Nik sped down the road, heading for Kelly's. He had to tell Lucky what was going on with Liz. Not that Nik understood it himself, but he thought Lucky might be able to comprehend things better than he could. He reached Kelly's and swung the door open, heading straight for the stairs he took them two at a time. He knocked on Lucky's door, and when he heard no answer, he opened it to reveal Lucky and Gia, kissing on Lucky's bed.

"Oh my god, Nikolas." Gia said, as she sat up and wiped her mouth.

"What's going on here?" Nik asked, storming into the room and grabbing Gia by the arm.

"Ow!" Gia screamed. "You hurt me."

Nik immediately dropped her arm. He had never resorted to physical fighting before, and was definitely not going to start now. He would never harm a woman, and most certainly not the woman he loved and was doing everything he could to get back.

"I'm so sorry Gia, I didn't mean to." Nik pleaded.

"It's alright." Gia replied, rubbing the tender flesh his fingertips had lightly bruised.

"No, it's not. Lucky can I talk to Gia alone?" Nik asked, facing Lucky.

"No. I'm not leaving my wife alone with you, not after what you did to her--"

"She is not your wife, you two were drunk, and I would never hurt Gia."

"I am his wife Nikolas. We're not divorcing." Gia said, raising herself to his height, fully-prepared to fight him with everything she had. "And you did hurt me. But it's okay, Lucky, just give us a few minutes."

"Alright." Lucky replied, giving Nik a hard stare before leaving and gently shutting the door behind him.

"Why aren't you divorcing?" Nik demanded.

"I finally found someone who respects me. Who cares about me. Who would never cheat on me." Gia replied, struggling to keep from breaking down in tears,

"Gia, Coral and I are over, I told you that..."

"Nikolas!!" Gia screamed, putting her hands to her head, "She was in our bed!! Well, now it's YOUR bed, but she was in it. She was naked in the bed we've made love in and the bed we were about to make love in."

"I didn't know she was there!!!"

"Right, I forgot. You were expecting her an hour later, after you screwed me and tossed me out the door!"

"NO GIA...no." Nik yelled, "I told her it was OVER, but she just doesn't listen. I told her to stay away from me, and you. I told her that I love you and no one else, because it's true." Nik moved closer to her and placed his hand on her cheek. Gia turned her face slightly as she closed her eyes and rubbed her face against his palm. "I love you Gia, and no one else. You're my world. And no one else could even compare to you."

"Oh Nikolas..." Gia replied, she felt her heart turn to mush, and her knees buckled. "I..." suddenly the vision on Coral in their bed, her lipstick on Nik's face at L&B, everything came rushing back, and she remembered that she forgave him once, and the next day she found Coral in his bed.

The thought shot her out of her trance and she backed away from Nik. "No, Nikolas. I can't...I can't trust you. I trusted you once, I trusted you twice, but I am NOT going to open myself up for that kind of heartbreak again...I'm not!!"

"Gia, please, don't do this." Nik begged. "I love you, I--"

"I don't want to hear it!" she screamed, "I'm with Lucky now, and you're just going to have to deal."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everyone Makes Mistakes: 13

"Okay Lucky, I'm sorry I intruded on your...whatever it was with Gia, but I'm giving you fair warning that I'm not giving her up without a fight." Nik said forcefully after he left Lucky's room, leaving Gia sitting on the bed as he talked to Lucky in the hallway.

"Whatever man." Lucky replied, determined to keep Gia, no matter what it took him. "Hey, I got the weirdest call from Liz...she said she was in Alaska."

"What?!" Nik asked, his eyes narrowing. "I got a call from her too. She said she was in Fiji."

"Oh boy..." Lucky replied. "Do you think she's just playing with us, or do you think something's wrong?"

"Lucky, she didn't sound quite right on the phone. Something is definitely off here." Nik said shaking his head.

"What are we gonna do?" Lucky asked. He knew he loved Gia, but something inside made it feel necessary for him to rescue Liz, from whatever harm might come her way.

"The only thing we can do..." Nik replied, his voice sounding very matter-of-factly. "We're taking a trip. We're going to Alaska, and Fiji, and see if we can track her down. But first we have to make some calls. You call the hospital, the PC Hotel, anywhere she might be and see if she's still here. I'll call my Uncle and the jet will be ready in 20 minutes."

"Alright." Lucky agreed with a nod of his head. He was about to go down the stairs to talk to Tammy when he stopped dead in his tracks. "What about Gia?"

"Yes, what about Gia?" Gia asked from the doorway. "I heard your entire conversation, and I don't think you should just leave me here. I want to go with you, Liz is my friend too."

"No Gia, it's much too dangerous, I don't want you to get hurt." Nik said, taking a step towards her and putting a hand on her arm, sincerity swimming in his dark brown orbs. Gia knew the effect he had on her, and even though she was absolutely furious with him, she knew he could take her under. Just one look, one touch and she would be at his mercy. But not this time. She had to be strong.

"Oh, that's rich!!" she yelled. "You don't want me to get hurt! Well maybe you should think of that before you have another girl in our bed!!!!"

"Gia, I told you, I don't know what she was doing there, I--"

"Oh c'mon. You're smarter than that Prince." Gia replied, cocking her head as she spoke. "You know damn well what she wanted Nikolas, and there is no doubt in my mind that if I weren't there, you would've given it to her."

"Gia, I threw her out!!!" he screamed.

"Right, and next you're going to tell me the grass is purple." Gia said, tears brimming her eyes. "Nikolas, the trust I had in you was put to the test when I first found out about you and Coral. But we survived, and I entrusted my heart and soul to you again. But the trust I had was gone...GONE, the second I saw her in our bed. I cannot believe another word out of your mouth, and don't you dare say you don't want me to get hurt, because if that were true, you would've never gotten involved with her in the first place."

"Gia, you're right." Nik admitted, lowering his head as he spoke. "I  should've never gotten involved with her. I should've never slept with her. But Gia you have to believe, I was thinking of you the whole time."

Gia's jaw dropped to the floor. "WELL NOW, THAT'S JUST MAKES IT ALL FINE AND DANDY DOESN'T IT??!!"

"Okay, okay you two, stop it." Lucky cut in, trying to prevent a blood bath in the hallway. "What's done is done. There's nothing either of you can do to change that. What we can do is change our future, and try to sort things out. Everything is so crazy right now. But what we have to focus on is finding Liz, then we can deal with this." Lucky was surprised at the coolness of his own voice. Inside he was screaming. He was terrified of what may have happened to Liz, and the thought of losing her scared him. Sure he had told her that he was through with her. And he told himself that he loved Gia, but none of it was true. He realized that now. He did have feelings for Gia, but not love. Not the kind of love he had for Liz. He just hoped that Nik and Gia could work things out, so that everyone could be happy.

"You're right Lucky, I'm sorry." Gia said, wiping her wet eyes and doing everything she could to prevent eye contact with Nik.

"Okay Lucky." Nik turned to Gia. "Gia, I know you're not very happy right now, but our first priority is to find Liz, and quite frankly, I don't think we could if you came."

"What?!" Gia snapped at him.

"It's just that you and I can't go 5 minutes without fighting and I don't think that would help right now." Nik explained.

"I can't believe this..." Gia sighed.

"Gia, I think Nikolas is right." Lucky soothed her. "Why don't you stay here, in case Liz comes back."

"Fine." Gia replied, her lips a straight line in which no amount of happiness could be found.

"Good." Lucky replied.

"Alright, I'll go call Uncle. Meet downstairs in 20 minutes, alright?" Nik asked Lucky, glancing at Gia as he walked down the steps. Even when she was crying and yelling she was beautiful, Nik thought.

"Okay, Gia, I know this isn't what you want," Lucky said, turning Gia to face him. "but this is how it has to be."

"I know." Gia replied, her eyes cowering under her thick, dark lashes.

"Good." Lucky replied, pulling Gia close to him and kissing her lightly on the forehead. "Don't worry Gia, it'll all work out. I promise."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Everyone Makes Mistakes: 14 Lucky was sitting at the breakfast bar in Kelly's with Gia, when Nik walked in.

"Hey Nik." Lucky greeted him, "Man, I called everywhere I could think of, and no one had seen Liz for days."

"Alright then." Nik nodded his head, catching a glimpse of Gia and wincing at the cold look she shot him. "Lets go to Wyndemere, Uncle has the jet ready for us."

"Okay." Lucky agreed. "Nik, why don't you go outside, I'll meet out there in a few minutes."

Nik knew that if he wanted to have a chance with Gia, he should've probably stayed, but against what his heart was telling him, he left and waited outside for Lucky.

"Okay Gia, you have my cell and Nik's cell numbers, so if you hear from Liz, or if you need anything, just call, alright?" Lucky said, putting both his hands on her cheeks, and turning her head up to face his.

"Okay." Gia gave a slight nod of her head, "I'll call, don't worry."

"Gia, I know you're not happy. And I know that you want to come, but it's better this way. You and Nik both need time to think, apart." Lucky told her, "I know you love him Gia, but don't worry, the three of us will talk about everything once we find Liz."

Gia nodded her head and turned her face upwards, a fake smile plastered on her face. "I know. Now hurry up, go find Liz."

Lucky kissed Gia lightly on the lips before dashing out the door. Gia turned back to her coffee and a tear rolled down her cheek. "I do love Nik. But sometimes love just isn't enough."

~*~Stefan's Jet~*~

"Alright Lucky, I have a laptop and some maps and stuff to help us track down Liz. The pilot's name is John and all you have to do is tell him where you want to go and he'll take you there." Nik proceeded to tell Lucky everything he needed to know.

"Nikolas, why are you telling me all this?" Lucky asked. "You're going to be with me, I don't need to know everything."

"Of course Lucky, but just in case something happens, I want you to know what to do, and how to do it." Nik answered.

"Alright."

"Oh, man, I forgot to get something from Uncle, I'll be right back." Nik said. He went to the front of the jet where the pilot, John, was and gave him a few orders before leaving the jet and jogging back towards Wyndemere.

~*~Inside of the Jet~*~

Lucky was sitting in the jet, looking over some maps when he felt it start to move. He shot up in his chair and looked out the window. Yes, the jet was definitely moving, it was sailing down the runway. Lucky raced to the front of the jet and swung open the curtains to reveal the pilot, ordering the jet's liftoff.

"Wait, hold on just a minute here." Lucky said, grabbing the pilot's shoulder and yelling in his ear. "Nikolas isn't on the jet, we aren't leaving yet!!!"

"Mr. Spencer, I am on strict orders from Mr. Cassadine, to lift off right now. We're on our way to Alaska, now please sit down and fasten your seat belt."

"Well, this is just great!" Lucky yelled, walking back to his seat and clicking his seat belt in place.

~*~Wyndemere~*~

Nik looked out the window and saw the jet take off. Soon it was in the air and completely out of sight.

"I'm sorry Lucky, but you're going to have to do this by yourself. I have to get Gia back, and there's no way I can do that with you here."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everyone Makes Mistakes: 15

Nikolas walked back into Kelly's and saw a wave of dark braids at the breakfast bar, and knew that Gia hadn't left. He strolled up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder. Gia screamed and jumped up, causing her cup of coffee to go flying across the room, landing in about a million pieces in front of the door.

"Oh my god, Nikolas, what the hell are you doing??!! You scared me half to death!!" Gia yelled, punching him in the arm.

"Ow--I'm sorry I scared you, I didn't mean to." Nik apologized. "Are you okay?"

"Well, I will be when my heart starts beating again!" Gia said, taking her seat and holding a hand to her chest. "Don't you ever sneak up on me like that again! And what are you doing here still, where's Lucky?"

Nik was going to cover up and say that he decided it would be better if he stayed, but then he remember what Gia had said earlier about trust and how he had done nothing but lie to her, and decided against making up a story. "Gia, I tricked Lucky into getting into the jet then I ordered the pilot to take off without me."

Gia eyes widened and her eyebrows raised high. "Nikolas why would you do that?"

"Because Gia, I have to get you back. I love you and I want to prove it to you, without any distractions, or anyone interrupting what I have to say. Or to have an influence on your decision." Nik explained. He saw her eyes soften at his explanation, and he saw a glimmer of forgiveness in them, but he had to overwhelm her completely to make her realize how much he loved her.

"Nikolas..."

"Will you come with me?" Nik asked, holding out his hand to her. The expression on her face suggested confusion. "I have something I want to show you."

Gia paused for a moment, then reluctantly took his hand as she stood up. The feel of Gia's hand on Nik's was like a medicine for all his wounds. He had been longing for that touch for days, and now that he had it, he never wanted to let go. Nik led her to the docks and told her to close her eyes. She did, and Nik guided her to the edge so that she was looking out at the water.

"Okay, Gia open your eyes." Nik said, still holding her as her lids fluttered open.

"Wow..." Gia said blankly, "Water....."

Nik chuckled at her and took her face in his hands as he turned it across the water, to Wyndemere. "Not there Gia...there."

Gia's mouth dropped open as she looked out at Wyndemere. Every light in the castle was on and they glistened off the water, sending beams of color in every direction.

"It's beautiful Nikolas..."

"Shhh....that's not it." Nik shushed her as he nonchalantly pressed a button on his cell phone, indicating to one of his Uncle's men to set off the next surprise. What Nik didn't know is that somebody had sabotaged the message in the fireworks.

They blasted into the air, cracking once they reached their peak and each one put a different letter sparkling in the sky. Gia gasped at the message the fireworks displayed and stared at Nik with disgust. She shook her head as she huffed out a breath and stormed off the docks. Nik whipped out his cell phone and called his Uncle.

"Uncle, what the hell is going on?"

"Oh Nikolas, I tried to stop her, but by the time I realized what she had done, it was too late."

"Coral..."

"Yes. I'm so sorry Nikolas, she was thrown off the grounds immediately."

"Uncle, it doesn't matter where you throw her, she'll always find a way to cause trouble."

Nik turned off his phone and looked up at the sky where the awful message had once lingered:

'Coral is my one and only, You will never compare.'

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everyone Makes Mistakes: 16

Nikolas slowly sauntered into Kelly's and headed up the stairs towards Lucky's room. Even though he had tricked Lucky into leaving the country, he knew Gia would be staying in Lucky's room. She had nowhere else to go. Nik took the steps, one by one, praying that this would be an attempt that succeeded. Coral had gotten in the way, one too many times, and he knew it had to stop. He stopped outside Lucky's door and took a deep breath before raising his fist and knocking on the hard wood.

"I'm coming, oww, hold on!" he heard Gia yell from behind the door. He heard something drop and heard Gia swear, then he saw her body emerge from the room. "Oh, it's just you." she said, heaving a sigh and slamming the door shut in his face.

Nik stood there for several seconds, completely flabbergasted. He didn't do anything wrong this time. He had something special planned, it was Coral who messed it up, as usual. Of course Gia didn't know that. And Nik intended on letting her know that it was all Coral and he would never do something like that, so he knocked on the door again.

"Go away!" Gia yelled.

"Gia, I have to talk to you, please open the door." Nik pleaded.

"You have nothing to say that I want to hear!" Gia said. "So just leave."

"Fine." Nik replied, leaving her door, leaving the hallway, leaving the building.

Everyone Makes Mistakes: 17 ~*~Conclusion~*~

Gia heaved a loud sigh as she collapsed onto her bed.

"Why did I do that?" she asked herself aloud. "I love him, but I'm banning him from my bedroom." she glanced around the room, and a disturbing thought struck her. "This isn't even my bedroom. It's Lucky's. Oh god, why am I doing this? I have to get out of here."

She flew down the stairs and let herself out the back door to the alleyway behind Kelly's where she gathered up a few boxes and ran back up the stairs. She packed everything she could fit in the boxes and called her mother.

~*~20 Minutes Later~*~

Gia was waiting in her room for her mother to come. She had agreed to let her stay at the Brownstone until things got sorted out and she was on her way over to help her with her boxes. There was a knock on the door and Gia popped up from the bed and rushed to it. She turned the knob and swung open the door to reveal what she had thought would be her mother. Instead of Gia's mother, Florence, she found a single white rose lying on the carpet. She lifted it from the plush flooring and looked down the hallway, to find a trail of white roses. She followed the trail, picking up each delicate flower as she went. When she reached the staircase she found a small package of matches and a candle on each step going down to the floor. Underneath the package of matches was a handwritten note, and beside it, a small white basket, covered in lace and jewels. She picked it up and read:

You didn't actually think I was leaving, did you? I know it's our destiny and in your heart you know it too. Our love is alot of wonderful and magical things. As you descend each step, light the candle and put the piece of paper into this basket, when you reach the last step, you will have our love in your little white basket to hold onto forever.

Love Always,
Nikolas

Gia wiped a tear from her cheek and started her venture down the stairs. She slowly set her foot down on the first step and lit the candle. She found propped up against the wax a piece of paper with a single word written on it.

Friendship

She put the paper in her basket and went onto the next step. The next paper read:

Honesty

She moved downwards to the next step.

Devotion

She placed the paper in her basket and stepped down.

Trust

The next step.

Commitment

She had three more steps left.

Comfort

She now had several words sitting in her basket, as she stepped down to the next step, lighting each candle along the way.

Unconditionally

She had now reached the last step and had lit every candle. She picked up the last piece of paper with trembling hands and her eyes drank in the word before her.

Forever

When Gia descended the last step and put her foot on the floor, the cold chill of the ceramic tiles sent a chill through her. She gently placed the paper in the basket and walked across the floor to the counter, where it seemed her next direction had been left. There sat a large white candle, glowing in the darkness, sending beams of light in every direction. There was an envelope sitting in front of it and she lifted it up and opened the flap, as she took out the slip of paper that was resting inside.

Now that you have our love in your basket, I pray you never let it go. Your next surprise awaits you. Put on this gown and step outside, that is all the effort this requires of you.

Love Always,
Nikolas

She saw the glimmering silver gown gently draped across the counter, and she ran her finger over it, before taking it in her arms and dashing up the stairs. She emerged several minutes later, wearing the dress, shoes and her hair piled atop her head in a messy bun. She seemed to float across the room as she made her way to the front door. She opened the two doors and gasped at what was in front of her. She was greeted by a man in a white tailored suit, holding a white rose. He took her by the hand and helped her into the horse drawn carriage that was outside of Kelly's.

"You are a lucky lady." the man said as he jumped in the front of the carriage.

Soon she was gliding around the park, and her eyes opened wide when she saw her next surprise. The man took her hand and helped her down out of the carriage.

"Right that way, Miss." the man said, pointing her in the right direction.

She took a few steps forward and her lips curled into a joyful smile as she took in everything around her. There were sparkling white lights lining the trees and there were white candles surrounding her. White seemed to be the color scheme of the evening. She found another envelope, this time set on a small glass table, which had been placed in the gazebo. She picked it up and read.

I hope you enjoyed your ride, that was only the first of many. But next time I'll be right there beside you. I know this part of the park is your favorite, you always said it was so peaceful it helped you concentrate. Now I know why. You standing here, surrounded by lights and candles and flowers, is the most beautiful sight my eyes could be blessed with. You are my rock, my savior, my angel. Forever.

Love Always,
Nikolas

She stood in the park, breathing in the atmosphere around her. She was standing there for only a few minutes when a white stretch limo pulled up beside her. Gia couldn't wait to thank Nik for all of it, but when the chauffeur opened the door and helped her in, Nik wasn't there. Instead was a glass of champagne, another rose, and more candles. She sat down on the leather seats as she surveyed the interior. It was a beautiful limo and Gia could only imagine what it must've cost Nik. She found another note taped to the champagne bottle and her eyes scanned the words with bliss.

This night is nearing an end, but if I have accomplished what I'd hoped, then it's only the first night of many. The limo will take you to the site of your last surprise of the night, I hope you like it.

Love Always,
Nikolas

Gia sat in the limo, sipping champagne for about 15 minutes, when she felt the car glide to a halt. She put her glass back down on the silver tray and graciously took the hand of the chauffeur. He told her to use the key and let herself in. Gia took slow steps towards the cottage, reminding herself to breathe every inch she moved. When she reached the door she found a small glass heart with a silver key resting inside. There was a piece of paper sitting on the table beside it that read:

You hold the key to my heart.

She opened the heart and took out the key, then put it in the keyhole and turned the lock. A small gasp escaped her lips when she stepped inside. There were white rose petals everywhere. They were up to her ankles, and covering every inch of the floor. Gia took off her shoes and set them outside, before walking all the way into the room. She stood in awe for a few seconds, looking around when she spotted a glass table in the midst of the roses and made her way to the middle of the room, being careful not to crush any unsuspecting flowers. When she finally reached the table, there was yet another envelope. She took the note out of the envelope and read what it said.

A petal from a white rose has been placed on this floor for every time. Every time I thought of how I missed you. Every time I thought of how I needed you. Every time I thought of how I loved you. And look around. This is how much I've missed you, needed you, and loved you. You probably thought this was your last surprise, but there's one more. Go upstairs to our bedroom, and there awaits your last surprise of the night.

Love Always,
Nikolas

Gia brushed a few lone tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand, and held her dress up while she lightly stepped over the flowers to the stairs. She walked up each one, slowly and carefully, she still had to remind herself to breathe. When she reached the top she turned and padded down the hall to their bedroom. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and slowly swung open the door. She almost fainted at what was in front of her. Their bed had been draped with white silk and roses cleared a path towards the balcony at the far end of the room. There were more candles than downstairs, all glowing hypnotically in their appointed positions. Gia walked along the path set by the rose petals and opened the doors to the balcony. A cool blast of air hit her face, drying her tears. She found yet another envelope perched atop the small table that was at the end of the balcony, beside it was a glass of champagne and a glass box, tinted purple so that she couldn't see inside. She opened the envelope and found a letter. There was a big, plush chair sitting in front of the table, covered in silk and had two huge pillows. She sat down in the chair and unfolded the letter.

My Love,

Gia, there aren't words to express how sorry I am for hurting you. If I could, I would take it all back. I would do anything asked of me to be able to shield you from any pain and hurt that comes your way. I would give my life for one night, because one night with you is enough to last a lifetime. I have deserved everything I have gotten. I hurt you, and I will never forgive myself for that. But I pray that you will be able to look at me with love, not hatred, because the one thing I want in my life is your love. As long as I have your love, I can survive. It is the sole emotion that keeps me alive. Every breath I take, every step I take, is because you're there beside me. I would be empty without you. And if you accept my most heartfelt apology, I am here today to make a promise to you. I promise you every word in your basket. I promise you friendship, honesty, devotion, trust, commitment, comfort, unconditionally, forever, until the day I die. I am eternally yours, heart and soul.

Love Forever and Always,
Nikolas

P.S.  Open the box.

Gia surpassed the tears that were clouding her vision and unlatched the purple glass box. She lifted the lid and inside was a black velvet box. She flipped open the lid and found a gold ring with a diamond resting in the middle. Engraved on the back was the word 'forever'. A small paper was folded and taped to the inside cover of the box, she pulled it off and unfolded it.

Will you marry me?

She couldn't contain her tears any longer, as they pushed past her lashes and flowed freely down her previously tear-stained cheeks. She swung the balcony doors open and she saw Nik sitting on the edge of the bed. She dashed over to him and grabbed his face as she caressed his lips with a passionate kiss. He wrapped his arms around her, and seized their kisses for merely a second.

"So, I guess that's a yes?" Nik asked, his eyebrows raising as his lips curled into a smile.

"No more Coral?" Gia questioned, holding his face in her tight grip.

Nik shook his head as his eyes filled with loving tears. "No more Coral."

"Well, you know, I'll have to divorce Lucky first...." she said, her eyes narrowing playfully as she licked her lips.

"Come here!" Nik responded, as he took her in his embrace.

Gia nodded and took possession of his lips again. They were eternally each other's, heart and soul. Forever.

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