Thank you to everyone who has reviewed so far! It is greatly appreciated. For those of you that are enjoying the story and haven't had a chance to follow/favorite, feel free to do so so you don't miss an update. I apologize for my delay on posting. I used to be able to have more time to write, but at one of the sites where I work, a few of the people need special attention, so I'm not able to write as much. I hope you will continue to tune in to see how the story goes. I enjoy hearing from you all so please keep the reviews coming as they inspire me to keep writing for Niz. I got a request to write for 'Spixie', but I'm not able to do so and I apologize for that. I enjoy Spinelli who is no longer on the show and Maxie isn't my favorite character, but she's still enjoyable. The reason I'm not able to write for the couple is because Spinelli was such a complex character and I felt I would not be able to write very well for him. He's a 'special' character I guess so I hope that won't stop you from reading this story. Take care and happy reading. I don't own GH, but do the story.

Ilovedana53: Thanks for the review! I'm glad you're enjoying the story. As for my True Love Never Dies story, I have the next chapter written and it will be posted at the same time this update is. Hope you enjoy all the updates of my stories that you're reading. Thank you for being a loyal reader and for always taking the time to review! It's greatly appreciated.

Reina13: Thanks for the review! You're very welcome for writing this Niz story. I'm glad you're enjoying it and I appreciate you taking the time to review. It helps me to know what you like about the updates.

Becca1: Thanks for the review, girl! I apologize for the delay. Even though it takes me a little while to update this story, I will NEVER forget about it. Thank you for understanding that I'm not able to update as often as other writers on this site. Oh trust me, girl, I'm definitely inspired for Niz and this story, it's just a matter of having the time to write for the couple. Considering you're a Niz fan, I can just imagine the frustration that the writers don't seem to want to write for your couple but they're putting more time for Brik. But at least we have stories on this site as a comfort. I enjoy the looks as well that Niz give each other. It's clear they want to be together but when that happens is the question. I appreciate your kind words and that I'm writing how the characters feel and they're emotions and feelings. I do my best to write the scene as I picture it so you can picture it too. I admit it's not always easy to do this, but thank you for noticing. It means a lot that you pointed that out. It helps me write better and inspires me when you say that. I apologize I'm not able to write for Spixie, but thank you for understanding. I've always admired 'Spixie', but I fear if I ever tried writing for them, I would not be able to do the couple justice. I do my best to honor requests from readers that want me to write a story for them, but sometimes it doesn't work out. Anyways, thank you for taking the time to leave feedback. It's greatly appreciated. Hope you like the next update.

TerryGyimah: Thanks for the review! It may look like Elizabeth is breaking AJ's heart, but please keep it mind that Elizabeth is doing her best to soften the blow and it wouldn't be fair to be with AJ if her heart yearns for Nikolas. There are a lot of Quiz fans and Niz fans on this site, but it just depends on what couple you enjoy rooting for. I read online that one of Nikolas' family members is coming back, an uncle I think, so we will see what happens with that. Take care and hope you're enjoying the story.

ABCSOAPFAN1963: Thanks for the review! So glad you enjoyed the update. Hope you like the next one and thank you for taking the time to leave feedback. I appreciate it.

Guest: Thanks for the review! I'm sorry you're not enjoying the story. You are right in that both men have tempers, but to be fair, so far Nikolas has been able to keep it in check versus AJ he hasn't. He's been very vocal towards Nikolas versus Nikolas has stood by and took it. Granted, when Nikolas does respond, it probably ain't pretty, but I've noticed that AJ has always had a temper. Oh well. No one is perfect no matter how much they try to be. Take care!

Cullen-hale sisters: Thanks for the review! It means a lot that you're enjoying the story! Hope to hear your thoughts on the next update. Take care.

Bryke13: Thanks for the review! I'm glad you're enjoying it. I will definitely keep writing for Niz. It may take me time to do it, but I won't stop. Take care and hope to hear more from you.

Chapter 7

(Elizabeth was able to get off of work a little bit early this evening. She was scheduled to work till 6pm, but Epiphany let her go a half hour early. The head nurse noticed Elizabeth was a nervous wreck and asked her what was wrong. She didn't know what to say, so she just said she thought she was coming down with something. She knew technically that was a lie, but what the hell else was she supposed to say? Tell Epiphany that not only did she confess her love for Nikolas Cassadine, but that she was planning on breaking AJ Quartermaine's heart? She wasn't afraid of telling her soon-to-be ex her true feelings for her past lover. What she was afraid of is if AJ gets so upset over her confession that it sends him back to the bottle)

(She did care for AJ. She did have feelings for him. But she knew it wasn't right to be with one man when her heart belonged to another. She loved Nikolas Cassadine, more than she's ever loved anyone. Nikolas had a hold over her. It wasn't a dangerous hold or anything like that. Truth be told, she loved the fact that Nikolas had this hold over her. Nikolas didn't possess her. He would never do that and she knew that. No, what kind of a hold he had over her was the fact that he loved her throughout everything. He loved her through all her faults. He loved her even though she cared for people that he didn't technically like. Nikolas would never tell her who to care for or to be friends with. He loved her because she was independent. He's always loved that about her)

(Elizabeth has never been the type of person to accept help. She would if she knew she needed it. Nikolas and everyone else knew she didn't like taking things. Take money, for example. Nikolas could tell his true love didn't like taking money as she wanted to survive on her own. But she also knew that if the time came when she needed to accept it, she would. But Nikolas respected the fact that she wanted to stand on her own two feet. He couldn't help but be in awe of her and that made him love her even more)

(Elizabeth appreciated the fact that Nikolas understood this. AJ, on the other hand, always tried to help her. She told him she appreciated it, but told him she didn't need it. Elizabeth privately admitted to herself she didn't like the fact that AJ kept trying to help her when she'd repeatedly tell him she was fine. She knew he meant well, but it was like he didn't understand the fact that his help wasn't needed. That was another thing she didn't care for)

(She wasn't looking forward to breaking AJ's heart, but she promised herself that she would do it as gently as she could. She knew if the roles were reversed, she would want the same courtesy. Elizabeth knew she made a mess of things when she was engaged to Lucky and ended up going behind his back when she had an affair with Nikolas. It was never her intention to betray her fiancé. But, truth of the matter was, she did. She knew that was something she was going to have to live with for the rest of her life. She vowed nothing like that would ever happen again. Elizabeth also told herself that she would not move forward with Nicholas until things with AJ came to a conclusion)

(Elizabeth got home just before 6pm. She made arrangements with Audrey before she went to work for her gram to take the boys for the night. Elizabeth explained everything to her grandmother the situation and Audrey told her she understood. Audrey could tell her granddaughter has been going through a hard time between the two men in her life who both sought after her heart. Audrey then told Elizabeth that has much as her granddaughter wanted to try continuing things with AJ, she needed to follow her heart. Audrey knew Elizabeth's heart did not belong with AJ, but to Nikolas. Truth be told, Elizabeth did not even have to confess any of this because Audrey saw the way her granddaughter was with the two men and it was very clear her heart has always lied with the prince)

(Elizabeth tries to figure out what to make and ends up deciding on spaghetti. After finishing supper and getting changed earlier, she sets the table. Dressed in a pair of jeans and a blue t-shirt along with her pink fuzzy slippers, she is just abut to do a little cleaning to pass the time when she hears a knock at the door. She stops what she's doing and takes a deep breath, wiping her hand on her pants before she walks to the front door. She knew this was it. She nervously puts her hand on the door handle and opens it to see who it is even though she was positive she knew who was on the other side of the door. After opening it, she sees a smiling AJ with a bouquet of flowers in his hands. She smiles politely before noticing the flowers. Her polite smile is briefly gone before she turns her attention back to AJ)

Liz: "Hi."

AJ: (smiles) "Hi."

(AJ looks at the flowers before smiling at his girlfriend)

AJ: "These are for you. I hope you like them." (giving the flowers to Liz)

Liz: (smiles & nods) "They're beautiful. Thank you."

AJ: (smiles tenderly) "They're not as beautiful as you, of course."

(Elizabeth nods politely but it's clear he's making her uncomfortable with his sweet words to her. She didn't have any regrets about telling AJ how she truly felt because she didn't want to lead him on, but it didn't make this any easier. She knew she was making the right decision in ending things with him because her heart belonged to someone else. But she knew once he knew who she was in love with, all hell would break loose)

(Obviously, she couldn't stop AJ from expressing his feelings, but she was also worried about what he would do after her confession. To say that AJ didn't like Nikolas was an understatement. Nikolas never told her if he and AJ ever got into any arguments or fist fights and she figured it was because either it didn't happen or he was trying to protect her. But she knew if he felt it was serious enough, he would tell her. To be honest, she wasn't sure she wanted to know, but she knew she needed to. Well, considering what AJ told her earlier today about a possible confrontation with Nikolas, she knew it was time to get everything out on the table. Not only her true feelings for Nikolas, but if any fights occurred between the two men. It was obvious from her conversation with AJ earlier that he wasn't going to open up willingly, so she knew she needed to make the first move. She wasn't afraid of AJ that he would hurt her, but what he would do once everything is out in the open)

(Elizabeth opens the door wide enough so that AJ can get in and smiles)

Liz: "Come in."

AJ: (smiles) "Thanks."

(After AJ gets in, she shuts the door before they walk to the side of the couch and they face each other)

AJ: (smiles happily) "I'm really looking forward to tonight. There's something I've been wanting to tell you for a little while now and I think tonight is the perfect time to say it."

(Elizabeth has a nervous look on her face. She had her suspicions on what it was, but from the way he was acting, she was almost positive she knew what it was. She could see the happiness in his eyes and across his face and she couldn't help but be overcome with guilt. It was never her intention to hurt him, but she knew it was going to happen. She also knew he wasn't had much luck in the romance department. Between Carly and everyone else he's been with, obviously it didn't end well. And after this breakup, it would be yet another failed relationship for him. As much as she was feeling guilty, she knew in the end, AJ wouldn't appreciate her not admitting how she truly felt. Elizabeth briefly smells the flowers before excusing herself)

Liz: "I'm gonna put these in water."

AJ: (nods) "No problem."

(Elizabeth goes to the kitchen and puts water in a vase before resting the flowers safely in it and then comes back to see AJ)

Liz: "I'll put them on the table."

(AJ looks at the table and sees what she made for supper)

AJ: "I see you cooked Spaghetti."

Liz: "I hope that's okay."

AJ: (reassures her) "That's perfect." (smiles) "I enjoy your cooking. You're a very good cook."

Liz: (chuckles nervously) "I don't know about that. I'm not a gourmet chef or anything. I just pretty much cook the basics. The boys don't complain, though, so I guess that's good."

AJ: (jokingly) "I'm sure they wouldn't complain being you're the main cook."

(AJ laughs briefly before clearing his throat and smiles politely)

AJ: "Does, uh, does Nikolas ever cook for them?"

Liz: "Just when I bring them to see him and Spencer. Nikolas has a cook, but when me and the boys come, he insists on making their meals."

AJ: (mutters) "I'll bet he does."

(Elizabeth looks at him weirdly)

Liz: "Excuse me?"

(AJ shakes his head and chuckles nervously)

AJ: "Nothing. I'm sure he is a good cook, as well."

Liz: (nods) "Yes, he is. The boys love it."

(Elizabeth can tell AJ is getting pissed off. She doesn't understand why being she wasn't the one who brought up Nikolas. AJ did. If anything, he shouldn't be getting upset over it being this conversation AJ brought Nikolas into it)

Liz: (sighs softly) "AJ, I know you don't like Nikolas." (tilts her head) "I'm not expecting you to. But the boys do. He's also their uncle so they will always be in each other's lives. If you can't accept that…then we have a problem."

(AJ can tell from the tone of her voice and the seriousness of her face that she was starting to get fed up. As much as he didn't like Cassadine, he knew he needed to make more of an effort if he wanted to stay in her life as well as the boys'. He knew their relationship was in trouble because of the way he's been acting. He was also aware that even though she hasn't come out and said it, she had feelings for his enemy, deep feelings. He wouldn't be surprised if she was in love with him. After all, she did cheat on her ex fiancé with Nikolas so the feelings must have been deep if that happened)

(But AJ vowed to himself that he would do everything in his power to erase Elizabeth's feelings for the prince. He would NOT let him win and he would not let Nikolas steal his woman…the woman he loved. AJ was certain that once he told her how he felt, that he loved her, she would know how deep his feelings went and she would realize that AJ was the better man for her. Because in his mind, if Nikolas was willing to split up Lucky and Elizabeth when they were engaged, Cassadine was capable of anything)

(AJ firmly believed Nikolas Cassadine wasn't the right guy for Elizabeth. He has always believed he was and he was willing to help her realize that. If it took a little persuasion and even some manipulation, then so be it. AJ had a few doubts at doing this, but he quickly squashed them when he told himself that he was the best man for her and he would make her believe it, too. Truth of the matter is, he wasn't sure if her feelings for him ran as deep, but he was fine with the fact that they would after tonight)

(AJ went closer to her and gently put his arms around her waist. She observed what he was doing, but clearly knew he was being as gentle as he could. He made sure she was looking at him before he spoke)

AJ: "I'm sorry for my attitude lately regarding Nikolas. You're right that I don't like him, but that's no reason for the way I've been acting."

(He rolled his eyes as he knew he needed to admit his next confession and he didn't want to say it, but he knew he needed to if there was any hope at salvaging their relationship. He's never admitted it before, but he knew it was time)

AJ: "I know Nikolas will have a permanent place in Cameron and Aiden's lives. They love their uncle. As much as I don't want to admit it, Nikolas has been trying and I haven't done the same. I've been trying to get him out of their lives and your life since you and I started dating. I know as long as we're together, I will have to accept him. I'll be honest, though. I don't want to."

(AJ looks down and briefly closes his eyes before looking back at his girlfriend)

AJ: (sincerely) "I don't want to lose you, Elizabeth. I have never felt for someone what I feel for you and I don't want to lose that." (shakes his head) "But Nikolas is making it so hard, so hard, for me to control my temper."

(When Elizabeth looks at him with a questionable look, he tilts his head and looks a little frustrated when it's clear he needs to explain things further)

AJ: "You know how he feels about you, Elizabeth. I don't think it's a secret to anyone in this town so it shouldn't be a secret to you." (raises his eyebrows) "Am I right?"

(Elizabeth knew from his firm but gently tone and what he just said that he was right. She looks down slightly before facing AJ. She sighs deeply and nods her head)

Liz: "You're right. I know. To be honest, I've known for a little while now. He confessed his feelings for me a little while ago."

(AJ stares at her for the longest time before he unwraps his hands around her and nods. He knew Nikolas felt this way towards her. And he figured he would tell her he loved her sooner or later, but it was still unexpected to hear her say the words. AJ puts his hand up to his chin and rubs it with the other hand across his stomach. As he processes the information he was just told, he clears his throat. He then folds his arms and nods, telling her to continue)

Liz: "I was trying to figure out how to tell you because I knew you wouldn't like it. Nikolas wanted me to know how he felt for me."

(AJ clears his throat and nods. She can clearly tell he's ticked. She didn't know how much more to reveal all at once, so she decided to go at his pace)

AJ: (nods) "I see. When, uh, when did he confess his feelings for you exactly? I know you've pretty much known for awhile now or suspected it, but when did he make it clear he wanted you?"

(Elizabeth looks at AJ in fear. This was the moment she has been dreading for a long time, but she also knew it was going to happen soon or later. She hoped later as she was afraid of his reaction. She fidgets, playing with her hands and tries not to look at him directly in the eyes because she knew he wouldn't like her answer. Even worse, he wouldn't like her response to Nikolas' confession. She wouldn't blame him for being upset, but it didn't mean she still wasn't worried. AJ knew he wouldn't like her answer from the way she was doing her best to look away from him and her nervousness regarding the question. But he needed her to say the words)

AJ: (whispers) "Please tell me." (sighs) "When did he say he loved you and wanted to be with you?"

(Elizabeth sighs and closes her eyes. She knew he was waiting for her to say the words. She knew he had a right to know, but it didn't make this moment any easier)

Liz: (whispers) "The other night." (opening her eyes) "He told me the other night."

(AJ widens his eyes and scoffs lightly before he bursts out laughing)

AJ: "I was beginning to wonder when he'd do it."

(He shakes his head and continues to laugh and she can tell there's sarcasm in his voice)

AJ: "Wow, he really lays it all on the line. Was he all sweet and tender when he said it?"

(Elizabeth looks at AJ in the face and glares at him. She knew he wouldn't be happy about it. That's an understatement. But right now, he was being a jackass)

Liz: "He was honest with his feelings. I know you're not happy about it and I'm not expecting you to be. I know you're pissed off, but you asked. You wanted to know the truth, and I'm giving you the truth."

(AJ continues to laugh for another few seconds before he finally stops. He knew he was being a jerk, but to be honest, he didn't care anymore. It was obvious that his enemy didn't care about his feelings for who he hurt, so why should he? AJ tried to be the good guy for how long and look at where that got him. Cassadine wanted Elizabeth and it was clear he didn't care that he stepped over AJ to get her. Well, AJ vowed that he was putting a stop to it. If Cassadine wanted a fight over Elizabeth Webber, he was damn well going to get one. But he needed his next question answered before he went any further. He was pretty sure he knew the answer, but he wanted to hear her say it. He looked at her directly in the eyes with a serious look)

AJ: "Answer me this."

(Elizabeth stood still and nodded. She knew what his question was going to be and she was prepared to give it)

AJ: "Do you love him? Do you love Nikolas Cassadine?"

(Elizabeth continued staring at him in the eyes. She wanted to be as gentle as possible towards him, but it was becoming quite clear he wasn't being gentle, so why should she? She knew what was in her heart and even though AJ Quartermaine didn't want to hear it, it was time he did. She wasn't going to deny it any longer to him or anyone else any longer. It was time to own up to her feelings and say what was in her heart. She didn't care anymore how AJ reacted because if he was going to be an asshole about it, she was going to be a bitch about it. She raised her head up slightly and spoke the truth)

Liz: "Yes, I do. I love Nikolas Cassadine."

There you have it! After long last, Elizabeth finally admitted to AJ she is in love with Nikolas! Let the fireworks begin! LOL. I have my notes for the next chapter or two done but still have to write the update. Please keep in mind that between my work schedule and my other current stories, it may take me time to update. But I hope you'll bear with me and be patient until I'm able to. Until then, I hope this update tides you over. I tried to make it as long as I could being it's been awhile since I last updated this story. I hope you'll let me know what you think of this update as every writer likes to know how they're doing. I'd love to hear your thoughts on AJ/Liz's conversation. I realize I didn't put Nikolas in this update, but I felt this update needed to be about AJ and Elizabeth so they could have this long awaited confrontation. I assure you Nikolas will be in the next chapter. What will happen? We will see soon! Thank you for the reviews, follows, and favorites. Until next time!