very convincingly. Zach answered, and she let him know about Jake. Her eyes closed as Gabe massaged her shoulders. She muted her com speaker.

"That is very distracting you know..."

"Thanks for the heads up, but I should be ON THAT TEAM, Oracle."

"I don't disagree, but the last thing we need is for Rose to throw ALL of us out - we just got her to accept our help with a new security system. How well off will Jake and the other children be if Rose rips THAT one out too? I know it's difficult, but right now we have to stay in the position to help them. Rose made it very clear to all of us her wishes."

She paused.

"It won't be forever, Zach. But we need to tread carefully, and do this right."

She went on to tell Zach that he and Ashley should come back to the Clocktower, and he told her they were be there soon.

Gabe rubbed her arms, and she turned to look up at him.

"I know they aren't your favorite people...but it will just take time, I promise you."

She smiled.

"I'd say we have at least twenty minutes before anyone comes back. Cat nap? Or we could pick up where we left off earlier?"

She put her hand over his. He did look tired - maybe she could convince him to take a longer nap.

 

[Valkyrie]

EOS Nomad

They discussed what they were going to do for the day, and Ash innocently inquired how big of a desk Zach had.

"Well big enough for you to be comfortable laid across it."

The corners of her mouth turned up into an amused grin.

"Oh, so you're a mind reader now?"

The chatted while they ate, until Zach got that look on his face that said someone was talking in his ear.

"Loud and clear Oracle, go ahead."

Zizi said something to him that caused his eyes to go immediately to her. She mouthed the word, What? but he didn't say anything.

"Thanks for the heads up, but I should be ON THAT TEAM, Oracle."

She saw him tense, and immediately gave his hand a squeeze. She looked at him with a brow furrowed in concern.

"We'll be there shortly."

She looked at him with an anticipatory gesture.

"Ziz sent a team to escort Jake home, she needs us at the Clocktower."

So this was when it all ended. Damnit. She really thought they would be able to eke out more time together. He was rubbing her hand, and she looked down at it and suddenly had the urge to cry.

"I won't abide them being rude to you."

She gave a half hearted laugh.

"Then this is probably going to be a very short visit."

She stood up, and picked up their plates, then set them down again. She leaned against the table for a second, then in a quick motion moved to where he sat and leaned over, putting her hands on either side of his face and kissing him passionately. She held his gaze as she pulled back.

"I..."

She studied his face a few seconds more, the words not coming out.

"I'll get my stuff together."

 

[Cypher]

As Gabe massaged Zizi's shoulders, he could immediately feel her melt into his hands and the tension leave her body. That put a smile on his face as he looked up at the monitor while Zizi spoke to Zach, watching the security feed from The Sanctuary. It felt good knowing that his work was actually being used to help innocent lives instead of being sold to the highest bidder. Those kids deserved peace of mind, especially Jake. And to know that he helped in a small way made him realize why Zizi put this team together, and why she was an incredible human being with a heart of gold.

Zizi muted her com-link before her eyes fell shut.

Zizi: "That's incredibly distracting you know..."

Gabe grinned, his thumbs moving in unison up the length of her neck and to the nape.

"Just doin' my part in helping the team leader..."

He teased, going silent once again as she reopened the com-link to speak again with Zach. He was obviously upset about not being there to escort Jake, as well as being banned from seeing him. Him and Zach may have gotten off on the wrong foot, but he wasn't a bad guy. Ava spoke so highly of him when they were together, and loved the hell out of him. And Zizi wouldn't have had him on her team if he wasn't a decent person. Gabe may have thought the guy was a giant prick, but it was obvious he was a giant prick with a heart. Still, he sighed knowing he would likely have to deal with the same bullshit he had before.

Gently rubbing Zizi's arms, it reenforced to her that he would take the high road in the situation.

Zizi: "I know they aren't your favorite people...but it will just take time, I promise you."

"No worries, Lizzie. I can handle it."

Giving her a sincere smile, he wasn't gonna add anymore stress to Zizi by being a dick to her friends. He would grin and bare it until this situation with Nedry and The Sanctuary was over.

Zizi: "I'd say we have at least twenty minutes before anyone comes back. Cat nap?"

A nap sounded good. Real good.

Zizi: "Or we could pick up where we left off earlier?"

Gabe's smile grew. That sounded even better. His one hand slid from the back of Zizi's neck and around to her jaw, guiding her face to him as he leaned over from behind and captured her mouth with his. The kiss intensified with him parting his lips, deepening it to taste her while gently gripping her face. It was like 20 espresso shots in one moment, Gabe feeling more alert an awake. But after a few long moments, he finally broke the kiss for no other reason than to take a breath. His face remained close to hers, the smile lines around his eyes emphasized as happily looked into her own eyes.

"Twenty minutes isn't enough time."

His hands slid down her neck, to her shoulder, then arms as he rounded to the front of her finally, kneeling down.

"We should divert them to The Sanctuary....much safer."

He joked with a grin.

"Or a donut pit stop. That could give us an extra ten for sure..."

His hands slid up her waist as he pulled her forward to him, his mouth meeting with her neck and the smell of vanilla enveloping his senses. His fingers moved through her soft hair, feeling like silk against his skin.

"You're amazing..."

He whispered before tasting her neck again.

"The way you lead these people....everything you do for them...."

He moved his mouth up the column of her neck before finally he pulled away to look into her eyes.

"I always knew you'd end up doing amazing things with your life, Liz...I just didn't realize how amazing those things would be."

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Gabe kissed her and time stopped.

"Twenty minutes isn't enough time."

She smiled.

"Not nearly enough."

He moved around to the front of her and knelt down.

"We should divert them to The Sanctuary....much safer. Or a donut pit stop. That could give us an extra ten for sure..."

"Well...you know...the twenty was only an estimate...there's a good chance they won't rush right over..."

She drew in a sharp intake of breath as he began kissing her neck. She stroked the back of his head, eyes closing. The reality of this was a thousand times better than all the imagining, every cell of her body felt alive, burning for him all at once. But she couldn't help worrying about all the interruptions that inevitably happened in her life, and whether he would get fed up with it eventually. Because twenty minutes really wasn't enough.

"You're amazing...The way you lead these people....everything you do for them...."

"Mmmmm...they do all the hard work..."

She smiled as his lips moved over her neck, tickling her. She smiled and cupped his cheek with her hand as he pulled back to look at her.

"I always knew you'd end up doing amazing things with your life, Liz...I just didn't realize how amazing those things would be."

"Well, it's no where near what you can do."

She blushed and looked down through he lashes.

"Or what you do to me."

Zizi raised her eyes, planting a kiss on his lips. pulling back afterward only enough to whisper.

"Why don't we take this to the couch?"

 

[Steel]

The Hospital - Outside Jake's Room

Steel kept watch in the hallway while Rose and the nurses prepared Jake for his journey home. Nothing out of the ordinary had occurred, and he was in close contact with his own team at the NYPD, who informed him of no unusual occurrences around the city. The boy was afraid, and only became increasingly so as they made their way to the hospital entrance where transport was waiting.

"No need to worry, little man. We're all here to keep you safe."

But no words of encouragement seemed to make much difference. Rose got Jake safely into the car, and he slipped into his own SUV with Alycia and followed them to the Sanctuary. John felt bad that Zach wasn't able to be here - least of all because his presence might have helped the boy feel safer. But there was no arguing at this moment in time, nor did Rose have any reason to listen to someone like him, who she barely knew.

As they pulled up, Steel got onto the com as he exited his own car and went to open the door for Rose. Reaching his hand down, he helped her out of the car.

Zizi [via com]: "Help Rose and Jake inside, then do a sweep of the area. Cypher's system is showing no breaches but we can't be too careful."

[via com] "Okay, everyone, form up around Rose, and let's get her and Jake inside. Then half of us inside and the rest out. Let's leave no stone unturned."

Once the packages were safely inside, Steel found a moment to speak covertly to Dominique.

"Isis, when this is over, I'd like to have that discussion we talked about."

 

[Orion]

EOS Nomad -- Zach's Apartment

Zizi> I don't disagree, but the last thing we need is for Rose to throw ALL of us out - we just got her to accept our help with a new security system. How well off will Jake and the other children be if Rose rips THAT one out too? I know it's difficult, but right now we have to stay in the position to help them. Rose made it very clear to all of us her wishes.

"Rose has made it very clear to all of us that she's emotionally unstable and it's affecting the safety of her children."

She was rejecting the people who could help her the most, didn't everyone see that? Clandestine could help her with Haleigh. They may have installed some stop-gap security system, but did they really think there was any technology that Haleigh COULDN'T control or circumvent? At least Clandestine could station personnel at the Sanctuary who know exactly what they were dealing with and would be properly equipped to rebuff Haleigh. Zach could be helping Rose with her anxiety and anger, he could be comforting and reassuring Jake and the other children traumatized by the attack. Instead he was left feeling useless because he was forbidden to help.

Zizi> It won't be forever, Zach. But we need to tread carefully, and do this right.

He let out a forbearing sigh, and Zizi suggested he and Ash return to the Clocktower, saying it was time. He agreed and relayed the new info, and the invitation to rejoin the group, to Ash. He sensed her apprehension, and knew why she felt the way she did. He may NOT be a mind-reader, but he could glean a lot of insight from people's emotions, and he'd spent enough time with Ashley to understand her better. He rubbed her hand, and assured her he wouldn't tolerate any disrespect towards her. She laughed but it was empty of amusement, and it was the first time her laugh failed to bring a smile to his face.

Ashley: Then this is probably going to be a very short visit.

She tried to clear the plates.

"You don't have to do that."

He insisted, and she set them back down and leaned against the table. She seemed to be thinking about something, and he wished he could read her mind. He felt a little guilty for the way she was mistreated by Sharon and Alycia. It'd been his idea to bring them in to the group.

"Seriously though, if we go in and be diplomatic, then when they harangue you, everyone will agree THEY are causing the problem. And then we can deal with it as a team, once and for all. You just have to give everyone a chance."

He said, and then she pulled him abruptly into an emphatic kiss. He was flooded by her emotion. She stopped, pulled back, holding his face in both her hands, looking into his eyes as she tried to say something but stopped. His pulse raced as he anticipated her next words. He knew how she felt. He felt the same for her.

Ashley: I'll get my stuff together.

He gazed at her steadily, his brow crunched up in surprise. It was not what he'd expected her to say. He gave her a small, patient smile. Maybe she wasn't ready to say it. Maybe he'd have to say it first. He licked his lips, separating them, then paused. Maybe she wasn't ready to hear it either. He resolved to make sure she at least felt it, for now.

He wrapped his arm around her waist, then pulled her down onto his lap. He gently tucked her hair behind her ear, traced her jawline with his fingertips to her chin, and guided his thumb over her lips. There was understanding in his gaze, and deep affection on his expression. He cupped her chin and guided her mouth to his, kissing her softly, slowly, sharing all that emotion in through the embrace.

"Why don't you leave your stuff here, for when we come back?"

 

[Cypher]

Zizi: "Well...you know...the twenty was only an estimate...there's a good chance they won't rush right over..."

He smiled against her neck.

"One can only hope."

He continued to kiss her neck, her hands moving to his face and cupping around his cheek as he finally looked at her. He told her she was amazing and that she was doing amazing things. These people were super human, with abilities beyond most people's comprehension. And she was their leader. She kept them in check. She was their fucking Professor X but MORTAL. It blew his mind that she didn't realize just HOW amazing that all was.

Zizi: "Well, it's no where near what you can do."

Gabe shook his head in disagreement.

"I code. I don't save the world."

He replied truthfully. Because he didn't save the world. Hell, he probably helped make the world a more shitty place by working for Stavros Cassadine. Zizi looked down, her cheeks turning a pale pink. Gabe smiled, his hand moving deep into her hair as she looked up at him through her dark lashes.

Zizi: "Or what you do to me."

He welcomed the kiss, deepening it until she pulled away.

Zizi: "Why don't we take this to the couch?"

Fuck.

Gabe grinned, giving Zizi a kiss on the forehead as he stood. Walking over to the couch along side Zizi, he held out his hand to her, gasping it. With one swift motion he pulled her up and immediately hooked his arm around her waist, holding her against his body so she were eye level with him.

"Hey there."

He whispered with a smile. Pushing back a lock of brown hair away from her face, the sun kissed her skin through the window making her look picturesque.

"You're so beautiful."

And she was. Absolutely gorgeous. And he couldn't believe how long it took for him to really open his eyes to SEE what was right in front of him this whole time. His equal in so many ways...his friend...his partner in crime, and now crime fighting. Gabe slowly moved in, his lips brushing against Zizi's with a gentle touch before pulling away. His eyes met with hers, desire filling his irises. He wanted her so damn badly that he finally connected his mouth with hers in a heated exchange. Keeping his arm hooked around her waist, he ran his other hand down her bottom as he began to lower them to the couch, scooping her up and laying her down on her back--the length of his body hovering over her as he continued to kiss her.

"God I want you so bad..."

He managed to say between kisses, his hand sliding down the length of her torso until it met with the hem of her shirt before siding up under and traveling along the soft skin of her stomach. He was more than ready--strained and filled with need. His fingers slipping down along the hem of her jeans and to the button; his thumb assisting in undoing it. All thoughts of taking it slow had left his mind as he continued to kiss her.

 

[Valkyrie]

EOS Nomad

He told her to leave the plates and she set them down again, her emotions roiling inside of her. The truth was, she didn't want to go back. She didn't want to see what would happen when they forced him to choose between them and her.

"Seriously though, if we go in and be diplomatic, then when they harangue you, everyone will agree THEY are causing the problem. And then we can deal with it as a team, once and for all. You just have to give everyone a chance."

She turned her head and looked at him. They didn't want to accept her. Only he did.

She kissed him, so he would know, in case it was the last time...

She tried to say the words but couldn't, so she just covered it by saying she would get her stuff ready to go. But he wouldn't let her go, instead pulling her down into his lap. His fingertips touched her face, and she could feel herself coming alive. He kissed her, and it was everything. She didn't want to lose him.

"Why don't you leave your stuff here, for when we come back?"

She opened her eyes, and looked into his, a little sadly.

"Do you think we will?"

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

They moved from the computers to the living area. Gabe pulled her up and against him, and it was almost as if she were standing.

"Hey there."

"Don't I know you?"

She grinned. He pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear.

"You're so beautiful."

She blushed again as he kissed her, and kept kissing her as he laid her down onto the couch. She could feel the heat from him as he hovered over her.

"Gabriel..."

She whispered to him between kisses, her body pressing against his chest. Her hands slid down his back and pulled his shirt upwards and over his head, then roaming his back and chest. The feel of his bare skin was like holding something incredibly powerful in her hands, like at any moment it would shock her.

"God I want you so bad..."

And she wanted him too. His hand slipped under her shirt and the feel of his fingers on her stomach was like a direct line to her most secret places. She could feel him press against her with his need, and it made her moan against his mouth.

His hand undid the button of her jeans.

She put her hand on top of his, and whispered urgently, her breath rapid and hot.

"The others will be back soon."

She slid his hand upwards under her shirt to her breast, her mouth finding his again with just as much urgency as before.

 

[Isis]

Taking Rose and Jake back to the Sanctuary

Richard, be sure that the windows obscure any view of our passengers from the outside, and insure that the ride will be smooth.

:: Isis said as as they made their way.::

:: There was a delay, Jake was expressing fear and anxiety about being out in the open. ::

The poor boy. To be decieved and traumatized by his idealized image of a super hero. What kind of lasting trauma is this whole thing going to have on him?

:: The more she thought about it, the darker her countenance grew. How Haleigh Davidoff have done such a thing, to say nothing of the revelation regarding the Purifier's attack and the "bus accident." How could Black Widow LIVE with herself in the aftermath of these choice. Had Isis misjudged her THAT MUCH!? And for Isis, to think that she had ANY role, no matter how indirect, in bringing Black Widow into contact with Jake...it turned her stomach.::

:: As they were waiting, it was just Isis and Matrix for a few moments longer::

I regret helping Black Widow.

:: She said coldly.::

:: Isis was sensitive to the plight of the weak. She'd been prepared to go on a one-woman crusade when she avenged the children she couldn't save from the Purifiers, and to hear that Haleigh had no qualms about sacrificing a bus full of orphans!? ::

I will not hesitate to strike her down when our swords cross. The same holds true for her renegade sister.

:: But soon after that Alycia was approaching with Rose and Jake. ::

Hello Jake!

:: Little Jake's eyes light up::

Jake: The magic lady!

:: what the children at the Sanctuary called her. ::

Yes! I'm here to make sure you have a safe trip home, and I have a little surprise for you!

:: She waves her hand in a small gesture, and a mystical tone sounds off. she extends in to Jake and opens her palm, presenting him with a special magick gift that both delights and entertains him as lights, soothing sounds, and curious that seem to reflect his special dreams and ideas float around him::

This will protect your dreams....

:: Looking at Rose for a moment as she continues to explain.::

....and will remind you of how unique and special you are.

:: And as they settle in for the ride back, Oracle ensures no stops along the way. Rose and Isis exchange silent looks of relief that things are moving along smoothly::

:: Soon, they are back at the sanctuary::

[via com] "Okay, everyone, form up around Rose, and let's get her and Jake inside. Then half of us inside and the rest out. Let's leave no stone unturned."

Once the packages were safely inside, Steel found a moment to speak covertly to Dominique.

"Isis, when this is over, I'd like to have that discussion we talked about."

Of course.

:: Dominique says as she and Richard stand together::

I've recently returned to my suite at the Clocktower. But I think this is a conversation better had at my diamond suite at the Parthenon.

With my preferred mode of travel, we can be there in no time at all, and return to the Clocktower in the twinkling of my eye.

:: Her bewitching aqua blue eyes sparkle as she tilts her head and smiles a bit at John. He IS rather handsome ::

 

[Matrix]

So...X was making jokes that he would explain later and it was good to see the others. But then it was work time, and Zizi and Gabriel figured out that the fat assed CPS guy who was messing with Rose was an HC member. Miss D even remembered him at a Blackout. Now that I looked again, this sumbitch was sorta familiar. I whispered to Miss D.

We can handle him real easy. Make the call.

Now it was time to get Jake. Isis moved us into perfect positions that Zizi picked and she turned to speak to me.

Richard, be sure that the windows obscure any view of our passengers from the outside, and insure that the ride will be smooth.

:: Isis said as as they made their way.::

No problem.

I turned into an armored 2017 Cadillac Escalade Sky Captain with limo tinted windows and the full surveillance package. We waited for the kid, who was freaked out about everything, and Miss D was seriously heated.

I regret helping Black Widow.

:: She said coldly.::

:: Isis was sensitive to the plight of the weak. She'd been prepared to go on a one-woman crusade when she avenged the children she couldn't save from the Purifiers, and to hear that Haleigh had no qualms about sacrificing a bus full of orphans!? ::

I will not hesitate to strike her down when our swords cross. The same holds true for her renegade sister.

It was not your fault. You helped, that is a good thing. People make choices, now we make OUR choices.

Now here comes Alycia and the kid and Miss D is as I know her: nurturing and kind. She helps to get lil man straightened out and I put on that Trolls movie soundtrack the little kids seem to love on the speakers at a reasonable level.

I catch a report of some detection of someone from Silver Swan and decide to stow something in my fenders, just in case. We get there and I can unbox myself, but I keep one of those 30 cals, just in case. I stay behind Rose and the kid and set up to scan their six as the rest proceed. Then it's over, and I return to Isis and Steel comes over.

Once the packages were safely inside, Steel found a moment to speak covertly to Dominique.

"Isis, when this is over, I'd like to have that discussion we talked about."

Finally, a motherfucker is ready to talk about doing something! Miss D invited him back to the Parthenon and I nod in agreement. I can check on Blaze while we are there. The only harm Steel can do to Isis I am in no mood to watch.

You let me know wassup when you two decide. I will meet you there after I ]get a little air and check on Blaze.

I jump into the air and turn into a Sikorsky S-97 light attack helicopter and fly off, headed for the Parthenon, arrival in 2 minutes...

...I land on the helipad and make my way quickly down to check Blaze out for a few minutes.

 

[Tachyon]

X quickly wrapped up his meal as assignments were handed out to escort Jake home. Isis teleported them there immediately and he began to check 2 blocks in each direction too quickly for the eye to detect. All was clear and he made his way up to the hospital roof to keep sentry.

Jake was visibly upset but Rose, Alycia and Isis calmed him enough for them to be off. One could do worse than all of that in your face while riding in a premiere luxury vehicle but Xavier realized that the young man cared about none of that. His security had been taken from him and the metahuman grew silent and grim as he contemplated that new reality for the young man.

He was jolted back by a report from Silver Swan that there was a bird report ahead. He was there before the report was acknowledged but detected nothing of note. From then on, he ran over the rooftops a block ahead and checked for them until they reached the Sanctuary.

X performed recon as they escorted the boy inside, only stopping after he counted 300 revolutions around the 4 block area he had selected. He returned to find Isis and Steel speaking in a low tone and Richard turning into a freaking helicopter! He watched Rich fly away and then headed inside. The kids knew him by now and he wanted to make sure things were right.

 

[Titan]

The Hospital to the Sanctuary

Andrew had had a lot to think about, and had lain awake most of the night thinking about what John had said. It hadn't been easy to hear, but Steel was trying to be a friend, and he knew that, and in the end, he couldn't stay mad at him. But Delilah was another story. He was so angry at her, but he also loved her. He thought she was acting stupid, like a crazy person, but he wanted her back. She really was like a candle in the darkness to him, and letting go of that...

He wish he could be like Zach. When they had gone drinking, both newly single, he didn't get depressed the way Andrew had. He hadn't wallowed. He had decided to go out and have great sex and give Haleigh a big old two fingered fuck you. ZACH had ended up fucking Ashley, and was still doing it. Andrew had ended up on Zizi's couch alone with a hangover the size of Manhattan, still pining over the girl he had lost. It was just not fair.

Watching the match with John had taken his mind off of things somewhat - but watching those Arsenal pricks winning was certainly not a happy diversion - but then Delilah had called John, and they had gone on an errand for her. It was like the universe wanted to make sure he stayed in the dirt clutching his bollocks.

They were about done at the precinct (and thankfully, because being around that many peelers made him nervous) when Zizi called and instructed them to head to the hospital where the young boy attacked by Black Widow was being treated. Upon arrival, he had climbed the outside of the building to get a better vantage point, while John went inside to help Alycia safeguard the boy and Rose. It was a pretty uneventful mission, which was really okay by Andrew. Their team had been torn up enough lately without heaping more on top of it.

Once Rose and Jake were safe as houses at the Sanctuary, John instructed them to make sure everything was secure before leaving.

"Okay, everyone, form up around Rose, and let's get her and Jake inside. Then half of us inside and the rest out. Let's leave no stone unturned."

Most everyone seemed to be heading inside, so Andrew stayed out, enjoying the good weather and making sure nothing looked out of place on the perimeter.

 

[Cypher]

Zizi: "Gabriel..."

The way she whispered his name made him almost go over the edge right then and there, his mouth only briefly leaving hers as she pulled his shirt over his head and off. Her hands explored his body and it felt like electricity coursing through him. He was strained, pressing himself against her instinctively while hungrily kissing her. He could hear her moan against his mouth and that was enough for him. Moving his hand from her stomach down to the hem of her jeans, he pushed the button through the hole with ease and went for the zipper. That was when he felt her hand on his and she pulled away from their kiss.

"What? What's wrong?"

He asked through heavy breaths, looking down at her with lust filled eyes.

Zizi: "The others will be back soon."

Her breathing matched his before she met with his mouth again, guiding his hand up to her breast. Groaning against her lips, the others. Wasn't that a horror movie ten years ago? It felt like a fucking horror movie right now. The image of the Birds of Prey marching in one by one blue balling the fuck out of him as they went.

"Fuck the others."

Gabe's voice thick and primal between their heated kisses, his hand pushed the material of her bra away, gently teasing her as his mouth move down to her neck. He could feel her responding to him just as much as he was to her. His hand went to his belt buckle, undoing it and pulling it apart; his fingers expertly undoing his own jean button and zipper with ease. He pulled the material of her shirt over her head, his mouth immediately finding the tops of her breasts.

"Elizabeth..."

He moaned against her skin; an open ended question needing an answer. His desire needing a relief. He wouldn't go any further unless she allowed him, but in that moment she would know just how badly he wanted her.

 

[Orion]

EOS Nomad -- Zach's Apartment

Ashley: Do you think we will?

She asked him, reluctance still emanating from her. He considered her question thoughtfully.

"Well... Zizi DID say the Clocktower was the safest place for everyone. Maybe I should bring stuff over to keep at your place."

He said, rubbing her back with his hand, thinking that as long as they were together, it wouldn't matter if they stayed at his place or hers.

"I'm sure after we deal with Persephone, though, Zizi won't care where we stay."

He kissed her again, grasping the nape of her neck for a moment, as if one more kiss would give them the motivation they needed.

"Alright, if I learned anything this morning, it was that anticipation only makes it harder."

He said, and then he kissed her once more, because he couldn't get enough.

"Let's get dressed, and go piss people off just by showing up."

He joked with sarcastic enthusiasm, trying to take the edge off what they both felt. The last time the whole group was together, it had not been a good experience for either Zach OR Ashley. It was hard to get that memory out of his head, but he told himself that he'd made amends with Alycia and Isis, and that this time would be different. If Sharon was in a good mood, that is.

Zach still hadn't had a chance to talk to her separately about Ash. He didn't expect to have the opportunity to do so today, but maybe some of the others had already. He knew Viv had been making efforts to smooth things over. There was only one way to find out.

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

"Fuck the others."

Gabe's mouth went to her neck, his hand slid under her bra, both of them breathing heavily, bodies moving rhythmically together.

"Language," she said breathlessly, her eyes closing.

She felt his hand move between them, and looked down their bodies to see him undo his belt and jeans. She raised her arms as he pulled her shirt over her head, and she pulled the tangled material of her bra away and tossed it to the floor while his mouth found her breasts, which responded immediately to his touch.

"Elizabeth..."

She knew it was a question, almost a warning, urgently asked. Her hands grasped the back of his head, cradling it to her breasts. What did she do now? She had let it go too far, because she wanted him, had wanted nothing and no one else but him for as long as she could remember. And this man, he was next to her now, kissing her, wanting her, needing her.

The irony was not lost on her that she was paralyzed with fear. She couldn't let him continue. She was terrified of what would happen if she did. But she couldn't ask him to stop either. All she wanted was to make him happy.

Her hands slid tentatively down his body to his hips, pushing his jeans off them, then his shorts. She hesitated, then took him into her hand. The feel of him, alive and pulsing, was like magick to her. A wonder of the universe. She whispered his name again, and the tips of her fingers traced patterns over the soft skin, her thumb drawing circles on his tip, her other hand stroking his balls.

She increased her pressure and intensity until he came, the hot liquid spraying her stomach. She continued to stroke him gently until he was finished, her hands then moving once again to his back, holding him to her.

"I'm sorry..."

 

[Cypher]

He felt her hands around his head, holding him against her breasts as her body arched into his touch. God damn he needed her so bad, but he also knew they promised to take things slow. A date. A kiss. One step at a time. But the situation became heated on both of their ends, and he couldn't imagine turning back now. But he wasn't going to do anything unless she wanted to--even if the strain killed him. Breathlessly whispering the question to go further by only saying her name, he hoped to fucking God she was say yes, otherwise he would be taking an ice cold shower before the others arrived.

He felt her hands move down his body, pushing his pants down around his hips, but he could feel the hesitation in her movement. It wasn't like before when she was ripping his shirt off; her hands feeding off his body. It felt tentative and nervous. That was when Gabe finally lifted his head and looked down at her, realizing he HAD taken it too far. She wasn't ready.

"Liz it's ok--"

The breath caught in his throat as he rolled his eyes shut feeling her hand on him, moving up the length of him with an added pressure. Trying to steady his breathing, she whispered his name again causing a low growl deep in his throat, gripping the edge of the couch as his mouth moved back to hers, kissing her deeply and with intent. She intensified the movement until he went over the edge, moaning loudly, his body ridged and breath ragged. Shutting his eyes, he let his forehead rest against her shoulder, his breathing still escalated but finally starting to calm. He felt her arms wrap around his body, pulling him closer to her.

Zizi: "I'm sorry..."

He shook his head, the tone of her voice breaking his heart.

"No....no, don't apologize..."

He looked down at her, his lips pressing against hers for a long moment to emphasize the fact that he wasn't upset. He pulled away to look into her eyes.

"I should have stopped....[small, short laugh] At least I don't have to take a cold shower now."

He joked light heartedly, trying to reassure her it was okay. That he got it and he understood. He looked into her eyes, his brows furrowing a bit wishing he could make her understand that he only wanted to make her happy. Finally he kissed her deeply again, his hand moving deep into her hair and firmly holding her face steady against his.

"I just want to make you happy."

He softly said, his forehead resting against hers while his thumb gently caressed her cheek.

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

"No...no, don't apologize..."

He kissed her and it broke her heart. She didn't deserve him.

"I should have stopped....[small, short laugh] At least I don't have to take a cold shower now."

Zizi touched his chin, a small smile on her face, looking up at him with sad eyes.

"I'm sorry...I want to, I do...I'm just...not ready."

He kissed her again, longer, deeper this time.

"I just want to make you happy."

She closed her eyes as he touched her cheek.

"I don't want to lose you..."

She kissed his lips softly, a pinging noise going off in the background. She pulled back.

"That would be someone coming up in the elevator."

She sat up, buttoning her jeans and scooping her bra and shirt off the floor and hastily shrugging into them. Zizi heard Ashley call out from the entryway, and then her and presumably Zach's footsteps echo off the wood floor as they came closer.

Ashley: "Everything alright? I thought everyone would be here. Not that I'm complaining."

She tried to smile brightly.

"Yes, everything's fine. The others are on their way."

Zizi pulled her chair closer and slid herself over into it.

Ashley: "Hey, uh, Zees - do you think we could have a quick chat in my room?"

"Of course."

She gave Gabe another look of apology, before following Ashley back towards the kitchen.

 

[Valkyrie]

EOS Nomad

Ashley asked Zach if he really thought they would come back there.

"Well... Zizi DID say the Clocktower was the safest place for everyone. Maybe I should bring stuff over to keep at your place."

That wasn't what she had meant. There was a part of her that was convinced as soon as they were back in the "real world", that Zach would forget about her. She gave him a sad smile.

"I'll clear out a drawer for you."

"I'm sure after we deal with Persephone, though, Zizi won't care where we stay."

He kissed her, and she closed her eyes, savoring it.

"I don't care either, as long as I'm with you."

"Alright, if I learned anything this morning, it was that anticipation only makes it harder."

He kissed her again, and she laughed in spite of herself.

"Don't mention the word 'harder' unless we're going back to bed."

"Let's get dressed, and go piss people off just by showing up."

She gave him another quick peck on the lips, before standing up and holding out her hand to him.

"It is what we do best."

They dressed and Zach packed some things to take to the Clocktower - and Ash left the things she had brought there. She leaned against him in the cab, and rested her head on his shoulder as they rode the elevator up to the 15th floor. Everything was quiet as they entered the apartment.

"Zizi?"

She called out as they stepped farther inside. She found Zizi - and Gabe - sitting on the couch. Looking...odd.

"Everything alright? I thought everyone would be here. Not that I'm complaining."

She cleared her throat.

"Hey, uh, Zees - do you think we could have a quick chat in my room?"

She squeezed Zach's hand before leading the way back through the apartment. Once Zizi was inside, Ashley shut the door. She faced Zizi, crossing her arms.

"Why did you call us back here if you were in the middle of fucking? That's the entire reason we went to Zach's for fuck's sake."

Zizi looked like she'd slapped her.

Zizi: "We weren't...we were just watching tv."

Ashley rolled her eyes.

"Okay, James Bond, the tv was off and your bra's still unhooked. Care to try again?"

Zizi hastily rectified that situation, but it was too late. Her hands fidgeted in her lap.

Ashley's brows knit together, and she sat down on the bed. This was not normal "we just got caught" behavior.

"Okay, what IS going on?"

Zizi put her head in her hands.

Zizi: "I couldn't do it."

"Why the hell not?"

Zizi: "It's complicated."

Ashley gave her a look.

"It's not really."

She held up both hands. She made one hand in a fist, and pointed the index finger of the other, then brought them together repeatedly.

"Simple."

Zizi rolled her eyes.

Zizi: "Really, Ashley."

Ashley cocked an eyebrow.

"You've had sex before, right?"

Zizi looked at her like she had six heads.

Zizi: "I'm not a nun, Ashley."

"Then what is the damn problem?"

Ash could tell she was struggling putting it into words.

Zizi: "I've known him a long time. And he's been with a lot of women. It's not going to be the same with me as it was with them."

"Your mouth works, doesn't it? Your hands work. There's a place for him to put it - I am still not seeing the problem here."

Zizi: "'Here honey, bend my leg for me and I'll hold it out of the way.' Yeah, that's real sexy."

She pinched her fingers against the bridge of her nose. This was giving her a headache.

"So...run with it. Dress up like Barbie and tell him he can pose you however he wants."

She paused, thinking about that for a second.

"I might have to try that with Zach, actually."

Zizi sighed.

Zizi: "What if it's terrible, and he never wants to do it again?"

That made Ashley pause. The girl was about to burst into tears, scared out of her mind, all because of something so infinitesimal. Zizi had been thinking about this way too much. She let out a little surprised laugh.

"Girl, he's a man. You could be in a coma, and he'd want to do it again. You are making way too much out of this. Take him into your room, rip his clothes off, and let him fuck your brains out. You'll feel a whole lot better, I promise you. And the only way you're going to drive him away, is if you keep putting him off. He's not going to take that forever."

She stretched out onto the bed.

"Now, can we talk about MY problems? What am *I* going to do when Zach decides the Amazons are more important to him than I am?"