Gwen paces around her penthouse suite naked, wondering how she should dress for a daytime outing. She DID have underwear on, but then realized they were white cotton panties with matching sports bra-- her usual-- and wondered if she was supposed to go more feminine for something like this. The confusing part is that Andre is also a jock, so wouldn't he be just as turned-on if she was wearing the cotton-stuff as he would for anything else? Especially if it wasn't on for very long? Seriously-- he could be wearing white cotton jockeys right now, himself!
She putters around, wishing she WERE psychic...or had thought to hire her own date-helper-advisor-type person...and then happens across a Maxim she'd picked up to give her an idea of how their covergirls posed and what types of questions they'd had to answer and such. She flips through it quickly, reading here and there, and then finally decides that all guys probably like the sexy stuff. If this outing with Andre were spontaneous and unexpected then he'd understand if she happened to be wearing her sporty-stuff when he took off her clothing, but this is definitely a date!

She grins-- mind finally made up-- and walks over to her dresser, pulling out a black lace thong and matching push-up bra. After putting them on she heads over to her closet and puts on a pair of hip-hugger black leather pants and a tight red lycra shirt-- one which the push-up bra nicely helps show off her assets in, and that shows off a bit of her tummy at the bottom. Then she pulls on a pair of black boots...adds a simple pair of silver and red garnet earring to further feminize her appearance...and grabs a short black jacket since it's fall now.
Satisfied, she calls the elevator, waits, gets in, and heads down to the bottom floor.

Andre watches the elevator doors open and he smiles walking over to it. "Bonjour, Gwen. It is good to see you. Long time no see, non?" he says with a smile. He takes a look at her and nods appreciatively. "You look wonderful, I didn't bring my bike," he says with a smirk and a wink, but my Lexus is here."

Gwen grins and rolls her eyes. "Very funny! Maybe 'ze women' back in France don't wear black leather unless they're on a bike, but I happen to like it!" she pretends to sniff. Then she gives him a mischievous grin. "DO you have a bike?" she asks in a low, intrigued-sounding voice.

"Oui," Andre says. "I have several. I collect them." Andre looks around the front to see the press standing there and winces. "Ah perhaps the back way is best non?" he says. "How do you deal with this? In Geneva it is not like this. We are left alone for the most part."

Gwen is a little surprised/excited to hear about Andre's bikes, so it takes her a second to realize he's moved on to a different topic because she has a little dreamy grin on her face! Then she blinks and looks at the front.
"Oh yeah...those guys are permanent fixtures!" she motions dismissively. "We can get to your Lexus through the secret back way. Follow me!" she grins, taking his arm. "You look really good in a suit, by the way!" she adds approvingly as she leads them down a hallway, down a flight of stairs, and then through a couple of doors before they're finally in the underground parking lot.

"Thanks," Andre says as he takes her arm and lets her lead him. "I collect all kinds of bikes. I have a few early bikes from WWI. It took me a very long time to find them, ma chere. Perhaps when you are in France I can show you the collection." he says as he lets go of her arm and opens the car door for her.

Gwen nods enthusiastically, and quickly gets into the car when Andre opens the door for her. She waits for him to get in on the driver's side before resuming the conversation.
"I would love to see them! I had a dirt bike when I was younger, but once I got into sports I kinda stopped riding it because Dad was afraid I'd get into an accident and get injured and miss a meet, or screw up my chances to be an Olympian...all that...so I'm sure it's still sitting in his garage, gathering dust. So do you collect them to look or, or to ride? Or both?"

Andre starts the car. "Some are restored enough for me to ride, but the very old ones I just store in my collection. I'd hate for them to be damaged." he says. He drives out of the garage and into the street by the back of the alley. "This is better, no press." he says. "Do they bother you a lot?"

Gwen thinks about that for a moment. "Well...lucky for me they seem to only recognize me if I'm in my costume. The only time they mobbed me was the first day we arrived and we had to come in through the front doors-- like what you and Team Tomorrow got to experience YOUR first time!" she grins. "But if I were to walk out the front door, they'd know I must be a nova and then they'd figure it out...since there's only one 6'2" blonde tan Amazon who works here and all!" she smirks. "So I avoid the front door, and I'm OK. If I'm IN my uniform, however, I'm screwed. Luckily the press seems to like me! All except that Al-Jazir-guy, anyhow! But he doesn't really like anyone! Has Caestus had you do any interviews yet?" she asks curiously.

"A few, luckily Slider usually handles all the press conferences for Team Tomorrow while I just stand off to the side." Andre says with a smirk. "They call her America's Sweetheart, and she's so shy when she's not in front of the camera." he laughs. "Ma chere, it is the strangest thing. It is almost as if she has two personalities."

Gwen grins and nods. "I noticed that! That's how Cero is, too! When we're just hanging around together she's pretty quiet...lets me and Pumpkin mouth-off all day...but once the cameras are rolling she's right there like she was made to be a public relations person, or something! Me and Pumpkin are the opposite! Pumpkin gets really nervous in front of cameras and kind of rambles on and on. And I'm always worried I'm going to stick my foot in my mouth when I try to answer questions! But I think that's why the press likes me! Neither of us knows what's going to come out of my mouth!" she grins. "So Slider's getting some good press, eh? Is there anyone who's caught her eye? Or who's been caught by hers?" she asks curiously.

Andre looks over, "Oh non, no one yet. She is still too young for that, oui? She is only seventeen." he says. "Her whole life ahead of her, but still she acts so much older than the rest of us. Polaris, you can't even get a word out of her." he says. "She rarely talks to you, just looks at you with that strange look in her eye.'

"Really?" Gwen asks, intrigued. "I was going to ask you what she's like since I've never heard her say a word, but it sounds like she's that way ALL the time! I don't know a lot of female novas-- especially ones who can fly, too...I'll make it a point to try to talk to her. She was the first nova I saw at the center in Geneva when I first got there. She was in a testing-room making things move and stuff...I assumed she must be a powerful, seasoned nova, so I was surprised to hear that she was new, too. Yeah...I'll try to get her to talk." she nods in determination. "What about Songbird? I don't know her at all, either...but I know of a certain Pumpkin who would like to get her to sing!" she laughs evilly.

Andre laughs and shakes his head. "Ah amore, he is in luck then. Because after the party last night, she could not stop singing this morning. I believe she has taken a shine to Pumpkin as well." he says. "Sam is a good girl, I like her very much. She is like everyone's little sister."

Gwen laughs delightedly and slaps her thighs. "Great!! I'm glad she likes him back! She definitely stayed on his arm all night, that's for sure! I was just concerned about the size-difference..." she winks, "...but Pumpkin later confided that he can be a smaller pumpkin if he wants to!" she grins, and then bursts out laughing. "Sorry, sorry...that was just a scary mental-picture I got there for a minute!" she grins. "I'm just glad that should the day come, Pumpkin's room is NOT above mine!" she grins, and then laughs again. "Sorry again...I guess Pumpkin's like a little brother to me, too, and I get such joy in tormenting him!" she grins toothily.

Andre nods enthusiastically. "You know, Utopia was smart to put us all together to do our research. We've all formed very strong bonds with our teammates, non? I would do anything to help them if I could. They are like my little sisters." He looks over at Gwen and smiles. "So when is your commercial?"

Gwen grins. "Next week! I can't wait for that! And my interview and photo-shoot with Maxim has been moved up to Friday of this week so they can use it for December so me and Pete will be in the same issue! Talk about a surprise, eh? I can just see Pete now...'Hey guys! The new Maxim's here with my interview in it! Let's take a look!' and then he pulls the paper off the cover and sees me standing-- or laying-- there in one of those Maxim-babe outfits!" she laughs. "The guys will never believe it's really me! They're so used to seeing me in a security outfit, standing in front of the door with my arms folded, looking menacing!" she grins, looking excited at the prospect. "What about you? When's your commercial-shoot for Adidas?"

"Two weeks from tomorrow. It's only going to show in Europe, but if I get a tape of it I'll send it to you," he says with a wink. "I will pick up a copy of Maxim." he says and laughs. "Even tho I have seen you without a bathing suit, eh?. He looks out the window and then back to her quickly. "Where shall we start?"

Gwen is grinning at him when he turns back around. She's thinking of how they spent their night after the party-- eager to do it again! She rubs his thigh as he drives and tries to concentrate on their surroundings.
"Hmmm...well, do you want to do any of the traditional sight-seeing things, like the Statue of Liberty, or what sounds good to you? I think the clubs don't open until after dark." she explains.

"Eh...I have seen the statue. There is another statue just like it in France," Andre says. "Perhaps a museum? Or Times square?" he says. "Anywhere else you could suggest? Oh oui we are supposed to go to that gallery opening as well, non?"

Gwen nods. "Later on tonight. Stays pretty busy around here, doesn't it! Yeah-- let's go to Times Square! It will blow your mind! We should find a place to park and then get out and walk. You can't experience New York until you've walked the streets!"

"Ah this is true, ma chere." Andre says. He drives around the block for a bit and finds a place to park. He gets out and opens the door for her. "There now we can walk, oui?" He looks around and then takes her arm. "So how is Cero? Is she well?"

Gwen and Andre walk around the corner, Gwen glancing at Andre to see his reaction when he sees Times Square in person.
"She's doing a lot better now...she should be out today, in fact!" she says. "I'm a little worried about her, though. I didn't know she was so...vulnerable in a fight. Our team is primarily a fighting-team...the team that's sent in to fight rogue novas, specifically. We can't be watching out for one of our members in the middle of a fight when chaos is all around. She's got to learn how to keep herself safe or next time she might not be leaving the infirmary!" Gwen says a little heatedly.

"Oui, our team has Slider. She is like that, however she is quite the fighter. And she is hard to see at times especially when she goes two dimensional." he says. Andre looks over at Times Square and smiles. "Ah see, see this? This is America. Perfect! Look everyone is so busy and someplace to go."

Gwen grins and nods, watching the throngs of people walking quickly up and down the sidewalks. "This is America, all right! If you're hungry there's a street vendor on every corner-- just avoid making eye-contact with anyone selling anything else!" she whispers. "You buy something from one guy and the other guys are like sharks smelling blood!"
They walk for a few seconds and then Gwen glances at Andre again. "I guess I'm a little pissed at Cero. She kinda implied a few days ago that her injuries might have been MY fault somehow...even though she's the one who decided to crawl under cars and play with them while an exploding nova was nearby...even though I managed to keep him 15 feet off the ground before he detonated himself WHILE I was deflecting bullets! Her injuries could have been far worse! And she thinks I should have magically known she was hiding under a car?? I was a liiiiittle busy at the time!" she whispers, her eyes flashing. "And then Pumpkin and Watcher took HER side! It's enough to make you consider going solo...like Ethan or that GK-guy!" She exhales a long breath. "Sorry..." she adds, glancing at her tightened grip on his arm.

Andre shakes his head. "They were just scared, ma cherie. But they should not have taken it out on you, non?" he looks around at all the tall skyscrapers and whistles. "Tall city you have here. So...Ethan eh? Who is this?"

"Oh you never met Ethan? Do you remember hearing about that guy who flew up and saved the plane that was about to crash, and then brought it down safely at the airport? He came to Geneva to be tested for a few days when we first got there. He broke all the records for strongest nova by a LOT, and he can fly so fast that he turned the clouds into swirls as he passed! After he was tested he decided to leave and go it alone, I guess. But then remember when Divis Mal made his first appearance? Ethan's the guy who showed up and fought him. They appear to be evenly matched. Caestus called Ethan 'Supreme' so I guess that's his official nova-name." she explains.

Andre shakes his head. "Wow, I have never seen anyone that strong. I always thought Caestus was the strongest of us all..." Andre says. "Or Divis...I do not like him. There is something about him that unnerves me...something unearthly about him..."

Gwen nods, remembering back to his conversation with her at the beginning of the week. "He speaks like he's from another time-period, or something...like he's out of a fairy-tale. He thinks we're all gods, and maybe we are-- compared to humans-- but his theories are very unorganized...not as well-thought-out as they should be. Some of them have merit, but we keep finding these annoying loopholes in his 'rules!'" she sighs. "What about you? You think you're a fighting-group man by nature, or a fighting-solo man?" she asks curiously.

"Eh...I am still wondering if I am a fighting man period." Andre shrugs, "I enjoy the money, and I certainly enjoy the apartment and training they give. We shall see if I stay after the six months." he says. "What about you?"

"Well, I have to admit I've spent a lot of time pondering leaving and going it alone, but then I take a look at the hummer I'm driving...the fancy skyscraper I'm living in...my swanky penthouse...all the perks and the people who look after me, and I think that I would feel shut-out if I left this organization...almost like I've found a place to belong, and a part of me wouldn't be able to give it up. But at the same time it all comes with a price. You have to fight with a group, and you have to go on missions. So far I've really enjoyed every mission we've done, but one of these days we're going to get stuck bodyguarding an arrogant prick like the Alabama governor, right? Or some other disagreeable assignment like that. Still...we're given enough freedom that there might be a way to live the way we want AND take on a bully or two..." she says, thinking. "Well, the two of us would make an interesting duo if we were a team! You'd do the spending, and I'd do the fighting!" she laughs. "Oh yes...I do love the fighting..." she says in a low purr, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Andre looks at Gwen and shakes his head. "You do don't you, ma chere. I have not seen that look in your eye before. It was almost sinister." he says. "I understand fighting criminals. Not every nova is as friendly as us. They should make a specialized prison for them."

Gwen gives an embarrassed little laugh when she realizes how she sounded a minute ago. "I love to compete...love to match physical skill against skill...and now that I'm a nova my only match is another nova. I feel a little like a caged lion waiting to be let out to stretch!" she tries to explain, and then realizes she's just sounding more and more 'sinister' the more she talks, so she changes subjects! "Yes...we mentioned the idea of a nova-prison to Caestus and he really liked it...he's just worried we won't have enough nova-employees. We suggested having humans work there, too, and have the nova-employees be the muscle, so we'll see what happens!"

She glances at Andre curiously. "Did I upset you when I talked about how much I like to fight?"

"Non, ma chere, you did not. Every once in awhile I like a little tussle as well, oui?" Andre says. "I used to be an athlete, too. I know what it feels like to compete. You see fighting as competing. I see it as a dangerous proposition. I do not like to see my friends in danger."

"Aaah..." Gwen says, nodding her head in understanding. "I see what you mean now. I guess I'm a little too used to always winning, so I have an invincibility-complex, you could say!" she grins toothily. "I haven't been afraid of dying or being hurt yet. A little wary of Divis...I know what he can do...but almost everyone else I see as a challenger waiting to be beaten. Except you, of course!" she winks. "YOU I don't mind getting the upper hand over me, shall we say!" She gives a little laugh, and then remembers something. "Oh! I have a question. I've been warned that Maxim is going to ask about my sex-life. Seeing as how you're my only sex-life, I needed to get your permission to mention you or it, should they ask!"

"Ah mention me if you like. It does not offend me, and it is not like I am seeing anyone else." Andre says with a wink. "I am just teasing. Yes please go ahead and mention me," he says with a nudge to the ribs. "Since we are on different teams I do not see how Project Utopia could have any problem with it."

Gwen grins and nods. "Of course! And it will only show how tight the bonds are between our two teams! Caestus should love that!" she nudges him back. "In fact, I have been rehearsing a little sex-blurb in case they ask me for one!" she says, and then clears her throat. "Ahem. Here it goes. 'On the field Andre Corbin is fast, but in the bedroom he always "comes" last!'" Gwen covers her mouth and laughs-- she can't believe she told him her 'Andre-jingle!' "That's what I've come up with, anyhow..." she grins, cheeks a little flushed.

Andre laughs and puts his arm around her neck. "You are horrible, mon chere! Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?" he says mockingly shocked. "And here I thought you were a woman I could bring home to meet the parents." he says shaking his head sadly.

Gwen laughs, relieved that he didn't get upset at her "jingle" and then raises her eyebrow, grinning at him. "Meet the parents, eh? Well I can't speak for mothers, but fathers seem to be quite taken with me!" she winks. For some reason she finds him so endearingly attractive in that moment-- and their high-energy-surroundings may have contributed somewhat to it-- that she stops their walk and turns, laying a deep, passionate kiss on him in the middle of the sidewalk-- which earns them a few stares and cat-calls from passersby.

Andre doesn't fight it and he lets her kiss him. He kisses her just as hard back and when they release each other he smiles. "Ah...now that was a French kiss oui?" he laughs. "That wasn't bad at all. Perhaps a bit more practice will make perfect tonight eh? Oh what is that?" he says pointing at the MTV studios. "Is that what I think it is?"

Gwen grins and wiggles her eyebrows, and then glances up at what he's pointing at. "If you're thinking it's where they film TRL for MTV, you're right. It's the MTV Studios. Sorry for being a bad tour-guide! I've just been rambling on and on since we left, haven't I!" she exclaims, realizing it's true. "I apologize. Let's see New York!" She starts pointing at all the buildings, showing him where the ball drops on New Years Eve...where different headquarter-buildings are located...where the subway entrances are...she points out the electric billboards and tells him which new shows are in the theatres...she explains where all the famous streets and avenues are that lead off from Times Square-- including the clothing, food, and theatre districts-- and she shows him the touristy things like Hard Rock Cafe.

Andre listens to her describe the buildings and history of everything here in Times Square. He smiles and nods and asks few questions while listening to her. He likes the clothing shops and tries on a few outfits, and while they are in the Hard Rock he buys her lunch. While they eat he points to all of the exhibits and tells her stories of the famous people who they belonged to.

Gwen listens to the stories-- surprised that he knows so much about the mostly-American performers whose items are showcased here-- and then gets a thoughtful look on her face, followed by an evil grin.
"You know what? I bet if you mentioned to Caestus the idea of opening a chain of restaurants like Hard Rock that showcases novas instead of rock stars that he'd totally go for it, and you could be some kind of co-owner and rake in MORE bucks!" she grins. "Caestus could request each nova to donate an item of theirs to go in the restaurant...wait a minute, what am I saying?" she laughs. "The other novas would probably kill me for even THINKING of that!"

Andre thinks a moment, a look of consideration on his face when he starts to nod. "You know that isn't a bad idea, ma chere. Not a bad idea at all." he says. He looks around leans over. "Ever wonder how a non-profit out fit like Utopia can afford so many centers and our salaries?"

Gwen grins and nods. "Yeah...Caestus is quite the businessman! You know with that N Channel on cable it's only going to be a matter of time before the restaurant-idea gets thought of by someone else...might as well let it profit OUR group, eh? Speaking of that, has Team Tomorrow been signing up to sponsor products...have dolls made of them...being in cartoons...that kind of thing? Whenever we resist signing on for things, Bob always taunts us by telling us that Team Tomorrow is doing it so we should, too! So I thought I'd get the truth from the source! You never know about good old Bob!" she grins.

"Oui," Andre says. "That was in our contract. We have a line of toys coming out, T-shirts, a video game and we are appearing in a movie." he says. "Ah it is a small annoyance to what they pay us, I think." he says. "What deals did you sign, besides Maxim and Gatorade."

Gwen shakes her head. "I haven't signed any others at this point. I KINDA liked the idea of doing a movie, but no one else in the group wanted anything to do with it so I didn't say anything. So this movie you're doing...are you guys acting in it, or are they hiring actors to play you?" she asks curiously.

"Oh no we're in it for a few minutes." Andre says. "It's the new Steven Spielberg movie." he says. "I am excited for that, I must admit. I didn't like the idea of the toys at first but I saw the prototypes and they are nice toys."

Gwen grins. "I'll definitely buy a little Andre when he comes out...keep him by my bed...take him into the shower with me!" she laughs. "That's so exciting that you get to appear in a movie! Who knew any of us would ever be in such situation a year ago, eh? Seriously! Well, I'll take a look at your toy-line before I give it more thought! I'm just worried about little Auras getting into the wrong hands!" she grins.

"Like the little Andres?" He asks raising an eyebrow. "Ah I will get the check," he says as the waiter brings over the check. "They are nice toys I must admit. Squeeze my arms and I run very fast," he says with a smile. "It is like the toys I had when I was a child."

"Squeeze your arms and you run very fast? Heheheehehe!!" Gwen laughs. "That's so cute! Hmmm...squeeze Little Aura and she gets mad and punches you, most likely!" she laughs again. "Don't worry-- I won't do anything naughty with Little Andre!" she grins mischievously. "Although I can't speak for Little Aura!"
Gwen watches the waiter come take the money, thank the two of them for coming in, and then watches him walk off looking very cheerful at the tip Andre left.
"Is there another part of New York you'd like to explore?" she asks.

Andre shrugs, "I have enjoyed our time together, ma chere. I do not care where we go today. It is time away from all..." he says waving towards the windows. "From the outside world so to speak. And that is enough for me."

Gwen smiles gently and nods, understanding exactly what he means. "Let's go to Central Park, then, and take a walk there. It's secluded and peaceful...you won't even realize you're in the city." she explains, rubbing his hand.

Andre nods. "Central Park it is then. I heard it is crime-ridden here in New York City, but I have not seen this. Is it only at night? Or am I not paying attention?"

Gwen smiles as the two stand up and start making their way out. "Actually, I was wondering the same thing not long ago! Someone explained to me that New York was a lot different before September 11th. It used to be a more selfish, fend-for-yourself-type-city, but now people are more helpful with each other...it's like the tragedy brought everyone together somehow...raised the humanity-level of this place. There's still random crimes, but I've never felt unsafe here."

Andre nods as they walk out of the restaurant. "It is too bad we had not erupted by then. We could have stopped at least one of those planes." he says. "I remember when that happened...it was terrible. I was in Paris at the time."

Gwen nods. "I was in high school in California. There were all these false-threats that the terrorists were going to strike Los Angeles next...got everyone riled up...but then nothing ever happened." Gwen thinks about it. "I don't know if I'm strong enough to stop a plane with my bare hands, but I might have been able to deflect the flight-path with my mind. Supreme could have taken care of one of the planes for sure...I bet Polaris could have moved one of the planes with her magnetism, too..." Gwen says, ticking off novas in her mind. "What about Songbird? What exactly is her power?"

"She uses sonic waves to knock people out, or distract them, or to stun them. She's pretty good at it too." Andre says. "She says she can sing people to sleep and understand what birds are saying." Andre laughs. "Her room is full of birds."

Gwen laughs, too. "How appropriate! And I feel much better now, knowing she could handle Pumpkin if he got out of control!" she winks.
The two get back out on the street and Gwen leads them towards Central Park. "So do you have contact with your old soccer teammates or coach anymore? And how does France treat you now?" she asks curiously. "Could you just walk around on the streets like this, or would you be recognized and mobbed?"

Andre nods, "In France I am recognized very much by the press and many people. But here in the States I am relatively left alone, oui?" he says. "I love that fact. I miss France, however the living conditions there are intolerable."

"Intolerable?" Gwen asks, surprised. "But I thought it was supposed to be 'ze city of love' and all that! What kind of intolerable do you mean?" The two cross the street and then head into one of the entrances to Central Park, letting the trees and greenery swallow them up as they continue their walk.

Andre laughs and the two talk for an hour while they walk in the park. They don't get noticed at all for who they really are. They have lunch at a nearby outdoor cafe where they spend the better part of the afternoon talking about their lives and where they hope to be in six months. Finally Andre checks his watch.

"Ah...it is almost time to go to the galleria opening. We have an hour to get ready. Is that enough time for you?" he says looking at his watch and shaking his head. "We have talked for hours!"

Gwen grabs his wrist and looks at his watch, herself-- equally incredulous! "Wow-- you're right! I can't believe how talkative I've been today! It must be your fault!" she teases, poking his arm. "You're so damned easy to talk to! Seriously-- there aren't many people I feel comfortable just telling my feelings to...most people are very judgmental."
She glances at Andre's watch again. "I can get dressed fast-- it's the hair and make-up-part that I'm still trying to get the hang of!" she laughs. "Need to remind myself to hire a stylist!" she says, tapping her bottom lip with her finger and looking thoughtful.

Andre smiles, "Thank you," he says genuinely and then looks at his watch again. "I tell you...race you back to Utopia?" he says with a smirk. "If I win...I get to do whatever I wish to do to you tonight..." he says.

Gwen folds her arms and raises an eyebrow, shivers of excitement racing through her body like electricity at this thought. She gives Andre a little smirk.
"Hmmm...I think I'm going to have to have let myself get distracted by something on the way home that will coincidentally delay me from beating you!" she laughs evilly. "I'm liking the sounds of the penalty! Aaah...but what about your car?" she asks.

"Ah it is a rental. I could by ten of those cars if I wished. Are you scared you'll lose? I see that is it, of course. You are scared to lose." Andre says nudging her. "Of course you should be. I am the fastest man alive."

"When you WANT to be..." she grins and nudges him back, her voice in a low purr. "Well, well, well...perhaps we'll see who IS the fastest, then, after all! And if *I* win, you also get to do whatever you wish to me tonight!" she laughs, eyes flashing with excitement.

"Fair enough." Andre says nodding. "I give you head start?" he says. "Go...go now...start...trust me...I will catch up." he says motioning for to run. "Run or fly it does not matter."

Gwen smirks, hands on her hips...regarding him slyly for a moment. She'd actually like to watch him run, but this is a competition! No way would she ever lose on purpose!
"All right, then...but I'm telling you, you're at a disadvantage being stuck on the ground with so many obstacles in the way!" And with that she suddenly launches herself straight up into the air and flies off like a shot.

Andre smiles and waves at her. He looks down at his watch and ticks off a few moments and then starts to run and suddenly he is nothing but a blur. A few moments later at the Utopia back entrance Andre stands there looking at his watch as Gwen flies down to meet him.
"You are late. And I win." he says.

Gwen lands, staring at him with her mouth hanging open and an incredulous look on her face. "That's impossible! You...you had to dodge people and buildings and make turns and stuff, and I just had a straight shot!" she stammers. "Hmm...I want to watch you run later! If we weren't short on time I'd want to watch right now!" she exclaims, never a graceful loser! "You don't have a new secret teleport-power or something that you were waiting to tell me about, do you?" she asks, folding her arms.

"Not at all, ma chere. I am just that fast," Andre says smiling. "Alright let us go change and I will run us there. Then you can see oui?" he asks.

The two of them enter the building and head to Gwen's apartment where they change into their fancy dress clothes. When they are finished they look one another over. Andre is wearing a black suit with a white shirt no tie. He puts his hands in his pockets. "And how is this?"

Gwen is wearing a short red silk cocktail gown with her hair actually pulled up! With Andre's help, it's in one of those French Twists that's popular with the formal crowd! She's got a diamond and ruby choker on with matching dangly earrings and bracelet, and she's done something quite dangerous! She's wearing stiletto heels! Red ones to match the dress. They definitely show off her well-defined leg-muscles to the best advantage!
Gwen grins and looks him over, nodding her head appreciatively. "You know...I had been hoping to get a quickie in before the galleria opened...and looking at you now is making me regret even more that we didn't have time!"

Andre nods. "Ah it is a small regret since we have the entire night to each other's attentions yes?" he says with a sneaky smile. "Alright, fly us out of here and I shall run you to the galleria." he says.

Gwen raises her eyebrow and grins. "Really? Ooh good! That will be fun! Just don't 'muss my hair!'" she says in her best southern accent, patting her hair and batting her eyelashes.
She takes Andre's hand and leads him over to her window. "Window open!" she commands, and the window opens. "I hope you're not afraid of heights!" she says as a split-second warning before she wraps her arm around his waist tightly and flies them out the window. She's pretty sure they're going to be noticed-- what with her bright red dress and all! She thinks sarcastically that she hopes everyone's enjoying the view-- suddenly realizing how short her skirt is!

Andre closes his eyes as they descend onto the ground. "I do hate heights!!" he shouts as they land. "Awful just awful," he mutters. "Alright ma chere." he says picking her up and carrying her fireman style over his shoulder. "Don't blink." he jokes and then suddenly he tears off. Only a black and red streak left to see. It takes only a minute and they arrive. He puts her down and smiles. "See, faster than anyone." he says smoothing out his hair.

Gwen's eyes are wide and her legs are a little wobbly when he sets her down. "Wow...you ARE that fast..." she murmurs, "...remind me I want to do that again...and soon..." she grins, fanning her face. Just then gets a whistle from someone passing by. She looks over her shoulder at the back of her dress and notices the force of the wind caused the back of her skirt to get tucked into her black lace G-string! She grins and blushes a little, straightening out the back of her skirt. "I'm going to have to add THAT little experience to my sex-blurb! I think I need a drink!" she laughs.

"I as well, ma chere." Andre says as they get in line. A tall man in a suit checks everyone's ticket as they walk through the door. Once they enter Andre seeks out the bar and gets them both a drink. When he returns he is smiling. "So far I have seen very good work here." he says. "What do you think of these?" he says pointing to a sculpture.

Gwen takes her drink from Andre and studies the statue. "Hmmm...I think you might need to explain some of these to me...because if the artist thinks that looks like 'birds in flight,' I either have no imagination or the artist was smoking crack!" she grins and takes a sip of her drink. It tastes really good, but the alcohol has no affect on her.

Andre nods chuckling to himself. "Yes modern art it is called. I am not sure what this artist was trying to say but it is not birds I see. It looks much like a phallus oui?" he says shaking his head.

Gwen laughs. "You're right! Hmmm...something's definitely 'in flight' but it's not birds!" she continues laughing and joking.

"Gwen, so nice of you to join us," Count Ortiz says as he walks over to them champagne in hand. He raises his glass. "I want to thank you for coming. It is so good to see a fellow nova here."

Gwen turns and nods pleasantly to the count. "Thank you for inviting me! Raoul, this is Andre Corbin. Andre, this is our host, as I'm sure you already knew!" she introduces them formally.

"Ah yes, Andre Corbin, or Bender as they call you." Raoul says extending his hand. Andre looks down at the hand and then smiles back up at Raoul. "I'm just a guest here for the lady eh? Let us not assume we are friends."

"Of course. So Gwen," Raoul says turning his attention back to her. "What do you think of this painting over here. It is one of mine." he says motioning towards the painting of a beautiful woman in flight. "It was inspired by you of course."

Andre shakes his head and rolls his eyes.

Gwen raises her eyebrows in surprise and turns to look at it. She studies it and then grins. "Why Raoul! You've been spying on me, haven't you!" she teases. She studies it a little longer. "I'm no expert on art, but I think it's quite good! But let's ask the expert!" She turns to Andre. "What do you think, Andre? Did he get my body right?" she asks, wiggling her eyebrows and smoothing her hands down her sides.

"Non, he did not, ma chere. It is a pale imitation of your beautiful physique," Andre says taking her arm in his.

Raoul smiles broadly. "Well I haven't had the pleasure of seeing it as closely as you have I'm sure, but--"

"Count Ortiz! I know you're in there. Care to step outside!" A loud voice from outside the huge plate glass window says. Everyone turns to see a man with platinum hair wearing a red and white outfit with a platinum S on the front standing there. He is powerfully built and he crosses his arms looking intently at the Count.

"Excuse me," Raoul says to the both of them.

Gwen nods to Raoul, and then studies the new man intently for a moment. Something about him is fami-- oh wait! It's Ethan!
Gwen turns to Andre grinning broadly. "Andre! That's Ethan!" she whispers. "It looks like he's finally picked out a uniform! Judging by the 'S' on the front, I'd say he's also decided to keep 'Supreme' as his nova-name! We'll have to tell Caestus! I wonder what he's up to!"

Andre blinks. "This man is a fool to think he can call out the count. Or he's very brave. Mal will kill him for sure." he says.

Count Ortiz walks towards this man whom he recognizes as the man who stood up to Divis. The only man who could. They watch as Raoul walks to him and out the door, not being able to hear what they are saying. Suddenly Supreme takes the Count by the collar of his shirt and lifts him up to his face.

"Gods! He has a death wish ma chere?" Andre says incredulously.

Gwen's mouth drops open. "Don't worry-- Ethan can take Mal! I wonder what Raoul said to piss him off!" she whispers. "Usually Raoul seems so polite and calm! Same with Ethan! I wish I could hear what they're saying!" She grips Andre's arm tightly in excitement.

With a flick of his wrist Supreme sends Count Ortiz crashing through the plate glass, shattering it into millions of pieces. Raoul looks up dazedly at Supreme who stands there looking at him fiercely.

Gwen and Andre jump back a little to avoid Count Ortiz flying into them, and Gwen holds out her hand causing the glass that flies towards she and Andre to freeze in mid-air and then fall harmlessly to the floor.
"What the hell...??" she murmurs in surprise. She looks back to Ethan, and suddenly an idea lights up her eyes. "Come on, Andre...I need to talk to him!" she whispers, and then lifts up off the ground and flies carefully through the broken window.
"Ethan-- wait! It's Gwen!" she calls.