Rose of destruction

[Rampage]

“She’s not feeding off of you, is she? Because if she is, I believe I made a threat about ripping someone’s hands off that I plan to collect on.”

That won't be necessary I believe. I am capable of helping my teammate.

Nicolas finished entering the room and got an eyeful of the statuesque blonde that was the Valkyrie while she got an eyeful of him as well. Aunt D had nothing good to say about her, which meant nothing but that they did not get along.

So you are Ashley, correct? My name is Nicolas King. It is a honor to meet an ACTUAL Valkyrie. I hope that one day SOON you will do me the honor of sparring with me. I admit that I have many questions.

With a wink Nicolas continued into the room, hugging Cassandra and giving Zach a bro-hug. He could smell Ashley all over him.

Wassup man? I see you are recovering nicely and WELL taken care of.

His eyes dart to Ashley and back again.

I came to check on you guys before seeing Ma and Mike off. I was hoping to speak with Elizabeth as well if at all possible. Is she available? Also, I have a package for Vivica.

Nicolas was pointedly ignoring the elephant in the room: the sisters and how to deal with them.

 

[Orion]

Charope, LLC -- The Infirmary

It was comforting to talk to someone who wholeheartedly agreed with him about Haleigh and Ava. He could speak without arguing, and that was a relief. Still, he felt obligated to make sure no one repeated his mistake, and urged caution.

Cass: I promise that I will be careful, and I WILL follow my heart.

"Good. It may not be pretty, but we'll get through this, like everything ELSE."

He assured her, and then they discussed the reason she'd needed to talk to him. Zach offered to make the introduction necessary for Cass to keep her strength up.

Cass: You would do that for me? That would be awesome, Zach! Thank you! Yes, I would like to meet him.

"You'll like him, he's a nice guy. I'll arrange it as soon as I can."

She rose from her chair, and gave him a grateful hug. It was right at that moment that Ashley returned, bringing lunch in with her.

Ashley: Well, isn’t this a pretty picture?

"Il mio amore...."

He greeted, and released Cass from the platonic embrace.

Ashley: She’s not feeding off of you, is she? Because if she is, I believe I made a threat about ripping someone’s hands off that I plan to collect on.

Zach was about to assure her that she wouldn't need to, when Nicolas appeared and beat him to the punch.

Nic: That won't be necessary I believe. I am capable of helping my teammate.

Zach watched very carefully as Nic and Ash appraised each other.

Nic: So you are Ashley, correct? My name is Nicolas King. It is a honor to meet an ACTUAL Valkyrie. I hope that one day SOON you will do me the honor of sparring with me. I admit that I have many questions.

Zach felt a stab of aggravated envy. It wasn't that he thought Nic was being inappropriate, or that he believed Nic would hurt her, but more that the mental picture of Nic and Ash working up a sweat together stirred an old memory. Nic and Haleigh had been keen on sparring with each other..... and Nic had cheated on Morgan with Haleigh. It was not a good precedent, and it made Zach uncomfortable. But maybe he was overreacting. Nic wasn't putting off any particularly lusty vibes at the moment. Speaking of lusty vibes, Zach wondered if he should tell Nic about his recent experience with Morgan. Oh, but wasn't Nicolas a telepath? In that case he'd know everything, including Zach's best attempts at propriety.

Nic: Wassup man? I see you are recovering nicely and WELL taken care of.

Zach returned the friendly hug.

"Yes indeed, very much so."

He confirmed, and quickly he crossed the room and circled around behind Ash, wrapping an arm around her abdomen and using his other hand to move her hair so he could plant a welcoming kiss on her neck. He spoke in her ear, and even in his lowest tone, there was a hint of jealousy.

"Lui è un concorrente?"

Nic: I came to check on you guys before seeing Ma and Mike off. I was hoping to speak with Elizabeth as well if at all possible. Is she available? Also, I have a package for Vivica.

Zach smiled warmly, trying to get himself back under control. Nic was a friend, he reminded himself.

"Viv should be around here somewhere, I saw her earlier in Alycia's room. Ash, you just checked in on Ziz, didn't you?"

 

[Valkyrie]

The Infirmary

"Il mio amore...."

Okay, so, yes, that took the sting out of seeing this girl wrapped around him. A little. She was two seconds from picking her up and tossing her from the room when yet ANOTHER person showed up.

That won't be necessary I believe. I am capable of helping my teammate.

She didn’t take her eyes off Cass and Zach.

“Great, why don’t you go do that then.”

So you are Ashley, correct?

She finally looked at him, answering with annoyance.

“Yes.”

My name is Nicolas King. It is a honor to meet an ACTUAL Valkyrie. I hope that one day SOON you will do me the honor of sparring with me. I admit that I have many questions.

And then he winked at her. She gave him a look of contempt.

“Sorry, I only fight when I’m trying to kill someone.”

But you might get to see it, dude, if you and your bimbo stick around much longer.

Nicolas went around the room doling out hugs. Wasn’t that sweet.

Wassup man? I see you are recovering nicely and WELL taken care of.

He looked at her again. Was that supposed to make her feel like a slut? Or did he think Zach might pass her off to him like yesterday’s meat?

Luckily for him, Zach was there behind her, putting his arm around her waist. She instantly relaxed and smiled as he kissed her neck. These two were about to get a show. Because she gave about zero fucks whether everyone in the building knew she was there to fuck Zach.

Zach whispered in her ear, and that made her smile bigger. She reached back and slid a hand down his body, her hand finally cupping the part that she had claimed as her own earlier. She turned her head back to look at him and whispered,

“A stento. Ma se ti fa geloso…”

She laughed, and gave him a quick kiss on the lips, but their moment was interrupted by more talking from the interlopers.

I came to check on you guys before seeing Ma and Mike off. I was hoping to speak with Elizabeth as well if at all possible. Is she available? Also, I have a package for Vivica.

Oh, I’ll bet you do, buddy.

"Viv should be around here somewhere, I saw her earlier in Alycia's room. Ash, you just checked in on Ziz, didn't you?"

“Uh, yeah, I did. She’s fine. She has a friend visiting at the Clocktower. She finished plans for a security system for the sanctuary, and is just waiting for Rose’s go ahead to have it installed, so…”

Ashley considered whether Gabe might have gotten his head out of his ass enough to have made a move already, or if it having a young guy stop by to “check on Elizabeth” might help things along…

 

[Ruby]

Charope, LLC – The Infirmary




Zach: “You’ll like him; he’s a nice guy. I’ll arrange it as soon as I can.”

:: In her excitement, Cass hugged her friend. She heard a voice behind her and smiled wickedly. ::

Ashley: “Well, isn’t this a pretty picture?”

*sweetly*: “You’re MORE than welcome to join us if you’d like…”

:: She teased, even as Zach released her. A thrill went through her. Ever since Ava left, she had missed their constant cattiness/bitchiness. It gave her a sick pleasure dealing with Ashley. She watched as the Valkyrie tossed various food items onto the bed. ::

Ashley: “She’s not feeding off of you, is she? Because if she is, I believe I made a threat about ripping someone’s hands off that I plan to collect on.”

:: It was still a bit disconserting that others knew about her and what she did, whereas she hardly knew anything about THEM. Cass opened her mouth to respond but suddenly NICOLAS was there. ::

Nicolas: “That won't be necessary I believe. I am capable of helping my teammate.”

:: A flash of annoyance-slash-anger went through her. So..he had sensed something and thought that he would come to her rescue, did he? Well, she could handle herself, thank you very much. She HAD been doing it for DECADES already. ::

*annoyed*: “And I am perfectly capable of handling MYSELF. I don’t need you to come ‘rescue’ me, Nicolas.”

:: She was truly offended by his presence. She felt as if he made her look WEAK and HELPLESS in front of a fucking VALKYRIE and she did NOT appreciate that AT ALL. She rolled her eyes as Nicolas suggested that he and Ashley spar with one another. ::

“He says that to ALL of the girls.”

:: Cass visibly tensed when Nicolas hugged her. She still felt miffed at him. Her mood suddenly took a downward spiral. Sighing, she picked up her blue clutch and rummaged through it. ::

“Oh, I forgot. I have a little something for you, Zach. It’s just a really cutesy/cheesy card with a gift card to the local beer store.”

:: She pulled it out and set it on the chair that she had just vacated. She looked at both Zach and Ashley and nodded. ::

“Well, it’s been a pleasure. It’s nice to have seen you, Zach, and I’m glad you’re feeling MUCH better.”

:: As she passed by Ashley, she nodded at her. ::

“Ashley.”

:: She exited the room and made her way back to the waiting area, before dropping into her seat. ::

 

[Orion]

Charope, LLC -- The Infirmary

Her hand traveled down between their bodies, until she had a hold of something that responded to her touch.

This woman has NO shame.

He thought with a smirk, finding it irresistibly sexy. Then she whispered her response, and he had to stifle a growl.

"Ragazzaccia..."

He rasped with barely controlled desire, the hand that had moved her hair now grasping the nape of her neck. He wanted to bend her over the bed then and there, teach her a lesson about provoking him like that. She laughed, and kissed him, and then started talking to Nic, and Zach remembered suddenly that they weren't alone. He picked up on Cass' anger, and for a second he thought that she was upset with Ash for returning, and then he found Cass was glaring at Nic.

Ash: Uh, yeah, I did. She’s fine. She has a friend visiting at the Clocktower. She finished plans for a security system for the sanctuary, and is just waiting for Rose’s go ahead to have it installed, so…

Cass: Oh, I forgot. I have a little something for you, Zach. It’s just a really cutesy/cheesy card with a gift card to the local beer store.

"Thank you, that's so thoughtful of you."

Cass: Well, it’s been a pleasure. It’s nice to have seen you, Zach, and I’m glad you’re feeling MUCH better.

Zach held tightly to Ashley, keeping her in front of him, and she would be well aware of the reason why Zach didn't want a goodbye hug with Cass.

"Yes, it was nice to see you too. I'll call you about that meeting when I get in touch with the guy."

After she left the room, his gaze fell on Nic.

"Dude, you really ticked her off."

 

[Persephone]

The elevator was two floors away from the parking garage when it suddenly stopped between floors, causing Persephone to stumble and hold onto the wall. She was seething at this point. Was it stupid of her to take the elevator knowing Haleigh's control over metals? Yes. But she also HOPED Haleigh would get the POINT that she didn't want to talk with her after she left her with the White Bishop and Black Knight in her own chamber room.

"FUCK YOU, Haleigh."

Then she was there, in the corner with her arms folded, looking quite amused and pleased with herself.

Haleigh: "So, you wanted to get away from me, and you decided that the best escape route involved getting into a metal box, on metal cables, driven by a mechanical motor? Your tactics need improvement, Sis."

Rolling her eyes.

"You try walking down four flights of stairs in these shoes."

She responded evenly.

"Better yet, I was HOPING you would get the subtle hint that I don't want to TALK TO YOU. But subtlety isn't really your forte now is it?"

Haleigh's face became serious, Persephone mirroring it.

Haleigh: "I'm tired of you throwing grenades in my lap. I'm tired of trying to guess whether you want me to toss them back, or just swallow them. I want there to be ONE person in this place that I'm not playing a game with."

"Well we can't always get what we want, now can we?"

She hissed back with narrowed eyes. Then she shook her head and scoffed.

"ME throwing grenades. Unbelievable. You've been poking the fucking BEAST [Diana] since the moment you GOT HERE. And who's been getting punished for it time and time again? ME. I've finally made nice with my Queen, branched out and started making nice with other court members. I'M doing MY JOB to solidify my spot in this Inner Circle while you're on YOUR BACK."

Shaking her head, if looks could kill Haleigh would be on the floor.

"You don't want games? You want honesty? You're rolling around the wrong bed then, sweetie. I'd take a look at who YOU'RE aligning yourself with and realize he's not worth it."

The last part she whispered out in a condescending way, done with the way Haleigh tried to use Persephone as an excuse for doing the things she does.

 

[Rampage]

Have you ever managed to irritate everyone just by walking in the room? Well, Nicolas just did and he knew each reason why in a rush. Apparently, Ashley was used to being judged and used and so she hid an insecurity through anger. An unexpected response but...Fair enough.

“Sorry, I only fight when I’m trying to kill someone.”

In that case, I renew my offer. Nothing quickens the blood and sharpens the senses like true aggression.

Nicolas smiled and it was hard to gauge how serious he was. He continued.

In any case, I apologize for intruding on your time with Zach. He is a friend and I could not leave without checking on him. Fortunately for us both, Morgan gave him a thorough examination.

Nicolas chuckled as the shadows lengthened a bit in the room. Zach noted Cassandra's irritation and Nicolas gave a grim smirk.

Yeah, I noticed. And without even trying. Anyway, it's all good Zach. Morgan and I are BOTH are more at peace with our dark side even if others are still getting used to it. I am sure she enjoyed the view, as did you.

Nicolas turned to leave.

Good luck to you both. And Ashley, it honestly was a pleasure. I hope to hear from you soon.

And just as quickly as he came, Nicolas left the room.

Cass' irritation came off her in waves. At this point, Nicolas chose to ignore it. It would be a conversation that would not be pleasant or productive. He took a second to 'find' Vivica, then walked over to what was apparently Alycia's room, which was now empty. As he passed Steel in the hallway, he nodded in respect for the man and what he did.

He knocked on the door as he entered, hoping for a better reception behind door number two. He reached out to hug the gorgeous artist.

Hey, you! How are you? You are as fine as ever! I came in to check on the wounded but I was hoping to see you as well. Do you have time to chat?

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Elevator

Persephone: Better yet, I was HOPING you would get the subtle hint that I don't want to TALK TO YOU. But subtlety isn't really your forte now is it?

"No. Too many nuances, too much room for misinterpretation. I prefer the in-your-face, unmistakable style of communication. For example, yesterday when I put you through the wall and almost cut your throat. We both understood each other at that moment, didn't we? I'd like to keep that trend going -- not the death threats part, but the UNDERSTANDING part."

Persephone: Well we can't always get what we want, now can we?

Haleigh shook her head in furious disbelief. WHY was her sister being so condescending? All she was asking for was for them to be straight with each other. Wouldn't that be so much easier than all this madness?

Persephone: ME throwing grenades. Unbelievable. You've been poking the fucking BEAST [Diana] since the moment you GOT HERE. And who's been getting punished for it time and time again? ME. I've finally made nice with my Queen, branched out and started making nice with other court members. I'M doing MY JOB to solidify my spot in this Inner Circle while you're on YOUR BACK.

"What a coincidence, I've been doing the exact same thing. I've even managed to find a way to apologize to My Queen, so I guess we're both doing better for ourselves."

Persephone: You don't want games? You want honesty? You're rolling around the wrong bed then, sweetie. I'd take a look at who YOU'RE aligning yourself with and realize he's not worth it.

Haleigh laughed incredulously.

"Oh HONEY. I'm not the one who STARTED this alliance by fucking HIM in the Red Lounge during the Blackout Party. And I'm CERTAINLY not the one due for a realization here. It's TOO late to pull this play, Persephone. You made YOUR BED, with LOVE in it, and now even if you set it on FIRE, he'll take you on the FLOOR, so you'd better think very carefully about what you're doing to all three of us, because I can't fix EVERYTHING on my back."

 

[Valkyrie]

The Infirmary

"Ragazzaccia..."

She smirked.

“Absolutely.”

Her words had their desired effect. He wanted to play hug and go seek with Cass? Well then now he was going to pay for it.

In any case, I apologize for intruding on your time with Zach. He is a friend and I could not leave without checking on him. Fortunately for us both, Morgan gave him a thorough examination.

Ashley’s jaw clenched and her eyes narrowed. What was SHE doing visiting with Zach? And this guy, he was some piece of work. No wonder Cass was pissed at him, and left in a huff, after giving Zach a present. At least she apparently had good taste in men.

"Dude, you really ticked her off."

Yeah, I noticed. And without even trying. Anyway, it's all good Zach. Morgan and I are BOTH are more at peace with our dark side even if others are still getting used to it. I am sure she enjoyed the view, as did you.

What kind of guy intentionally called out another like that? Clearly her initial instincts had been right – this was no friend of Zach’s.

Good luck to you both. And Ashley, it honestly was a pleasure. I hope to hear from you soon.

Asshole.

“You won’t.”

When they were finally alone, she turned and started slapping Zach on the arm.

“Morgan Victoria?! What was there a fucking parade running through here while I was gone?! Cass is giving you presents and taking every opportunity to throw her arms around you and now Morgan is ‘enjoying the view’? What the hell?! Exactly what view did you give her?!”

She stopped hitting him and looked at him with angry eyes.

"I was going to dress up like Princess Leia for you too. And I hate fucking Star Wars!"

 

[Persephone]

Haleigh: "No. Too many nuances, too much room for misinterpretation. I prefer the in-your-face, unmistakable style of communication. For example, yesterday when I put you through the wall and almost cut your throat. We both understood each other at that moment, didn't we? I'd like to keep that trend going -- not the death threats part, but the UNDERSTANDING part."

"Perfect! I don't want anything to do with you. Is that clear enough?"

Obviously not, but it was worth a try. She was tired of Haleigh latching onto her because of Ava. Trying to protect her because of Ava. Being a 'big sister' to her because of Ava. SHE wasn't AVA. But that didn't seem to matter. It was incredibly infuriating.

Haleigh: "What a coincidence, I've been doing the exact same thing. I've even managed to find a way to apologize to My Queen, so I guess we're both doing better for ourselves."

"Well there you go! Playing nice with your REAL family instead of trying to keep this [gesturing between herself and Haleigh] sisterly bullshit going."

Rolling her eyes.

"It's getting pretty fucking old already."

But Haleigh kept twisting the knife.

Haleigh: "Oh HONEY. I'm not the one who STARTED this alliance by fucking HIM in the Red Lounge during the Blackout Party. And I'm CERTAINLY not the one due for a realization here. It's TOO late to pull this play, Persephone. You made YOUR BED, with LOVE in it--"

Persephone's eyes flicked over at Haleigh, seething with anger. Her jaw tightening in an effort to keep her composure.

"Shut up."

She growled.

Haleigh: "--and now even if you set it on FIRE, he'll take you on the FLOOR, so you'd better think very carefully about what you're doing to all three of us, because I can't fix EVERYTHING on my back."

"All three of us? I don't CARE what happens to either one of you. ESPECIALLY Alek. He's a POSSESSIVE ASSHOLE who KILLED someone and left their body in my bed because I ended things with him! Which was MY CHOICE, by the way. I'm not his PROPERTY! I'm not something he can play with and put away when he's done! I've dealt with that for YEARS with my EX HUSBAND! I've got the fucking BRAND to prove it!"

Something not many people knew, including her 'sister'. A mystic brand with the Greek symbol for DEATH that was very faint on Persephone's inner wrist. She may have initiated the relationship with Hades originally to gain power, but he took it to the extreme up until she finally killed him. It was quite the parallel for what was happening YET AGAIN.

Shaking her head, Persephone looked away from Haleigh.

"I'm NOT doing it again."

She paused a moment, taking in a deep calming breath. Haleigh was right, as much as Persephone hated to admit. She did the one thing you're never supposed to do: let emotions into the equation.

"You're right. I was stupid and let my emotions get involved. I STOPPED it before it went any further."

Finally looking back at the blonde, her demeanor slightly more calm than before.

"He doesn't have the clout you think he has. You don't need him anymore than I do."

Perhaps one of the more 'sisterly' things Persephone said to Haleigh. But she knew Haleigh was stubborn in her convictions. Persephone could see she truly believed Alek could ruin their standings within the Hellfire Club.

"Then again, maybe you do."

 

[Orion]

Charope, LLC -- The Infirmary

Nic: In any case, I apologize for intruding on your time with Zach. He is a friend and I could not leave without checking on him.

"Thanks man, I appreciate your concern."

He said, with a genuine smile that got instantly replaced with alarm at the next thing Nicolas said.

Nic: Fortunately for us both, Morgan gave him a thorough examination.

Zach had the expression of a person who'd stepped on a rattlesnake. Nic wasn't mad about it, but he could feel the fury rolling off Ash like a pot steaming before the boil erupted. Nic proceeded to make things worse.

Nic: Anyway, it's all good Zach. Morgan and I are BOTH are more at peace with our dark side even if others are still getting used to it. I am sure she enjoyed the view, as did you.

Well, Morgan was extremely attractive. Zach had done his best to be a gentleman, and Morgan hadn't made it easy for him. But at least Nic wasn't tearing his head off. Instead, he'd face the wrath of a Valkyrie. Nic left Zach to fend for himself, and Zach closed the door behind him and tried to think of the best way to go about explaining himself. Ashley didn't wait.

Ashley: Morgan Victoria?! What was there a fucking parade running through here while I was gone?! Cass is giving you presents and taking every opportunity to throw her arms around you and now Morgan is ‘enjoying the view’? What the hell?! Exactly what view did you give her?!

She was slapping him on the arm. He caught her by the wrists, spun her around and hemmed her up against the back of the closed door.

"LESS of a view than you gave Steele a while ago, DESPITE her best efforts to undress me. Now it's NOT what you think, if you'll let me EXPLAIN--"

He growled in her ear, revved up by her anger and the way she'd teased him a moment ago.

Ashley: I was going to dress up like Princess Leia for you too. And I hate fucking Star Wars!

He drew back abruptly in surprise.

"You hate Star Wars?? No, don't distract me, we'll get to that later!"

He locked eyes with her.

"Morgan took it upon herself to pull off my shirt, and even if I'd been fast enough, I'm not strong enough to have stopped her. I BARELY managed to convince her to let me keep my pants on. She wanted a look at my scars, offered to get rid of them, okay? And even if it HAD been what Nic just made it sound like, SHE is with Nic, and I am with YOU, so I would have resisted to the best of my mortal ability, alright??"

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Elevator

Seph said she didn't want anything to do with Haleigh, and that was hurtful, but Haleigh let it pass. She even ignored the other digs that Seph got in.

Persephone: All three of us?

"Yeah, we're kind of all tied together now, thanks to you."

She spat, angry about the way her sister was treating her.

Persephone: I don't CARE what happens to either one of you. ESPECIALLY Alek. He's a POSSESSIVE ASSHOLE who KILLED someone and left their body in my bed because I ended things with him! Which was MY CHOICE, by the way. I'm not his PROPERTY! I'm not something he can play with and put away when he's done! I've dealt with that for YEARS with my EX HUSBAND! I've got the fucking BRAND to prove it! I'm NOT doing it again.

"Sorry, sweet SISTER. You've already DONE IT. Stop dwelling on your OLD demons and deal with the ones you're dancing with NOW! How do you think Helena will respond to the discovery that you are setting men up for Alek to sacrifice at the altar of his worship of YOU?? Who do you think she will blame for the bodies? Who's side do you think she will take, that of her tenured Red Knight, or do you somehow think that your inability to succeed at a single task thus far has somehow given YOU clout?"

Persephone: You're right. I was stupid and let my emotions get involved. I STOPPED it before it went any further.

Haleigh objected emphatically with wild hand gestures to accompany her exclamations.

"NO, you weren't stupid to let them get involved, you were stupid to STOP once they did! YOU had the control, YOU could've possessed HIM, and you threw it away! Can't you see he put you on a pedestal! USE THAT to your advantage! Make him YOURS again!"

Persephone: He doesn't have the clout you think he has. You don't need him anymore than I do. Then again, maybe you do.

"I'll tell you what I DON'T need! I DON'T NEED him going BERSERK on you! I DON'T NEED any more enemies!"

She grabbed her sister by the elbows, her gaze suddenly pleading.

"We can survive this, Seph, we can make it to the other side, but I need your help. You don't want him anymore, I understand. But you said it yourself, we can't always get what we want. Sometimes we have to do things we don't want to, because tactical sacrifice is necessary. Don't sleep with him if you don't want to, but don't throw other men in his face either, okay? Take up with one of the other Inner Circle members, he can't touch any of them. Make him think you're just punishing him for his mistake, make him think there's still a possibility, until he gets bored of waiting and falls back out of love."

 

[Valkyrie]

Charope, LLC - The Infirmary

Zach had her wrists and he pinned her against the door while she shouted at him. She could feel him still at attention against her. If he thought he was getting ANYTHING now…

"LESS of a view than you gave Steele a while ago, DESPITE her best efforts to undress me. Now it's NOT what you think, if you'll let me EXPLAIN--"

Oh, right, she HAD forgotten about that.

"Morgan took it upon herself to pull off my shirt, and even if I'd been fast enough, I'm not strong enough to have stopped her. I BARELY managed to convince her to let me keep my pants on. She wanted a look at my scars, offered to get rid of them, okay? And even if it HAD been what Nic just made it sound like, SHE is with Nic, and I am with YOU, so I would have resisted to the best of my mortal ability, alright??"

She looked at him, angrily looking back at her, and searched his face.

“You’re…with me?”

A grin erupted on her face and she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him before he could stop her. When she pulled back she touched his lips with her index finger, the anger completely gone from her face and voice.

“So…do I need to have words with this Morgan about manhandling you?”

She stroked his bearded cheek.

“And nothing has ever happened between John and I.”

She breathed out, closing her eyes.

“Zizi told me not to fuck this up.”

She opened her eyes and looked into his face.

“And she told me to make sure you knew how I felt.”

Her hand went to his chest.

“I don’t get jealous. Ever.”

She made an exasperated motion, and walked slowly into the room.

“Once someone is out of my bed, I don’t give a fuck what they do.”

She turned back and caught his eye.

“Usually.”

She sat down on the bed, next to the bags of food.

“I don’t know what this is between us, but I…I don’t like the idea of you with other women.”

She smiled sardonically.

“And I usually like having one of each in my bed.”

She trailed her hand over the bags next to her, then looked up into his eyes.

“I’m sorry. For being angry. I just don’t know how to…be…whatever it is we are. I’m not used to this.”

She picked up the pizza box and held it up to him like a peace offering.

“I did bring you lunch though…pizza from Joe’s…tacos from the good food truck…and burgers…you know, from the place that puts the fried egg on top?”

 

[Persephone]

Haleigh: "Sorry, sweet SISTER. You've already DONE IT. Stop dwelling on your OLD demons and deal with the ones you're dancing with NOW!"

That was easier said that done. What Alek had done stirred up a lot of old emotions for Persephone.

Haleigh: "How do you think Helena will respond to the discovery that you are setting men up for Alek to sacrifice at the altar of his worship of YOU?? Who do you think she will blame for the bodies? Who's side do you think she will take, that of her tenured Red Knight, or do you somehow think that your inability to succeed at a single task thus far has somehow given YOU clout?"

That stung, A LOT. Because it wast true. Alek held much more sway over Helena than she did. If she didn't know any better she would say Helena actually loved him on some level. Persephone was just a pawn in her game against the six, and after her fuck up of Zach surviving her attack, she wasn't in the greatest standings with the Red Queen. She was stuck between a rock and a hard place. And it was her own damn fault.

"You're right. I was stupid and let my emotions get involved. I STOPPED it before it went any further."

Haleigh: "NO, you weren't stupid to let them get involved, you were stupid to STOP once they did! YOU had the control, YOU could've possessed HIM, and you threw it away! Can't you see he put you on a pedestal! USE THAT to your advantage! Make him YOURS again!"

The look of disgust could visibly be seen on her face. She had used sex as a weapon her whole life. In order to control someone, hurt someone, manipulate someone....the list went on. But it was always on HER terms. Alek may have had Helena's ear, but it didn't mean he was invincible. He didn't have the pull Haleigh thought he had and Persephone told her as much.

Haleigh: "I'll tell you what I DON'T need! I DON'T NEED him going BERSERK on you! I DON'T NEED any more enemies!"

Scoffing.

"YOU don't need anymore enemies. Got it."

She snapped in contempt. Then Haleigh grabbed Persephone's elbow, locking eyes with her, pleading with her through their stare.

Haleigh: "We can survive this, Seph, we can make it to the other side, but I need your help."

"Maybe I don't want to make it to the other side. Maybe i'm fine right here."

It was a little surprising to hear Haleigh say that. To say that there was hope and that maybe there was a way out. From the moment they arrived she had been doing everything in her power to piss off Diana. Making it a point to piss off the six and birds of prey. She was literally making herself out to be the number one enemy that needed to be ELIMINATED. And now there was hope? What had changed?

Haleigh: "You don't want him anymore, I understand. But you said it yourself, we can't always get what we want. Sometimes we have to do things we don't want to, because tactical sacrifice is necessary. Don't sleep with him if you don't want to, but don't throw other men in his face either, okay? Take up with one of the other Inner Circle members, he can't touch any of them. Make him think you're just punishing him for his mistake, make him think there's still a possibility, until he gets bored of waiting and falls back out of love."

Persephone's eyes softened just a bit, hearing her words. Hearing her pleads. Deep down she knew Haleigh was right, she was just too damn stubborn to admit it. And she was kicking herself for not taking advantage of the situation with Alek like she normally would have in the past. Emotions were fucking annoying and they fucked EVERYTHING up--including tactical strategies. Looking away from Haleigh, Persephone sighed while gently shaking her head.

"Fine."

She relented much to her dismay.

"FINE."

She said more ferociously, trying to amp herself up more than anything else. Finally, she looked at Haleigh. Her eyes slightly glassy with aggravation.

"I've done it before. I'll do it again."

She simply put, another nod to her past. Haleigh would be able to see the utter abhorrence in her eyes.

"Where is he."

 

[Orion]

Charope, LLC -- The Infirmary

Ashley: You’re…with me?

"YES, Ash!"

He replied in exasperation. She threw her arms around him, they kissed with renewed passion, and her anger with him was gone as quickly as it had appeared.

Ashley: So…do I need to have words with this Morgan about manhandling you?

"That question is so emasculating...."

He groaned, wishing he didn't have to admit that half the women he knew were stronger than he was. She touched his beard, and he got lost in her eyes again, and forgave her.

Ashley: And nothing has ever happened between John and I.

"Ash.... whoever you were with before, that's your business, until they come calling again, then it's MY business too."

He told her, and tried to keep a handle on that little jealous beast inside.

Ashley: Zizi told me not to fuck this up. And she told me to make sure you knew how I felt. I don’t get jealous. Ever.

"Seriously?"

He deadpanned, watching her move around the room, working through her thoughts.

Ashley: Once someone is out of my bed, I don’t give a fuck what they do. Usually. I don’t know what this is between us, but I…I don’t like the idea of you with other women.

"Well, I can understand that.... I hate the thought of sharing you with another man."

He admitted, smiling at her threesome reference.

Ashley: I’m sorry. For being angry. I just don’t know how to…be…whatever it is we are. I’m not used to this.

He sat down on the bed next to her, one hand on the small of her back, the other on her knee.

"If we can just be honest with each other, we can figure the rest out together."

He assured her gently. She knew the way to a man's heart, and offered food to smooth things over. His stomach grumbled insistently.

"Mmm, I DO like the burgers with the egg on top."

She passed him the appropriate bag.

"Okay, now let's address this Star Wars thing. Was it the prequels that turned you off? Because you can't judge the series by those -- you gotta see the original trilogy, that's where the magic is."

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Elevator

Haleigh could see her hits landing, and her sister starting to drop her guard. Seph began to relent little by little, much to Haleigh's relief.

She saw Seph's disgust at her insistence that she should use the power she had over Alek, but she pressed on, because she could see that at least her sister was paying attention now.

Persephone: YOU don't need anymore enemies. Got it.

Haleigh wanted to backhand her for that, but she managed to control the urge, and pushed on. She tried a gentler approach, and saw her sister's conviction wavering.

Persephone: Fine.

Success....

She thought, as Seph finally buckled.

Persephone: FINE. I've done it before. I'll do it again.

She nodded. Her sister's revulsion was plain to see.

I hate myself....

Persephone: Where is he.

"Maybe you shouldn't go to him right this second? You need to get your game face back. Go on back to your quarters, have some more wine, play with Cobra, relax a little. Plan your next move, so that when you see his smug smirk you won't lose your head again."

 

[Valkyrie]

Charope, LLC - The Infirmary

She asked Zach if she needed to go discuss Morgan’s wandering eyes and hands with her.

"That question is so emasculating...."

“Aw, honey, what if I promise to do it naked in a pool of mud?”

"Ash.... whoever you were with before, that's your business, until they come calling again, then it's MY business too."

She smiled.

“I’m gonna hold you to that.”

The idea of him giving someone a kicking to prove she was his was more than a little arousing. But she told him she didn’t like the idea of him being with another woman.

"Well, I can understand that…I hate the thought of sharing you with another man."

“You won’t have to. There hasn’t been anyone else, you know. Not since…that first time.”

She remembered how much he had wanted her, pursued her, to get to that night. And how she had just been there scratching an itch…

He sat down next to her, and put his hands on her – and it was the most reassuring gesture he could have made.

"If we can just be honest with each other, we can figure the rest out together."

She smiled and nodded.

“Okay.”

She leaned her head onto his shoulder.

"Mmm, I DO like the burgers with the egg on top."

“And I aim to please. Wouldn’t want your oral fixation getting out of control.”

She handed him the bag, while pulling a slice of pizza from the box and starting to chew.

"Okay, now let's address this Star Wars thing. Was it the prequels that turned you off? Because you can't judge the series by those - you gotta see the original trilogy, that's where the magic is."

She rolled her eyes.

“You sound like Zizi.”

She pulled a piece of pepperoni off the top of her slice and popped it into her mouth, talking with her mouth full.

“That was all anybody could talk about that year. Men going around wearing t shirts with weird space things on them. And that’s when they started sitting at home in their parents’ basements instead of going out and doing things. Everyone lost their appetite for war, they just wanted to sit at home and watch that damn movie…”

Taking another bite she hitched her knee up onto the bed and turned her body to face him more.

“And I don’t really get the whole ‘space’ thing. How are all these things just like out there floating around and not running into things? I mean, it’s supposed to be ‘the future’ but it looks like the past…and that princess just wears really bad outfits and does her hair in those awful buns?” She shuddered. “What kind of princess is that?”

That made her think of something.

“Oh, but speaking of Zizi, guess who her mystery friend at the Clocktower is? Gabe, the Gabe. He’s pretty hot but what an idiot. It’s obvious she’s totally in love with him and he’s all like, ‘She’s too good for me…blahblahblah.’”

She laughed.

“Of course, she probably IS too good for him, but when has that ever stopped any man ever? I left them playing those video game things. I think there should be fries…”

She reached into his bag and plucked out a french fry, popping into her mouth and looking at him with inquisitive eyes.

“So…do you want Morgan to remove your scars?”

She wasn't asking out of jealousy this time.

"Cause if you do, it's okay."

 

[Persephone]

Haleigh: "Maybe you shouldn't go to him right this second? You need to get your game face back. Go on back to your quarters, have some more wine, play with Cobra, relax a little. Plan your next move, so that when you see his smug smirk you won't lose your head again."

"Maybe you should let me worry about the specifics of how to navigate Alek."

She countered evenly. If she sat around drinking wine and coming up with a 'plan', she would only get more pissed off about the situation. She needed to strike when the iron was hot. React instead of reflect. It would make the encounter more realistic instead of looking like a ruse.

"You want me to trust you? Let you play sister? Then trust me."

She may have been annoyed by the fact that Haleigh was constantly using the sister card, but it was time to flip it back to her. See if she would trust her as Persephone.

"Where is he."

She asked one more time, giving her a more reassured look that whatever feelings she was experiencing, she would be able to back burn them once in play.

 

[Masque]

Hellfire Mansion – Red Rook’s Quarters/The White Bishop’s Quarters/Hellfire Gym



Persephone: *warningly*: "Watch it little one, you're treading on thin ice. Well you're execution is SHIT to say the least."

Gia looked up into Persephone’s eyes as the goddess got all up in her face.

Ooh, I’m shaking in my shoes.

Persephone: *hisses*: "Rule number one: Don't come into MY chambers and act like you know the ins and outs of whats going on with me AND my status here at Hellfire."

“Struck a nerve, I see. Truth hurts, baby.”

Then Gia grabbed Persephone by the shoulders, looking straight into her eyes.

“I WANT you to succeed here. Others may still have their doubts, but you are PERSEPHONE, and you BELONG here.”

Gia got a bit honest for once in her life and showed some vulnerability.

Persephone: "Maybe you CAN'T."

Though she knew that it would no doubt come back to bite her, Gia revealed that she needed some allies to show her, and to teach her, how it’s done.

Persephone: "And you want us to?"

Gia rolled her eyes as Persephone disappeared into a room.

Persephone: "I've done my fair share of teaching in my day, sweetie. I've retired from that game."

*sarcastically*: “Well then. Clearly YOU don’t need anybody.”

Persephone: "BUT I will give you some advice. DON'T show any vulnerability. And DON'T show any weakness. The moment you do the people in this club will eat you alive. [a little joke Amanda would get] You have daddy's name, but that doesn't mean you have the same respect."

“You DO realize that it was hard for me to even show some vulnerability? I took a HUGE risk, even though I KNEW that it could, quite possibly, come back to haunt me later. As for my father, I’m MORE than aware that I don’t have the same respect as he did.”

Persephone: "You need to make a name for yourself, Gia. Whatever that entails. And by doing so? You'll get in Diana's good graces, and in turn, the White Courts." [deadpan] “You’re welcome.”

“Yeeeah. I don’t think so, but thanks for the ‘pep talk’.”

Then talk turned to joking about Emiko showing up.

Persephone: [with a laugh] "Probably. Although i'm not sure wine and chit chat is her thing. She seems more like the ‘disembowel and sake’ type."

Right then, the White Princess showed up. LITERALLY. She just appeared in the Red Rook’s living room, all casual and stuff. Persephone, meanwhile, looked about ready to KILL her.

Scion: “Well, look at that, I’ve crashed a party.”

Persephone: “Not the POP I was expecting.”

Scion: “That’s what HE said.”

Persephone: “Feel free to stay and enjoy the company of the Black Knight and White Bishop. I’m late for a date.”

“How nice.”

After setting down her empty wine glass, Persephone stood up and looked at both Gia and Amanda; she nodded at them both.

Persephone: “Ladies, it’s been entertaining to say the least.”

Gia held up her wine glass in a toast.

“Definitely.”

Persephone looked at each of them in turn, and acknowledged them by saying their names. Gia nodded back at the goddess and hid a smirk. Apparently she inadvertently interrupted SOMETHING between the Black Knight and the Red Rook.

Oops?

Oh well. Like she really cared anyway. She was feeling lonely and sought out some company. She turned to Amanda.

*low voice*: “Looks like somebody’s warm for your form.”

Gia winked at the Black Knight before sipping her wine and focusing on the curious exchange between the supposed ‘sisters’.

Hmmm. Interesting.

Persephone left and there was silence all around before Haleigh spoke.

Scion: “She will most CERTAINLY require your body for her alligiance.”

Gia muffled a snort. It was perhaps one of the most understatements of the year. Haleigh then turned her attention to Gia.

Scion: "Branching out, Gi? I know it's been lonely in the White Wing lately. But don't worry.... I suspect my mother will soon rescind the order to ostracize me, and we'll get to spend some quality time together, clothing optional, because I know what a free spirit you are."

Then the White Princess WINKED at her and disappeared. Gia chuckled nervously.

“She was just kidding about the clothing being optional.”

Though she DID have some dalliances with the ladies during college, she usually preferred her bed partners to be, well, MALE. She, Giuletta Christina Nefaria, loved her some MEAT. :garrick: Of course, that could easily change if the right opportunity presented itself.

Amanda left shortly thereafter and soon Gia was all alone in the Red Rook’s quarters. She looked around at the surroundings.

“Good times. We should do this again soon.”

Then she stood up, and, out of habit, took the wine glasses and carried them over to the bar where she cleaned and then rinsed them. Then she left the Red Rook’s quarters and made her way back to her own quarters where she undressed and put on some workout clothes and then made her way to the gym. Gia had taken a HUGE risk, being honest as well as showing some vulnerability, and she hoped that it wouldn’t be used against her. A run on one of the treadmills would help take her mind off of that. Hopefully.

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- Elevator

Persephone: Maybe you should let me worry about the specifics of how to navigate Alek.

"OH, now all of a sudden I'm dealing with a fuckin' expert here, excuse the hell outta me."

Haleigh said with sarcasm, holding her hands up. She wasn't entirely sure Seph could get a grip on herself well enough, but then, she'd only seen Persephone smash things and argue with her -- and Alek -- thus far.

Persephone: You want me to trust you? Let you play sister? Then trust me.

Haleigh looked at Seph in serious contemplation. After a long pause, she slowly released the air in her lungs, and then the elevator powered back up, and started to lift them towards the Inner Circle's level. She didn't say anything at first.

Persephone: Where is he.

"Where I left him, in my chambers."

The elevator music was worse than silence would have been.

"I didn't know about the man he killed. Not until after I'd already fucked him the first time. I just thought he came to me all pissed off because you were forcing him to keep sport-fucking me for cover. And he was PISSED."

She said, staring at the opaque reflection of herself in the elevator doors. They opened with a customary 'ding'.

"Do you want me there, just in case?"