by Jera
RECAP: Liz invited Nikolas to Lulu's tea party. Lucky prepared to try and get to know Nikolas, a task he had been avoiding.
Lucky stood in front of the window in the living room watching the afternoon sun. This was one of those rare days in winter. He could see the movement of the tree branches and knew that the chilling wind was still competing with the warmth the sun was attempting to bring to earth. He could hear Lulu's excitied voice in the kitchen preparing for her tea-party with Liz's help. Sounded like they were going to have real tea and cake this time. He smiled warmly at the image he had of the little dishes and cups arranged neatly on Lulu's play table in the kitchen. How he loved and indulged his little sister. He thought about what Liz said earlier that afternoon about him loving Lulu even though he had not asked for a sister. Was he going to love Nikolas too? His eyes were now the color of a gray sky before the storm. He would never have asked himself that question a year ago. If he did, he would know exactly what the answer was. An answer he was now not sure of just a year later. The curve balls life throws at you. He walked away from the window as he caught a glimpse of a shadow. Someone was knocking the door a minute later. He had wished Liz would come running and open the door so he wouldn't have to. No such luck. Liz probably knew it was Nikolas and made sure she didn't come into the living room. That's why she insisted that she help Lulu. Lucky rolled his eyes skyward. He was sure that's exactly what Liz was doing. He made a mental note to remind himself to "thank" her later. He walked over to the door and opened it. Nikolas seemed surprise to see him on the other side of the door. Lucky stepped away from the door to let him in.
Lucky: They are in the kitchen making tea and cakes.
Nikolas nodded, understood that to be Lucky's way of saying he had not volunteered to be the one opening the door for him. He closed the door behind him and his eyes met Lucky's. Their eyes were definitely of different colors, that's for sure. And probably everything else about them. Lucky turned and walked over to the couch. Nikolas followed suit. Yet neither sat down. Nikolas looked around the living room even though he was so very familiar with this room by now. Lucky simply crossed his arms in front of his chest and watched Nikolas. Liz walked into the room just then.
Liz: Nikolas! You're here!
She smiled and walked over to where the two guys were standing, noting the body language of Lucky. Nikolas smiled at her presence.
Nik: Hi, Elizabeth. Am I too early?
Liz: Oh, no. We're almost ready. Come on, lets go surprise Lulu.
Liz linked her arm with Nikolas' and walked into the kitchen, leaving Lucky in the living room staring after them with the faintest trace of annoyance. And perhaps jealousy. Why did Liz touch Nikolas? For the longest time she was not comfortable being near anyone, not even Lucky! She was walking arm in arm with Nikolas? Now Lucky was sure Liz invited Nikolas over to drive him crazy. Lucky went over and stood by the window again. Lulu was exclaiming over Nikolas' arrival. Lucky frowned. Did all the women in his life have to be so happy when they saw Nikolas? He felt childish instantly at that thought. What has gotten into him? He heard Nikolas' steps, and turned around. Nikolas walked in from the kitchen alone.
Lucky: What, did they ditch you too?
Nikolas: They had... some more work to do.
Nikolas walked closer to Lucky. Lucky just watched him.
Nikolas: I had the distinct feeling that Liz thought we should make some progress while they were busy in the kitchen.
Lucky: She said that?
Nikolas: No. She just pushed me out of the kitchen and said go talk to your stubborn little brother.
Lucky: ( Lifting his brows) First of all, I am not anybody's "little brother." I am not 4 years old. Second, I consider stubborn a trademark of being a Spencer.
Nikolas: Is that what the problem is here? My last name is not Spencer so I'm not worthy of even a simple conversation with you?
Lucky: I didn't say that.
Nikolas: You didn't have to. That's the way you've treated me ever since you knew of my existence! I have said it over and over again when the Cassadines and the Spencers were at odds that we had nothing to do with their history. I draw my own conclusion about people, not from some ancient history of family wars. I thought you could do that, but I have been wrong about you. Even now. Even my father and your father can tolerate each other, but not you and I. I would like to know why you hate me so much!
Lucky: Why I hate you so much? I don't know if I hate you. But you can't go up to someone and say you were the brother he never knew existed, and proceed to expect everything was going to be OK! It doesn't work that way!
Nikolas: You said it as if I intentionally hid the fact that I am your brother from you! I didn't! I came to Port Charles mainly for Lulu, but do you think I would be curious about Lulu and not you? I am sorry! But I have been curious about you as well! I wanted to know how different you were since you had the one thing I didn't have when I was growing up. Our mother!
Liz emerged from the kitchen at that moment. She stopped short when she saw the expression on both men's face. They both turned to her.
Nik&Lucky: ( shouting) OUT!
Liz was stunned. She looked at them for a moment, turned, and walked back into the kitchen. Lucky's veins were bulging around his neck. He was going to settle all of it today.
Lucky: Yes, I had our mother growing up. You didn't. Are you going to honestly say that you didn't hate me for that? You are going to tell me that you were just CURIOUS about me? You never hated me for being the one that had her by my side whenever I was sick or sad, or happy? Come on, even a prince knows how to hate!
Nik: I am not a prince! Stavros was not my father! And I do know about hating people! I hated mom when I found out she faked her death. Maybe it wasn't hate, maybe it was more like hurt. She deserted me twice! Do you have any idea how that feels? Has anybody ever made you feel like you were not loved just because you were simply born? Have you wondered if everything was your own fault?
Lucky: She Loved you! She has always loved you! Don't tell me you don't know that! She risked her marriage for you to testify on that stand! Have you thought about what it was like for me? My mother lied to me!! She never told me I had a brother until you came to town! Do you know how it feels to know all of a sudden that you were not your mother's first son? Something I have been secretly proud of my whole life? Do you know what that's like?
Nikolas: NO! I don't! I never had the chance to be proud for that reason my whole life! Why should I? She didn't stay with me! She stayed with you! She was always with you! You have nothing to complain about on that! YES! I did hate you for that! I wanted to know why you were more important to her than me! I did hate you for that!
Lucky: HA! I knew it! You hate me for that! Stop being so civilized to me! I would never hesitate to punch anyone I hate in the............
Nikolas's fist was on Lucky's face before he could finish the sentence. Lucky backed off a few steps by surprise. He wiped his face. Nikolas was surprised by his own action. He came toward Lucky, and was about to say something when Lucky took a swing at him. Nikolas fell against the couch at the impact. For a second, neither was sure what happened. And then they just went at each other. One second Lucky was on top of Nikolas, the next, Nikolas had the advantage. Their bodies were being used as each other's punching bag. Fists were flying, and it was quiet except for the sound of punches. They finally rolled down the back of the couch and on to the floor. The coffee table was pushed away by someone's leg. They lay on the floor side by side, breathing hard. Neither moved.
Lucky: I.....always....fight back....
Nikolas: I ....never...shy...away....from....any challenges.......
Lucky: I....know ....you....hate me.......
Nikolas: Hated.....I don't.....hate you......now....
Lucky: I .....don't....either.....but.....I'm..not sure.......if.....I'm ever....going to get used to........ the idea of a brother......
Nikolas: That's.....a start......
Lucky: What......is....
Nikolas: calling me....a brother.....
Lucky: You...are so ....easy....
Nikolas: NO....I'm ....not.....It took me a long time...to call her mom.....
Lucky: It wasn't your fault.....it wasn't my fault either...
Nikolas: I know.....
Lucky: The truth is....I have been wondering what it would be like to have a ...brother..
Nikolas: So have I....it was easy with Lulu....you....I wasn't sure....
Lucky: Of couse it was easy....with Lulu...she would never have a fight with you....
Nikolas: ( laughing) No...she wouldn't...It was actually kind of nice...this was the first time I ever had a fist fight with someone....
Lucky: NO, it wasn't. We have fought before.....remember?
Nikolas: Yeah...I forgot about that. I am sorry for what I said that time.
Lucky: No, don't be. It was good that I found out the truth.
Nikolas: Yeah...I supposed so. It was nice to find out the truth about my father too.
Lucky: Bet that was quite a shock for you too. It certainly was for me. But I was glad mom decided to tell me everything. It made it easier when she was the one who told me about it. And not someone else.
Nikolas: Yeah....It was a shock for me when they both told me the truth. But I was glad my uncle was my father...( he laughed) that sounded funny!
Lucky: ( laughing) It's all right...I got you.
Nikolas: So, what is this? Are we calling this a truce?
Lucky: Whatever you want to call it.
Liz had silently come into the room while they weren't paying attention. She had two ice packs in her hands. She walked over to where they were laying, and kneeled down by Lucky's side. She put the ice packs on Lucky and Nikolas' face, and smiled at them.
Lucky: Why are you smiling? We just had a fight!
Liz: Yeah, but I have a brother. I have seen my share of fist fights. And I know a good one when I see it.
Lucky: I'll never understand women's logic.
Liz:( laughing) It wouldn't be fun if you did.
Liz leaned down and caressed Lucky's face softly, and kissed him gently on the lips. She smiled at Lucky's expression when he winced.
Liz: I'm sorry...it hurts that much?
Lucky: I'm all right.
Liz: Nikolas, are you all right?
Nikolas: Yeah, now that I've talked to my "stubborn little brother." Is this what you had in mind?
Liz: ( smiling ) Well, not exactly, but whatever works for you guys.
Lucky: Uh-Hm. Sure, you're not the one looking like this!
Liz: ( kissing Lucky on the forehead ) You'll live. I have faith in you. But, right now, you two need to shape up. Lulu is still waiting for you guys to come in so we can start the tea-party.
Lucky and Nikolas looked at each other, and sighed.
Nikolas: We have to keep our promise to Lulu.
Lucky: Yep! We have to. ( smiling at Nikolas) You are older, you go first.
Nikolas: Get up?
Lucky: (grinning)Yeah. Go ahead.
Nikolas slowly lifted his head up from the floor, and winced. He sat up, and pulled Lucky up suddenly. Lucky yelped, eyed Nikolas accusingly. Liz was just smiling while she watched them stand up and their faces all cringe up.
Liz: Come on. Your little sister is waiting.
The three of them walked toward the kitchen with Liz leading a few feet in front.
Nikolas: You've got a very nice girl there, Spencer.
Lucky: ( smiling) I know, Cassadine. I know.
TO BE CONTINUED........................................
