Life... or something like it

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::Guardian was enjoying a fresh, warm apple danish and a cup of french vanilla roast coffee...surprising that she and Alexis had ANY similar tastes...but apparently the women both enjoyed the vanilla brewed coffee::

I'll be there as well. I'm picking up my ensemble from Versace. I feel like wearing something edgy tonight.

::that sounded strange coming from Alison...who always had a feminine, yet FIERCE edge to her. She had a nice body and it showed by the tight leather ensembles she often wore in battle...but she never really revealed any flesh aside from her business "power suits" she wore when working with morgan on Illustra operations::

I tried reaching Delilah[MorningStar], but she is unavailable. No doubt when she gets the message of...everything thats happened, she'll come through for a visit. It will be nice to see Sharon and Alycia...as well as the synergy between Illustra inc and King Enterprise.

Madonna, Mariah and P. Diddy also confirmed on Morgan's voice mail several days ago.


::taking another drink of the smooth, delicious coffee, Alison glanced at Morgan, then Ororo::

Karen, you'll be there too won't you?
 
<< nodding as she enjoyed a fresh, soft belgian waffle with strawberries, powdered sugar and fresh whipped cream, Karen rarely indulged like this, but again, she felt that she and everyone here deserved a splendid , peacefull moment like this. after all, she was a very qualified therapist and who better to know how to help the recovery process along?>>

indeed, Alison. Several clients of mine are on the guest list and Morgan had contacted me about this awhile back. I planned on being there. Itll give me a chance to connect with some of my socialite girlfriends as well as see the new look of the Parthenon. its been years since i was there..not since i was married to Morgan's father.

<<sipping on some some orange juice before taking a bite of lean turkey bacon, Karen ate with such poise...it was as if she were modeling for a commerical to a breakfast restaurant>>

It'll be good for everyone to participate in this event in their various capacities....every step forward helps.
 
::Ororo enjoyed fresh melons...and ice cold water from her own garden. She ate light, for she had no real need of sustenance anymore, but the taste of fresh fruit always was appealing to her....and reminded her of nature::

:: she subtlely stole glances at each of the young people at the table, watching with silent happiness as the healing process slowly unfolded. the group was making slow, but definate steps forward. she looked at Karen...both women shared between them a look of relief to see that everyone was showing a resiliency in spirit, and that Morgan was able to interact without incident.::


::realizing that the current discussion held no bearing on her, as she was no longer apart of this reality, Ororo just listened and took a maternal joy as the young people interacted with a renewed spirit::
 
:: Nodding to both woman as they spoke, a chuckle almost escaped Alexis' lips as she heard Alison speak about her Versace gown. ::

"You're wearing Versace too? Ahh, great minds think alike."

:: Stopping for a moment...that was strange. Alexis actually sounded happy while speaking to Alison. Picking up her coffee mug full of vanilla coffee, she took a small sip of it before proceeding to butter her toast. ::

"Great. I'm glad there will be well known, prominent faces there. It will further the popularity of not only The Parthenon, but Illustra and Tempo as well. Not to mention liven the festivities. I have more then a hand full of photographers and reports who will be there as well to document the Gala, and of course, get quotes here and there from everyone."

:: Taking a bite of her toast; Alexis hardly touched any of her food. She took a few nibbles of fruit here, a bite of toast there....she ate like a bird it seemed. Either way, what she did eat was fantastic. Everything so fresh and delicious. Placing her coffee cup down, the meta human sat back, placing her hands in her lap. Allowing her eyes shift from one person to another, she observed them as everyone continued on with the conversation. ::
 
:: Cameron was seated at the table as he snatched a piece of toast and began to put a considerable amount of Orange Jelly on it. He took a piece and ate it down, before wiping his mouth and continuing on ::

"Well, Vivica will definitely be there as will as some favorable shareholders within King Enterprises. I have also heard that Donald Trump has decided to show his face to check the Parthenon out. That should be interesting. Of course, Erika will be there as well. As for what i'm wearing, I don't know, Vivica said she met some really great designer in the city and had it all figured out, so if that woman is dressing me, you know i'll look good..."

:: Finishing off his toast, he took a drink of a glass of orange juice. The breakfast was indeed good but there was no way he was touching the coffee. Vanilla brewed coffee? No, he just couldn't do it. He would go down to Starbucks later and get a Venti Toffee Nut Soy White Latte topped with Cinnamon Powder and Caramel Sauce. Now that was a drink! He looked around at everyone and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves, though talking incessantly about their businesses to avoid any conversation about the Inferno ::
 
<< sitting pretty in her edgy, yet stylish business attire, Morgan shifts a bit...as she finished her fruit bowl. drinking a chilled bottle of aquafina, she remains quiet for much of the remainder of that converation. Looking upon her mother, Ororo, Alison...Erika...and finally Cameron.>>

<< a tightened look of disgust comes across her face as she cant help but remember the other night..when she first found out what happened...and how Cameron had basically prayed for something like what just happened to take place...only he had hoped it was SHE who would have died so that ALISON could feel pain.....and Blaze. But now, BLAZE was dead. She knew it was her fault that Blaze was dead...but she also knew Cameron had WANTED her to lose control...maybe to proove some perverse point. She wasnt aware that he and Alison had made something of an ammend between them last night...nor would she care. She had her OWN words that she HAD to say to Cameron.>>


<< she began to look over her maincured nails...as she balled her hand into a fist under the table>>

<<thinking>>:I may not ever recover from this...i may not ever be able to forgive myself for what happened to Blaze...but YOU, Cameron King, are going to know just what i think of you before you leave here TODAY


<< oh yes, Morgan would make him a captive audience at the right moment. some might think it was cause for alarm..or that she might be having a relapse but she knew what she wanted...NEEDED to do...if for no other reason than to be able to deal with him for tonight, before she threw him OUT of illustra and severed all business and personal ties with him. She decided that the best way for her to try to recover from Blaze, was to remove the source of HER initial anger and frustration that began it all. She knew Ororo and her mother and eveil ALISON might object and have some very valid reasons why she shouldnt do this...but she was dangerously close to the edge....and she needed to do SOMETHING to take back the "control" that she lost...the control over her own sense of normalcy>>
 
:: Lifting the cuff sleeve to her jacket revealing a stylish silver Gucci watch, Alexis realized that she was actually late for work. Funny how she has been up for three hours wanting to get to work early, and now she was late. Shaking her head, she looked up at the others at the table before scooting her chair back, allowing herself room to get up. ::

"I'm sorry to cut this short, Karen, but i'm actually late for work. The breakfast was delicious, thank you for inviting me."

:: Standing from the diningroom table, Alexis circled behind the chair and pushed it back under the table before leaving. Looking to Karen, she smiled softly to the woman. ::

"Thank you again."

:: Now looking back at the others, she nodded to them. ::

"I'll see you all tonight."

:: And with that, Alexis proceeded to leave the diningroom and make her way through Morgan's livingroom to the door. Picking up her purse, she unzipped it, taking out her cell phone. Flipping it open as she tucked the purse under her armpit, pressing a few numbers before putting the phone to her ear. Now picking up her brief case, she was ready to go. ::

"Marco, I need my car pulled around now."

:: Resting the phone on her shoulder as she opened the penthouse door, and turned to the others, once again, gave a quick wave before leaving Morgan's apartment. Picking the phone up with her hand again, she walked down the hall to the eleveator, pressing th Lobby button. ::

"I don't care which one. Just pick a car and bring it around front. I'll be downstairs in two minutes."

:: Rolling her blue eyes, Alexis flipped the phone shut as the elevator doors had just opened. Stepping inside, she pressed the lobby button once again. After a couple minute ride, the blonde arrived in the lobby of Illustra, immediatley heading to the large glass double doors which leaded outside. As she approached the doors, Thomas, the door man, opened them graciously for her, allowing her to go straight to her car and hop in. Marco always did love her black Mazda 8, it wasn't a surprise he had picked this car for her. ::

"Thank you Marco."

:: Shutting the car door, Alexis proceeded to place her brief case and purse in the passanger seat, before driving off to Tempo Co. Office. ::
 
<< standing up as well, Karen smiled at the young woman>>

you're very welcome Alexis. I'm glad you were able to make it. I think this was a very nice change of pace for all of you. Now your days will go that much better.

see you tonight.

<< watching as Alexis said her goodbyes and went on her way...eventually out of the double doors of Morgan's penthouse, Karen looked around at the others>>

well, looks like everyone has enjoyed themselves. I'll just clear these dishes away.

<< waving her hand around in a circular motion before bringing it forward, with a seeping wind and harp sound....the long rectangular pewter dining table is instantly cleared in a flash of white light ...and left with the elegant runner and a beautiful spray of fresh flowers for a center piece. Karen used her powers with an elegant, lofty presentation....much like her daughter but it seemed to be a natural thing rather rehersed.>>

I'm glad everyone could make it today, this was important for you all...to help along in the recovery process. things wont be easy...there will be pitfalls...but if you can just learn to take things slowly and try your best..and be HONEST with each other....then youll make it farther than you might think.
 
Tempo Magazine

:: Finally arriving at Tempo, Alexis put her car in park out in front of the entrance of the large building. Grabbing her brief case and purse, she opened her car door and stepped out. Immediately the valet nodded respectfully to Alexis before hoping into her car and driving it off to the parking garage. Walking up to the large doors, before she could push them, the doorman opened them for her. ::

Doorman: "Miss Quartermaine."

:: Giving him a soft smile, she made her way into the lobby of the busy establishment, heading straight for the row of elevators. She didn't even have to wait for an elevator, which was a nice change, as someone had just arrived downstairs. Stepping into it, she turned and pushed the 54th floor, before leaning back against the railing which lined around the small compartment. Taking a deep breath in, the meta human tilted her head from side to side, cracking her very tense neck and stretching her muscles. The last thing she needed was a tension headache to top off her day. ::

:: Soon the elevator arrived on her floor. A soft ding could be heard as the doors opened, revealing the CEO of Tempo Magazine. Walking forward, any reminance of the past few days had left Alexis, only leaving the bitch boss her co workers knew her as. Tracy, her assistant, quickly scooped up papers and began to follow behind her as Lex headed to her office. ::

Tracy: "Good morning, Miss Quartermaine. I already made the list of people you have to call to make those last minute changes you spoke about for the Gala tonight. Also, Adrian Lockhart requested a meeting with you---he will be arrive here at 12pm."

:: Stepping into her office, she placed her brief case on top of her desk, followed by her purse. Turning to Tracy, she unbuttoned her jacket revealing a very stylish black satin shirt with lace trim which hugged against her body. ::

"Alright. I'm pretty sure as to why Mr. Lockhart requested a meeting with me..."

:: With a sigh ::

"Just show him in when he arrives."

:: Turning away from Tracy, she rounded her desk and pulled her large leather chair out. Sitting down, she turned it to face her desk. ::

"Close the door on the way out. I have some phone calls to make."

:: Tracy nodded and left Alexis' office, closing the door behind her. Getting right on top of things, Alexis began to make those calls regarding the Gala this evening...as the hours began to pass, 12 o’clock quickly began to approach. ::
 
Tempo Magazine, First Floor

A sleek, black limousine pulled up to the entrance of the Tempo Magazine agency. Moments later, a beautiful woman in a professional black miniskirt and blouse stepped out from the driver’s seat and calmly walked to the passenger side, opening the door for famed Adrian Lockhart. He stepped out and gazed momentarily at the sun. Adrian’s black sunglasses glinted in the light. The tan cargo pants and white tank top he wore highlighted the rich color of his skin handsomely.

Adrian nodded to Catherine who, even after having been his loyal limousine driver for 5 years, blushed at the attention, her mind slightly disoriented with the pheromones that seeped from Adrian’s pores. Adrian dismissed her with the wave of his hand and turned to the building. Seconds later he was in.

I’ve got a plan to make it rich – and famous.
Lucky for me, for you it’s a bitch – you ain’t in.
My plans are slowly changing,
Fame is so contagious

A plump woman in her 40’s was seated at the reception desk. Adrian observed her. A conservative grey suit. Horn-rimmed glasses. Bad haircut. She probably had a negligent husband and brats for children and she hated the world for it. Adrian walked to the desk and saw she was reading a book. The cover was down. Erotica, no doubt.

“Excuse me,” he murmured.

I’m willing to sleep my way to the top,
I want to be pop—ular.
I don’t want to keep my feet on the ground,
I want to be pop—ular

The secretary, who went by the name of Mrs. Dolores Johnson, looked annoyed as she put the book on the table (careful to hide its contents). Her tiny eyes, framed so hideously, slowly traveled up the figure of the man in front of her. Narrow waist, hard abs – the kind you could lick whipped cream off of. Beautiful pectorals. She could almost see the faint outline of half-dollar sized nipples. Biceps..God..lovely to wrap your hands around. And the skin.. so soft and tanned. She wanted to reach out and stroke it. Stroke him. But oh, his face. The true work of art. As she finally found it, she registered the trademark features. It dawned on her.

Adrian smiled.

Dolores gasped.

I must confess,
I’ve been a ve--ry bad boy,
Been sleepin’ around,
Talk of the town,
My name is.
Hollywood will beckon,
Everyone will listen…

“Mrs. Johnson,” he began as his eyes glanced to her nametag, his voice low and comforting, “I am here for an appointment.” The sunglasses slid slightly down his nose, offering her a tantalizing glimpse of his smoldering gaze. She knew, she knew, she had to say something. Standard procedure. Sign in and sit in the lobby until she called for him. Yes, she should say that…she should…

“I…” Adrian interrupted her thoughts, reaching over. Dolores smelled him -- that intoxicating scent, dark chocolate and mint and freshness. She wanted to caress his hand and suck on…

“…Need to borrow your pen,” the celebrity superstar finished, deftly grabbing the pen near her hand. She could have sworn they had touched, if only for a brief second. Hell, that one touch had more sexual energy behind it than all of the times she’d made love with Herbert. Yet this fine specimen..no..Herbert didn’t compare..no way..

“I’m just going to…sign in here,” Adrian continued, his hand now moving over the sheet on top of the counter as he wrote his signature, “And bid you a nice day.”

Dolores tried to concentrate. Tried to speak. Tried to tell him..sign in, lobby, sit, wait…

But Adrian Lockhart didn’t wait for anyone.

“Goodbye,” he said, putting the pen down, offering her one last, dazzling smile. Adrian walked away, heading for the elevator, leaving poor Dolores at her desk, fat mouth slightly agog, sweating and wondering if she had just had a dream. She reached down…

…Ohmygod.

As the elevator closed, prepared to take Adrian to the 54th floor, he grinned knowingly.

I’m willing to sleep my way to the top,
I want to be pop---ular,
I don’t want to keep my feet on the ground,
I want to be pop---ular….
 
Tempo Magazine -- Alexis' Office

:: Tracy came rushing to Alexis' office, knocking rapidly on her door. It was around 11:30 and Adrian was early...of course, expecting everyone to drop everything and serve him like he was royalty. EHHHH, wrong. Alexis glared at her door with a look of "What the fuck?"....She was on the phone and Tracy was having a damn aneurysm outside of office door--it better be good. ::

"I'm sorry, could you hold on a second."

:: Lowering the phone away from her ear, she placed her palm over the receiver to stop any noise from being heard. ::

"What?!"

:: Quick and to the point, she didn't hid the fact she was pissed off with her tone of voice. Tracy quickly opened the door, poking her head in...::

"I'm so sorry Miss Quartermaine, but Adrian is here and on his way up. He would not wait."

:: Huffing, why do celebrities believe they are at the top of the food chain? He was in HER territory, and he had another thing coming to him if he thought she was going to bend backwards for him. ::

"Fine. Show the arrogant ass in when he arrives."

:: Tracy quickly left, which was a smart choice on her part. Grunting, Alexis placed the phone back up to her ear; her voice becoming very polite and sweet. ::

"I apologize for keeping you on hold. So Extra, ET, Access Hollywood, and The Insider will be outside of the Gala entrance to interview the guest, correct? Thank you so much for pulling that together so fast. Uh huh. Alright, buh bye."

:: Hanging her phone up on the receiver, Alexis pushed herself back away from her desk, standing up. Walking towards her floor to ceiling windows, she placed both hands behind her back in a resting position, allowing her eyes to overlook New York City. God knows she needed a break after the numerous phone calls she had done since nine this morning. Even if it was for two minutes instead of her initial half hour. ::
 
Tempo Magazine, 54th Floor

As the elevator door opened, Adrian stepped out. He looked slightly amused by the choice of music provided during the ascension.

Country music? Should I be expecting barnyard animals and gals in blue jeans to greet me?

He forced himself to smile, walking now to the front desk where Tracy, Alexis' personal secretary, was no doubt waiting for him.

"Hi," he said, turning on his heel to face the woman. "I'm here for Alexis Quartermaine."

Repeating the same phrase over again was annoying, but he always enjoyed giving a false first impression that everything was anything but under his own control.
 
Cameron King: Parthenon, Executive Floor

:: Cameron was somewhat relieved that the Breakfast was over. He reall did have to get to the New York Parthenon to check on things for the Gala and to go over some stuff with Vivica but it wasn't all that Urgent. He got up from his seat and pushed his chair in and looked at Karen with a smile ::

"Yes, thank you very much Karen. It was exquisite. I hate to cut out so short, but Ms. Lennox has taken quite enough of my work as it is, and I would like to relieve her, if that's not a problem, but again.. thank you. I will see you all at the Gala tonight.."

:: He nodded and gave Erika a kiss on the cheek and smiled and waved goodbye to Alison before heading back out of the Penthouse and into the Elevator. Okay time to breathe. Cameron was almost breaking out in a sweat. Though everyone seemed happy, as a Telepath he could literally sense the tension in there even with Karen, Morgan, Ororo and Erika having PSI Screens. And if everyone's mind was racing like he had detected Alexis' was, then things definitely weren't as peachy keen as everyone wanted to believe. He reached the Lobby as the Bellman seemed to voice something over on the walkie talkie as he opened the door for him. ::

"Thanks, Pete! Hey! When are we going out for drinks?"

:: The Bellman smiled as Cameron Exited Illustra and found that his limo was waiting for him. When he got inside he directed his driver to take him to the Parthenon. As they arrived he nodded to the Bellman as he stepped into the Lobby. He took a left and got into the Executive Elevators that would take him to the Administrative Offices of the Parthenon. As he reached the floor he took a right down a long hallway until he reached a door with a gold plaque that read Vivica D. Lennox Chief Executive of Operations. He pushed opened the door to find Vivica hard at work talking to some woman about color schemes and food for what seemed to be about the Gala. ::

Vivica: I swear to God, if you bring one TUBE of Fish Paste with you to this event, I will slit your throats! You are supposed to be chefs! I hired Chef Liezen not Chef Boyardee so get it right or I will find somebody ELSE!

:: She looked at him with a cute smile as she hung up the phone ::

Vivica: A miniscule detail. So Cameron, how did your breakfast go with the others? You sounded a little nervous on the phone, actually you sounded the same exact way when you were telling me about the Six in general. It seems to be a common vocal pattern for you? I wonder if that has any bounds for scientific exploration? Testing exact vocal patterns that exhibit the same emotions to see if there is a flux that matches?

:: Cameron shook his head. He could see the burden one would have of being almost a Human Computer. The scary thing is that that was just a small part of her recall ability. She was unstoppable. ::

Cameron: Vivica, don't overload. I need us BOTH to be in smashing form for tonight. By the way did you find a dress for Erika? She isn't used to the whole Gliterrati events. I don't want her to show up in something that a Papparazi will slander her for...

Vivica: Of course Cameron, It is actually by up and coming designer Kara Saun. She is usually a costume designer but when I saw this dress I knew that her body contours would cling along with it perfectly..

Cameron: Good.. Now let's get to work, we have some stuff to do before hand. We need to get Tokyo on the Phone, see if we can do like a Via Satelite thing and welcome them to the Opening since I can't be there? Plus we need to get the Brazil shop to get cracking. I know you saw some of the design and constructional flaws and I want them to be perfected...

:: And so Cameron threw himself back into the normalcy of what his life was before he had ever met the Six. Before life became too crazy to do anything. It felt good to act as a normal business man, aside from being a Mutant. It felt good. ::
 
:: Tracy turned to see Adrian standing infront of her desk. Looking him over, he did see mrather arrogant to her...but of course, she would never jeopardize one of Alexis' clients by being snotty to him, therefore she put on a happy face and nodded respectfully. ::

"Of course. Right this way Mr. Lockhart."

:: Walking around her desk, she began to make her way down a rather large hallway toward two very large dark oak doors. Mounted on the wood in gold lettering was "Alexis Chandler-Quartmaine CEO". Knocking gently, she turned the matching gold doornobs, opening the massive door and stepping to the side for Adrian to make his way in. ::

"Mr. Lockhart's here, Miss Quartermaine."

:: Nodding to Adrian as he stepped past the doorway, she gently shut the door behind him, leaving the two to their meeting. ::

:: Not bothering to turn around, Alexis continued to stand by her windows, looking out amoung the lively city. ::

"Mr. Lockhart.."

:: Turning around, her blue eyes met with his, as one of her eyebrows raised. Her face showed a look of annoyance, of course, at the fact he was there early. ::

"It's 'a pleasure to finally meet you---a half hour early."

:: Stepping forward, she extended her hand out to Adrian, making her way closer to him. She might of been bitchy towards the young celebrity, but she still needed to be "polite" towards him. Finally, she introduced herself formally. ::

"Alexis Quartermaine."
 
confrontation

<<wherever cameron was..and whatever he was doing...it wouldnt matter now...as a stepping disc opened beneath his feet and he was PULLED from where he was....into Limbo the disc changed his position, causing him to fall out onto the ground on his hands and knees.>>


<< only this time, Limbo seemed to be less chaotic...the demons were about..but were distracted doing their own things, and the skies rumbled with distant thunder. it was icy cold....and Morgan stood before Cameron...looking grim and deathly , almost as if she were the grim reaper. still wearing her cutting edge business suit>>

did you think you were going to get away from me Cameron King? I have words for you...and you're GOING to listen to me.

<< her voice was icy and carried in the wind around him as it howled and whistled. there was no one there but Cameron and Morgan. and he couldnt leave unless SHE allowed him to>>

<< she stood over him with her arms folded>>
 
Tempo Magazine, Alexis' Office

Adrian appeared somewhat mollified by the look. He saw it, he knew it, hell, he had practically invented it. The oh-you-big-jackass-thank-god-you-have-good-genes kind of smile. So as Tracy walked away, Adrian briefly caught a hold of her hand and murmured softly into her ear, "Thank you, beautiful," a small whiff of his all-consuming pheromones pouring out towards her and no doubt leaving the woman light-headed on her voyage back to the front desk.

But his rendezvous of sorts was short, and with only the briefest of glances lingering upon the secretary, Adrian riveted his attention back onto the CEO of this successful magazine agency.

"Alexis," he said, testing the name. He wore a thoughtful gaze, as if pondering the taste of some particularly exquisite red wine. Without hesitation he reached his hand out and grasped hers in a firm, but not-too-firm, grip. His fingers lingered on the soft flesh of her palm. The shake was firm but playful, like his eyes, which danced with glee behind the sheltering black sunglasses.

She did not know that even such a touch could have left her dead within a minute if he had chosen to.

Quite frankly, the whole idea turned him on.

"I've been looking forward to meeting you," he amended, letting her hand go too late to make it simply formal. By this point, Adrian's pheromones would begin their seductive travel around the expanse of her office..but would not quite reach her yet. He wanted to meet the real Alexis, so he kept his powers at bay.
 
Tempo Magazine -- Alexis' Office

"I'm sure....please, sit."

:: Taking her hand back, she pointed to the chair which sat in front of her desk. She of course, made her way around the back of her desk, pulling out her own chair, sitting down as well. Scooting it up so, Alexis' interlinked her fingers, resting her hands on top of her cherry-wood desk. ::

"So, what gives me this honor of having you grace me with your presence, Mr. Lockhart. I was told you requested to see me."

:: She didn't buy his "good guy" act. She knew men well...hell, she was married to five of them. She could see right through their tough exterior, picking apart EXACTLY who they were. I suppose it was a gift all woman would kill to have...but of course, this ability only coming about after numerous heartbreaks and experiences. Lifting her chin a bit higher, a trait often used by her aunt Helena, Alexis studied Adrian, awaiting his answer. He as handsome, she had to give him that. ::
 
Adrian, still wearing that devil-may-care grin, took the seat that she had instructed him to sit in. A few seconds after having adjusted himself to the specific contours of the chair, Adrian leaned backward into it, confidently transitioning to an equally devil-may-care position. He took off his sunglasses and propped up the elbow of that maneuvering hand onto the chair, affording Alexis his dark brown eyes. Eyes, he'd dually note, that countless women had described as "marvelous" and "mysterious".

Adrian bit on the corner of his sunglasses, his perfect white teeth positively shining, and adopted a somewhat puzzled, yet bemused, look.

"Ms. Quatermaine," he started, but quickly stopped. "Alexis," he corrected himself, not even bothering to ask her permission. "I'm confused."

And he looked up at her, his gorgeous brown gaze falling onto her face. Such a beautiful face.

"Neither of us are strangers to my name, or what I've been exactly doing in this industry. I've offered countless interviews and specials, both on camera and on paper. Yet Tempo Magazine, your magazine, hasn't asked for one. Or if it has, I have not been obliging."

Here Adrian adopted that expression of a celebrity who, well, simply could not help being so popular, and really was overwhelmed by it sometimes.

"I'm here today to open up that opportunity," he finished.
 
Tempo Magazine -- Alexis' Office

:: Allowing a laugh to escape her lips, she couldn't believe how conceited this man was! God's give to fucking woman? Please. Leaning forward, Alexis narrowed her eyes, peering straight into his. Not a hint of wanting or yearning to be with him could be seen--because at this point, she was completely repulsed by the man. ::

"So let me get this straight. You requested to see me so you could give me your permission for MY magazine to do a feature on you."

:: Leaning back, Alexis shook her head as a small smirk appeared on her pouty lips. Typical... ::

"If I’m not mistaken, that's a little backwards. Wouldn't you say?"

:: Flicking her head to the side quickly, tossing some blonde locks away from her face, Alexis pushed herself backwards, making her chair roll away from her desk. Standing up, she slowly began to walk towards a wall which was decorated with numerous magazine covers with celebrities, musicians, and royalty such as Nicole Kidman, Denzel Washington, Prince William, and Celine Dion, to name a few. Turning around to face Adrian, she lifted her hand to the wall, in a "matter-of-fact" type of way. ::

"My magazine is doing quite well, as you can tell. And I’m pretty sure....no, I’m absolutly positive, we will survive without the likes of you in it."

:: How dare he walk into her office and strut around like gods give to this earth. Slowly making her way to Adrian, she leaned down, placing her hands on the arm rest of the chair. Leaning very closely to his ear, she whispered softly; her warm breath dancing along his skin. ::

"I suggest you leave."

:: Moving her head so her face were only mere inches away from his, she looked into his eyes, undoubtably looking irresistible herself. After a few seconds, Alexis stood upright and took a step back, allowing Adrian room to get up and move. Crossing her arms, she stood, waiting. ::
 
Bastard as he was, Adrian looked unperturbed. Underneath the exterior of frank astonishment, he analyzed Alexis with cool precision. She had finally lost her composure.

Good.

"Alexis," he said, sounding as surprised as his expression. And as she strode around the room, waving her hands emphatically and looking like a positively self-righteous, ball-busting bitch, he laughed.

He laughed.

And his rich, infectitious chuckle resounded amongst the wide walls of the room, a stark contrast to what was supposed to be heated, competitive tension between them. Adrian quieted down, though, when he felt her breath on his neck. When her face, lord that face, regarded him so closely and intimately and then, like a seductress leaving a man wanton and wanting, pulled away.

He waited, leaving an awkward thirty seconds between them after her abrupt, rude invitation..no..demand, goodbye. Then he stood himself, gracefully moving into the distance between Alexis and the desk, choosing to walk to the wall and recognize the pictures and.. 'marvel'.

Adrian crossed his arms, big and rippled as they were, and cocked his head. Observing. Then turning and looking at Alexis, a disarming smile on his features, half-apologetic and half-pleased.

"Alexis, I'm sorry if I'm being patronizing," Adrian remarked, truthfully perhaps, as he walked towards her. He even had a slight blush to his cheeks, so "ashamed" was he. "But I..I don't know. I just couldn't have helped but observe that many of your competitors have been gaining on you in subscription."

And with this, he turned his head away some, averting his eyes, as if the thought was horrifying. "And my advisors..maybe they're stupid or something, but they're saying that it's largely due to me."

"Because, y'know, I'm in a lot of stuff, so people recognize me and really like me or something, so those competitors have their subscriptions tripled whenever I offer a feature," he continued, ranting and waving his hands like it was all nonsense, but he just felt compelled to say it, to help her out, the poor girl.

So.

Finally coming face to face with Alexis, he dropped his tone. Intimately. Seductively. Sincerely, it would appear.

"I'm sorry I've been so rude. But, I'll make it up to you. Both you and Tempo Magazine," he said, nodding to himself, liking the idea more and more. "I'll accompany you to that galla event that I know is happening soon. I know, I know, it doesn't matter if you get more publicity, because it'll be great anyway. But I insist, Alexis!"

He finally grinned, pleased with himself. "And then I'll grant you an exclusive interview, only for Tempo Magazine. Maybe you could even write it yourself..now, Alexis, I'm sorry, but I have to go."

With this, he walked towards the door, hand on the handle.

"I'll pick you up..and Alexis," and Adrian paused, "I look forward to seeing you again." Grinning with that boyish charmed, he stepped out of the room, and then poked his head back in quickly. "Don't worry, I'll let myself out."

Wink, wave, and Adrian Lockhart has left the building.
 
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