Villa Scorpio
A rumpled Anna sat up in bed and gasped. Rose petals were scattered across the bed. She grabbed handfuls and inhaled their scent.
Freshly showered, Robert came in and sat on the edge of the bed. He leaned in for a kiss. "Happy Valentines Day."
Anna folded the too-long sleeves of the pajama top she wore before wrapping her arms about Robert's neck. She began to draw him down and on to the bed.
In between kisses, Robert extricated himself. "Sweetheart, this ... this has to wait."
"So much to make up for," mumbled Anna tugging at Robert's blue robe. "Come back to bed." She glanced at the bedside clock. "It's only five."
"Lots to do today. We'll get to ... to us ... later."
Anna shot Robert a look that was both sultry and impish. "It's OUR day, Robert."
Robert let out a long breath. "Oh, I know. I remember VERY vividly."
"Well then." Anna pushed the blankets and duvet off to the side.
Robert studied the light of mischief and desire in Anna's eyes. "Marriage is all about compromise."
"Compromises and traditions," added Anna. "Tradition demands that we begin our day properly."
"Viva tradition!" said Robert.
Terrycloth blue hit the floor.
Temple Court - Donely Penthouse
Tiffany sat in an armchair looking at a deeply slumbering Sean in their bed. His tousled hair shone a dull silver. His face was becoming gaunt. She could see deeper lines in his face and forehead. Sean was a master of disguising his thoughts and emotions except when he was asleep. Tiffany had long ago learned that watching him sleep was the best way to see her husband's real self.
"Something is bothering you and you won't tell me what it is," whispered Tiffany. "Time for drastic measures."
Sean stirred as if hearing his wife's voice.
"Sean?" asked Tiffany.
Sean's hands shot out and seemed to take hold of some enemy only he could see. "No! Won't ... let you!"
Tiffany bolted out of the chair.
Sean thrashed about. "I can fix this."
Tiffany leaned over the bed and shook Sean gently then increasing force. "Honey, wake up! You're dreaming!"
"My mission. My fault," mumbled Sean.
"Wake up! Sean!" Tiffany not so gently patted Sean's face. "Honey!"
Sean's eyes fluttered open. "Wh-what? Honey?"
"You're not getting out of this bed until you tell me what's going on with you," said Tiffany.
Sean rubbed at his eyes. "Dreams. That's all."
"I want an answer, Sean."
Sean repeated, "Dreams."
"I'm talking about YOU not some silly dream."
Sean struggled to sit up. "You know I sometimes have bad dreams. Just ignore it."
Tiffany stood up and crossed her arms over her chest. "Not this time. You mentioned a mission and fixing something."
"Yeah, yeah, I was thinking about a ... a mission in Argentina. It didn't go well."
"We've always kept the lies to a minimum between us, Sean. Don't change that now. Please don't."
Sean got to his feet and walked past his wife into the hallway. "I can't do this. Not now. I'm sorry, baby."
Port Charles Police Department
Candy hearts skittered in all directions across Lucky's desk as he frantically tried to grab the ones falling off the edges.
"Whoa!" cried Lucky slid out of his chair in his haste to grab the falling hearts. He hit the floor with a loud thud. "Ooof!"
"I don't think that's covered by workers comp," said Dante as he stooped to pick up some hearts that had rolled in his direction.
"You ... you're here early, Dante," said Lucky. "It's only six thirty."
"I have some reports to finish and turn in. Being the new guy here, I know I'm under the microscope," replied Dante. "I've closed all my cases so if you need help I'm-"
Lucky shook another bag of candy hearts on top of his desk. "Perfect. Sort through these and find the pink ones that say Be Mine. No other color but pink and no other text."
Dante eyed the pile of four bags of unopened candy and said, "And this effort is all for who?"
"Elisabeth," said Lucky. "I mean Liz."
"The ex-wife, right," said Dante pushing three pink hearts towards Lucky's growing pile.
"She's also my oldest, dearest friend. Our breakup hasn't been easy on either of us. In the long run, it would be best for our kids to see that their parents still love each other as friends," said Lucky. "This Valentines day I'm recognizing that friendship."
"So this is for your kids?"
"Of course." Lucky tore open another bag of candy.
"What's the point of the candy?"
"I'm going to decorate a card with it. Elizabeth is an artist. She's really good. Me on the other hand, well, I'm long on effort and short on real talent."
"Why not do flowers instead?" asked Dante.
"Anyone can buy flowers. I know she'll like the handmade stuff more," said Lucky. He spotted Alvin approaching carrying a brown grocery bag. "You got 'em?"
Alvin put down his grocery bag on Lucky's desk. "Yeah. Two bags of candy hearts. I still think you're in denial about your motives."
Lucky rolled his eyes. "We are not getting back together. Our relationship has gone through every break up song in existence. This is a gesture of friendship. That's all."
"Whatever you say, partner." Alvin looked at Dante. "I'll take over. The Captain wants to see you."
Dante smiled in anticipation. "Maybe it's a new case." He hustled away called out. "Good luck with the hearts."
Lucky looked around and saw that no one else was around. "So, have you changed your mind about being the intern."
"I can't wait to get started," said Alvin.
Lucky pulled a drawer open and took out a phone which he handed to his partner. "Here's an untraceable phone. I've got the same. I've put in my new number on this phone. Use this and only this to contact me."
"If I can't get a hold of you by phone, I'll leave a message at Kelly's," said Alvin. "After what happened to Brittany last night, this is more important than ever."
"Yeah. Matt was really upset," said Lucky. "Hey, I'll be back. I forgot. I promised Matt I'd get him a few minutes with the Captain."
"For what?"
"Don't know. He did say it would be a good idea for both of us to be in the meeting with the Captain. Let's go."
"Nice of you to shave, Spencer," said Alvin.
"So what?" asked Lucky. "Valentines Day isn't all about romantic love. There's all kinds of love for your friends, your family."
"So in denial. It's pathetic," said Alvin.
The detectives hurried off to the Captain's office.
Quartermaine Mansion
Tracy woke up to the scent of coffee and fresh-baked bread. Soft jazz music wafted in the air. She stretched her arms out. The bedroom door opened and Luke stepped in carrying a breakfast tray.
"Happy Valentines, wife," said Luke putting the tray down beside Tracy and giving her a quick kiss.
"Hmm, you're up really early."
"Well, I wanted to prepare this myself. All your favorites."
"You came in too late last night. I wanted to talk to you."
"Why don't we partake of my culinary efforts and enjoy the moment? Talk later," said Luke pouring coffee for Tracy.
"Okay. It ... it wasn't important. I'm taking on a new project and I may need to, ah, disappear every now and then like sudden trips out of town," said Tracy sitting up on bed.
"Okay with me," said Luke. "Eat. Your toast is getting cold."
"This project is going to take all my energy and time. I can't think about anything else. You'll try to keep out of trouble? "
"I don't worry about you. You don't worry about me. Why? Because you and I, Tracy, we always land on our feet," said Luke. "Do your business and I'll see you when you come home."
Tracy smiled. "You do understand me and ... and everything."
"You're a woman who's going places all the time. You don't need a husband that stands in your way or slows you down too much," said Luke. "You need your space like I do. You do what you have to do. Whatever happens, I'll understand."
"You and Daddy alike? Hmm, never saw that coming," said Tracy as she buttered her toast.
"I know that there's something going on in this house that I'm being excluded from. Don't bother lying to me. Whatever it is, you're probably neck deep in it, right?"
Tracy sighed. "It's ... family. ELQ."
"Okay. Promise me that if you start going under that you'll let me know. I'm out of practice riding in on my black horse but I'll manage," said Luke. "Might have to glue myself in the saddle first."
Tracy laughed. "I promise."
Temple Court - Maxie's Place
Rap. Rap.
Maxie let out a yelp as a large bouquet of flowers greeted her at the door.
"Happy Valentines!" exclaimed Matt still in his pajamas and robe.
Maxie took the bouquet. "These are gorgeous. You look like you can use some coffee."
"Late night at work," murmured Matt. "I can't stay. I wanted to make sure you got the flowers."
"Coffee will only take a few minutes."
Matt shook his head. "Patrick crashed at my place. I don't want him to wake up alone. Know what I mean?"
Maxie winced. "Oh, right. First Valentines without Eve."
"He's been burying himself at work for the last few days. His way of coping I guess," said Matt.
Maxie opened a cabinet. "I bought your favorite Jamaican Blue Mountain."
"You are a goddess!" exclaimed Matt.
"I know and this goddess just got a great idea," said Maxie. She removed the pouch of ground coffee from the shelf and tucked it into her robe pocket then handed the bouquet of flowers to Matt. "Here, take this. Let's both keep Patrick company. Maybe we can get a smile out of him. You make the coffee and I'll make breakfast. Deal?"
"Deal!" Matt held the door open as Maxie stepped through.
They made their way to Matt's unit.
Scorpio House
Dianara curled a leg under her and sat down on the couch. Mac put another log in the living room fireplace. He used an iron poker to spread the coals evenly.
Mac asked his soon-to-be wife. "You liked my surprise then?"
"Watching the sun rise before making love? Loved it."
Mac sat down next to Dianara and spread a thick blanket about the two of them. "It was the only thing I could think of with no electricity and the boiler broken. Sitting here in sweatpants and shirts is not romantic at all. I had something better planned for today. You sure you don't mind?"
"The day is not about gifts and plans, Mac. According to legend, St. Valentine performed marriages in secret between soldiers and their wives after the king had forbidden his soldiers to marry. Love and marriage that is very appropriate for us," said Dianara. "It is a good sign for our future."
"What a cheap date." Mac wrapped an arm about Dianara and pulled her closer. "You've given up a lot for me."
"For us," clarified Dianara.
"We could have managed things without you resigning. Marriages are discouraged but not forbidden completely."
"It was time to leave the Bureau."
"You weren't given a choice in the matter."
"Not in the beginning but ultimately it was my decision. Stop trying to find reasons to not get married."
"I wasn't."
Dianara studied Mac's face. "Weren't you?"
Mac said nothing.
"This wedding will happen," said Dianara. "Believe it. Believe in us."
"I do believe in us."
"But you don't believe in you especially in the romance department."
"Given my track record, do you blame me? Dominique, Felicia, Katherine and then there's you and the WSB," said Mac.
"That part of my life is finished."
"Spies marry their jobs. I've seen it in action and in effect. Are you sure you won't miss the purpose of the job or the adrenalin rush?" asked Mac. "Frisco is having a tough time going cold turkey. Even Robbie, Anna and Sean kept a hand in the business. Sometimes, it seemed to me like they never really left."
"I modeled to support my family. I joined the WSB as a personal challenge and because I admired the ideals of the service. I have completed the challenge. I have served. What is there left to do?"
"Off the top of my head maybe save the world."
"I have. Twice." She touched Mac's cheek. "As of today I am your Valentine for life. Any questions?"
Mac winked. "Is the door locked?"
"Yes and the alarm is on emergency power." Dianara slipped a hand underneath the waistband of Mac's shirt. "I expect no interruptions."
"Good." Mac dispensed of his shirt. "Let's make our own electricity shall we?"
Abbey Bookstore Kiosk, Port Charles Airport
Copies of The Economist and The New York Yorker hit the counter. The cashier smiled and bantered while ringing up the purchase.
"The article on the Euro is insightful," said the cashier.
"Pretentious drivel," said the customer's companion the diminutive Mr. Hare.
"Hush, Hare," said the customer, the Red Queen Augusta, looking around the kiosk.
"Tis only the truth, milady."
Augusta smiled towards the most likely spot behind the cashier where a camera would most likely be placed. She said, "Mr. Skinner, we must talk."
"Excuse me?" asked the cashier.
"Nothing at all," said Augusta as she paid for the magazines. She led the way out of the kiosk. "Be of good cheer. Enjoy the experience."
"Unlikely." Hare pushed a cart piled with bags ahead of him. "When do we return home?"
"When our mission is complete and not a day earlier."
"Drat!" exclaimed Hare.
Davis House
"Happy Valentines, Mom!" yelled two voices as Alexis entered the kitchen.
"We have blueberry pancakes and scones," said Molly.
"This is so nice of you but you shouldn't have," said Alexis who was already dressed for the day. "I'm due at the office."
Kristina drew Alexis to a chair to the breakfast table. "Sit down over here, Mom. Relax. You have plenty of time."
"No I don't. I have an appointment with a new client in an hour that could mean some major billing hours and-" began Alexis.
"Your office called and said the client is coming here," said Kristina.
"What?!"
Ring. Ring.
"And here they are now," said Molly.
"Who's they?" asked Alexis. "What's going on?"
A few seconds passed before Kristina appeared followed by Nikolas, Thanos and a striking and poised woman in her early twenties with her arm crooked around Thanos' arm.
"Morning, Alexis," said Nikolas. "May I introduce Morgana de Vries."
Alexis looked at Morgana from head to toe and back again. "You're Morgana?"
"The one and only," said Morgana with a smile. "Thanos and Nikolas have told me much of you. I believe we will do well together."
"You're the one to train me?"
"We Matriarchs come in many sizes and shapes," said Morgana. "But we all attain wisdom in the same way - through teaching each other."
"Ah, you know I haven't quite gotten a handle on the ... the whole Matriarch thing. We ... I need to reschedule you ... us. And ... and I'm going to be really busy, too," said Alexis edging her way out of the kitchen.
"We will certainly be busy, Alexis. Your training is past due so I must use the accelerated version," said Morgana. She was not a classic beauty but her flawless alabaster complexion, elegant carriage and air of absolute confidence attracted second glances without effort.
"I took the liberty of booking your entire working day, Alexis," said Thanos.
Alexis whirled on Thanos and shrieked, "Garecy Partners is YOU?!"
"Nikolas and I to be exact," admitted Thanos.
"You have no right to do that! Who do you think you are?" said Alexis.
"I did consult with your secretary. You have no pressing court dates or cases. It is the perfect time for Morgana to assist you in assuming your family duties," said Thanos.
Alexis glanced at Morgana. "I was expecting someone like Helena."
Morgana visibly shuddered. "We are nothing like her. She is ... is an aberration."
"She has the vocabulary," muttered Kristina.
"Shall it be here or at the castle?" asked Thanos.
"You ... you are IMPOSSIBLE!" exclaimed Alexis.
"C-c-could we watch?" asked Molly wide-eyed and eager.
"No way Jose!" said Alexis.
"Mom, what better way for us to learn about our Cassadine family history?" asked Kristina.
"Who is Jose?" asked Morgana.
"That is a really good point," said Nikolas.
"They are rather lacking in that department," said Thanos.
"Hey! My daughters are amazing just the way they are," said Alexis.
"Oh, Mom!" said Molly.
Morgana studied Kristina and Molly. "They are removed from the direct line but they are not without potential in their own right."
Molly brightened, "What kind of potential?"
"To marry into other Families and become Matriarchs if that is your destiny," said Morgana with a knowing smile.
Kristina and Molly grinned at each other.
"Over my dead body," said Alexis.
Morgana glanced at Thanos. "As you said, she would be difficult."
"I said it would be challenging. Your grandfather was the one to remark that Alexis would prove difficult. How did Martin know?" asked Thanos.
"Grandfather knows all. One of the first things I learned in the nursery. I no longer question it," said Morgana.
Molly reached for the phone. "Nikolas, call the school and tell them we're sick. Pretty please."
Thanos clapped his hands together. "Let us adjourn to the castle and begin this ... this ..."
"Adventure," said Nikolas.
"Quest," said Molly.
"Mistake," said Alexis.
"Test," said Morgana.
"Makeover," said Kristina.
"All of the above," said Thanos. "Let us away!"