Disclaimer: All Magic the Gathering characters belong to Wizards of the Coast. All Ocs belong to me. This story is based on headcanon and book canon only. Enjoy!

Payton fell into silence as she brushed her hair. In the past few days, things had actually calmed down considerably. No new people, minimal verbal arguments, Cait hadn't died with her 'fight me' mentality. The brunette considered that a win in her book. Today she was going out to meet up with another of their friends. Michael was...touchy to say the least. He might not respond to this as well as others, but his high-paying job and strength...they needed both. Cait may have kickboxing under her belt, but the brunette only knew basic self defense, a skill that she found didn't even work on these people. Or maybe just Tibalt. Only thing is...he might be offering her a double whammy just for his help.

Holding her head, she went to exit the room and bumped into Jace at the door giving her a stern look. Sighing she let him push her into the room again and sit down again. This was a normal happening after all. He would come in here and make sure she took her medicine. No matter the reason, he never gave one, deep down she knew this was for the best. Once she did, he walked out with her. Down the stairs she walked, her heels clicking on the hardwood of the stairs. Like it or not, Michael expected high class from mostly everyone. Would this even be worth it? Of course this was only because he saw this as a business meeting, under the guise of a 'date'. It was either that or she went to his gym. Her dress wasn't anything special really, just a sleek long black dress that reached to her calfs and slit open on one side. When she had called the body builder about meeting up for dinner, he insisted on the fanciest place in town, treating this like a date. Even after threats from Cait, he still insisted that he wouldn't even see her if that wasn't the case. Why they called him friend?

Because he is always there when it truly counts. Hopefully this would be the case again.

"Pay Pay," Cait squealed as she darted from her place in front of her video game, "you look so pretty! Just go on a date with me instead! I'll be your stud!"

Payton smiled at her and ruffled her hair. Her blonde friend always had a way to make her smile, though she could see the anger in her eyes. It wasn't like Michael was a bad person, just pompous, cocky, and overbearing at times. He had been Payton's friend since Jr. High. He had helped her with bullies, personal issues, even money. All of which she never asked for...he had just done it. As they got older she had to put a barrier between them; they just went different ways. He had never been big on MTG or even anime or video games, he always picked on her for being the nerd she was so it was only natural that they only hung out at Super Bowl Parties or at bars. However, Cait was protective for a reason, one drunken encounter where the brunette almost got hurt and the man had been on her 'hit list' since.

"Well, I do try," Payton flipped her hair eccentrically.

Payton walked by her and started to change things over to a smaller more delicate looking bag as she spoke.

"I'll text you every half hour or so like you want that shouldn't be a problem. He is sending a car, so I'm leaving my keys here, so I expect we might end up at the bar in the club. If that happens I'll message a picture to you so you can come bail me out."

"If you need to be 'bailed out' then why go in the first place," Tezzeret's voice rang behind her.

They looked back at him to see that the artificer was frowning at her. Payton sighed softly and turned to face him to respond, but a certain vampire seemed to finally agree to something.

"Yes. It wouldn't do to have our only resource gone."

"What am I? Chopped liver," Cait pouted angrily at him.

"Look guys," Payton started explaining for maybe the fifth time that day, "He is Cait and I's muscle. With this growing family, I don't think that would be a bad thing...no telling who might show up..."

'And how many more attacks I can take...'

"Maybe I can come with you and stay hidden," Nissa suggested.

"We can possibly stay hidden in plain sight as goers as well," Gideon added in.

"Geez," Payton cut them off, "It's one date for a lot of help both monetarily and back up wise...trust me...this is not one of my prouder moments either..." She looked away, letting her hair cover her face.

"Mm...," Tibalt mused as he walked over and lifted her chin, "Men won't give all of that for free...and you don't offer what he will want."

The blush on her cheeks and her stunned silence were all he needed to know that his point was made. Cait growled and slapped his hand away, holding the brunette to her protectively.

"Hey! What did I say about touching her, Mr. Horny!"

He grimaced at her, "I told you to stop calling me that."

"He's right," Jace put in, "The way you make it sound-"

"Is worse than it really is. Michael is a good guy. He is a childhood friend that helped me...when I didn't have anyone else. He wouldn't try hurt me...at least not intentionally. I will be fine."

The sound of a horn was heard outside telling her that it was her time to go. She nodded at them and walked out the door. Cait folded her arms and watched out the window until the cab drove off. Biting at her lip she checked her pocket to make sure she had her phone ready before walking back to her video game.

"Alright, Jura, time to get your ass kicked again," she said, breaking the tension again as he sat down and grabbed his controller again to play the overly bloody fighting game. While he had her distracted, Jace disappeared upstairs...and never came back down.

(With Payton and Michael)

"So let me get this straight," Michael started, "That stupid little card game you play...the characters have started to appear at your home? And...you need my help because you keep getting attacked?"

She gave a nervous smile to him with a meek nod.

He raised an eyebrow at her, "...did they legalize medicinal pot without my knowledge or are you holding out on me?"

She ran the palm of her hand over face. "Michael why would I call you, invite you out, dress up, do everything else just to pull your leg?"

"Very well," he waved his hand at her, "So saying I believe you, you still are asking a lot for nothing in return."

"What do you want," she asked, taking a small bite of her meal.

"Nothing too much...maybe think about a question I asked a few years ago..." as he said this, she felt his hand lay on top of hers.

"I told you, I'm not interested in you that way, Michael. I told you to respect that."

He let out a deep chuckle, "I know I know...but I won't stop trying. How about this then: go out with me once every month...maybe this will lead to something else."

"Michael, you doofus," she chuckled at him, "you can't even stand going to a convention long enough to pick me up, make fun of my career choices, and pick on me for my interests. We've been over this countless times."

"Bah," he shrugged "Details, details. It would all be worth it to have you on my arm at parties."

"And I would purposely dress up in a costume."

"...you wouldn't dare!"

They shared a few more laughs, but he was dancing around the topic. Dinner was almost over and as she thought he had planned to go to the club just down the stairs.

"Michael I really need you to consider helping us. I can do some work around your gym or office, I'll even help with marketing."

He seemed to ignore her as they walked into the club. She cringed when the music blared in her ears. She sighed and decided to wait until he had a little more alcohol in him. Sure enough, he started to talk to her about the actual subject.

"Fine...I'll help you. But can't I get...something out of it? Like a kiss or something?"

She rolled her eyes. "Why can't you just help me like you used to? Without all the flirting and shit?"

"Hey, babe, we both grew up," he sighed softly and lifted her chin, "I do care about you Payton...I just wish I wasn't perpetually friend-zoned by you."

"Not every girl is obligated to return your feelings."

"Typical feminist answer."

"Add another turn off."

"I'll drink to that."

Unknown to them, a pair of eyes watched them from across the bar, hidden beneath a hood. Jace didn't know what made him follow her, but he didn't trust that the girl would be alright. It was true; it wouldn't do to have something happen to her. However, he couldn't just...allow her to go alone to meet a man that has had a history with her. If his power wasn't restricted, he would have been able to overhear what they were saying, but by the smile on her face, it looked like she had gotten his favor. The two took another shot and she laughed before they stood up, walking to the dance floor. He glanced up at the flashing lights and finished his own drink before standing and walking closer. She had been taking her medication now, so he wasn't so much worried about the lights, more so how much she had been drinking since the date had started. He asked a lady to dance and he mingled into the crowd. He kept watch of her, noting that she was starting to stumble and sway...and how she didn't seem to notice wandering hands as well.

"Payton...let's go sit down," Michael grinned at her.

"What," she exclaimed, "But I love this song!"

He chuckled and easily picked her up in a cradle, making her squeak and glare at him. "Come on. I am only thinking about your ankle, you weakling."

She huffed and let him take her to one of the couches located on the wall. She ordered another drink, as well as a water. She leaned her head against the back of the couch as Michael checked on her bad ankle.

"Mind if I sit with you?"

Payton blinked as did Michael. Payton watched as Jace pulled his hood back and sat on the other side of her.

"Jace," she slurred slightly, putting a soft hand on his cheek before hitting him with it, "What the hell?! I told you to stay at the house!"

Jace rubbed his cheek before giving her a stern look, "I wanted to meet him before to determine if he would do more help than harm."

Michael narrowed his eyes, but mostly to see the other man's face. "Dude...I recognize him! He's that nerdy one you make fun of for being the poster bitch! Jason or some shit."

"It's Jace...nice to meet you...now would kindly remove your hand from her leg?"

Payton blinked and swung her legs so they hit the floor. "Damnit Jace..."

"So you weren't just pulling my leg...these guys are real," Michael laughed, "Shit...you really do need my help."

(Back at the house 30 minutes ago)

Cait sighed in relief when Payton finally messaged her about heading to the bar. She did a quick job killing Gideon in the game before standing up.

"Well it's time to go bail her out," Cait smiled at them. She secretly hoped that Michael denied help. Knowing him, that meant both girls were about to be working out...twice as much. Cait liked to keep in shape, but she was too lazy to do what he did...which was everything short of steroids. She would prefer Payton's oldest brother who was a personal trainer. At least he listened to you when you said you sprained your wrist. Of course she was just being harsh on the man because of one bad experience years ago, but damnit Payton dealt with enough.

She stopped when she heard Tezzeret chuckling. The blond raised an irritated eyebrow at him. He always seemed to laugh at her, making her anger slowly rise when around the metal man.

"You give me that look...," he said in a smooth voice, "But you haven't noticed that you are down two people already...I do not think she needs you to 'bail her out' now."

Her eyes widened. She saw Nissa dart out of the room. She looked around and then grabbed Tezzeret's shirt, which he just gave her an amused stare.

"Where's Jace?!"

"Markov is gone," Nissa stated with a hiss, looking rather upset.

"WHERE'S SORIN?!"

"I am not your babysitter," he stated obviously, "Beleren left shortly after she did...the vampire? He left an hour ago."

"Stop smiling, old man," Cait yelled, as if trying to fight him, which she might actually try as proven countless times before, "This is serious! How did they even get there?!"

He pushed her hands off and kept his calm demeanor. "You should relax...Sorin probably followed her scent and Beleren has always been crafty. They won't get into too much trouble."

"I'm not worried about them! I'm worried about Michael!"

(At the club)

"I can't believe this is happening," Payton groaned, holding the ice cold water bottle to her neck in hopes her head stopped swimming.

She was now seated between Sorin and Jace, both dressed in some of her own male clothing, some that she had taken from her brothers' old clothing. Sorin had shown up a little after Jace and physically moved her so this could be so, making Michael look rather...raged. He moved to sit in front of them, his arms crossed over his chest. Sorin's arm was braced lazily behind the girl's shoulders, as if stating some kind of dominance towards the other. Jace held another water bottle to the girl, mostly trying to keep her from going into panic.

"What the hell, Payton," Michael said, his tone just as angry as his glare, "You shouldn't invite other men on a date!"

"Calm down," Jace said, talking to both parties, "She didn't invite us. She wanted us to come and get her about this time. She has a shoot in the morning."

Payton blinked a few times. Jace sounded like he...just fit in here. Of course he had spent a lot of time in her school's library with her card. She didn't mind, at least he wasn't getting into trouble like when Tibalt crashed her test at school just for the hell of it.

"This is the first I am hearing of this," the body builder stated, glaring harder at the female. It didn't take telekinesis to tell that he knew he was being blown off.

Jace looked over at him calmly. "She was desperate for help from you. We have taken a toll on the girl that was out of our control."

Sorin smirked over at the strong looking male. His only goal to be there was see what kind of power the girl was trying to get under belt. He wasn't very impressed. He was all strength it looked like, no tact. However, he said nothing about this anyways. He wasn't about to let this human come in on his claims. He might have not taken the blonde's blood yet, but it was bound to happen.

"I'm going to the bathroom," Payton said, pushing Jace away and standing. Michael started to stand when she swayed, but the pale man next to her, righted her quickly. She straightened her dress and walked into the crowd. Michael watched her leave until she was out of sight before turning to them, his tone sounding dangerous.

"Look...I was going to help her out but she is mine," he growled out at them. Jace could tell he was under the influence of alcohol as well. "I've been working on her for years. You should have stayed fictional! It's hard enough to get her to flirt without it turning into things about her 'husbandos' or whatever."

Sorin chuckled a bit, "Well that's an interesting thing to know. I didn't realize that she was an object."

"I agree...," Jace said, crossing his arms, "I believe that you should take a step back."

"I don't see any of you doing anything to help?"

"So now it's about helping her? Yet you say it's just to be with her...," Sorin mused, "So does that mean you're in love with her? I can assure you that she didn't even want to do this tonight. If you really cared wouldn't you help her without making her do something that makes her uncomfortable?"

Jace raised an eyebrow at the vampire. What gave him this change of heart? He would question it later, but for now it looked like he and the vampire lord were working on the same team. Michael narrowed his eyes further, fisting his hands.

"Why shouldn't I get something out of it," he questioned after a moment, "She wants me to play bodyguard and loan her money. I gave her my offer and we negotiated. That's the end."

"You either help her as a friend or not at all," Jace spat at him.

"She just needs a little...more persuading. She will finally see the right thing to do," he rolled his eyes at the two men.

Jace knew this would never be true. He knew more about Payton, not from his power, but from talking with her. Sorin on the other hand, just didn't like another trying to lay claim on what was his; his unfinished business. Michael wasn't a good man, he was sure that even the girl saw that. Even he knew how much feeling in debt makes you stay around someone. There seemed to be only one thing to do at this point. Michael was not going to be in her life, as long as they were there.

"I think it would be best to leave...if you do not plan on helping her without such conditions," Jace said in a stern voice, though he did have to yell a bit as the music continued around them.

"Don't you think that is her choice?"

"Considering she is inebriated," Sorin started, "I do believe it is the job of others she trusts to help her make better decisions."

Michael finally stood up, glaring at them. He didn't know anything about this nerdy card game, but he understood enough that they weren't normal. At the moment, though, he wanted to throw them both to the ground. How dare they try to ruin probably his one chance to finally have her where he would want! He would never do anything she didn't want him to, despite the facade he gave. He couldn't look weak, not with his profession.

"You two should leave...now," he threatened.

It all happened so fast. Another snide remark from the vampire and a small fight broke out. Payton gasped and pushed through the crowd before she reached them, overhearing their words. Her eyes widened. Who...did they think they were talking about? Do they really believe this would win her over in any way? She had already decided on another person that might help her out for a few hours a week of work in their art studio. She knew Michael would come around in secret, he always had, but she didn't think it was a good idea to bring a man like him into this type of world. She fisted her hands and took a breath.

"STOP IT," she yelled out at them, making them freeze.

She was panting from the exertion, holding her chest. Jace frowned deeply and stepped towards her.

"Don't come near me. Just...all of you...leave me alone."

"Wait-"

Before any of them could do anything, she was out the door calling a cab, disappearing into the night.

Cait could be seen walking towards them. She put her hands on her hips, looking at the two planeswalkers with anger, her eyes barely noticing Michael.

"What the hell did you two do?!"