Everybody hates Claudia!

[Seer]

<< The "night" in Limbo passes slowly for everyone, giving them the benefit of much needed sleep. Harbinger, Silver Swan and Rampage arrive, and Alison shows the other two to rooms before she herself takes the room that Morgan had given her once before.>>

<< THe Six FINALLY get the sleep they need and some extra clues about the mystery of Verna Eckert and Barbas. Still, there were some NEW questions raised, like why Karen could not remember what exactly happened between her grandmother and Barbas.>>

<< The Zaccharas and Johnny were saved, they knew Nicolas had been there, but HEALING wasnt in his power. So they still didnt know HOW he had come to effectively save Claudia from death or why Claudia's room was totally trashed.>>

<< still the new day was upon them all. The Six would return to earth, to Melrose Place. Morgan deposites each person in their proper apartment without anyone outside seeing them arrive. Everyone has to get to their personal/professional lives. Morgan's MAC campaign is today. She invited Blaze, Delilah, Alison, Karen and Mike to watch the shoot...UNAWARE that Nicolas would ALSO be there...IN the shoot WITH HER. Haleigh would be there, supervising the photographers and videoagraphers from Liquid Crystal. So she too would be there along with the others to witness the FIRST of many dirty ploys Claudia would unleash. and on top of that, SHARON who declined her invitation, citing personal reasons, was STILL did not know that both Morgan AND Nicolas were working at CLAUDIA'S modeling agency! a tangled web indeed.>>

<< the day begins, drama lays in waiting and so does Barbas! and so we watch!>>

 

[Black Widow]

MP -- Apt 5

After a night of much needed rest, everyone returned to Melrose. Haleigh and Zach had a quiet but comfortable breakfast, and Haleigh meanwhile checked all the cameras for the place and got caught up on the events of the night, including what the Zacchara sisters had been up to, and the mildly amusing 'attack' on Claudia's room that Clara had assumed Nicolas responsible for. Haleigh knew it was more likely SHARON'S doing… but it wasn't something she would make public knowledge… not unless she found a reason to, at least.

"So… I don't want it to seem like I'm kicking you out…. [chuckling] but I do have some preparations to make for a photoshoot today."

Zach: "Yeah, of course, I understand."

"Shall I drive you to the Roosevelt?"

Zach: [shaking his head as he stood and stretched his arms] "Nah, it's not that far, I'll walk."

"I'll walk too then. I was going to stop by the neighbors and see how their night went anyway."

Zach agreed and so, after they both slipped on a coat, they stepped out into the courtyard and Zach followed Haleigh up the stair to apartment six, where she curtly knocked on the door.

 

[Siren]

It was a rough night to say the least, and Claudia was feeling pretty damn bitter that the rest of the residents at Melrose Place got the opportunity to have a peaceful nights sleep while she was barbequed by her parents via Barbas. Deciding to stay up the remainder of the night and clean up her trashed bedroom, it wasn't long before dawn arrived, and soon mid morning.

Today was the day of the MAC photoshoot, and no matter how painfully annoyed Claudia was that she was attacked the night before, and how pissed she was that she became a victim YET AGAIN to Barbas, the look on Morgan's face once she realized Nicolas would be in the campaign with her would make her day full of rainbows and sunshine. Not to mention the small blow to Haleigh that it would cause as well. That woman was still very high on her shit list.

Standing in front of the bathroom mirror straightening her hair, Claudia wore a one of a kind Roberto Cavalli ensemble [blouse in red, not green] made specifically for Claudia. Uncle Rudy once helped Mr. Cavalli out of a finanical jam making him 'forever in debt' to the Zaccharas. It was amusing how people cast judgement on her family, but when the cards were dealt, those people were the first to come running for help. And in turn, became affiliated with them. Putting the straightener down on the bathroom counter top, Claudia ran her fingers through her midnight hair, fussing with it casually when she heard a knock at the front door.

"Clara, could you get that?"

Spritzing some of her sisters Chanel No. 5 purfume [since all hers were destoryed ] on her neck and wrists, Claudia noticed that Clara hadn't answered her or gone to answer the door.

"Clara!"

Listening for a response, when she didn't hear one Claudia sighed out and rolled her eyes.

"Nevermind, i'll get it. [exiting the bathroom] It's not like I don't have someplace to BE this morning!"

Walking down the hallway, her red stiletto heeled shoes clicked against the hardwood floors roughly as she approached the door and opened it. Much to her surprise Zach stood before her, Haleigh by his side. Claudia's eyes met with his, a flicker of amusement brightened her dark chocolate orbs. It was so blatently obvious he was stunned by her presents. Like he had been hit in the nuts with a sledgehammer, stunned. Slowly shifting her gaze away from Zach, Claudia facial expression remained casual, yet with a hint of irritation once settling on Haleigh.

"Yes?"

 

[MorningStar]

Despite her odd vision of the past, Delilah actually slept pretty well. She had some things to think about, but the message hadn't quite hit home yet and was still at the outskirts of her thinking. She showered and changed, dressing up a bit for Morgan's big day, in a Michael Kors dress.

She was ready early - and knew especially Morgan would still be a bit p) - so she decided to step outside and enjoy the sun while she waited to hitch a ride to the shoot. Sitting in one of the lounge chairs by the pool - looking a bit ridiculous doing so in her outfit - she leaned back and let the sun warm her face. She could almost forget that she had a care in the world...

 

[Arsenal]

Mike slept the rest of the night freely and easily, holding tightly to Karen as he did so. In the morning he arose early and stretched, loosening himself up and clearing his head as he did so. He had people to speak to, things to clear up.

They went back to MP and all began to get dressed. He playfully offered to HELP Karen, but the sorceress, realizing that there would be more UNdressing than dressing going on, coyly declined. He showered and shaved, then dressed, walking outside to wait for the ladies when he saw Delilah lounging by the pool. He walked over to her and just looked a moment, smiling a bit before speaking.

Delilah, I have a bit of a confession to make. I have still been acting in a security role for the Six since we returned from Aerie and had our fortunes restored. To that end, I noticed a large amount of cash moved and investigated further. It was at that point that I realized that you were moving your own money and I stopped investigating further, but not before I realized that you were establishing something. Given what I have learned from you in the time we have been teammates and from what I have gleaned from the alternate timelines and experiences we've had, I can easily imagine what it is.

I want you to know something. I know that we have had our differences, and that I have at times not been fair to you. For that I apologize. But the things I have seen about you, the things I do know indicate to me that we have more in common than I originally realized, and that you deserve MUCH more respect than I have at times afforded you in spite of the fact that we at times do not see eye to eye. I hope that we can move forward, and I want you to know: if you need any help, I have experience in training and dealing with those who are...special. If you are looking for help...I am here, now or in the future. Once again, I apologize for the mistakes I have made in my dealings with you. Take care...by the way, you look GREAT, as always.

Mike nodded to Delilah, then went to have a seat of his own by the pool and read the paper...

 

[Orion]

MP -- Outside Apt 6

Limbo was always an unorthodox experience for Zach… but he learned that if he didn't ask too many questions… and he kept his hands to himself… he couldn't get into too much trouble and at least THIS time he had Haleigh for company.

Back after a good night's sleep [especially in Haleigh case: she slept as soundly as a ROCK, whereas she normally tossed occasionally], they had breakfast as they had many times before and if not for the circumstances, Zach might've let himself think things were back to 'normal'. He KNEW there was a 'talk' that was due between them… but he found procrastinating so CONVENIENT…

Haleigh offered to drive him home after trying NOT to sound like she was 'getting rid' of him, and of course he understood that she had business to attend to and he didn't want to stand in the way of that, and so agreed to leave without fuss, and then subsequently agreed to allow her to walk with him to the hotel after stopping by to check on someone.

Imagine his surprise, then, when the door opened to reveal someone he RECOGNIZED. His heart STOPPED in his chest… and he found he could do nothing except STARE as though a TRAIN WRECK were unfolding right in front of his very eyes [though, to her credit, she was a very gorgeous train wreck to witness].

Luckily for HIM… Haleigh was focused on staring the other woman down and didn't notice his reaction…. And he had the opportunity to gather himself, and try to look unaffected [though it was, of course, too late to fool Claudia]. He put on a polite smile, his posture tall and now a little stiff, as if there was a sense of propriety he was trying to convey. Finally looking AWAY from him, the woman irritably addressed Haleigh.

Claudia: "Yes?"

Haleigh: [politely] "Good morning, Claudia. I just thought I'd drop by… and offer to extend ANY courtesy to ensure you'll be able to make it to the MAC campaign shoot today. I'd HATE for our first business venture together to be in ANY way unsuccessful."

Though he couldn't SEE them, behind him he could hear movement down in the courtyard, and the faint sound of Mike's voice brought a quiet huff of annoyance from Zach. Great... in front of him he had the woman he'd scorned just YESTERDAY, and on his way OUT, he'd now have to deal with the overly territorial meathead who'd tackled him for such a heinous offense as having accompanied Haleigh into her apartment. Today... just WASN'T his day, was it?

 

[Fusion]

MP -- Apt 6

Clara and Johnny sat on Clara's bed, both mildly interested in the task in front of them, which was their newest way of keeping awake.

"I see your ten and raise twenty. You know, I really don't understand her logic. I didn't want to upset her with an argument at the time, but really… Even if Nicolas WASN'T the one who trashed her room, that means he brought along his low class friends, and THEY destroyed it, meanwhile he either CONDONED the act or he saw it and DID NOTHING to stop it."

Johnny: "It doesn't really look good for him either way, does it? He was QUICK to take the credit for coming to the rescue, but seemed content to let the credit for the destruction fall on Barbas. And I raise you twenty-five."

Clara scoffed…. Not at his return bet, but at the idea of Nicolas taking credit for the save.

"Ugh, I HATE that he helped us. Now I'm obligated to be grateful to him."

Johnny: "For a little while, at least."

[sighing] "Well, my sister is ALIVE. At least it's the BEST POSSIBLE reason for gratitude."

In all the conversation, Clara hadn't heard the knock at the door, OR Claudia calling for her to answer it. She did, however, hear her sister's frustrated final response:

Claudia: "Nevermind, I'll get it. It's not like I don't have someplace to BE this morning."

[to Johnny] "What's she getting?"

The heard Claudia answer the door. Curious to see who it was, Clara laid down her cards. Johnny, with a smirk, laid down his as well and with the winning hand, took the jackpot. Clara gave him a bemused smile and got up to see after the visitors, and Johnny followed, smug winner's grin and all.

"Who's at the door, sis?"

She asked, sort of rhetorically, as she came around the door to see for herself. It was Haleigh... with a particularly CUTE man at her side, who seemed a bit anxious.

 

[Black Widow]

MP -- Outside Apt 6

The Zaccharas sure did like to take their time answering the door. Claudia came to the door after an unreasonable delay, and then proceeded to be RUDE. But then… Haleigh had gotten USED to Claudia's complete lack of social skills by now… and was entirely too polite in return. Ah… but Haleigh knew how to dig in the knife and still SOUND polite.

"Good morning, Claudia. I just thought I'd drop by… and offer to extend ANY courtesy to ensure you'll be able to make it to the MAC campaign shoot today. I'd just HATE for our first business venture together to be in ANY way unsuccessful."

Through the door [via xray vision] Haleigh could see Clara came around the corner behind Claudia, with of course that attached-at-the-hip boyfriend of hers predictably at her side, and as she neared, she asked Claudia who was at the door. Haleigh felt a little sinus pressure build… and she stopped using her xray capability. Perhaps it had been too long since she'd used that ability. It didn't matter… Clara popped up over Claudia's shoulder to see for herself. Haleigh gave her a measured smile.

The sinus pressure didn't go away… in fact… Haleigh felt the onset of dizziness. Her heart beat was erratic but despite discomfort… she kept on a pleasant face. She pretended to find humor at Clara's question of 'who's at the door?'.

"Ah, of course. What a blonde moment. I COMPLETELY forgot to introduce you to my companion. Claudia, this is Zachary Armani, Zach, [gesturing] Claudia Zacchara and behind her, her sister Clara. [to Zach] Claudia owns the model agency Morgan recently became affiliated with. [to Claudia] Zach is… an old friend… and confidant. You can speak freely in front of him, he knows about Barbas."

Haleigh knew both Mike and Delilah were down in the courtyard below them, but she didn't toss them a glance. She kept her attention on Claudia not ONLY because she was paying the conversation its due attention... but because she thought if she turned her head around to quickly, she might PASS OUT...

 

[Harbinger]

the courtyard

:: as Mike once again attempted to make nice with Delilah, a "pop" is heard in the air as a pair of floating colbalt blue eyes opens near Delilah.::

Don't you get tired of playing the same record over and over? how many times can you insult and descredit her or ME for that matter and then turn around and apologize? pick up the needle Mike...you're stuck in a TIRED groove.

Neither she NOR I are going anywhere. Accept it and GET OVER IT.

:: Alison was still irritated with Mike and she was going to draw a line now. If he thought it was okay to blame Delilah for what Nicolas did to HER? He had another thing coming, and APOLOGIZING everytime he offered a heavy handed, lop sided response wasnt going to satisfy the PRECOG who was almost as legendary as Morgan or Hecate for holding a grudge.::


:: Mike went on to offer whatever service or support to Delilah he could in her upcoming endeavors before seating himself near the pool. Even if he WAS insufferable at times, he WAS experienced in dealing with mutants, metahumans and now witches. he was...loyal (even if it was to a FAULT at times), and trust worthy. BUT , Delilah was a dear friend of Alison's and it seemed that much like herself, Mike had crossed Delilah needlessly more than once. ::

:: the eyes looked at Delilah::

I'm tired of him. I really am. He just better stay away from me until I'm GOOD AND READY to be bothered with him.

:: Pausing as Haleigh's voice can be heard in the background::


I can't be seen. The Zaccharas don't know about me, who i am just yet. So I'm not going with you all to the MAC campaign shoot. I WILL be stopping by though.

:: Alison knew that she would be chided by Delilah later for not warning them that Nicolas would be in the shoot with Morgan, but if she told anyone NOW she saw the entire course of events around the shoot changing in a way that would adversely effect Morgan's comeback trail. As it stood, Claudia was playing a fire she was NOT prepared for. When Morgan was crossed or betrayed, there would be HELL to pay and that was ANOTHER reason why she kept silent. If that bitch Claudia wanted to play...let her PAY.::

I'm going to check on Sharon. She seems agitated...MORE than usual. I'll see you later Dee!

:: and with that, the eyes shut and shimmer out of view.::

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Courtyard

<< humming softly, Karen finished the final touches on her flip styled hair, which was now sleek and elegant looking. one final turn in the mirror and Karen nodded with satisfaction. grabbing her soft tumbled leather purse, she exits the bedroom and soon is seen leaving the apartment...MORGAN'S apartment that is. She had sent Michael away so that she could PROPERLY get dressed and ready for the day.>>


<< choosing an Jones New York ensemble , the cotswolds collection. appropriate for the season and day wear, consisting of cashmere ribbed sweater and harris tweed pencil skirt, along with coordinating leather high heels, the doctor was as elegant as ever. She had missed Alison's bite at Mike and arrived in time to see Mike and Delilah sitting out in the pool area. Karen's high heels could be heard in the courtyard. >>

Good morning Delilah, Michael.

<< she said as she smiled to Delilah. >>

You look beautifull. Are you sure YOU arent in today's photoshoot?

<< She touched Delilah's shoulder as she came near.>>

Morgan said the limo would be along soon so I hope everyone is ready.

<< Karen turned and looked up to see Haleigh with Zach at apartment 6. she then looks back at Delilah.>>

Does she know them? The Zaccharas?

<< Karen's prior dealings with Claudia for the apartment had been pleasant enough and evern interaction since then had been as well. But it seemed there was tension in the air around the Zacchara sisters and Karen was curious. She didnt know yet how manipulative Claudia was and what trouble she would be causing for her daughter, but once it became clear...it would be an entirely different story.>>

 

[Rampage]

As Alison "popped" away, she realized she was tracked, and a voice whispered in her ear. It was Nicolas, who had managed to "hear what she'd said to Mike as he was still mentally in contact. He whispered in her ear...

Was that really necessary Ali? How can we try to come together if you are directly sabotaging what he has to say to someone else? And as for him challenging you, part of being in a situation with this many alpha males and females is that people will speak their mind.

<<laughs>>

I can only imagine if everyone held a grudge when YOU spoke YOUR mind. C'mon Alison, he is JUST like you except YOU don't apologize for SHIT. This back and forth is unproductive for everyone, besides...if you and me can manage not to be at odds after all the shit I'VE done...I have hope for damn near anybody.


Meanwhile, Nicolas emerged from the shower at his office Penthouse apartment, taking special care to groom himself. He had a job today, and he planned to make a good impression...

 

[Arsenal]

Mike smiled as he read the paper. If he could get under her skin so that she had to take an early morning nip...Mike at least realized he was on the Seer's mind. As Karen walked up, he stood, taking in her outfit.

Karen...you look LOVELY. I'll go check on that car.

Mike walked out of the courtyard to check on the car. Old habits died hard, and he would be checking to make sure everything was safe, and that the dirver was who he was supposed to be...

 

[Harbinger]

Mp

:: Nicolas felt a STRONG "push" as Alison's astral form manifested before him. Since he'd taken to calling her "ALI", it was only fair she RETURN the favor ::

DON'T push you're luck...NICKY.

:: she looks rather stern as she speaks in a catty, sarcastic tone.::

This isnt the nightmare anymore. You don't need to be lurking about ,whispering in my ear.

:: the eyes glare at him.::

You may think of me as a big sister, but just like I told (and showed) Cameron...I will BUST YOUR ASS like a big sister SHOULD if you don't behave yourself. No more astral tracking okay?

Now then, If you don't mind, I'm going to check on Sharon. I'm sure you'll have more to pay attention to elsewhere SOON ENOUGH.

:: her own covert way of referring to what Claudia had engineered for the MAC campaign.::

:: Alison noted Nicolas' smiling and his appeal to her to get along with EVERYONE. He moved on to the courtyard and she went on to Sharon's apartment. She wouldnt be seen or heard from again until later on in the day.::

 

[Siren]

Haleigh: Good morning, Claudia.

"It was.."

She stated dryly after Haleigh's 'pleasent' hello.

Haleigh: Just thought I'd drop by… and offer to extend ANY courtesy to ensure you'll be able to make it to the MAC campaign shoot today. I'd just HATE for our first business venture together to be in ANY way unsuccessful.

Claudia's eyes narrowed as her lips turned upward into a forced smile. FIRST buisness venture? Haleigh certainly did have an unwavering confidence that she and the Zaccharas would become in some way, buisness partners.

"Oh i'm sure you wouldn't. Trust me, I wouldn't miss this shoot for the WORLD."

Popping up behind her, Clara finally came to the door inquiring about who it was, to which Haleigh responded finally 'introducing' Zach. Shifting her eyes over to Zach, she had a mischivious glint in her eyes that SCREAMED trouble.

Haleigh: Claudia, this is Zachary Armani, Zach, [gesturing] Claudia Zacchara and behind her, her sister Clara. Zach is… an old friend… and confidant.

Extending her hand out to Zach, Claudia coyly smirked at him while shaking it.

Haleigh: You can speak freely in front of him, he knows about Barbas.

"Among OTHER things i'm sure......Pleasure to meet you, Zach. Although, you seem vaguely familiar. Have we met some place before?"

Her amused eyes remained glued onto his, waiting for him to respond. This was WAY too much fun....it was like a preview to how fabulous her day was going to be. Tugging Zach's chain....fucking with Morgan....pissing off Haleigh. It was like Christmas in fall!

 

[Orion]

MP -- Outside Apt 6

Haleigh: "Claudia, this is Zachary Armani, Zach, [gesturing] Claudia Zacchara and behind her, her sister Clara. Claudia owns the model agency Morgan recently became affiliated with."

Zach watched Claudia extend a hand out to him, her lips twisted into a wicked smile. She mentioned him seeming familiar…. And he knew she was TOYING with him… trying to make him squirm. He returned a smile politely, leaning slightly across Haleigh and shaking Claudia's hand firmly, locking eyes with her as she asked if they'd met before.

[with charm] "It's possible. I DO get around."

Never let them see you sweat. He thought, maintaining the smile as he smoothly let go of her hand and then wrapped his arm around Haleigh's waist, holding eye contact with Claudia the whole time. Haleigh gave a soft chuckle at his 'joke', leaning into him and rubbing his abdomen as she 'explained'.

Haleigh: "Zach's in politics…. He works mainly in New York….. He probably at LEAST knows of your father."

"Ah… you're Anthony Zacchara's daughters. Well, I really only knew him by reputation… but I can see the resemblance… similar temperament."

 

[Black Widow]

MP -- Outside Apt 6

Claudia: "Trust me, I wouldn't miss this shoot for the WORLD."

Haleigh replied with only a smirk. She was far too cocky for her own good. Did she not realize that she was going to have to deal not only with HALEIGH… but with Morgan as well? She TRULY didn't know what she'd gotten herself into….

Zach and Claudia shook hands, and it wasn't lost on Haleigh that Claudia was TOTALLY eyeballing Zach… but she wasn't threatened by it… Zach would know better than that by now and as if to signify it to Claudia, after shaking her hand he wrapped an arm around Haleigh. Haleigh, still feeling lightheaded, was MORE than grateful for the support and leaned into him, but she was smooth enough to play it off with a chuckle, rubbing his abs affectionately as she interjected.

"Zach's in politics… he works mainly in New York… He probably at LEAST knows of your father."

Zach: "Ah… you're Anthony Zacchara's daughters. Well, I really only knew him by reputation… but I can see the resemblance… similar temperament."

 

[Siren]

Zach: It's possible. I DO get around.

Claudia mock smiled, her eyes shifting from him to his arm as he wrapped it around Haleigh's waist, pulling her to him. Moving her gaze back up to Zach, Haleigh began to 'explain' that he was in politics, and that's why she probably recognized him.

"That must be it."

She stated cooly.

Zach:Ah… you're Anthony Zacchara's daughters. Well, I really only knew him by reputation… but I can see the resemblance… similar temperament.

Claudia's eyes narrowed playfully as she grinned.

"It's the pesky Italian Bloodline. Sweet one minute, merciless the next. Just be careful if you ever get on my bad side."

Claudia kept her tone lighthearted enough to pass her threat to Zach off as a joke to both Haleigh and Clara. But her warning to him wouldn't fall on deaf ears. If Zach wanted to play this game, Claudia would play it ten-fold.

"Well as enjoyable as this visit has been, I need to finish getting ready. [shifting her eyes to Haleigh] And you should too. You wouldn't want to show up at a multi-million dollar ad campaign photoshoot looking like you just rolled out of bed now would you? [with a contemptuous smile] I'll see you later."

Casting one last look over to Zach before shutting the front door, Claudia's smile immediately disappeared. It was so obnoxious seeing Haleigh parade Zach around like a prized cow. And even more so that Zach actually went along with it. Claudia could never understand WHY he would turn someone like her down for a emotionally challenged tool like Haleigh. It stung, but Claudia would NEVER admit it. She would only get even.

Stepping away from the door, Claudia finally gazed over at Clara who remained abnormally quiet throughout the entire conversation. Still fuming by the whole 'happy couple' routine, Claudia snapped at Clara.

"Thank you for sparing five minutes to answer the door for me."

Walking toward the kitchen, she grabbed a clean coffee mug that was sitting on the counter.

"I so enjoy starting my day off talking to that Daisy Duke knock off and her farm boy."

Uncharacteristically sharp with her sister, Claudia looked over at her realizing she was taking her anger out at the wrong person. Sighing out as she shut her eyes, Claudia shook her head collecting herself.

"I'm sorry....I didn't mean to snap at you. I just [grunting out in frustration] she just gets under my SKIN."

 

[Orion]

MP -- Outside Apt 6

Claudia: "It's the pesky Italian bloodline. Sweet one minute, merciless the next. Just be careful if you ever get on my bad side."

Zach forced a rigidly polite laugh, like the one you used when someone's party joke wasn't even a little funny. To Zach…. It WASN'T. Still… he offered the laugh as cover and kept a suave tone.

"Well in THAT case…. If there's ANYTHING I can do for you, by all means…. do let me know. [with a wink] I'd better make sure I stay proactive in being on your 'good side'."

Claudia: "Well as enjoyable as this visit has been, I need to finish getting ready. [shifting her eyes to Haleigh] And you should too. You wouldn't want to show up at a multi-million dollar ad campaign photoshoot looking like you just rolled out of bed now would you?"

Haleigh: [shrugging] "Maybe I WOULD. Sooner or later you'll learn, Claudia... I can do… pretty much WHATEVER I want."

Claudia: [with a contemptuous smile] "I'll see you later."

Zach gave a courteous smile, relieved for the goodbye… relieved that Claudia hadn't tried anything especially stupid.

"It was nice to MEET you, Claudia. Oh, and you too, Clara."

Clara: "Mmm."

Claudia shut the door and Zach took a deep breath. If there was ever a time to tell her, it'd be RIGHT AWAY… but as he turned to face her… he saw her cover her eyes briefly and he realized just HOW MUCH she'd been leaning on him.

"Haleigh, what's wrong??"

 

[Black Widow]

MP -- Outside Apt 6

Haleigh laughed gently at Claudia's joke about her bad side, as did Zach. Haleigh wasn't exactly sure if it was a barb tossed at her, but she didn't care. A LOT of her focus was just staying CONSCIOUS at this point and not giving her discomfort away, so any veiled threats really lacked their potency. Zach politely joked back with Claudia, and though Haleigh stared at the woman with steely eyes, she didn't bother with a retort…. Not yet anyway:

Claudia: "Well as enjoyable as this visit has been, I need to finish getting ready. [shifting her eyes to Haleigh] And you should too. You wouldn't want to show up at a multi-million dollar ad campaign photoshoot looking like you just rolled out of bed now would you?"

Oh, no she didn't just try that lame insult out on ME. Haleigh, with a purposely ARROGANT smirk, shrugged her shoulders.

"Maybe I WOULD. Sooner or later you'll learn, Claudia... I can do… pretty much WHATEVER I want."

On a good day, Haleigh probably would've taken the innuendo further, but for now that was all Claudia was worth. For now… Haleigh had 'checked in' with the Zaccharas and even though Claudia had deftly played off the inquiry about Barbas, it wasn't a loss, Haleigh had already known what happened ANYWAY… she just wanted to get in a little face time… and sneakily remind Claudia that even though Claudia had OUTRIGHT shot down Haleigh's original business proposal, HERE THEY WERE…. Doing business. Haleigh always got her way… eventually… even if it wasn't something she directly PLANNED. She could do almost whatever she wanted. There was something else too… Haleigh had taken the opportunity to stop by with Zach to prove that if Claudia thought getting with Nicolas would be a way to annoy Haleigh, it wouldn't work…

Claudia: [with a contemptuous smile] "I'll see you later."

[a smirk and a nod] "Indeed."

The door shut… and for a moment, both Haleigh and Zach just stood there. Haleigh took a deep breath… trying to prepare herself to MOVE… when Zach realized she wasn't alright.

Zach: "Haleigh, what's wrong??"

She shook her head slowly. She hadn't told him the whole illness thing, or the pregnancy scare or any of it… and right now she didn't have the TIME.

"No, it's nothing, just a headache. Listen, I'm going to need a raincheck on that walk…. I've got a couple calls to make and stuff to arrange for the shoot. [giving him a kiss on the cheek] I'll call you later."

She didn't wait for a reply… just disappeared, going to her office via molecular displacement, sinking into the leather chair behind her desk with a strenuous sigh. She could feel the effects starting to subside… and tried to put the pieces together. She only got sick at Melrose…. The only thing that ever made her feel like THIS was the magnetic flare baton… but she would've recognized the use of something like THAT. She didn't know WHAT it could be…. But like she'd been instructed, she called her doctor right away.

 

[Fusion]

MP -- Apt 6

Clara watched the interaction from right behind Claudia. Haleigh [strangely] may not have recognized it, but Clara had gotten the feeling that something was going on between Claudia and Zach. Claudia would NEVER forget a face [considering her powers], so her mentioning Zach being familiar was suspicious… and her all-too-quick acceptance of both Zach and Haleigh's responses was OBVIOUSLY dishonest. They joked a little… and Zach's charm seemed a little… measured. Quid pro quo was exchanged. They said their goodbyes, Clara just gave a curt acknowledgement:

Zach:"It was nice to MEET you, Claudia. Oh, and you too, Clara."

"Mmm."

Then Claudia shut the door.... and Clara picked up on a little hostility coming from her sister.

Claudia: "Thank you for sparing five minutes to answer the door for me."

[defensively] "Excuse ME? I am NOT a butler. YOU'RE the one that set up this barebones-staffing situation anyway. If you WANT someone around so you don't have to answer the damn door, HIRE SOMEONE."

She replied hotly, not sure exactly why she deserved such sharp regards for something as meaningless as not making it to the front door fast enough.

Claudia: "I so enjoy starting my day off talking to that Daisy Duke knock off and her farm boy."

Sarcasm, plain and clear. But Clara knew it was covering for something and after tossing a glance to Johnny, who nodded in agreement, she followed Claudia into the kitchen, folding her arms across her chest.

"YEAH, I can SEE that. Tell me… just WHY did it seem like you and that guy were having some kind of CRYPTIC competition?? Haleigh didn't seem to notice, or at least she didn't CARE about, the GAME you two were playing, but I did. You don't forget a face, you were BAITING him. Where do you know him from?"

Claudia: "I'm sorry….I didn't mean to snap at you. I just [grunting out in frustration] she just gets under my SKIN."

[considering the apology, then shrugging and dropping the hostility] "Yes well… that's how I feel about NICOLAS, so…"