Knight in Shining Armor

Outside in the park. It is cold and windy outside. Everything is freezing. Gia is speed walking in the park she isn't wearing very much. A little coat and some gloves.

God she couldn't believe them. They hated her all of them! She couldn't stand it any more all they ever did was get mad at her laugh at her insult her. And this was the best part. If she ever said anything to defend herself to Liz or anyone else Nikolas would jump down her throat and tell her not to be so cruel and cold hearted! Then Liz would get that smirk on her face and there would be silence. But tonight oh God tonight was the worst. Nikolas had invited her to some dinner that was at Kelly's. She hadn't wanted to go but she knew Nikolas would be there and she had to admit it...she was falling for him...at least before tonight had happened. So she got all dressed up...as much as you can for going to Kelly's and headed out with him. She remembered the conversation so well.

"Now Gia I want the best behavior out of you today. I am tired of having to hear you bark at Liz for anything she does."

"Me!? You know Nikolas for someone who had special totures teaching him how to be proper you suck! Haven't you ever looked back and saw how LIZ treats MOI!? or do you even care?"

"Listen where here. Now just play nice alright?"

The thought of that conversation made her blood boil which she was sure that was only thing that was keeping her warm. It was so cold out tonight. What a great evening to leave and try to walk home. Which was like a....15 to 20 minute drive from Kelly's to her...Nikolas's house. If she ever did get home she would have to find a way to thaw herself. She had only been outside for less then 5 minutes and she was already cold to the bone. This evening had really made her see all the colors of these twits. Even Nikolas's which she had hoped and prayed would be different. He had everything she had ever wanted in a guy. He was kind, when Liz wasn't around, generous, toloerant to the fact that she had only paid one rent out of 4, he was sexy for days, funny, his smile was amazing, and well...she couldn't exclude the fact that he was rich. But that didn't even make a difference in her mind. I mean everyone thought that that was the reason for her living with him. Liz always shoved it in her face that she was using Nik and that all she was was a leach that would suck the life out of him. As she could tell she was giving life to Nik. She was trying to teach him different things. Why was she thinking of Nik? He just treated her like garbage!

"Nik do you have a quarter I wanna go put on some REAL tunes." She looked at Liz who had begun to roll her eyes.

"Nikolas don't you ever get tired of her leaching off you? When has she paid the last rent anyways?"

"I paid him last rent, thank you so much sticky you ugly face in MY business!"

"Gia, calm down!" he whispered

"Besides Gia don't you have a quarter from all the BLACKMAILING MONEY YOU STOLE!? I mean a person like you...must have done it to some other poor helpless person. Did she cry on the phone when you told her you knew?"

"LIZARD WHY DON:T YOU JUST SHUT UP? I have said I was sorry to Emily and she forgave me correct?" She looked at Emily.

"Well yah, I mean we may not get along but she said she was sorry. Just like Zander you guys." she got a little smile at the thought of him.

"Well, I guess Emily is just so blinded by those ugly shirts you wear she can't see he truth!"

"The truth? THis is real funny coming from a girl like you? Lets see you think you are little Miss Perfect right? Yah well according to what I have heard and found out you weren't quite so perfect when you came to town. Infact I heard you did some nasty things to the Prince over here."

"Gia that was in the past. It's over!"

"Exactly! What I did to Emily is over! And it isn't between me and you! It is between Me and E-M-I-L-Y! don't you get that 'superstar'? Or do I have to explain more clearly for you?!"

"Gia none of want you here! I didn't even want you to come neither did Lucky so you can leave...wait better idea why don't you leave PORT CHARLES!!"

"I bet that would make you real happy wouldn't it? I mean then I wouldn't stir the pot. I mean is it really my fault that I see right through you? Sorry hun but you are a little transparent!"

"YAH RIGHT!! What you see is what you get."

"Which isn't much! Lucky what do you see in her?"

"GIA THAT IS ENOUGH!" Nikolas yelled

"You know what FINE! Forget all of you! I wish I had never helped you get Zander! See yah around Emily."

She hated all of them! No matter what she did or how hard she tried to be nice they would always spite her. She could see the cottage from where she was. The front lights where on. She knew exactly what she would do when she got there. If they wanted her gone so badly then she would leave. I mean not Port Charles just get out of Nik's hair and everyone else. She was tired of being the constant yell toy in their 'crew' which wasn't much. Emily was only thinking of Zander the whole night. LIz and Lucky barely talked to anyone else. All they did was kiss and make goggle eyes at each other. And Nik tried to talk to Gia but he didn't have much to say. Which she was use to when they were in public. To Nikolas she was a great person to help clean and what not at home but when it came to public she was a burden on his back

As she reached the front door she put her key in the lock. She looked at the drive way Nikolas's car wasn't there. Relief fell over her. She entered the house and began with her plan. she instantly turned on the fire place. She raced up stairs and changed her close. She went back downstairs and look at the family room. It was so warm and comfortable. She had always loved his place. Part of her didn't wanna leave but she had to. What else would she do? Get bashed the rest of her life and look like a horrible person cause Nik didn't have any guts? No way. She went over to the fire place and tried to get warm. She then proceeded to go upstairs to her room. She pulled out bags and boxes and began to put all her CD's in the box. she need to make a few runs to Nik's room to the get some he stole. Then she got all her clothes and make up and put it in another box. She picked up the phone and called a taxi service "Yes hello I need a taxi to come immediately to....."

By the time she reach the living room and had all her bags there the taxi was there. She couldn't decide if she should leave the money or give it another time...another time. With that she grabed all her bags flung them around one arm and carefully place the boxes in her arms. She had a hard time making it through the front door but she did. she saw the taxi waiting for her. As she was putting the last of her bags in he trunk the Jag pulled up to the cottage. Nikolas got out and walked briskly over to her.

"Gia what are you doing?" Oh no she was really leaving this couldn' t be happening. He didn't want her to go. He needed her. Damnit!

"Good job Nikolas." Her defensive were up higher then they ever were. "I am leaving so you have the whole house to yourself. No more annoying Gia that doesn't know when to hold her tongue. So I won't be a burden on the you back anymore. Good-bye. " She quickly turned away before those big dark eyes got to her more then the thought had.

"GIA! WAIT!" He ran after the taxi but she was gone. Damn them all! Why hadn't he just stuck up for her? He was always saying that he would the next time, but whenever the next time came he would do the same thing! He walked inside. It was so cold and impty. He loved coming home from a hard days work to hear Gia's music being played to loudly. Or her little movie comments she made all the time that he never got. He hated this!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Setting at port charles grill

Well she had one meeting with AJ and then she would return the key and her present to Nikolas. Last night she had missed him terribly. They would've gone home and had a coffee either talked or quickly watch the fire and TV. But last night she had to find a place to stay for the night and couldn't sleep cause she missed knowing his room was just across the hall. Why did that Nikolas Cassidine have to get to her!!

"Gia? Glad you could make it." AJ smiled at her and took his seat. She looked pretty tired.

"OH! You startled me. Hi AJ. So shall we get started?" She was glad to see that AJ wasn't drunk and was in a good mood. He seemed to know the town really well. Maybe he could help her find a place to stay.

"Well, I looked over the papers you faxed me. They are really quite impressive. I am really glad to see that you are doing a great job, just keep it up!" He was about to stand.

"AJ!" She almost yelled it. "Sorry, listen I have a slight problem....you see I moved out. I was living with Nikolas Cassidine and...anways I was wondering if you knew a place I could stay? I mean I have money since I started the job."

" I know the perfect place. This hotel. I live in PH 4. That was Jax's old apartment but PH 3 is available if you want it? Really how much? Doesn't it cost a lot?"

"Yah. I will tell you what. I will pay for it. As long as you need it. If you and you man fix things then don't worry about it. If you don't I will continue to pay as long as you pitch in."

"Really? oh god thank you so much AJ!" She stood up and gave him the biggest hug. "You will not regret this I promise."

Now that the meeting was done with she had a place to live and had the keys to her new place she phoned Nikolas. There was no answer at his house. He was probably at Kelly's having a bagel and coffee. She knew him to well.

~~~~~~~~~~~
Setting at Kelly's

Nikolas was sitting there reading a paper with his coffee and bagel. He needed his coffee really badly this morning. He hadn't got much sleep last night. All he could think about was ways to get Gia back.

She walked into Kelly's she saw Liz in the back making coffee and Nik sitting right beside the door. She walked over and dropped the key by his plate

"Gia!" He looked at her and smiled so intensely. She looked so beautiful but yet he could tell she was distant and cold. This is gonna be harder then I thought.

"Hello Nikolas this is the key to the cottage so you don't have to worry I won't be making any appearances. And here is the all he money I awed you..."

"WOW! GIA! I never thought you could blackmail that fast! I knew you were good but THAT is impressive!" She looked at Gia with disgust.

I will not let that twit ruin this. Don't let her get to you Gia she just wants Nik to stand up for her.

"Liz I don't recall asking you to come over here and chew out Gia. You have no idea what you are talking about so before you look like even a big twerp then you already look you should leave." WOW that felt good. "Gia why don't we go outside to talk where we can get some privacy."

GO PRINCE! She looked at Liz raised her one eyebrow "You know Nik that is a great idea."

They both turned to go out side.

"Gia I don't want you to leave! I want you to come back." He was begging. he couldn't believe it.

"and give me ONE good reason why I should come back?" oh please Nik give me a good reason please!!

"Cause I want you to come back?" He knew it wasn't really good but he was not about to put his heart on the platter incase Gia didn't feel the same way as he did.

"Nik listen. You have all your little friends. The only one that mildly likes me is Emily. The rest hate me. I don't feel like going out with you and your friends and having Lizard dish on me and you always take her side. She could have a gun to my head and it wouldn't matter you would still take her side. I refuse to be the aiming taggart for you and your pathetic friends! I am a person NIKOLAS! Maybe you don't consider me one but I am. I gotta leave. I found a great place to stay. Maybe I will see you around. But I doubt it . You have maybe yourself loud and clear. Here is all the rent I never paid PLUS the food that I stole from your side! Good bye!" That was the end of that. He knew how she felt. Although it probably didn't even matter to him . He got his money and Gia out of his house.

"Gia PLEASE!!" She was already gone. DAMNIT AGAIN! Kay now he just needed to figure out where she was staying and be in that area a LOT!!

~~~~~~~~~~~
A week later. There is a big ball coming up that evening.

Nikolas sat in his room thinking what he should wear. Him and Gia had planned on going to this ball together. He also promised her he would dance all night with her if she promised to let him pick the movie after. They had agreed but she didn't live here anymore.

Gia was sitting in her room thinking about how she looked with the new dress she bought. She had gone out today and got it with Emily. The two girls were actually becoming friends. She liked Emily. She remembered what Emily had said today. "Gia whatever you do, DO NOT go with anyone. Listen Nik likes you he just has the worst way to show it alright. Trust me on this one he will not go with anyone. He will hope you will be there and if he had made those plans then he will try to keep them. That is if YOU are willing to keep them too." Emily was right Gia thought. She had already declined 3 offers from football players. All she wanted to do was dance with her Prince.

~~~~~~~~~~~
At the ball. Gia walks in with Emily and Zander

"Well girls I must say I have come with the two most beautiful women I have ever seen. This is great for my reputation you know. First public appearance and I have you two girls on my arm" He smile and those cute eyes twinkled

Emily looked up at Zander. "Well just remembered which one you are dating alright."

"Em, I don't think you have to worry. He looks pretty taken by you. Did I tell you that you look great tonight darling? Who helped you pick that wonderful dress?" Gia giggled

"Why, thank you. This wonderful girl. She is quite impressive. Who picked your....oh look there is the Prince of the Cassidines. Oh darling he is sitting all by himself. Do you know anyone that would like to keep him company?" She looked at Gia. Now Zander was laughing at the two girls.

"Well, I may know someone but she refuses to go over there until he comes over HERE!" As she said that she was saying a little prayer that he would come and ask her to dance with him.

He heard a familiar laugh. He slowly looked up and saw the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. It was Gia, she looked amazing. She had a long blue dress on with a very high slit on it and her hair was so perfectly put up. Why couldn't she be his.

Gia looked at Nik as she was laughing and caught him staring at her. Their eyes slowly met. She tried to smile the most inviting smile she had ever done. It worked cause he slowly got up and was headed over towards the three.

He had to go talk to her. No matter what he was going to ask her if she wanted to dance just like they promised. "Hello ladies, Zander."

"Hey man whats up? I saw you eyeing my girl. Just you keep your hands off." With that he put his hands around Emily's waist and pulled her close to him and lightly kissed her on the lips.

"Actually I was eyeing this one right here. Gia you look amazing. I mean I wish you would have came with me just like we planned...." Why was he getting all tongue tied? He knew it, he had fallen.

"Why thank you kind sir." She couldn't even imagine not dancing with him now. She hated that thought of not being here with him too. "So where is your date?"

"Oh I didn't bring one." He looked at her.

Emily nudged Gia a little and winked at her. "Well if you two don't mind Zander and I are gonna go dance. Gia are you still sitting at our table?"

"Yah I think so. I can't imagine why I wouldn't." She smiled at Nik. She could feel herself slowly drifting into his eyes.

"Well, Cinderella would you like to dance?" Please oh please say yes.

"Well...since my date is non-existant and I would hate to have to see you dance with someone who can't my only option is to say...YES." She wanted to dance with him all night long. She wanted him to like her as much as she did. but why would he?

He held out his hand and she gracefully took it. With that they began to dance the whole night away.

She almost seemed to be the center of attention. Whenever she looked around all she could see were eyes staring at her. Probably wonder what this Prince is doing with some girl that blackmailed a Quartermaine. But she didn't care cause Nikolas was dancing with her and she knew he was enjoying it. She could feel his hand on her bare back. The back of her dress was quite low cute. She wanted to draw attention but she had no idea that Nikolas would be reactiong the way he was.

At 12:00am they sat down and got some punch. He held her hand and she didn't know why. Maybe he was trying to be nice to her? Or maybe...GIA don't even think that way. you don't want another heart ache do you?

"So, since I have danced with you. Will you come home with me and watch a movie I wanna watch?" Here was the big moment of truth. If she said yes then tonight he was gonna tell her the real reason for him not wanting her gone.

"You mean that>" She asked curiously to make sure he wasn't joking.

"Of course. I want you to come home with me and watch a movie. You can drive." He hated to have to add that last part but he wanted to make the offer so sweet that she wouldn't be able to say no.

"I would love to come over to your house Nik. But I don't wanna drive. Your the man and I am the lady and....."she couldn't say that last part. It was to....togethery.

"So you will come then?" His smile jumped on his face and he couldn't stop smiling she said YES!!

"I would be delighted to come Prince Nikolas." She loved calling him prince.

"Perfect. I would consider it to be a great honor to have a Princess by my side." He loved her. That was it. He had been thinking about it for awhile. Even before she left. He wouldn't admit is when she was living with him but since she left he knew it to be true.

"I am gonna tell Em, and Zander. I will be right back. Don't you leave with any other girl" She smiled at him and walked away. "He emily listen I really hate to do this to you two, but Nik and I are gonna leave together. so thanks so much for letting me tag along and thanks for the advice."

"Hey no problem go have fun with your Prince Chariming."

"He truly is a charmer and a prince."

"So Gia you ready to go?"

"Yah other then I wanna go get something from the PH."

"You live in a PENT HOUSE?" He was astonished here he thought she moved back to her old place or somewhere like that but not a Pent house.

"Yah. AJ offered it to me. He is said the company would pay for it since I have been doing so much extra work." she hoped he didn't think that her and AJ were together.

"Oh cool. Well that was nice of him. Well what do you need to get?"

"Well are you gonna change when we get there?"

"No, what if we wanna dance some more?"

"Good point. Lets go" Oh she was in love. She loved everything about this man. He was perfect. She couldn't even be mad at him.

~~~~~~~~~~

The drive home was nice and quiet. Why did she say home. Her new home was in the pent house. This was nik's home. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. She wanted this to be her home. but she couldn't tell Nikolas that. He would think that was stupid. If he asked she knew she would say yes. But until he did she promised herself she wouldn't say anything.

God she looked so beautiful tonight. He wanted her badly. He wanted her to be the one. He knew she was. Everything instinct he had told him this was it. she was the one that would make him the happiest person ever. He was gonna ask her to come and live with him again. And this time he wouldn't be a jerk.

When they got inside the fire place was already on with candles lit. Her breath was taken away. He had done all of this just for her. "Nik...is this for me?" She practically whispered it.

"Yah, I hope it isn't to much. I mean if you don't like it I can blow them all out." He was kicking himself. Why did he do this. What is all she wanted was frienship? But then why did she flirt with all night. And smile and laugh and tease him?

"NO! I love..." She turned around to be face to face with Nik. Yet again her breath was taken away. She could feel his heart beating.

"So you want them to stay...." Oh man he wanted to kiss those tender lips so badly! He loved her. Was she gonna say that she loved him?

"yah please leave them." she whispered the words. All she could think about was how badly she wanted him to kiss her.

Okay well Nikolas this is it. Kiss her. She wants it. Look at her she is so close just do it. With that he leaned over and their lips instantly touched. He felt a surge of energy bolt through his body. he had never had a kiss like this before. It was so instense but yet so soft and tender.

He was kissing her. He cared! She slowly brought her arms around his neck. She took her fingers and slowly played with the back of his hair.

He moved his around her waist. He loved kissing her. He wanted to kiss her forever.

She slowly moved back "Should we go watch the movie?" She wanted to continue to kiss him but she knew exactly where that would lead. She had made a promise to herself that she would save herself since......she wouldn't ruin her evening by thinking about that.

"Whatever you would like to do Princess." He grabbed her hand and guided her to the couch were there was some champagne on ice waiting for them. He pressed play and 'The Godfathers' came on.

"Nikolas I thought we were gonna watch a movie you wanted to watch?" He was so cute right now. He was trying to act all calm but she could tell neervous as to what she would say.

"Well...I figured I would listen to you for once. I mean, you say it is good so why shouldn't I believe you? You say that I take Lizards side all the time you are also right. So, I am so sorry." He looked intensly into her eyes.

She could feel the tears begining to swell in her eyes. "Nikolas...you don't know how much that means to me. I love..." just say it Gia. Don't worry, just say it. "I love you Nikolas Cassidine." And with that a single tear rolled down her cheek.

"I love you to Gia Campbell. I need you! I want you to move back with me. Will you?" She said she loves me. Oh man I don't deserve this beautiful person.

"I thought you would never ask." She moved over towards him. She placed her hand on his face and began to kiss him passionately. "I love you Nik, and I would be honored to come and live with you...forever."

"Forever Gia. Forever I will love you." It had taken them so long to get here and he was so grateful that they had gotten here.

"forever? You promise?"

He pulled out a little box from under the couch. He opened it and there was a ring. "Gia, I give you this promise ring. To promise that I love you. I will love forever. I can not imagine what I would do without you. You complete me. You are the only one that can make me laugh when I am sad. You are everything I have ever wanted. It took me awhile to figure it out. You know us Cassidines we never get it right the first time. But I got it right this time Gia. Cause I got you. So as I place this ring on your finger I promise that I will love you forever." He placed it on her finger. Then he kissed it.

"I love you Nikolas." She began to cry. And for the rest of evening the lay there wrap in each others arms. She knew that this was the man she was going to marry