Gia is pacing across her bedroom for what seems like the millionth time. She's tried telling herself she shouldn't be worried, Nikolas is okay, just because it's after midnight and he hasn't called doesn't mean he's in some sort of trouble. Gia goes to check Nikolas's room for the tenth time in an hour to see if he had come up the stairs quietly, so he wouldn't wake her, but he's still not there. She checked downstairs also, not finding him there either. Now she's back in her room debating whether or not to try and get a hold of him to ease her conscious.

   But what would happen if he was okay and suddenly got suspicious about why she was up late worried about him? No, she wouldn't let him know that she actually cares about him. On the other hand, Helena has been threatening him a lot lately, and Nikolas did admit that he has been pushing Helena a little too far lately...that's it, her mind's made up. Not bothering to turn on a light, Gia makes a mad dash downstairs and grabs the phone. She plops herself on the couch, sitting on something, or rather someone. Gia jumps up, screaming. The person grabs her arm and in the moonlight, Gia can see that it's Nikolas. She smacks him in the chest.

Gia: What the hell do you think you were doing?!

Nik: I was minding my own business lying on the couch before you decided to make yourself at home in my lap.

Gia: Why didn't you tell me you were home?

Nik: I thought you were asleep, besides, I didn't have the energy to walk upstairs. You were worried about me? (sorta smiles)

Gia(tries to work up an attitude, but it's not happening): Please! (looks down) Well...maybe a little. You always call when you're going to be late, even if it's 5 minutes late. You could've said something the dozen times I came down here looking for you, you know? It's 2 o'clock in the morning and I was a little worried about you.

Nik: Really?

Gia: Yeah, I mean, if something happened to you, what would I do about the rent? Speaking of which, I got a job today.

Nik(not too enthusiastic): Really? That's good.

Gia: Good? You know how hard I've been trying to get a job and all you can say is that's good? I figured you'd be happy now that I could help out with some of the expenses. What's wrong?

Nik: What makes you think something's wrong?

Gia: Your eyes look sad. Kinda like they do whenever you're missing your Uncle, but it's different now. What's up?

   Nik feels his heart warm at the genuine concern on Gia's face. He feels comfortable telling her about Stefan, something he didn't think he would be.

Nik(sighing): It's kind of a long story. How about you make some hot chocolate and I'll start a fire.

Gia: Sure. Be right back.

   A few minutes later Nikolas and Gia are settled on the couch with their hot chocolate, the living room completely dark except for the soft glow of the fireplace. Nikolas is staring into the fire while Gia is staring at him, waiting for him to start talking. She wants to know what's bothering him, but for once she's not going to push.

Nik: My uncle's alive.

Gia(nearly spitting out her hot chocolate): What?!

Nik: I saw him today at the hospital. I was dropping Lucky off for his therapy and there he was, with Bobbie, the Police Commissioner, and Emily's parents were talking to him.

Gia: What did you do?

Nik: At first I just stood there, what else could I do? (setting his mug on the coffee table) Then I hugged him and he told me this mess was all over.

Gia: But, I mean how? I mean, people don't just come back from the dead.

Nik: That's right, I forgot, you haven't been in Port Charles that long. This isn't the first time someone has come back from the dead and I would put money on the fact that it's not the last time. I mean, there's been Lucky, my mother, my grandmother Lesley, and now Stefan. Oh, and there was Katherine, but she died again, for real.

Gia: Who's Katherine? (Nikolas shakes his head.) Okay. Are you sure Lucky's the one who needs therapy? I mean all these people disappearing and reappearing in your life must do something to you?

Nik(shrugs): Yeah, I guess.

Gia: Don't take this the wrong way, but you don't seem overly thrilled that your Uncle is alive. The way you talked about him, I'd expect you to be dancing on the ceiling. (puts her hot chocolate aside) What's bothering you?

Nik: Stefan claims that Helena held him captive on some Mediterranean Island.

Gia: That sounds like something your grandmother would do.

Nik: Yeah, but while being held captive on the island, he was able to make sure I got that inheritance money. If he was able to do that, how come he couldn't get a note to me, letting me know he was okay?

Gia(putting her hand on his): Maybe he was afraid of what would happen to you? He probably figured you would confront Helena, which you would have, and then you would've been in danger. He probably didn't want to put you at risk.

Nik(lacing their hands together): You're probably right.

Gia: Did you ask him about that?

Nik: No, I don't want him to think I don't trust him. I'm just too glad to see him right now.

Gia: You'll ask when you're ready. (tries to stifle a yawn)

Nik: Why don't you go to bed?

Gia: No, really, I'm fine.

Nik: I've kept you up too late as it is worrying about me and listening to my problems. Go to bed.

Gia: You sure?

Nik: Yeah, I don't feel like talking much anymore anyway.

Gia: Okay. Goodnight, Nikolas. (walks toward the stairs)

Nik(walks toward her): Gia?

Gia(turns) Yeah?

Nik: Thanks.

   Nikolas wraps his arms around Gia waist and pulls her close to him, giving her a tight hug. Gia tentatively puts her arms around his neck returning the hug. A million different thoughts are going through her head, but the only one she's listening to is to just be here for Nikolas right now. Before he pulls away from her, he places a gentle kiss on her cheek.

Nik(smiling): Thanks again for listening.

Gia(smiling also): No problem. Goodnight.

Nik: Goodnight.

End of chapter One, Please e-mail any feedback by clicking on the mailbox below :)

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