No lifeguard on duty

[Seer]

<< into the courtyard of Melrose Place.>>

<< It was night time, the evening lights around the building as well as the pool lights were on, the breeze flowed through flora and fauna that decorated the surrounding area of the courtyard and the building.>>

<< the building was quiet at the moment, but would soon be alive with activity, namely the arrival of the latest group of tenants who would proove to be no less dramatic, perhaps even LETHAL than the last two sets of tenants over the passing years.>>

<< by the pool stands Harbinger, the telekinetic precog. She waits for Michael and Nicolas, whom she has come to dearly HATE over the passing months.>>

<< If Claudia isnt carefull, she may find her intended bed jockey for the night turned into a pile of ash!>>

 

[Arsenal]

Mike pulled into MP at breakneck pace, exiting and walking briskly to the courtyard ahead of Nicolas, who was taking his sweet damn time. He answered Alison, who was (predictably) already there.

Look Alison, I AM here to enjoy my life, but I am his friend as well. Morgan gets five or six of them, Nicolas should have at least one. Besides, if we are talking about living someone else's life, Morgan really should be here, not drunk off her ass while her crew interjects AGAIN in her relationship. Maybe you could conjure that up?

Mike sighed. This was not helpful.

OK, That was not helpful. Alison, I am not here to start back up with you, but part of you brokering this has to be some willingness to refrain from inflaming the situation. You already know that. Just try to give it a shot. Otherwise, we are wasting time. You will not be able to dictate to him anymore than he could to any of you. Your gift will not be of help if you do not find a way to reach the people you communicate with.

Mike pleaded with her with his eyes. He did not come back for this. He was certain that in time, someone would have budged. But apparently he was wrong so far.

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas walked slowly into the courtyard, watching Mike and Alison as they spoke.

What do you want, Seer. Come to clean my bones as well? Gloat over the exactness of your predictions? Or did you and Malice decide to have a double feature starring me? Take your shot, then. You cannot do any worse than what has already been done.

The hard feelings in this situation between Nicolas and Alison were clearly two-way. Clearly Morgan was not the only one hurting...

 

[Harbinger]

MP courtyard

:: Alison glared at Mike as she folded her arms. ::

You just CAN'T help yourself, can you Armstrong? A regular old BULL in the china shop.

:: Mike REALIZED that he was going too far and pulled back.::

Havent you learned by now that there's a REASON for my being where ever I am? I came here to see my friends. But obviously I saw things shifting and so I've taken steps.

Haleigh is asleep, because she was seconds away from IGNORING my warning as a precog and SLEEPING with Nicolas. And WHO suggested the do it? HE did. What does that tell you about him?

The issue isnt Morgan, it's the two of THEM!

:: pointing at apartment 5 and apartment 7.::

They CAN'T do this, and EVERYONE agrees on that. THEY may think its okay to continue to disrespect Morgan, but WE don't. If Nicolas was to do what he wanted with some UNCONNECTED party, I dont think ANY of us would object...but its OBVIOUS that this is in BAD TASTE and out of spite!

So, Mike, TELL ME. Just WHAT should I do?

:: he suggested that she try to refrain from needlessly inflaming the situation::

I'll do my best. But its not like I don't have ANY NUMBER OF REASONS to bust his balls.

:: Nicolas FINALLY appears, and Alison's cobalt blue eyes shift to fix on him.::

What do you want, Seer. Come to clean my bones as well? Gloat over the exactness of your predictions? Or did you and Malice decide to have a double feature starring me? Take your shot, then. You cannot do any worse than what has already been done.

Well you certainly already took YOURS didn't you?

:: referring to their own rift.::

Malice has nothing to do with this, if anything, your wretched, abominable FATHER is the monster responsible. And the truth is, I wanted to kill you to save Morgan, to save us all. It was the fastest, MOST SURE WAY of doing so. You can thank MIKE and Haleigh for my NOT doing so, inspite of the pain that has come our way because of it.

I conceed that I allowed my own contempt for you to prevent me from considering OTHER possible outcomes and methods to reach those outcomes. Thankfully the plan that we chose DID work thanks to an assist from the Sisterhood. I am aware that SET was responsible for your shocking and horrid actions. but NOW? You slink around with Haleigh, the two of you have no idea or maybe you don't CARE how disrespectfull, how BAD it looks. You may have BEGUN your affair with Haleigh under duress, but ALL OF THIS? This is of your choosing and design and for THAT? you get NO consideration from me.

Morgan pulled away from you because she feared for her LIFE. You can't blame her for that. You violated your own AUNT in front of ALL of us. as WOMEN , even the SISTERHOOD were unnerved by that. I saw DEATH for Morgan and I was willing to do whatever it took to protect her from you or ANYONE in your position. Set instead chose to use Haleigh, whose own weak and treacherous heart made her the perfect target...and together, you struck a blow that may not have killed Morgan PHYSICALLY, but it killed her HEART.

:: not immediately aware that Haleigh had told him the same thing, when she was SOBER and capable of making sense.::



Scared or not, Morgan would have KILLED you Nicolas, or made sure she herself was DEAD before she allowed you to do to her what you did to Dominique. You know, you MUST know that Morgan would NEVER be anyone's "consort" which is what Set wanted to make her, what he was about to make HALEIGH for you.


Morgan has never been one to REST in a man completely. It's not how her mother raised her, and its not a luxury she would have had anyway thanks to her FATHER beginning a pattern of men betraying her. You thought you understood that, but it seems that you didnt...not when you can attempt to blame her for doing what ANY woman would have done in Morgan's position when faced with a creature who was once the man she loved that was now poised to do TERRIBLE things to her and her friends.

Morgan is doing her BEST not to yield to her hearts desire...to kill the BOTH of you. Her defenses are up, but they are slightly DIFFERENT than a year ago. When Cameron and Haleigh pushed her too far? THE INFERNO happened, and SET wouldnt be able to save you from what she would do to you if that happened again.

You want things to change? You want the rest of us to consider you? then be a man, make the RIGHT CHOICE and STOP messing around with Haleigh. Part of being apart of a "family" is realizing that you CAN be held accountable by that family. Ive had to adjust to it...and so will YOU. Your path to redemption is one that you must take ALONE, Haleigh can't be your bandaid.

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas crossed his arms, listening as Alison spoke. he had grievances as well, and he would have them heard.

Malice has PLENTY to do with this, and YOU left her to do her dirty work! YOU, of EVERYONE, knew what seeing...THAT would do to Morgan. There was truth but no care for Morgan in that display, and Haleigh and I already KNEW as soon as we were no longer under Set's clutches that she needed to be told. But you NEEDED to be RIGHT about me, NEEDED to burn Morgan with the truth, show everyone that your visions were truly hot shit.

I applaud you for standing by Morgan, I appreciate in retrospect your willingness to do whatever it took to save her. But you did her dirty as hell if you saw THAT one coming and let it happen.

As for what happened to Dominique, Set knew what would horrify all of you, and made sure it happened. I understand your reaction to a degree, but I thought that some of you would at least be SOMEWHAT concerned about me as well. You were not, and I don't give a damn how scared you all were, I would have done it for any of you. I DID it for you, ALISON!! By the way she FORGAVE me, and she was my sworn enemy who had just found me! So what type of fucking friends do I have?!

As for what has occurred afterward, we were both ostracized by the group and unlike when it was anyone else that screwed up, NO ONE reached out. I was willing to endure that for myself, but Haleigh?! Hate ME, fine, but SHE has been with this group too long for the shit she took the past few months. I could not, would not stand idly by and leave her as well. Nothing has gone on between us in that time, as we both endured our own purgatory.

As for Morgan not leaning to a man, I am so TIRED of hearing that shit. I wanted her to give a damn about something other than goddamn modeling for once. I gave her everything I had and SHE regretted TOUCHING me once she knew who my father was. She sat poised, with you meddling in her goddamn ear, waiting for us to fail rather than working to make us succeed.

I guess we all tolerate differences, as long as we are not TOO different. I suppose only the monster in Morgan can be loved in spite of, because INFERNO II could kill just as many people in this courtyard as anything Set would have done.

I DO want things to change, but NO ONE here has had to walk alone, no matter what they did, why should I? Why, when I put it all on the line just like everyone else here, when I was there for each of you when it was YOUR turn, even for YOU, Seer.

So if you want things to LOOK better, then start with yourself. You NEVER considered me, and now you say if I do this and that, you will. I did it all for all of you, whatever I could, and you all turned your fucking backs when I was at my lowest.

That's no family. None at all.

 

[Harbinger]

MP courtyard

:: Alison stood there , and shot daggers with her glare at Nicolas, at times jutting out her lower jaw as her face contorted with agitation at other times she seemed almost ready to laugh.::

So, somehow this is more OUR fault than yours? Amazing how you become more like Haleigh with each passing day.

There was "no care" for MORGAN when you DID IT. Don't blame ME or ANYBODY ELSE for what YOU AND HALEIGH did and the fact is, you and Haleigh were conspiring to HIDE IT until YOU felt it was the right time. Morgan deserved better than that, and if you werent going to tell her right then and there I was. SO WHAT if Malice revealed the truth, YOU are theo ne who put it out there to be revealed.

YOU don't tell ME how to use my gifts, YOU dont tell me what to do. That was the mistake you made on Aerie and you're LUCKY you didnt get SPLIT IN TWO that night. It was ONLY out of respect for Morgan that I didnt KILL YOU then and there.


We didnt handle this the way we handled the Inferno, there's so many things that were different and yet, even I am willing to admit there are some parallels between the two disasters. But what makes it EASIER to trust MORGAN?

MORGAN came to each person and apologized, she WORKED THROUGH IT with each person.

So determined was she to make things RIGHT not just with her team and her family...but the CITY, that she tipped the the scales when she sacrificed herself in the battle against Master Mold. She tried to save Sharon...we all did...we failed, but she saved US AND THE CITY by pushing Master Mold through the seige perilous...and she lost her life!

I knew THAT was coming too, but in case you hadnt been told? BEING A PRECOG doesnt make me a GODDESS. I can't CHANGE everything just because I know it's coming.


HALEIGH would be on the road to recovery with US if she stopped clinging to YOU and I TOLD her that tonight, only she was too drunk and STUPID to heed my words. She ALMOST began to consider it, until YOU planted your lewd telepathic thoughts into her head. You want to try to berate me for not "doing enough" with my ability and yet when i tell you or her that you can change and what you have to do, you don't listen.

The problem here is that no one approves of you and haleigh doing what you're doing...whether you're having sex or NOT, you are disrespecting Morgan on TOP of what you've already done. You havent even ADDRESSED THAT. You find ways to DEFLECT the accountability. the sooner you understand that , the better it will be for YOU.

Did you apologize to anyone? did you TALK to anyone else? NO. You just assumed that EVERYONE was going to react the SAME WAY that Morgan would. EVERYONE ELSE'S issue with you isnt the same thing as Morgan's...and last time i checked, being a precog was not among your abilities, so instead of anticipating our moves? try showing some of your own and making the effort. after all, WE are not the one with the burden, YOU are.

Try GROWING UP. Just like Morgan, Sharon and anyone else before you...You have to live with what you did...whether it was your choice or not and YOU have to deal with the fall out. The sooner the two of you EAT CROW and DEAL WITH IT, the sooner the healing can begin.


:: shifting her weight on her high heels, Alison continued on.::

It's obvious Morgan was not meant for you. If I or ANYONE ELSE was "meddling" as much as you claim we did? We would have been trying to break you two up AGES ago, but we respected her descision, we let her make her own choices. Even her own MOTHER didnt interfere.

That you continue to believe she should have been able to TRUST IN YOU ALONE , and FORSAKE who she is, what MATTERS to her? That ALONE tells me you are not the one for her and now that she's FREE of you? RESPECT and COURTESY would dictate that you not flash your shit around town with that drunken Linda Hamilton upstairs. But you two came SO CLOSE to adding FURTHER insult to injury tonight.

 

[Siren]

After Claudia's parting words with Nicolas, she headed back to her VIP suite and suggested to Clara that they head home. The two sisters were the last to leave Melrose Place, but the first residents to return. Unlocking their apartment door, Claudia lifted her left foot up from behind and grabbed ahold of the heel of her her shoe. Pulling the red peep toe stiletto off, she stepped down to the floor and shrunk five inches.

"Cute shoes....BAD for dancing."

Taking the other shoe off as well, Claudia tossed them onto the couch before heading for the kitchen that remained open to the livingroom.

"So, did you have fun Clar?"

Opening the kitchen pantry, her eyes scanned the various snack foods that lined the shelves before they settled on a box of Ritz cheese crackers. Reaching in, she took the box out and began to open it. Leaning her weight forward so her elbows rested on the granite counter tops, Claudia popped a cracker in her mouth.

"I didn't see you out on the dance floor....[with curious yet mischevious eyes] What exactly were you doing up in the VIP suite all by your loansome?"

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas stood as Alison went about her rebuttal. Interesting, and he did listen.
And he did respond, his voice MUCH more even and reserved, but easily heard by all in attendance.

THAT is where you are wrong Alison. What happened hurt Morgan, and I apologized to her for it, and I hate that it happened, and I wish that we could speak further about it. But I didn't believe that was her wish, to speak to me again, so I did not try. The fault is indeed mine for that.

But I don't owe YOU shit for what happened. THAT is the problem here. NOT that I haven't apologized to everyone, but that EVERYONE is demanding an apology. THAT is why we wanted to wait to tell her. NOT because we wanted to lie to MORGAN. I have NEVER lied to her. But because it was a deeply private and personal revelation that she did not deserve to have played out for everyone's judgement, "approval" or entertainment. It was certainly my mistake, and I have suffered and will have to suffer more for it. But it was not the Inferno, in which many lost their lives. It was not Mike's murder, which was taken as easily as morning coffee. It was not the Bishop fiasco, which ended our lives as we knew it. It was a man and a woman in a relationship, and a terrible situation that happened with a friend. A situation that should not have happened...would not have happened but DID, thanks to Set.

I am not a precog. And I certainly need to touch base with some of the team. But it is terribly disappointing to know that I reached out when wronged but no one thought of that when it was me. It makes it hard to make the first move when you know in your heart that Morgan, if the roles had been reversed, would have had the support if not the approval of most of this team. That anyone would have...even Sharon and Blaze, who are quite new to this team.

But there is something you guys doon't get about Haleigh and me. That is why we have hung together. Because no matter what we do, we seem to end up last, and we see the better person that you do not.

Nicolas checked his watch. Claudia should be here any minute...

 

[Fusion]

Melrose Place -- Apt 6

Clara and Johnny were joking about the vapid airheads that dominated Hollywood when a CRASHING sound came from the wall adjoining the Zacchara's suite and Davidoff's… Haleigh was shouting something as the situation in the next room seemed to EXPLODE. Both Johhny AND Clara were deathly silent, as arguing went back and forth, and loudly enough that Clara didn't need to bother with eavesdropping. The argument was heated on BOTH sides but pretty soon… the other women in the room were telling Haleigh that she was drunk and needed to rest… and quickly, everyone filed out. There were plans made by the other two women to get Haleigh home and to get everyone ELSE in their group to retire for the night as well. Clara handed her glass to Johnny and got up, heading for the balcony, checking on her sister. The entire argument had been about that man from Melrose… and for a split second, Clara was worried that Haleigh's problem might translate to one for Claudia…. But Claudia wasn't out there anymore… and neither was her dance partner. Clara frantically searched the crowd-- that is, until she heard Claudia BEHIND her, suggesting that it was time to leave. Clara breathed a sigh of relief and nodded.

They made it home first… and retreated into their apartment. Clara made sure the front door was shut and LOCKED and she cautiously peeked out the curtains as the other residents began to arrive. Claudia was completely nonchalant, searching the kitchen for a snack.

Claudia: "I didn't see you out on the dance floor....[with curious yet mischevious eyes] What exactly were you doing up in the VIP suite all by your loansome?"

Pulling away from the window before anyone saw her.


"Same thing you were doing, dear. Mixing business and pleasure. [off her sister's look] NO… not like that. Davidoff returned to her VIP lounge shortly after you took over with the man next door. SHE proceeded to have a VERY interesting conversation with someone who I think might be the landlord's sister. I eavesdropped, of course. I think you're right about Davidoff being DANGEROUS, Claudia… I listened to her go from accepting FULL culpability in one breath to garnering COMPLETE vindication with the next. It was EERIE. That woman can spin a web with words. ANYWAY… another woman came in after that… a HEATED discussion followed. [sitting on a bar stool next to her sister, kicking off her heels as well, relaying her newfound knowledge with growing excitement] Apparently the guy next door USED to be with the landlord, but Davidoff stole him from her and broke her heart, yada yada… and now everyone in their group hates them both for betraying the landlord, but Davidoff keeps saying she loves the guy, and she flat out said she was going to tell the landlord that-- and that she was going to sleep with him again-- well, except, her choice of words was a good deal CRUDER than mine…. And everyone was telling Davidoff she was drunk and then somehow, Davidoff was OUT like a light and everyone tore out of there like there was some kind of fire."

 

[Harbinger]

MP courtyard

:: resting her hand on her cheek as she tilted her head to the side, Alison blinked her cobalt blue eyes as Nicolas responded.::


Oh but you DO owe me. And I may not be Hecate OR Morgan, but I carry a grudge like few others can. I havent forgotten how rude and unkind you were to me on Aerie, how crass and crude and utterly disgusting. If you think you don't owe me? You've got another thing coming.

Your torrid affair with Haleigh, PRIVATE? What...you think it was something SPECIAL? Something TENDER...that somehow it was truly OKAY to be with her because you had no other choice? WRONG AGAIN. You LOST your right to privacy on THAT when you even ATTEMPTED to "conceal"...and as far as I'm concerned, the fact that I "SAW" you and Haleigh planning to "Wait until the right time"...was enough for me to know that your judgement, even AFTER Set's hold over you was broken, could not be trusted. Morgan had a family LONG before you showed up and whether you like it or not, WE will be there for her.

So NONE of us can claim sainthood. ALL of us have taken lives at some point. But the difference between Spellbinder's Inferno or the Silver Swan's insane rampage is that THEY answered to those who held them accountable. Morgan was prepared to exile herself in Limbo following the Inferno, and Sharon could BARELY live with herself after she was recovered from Rick Riley.

THEY acknowledge their wrong doing before all of us and not ONCE did they say "I did this BUT..." That is what you and Haleigh have done from the very beginning. One moment you own responsibility but the VERY next moment you seek to absolve yourself of any responsibility.

:: looking at the gate, Alison knew Morgan and the others were coming, but she didnt move.::

There's no way to make what you did any LESS ugly than what anyone else did. Betrayal is JUST AS RANK as violence and murder Nicolas. PHYSICAL wounds heal. and People who are DEAD have the luxury of not FEEILNG anything. You and Haleigh have given Morgan a LIVING DEATH which she now struggles to find a way to deal with.

DELILAH has had to grapple with her issues due to the fall out of what Bishop did to all of us and SHE TOO went through fire with Morgan, myself, Karen etc and yet she's still here. She's as much apart of this family as she always was. Now if SHE can do it, why can't YOU?

:: taking a few steps around before turning back to face Nicolas and Mike::

I'm not going to go down a list of who did what and what was worse with you. You want to believe your actions didnt affect ALL of us? That you don't owe us an apology or anything else? you go right ahead, but it works both ways.


Technically you are STILL a risk, because you are the living bridge that Set HOPES will free him from his exile that he was placed in by Isis. But to be fair, Morgan could revert to her dark persona, Its possible that Sharon could melt down, Haleigh could betray us...there are clear risks everywhere in this team, BUT THEY have prooven they can be trusted.

You're alive now because I no longer see you threatening the lives of those i care for, or the world. I have been further assured by the counsel of Hecate, Athena and Isis herself that you can be trusted. You have a chance to recover just as Morgan, Sharon, Haleigh, Delilah and anyone else on this team who has fallen from grace has done before.


The bottom line is, it's not okay...what you're doing with Haleigh, seen or unseen, spoken or unspoken. It's not okay. Until you do the right thing, you will get NO FURTHER than where you are now and THAT , my dear is the FINAL word.


Now, the others are coming.

 

[Siren]

Claudia listened intently to Clara's discription of what went on with Haleigh Davidoff in her VIP sweet. Raising her eyebrows in surprise at a few details, it seemed her new neigbors had a lot of dirty laundry.

"Huh...you don't say."

Closing the box of crackers, Claudia left them on the counter top and glanced at the clock displayed on the stove. Shifting her attention back to her sister, the brunette shrugged her shoulders casually.

"That's why you need to avoid love at all costs, Clara. It causes nothing but pain and misery, and it always ends one way or another. Wearing your heart on your sleeve, in this family, only segways to disaster."

Standing upright now, Claudia rounded the kitchen bar and placed her hand on Clara's shoulder.

"Keep your ears open for any other information. Who knows when it can become useful. [kissing her on the cheek] I'm heading to bed. Night!"

Giving her sisters shoulder a small squeeze, Claudia proceeded to head back to her bedroom and shut herself in. Nibbling the bottom of her lip, the brunette rested her back against the door and pondered for a moment. With all this new information about Nicolas, Haleigh, and Morgan brewing in her head....would stiring the pot really be worth it in the end?.....Eh, she's fucked with worse people.

 

[Firebird]

Apartment 8

The ride home wasn't long but Blaze had been uncharacteristically silent through it though. Deep in thought having weighed Alison's words. When the stretch limo pulled to a stop Blaze moved to climb out first when she thought she overheard people arguing. She knew who they belonged to but she didn't have a desire to interfere either.

Walking up towards her apartment with a sigh she jogged up the stairs to the second level until she reached her door. Unlocking her door she walked inside only to close and lock her door. The fire elemental didn't want any other sudden surprise visitors. Slipping out of her heels she walked past the guest bedroom towards her room. Closing the door she slipped out of her scandalous 'slutty' D ) dress. Slipping into a pair of black running shorts and a t-shirt she pulled her hair into a messy bun.

Heading over towards the guest bedroom to notice Haleigh was out for the evening. Walking over to sit on the edge of the bed to watch Haleigh sleep. If Ava were here Blaze would have given custody to Haleigh's sister to watch over her for the evening. But with Ava back on Aerie that wasn't possible. And the others probably wouldn't volunteer to baby sit the intoxicated hybrid. Yet, Blaze still couldn't help but to identify this Haleigh with hers. Shaking her head she had to differentiate the two. She had to be neutral here otherwise Alison's cryptic vision might just come true.

Climbing off the bed Blaze got up to walk into the kitchen to make herself a cup of chamomile tea. She herself had been feeling unsettled since the argument between Alison and Haleigh erupted in the lounge. Having fixed herself a cup of tea Blaze curled up on the sofa with a blanket. Flipping on the plasma screen television above the fire mantel until she settled onto HBO's new drama, 'True Blood.' Something she could escape into while waiting for Haleigh to wake up from Alison's sleeping spell.

 

[Fusion]

Melrose Place -- Apt 6

Claudia: "That's why you need to avoid love at all costs, Clara. It causes nothing but pain and misery, and it always ends one way or another. Wearing your heart on your sleeve, in this family, only segways to disaster."

Clara frowned. She'd more or less heard the same thing from her father AND Trevor, constantly warning her against any relationships of any kind, basically. Well... her father just wanted to keep her his innocent little girl... but Trev.... he always played the 'look what it did to your parents' card. Why Trevor bothered was guesswork... but Clara thought he did might have done it to keep Anthony from KILLING any potential suitors, and thereby avoiding a collosal mess. Whatever everyone's reasoning was.... Clara was terribly tired of hearing everyone warn her about love like it was the worst kind of trap.

"Christ... Claudia the cynic. Surely it can't be as bad as you say."

Claudia gave Clara a kiss on the cheek and Clara returned it.

"Sweet dreams, Claws."

Clara, still perched on the barstool, watched her sister leave, then cast her glance at Johnny.

"Do YOU think I should avoid love at all costs, John?"

He looked over at her, momentarily silent.

Johnny: "I think you should follow your heart."

Clara sighed, a gentle smile on her lips. She rarely let her heart make decisions for her. In their family business... it just wasn't wise. She was tired, from jet lag and excitement, and going to bed didn't sound too bad. She slid off the barstool and shrugged, nearing the front window but staying back so as not to be seen. The woman who'd argued with Haleigh was now arguing with the man who lived next door.

"Well, I guess I'm going to get some rest as well."

Johnny: "I'll take the sofa."

[without thinking] "What, that thing? You're about ten inches too TALL for that. You're not sleeping on that, it'll be TERRIBLE and you'll be tired tomorrow and probably suffer from some kind of neck or back pain. [matter of factly] I have a king sized bed in there.... you're welcome to the left side of it, until we get you a more permanent arrangement."

It wouldn't be the first time they'd shared a bed. Once when Anthony had truly pissed off the Russians, Johnny had been forced to serve bodyguard duty for 96 hours straight, because everyone was afraid Clara would be a target. The first night, Johnny stayed alert and awake but the second night he sat down on the bed for a few minutes and then passed out COLD, and when Clara'd come in from taking a shower, she just crawled into bed next to him and went to sleep. The next night he stayed awake but the fourth night they slept next to each other again and surprisingly, it wasn't at all awkward.

Clara remembered too late what Claudia had said about Johnny... and yet... he didn't seemed bothered or uncomfortable, he just shrugged and accepted. They took separate paths, each going about their own personal nightly routine of changing, brushing teeth/etc. If there was any tension at all it was completely overlooked, because no sooner had Clara laid down than she fell asleep.

 

[Spellbinder]

into the courtyard

<< and shortly, Morgan arrives. Staggering a bit as she complains about the evening seeming to end too quickly. Sharon and Delilah help her through the gates and into the courtyard.>>

woo... home already! how come everything ends so quickly?

Sharon: Everything's fine, Morgan. We're almost to your apartment...

Morgan: speaking of things that are short...

<< she spots Nicolas.>>

WHY is he out here? AND IS HE TALKING TO MY BEST FRIEND!?

<< she shrieks as she starts pulling Sharon and Delilah toward Nicolas, Alison and Mike.>>

GO play with your tin foil tart over THERE!

<< pointing at apartment five>>

Nobody wants you here ANYWAY.

<< she says in a catty tone as she points at him.>>

You think you're special because your the son of some monster? YOU'RE the monster! you and that hybrid hooker!

 

[Silver Swan]

Courtyard to apartment 4

oh terrific.

[ WHY did he have to be outside NOW? Didnt he KNOW they were coming? Still, Sharon indulged Morgan's need to explode on Nicolas, to help her get it out of her system...but enough was enough.]

alright Morgan, that's enough. Come on. We're taking you to your apartment.

Morgan: Why? WHY is it enough? What HE did was enough to last a LIFETIME!

[ Sharon could see Morgan wanted to assault Nicolas, but Alison moved forward to block her path.]

Sharon: Morgan, you've had too much to drink. You're not yourself right now.

Morgan: well he's not who HE appears to be either IS he? WHERE are your markings Nicolas? how long before you show your TRUE COLORS again and which one of the women will you sleep with THEN because you feel so misunderstood?? you lying piece of TRASH! I HATE YOU! ALISON SHOULD HAVE KILLED YOU! AND I JUST MIGHT DO IT MYSELF...

[ Morgan yells with force as tears roll down her face.]

Sharon: Morgan, STOP IT! come on here NOW. You're going to make yourself SICK if you keep at it like this!

[ and with that, Delilah and Sharon pull an agitated Morgan away. Delilah uses her power over light to try to calm the sorceress. passing by the pool Morgan becomes a bit less upset ,clearly she's ready to pass out soon.]

You're still hurting....but you need to sleep now. We'll talk about this tomorrow...

[ inside apartment 4, Sharon and Delilah help Morgan into her room and get her into bed. Sharon and Delilah walk out of the bedroom, down the hall and back into the living room.]

Delilah...if you want to go home, you can. I'll stay here with Morgan tonight. Just to make sure she gets to sleep and that no one bothers her.

 

[Harbinger]

MP the courtyard

:: Alison watches as Morgan becomes highly agitated. As much as she knows Morgan is hurting, the precog wants to see Morgan find peace, for ALL their sakes. She wants things to improve and move on, but the reality is, she is UNWILLING to help Nicolas. Not until he apologizes to her.::

:: and so, she ONLY interferes to keep Morgan from going OVERBOARD and attacking Nicolas physically.::

Morgan, go upstairs with Sharon and Delilah.

:: she stands between Morgan and her path to Nicolas as the other two help keep her away.::

Nothing can be gained from this.

:: she watches as they escort Morgan away and she turns back to Nicolas and Mike::

And you were going to sleep with Haleigh tonight in the face of this?

:: speaking in a low, disapproving tone.::

If i hadnt knocked Haleigh out, she wouldve gone along with it too.

How many more lives will you ruin as you try to justify what you did before you finally get your act together?

:: and with that, she leaves them. Walking away and towards Delilah's apartment. She waits for the mutant and intends to spend the night in her apartment.::

 

[Firebird]

Apartment 8

Having been engrossed in her show Blaze at first hadn't heard the ruckus outside at first. But as she got up for some cheese and crackers she could clearly hear Morgan's voice.

Walking over to the window she pulled the curtain away to see Alison standing between Nicolas and Morgan.

"Ohh no."

Glancing towards the guest bedroom she could see Haleigh was still out cold. At least Alison had sedated one of the parties. As Morgan's voice became elevated, Blaze's heart went out to her.

"Poor Morgan."

But at least she had Delilah and Sharon there to calm her down. Stepping away from the window Blaze thought about visiting her sister. But since Morgan was drunk she wouldn't exactly be too coherent. It was too bad Karen was back in Aerie she always knew how to console her daughter.

Returning to the guest bedroom, Blaze walked around the bedroom to pull the vertical blinds shut. Glancing down at Haleigh for a moment thoughtfully. She really was the black sheep of the group. Blaze had a feeling she would be watching out for Haleigh more often. Not only for the sake of her own well being but for Morgan's as well.

 

[Seer]

the night goes on

<< and so, the evening comes to a rather sour ending. but at least it wasn't worst case scenario.>>

<< alcohol has a way of bringing out the worst and magnifying it.>>

<< Haleigh was one example, Morgan another. THANKFULLY those two didnt collide but it all pointed back to Nicolas and the worst thing was, the NEW COMER who ignited the spark of this conflict this evening.>>


<< Claudia Zaccarah and her and her sister Clara were tucked away safely in apartment 6, all at once taking in more and more information about their new neigbors while not realizing how much Claudia had been the cause of this evening's sparks flying.>>

<< Nicolas and Haleigh were still on the top of the hated list, and even Clara was taken aback by how one of them could admit responsibility one second and then totally excuse their behavior the next.>>

<< It might have seemed like "normal" for the Six, even in their new home, but everything was FAR from normal. >>

<< Alison would stay the night with Delilah. Sharon would stay with Morgan...Blaze remained awake for a while longer...and the new comers were already sleeping, blissfully unaware of the dangerous game they were playing by getting involved in this family dynamic.>>

 

[Rampage]

You think you're special because your the son of some monster? YOU'RE the monster! you and that hybrid hooker!

She's not the monster. I am.

Nicolas looked on, stood as Morgan unleashed on him. He displayed no powers, he did nothing to allay her path to him. THIS was what he would have preferred. The other did not get it. If he had his way, he would simply take whatever Morgan had to dish out, even if that wa sthe last thing he endured. The sad part was, inside he was glad she had even decided to speak to him.

Amazingly enough, Alison intervened somewhat on his behalf! He stood as she sent Morgan away when it would have been easy to join her in his destruction. In that moment, he was ashamed of what he had done. Not so much being Haleigh's friend, but of rubbing a sore wound with Morgan and not fixing the past things with Alison. As Morgan was led away, Alison turned back to him.

And you were going to sleep with Haleigh tonight in the face of this?

:: speaking in a low, disapproving tone.::

If i hadnt knocked Haleigh out, she wouldve gone along with it too.

How many more lives will you ruin as you try to justify what you did before you finally get your act together?

Nicolas hund his head as Alison went over to Delilah's. Nodding to Miek and waving him away, Nicolas went to his place to rest, sleep.

But sleep would not find him. he could get no peace. Inside him, he could still FEEL it. The power, but the gnawing evil, the seed of Set that made him hate himself all the more. He sprang up, it now being the dead of night, and walked to Delilah's door. He rang the bell and spoke, his voice echoing inside the apartment.

Seer, I need to talk to you NOW. Alison, PLEASE.

The mutant continued to ring the bell...

 

[Black Widow]

Melrose Place -- Apt 8

Haleigh had it easy this time... she got a little lit... raged like a fire... and Alison and Blaze had the patience to put out the flames and prevent the hybrid from sparking a legendary wildfire that would destroy far more than Haleigh might have thought capable...

And yet... it wasn't all good news either. In bitterness and spite [and a high dose of alcohol], Haleigh'd drawn a lot of conclusions and crossed a lot of lines and though she never made it to Morgan.... there was still some damage done. Haleigh had suffered a 'realization'... that Morgan would always take care of her OWN and that Haleigh had never before made Morgan's elite list, and probably never would, especially now... and the concept of that was exactly what had pushed her straight over the edge TONIGHT.

Over the months following Set, Haleigh had withdrawn in her exile, comforted only by the idea that she'd PREVENTED the devastation that her alternate suffered in the future timeline they'd been to.... and however despairing the cost... it was worth it. Every one was alive, and though there was heartache all around, it was much easier to live with that than the alternative. It was a cost she could bear... despite the self-loathing it triggered; for being a traitor was the worst thing of all. but tonight... talking with Blaze, remembering the loss of her love for Zach and the loss of her support base in the process, Haleigh's outlook had been altered. All the stress she'd endured, all the self-inflicted pain... all this time, she'd stuck around and moved to LA with people who hated and ostracized her and for what? Apparently she'd never been somene worth saving anyway. She'd denied her attraction to Nicolas out of loyalty for Morgan, but in retrospect... Morgan seemed to have NO obligation of loyatly in return. Thinking back to every disagreement she'd ever had... Morgan had NEVER stepped in to defend Haleigh... she'd always sided with Alycia, or Sharon, or her mother... and when Delilah went off with Bishop... Morgan had tried to SAVE her... She'd gone AGAINST good sense to reach out to DELILAH... but the stinging truth was that Morgan hadn't done that for Haleigh when Haleigh needed it; Morgan had decided instead that she HAD to save SHARON.

If Haleigh HADN'T had this misplaced loyalty for Morgan [and if she hadn't wasted her trust in that TRAMP Zach]... if she'd slept with Nicolas way back when she'd first had the physical attraction to him... while there probably would have been a little fight over Haleigh swiping Nic from Morgan, they ALL would have been saved THIS level of heartache. How much easier things would be if Haleigh had never developed attachments to this team.... and when Haleigh started thinking like THAT... it was never a good thing for those around her.

For now... Haleigh was tranquilized and under the safe watch of Blaze.... but the longer she slept... the more she tossed and turned. Blaze came and went... Haleigh rolled over and murmured in her sleep. But the 'captivity' was about to end... Haleigh was still under the sleeping spell... but her subconscious was working doubletime, and as Blaze came in to check on her again.... Haleigh turned over in bed one final time and then DISAPPEARED completely!