The Wrath of Rose

[Seer]

<< The Clock Tower>>

<< After the LATE NIGHT meeting between Steel, Isis, Silver Swan, and Matrix, regarding the elimination of Black Widow and Persephone, with EMPHASIS on Black Widow, a clear plan was formed, and a commitment was made. The three of them were keeping this secret, but they didn't know that they would find wider support, namely from Charope, and also Tachyon. >>

<< Dominique had second thoughts about returning to the Clock Tower, but Richard convinced her to stick with Oracle's plan about everyone staying together, and so, they all returned, using the enchanted doorway that Isis had created.>>

<< By that time, everyone else was asleep.>>

<< The next day>>

<< Steel was among the early risers. >>

<< Richard, sensing that Dominique would want to sleep in after indulging in over half a bottle of hemlock, left the sorceress to rest, while he ventured out into the clocktower, to find some breakfast. He would find Steel in the kitchen already.>>

<< Zach and Ashley awoke in Ashley's room.>>

<< He had worked through things with Alycia, but he was unware that in that last moment where he helped ease her burden of grief and pain, there was another seed planted in her heart...her soul. >>

<< Speaking of Alycia, SHE was gone even by the time Steel had awakened, and Sharon along with her. They left no word of where they were going.>>

<< Vivica was accounted for, as were Andrew and Xavier. >>

<< the day was just beginning, but like the gray skies outside, there was no certainty, no promise of a bright and easy day for any of them.>>

-------------------------
<< The Sanctuary>>

<< Danny and Simon had left, but Rae had opted to stay with Rose another day, to help Jake settle back into his home. The first night was rough. Fear of every shadow, every sound, fear that SHE [ Black Widow] was lurking near by, just waiting to snatch him and carry him off into the night. Rae and Rose took turns keeping watch, and kept the security and defense systems on the HIGHEST level .>>

<< But they made it through, and that gave Rose some hope that he could eventually heal from the mental wounds that he'd suffered, along with the physical.>>

<< But that hope would soon be dashed.>>

<< Dennis Nedry is on his way...not JUST another unpleasant visit to harrass Rose, but ALSO a nasty surprise for her, and Jake.>>

<< Where ARE Sharon and Alycia!?>>

 

[Matrix]

Morning...hungry as fuck. I spent part of the night getting Miss D back here, then getting her to rest. Just talking about the Play Sisters plus that hemlock had her wide open. I listened a bit and then got her to chill. Then sleep. But now? Miss D was not ready for the day. So I left her in bed resting, turned on her aromatherapy so she could get some good sleep in on the end. I cleaned up and I know my cologne and soap almost stirred her, but I gave her a kiss on the forehead and told her to rest and she did not wake all the way up, smiling once she smelled her essential oil fill the room.

I rolled to the kitchen where Steel already was. I gave him a nod and I opened the fridge as I spoke.

Yo, you want some? I am about to put it down.

Ziz always had it full in the fridge, but she upped it twice since I been there, and I pulled out a dozen eggs, a pound of bacon, a container of prepared pancake batter, 5 packs of instant grits and a short stick of salted cream butter. As I worked a sprouted another 4 arms and did "the dance" preparing the eggs scrambled soft, the bacon fried with a screen cover to prevent spatter, the dozen medium sized pancakes the prep made, the grits using the hot water for Miss D's tea she'd want later and salt, pepper and butter to taste. I pulled the fruit out and expertly made a large tray of sliced fruit, knowing that Vivica and Miss D would be feeling that too.

I put it all out and grabbed two plates, then started doing work. I paused a second and looked at Steel.

You know what, you remind me of a couple of the coaches I had. Rough and ready, but good people in the end. Maybe one day I can roll with you when you do your thing. That sounds cool, if it is OK with you.

 

[Dennis Nedry]

It was a great day. Dennis had slept like a baby and even though he had missed a day somehow, he managed to turn that in his favor. When you deal with those people, you could just blame any shortcoming on them. So a report with some plausible lies and he was farther along than he was two days ago. Excellent.

The radio blared a fitting song and he hummed along as he drove, just a few minutes away from his target, his hand tapping out the familiar beat as he rode in his new Audi A8. He arrived in front of the Sanctuary and walked cooly up to the door, banging on it in lieu of pressing the intercom button at first. He wanted to rattle the natives. He knew they did something the last time he was here and he was done fucking around. He planned to get everything he deserved, and that blow job magnet behind him on the curb was just one piece of the puzzle.

Dennis Nedry roared for someone to get here now as he continued to knock and ring the intercom when he had an idea. When the older lady with the huge rack answered the intercom, he yelled.

Hi honey! I'm ho-ome!

 

[Cypher]

The panoramic windows in Gabe's office left little in the way of stopping the morning sun from pouring into the room. His eyes could feel the burn of the light causing him to stir away, only then feeling Zizi's body curled up next to him, sleeping soundly against his torso with his arm still wrapped around her shoulders. The home screen to Star Trek First Contact still played on the television, Gabe finding the remote next to Zizi's hand and flipping the tv off. An open box of left over pizza was on the coffee table, along with some empty beer bottles, cheesey bread, and a pack of Oreos. Needless to say, the night of binge eating junk food and watching a Star Trek marathon was a success. But even better, it felt so incredibly normal. They would kiss, make out a little even, then go back to discussing the horrendous hair styles of Deanna Troi. They ate, laughed, and mercilessly argued about which fandom was better between Trek and Wars. It was pretty fucking perfect considering how shitty the evening had all started.

Gabe remained still and quiet for a few more minutes, letting Zizi continue to sleep so he could hold her just a little while longer. But he knew they needed to eventually get up and get back to the task of finding more dirt on Nedry. With a sigh, Gabe gently ran his hand along Zizi's arm, coaxing her awake. Pushing back a few locks of brown hair away from her face, he gently tucked them behind her ear.

"Liz..."

He whispered, not wanting to startle her awake. But once her eyes opened he smiled down at her.

"Hey there, beautiful."

Leaning down he pressed his lips against hers, deepening the kiss by pulling her closer to him.

"How'd you sleep?....Considering the arrangements."

He chuckled, knowing it wasn't ideal to sleep on a couch, but hoping that she was at least a little comfortable.

 

[Persephone]

Persephone didn't sleep much the night before, her mind rapid firing every moment that lead up to the bomb Haleigh dropped on her about Alek ultimately using her in order to gain status with Helena. She thought about each moment they had together. Each word said. Each look. Everything building into a crescendo of feelings for him since the moment she arrived within the walls of Hellfire Club, all those weeks before. But it was all built on a lie--a false love. And she felt like a fool. So the night was long, stifling, and restless.

But the endless night finally gave way to the day.

Persephone made her way to the conservatory on the top level of the Hellfire Club for some much needed air and serenity. The conservatory [image1, image2] was beautiful--so completely in Persephone's element. Gardens of flowers, trees, and grass filled the vast Hellfire roof, creating an oasis amongst the city lined skies. Walking down the wet walkway due to the sprinklers that had just shut off, Persephone's nude heels clicked against the slick stone path, her midnight eyes scanning along the beautiful greenery. She could feel the life within the room--the vitality of the plants. It was almost intoxicating to her, causing a small smile to appear on her glossy lips. Taking a sip of her hot hazelnut latte, the Rook found her way to a bench that overlooked a coy pond and took a seat; smoothing out the crimson fabric of her dress.

No one was there. It was almost as if the world of Hellfire Club didn't exist within the glass enclosure. Shutting her smokey eyes, she fed off the energy of the plants, the anger and hurt slowly disappearing from her body.

 

[Steel]

The Clocktower - 15th to 13th Floor

Steel was in Zizi's kitchen, hatching a plan.

The meeting the night before had been productive, and no one seemed the wiser about their jaunt outside the walls of the Clocktower. He had awoken early, and lay in bed thinking about the team, about what had happened the day before. And thinking that they needed something to happen that wasn't horrible.

So he was raiding the fridge, when Rich came in. Rich helped him prep the food, while he pulled out his phone and texted Andrew & Xavier to meet them on the 13th floor in the media room - and to come alone.

"Help me carry this stuff mate."

He and Rich transported all the food to the private elevator and down to the 13th floor where the conference room was. Which had an adjoining media room with multiple screens, comfortable seating, and a kitchen next door. He switched the tv's on to various sporting events, live and on tape delay, and had already stocked the fridge with beer. As they worked to get things ready, the two of them starting to cook the food they had brought down while they waited for the others, Rich spoke up.

You know what, you remind me of a couple of the coaches I had. Rough and ready, but good people in the end. Maybe one day I can roll with you when you do your thing. That sounds cool, if it is OK with you.

John stopped and turned to Rich, wearing a "Kiss the Cook" apron.

"That would be brilliant, mate."

He held his fist out. Rich was a good kid, and he needed to see he could have a life that wasn't standing next to Isis 24-7. Which is why this was important.

Soon he heard the other two arrive, and wiped his hands on the apron, bidding Rich to come out of the kitchen with him.

"Gentlemen, welcome to eggs and kegs."

He smiled.

"Well, more like six packs, but kegs are such a pain in the ass."

He peeled off the apron.

"With the help of young Richard here, there is plenty of food, beers in the fridge. If we're stuck at the Clocktower, we might as well enjoy it."

He gave a wink.

"Plus, I thought we could use a little break from the...forceful...women around us right now."

 

[Oracle]

Gabe's Penthouse Office

Zizi stirred, something tickling her.

"Liz..."

She made sleepy sounds, and nestled in closer, fighting to stay asleep. Finally her eyes blinked open, and she had a second of confusion, not knowing where she was. But then she looked up and saw Gabe smiling down at her, and she smiled too.

"Hey there, beautiful."

"Good morning."

He leaned down at she felt his lips on hers as he pulled her tighter. Her fingertips touched the stubble on his chin. When they parted, she touched her nose to his.

"How'd you sleep?....Considering the arrangements."

She stretched.

"Mmm...best sleep I've had in ages."

She looked at him with a bit of concern then.

"What about you? You've been running on empty...you probably need a few more hours."

She put her hand on his chest as if to gauge the state of his health via osmosis. She glanced over at the table.

"Wow. We sure made a mess of the place, didn't we? But...worth it."

She smiled and kissed his chest.

"Totally worth it."

 

[Titan]

The Clocktower - 13th Floor

Andrew didn't really mind staying at the Clocktower, but if it was going to be for a while, he wanted some of his stuff. It took ages to convince John to stop off at their places, but of course, he wouldn't let Andrew go alone. Which Andrew pretty well agreed with, but still. They had gone eventually, and then John had turned in, so Andrew had watched tv for a bit then fallen asleep early. Which meant he was up early. With nothing to do.

Nothing to do but think about what had happened the day before. Just when he thought Alycia and Sharon were coming around, they turned their venom on him. All he wanted was for Zach and the two amazons to listen to each other like the friends they were, and what had he gotten for his trouble?

Andrew sighed. Did they even want to be there? Did they care what anyone else thought but them?

He hoped so. He hoped it was just a heat of the moment thing. But it made for a shitty team meeting.

And poor Zizi, he wanted to crawl under the table for her. Unless what Zach said was true, and then he wanted to give Gabe a bit of a kicking. He would have to try and talk to her alone, make sure she was really okay. Just when he was about to start counting the people he could see on the street below, he got a text from John to meet him on the floor below. He hoped it wasn't another disaster. He'd like to go 24 hours before another one hit them if at all possible.

He pulled on a shirt and padded down the stairs barefoot, and entered the room to find all manner of sports on the tele and John in an apron.

"Am I still asleep?"

Xavier was coming in from the elevators and he looked at him with a questioning expression.

"Gentlemen, welcome to eggs and kegs."

"Ohhh, yassssssss. John...epic."

"Well, more like six packs, but kegs are such a pain in the ass."

"The keg stands, though..."

"Plus, I thought we could use a little break from the...forceful...women around us right now."

"Forceful. Yeah, good word."

He moved into the kitchen where the smell of food was emanating.

"Rich, you cooked all this mate? Good on ye."

He grabbed a beer from the fridge as well and went back into the other room with his plate and sunk into a cushy chair to eat.

"What are the chances we can get Zizi to signify this as our man cave?

 

[Orion]

The Clocktower -- Ashley's Room

The alarm on Zach's phone rudely interrupted his slumber, and he fumblingly reached to turn it off. A yawn took over his face, as he lightly scratched his chest. He rolled over, lacking the motivation to get out of bed.

Why would he want to get up? Everything he wanted was right here. Ashley was still asleep, facing him, long blonde hair strewn across her face. He smiled, thinking of a reason to get going.

Breakfast in bed for my sleeping beauty.

Because they couldn't have sex in the Clocktower's kitchen. He eased himself out of bed without waking her, and finally put on those flannel pants he'd brought to sleep in. It didn't take long to make breakfast: there were no eggs and no bacon in the fridge. Zach seemed slightly deflated by that. He checked the pantry. Maybe there was some pancake mix?

Big ol' NOPE.

They were probably used to getting doughnuts or something. Zach grabbed the only breakfast food in the place: a box of cheerios. Not very romantic. He went back to the fridge for milk and spotted something in the door of the fridge he hadn't considered before.

It only took a few minutes to bake the cinnamon rolls. He put together a tray; a few of the cinnamon rolls, a couple of bowls filled with dry cereal and the carton of milk. Two cups of coffee, and he made sure to leave some for Ziz, along with a note that said a cinnamon roll or two was keeping warm in the oven for her. He pulled a white carnation from that arrangement he'd gotten Ash the other day and laid it on the tray. It was still in good shape, and he'd never gotten to see her smile when she first got the flowers.

He carried it all one-handed back to Ash's room. She hadn't even moved since he left. He set the tray down on the bed and started to run his fingers through her hair, gently combing it back from her face, kissing her cheek occasionally.

"Good morning, Gorgeous. Open those green eyes, I've got something for you."

 

[Matrix]

He held his fist out. Rich was a good kid, and he needed to see he could have a life that wasn't standing next to Isis 24-7. Which is why this was important.

Soon he heard the other two arrive, and wiped his hands on the apron, bidding Rich to come out of the kitchen with him.

"Gentlemen, welcome to eggs and kegs."

He smiled.

"Well, more like six packs, but kegs are such a pain in the ass."

He peeled off the apron.

"With the help of young Richard here, there is plenty of food, beers in the fridge. If we're stuck at the Clocktower, we might as well enjoy it."

He gave a wink.

"Plus, I thought we could use a little break from the...forceful...women around us right now."

I gave him a pound and then finished setting everything up as he messaged the fellas. He made a quip about the ladies around here and I had to laugh.

Forceful is a way to describe it.

"Forceful. Yeah, good word."

He moved into the kitchen where the smell of food was emanating.

"Rich, you cooked all this mate? Good on ye."

Yeah, my Mama taught me.

I froze up a second, lost in thought about her as the others chatted. I was not always tripping about it, but sometimes, this was hard to take being without her. I was already eating and stopped for a second. Just had to get myself back together. I wiped my face with the back of my hand and exhaled. Then back to it.

Yo Drew. Who is playing soccer today? I know you know.

"What are the chances we can get Zizi to signify this as our man cave?

No way she says no to all of us. She loves us. Besides, Viv and Miss D will back us up.

 

[Valkyrie]

The Clocktower - Ashley's Room

Someone was touching her. She made murmuring noises, keeping her eyes clamped shut. She wanted to stay in this dream. She and Zach were riding dragons. Her's was named Blaze.

"Good morning, Gorgeous. Open those green eyes, I've got something for you."

One eye opened suspiciously.

"Does it rhyme with 'clock'?"

Her voice was scratchy with sleep. She propped herself up on her elbows and finally opened the other eye. And then a grin spread over her entire face and her eyes lit up.

"Aw, babe, breakfast in bed?"

She put a hand on his chest and leaned over to kiss him, eyes closing as she did so. Then she pushed herself up into more of a seated position to see what he'd brought: cinnamon rolls, Cheerios, and coffee. Even a flower. She picked up one of the rolls and took a large bite.

"Mmm - did you make these yourself?" she said with a mouthful.

She took a sip of coffee, then looked over at him and smiled, reaching out and grabbing his hand and giving it a squeeze. After a pause, she picked up one of the cereal bowls and poured some milk into it.

"I was thinking babe...if we were to combine our powers, we'd make one hell of a tag team, you amplifying what I'm making them feel. What do you think?"

She ate a spoonful of cereal, crunching loudly.

"Also, Zizi told me I could redecorate in here."

She looked around the bedroom.

"So, whaddya think, king bed?"

She leaned over and gave him a peck on the chest. She pulled back and looked at him for a minute, studying his face.

"Everything okay?"

Zach had come back the night before, telling her things were fine but not much else. They had eaten the food she'd ordered, then stayed up talking before making love again and falling asleep together in her bed. It was heavenly...but she still worried about what had happened the day before. She hated the way Zach had been treated by his so-called friends, and she would be just fine if he never talked to them again. But, she knew, Zach wouldn't be fine with that, unfortunately. She knew they had immense power to hurt him, and that killed her.

 

[Tachyon]

X slept like a baby after his run. Getting up, he dressed comfortably and decided against waking Isis so early. He was doing some yoga when the text came from Steel. Easy enough. Xavier made his way to the 13th floor and entered to the smell of good food and good beer.

"Gentlemen, welcome to eggs and kegs."

He smiled.

"Well, more like six packs, but kegs are such a pain in the ass."

He peeled off the apron.

"With the help of young Richard here, there is plenty of food, beers in the fridge. If we're stuck at the Clocktower, we might as well enjoy it."

Absolutely brilliant.

Though not as good a breakfast as he was enjoying yesterday morning, this was indeed top notch and more nutritional. Xavier made himself a plate and grabbed two beers. He noticed Rich get quiet after mentioning his Mum, and Xavier placed a hand on his shoulder.

If you ever need to talk, I got you. Losing a parent for any reason is terribly difficult.

"What are the chances we can get Zizi to signify this as our man cave?

No way she says no to all of us. She loves us. Besides, Viv and Miss D will back us up.

I think I can persuade Alycia to give us a good word as well. We'll be golden.

Richard gives Xavier a look and stops eating for a second.

I meant to ask you about that. Is that you, man? I saw the looks yesterday.

Xavier could not help but smile, then he spoke.

Look, man. We had dinner. That's all. It was ju-

SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-

No seriously. She is of course an incredible woman. But I don't own her. She is great to talk to and one could certainly find a worse person to buddy up with during times like these.

Xavier almost fell out of his chair laughing as Rich pushed him over, giving him pure hell in front of the fellas, who all seemed to be enjoying this...

 

[Berserker]

Bear Mountain State Park

He was awake before dawn, his sleep troubled. All he could think about was her.

He breakfasted on leftover meat he'd cooked the night before, and berries he found near his campsite. And at first light, he set out, picking up the bear's trail easily. It led him up the mountain to a stream, bright and clear in the morning sunlight, dappled with the movement of fish and insects. And there it was, a male, large for a black bear, over six feet he estimated. He moved down the embankment to the shore, not bothering to hide his scent. He wanted the bear to know he was there.

The bear turned and stared at him, head swaying back and forth. It let out a barking noise. Alek stared at it, a knife in each hand, covered in dried blood and tattered clothes. He walked forward. The bear reared, a show of height, it still not concerned about him. And then Alek charged, leaping at the last moment to bring his knife down into the hide. The bear snapped its jaws at him, getting a taste of his arm but not able to keep its grip on it. The bear stood on its hind legs again, and Alek went for its underbelly as the bear pushed forward against him and threw him to the ground, it's weight on top of him. Just like when he was a boy. But this time, Alek prayed for the bear to kill him.

The bear let out a long growl, stamping on him, but he made no move. He had been meant to die all those years ago; all he had since then was pain and loss, struggle with nothing to show for it. Every time he thought he had something, it was taken away.

His head fell to the side, and he stared at his outstretched hand, no longer even grasping the knife. There was something glinting in the sun, and it took a few moments for his brain to process what it was.

A memory came back to him, of another sunny day. He had been sent home from school for fighting, his parents had screamed at him, called him good for nothing and lazy. He sat on the floor of his room, leaning against the bed, kicking the wall. Angry. Hurt.

Grandfather had sat down next to him, still spry for his age. He had taken Alek's hand and put something in his palm. It was a ring. Alek knew that it was something Grandfather always wore; this was the first time Alek had ever seen it off his finger. Grandfather explained that it had been passed down generation to generation for hundreds of years. It was their family legacy. It meant strength and honor, perseverance and bravery. Grandfather told him that he had decided to give him the ring, instead of his father. That he had seen inside Alek great potential and inner strength, just looking for the moment to shine through. 'You are destined for great things, Aleksander,' Grandfather had said. 'Even if it doesn't feel like it right now. I believe in you, with all my heart.'

Alek flexed his fingers, saw the ring there on his hand.

And then his hand closed on the knife hilt, and he brought it up along with his other hand...

He stood, dropping the knives to the bank, next to the carcass of the dead bear. He took a few steps into the babbling creek, before sinking down into it, feeling the shock of the frigid water.

---

Alek laid there for a long time before emerging from the water. He found his knives and field dressed his kill before before carrying it down the mountain to the place he'd left his truck. The meat in the Yeti and the bear hide next to him, he drove for the city, back to his world. He was the Red Knight of the Hellfire Club, nothing could stop him.

Pulling into the garage, he ordered the servants to get the meat to the kitchen to be frozen and to clean his truck. He marched through the Mansion, head held high, the bear skin over his shoulders, body covered with smears of blood. Stepping into his quarters, he let the skin fall to the ground, instructing the servant who was following worriedly behind him to get it to his usual tanners: he'd have it for his wall. He didn't stop as he strode towards his bathroom, shedding his torn and tattered clothing as he went, climbing under the hot shower's soothing waters.

When he was clean, he dressed in a freshly cleaned and pressed suit, his hair tied back neatly, and he went to tell the Red Queen he had returned.

 

[Enchantrah]

And the final phase of snuffing out the last bits of Rose's sanity were in the works. Dennis Nedry was the perfect method of getting what she wanted--a slow build until the ultimate break. The other Queens had tried sending Cobra and Scion, but Rose could so easily dispose of them. She was powerful and had the means of taking even DIANA out. What they needed was someone like Dennis....a termite amongst Gods. Slowly eating away at the foundation of happiness and safety without anyone so much as suspecting he were the cause. Once they DID put two and two together, it would be too little too late; the dust already settled from the ultimate breakdown.

Perfect.

Helena grinned as images flooded her floating monitors of Dennis arriving at The Sanctuary. It was never too early in the morning to fuck up someones day. Who needed coffee when you could feed off misery?

Applying a ruby red liquid lipstick on her lips, Helena heard a knock on her door and casually lifted her eyes to one of the monitors. Berserker.

"Come in darling."

She answered, still perfectly shaping the edges of her lips with the lipstick applicator as she spoke. Once Berserker entered, Helena looked at him from the mirror, closing the tube of lipstick with a smile.

"Good morning. You look refreshed."

Standing from her vanity, she met Alek half way and placed her hands on either side of his face giving him a once over.

"My sweet Aleksander....."

Helena said with a soft sigh.

"I could kill her for the way she's hurting you. Twisted you up so. She doesn't deserve you--doesn't deserve your love."

Helena ran her hands down Alek's face to his chest.

"The heart is a fickle thing, my darling. The sooner you realize it's not worth the pain, the better. Physicality will ALWAYS trump love, because YOU set the pace. YOU build the desire to the ultimate satisfaction. YOU are in control. And control? That is the most powerful weapon of all."

Helena smirked.

"Be the man I know you are. Fuck as many woman as you want. Hell, fuck her if it still tickles your fancy. I of all people don't care about who and what you do sexually or otherwise. What I DO care about is when you involve your heart and that all encompassing little shit called love clouds your judgement and your duty to ME."

Helena smoothed her hands down the buttons of Alek's dark red dress shirt.

"Keep it separate, Alek. Otherwise you won't only be having to deal with ME as a result. Understood?"

 

[Cypher]

She sleepily began to stir awake as he helped ease her out of her slumber.

Zizi: "Good morning."

She groggily responded, a soft tone to her voice that made him smile. He asked her how she slept, hoping the couch wasn't too uncomfortable considering they had stayed in his office instead of going back to the clocktower.

Zizi: "Mmm...best sleep I've had in ages."

Gabe's smile grew as he leaned down and kissed her, pulling her closer to him.

"Good."

He responded happily, satisfied with her answer. But she then put her hand on his chest, looking at up him with concerned eyes. His own brows furrowed, unsure of what was wrong.

Zizi: "What about you? You've been running on empty...you probably need a few more hours."

He let out a small laugh, shaking his head.

"No...no, I'm great. Feel like a new man."

And he did. It was like he felt renewed after spending the night with Zizi. His mind and body in a completely different state of being. He was happy. More happy than he'd been in a long time. And it wasn't the instant satisfaction of sex happy--a fleeting happy that he so desperately craved more of. It was an all encompassing happy that just felt RIGHT. One that he wasn't afraid would walk out the door and he'd have to find again later that night.

Zizi: "Wow. We sure made a mess of the place, didn't we? But...worth it. Totally worth it."

She kissed his chest and he smile, kissing the top of her head.

"Totally."

H agreed, rubbing her arm gently.

"I can't remember the last time I had that much fun."

Gabe looked down at Zizi, his hand tangled in her mass of brown hair, gently playing with it. This was what a perfect morning felt like, he knew that now.

"I need coffee. [kissing the top of her head] And breakfast sandwiches. [kissing her mouth] I'm gonna order from Portos."

Gabe reached for his phone that was on the coffee table and went to his contacts. Yeah, he had Portos in his contacts....along with every other restaurant within a five block radius of his office.

"What would you like?"

 

[Berserker]

The Hellfire Mansion - The Red Queen's Chambers

Alek stood outside Helena's chambers, and knocked - with conviction but not urgency. He waited respectfully for her to allow him entry.

"Come in darling."

He walked through the door and carefully closed it behind him, then stood formally in the center of the room, hands clasped behind his back.

"Good morning, my Queen. I have returned, as you instructed."

"Good morning. You look refreshed."

"I am, thank you."

Helena came the rest of the way to him, looking him over.

"My sweet Aleksander....."

He gave Helena a half smile at her affection.

"I could kill her for the way she's hurting you. Twisted you up so. She doesn't deserve you--doesn't deserve your love."

His mouth opened part ways in surprise, but then he closed it again.

"She is a tool for our Court to use, nothing more. I see that now."

His eyes looked down into hers.

"You were right about her."

Helena moved her hands to his chest.

"The heart is a fickle thing, my darling. The sooner you realize it's not worth the pain, the better. Physicality will ALWAYS trump love, because YOU are in control of how you feel. YOU set the pace. YOU build the desire to the ultimate satisfaction. YOU are in control. And control? That is the most powerful weapon of all."

"I don't want to be out of control any more. Love is a lie."

"Be the man I know you are. Fuck as many woman as you want. Hell, fuck her if it still tickles your fancy. I of all people don't care about who and what you do sexually or otherwise. What I DO care about is when you involve your heart and that all encompassing little shit called love clouds your judgement and your duty to ME."

He put his hand gently over hers where it rested on his chest.

"You are the only one who cares about me, Helena. I owe you everything - and my duty to you is everything to me."

He softly kissed her cheek.

"Keep it separate, Alek. Otherwise you won't only be having to deal with ME as a result. Understood?"

"I understand perfectly. I won't disappoint you again. I promise, I'll be the man you've made me, the Knight you deserve."

 

[Enchantrah]

Alek: "She is a tool for our Court to use, nothing more. I see that now. You were right about her."

Helena smiled like the cheshire cat at Alek's confirmation of what she already knew. Persephone was a user and a slut. She whored herself around for centuries thinking she could have any man she wanted without consequence. Helena made sure she found that consequence.

"I know I was. Why did you think I was so upset with you."

She reminded him, making sure that he knew this wasn't HER fault, but PERSEPHONE'S fault for sinking her venomous teeth into him. Helena only wanted the best for her Red Knight, and that wasn't the Queen of the fucking Damned.

Alek: "I don't want to be out of control any more. Love is a lie."

"Ahh, but my love is not, darling. And don't you forget that. I have given you the world, Aleksander. I have given you POWER. I never would have made you who you are today if I didn't see a little of ME in YOU."

Her eyes 'smiled' as she smoothed the material of his shirt down. Alek in turn kissed her cheek.

Alek: "You are the only one who cares about me, Helena. I owe you everything - and my duty to you is everything to me."

"Good. Because I need you on my side now more than ever before."

The time of fun and games was slowly coming to an end. With Nedry nearly complete in driving Rose over the edge, this would be the exploding cannon that launched the war.

"Keep it separate Alek. Otherwise you won't only be having to deal with ME as a result. Understood?"

Alek: "I understand perfectly. I won't disappoint you again. I promise, I'll be the man you've made me, the Knight you deserve."

You better hope....for your sake.

Helena thought as she let her sapphire eyes study his before moving down his face and to his chest where her hands were. She love Aleksander as if he were her own. However....sometimes a mother would have to take out one of their own in order to save the pack. She only hoped it wouldn't come to that.

"You're dismissed."

Patting his chest, Helena turned and walked back to her vanity.

"OH! And that dreadful little BITCH Bianca is back at Hellfire. For the love of GOD muzzle that loud mouth with your dick. I'm tired of hearing her complain about everything like she's owed something."

Taking a seat, Helena moreso talking to herself now.

"Her voice is nauseating....Huh....maybe I should have sent her to Rose instead. Send the bitch over the edge via ear bleeding."

Helena picked up her hair brush as Alek left. Her eyes trained on the monitor as she watched Nedry at The Sanctuary.

 

[Oracle]

Gabe's Office

Zizi looked at Gabe with concern. They had stayed up watching movies when he probably should have been sleeping in a real bed.

"No...no, I'm great. Feel like a new man."

She studied his face a moment before accepting that as truth.

"This place needs a bedroom."

She closed her eyes briefly, turning red.

"So you can sleep properly when you've been here all night working..."

Their night had been great, though, filled with movies and talking. And kissing. She smiled again as he agreed with her that the mess had been worth it and kissed the top of her head.

"I can't remember the last time I had that much fun."

Her fingers traced patterns over his chest.

"Me either. But I'm sure it was with you."

He kissed her head, then her lips, as he expressed his need for coffee & breakfast. Her stomach rumbled in agreement.

"What would you like?"

"Uh...ooh, bacon omelette on a French roll? Hmm...I wonder if they could get me a Big Gulp with that..."

She yawned as if to prove the necessity for it, and pushed herself up to a seated position, pushing her legs over the side of the couch and bending them. She smoothed her dress & ran her fingers through her hair. She probably looked like a rag doll.

She started tidying up the coffee table while Gabe ordered breakfast. It felt so nice, so normal, so right - them waking up together in the morning, deciding what to have for breakfast, getting ready to spend the day together. Except...

Zizi would have to go back to the Clocktower to finish gathering the information on Nedry that she had promised Alycia, not to mention that she had 5 houseguests - if you didn't count Zach in that number. And she knew Gabe did not want to go back there. But she didn't want to leave him either, not yet.

 

[Berserker]

The Hellfire Mansion - The Red Queen's Chambers

He told Helena she was right about Persephone.

"I know I was. Why did you think I was so upset with you."

"I'm sorry."

He expressed to her that love was a lie.

"Ahh, but my love is not, darling. And don't you forget that. I have given you the world, Aleksander. I have given you POWER. I never would have made you who you are today if I didn't see a little of ME in YOU."

"To learn from you, to be like you, is all I want."

He reaffirmed that his duty was to her and only her.

"Good. Because I need you on my side now more than ever before."

"I will never be anywhere else but on your side, at your side."

"You're dismissed."

Helena moved to go back to what she had been doing when he came in. He turned to leave, breathing out. He felt better now that he had smoothed things out between them, showed her he was ready to do his duty.

"OH! And that dreadful little BITCH Bianca is back at Hellfire. For the love of GOD muzzle that loud mouth with your dick. I'm tired of hearing her complain about everything like she's owed something."

He turned back and looked at her in the mirror, giving her a knowing smile and a little bow of the head.

"I'll keep her out of your hair, my Queen."

He continued on, exiting Helena's room, shutting the door softly behind him. Bianca. She was the last thing he needed today. Yeah, she was hot with a good body, and she let him do whatever he wanted to her in bed, but still. She was exactly the kind of entitled bitch he hated. And the job always seemed to fall on him to keep her away from Helena.

He checked his watch. At this time of the morning he knew where Bianca was likely to be - she was incredibly predictable. So he headed to the elevator and rode up to the rooftop conservatory.

 

[Cypher]

Zizi: "This place needs a bedroom. "

Gabe gave her an amused look as she turned a shade of red.

Zizi: "So you can sleep properly when you've been here all night working..."

"Uh huh...suuuure."

He teased with a smile.

"But really, I do. I spend way too much time on this couch."

He contemplated the thought for a moment, shrugging a bit.

"Maybe I should upgrade to a penthouse office. I think I saw a listing a few floors up actually."

And then they'd have more than enough time to spend together without having to be held up at the clocktower. It was a good damn thought...yeah, he'd definitely have to look into it. Because he hadn't had that much fun in such a long time, and he expressed as much to Zizi.

Zizi: "Me either. But I'm sure it was with you."

Gabe smiled, giving her a kiss.

"You're way too sweet for me, you know that?"

He kissed her again with a grin, gently patting her hip.

"But i'll take it."

Then her stomach rumbled, matching his own hunger. He suggested coffee and breakfast sandwiches; Zizi was more than onboard giving him her order. He called up Portos giving his order as Zizi began to straighten up. Gabe waved at her telling her to stop before whispering 'maid'. Finally, he got off the phone.

"Food should be here in fifteen."

Zizi was still straightening up despite herself.

"Stooop!"

He exclaimed with a chuckle, pulling Zizi across his lap before laying her back down on the couch and leaning over her; his lips pressed against hers in a deep kiss.

"That's why I pay someone, Liz. You do too much as it is, no need to clean on top of it all."

His own words resonating with him. It was then he realized they actually needed to be productive adults, especially because of what was happening with Nedry and Hellfire. Gabe sighed out, helping Zizi back up into a sitting position on the couch. Reality sucked.

"So, you gotta head back to the clocktower after breakfast?"