1 The Same Coin

Chapter Five: Honeymoon In Vegas (pt A)

By: Jessie

2 Las Vegas-Five Hours Later

It was done. As of ten minutes ago, Antoinette Skye Chandler- Quartermaine was now Mrs. Michael Corinthos Jr. Sonny repeated it over and over in his head. Antoinette Skye Corinthos. His wife. Those simple words evoked so many emotions in his two selves. The monster in him felt satisfied with the way his plan was going and eagerly anticipated the response from his enemies. But when he looked at his wife, the man in him felt jealous and possessive. He had forced her to marry him, knowing that she was most likely in love with Jax, but somewhere deep inside him that knowledge tore at him. He needed to put some distance between them so he could regain his focus. Freeing his sister was his highest priority; he couldn't lose sight of that.

"Johnny," Sonny said, " Mrs. Corinthos looks tired. I've arranged for a car to take her to the hotel suite. Please see that she's comfortable and protected."

"Of course, Mr. Corinthos," Johnny answered.

Sonny took Skye's arm and led her out the front entrance. He looked at her pale face and felt a twinge of guilt. Seeing the dark purple rings under her eyes, he realized she must be exhausted. The chauffeur opened the car door, and Sonny helped her into the backseat.

" Get some rest," Sonny said gruffly, " We'll talk later." He shut the door, not giving her the chance to reply. Johnny climbed in the front and the car drove away. Sonny watched until the car was out of sight. When he saw a second car pull up, he opened the door himself and climbed in. He had business to take care of.

****NYC-1984****

It had been a week since the night of the opera, but Michael hadn't been able to stop thinking about that girl. She was beautiful, yes, but there was something else about her. He remembered waiting for her to come out of hiding. This time, however, he did nothing to attract her attention. He waited until her eyes were focused on the stage, and then he looked his fill. He spent the next hour watching the opera through her responses to it. He watched her intently until he heard soft weeping beside him. He turned to find his mother crying. Alarmed, he asked her what was wrong and she tearfully explained the ending. He looked to the stage and listened as the lovers sang their final duet. Though he didn't understand the words, he could guess their meaning and he felt tears of his own stinging his eyes. Brushing them away, he looked over at the girl, and was mortified when he realized she'd seen him crying. This time, he was the one blushing. She smiled and wiped her own eyes. He saw her stand up and realized the performers had come back on stage. He and his mother stood up and joined in the standing ovation. A few minutes later, Michael turned back to look at her but she was gone. When he and his mother left the box and walked down into the lobby, he scanned the crowd, but she was nowhere to found. Frustrated and disappointed, he called a cab and took his mother home. Later, when he was lying in bed, he thought about her silky red hair and fell asleep wondering what it would be like to touch it.

A week later, he was still wondering. In an effort to get his mind off of this mystery girl, a friend had suggested he go on a double date, and he had reluctantly agreed. His friend had been right, the brunette on his arm was lovely, but he couldn't help wishing she were someone else. They entered the nightclub and were seated at a table near the stage. Michael checked out his surroundings. The name of the place was Suzette's and it was famous for it's 30's Era décor and it's live entertainment. He had never been there but it had come highly recommended. The waiter brought their drinks, and Cecilia, his date, began speaking to him. He had no real interest in the conversation, but he politely made small talk anyway.

Halfway through dinner, the emcee came out on stage to introduce the performer. Michael nearly sighed with relief. Cecilia was beautiful, but also very boring. He was grateful for any distraction from her mindless chatter. The emcee announced the singer's name. Antoinette. He couldn't explain it, but he felt this weird feeling in the pit of his stomach. The lights dimmed and the curtain rose, revealing a woman in a black dress sitting on a piano. And the woman had red hair. Michael's jaw dropped. The man at the piano began playing and Michael listened as Antoinette began to sing.

I can only give you love that lasts forever,

And a promise to be near each time you call,

And the only heart I own,

For you and you alone,

That's all.

That's all.

I can only give you country walks in springtime,

And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall,

And a love whose burning light,

Can warm the winter night,

That's all.

That's all.

There are those, I am sure, who have told you,

They would give you the world for a toy.

All I have are these arms to enfold you,

And a love even time can't destroy.

If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear,

You'll be glad to know that my demands are small.

Say it's me that you'll adore,

For now and ever more,

That's all.

That's all.

Antoinette finished the song and smiled out at the crowd. She'd always loved that song. The emcee came back on stage and helped her down from the piano. The audience applauded thunderously. She smiled and waved until, looking down, her eyes met a familiar face.



Las Vegas- hotel suite-present time

Two hours later, Sonny entered the honeymoon suite, tired but with renewed determination. He'd passed Johnny in the hall, and he told him Skye was sleeping. He walked quietly to the bedroom and found his wife, fully dressed, and fast asleep. Gently, he removed her dress and shoes and placed her under the blankets. He swiftly removed his own clothing, and wearing only navy briefs, he climbed in beside her. Sonny looked at the woman next to him and sighed. In another lifetime, he would have pulled her into his arms and held her while she slept, but now, he turned away onto his side, willing himself not to touch her. When he finally did fall asleep, he dreamt of things he hadn't allowed himself to remember, until now. Sometime in the course of their dreams, Sonny and Skye unconsciously did what they wanted, but their conscious minds would not allow. He put his arms around her and she willingly curled up to him and put her head on his chest. Together, they slept soundly, and for a short time, they were once again Michael and Antoinette.

-TBC-

Author's Notes:

The song lyrics are from the movie Introducing Dorothy Dandridge.

I've split this chapter into two parts with the second part hopefully coming out later this week. Thanks for all of the encouragement and for reading, I hope you're enjoying reading as much I'm enjoying writing!