Chapter Two Hundred Eighteen:
Coming Down

Emily's room, Athens Hospital.

That hadn't been so bad, Emily thinks as she digs through her bag for her hairbrush. She'd only talked to her mother, she'd kept it brief and vague, and no one had said anything about sending out the Calvary to retrieve her. Monica had accepted everything she'd said -- including the parts about what she wasn't ready to say. They'd just been so relieved to hear from her, nothing else seemed to have mattered. That would change, of course. Pretty much the second she walked through the front door of the mansion.

Whenever that was going to be.

Shortly after hanging up she'd received a visit from the doctor, who had looked her over, and then asked her when she planned to leave. Emily had looked at him blankly. PLANNED? She'd said that now would be good.... And he'd sent a nurse by with the paper work. She'd giggled at the frown on Jason's face. A guy who'd made a habit out of ducking hospitals as much as humanly possible, watching his sister just say "I'd like to go now", and get released. It was becoming clear -- anything to please Mr. Cassadine and his "guests". They were all writing their own ticket. Disturbing, but true.

Jason had left to make sure things were "set" at the hotel. After that, she guessed she was playing things by ear. She didn't want to leave Lucky here, but she had a deep sinking feeling of dread where he was concerned. She'd crossed a line. And she wasn't sure Lucky was going to like that.

She lets out a groan, and pitches herself forward, hanging herself upside down, and starts to brush her hair roughly. No good choices, she reminds herself. And it wasn't like she'd told Luke things Lucky had actually told her in confidence. She'd just told him how things looked from her perspective. And that wasn't a sin. Was it? What was she supposed to do? Keep her mouth shut and watch everything keep spinning out of control? Ok -- maybe that was what she was supposed to do. But that choice was intolerable. It was too awful -- The idea of Lucky shutting himself down again. Of going through more of his attacks of self-loathing, of having another moment where he confessed he was doing something dangerous, or something stupid. Pushing her away again. After everything had happened, after the way everything had changed -- she couldn't go back. And Lucky would either understand that... or he wouldn't. It didn't matter. She needed him to be better, even if it was at the cost of his trust in her.

So. Why did she still feel like hell?

Emily lets out her breath, and flips her hair back, standing up again. She lets out a yelp of surprise at the sight of the figure in the door.

Lucky: Hi.

Em: (sitting down on the bed, heavily) You scared me!

Lucky: Sorry. (he casts his eyes around the room as he speaks. He sees her bag on the chair -- open -- and frowns. He looks back at her, taking in her outfits -- well worn jeans, one of his T-shirts, bare feet. A pair of tennis shoes and socks are on the floor by the night table.) Are you leaving?

Em: Uh... (she looks over at her bag) Yeah. I was released. (she shrugs, a bit nervously) I can sleep at the hotel as well as here. Better, probably. I was going to talk to you before I left.

Lucky: (with a bit of an edge) Good.

Em: (a little too quickly) I called my parents. They hadn't gone to work yet -- it's only about Eight in Port Charles -- weird, huh? Anyway, it was Ok -- I mean, it'll be crazy when I get home, but --

Lucky: You're going HOME? (Emily looks up at him. He looks disturbed, still leaning against the door jamb with his arms folded. Emily winces)

Em: I don't know. I thought we'd talk about it. But -- I don't want to go. Not if you want me to stay --

Lucky: I want you to stay. (Emily feels the air rush out of her lungs. Oh, thank GOD).

Em: Ok. (Her stomach flips neatly over itself. She puts her hand over her abdomen. Ohhh, God... She's going to have to tell him before she's sick all over the floor from the stress of anticipation) Lucky...

Lucky: I talked to my Dad. (Emily looks up sharply)

Em: You did? (Lucky nods, his eyes scanning the wall just above Emily's head. His words come out as if he's a little short of breath) I... Talked to your father, too.

Lucky: I know. He told me. (Emily's stomach tightens and flips again in one fluid motion. A perfect 6.0)

Em: Oh. (She peers at Lucky with concern. He's not looking straight at her, making it hard for her to read him. But then -- the fact that he won't look straight at her means a lot). Was it awful?

Lucky: It... (He stops, has his eyes find hers. Any pretense of detachment he might have been struggling with crashes away from him, and his eyes fill with the intense vulnerability he's feeling. He looks confused, uncertain, lost. He tries to say something, but the words stick in his throat. Emily, suddenly aware of where things stand, gets to her feet. She opens her arms to him.)

Em: Come here. (The invitation -- the simplicity of it coupled with his intense desire for comfort -- nearly makes Lucky's knees buckle. He lets out an infinitely grateful breath, and moves towards his girlfriend quickly. He slides his arms under hers, gathering her against him. He puts his head down on her shoulder, and her arms close around him. Emily holds him tightly, feeling a small tremble run through his body)

Lucky: (choking) God, Em...

Em: It's Ok. Lucky, it's going to be Ok. (Lucky says nothing, just squeezes his eyes shut and holds her. It will be Ok... Foreign concept. He's not sure he knows what Ok means. He's not sure how it CAN be Ok. He just knows... that he doesn't know what to do next. Where to go, what to say, how to make sense of any of it. The only thing he knows right now is who he can turn to. And thank God for that. Thank GOD. Lucky pulls back, loosening, his grip on her, and straightens up. Emily stands up on her toes as he does this, and Lucky reaches behind his neck. He takes her wrists in his hands, untangling her arms from around her neck. Emily looks up at him, surprised) Lucky... (Lucky shakes his head. Emily looks up at him, confused, her eyes wide. Big brown eyes... Lucky hears the words echoing through him. He shudders again, and puts his head down on her shoulder again, holding her wrists in his hands, against his chest.)

Lucky: (a whisper) I love you. (Emily nods, biting her lip. She turns one wrist in his grasp and Lucky lets go of it. She slides one arm under his, up his back. To thread her fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck.)

Emily: I love you, too. (Lucky pulls back again looking down at her. She is still looking at him with big eyes -- questioning, worried. He smiles almost in spite of him, giving a sharp laugh. Emily's brow creases) What?

Lucky: You're... Just beautiful. (Emily shakes her head)

Em: You're not making any sen -- (Emily's last word is cut off as Lucky lowers his head to hers and presses his lips to hers. The kiss is achingly sweet. Soft, gentle, almost tentative. It's rich with need -- not desire, but plain and simple need. I need you... I need you because I love you... I love you with everything I have in me and I need you to love me back. Please. Please, please, please... Emily feels the strength of emotion wash over her and finds herself answering in the same way. Yes. Yes, always.)

The Spencer Suite, An Athens 4-star.

Luke Spencer dumps his key and some pocket change on the credenza just inside the door, and glances around. He hears a sound coming from the back room, and lets out a quick whistle. There's a thump, and Lulu comes flying out the bedroom she is sharing with Lesley. She is followed by Carly, who has Michael on her hip and a worn children's book in her other hand. She gives Luke a wane "I haven't spoken to an adult in six hours" smile as Lulu rushes across the room and hurls herself at her father's legs. Luke stumbles just a little.

Luke: Whoa! Hello to you too, Princess.

Lulu: (looking up at him, her arms wrapped around his legs) Where's Lucky? (Luke puts a hand down and ruffles her hair)

Luke: Due time, Darlin'. (Lulu steps back)

Lulu: You keep SAYING that!

Luke: I know. (He looks over at Carly) Jason's back. Wants to talk to you. (Carly lets out a long breath)

Carly: Talk to, or glare at? (Luke shrugs. Carly narrows her eyes) Everything Ok? (Luke pauses, his hand absently stroking Lulu's hair)

Luke: It's coming together. (Carly smiles, a little more convincingly, and nods)

Carly: Ok, then. I guess WE are going to leave you two to talk, then. (She moves across the room, putting the book on the table. She winks at Luke) see ya, later. (Lulu looks after Carly, frowning at her)

Lulu: Alligator. (Michael lets out a high-pitched screech/giggle, and Carly turns, looking at her young cousin over her shoulder with a bit of mock disapproval. She snaps her jaws shut, baring her teeth. Lulu giggles. Luke feels like he's missed the joke)

Carly: (walking out) After while, crocodile. (She closes the door behind her. Luke turns his attention to his daughter)

Luke: You having fun with Carly?

Lulu: She's funny. And Michael's fun. For a baby. (Luke smiles)

Luke: So this is better than Scotland?

Lulu: There are kids here. When do I get to see Lucky? (Luke lets out a long breath, throws himself down on a chair. He puts out an arm and gestures for Lulu to come join him.)

Luke: Sit with me, Ok? (Lulu looks at him suspiciously. She's had far too much news that she hasn't liked at ALL over the last month, and any time anyone wants to talk to her, it's just more bad news. Except for Carly. She was the only person who came and told her anything that she wanted to hear -- that she was taking her to see her father and her brothers. But so far, there are no signs of Lucky and Nikolas. And she knows better than to ask her Daddy too much about Nikolas.) It's all right, Darlin'. (Lulu lets out a heavy breath, making it very clear that she continues to be unimpressed with how put-on she's been lately. She crosses the room to her father, and leans up against his knee. He reaches down and lifts her into his lap with a slight groan) You're getting to be a big girl. Don't know how much longer we're gonna be able to do this. (Luke pulls her into a hug. Lulu allows this, but doesn't hug back)

Lulu: You're leaving again.

Luke: (heavily) Lulu, the next time we go anywhere, it going to be home. (Lulu blinks, and pulls back to look at him)

Lulu: Really?

Luke: Really.

Lulu: With Lucky? (Luke smiles slowly. Ok. So he can't make any Lucky-based promises just yet. But at least he can say something)

Luke: Maybe. You can ask him yourself. When you see him.

Lulu: Whenever THAT'S going to be.

Luke: Look, kiddo... I got some news you're gonna like, for once.

Lulu: What about?

Luke: Your ... brother. (Luke lets out a long breath. Damn. He presses his lips to the top of his daughter's head. You gotta do this, Spencer. You gotta... reprogram, work this out, figure out some way to make sure this isn't going to happen all over again. Luke squeezes his eyes shut) Your brother. Nikolas. (Lulu's brow creases)

Lulu: Nikolas? (Lulu looks up at her father in apprehensive confusion. Luke never says "Nikolas". More often -- That Kid".)

Luke: You know I told you he was sick.

Lulu: Grandma told me. (Luke nods. Right. He'd passed that one off on Lesley... Man, why is this so God Damned HARD?)

Luke: Yeah. Yeah, he and Emily were both a little sick. But she said he'd get better, right?

Lulu: Yeah...

Luke: Well... He's awake now. He's... Better. I have a feeling you'll be hearing from him pretty soon.

Lulu: (lighting up) Really?

Luke: Yeah. Really.

Lulu: So they're both coming home? They're both going to come see me?

Luke: (after a moment) Yeah, Princess. They're both back.

Lulu: I KNEW it! (Luke looks at her oddly, cocking his head)

Luke: What's that, Darlin'?

Lulu: (glowing) They promised me, Daddy! They both did. They said they'd take care of each other and they'd both come back safe. And they are, right? They both kept their promises.

Luke: Yeah... Yeah, I guess they did.

Nikolas's hospital room

Nikolas is sitting up in the bed, a tray in front of him, poking at hospital food with a fork. He sighs and looks up at Alexis, who is standing away from his bed, having just folded up her cell phone.

Nik: Can I express to you how much I do not want to eat at the moment?

Alexis: (looking over) You can express anything you want. But if you want to get out of here, it's probably best you eat something.

Nik: How long do you think they are going to keep me here?

Alexis: Until Stefan tells them it's Ok for them to let you out. (Nikolas drops the fork)

Nik: And suddenly I really miss American hospitals.

Alexis: I'm certain he won't be too unreasonable. (Nikolas lets out a long suffering sigh and pushes away his dinner. He nods to Alexis's cell phone)

Nik: Do you have better news for me?

Alexis: I'm working on it.

Nik: I don't want this to be a big ordeal for him, Alexis.

Alexis: Yes, I understand that, Nikolas. But it's hard to make murder charges just go away.

Nik: She TOLD him who shot her.

Alexis: yeah, but he didn't show up to tell Taggart that.

Nik: HOW does that lead to an indictment?

Alexis: Hey -- wait! He doesn't have an indictment yet. Just a warrant for arrest. And there is no way we'll let any of this go that far. Lucky's not going to be spending any time in jail.

Nik: Damn straight.

Alexis: (choking on a laugh) WHAT did you just say? (Nikolas shakes his head)

Nik: I don't know. I can't seem to shake it. Stuff like that keeps coming out of my mouth. (Nikolas looks over at her) And it drives Uncle crazy.

Alexis: Is that a priority?

Nik: I think it's good for him. (Alexis smiles at him)

Alexis: You... look better.

Nik: (looking away) Conscious? Alexis, you've always been good for my ego.

Alexis: I meant... You look more... yourself. After the boat, I wasn't certain --

Nik: I'm fine. For the moment. (Alexis sighs, and walks over to his bed from the window)

Alexis: You've been through so much.

Nik: But I'm still here. (Alexis sits down in the chair by the bed)

Alexis: Yes. Yes, you are. (Nikolas pulls in his breath, this conversation moving towards him and his state of being. He's not prepared to go there).

Nik: You didn't tell me who you were talking to. What, exactly is going to happen with Lucky?

Alexis: (knowing perfectly well what he's doing) I'm trying to speak to Dara. she has an early court appointment -- it's still early in the day in Port Charles. (Nikolas's brow furrows)

Nik: Yes... yes, it would be.

Alexis: It will be all right, Nikolas. I promise you.

Nik: It is amazing how low my expectations for "all right" have become.

Alexis: You're really worried about him, aren't you?

Nik: I don't want him to pay for any of this. Not anymore than he has.

Alexis: I've gleaned the rough outline of the story. I have to admit, it's a little surprising. If you think back six months.

Nik: That might as well have been a million years ago. (He frowns) But... yes... there were moments where I was definitely surprised. By everything.

Alexis: (nodding) Things change.

Nik: (Distantly) and other things stay the same.

Alexis: Does he know how concerned you are for him?

Nik: I owe him this.

Alexis: Nikolas. (Nikolas shakes his head, laughing slightly)

Nik: Alexis -- If I showed a hint of concern, Lucky would think I was calling him incompetent. That's why I want this to be as easy and painless as possible. If there is any way to make it all just disappear, without getting Cassadine fingerprints all over it, that's what I want to see happen.

Alexis: I'll do my best. (Nikolas nods. Alexis looks at him pensively. He glances at her, catching the look on her face)

Nik: What?

Alexis: Things DO change. Nothing has to be the way it was when you go back to Port Charles. You have choices now.

Nik: I know.

Alexis: It's up to you --

Nik: Some of it isn't. (Alexis reaches out and takes Nikolas's hand, sighing. It's hard, she thinks. It's always been hard to watch Nikolas take rejection from other people. And it seems this is what is happening again. Nikolas is so protected, that even if Lucky did want to get in, she's not certain Nikolas would allow it. It's hard to tell. On the yacht, they looked so close. And now? She's really not certain what is going on here. But her heart goes out to him)

Alexis: You're being an excellent brother, if that's what you're trying to be. (Nikolas looks over at Alexis, chilled. He stares at her, then looks away quickly. He's heard words similar to that before. The night Lucky was almost killed by Helena's hit man "You're a good brother, Nikolas Cassadine..." -- He shakes his head, hard, knocking the memory out of his head)

Nik: (shakily) I just... I don't want to cause anyone else pain. Helena's legacy is going to spread far enough as it is. There's no reason for it to destroy -- or end -- any more lives than it already has. (He looks at Alexis. She is biting her lip, looking at him with concern) You don't believe me.

Alexis: No, I do. And I'll take care of it.

Nik: Thank you. (Nikolas gives his aunt a weak smile. She returns it. A light knock comes from the door and they turn to see a nurse standing in the doorway. She speaks with an accent, but her English is strong)

Nurse: Mr. Cassadine?

Nik: Yes?

Nurse: I'm sorry to disturb you... But I had some news. It's about your mother.

Emily's Room

Emily and Lucky lie together on the made hospital bed. Her head is resting on his shoulder, and she's looking down at their hands. Their fingers are intertwined. Lucky's other arm circles his shoulders, his fingers lightly stroking her upper arm. They have talked, and they have not talked, relying on near mind-reading to explain the situation. Emily knows Lucky and Luke have talked. She knows it was rough. She knows Lucky is struggling with it. And she knows it could have been much, much worse. For now, all of that is enough.

It's quiet. A very peaceful but empty quiet. Something has ended. It's hard to really explain what or how, but for the first time, there is nothing coming. It's crazy -- life is still in chaos. Everything is still a mess. But, Lucky has realized... There isn't anything immediate coming for him. No yacht on the horizon, no risk of someone following him -- nothing. It's finally quiet again. And it feels absolutely unnatural to him. Like when they stopped running when he was ten. Like when his father killed Frank Smith... and even then, the idea of not having someone out there sharpening a grudge for the Spencer clan was just so foreign that his brain couldn't comprehend it. And now... Now their greatest enemy is gone. And with her the lies, the secrets, the game-playing she inspired. It's all fallen away. The idea of suddenly not being on someone's hit list is enough to make Lucky's head spin.

It won't stay that way, of course. He's a Spencer. No matter how skilled he may or may not be on some of the family stuff, Lucky's never doubted his ability to piss people off.

Emily stretches next to Lucky like a sun-warmed cat on a lazy Sunday afternoon. A smile finds its way to Lucky's lips as she nestles herself against him again. She lightly strokes the back of his hand with her thumb.

Em: (softly) I really did think you were going to be mad at me.

Lucky: About what?

Em: (exhaling) Talking to your father. (Lucky turns his head and presses his lips against the top of Emily's head)

Lucky: I know you too well to be. You always do what you think is best for everyone... and you're usually right about it.

Em: (laughing slightly) See, that's just not what I expected you to say.

Lucky: Yeah, well. (Lucky kisses her forehead) I'm really tired of being angry at everyone all the time. (Emily looks up at him.)

Em: You look tired. (She reaches up with her free hand and brushes his hair out of his eyes. Lucky closes his eyes.) You look exhausted.

Lucky: It's been long day. (Emily nods, sliding her hand down his cheek)

Em: But a start, right? (Lucky lets out a long breath and opens his eyes, blinking)

Lucky: Yeah. I guess... yeah. It is. (He looks at Emily, his expression troubled. She smiles at him).

Em: Do me a favor?

Lucky: Anything.

Em: Be nice to yourself. Just for a little while? Even if it's just for tonight. (Lucky lets out his breath and puts his head down on Emily's shoulder. She strokes his hair gently) You've been through so much.

Lucky: So have you.

Em: Yeah, but I'm a lot easier on myself than you are. (Lucky opens his eyes and pulls back, looking at her incredulously)

Lucky: YOU are?

Em: Relatively speaking? Oh, yeah. And given the number of times you've watched me push myself to exhaustion -- that's really saying something. Lucky you need some time off. Just for one night, let yourself rest. Get some sleep. Try not to drive yourself crazy. (She puts her hand to his cheek again) It's over. Helena is dead. We all made it out... alive. And your father still loves you. Just let that be for a little while.

Lucky: I... (he shakes his head. HOW? How does he do that?) I'll try.

Em: Ok. That's all I ask. (She cuddles up to him) Are you going to say here? Tonight? (Lucky laughs slightly, then gives a determined shake of his head)

Lucky: No. It's got it's charm, but... You're leaving. And I haven't been sleeping all that great. (He buries his head against her neck) I miss you. (Emily turns her face to his)

Em: I know what you mean. (Lucky lifts his head and brings his lips down on hers. They indulge in a long, deep kiss. Lucky pulls back, finally, brushing his lips against hers. Emily groans) I just thought of something.

Lucky: (kissing her lightly on the temple) What?

Em: We're going to be staying at the same hotel... But there's no way we'll be in the same room. (Lucky presses his lips against her neck, just behind her ear, then pulls back, frowning)

Lucky: I don't like that thought. (Emily shrugs her shoulder up to her ear, rubbing it against her neck in an effort to get rid of the disturbing tickling feeling Lucky's kiss has left running down sensitive skin. She lets out her breath)

Em: Guess what? We're teenagers again.

Lucky: (laughing slightly) You could keep wearing the wedding ring. (he looks down at her hand) Hey. Where is it? (Emily gestures towards her bag)

Em: I took it off after your father asked me if it meant he was going to be expecting grandchildren.

Lucky: He WHAT?

Em: It was a reasonable question! (she makes a face) Ok, sort of. Anyway, I decided to take it off before anyone else asked me too many more "reasonable questions".

Lucky: I want you to wear it. It's your engagement ring... For now, at least.

Em: We're still engaged?

Lucky: Yeah. (Lucky frowns) Aren't we?

Em: I wanted to give you the chance to take it back.

Lucky: Never. (Emily smiles, and it quickly turns into a grin)

Em: We're insane.

Lucky: That's not news.

Em: No... No, it's really not... (Her voice trails off. She pulls herself up onto her elbow, looking down at him) Are you going to stay with your father? (Lucky flinches.)

Lucky: I'm not ready for that much Father/Son togetherness. (Emily bites her lip and nods. Lucky brings a hand up to touch her cheek lightly) Hey. It's not a disaster, Ok? Just... This is going to take a lot of time. I can't... (he closes his eyes) Right now, I can't really look at him without my stomach seizing.

Em: Not conducive to sleep.

Lucky: No. No, what's conducive to sleep is, you. (Emily frowns at him)

Em: There's a compliment buried in there somewhere.

Lucky: (smiling slightly) You bring me peace. (Emily's expression softens to near goopy)

Em: Ohhhh... You would have to say something like that.

Lucky: (smiling -- nearly a grin) What can I say? An hour again I didn't think I was going to be able to breath again. (He threads his fingers through her hair) And you can actually get me to smile. (Emily looks at him, a little stunned) That's why I still want to be engaged. It's why I'm not mad at you for talking to my father. I'm a mess without you Quartermaine. It's time I just accepted that. (Emily lets out a slightly squeak in lieu of an appropriate response, and moves in to kiss him. It's a sloppy, emotional kiss, and Lucky returns it immediately. They're still kissing when they hear a noise behind them, and Emily pulls back, twisting on the bed to see her brother and Carly in the doorway.)

Carly: Oh man... Great timing, Carly. (Emily cringes. And it starts... Lucky smiles at her ruefully)

Jason: Are you ready to go, Emily? (Emily untangles herself from Lucky)

Em: (sitting up) That's what they tell me. (she looks over at Lucky) Lucky's out of here too. (She looks back at them) I'm assuming it's Ok if he comes with us?

Jason: (Shrugging) Sure.

Carly: Hey, the more the merrier. (She looks over at Jason, questioningly. He just looks at her with a blank Jason-esque expression) So... What? Emily with Michael and I, and... You get a roommate. (Jason looks at her like "what's the problem?" Carly puts a hand to her head) You know, all these musical suites is giving me a headache. I can't even remember who's where anymore.

Jason: They could get their own room. (Emily looks up. Own room? Sounds good to her)

Carly: Jason --

Jason: (looking at Lucky and Emily) Would you guys rather have your own room? (Carly elbows Jason hard in the ribs) OW!

Carly: I think the sleeping arrangements are just FINE. (Lucky laughs slightly, sitting up on the bed. Oh, man. He's not going to get out of this room in one piece, he can feel it) What are you laughing at?

Lucky: (swinging his legs over the side of the bed) Just trying to figure out when you became such a puritan. (Emily winces)

Em: Lucky...

Carly: A WHAT?

Lucky: Forget it, Carly. It's just... A little funny.

Carly: Hey -- I've just spent the last month worried sick over you! Don't make me regret that!

Lucky: I'll do my best. (He smirks at her. Carly's eyes widen)

Carly: Hey, LOOK you little --

Jason: (grimacing) So they're having sex. (Lucky looks over at Jason sharply)

Lucky: Whoa --

Jason: (to Carly) Why is that a bad thing?

Carly: Because Lucky's GRANDMOTHER is there? (Emily looks over at Lucky, warily)

Em: (raising her hand) Ok. I think I hate this conversation.

Lucky: Can I second that?

Carly: And everyone has enough to deal with!

Jason: I don't think we have to deal with it at all.

Em: Ok. I'm in hell.

Jason: Besides -- it makes more sense for them to stay together.

Lucky: You know, we can really work this out later -- (Emily reaches over and takes Lucky's hand, squeezing it. This conversation is making her really nervous -- but after this afternoon, and seeing how vulnerable Lucky's feeling, it might just be worth it to get to spend the night with Lucky. And NOT for licentious reasons)

Em: Yeah, really. Let's just get out of here.

Carly: (looking at Jason) HOW does that make more sense?

Jason: How doesn't it? (Carly groans)

Carly: You always do this! I have one of the worst reputations in the history of this town --

Jason: Not THIS town.

Carly: Thanks for the support -- and no, maybe I haven't managed to screw over Athens yet, but that's just geography. HALF of PC is staying at that hotel, and the last thing I need is for someone to corner me and accuse me of corrupting the youth of America or something!

Jason: What are you talking about?

Em: (to Lucky, softly) I'm not sure if I should find this insulting or funny.

Lucky: (watching his cousin) I'm going with weird.

Em: Good call.

Carly: I'm talking about staying the hell away from anything that' s going to get me into trouble!

Jason: Isn't it a little late for that?

Em: (sucking in her breath and turning to Lucky) So. are you packed?

Lucky: In a manner of speaking...

Carly: I'm just saying things are fine how they ARE, and why do you have to go rocking the boat?

Jason: I'm not rocking anything.

Em: (under her breath) Well, you're making me queasy.

Jason: I'm asking a question.

Lucky: (leaning over to Em's ear) Maybe if we just left, they'd move on. (Emily nods, sliding off the bed)

Em: Worth a shot.

Carly: (Frustrated, to Jason) You always play so much dumber than you are! (Emily freezes. Oh, great)

Jason: What's that supposed to mean?

Em: (to Lucky) Maybe we should just stay still and they'll forget about us.

Carly: What do you think?

Lucky: I don't know. Your call.

Jason: I think you just called me dumb!

Em: Actually, it makes me a little homesick.

Carly: What?

Lucky: You're a little strange, Em. You know that?

Carly: (heatedly) I'm not saying you ARE dumb, I'm saying you like to make people think you are!

Em: (to Lucky) Look who's talking.

Carly: And I'm not falling for it!

Lucky: I never said there was anything wrong with it.

Jason: (to Carly) Are you done?

Carly: (catching her breath) For now. Yeah.

Jason: Good. Can we go, then?

Em: (standing up) I'm up for it. (Jason and Carly look over at Lucky and Em as if they're a little surprised to find someone else in the room)

Carly: Great. (She looks vexed) Good. Do you have everything? (Lucky can't help but smirk at Carly. He looks over at Jason)

Lucky: She's cute when she's flustered. (Jason looks over at Carly, considering this)

Jason: (statement of fact) Yeah. She is.

Carly: Go to hell. Both of you. (Carly turns around a bit flamboyantly in her embarrassment) Where's your suitcase, Em? (Emily doesn't answer. She's looking at Lucky with amazed amusement)

Lucky: (noticing this) What?

Em: You were teasing her.

Lucky: (frowning) Is that a problem? (Emily leans closer to him)

Em: There's hope for you, yet. (Lucky looks at her oddly, then drops his head, smiling)

Lucky: Maybe. (Carly and Jason both watch the younger couple, then exchange a look. Carly gestures as if to say "what?". Jason looks away.)

Nurse: (appearing in the doorway) Excuse me. (All eyes turn to the door where the same nurse that was talking to Nikolas is standing. The smile fades from Lucky's face) Are you Lucky Spencer? (Lucky nods, and slides off the bed to stand beside Em.)

Lucky: Yeah. (The nurse looks around the room, a bit nervous. Large crowd -- small room)

Nurse: We just delivered news of your mother to your brother. He asked that we come and find you as well. (Lucky feels the floor drop suddenly out from under him. Somehow, he's still floating there, however)

Lucky: What news?

Nurse: He wanted you to be told that your mother has opened her eyes. (Lucky stares at her. He's not aware that he's moving at all, until he feels Emily grab his arm to steady him. He breaks off the eye-lock he had with the nurse and looks at Emily in shock. Emily puts her hand on his shoulder and Lucky sinks back onto the bed under her direction. He looks at the floor, trying to digest that)

Lucky: Oh. (he looks up at her) Okay.

Nurse: You understand that this does not mean she is out of her coma -- she is simply --

Lucky: Opening her eyes.

Nurse: Yes. (Lucky just stares blankly. Emily jumps in, even though she has sort of been through this before. She remembers from Jason, that open eyes are not a cure-all sign)

Em: Is that a start? I mean -- is that a good sign? Or... What? What does it mean?

Nurse: It means there is some activity -- neurological activity -- but we knew that from the tests. It's not of much more importance than... Well. It's a change. And Mr. Cassadine felt you should know.

Lucky: Oh. (there is a long pause. Lucky swallows) Thanks. (The nurse nods)

Nurse: I should return to my station now --

Carly: Yeah, that's fine. We're with him. (The nurse nods, then looks at Lucky again, with concern. She turns and walks quickly from the room. Lucky keeps staring at the floor. he feel Emily's hand)

Em: Are you Ok?

Lucky: (not all that convincingly) Fine. (after a moment) Just... reality. Descending.

Em: It's hard. (She makes a point to keep her eyes focused on Lucky, not to shoot a quick look to the face that used to be Jason Quartermaine)

Lucky: (Shaking his head) I ... Keep ... (he looks at Emily, finally) I think I keep pretending she's just not here. You know? I don't want to think about the rest of it.

Em: It is... a good sign. I mean... it's not a bad one.

Lucky: I know.

Em: (softly) Not good enough, though. (Lucky opens his mouth to answer, then shakes his head, not able to come up with anything. Emily sighs) I know. (Lucky nods, and brings an arm up to wrap around her waist. Emily moves to him, and Lucky buries his face against her stomach. His other arm comes up around her, and her embraces her. She lightly strokes his hair, her other hand on his shoulder. This time it's Carly and Jason who feel like they're not supposed to be in the room. Carly touches Jason's arm, and he looks over at her. She nods towards the door.

Jason: What? (Carly just grabs his arm and pulls him into the hall)

Carly: Ok, maybe you were right.

Jason: About what?

Carly: (hushed) Look at Lucky! I don't think it's a great idea for him to be alone right now!

Jason: He wouldn't be alone. He'd be with me. (Carly puts a hand on her hip and cocks her head)

Carly: That is NOT the same thing.

Jason: No. It's not. (Jason's tone is very blunt. Carly looks at him warily. She's been entirely unnerved by his position on this from the beginning. Hell, the longer this goes on, the more Jason is unnerving her. She backs up from him, throwing her hands up)

Carly: I don't know what to do! I feel like a hypocritical ogre if I split them up --

Jason: They're not your kids, Carly.

Carly: I know that! But it's once you have kids of your own, you're supposed to be universally responsible.

Jason: Says who?

Carly: (frustrated) And Emily is you SISTER! Are you telling me that doesn't hang you up a little bit?

Jason: No. I think this is stupid.

Carly: Hey!

Jason: (heavily and a little mocking of her 'dumb' speech) I didn't say YOU were stupid, did I? I said THIS was stupid. And it is. They're both staying in the same suite, they don't want to be split up -- Just give them your room.

Carly: (raising her brow) Oh, MY room. And where do Michael and I go?

Jason: You take my room.

Carly: Where do YOU go?

Jason: I don't.

Carly: (zero to sixty) Like HELL!

Jason: (cracking up) You're out of your mind. (Carly looks at Jason incredulously)

Carly: Oh, you're NOT laughing at me.

Jason: I knew it. That's what this is actually about, isn't it? You don't want to share a room with me. Carly -- it's a ROOM, not a bed.

Carly: (a bit high strung) With you and Michael! MICHAEL -- I have no problem with that. I'm perfectly fine with sharing a room with both of you -- (Jason takes a step towards her)

Jason: No, you're not. (Carly inches back a bit)

Carly: Yes I am. (Jason takes another step towards her, effectively blocking her between him and the wall).

Jason: No. You're not.

Carly: What are you doing? (Jason puts his hands on the wall either side of her)

Jason: Making a point.

Carly: (laughing a little shrilly) What point? Ok, so there's tension. I admit that. But that doesn't mean we can't share a room, platonically, with my son. (Jason shakes his head)

Jason: We wouldn't get any sleep. Too much to think about.

Carly: Speak for yourself.

Jason: (smiling slightly, and leaning in ) You know I'm right.

Carly: Back off, Morgan.

Jason: In a minute.

Carly: (warningly) Jason -- (Jason lowers his lips to hers, and gives her a long, deep kiss that seems to go on forever. He pulls back, leaving Carly a little dazed. He gives her an incredibly irritating smile)

Jason: I'll sleep on the couch. (He pushes himself off the wall. Carly gapes at him)

Carly: I HATE you! (Jason turns to go back into the room)

Jason: You're lying.

Carly: (muttering as he leave the hall) Only a little.