Markus: "Hey Mary- feeling any better tonight?"

Mary didn't answer as much as break into a spastic cough, shaking her head and waving her arms. Markus leaned over, preparing to take another shot.

Markus: "That's more than the sniffles. Have you been to a doctor yet?"
Mary: "I'm fine. It's just dusty in here."
Markus: "Dusty... sure thing."

Mary watched as if hypnotized while the multicolored balls scattered over the soft red felt of the pool table. The patterns that formed and changed reminded her of constellations- there was Orion, now becoming Ursa Major as Markus pocketed ball after ball in effortless grace.

Mary: "Damn..."

The doorbell ringing interrupted Mary's train of thought, leaving her mildy perplexed. Andy began to move to answer it, but Markus waved him off.

Markus: "Hey I'll get it- I'll let Mary have some time with the pool table."

Markus hurried down the stairs, a smile on his face. He held back his laughter as he opened the door of Andy's house to Tristan and James.

Markus: "James- what the hell happened to your hair?!"
James: "A certain love-sick puppy was rushing me."
Markus: "C'mon, we're all upstairs. James... the hair is fine."

Tristan: "I told you we'd be the last ones here."
James: "Is Serge here tonight?"
Markus: "No- unfortunately he had to be in LA this weekend."
James: "That's too bad- I was hoping to ask him about one of his recipes."
Markus: "He'll be back Sunday night- I'll have him give you a call."

Andy looked up from getting champagne ready for a toast when James and Tristan came in the room, secretly delighting in the way Tristan hesitated at the sight of Emily by his side. He continued to pour the last glasses of champagne before turning to the group.

Andy: "If you'd all like to grab a glass, I'd like to raise a toast tonight to all of you."

Tristan sneezed suddenly just as everyone had gathered closely around Andy. He exchanged a worried look with James and Markus- vampires just don't sneeze.

Emily: "Bless you!"
Mary: "Gosh I hope you're not catching my cold... You know, what with your recent bout of death and all that. Next time try to cover your mouth, though."

Andy watched Tristan closely- his scientists still hadn't managed to work out why he was still alive. By all accounts he should have died last weekend, yet here he stood- the very picture of perfect health and vitality. Andy hadn't even had to pretend to be floored by the news of Tristan's near-death experience when Emily had phoned him early Sunday morning- he'd been expecting news of his death.

Tristan: "Sorry... Go on."
Andy: "You've all done amazing work over the past month- boys, the article on you in this month's Sanity Assassin turned out simply fantastic. I'm also very pleased with how your new demos are turning out- you've done very impressive work! Emily, I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of how your photography is taking off. And Mary- your art is currently the hottest work on the market in this area. I'd like to personally take this opportunity to hire you to do the artwork for the band's next album."

Mary blinked three times, caught off guard by everyone's attention suddenly turned on her. She'd been trying to work out why she'd been invited to this little gathering- she didn't see how she fit in with everyone else. Now she wondered what exactly Andy's game was. In a split second she decided the best way to find out was to work it from the inside.

Mary: "Wow... what can I say? I'd be honored."
Andy: "Wonderful! Let's worry about the details on Monday- tonight, everyone just make yourselves at home!"