Chapter 9

Finding Jason and some girl in Sonny's office was the last thing Gia expected but given this new information she was unsure exactly how to react. She and Jason were over a long time ago. In fact to be honest there never was much between them to even consider a relationship. A few stolen kisses… an embrace or two… sighing heavily as she entered the hospital Gia realized what she shared with Jason was merely a lot of what ifs, maybes, and should have beens. They came together at a time when both were struggling with who they were. Gia… being rejected by both Sonny and Mike and Jason... still struggling with the after effects of Robin's departure. The moments they found… the time they shared soothed the wounded soul and strengthened them for what was to come. As Gia quickly changed she pushed thoughts of Jason far from her mind as Kamar came into the lounge.

Kamar- [smiling] Hey sweetie.

Gia- [smiling] Max...

Kamar- Glad to see you in a better mood…

Gia- Yeah well...

Kamar- [coming to quickly hug her] Good...

Gia- [pushing away from him] What are you doing here?

Kamar- Ok… [laughing] it's good to see you too…

Gia- No... [playfully hitting at him] you know what I mean... you aren't on rotation and…

Kamar- Well… [lowering his voice] I heard some rumor...

Gia- [whispering] What did you hear? Better yet who was it about?

Kamar- [looking around making sure no one was coming] You…

Gia- Me...

Kamar- Yeah… I heard Oliver got to you for real and now you were trying to make up some excuse for not coming in.

Gia- [laughing] Shut up... I could have been seriously injured...

Kamar- [looking intently at Gia] But you weren't right?

Gia- No… [shaking her head] I'm fine but…

Kamar- But?

Gia- [deeply sighing] My car... [slowly shaking her head for the effect] my car...

Kamar- What about your car?

Gia- The idiot that ran into me pretty much ripped off what was left of my poor bumper… [shaking her head] the back of my car is smashed.

Kamar- [surprised] And you weren't hurt?

Gia- [smiling] Nope… Marcus looked at it and said it be cheaper to get another car.

Kamar- I never understood why you were driving that piece of junk anyway considering...

Gia- Considering?

Kamar- Your brother is Sonny Corinthos... you could have you pick of cars. Why would you...

Gia- My dad... [softly] my step-dad gave me that car... besides that "piece of junk" is what got me to Port Charles. It was a classic before...

Kamar- [laughing] Yeah a classic piece of junk.

Gia- [laughing as she playfully hit at him again] Shut up...

Kamar- What kind of car you looking at now?

Gia- I don't know... Marcus is taking this weekend to look at some cars.

Kamar- What about Sonny?

Gia- What about him?

Kamar- Sonny didn't offer... I mean...

Gia- Well if I get to talk to Sonny I'm sure he would...

Kamar- Get to talk to him? Where is he?

Gia- [shrugging her shoulders] Don't know... had to leave suddenly but he'll be back tomorrow or the day after. Besides if I asked Sonny now Marc would...

Kamar- Blow a gasket...

Gia- [smiling] That's putting it mildly. [quickly checking her watch] Look I gotta go before Oliver comes and tries to rip me a new one...

Kamar- [whispering as the door suddenly opened to Dr. Oliver] Too late...

Dr. Kyan Oliver looked at Gia and the scene with great displeasure. After meeting Gia she vowed to break her of her spirit and will. Gia had everything laid out before her and she would never knew what it really meant to struggle. Gia would never know exactly why Kyan hated her with everything that she had.

Dr. Oliver- [looking from Gia to Kamar] This does not look like work to me.

Gia- I just got here and...

Dr. Oliver- [rudely] Well you are late. You should learn to pay closer attention to a clock from now on.

Gia- [softly] Ok whatever… I will...

Dr. Oliver- What was that?

Gia- I said I will.

Dr. Oliver- I would think so. [looking at Kamar] What are you doing here? You are not on schedule?

Kamar- Came to check on Gia... she was in an accident yesterday and I was concerned...

Dr. Oliver- [looking back at Gia] I hope you don't use that as an excuse for mistakes you make today.

Gia- [looking down] I won't...

Dr. Oliver- [after a momentary silence] Well what are you waiting on? The sick could care less about your accident.

Gia- I… I...

Dr. Oliver- [as she shuffled through her locker] Learn to prioritize Dr. Campbell... the world does not revolve around you.

Gia- I didn't say that it did...

Dr. Oliver- [looking at Gia with a smug look on her face] Excuse me... you're not attempting to disrespect an attending...

Gia- No... I do not appreciate... [stopping as she noticed the look on Dr. Oliver's face] I apologize. My priorities are in order... I was headed to the board to see where my help is needed when you came in here and...

Dr. Oliver- [shaking her head] You have a lot to learn...

Gia- And I am trying...

Dr. Oliver- Not hard enough... [shoving a chart at Gia] go and check on the patient in curtain two.

Gia- What is wrong with him?

Dr. Oliver- [angrily] So now I am to do your job too huh? I gave you the chart… he is your patient… do your job.

Gia- I apologize...

Dr. Oliver- [shaking her head] Like I said Ms. Campbell… do your job or you'll be finished here before you start.

Before Gia could respond Dr. Oliver slammed out of the lounge leaving her rudeness and attitude behind. Kamar could see Gia's emotions as they flooded her face.

Gia- [wiping quickly at a stray tear] See what I'm talking about...

Kamar- [softly] It's ok Gia...

Gia- No it's not ok.. she does not treat anyone else this way... [shaking her head] just me.

Kamar- Then report her...

Gia- [shaking her head] That'll make it worse...

Kamar- You have to do something or...

Gia- I am doing something...

Kamar- What?

Gia- [softly as she headed out of the lounge] My job.

Chapter 10

The entire ride to the hospital Nikolas and Stefan fought over the purposefulness of him going. As they waited for the doctor to tend to Nikolas they continued their arguing.

Nikolas- [running his hand through his hair] How many times do I have to tell you Uncle that I am fine?

Stefan- The last time I checked you did not have a license for practicing medicine.

Nikolas- [aggravated by his attitude] So!

Stefan- So… until you are checked out by a doctor…

Nikolas- Stefan... Uncle... when was the last time you rode a horse?

Stefan- Quite recently… why?

Nikolas- [shaking his head] The better question... when was the last time you fell off a horse?

Stefan- [realizing what direction his questioning was leading] Nikolas…

Nikolas- This is embarrassing... I do not need a doctor…

Stefan- Humor me Nikolas.

Nikolas- I don't need this...

Stefan- Then I can have a room prepared for you at Wyndermere...

Nikolas- [angrily] I told you I was not staying at Wyndermere.

Stefan- Then I suggest you sit here and remain silent until someone comes to check on you.

Nikolas- This is ridiculous…

Stefan- No… what is ridiculous is your attitude. Whether you want to be here or not this is where you will be staying until I am satisfied with what I hear.

Nikolas- You do not have to treat me as if I am a child Uncle…

Stefan- I see this will be a reoccurring theme...

Nikolas- What?

Stefan- You proclaiming your adulthood. You as well as I both know how old you are. As well as we both know that in less than a year's time...

Nikolas- [fanning his hand] The world will be at my feet.

Stefan- That's not what I had planned to say… had you listened I would have informed you…

Nikolas- Uncle we went through this at Wyndermere... and I truly do not wish to go into it now.

Stefan- Nikolas this attitude of yours…

Nikolas- [leaning back on the examination table turning away from Stefan] Ain't going no where...

As Kamar and Gia slowly walked to curtain two he did all he could to get her mind off of the encounter she just had with Dr. Oliver. By the time the made it to curtain two Gia was again smiling momentarily forgetting the harshness she received from Dr. Oliver.

Kamar- See I told you… you're going to marry me.

Gia- And you know this how?

Kamar- See… only the man you love… the man you're going to marry can make you forget everything the wicked doctor of the west just said to you.

Gia- [smiling] I don't know about all of that but I'm glad my friend was there when I needed him.

Kamar- Friend… [clutching at his heart] that's pretty much the kiss of death… we might as well part ways now...

Gia- [laughing] Oh please... believe me you… if I kissed you the last thing you would be doing is leaving.

Kamar- Are you offering?

Gia- [smiling as she slowly opened the curtain] We'll see…

Kamar- [smiling as he slowly walked away] I think I like the sound of that…

Gia- [smiling as she pushed back the curtain] I just bet you do… [looking finally at the chart in her hand] Well Mr. Cassa… [looking up at Nikolas] you…

The sound of the curtain being pulled back drew Stefan and Nikolas out of their heated disagreement. As he turned to see Gia standing before him Nikolas could not keep the grin from spreading across his face.

Nikolas- [smiling] I see we meet again.

Gia- [shocked] What… what are you doing here?

Nikolas- I was told an angel would tend to my injuries.

Gia- I don't know what game you're playing but...

Stefan- [coming to stand beside Nikolas as he looked at Gia] How do you know this young woman?

Nikolas- [smiling broadly] By chance...

Stefan- Nikolas...

Gia- [shaking her head] He destroyed my car.

Nikolas- There wasn't much to destroy...

Gia- That's beside the point... had you paid attention to what you were doing...

Stefan- What is this about?

Nikolas- [looking intently at Gia] The accident...

Gia- Which you caused...

Nikolas- This was the driver of the of the other "car" involved in the accident.

Stefan- [turning to Gia extending his hand] I am sorry that you were inconvenienced by my nephew's actions. My sincere apologies...

Gia- [slowly shaking his hand] You don't need to apologize...

Stefan- If there is anything we can do...

Gia- It's not necessary...

Stefan- If you would prefer someone else to examine Nikolas...

Nikolas- Uncle...

Stefan- I would understand.

Gia- No... I'm fine. We were in an accident...

Stefan- Which you claim Nikolas caused.

Gia- He did… but regardless to whose fault it was I have a job to do. [turning to Nikolas] What… why are you here?

Nikolas- I had the unfortunate pleasure of falling off my horse.

Gia- Are you in any pain?

Nikolas- [slowly smiling] Not since you arrived.

Gia- Excuse me?

Nikolas- I believe your smile has healed me.

Gia- I haven't smiled at you.

Nikolas- [smiling] Exactly... and I think time is running out...

Gia- What?

Nikolas- [slowly raising an eyebrow at her] I think you better smile at me quickly or else I might have a relapse of some sort…

Gia- [smiling despite herself] I don't think that's likely…

Nikolas- Yeah probably not... [smiling] especially now that you have smiled at me.

Gia- [smiling] Ok... whatever... [turning towards Stefan] has he been complaining of any pain?

Stefan- No...

Gia- Were you there when he fell?

Stefan- No but moments after it happened I arrived to Nikolas trying to rise himself off of the ground to which he appeared quite unsteady.

Gia- [looking at Nikolas] Did you hit your head?

Nikolas- [slowly looking Gia up and down] Yes...

Gia- Did you black out or have you been bothered by a headache since your fall.

Nikolas- No...

Gia- That's good. I see someone been in here to check your vitals…

Nikolas- I must say but I do believe I was wrong.

Gia- [slowly checking his chart] About?

Nikolas- Whether angry or not you are quite beautiful.

Stefan- Nikolas...

Nikolas- [slowly smiling] Just stating the obvious...

Gia- Thank… thank you.

Nikolas- [intently looking at her] I should be the one thanking you...

Gia- I need… [taken back by how he was staring at her] I need to check for any tenderness and/or lacerations on your head. I need for you to move forward to the end of the table and lower your head.

Nikolas quickly moved forward anxious to be close to Gia. Moving in between his legs to examine the back of his head Gia was acutely aware of how close they were.

Nikolas- [softly] You smell… [slowly inhaling as he stretched out the word] delicious…

Stefan- Nikolas…

Nikolas- She does…

Gia- [softly as she felt Nikolas's breath on her neck] Thank you. If you feel any pain let me… [pausing as Nikolas gently placed a hand on her waist] I need you to tell me if there is any pain.

Nikolas- Your hands are so soft…

Gia- I think you should…

Before Gia could finish Kamar interrupted the moment.

Kamar- I apologize for the interruption but Dr. Campbell there is someone here to see you.

Gia- [quickly backing away from Nikolas grateful for the distraction] Can… can it wait?

Kamar- [pointing toward Mike as he stood a few feet away a worried look on his face] I'm sorry…

Gia- [looking from Nikolas to Stefan] If you all will excuse me I'm afraid I must handle this. I'll… [noticing the smile on Nikolas's face] I'll return shortly.

Leaving the curtain open Nikolas and Kamar watched as Gia went over to calm Mike. Knowing that he had probably learned of the accident Gia calmly tried to assure him that she was fine. Reaching out Mike softly caressed Gia's face before pulling her into a tight embrace.

Gia- [softly] Mike… I'm fine…

Mike- I just heard…

Gia- You were out of town when it happened or I would have called and told you about it myself.

Mike- I'm here now.

Gia- I didn't mean to make you worry…

Mike- [softly] I just found you… I can't lose you now.

Gia- [softly whispering] You won't…

Mike- [slowly moving away from Gia as he noticed the stares] I didn't mean… I didn't mean to cause a scene… but it's not everyday that you hear your daughter's been in a accident…

Gia- How did you find out? I was gonna call you when you got back in town but…

Mike- I overheard Taggert talking about it at Kelly's with your mom and I just about lost it when he said your car was totaled… I thought… the thoughts that ran through my head…

Gia- [gently touching his cheek] I'm fine… not a scratch on me. Just my car…

Mike- [fanning his hand as he placed them on his hips] I'll buy you another car…

Gia- [smiling] Thanks… that's the second offer I got.

Mike- Sonny?

Gia- [shaking her head] No Marcus… Sonny had to leave but I'm sure I'll get the same offer from him.

Mike- [slowly smiling] No Michael will demand that you ride in a limousine from now on…

Gia- [groaning] Oh God I hope not…

Mike and Gia continued to talk as Kamar and Nikolas watched from curtain two.

Nikolas- [to Kamar] Who's the old guy?

Kamar- Why do you care?

Nikolas- Just wondering…

Kamar- [looking quickly at Nikolas] And I'm just not telling…

Nikolas- [slowly smiling] What is Gia "yours"?

Kamar- Don't worry about it. Who are you anyway?

Nikolas- Someone you don't need to worry about.

Kamar- [turning to face Nikolas] Maybe I do…

Nikolas- [smiling] Am I stepping on sensitive toes or something?

Kamar- Who are you?

Nikolas- [standing as he readied to leave] Like I said someone you don't need to worry about…

Gia- [as she came back into the room to Nikolas standing] What's going on here?

Nikolas- I'm leaving…

Gia- But…

Nikolas- I feel quite healthy… as a matter of fact I sincerely apologize for wasting you time.

Gia- But your injuries…

Nikolas- [softly smiling] Your healing hands has soothed me of all that ails me.

Gia- Mr. Cassadine…

Nikolas- Nikolas…

Gia- Nikolas I think you should allow me to continue with your examination before you leave…

Nikolas- As I have told my Uncle as well as you I am fine and if by chance I feel any ill effects from my fall I will quickly return to your lovely face.

Gia- Mr. Cassa… Nikolas I still think it's best if you stay…

Stefan- I will have him watched and if I feel the slightest inkling of something amiss I will return him.

Gia- [slowly shaking her head] As you wish…

Nikolas- [stopping in front of her taking her hand] Until we meet again…

Looking quickly at Kamar a smirk covered Nikolas's face as he gently kissed Gia's hand. Nodding at Kamar Nikolas turned to leave followed closely behind by Stefan.

Gia- [softly as she turned to look at Kamar] What was that all about?

Kamar- [still looking at Nikolas as he slowly departed] What?

Gia- [looking at Nikolas] Him… you… the kiss on my hand…

Kamar- [softly] Your guess is as good as mine…

Chapter 11

Quickly walking away from Gia and Kamar Nikolas mused at Kamar's reactions to the simplest of his questions. It seemed Gia had a protector and before he could get any closer to her Nikolas knew he would have to find a way around him.

Stefan- [impatiently] Nikolas... Nikolas are you listening to me?

Nikolas- [stopping once they were outside turning to Stefan] What?

Stefan- I have been speaking to you since we left the examination room.

Nikolas- Well... [rudely as he placed his hands on his hips] what do you want?

Stefan- Nikolas... your tone of voice leaves much to be desired...

Nikolas- [fanning his hand] I apologize. Is there something wrong?

Stefan- What just went on in there?

Nikolas- [innocently] I don't know what you are talking about.

Stefan- Dr. Campbell...

Nikolas- [smiling] Just lightening the mood.

Stefan- Speaking of her beauty...

Nikolas- [smiling] She is quite beautiful... more than I first thought.

Stefan- [shaking his head] And her smell...

Nikolas- [softly] Intoxicating...

Stefan- Nikolas...

Nikolas- Uncle... I am a man. It is not my fault that I noticed these things about her.

Stefan- But you went out of your way to...

Nikolas- [fanning his hand] It's over with now... besides she did not seem to mind.

Stefan- [shaking his head] There is a time and place for such things.

Nikolas- I'll remember that next time.

Stefan- Nikolas...

Nikolas- Uncle...

Emily- [softly as she slowly approached Nikolas and Stefan] Nikolas… [as Nikolas turned toward her] Nikolas what are you doing here?

Nikolas- [unsure of who she was] Emily?

Emily- Yeah… [smiling] Emily Quartermaine... I met you at Kelly's... Lucky introduced us...

Nikolas- [softly smiling] Yes… I remember.

Emily- What are you doing here? [softly touching his arm] What happened… I mean is something wrong?

Nikolas- No...

Emily- But...

Nikolas- [a slow smile spreading across his face] Well... I knew you would be arriving here soon...

Emily- [softly] Oh…

Nikolas- [smiling] And now that you are we should make the most of it.

Emily- I was just... I came here to check in with my parents...

Nikolas- Parents?

Emily- Drs. Monica and Alan Quartermaine...

Nikolas- Surely you were here to see some young doctor or...

Emily- No.

Nikolas- Someone as beautiful as you...

Emily- No one... [slightly biting her bottom lip] no one was interested...

Nikolas- A pity... [smiling] on their parts of course.

Emily- [smiling] Of course.

Nikolas- Why the need to check in with your parents? You are of age correct?

Emily- Yeah... but you know how it goes. A little too overprotective... wanting to know my every move…

Nikolas- [looking at Stefan] Yes... I believe I know of what you are speaking.

Stefan- Nikolas... I think that it is time we leave.

Nikolas- [looking at Emily] You go ahead Uncle...

Stefan- Nikolas I think...

Nikolas- And I think I will escort Ms. Quartermaine into the hospital.

Stefan- Nikolas...

Nikolas- [turning his gaze to Stefan] I will call you when I return home.

Stefan- Nikolas...

Nikolas- [shaking his head] End of discussion... [turning back to Emily] shall we go?

Emily- You don't have to...

Nikolas- [offering Emily his arm] Believe me it is my pleasure.

Stefan- [as Nikolas and Emily slowly began to walk away] I will be expecting your call Nikolas.

Nikolas- [a slight frown on his face as he mumbled] I know... [flashing a smile he quickly turned his attention back to Emily] Lead the way...

Emily- [smiling] You know you really don't have to do this.

Nikolas- [smiling] I know but look at it as your way of rescuing me.

Emily- Rescuing you?

Nikolas- [smiling] Yes you saved me from an afternoon of the same continuos monotonous drivel I always seem to hear when I am in Stefan's presence.

Emily- Ok...

Nikolas and Emily continued to chat as they walked towards the ER where her parents were working. Hoping that Gia was still there on his return Nikolas was more than happy to walk Emily in the hospital. Having seen Gia he was intrigued by her and wanted to know more if not all there was to know about her. Discarding Emily once he came in contact with Gia again should be easy considering her parents were waiting for her.

Emily- [softly touching his arm drawing him out of his thoughts] Did I lose you?

Nikolas- [looking down at Emily] Excuse me?

Emily- [smiling] I asked you other than Lucky and your family who else in Port Charles do you know?

Nikolas- [walking with his hand clasped behind his back] Not many... after Leslie Lu appeared out of danger I returned to Greece and my life there.

Emily- So you don't know anyone?

Nikolas- Unfortunately no...

Emily- Then I guess I should introduce you to everyone's who's important huh?

Nikolas- If you wish to do so.

Emily- [smiling] Yes I wish...

Nikolas- [smiling] Fine. [seeing Gia and Kamar ahead of him] I must correct myself.

Emily- Huh?

Nikolas- I have since met someone in Port Charles upon my arrival.

Emily- Who?

Nikolas- I believe her name to be [slowly as he savored her name on his tongue] Gia Campbell.

Emily- [frowning] Gia... how did you meet Gia?

Nikolas- By accident quite literally... I ran into the back of her car.

Emily- Oh... [looking over at Gia] if I were you I'd stay away from her.

Nikolas- Why?

Emily- Just take my word for it... you'll be better off steering clear of her.

Nikolas- If you say so... [looking at Kamar and his closeness to Gia] and what of the young man with her?

Emily- Who Kamar?

Nikolas- [raising an eyebrow] Kamar?

Emily- Yeah... funny name but really sweet guy. I have no idea why he constantly hanging around her.

Nikolas- [softly] She is quite beautiful...

Emily- [frowning] Gia beautiful? [shaking her head] I don't see it but even if she was beauty only goes so far.

Nikolas- I guess...

Emily- If the attitude does not match... it does not matter how pretty that someone appears.

Nikolas- True...

Emily- And Kamar's too nice a guy to have to deal with that.

Nikolas- You seem to know much about Kamar... is there a story behind him as well?

Emily- We used to be involved...

Nikolas- [smiling] Really...

Emily- Yeah a long time ago...

Nikolas- So I don't have to worry about vying for your affections with him then?

Emily- If you want me... [quickly licking at lips] I'm all yours...

Nikolas- Well... [trying his best to keep his expression neutral] I'm glad that's the case. [slowly smiling] What kind of man is he to leave you for Gia...

Emily- [shaking her head] He did not leave me for Gia and they are definitely not a couple. Kamar has better taste than that...

Nikolas- Would it be too much to trouble you for an introduction?

Emily- Not at all... Kamar is someone you would want to meet.

Nikolas- [as they quickly walked toward Gia and Kamar] Thank you...

Emily- No problem at all... [standing beside Kamar softly touching his arm] Kamar... I want to introduce you to someone.

Gia- [shaking her head] Excuse you...

Emily- [frowning at Gia] Excuse me.

Gia- [mumbling] Is there ever one...

Emily- [rolling her eyes] Kamar I want to introduce you to a new friend of mine.

Gia- Hello to you too Emily...

Emily- [ignoring Gia] Kamar Maxwell I want you to meet Nikolas Cassadine.

Gia- [shaking her head as she smiled at Emily's actions] Kamar I'll see you later. [looking quickly at Nikolas] Mr. Cassadine.

Nikolas- [slowly nodding his head] Dr. Campbell...

Gia could not help but laugh at Emily's antics. For whatever reason she and Emily never got along. And it seemed their relationship only worsened after whatever she and Jason thought they had failed. Gia shrugged realizing her friendship with Kamar probably did not help matters as well. Before Gia could get deep in her pondering she was handed another patient and thoughts of Emily was pushed far away from her.

Nikolas- [extending his hand] Kamar...

Kamar- [reluctantly shaking his hand] Nikolas...

Nikolas- We weren't properly introduced before so I had Emily correct this.

Emily- [looking from Kamar to Nikolas] You all met before?

Nikolas- No… while Gia...

Kamar- Dr. Campbell...

Nikolas- [smiling] Dr. Campbell was attending to my injuries...

Emily- Oh my God... what happened?

Nikolas- [smiling] I fell off the proverbial high horse…

Emily- Huh?

Nikolas- I fell off my horse and Stefan insisted that I come here to be checked out.

Emily- Everything's cool though right?

Nikolas- Of course... nonetheless Kamar here came into the room while I was being attended to.

Kamar- Well since we've been introduced I think I'll be going...

Emily- [quickly touching his arm] Kamar wait... I need... I need to ask you something. [turning to Nikolas] You don't mind do you?

Nikolas- No... go right ahead I'll be here waiting until you are finished.

Emily- [smiling] Thanks...

Nikolas watched as Emily and Kamar went to the side to speak. While deep in their conversation Nikolas stole a few glances in Gia's direction. Regardless to Emily's objections whenever he looked at Gia all he saw was beauty. To be more exact exotic would be the word he used to describe her. Watching as she brushed her long braids off her shoulders Nikolas momentarily caught her eye and as she turned to look at him he briefly smiled and nodded in her direction. However before she had the chance to respond Emily came to reclaim his attention.

Nikolas- [pasting a fake smile on his face] That was fast...

Emily- Well yeah... just had to run a few things past him.

Nikolas- So what now?

Emily- How about lunch my treat…

Nikolas- But what of your parents? Shouldn't you at least speak with them?

Emily- I came... if they did not see me that's their fault.

Nikolas- Well...

Emily- [smiling seductively at Nikolas as she softly touched his arm] Besides I have a much better meeting in mind than what I would have had with them.

Nikolas- [smiling] Well since you put it that way…

Walking out with Emily Nikolas again stole a glance at Gia as she stood at the nearby desk looking over a chart. His breath caught as Gia returned his smile before she turned away from his gaze. His beauty smiled at him and he knew despite the ordeal of this lunch with Emily he would be survive it.

Chapter 12

Nikolas sat back thinking of Gia as Emily sped toward Kelly's. Since their first "meeting" Gia had been constant on his mind. Something about her captured his attention and he knew that until he had her as his own she would haunt him. As Emily chatted on Nikolas thought of how possibly he could speak with her again. Having her pressed against him as she checked his injuries made his breath quicken but he couldn't fake injuries just to get next to her again. Nikolas laughed despite himself at the image of him constantly in the ER and the look that would possibly cross her face.

Emily- What are you laughing about?

Nikolas- Just realizing that this is possibly the first time I was in a car with an attractive woman and I was not the one driving.

Emily- [softly] Is there someone in Greece waiting for your return?

Nikolas- No... like you not many seemed interested in me.

Emily- That's hard to believe...

Nikolas- How so?

Emily- A man as attractive as you...

Nikolas- [slowly smiling] You find me attractive?

Emily- [breathlessly as she gently bit her bottom lip] Yes...

Nikolas- [smiling] Thank you...

Emily- You can't be surprised by this...

Nikolas- Well...

Emily- [shaking her head] The women in Greece are either blind or dumb but then again...

Nikolas- [cocking an eyebrow] Then again?

Emily- It's good on my part... [slowly smiling] at least now I don't have to worry about anyone spoiling our fun.

Nikolas- Well then I guess that is good...

Emily smiled at Nikolas once again as she pulled into Kelly's parking lot. Breathing deeply Nikolas braced himself knowing he would run into Lucky and Elizabeth once in Kelly's.

Emily- [smiling as Nikolas held the door open for her] Lucky... Liz... look who I found lurking at the hospital.

Lucky- [turning toward Nikolas and Emily] Hospital? What happened?

Nikolas- [smiling] Nothing but a fall from my horse. Stefan demanded that I be checked out.

Liz- You're ok right?

Nikolas- Yes... I'm fine. As I was telling Emily earlier just a little overprotectiveness on my uncle's behalf.

Liz- What were you doing at the hospital Em?

Emily- Had to check in myself...

Liz- Oh...

Emily- [smiling] Yeah... which was good because I did at least convince Nikolas to let me take him to lunch so here we are.

Liz- [as Emily and Nikolas sat down] Well do you guys know what you want?

Emily- [looking intently at Nikolas] Yes...

Nikolas- [controlling his urge to laugh turning towards Elizabeth] You don't work here do you?

Liz- Yeah actually I do.

Nikolas- [turning towards Lucky] She is your girlfriend correct?

Lucky- Yeah...

Nikolas- And you allow her to work here?

Liz- He doesn't "allow" me to do anything.

Nikolas- I meant no offense...

Lucky- [softly laughing] And none taken. Liz works and lives here while she's in school.

Nikolas- You live here?

Lucky- Yes there are rooms above Kelly's... I live there as well. [at Nikolas's nod] it's just better that way for now.

Nikolas- I understand... [looking again at Elizabeth] again I apologize if I have offended you.

Liz- [softly smiling] Like Lucky said no offense taken...

Nikolas- Why don't you sit with us while we dine... [looking at Lucky] the both of you...

Liz- [noticing the look on Emily's face] I don't know...

Nikolas- Please... [standing to offer her a chair] I insist.

Liz- Maybe... maybe for a second...

As they leisurely ate lunch Nikolas and Lucky did their best to catch up on the years that passed while Nikolas had returned to Greece. Lost in their conversation Assuming Nikolas was unaware of what they were doing Emily and Elizabeth passed looks between each other. Elizabeth softly smiled as she read in Emily's eyes that soon Nikolas would be hers. Elizabeth had to hand it to Emily because when she wanted a man nothing would stop her and she was sure Nikolas would be no exception. The opening of the diner's door pulled Elizabeth out of her thoughts and she suddenly found herself staring into Jason's piercing blue eyes. Catching her breath she did her best to turn away from him without drawing attention to herself. The moment Jason entered Kelly's Nikolas noticed a shift in Elizabeth's demeanor and he couldn't help but wonder why he had such an effect on Elizabeth.

Liz- [nervously as she turned to Lucky] I... I... I have to go and take his order.

Lucky- [frowning] Let Penny take it...

Liz- She's on break and I promised her I would cover for her.

Lucky- [softly] Ok...

Liz- [a strained smile on her face as she quickly bent to kiss him] I'll... I'll be right back.

Lucky- Yeah... ok...

Nikolas- [sensing something off] Who is that?

Emily- [refocusing her attention on Nikolas] Who?

Nikolas- The guy who just entered Kelly's...

Lucky- [mumbling] Jason Morgan...

Nikolas- And he is...

Emily- He's my brother...

Nikolas- [turning to Emily] Should I be interested in knowing him as well?

Emily- Yeah... I guess. You want me to introduce him to you?

Nikolas- [softly smiling] If you don't mind...

Emily- [smiling as she stood] Of course not... come on...

Nikolas watched as Elizabeth nervously fidgeted while at the counter with Jason. Feeling the closeness both fought hard to hide Nikolas wondered what exactly the relationship Jason shared with her.

Jason- [softly as Elizabeth fumbled as she attempted to make his order] We need to talk…

Liz- [softly] I know but...

Emily- [coming to stand behind Jason] What are you guys talking about?

Jason- [smiling as he turned to his sister] Nothing but my lunch order.

Emily- [quickly hugging Jason] Oh ok... Jason I have someone I want you to meet. [turning towards Nikolas] This Nikolas Cassadine... Lucky's brother.

Jason- [extending his hand] Nice to meet you. [looking over at Lucky as he remained at the table] I didn't know Spencer had a brother.

Nikolas- [swiftly shaking Jason's hand] Yes... I reside in Greece and just recently have returned to Port Charles.

Jason- [nodding to Nikolas] Well I hope you enjoy your stay... [looking back at Elizabeth one last time before he left with his order] I gotta go... I'll see you around.

Emily- [quickly kissing Jason on the cheek oblivious to the looks between him and Elizabeth] See ya Jase... [touching Nikolas's arm] come on... come sit back down with me.

Lucky- How... [watching as Jason left] how long are you planning on staying in Port Charles this time?

Nikolas- I'm not exactly sure... when my business here is concluded I may return to Greece then or I may choose to stay longer...

Emily- [smiling] You should stay...

Nikolas- [smiling] Should I?

Lucky- [laughing] Yeah you should... hey I got an idea... why don't we all go out and celebrate you coming back to Port Charles.

Nikolas- A celebration is not necessary...

Emily- [smiling as she softly caressed his arm] It'll be fun...

Liz- [finally returning to the table] What'll be fun?

Emily- Lucky wants to take Nikolas out to celebrate him returning to Port Charles...

Liz- [smiling] That's cool...

Emily- [pouting] But Nikolas doesn't want to go out… and I'm trying to convince him to change his mind.

Liz- [smiling] Come on Nikolas it should be fun.

Nikolas- [slowly raising an eyebrow] Fun?

Lucky- [laughing] Yeah fun… come on how about it?

Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] Fine...

Lucky- Fine as in we're going out on the town and doing it up?

Nikolas- [smirking] "Doing it up?"

Emily- Partying... having a good time... you know...

Nikolas- [nodding] Yeah... I guess we can go do it up then...

Lucky/Liz- [in unison] Cool...

Emily- Good... [quickly grabbing Nikolas kissing him full on the mouth] and I can guarantee you that you will have good time.

Nikolas- [smiling struggling to keep from wiping his mouth after their impromptu kiss] I look forward to it.

Emily- [smiling] You should...

Nikolas- [standing] Thank you for lunch but…

Emily- You're not leaving are you?

Nikolas- [nodding] I'm afraid so… as much as I would like to I can't put off my uncle forever.

Emily- [pouting] But we barely had time to get to know each other. I mean...

Nikolas- [smiling] There will be other times.

Emily- [softly] Ok...

Nikolas- I'll speak with you later Lucky...

Lucky- Ok... I'll call you when we decide something.

Nikolas- [nodding] Fine... it was nice seeing you again Elizabeth...

Liz- You too...

Nikolas- [nodding] Emily...

Emily- [slowly smiling] Nikolas...

Once outside Nikolas quickly wiped his mouth removing all traces of her kiss. Looking at Elizabeth, Emily, and Lucky the last thing he saw was "fun". Sighing he headed back to the hotel ready to think of an excuse to get out of their evening of fun.