Dear Dexter,

I hope this email finds you well. It's been quite a few years since your father, your brothers, and I have seen you, and we're happy to have a way to reach out. Seeing you leave for the military just after your high school graduation broke our hearts; we didn't even get a chance to properly say goodbye. Thankfully, though, the goodbye appears to be short-lived. I think of it as a little Christmas miracle!

Things have been good over here in LA: Chris is taking over the family real estate business and Ty has finally found some…let's just call it "stability" for now. And here's you, with a big life of your own all the way across the country. How are you? How have things been since you left for bootcamp? What's it like in New York? How's your job in the coffee business? And what about your girlfriend - how's she doing? Please, tell us! We genuinely want to know!

I'm sure this bothers you a bit, considering how you grew up. I'm sorry you dealt with what you did, with all the hospital visits coming off of the roughhousing between you and Chris and Ty, but that's all in the past now, and we hope that, one day soon, you'll repair this bridge you burned. We love you, sweetheart. Write back soon.

Love,

Mom

"Oh my God," Dex's throat closes instantly, his eyes a bright red and his face flush. He clicks off the email on his computer screen, resting his chin in the palm of his propped hand as he does his best to keep his composure. He then gets up and paces around the living room, the Christmas decorations blurring into greens and reds and whites around him, his panicked thoughts racing a mile a minute. His phone rings just as he takes a seat on the couch, Michael's contact on the screen.

"H-Hello?" he asks.

"Oh good," Michael responds, faint laughter in the background, "you got my present."

"You…you're responsible for that email?!"

"Oh, what, you thought you'd get away with breaking my little sister's heart and quitting on me?"

"So you had to go and contact my family?!"

"It's called karma, Dex. I'm sure you've heard of it. Joss told me what you said and did to her, and considering what you said and did to me, I knew of a good enough punishment to make us both happy."

Dex doesn't respond, his face hot as tears spill down his cheeks.

"Just…why, man? Why did you hurt Joss? Why did you give up on the mission?"

"I…I don't owe you a damn thing-"

"You absolutely do. See, I was the one who brought you here, I was the one who gave you a reason to stick around, and I was the one you screwed over. I'm at least owed an explanation."

"No, you're not, not after this."

"Don't be ridiculous-"

"Me? Ridiculous? I wasn't the one who invited my abusers back into my life!"

"Are you sure? Because if you didn't flake on me, if you didn't dump Joss, this wouldn't have happened."

"I…" Dex pinches the bridge of his nose, his breaths heavy and loud, "God…you have no idea what you've done."

"Mm, I think I do. Not only did I give them your email, since you, apparently, blocked their phone numbers, I told your family that you live in the Harborview Towers in Port Charles, New York. You should be grateful I didn't give them the penthouse number."

"Oh, gee, thanks a lot."

"Actions have consequences, Dex. Welcome to the real world."

Dex chuckles at Michael's words, eyes glazed over in exhaustion and rage, "That is so…rich coming from you."

"Excuse me?"

"You're scheming to throw your dad in prison for…what, exactly? Because he hurt your feelings? What's 'real world' about that?"

"He's a criminal-"

"And you've never done anything wrong in your life?"

Silence.

"Michael," Dex clears his throat, "if there's someone you hate so much that simply seeing them makes you angry, stop seeing them. Avoid them. Don't try to talk to them or make plans with them. Just…cut them out."

"Oh, what, Dex, you think you're better than me for that? My reasons for putting Sonny away are my reasons. You had a job and you quit, not to mention how you hurt someone I love."

"Great," Dex groans under his breath, trying to rub his eyes.

"This is what you get, man. Maybe that'll teach you not to betray people."

"It's…amazing how you don't listen to a single word you say. I betrayed you and Joss? What about you betraying Sonny because you're butthurt? What about Joss betraying her ex-boyfriend to get with me? Oh, wait, that's right, you guys betrayed people for 'good reasons,' so therefore it's okay when you do it."

"It's not that-"

"It's exactly that. You want people to think of you as moral, upstanding citizens when all you do is backstab people when you feel slightly inconvenienced. You judge and berate others for things you've done yourselves, and not only do you get mad when you get called out, you bend over backwards to justify it. You were ready to throw your family away because you felt scandalized by someone else's independent choices. Your sister lost her childhood best friend because she thought it was easier and better to lie and cheat than to be upfront about their relationship."

"You're not innocent in this!"

"I never said I was! I know I've done some messed up stuff, but I can at least own it!"

"...We're done here."

"We absolutely are," Dex's nostrils are wide with anger, "Don't contact me again."

Kristina enters the living room, two decadent mugs in her hand, as Dex slams his phone on the coffee table. She stops for a moment, taking in the noise as well as Dex's face in his hands.

"Are you okay?" she asks, setting the mugs down and taking a seat next to him.

"Hm?" he looks at her with bloodshot eyes before glancing at the mugs, noting the whipped cream, sprinkles, and marshmallows on top. He then looks back at her.

"Oh no, what's wrong?" she runs a hand through his hair, "What happened?"

"It's nothing…"

"You're on the verge of crying; it's clearly not nothing."

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Why not?"

"...Because talking about it will make me cry, and I don't want to do that," his voice is soft and hoarse, going in and out as his face gets redder.

Kristina rubs his shoulder, frowning at the sight of him, "You can tell me; it's okay."

Dex leans back and takes a heavy breath, pulling out his phone and opening his emails. He hands her the device, watching her read the message.

"Oh my God," she gives him the phone, "That's…wow."

"All these years I went no-contact and, poof, it's all ruined…"

"How did this happen?"

"Some jackass thought it was fair and just to bring my family back into my life. I just…" he presses the bottom of his palms against his eyes, "This is so bad! They know where I live, how to reach me, what I do for work, and it seems like they even know about you. They're going to come here and find me and…damnit!"

"I'm sorry, baby," she hugs him as best she could, her bump caught in the middle, "I can tell my dad and he can-"

"No, no, getting Sonny involved will only make it worse."

"Okay, well, what can I do to help you?"

Dex gives her a sad yet bright smile, holding her hand in his, "You being here is enough."

"Aw," Kristina smirks, cupping his cheek with her other hand, "I love you, you know that?"

"I love you too," he responds before they meet in the middle, the kiss deep yet tender. He pulls back first, taking the mug closest to him, "So, what are we celebrating?"

"I'm glad you asked," she takes the other mug, raising it up slightly, "As of tomorrow morning," she taps the ceramic together, "Corinthos-Davis House will be open for business!"

"What?!" Dex's eyebrows shoot up, "Kristina, that's amazing! When did you, y'know, decide or find out or…?"

"I got official approval yesterday or the day before. I just needed to pick a good day to start and what better day of the week than Monday?"

"A week before Christmas too. Those kids are going to get an amazing present."

"Yeah," Kristina takes a sip of her mug, swallowing the cream and sprinkles whole, "Mm, that's good."

"Hot cocoa?"

"Yes, sir," she watches him take a sip, lighting up as he licks his lips clean, "I'm pretty proud of it."

"You should be; it's really good."

"Thank you, baby," Kristina leans over to plant a kiss on his lips, "I appreciate the compliment."

Dex sets the mug down on the coffee table, Kristina matching him. He pulls her against him, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Her legs rest in his lap.

"I don't have a lot, but I'm very lucky to have you," he says against her forehead, kissing it.

"You don't just have me," she beams up at him, reaching out to lock his fingers with hers, "You have my mom and dad, you have TJ and Dante, even Sam and Molly. And you have this little one," she nods down at her torso, "who's going to absolutely love her Uncle Dex to pieces."

"I hope so," he untangles his hand from hers and runs it across her bump, "because I love her too."

She tries to marvel at his relaxed yet cheery expression, wonder and sadness present in her gaze as he keeps his eyes down, "You are going to have a great, great life, little one. I'm just glad that I get to be a part of it."

"She's so lucky…" Kristina says gently, cupping the side of Dex's cheek, "just like me."

"Mhm," he hums, kissing her. Their lips push against one another slowly, their speed gradually picking up. One hand remains on the side of Dex's neck while the other drifts down his chest, slipping under his clothes. She swallows his moan as she drags her fingers across his skin. He pulls back ever-so-slowly, "Is someone feeling frisky?"

"Maybe a little," she purrs, gazing at him. She runs her thumb across the bottom of his lip, dragging a smooth line. Dex situates his arms under her legs and back, respectively. In an instant, he stands up and cradles her in his arms.

"Let's do something about that, shall we?" he whispers huskily, flashing his teeth as he smiles at her. Her face grows red, a look of admiration on her face as he walks her up the stairs, her arms around his neck as she clings onto him with each tantalizing step he takes.

We're here, we're finally here.

Kristina looks out of the passenger window as Dex pulls into the parking spot, taking in all of the clouds and snow outside. She tugs her long black trench coat around her body, taking in the large crowd at the front of the building. Dex turns the car off and takes her hand in his, squeezing it gently. They share a hopeful smile before he exits the car first, helping her out. They walk hand-in-hand towards the entrance, heads turning their way as a few cameras flash. Alexis swiftly approaches them, and Kristina looks behind her to see most of her immediate family off to the side, huddled together and away from the sea of reporters and onlookers.

"There you are," Alexis hugs her daughter, "Laura just wrapped up her speech."

"I'm sorry," Kristina frowns, "I wasn't feeling great when I woke up-"

"Is it the baby? Do you need to go to the hospital?"

"I'm fine, we're fine. I just felt a bit under the weather, that's all. I'm here now and now that this day is finally here, I'm ready to get this show on the road."

"Okay, but if you feel off at all, say so."

"I will."

"Good," Alexis rubs her daughter's arm, looking between her and the crowd. Dex gently squeezes Kristina's shoulder before walking towards the side. Alexis locks arms with her, guiding her up the steps. Kristina stands firm at the podium, looking out at the crowd. She gently rubs her stomach when she feels the baby move, then tapping on the microphone.

"Good morning," she begins, "I'd like to thank everyone for coming out here to the grand opening of Corinthos-Davis House."

Applause breaks out from the crowd. Kristina steals a glance at her family, noting everyone present: Sam, Molly, Sonny, Alexis, and Dex. She then looks to her right, smiling at the members of her board: Dr. Randolph, Diane Miller, Lucas Jones, Ned Quartermaine, and Michael, who stands with a flat smile on his face.

"I'm glad that, after months of planning and renovations and many, many business calls, this place is able to not only open, but exist. There are so many kids who need a place to stay, a place they can call home, and now, they have one."

She sniffs, her breath visible as she shakes, her eyes stinging with tears, "I…was in college when I came out as bisexual. It was during a…pretty difficult and messy part of my life, and when I realized that I liked men and women, I was worried that my parents, my…colorful parents," she glances at Sonny and Alexis, who makes a face back at her, "wouldn't accept me. Luckily, though, my family ended up being incredibly accepting and supportive. But I know that my story is mine, that I was an adult when I came to terms with who I am, and that my experience isn't universal," she wipes her face with her white mitten, "It…It breaks my heart to know that there are kids who are figuring out who they are being kicked out of their homes and disowned just because they're LGBTQ. Their lives get…upended and even ruined because their families would rather live in their hatred than love their children. Corinthos-Davis House is going to be the place they can go, where they can live in a safe, welcoming environment and make their own families."

She scans the crowd, determination in her face as she continues, "None of this would have been possible without the support of my family, without the support of the amazing individuals who make up the board, and without the support of this community. These kids are going to be in good hands, and all I can hope is that they're happy, healthy, and loved the way they deserve to be."

Another round of applause breaks out as Kristina walks around to the front of the podium. She rests both her hands on her bump, covered by her trench coat, as her family approaches her. Dex is the only one to her right as they stand in a line, hands on each other's backs or waists. A few photos are taken before they break apart and form smaller combinations: Kristina with the board, Kristina with her parents, Kristina with her siblings, and Kristina with Dex. Journalists and onlookers mingle amongst one another, speaking with the family before making their way to Kristina.

"Ms. Corinthos-Davis," one asks, holding out a microphone in her face, "what inspired you to start your own business as opposed to working with the Port Charles Youth Center?"

"I've worked with the center plenty of times as a volunteer," Kristina answers, "It's a wonderful place and I love each and every person who works there, not to mention all the amazing kids there. But volunteering there wasn't enough for me, and at the time I was managing Charlie's Pub, and I loved that too. I wanted to combine my interests in philanthropy and hospitality, and this is the result."

"How involved will you be with the business due to your pregnancy?" another questions her.

"I plan to be here and work up until I go into labor, which, at this point, is about a month or two away. I want to be able to be with these kids and get to know them, and that way, once I come back from maternity leave, we can pick up right where we left off."

"Congrats on the pregnancy, by the way. You and your husband must be over the moon."

"Oh, uh," Kristina swiftly looks at Dex, "we're not married."

"But the baby is his, right?"

She blinks before responding, "Uh…no. No, I'm…acting as a surrogate for my younger sister, ADA Molly Lansing-Davis. I'll be giving birth to my niece," she rubs the back of her neck, "Uh, let's keep the questions focused on the business."

"Over here!" a third journalist rushes in as Alexis walks up behind her, "I gotta ask, how does your ownership of such an altruistic business reckon with the lives your parents lead?"

"Okay!" the older woman cuts in, clapping her hands, "I think that's enough questions. Let's all go inside and check the place out, shall we?"

Kristina doesn't expect the amount of gasps as the front doors open, but each one is music to her ears. The walls and floors, made of clean white stucco and solid dark wood respectively, help enhance a number of colorful images on the wall, ranging from flags to moments in history to niche art. The rooms themselves are bare, only leaving a bed, closet, and desk inside. The bathroom, still separated by gender, is spacious and spotless, and the cafeteria hosts state-of-the-art kitchen technology with comfortable seating. A number of photos are taken, capturing the new yet familiar ambiance of the overall space. Kristina stands by as people check out every nook and cranny, her family even staring at the sleekness of it all.

"Wow," Dex says, wrapping his arms around her from behind, resting against her chest, "this place looks great, Krissy."

"Aw, thank you," she grins as he kisses the back of her head. His cheek rests against her hair soon after.

"When do the kids start moving in?"

"Tomorrow morning. I'll be here bright and early to supervise," she looks up at him, "so you know what that means."

Dex playfully rolls his eyes, causing her to giggle. She drops her head back down just and a few family members approach her. She smiles as she sees Sam and Dante to her left and Molly and TJ to her right.

"So, what do you think?" she asks.

"It's…a really good place," Sam nods, "You did a great job, Kristina."

"Yeah," Dante mirrors his girlfriend, "all these kids in need of a home are really going to love this place and love what they can get here."

"Thank you."

"Plus, your board has a lot of great people on it," TJ chimes in, "especially Dr. Randolph and Lucas."

"Yeah," Molly smiles, "Having a trans woman and a gay man there, not to mention their careers in healthcare, is really going to make a difference. You're going to help so many kids," she steps up to her older sister, laying a hand on her torso, "You hear that, baby girl? Aunt Krissy's going to save lives."

"That she is."

The small group turns towards Sonny and Alexis, who briskly walk over.

"This place is wonderful, sweetie," Alexis continues, "The rooms are spacious, the kitchen and bathrooms have everything they need, and the little recreational areas have so much to do in them. You really accounted for everything."

"Well, I did what I could," Kristina's shrug is humble, "I just hope it's helpful and accessible to all the kids in the community."

"Oh, it will be," Sonny answers, "We're proud of you, Kristina. Truly."

"Thank you, but like I said in my speech, I couldn't have done it without you guys. I'm really, really grateful."

"Oh, my baby," Alexis coos as she goes in for a hug, causing Dex to back off. He looks to his right and catches Michael by the archway to the kitchen, engaged in a conversation with Ned. The two men exchange looks, sourness immediately present in their expressions. Dex looks away first, resting his hands on Kristina's shoulders once she's free of all the hugs her family gives her. Her hands suddenly touch her stomach, her breathing a bit labored as she feels a somewhat intense pain.

"Whoa," Sonny grabs her arm, "you okay?"

"Y-Yeah…um…"

"Is it the baby?" Molly clasps her hands together in concern.

"Are you in labor?" TJ questions, "If so, we can get you to GH and-"

"No, no, I'm not in labor. It's just…" she feels it again, registering the sensation, "she's kicking a bit hard."

"Do you want to sit down?" Dex asks her, rubbing her shoulders.

"Yes, I would, and I know exactly where to go."

She gets him to separate themselves from her family and travel down a hallway right by the entrance, opening the first door on their left. Dex shuts the door behind before looking around the room. Kristina sits at a lacquered mahogany desk, a small computer monitor somewhat off to her left. A window sits behind her big, black leather office chair, covered by white blinds. Two bookshelves stand on either side of the door behind him, filled with books that range from motivational to scientific to self-help. Three other shelves at half the height are level with her desk, existing behind it with the same materials. Framed photos occupy the open spaces present, which captured Kristina with her parents, sisters, brothers, and even a few with Dex himself.

"Nice office," he says as he takes a seat in one of the two seats across from her desk.

"Thank you," she replies, "I really wanted to make sure I was 'moved in' before anyone else. That way I can focus on the kids."

"Smart move."

"Yeah," she beams, looking around, "Y'know, this just…doesn't feel real."

"What do you mean?"

"I thought managing Charlie's was kind of…it for me. I mean, I thought about owning a bar or restaurant, but never committed to it. Plus, managing Charlie's meant I could be at the youth center, and I loved that just as much."

"And now you have Corinthos-Davis House."

"I do, I do, and this place is going to be as perfect as possible," she playfully points at him, "You can count on that."

He laughs in response, causing her to do the same.

"This is going to be a pretty great Christmas, huh?"

"Well," she gets up. He stands up as well, "for the kids moving in here, it will be. And in a way, for me, it already is."

"Oh," he approaches her as she rests her back against the wall to the right of her desk, "is that so?"

"Mhm. My business is finally open, things with my family have never been better," she grabs his forearms, gazing up at him, "and I have you."

"That all sounds pretty good," he smirks.

She gives him one back, "C'mere."

He leans down and kisses her, firm and unmoving. Her hands shoot up to his shoulders, holding them tight as they stay in place. Her face flushes as they finally move against one another, letting out a few moans when she feels his hands glide around her body. He suddenly pulls away when he feels his back pocket vibrate.

"Hold on," he pulls out his cellphone, "I have to take this. Sorry."

"That's okay," she watches him exit the room, slowly making her way to her desk. Once she sits back down, she pulls back her trenchcoat and runs her hands across her torso.

"Well, baby," she says sweetly, "Corinthos-Davis House is finally a reality. I'm sure you're just as happy as I am right now; you're not stuck in boring business meetings anymore."

She smiles at the first gentle kick against her palm.

"In a way, it's like I have two babies: this business and you. I can't wait for when you're born, and Daddy and I…" she pauses, taking a breath, "and Aunt Molly and Uncle TJ bring you by for some visits. That'll be the best," she frowns at her bump before looking at the closed door, seeing Dex's warped silhouette through the blurred glass, sighing through her nose. A lone thought exists in her mind: One big thing down…another one to go.