AN:

Sorry about the delay in posting. Between my own birthday and school starting I've been uber scarey busy.

On the up side I'm touched at how many people seemed to enjoy this pairing. It's always nerve wracking when you post something new. And for those of you who are wondering yes I have more McLiz fics planned.

~Kelly~


Chapter Two

Port Charles Grille was one of the last places John wanted to be at. The formal restaurant made him uncomfortable and that didn't count how he felt about the tie. He wondered once again why he had allowed himself to be talked into this. Then he remembered Elizabeth's pleading face. She so rarely asked anyone, let alone him, for anything it made turning her down when almost impossible. Someday he was going to learn to say no to the young woman. Although it clearly wouldn't be any time soon.

"You must be John. I'm Laniey," the young doctor said when he approached the table. Elizabeth had certainly been right about the dark brooding vibe.

"Nice to meet you." he said shaking her hand. "Elizabeth... actual she told me nothing about you."

Laniey chuckled at the comment. Her friend had been very tight lipped about John as well. "I know what you mean. I still can't believe I agreed to this."

"Me either. I have to keep reminding myself that Elizabeth means well."

A half hour later John was once again began to regret saying yes. Laniey had many good things about her but she was far too serious. He supposed it was part of being a shrink. After all Dr. Collins was the same way before meet Lucy. John however wasn't attracted to the quality. Being a cop was tough, enough he wanted a woman he could at least relax around.

Reminding himself once again that his friend meant well John took a deep breath. He could almost hear her say that anyone was better than Carly. To be honest most of the time he agreed with her. The blonde had ripped his heart and ego to pieces but that didn't mean he wanted almost the exact opposite. When this- date was over he was going to have a long talk with Elizabeth.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Are you insane?" John practically demanded to know the moment Elizabeth answered the phone.

She sighed at his tone of voice. It could only mean one thing John and Laniey didn't hit it off. "I take the date didn't go well."

"That might be the understatement of the century. What were you thinking?"

"That Laniey isn't Carly." she replied almost hesitantly. It was hard to keep a clear mind about anything that had to do with Carly Benson. The woman had wrecked havoc all over Port Charles.

He sighed and closed his eyes. John knew Elizabeth had her own issues with Carly. Issues that had nothing to do with him. "Elizabeth I'm okay really."

"I hate that she hurt you."

"I hate it too but that's in the past. I promise." he said gently

"Okay." she agreed deciding not to argue with her friend. John was nearly as stubborn as she was especially about his personal life. Instead she said, "I'll do better next time."

"What? What do you mean by next time?" he demanded to know. He had absolutely no plans to go through this hell again.

"Laniey was just a test run John. I hoped you two would hit it off but I knew it wasn't likely. She's not exactly your type." Elizabeth pointed out with a little laugh. It was so amusing to mess with John.

"And you expect me to agree to this?"

"You already did. Look, I already have someone in mind. She's a better fit than Laniey I promise."

John groaned at Elizabeth's excitement. 'Someday.' he thought before saying. "I can't believe I'm actually considering this."

"Is that a yes?"

"It's not a no. How's that?"

Elizabeth grumbled on the other end briefly before sighing. "I guess it'll have to do for now."

"Go to bed we'll talk more tomorrow."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"I take it that was John?" Robin asked when Steven finally hung up the phone. There were few people her husband would hold a conversation with for that long.

"His date didn't go well."

"That's not a shock." she said with a laugh. "What was Elizabeth thinking setting him up with Laniey?"

"Who knows? What's even crazier is John agreed to let her set him up again."

"Wow he has it bad doesn't he?"

Steven nodded in agreement. It didn't take a genius to figure that out. "I almost wish he'd do something about it at this point."

"Any ideas why he won't?"

"Oh I have lots of idea but with John you never know. I swear he's worse than Lizzie at least with her I can pull the big brother card with John it's pretty much hopeless."

"You'll think of something." Robin said pressing a soft kiss to Steven's lips.