Chapter 4 – Love Song

(Sara Bareilles Version)

Apologies got huge AZZ long and schmoopy - didn't mean to but that's what happens when you watch angsty Dante and try to finish your stories.* just remembered I am typo queen and really should not proof at 3am.

'Could she be more obvious?' Lulu watched, astonished, as Rebecca put the moves on Dominic. How shameless could she be? Just a week before she'd been declaring her love to Nicolas and now…Lulu seethed as Rebecca leaned forward and smoothed down Dominic's perpetually unruly hair. It had been nearly 20 minutes since he'd sung that song and Rebecca was still over at his table, chatting.

"AHEM" Matt leaned into Lulu's ear and tried again, only much louder this time. Lulu jumped, giving him a guilty look. "I'm sorry Lulu – I hate to do this again, but GH just texted me. I gotta go – " He didn't like abandoning her but Epiphany's message said the patient requested him by name. Not that he'd be missed too badly. He enjoyed Lulu's company, but she'd spent half the night trying to not to look at Pirelli's table. Which was only fair because he'd spent half the night trying not to look at Maxi.

"Oh no - okay - " Lulu felt a little chagrined. Matt was handsome and successful – a real 'catch' and she'd spent most of their time together being annoyed by Dominic. She sighed. There was finality about Matt's smile that suggested he'd been very aware of her focus. Matt gestured to Patrick.

"Can you guys take care of Lulu? I got called in – " Matt gave his brother the high sign.

"It's no problem, we'll take care of Lulu" Robin's smiled reassuringly. Lulu looked up and caught Dominic's laughing glance. He couldn't overhear anything where he was but it was pretty clear he'd figured it out. Matt was ditching her a second time and everyone was rallying to "take care" of Lulu. He raised his glass in a teasing toast. Lulu was tired of everyone was planning her evening like she was a lonely maiden aunt who needed to be taken care of. It might be her future some day, but until then – Lulu would handle things in her own way.

"You know what, I appreciate everybody's concern, but Lulu will get Lulu home, thanks -" Of course this elicited protests around the table about it being "no trouble", "our pleasure" etc. Lulu was adamant. "I will be fine. I know how to get a taxi. C'mon Matt, I'll walk you to the door."

Dante felt his stomach drop as Lulu and Matt headed to the door. She was leaving. This was not in his plan. He'd been elated when it looked like Milo had finally come through. Dr. Matt had checked his phone and then he was standing to make his farewells. He hadn't anticipated Lulu following Dr. Matt back to GH. His distress must've shown on his face, Mr. Spencer chuckled under his breath and Rebecca tried to distract him.

"They must want to make it an early night." Rebecca gave Dominic and Mr. Spencer a friendly smile. "Why don't you two come over and join our table? It's so much more fun when you're in a group. " Luke gave her a bright, if slightly cynical smile.

"Well Ms. Shaw, that's a kind invitation. I'm winding up for this evening, but I'm sure my young friend will be delighted to join you." Luke wondered if the kid realized how much his face gave away. "Won't you, Dominic?" Luke prompted gently.

"Huh?...Yeah – Sure." Rebecca chose to not notice his distraction. He was staring as Lulu went out the door, but Rebecca didn't mind. All that meant was that the competition was gone. Dominic had wanted her before, now that Lulu was gone, she was pretty sure she could make him want her again. They both stood, but Dominic stopped to turn back to Luke.

"It was a really a pleasure to meet you." Dante smiled wryly. Mr. Spencer was pretty amazing. He shook Luke's hand ruefully. "Would love to talk more another day."

"Who knows what the future brings, Mr. Pirelli" Luke stood for the handshake and he clapped Dominic on the shoulder. Leaning in, he muttered under his breath. "Don't embarrass me."

"What? " Dante was confused.

"My princess will not be pleased with me for my behavior this evening but I can't help it. When I see a winner, I back 'em. Don't make me look like a chump." Mr. Spencer winked and handed him the rest of the bottle of Wild Turkey. Dante felt Rebecca grab his other hand.

"Nice meeting you!" She was polite Luke could see she could barely wait to drag the young man over to her table. Luke laughed and turned to leave. Not too long ago, he would've stayed to watch the drama unfold. But he was an adult now, and his wife was waiting. The door opened and a frazzled Lulu nearly bowled into him.

"Leaving so soon?" Lulu was frustrated. This evening had gone from bad to worse and it all had started with her father. If he hadn't run out on the party, Lulu could've enjoyed a quiet evening at the Q's. It might've been chock full of family drama, but at least she wouldn't have had to deal with Dominic. But no! Not when her Dad was around. It was so like him to sit with Dominic all evening, despite her feelings. Dominic was persistent and annoying and he thought he could charm the birds out of the sky, which of course meant her Dad had to be best friends with him.

"So you're just running off now?" It was so like him.

"What can I say, I'm missing my wife" Luke winked.

"NOW you're missing her!" Lulu was continually amazed by her father's audacity. "I hope she chews you out big time when you get back." Luke laughed as he realized his daughter looked the most like her mother when she was annoyed with him.

"I'm sure she will, Cupcake, I'm sure she will." Luke gave her a warm smile and kissed his daughter's forehead. "You'd better hurry up and get back in there. Your seat may be gone already." Luke whispered as he left.

Dante was relieved. Maxi had tried to shoo him away from the table, but Dr. Scorpio intervened, generously echoing Rebecca's invitation. Dr. Drake was delighted with the half bottle of Wild Turkey and immediately poured shots for himself, Dante and Rebecca. Dante was about to raise his in a toast when he heard the clack of high-heels coming toward the table. He knew who it was even before he smelled her perfume. She came to a stop behind him.

"You've got to be kidding me." Lulu looked around at the table. Maxi was obviously angry, but she was the only one. Rebecca hadn't even bothered to acknowledge Lulu's return and Robin had her reasonable look on. Patrick raised his shot-glass.

"The man came bearing gifts – I vote him on the Island." Patrick downed the shot.

"Why thank you, Patrick" Dante raised his shot in salute.

"I also welcome the presence of dulcet-toned Audacious One – who knew that underneath that brash exterior there was a heart and soul of an ancient Bard. Kudos -" Despite Maxi's audible sounds of disdain, Spinelli raised his glass of Orange Soda in salute.

"Thank you, Spinelli" Dante repeated his salute. Lulu was suddenly over this affected ceremony of male bonding. She crouched down low and whispered angrily in his ear.

"Are you going to wave that around some more or are you actually going to drink it!" The whisper blew against his ear, tickling gently – and his body reacted like she'd licked it. Logic told him it wasn't her fault. She didn't know his ears were sensitive, however, sometimes it felt like Lulu drove him crazy on purpose. 'It wasn't fair' he thought in frustration. Women could always tell when they were getting through to men, but the guys weren't so lucky. He laughed to himself. 'More proof that Mother Nature was definitely a woman. He quickly downed the shot and swung around to face her.

"Would you like some?" Dominic gestured to the bottle of bourbon but it seemed to Lulu like he was hinting at more. His voice was rougher than usual and there was something in his eyes – Lulu wasn't sure what – but it made them seem darker and slightly wild. She felt as though she was falling into those eyes, her breath faltering as she felt a sudden tightness and a ball of heat, exploding in her stomach. They were oblivious as they stared at each other, not noticing as they drew interested and concerned stares from the other inhabitants at the table.

"No no no no no no no - " The spell was broken as Maxi jumped up and grabbed Lulu's arm. "No you don't! Don't even – " Dante caught his breath and rubbed his head in frustration as Maxi dragged Lulu over to the Karaoke machine. He looked at Spinelli who shrugged it off.

"The fair Maximista is ever vigilant – " Dante gritted his teeth, clenching his fingers as he counted the number of people who'd gotten between him and Lulu tonight. One of the most persistent was rubbing his arm and muttering something..he wasn't quite sure what – when Maxi came over to drag her off as well.

"Lulu's a better singer than both of us. You don't need me." Rebecca tried to dodge Maxi's arm.

"We're doing a Maxettes song, we need ALL of the Maxettes!" Maxi commanded as she dragged Rebecca off.

"Okay. Maxi doesn't like me, does she?" Dante cocked one eyebrow at Spinelli. He watched as the nerd tried to answer diplomatically.

"Maximista often has her own agenda, often an agenda that none can comprehend but her. Have no fear Audacious One, what may seem like dislike may just be frustration at her immediate plans being foiled." Spinelli gave him a friendly smile.

Lulu laughed as Rebecca 's reluctance to join them became clear. Maxi was a force of nature when she was determined. Maxi had decided The Maxettes were gonna sing and that's what they were doing. Granted, Lulu had to remind her that Rebecca was part of their group, but once she did, Maxi was unstoppable. She ignored the little voice in her head that said it was an effective way to get Rebecca away from Dominic.

Coleman was thrilled to have the Maxettes back on stage, and Dante would've normally loved it as well. What guy wouldn't? However something about the girls' pose was vaguely ominous. Lulu was standing in a fighter's stance, legs splayed with hands on her hips. Maxi stood in the center, arms crossed, lips compressed in a grim line. Rebecca was to Maxi's left, looking a little disgruntled. 'Oh-oh' Dante looked over to Spinelli who had his hands clasped in front of himself, almost in prayer-like mode.

"I'm afraid Maximista does not like it when I side against her."

"You guys are in for it –" Patrick reached over to snag the bowl of nuts. Robin rolled her eyes and turned to face the girls.

The music started and almost immediately Dr. Scorpio laughed and clapped her hands. Dante looked at Patrick, he shrugged while Spinelli pouted into his soda. Dante wasn't really much of a pop music guy; if anything he liked bands with guitars, alternative bands or at the opposite end of the spectrum – great classical music. He didn't know this song, but the girls were dancing and he suddenly decided it was his favorite, whatever it was. In fact it was sufficiently distracting that he didn't really listen to the lyrics until Lulu took the lead during the chorus.

I don't need a man to make it happen/I get off being free
I don't need a man to make me feel good/I get off doing my thing

Rebecca was just going through the motions but Maxi and Lulu were almost militant. The girls broke out and strutted out into the crowd for the end of the chorus and the room erupted. People were clapping and dancing – or really half of the room was – all the because except for Coleman it was all women. Even Alexis Davis, who was usually pretty conservative, even when drinking, got to her feet. Dr. Scorpio didn't drink, but she suddenly laughed and ran out to join her cousin. Dante looked over at Dr. Drake who shrugged resignedly, as if to say 'Yep, now I'm in it with you guys.'

Lulu started the second verse. Dante noted with pride that her voice was the best, not trained, but strong and confident and on key. She also had more moves than the two other girls combined, he noted, as she danced gracefully in her stilettos. He turned back to the table and only to catch Rebecca dancing in his direction ('again' he sighed to himself resignedly), but then his heart did a little leap as Lulu beat her to the punch.

I want a love that's for real/And without that, no deal
And baby I don't need a hand/If it only wants to grab one thing

Subtlety was tossed out the window as she started singing directly to him, aggressively dancing around him to make her point. She was sexy and uninhibited, the slit in the skirt providing breath-taking flashes of thigh as she spun and sang. Dante wasn't sure how to take the song. She may've been telling him to go to hell, but it also seemed that she was warning Rebecca to back off. She did a couple of heart-stopping gyrations that had Dante contemplating pulling her down into his lap when she spun away and led the other girls back to the stage.

Lulu smirked as she thought about Dominic's expression. That's what you get when you mess with Lulu Spencer! She was pretty certain he'd gotten the message after she'd sang an entire verse directly to him. He might think he can charm everyone all the time, but she was on to him. They handed their mics off to Coleman who made the appropriate inappropriate remarks and strode confidently back to the table.

She heard Patrick giving Robin a hard time about joining in with the song and she couldn't help but giggle. She would never have thought that the proper Doctor Scorpio knew about the Pussycat Dolls, but everyone had their surprises. She contemplated bringing Robin over to sit with her and Maxi, but then Spinelli gave Maxi such a woeful look she abandoned Lulu with an apologetic glance and she immediately sat down beside him. Lulu suspected that the genius hacker was more socially savvy than most people thought. That hangdog look was far more effective than any smooth line Matt or Dominic could deliver. Lulu smiled to herself and pulled out her chair.

"Excuse me!" Rebecca's voice was a little shrill as she reached out to grasp onto the back of the chair. "That's MY seat." Lulu stopped, startled. Rebecca pointed at a glass in front of the chair. "See! I have a drink here, yours is over there." Rebecca pointed across the table. Horrified, Lulu realized she'd automatically gravitated to the chair beside Dominic.

Dante felt Lulu's humiliation like it was his own. He knew she hadn't been thinking when she pulled out that chair. Still riding high from her victory, she'd reached out very naturally to grab the chair that she thought was hers. He looked up at her, still frozen with one hand over her mouth, her pale skin turning a bright shade of pink. He tried to save the situation.

"Easy mistake, you and Dr. Matt were sitting here earlier – " Lulu shook her head, but didn't look up at him. There was silence around the table and then Lulu spoke in a strained voice.

"Maxi, could you pass my purse? I'm tired." Of course, Dante thought. She's bolting now for sure. There were some protests around the table but Lulu brushed them off. She couldn't look at Dominic. "Patrick, do I owe anything for the bill?"

"Nope. Matt's taking care of everything including your cab. I'll call right now." Lulu smiled her thanks but shook her head as Robin patted the chair beside her. "Have a great night everyone." She waved then turned to dash across the bar. Dante was on his feet before he knew it.

"You don't need to leave! The night's still young!" Rebecca stroked his arm, suggestively. Dante ignored her and tossed a couple of 100$ onto the table.

"What are you doing? " Patrick immediately tried to give it back. "You don't owe anything." Dante shook his head.

"That's for Rebecca and Lulu. " Dante stepped away from the table.

"No way man, that's too much and Matt has it covered. " Patrick stood up again. Dante shrugged.

"Matt's not here – is he?" Out of the corner of his eye, Dante could see Maxi smiling approvingly. "Don't worry about the taxi, I've got it." Dante pulled out his cellphone. Rebecca gave him a sulky look as he started dialing. He shrugged apologetically. "I'm sorry."

Rebecca watched him as he strode across the bar to the exit. She couldn't believe he was just going to abandon her like that. Suddenly she yelped as she felt a kick under the table. Incredulous she looked up to face a critical Maxi Jones.

"Give it up." She commanded. "It's all about Lulu."

Lulu stared up into sky, hoping against hope that the light breeze would cool down her overheated cheeks. What was she thinking? Right in front of everybody! If she knew Dominic at all, he would never let her forget it.

The door to Jakes' squeaked open and she dashed around the other side of the stairwell. Maybe it was cowardly, but she didn't feel like casual chitchat. Then she heard the footsteps…

"I can see you, Lulu." Dante sighed. There was no mistaking those long legs and the tousled blonde curls. Lulu stepped forward reluctantly.

"I don't suppose there's anyway I can get you to leave me alone, is there?" Dante wasn't sure, but he thought he could see a glimmer of a tear around her eyes.

"Ask me for something that isn't impossible and I'll be happy to oblige." His voice was low and gentle, without a hint of mockery. With a sigh, Lulu squared her shoulders and looked up at him. Her eyes were wide and vulnerable and Dante's only thought was how much he wanted to touch her.

He took a step forward, deeper into the shadows and for a moment Lulu felt a little frightened. From the first moment he'd looked tonight, she'd felt danger. There was intensity about him that she'd never felt before. His eyes seemed even deeper and darker in this light. Something flashed across them and she realized he was going to touch her. She flinched as he raised one hand and tentatively brushed her hair back from her face.

"The car should be here soon." Dominic's voice was warm and reassuring, just like his touch. Lulu figured that someone must've spiked her drink otherwise why did that one gentle stroke make her crave being in his arms? Something about him made her want to curl into his warmth and just cling to him. 'You're just lonely, idiot' she told herself. That's all that was. If Matt was here, she'd be feeling the same thing. Or so she told herself, completely forgetting that Matt had danced with her and sat with his arm around her most of the evening. Something in her expression must've given her away because Dominic's hand slid down to her nape and stroked.

"So, where's Rebecca?" Lulu broke the spell by stepping into the bright light. Dante sighed. There it was.

"I think she's still inside."

"I thought you guys were together." Lulu gave him a challenging smile. That made him laugh.

"Yeah? Where's Maxi?" Dominic's eyes were clearly laughing even though he didn't have that stupid smirk on.

"Maxi?" Lulu gave him a confused look.

"Yeah. I thought you guys were together." Dante grin was wicked.

"What?" He wasn't implying…

"Let's see, what were the lyrics? I don't need a man to make me feel good..." He gave her his best deadpan as Lulu sputtered in shock.

"Oh, you'd like that, wouldn't you – "

"Yep." Dante admitted not at all sheepishly. "I mean, not if I had a chance with you but if I don't - Maxi's my second choice."

"You so don't have a chance with me now" Lulu spotted the taxi pulling up and strode past him. Angry, she still managed a cheerful wave at the driver. He pulled to a stop and rolled down the window.

"Hi, car for Pirelli – right?" Lulu's smile fell.

"Um, no – Spencer?" The driver shook his head. Dominic was suddenly beside her. He nodded to the driver.

"Hi, car for Pirelli and Spencer, thanks." For Lulu that was the last straw. It was a long irritating night and she'd betrayed a lot more than she wanted to. She just wanted to go home. She felt tears welling up.

"I really can't deal with this today – I can't." She turned away as Dominic popped open the door. "Never mind, I'll walk." Dante could hear the tears in her voice and it destroyed him.

"Lulu, c'mon! I wasn't trying to – " He sighed roughly, running his hands through his hair. "I just wanted to see you home, safely. That's all."

"Oh yeah? That's all, huh – " Lulu tried to sound skeptical but that was hard to do when your mascara was running.

"Look, it's been a long night. " Dominic felt his habitual calm beginning to fray. He usually maintained control of his prodigious temper but the Wild Turkey had frayed his nerves. He caught his breath "I just…I wasn't going to sleep well tonight unless I knew you got home okay."

"Hey are we going somewhere or not?" The driver stuck his head out the window.

"I don't know, Lulu, are we going somewhere or not?" Dante gestured to her. Something about his expression told her that he was being sincere. He did just want to see her home safely. Suddenly ashamed, she bit her lip and nodded.

Ten minutes later, the driver looked as his two passengers with a sigh. Lovers' quarrel. He knew the signs. Shouldn't go to bed angry. He made an executive decision to take the scenic route. He turned up the radio to give them some privacy.

At first Lulu just stared blindly out the window, trying to get a hold of herself. It had been a weird night. First, having to track her father to Jakes for Karaoke night, and then finding him with Dominic; Matt getting called away and then the incident with the chair, it was all...too weird. It must've been for Dominic as well. She'd really put him through it tonight.

She turned to face him. He sat there, staring at his hands, uncharacteristically quiet. She realized as annoying as his smirks were, she hated seeing him upset even more. He'd gone to Jake's to hang with his buddies and found her instead.

"You know, I'm sorry for overreacting." Lulu could hear her voice faltering. He turned to face her, eyes serious.

"About what?"

"The joke about Maxi and me, um, you talking to my Dad – everything." Lulu decided that the worst thing about apologies was that when the person didn't accept it immediately, it got more and more awkward. He smiled, strangely and shrugged it off.

"It's cool." Dante was exhausted. Lulu went from tearing his heart out to contrite in under sixty seconds. She Lulu was nothing if not surprising. "It wasn't a good night for me either."

"Oh," Lulu bit her lip, realizing she hadn't even considered what his night had been like. He turned toward her and reached for her hand.

"I know it seems like I don't take things seriously, but – " Dante caught his breath, was he really going to admit this to her? Lulu gave him a curious stare and then Snow Patrol was on the car radio.

What if this storm ends? And I don't see you /As you are now /Ever again
The perfect halo /Of gold hair and lightning /Sets you off against /The planet's last dance

"I hated seeing you with Dr. Matt tonight." Almost reflexively, Dante clutched her hand tighter. "It drove me crazy. "

Lulu was astonished. He sounded sincere and slightly ashamed. She'd known he was attracted to her but she thought it was just his ego, because she was a challenge.

"I – uh" She shook her head, not quite ready to say anything. He leaned forward, slowly pulling her closer.

"I might be wrong, but – it seemed like you didn't like seeing me with Rebecca either." Lulu opened her mouth to deny it, but Dominic was looking at her so openly, everything was in his eyes and she suddenly couldn't deny it. She looked at their clasped hands.

Just for a minute /The silver forked sky
Lit you up like a star /That I will follow

He tilted her face back up to him. He wanted to see her reaction. He needed to see her eyes, the flush of her skin, the way her eyes dilated. They drove past a street lamp and she was lit up for a moment, luminous and vulnerable. Her eyes were cautious, but vulnerable. When he realized at that moment, she was open to him he lost control and took her mouth with a hungry cry.

Now it's found us /Like I have found you
I don't want to run /Just overwhelm me

He felt surrounded by her scent her softness. Everything on Lulu was silk, her hair – her skin. He couldn't stop touching her. He felt himself tighten and with a compulsion born of need, he slid his arms around her waist and pulled her closer.

Lulu couldn't help crying out as she felt his heat. The quivering inside her tightened as he starting kneading her against him, biting at her lips with soft that little nips that made her moan. She slid her hands up into his hair and gripped tightly, pulling him closer.

I want pinned down /I want unsettled
Rattle cage after cage /Until my blood boils

Dante almost howled as he felt the car pull to a stop. He didn't want it to end because he knew there was a good possibility Lulu would conveniently forget about this tomorrow. He took one last kiss, and with a regretful sigh, pulled away. Lulu looked stunned. The driver tapped on the window.

"Winslow Garden Apartments" The driver watched as the girl nodded and grabbed her purse. The guy shook his head.

"Don't even try it, Lulu." She looked like she was gonna argue, but the guy gave her a look and she thought better of it. She opened the door to hop out, but the guy grabbed her hand and held it for a moment, then turned it over and kissed her palm. That rattled her so much that she nearly flipped getting out of the car and the guy smiled, the first genuine smile of the car ride. They both watched as she walked safely into her apartment. The driver smiled to himself - he knew they'd settle things. He turned back to his remaining passenger.

"Kelly's?" The guy nodded and sat back with a sigh.

I want to see you /As you are now
Every single day /That I am living

THE END