Breaking Away Chapter 19 - 20   Chapter 19 ~*~ Heart Of Mine ~*~ "Stuck? Are you sure? I mean of course you're sure but I really wanted to get home tonight. I don't like the fact that Renee and Luke never showed up. I hope they haven't killed each other." Lucy continued to rock Abby in her arms. Then she noticed the puddle forming on the floor. "Ooops. If you'd lend me something to wear, I could get out of these clothes and hang this dress up to dry." Kevin plucked Abby from her arms. "The guest room. Victor insisted that Mary keep some clothes in the dresser." Climbing the stairs Lucy couldn't help but smile. There were so many wonderful memories in this house. She wanted her new home to be like this one. One filled iwth lots of people, and voices, and things happening. As poor as her background was, as little as the Simpson family had, they'd never lacked for friends or neighbors, or visitors. In the guest room she removed a small pile of clothing from the dresser. A pair of sweatpants, some thick socks, but nothing for on top. She went across the hall into Kevin's bedroom, and removed a shirt from his closet. It was strange being in that bedroom and know she was a guest. Shaking off the gloom, Lucy slid into a hot shower, and washed her hair. After dressing, she followed her nose which led her down stairs to the aroma of omlettes. "I was hungry, and you didn't eat much either, so I thought Abby and I would whip up something." He set Abby on his lap as he dug into his own food. "Sort of as an apology." Where before she'd been naseous, now Lucy dug into her food with gusto. She was suddenly starving. "Kevin. You don't really have to apologize, but I just can't figure it out. When did we stop being friends?" "We haven't Lucy. Not really." Kevin answered taking a gulp of hot coffee. Damn. She did look good in his house. "I just don't know what I want sometimes. And I know it's not fair to take out my confusion on you." Before she can think of a suitable retort Abby lets out a truly unhappy howl. Kevin sighs and begins to rise from the table. "Let me." Lucy offered. She didn't really want to go another 12 rounds with Kevin tonight. She plucked the baby up. "I'll go change her." She offered. "Now's usually when she goes to sleep." Kevin replied. "It's actually past her bed time." "Mine too." Lucy smiled as she took a screaming Abby upstairs. Kevin turned on the baby monitor, and listened in. He knew it was wrong, and not to mention juvenile, but he couldn't help himself. "Hey there. Oh man are you ticked!" Lucy crooned. "You're more ticked than I am, and I've got a $550 dress ruined." She changed the diaper fairly efficiently. When Abby showed no signs of stopping her screaming, she sat in the rocking chair, and began to rock the baby, all the while singing. ~*~*~ Why are there so many songs about rainbows And what's on the other side? Rainbows are visions, but only illusions, And rainbows have nothing to hide. So we've been told and some choose to believe it I know they're wrong, wait and see. Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, The lovers, the dreamers and me. Who said that every wish would be heard and answered when wished on the morning star? Somebody thought of that and someone believed it, and look what it's done so far. What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing? And what do we think we might see? Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me. All of us under its spell, we know that it's probably magic.... Have you been half asleep and have you heard voices? I've heard them calling my name. Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors? The voice might be one and the same. I've heard it too many times to ignore it. Is it something that I'm supposed to be? Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me. La, la la, La, la la la, La Laa, la la, La, La la laaaaaaa ~*~ And even though her voice was sweet, low and completely off key, Kevin felt a sharp pang in his heart. The reason she looked so good in his house was because she'd been the one to turn the house into a home. Someplace that amounted to more than just a pile of bricks and mortar. He never should have thrown her out. But now, now there seemed to be less chance of getting her back than putting toothpaste back in the tube. ~*~*~*~*~   ~*~ Resist ~*~ "I got stuck, there's nobody going nowhere." Sonny leaned against the door. "Here's your chance Caroline. Shut the door and lemme drown." Carly tugged him in. "Nah. It would bug my conscience." Carly chuckled. "It's fragile as it is, letting you die might be the last straw that pushed it to the dark side." She sighed dramatically. "Is everything a joke to you Caroline?" Sonny asked entering her apartment. "Just the stuff that that happens while I'm awake." Carly answers. "Sorry if my attitude isn't suffiently dark, and brooding, but it seems that SOMEONE's hogged all the brooding allotment for Port Charles. Wonder who it could be?" She moved to the kitchen. "Want some coffee" She offered opening a can of instant. "Instant coffee?" Sonny asked incredulously. "INSTANT COFFEE?" "Yeah. Add a little hot water, and *BAM* instant coffee." Carly rolled her eyes. "Don't look at me that way, Jason got me a coffee maker and a bunch of beans, but I can't use the machine." Seeing the huge stainless steel and black espresso machine, Sonny rolls back his sleeves. "Move over Caroline. Let the master work!" Sonny began grinding beans and measuring out bottled water. "And you gave up a lucrative career as a Starbuck's coffee jockey to play in the mob?" Carly asked as Sonny passed her a cup of espresso. "This is not a cup of coffee. This is a religous experience." Sonny proclaimed seriously. Carly took a deep drink of the rich, robust, dark sludge. "OH MY LORD!" She cried out. "Oh Sonny. Oh my Lord! Oh Baby!" She tossed her head from side to side. Sonny fought amusement. "Are you done yet?" "No. I'm savoring afterglow." Carly informed him. "It's a cup of coffee Cassanova." Sonny set down his own cup, and took Carly's from her. He couldn't help himself, and if he was honest, he didn't want to. There was something about her that made him unable to resist the urge to cover her mouth with his own. ~*~ The sign says do not enter No trespassing allowed With visions of redemption I walk against the crowd The sun is white with envy Confusion on the ground Breathing soft and holy Temptation's only sound ~*~ Sonny cupped her face between his hands and slanted his lips across hers. She tasted of a heady mix of champagne and espresso. Dark and light all mingled together. Hot and cool at the same time. ~*~ A demon's day in madness kissed I swear I never had it like this Forbidden yet I cannot resist ~*~ If she was going to go to Hell, she could at least say she'd had a glimpse of heaven. Carly sunk her fingers into Sonny's thick, dark hair. She wanted him. In spite of or because of everything that had gone before this moment, she felt herself on fire. ~*~ Shocked in silent trances Our eyes search just to know What makes flesh and body hunger For another burning soul Conscience quiet pleading In the corner of my eye But seeing is believing All consequences fly A demon's day in madness kissed I swear I never had it like this Forbidden yet I cannot resist ~*~ Sonny pulled back for air, and stared into Carly's volcanic brown eyes. They simmered on the surface, but just below was the hottest fire he'd ever witnessed.His fingers reached for the hem of her t-shirt, and in one swift motion stipped it off her body. ~*~ With fever I persist The rages of your kiss My reckless heart in fist And I cannot resist A demon's day in madness kissed I swear I never had it like this Forbidden yet I cannot resist ~*~ Taking his hand, Carly rose, and led him silently, and swiftly to her bedroom, closing the door behind them. ~*~*~*~*~ ~*~ Heart Of Mine ~*~ The storm rolled on around the lighthouse. A loud clap of thunder woke Lucy from a deep sleep. She sat up slowly in the guest room and rubbed her eyes. Feeling restless, she rose from the sleighbed, and stretched. She could hear faint strains of music coming from beneath her feet, the living room. Curious, she lit one of her candles and padded silently to the spiral staircase. The sounds of music grew louder. She was halfway down the stairs when she saw Kevin swaying with Abbey in his arms softly. The mantlepiece held a few lit candles, and a small battery powered stereo perched on Kevin's easel. The picture was perfect. Kevin barefoot in a pair of jeans dancing in candlelight with his daughter, while the thunder and lighting sparked outside on the water. ~*~ One Day You May Find True Love That Will Last Forever And Ever Till Then You'll Spend A Lifetime Wishing One Together You Never Thought She'd Say Good-Bye And You'll Never Understand The Reasons Why ~*~ Kevin spun slowly, rocking Abbey gently to the slow, dreamy beat of the music. He came up a little short spotting Lucy seated on the bottom step watching. She was dressed in a pair of Mary's sweatpants, and one of his T-shirts, she looked flushed, touseled and gorgeous. He placed Abbey in her crib, tugging a light blanket over her, and moved to the stairs. "May I have this dance?" Lucy self-consciously pushed her hair away from her face, and slid her fingers into Kevin's warm hand. "Sure." ~*~ Heart Of Mine How Will You Keep From Dying Stop Reminiscing Who Is She Kissing? Heart Of Mine Oh What's The Use In Trying? No One Can Mend You Now ~*~ Pulling her close, Kevin places her hand over his heart, and holds it there. He couldn't even remember the last time that they'd danced together. It felt so easy holding her again. He could feel a slight difference in her body. She filled his arms even more perfectly than ever. Where before she was lithe, and statuesque, now she was beginning to round softly everywhere. Lucy rested her head on his shoulder. This was nice. She could get used to this. She fought a yawn, not wanting to lose a moment of the peace, and comfort that radiated from Kevin. His hand rested on the small of her back massaging it slowly. "Thank you Doc." "For what?" Kevin rested his cheek on top of her head, inhaling the scent of vanilla and roses that was such a part of her. "Making me feel at home here tonight." Lucy yawned. "There are times . . . " Kevin confessed. "It feels like you're still here." He made a smooth turn so that she could see the marble angel. "Everytime I run into that statue I remember how it arrived with a red ribbon on top." Ohh. Not fair Kevin. Lucy thought. No fair calling up happy memories of this house when I'm trying to get away from the past. No fair reminding me of all the wonderful times we had, the places we've gone, or anything we shared. "I always thought she would watch over this house, there are things I wish she'd never seen." ~*~ Love Plays Cruel Games You Can't Believe She's Found Another Lover "Does She Miss Me?" Sometimes You Just Can't Help But Wonder No, You Can't Hold The Hands Of Time And You'll Always Be The One She Left Behind Heart Of Mine ~*~ "Me too." Kevin stopped swaying as the music faded. Cupping her chin in his hand he gazed into her beautiful eyes sadly. "How did we get here?" "I don't know Kevin. But I think it's too late to go back." Lucy sighed touching his hand. "That's not what I'm asking." He clarified quietly. "I need to know how we got here. So that it's not a path we take again. I don't want to be here like this Lucy. It's all I've thought about tonight. I don't want to be an unpleasent stranger in your life." "Kevin, I don't know what you're saying." Lucy stammered. "But whatever it is, it's the storm, or the hour, the music or the candlelight. it's not real." She released him and stepped back. "You don't know how many times I have wanted to hear that you still had feelings for me Doc. I went to bed every night for three months praying that you'd forgive me. But right now, I don't trust your love. Cause it's a fragile thing Kevin. One minute you love me more than anything or anyone in the world, and the next minute you've kicked me out of this house, your house, my house, OUR HOME, and you won't even look at me." Lucy turned towards the windows. "I'm not making excuses Kevin. I'm not laying the blame on your shoulders. We made this mess together." "But it doesn't have to be a mess anymore Lucy." Kevin placed his hands on her shoulders. "Come home." Lucy turned on her heel and stood face to face with him. "And what about next time Kevin? What if I screw up again? Should I keep my new house just in case? I don't want to live like that Kevin. I can't. My heart can't take it. Not again. Please don't ask me to go back to doubting myself. And wondering if I'm enough. If I'm smart enough, or honest enough, or good enough." Tears roll down her cheeks. "I love you Doc. But I like knowing that I'm enough for someone. I'm strong enough, and good enough. And that's me." She touched his face sadly and made her way up the stairs. ~*~*~*~*~*~   ~*~ And So It Goes ~*~ Wyndemere. Stefan parted the heavy curtains in the library, looking out over the water. The storm had crept up on them. "Laura. I hesitate to speak these words for fear you will find them suspect. But there is no way for the launch to safely reach the island." Looking up from her seat by the fire, Laura rose, and approached the windows. The sky was a web of lightning, and the rain pelted against the window panes. "It's terrible out there." She rested a hand on Stefan's arm. "Stefan, not even you can---" She stopped and smiled. "Control the weather? I refuse to believe that you would trot out that ancient weather joke." He forced a frown, when all he wanted to do was to kiss her. She was exquisite every time he saw her. But this evening, when she stepped off the launch, draped in a white shawl it was as if he himself had been struck by lightning. Then she had turned her partially covered face up towards the window of the house, as if sensing him. He met her at the door, having sent the servents away as soon as they'd completed the preparations. Taking her shawl from her shoulders, Stefan revealed a simple, elegant white gown, and her blonde hair falling along the line of her back in waves. Pretending to study the storm once more, Laura felt the tingle in her hand where it had made contact with Stefan's arm. This was one of the most delightful nights of her life. There were no spectors of the past hanging over their heads. Nothing left unspoken, and no secrets. Just a woman and a man sharing dinner, and conversation. There was a crackle of electricity between them, but so far, neither had dared to mention it. So it stayed a shared secret. "There's nothing to be done Stefan, except to wait out the storm." "We are well versed in riding out storms aren't we Laura?" Stefan's fingers cupped one petal soft cheek, and lifted her face to his. Laura turned her head and pressed a soft kiss into his palm. "Yes. Yes we are. The last time we were here like this Stefan. I asked you a question. Do you remember what that question was?" Stefan swallowed, suddenly feeling a blast of heat. "I remember everything about you Laura. And I gave you an answer. I would not take you to bed to help you forget your losses, or yout pain. I cannot be your bouy, only a refuge." "And you were right to refuse me then Stefan. That I owed it to you, and to myself to wait until there were no more ghosts. I think we've laid them to rest." She whispered   ~*~ In every heart there is a room A sanctuary safe and strong To heal the wounds from lovers past Until a new one comes along ~*~ Stefan's mouth settled on hers delicately like a butterfly. Of all their encounters this was the most meaningful. They would rebuild from here. Replacing each sullied memory with one brighter, happier, more reverant than those that preceded. ~*~ I spoke to you in cautious tones You answered me with no pretense And still I feel I said too much My silence is my self defense ~*~ She could still change her mind. His kiss was a question. And an offering. Asking her silently whether or not she was prepared to take the next step; offering her complete bliss if she were brave enough to risk the demons of their shared past. Was she ready to let go of her marriage? It was over and done with. Was she ready to step out into the light with a new life? The old world was gone, and hse was forging a new life for herself every day. Could she desire him any more? Never had she wanted anyone with more passion that at this moment. ~*~ And every time I've held a rose It seems I only felt the thorns And so it goes, and so it goes And so will you soon I suppose ~*~ Giving herself over to his kiss, Laura could feel his fingers combing through her hair, cupping the back of her head, tilting her head to meet the rapacious demands of his lips, teeth and tongue. Stefan felt her nails bite into his shoulders as their kiss wore on and on. He couldn't get his fill of her. Were lightening to strike Wymdemere at that very moment, he wouldn't have felt it anymore deeply than Laura's arms twined around his neck. ~*~ But if my silence made you leave Then that would be my worst mistake So I will share this room with you And you can have this heart to break ~*~ Stefan extracaited himself from their embrace. As Laura's face fell, he offered her his hand. Thrilling to the feel of her palm in his. She trusted him tonight. That made all the difference. Tonight neither of them were prisoners to anything other than their love for one another. ~*~ And this is why my eyes are closed It's just as well for all I've seen And so it goes, and so it goes And you're the only one who knows ~*~ Once they reached his bedroom, Stefan paused to take in her beauty by the lightening which lit up the sky outside the huge windows. He'd imagined her here on many a night, but nothing compared to the reality. ~*~ So I would choose to be with you That's if the choice were mine to make But you can make decisions too And you can have this heart to break ~*~ Laura stepped closer, and felt herself folded into his embrace and sighed in bliss. ~*~ And so it goes, and so it goes And you're the only one who knows ~*~   ~*~ We've Got Tonight ~*~ The cabin in the woods. Renee shivered as she rummaged for something to put on. The rain had soaked her clear through. If she didn't find anything soon she'd freeze. "Found something." Luke announced from another corner of the tiny two room cabin. He tossed her an oversized men's pajamma top. And held up the bottoms. "A bit big for me, but better than freezin'." He quickly began to strip, stopping only when Renee gasped and turned her back. "It's nothing you haven't seen before." He called tauntingly. "Better maybe, but not original." "If you don't mind, I'd prefer not to ruin you for mortal women." Renee declare haughtily. "Turn your back." She instructed. "Yes ma'am!" Luke saluted turning to face the windows that through the rain and lightening were more effective than any mirrors. He couldn't help himself. He watched as Renee struggled to unfasten her sling. "Come here and I'll help you." Luke offered softly. Grudgingly Renee crossed the room to allow Luke to unfasten her sling. Then he slowly unzipped her dress. His hands warm on her back. ~*~ I know it's late, I know you're weary I know your plans don't include me Still here we are, both of us lonely Longing for shelter from all that we see Why should we worry, no one will care girl Look at the stars so far away We've got tonight, who needs tomorrow? We've got tonight babe Why don' you stay? ~*~ Renee sighed at the feel of his hands gently pushing the straps of her dress down. She felt the wet, heavy material pool at her feet, leaving her almost entirely exposed to his appreciative gaze. Feeling all the air leaving his lungs, Luke took the flannel pajamma top from her frozen fingers and slid it over her head. Turning her in his arms, Luke caught her chin on the edge of his hand and tilted her face up to his. She'd driven him insane from the moment they'd met. And now a few short weeks later and she was driving him insane in a completely new way. Her eyes were sad. How could he have not noticed the deep sadness in her before? Because she covered it almost as well as he did. Gazing into his eyes Renee feels like a drowning woman going under for the third time with no one around to save her. How could she hate so much about him, and still feel her heart shake at the merest brush of his lips over hers? He hadn't even kissed her yet and already she was craving more. She had to remind herself that she hated his way of life. Hated him. She couldn't let herself feel this strong pull to bind herself to him. She pulled away from his entrancing eyes and crossed the room. "Thank you." ~*~ Deep in my soul, I've been so lonely All of my hopes, fading away I've longed for love, like everyone else does I know I'll keep searching, even after today So there it is girl, I've said it all now And here we are babe, what do you say? We've got tonight, who needs tomorrow? We've got tonight babe Why don't you stay? I know it's late, I know you're weary I know your plans don't include me Still here we are, both of us lonely Both of us lonely ~*~ Luke waited patiently. He knew she would come to him. He'd found pillows and blankets in the window seat, and he piled them high on the floor in front of the fireplace. He wouldn't chase her across the room. If she wanted him, she knew right where he'd be. Sitting on the makeshift bed, Luke stretched his lean legs before the fire. ~*~ We've got tonight, who needs tomorrow? Let's make it ast, let's find a way Turn out the light, come take my hand now We've got tonight babe Why don't you stay? Why don't you stay? ~*~ Renee joined him, taking her place on the covers, and under them she turned on her side and rested her head on Luke's chest. She was surprised to feel his lips in her hair. But it was a pleasent surprise as his arm snaked around her waist, and he cuddled her body close. She felt secure for the first time in a long while. It was ironic that the very man that should have her running for her life was the man that in the space of a few moments made her feel more secure than she'd ever felt.     Chapter 20 ~*~*~*~*~*~ The Lighthouse. Kevin awoke to the happy sound of Victor giving Abby a bath. She was cooing at the funny faces her grandfather made. "Good morning Monk!" "Where's Lucy?" Kevin asked rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "She's gone. She called a taxi to meet her on the other side of the foot bridge. She told me not to bother to give her a ride. The cab came and she left." Studying Kevin's downcast expression, Victor lifted Abby out of the bath. "What happened Monk? Did you fight with her?" Kevin slumped in the doorway. "No. It wasn't a fight Victor. She doesn't believe that I love her, not enough to accept her anyway." He wrapped Abby in a towl and blew a half hearted raspberry on her tummy. "She doesn't trust in our love anymore." "Well DUH. . . . " Victor retorted. "And it only took you HOW LONG to figure that one out?" He led Kevin into Abby's room and selected an adorable outfit for her. "Monk, you haven't given Lucy a single reason to think that you still love her." He could see the objection in Kevin's eyes before the words even left his lips. "And yes, she has too! Why do you think that she would take all the time and effort to come all the way over here and set up a nursery for your child? Why do you think that she's been buttering up your nanny so that Zoe will stay with us? What more do you want son? For the woman to carry a sign around her neck that reads "I love Kevin Collins"?" Victor dressed Abby and passed her to her father. "Kevin, I've been pretty silent about this entire situation." When Kevin arches an eyebrow, Victor frowns. "I have been. But not any longer." He propels Kevin and Abby down the hall and the spiral staircase. "Victor. There's nothing you can say that I haven't thought about." Kevin smiled as Abby clasped his finger tightly. "Yes, there is. Go and get her." Victor disappeared and re-emerged from the kitchen, handing Kevin a baby bottle. "Do you still love her? Not Lucy when she's good, not Lucy when she's what you think she should be, but Lucy complete with all the not so great things?" "I've always loved her Victor." Kevin replies. He can't help but wonder if there isn't some truth in Victor's words. He'd just let Lucy go, instead of fighting for what was the most important relationship of his life. "Then for the love of God Monk, don't just throw up your hands and curse to the skies that you've lost the love of your life! Court her, woo her, do endearing things. Trap that woman so that she's got no choice but to be madly in love with you in spite of all of your lousy qualities." Victor finally came to rest on the sofa. "Beg, wheedle, whimper, plead, bargain, get on your hands and knees and bark like a puppy if you have to! Be a man!" Crooking a grin at his father, Kevin remarked sardonically. "Dad, I think you've been attending too many of Mary's women's empowerment groups." He softly caressed Abby's light brown hair. "But I do think that you're right. I botched things with Lucy, there's no law saying that I can't try again." "By Jove! I think he's got it Abby!" Victor reached under the couch and produced a heavy tome. "Here are a few ideas that I've put together. A profile of Lucy's likes and dislikes, the likes of course are color coordinated to different stores and catalogs which are cross referenced to the size chart and the colors reading she had done last year. She's a summer you know." He informs his son matter of factly. Slapping the enormous binder down on the table, Victor again reaches under the table and tugs a stack of Harlequin novels out. "Now, I know that you're a busy man Monk, so I've just gone through and highlighted romantic sections that I thought were not only romantic, but physically possible for a man of your years that isn't double jointed." He flipped one of the books open. "Mary made some notions in the margins with her opinions since I wanted a woman's perspective. Of course her notations are cross referenced in the binder to a list of the top 1,000 romantic things that she's ever seen, or heard of." Sitting back, Victor smiles. "This should get you started." Overwhelmed, Kevin arched an eyebrow. "What? No yarn chart?" "Son, you're not ready for the yarn chart yet." Victor answered seriously. "All this is phase one. Getting her to even open her door to you. Phase two is infinitely more complex, and hence the yarn chart." Victor took Abby from Kevin's arms as soon as she finished her bottle, and placed her over his shoulder. "And if all else fails, I am sure that I can teach you the accordian in a reasonable amount of time." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Carly opened her eyes to the sound of Michael on her baby monitor. The sun was out and it was almost as if the storm had never happened. Maybe it was just a dream, the entire night. She slid out of bed and into her robe, padding to the kitchen for some breakfast after checking to make sure Michael was fine. The livingroom was perfectly in order and there were no indications that last night had ever happened. She must have had too much champagne at the party. "Some storm huh?" Bobbie leaned against Jerry in the doorway of her apartment. "Yeah. That wind really howled through here." Carly replied. "Wasn't just the wind." Jerry murmured in Bobbie's ear, only to recieve a not so gentle nudge in the ribs. "We just came by to ask you to breakfast, Jerry's making belgian waffles." Running her fingers through her hair, Carly mentally flipped through her schedule for the day. She had to get back to A.J about his idea of going into business together, and make a few follow up calls to prospective clients. "Sure. That'd be great. Gimme a few minutes to get dressed, and get Michael up, and we'll be over." Once Bobbie and Jerry leave, Carly goes into her bedroom, and steps on something hard. Bending down to pick it up, she realizes that it's a man's cufflink with the initials "SC" on it. She sinks onto the bed. Either Stefan Cassadine had flown through her window last night for a midnight snack of B negative, or her dream wasn't really a dream and she and Sonny Corinthos had done things that would frighten monkeys. Either way, suddenly Carly didn't feel like having waffles.   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Luke's. His head down on the bar, Luke didn't bother to look up when he heard the door open. "We're closed! For god's sake don't you drunks know it's too early in the morning to be drinking?" He gestured with his bourbon glass. "Go away!" "I don't wanna hear it Luke." Sonny muttered as he walked around the bar and pulled down a bottle of mescal he'd save for just such an occassion. He pulled up a stool next to Luke. "Ugh! Man you look worse than I do. That's not an easy feat. What's the problem?" Sonny tossed back his glass of mescale. "Luke. Believe me. Trust me. You do not wanna know." Shaking his head Sonny poured another one. "What's wrong with you? Lucy was worried when you and Renee didn't show." At the look in Luke's eyes, Sonny held up both hands. "Woah! Forget I asked." He flashed a grin. "So, how is Miss Carson?" Luke made no response except a low growling noise before downing another shot. "That good? She's pretty smart Luke, you could do worse." Sonny quirked an eyebrow. He was already going to hell for sleeping with Carly, he may as well make a clean sweep and ruin Luke's already foul mood. Luke rose from his barstool and grabbed his keys. "Ya know what Romeo? Coming from a young pup with lipstick on the collar of his shirt, that means a LOT to me." Storming out of the club in a rare huff, Luke climbed into the caddy, slapped on his sunglasses and blasted the radio. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "Good morning Laura." Stefan trailed a pale pink rose across her lips, throat and chest. Stretching slowly, Laura smiled. "Stefan." She takes the rose with one hand, sets it aside and twines her arms around his neck. Placing a warm, seductive kiss on his lips she returns the greeting. "Good morning." One hand drops to caress his chest through his silk midnight blue robe. The previous evening was like an incredible dream. When his hand cups her cheek, she turns her face to nuzzle at his palm. "I prepared a tray for us." He reached out and placed a breakfast tray over her lap. Laura couldn't contain a smile. "Since when does Stefan Cassadine cook?" Plucking a strawberry from a bowl, Stefan slipped it between her lips. "Do you see anything on this tray that required me to cook?" Completely amused, Laura finished the sweet strawberry, and broke off a piece of one of Mrs. Lansbury's scones, feeding it to him. "Although there was the one time that I ventured into the kitchens. Nikolas was just a small boy, and Mrs. Lansbury was at market. Nikolas wanted desperately for me to make him pancakes." He shakes his head. "When Mrs. Lansbury returned, Nikolas and I recieved scoldings the likes of which have never been repeated." Stefan watched as Laura's face lit up with amusement and giggles burst forth. "You made pancakes?" "No, Nikolas and I ATTEMPTED to make pancakes." Stefan corrected. "Mrs. Lansbury still flinches when I enter the kitchens." He leaned across the tray and kissed Laura again, relishing the freedom to touch her, kiss her as the mood struck him. It was a heady feeling. "What are your plans for today?" "I need to pick up LuLu from her sitter, and beyond that.I am a free woman." Laura lifted a scone to nibble on. "What are you thinking?" Stefan smiled mysteriously. "Then might I have the pleasure of yours and Miss Lesly Lu's company for the day?" Loathe to break the spell of enchantment surrounding their time together, Laura nods. "We'd be delighted to." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Lucy's house "Next on Oprah: Men, life long soul mates? Or spawn of Satan?" "Lucy! Get in here already! You're gonna miss it!" Renee called to her cousin who joined her on the couch. "What? What did I miss?" Lucy scooted up next to Renee with a fresh bowl of popcorn. They'd both come dragging in early in the morning, neither one wanting to talk about it. Renee had been icy cold, and she'd been red-eyed from her night at the lighthouse. So they'd changed into sweats and curled in front of the t.v and watched every single game show, soap opera their favorite being the one about the hospital, and now they were moving into talkshows. Once the show was over, Lucy and Renee looked at one another. "Spawn of Satan." And began to laugh. "So, are you gonna tell me where you and Luke were all night?" Lucy pulled her afghan up to her chest. "Sure," Renee propped her feet up on the coffee table and fluffed the pillow behind her back. "Soon as you tell me what happened at the lighthouse that's got your eyes red." "Eenie meenie minie moe. . . catch Renee, by the toe. . ." Lucy pointed laughingly. "Uh uh. Alphabetically." Renee pressed. "The short version? It was perfect. It was like stepping back in time, Kevin and I happy, and comfortable. Then he asked me to come back." Lucy fidgeted with the fringe on her afghan. Kevin had really thrown her last night, and it seemed as if the entire world was upside down. But she wouldn't set herself up for another fall. Once Kevin found out about her baby, he would reconsider. By sticking to her guns she could avoid a whole lot of heartache in the long run. But the short term sucked. "And?" Renee felt for her cousin. She could see in Lucy's face and hear in her voice how much she loved Kevin. And that walking away from him was hurting her. Lucy was always the firm believer in fairytales. She expected a happy ending and was usually crushed when life dealt her a different hand. "And it's too late. The saying's true. You can't go home again." Lucy declared, hoping to not only convince Renee, but herself as well. "I'm making a new home instead. I hope that sometime Kevin and I can be friends. I don't want to hurt him anymore Renee, he's not the bad guy in all this." She studied her toes moving under the blanket. "And maybe, I'm starting to think that I'm not the bad guy either. Now what about you?" Settling herself deeper into the cushions, Renee sighed. "Spencer." "Oh brother." Lucy could see it written all over Renee's face. Something big had happened. She knew that Luke was still smarting from his divorce, but if he'd hurt Renee, she'd have to kill him. Renee was always the one with the super tough outside, but inside she bruised pretty easily. "What is it Renee? There's something that you're not telling me." She shrugged. "It was nothing Lucy. Just temporary insanity, and I'm getting over it." She forced a grin on her face. "Really. Nothing that a good dose of Oprah didn't cure." "Stop it. Just stop Renee. I'm not fooled for one second. Luke hurt you didn't he? That lousy jerk! I'll string him up from the tallest tree! I'll cut his heart out and serve it to him on a silver platter!" Her eyes welled with tears, Renee shook her head and whispered. "Don't. Please Lucy. It's not Luke's fault. He just doesn't. . . ." She felt Lucy wrap an arm around her shoulder. "I don't know what's wrong with me. Not really Lucy. It was wonderful, and incredible and now he can't even look at me. I shouldn't care. I don't care." "You can't help it Renee." Lucy handed her a tissue. "You've got this great big ol' heart and no matter what you do, you wear it on your sleeve. And you know, Luke's going through some heavy stuff to. He and Laura just got divorced. He doesn't talk about it to hardly anyone, but I know it hurts. He and Laura were married for almost 20 years, and then one day Laura's son with another man just pops up, and Luke's been reeling ever since. Maybe he just needs a little bit of time." "Time for what?" Renee wiped her eyes. "The man doesn't think that I am worhty of wiping his feet on. I saw it in his eyes. The next morning, it was like I didn't even exist. I hate feeling that way Lucy." Of course she hated feeling that way. Lucy thought harshly. Renee had enough of being invisible when her parents were alive. It was an unfortunate fact of life, but Shores, Carsons and Coes were not cut out to raise children. Renee had felt completely unremarkable until Charlene opened her doors to her. But no matter how far they got from their childhood, some scars were carried across the years. Hanging Luke would be too good. She'd poison him. That was an idea, she'd poison one of those nasty cigars so he'd die slowly. How dare he treat Renee like that? "I don't even like the man. I mean honestly. He's a criminal, with a seedy blues bar, and a pink Cadillac. What would Charlene say?" Renee wiped the last of her tears. Luke Spencer wasn't worth them. "Yee haw?" Lucy teased. She hugged Renee tightly. "Come on cuz, we're big girls and we can take care of ourselves right?" "Right!" "The only men we need are pizza delivery boys." Lucy laughed. "I'm starved!" "Twenty-two year old hardbodies in tight jeans without a clue?" Renee suggested hopefully. Life wasn't so bad. Luke Spencer didn't know what he was missing. "And ANCHOVIES!" Picking up the telephone Lucy tossed it to Renee. "Don't forget the anchovies!" ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ A.J's House. Carly looked at the spreadsheets that were strewn on the makeshift table in A.J's livingroom. "I can't believe you put together a business plan. A.J, I never said that I would go into business with you. I'm not even so sure that it's a good idea." A.J pointed to a set of figures with his pencil. "These are just some preliminary numbers. The amount needed to start up isn't so high and overhead will be low." Carly sat back on the couch. "Okay A.J. Ya' wanna let me in on the catch? I can't figure out why you'd want to go into business with me. I don't have any training, or any real experience. Your money could be gone in six months." "Carly, the money could be gone in six months anyway. I want to do something. I'm not just going to be another rich, useless moron. My grandfather built E.L.Q from the ground up. He's created something that will last for generations and be passed down. I want to do the same for Michael. I want him to have a legacy that he can be proud of. And think about it Carly. What if it was something that his parents built together? Wouldn't that be great for Michael? We get it started and it goes to him, and his children. . . ." "And they all end up one big happy family like the Quartermaines?" Carly asked. She could see A.J's point, but the idea of working for him, while he put all his money into the business didn't set right. A.J could read the expressions crossing her face. She thought that he was trying to buy her. And that might have worked before the custody case, but not anymore. "Look, if you're worried about working for me." "I won't. Sorry A.J, but this whole thing doesn't feel right. I appreciate the offer though." "Don't write it off totally yet Carly." A.J urged. "Think about it. You'd be able to accept and refuse any jobs you wanted, work your own hours, and not have to be away from Michael." "Look, how bout if you give me some time to think about it A.J? I mean I'm not going anywhere." Carly looked over the spreadsheets. "Can I take these with me?" She needed to think about something else, anything but Sonny Corinthos. Wyndemere. Stefan, holds tightly to Lu as he manuvers Gilgamesh through the gate, and back into the riding ring. Lu's laughter was almost as enjoyable to his ears as that of her mother, who followed close behind them. Laura patted the neck of the gentle mare she rode. The ride across the island had been a delightful surprise and Lu was ecstatic when she'd been lifted up to ride in front of Stefan on his huge black stallion. It was years since she'd last ridden, and even though she was certain she would be conducting most of her business tomorrow standing up, it was well worth it. Once inside the ring, Stefan brought Gilgamesh to a standstill, and whispered confidentially to Lu Lu, "It was a pleasure having such a skilled horsewoman to guide me today Princess Lesly Lu."He tickled under her ear playfully. She was such a delight, and so much like Nikolas it was as though he was looking back in time. He handed her to the groom, and dismounted, walking over to Laura's horse. He would deny it as long as he lived, but he'd purchased the exquisite grey mare specifically for Laura. When he'd seen the horse at auction his first thought was of how beautiful she would look perched on such a graceful, and intelligent animal. As Laura swung her leg across the mare's back, Stefan reached up his arms and caught her at the waist, helpng her down and into his arms. "Thank you kind sir." Tossing her blonde hair off her face, Laura grinned. "That was absolutely lovely Stefan." Careful not to give in to the tempation to kiss her in public, Stefan took her hand and brought it meaningfully to his lips. "The pleasure was mine Laura." Laura reluctantly broke the spell of his gaze, and brushed past him with a whispered comment. "I do believe it was BOTH of ours Stefan." She corrected as she picked up Lesly Lu. "Did you enjoy that?" She asked as LuLu nodded enthusiastically and reached up her hand to meet Gilgamesh's soft muzzle. "Here you go." Stefan reached into his coat pocket and withdrew a sugar cube. "Try this. Gilgamesh is infamous for his sweet tooth. I do believe that he would be a conessieur of cotton candy." He demonstrated to Lu how to hold the cube flat on her palm as Gilgmesh lipped it off her hand. "She has a way with animals." "Yes, she does. She's managed to train Foster to fetch her favorite dolls." Laura replied. "I have no idea how but he carries them between his teeth without damaging them." "She is every bit as alluring as her mother." Stefan placed his hand in the small of Laura's back and guided them back to the house. "I thought that we could take our lunch on the terrace?" Once at the top of the stone stairs leading to the terrace, both Laura and Lu were struck speechless. The terrace was lavishly decorated to look like an English garden, complete with what appeared to be a roll of grass spread out along the stone, pots of flowers of every sort filling in all the nooks and crannies, and crisp white linens draped from the round table. "This is magnificent." Laura breathed as Lu stared in wide eyed wonder. The look on her daughter's face mirrored her own delight perfectly. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Lucy's House. The phone rings while Lucy is outside checking the mail. "Hello?" "Carson! I need you!" Renee grinned and leaned against the wall, cradling the phone with her uninjured shoulder. "Heya Boss man. What's up?" Renee's editor barked into the phone. "All hell is breaking loose in Kosovo and you're asking what's up?" Hanging up the phone, Renee moved to her room to pack. It wasn't exactly a glamorous assignment, but when she'd called him up to tell him she wanted to be put on the global beat she'd told him it didn't matter where. "What's up Renee?" Lucy stuck her head in the bedroom door. "Got an assignment cuz. I know I told you that the mob thing was the last one, but a reporter's work is never done." She unzipped her duffel bag and began to fill it. "Where now?" "Kosovo." Renee replied. "EXCUSE ME?!" Lucy's eyes widened. "You're going WHERE?" "Now Lucy. It's a quick and dirty little job. Go in, get the story and get the hell out." "Your editor is sending you into the line of fire right after you've been shot? Does the guy have a life insurance policy on you?" She sat on the edge of the bed and studied Renee's clenched jaw. "I can't talk you out of this?" "Nope. Gotta go." "Okay. Fine. Be stubborn and stupid. See if I care!" Lucy rose from the bed and huffed out of the room. She walked briskly down the hall to her study and made sure to slam the door. Pulling out a card from her Rolodex she dialed. "Hey, I need to speak to a Mr. Reed." Lucy waited impatiently, her fingernails tapping on her desk. "Mr. Reed, you don't know me, but I'm Renee Carson's cousin Lucy Coe and I'd like to know why you're sending my sister into a war zone while she is still trying to make a recovery from her shooting." She paused, waiting for the editor's reaction to die down. Renee would be angry, but at least she'd be alive. "You mean she didn't tell you she was shot three times?" She put her feet up on her desk. "Oh, I thought she had." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The Brownstone. As Carly approached the Brownstone carrying a pile of papers, Sonny slipped out o his limo to meet her on the stoop. "Carly." He said flatly. "Found your cufflink." She replied, flushing to the roots of her blonde hair. "Come on in and I'll give it to you." She opened the door and led him into her apartment. Damn, this was uncomfortable. She felt like a teenager again and she hated it. "Look, I'll just come right out and say what you're thinking." She says impatiently. "What we did was stupid, and stupid, and ya know what? More stupid. It went against the natural order of things. I hate you, you hate me. That's how God intended." She shoved her fingers through her hair, and blew her bangs out of her eyes. "Right." Sonny nodded. He didn't want to be involved with Carly Roberts-Benson-Spencer anymore than she did with him. It was the one thing that she was right about. Anything that happened between them was completely wrong. And yet at the same time, he couldn't rid himself of the overwhelming urge to back her against the bare wall by the door and kiss her. He'd never felt so out of control. And that was the one thing that since Brenda he'd never wanted to be with a woman. Carly went into her bedroom and lifted the cufflink from the small bowl beside her bed. Once back in the living room she handed the small accessory to Sonny. When their fingers met she felt an electric surge course through her. Great. It had to be Sonny that sent her libido into overdrive. The last man she'd been with was Tony, and God knew that left a great deal to be desired. Or not desired, which ever. And ever since the relationship ended she'd been so focused on juggling all her different lies, and chasing after Jason that she'd never looked at another man. "That can't happen again Sonny. And we never tell anyone about it." She declared. Looking at another man was fine, but Sonny Corinthos was nothing but trouble. "Agreed Caroline." Sonny pocketed the cufflink and brushed past Carly in the narrow hallway. When she opened the door for him, Sonny gave in to his most base desire. He shut the door, and turning, pressed her body flat against the wall. His lips hovered just a fraction of an inch over hers as he ordered. "Tell me you want me to go." Instead of an answer, Carly slung an arm around his neck, and nipped at his sensitive jawline. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Wyndemere. Stefan sits alone in the study going over business reports for Cassadine Enterprises when Nikolas joins him. "Hello Nikolas." Seeing Nikolas' frown, Stefan immediately sets aside his work to turn his full attention on his son. "Is there a problem?" Nikolas paced, taking a moment to choose his words carefully. "Lucky mentioned that Laura was here all last night, picked up Lu, and spent the day here as well." Of course Lucky's phrasing was slightly more colorful, but Nikolas assumed that his father would get the gist of the unasked question. When Stefan makes no effort to respond, Nikolas came to a halt. "What I want to know is what are your plans regarding Laura?" Stefan chuckled softly. "Are you asking my intentions towards your mother Nikolas?" "If you'll answer me, yes." Nikolas replied pulling a chair up to face his father. "What are your plans for my mother?" His dark brown eyes bore into Stefan. Stefan leaned forward, clasped his hands, and reasted them between his knees. "Between us? My intentions are simple. To the best of my abilty make Laura the happiest woman on earth. To fill her days with every imaginable pleasure and delight. To cherish each moment spent basking in her company for as long as she will allow me in her life." Nikolas stared at his father, struck speechless by Stefan's absolute honesty. "I'm glad. But I don't want you to be hurt in this father. Lucky will be against the two of you till the day he dies. So will just about everyone my mother knows. She's just gotten divorced.. . ." "I assure you Nikolas, I understand all of these things. I am no naieve boy. Nor is your mother an ignorant girl. Our relationship is between us. The only reason that I've felt compelled to reveal my intentions to you was to relieve your mind. I love you, and I want you to know that I would never do your mother any harm. This relationship is one built on genuine caring. I want your mother simply for herself. Not because of the connection to Luke Spencer. For once my relationship with Laura is only about the two of us." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Lucy didn't look up from the Jacks Cosmetics budget when Renee slammed into her study. "Hey cuz." "LUCILLE KRISTINA COE! I ought to kick your butt from here to Mars and back!" Renee shouted hotly. "How DARE you call my editor and have him yank me off a story?" "How dare I? How dare you be stupid enough to go running into an area where our goverenment is DROPPING BOMBS? I know Charlene didn't raise no fools! Is whatever happened between you and Luke so bad that you don't have the guts to live? Is that it? You're feeling so rejected that you'd rather POUT, and run and hide instead of facing it?" "I'm a big girl Lucille." Renee forced herself to adopt a less enraged tone. "I pick my own assignments." "Yup. That's what your editor said. Except when you've been shot. And he said that you didn't tell him you'd gotten shot." Lucy scolds. "You are not up to 100%." "Says YOU! Lucy, he's put me on an indefinate suspension for violating some asinine clause in my contract that no one had ever heard of before." She glowered at Lucy, who glowered right back. "It doesn't change the fact that I'm bored by Port Charles. I'm leaving." "Fine. Don't be here when my baby's born." Lucy sniffed. "But at least I'll know you won't be getting your brains blown out." "I'm going out." Renee spat. If she stayed here she would say things she'd regret and that Lucy would smack her for. Lucy tossed Renee the keys to her car. "At least this one won't run out of gas." As she caught the keys Renee glowered. "Just for that, I want to be the first one to tell you. THERE IS NO EASTER BUNNY!" She shouted before slamming the door on her way out. Sinking back down in her chair, Lucy rubbed her belly. "And that was Auntie Renee. She's not right, but she's family." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The Brownstone. Carly watched as Sonny reached for his coat. He'd had a phone call from Luke and he had to go. Instead of feeling abandonded, Carly felt a sense of relief wash over her. No matter how good in bed Sonny was, she didn't want him around. Not in her house when he was in part the reason she'd moved. Sleeping with him once was stupid. But sleeping with him twice was the road that could very well lead to her losing the rest of her mind. "Sonny?" "Yeah." Finishing the last button on his shirt, Sonny leaned over, and kissed Carly's cheek. "It was good." He admits grudgingly. "But not again." Carly informed him. "Not even close. I know Jason doesn't care, he told me that he doesn't own me, but it's still not right." "Don't look at me to be sobbing, Carly." Sonny finished buttoning up his shirt. "I know what you think about me." "No Sonny. You don't know. And that's the point." Carly quickly buttoned her blouse. "I've done sex with strangers before, and no matter how hard I try, it just doesn't work for me.I'm not ashamed of what we did cause we were both more than consenting adults, but consolation sex isn't exactly what I want Michael to think of when he remembers what his Mommy was like." Carly jerked her head up at the sound of a quickly indrawn breath. "Jason?"