Chapter 7

Figuring the secret of his arrival was blown Nikolas saw no reason to rush to Wynderemere to speak with Stefan. Figuring things were still the same as when he first left Nikolas headed to Kelly’s in search of Lucky. If he were to carry out the plans he had for Lucky he had to be assured that things were as lax as he thought them to be. Pushing open the door to Kelly’s Nikolas slowly shook his head surprised that people still flocked to Kelly’s. Quickly sitting at a secluded table in the rear of the diner Nikolas watched looking for any and all weaknesses of Lucky’s supposed existence.

Lucky entered Kelly’s his arm around Emily’s shoulders as they walked to a table near the entrance. Lately her partying had been getting more and more out of hand and he thought that maybe if he took the time to talk to her she might slow down.

Lucky- Em… I’m really glad you could meet me this morning.
Emily- [laughing] Well Lucky… you better be glad the cops closed down that club early...
Lucky- Then I am… I like spending time with my friend…
Emily- [softly touching his face] Aww… I wub you too…
Lucky- [laughing] Stop… [taking her hand in his] I… I sorta miss you…
Emily- It doesn’t seem like you miss me.
Lucky- What do you mean?
Emily- [flipping her hair over her shoulder] Well… since you started working for Sonny I barely see you anymore.
Lucky- What… you’re not serious are you?
Emily- Yeah…
Lucky- I don’t work all of the time…
Emily- Well when you’re not at work…
Lucky- We can hang then…
Emily- [frowning] I think I’ll pass…
Lucky- What does that mean…
Emily- It means I’d rather not…
Lucky- [shaking his head] No not that… I’m talking about that frown on your face…
Emily- Well if you really want to know… lately it seems when you’re not working you’re hanging with “her”…
Lucky- “Her?” who Elizabeth? She’s my girlfriend Em…
Emily- No… why would I be upset if you are spending time with Elizabeth?
Lucky- I don’t know… you tell me…
Emily- Elizabeth is one of the best… she’s my best friend.
Lucky- Then if you aren’t talking about Liz then…
Emily- [turning up her face] Gia…

Nikolas perked up at the mention of Gia’s name. Could it be possible they were discussing his Gia? Straining Nikolas concentrated on what exactly they were saying.

Lucky- What’s wrong with Gia?
Emily- I just don’t like her?
Lucky- Why?
Emily- She thinks she’s better than everybody… but if the truth be known…
Lucky- Huh? Gia’s not that way with me… I mean…
Emily- Well that’s you… she’s nothing more than a snotty nosed bitch to me…
Lucky- Em…
Emily- I know you think she’s sweet and all that but…
Lucky- [shaking her head] I can’t believe you see her that way…
Emily- The way she treated my brother…
Lucky- Where is all this coming from…
Emily- You don’t have enough time…
Lucky- Em… I think…

Before he could finish Elizabeth quickly came into Kelly’s interrupting their conversation.

Lucky- Liz… where are you coming from?
Liz- [thinking she was caught] Huh?
Lucky- Where were you? I went to your room earlier but you weren’t there and…
Liz- I had… I had to see… I needed to go and see Gram before she headed to work.
Lucky- Why?
Liz- My… my parents might be coming for… they might be coming to see me soon and…
Lucky- [supplying her alibi] You were nervous about it huh?
Liz- [quickly going to kiss him] Yeah… I just needed… I needed her to reassure me that’s all.
Lucky- Cool…
Liz- What… what were you guys talking about?
Emily- [frowning again] Gia…
Liz- [frowning] Gia… why?
Nikolas- [unable to contain his silence any longer] Why not?

Three pairs of eyes slowly turned and feasted their gaze upon Nikolas. Locking eyes with Nikolas recognition slowly came over Lucky. Without another word Lucky quickly crossed to him enveloping him in a tight bear hug. Elizabeth and Emily stood shocked over Lucky’s actions neither knowing who he was hugging.

Liz- Lucky… who…
Lucky- [stepping away from Nikolas still tightly grasping his shoulders]I can’t believe this! When did you… how long have you… Nikolas- Yesterday… and I’m not exactly sure…
Lucky- Are you serious? It’s so good to see you… I mean…
Nikolas- It’s good to see you too.
Lucky- [quickly hugging him again] LuLu and mom will be…
Liz- Lucky who is this?
Lucky- [disengaging himself from Nikolas] This… this is my brother…
Emily- [instantly taken in by Nikolas’s good looks] Your brother?
Lucky- Yes…
Emily- [playing in her hair thinking of a way to flirt with Nikolas] I didn’t know… I didn’t know you had a brother.
Lucky- [smiling] Yeah… remember I told you about LuLu and…
Emily- [never taking her eyes off Nikolas] Yeah now that you tell me… I remember now… Nikolas right? [as Nikolas nodded] Nikolas how are you?
Nikolas- [trying his best not to laugh at her obvious flirtation] I’m fine and you…
Emily- [slowly licking her lips] I’m fine… now that you are here that is…
Nikolas- Ok… [turning towards Elizabeth] and you are?
Lucky- [smiling as he wrapped an arm around Elizabeth’s waist] This is… Nikolas I want you to meet my girlfriend Elizabeth Webber. Elizabeth this is my brother Nikolas Cassadine.
Liz- [extending her hand to Nikolas] Hello Nikolas… it’s nice to meet you.
Nikolas- [gently kissing her hand instead of shaking it] It’s nice to meet you as well.
Liz- [momentarily shocked] I… I…
Lucky- Have you…does mom know that you are here yet?
Nikolas- No… I haven’t had to time to call her and… [his cell phone begins to ring] excuse me for a moment…

Stepping away Nikolas quickly answered his phone knowing already whom was calling.

Nikolas- Yes Uncle?
Stefan- Is there a reason I have yet to hear from you?
Nikolas- Well I was under the assumption…
Stefan- Where are you?
Nikolas- Kelly’s… I came here to meet…
Stefan- Have you been seen?
Nikolas- By whom?
Stefan- Come here this instant Nikolas…
Nikolas- Well I’m in the middle of…
Stefan- I expect you to be here momentarily…
Nikolas- Stefan…
Stefan- Do not have me come and collect you myself Nikolas…
Nikolas- That is not necessary… I’ll be there shortly…
Stefan- I will be awaiting your arrival.
Nikolas- Fine Uncle…
Stefan- Come now… we have many things to discuss…
Nikolas- [sighing] I know…
Stefan- As well you should…

Returning to the group Nikolas prepared to leave.

Nikolas- It seems I have to leave…
Emily- [gently touching his arm] You’re leaving so soon…
Nikolas- [looking at her hand as it rested on his arm] It appears I have no choice.
Emily- I will… we will get to see you again won’t we?
Nikolas- [quickly kissing her hand] I certainly hope so.
Lucky- It’s… it was good seeing you again Nikolas…
Nikolas- It was good seeing you as well.
Lucky- We should… we should hang out…
Emily- Yeah we should hang out.
Nikolas- [smiling one last time as he left] I would like that…
Emily- [smiling once he was gone] So would I.

Chapter 8

Nikolas knew that eventually he would have to meet with Stefan. Having tried to put off this meeting as long as possible he slowly made his way to Wyndermere. Having a crisis at the hospital had afforded him the perfect opportunity to return to Port Charles but if only he did not need to meet with Stefan everything would be going according to plans. Steeling himself as he rode the launch Nikolas knew that this encounter with Stefan would not be good. All that Stefan wanted and planned mattered little to Nikolas and because of this he knew he would have to face Stefan’s disappointment and eventual wrath. Plastering a bogus smile on his face Nikolas quickly walked towards Stefan. Hugging him quickly and tightly Stefan ushered Nikolas into Wyndermere.

Stefan- [his arm around Nikolas’s shoulders as they walked toward the study] It is so good to finally have you here. I have missed you Nikolas…
Nikolas- I’ve missed you as well…
Stefan- You appear to be in good health…
Nikolas- I am…
Stefan- Would you like something to drink before…
Nikolas- A scotch would be fine…
Stefan- This early in the morning?
Nikolas- I’ve had several trying days… it is the least…
Stefan- [smiling as he made Nikolas’s drink] I understand… I understand…
Nikolas- [taking his drink] Thank you…

As Stefan went to sit behind his desk Nikolas quickly downed his drink swallowing it in one gulp. Stefan watched with concern as Nikolas made another drink only to drown that one as well. As he prepared to make another drink Stefan questioned him about his actions.

Stefan- Don’t you think you’ve had enough?
Nikolas- Not nearly enough...
Stefan- [softly] Is something troubling you Nikolas?
Nikolas- [quickly turning to him his eyes flashing] Why would you ask that?
Stefan- Considering that we have yet to discuss my reasons for wanting you here yet you still have consumed two drinks how could I not be curious and concerned about you?
Nikolas- There’s nothing wrong with me… I guess I’m just tired…
Stefan- Then I would say that those two drinks will definitely not help the situation…
Nikolas- [mumbling] I’ll replace the alcohol…
Stefan- That is not necessary... [softly smiling] come... sit... we have many things to discuss.
Nikolas- [slowly going to his chair] Must me?
Stefan- Excuse me…
Nikolas- Is it necessary we get into this now?
Stefan- Nikolas…
Nikolas- Uncle... before you continue I must tell you now that I have no interest in what you have to say.
Stefan- Where is this coming from?
Nikolas- I don’t want to do this...
Stefan- [confused] Do what? I have not said anything...
Nikolas- If this involves...
Stefan- It involves you and your rightful place.
Nikolas- Uncle…
Stefan- Nikolas... all that I have ever wanted for you and all that I have done is to assure that you receive what is rightfully yours.
Nikolas- And it will be in a year’s time…
Stefan- You must prepare now…
Nikolas- [quickly rising] If this is what this conversation is about I do not have time for this…
Stefan- You are being disrespectful…
Nikolas- [mumbling] What else is new?
Stefan- You are the prince… the Cassadine heir and soon you will have money and power at your disposal but in order to be rightfully prepared for such you must…
Nikolas- [stiffly imitating Stefan’s voice and demeanor] Do what I tell you and question nothing…
Stefan- Nikolas…
Nikolas- Isn’t this the part where you tell me that there are many out to get me… that unless I do exactly as you tell me I will be doomed and all will come after me? I’ve heard this speech one too many times for my own taste.
Stefan- [shocked] Nik…
Nikolas- [interrupting Stefan] Uncle… I tire of hearing that. I fully understand that until the age of 25 I am a marked man and all… Cassadines included… will be out to get me. Don’t you think I’ve heard this enough? Don’t you think I realize this?
Stefan- If I’ve stated this one too many times it is only because I wanted you to know the gravity of the situation.
Nikolas- The situation is mine. And I will handle it how I see fit.
Stefan- If that is how you feel for what purpose did you return to Port Charles?
Nikolas- [rising to pour another drink] You need not worry about it... I’ll handle it.
Stefan- [shaking his head as Nikolas downed his drink] Are you sure you are able to do so?
Nikolas- Do not make the mistake of thinking I am incapable of handling my own business. I came here for reasons unknown to you or anyone and I will deal with them on my own.
Stefan- Nikolas…
Nikolas- [quickly turning towards Stefan] You know what… I don’t want to hear it.
Stefan- [shaking his head] As you wish...
Nikolas- Has Sheba and my things arrived from Greece?
Stefan- Yes. Your personal items have been forwarded to your hotel. Did you not notice them last night?
Nikolas- Considering I was in an accident yesterday they were the last thing occupying my mind.
Stefan- Understandable. Speaking of your accident... how did it occur?
Nikolas- [fanning his hand] Has Sheba arrived as well?
Stefan- Yes… as I told you…
Nikolas- [turning to walk out of the study] I’m going to ride her…
Stefan- I don’t think that that is a good idea.
Nikolas- [quickly turning back towards Stefan] Why not? She is my horse and…
Stefan- You have been drinking and…
Nikolas- And...
Stefan- Sheba has yet to adjust to her new surroundings. I think you should wait before…
Nikolas- I know what I am doing Uncle…

Quickly leaving the study Nikolas rushed towards the stable to Sheba. Knowing that Stefan had expected more from his return and also knowing that eventually he would have to face Stefan’s because of his action bothered Nikolas more than he wanted to acknowledge. Maybe riding Sheba would calm him and maybe then he would have the courage to face Stefan again. Finding Sheba resting quietly in her stall gave Nikolas a false sense of security. Waving the stable hand off Nikolas quickly saddled Sheba preparing her for his mount. No sooner than he had mounted Sheba Nikolas was quickly thrown off landing in a heap in the rear of the stall.

Stable hand- Master Nikolas... Are you ok... can you speak?

After a groaned response Nikolas blacked out as servants swarmed around him.

Stefan stood staring out of the window still shocked and perplexed by Nikolas’s tone and attitude. Something had changed in Nikolas since his departure from Port Charles. If he could do things over Stefan knew that he would have had Nikolas remain with him but with Luke and Helena in Port Charles sending him away was the best thing for him or so he thought. Nikolas was different and sadly Stefan shook his head knowing his change was not for the better.

Mrs. Lansbury- [rushing into the study interrupting Stefan’s musings] Mr. Cassadine…
Stefan- What is the meaning of this?
Mrs. Lansbury- [quickly] You must come quickly… Master Nikolas has been injured...
Stefan- What... [quickly rushing towards the stables] what happened?
Mrs. Lansbury- [running trying best to keep up with Stefan] I am not sure... I believe... I believe he was thrown from his horse…
Stefan- Damn it… I told him not to…

Stefan’s comment was cut off as he watched an angry Nikolas trying to ward off help from the stable hands. From what he could tell Nikolas appeared more angry than injured but Stefan continued over to him to offer his help.

Nikolas- [fanning off the staff that swarmed around him] Tell them I am fine.
Stefan- I told you it would be best if you tried not to ride Sheba...
Nikolas- [angrily] I know…
Stefan- Yet you chose to do so regardless...
Nikolas- [angrily] Yes…
Stefan- [trying best to hide his smile] Are you injured Nikolas?
Nikolas- [yelling] No!
Stefan- I think it would be best if you are checked out before you make an assessment on your condition…
Nikolas- There is nothing wrong with me...
Stefan- You can not be sure…
Nikolas- I would know if something was wrong with me… [pushing away an offered hand] this is ridiculous!
Stefan- Fine... then I suggest you get off of the ground and come back into Wyndermere with me.

As Nikolas attempted to stand he groaned as the pain from his fall finally hit him. Fanning off the staff Nikolas tried to walk towards Stefan but it was obvious that he would not be able to do so being his walk was still unsteady. Rushing to Nikolas Stefan wrapped a arm around his offering him his support.

Stefan- [calmly] I feel it would be best if you are checked out…
Nikolas- I told you… there’s… there’s nothing wrong with me.
Stefan- Nikolas you are unable to walk without assistance…
Nikolas- I’m fine…
Stefan- The I suggest either you rest here…
Nikolas- I am not staying at Wyndermere...
Stefan- Or you agree to go the hospital and be checked out...
Nikolas- I do not need to go to the hospital... I’m fine... I told you...
Stefan- [as he and Nikolas slowly walked toward Wyndermere] Mrs. Lansbury... prepare a room for Nik...
Nikolas- Uncle!
Stefan- All that I ask.
.. Nikolas- [angrily] Fine...
Stefan- [hiding his growing smile] Fine?
Nikolas- I’ll go to the hospital...
Stefan- [again hiding his smile] Thank you…
Nikolas- [mumbling] Whatever...