Rose of Destruction II

[Berserker]

The Red Knight’s Quarters

Alek held her close, hovering above her, faces almost touching. He started to move to her side, but she held on to him, shaking her head, keeping him where he was.

“Don't...I don't want this to end....Not yet...."

He whispered back to her, “Whatever you want.” He let his eyes study her face, taking it all in, just feeling her, their bodied connected.

"Promise me. Promise me...no matter what happens we're in this together...Don't shut me out..."

She kissed him, and when she broke it he pressed his forehead to hers, looking into her eyes.

“We’re in this together, always. I promise. No matter what happens.”

She pressed her lips against his once more, passionately, deeper this time. How could he make her understand, that everything he was about to do was for her? Because he loved her?

His lips moved from her mouth to her neck, and then to her ear, where he whispered sweet nothings for just the two of them. And then with another long look into her eyes, he fell to kissing her again.

Together, always.

 

[Oracle]

The Sanctuary

Danny told them about himself, about the bar he owned, and then did what Oracle had hoped: explained his powers to them. It was fascinating to hear, truly something unique in the world of mutantkind.

“We saw you in action with Rose – it was impressive, to say the least. I admit, I had wanted to know more about your power, so thank you for indulging me. We’re up against something bad here, and I had hoped to be able to count on your assistance with that.”

And with Rose. But that was a conversation for later.

"I can also get a table anywhere in the city without a reservation…so there's that."

She laughed.

“Now that IS a talent. I usually don't bother if I have to wait more than 10 minutes.”

"What about you? You got this big team behind it. You're an information broker? That tied to any mutant powers. I only ask because mutants usually give off a certain smell. A biproduct of using their powers. It fades but it usually is on them for hours if not days depending on how much they use 'em. You smell clean...actually you smell pretty damn good. Chanel?"

Zizi blushed.

“A gift.”

She cleared her throat.

“And um, no, I’m not a mutant. Just spent a lot of time in front of the computer as a kid.”

 

[Persephone]

Alek: “We’re in this together, always. I promise. No matter what happens.”

Persephone gently nodded her head against his, their foreheads still touching and their lips barely apart as he spoke. Maybe if he understood that she was stronger KNOWING what Helena had planned rather than being left in the dark, it could make all the difference. But she didn't know, and she didn't realize that Haleigh was also involved too. Persephone was more in the dark than SHE even realized because of the twisted web that Helena was weaving in order to regain control of her Knight. But in that moment, she believed him. She believed that he would let her in--let her help navigate the hurricane that was the Red Queen to calmer waters. Make Helena realize that the Red Court could be STRONG and UNSTOPPABLE even with them together. Even moreso now. Because now she had an even bigger stake in all of this outside of her sister.

Persephone kissed him deeply, her fingers grasping at his hair as he moved his lips down her neck and to her ear. He began to whisper to her, a faint smile appearing on her lips as he connected their mouths together once again. Her eyes closed allowing the warm, tingly feeling she typically got when intoxicated to overtake her body as they made out a little while longer. Then finally, she loosened her grip and allowed him to roll off of her and onto the bed. Laying on her side pressed against him, Persephone hooked her leg with his and wrapped her arm across his chest, letting her head lay parallel to his scar. She gently traced it with her finger tips.

"We should do breakfast early tomorrow....go to the Morning Room before the other members wake up. Have the place to ourselves."

She smiled.

"We can figure out how to handle Helena. She didn't bring me out to get rid of me so quickly. I've dealt with women like her in the past. I can get her on my side."

Her hand slid from his scar down to his side, gently squeezing him.

"Plus I owe you an uninterrupted breakfast."

Referring to the first time they met in the Morning Room after Ravena. That felt like ions ago. Time passed so strangely within the walls of Hellfire.

 

[Cypher]

Gabe made his way to the front gate to let Ramsey in when he received a text from Zizi telling him that if he saw Simon not to mention Ava. Apparently Ava tried to kill HIM too.

"For Christ sakes, Ava..."

He grumbled, shooting Zizi a text back.

>Who HASN'T she tried to kill?....Thanks for the warning. Bbs.

Maybe Zizi should compile him a list of people she hasn't attempted to murder...it seemed like it would be a whole lot easier AND smaller at this point. Shaking his head, Ramsey hopped out of his truck as Gabe opened the gate.

Ramsey: "Nice digs."

Ramsey's Australian accent full and gruff.

"Pretty spacious. Gonna be a lot of work."

Gabe smiled as they clasped hands and did the typical bro hug.

"Thanks for coming on such short notice."

Ramsey: "No worries. You know I like me a challenge."

Ramsey scanned The Sanctuary with his eyes as a few more men got out of the truck with some random equipment and wires.

Ramsey: "Speaking of challenges....I heard Zees is here."

"Don't fucking start."

Ramsey laughed as they both started to walk up the driveway.

Ramsey: "Hey, all i'm sayin' is that if you ain't gonna snatch her up I am more than willing to be the Peter Parker to her Lois Lane."

"Clark Kent. It's Clark Kent."

Gabe responded with a roll of his eyes and an amused grin. Since Ramsey saw a picture of Zizi, he had been infatuated with her ever since, despite never meeting her. They ribbed each other about it, Gabe taking his advances in stride even though he would be more than willing to rip Ramsey's balls off if he did anything inappropriate to Zizi. Ramsey knew as much.

Ramsey: "They're all in spandex? Does it really matter?"

Gabe laughed, opening the door to The Sanctuary.

"You're such a fucker sometimes, you know that?"

Ramsey: "Sometimes? Aw, now don't butter me up sweets. You know how I get."

Ramsey chuckled as both him and Gabe entered the dining room where everyone was gathered. Ramsey gave a little wave to everyone present as they made their way over to Zizi, Danny, and Rae.

"Rams, these are Rose's friends Danny and Rae. And you know Liz..."

Ramsey: "Not officially....Luke Ramsey, happy to make your acquaintance finally Zizi."

He grinned at her and shook her hand; Gabe rolled his eyes at Ramsey's obvious flirtation with Zizi. Gabe gave him a hard pat on the shoulder.

"Gotta show you around the place. Rose is expecting quick results."

Ramsey: "And I definitely give quick results."

Ramsey slyly implied while grinning at Zizi.

"Get the fuck outta here with that. Common. [to Zizi] Sorry..."

Gabe grumbled as he pushed Ramsey away from Zizi in a playful yet forceful manner. He turned back around looking at Zizi.

"I'm gonna find Rose and introduce Ramsey to her before he starts setting up the system. I'll be back soon. [looking at Rae then] Then dead people."

Ramsey: "Dead people? Shit mate, I was only joking."

Gabe laughed as they both disappeared down the hall.

 

[Berserker]

The Red Knight’s Quarters

Alek rolled onto his back, Persephone curling up against him, tracing his scars with her fingers. The only thing worse than having to stop being with her was that she was going to be hurt by it, no matter what he did.

"We should do breakfast early tomorrow...go to the Morning Room before the other members wake up. Have the place to ourselves."

He was going to cheekily suggest they just have breakfast in bed, but no. That would just make it harder. As much as he wanted to hide in here with her forever, he had to put things in motion. And sooner rather than later. He pulled her closer to him, then stroked her back.

“Sounds perfect.”

"We can figure out how to handle Helena. She didn't bring me out to get rid of me so quickly. I've dealt with women like her in the past. I can get her on my side."

Yes, Seph. You must.

“Show her how invaluable you are to her. Don’t rely solely on the threat of your sister. It won’t be enough. Show her your strength.”

He had to tell her, without telling her. There were ears – and minds – everywhere, and saying it plainly would only make things worse for them. For her.

“I know it’s not in your nature but, you must show her how well you can serve her.”

"Plus I owe you an uninterrupted breakfast."

“I don’t mind being interrupted by you.”

He leaned over and kissed her.

“I love you so much, Seph. I want you to know that. Everything I do is because I love you.”

 

[Oracle]

The Sanctuary

Zizi was glad that Gabe seemed to be appreciating the gravity of the situation with Ava, reading his text and happy that he wasn’t trying to defend her. He soon returned, a bull of a man in tow, who waved to the group.

"Rams, these are Rose's friends Danny and Rae. And you know Liz..."

Zizi gave Gabe a perplexed look. She’d never met the man before.

"Not officially...Luke Ramsey, happy to make your acquaintance finally Zizi."

“Likewise.”

Ah, the mysterious Ramsey. Or should she say, infamous? She’d heard stories from Gabe. He shook her hand with a smile, which she easily returned.

"Gotta show you around the place. Rose is expecting quick results."

"And I definitely give quick results."

And she surprised herself by saying, quite without thinking, “Probably not something you want to own up to.”

"Get the fuck outta here with that. Common. [to Zizi] Sorry..."

She waved it away.

"I'm gonna find Rose and introduce Ramsey to her before he starts setting up the system. I'll be back soon. [looking at Rae then] Then dead people."

“Just make sure you’re back in time for dinner.”

Once they were gone, she commented, not to anyone in particular.

“That was…odd.”

She started to get nervous. Had Gabe been talking about her? What had he been saying? Did Ramsey know something she didn’t? Was it good or bad? Had Gabe told him about earlier? Had they been out in the truck laughing about what a sad, pathetic girl with a crush she was? About what a terrible kisser she was?

She took a deep drink of her wine. This was bad. Very, very bad.

 

[Tachyon]

Alycia had proven to be as interesting to listen to as she was too look at. Awesome there. But he did overhear when Gabe's friend came in and it was very funny. He pointed t0 show Alycia what was going on and chuckled as they left.

“Just make sure you’re back in time for dinner.”

Once they were gone, she commented, not to anyone in particular.

“That was…odd.”

She started to get nervous. Had Gabe been talking about her? What had he been saying? Did Ramsey know something she didn’t? Was it good or bad? Had Gabe told him about earlier? Had they been out in the truck laughing about what a sad, pathetic girl with a crush she was? About what a terrible kisser she was?

She took a deep drink of her wine. This was bad. Very, very bad.

I dunno, Elizabeth. It sounds to me like Gabriel told his friend all about you, how awesome and pretty you are, and...well...he could not wait to see you up close. My guess is that this 'friend' has offered to date you if Gabriel will not as a means to persuade him to ask you out. Not unusual at all. So you went from one admirer to TWO. Good show!

Xavier raised his glass to her, chuckling. Elizabeth had no idea how to deal with this much attention, even though she seemed to be craving it as much as she dismissed it.

 

[Persephone]

He agreed to breakfast, Persephone mindlessly running her hand along the divots of muscle along Alek's side and stomach. She brought up how she could maneuver Helena and get back on her 'good' side...or less bad side considering who they were talking about. Helena knew Persephone was the most powerful asset she had in her court. She was just pissed off and lashing out because Alek now loved someone OTHER than her.

Alek: “Show her how invaluable you are to her. Don’t rely solely on the threat of your sister. It won’t be enough. Show her your strength.”

Persephone scoffed softly against his skin.

"I'm pretty sure I could crack the Earth in half and she would still hate me. She knows what i'm capable of. She's sent me out to attack The Six and Birds of Prey more than any other Inner Circle member."

Helena was no fool in knowing the abilities Persephone had to take a foe down. And the fact that Persephone had no qualms about killing The Six without batting an eye lash. But that didn't mean she wasn't a spiteful, jealous woman. And jealousy could cloud even the sharpest of minds.

Alek: “I know it’s not in your nature but, you must show her how well you can serve her.”

Persephone groaned with a small laugh.

"Why am I here again?"

She asked rhetorically and sarcastically, knowing exactly WHY she had to stay there. Haleigh and Alek were her only family at this point. She wouldn't leave them, even if she had to 'serve' someone as ridiculous as Helena Quartermaine.

She tilted her head up with a small smile.

"Oh, right."

She teased with a smirk before she kissed him, her hand still caressing his skin.

Alek: “I love you so much, Seph. I want you to know that. Everything I do is because I love you.”

Her hand slid up his chest and to his neck, right under his jaw. She held him there, a soft smile on her lips. She kissed him again, holding him there for a few long moments, letting him know that it would be okay. She could see he was nervous about the situation and how they were going to navigate it.

She parted her lips from his, keeping them close.

"I'm going to be okay. Don't worry."

 

[Tycoon]

Molloy's

Delilah: I’m thinking about taking some classes, actually – maybe hiring a personal trainer. Maybe buy some flash cards. You know, really get on my numbers game.

Gavin raised his eyebrows as if he was impressed, as a smile spread across his face.

"Oh, so you're serious about it. That's good, very good. I'm sure you could have the ear of any finance guy you fancy."

He suggested, as she drained her glass. She made note of his accent and proposed a game of darts, which made him nod enthusiastically.

"Alright, sure. 501, or 301?"

He asked, rising to his feet. He never even looked at his watch. He knew it was late but he didn't care what time it was, and he didn't feel tired either. He was to busy enjoying himself, and her company.

"Hmm, wait.... perhaps I should do another shot to adjust the handicap for an American opponent...."

He suggested with a 'serious thinker' expression and a tone of exaggerated self-confidence as he made a show of rolling up his sleeves.

 

[Jezebel]

Rose's House

:: Rae sipped on her scotch as Gabe seemed really into the communicating with the dead, where as Oracle did not. To each their own. Some people just did not wish to pull back the veil so to speak, and that, Rae deeply understood. She had witnessed demonic possession and evil clawing through the bodies of young people simply who simply wanted to contact the other side. But it definitely made for a bit of a boring dinner. Gabe however, was a spitfire and she was a little annoyed that he was leaving even if just for a moment, but then he brought back a Christmas gift. ::

"Well fuck ME. Who is THAT?"

:: Gabe who? This blonde australian man came in with Gabe and introduced himself to the group just as Oracle and Danny were finished talking. Maybe she would haven't pull the robbery on Oracle. ::

Gabe: "Rams, these are Rose's friends Danny and Rae. And you know Liz..."

:: She detected the humorous glimmer in Gabe's voice as Ramsey was introduced to Zizi. Her eyes widened and she grinned a bit to herself as she looked at Oracle, completely amused. ::

"She may not be able to walk, but she sure as hell knows how to pull in some men! Maybe I could learn a bit from her. Be a little softer, bubbly..shinier.."

:: Rae thought that a cigarette would go really well with this scotch for a moment. ::

"Nah."

:: To both the cigarette and the changing of her demeanor. She was an unapologetic smoker, but she knew that there would be at least one of them in the group that would be foaming at the mouth to tell her how bad it was for her. People who didn't smoke were far more annoying than smokers. At least in Rae's experience. ::

Ramsey: "Not officially..Luke Ramsey, happy to make your acquaintance finally Zizi."

:: Rae always led with her breasts, so that's what she did, tugging her jacket to the side, aiming her headlights right towards Luke as she cracked a devilish smile at the man. ::

"And I'm..."

:: She touched his hand for a moment before letting it go. ::

"Rae Ann Reynolds. The dextrous, gorgeous, in her sexual peak Rae Ann Reynolds."

Gabe: "Gotta show you around the place. Rose is expecting quick results."

Ramsey: "And I definitely give quick results."

Oracle: "Probably not something you want to own up to."

"I bet you do, boy from Oz."

:: smiling. ::

Gabe: "Get the fuck outta here with that. Common. [to Zizi] Sorry..."

"No. Not just yet!"

:: she stopped them for a moment as she looked Ramsey up and down with a predatory and entertained glance for what seemed like thirty seconds before she looked at Gabe. ::

"Okay, you can go now."

Gabe: "I'm gonna find Rose and introduce Ramsey to her before he starts setting up the system. I'll be back soon. Then dead people."

:: Rae smiled. Well. She was glad she had come to dinner. One thing about Rose's ever expanding world was that the men were hot. And powerful. And possibly dangerous. Rae felt like a horse in front of a box of sugar cubes. ::

Oracle: "Just make sure you're back in time for dinner."

"That was...odd."

:: She studied Oracle's face for a moment. How could a woman so intelligent and brilliant and stoic be so unsure of herself. And then Rae remembered the wheelchair. To some people, it wouldn't matter if Oracle was Miss America or the most interesting woman in the world, they would never be able to get past the wheelchair. In her mind, Rae ann saw Zizi sitting on the ground, a pair of handcuffs tying her to her wheelchair. ::

"Maybe she herself can't get past the wheelchair. And then there's sex."

:: There was probably a host of questions Zizi had at any given time about her limitations, about how she could make her situation better, or at the very least, have a full life. Rae felt pity for a moment, and then she felt bad for it, but then she hoped Oracle could find a way to let love in her life. Everybody deserved to be wanted. ::

Tachyon: "I dunno, Elizabeth. It sounds to me like Gabriel told his friend all about you, how awesome and pretty you are, and...well...he could not wait to see you up close. My guess is that this 'friend' has offered to date you if Gabriel will not as a means to persuade him to ask you out. Not unusual at all. So you went from one admirer to TWO. Good show!"

:: Rae nodded, polishing off her scotch, before exhaling sharply, as the flavor of the scotch hit her throat. ::

"Girl, what you got going on is your own business. Sorry, we're all prying. But tell you what, you like that boy? You just say the word. I'm a very convincing..if not sometimes violent woman. I can help you get the answers you're looking for."

 

[Berserker]

The Red Knight’s Quarters

"I'm pretty sure I could crack the Earth in half and she would still hate me. She knows what I'm capable of. She's sent me out to attack The Six and Birds of Prey more than any other Inner Circle member."

“I have no doubt that you could crack the Earth in half if you wanted to…but let’s face it, she hates you because of me. As usual, you were right. I’m sorry. I’m sorry you now have to deal with this.”

He rested his cheek on the top of her head. At least he could say some of the things he needed to.

“I was stupid to think she wouldn’t care.”

He hated himself, that he even had to ask her to act submissive towards Helena.

"Why am I here again? Oh, right."

She gave him the most charming smile, and despite everything he had to smile too. She kissed him, and it was so easy to believe the fantasy that everything would be okay.

"I'm going to be okay. Don't worry."

“I know.”

He would make sure of that, one way or another. If he had to jump off the Verrazano Bridge, he would make sure of it.

“But don’t ask me not to worry about you. Never going to happen.”

He smiled at her.

“We’ll figure this out. We just have to put up with this for a little while. It won’t be forever.”

He leaned his head back and closed his eyes.

“Just think about snow.”

 

[MorningStar]

Molloy's

He surprised her by keeping up the “adrenaline junkie finance guy” ruse.

"Oh, so you're serious about it. That's good, very good. I'm sure you could have the ear of any finance guy you fancy."

“Excellent. I collect ears in a jar.”

She gave him crazy eyes before laughing, then suggested a game of darts.

"Alright, sure. 501, or 301?"

She feigned insult.

“501, of course. I wouldn’t want to beat you too quickly.”

He got up, and so did she.

"Hmm, wait.... perhaps I should do another shot to adjust the handicap for an American opponent...."

She smirked at him.

“Keep talking smart guy…and I’ll be sure to have Zach tell everyone at your office how you got your ass handed to you by a girl.”

She smiled.

“Or maybe you’d like to sweeten the deal with a little friendly wager?”

Delilah raised her eyebrows.

“And that shot to seal the deal?”

 

[Talisman]

Hellfire Club - Catacombs - Laboratory

Haleigh: "How interesting. And here, I was just thinking you'd produce some clones with enhanced durability and superior strength. I kind of hoped to con you into giving me one to play with. I'd planned to make a pretty spectacular sextape to send to Morningstar."

< Talisman gave a side ways smile. >

"Well, I hate to announce something so preliminary, but let's just say, this year's stocking stuffers at the annual Christmas Party are going to memorable."

< Scion addressed The Black Queen's concerns as Talisman presented herself only somewhat interested, catching her nails in the reflection of her flute of hemlock for a moment, taking a second to admire them as Scion spoke. >

Haleigh: "It's a valid concern, to be sure. But I've made my choice, and I'll see it through. Eventually all of them will come to accept it. It's only a matter of time. I don't begrudge you your doubts. There's no use in denying any of the reasons I came here. The bottom line is that I am here to stay."

< Her eyes lifted from her glass and met Scion's. She spoke exhaling. >

"And world peace."

< Talisman was still second guessing the nature of Scion's visit here. She was on an apology tour. This was how she wanted her to approach The Black Queen initially, but Scion's words here felt canned. This was what she needed to say, the only acceptable answer she could give. Her punishment had shown Talisman that they put Scion in a corner and she was trying to find as many ways out as possible. >

"And nobody puts baby in a corner."

Haleigh: "Oh, your Majesty, even I don't know that yet. My tactics are always evolving. YOU can affect them, by giving me reasons to adjust my motives one way or the other. We can be allies, you know. I think we could learn a great deal from one another."

< Kelly uncrossed her legs, and crossed them again as she had taken a seat while Haleigh spoke. She was silent for a few moments, eyeing Haleigh up and down, particularly setting on her face, almost as if she were seeing something familiar. >

[taking a sip]

"You know..for as much as you are like your mother, looking at you now, seeing you here? In the lab. I can clearly see Christopher in you."

< she softly laughed in a quick and fleeting moment of reflection. >

"He was dead before he would have really had the chance to create you in my timeline, but it's a significant feeling to know that he was more than just the T-Virus. At least here. In my timeline, he seemed so consumed by it, but here, at least it makes sense, because he was actually consumed with you."

[pausing]

"You have his smile."

< Kelly raised her glass in celebration. >

"To one of the only men to ever truly pull one over on Diana. May he rest in Hell where he belongs."

< She took a silent sip. >

"I did not want you here in the slightest. You were..are still very much so, a complication. You effect Diana, and in doing so, you effect the sisterhood. But you are here. And right now..you're being a good little girl for the most part."

< leaning back. >

"I care little for the social maneuvering and vintage primetime soap opera chutzpah that happens in these walls. I enjoy champagne and insults as much as the next woman, and you've seen my manicure. It's fabulous. And I understand the necessity for these things. But that's not truly my role here anyway, and I humbly leave that mantle to Diana and Helena, both masters in their own right."

"We could work together, Haleigh. It would not be unfathomable. Garnering trust in a place like this is a fool's errand, so I won't require even that. What I will require is frankness. Honesty."

"I wanted you to bow down before me when we first met, but I realize..that was a mistake. To see you here, your words so careful, your intentions so seemingly genuine, well..it sickens me."

"You are The White Princess. Daughter of Diana and Christopher. You may not be my peer, but at the very least, you are an important colleague. So I will treat you as such moving forward. This means you can speak freely."

< She rose from her chair. >

"As will I."

< pausing for a moment. >

"So, how exactly do you see this alliance working? What is it that you want from ME, Haleigh?"

 

[Oracle]

The Sanctuary

Ramsey shook Rae’s hand, and the women positively shocked Zizi, so much that if she wasn’t as polite as she was her mouth would have hung open.

"Rae Ann Reynolds. The dextrous, gorgeous, in her sexual peak Rae Ann Reynolds."

How did people say things like that, and so easily? Zizi found herself admiring Rae, and her ways – they were somehow endearing for all their brazenness. And once Gabe & Ramsey left the room, it was like the room turned towards her.

"I dunno, Elizabeth. It sounds to me like Gabriel told his friend all about you, how awesome and pretty you are, and...well...he could not wait to see you up close.

“I highly doubt that’s what he said, but thank you for saying so Xavier, honey.”

”My guess is that this 'friend' has offered to date you if Gabriel will not as a means to persuade him to ask you out. Not unusual at all. So you went from one admirer to TWO. Good show!"

More like from zero to negative one.

She shook her head.

“Believe me, it’s so not like that.”

She looked at Danny.

“Could I please have some more wine?”

[qutoe=Rae]"Girl, what you got going on is your own business. Sorry, we're all prying. But tell you what, you like that boy? You just say the word. I'm a very convincing...if not sometimes violent woman. I can help you get the answers you're looking for."[/quote]

Zizi smiled warmly at Rae, but then it turned sad.

“Thank you – you’re very kind. But…I think my roommate tried that earlier, and well, it did more harm than good, I think. Nevertheless, I know where I stand. He was pretty clear about that, actually.”

And I pretty much stand at the back. No, in the lobby. Next to the door. Next to the trash can.

Zizi felt like an exhibit at the zoo. Everybody looking at her with pity, but not wanting to get too close either. That coupled with the roller coaster of emotions she felt at any given moment, plus all the beer she’d had at the bar, and the wine here…it was all she could do to keep it together. She just hoped she could make it through dinner. No, she resolved to. She just had to get through the next couple hours.

 

[Longshot]

To The Dinner Party...

< After the altercation with his mother, Simon spent the better part of the day drinking himself into a stupor, just like she would have. In the somewhat run down one room apartment space just over the headquarters to VANGUARD, Simon drank whiskey like it was water as he poured over legal documents and construction papers. He was running out of time. While he had gained new allies in the form of Lauren Danvers and Danny Donnelly, he still didn't have the funding he needed in order to keep things going. He needed investers, badly. He laid down on his matress on the floor in the space that would have barely contained his closet in his previous life and tried his best to drink himself unconscious, which he did, and them promptly regretted. >

< He dreamt of Ava attacking him on the streets of New York. How had she gone that far down the rabbit hole and he not know anything about it. She was always withholding. That was her thing. But it was also a lie. Simon had been a very well versed playboy when he met Ava. He knew when somebody was giving a little bit of his own medicine back to him, and that was Ava. She was always "I don't need anybody - but if you want to cuddle, I guess that's fine, just don't get all weird." She gave him breadcrumbs and he knew where to find her. She was so closed off, but if you got her in the right moments, she was so honest and vulnerable. Their relationship had been fleeting, and definitely, they were in a wane just after The Purifiers Incident, but for whatever reason, he wanted to believe that if Ava was in that much trouble, that she would contact him, and she didn't. It was bothering the obnoxious manhood in him. Did she not think he was strong enough? Did she really not have the same feelings he did? Was she not playing a game? Did she really mean it when she said she didn't want anything serious? Hours past and Simon woke up, naked in his bed, the sheets wrapped around his waist and down his leg. For a moment, he could feel her beside him. Her chest heaving slowly up and down as she breathed. >

< Simon remembered Ava's nightmares. They were frequent. He would wake up at four in the morning to grab a drink of water or take a piss and she would be screaming and talking outloud in her sleep. He lightly pressed the issue, but she made it very clear that it wasn't something she was going to talk about it, so he let it go. He figured they would have more time. They didn't. Everything was going wrong for him lately, but for whatever reason, the fact that Ava had somehow gone evil, it really stung him in a way he was not prepared for. >

< As the evening wore on, Simon slapped his alarm clock. He had been asleep for four hours. Rubbing his eyes, he leaned up in bed, looking over to his phone to see a text from Danny Donnelly alerting him to the fact that he had dinner plans. He wanted to stay in bed forever, and just sleep through this next period of his life, but he knew it was best for him to go. Danny was a smart guy and if he thought Simon should be somewhere, he probably should go. Throwing himself into the shower, he got dressed in a very respectable casual dinner attire, despite his lack of funds and headed downstairs and onto the streets. He wanted to bring flowers and a bottle of wine. He inserted his debit card and looked at his available balance. >

"48.92"

< Grimacing, he shook his head and took out $40.00 - grimacing once again when he read about the $4.95 fee he was paying to take out forty dollars of his own goddamn money. Thirty minutes later, he had found a bouqet of peonies, his favorite flower, and two bottles of some respectable, but cheap wine. Soon, Simon found himself at the front door of Rose's brownstone. He let himself in. >

"Hello?"

< His eyes met those in the room. He knew Oracle, Danny, Rae and Alycia. For a moment, all of his muscles tensed. He was still experiencing a somewhat post traumatic stress from the Purifiers caper, and seeing so many people from that event in front of him, it made breathe not so easy. >

"Hi guys! Sorry I'm late! I brought flowers...and wine!"

< He gave hugs to each and every one of them, stopping at Oracle. He held her a bit longer. >

"Oracle. It's so good to see you. Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it. Seriously, you should Air BnB that guest room in the clocktower. Who doesn't want to sleep in a clocktower in New York City? You could make a killing!"

[turning to Danny]

"Danny Donnelly! Public Relations Liasion. Partner! Good to see you again, buddy. Thanks for inviting me."

< Simon hugged Danny warmly. >

Danny: "And I'm thankful you're here because I was just about to pour Zizi some wine so she can relax about the fact that everybody is all UP in her business. A welcome distraction."

[danny turned to Zizi]

Danny: "You a red or a white girl?

< Simon smiled. >

"I'm sure Rose is in a panic in the kitchen? What are we drinking? I brought some flowers. Think we can find a vase around here?"

 

[Cypher]

It didn't take long for Gabe to introduce Ramsey to Rose. In fact, they were in and out of the kitchen in a flash; Rose more worried about the food than anything else. She told him to go ahead and show Ramsey around and start setting up the equipment. But Ramsey was quite infatuated with Rose's friend Rae, suggesting that they at least have a drink before doing a full tour.

Ramsey: "You know I do better with a libations before hand."

"Uh huh."

Ramsey: "Hey, you want this job done right, eh?"

"You're a piece of work. First Liz now Rae? And I thought *I* was bad."

Gabe shook his head as they both made their way down the main hall back to the dining room.

Ramsey: "Zizi is hot, no denying that. But Rae? Woooowheee, now that is some fine vintage wine right there. Did you see her do that shirt shimmy thing all exposing her cleavage and shit? Now that's my typa lady. Not afraid to show up and show off."

Gabe laughed as Ramsey grinned like a school boy about to give an apple to his favorite teacher. They both entered the dining room once again. There was another guy there, blonde, kinda scrawny, looked like a prep school bloke. That must be Simon. Ava fucked him? Okay, he was really beginning to wander if Ava just straight lost her damn mind.

Gabe approached Zizi and gave her a smile. She looked a little uncomfortable.

"You okay?"

He softly asked, placing his hand on her shoulder. He gestured his head over at Ramsey who immediately went up to Rae.

"Ramsey wanted to a drink before he got to work. And by drink, I mean Rae."

He whispered with a chuckle.

Ramsey: "So dexterous, gorgeous, Rae Ann. I ain't much of a wine drinker....[nodding to her glass of scotch] care to show me where the good stuff is?" [grinning]

 

[Jezebel]

Oracle: "Thank you - you're very kind. But...I think my roommate tried that earlier, and well, it did more harm than good, I think. Nevertheless, I know where I stand. He was pretty clear about that, actually."

:: Rae Ann laughed loudly. ::

"Oh honey."

:: laughing louder. ::

"You don't know shit. Men are stupid. Hot..but real stupid. That guy likes you, he just won't say admit it because you won't. One of you has to make the move. A girl's gotta take charge sometimes."

:: Soon, Simon had arrived and Danny was tryingt o ease the somewhat awkward feeling in the room. ::

Danny: "And II'm thankful you're here because I was just about to poor Zizi some wine so she can relax about the fact that everybody is all UP in her business. A welcome distraction."

"Oh can it you queen!"

:: Rae laughed before looking at Zizi with a smirk. ::

"Sorry. Weapons down. Didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, darlin."

:: Thankfully Gabe was back with the hot australian and Rae's ears perked up like a fox as the men made their way over. ::

Gabe: "Ramsey wanted a drink before he got to work. And by drink, I mean Rae."

Ramsey: "So dextrous, gorgeous, Rae Ann. I ain't much of a wine drinker...[nodding to her glass of scotch] care to show me where the good stuff is?"

:: She gave a flirty smile. ::

"Be careful what you ask for, Ramsey."

:: Rae gestured him over to the bar area where she once more popped the top of the crystal decantur that contained the scotch. ::

"I like a man that drinks scotch. I swear, if I see another man order a vodka soda in a bar and he gets to keep his balls, I'll scream."

:: Seductively, Rae put the glass of scotch in his hands. She brought her own glass up to her lips as she smiled, giving a toast. ::

"To...work."

:: She took a drink. ::

"You said you deliver quick results...does that mean you'd have time later for a little pleasure? After your business of course."

 

[Persephone]

Alek: “I have no doubt that you could crack the Earth in half if you wanted to…but let’s face it, she hates you because of me. As usual, you were right. I’m sorry. I’m sorry you now have to deal with this.”

Persephone gently scratched his beard feeling his chin rest on her head. She didn't WANT to be right in these circumstances, as much as she hated being wrong normally. But she would of gladly eaten crow in this situation.

"It's okay....I've dealt with worse."

Alek: “I was stupid to think she wouldn’t care.”

"I think we BOTH underestimated how Helena would react."

Severely in this case. Persephone was already strategizing ways out of the situation....unbeknownst to her that Haleigh AND Alek had already decided on a course of action BEHIND her back and without involving her.

She jokingly asked him why she was even at the Hellfire Club to begin with, tilting her head up and smiling at him before kissing him. In her mind, Helena was just a small piece in a larger puzzle. Could the bitch pack a punch? Absolutely. But Persephone just needed to bide her time and play nice with the Queen until she got Haleigh and herself OUT of Hellfire Club. It was apparent that Haleigh's endgame had changed, just from the conversation they had earlier. Her sister wanted to live, and that meant AWAY from this place. It was just a matter of figuring out when and how.

Persephone looked up into Alek's eyes, softly smiling a reassuring smile.

"I'm going to be okay. Don't worry."

Alek: "I know. But don’t ask me not to worry about you. Never going to happen.”

"Worrying gives you wrinkles....just ask Helena."

Persephone laughed against Alek's chest, knowing she was probably gonna get hell for that if Helena somehow 'heard'. But screw it, the joke was worth it and it made both of them laugh and ease the mood.

Alek: “We’ll figure this out. We just have to put up with this for a little while. It won’t be forever.”

Persephone softly sighed out, her eyes going to the fire that was nearly burnt out in the fireplace.

"Then the cabin."

She whispered, wanting so badly to finally see Haleigh safe outside of these walls so she could disappear with Alek for a long vacation--not a care in the world.

Alek: "Just think about snow."

She smiled, her fingers still gently scratching his beard as she got lost in thought--plotting just how she was going to navigate Helena Quartermaine.

 

[Ramsey]

Rae: "Be careful what you ask for, Ramsey."

Ramsey grinned a cheeky grin.

"I never ask for nothing I can't handle."

Rae escorted him over to the bar where she got the scotch, Ramsey's eyes lowering to her very full and buxom bust as she opened the decanter. Damn that lady knew how to wear a shirt and show it off.

Rae: "I like a man that drinks scotch."

"Huh?"

He lifted his eyes back up to Rae, realizing he was imagining motor boating the fuck out of her tits.

"Right, yeah. Scotch and Whisky and Beer, oh my. My three amigos."

Rae: "I swear, if I see another man order a vodka soda in a bar and he gets to keep his balls, I'll scream."

Fuck lady i'll make you scream. And I don't need no vodka to do it.

"Bunch of pussies they are."

She handed him a glass of scotch and he nodded graciously while lifting his glass up for a cheers.

Rae: "To...work."

"If it's work it ain't fun!"

Clinking his glass against hers, Ramsey took a long swig of the liquid, nodding as it burned down his throat.

"Ahh, now that's the good stuff."

Rae: "You said you deliver quick results..."

"When it counts."

He wasn't about to suggest he was a two pump chump.

Rae: "Does that mean you'd have time later for a little pleasure? After your business of course."

A lady straight to the damn point. Now see, this was why he loved older sheila's. They knew what they wanted, didn't beat around the bush, and went in for the kill. No fucking games and flowers and pretty little sweet nothings of bullshit and lies. He liked this lady.

Ramsey laughed a husky laugh.

"A little? Oh darlin', you have no idea."

He glanced over noting everyone was conversing and not paying much attention. He leaned in, giving her a little nod and grin.

"I was hoping you'd let me take a look under ya hood.....shit.....my hands ain't the only thing i'm good with."

Lifting his brows up to emphasize his point, Ramsey downed the rest of his scotch before picking up the decanter and pouring him another two fingers. Ramsey grinned as he took her in again, enjoying all the curves she decided to NOT leave to the imagination.

"Lady, you're a fine piece. No disrespect of course. My pops taught me well enough not to piss a good lady off. I enjoy my nuts right where they are."

 

[Oracle]

The Sanctuary

Zizi’s feelings of being on display were not helped by the fact that Rae started to laugh at her. Loudly.

"You don't know shit. Men are stupid. Hot...but real stupid. That guy likes you, he just won't admit it because you won't. One of you has to make the move. A girl's gotta take charge sometimes."

She shook her head. They didn’t understand that he did know how she felt, but had basically given her the “I just want to be friends” talk earlier. But she really didn’t want to dredge that up again. Thankfully Simon showed up and took the scrutiny off of her.

"Hi guys! Sorry I'm late! I brought flowers...and wine!"

Simon gave her a hug, and she returned it warmly. She would have to thank him later, because she had really needed it.

“We heard you were coming. It’s so good to see you looking so well.”

"Oracle. It's so good to see you. Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it. Seriously, you should Air BnB that guest room in the Clocktower. Who doesn't want to sleep in a Clocktower in New York City? You could make a killing!"

She smiled graciously.

“I think I’d rather keep it available for delightful guests such as yourself.”

He made the rounds, already having met Rae & Danny.

"And I'm thankful you're here because I was just about to pour Zizi some wine so she can relax about the fact that everybody is all UP in her business. A welcome distraction."

Zizi blushed.

"You a red or a white girl?

“Red. Please. Thank you.”

Gabe & Ramsey returned as Danny was filling her glass - Ramsey going to talk to Rae, and Gabe coming over to her and giving her a smile. Which made her feel instantly better.

"You okay?"

She nodded and smiled as he rested his hand on her shoulder.

“Yeah. Yeah, yeah yeah. The wine’s just going to my head a little I think.”

She patted his hand, then let it rest on top of his as they watched Ramsey nearly jump on top of Rae.

"Ramsey wanted a drink before he got to work. And by drink, I mean Rae."

She raised her eyebrows.

“He certainly does work fast.”

And then she remembered herself.

“Where are manners? Simon, this is Gabe Jerome. He designed the new security system for the Sanctuary.”

She smiled up at Gabe with pride.

“And that is his associate, Luke Ramsey. Simon is starting up a new charitable organization.”