“What are YOU doing here?” Zander demanded, giving Nikolas a shove. Caught off guard, Nikolas fell into the wall with a loud thud. On top of him almost immediately, Zander couldn’t wait for any explanation. “Why aren’t you with Emily? You worked hard enough to steal her from me. You here to rub it in my face?” The pain of his and Emily’s relationship ending was still fresh on his mind and heart.
Gia stood a few feet back, somewhat awed by the rapid change in Zander’s demeanor. “Don’t do this Zander,” she implored him, but she didn’t move to stop him. Nikolas could take care of himself.
Zander centered his rage on the man before him. “Answer me!” he insisted.
Wordlessly, Nikolas took Zander by his wrists and easily shoved him into the opposing wall. Zander’s face crumpled with pain on impact, his injuries flaring up, reminding him he was not well. “Nikolas!” Gia gasped, rushing to Zander. “What’s wrong with you? Why are you here?” Supporting Zander with her weight, she pulled him close as she glared at her ex-fiance.
Nikolas straightened his shirt before speaking. “I’m here with Kristina. We all came for Alexis,” he stated calmly. From their reactions it was instantly clear to him that Alexis had not yet spoken to Zander about his true connection to her. Nikolas took a step back, regretting the force he used to get Zander off him and to offer his hand to help the younger man would only result in more animosity. Not only would Zander reject it but also grow increasingly suspicious of why so many Cassadines, save Helena, had gathered here for a man they were allegedly not connected to. He would not sour his Aunt’s time with her son any further. By Zander and Gia’s near matching expressions, however, it appeared he had already done the damage he’d wanted to avoid.
“It’s good to see you both,” he said formally, nodding stiffly in their direction. “Excuse me.”
Zander took a few moments to regain his composure as both stared after Nikolas. “What the hell was that?” he asked. Not waiting for an answer and ignoring his newly tender frame, he pushed through the pain and moved after Nikolas. “Where’s Emily?” he called out. “Did you bother to keep her safe? Or was it just about winning and not about her? Did you use her up? Did you have your fun and then throw her away?” He threw each question with precision, his hurt laced into each remark, hoping to provoke the young Cassadine. He wanted this man to be just as wounded as he was. “Isn’t it normal for you Cassadines to treat women like whores?”
He heard Gia’s gasp from behind him and he stilled. The words had tumbled out of his mouth and he desperately wanted to take them back. Nikolas stiffened and he turned to confront Zander, his face dark, his scowling gaze locked onto his cousin. “Emily is just fine,” he stated evenly. “I did not have my fun and toss her away. She is protected. What I did to your relationship was at her request. I lied for her. I masqueraded for her. Yes, I later fell in love with her and that clouded my judgment but it was not my intention to do you any harm. I apologize for that.” His face tightly controlled, he bore down on Zander for his final remark, his dark orbs flashing with barely concealed hurt. The look surprised Zander and he found himself speechless. He didn’t understand it. “When I saw what had happened to you, I ended things with Emily.” A waver cascaded through his words as he continued. “I care deeply for her, but I cannot have a relationship with her. Not at this price. Not at any price.”
Nikolas’s mouth opened to say more but he decided against it. He nodded to Gia before striding down the hall.
Zander spun around and his heart dropped at the sight of Gia’s ashen face. “Gia, I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Yes, you did,” Gia disagreed, her chin trembling. “You were angry and hell bent on hitting back. So you swung.” Her arms folded tightly in front of her but she remained rooted in her spot. It gave Zander a sliver of hope that he could redeem himself.
“I swung,” he admitted.
Gia took in a breath. “You still love Emily.” She was grateful that Zander was alive and that their friendship was still in place, but she was damned if she would open her heart to him if he still wanted Emily.
It would have been automatic for Zander to say yes. Leaning against the wall, he let out a breath and absently ran a hand through his hair. It had been true once and he’d feverishly believed it for years. “She was my first love and for the longest time, I wanted her to be my only love.”
*~*
“Well, I will be hurting without you because I'll miss you so much.”
“And I'll miss you. See, right there, we'll be feeling the same thing. We'll still be connected. I -- I forgot to tell you the best feature of this heart. It's magically linked to mine. So every morning when you wake up, you'll hear me saying, "Good morning." And every time that you get discouraged, you just tune everybody else out. You'll hear me whispering in your ear, "Don't give up." And every night when you're closing your eyes, you'll hear me say, "I love you." Because that's what I'll be thinking. And every night when you close your eyes, you'll see what I'm dreaming -- two of us dancing under a street lamp, just me holding you.”
“You have to make me a promise, ok?”
“Anything.”
“The minute that I get home -- I don't care if it's raining, if there's three feet of snow -- I want you to take me dancing.”
“I promise.”
*~*
He let out a sigh, one that had been a long time coming. “I guess things changed.”
Gia bit her lower lip. “You wish they hadn’t?”
“It hurts,” he admitted. “I’ll always care about Emily, but I think I can see there are other avenues to take that second chance down.” He frowned. “Or is this my third chance?”
The lighthearted remark eased the tension as both let out a laugh.
“I am sorry about what I said,” he said sincerely. “That was stupid and hurtful to you.”
“It was. Nikolas and I were finished a long time ago, but I still felt it,” Gia acknowledged.
Zander stepped towards her and took her hands in his. “I don’t want to hurt you,” he said, his voice soft and solemn.
The quiet declaration melted any residual hurt feelings Gia held and as a token of her forgiveness, Gia’s face broke into a warm smile. “That’s good.”
“Yeah?”
She nodded. “Because I don’t want to ever stop being able to look at you and feel what I feel right now.” Her eyes widened at her admission. Had she really said that and sounded so casual in doing it?
Zander looked back at her with wonder. “How do you feel?” he asked in a hushed voice, daring himself to look into the soulful eyes that never failed to warm his spirit.
Gia hesitated. The past few weeks and months ran through her mind at a dizzying clip. He’d been through so much and was still recovering. Was it fair for her to do what she could barely hold back? Would it set him back?
Zander sensed her uncertainty and was certain it was centered on the trauma and drama of his life. “I’m not made of glass,” he reminded her gently.
“You’re just full of bullet holes.” Gia’s eyes twinkled with delight. She couldn’t resist the opener he’d left her and it was easier to play for laughs than deal with her intense emotions for him.
Zander shook his head and chuckled. “How is it that in one breath we can be deadly serious and in the next, laughing our asses off?”
“We’re both twisted?” Gia guessed and Zander let out a laugh. “Gluttons for punishment,” he added, swatting her backside playfully. The gesture surprised Gia momentarily but she quickly recovered. “Smart ass! You’ll pay for that!” she declared with a mischievous grin, her agile fingers reaching out to tickle him. Zander jumped back, letting out a yelp. “Hey! You know I’m ticklish! I’m recovering!”
“You just said you weren’t made of glass!” Gia said as she encroached on him. Zander held out his hands defensively. “After serious consideration I’ve changed my mind about that!” he quickly replied, his voice having rose several octaves as Gia came dangerously close to him. With another squeal he darted around her outstretched right hand.
“You scream like a girl,” Gia snickered.
“Nanner!”
Both stopped as they heard the tiny voice on the other side of the door just a few feet away. The door thumped a few times. “Nanner!” The voice became more insistent.
“Kristina?”
Gia nodded. “Nikolas said he was here with her. She must have been taking a nap.”
Zander gripped the handle, turning it several times with no luck. “It’s a bit stuck,” he grimaced.
Kristina, having heard his voice, giggled on the other side of the heavy door. “Nanner!” she shouted. “Mama!”
Gia moved to join Zander at the door. They both pressed against it and Zander pushed the knob and a moment later, they were in a hastily made nursery room. Toys scattered the general area and a small sleeping area sat in the corner. In the middle of the room, her curls in a mess and one foot bare, stood Kristina. She grinned at them both but turned her attention to Zander.
“Nanner!” she squealed, hopping up and down.
“Davy!” Zander said happily, swooping the small child into his arms. “I missed you!”
Kristina wound her arms tightly around Zander’s neck, thrilled to be reunited with her play buddy. “I’m so happy to see you,” Zander said, giving the small girl a warm hug.
Gia stood back, giving the two a moment. She knew that Zander and Kristina had bonded almost immediately after Alexis gave birth to her daughter. Seeing as how Alexis had always treated Zander with such great affection, it was no surprise to see how strong the relationship between Zander and Kristina was. They looked so much alike.
Gia froze. She blinked several times as she considered what she had just thought.
No. It couldn’t be.
She looked at the two once more, more closely this time. Kristina had always looked like her Mother, but now Zander’s features were coming into play and there were striking similarities between all three.
It was unmistakable.
The villa where Alexis had her child over 20 years ago. The great scheme to ensure Alexis followed the clues. Zander’s faked death. Nikolas and Kristina suddenly showing up.
Robert Scorpio.
It was all so clear now.
“Oh, God.”
“What’s wrong?” Zander asked as he placed Kristina on his shoulders with ease. By the looks of it, his aches and pains had faded the moment he saw Kristina. Seeing Gia’s dismayed appearance worried him. “Gia, what it is?”
Finding her voice, Gia could only think of one thing.
“We have to find Alexis.”
*~*~*~*~*~*
“Lil’ DJ.”
Dara smiled at the nickname and greeted her older brother with a warm hug. “RJ, it’s good to see you.”
RJ pulled back and examined the empty room. “Where’s the big dog?”
“Bathroom. Wants to freshen up. He’ll be back in a minute.” She took a seat, still tired from the long journey. “How’s Robert?”
“Regrouping. Everyone seems to be taking a 10 minute breather. Everyone but you,” he remarked, taking in her disheveled appearance.
“Stop hovering.” Dara gave a sigh as she felt RJ’s gaze on her. RJ frowned, unconvinced by her insistent reply. “Tell me about Cassadine,” he instructed, taking a seat on the ottoman in front of her.
“Which one?”
“The one that has you has you all wound up.” Dara’s head jerked up, irritation etched into her weary face. “He does not have me wound up!”
RJ sat silently, her instant denial only confirming his suspicions.
Dara glanced at him, knowing all too well what was going on behind the steely expression. “I can handle this. I’ve done a good job so far.”
“Is that for me or you to believe?”
Dara rubbed her forehead, feeling a headache coming on. “RJ, don’t analyze me.”
RJ shook his head. The wear and tear of the assignment was part of the life of a field agent, but this was different. “I’ve read the reports. I’ve seen the surveillance. This is different from other operations. I’m worried about you and your connection to Cassadine.”
The concern in his voice was evident, but Dara wasn’t about to admit that the lines of her responsibilities were blurring. She could handle it. She was sure of it. “I’m fine. My connection to Stefan is what it’s supposed to be. His closest advisor and confidante. Nothing more to it than that.”
RJ sighed. She was lying and they both knew it. “In any case, the assignment will be ending shortly. It’s been advised that you take a long vacation once Helena Cassadine is in our custody and all of her assets are frozen.” Cutting things off would be the best medicine. He didn’t enjoy the idea of his sister becoming even more entwined with the Cassadine family.
Dara felt her stomach lurch at the idea of this coming to an end. On one hand it meant happy reunions for everyone around her. It meant the capture and conviction of Helena.
On the other hand, it meant an immediate end to her life with Stefan Cassadine. She couldn’t ignore the fact that her heart ached at the notion. “Excellent,” she replied numbly. “I need a vacation.”
Nikolas and Stefan entered the room together. Both acted formal and cordial with each other, but the underlying tension between them was unmistakable. “Kristina is down for her nap. Zander and Gia will be down shortly,” Nikolas informed Dara. Stefan stood quietly to the side, his muted demeanor unchanged since his arrival.
“Nikolas?” Alexis and Victoire came from the kitchen. For the first time, Nikolas smiled and met his Aunt in the middle of the room. “Alexis, I’ve brought Kristina,” he informed her as the two embraced. Alexis’s face lit up happily. Both of her children were here. They were all together, finally.
“I’m going to need a moment alone with Zander,” Alexis announced to everyone. “Robert and I both do.”
RJ nodded and rose. “I’ll get Robert.” He had rounds to do during this time. “Maybe you should have a rest. You’ve been up a long time,” he suggested to Dara as she rose from her seat.
Dara gave a nod. She was dead tired. A few hours would rejuvenate her. She smiled as she passed Alexis. “Glad to be on the same side of the bench,” she chided her gently. “Thank you for everything Dara,” Alexis said sincerely. She’d always admired Dara’s tireless spirit and sharp intelligence.
Victoire had disappeared back into the kitchen, no doubt off to prepare a meal for an army with the growing number of guests who’d arrived.
“I have some things to look over,” Nikolas noted before bussing Alexis on the cheek. “I’ll keep an eye on Kristina.”
Finally, only Stefan remained in the now tranquil room. Alexis seemed to glow with unbridled happiness. He could do little more than watch. Without a word, he crossed to her and enveloped her in arms. “I could feel no more joy than if it were my child,” he whispered tenderly. “This day is yours, dear sister. Your son, my nephew will take his rightful place in our lives.”
Tears brimmed as she felt his soothing words. “Thank you for being here, Stefan.”
“Mama!”
Alexis whipped around, the sudden movement sending the tears cascading down her cheeks. She let out a delighted laugh at the sight of her giggling daughter sitting proudly atop the broad shoulders of her handsome son. “Look at you two!” she announced with enchantment.
“She wouldn’t sleep,” Zander said as he took Kristina easily from her shoulders and swung her into the waiting arms of Alexis. “Here’s Mama!” he said with a smile.
Stefan’s heart constricted at Zander’s words. One look at Gia showed that not only did she already know, she felt the same sentiments that he did. It was infectious. Soon, everyone would see the bond Alexis, Zander and Kristina shared.
Alexis gazed at her son, unblinking in her love for him. Feeling her eyes on him, Zander let out a chuckle. “What is it?”
“We need to talk. You and I and Robert,” Alexis replied softly.
“We’ll give you some time,” Stefan said smoothly, holding his arms out for Kristina. It was important for Kristina to be with her Mother and brother, but this moment would be far too emotional for the rambunctious chatterbox. “Shall we go for a walk little one?” he queried the wiggly child with a broad smile.
Knowing and trusting her Uncle, Kristina hopped into Stefan’s arms. “Gia?” he said with a nod towards the doorway. Gia nodded quickly, getting one last look at the Mother and son. This was a private moment.
Zander eased into the chesterfield with a wince. Perhaps he’d hold off lugging Kristina on his shoulders for a few more days. “So what do we need to talk about?”
Alexis took a seat next to him, suddenly nervous. She didn’t dare touch him. She knew she’d fall apart and she couldn’t do that now. At least, not until Zander knew the whole story. “We’ll wait for Robert.”
“What for?” Zander frowned. What did he have to do with anything?
“I think I know.”
Both turned. Robert completed the package.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Nikolas entered Kristina’s small room to find it messy and empty. He sucked in his breath, panic filling him. Robbie strode past him in the hallway. “She’s with her Mother,” he informed the young heir, not breaking his stride as he continued his rounds.
Relieved, Nikolas moved to the next room, which he’d arranged as both his temporary office and sleeping quarters. Knowing full well that his abrupt departure from Port Charles would leave both the board members at GH and various other companies Cassadine Industries worked in conjunction with in a state of concern, the next hour or so would have to be devoted to them. Then he would deal with the necessary work he’d brought with him.
It didn’t take long for him to become knee deep in contract orders and disputes with management in the London firm when a gentle knock came to the door.
“Come in!” Nikolas called as he tapped away at the laptop he’d brought with him while simultaneously dictating to his assistant back in Port Charles through the hands free cell phone. “I want the memo sent out to all of our European firms. I’m not happy with the lax in communication over the last few months,” he noted with a frown as he glanced over a few notes she’d sent him through e-mail.
He glanced back to the door, expecting to see Stefan or even Gia. He saw neither.
The Knapp girl. She stared at him impassively, her hands filled with a tray of tea and various treats. He almost dismissed her as she set the tray down near his bed when curiosity got the best of him. Ending the call and pushing aside the folders, he smiled politely. “Anais Knapp?”
She gave a small nod.
“I am Nikolas Cassadine. Thank you for bringing the tea and treats.”
Anais shifted her weight and glanced around him to the laptop on the desk. “It was Victoire’s idea,” she replied. “You’re the Cassadine Prince.”
“Yes.”
Anais frowned and shoved her hands into her pockets. “Are you Alexandre’s brother?”
Nikolas’s smiled faltered. Anais studied him closely. “No, Zander and I are not brothers.”
“You look like him.”
“Do I?” He could picture the similarities in their features but had never considered there was an actual resemblance.
“You don’t like Alexandre, do you?” It was a posed question, but Nikolas could instantly see that Anais was testing him. He imagined that she and Zander had become friendly, but there was a hint of testiness in her tone that suggested more.
“Not entirely.”
“He doesn’t like you.” She smirked slightly. “I saw your fight in the corridor.”
Nikolas arched a brow. “Did you now?”
An affirmative nod was followed by another curious look to the laptop. “You bring work with you?” She wrinkled her nose in distaste. Why on earth would anyone choose to work when there were horses to ride and paths to walk on and bikes to ride?
“The life of a Cassadine Prince isn’t as exciting as one might assume. There is much responsibility involved.”
“And power?”
Nikolas stilled at her remark. “Yes, there is power involved.”
Anais’s expression noticeably darkened at Nikolas’s reply. “Are you a powerful man?”
“I can be.”
“Are you like other Cassadines?” Her brow cinched as she stood in front of him, as if in some sort of showdown with him.
“Whom are you referring to?”
“Helena Cassadine.” Her haunted voice echoed in the room and for a moment, Nikolas had no idea of what to say. Anais let out a shaky breath. She normally did not dare speak the name of her Mother’s killer to anyone, let alone a perfect stranger.
“No. I’m not like Helena.”
Anais blinked twice, as if snapping out of some reverie before darting out of the room. Nikolas sat motionless as he heard her footfalls grow faint. Absently he reached forward and poured the tea, wanting to quench his suddenly parched throat. Anais was a curious young child, but there was also an unsettled darkness that left him somewhat shaken. Pressing his lips to the teacup, he inhaled the tea gratefully. His expression soured almost immediately.
Anais Knapp was sending him a message.
The tea was icy cold.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Transcript courtesy of cam328 at The Heart of Zem
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