Lucky raised his hand up once again to wipe the sweat off his forehead. He had hoped that coming to sit by the docks would help cool him off. He'd been dizzy and hot for days now, but today was the worst, nothing was helping any more.
He wished for the tenth time that his mom were here. Dad was great, but you just don't complain to dad unless you're bleeding profusely.
''Slumming?'' Lucky looked blearily up to see Nikolas smiling down at him.
Great, not only doI get to sweat, but Nikky boy gets to watch. Lucky tried to jump up, but rethought his maneuver when the dizziness got worse and tried to fake an intentionally slow rise.
''Nah, I'm not slumming, I live around here, remember? I think if anyone is slumming around here, it would be you...shouldn't you be at the castle, under Steffie's watchful eye? Or does he let you out and about now?''
''Do you honestly expect me to banter with you about my uncle?'' Nikolas' eyes narrowed as he looked closer at Lucky. He didn't look good at all. He was sweating, despite the fact that it was cool and he didn't exactly look steady on his feet.
''Look, man, you started it. I was just sitting here enjoying the stench of the docks when you came along and made it stink. I think I'll go somewhere a little less offensive...perhaps the dump.''
Lucky turned and started walking away with slow deliberation. Nikolas watched him, thinking it odd for Lucky to walk away from a fight when Lucky paused and leaned against the wall. Nikolas was starting towards him when Lucky proceeded to slide the rest of the way down and close his eyes. ''Lucky?''
********************
Nikolas ran over to Lucky and kneeled down next to him.
''Lucky? Can you hear me?'' Lucky's eyes remained closed and Nikolas was alarmed at how pale he was. His breathing was rapid and sweat ran down his face. Nikolas felt his wrist and jumped a little at how hot Lucky was.
''You're burning up!'' Lucky moaned and moved restlessly, setting Nikolas into action. ''Hold on, I'm getting help, Lucky'' Nikolas pulled out his cell phone and called 9-1-1, explaining what had happened and where he was. Then he dialed another number. ''Uncle, Lucky Spencer has collapsed on the docks. I've called the paramedics... no, I don't know what's wrong with him....we were talking and he walked away and I don't know, just collapsed...he looks bad Uncle. Yes, I'm with him now...I'll go with the ambulance. Yes, please meet me there.'' Nikolas hung up the phone and turned back to try to make Lucky more comfortable.
''Hang in there, Lucky.'' Nikolas'hands moved almost tenderly.
Stefan hung up the phone and closed his eyes for a moment. ''I wonder if you even recognized the fear in your voice, Nikolas. Could this be the start? It is sooner than I had anticipated. Perhaps too soon.''
In the ambulance: The paramedics have started an IV and are busy taking Lucky's vital signs when he tries to sit up. ''Calm down, you're in an ambulance. We're taking you to General Hospital. You're going to be fine''
Lucky doesn't seem to hear them, he's fighting them, trying to get out of the ambulance.
''Lucky! Calm down! You're sick, you need a doctor!'' Lucky stills at the sound of Nikolas' voice. ''Nikolas? What the hell is going on?'' Lucky turns to look at Nikolas, his eyes burning with fever and rage. ''Where are you taking me?'' Nikolas speaks in a low, soothing voice. ''Lucky, I know you don't feel good, and seeing me can't be making things better, but I'm only here to make sure you make it to the hospital okay. I didn't think you'd want to go alone, even if I am the only other option. Why don't you lie back and I'll call your father and tell him where you are. He can meet us there''
Lucky lied down and closed his eyes. ''Normally, I wouldn't want you anywhere near me Cassadine, but I don't have the energy to fight you. You know, when I said I wanted to go somewhere that smelled better than the docks, the hospital was not one of the things that came to mind.''
Lucky laughed a little under his breath then tightened his jaw. ''Hey, would you call my dad now?'' His voice is soft and shaky. Nikolas put his hand on Lucky's shoulder. ''I'll call him right now.''
********************
Luke's Club
Mike is stocking the bar, whistling to himself when Luke strides to the bar with his customary cigar and chesire smile.
''Hey, boss man.'' Mike grins at Luke as Luke winks at him and puffs away.
''Yeah, you remember I'm the boss at the most convenient times there, Michael. What do you need this time?'' Mike grabs at his chest as he laughs.
''You wound me, boss. I'm nothing if not loyal to my employer.'' The telephone rings; Luke laughs. ''Just keep it up, Bubba.''
Luke watches as Mike talks into the phone, staring all the while at Luke. ''Let me see if he's around for you. Hold on a second.''
Mike puts his hand over the phone. ''You aren't going to believe who's looking for you. It's the Cassadine kid. You want to talk to him?'' Luke's grin widens. ''Sure Mike, you know I'm always at the beck and call of the Cassadines.'' He takes the phone and indulges in the lingering pleasure of making a Cassadine wait.
''What can I do for you, young pup?'' Nikolas shuts his eyes for a minute, this is not going to be fun. ''Mr. Spencer, I'm here with Lucky. He collapsed at the docks and he's going to General Hospital right now.''
Luke pales and all evidence of his earlier bantering is gone. In it's place is an intense, murderous look. ''You had better start explaining fast. What the hell did you do to my kid?'' Luke's voice is quiet, barely above a whisper. Nikolas pauses as he realizes his need for delicacy.
''I just came across him at the docks and I noticed that he wasn't acting like he usually does. He was walking away when he passed out so I called 9-1-1 and then I called...you.''
(Flashback to Nikolas calling Stefan...*lol* ) ''We're just pulling into GH now. I'm going to wait here with Lucky until you get here.''
''You had better not be anywhere near my son when I get there Cassadine.'' Luke slams down the phone and runs for the door.
''Luke? What do you want me to do?''
''Stay here and watch the club and be ready if I call you. And tell Sonny what's going on.''
''Will do. Take care of your kid.''
But Luke is already out the door. Nikolas fliped his cell phone shut with exaggeration in his anger then sighed, resigned. He looked at Lucky, who had fallen back to sleep and missed the call. ''I'll stay with you...''
********************
General Hospital emergency room
The paramedics run in with Lucky. Nikolas walks in after them, just short of running. Dr. Alan Quartermaine and Dr. Joe Scanlon run along side and listen intently to the paramedics.
''Frank, what have you got for us?''
''Youth collapsed at the docks. He's been in and out of consciousness. He's running a temp of 105 and is dehydrated. We started an IV on route...''
Nikolas watches as they race into the cubicle through the observation window.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Luke ran in and stopped cold at the site of Nikolas standing over the window where his son was. He stalked up to him, grabed him by one shoulder and slammed him up against the window. ''I thought I told you not to be here when I got here!''
Nikolas tried to calm Luke down. ''Mr. Spencer, I didn't think it would be a good idea to just leave him alone.''
''I've never known you to be a thinking man, Cassadine. Where's the hitch?''
''No hitch. I'm just seeing my responsibility through. He is my brother, lest you forget.''
This reference made Luke less than calm. He began to shout. ''I'd LOVE to forget that fact, but people seem to like throwing it in my face.''
''If you'd accept facts, perhaps it wouldn't keep surprising you. Try learning just a little new fact every day. Perhaps you could start by exploring the idiocy in most violent acts.''
Stefan stood behind Luke, watching Nikolas closely. ''How are you, nephew?''
''Fine, Uncle.''
Luke tried to watch both Cassadines at the same time, feeling just a mite cornered. ''You should be the expert on 'exploring' violence. I don't explore it, I inflict it. I'm a hard study.''
Stefan grabbed Luke's elbow, trying to get him to release Nikolas. ''Let go of him, Spencer!''
A hand reached out and grabbed Stefan and Luke's shoulder, a passersby might have even thought these men were friends. ''Gentleemen, gentlemen. We are in a hospital.''
''Sonny, about time you got here!'' Luke let go of the Cassadines and turned to go into the cubicle with his son.
Sonny grinned at Luke's parting back, and turned to Stefan. ''Is it really couth, or however you educated men want to put it, to harass a man whose son is in the hospital?''
''Ah, Mr. Corinthos, I should have expected you to make an appearance. Seems one isn't seen without the other. Should I get a chair for Mr. Morgan?''
''Nah, I wouldn't want you to soil your suit doing manual labor.
Don't worry about us, we can handle things on our own.''
''Fine then, Nikolas and I will be leaving. Nikolas, come.''
Stefan turned for the door and was almost out before he noticed that Nikolas was not following him. He looked back and saw him looking once again through the window, watching as the doctors work on Lucky. Stefan waited patiently for a moment then called him.
Nikolas didn't even turn. ''I'm not leaving him, Uncle.''
Sonny and Stefan shocked each other by voicing the same sentiment, ''What?''
********************
GH Emergency Room
Nikolas turned slowly to face the two men staring at him. He could see the shock buried in their eyes, and he wasn't surprised. He hadn't even known himself that he was going to do this until the words just popped out.
But it felt right to him. He wasn't going to back down.
"You heard what I said, I'm not leaving him. I told him I would stay and I will."
Nikolas squared his shoulders and looked Stefan in the eyes, daring him to try to dissuade him.
"Nikolas, I understand your concern, but it would be foolish to stay here now. Lucky's father is here and he certainly does not need your assistance."
"Since when do we concern ourselves with the wishes of Luke Spencer? I told Lucky I would stay with him and I will. Until he tells me to leave or I discern that it is time to go...not before then."
"Nikolas, really. Where is this new concern for your half-brother coming from?"
"I don't see how that is any of your business. I told you I am staying and that's it. I'm not going to explain my actions to you any more than you explain yours to me."
Stefan tilted his head slightly to the side as he examined his nephew, studying this new development. Finally, after several long seconds he raised both hands and sighed.
"I can see that you have made up your mind. Very well, stay here. I, however, have work to do." Stefan started walking away, then paused and looked back.
"I'll see you at home?"
Nikolas smiled, a little at his victory but more at his Uncle questioning him on his future plans rather than telling him them.
"I don't know when I'll be home, it depends on what the doctors have to say. I'll be in touch with you though and I have the cell phone if you need to reach me."
"I do hope that Lucky is feeling better soon. Let me know what you learn."
"I will, Uncle."
Stefan turned to leave, only revealing his small smile once his back was turned.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From his perch next to the nurses desk, Sonny watched the transaction between Nikolas and Stefan with a keen eye.
"So young Cassadine is sticking with Lucky...things are just getting more and more interesting around here. Looks like the GH floor show has just started."
********************
Inside the examining room
Luke stood up against the wall, watching the doctors scramble around his pale son. His eyes darted back and forth, following the rapid movements of the medical staff.
''Alan, what is going on with my son?'' Luke could not stop himself from charging up to the doctor and grabbing him by the lapels. ''What is wrong with him?''
''Luke, I am going to have to finish my examination of Lucky before I can tell you anything. If you don't stay out of my way I can't do that. You shouldn't even be in here...'' Alan started looking for a free person to escort Luke out.
Luke backed up quickly, both hands out in a beseeching gesture of submission. ''Hey, man...I understand. I'll just suck up to this wall right here and you won't know I'm here. But I am not leaving my son.''
Alan nodded. ''That's what I thought. I don't have time to restrain you now, but if you interfere one more time, I'll have you escorted out.''
''I won't bother you again Alan. Just help him okay?'' Luke looked at his son as he backed towards the wall until he ran into it and stopped.
''I'm not moving.'' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stefan's office
Stefan was sitting at his desk when Alexis strode in and sat in the nearest chair, managing to look both harried and in complete control at the same time.
''You called, Stefan?''
Stefan looked up and smiled at Alexis, a complete unreserved smile.
''Yes I called. Thank you for coming. You've heard about Lucky Spencer?''
''I heard that he collapsed, and I know that Nikolas came with him to the hospital. Is there something else I should know?''
''Nikolas is staying with him. In fact, he refused to leave with me. He insisted.'' Stefan laughed, amused. ''He insisted, Alexis.''
Alexis smiled sardonically and nodded at Stefan. ''And this makes you happy? Perhaps I'm missing some part of the puzzle, I don't quite see what you are getting at.''
Stefan got up and walked to the front of the desk, leaning against it, smiling that infernal smile down at her. ''Do you not see? Nikolas is finally finding his own legs. I knew the day would come when he recognized Lucky as his brother the same as he did with his sister. It was easier with her...she was a sweet infant that needed him. It would have been impossible for him to turn from her. But Lucky, oh, that was a challenge. The boy that got to have a mother, a boy that grew up with his sister. There were barriers there. But I knew that Nikolas would not forget that he was his brother. I have waited for the day when he would be open to this.''
Alexis sat back in her chair, clearly confused. ''I still don't see how this makes you happy. You want Nikolas closer to the Spencers?''
Stefan laughed. ''Of course not. But I do want Nikolas to be happy. And in order for that to happen, he has to see for himself what kind of people the Spencers are. I'll not have him questioning his loyalties. The sooner he explores this side of his bloodline, the sooner he will accept his true destiny.''
''And you are certain that he will dutifully come back to the fold after venturing out?''
Stefan got up and walked back to his chair, settling back into his work. ''Alexis, you give the Spencers too much credit. How could he not come back to his rightful place? There is nothing to fear from this. The sooner it is done with the better for all parties. I just wanted you appraised of the situation.''
Alexis stood and straightened out her immaculate suit. ''Well, thank you for the update and I hope that you are right, but I don't think it will be as simple as you hope.'' She turned to leave and whispered under her breath, ''It never is, after all.''
********************
Alan led Luke out of the examining room.
''Luke, Lucky is going to be moved to his own room now and you can see him as soon as they've settled him, but I wanted to talk to you.''
''Alan, what's wrong with him?''
Alan stopped and ran his hands through his hair as he sighed deeply.
''Frankly Luke, I don't really know right now. He's running a high fever and that along with the fact that he hasn't seemed to acknowledge his illness has led to dehydration. We've given him fluids to counter-act the dehydration, but he's got symptoms that are baffling.''
''I don't understand. Are you saying you still don't know what is wrong with him? And what do you mean he hasn't 'acknowledged his illness'?''
''He hasn't been taking care of himself. Even with a fever as high as his is, he shouldn't be so severely dehydrated. He should have been drinking fluids and taking it easy. I don't think he slowed down at all, and that's the main reason he's in the hospital now. But his fever is a secondary effect to another, more serious problem. We can bring down his fever, in fact, it may not even be symptomatic of what is really wrong with him. While I was examining him, I saw symptoms that don't make sense. I wouldn't have even noticed them, nor would Lucky if he hadn't come in for this fever. It may end up being a good thing that he landed himself in the hospital.''
''What are you talking about, Alan? Are you saying Lucky is sick with the same thing as Lulu had? This is how it started with her too!''
''No, Luke, no. This is different. As of now, I only know that he is a sick young man and that before I can give you a definitive answer, I'm going to have to run more tests. I can tell you that he is going to be feeling better soon. He should be waking now that he's getting fluids and we can search for a diagnosis and treatment from there. I'm sorry I can't give you more information right now.'' Alan rested his hand on Luke's shoulder for a brief second, then patted it and walked away.
From across the hall, Nikolas watched as Luke sagged against the wall and closed his eyes. Unconsciously Nikolas lurched forward as his stomach clenched in fear, only to stop. What was he going to say, ''Luke, I know you hate me, but won't you tell me how your son is?'' Luke wouldn't tell him anything. But Nikolas needed to know what Alan had said to make Luke look so scared.
Luke was never scared. He was always cocky and arrogant--but now he looked so lonely and unsure. If it had been any person other than Luke, he would have tried to comfort him. That was a disturbing image--comforting Luke Spencer? Stranger things had happened. Nikolas gave himself a shake, he was thinking some crazy things lately. Right now he needed to know what was going on with Lucky, and that meant talking to Luke.
*******************************************
Nikolas walked with determination up to Luke, stopped and waited for Luke to acknowledge him. He waited a minute, tapped his foot, cleared his throat and Luke still didn't seem to notice him. Now what? Nikolas tapped him lightly on the arm,
''Mr. Spencer?'' Luke jumped up and drew his arm back to hit whatever was threatening his family now. He froze with his arm positioned to strike when he noticed Nikolas, who had instinctively drawn into a protective posture, namely he had his arms over his face and had ducked. This brought a grudging smile to Luke's face and he pondered continuing his swing for the briefest second before he dropped his arm.
''What do you want now?'' Nikolas straightened and blushed just a little. What had happened to his Tai Chi? What was this duck and cover routine? His embarrassment made his voice harsher than he'd intended.
''I want to know what is going on with Lucky.''
''Oh you do, do you?'' Luke laughed a little without humor. ''So you suppose that since you called the ambulance you have some kind of right with my son? Think again, Cassadine. You aren't coming anywhere near him.''
Nikolas crossed his arms over his chest. If Luke wanted to play hardball, he could accommodate him. ''No, I wasn't specifically thinking that, but now that you mention it, yeah, I think that does entitle me to know how he is.''
Luke threw his head back and laughed in earnest this time. ''Entitled?? Oh!! That's a riot! That must have been your first word...it's in the Cassadine credo isn't it? 'I'm a Cassadine therefore I'm entitled to everything.' Isn't that how it goes?''
Nikolas frowned at Luke and tried to contain his temper. Allowing Luke to bait him wasn't going to get him what he wanted. ''No, no, you have it all wrong. You forgot the part about just taking it if it doesn't come along quietly.''
Luke stopped smiling and looked a Nikolas, then he burst out laughing again. ''Are you making a joke? That's actually funny. Good try, Nikky. Maybe you have a little of the Spencer in you after all.''
''Nah, it's not Spencer, it's Webber if it's there at all, and I'm still not sure about that.'' ''You and me both, kid. I guess it won't hurt anything if you go see Lucky. I have to call Laura anyway, and I don't really want him to be alone if he wakes up. At least if he sees you there he'll know he's not dying, I wouldn't subject him to you and death.''
Nikolas breathed a breath he didn't know he'd been holding. He's not dying. ''I'll go see which room he's in and wait with him until you get done with your call.'' Nikolas hurried away hoping to get out of Luke's sight before he changed his mind.
Luke watched Nikolas lope off and shook his head. ''Maybe I'm the one with a fever.'' He felt his head, ''Nope, normal. So what the hell happened to me?'' He watched Nikolas talking to the nurse and turned to call Laura.
********************
In Lucky's hospital room Nikolas walked into the room quickly then stopped, not even noticing the door swinging back and hitting him softly. His eyes are glued to Lucky's still form. He notes the IV infusing liquid through a small puncture in Lucky's hand and comes a little farther into the room, looking back once quickly when the door clicks into place behind him. The noise seems loud to him and he glances over to see if it has disturbed Lucky, making a mental note to hold the door as it closes the next time he comes.
As Nikolas warily walks closer to the bed, he sees that Lucky has color in his face once again, in fact, it looks like he is merely sleeping. Could he be just sleeping now? Nikolas whispers his name, so quiet that he can hardly hear it himself. He walks closer, until he is right next to the bed and tries to say Lucky's name again. This time he only mouths the name, no sound emerges at all.
He sits down next to the bed and looks at his brother. Brother? Yes, he confirms to himself, he can't stop thinking about him as his brother now. From the minute Lucky collapsed, no, even before that, as soon as he noticed something was wrong with him, Nikolas had felt a shift in his version of reality. His little brother. He smiled, suddenly he didn't feel so alone anymore.
Luke went to the payphones and gratefully noticed that he would be alone to make this call, the halls were empty for once. He dialed the numbers quickly and tried to think what he was going to say.
''Hello?'' ''Hi, baby. It's good to hear your voice.'' Luke's words enveloped Laura like a warm blanket. She smiled, thrilled to hear from him.
''Luke? I didn't expect to hear from you until later tonight. Not that I mind, of course.''
Luke rubbed at the ache boring a hole in his temple, he hated to do this to her again. ''Laura, there's been a little bit of trouble here. Don't worry, but Lucky's in the hospital.'' He hurried on when he heard her gasp. ''He's running a fever and apparently he didn't drink enough or something and he passed out. But Alan's giving him fluids and he thinks he'll be okay soon.'' There was no need to worry her any more than she already was.
''Oh, my baby, I'll come home right now. Just let me get a ticket and make sure mom is settled at the hospital and Lulu and I will be home.''
Luke sighed. ''Laura, you know you can't do that. Nothing has changed. All the reasons you are there are still the same. We still don't know what Stefan is up too, and you still need to help your mother.''
''Luke! You can't expect me to stay here when my son is in the hospital! He needs me!''
''What he needs is to know that his family is safe, and that means you staying there.'' Laura started to cry. ''Luke, please, please don't ask me to stay here. I have to be with my son.''
''You can't right now, baby. I know you want to rush out here, but that will only put you and Lulu at risk, and you know Lucky wouldn't want that. I can take care of him.''
''Luke, I know you can, but at a time like this, he needs his mother. Please, Stefan wouldn't do anything to me or Lulu while Lucky's sick. Please, just let me come home.''
''What do you mean he wouldn't do anything while Lucky's sick?? You think this man has a conscience? This would be the perfect time for him to pull a stunt. He thinks our attention will be focused on Lucky and he can have free reign. That's not going to happen, Laura! He will not catch us off guard.''
Laura sniffed and whispered, ''Can't you be on guard while I'm there?''
''No, Laura. I have to focus on Lucky. I can keep him and me safe, but not if I have to worry about you and Lulu too. You have to do this for him.''
Laura sobbed into the phone while Luke waited patiently for the storm to pass. She'd see he was right in this, she always did.
********************
Lucky's hospital room
Someone was watching him, he could feel it. He made his breathing remain steady so whoever it was wouldn't notice that he'd caught on to them and assessed his surroundings. He could hear voices, muffled and distant. It was cold here too, and smelled of antiseptic. Of course, a hospital. A hospital? His eyes flew open.
''Lucky? How do you feel?'' Lucky turned his head and his eyes widened a bit when he saw Nikolas.
''Huh?'' Oh great, what a snappy comment. He closed his eyes again and tried to get himself together. Nikolas reached over and shook him gently.
''Lucky, can you hear me? Do I need to get a nurse?'' In his anxiety, Nikolas didn't notice he was shouting. Lucky squeezed his eyes tightly together, trying to shut Nikolas out of his world. He had a headache and Nikolas' actions were not helping at all. He threw off the hand on his shoulder.
''Of course I hear you! You're shouting. Would you lay off?''
He still didn't open his eyes again. Nikolas sat back quickly. ''oh, sorry. I didn't notice.'' He paused then. He didn't know what to say now. Big deal having a brother when he hated you. Nikolas sighed.
Lucky turned his head towards Nikolas and opened one eye. ''What's the sigh for? I'm the one in the bed.'' Lucky pulled his arm up and waved his IV impaled hand around a bit.
Nikolas smiled a little. ''You always did know how to milk the sympathy factor.''
Lucky opened the other eye and laughed. ''It's the Spencer charm. Works wonders.'' Nikolas looked at him in amazement. They were actually having a civil conversation. Better than that, he was actually kind of enjoying it. Lucky looked back at him just as hard before quickly looking away and fiddling with the covers, embarrassed. ''Why are you looking at me like that? Did I grow another head?''
Nikolas laughed. ''Nope, the one you have already is too big for another one to grow. I was, uh, just wondering how you feel.'' Lucky looked back at Nikolas.
''Okay I guess. I have a headache and I'm not really sure how I got here, but other than that...'' Lucky let his sentence trail off. This is really weird, where's my dad?"
''Well, I called an ambulance when you fainted at the docks, that's how you got here.''
Lucky snorted. ''I did not faint.''
''Oh yes you did! Fell right down in a magnificent swoon. It was a sight to behold.'' Lucky sat up in bed.
''I didn't faint, and I sure as hell didn't swoon!''
''Call it what you want, Lucky, but you hit the pavement with your eyes closed.'' Nikolas laughed as Lucky sputtered.
Luke hung up the phone, letting his hand rest on the receiver. ''So she's not coming?'' Luke turned around slowly. ''No, not this time, Sonny.'' Sonny and Luke stood there in silence for a minute. ''You sure that's what you want? I could set up guards, things could be arranged.'' Luke smiled. ''Thanks Sonny, but no. I feel better knowing she's there and he can't reach her. But I will take you up with a couple of guards for Lucky, just to be on the safe side.''
''Already done. I've got two coming in right now.''
Luke clasped Sonny's shoulder. ''Thanks, man.''
Sonny nodded, uncomfortable with Luke's gratitude. ''So, how's Lucky?''
Sonny and Luke started walking towards the nurse's station. ''I don't know. Alan doesn't know the full story yet. I'm going to see him now. Get this, the Cassadine kid is with him.''
Sonny stopped walking. ''You want me to take care of it?''
Luke laughed. ''No, it's okay. I told him he could go. It's odd, I think he's really concerned.''
''He is his brother.''
Luke looked at Sonny. ''Yeah, I know. But I still don't trust that kid. Let's hurry, he's been in there with Lucky alone too long already.''
********************
Luke and Sonny paused outside of Lucky's hospital room, surprised to hear laughter ringing from within. Luke exchanged a bemused look with Sonny and pushed open the door. What greeted his eyes was unexpected indeed. Lucky had his head thrown back in laughter, looking as healthy as ever. Nikolas was in much the same position, leaning forward and wiping happy tears from his eyes.
''Oh, I've never laughed this hard in my life, Lucky. Foster had an affair with the Quartermaine dog?'' Lucky nodded, still chuckling.
''Man, I had to sneak Foster in there all the time, it was pathetic. He's more successful than I am.'' Lucky, paused, noticing that Nikolas was laughing even harder now.
''Hey that's not funny!'' Nikolas waved his hands apologetically but didn't stop laughing, until he noticed the look on Lucky's face, he looked guilty.
''Um, hi dad, Nikolas was just...'' Lucky looked at Nikolas beseechingly. Dad was never going to understand this.
''You were just what? Faking your illness? This is a pretty amazing recovery young man.''
Lucky stared at his dad like he had just announced that he was going hunting with Stefan, then shrugged and cocked his head arrogantly.
''The Spencers have always been fast healers.''
Nikolas looked between Lucky and Luke. They seemed to accept his presence in the room now after that brief moment of tension. He couldn't really blame Lucky for reacting the way he had to his dad, this had all come on pretty fast. What amazed him was Luke. He would have never figured Luke would go along with this so easily. But if there was one thing he had learned from his Uncle it was that appearances could be deceiving.
''So how you feeling now, Lucky? You had us all pretty worried.'' Sonny stood at the foot of the bed, flashing his dimples.
''Better than I was a couple of hours ago, that's for sure. But I'm still pretty tired.''
Luke walked over to sit next to Lucky on the bed. ''You do look a little pale again, Cowboy. I guess maybe you weren't faking after all.'' He fluffed the pillows behind Lucky.
''Dad, Bobbie makes a much better nurse than you do. My pillows are fine.'' Luke got off the bed and staggered around.
''Ugh, shoot a man when he's trying to help you out! How cruel.'' Lucky smiled a little as he slid a little glance to see how Nikolas and Sonny were enjoying the show. His dad was so embarrassing sometimes.
''Have you called mom? When's she gonna get here?'' Luke abruptly stopped his dance and frowned.
''Yeah, cowboy, I called your mom. But she's not coming.'' Lucky felt something in him plummet, he hadn't realized how much he wanted her back home until he was told she wasn't. Nikolas looked at Lucky, unable to contain the shock from showing on his face. She wasn't coming home? Not even for Lucky? Sonny watched Nikolas' reaction. Interesting, very interesting. Changes are in the air...permanent changes. Luke watched the rest of the color drain out of Lucky's face and didn't allow himself to question his decision.
It's all for the best.
********************
Luke watched as the light of laughter flew out of his son's eyes. He knew it was going to be hard on him. He would want his mother around while he was sick..but Luke remained firm in his decision. He wasn't going to let Laura and Lulu walk in on a potentially dangerous situation.
''Lucky, you know why she can't come'' Luke pointed a directed look at Nikolas. Nikolas stood up.
''Hey, I can tell when it's time to leave. I'll let you and your dad talk.'' He started for the door and then paused, and looked back. ''I'll come back tomorrow, okay?'' Lucky regarded his brother closely. He started a little a that particular label. Since when did he start thinking of Nikolas Cassadine as his brother?
''Yeah, you can come tomorrow.'' Lucky watched as Nikolas smiled slowly at him and walked out the door. What do you know? Nikolas actually looked happy that he'd said yes, maybe he was happy about it too. Outside the door Nikolas walked past the two men standing in the hall, trying to look inconspicuous...guards. Nikolas laughed a little to himself, Luke would never change, but Lucky...he was going to see Lucky tomorrow. Nikolas couldn't wipe the grin off his face as he waved to the surprised guards and left.
Back inside Lucky's room
''Sonny, could you give us a few minutes please?''
''Sure Luke. I'll see you later Lucky.'' Sonny patted Lucky's leg throug he blankets and winked at him before leaving.
Luke sighed and sat back down on the foot of the bed facing his son. His son that was sicker than he knew and trying to ignore him. ''Cowboy, you know how this game is played.''
''Yeah, dad I know, alright? You don't have to explain it to me. I shouldn't have even bothered to ask. And you know something else? I'm tired of you calling me Cowboy, my name is Lucky.'' He didn't know why he was yelling at his dad, but he couldn't stop himself. He flopped back down onto the bed and slammed his arm over his eyes. ''I'm really tired, dad. I think I'll go to sleep now.''
Luke reached an arm out to run his son's back, to try to comfort him some way, but stopped before he touched him. What could he say? he wanted his mom and all he got was his excuse for a dad. One day, he'll understand why I had to do this, they all will. Why was it sounding so hollow to him now? Luke stood up and looked uncertainly at Lucky. ''I guess I'll go on home now, Cow, uh, Lucky. If you need me, call me and I'll come back. I'll be at the club.'' Luke tousled his son's hair, and flinched at how he tensed. ''I'll be back to see you in the morning.''
********************
In Lucky's hospital room Lucky sat in the dark, listening to the comings and going of the people outside and wallowed in self-pity, at least that's what he told himself. What was wrong with him? He collapses on the dock, makes friends with a Cassadine and gripes at his dad? He closed his eyes, this has been quite a day. He thought about his encounters with Nikolas, the only bright spot in his day. He grimaced at that thought. It was going to take some getting used to, this *bond* with Nikolas Cassadine. He actually liked him. He'd had friends at school talk about how they had always wanted a big brother. He never had. He liked being the big brother, the one that took care of things and was the responsible one. He liked having his mom and dad count on him. Nikolas was the older brother now. He didn't like the idea of him taking his place. Sure, dad would always turn to him. He'd never trust Nikolas. But mom and Lulu, they'd accept Nikolas totally.
Where would that leave him? He shook his head. He was getting ahead of himself. He'd grown up with Lulu and mom, surely Nikolas couldn't just waltz in and take everything over. Could he? This was all a lot easier when he didn't like the guy. he turned over in bed and tried to watch TV for a while. All this thinking was making him edgy.
He saw someone on an old re-run of some lifeguard show that reminded him of AJ...but nah, that couldn't be him. Although...Ned was a rock star... Lucky switched the tv off. There wasn't anything on he wanted to watch anyway. His thoughts drifted against his will to his mother. Why wouldn't she come? He was starting to think maybe his dad was just a little paranoid about the Cassadines. Nothing had happened in so long. Was mom supposed to stay away forever, just in case? But that wasn't really the point. The point was that mom didn't even care. She hadn't even called him to see if he was okay. How could he explain that? Lucky gave up fighting, rolled over, buried his face in his pillow, and cried.
Spoon Island
Nikolas sat on the dock and watched the wind whip the waves on the water. What a day. He thought back to his visit with Lucky. He couldn't get over the news that Laura wasn't coming to see Lucky. What was it with her? He had been so sure that she would hop on the next plane out to see Lucky. After all, Lucky was the only son she loved. Wasn't he? He lay back on the cool grass and looked at the expansive span of night sky above him. It looked like a patch of midnight velvet studded with brilliant diamonds. He laughed at his poetic nature, Uncle would be pleased, Lucky would laugh his pants off.
He frowned as he thought of Lucky in the hospital room without his mother. Even when he had been in the hospital after he fell down the stairs, Laura had done everything she could to be with him. And he hadn't even really wanted her there...not really. How could she treat him like that? Isn't a mother supposed to move heaven and earth to be with her son? That's what he's always imagined, when he pictured his *real* mother. He knew Laura was his biological mother, but he had always fantasized about this mystery woman who would do anything for him, just because he was her son. Some time ago he had realized that the woman had been Laura all along, only the fantasy of what he wanted Laura to be.
Who was Laura really? And how could she treat Lucky the same way she treated him? And why did it give him a perverse sense of pleasure?
********************
Lucky's hospital room
Lucky is huddled up in a ball, deeply asleep when the phone on his nightside table rings shrilly. Lucky is so deeply asleep that he doesn't even stir until the fifth ring, finally picking it up on the seventh. He slurs a garbled greeting into the phone with his eyes still shut. When he hears the response he bolts up, wide awake.
"Mom?"
Laura sighed as she gripped the phone harder, she had been afraid that there wasn't going to be an answer. It had been ringing so long. "Lucky? Oh, it's so good to hear your voice. I was so worried when I talked to your father. How are you?"
Lucky sat in silence a long time. She finally calls him and doesn't even have an explanation for why it's taken her so long? No apologies for not coming? What was he supposed to say, "I'm fine, don't worry your little head? Stay there and think nothing of your son in the hospital?" Why did he have to reassure her? Wasn't that her job? Lucky closed his eyes again and laid back on the bed.
Laura pressed the receiver to her forehead and closed her eye, her chin trembling. She composed herself and replaced the phone, her smile firmly, if unconvincingly in place. After all, a smile comes through on the phone, she'd learned that when she worked as a secretary.
"Lucky? Are you still there?"
"I'm here, mom, and I'm fine. I was just running a fever, but it's better now." Lucky rolled over in the bed and pulled his knees up to his chest, lying on his side in the dimly lit room.
"I'm glad, sweetie. I was worried about you. So was your sister."
A single tear rolled down Lucky's cheek, but he kept his voice strong. "Can I talk to her?"
"Oh hon, she's asleep now. I'm sorry. Next time I'll make sure she's awake when I call."
This time Lucky could not keep the tremor out of his voice. "Oh, I guess that's okay."
"Are you sure you're feeling better? Let me speak to your father."
"He's not here, mom."
Laura paused a long moment, then spoke in a small voice. "You're all alone?"
Lucky's voice was hoarse. "Yeah." He cleared his throat and tried again. "I'm alone, but I should be sleeping anyway, so it's okay."
"Oh Lucky, I forgot about the time difference. It must be close to midnight there. I'll let you go so you can go to bed and get better." Laura gripped the phone so tightly her knuckles turned white. I can't let him know how much this is hurting me. I have to be strong for him. It won't do him any good to know that had I to wait until I was sure I wouldn't sob into the phone because I couldn't be with him when he needs me. I can't let him know how hard it is to keep myself from jumping on a plane regardless of what Luke says. I can't burden him with my grief now. When I get home I'll make it up to him, he'll understand. I'm doing what is best for him. "I love you, sweetheart."
Funny way you have of showing it mom. "I love you too."
I'd do anything for you, my son. "I'll talk to you soon."
Don't put yourself out, mom. "I'll be here."
And I'll be there for you soon, son. I'll always be there for you. "Goodnight, Lucky."
Why did I think she'd drop everything for me? "Goodnight." Lucky hung up the phone and stared at the ceiling, alone in the dark, his face wooden, his eyes dry.
Laura hung up the phone and dissolved into tears.
********************
