CH 7

By the time Ethan got to the Haunted Star things were in full swing. The tables were packed. He spotted Tracy at the bar.

"Sorry I'm late"

"You're alive."

"Ha-ha, Sonny and I got along amiably."

"That's good, I wasn't expecting you to come in tonight but since you're here." catching the attention of Harris behind the bar "You go relieve Louis at the Blackjack table" Looking back at Ethan she said "You man the bar."

"Thanks Tracy." Ethan tended the bar until closing just after 2:30am then he went about cleaning and restocking for the following business day. He started to think on his night and realized that $5000 may not be enough. Kristina was getting under his skin. He'd almost kissed her. Personally outside of the age factor and her being pregnant by a jackass, he couldn't think of any reason not to go for it with Krissy. So what if she wasn't his usual type. She had so much more to her than what met the eye.

--

The following Friday

Krissy left school and met Ethan at Kelly's. Over the past week they'd actually had more than a few conversations that centered on any and everything but Kiefer and the baby. Ethan actually listened when she talked about her problems with Sonny and her mom; he in turn told her how it felt to come into a ready made family. He'd ever told her about his adoptive family and how he'd become a drifter. Nothing about Ethan was what it seemed, he never dwelled on the bad stuff, and unlike her he was so well adjusted. She wished that she could forgive her parents like he forgave his mom, Holly.

"Sorry I'm late"

"No problem I just got here myself."

"Are you guys ready to order?" asked Stephanie the waitress.

Kristina orders a grilled chicken salad and tea. Ethan ordered a cheese burger, fry, and coke.

"So how were your classes?"

"They were okay; actually the whole day went well. Chelsea was out so I didn't have her and her minions in my face all day."

"You know you are the daughter of …"

"This is prep school money talks—sure, but legitimacy means something also. Sonny is a criminal me being his daughter doesn't help my case." Being bullied was apart of the high school experience. Those loyal to Kiefer were the worst but she was getting by, being the pregnant girl wasn't helping things but after this semester it wouldn't matter anymore.

"Any luck finding an apartment?" Ethan asked

"No, I'm just going to talk the land lord over at Harbor View"

"I'm sure it won't be too bad. It's not like you'll be across the hall from Jason."

"I know and either way I'd still have guards following me about. I'm going to call and see when their next open house is I'll be right back"

Krissy excused herself and called the people at Harbor View Towers she was lucky the landlord would be available to show her a couple of apartments today. Returning to the table she relayed the news to Ethan.

"You mind if I tagalong?"

"Not at all." They finished their lunch and made their way to Harbor View.

Mrs. Maraschino showed them the apartment available on the 12th floor.

"It has two bedrooms, two baths …" Mrs. Maraschino pointed out the fireplace and the view, hardwood floors were nice but the kitchen was too small.

"Do you have anything available with a bigger kitchen?" Kristina asked looking around the small space. The oven could barely open.

"The kitchens are generally the same size but I do believe there is a 10th floor apartment available with a different design."

"You mind if we look at it?" Ethan asked

They got to the 10th floor apartment and Mrs. Maraschino opened the door to 10 C. After looking around a bit she said, "As you can see it's just two bedrooms, one bath but it has a separate shower and tub." The kitchen area was open with an island offer extra counter space; there were no walls between the family room Kitchen and dinning area.

"So what do you think?" Mrs. Maraschino asked directing her questions to Ethan

"I like it but my Krissy here really wanted a fireplace"

"It's only $750 down $1500 per month."

"What about the other apartment?" Kristina asked

"Same safety deposit fee but $1800/month"

"Hmm" Kristina wondered around a bit deciding to take Ethan's lead. "I love the kitchen, but the closets are a bit small, there is only one bathroom, and I really wanted a fire place. Maybe the apartments on Lexington will be better." Kristina said, then let her eyes wonder dejectedly around the room.

"Yes, you do need the closet space, love." Ethan said, putting his arm around Krissy's waist.

"The place on Grove Street was a bit big but it is more within our price range." Kristina said looking at Ethan, at his nod she sighed and turned to Mrs. Maraschino.

"We'll get back to you. Thanks for letting us come out today."

"We could probably work with your budget."

"We were looking to pay between $800-1000 a month"

"We can't go that low but how about $1300?"

Ethan smiled"$1150 and we pay the down payment today, deal?"

Mrs. Maraschino pressed her lips together and really thought on it the apartments had been vacant for over 6months. No many people wanted to stay after realizing that mobsters occupied the penthouses.

"You've got a deal." Mrs. Maraschino shook Ethan's hand then Kristina's.

"I guess this is home." She said sounding a bit sad. "You mind if we look around again then meet you in your office."

"Certainly." Mrs. Maraschino left them alone.

"So what do you think?" Ethan asked

"It's perfect. Thank you."

"$1150 isn't too much is it?"

"No, I was hoping for something less than $1500 and that's what I got."

"Let's go sign those papers"

--

--

"Hey sweetie, how was your day?"

"It was great Ethan and I went apartment hunting and found the perfect place."

"Really?"

"Yes, I already signed the lease. Don't worried I read it twice, even the fine print."

"Where is the apartment?"

"Harborview, but you don't mention it to dad until I get the go ahead to move in."

"Why not?"

"Because I meant what I said I want to do things myself. I even got a job."

"At the mall?"

"No, at the Metrocourt. They needed a receptionist and after my interview Ms. Falconeri said she'd get back to me she just called like thirty minutes ago. Everything's finally falling into place"

--

Christmas break

Kiefer had been in town for a whole week but he didn't bother her. Not one phone call or ill timed visit. Kristina was starting to think that he'd given up on them. Maxie helped her to decorate her apartment. Spinelli tripled checked her security. Her mom baby proofed everything. Her second trimester was underway and she had an appointment with Dr. Lee tomorrow morning, Ethan insists on being the one to take her. If she didn't know any better, Kristina would think this was a real relationship. They'd gone to a movie together on Wednesday before having a late dinner at Polluzo's; her dad was being surprisingly sweet about everything.

Kristina was sitting on her couchin her living room, alone in her apartment for the first time. The move had taken a week but everything was now settled. The paint fumes were gone, her bed had arrived, the baby's room was painted yellow with white trim but it was otherwise empty. She flipped through the channels of her flat screen VIZIO. Over 500 channels and nothings on. Standing up she move to the kitchen and went to the fully stocked fridge to grab some baby carrots to munch on.

Walking through her apartment, munching on carrots she realized how weird it was going to be come bedtime. She'd been home alone plenty but for some reason this being alone in her home was different. At the sound of knocking she practically ran to the door.

"Who is it?" She asked looking through the peak hole

"Ethan"

Seeing that it was indeed Ethan she undid the chain and two bolt locks. "What are you doing here?"

"Just thought I'd stop by. I can come back another time if you're busy."

"Don't be ridiculous come in" She said pulling him into the living room, "So what do you think?" He'd seen the place yesterday but she'd added a few things this morning.

"It's great; the pillows really bring everything together." The entire apartment had a natural feel to it – various shades of greens and browns.

"Thank you for helping with the move"

"No problem, and as I've told you before you don't have to keep thanking me."

"Alright, what brings you by? Want to watch a movie?"

"As long as it isn't a chick flick, I'd love to watch a movie. I figured you might be bored."

"I have '21' if you want to watch it."

"Sure, what time do I need to pick you for the appointment tomorrow?"

"9 am" She answered happy that he still wanted to take her.

"That's early"

"If you can't make it, don't feel like you owe …" Kristina started, she didn't want him to feel obligated.

"No, no I'll be here but if I'm late go ahead and I'll meet you at GH."

"I can call you with a wake up call if you'd like."

"That'll be great. So what's this film about any way."

"21 or blackjack."

"My kind of movie."

"I thought you'd like it"

Before the movie even began Kristina made her way to the kitchen for snacks, her craving for peaches and carrots was calling her name so she had a bowl of peach ice cream and baby carrots. She popped a bag of popcorn for Ethan and got him a coke.

"Here you go, sorry I don't have anything stronger."

"No worries, love. This is fine."

--

Removing her legs off Ethan's, Kristina slid over until they were sitting side by side.

"That was a good movie." She said

"Liked the card counting strategy, but I still prefer poker, it's more personal."

"We never did finish that lesson." Kristina said moving Ethan's hair out of his face for him.

"I, I got a deck of cards here somewhere." He whispered. He was about to reach for the deck in his back pocket when her eyes met his. She was biting her bottom lip nervously, her brown eyes always seemed so vulnerable, he had a sudden urge to protect her, sooth her.

Ethan could blame the kiss on a moment of insanity, or he could be honest with himself, it was something he'd wanted to do since the second he stepped foot into her apartment. Her lips were soft against his; there was no uncertainty in the way her tongue caressed his. Maybe it was the darkened room, knowing they were alone with no one to interrupt them that made him go for it. She tasted of peaches; kissing Kristina Corinthos-Davis was an experience. He'd expected her to be timid; instead she seemed so sure of herself and her intentions.

Kristina couldn't begin to explain what she was feeling. All she knew in that moment was that she wanted Ethan. The kiss was making her believe that maybe he really did like her, the way his hands moved over side made her believe he wanted her too. She felt his palm cup her too sensitive breast and didn't bother to suppress the moan. It felt good to feel wanted, but she wanted more. She broke the kiss to remove her t-shirt.

"Maybe we should…" Straddling him, Kristina took the initiative, cutting off Ethan's protest. She didn't want him to reject her or doubt them; if there even was a them.

Ethan decided to let her be the one to put on the brakes. He was a live-in-the-moment type of guy and there was no moment he'd rather be in than this one with Kristina. This was what he wanted; they were both consenting adults and if this was what she wanted as well why not? He kissed her neck, finding that sweet spot where her neck met her collar bone. "Ethan…" she moan breathlessly.

Deciding that the bedroom was a better place to do this Ethan lifted her and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Their moment was interrupted by insistent knocking on the door.

"Ignore it" Kristina said when Ethan stopped his trek to her bedroom.

Before they could even turn into the doorway, they knocking got louder and Michael's voice rang through. "Kristina wake up this is important."

"No, no, no."

"We going to ignore him?" Ethan asked

"I want to. I really, really want to." Ethan sat her on her feet. Krissy stepped in front of the mirror wiped her mouth and tried to smooth her hair.

"Give me a minute!"

"Hurry up!"

Kristina turned on the lamp.

"Your shirt"

"Thanks" taking her shirt from Ethan she slipped it over her head and he settled in on the couch.

"Michael what brings you by." He pushed his way inside barely giving Kristina time to open the door.

"I've had it." Michael said throwing p his hands

"What's going on? Is it dad?"

"No, its…"Looking around he noticed Ethan channel surfing "What's he doing here?"

"Watching a movie. Now why are you here?"

"He should leave."

"Don't start. Ethan and I are together sooner or later you're going to have to accept that. If you can't you leave." Kristina said crossing her arms over her chest in annoyance

Michael would have argued his point but he was too upset, "It's dad."

"What about dad?"

"He doesn't trust me."

"Is this about the mob?"

Michael looked back at Ethan but before he could respond Kristina started up, "I don't know why you would even want to get involved with dad's organization to begin with. He and Jason are criminals. Why would you aspire to that?"

"They help people, the organization is my birthright."

"They don't help people, they pay penance. They donate to charity to make up for all the children they've left fatherless. Look at what they did for you, their guilt over your shooting led them to start a head trauma wing at General Hospital."

"Mom did that."

"And she is just as guilty as they are for bringing you in this life. Michael you spent a year of your life in coma because of the consequences that come with that life. We were kidnapped and terrorized as kids just because of our last name. Why would you do that to your future children or wife?"

"What are trying to say? That dad wasn't a good father?" He knew that Sonny was lax in his parenting of Kristina but that was Alexis's fault.

"He may have been there for you and Morgan but he always managed to overlook me, and even if he'd been there for me, he still put us at risk by breathing. He chose this life, yeah he had a crummy childhood but he could have made something of himself."

This was the same argument they always had, trying to get Krissy to see Sonny the Michael did was like trying to move a mountain, "I didn't come here to argue with you. They don't get it. Dad and Jason keep saying that they want me to be better, to have better. But this is all I know."

"Don't give me that Michael. You're a Quartermaine the same skills you want to use working with dad you can use at ELQ. Get an internship, go to college."

Kristina felt he eyes water, and blinked back the tears. Michael never saw his worth, he blamed himself everything. Maybe it was impending motherhood, but Kristina was looking to the future more and more these days. She wanted her brother to know that he had a future and it didn't have to include being shot at and dying young.

"College isn't for me."

"How do you know? You haven't even tried, at least enrolled into some online courses and talk to Edward."

" I just want…" Michael said trying to find the words.

That was her brother's problem; he didn't know what he wanted. He blamed all the wrong people for the wrongdoings in his life. Never Carly, never Sonny, not even Jason. The adults in his life helped to shape him but he loved to blame everyone else: Claudia, Jerry, and AJ.

"You want to work for dad to prove that even though his blood doesn't flow through your veins you're still a Corinthos. Why go where you're not wanted? Dad and Jason don't want you involved in their lifestyle; all the while Edward is willing to bend over backwards for you to join ELQ. Just think about it"

Michael hated that what she said was right. He was Sonny's son, everyone knew that. They all said that he was more like Sonny than any of his biological kids. Michael felt like he messed up all the time, they said he was like Sonny but he felt more like AJ, he screwed everything up. Giving up, not wanting face anything else his sister would throw at him he look over at Ethan who pretended not to have listening.

"What movie were you watching?"

"21 but now we want to be alone. So if that was it…"

"Alone… but … Never mind. I'll see you later."

Kristina showed her brother the door and turned back to Ethan.

"Sorry about that"

"You're good sister. That was very sound advice you gave Michael"

"but?"

"Nothing" Kristina sat down beside him, "I think we should talk" Ethan said.

"About earlier?"

"Yeah, things got out of hand."

"It… I …"

"It's okay. Things were just moving too fast. We had a deal and…"

Kristina may have momentarily forgotten about the deal, but now that he brought it up she felt a pain in her chest. He seem like he liked her, wanted her. Was it still only about the money for him.

"Krissy, did you hear me?"

"I'm sorry what'd you say?"

"I said I think we should call the deal off"

"But why?"

"Why not?"

"You don't want to help me. I didn't mean to throw myself at you"

"It takes two, and it has nothing to do with earlier. I don't think I should get paid for doing something I would do anyway."

"Wait, I'm confused. Are you or are you not breaking up with me?"

"I'm not breaking up with you. I want us to give it go, for real this time. Take things slow."

"Oh, Thank God. I thought you..."

"No, I've enjoyed spending time with you, but I'm going to head out now."

"What?"

"But I will see you in the morning for your appointment with Dr. Lee." Ethan pulled her with him to the door and after a long kiss good night he left her standing there lightheaded, confused but very happy.

He wanted her. He'd called the deal off and he was still willing to be here for her and her baby. Ethan Lovett wanted her.

--

A/N: I hope everyone is enjoying how things are progressing with EthaKriss so far. Feedback is always appreciated. Thanks for reading.