Hmm … what else? Oh I bow down to the greatness that is Stephanie, for her brilliance and her willingness to proofread. What should I send in homage to you oh Goddess of Useless Data? LOL!
Loke, thanks once again for an awesome reply. You put the biggest smile on my face and my head was huge for days. Hehe! ;o)
Cayla sorry it took me so long, but ta-da more Luke and Skye in this chapter. I hope you like.
So I'll shut up now, because if I don't I could babble on forever.
Chapter 5: Unexpected Complications.
The Next Day.
"So I was thinking we could go to the house in Caracas," Sage told her Uncle happily chatting over the breakfast table. Truly excited about making a fresh start she had spent the past few days packing up all her things. She was prepared to go at a moment's notice now, and was, in fact, looking forward to when her Uncle said they could finally leave Port Charles. "It's always been one of my favorites. The garden there," she bounced on her chair in the uncouth excitement of a schoolgirl she normally wouldn't display, "is the most beautiful place I think my Dad ever took me."
"Or maybe we can go to Tokyo?" she mused aloud again before he could respond. "The architecture there, and the pace of the city is unreal. I'd have to brush up on my Japanese though," Sage considered with a frown. "I was never very fluent with it. In fact, I think I got a D in it my last semester at boarding school. So let's not go there."
"How about Paris?" she asked her eyes lighting up. "Mon français est passable."
Lorenzo chuckled at his niece's atrocious accent. He loved seeing her this happy and excited. It was obvious that getting away from Port Charles was what Sage wanted and more importantly needed. He wanted to give her that, but at the same time wasn't yet ready to leave. A pair of mossy eyes had him captivated, and no matter how unwillingly he may be ensnared by them, he felt the urge to explore why it was so appealing.
"I know you would like to leave soon Sage," he started, "but I have something that I need to do here before I can go. I'm not sure how long it will take to handle it."
"Well we can… not leave?" Sage questioned, hurt flooding her dark eyes.
"I thought perhaps you'd like to leave before I do," Lorenzo explained.
"No. I want to be with you Uncle Lorenzo. I want us to be a family."
"We are a family Sage," he reassured her.
"Not if you ship me back off to boarding school." She was furious with herself for getting her hopes up. Why should her Uncle be any different then her Father? Luis had only been good at being a father to her if he was in one country while she was in another.
"I already promised you I wouldn't send you back to boarding school," Lorenzo couldn't help feeling slightly exasperated with his niece.
"I don't understand—if you're not shipping me off to boarding school then what?"
"I've been cultivating some new business in London, with the Pound being so much stronger then the Dollar it seemed the most logical thing … and I'm boring you," Lorenzo laughed as Sage's eyes began to glaze over.
"Pretty much," Sage agreed. "But if it's important to you, then it's important to me," she told him earnestly.
"I appreciate that," he smiled at her effort. "I was thinking we could relocate there if you like."
"London? Really?" Sage squealed. "That sounds perfect. And who knows, maybe I'll even meet a handsome prince," she teased. She had never been to London, in fact, her Father had never discussed visiting the city let alone mentioned the fact that they owned property there. "I didn't even know we had a house there."
"It's been closed since I left Oxford," Lorenzo explained a haunted look flashing in his eyes.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing," he assured her. "I've made arrangements to have the house prepared. It's ready now, in fact. You can fly out as soon as you like."
"But I don't want to go without you," Sage pouted.
"And I hate to send you there by yourself, but I have to see this through Sage. Once I have, I'll join you in London."
"Promise?" she asked.
"Of course," Lorenzo vowed. The two grinned at each other. "Now finish you're breakfast before it gets cold."
.
.
"Funny, I didn't expect you to search me out," Brenda remarked opening her hotel room to Jax. Though both the Quartermaines and Robin, who was staying at Mac's, had offered her a place to stay she chose a hotel. Less prying that way.
"That makes two of us," Jax commented. He had wished a thousand times since learning that Brenda was back in town that his ex-fiancée hadn't come back or that Skye hadn't told him about her return. There was a slim chance that he could have stayed blissfully unaware of her presence. The odds were stacked against him but that was how he liked it.
It was awkward seeing her again. It had taken him months to realize how cold and heartless he'd been the day of their almost wedding. The fresh pain he had been feeling was too much to deal with at the time; so much so he had been unable to be kind or reasonable. "You're still stunning."
A hesitant smile touched her lips. "Charming as always." It was the truth for the most part. Brenda could think of very few instances when Jax hadn't been polite and charming, but those memories, were the moments that hurt most. "So, did you need something? Or were you looking for Robin?"
"No. Actually I had lunch with her the other day," Jax informed her. "She's helping Felicia get the house ready for Mac."
"Already knew that," Brenda stated. "Best friend and roommate here."
"Right, of course," Jax nodded. "I didn't come here … the thing is – I just needed to see you. It probably doesn't make any sense, but I just needed to see you."
"Actually," Brenda sighed leaning against her door, "it does. We loved each other Jax. You were a huge part of my life, one of the better parts of my life up until the end. I'd like to think it was the same for you."
"It was. Loving you Brenda was unexpected and probably the happiest time of my life. And I need to apologize for the way I ended things, if you'll let me?" Jax asked. When she nodded he continued, "I know it was the right decision, but I handled it wrong. I intentionally hurt you and I'll regret that forever."
"Was it?" Brenda asked. "The right decision I mean, because I totally agree with rest." She didn't doubt her feelings anymore. She had loved Jax completely but she'd let go him. Now she was worried about him being hurt again.
"I was crazy in love with you Brenda, hell," he muttered, "I still love you … it's not the same though. When I look at you now I don't see the woman I was in love with and I guess I needed to be sure of that."
Tears stung her dark eyes. "I still love you too Jax. I guess I needed to see you as well to realize that I'm not in love with you anymore either. You'll always be important to me though."
"Hey," he brushed the tears from her face, "the same goes. You'll always be the best thing that ever happened to me."
"Please," Brenda laughed with a shake of her head, causing her raven locks to sway. "I drove you crazy and broke your heart …"
"And loved me like crazy?"
"That too," she agreed. "So where does that leave us?"
"As friends I hope," Jax answered. Though he'd hadn't been able to admit till now, he missed having her in his life. "I've lived without you before, twice now. I don't like it much."
"Me either," Brenda stated. "I've missed you Jax."
He pulled her to him, "I've missed you too. How about I buy you a late breakfast and we can catch up?" he offered.
"Sounds nice," she smiled. "You can tell me all about Sam." Worry flashed across his face. "What? I have excellent sources."
"Lila?"
"Her too. Look Jax, I want you to be happy. Really, really happy." Brenda just wasn't certain that Sam was the woman who could make him happy, especially if she was involved with Sonny as well.
"I'm getting there," he remarked.
"With Sam?" Brenda questioned not sure how'd she take his answer. At least when Jax was with Skye, he had been with a woman who loved him and was willing to do whatever necessary to protect their relationship. It was also handy that Skye despised Sonny almost as much as he did.
"Surprisingly, yeah."
.
.
Logical.
Luke hated that word, but it rolled of Skye's silky tongue with ease. Logical. Skye wanted to be logical about things between them. He supposed he couldn't blame her. He wasn't a good bet, a broken man who would probably always hold a part of himself back. Admittedly Skye deserved a man who could give her his entire heart, but Luke was a self-aware person even if he didn't come across that way. He knew his flaws—one of them being that he was a selfish bastard. Skye was worthy of more but he wasn't willing to step back and let her have it because he wanted her for himself. "Darlin' there isn't a logical bone in any Spencers' body. Don't let Lucky fool you with that Officer Spencer crap. In fact," he chuckled, "take it as more proof."
Skye tossed some of her long fiery hair behind her shoulder. Luke was going to listen to her if it killed both of them. "What happened the other day…"
"This kiss?" Luke asked with a knowing grin, his blue eyes flashing.
"There was no kiss," the words came through gritted teeth.
"But there would have been," he argued.
"Don't be cute Luke," Skye sighed exasperated. When he stepped forward she took a quick step back. "For once can't you be a reasonable adult?" She threw out her hands to block him from trying to move towards her again.
"Now what fun would that be?" Luke watched the fire consume her eyes. She was definitely his Blaze.
"I need you to be serious here for a moment Luke," she ordered. "Just try it this once. For me?"
"Blaze, darlin' you know you've got me. You want serious?" Luke asked, forcing the grin from his face. "You've got it."
"Thank you," Skye smiled. They were finally getting somewhere. As fond as she was of Luke and yearned for something more between them, she had to protect herself. Her last two heartbreaks, losing Jax to Brenda and then Kristina to Alexis, had nearly broken her completely. She couldn't, no wouldn't risk her heart again. "Now as I was saying, I think we need to be logical about our partnership."
"It's more then that," he all but growled.
"I know," Skye said quickly. The predatory look in Luke's eyes worried her and she felt her skin grow hot as her heart sped up. This was why she needed to set ground rules, she reminded herself. "We're friends. Good friends," she amended before he could interrupt her again. "And while you have the tendency to disappear on occasion," one of your more annoying habits, she thought. "I know I can rely on you. I trust you Luke," she smiled. "And that's not something I do easily, which is why I think it's important that we forget about that almost kiss the other day. I don't do romance—not well at least," Skye pointed out face scrunching.
"It's not my best department either," Luke remarked.
"Please," Skye laughed. "You were happily married to Laura for years before …" she trailed off as his face darkened. "Sorry. Look Luke, maybe we shouldn't even be having this conversation."
"You started it Blaze."
"Well maybe I shouldn't have." she exclaimed clearly flustered. "It was ridiculous for me to assume that you'd be interested in me that way."
"Which way is that?" Luke captured her in his arms before she could get away. Passion swirled in his blue eyes when he glazed down at her.
"Luke," Skye sighed going soft in his embrace. How did this happen, she wondered. She wanted to keep things nice and simple between them. So much for that.
"I'm going to kiss you now," Luke informed her leaning his face down towards hers. "If that's a problem for you Red, you better speak up while you can."
It wasn't a problem, it was exactly what she wanted and Skye knew denying was pointless. Like moth to a flame she was drawn to Luke. "Shut up and kiss me already."
.
.
"Hi there," Courtney greeted walking up to the counter at Kelly's. When Brian turned to look her way she smiled and felt something tug at her when his soft brown eyes connected with hers. It was a pleasant if not disconcerting feeling.
As it always did, Courtney's beauty reached past his defenses and into his heart. He allowed himself a moment of feeling love for her, he let it swell and fill him with a moment of peace and happiness before he shut it off.
She saw the change take place in him and something broke inside her. She'd done that to Brian and Courtney couldn't help the ache that filled her heart because of it. He was hurt because of her and she regretted it. "Did you need something?" he asked his voice aloof. Courtney missed the soft tone that seemed reserved for her until now.
"I just wanted to check on you," she answered. Which was true enough. She had been worried about Brian, especially when she learned from Bobbie that he had checked himself out of the hospital. A quick call to the PCPD and she found out he was back on the job. It was to soon, she thought, and she couldn't help but worry, he was pushing himself too hard, too fast. Brain needed to rest and heal.
"I'm fine." He knew his voice was clipped and cold, but he couldn't help it. He had to protect himself somehow. His heart had bled enough over the years. He turned back to his lunch, too swiftly and sucked in a pained breath.
"No you're not," Courtney commented angry with him for pushing himself. She lifted her hand to his shoulder to offer comfort.
"What are you doing?" he asked irritably, his hard brown eyes meeting her confused blue ones.
"I just want to—to …" Courtney trailed off not sure how to answer.
"I don't need or want your sympathy Mrs. Morgan," he said. He saw that his professionalism cut her. He wanted to curse her for giving him slight glimmers of hope that would never amount to anything.
"Brian … please," she asked, her eyes imploring. "I'm worried about you."
"Don't be," he snapped.
Courtney ground her teeth. "Trust me I wish I wasn't. It would be so much easier if I could hate you, or dismiss you from my thoughts, but I can't. We're—we were," she amended, "friends."
"I thought I was lying to you," he countered. "Playing you to get information on Jason."
"Well weren't you?" she asked, hurt by the implications. She had wanted it to be more.
"It doesn't matter anymore," Brian reminded her. "You wanted me out of your life, so have the decency to stay out of mine." He started to get up but she held on to him, not letting him leave the stool.
"Is anyone looking out for you? Making sure you take your antibiotics? Or that you're getting enough to rest?" she asked desperately.
"Last I checked you weren't my mother or my wife, Courtney. I don't need you take care of me."
"But I wa—" Courtney stopped the words from coming out of her mouth. Her eyes went wide as she leaned back, her hand slipping from Brain's shoulder. Where did that come from, she wondered? This urge to care for Brain Beck. It didn't make a lick of sense. She wasn't in love with him … at least she couldn't be, because she loved Jason.
"Do you even know what you want?" Brain challenged Courtney as he stood. "Because I don't think you know and I'm not about to serve my heart on a sliver platter to you so you can figure it out and run back to your husband. You chose Jason," he said bitterly. "I finally get that. Being in between you and Jason isn't a life Courtney, and I want, no I deserve a life. So I'm out of it."
Dumbfounded she watched him walk away from her. It hurt in a way she couldn't begin to fathom watching him go. It had to be post-traumatic stress or something, Courtney thought. Ever since the fire everyone she knew had been acting strange. That's all it was … all it could be.
.
.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?"
Monica spoke as soon as Nikolas closed the door to Stefan's old study. That was how he would always see the slightly gloomy room decorated with dark wood and rich brown fabric. "We have to figure something out," he replied. "We don't have much of a choice."
"What about Emily?" Monica question. Whatever information the investigation Alexis insisted on pursuing dug up would hurt her daughter.
"She's asleep," Nikolas assured her. Looking into the nervous blue eyes of his Grandmother's killer he felt nothing but compassion. Helena had taken so much from the people of Port Charles and it was only right that her reign of terror was over. He wasn't glad she was dead, but he wasn't sorry either. Maybe he was more of a Cassadine then he ever realized.
"Good, I don't want her added to the conspiracy charges," Monica cracked the morose joke.
"There won't be any charges," Nikolas assured her. He could see the pressure that was bearing down on her. Her blue eyes were wide with concern and her soft face had grown hard. It figured that even in death Helena would find away to have a hold over him.
"Don't be naive Nikolas," Monica sighed. "No matter how much Alexis would like to protect you, and by extension me, she can't."
"Her allegiance is to me."
"I don't doubt that, but would you really be willing to put her in such a compromising position?" she challenged. "Would you be willing to risk her job? Perhaps even her freedom and her daughter?"
"No. Of course not," Nikolas answered automatically. He meant it too; protecting the people he loved was central to him and almost as natural as breathing.
"Well then, Alexis can't just drop the investigation. And it's not like she can lead it in another direction," Monica pointed out. "Helena wouldn't have been able to kill herself. Everyone who was still in the Versailles Room knows that you dragged her out on the balcony and I followed."
"They don't know who fired the gun though," Nikolas pointed out. "Not to mention they haven't even found the weapon yet. Without that they have no clue as to who shot her. Unless we say otherwise and I don't plan on saying anything."
"It's not that simple Nikolas," Monica replied. "We both had motive and opportunity. If one of us doesn't confess, Alexis might be forced to charge us both. I won't let that happen. You didn't shoot Helena, I did. So I'm going to confess."
"What?" Nikolas asked completely taken aback. "You can't do that."
"We don't have a lot of options at this point," she said sadly. "Living with the act is hard enough but if you and Emily suffer because I refuse to admit to it … I just couldn't live with myself."
"And you think Emily will be able to live with it if you're in jail?" Nikolas shot back. "Monica she needs you."
"I love my daughter," Monica said with a smile. "She's been a blessing but she doesn't need me now like she first did. Besides, she has you now. You're what she needs."
"Don't be ridiculous," Nikolas snapped. He was quickly losing his patience. "You can't go to jail for killing Helena. Not after what she did. She nearly cost Emily her life, not to mention the reign of terror she wreaked on everyone that I've ever cared about. She's taken enough. I won't let her take anymore."
"I appreciate that Nikolas," Monica reached out to him. "I understand why you feel that way, but we don't have a lot of options."
"We still have some time," he insisted. "That's all I'm asking for Monica, just some time. Let me try and figure out if we can deflect the charges and Alexis without causing damage to any of us."
"You do realize how unlikely that is?" she asked wanting him to be reasonable.
"I have to try," Nikolas persisted. "Not just for you, Emily and Alexis, but for myself. Please Monica, give me a few days?"
"All right," she conceded. "Try Nikolas, but don't be disappointed if this doesn't work."
"It will," he promised.
She laughed then, it was either that or cry. "I'll give you a few days, but if you can't figure something out … I'm confessing."
"Monica—"
"That's the deal," Monica stated. "Take it or leave it."
"I'll take it," Nikolas replied. And I'll make it work, he thought, even if I have to confess myself. He wouldn't let someone else pay for Helena's death. It was like a spell had been broken and he was finally free from the Cassadine curse. He would be in Monica debt forever. If he had to sacrifice his future happiness he would, it was the least he could do.
.
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Previews of chapter 6 (No One Expects the Spanish Inquisition): Elizabeth receives and unexpected inheritance, Sage misunderstands an overheard conversation, Skye turns to an unlikely person for advice and more.