Chapter 6

Robert and Anna had spent the day cleaning and had finished shopping for what they needed, now it was time to go talk to Mac. They had called him earlier to say they wouldn't be there for dinner this evening. When they walked into the living room Mac was just coming down the stairs. "Hey you two, where you been all day?" he asked with a smile.

"Over at the Brownstone," Anna answered as they were all seated.

"The Brownstone, how come?"

"We need to talk about making a change," Robert told him. "We are going to move in there. So we can have our own place."

Mac knew they had already talked about it and wanted to move back here, he just hadn't thought they were in such a rush to have their own place. "You want an apartment at the Brownstone, I didn't think there were any open," Mac said, sounding a little confused.

"The little attic apartment was." She grinned at Robert. "It's so cute and perfect for right now," Anna explained happily. "We don't need much but we need somewhere that's ours." She loved the idea of living there. At first, she was a little unsure but not now. After spending the day cleaning it and setting everything up the way they wanted it, she couldn't wait to put out some of their pictures, to add a few touches, to make it their home. She could tell Robert felt at ease there as well. That was what was most important to her.

Robert cleared his throat then looked at his brother, "I haven't really been sleeping since we started staying here. I think that's because of the memories connected to when this was our home and when Anna was taken from me."

Mac hadn't even thought of that. It had never occurred to him that even though it had been years, all of that was still very painful for both of them. For Robert that time had led right into the hell he spent the last twelve years in. "Robby, I totally understand. Besides, it looks like you're excited about this," he said, turning to Anna slightly. He saw her smile, Mac could tell they both wanted to do this. If they want to settle down here again it makes sense they'd want to have a place of their own.

"I am." Anna was now holding Robert's arm, leaning against him. Excited didn't really describe what she was feeling. Elated maybe, ecstatic even. This morning she never would have thought she could be this happy about moving into an attic apartment. Yet here she was feeling like this was the best thing possible. Today they had made more progress in reclaiming their life than they had with all the work trying to find out who was behind what Robert was put through. Actually working towards having a life together felt perfect. After all this time they are back together and are going to get the life they have always wanted.

"I think we should still mostly work on the case here or at headquarters," Robert suggested. He looked at his brother, hoping he would understand the need for private personal space. A place that he could relax in but that was his, well theirs. This is about freedom from the past.

"I agree. All the files are here and that way when we head home we are actually getting a break from this," Anna offered in agreement. She knew Robert was right to want to keep that separate, their apartment needed to be their refuge from all the other stuff. Especially from this part of their past.

Mac grinned at them both, "Then you're around if I need someone to talk to but you don't feel like you're imposing or that kind of thing." Mac understood it couldn't be easy for them being here thrust into the drama that was happening in his life either. There was more than enough in their own lives for them to deal with.

"Well, there is that too," Robert agreed with a grin.

"When do you think you'll be able to move in there?" Mac asked. He was happy for them and wanted to know a little more now.

"Well, we could probably take our bags there tonight and finish getting settled in over the next day or two," Anna told him. It suddenly occurred to her she really wanted to do this as soon as possible. Maybe as much as Robert did. This house wasn't their home any longer. It hadn't been for a long time now. It didn't feel right being here, she was even feeling that now. They needed to keep the past there and this place was their past. Their future is waiting for them in a little attic apartment. She looked at Robert, this will be the first time since they were first married that it will be just the two of them living together.

"I get the feeling you both want to do that. Go there tonight, get settled in as soon as possible."

He saw the look in her eyes, he could see his beautiful young bride shining back at him. Was she thinking about that time too? He grinned then leaned in and kissed her nose. "Yeah, I think we need this," Robert said as he turned to Mac. "If this is going to help me sleep then the sooner we do this the better it is. Besides, me and Annie have always wanted this."

"A little place, all our own," she whispered close to his ear, her arm slid around him.

Mac didn't hear her but knew Anna had said something that made his brother smile. "Yeah, alright. Did you need a hand with anything?"

"No, it's not like we have a lot of stuff here. Besides, all my worldly possessions fit in two suitcases," Robert told him with a laugh.

Mac got a little laugh from that too. His brother hadn't really changed at all during the time he was away. It made Mac feel a little better knowing that. He felt confident that with time Robert'll be the man he always had been. Having happiness, being loved, Robert has all he needs with that wonderful woman holding on to him. He was so happy for them both, with everything that they had been through this was exactly what they both deserved, to be happy together.

"Thank you for understanding, Mac. We need to do what's best for us," Anna added.

"I know you do," he said with a smile. "I'm just happy you're both here. That you're both alive and that I am going to get to see a lot more of you now." Mac was grinning at them. "I don't care where you live, well as long as it's in Port Charles."

That made them all laugh, then Anna and Robert got up. They both gave Mac a hug then left the room heading up to the spare room. They started getting their things together, Anna couldn't believe it had been just this morning they had been talking about Robert not sleeping enough here. All their things were packed and as they were about the leave again, Robert held up the envelope of pictures, "Looks like we'll be putting a few of these up soon."

Anna smiled over at him, "Yes we will, it'll be great and make it feel like home right away." They smiled at each other then he followed her out of the room. They said goodbye to Mac then they were out the door and on their way back to the Brownstone.

Once there they parked they walked hand in hand to the front door. As Robert reached out to open it Anna started to speak. "It seems a little strange coming here but also very fitting." Anna grinned, "Living at Bobbie's Brownstone, I think this makes it official," she said with a laugh.

Robert smiled, "Yes it does. Lookout, Port Charles. We're back!" Then he opened the door and made their way up to their apartment.

In three trips they had everything upstairs and had started putting things away. All that they had with them was quickly in its place. Anna did love that there was a nice big closet and that she would have room for her clothes and shoes. She stood in the living room looking around. The kitchen was small and the table really could only fit three people but that was fine with them. The furniture and decor might be a little dated but Anna knew it wouldn't take her long to make it their own. The room was bright and had a warm welcoming feeling. The best part was the very sexy man that was here with her, she thought with a smile. She had been watching him all evening. The man she thought she had lost forever is wandering around their apartment. The one they have just moved into together.

She turned and looked around once more then walked over to lock the door. Privacy wasn't the only good thing about living here. It also offers a little security if someone does come looking for Robert. Mac's house and the hotels would be the obvious places to start looking for him. A chill ran through her, Anna hated that she was thinking like that but their safety did have to be considered. If someone does show up, they need to have time to figure that out. Time to prepare for whatever might happen next.

Anna went to check on Robert, she needed to be near him. He had said he was going to make the bed after they had finished putting their clothes away. When she walked into the bedroom, Anna smiled. There laying across the bed, in only his jeans, was Robert sound asleep. He was on his stomach but at least he was mostly on his side of the bed.

Anna walked over and sat down beside him. She reached out and put her hand on his back, gently running her fingers over the scars there. "I hate what was done to you. Now that I have you back I will always protect you just like you've always protected me," she whispered then leaned in and kissed his shoulder. Anna got up and got ready for bed before coming back and cuddling in beside him. She had just started to drift off to sleep when she felt him move, getting under the covers with her. As his arms went around her waist she moved closer to him. With his chin now on her shoulder and her snuggled against him, they both drifted into a deep sleep. Their first night in their new home was one of peaceful slumber.

…

Robert woke up first but was relieved when he saw the sun coming through the curtains. He felt rested this morning as well. It was just after eight so he got up and got ready for the day. He was by the counter drinking coffee when Anna came into the room. "Good morning, Luv. Sorry to fall asleep on you last night."

"Don't be. We finished what we wanted and you needed the sleep. When I found you I crawled into bed and went to sleep too."

He grinned, "I vaguely remember that." Robert leaned in and kissed her as she got to him. "Coffee," he offered.

"Yes please."

He poured her a cup and passed it to her, "Other than needing to do a little more shopping, what are our plans today?"

Anna smiled, she had made it very clear there were a few things they still needed to pick up last night. "We have, what is it, thirty files that we want to go over again. Those are the ones that seem serious enough to warrant a violent response."

"Yeah, something like that."

"Do you want to start going over those or should we take the day off?"

He raised an eyebrow, "Oh, I think taking the day off is a good idea. A day to just relax after we finish getting settled in." He put his hand on her hip, "I want to talk to Guy and Sean, the four of us should go over those files together. The more of us thinking about them might spark the memory about the case we need. Now that we know the BlackBox orders were lifted I'm more convinced that this is connected to something the PCPD was working on not the WSB."

She nodded in agreement, "Yeah, getting Guy involved is a good idea."

"If you give me a few minutes I will whip us up some breakfast then we can go shopping." Robert smiled seeing the happiness on her face. He was as excited about this as she was, this is the first real step he has taken at starting his life again and it felt incredible.

They now have an apartment. A little home, all their own. Anna is here with him not only loving him, but she has his back. "Marry me!" It caught them both off guard but they both smiled at each other seeing the surprised look reflecting back at them. Then he got down on one knee and took her hand. "Marry me? Anna, you're my wife in my head, in my heart, in my soul. Marry me!"

"Aren't we waiting for paperwork?"

"We don't need that for you to say yes," he beamed up at her.

Anna pulled on his hand, making him stand up again. "YES! Yes, I will marry you again." They throw their arms around each other, kissing passionately. This was all either of them wanted. Making it legal only made sense.

The paperwork has been filed and it shouldn't be much longer before they hear the divorce has been finalized. Did that even matter since Robert had been declared legally dead? Holly had been as well and it affected their last marriage so there would be no chances taken this time around. They both knew that there was no need to talk about it. None of that mattered to them at the moment anyway.

Robert and Anna spent the rest of the day getting the things Anna wanted, including several picture frames. They had a late lunch at the Grill, then they talked to Sean and Guy who both agreed to meet them at Mac's the following morning. It was now late afternoon and Robert was hanging the last of the pictures as Anna instructed him as to where they should be, making sure they were straight.

Again Anna was hit with how incredibly wonderful all of this felt. It might be twenty-five years later, but she couldn't help but compare this to their first marriage. To the things they talked about doing, the things they wanted after leaving the WSB. This would have been the type of place that would have suited them perfectly. Nothing big, nothing fancy, just theirs.

"Is that the last one?" he asked as he turned around. Anna was standing watching him, her eyes drawing him in.

She knows this man better than anyone and he knows her just as well. They have lost each other twice and she never wanted to go through that kind of pain again. He saw the look in her eyes and stepped to her pulling her into his arms. "I love you, Robert." She started planting kisses on his lips. "I want us to be married as soon as we can be. Nothing fancy I just want to be your legal wife."

"That sounds amazing, Annie." He picked her up as her legs wrapped around him. He turned so he could lean them against the wall. Her hands skillfully undid the buttons on his shirt as he planted kisses along her neck. The hunger in their touch, growing with every moment. "I need you, Anna!" Breathing heavily Robert turned and carried her to the bedroom.

…

Anna was very surprised with herself, leaving a hickey on Robert's neck. The fact he couldn't be bothered to even try hiding it made her grin each time she noticed it. Last night they had a lot of fun breaking in their little apartment. The intensity, the passion, she couldn't get enough of him and he was doing everything she likes and he did it often.

Guy and Sean were both here, all of them going over these case files with a fine-tooth comb. They didn't hide the fact they had noticed it but at least the teasing had been minimal and had all but stopped after lunch.

They were on the fifth case and her head hurt already. Tearing these cases down, dissecting them, determining what the motives had been. It was a lot and she knew they were all feeling the mental strain.

"What if we're looking for something that was uncovered but you had only just started the investigation?" Guy pondered out loud.

"No, this was someone that did not want to risk their actions coming to light."

"That's why these have unresolved elements to them," Robert pointed out. "That was one of the things I was aware of when going over them. If it was clear there were still unknown parties involved. I want to look at those ones more closely. Was there a party that was overly interested in the investigation? Would that party have the means to carry out what was done, or finance it?"

"And you're certain this wasn't someone connected to the cartel?" Guy asked. He knew they had basically ruled that out but he was still wondering about it.

"Yes. Faison would have known then. I'm sure of it. If Faison knew he would have found sheer pleasure in the fact he could flaunt that he was in control, that I was his prisoner." Robert was positive about that now. There was no way this was done by Faison, it wasn't his style. He would have been involved in Robert's torture, even if that sick bastard just watched. Robert would have known he was doing that to him. They nodded in agreement then got back to work.

Anna was watching Robert as he focused on his work. He's eyes, she could see the drive and determination in them. Her gaze moved over his beautiful face, then to his lips. Lips she couldn't look away now and her mind started to wander. Before she knew it she was thinking about the night before. About what she wanted to do again once they were alone. The agent part of her knew they should be working but the woman madly in love and giddy with happiness wanted time alone with her man. Robert had always been in shape, a long lean muscular frame that is now in a very well-defined form. One she wanted to run her fingers down. Oh, how she wanted to touch him, kiss him. Who was she kidding, she wanted him.

She got up and walked over to Robert. First putting her hand on his shoulder, then running her fingers along his neck up into his hair. "I think it's time we all take a little break. I can't focus on this stuff anymore at the moment." Robert looked up, he knew that touch. He saw the desire in her eyes he knew would be there.

Sean looked up then glanced over at Guy a grin on his face. It didn't seem like they were needed in here at the moment. "Let's go make a fresh pot of coffee. I brought over some snacks for us. I think it's time to get those."

"Oh, look who was planning ahead," Robert said as he reached back, finding Anna's leg. Anna's other hand moved to his chest, smoothly she undid a button and slid her hand inside his shirt.

Guy smiled over at Robert and Anna then he got up and followed Sean out of the den. As soon as they were alone Robert pulled Anna onto his lap. "I can't keep my hands off you," she admitted with a seductive smile.

"I don't mind," he responded as his hand plunged into her hair pulling her closer and kissing her deeply.

Breathing heavily after the kiss, Robert looked into her eyes. "Once we are home, I'll let you have your way with me." Even if they wanted each other, they both knew had to slow down.

Anna smiled, "Oh goodie, I'll make sure you have just as much fun as I do." She leaned in and kissed him then they both laughed. They had no intention of getting carried away here but had needed a little time in each other's bubble. Anna leaned in and as she lightly kissed his neck she started speaking. "I've always had a little weakness for a certain man. Now that he's my fiance I guess I got a little caught up, thinking about what you do to me."

"I see nothing wrong with that."

Anna leaned back and smiled at him, "I knew you wouldn't" Then she put her hands on his cheeks, "We are going to find what we're looking for," she said with determination.

"I know we will." He kissed her tenderly then she put her head on his shoulder, holding each other close. When Sean and Guy returned with cheese and crackers they were still sitting the same way. Anna smiled and stood up after giving Robert another quick kiss. Guy had a fresh pot of coffee as well. The familiarity of this was actually rather comforting, even after all these years. The team was all here working together to solve the latest mystery. Anna felt certain they will find what they need and hopefully, it will be soon.

…

"What do you mean, Hans is missing?"

"Just what I said. He's missing. He went on holiday like me. We were going to contact each other after two weeks and he never did."

"So first you fools let Scorpio go when he was still fine and now you're telling me your brother couldn't find his way back after a week of rub and tugs?"

"Scorpio was not fine! I swear he wasn't! He never spoke of his family. He'd stopped asking about them years ago. He was a shell of a man when we dumped him off in that flophouse."

"You seem awfully sure about that. I wouldn't be if I was you."

"What, why?" Mattias was no longer sure he was here for their final meeting. Had something gone wrong? Why was he talking like Scorpio was fine? How would he even know about what had become of him?

"If what I've heard is correct. Robert Scorpio not only knows who he is. He's already back in Port Charles."

"What? No! How? He had no idea who he really was. I know that for a fact," Mattias insisted.

The man just nodded slowly, he didn't believe a word coming from this man standing before him. "As for Hans, if he's missing I'm sure that fool has been picked up by the authorities. I can't have that happen again." In one smooth motion, he raised his gun and put a bullet between Mattias Sohlmann's eyes. The silencer doing its job, no one would be drawn to the scene yet. Turning he calmly walked from the alley, that was one loose end he wouldn't have to worry about now.