Thank you to those who take the time to review, follow, and favorite. I was surprised by the lack of reviews in the last chapter considering the first two chapters lots of you told me what you thought of this story. I admit a part of me feels you no longer care for this story due to the lack of reviews. If you still care about this story, I hope you will consider reviewing so I know what you think. I wrote Chapter 6 last night and if you want anything specific to happen in this story, please let me know and I will take it into consideration. I have ideas past Chapter 7 or 8 that I wrote down last night, but if you want something specific, I can try add them in. I'm not sure how long this story will be yet as it's not finished. I apologize for only updating once a week, but like I said, I update when I can. I have another Niz story that was requested by another reader that enjoys Niz so I will be starting that one when I get further along with my current stories that I'm writing. I enjoy writing this story, but I admit I'm not inspired to write as often being I don't get many reviews, especially in Chapter 3. I realize there are more Quiz fans/Liason fans out there, but I know there are also Niz fans and I've even had people tell me in reviews that they wish there were more stories on the couple. Well, here is one and I wish you would let me know what you think so I know you're still there and still read this story. I would never force you to leave feedback, but I do ask that you let me know what you think and if you still enjoy this story. I appreciate all new reviews as well as guest reviews, but I ask you that if you do not like Niz, then please don't read/review as it's not fair to those that enjoy the couple. Anyways, here is the next update. Thank you for listening.

Chapter 4

(It is Saturday morning. Elizabeth ended up waking up earlier than she had planned due to the boys waking her up, excited to spend the day with Nikolas and Spencer. Elizabeth just shook her head and silently chuckled at how anxious the boys were. While her sons were playing in their rooms, she hears a beep from her cell phone. She looks in the direction of her phone with a puzzled look before walking to the dresser where her phone is at. She notices that she did get a text. She figured it'd be from AJ, but was a little surprised that it was from Nikolas. She opened her phone and can't help but let a smile spread across her face)

'Elizabeth, if you need to change our plans, no worries. I know the boys are excited about today. If you ever need anything, always know I'm here. XOXO Nikolas'

(Elizabeth reads the text and shakes her head before putting her phone back on the dresser. She sighs before shaking her head again)

Liz: "I need to stop this. You are with AJ. You chose AJ. You can't be feeling this way towards Nicholas. Nikolas is your past." (scoffs lightly) "Nikolas wasn't even part of my past because I was with Lucky." (sighs sadly) "Then why do I feel such a rush around Nikolas? It's-It's like if I'm ever in a bad mood or having a bad day, he's always there. AJ is there for me, as well. But…it's different with Nikolas."

(Elizabeth quickly shakes her head and has a determined look on her face)

Liz: "No, I want AJ. I chose AJ. I need to get Nikolas out of my head…" (barely audible) "…and out of my heart."

(A few hours later, there's a knock at Elizabeth's front door. She goes to the front door and opens it, revealing AJ)

Liz: (smile) "Hi!"

AJ: (smiles) "Hey." (winces a little) "Did I come too early?"

Liz: (snorts) "Please, the boys have been up since a little after six this morning."

(AJ looks at her in amazement)

AJ: (shocked) "Are you serious?"

Liz: (raises her eyebrows) "Oh, trust me; I would not joke about something like that. If I had it my way, they would've slept in until at least 9, especially being it's been my only weekend off all month." (groans)

AJ: (winces) "I take it you've been pulling a lot of doubles at the hospital?"

Liz: (shrugs) "That's how the bills get paid."

AJ: "Do you need money, Liz? I'd be happy…"

Liz: (interrupts him) "No, I don't need your money. I'm doing okay." (smiles briefly) "But thank you. Nikolas offered as well and I told him the same thing." (shakes her head) "I'd feel like a charity case and I don't want that."

(AJ clears his throat and forcefully smiles but his voice continues to be normal)

AJ: "That was nice of him."

(Before Elizabeth or AJ can say anything else, they hear a rush of running footsteps coming down the steps)

Liz: (laughs) "Uh-oh! Here comes trouble!"

(Cameron and Aiden run up to Elizabeth and AJ and smile excitedly)

Cameron: "Are we ready to go to Uncle Nikolas'?"

Aiden: "I can't wait for Spencer to show me his new toys!"

(Elizabeth and AJ look at each other and quietly chuckle)

Liz: "You've been waiting for this weekend to come all week, haven't you?"

Cameron & Aiden: "Duh!"

AJ: (chuckles) "Do you mind if I come, too?"

Cameron: "Yeah, you can."

Aiden: "I don't think you'll wanna play with the toys, so you'll probably be with mommy and Uncle Nikolas."

AJ: (shrugs happily to Aiden) "Hey, I wouldn't mind hanging out with you guys as well."

Aiden: "Cool!" (to Liz) "Mommy, does Uncle Nikolas have everything ready? I know he said he would."

Liz: (chuckles) "If he said he would, then I'm sure he will."

Cameron" "I love spending time with Uncle Nikolas! He's so cool! I just wished we lived closer together so it's not as far from here."

(Elizabeth glances at AJ and can tell all the talk about Nicholas is making him uncomfortable. She bends down a little to face Cameron better)

Liz: "Why don't you and Aiden finish getting ready so we can go to Nikolas'? Now remember what I said. You two will be on your best behavior, right?"

(Cameron and Aiden nod happily before they finish getting ready. Elizabeth looks at AJ apologetically)

Liz: "I'm sorry about their excitefullness on going to Nikolas'. I know you're not exactly thrilled about going there."

AJ: (chuckles softly) "It's fine. No, Nikolas isn't exactly one of my best friends, but we'll make it work for the boys' sake. Their happiness is my main concern…" (smiles tenderly) "…as is your happiness."

Liz: (smiles) "Thank you. I appreciate it."

AJ: "There is something I've been meaning to tell you, as well, but it can wait."

(Elizabeth looks at him mysteriously)

Liz: "Okay, now you got me curious."

AJ: (chuckles) "I'll tell you what. How long will we be at Nikolas' today?"

Liz: "If I had to guess, I'd say till after supper being I'm sure Spencer and the boys will want Angela's famous Lasagna."

AJ: (nodding) "I see. What does she usually make for dessert?"

Liz: "Actually, Nikolas makes a certain dessert that makes the boys swoon."

(AJ tilts his head as he folds his arms)

AJ: "Oh yeah? What's that?"

(Elizabeth can't help but let a small smile creep upon her face as she speaks)

Liz: "Cheesecake." (chuckles) "The boys all try eat more than a piece, but I tell them one piece is enough."

(AJ thinks he knows the answer to his next question and privately admits to himself he won't be happy with her answer, but he doesn't want her to think he's jealous, even though he is)

AJ: (chuckles softly) "And I'm gonna guess you're a fan of the dessert as well?"

(Elizabeth looks at AJ and briefly looks down in nervousness. She is privately afraid of how to answer AJ's question. She doesn't wanna seem too excited on the dessert, but she knows AJ can read her like a book)

Liz: (shrugs) "It's okay. I mean, it's good."

(AJ laughs and shakes his head and touches her shoulder)

AJ: "Elizabeth, its okay that you enjoy Nikolas' cooking. You share a past with him so I know you're aware of how he cooks." (tilts his head) "I just hope you enjoy my cooking as well."

(Elizabeth places her hand on AJ's cheek and smiles)

Liz: "Of course we enjoy your cooking, AJ. The boys especially love your chili. When you come over and make it, we're always stuffed. You do just fine." (tilts her head & smiles) "Don't worry."

AJ: (leans his head back confused) "What do you mean?"

(Elizabeth briefly looks down before facing AJ)

Liz: "You always try too hard to be perfect in front of me and the boys and make us laugh or show us a good time." (smiles) "You do just fine. Don't sweat it."

(AJ nervously chuckles and briefly looks down before facing his girlfriend again)

AJ: "I guess I do, don't I? I don't mean to, you know, try so hard, but I-I just…" (sighs) "I know the boys love Nikolas and I feel I have to compete with him." (shakes his head) "I know how that must sound."

(Elizabeth places a kiss on AJ's lips before looking at him)

Liz: "Cameron and Aiden like you for you who are and the fact that you take the time to play with them. As long as you keep doing that, you have no reason to be nervous."

(The boys go up to AJ and Elizabeth and show them how they're dressed)

Cameron: "What do you think?"

Aiden: "Are we dressed warm enough?"

(Elizabeth and AJ examine the boys)

AJ: (laughs) "You two did very well." (to Liz) "What do you think, mommy?"

Liz: (smiles) "I'm impressed. Alright, you ready to go to Uncle Nikolas' and play with Spencer?"

(The boys happily cheer in repliance, causing her to laugh. As they leave the house, Elizabeth grabs her purse and locks the door behind her. They all gather into AJ's big red blazer and they go to Nicholas'. Upon arriving, Cameron and Aiden run to the front door and excitedly knock on the door. Elizabeth tries to tell them to calm down, but she can't help but smile. The door opens, revealing Nikolas with Spencer behind him)

Cameron: "Uncle Nikolas! Spencer!"

Aiden: "Are you ready to play?"

Spencer: "Yep!" (to Nikolas) "Come on, dad! Put your coat on!"

Nicholas: (laughs) "Okay!" (to AJ & Liz) "Come on in."

(As Elizabeth is walking in, she can't help but look into Nicholas' deep dark eyes and nervously puts a strand of hair behind her ear and as she goes inside he can't help but stare at her beautiful face and smell her sunflower perfume that she's worn for years. He knew that was her favorite perfume and he loved smelling it on her. It was always one of his favorite smells. Truth be told, he could inhale that scent all day if she let him. When they were intimate with each other, he smelled it and was completed mesmerized by it and that along with things are the reasons why he fell completely and hopefully in love with her. When AJ walks in, it's clear there's a lot of tension in the air between the two men)

Nikolas: (nods politely) "AJ. Glad you could come."

AJ: (smiles smugly) "Wouldn't miss it. Thanks for inviting me, Nick."

(Nikolas privately rolls his eyes in annoyance after AJ walks past him. He did not like the idea of AJ here at all. In fact, he wishes it were just Elizabeth and the boys here. He would have loved to spend the day with the boys and his true love, but he knew it wasn't going to happen. He would never tell Elizabeth what to do, but he knew he had to move on, but he knew in his heart he would always love Elizabeth. She had his heart. That part, unfortunately, was nonnegotiable. Damn, he thought to himself, why couldn't things be different? In a perfect world, he and Elizabeth would be a family with Spencer, Cameron, Aiden, and any other children they would possibly have together. He knew Elizabeth loved her boys, there's nothing argumentative there. But he also knew she privately longed to have a little girl. She's always wanted a little girl as well. She never told him, but the look in her eyes when they were together or when she'd look at other couples with little girls, it was clear she still had room in her heart for another baby…a baby girl if God was generous enough. Even though he isn't the father of any of Elizabeth's children, he secretly wished he could be the father to that possible little girl with Elizabeth. He would do anything to make her wish come true. He knew AJ would probably welcome a child with her even though he's got Michael. But Michael was practically a grown man and Nicholas honestly didn't know if AJ wanted any more kids. He probably did because of the way he acts around Cameron and Aiden. But Nikolas knew if things kept going between AJ and Elizabeth, that possibility may come true)

(After everyone gets inside, Nikolas asks if everyone has eaten breakfast, to which they all say 'yes' to. All three of the boys impatiently ask Nikolas to hurry up and put on his winter clothes. Elizabeth can't help but laugh as the boys go as far as to try helping him with everything. Nikolas just laughs as he tries to keep up with them. AJ just shakes his head and privately scoffs at all the attention Nikolas is getting. Elizabeth looks at AJ and he puts on a forced smile before she looks back at the boys. When Nikolas is finished getting ready, they grab him by the hand to the backyard. Before they get to the door, Cameron and Aiden turn around to face AJ)

Cameron: "Come on, AJ!"

Aiden: "Come play with us!"

(AJ smiles and turns to face Elizabeth who smiles and nods at him before he walks towards them)

AJ: (chuckles) "No problem, guys. I'm coming."

(AJ goes outside with them with Elizabeth following close behind. Throughout the day outside, AJ and Nikolas help the boys make a snow fort and snow men. AJ notices how much more enthusiastic they are around Nikolas but tries not to let it get to him. He sees the way Elizabeth and Nikolas are around each other and he gets ticked off. He wishes so damn bad that she looked at him like that. The way she's carefree around Nikolas royally pissed him off. Not once could he remember her behaving this way towards him. She tries not to let it show, but he knows she's not completely herself around him. He wished he knew what he'd have to do to get her to feel for him what she does for Cassadine. But AJ was slowly beginning to realize he would never be the guy she truly wanted. Elizabeth and AJ have never said those three words to each other, but what she didn't know was that he was planning on saying them to her tonight at her house. He would soon find out where her heart truly lies…with Nikolas Cassadine or with him)

(After spending the day playing, Nikolas asked if everyone was ready for supper, to which the boys said yes to. Elizabeth paid a lot of attention to AJ, but even she couldn't resist private glances at Nikolas. As the boys would talk, Nikolas couldn't help but look at the woman who held his heart, who sighed as she'd look at him with tender eyes, but then she'd quickly look at her place. AJ could see the private glances and didn't show his anger. Damn it, he thought to himself. What did he have to do for her to look at him like that? He knew he was losing the battle, but he vowed to himself he wouldn't lose the war…not until she was his. And AJ vowed she would be his. He would NOT let Nikolas Cassadine win)

I hope you've enjoyed the story so far. Please review as they tell me you are enjoying what I've written so far. If I don't get reviews, follows, or favorites, I feel like you're telling me you don't care for the story and that I'm posting this or nothing. So please, reviews are politely encouraged. Thanks! Until next time!