Sweet Sacrifice

Chapter: 1

Pairing: Robert & Holly

Rating: PG-13

The Nurse's Ball 2006

Holly Sutton Scorpio was sipping on her third glass of champagne as she and the Police Commissioner's wife, Felicia Jones, chatted with Dr. Monica Quartermaine about the upcoming charity fundraiser to benefit the new children's wing at General Hospital. Her days, hell her life, consisted of one charity function after another. It was one big party. One that served many, many cocktails with the always available option of the open bar in this distant incase someone felt the need for something stronger than wine and champagne. And Holly always did.

As she engaged in conversation her eyes immediately slid over to the bar where she spotted her husband ordering a drink. "Excuse me." she said to Felicia and Monica as she headed in Robert's direction. "Darling, it's almost time for your speech." she said, smiling. "I don't think now's the time for another drink."

Robert smiled as he turned to face his beautiful wife, the mother of his children, the light of his life or so she was, at least she use to be. The bartender sat down the scotch in front of him. "Thank you." he replied, grasping the drink in his hand and then turning his attention toward Holly. "Counting, luv?"

"Of course not." she replied. "It's just that I know how hard you've worked on your speech that's all."

He released the drink from his grasp. "You're right." he agreed. "I do have a very important speech to give. I'll have another drink after." he said sliding his glass toward her. "Here, knock yourself out." he told her. "You haven't met you quota for the day just yet, but then again it's still early." Robert placed a kiss on her cheek and then walked away from the bar.

Holly quickly downed the drink in front of her. He could be such a condescending bastard at times. Her husband, the father of her children, the so called light of her life. The Mayor of Port Charles. The man who was always so busy making sure that everything in town was exactly the way it was suppose to be, the way he wanted it. So much so that his own wife got pushed to the backburner. Except when he was whoring her out to do social event after social event all in the name of politics.

Being a politician's wife was a thankless, mind numbing, borderline painful job. Brunches and lunches and teas and cocktails and dinner parties were driving her to the brink of insanity. Having her every move watched and recorded and then later dissected by every news source in Port Charles had her walking over hot coals with a bright, cheerful smile plastered across her face. Now she knew why Elizabeth Taylor got so fat and depressed when she was married to Senator John Warner.

Robert gave his speech to the citizens of Port Charles who at the end of it gave him a four minute and nineteen second long standing ovation. He was such a commendable, honorable, well respected man. Holly set down her sixth glass of champagne when everyone rose to their feet to applaud him, smiling in what seemed like in awe of her husband as he turned and winked in her direction.

After it was all over Robert, Holly, Celia and Grant all climbed into the stretch limo, all of them a little intoxicated, to begin their journey home. It was two am and their energy was quickly draining.

"It was such a wonderful speech, Robert." Celia told him. "And I completely agree with everything you said. Port Charles has been free of crime the past twenty years we've lived here and raised our families and it should stay that away."

"And if drastic measures have to be taken then so be it." Grant chimed in. "The most important thing is the safety of the people in our community."

As they went on discussing politics Holly reached for the open bottle of wine they had opened on the way to the night's event. She would be so glad when the night was over. It had been one of the longest events in her entire social existence. She needed a drink stronger than wine. She needed peace and quite. She needed a sedative and two days sleep.

The limo dropped the Putnam's off at their home and then drove directly to the Scorpio's. The entire ride was silent and had been ever since they gave their warm goodbyes to their friends. When they finally arrived home Robert headed straight for the bedroom whilst Holly made a pit stop at the bar, pouring herself a highball of gin before proceeding to follow Robert up the stairs and into the bedroom.

He was already out of his tux and into his pyjama bottoms when she came, slightly stumbling, into the bedroom. She sat the glass down on the dresser and began rummaging through the top drawer until she found the nightie she was looking for.

"Robert?" she said. "Come unzip me."

He was already in bed underneath the blankets. "Can't you unzip yourself?" he asked. "I don't want to get back up, luv."

"Robert, get up!" she practically demanded. "Unless you want me to sleep in this eight thousand dollar gown and ruin it."

"Fine." he mumbled as he threw back the blanket and got up out of his warm bed, stalking over to where she was.

"I knew that would get you up." she replied.

Holly drew in a sharp, deep breath at the feel of his hands against her bare back. She leaned into his warm touch wanting nothing more than to feel his body against hers, loving her, holding her. She turned around to face him, the bodice of her chocolate, strapless dress dropping down around her waist. Leaning up she captured his lips in a soft, delicate kiss one that seemed to linger on for several long moments. She reached for his hand which was resting on her shoulder and guided it down until his hand covered her bare breast.

Robert broke the kiss, moving his hands away from her. "Not tonight, Holly." he sighed as he reached for the highball of gin she has set on the dresser. "I'm too tired." He consumed half of the drink in one long gulp and then sat it back down on the dresser. "Night." he mumbled as he headed back to bed leaving his wife standing in front of the dresser all alone.

Holly glanced in the dresser mirror as she removed her dress. At forty three she was still attractive, she had aged well and with grace, yet she couldn't seem to get her husband to touch her half the time. She glanced back over at Robert who appeared to be sleeping.

"Robert?" she called out as she made her way across the room and toward the bed. "Robert?"

"What is it, luv?" he asked never opening his eyes.

"I want to make love." she told him.

"Oh, Holly, I'm so tired." he said as he turned over in the bed. "In the morning."

She stood there looking at him for several long seconds. "Forget it." she mumbled as she headed for the bathroom, slamming the door behind her. "I'll do it myself."

How did it ever come to this?

tbc...