Rose of Destruction II

[Prophet]

To The War Room

:: Doing a PSI Scan, Cameron quickly locked onto Cassandra, despite how far away from things she was. Interesting enough, she was not alone and engaged in what appeared to be some kind of romantic roll in the hay. He cocked an unamused eyebrow as she sent her a thought call to return to The Parthenon immediately. ::

Via Thought Call: "Cass return to The Parthenon at once. There has been an altercation involving The Six and Persephone. You need to be debriefed immediately. The streets are not safe. Persephone is still at large."

:: At once they were returned to The War Room via stepping disc. Morgan made it clear that they were not to tell Karen what had just transpired and Cameron agreed. Karen was leaving begrudgingly and this news might send her over the edge and cause her to try and stay to help. ::

:: Delilah slunk down in a chair and Cameron wanted to follow suit, but he remained standing. ::

"Well, that was fun. How the hell did that woman stop Blaze's attack?"

:: He furrowed his brow. ::

"That's what *I* would like to know. I could have had them BOTH!"

:: Cameron gripped his fist in anger for a moment. ::

"We need to know more about that Bishop and SOON. Hopefully Vivica's recording will allow her to detect the nature of her power because if her field is THAT strong, we need to know what ELSE she's capable of."

:: Thinking. ::

"I was able to see some of Persephone's allies within the Hellfire Club. More specifically, The Red Knight, Alek. It didn't take much digging to realize that she has STRONG feelings for him. Feelings that, well? I know all too well. He's also entertained relations with Scion. He was the man in the video that I was sent. He's not a primary target at this moment, but should shit hit the fan, he's definitely somebody we can use to our advantage, goad the goddess so to speak."

 

[Tachyon]

"Ya ever notice how mutants always tend to be the most delicate of snowflakes? Not judging..oh who am I kidding, yes I am. They can move things with their mind and fly and create fire and they all wanna focus on the things they can't do and don't have. It's bullshit."

:: taking a drag. ::

"Sorry your team ain't much of a dream right now, Xav..."

:: In her mind she began to perceive a flock of birds flying together. Strong beautiful and in unison in the night sky of the city. ::

"But you'll get it together. They're lucky to have you."

:: she flicked her cigarette as ash fell onto the ground. ::

Well, my Dad used to say that puppy love is love to the actual PUPPY. Being here has taught me that even the shit we find trivial can be all someone can focus on at times, no matter how powerful they may be. And I thank you, your words are too kind for a thief.

"As for the suits..What I was worried about earlier seems to be true. Some fat fuck from the department of assholes is trying to give Rose trouble. And I know he's in the pocket of The Hellfire Club."

:: She saw a gavel cracking down on the ground. ::

"But it looks like for now...things will calm down. Sharon and Alycia, I gotta say those two amuse the SHIT out of me. Always so PISSED OFF and ready to just fuckin' maul a man for looking at him sideways. It reminds me of when I was on the road with my band, but it took a LOT of coke to get me to THAT point. For them...it's all natural.."

:: smirking ::

"But they're good girls. Better than I ever was. SO...settling down, laying down roots? I thought you were a rollin' stone like myself. Giving up the relic hunter life to be a hero? What brought that about? Why stay put when you can get anywhere you want faster than..well ANYBODY?"

Look around Rae.

Xavier gestured around.

This school held 3 times as many children as it does now. One set of bastards took 42 souls too early, 42 opportunities to BE something. And they had some crazy robot they wanted to make whole to take us ALL out. Oh, I will always be a relic hunter, and I will always be constantly moving about in some ways. But for now? I need to try to right some wrongs, be counted in the right part of the good fight for something more important than perhaps any relic I have ever collected from its legal owner. Maybe this ain't forever, Rae, I dunno. But I DO know that I need to see this through.

Xavier reached out and grasped Rae's hand.

So, you gonna keep rolling or are you gonna let that maternal instinct allow you to hold these babies awhile longer? I think Rose could use the help, at least for a while now-

[via com]: “Valkyrie, Orion, Tachyon, Steel, Titan, Charope, Silver Swan, this is Oracle. Be advised: Persephone has just attacked Firebird. Everyone is fine, but be on guard. No one is to go anywhere alone. Watch your backs.”

Fucking for real?! BOLLOCKS! Xavier looked at Rae, taking notes on who was where. There was one person who was not with another member of their team.

ORACLE!

In seconds he had used their communicator to track her down and entered a bar, seeing a man speaking with her.

He took her hand, gripping it tightly. Looking into her eyes. SHOWING her that he was steadfast in his convictions.

"I'm not walking away. Not for this, not from you."

That is excellent to hear, sir. I apologize for interrupting, my name is Xavier...Xavier Winston, but given the circumstances I found it necessary to make certain that Elizabeth was properly accompanied.

Xavier offers a handshake to the man...wait...is this the bloke she was hot for? OHSHI- HE JUST FUCKED UP A DATE.

OH- ahem....I am SO sorry. I am certain that you are proper...companionship as long as Zizi finds you proper, I mean, she is beautiful isn't she? Look, you two have fun and be safe, I am a breath away. Lucky man, there.

Xavier pats Gabe on the back, smiles sheepishly and then is gone....almost as if he faded away....and heads back to the Sanctuary. He finds the group assembled and Rose cooking in the other room. The food is starting to smell great.

Excuse me team...why did no one tell me that Elizabeth had a hot date tonight?

 

[Recall]

Aroma to The Parthenon

:: Blaze was knocked down but not out, and Vivica stood by her side as she got up, she was now recording this interaction and broadcasting it to Oracle. Vivica was scared that much was true. She was out on the street in broad daylight. She didn't have her boomerangs or her new battle costume. If attacked, she would have to rely on her senses and her native passive power. But she had learned after logging many hours in the field that often times, her "passive" power made all the difference. This had been the third time now she had seen Persephone in battle and she was beginning to compile a list as to exactly how Persephone liked to use her power, the pattern of how often she used which abilities and where she liked to lie on the battlefield. She may not have been able to attack Persephone directly, but she could most CERTAINLY give Blaze a leg up in this battle if needed. ::

:: Much to her relief, before long The Six seemed to show up in full force. It was an uncomfortable feeling. She had wanted to help Blaze and now she was standing shoulder to shoulder with the rest of The Six. But this was war, and while The Birds of Prey and The Six had different agendas, they aligned on one thing - The Hellfire Club was the enemy and it showed a strong bridge being built between the teams. Vivica had no CHOICE but to be here. She would not cower to Persephone, or ANY other enemy, no matter how strong they appeared to be. ::

:: Blaze was poised to deliver one HELL of an attack - a KILL SHOT for all intents and purposes, and Vivica digged her heels into the ground, in battle stance, ready to deal with the retribution that Persephone would most certainly unleash. But then? ::

<< MYSTIQUE , the mysterious Red Bishop of the Hellfire Club, is the source of the invisible force field that SHEILDS Persephone from the elemental barrage unleashed by Firebird, but as the fire elemental intensifies her assault, even Mystique, as well as Persephone begin to FEEL the geothermal heat! The woman, who has been focused on blocking Firebird's attack, FINALLY reveals herself to everyone present.>>

<< Her appearence is a source of surprise for all present, ESPECIALLY for Firebird, who notes her look, her red hair, her green eyes.>>

Spellbinder: "Who in the WORLD is THAT!?"

Isis: "That is the Inner Circle's RED BISHOP!"

Spellbinder: "Is..is SHE a fire elementtal? HOW can she be BLOCKING Firebird's attack like this?"

:: Vivica's pupils dilated for a moment. ::

"Her handle at the Hellfire Club is Mystique, but scans on HER are...inconclusive. I need to see more of her in action to determine what her power set is."

:: Her gaze met Mystique's as the woman taunted the group. As EACH of them attempted to pierce the veil of Mystique's protection, Vivica analyzed, watching how it reacted to EACH person's power. From the corner of her eye, she could sense Cameron's energy signature as it became clear he was about to go after Persephone with everything that he had. She hated him for what he had done, and for a moment it brought her comfort to see him attack a woman that had hurt her so deeply, but she knew that even THAT was selfish. He wanted to save Ava. She wondered if he would EVER do the same thing if this was happening to her. Or would he wallow in self pity and let her die. She shook her head and remained focus as Prophet led the CHARGE attempting to slice through the shield with his blade and the rest of the team followed his lead, Spellbinder calling out commands. ::

:: Vivica had been worried about The Six's ability to fight this fight, but it was clear in this moment that both Prophet and Spellbinder were taking the reigns and that everybody on their team was ready to follow their lead and do what needed to be done. Perhaps there was hope for them yet. ::

Mystique: "Try again, lover boy."

[to Mystique] "NOW!"

The barrier immediately dissipated with a simple blink of Mystique's eyes. In that EXACT moment a blast of HURRICANE FORCE winds exploded out from the 'wall', SLAMMING into Cameron and EVERYONE ELSE instantly sending them FLYING BACKWARDS. The sky CRASHED and ROARED, opening up in a fury of rain all around New York City.

"UGGGHHHHH!"

:: She was THROWN into the air and she tried her best to brace for impact. These winds were STRONG and unforgiving as they battered through her body. Having peak human senses, she did her best to try and navigate her surroundings without her sight. The winds were too strong to see through. As she had mentally scanned the area, she knew the landscape without having to be able to see it, but that didn't stop the knowledge that she KNEW that in a few feet, she was about to COLLIDE with something that was becoming an urban legend in the city - a phone booth! ::

<< BAM! >>

:: Vivica hit the booth hard, crashing through the glass and slumping to the ground as the winds stopped and both Persephone and Mystique had dissappeared. She found herself having crashed THROUGH the phone booth and landing on the street in a huddle, her face and hands riddle with cut marks from the glass. But she was alive, she was breathing and the cuts were superficial. Persephone had escaped AGAIN. ::

"I.....hate that bitch....so GODDAMN much..."

:: She had cracked her heel which was the real trauma of the day as the shoes she had been wearing were very expensive and very beautiful. Grimacing, she tried to lift herself up but found herself a bit weak, and then she felt his presence next to her. Vivica looked up and met Cameron's eyes. ::

"Cameron just go."

:: Vivica did need help up, and it was petty to refuse it, especially after she had just stood beside him in battle. She gave out her hand, she helped him up and she quickly began to walk towards the group ignoring him completely. Recall had been clear with Cameron. He was no friend of hers, not anymore. She wasn't going to give him any reason to think anything otherwise. ::

Isis: Earlier, Cassandra was at Charope's Infirmary. Recall, did you contact Oracle about this? Were you able to record the fight?

They had no idea, that at this very moment, Ruby was consorting with ANOTHER member of the Hellfire Club's Inner Circle, outside of St. Patrick's Cathedral, no less!

Spellbinder: Prophet, cast a psi scan around this entire area, see if you can pick up Ruby's psi signature, and if so, contact her, tell her to return to the parthenon for safety's sake. I'll teleport the rest of us back to the Parthenon.

Isis: Richard, you, Recall and myself will return to my diamond suite for the immediate moment, allowing Recall to communicate with Oracle in safety. I believe the amazons are still at Rose's sanctuary, they'll need to be alerted as well....

:: She walked over to Blaze and kissed her on the cheek. ::

"I've been live broadcasting this entire event to Oracle as we speak."

:: Vivica nodded at Isis' words. ::

"Agreed. Let's go."

Matrix: Steel , Xavier, and the others at the Clocktower....

Isis: Of course, but we really SHOULD make haste, before the local law enforcement comes.

Firebird had a moment to look around and SEE the massive amount of damage that she and Persephone had caused in their battle, and the locals would no doubt be freaked out by the wild weather patterns that had rampaged through the area, along with the fire elemental phenomena.

Spellbinder: Okay. Let's go everyone!

<< eldritch chimes, and a mystical tone sound off as Spellbinder and Isis teleport their groups out of site, as the wail of sirens grow closer and closer. >>

<< Next stop, the parthenon.>>

<< In Isis' diamond suite, She, Recall and Matrix take a moment to process what has occurred as well. Dominique strongly suggests that they too NOT say anything to or in the presence of Shadow Weaver about this incident, knowing how it might upset her, and cause her to change her mind about leaving. The IMPORTANT thing is that Firebird is okay, and that they gained some additional insight and intel not only on Persephone, but this mysterious Red Rook, who calls herself Mystique.>>

<< While in the safety and privacy of Isis' diamond suite, Recall takes this time to communicate with Oracle, who will in turn inform the others at their various locations so they'll be aware. It's an encouraging sign for Oracle, to see Isis with Recall.>>

:: Vivica settled into the Black Diamond Suite as she grabbed a bottle of water from the mini fridge in the corner and took a long drink before exhaling quickly. ::

"So now we aren't even safe in daylight.."

:: She put her hand on her head. ::

"Ugh..why did Blaze have to go hunting? I know that's what she did."

"That would have never have happened if she hadn't been patrolling..but in this case..I'm glad she did. I know I can crack the code on Mystique's power set and we can figure a way around it. But she worries me. Her face...there are so many similarities, so much symmetry to..Blaze's. That puts me on edge."

[looking over at them]

"Are you both okay?"

 

[Berserker]

The Red Knight’s Quarters

Seph answered his question about food by kissing him, and his body responded to her.

"Maybe a hot bath...get out of these wet clothes. [with a smirk] It's still pretty cold in here."

He wrapped his arms around her to warm her.

“That’s because you do amazing things.”

He leaned in to kiss her again, then let his hand trail down her arm and squeeze her hand. He moved past her, pulling her with him towards the bathroom.

“You get warm, and I’ll bring you a plate.”

He turned the water on in the large tub, then turned to fix her something to eat. He was trying to seem nonchalant, but he really WAS relieved that she was alright, that nothing had happened to her. Anything could have, eight against one. He owed Mystique for jumping in, the way he’d heard it. He would make sure to repay that…maybe not explicitly, but in some way, some time, when she needed it…

And Seph had come back to him. She had just been hungry. She wasn’t sneaking off to ditch him, as he had thought, her duty performed. And tonight he could make her feel warm and safe, like she didn’t have a care in the world, before he pulled the rug out from under her. Maybe a long time from now, she would remember this night, and hate him a little less.

 

[Persephone]

He wrapped his arms around her like a warm blanket and safe harbor all in one. She melted into him, squeezing him tightly.

Alek: “That’s because you do amazing things.”

Persephone rolled her eyes modestly with a smile, his praises more than appreciated but not necessary. He leaned down kissing her again, her eyes shutting and drinking him in. After what she had been through, kissing him felt amazing. It felt like Blaze, Cameron, and everyone else didn't exist. It was welcomed, even if it was only for a moment.

His hand gently traced down her arm to grasp her hand--a shiver running through her body. It may have been that she was cold, but she was pretty sure it was his touch that electrified her. He tightly squeezed her hand as he lead her to the bathroom, turning on the massive soaking tub that was the center piece of the room.

Alek: "You get warm. I'll bring you a plate."

Persephone gently nodded as she watched him leave the bathroom, peeling off the cold damp shirt that clung to her body. She caught a glimpse of her back in the mirror behind her, a massive bruise painted down her shoulder blade and to her mid back where she slammed into the car. Gently running her fingers along the tender skin, she sighed. Blaze hunted her down and everyone believed that PERSEPHONE instigated the fight. Typical fucking Firebird, hiding behind false facts. Shaking her head, Persephone kicked off her damp boots and managed to shimmy her way out of her wet black jeans that stuck unforgivingly to her skin.

The tub was filled at this point, Persephone pouring some bath salts that sat next to it into the water before climbing in. The water felt like heaven on her body as she sunk into it, completely submerging under for a moment, letting the sounds of Alek in the other room dull from the dense water. Finally, she emerged, slicking her hair back while resting in the corner of the tub. Steam rose from the hot water as Persephone shut her eyes, letting herself relax before Alek returned.

 

[Oracle]

O’Malley’s

Gabe smiled at her, and touched her hand.

"I became a part of this the moment I agreed to help Rose. That obviously puts a target on my back if these people want to hurt her and her kids."

What had she been thinking, getting his help on this? He was absolutely right.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked for your help…I should have known better…”

"Liz, I'm good. I'm a little shocked by the magnitude of it all, but I'm good."

But she wanted him to understand what he was getting into.

"NO ONE will hurt you. You got me? I don't care what the fuck I have to do to make sure that doesn't happen. Befriend the blonde bitch....be buddy buddy with Zach. Win John over with donuts. I don't care. Liz, you don't need to worry about me. I'm GOOD. I GOT this. I just need to learn more about it so I'm not blindsided like I was just now."

She smiled at him as he held her hand tight.

“Gabe, in spite of everything today…you really are my best friend.”

She leaned in conspiratorially.

“And John will lie and say he hates donuts, but in reality he sneaks them when he thinks no one’s looking.”

"I'm not walking away. Not for this, not from you."

She held his gaze for a long moment. It was everything she could have wanted to hear from him, as they sat there, he holding her hand in his. Now, she thought. Now would be the perfect time for him to kiss me…

That is excellent to hear, sir. I apologize for interrupting, my name is Xavier...Xavier Winston, but given the circumstances I found it necessary to make certain that Elizabeth was properly accompanied.

She turned her head away from Gabe and pulled her hand back into her lap, looking down into her beer and then taking a sip.

“Hello, Xavier, good to see you’re okay.”

OH- ahem....I am SO sorry. I am certain that you are proper...companionship as long as Zizi finds you proper, I mean, she is beautiful isn't she? Look, you two have fun and be safe, I am a breath away. Lucky man, there.

“Sorry about that. Another of my team.”

She set her glass down and looked at him again.

"But if you're sure...after we meet with Rose, I'll have a long night ahead of me analyzing all the footage from that fight. So if you want some quality time with my tech, you've got it."

 

[Cypher]

Zizi: “Gabe, in spite of everything today…you really are my best friend.”

He smiled warmly at her. It was a rocky start to the evening, but it started to finally smooth out.

"Et tu, love."

She squeezed his hand and he placed his other on top of hers as she leaned in closer to him. He took in her face, the way it changed into a conspiratory look. He couldn't help but grin.

Zizi: “And John will lie and say he hates donuts, but in reality he sneaks them when he thinks no one’s looking.”

"Ah haaa....see, I knew there was a way to his heart. Dully noted, Lizzie. Thanks for the heads up."

He knew he would do anything to make sure she was safe, especially after seeing the power these people she associated herself with had. He promised her...and he would not break that promise. Gabe let his eyes move down the contours of her face, the gloss sheen that was on her lips, the brown doe eyes that looked so inviting, so sincere. He felt it again. That urge. He gripped her hand about to lean in when...

Xavier: "That is excellent to hear, sir."

Gabe heard a familiar accent but an unfamiliar voice. Who the fuck was this wanker and why was interrupting them?

Xavier: "I apologize for interrupting, my name is Xavier...Xavier Winston, but given the circumstances I found it necessary to make certain that Elizabeth was properly accompanied."

So he knew Zizi...made sense now. Gabe and Zizi both retracted their hands and Gabe gave Xavier a handshake.

"Gabriel Jermone. By all means."

Gabe assumed he was apart of Zizi's team, ready to talks shop about what had just went down.

Xavier: "OH- ahem....I am SO sorry.

"No worries, mate."

Xavier: "I am certain that you are proper...companionship as long as Zizi finds you proper, I mean, she is beautiful isn't she? Look, you two have fun and be safe, I am a breath away. Lucky man, there."

And then he was gone, literally in the blink of an eye. Gabe glanced over at Zizi with a questionable look and raised eyebrow.

Zizi: “Sorry about that. Another of my team.”

"I gathered as much."

He responded with a smile.

"Nice kid. And he's right....I am pretty lucky to be slamming back some beers with beautiful company. Not many ladies in this joint that look like you, Lizzie."

It was his turn to lean in conspiratorially.

"They're all starin' at you."

He said with a whisper as his eyes shifted to a few old blokes that were staring at Zizi and quickly looked away once realizing they had been caught. Gabe let out a small laugh. But Zizi waved him off and got back to business.

Zizi: "But if you're sure...after we meet with Rose, I'll have a long night ahead of me analyzing all the footage from that fight. So if you want some quality time with my tech, you've got it."

He nodded.

"Yeah, i'm in. Quality time with your tech....quality time with you....I mean, that's a pretty damn good Saturday night in my book."

Gabe grabbed his pint with a grin.

"Maybe some Oreo cheesecake from Sweet Treats."

Knowing Sweet Treats was her guilty pleasure. He finished off his beer.

"I'm definitely in."

 

[Berserker]

The Red Knight’s Quarters

Alek crossed through his room and entered the small attached kitchen. He filled a plate with the tagliatelle and stuck it in the microwave. As the pasta heated, he leaned against the counter, his head down. This was mad. They had something here. And he was about to destroy it all.

She was like him. Finally he had found someone who wouldn’t think something was wrong with him, that reveled in the same things he did. She could truly be a partner to him, an equal. And he was giving it all up. Why? Because Haleigh said so?

He shook his head. He had to do what was necessary. BE what was necessary. But he wasn’t giving her up forever, he told himself. He swore it.

The microwave beeped and he removed the hot plate, grabbed a fork and made his way back to the ensuite. He smiled as he saw her submerged in the water, her eyes closed and relaxed. Good. The last thing he wanted was her worry about the Six, or Helena.

He sat on the edge of the tub, leaning down to kiss the top of her head to let her know he was there.

“Dinner is served…again.”

He wound some of the noodles onto the fork, and held it out to her.

 

[Orion]

The Clocktower

Ashley: It’s okay…

"Only.... when I'm with you."

He said against her lips, as she leaned back on the arm of the sofa. He believed it with every fiber of his being. When they were together, everything else disappeared. All the problems faded into the background.

It was just her, and him, and all the most powerful emotions they shared. She made him feel alive, and invincible.

Ashley: Remind me not to bother putting that dress on again…

"We can burn it with my scrubs... we don't need clothes...."

He replied, his cheek against hers, as his hand closed around her ankle. He put it up to his shoulder, as he brought their hips together. The sounds she made replaced the rolling thunder.

"I need you, Ash....."

He groaned, when he locked eyes with her again, and forgot about the blood rain against the window panes. The dream was gone, she had awakened him, and saved him from it again. He was glad to forget, he didn't want to remember any of it. He didn't want to think about anything except her, and the happiness she gave him.

 

[Oracle]

O’Malley’s

"Nice kid.

She smiled and nodded.

“He is nice.”

And he's right...I am pretty lucky to be slamming back some beers with beautiful company. Not many ladies in this joint that look like you, Lizzie."

She looked around her.

“Not many ladies in this joint, period.”

She smiled, the ease of their friendship returning. Why did she have to keep thinking about him that way. Why couldn’t she just forget about it, the way she had told him to?

"They're all starin' at you."

She laughed.

“Oh, yeah, I’m a big hit with the drunk old men circuit.”

She got serious again, offering to let him see her mutant files, if he still wanted to.

"Yeah, I'm in. Quality time with your tech....quality time with you...I mean, that's a pretty damn good Saturday night in my book."

She scoffed, raising her glass to her lips.

“I know you’re itching to take a posidriv to my control pad and see how it works.”

"Maybe some Oreo cheesecake from Sweet Treats."

Her eyes went wide and she gave him a look, hitting him on the arm.

“Oh don’t you even joke about that! You know it’s my favorite thing!”

"I'm definitely in."

She smiled and nodded.

“Great.”

 

[Valkyrie]

The Clocktower

"We can burn it with my scrubs...we don't need clothes..."

Ashley smiled, her lips pressing against his cheek, then finding his earlobe.

“Let’s make a rule…”

No one else mattered, it was the two of them against the world. She shut out all the noise, Ava’s attack, the storm, even her worry about Zizi. Zach was her whole world right then and there, and she cared fuck all about anything else. He made her feel like she was on top of the world, like nothing could break her.

He pulled her leg upwards, his hips pressing against her, causing her to cry out at the different sensation. Her arms circled around him, her hands clawing at his back, holding him tighter against her.

“Zach…gods…you feel so good…”

Her head snapped backwards, eyes shutting as their hips rolled together in perfect unison. Her skin felt alive, like tiny explosions were being fired from every cell.

"I need you, Ash..."

“Then take me…have me…I’m all yours, all for you…”

She was beginning to lose control of her movements, the feeling overtaking her, like she would die if he kept going and die if he were to stop. Her eyes opened and saw him, his eyes looking right into hers, as if they went straight through into the deepest part of her, the place she didn’t share with anyone.

To be needed, to be wanted this way…it was a drug she couldn’t get enough of. She kissed him, her tongue finding his, but as their movements intensified she couldn’t hold it, could only cling to him, making guttural sounds from her throat.

“Don’t stop…don’t ever stop…”

 

[Matrix]

To the Diamond Suite
​

Isis: Richard, you, Recall and myself will return to my diamond suite for the immediate moment, allowing Recall to communicate with Oracle in safety. I believe the amazons are still at Rose's sanctuary, they'll need to be alerted as well....

Matrix: Steel , Xavier, and the others at the Clocktower....

Isis: Of course, but we really SHOULD make haste, before the local law enforcement comes.

I knew Miss D like a book. Her personal shields would have left her unharmed from an attack like that. I was cool myself, no damage at all. I was just pissed off and ready to kill somebody. WE HAD THEM. And we LOST THEM.

:: Vivica settled into the Black Diamond Suite as she grabbed a bottle of water from the mini fridge in the corner and took a long drink before exhaling quickly. ::

"So now we aren't even safe in daylight.."

:: She put her hand on her head. ::

"Ugh..why did Blaze have to go hunting? I know that's what she did."

"That would have never have happened if she hadn't been patrolling..but in this case..I'm glad she did. I know I can crack the code on Mystique's power set and we can figure a way around it. But she worries me. Her face...there are so many similarities, so much symmetry to..Blaze's. That puts me on edge."

[looking over at them]

"Are you both okay?"

Blaze likes to hunt as well? Well DAMN. Red was more like me than I thought. Maybe it was not such an odd match. I looked over at Vivica checking on us and replied.

We are good, Viv. But YOU are not whole. Look at you! Miss D, she needs these cuts closed.

It was not our first rodeo. I numbed the cut areas with a minute blast of cool Nitrogen and plucked the glass out of her back painlessly. Miss D came next, making her skin whole with a simple wave of her hand and use of magic energy. As the energy finished the job I shined a light in her eyes quickly, double checking for a concussion. Nope. All good.

Is that better?

Funny how you never know who you care about getting hurt sometimes...until you see them hurt. I met her gaze for a second and I could tell that she could tell that she made my short list.

 

[Steel]

Precinct 19

Steel was at his desk, filling out another report. Sometimes he thought that was his job: paperwork. He had tossed a casefile onto another stack on his desk when Zizi was suddenly talking in his ear.

He clenched his fist. Another attack. While they sat around, twiddling their thumbs.

He fired off a text to Zizi, confirming where it had happened, then made a call to make sure his team caught the case. He pushed back from the desk, looking out the window at the evening sky. He knew he had to take Isis up on her offer – or at the very least, see exactly what was on offer. They couldn’t do…THIS…anymore.

He picked his keys up off his desk and took his gun out of the locked desk drawer, heading out to his car. Pulling out into the busy New York streets, he hopped on the FDR and headed north. He parallel parked and found Andrew’s apartment, knocking on the door.

The surprise was clear on his face as Andrew answered, seeing John leaning against the doorframe.

“I know a good diner around the corner. Come on, I’m buying.”

He left no room for Andrew to decline, and the boy followed him silently (for once) to the diner. They slid into a booth, and the server, dressed in one of those 50s waitress outfits, brought them menus.

John let Andrew order first. He looked the menu up and down.

“I’ll have a cheeseburger well done and a chocolate milkshake.”

He smiled to the server and handed her his menu before turning his attention to Andrew, who finally spoke.

Andrew: “A milkshake, really?”

John looked back up at the waitress.

“Bring him one too.”

When she was gone, he got down to business. He could tell Andrew wasn’t happy with him, which was exactly the reason he had brought him here. Aside from taking Zizi’s call for them not to be alone to heart.

“Look, I get that you’re upset. But getting into a fistfight in the middle of a hospital was not going to win Delilah back.”

Andrew: “Maybe not, but it would have felt brilliant.”

John laughed, not even trying to hide it.

“I highly doubt that. He’s a military man – I guarantee he’s a better fighter than you are. But let’s say you did beat him senseless: do you think Delilah would thank you for it?”

His tone softened.

“She loves him, Andrew. I’m sorry, but they have a history, they have a child. You need to move on to someone else, mate.”

He took a sip of the water the server had left on the table.

“I know you’re angry with me. But the Six is in our orbit now, we have to find a way to work together with them.”

 

[Titan]

The East End to Gracie’s Diner

Andrew was in his apartment, having a beer and watching the highlights from the day’s football. He yelled at the tv screen.

“THAT’s why we’re about to be relegated, you tosser!”

Andrew grumbled. The beers with Tachyon had put him in a right state, and when he’d gotten home he’d had a few more. Everyone seemed to be fitting in around here but him.

There was a knock at the door, and when he pulled it open, he found John standing there. What the hell was he doing there?

“I know a good diner around the corner. Come on, I’m buying.”

Steel turned and started walking, so Andrew just followed him. The LEAST the guy could do after earlier was buy him dinner. Though the cheapskate could have sprung for more than diner food. Luckily for him, Andrew LOVED diner food, so he’d let it slide without comment.

They sat down, and Andrew looked at the menu, ordering a big breakfast platter with all the trimmings.

“I’ll have a cheeseburger well done and a chocolate milkshake.”

Andrew laughed condescendingly.

“A milkshake, really?”

“Bring him one too.”

“Can’t even let me order for myself, can you?”

“Look, I get that you’re upset. But getting into a fistfight in the middle of a hospital was not going to win Delilah back.”

He scoffed.

“Maybe not, but it would have felt brilliant.”

And Steel laughed at him.

“I highly doubt that. He’s a military man – I guarantee he’s a better fighter than you are. But let’s say you did beat him senseless: do you think Delilah would thank you for it?”

Did everyone thing this guy was hot stuff? For fuck’s sake…

“Maybe…maybe she’d finally see what a complete dick he is.”

”She loves him, Andrew. I’m sorry, but they have a history, they have a child. You need to move on to someone else, mate.”

He laughed, bitterly.

“Yeah, she made that abundantly clear when she blindsided me and threw me out.”

He crossed his arms. He didn’t need a lecture. Not from Steel, especially.

“I know you’re angry with me. But the Six is in our orbit now, we have to find a way to work together with them.”

Andrew pointed.

“THAT guy, is not one of the Six. He is just some arsehole who knocked Delilah up then ripped her kid out of her arms. HE doesn’t deserve to be within a hundred feet of her, John.”

And it was true. How she could want somebody like that…it was ludicrous.

"I was just there, visiting my friend who almost DIED. And he started throwing his weight around like I was some stalker. Like we didn't HAVE something together. And we did, John."

 

[Steel]

The East End to Gracie’s Diner

Steel tried to encourage Andrew to move on. He needed to do that. He couldn’t keep pining away after the girl. Steel knew her: she was never going to love Andrew the way he wanted her to.

“Yeah, she made that abundantly clear when she blindsided me and threw me out.”

Steel leaned forward.

“What she did, was be honest with you. Before she hurt you even more.”

He played with his silverware, choosing his words.

“Look, son – you were there for Delilah when she needed you. You helped her heal. You were a friend to her that she didn’t have to pretend with. That was a great thing you did.”

He shook his head.

“But you’re never going to have what you want to have with her. She just doesn’t feel that way about you. I’m sorry, I really am. It sucks.”

Andrew got even more defiant. He didn’t want to hear it, not that Steel could blame him. But he needed to hear it.

“THAT guy, is not one of the Six. He is just some arsehole who knocked Delilah up then ripped her kid out of her arms. HE doesn’t deserve to be within a hundred feet of her, John.”

John looked at Andrew hard, his cop voice coming out of his mouth.

“It doesn’t MATTER what he deserves, or what YOU deserve either. What matters is DELILAH and what she wants. She wants to be with him. And they deserve a chance to be a family.”

"I was just there, visiting my friend who almost DIED. And he started throwing his weight around like I was some stalker. Like we didn't HAVE something together. And we did, John."

“You HAD something together, Andrew. Past tense."

He paused, not wanting to scream at the kid.

"I’m not saying you started things. I didn’t try to de-escalate things because I thought you had. I did it so you didn’t regret your actions later.”

He leaned back against the banquette, sighing.

“Andrew, I’m saying this as your friend: why would you want to go through life knowing you will always come second? Because even if somehow Delilah came back to you, THAT’s what it would be. Do you really want to be a consolation prize?”

 

[Persephone]

Persephone slowly exhaled a long deep breath that she felt like she had been holding before going to Aroma. The bath water was perfectly hot and slightly milky in color from the salts she had put in, while the bathroom itself had just the faintest hint of steam in the air. Her eyes were closed, the storm outside mimicking her emotions at that moment. Thunder crashed, lightning flashed, and rain poured heavily from the skies.

Feeling Alek kiss her head, Persephone opened her eyes and looked up as he sat on the side of the tub. He began to twirl his fork in the tagliatelle before holding it out for her.

Alek: "Dinner is served...again."

"You really enjoy feeding me don't you."

Persephone joked as she looked at the food presented to her then up at him. Alek seemed different....more withdrawn. She lowered her brows as she pulled away from the corner of the tub, positioning herself so she were facing him.

"Are you okay?"

He lowered the fork to the plate and Persephone took his forearm within her hand, gently squeezing it. She could see it in his blue eyes, he was holding something back.

"What's wrong...?"

 

[Berserker]

The Red Knight’s Quarters

"You really enjoy feeding me don't you."

“I am your slave.”

He smiled and winked at her.

“Besides, you don’t want to water down the sauce, it’s perfect the way it is.”

He looked at her, amused.

“Will you roll your eyes at me if I say, just like you?”

Seph moved herself so that she was facing him.

"Are you okay?"

“Of course, why wouldn’t I be?”

He looked down and away, ostensibly to put the fork down on the plate. She put her hand on his arm.

"What's wrong...?"

He shook his head.

“Nothing.”

He rotated his arm and slid it backwards so that he held her hand in his.

“I just don’t want you to be hurt.”

He just looked at her for a while, and then he smiled.

“I’m glad I finally found somebody I don’t have to pretend with. Everyone thinks I'm a monster, but you.”

He cleared his throat.

"I'll always remember that."

 

[Cypher]

Zizi: “Not many ladies in this joint, period. Oh, yeah, I’m a big hit with the drunk old men circuit.”

Gabe gave Zizi a little eye brow wiggle.

"I am too."

He said in jest before laughing. He agreed that he wanted to go back to the Clocktower after Rose's dinner to dive into Zizi's hard drives to learn more about these mutant groups. But also to spend some quality time with her in the process.

Zizi: “I know you’re itching to take a posidriv to my control pad and see how it works.”

"Oh! [grabbing his heart] You know I love it when you talk dirty to me."

Speaking of dirty, he went in for the kill by suggesting Oreo cheesecake from Sweet Treats. Zizi's eyes went as wide as saucers before she hit him.

Zizi: “Oh don’t you even joke about that! You know it’s my favorite thing!”

"Who said I was joking?"

He grinned.

"I'm definitely in."

Zizi: "Great."

Zizi smiled at him and het gave her a smile back.

"Oh shit!"

Looking down at his watch, it was already past 7:30.

"We're late. [waving Liam] Hey, put the whole thing on my tab. I decided to save the pint she owes me for another time."

Liam laughed and nodded as Gabe stood from his stool. Hey, any excuse to go out drinking with Zizi was a good one.

"Alright m'lady....[Gabe helped her into her chair] Lets see what other shenanigans are in store for us tonight."

Gabe began to push Zizi toward the exit.

"Hopefully none involving the removal of my balls."

He quipped as they exited O'Malley's to head to The Sanctuary...though he WAS kinda serious.

 

[Persephone]

She asked him if he was okay. She could tell that something was different. But he brushed it off.

Alek: “Of course, why wouldn’t I be?”

Persephone gave him an unconvinced look.

"What's wrong...?"

Alek: "Nothing."

Lowering her eyes from his, she watched as he maneuvered his arm so he was now holding her hand. She kept her eyes focused on their hands, running her thumb along the top of his gently. He was lying to her.

Alek: “I just don’t want you to be hurt."

She gently shook her head before looking back up at him.

"I'm not hurt."

She reassured him. Though she felt like she was about to be.

Alek: "I’m glad I finally found somebody I don’t have to pretend with. Everyone thinks I'm a monster, but you. I'll always remember that."

There it was. It felt like a knife just stabbed her in the chest and all the air left her body in one single moment. He'd always remember that...past tense. Like he was leaving--saying goodbye. Trying to make moments to remember instead of living in the moment. Persephone blinked a few times before giving him a small smile then averting her eyes back down at their hands.

"Yeah...I feel the same with you."

She could feel the burn of tears forming causing her to pull her grasp from Alek and move to the faucet on the other side of the tub, her back turned to him.

"Sorry...water's getting a little cold."

Turning on the water to the hottest setting, Persephone shut her eyes recollecting herself, feeling the warmth immediately as the new water overtook the old. Turning back around she smiled at him.

"Much better."

Pushing the whirlpool button next to the faucet, the deep soaking tub began to bubble and turn like a hot tub. Persephone couldn't loose herself, not now. Not when he basically just planted flowers on their buried relationship. She needed to pretend, just for a few more hours.

She moved back to him, lifting herself out of the tub so she were face to face with his. Water dripping from her body and wetting his boxers.

[rhetorically] "Why are you still sitting out there?"

Persephone kissed him passionately, her hands gripping the edge of the tub as she pushed herself into him, deepening the kiss even more. She broke the kiss, her mouth lingering against his as she spoke.

"I distinctively remember you wanting to join me in a bath once..."

 

[Berserker]

The Red Knight’s Quarters

"Yeah...I feel same with you."

Alek knew it was hard for her to show emotion, that she thought it presented as weakness, so when she pulled away with an excuse about the water getting cold, he didn’t think anything of it.

With her back turned, though, he could see the huge bruise running across her back. And his blood started to boil, matching the churning of the water once Seph had turned the jets on. He would make them pay for that. No matter what else happened.

She turned back to face him and rose part way from the water like the Birth of Venus. Of course, he wasn’t about to say that to her out loud.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve imagined this exact scenario…”

[rhetorically] "Why are you still sitting out there?"

“I honestly have no idea. I have lost the ability to form coherent thoughts.”

He smiled and she kissed him, and his hand went to her wet hair, holding her mouth against his.

"I distinctively remember you wanting to join me in a bath once..."

He mimed thinking about it.

“Actually, I am pretty sure I wanted to fuck you in a bath on that particular day.”

He grinned and kissed her again.

“And whaddya know, Junior agrees.”

He slipped off his shorts, still kissing her, then swung his legs around and slid into the water next to her, one arm gently moving around her waist while the other hand slid up to cup her breast. His lips moved to her neck while his thumb teased her. He finally pulled back to look at her, touching his fingers to her lips before taking her by the waist and turning her so that her back was to him. He softly kissed the bruised skin and whispered to her.

“I’ll kill her for this…”

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her back against him. He held her there with one arm, amidst the roiling water, while his other hand traveled downward, finding the triangle between her legs and massaging her rhythmically. His mouth found her neck again and when he could stand to be apart from her no longer, her guided himself into her deepest places. He growled against her neck, low and primal, moving his hips to meet her while holding her firmly in place.

"God, every time you touch me I want to be inside of you..."

He moaned, quickening his pace.

"I want my mouth on every inch of you...I want to fuck you so hard you forget everything but us."