Nik came downstairs to find Seth and Lucky standing in the entryway and walked over to help them with the bags. Nik grabbed the one from Seth’s hands and was shocked at the weighs. “What is in here?” Nik asked. Seth laughed and shook his head. “All of Gia’s crap! Glad I’m not the only one who thinks she packs too much.” Seth said with laughter in his voice. Gia, Nik thought, he liked it. “I’m Nikolas Cassadine.” Nik said as he sat the heavy bag down on the bottom of the stairs. “Seth Forester.” Seth said holding his hand out to shake Nik’s hand as he walked over to him. “And that crazy person you just carried up stairs is Gia Campbell.” Seth said. Nik nodded his head, trying not to seem interested. “I put her in the guest room, you know she seemed to be a little agitated.” Nik said. Seth looked concerned. “Did she say something to you?” Seth asked. Nik wasn’t sure if it was worth mentioning but it was something that had been bugging him. “She didn’t wake up but I was tucking her in and she was kind of whimpering.” Nik said. “She was?” Seth asked even more concerned. “Yeah she also said something about her mom.” Nik said. Nik watched as Seth’s face saddened and noticed that he went a little pale. “Um her mom died last week.” Seth said. Nik didn’t know what to say. “Oh.” Was all he got out. “Well, thanks so much for letting us stay here Nikolas it’s very kind of you.” Seth said. “Yeah no problem, look I’m sorry I don’t have another room for you.” Nik said. “Oh it’s no problem I’m going to sleep with Gia. Speaking of that, I’m exhausted so I think I’m going to get to bed, thanks again man.” Seth said as he headed for the stairs. Nik didn’t know why it should bother him that Seth was going to sleep in the same bed as Gia but it did. He was secretly a little disappointed that Gia had a boyfriend. Nik plastered on a fake smile and said goodnight to Seth.

~The next morning~

Gia woke up in Seth’s arms with her head spinning. She moaned as she sat up, she slowly looked around and took in her surroundings. She realized she had no idea where she was. Someone’s house she knew, but who’s? She drowsily stood up and headed for the bathroom. She nearly screamed as she looked at her reflection in the mirror. She looked over and saw her bag lying on the ground and reached for it. She quickly changed into a small black shirt and a pair of army green capri’s. She washed her face and brushed her teeth. She than gathered her braids up and pulled them into a banana clip. Seeing that she looked better when she looked in the mirror again, Gia walked over to the bed and looked down at Seth. He was clearly dead asleep so she realized she would have to go exploring on her own. She headed out the door and slowly walked around the house.

Gia looked around the rather small cottage and fell in love with it. It was the kind of place she’d always dreamed of living in. People who didn’t know her very well would think she would be more of the penthouse or studio apartment type of girl, but the truth was, she had always dreamed of living in a little cottage just like the one she was in now. Stick it in the middle of the city and it would be perfect. Gia quietly walked down the stairs, no shoes on her feet. She stepped into the kitchen and her eyes landed on who must have been the owner of the house. He was reading what looked like a textbook and he hadn’t even noticed her. She took the time to look at him; she was intrigued by what she was able to see. His dark skin and raven black hair. His skin looked so soft. “Good book?” She asked. She knew she had startled him. Nik looked up and his breath caught as he looked into Gia’s beautiful eyes. Seeing her in the daylight was a whole new experience, she was even more beautiful than he had imagined. Gia smiled as Nik looked at her and blushed, he looked so sexy. “Can I ask you something?” Gia asked a still flustered Nikolas. “Uh yeah, what?” Nik stumbled out. “Who are you and how did I get in your house?” Gia asked. Nik let out a nervous laugh. “I’m Nikolas Cassadine and you were brought here last night in a unconscious state.” Nik said. It was Gia’s turn to laugh nervously. “Oh well yeah, it’s been known to happen.” Gia said. “Can I ask you something else?” Gia asked. She continued when he nodded his head. “Do you have a girlfriend Nikolas Cassadine?” She asked with a sly smile. She thought Nikolas was incredibly attractive and she felt an instant connection with him. Nik laughed rather loudly at her forwardness. “No I don’t but I’m not looking either.” Nik said. Gia nodded her head but she knew that would quickly change. “Oh, well can I ask you one more thing?” Gia asked. Nik wearily nodded his head, afraid of what would come out of this spitfire of a girl’s mouth. “Why does everyone have to tell everyone they meet their whole name in this town? I mean that’s a little formal don’t you think?” Gia asked as she sat down. Nik laughed again before answering her. “Yeah I guess it is a little formal Ms. Campbell.” Nik said. Gia tried but failed to hide her shock as she heard this man she just met say her whole name. “Seth told me last night.” Nik explained. Gia nodded, secretly thinking she was going to kill her friend when he woke up.

“So what do are you reading?” Gia asked from across the table. “Nothing you would be interested in.” Nik said. Gia scrunched up her nose. “How do you know?” Gia asked. “I’m sorry.” Nik said, realizing he was being rude. “It’s my collage textbook. I’m studying business.” Nik said. “Fun.” Gia said making a face. Nik laughed. “See I knew you wouldn’t be interested.” Nik said. “No really it’s sound very interesting.” Gia said. Nik laughed at her face as she was attempting to act intrigued. “OK now you’re just making fun of me.” Nik said. Gia grinned. “Hey I tried.” Gia said shaking her head slowly. She cringed as the movement made her head hurt; Nik caught this and flashed a crooked grin at her that made her heart flutter. “Have you learned your lesson Sparky?” Nik asked. “Lesson? And who’s Sparky?” Gia asked in confusion. “Not to drink so much and it’s your new nickname. I don’t know too many people who can have your spark after a night like you had.” Nik said. Gia laughed. “Sparky huh? Well what should I call you?” Gia asked. “Nikolas.” Nik said. Gia eyed him suspiciously. “Nikolas? No, who likes the name Nikolas?” Gia joked as she made a face, Nik laughed. Gia put her hand to her chin and tapped as she pretended to be deep in thought. “How about prince?” Gia asked. Now Nik was in shock as he wondered why she said this. “Why would you call me that?” Nik asked. “Well this house, you don’t quite live like a king, but more like a prince.” Gia said. “You can call me that if you want to Sparky.” Nik said. “Well prince, I already have Seth telling me what to do, I don’t need you doing it too.” Gia said. “Well he is your boyfriend so maybe you should listen to him.” Nik said. Gia bust out in a fit of laughter, holding her head as it was pounding. “Seth? My boyfriend?” Gia said loudly. Nik was looking at her oddly as he was trying to figure out what was so funny. “Seth is gay. He’s my best friend.” Gia said. Nik looked embarrassed and cursed himself for the excitement he felt at her words. “No Nikolas Cassadine I don’t have a boyfriend, yet.” Gia said. She smiled at him and he shyly smiled back. Time stood still as their eyes met, both locked in a trance. A trance witch was broken when Seth walked into the kitchen.

“Oh Nikolas I’m so sorry if she’s bothering you.” Seth said as he saw Gia sitting across from him. Gia glared up at him. “No not at all.” Nik said. “Gia, I called you brother and he’s home now.” Seth said. “You did?” Gia asked. “Yeah he’s expecting us in about an hour so we should get going.” Seth said. “Why don’t you at least stay for breakfast?” Nik said. Gia and Seth looked at each other. “Hey I’m in no hurry to see my brother.” Gia said. “Great!” Nik said, cursing himself for sounding so exited. Nik headed over to the refrigerator and gazed in, Gia laughed at the clueless expression he had on his face. “Uh on second thought, why don’t I take you out for breakfast?” Nik said. “Like on a date?” Gia said. Nik laughed but when he looked up at Gia he stopped, as she looked completely serious. “Um no just breakfast.” Nik said blushing slightly. He wasn’t use to this kind of forwardness from a woman. He watched as disappointment filled her face, he just couldn’t let her get to him.

Nik pulled up to the Kelly’s parking lot and parked his Jag with his new friends in it. “Hey this is the place we came to last night.” Seth said. “Yeah where that jerk said they were closed. Nik’s snapped his head up in shock as he looked over at Gia. “You!” They both said as the same time. “You were the jerk from last night?” Gia asked. “Hey! I was studying and I was very busy.” Nik said. Gia glared at him. “Yeah well next time, be a little nicer to people.” Gia said. Nik laughed. “Yes Sparky.” He said with a salute witch brought on another glare in his direction. He knew these looks were supposed to be intimidating but every time her eyes pierced into his, Nik felt a spark that coursed through his body.

It was obvious to Seth the minute he walked in the kitchen that morning that there was something going on between Nik and Gia. He thought that Nik would be good for Gia. Someone responsible and mature and lets not forget incredibly attractive. But he also knew Gia; there were things about her that could be hard on a person. She’s so intense and so in your face. But yet she’s needy and vulnerable. To try and live with a person like Gia can sometimes feel like a full time job. He didn’t know if Nikolas wanted that kind of commitment in his life.

Gia, Seth and Nikolas all walked into Kelly’s to find Liz behind the counter. She looked shocked that they were all together. “Hey Liz, can we get some breakfast?” Nik asked. “Sure.” Liz said in a sugary sweet voice. Seth and Nik both smiled politely at her but Gia just rolled her eyes. She wasn’t buying this snow-white act. They ordered breakfast and all sat down to eat. “So why don’t you have a girlfriend Nikolas?” Gia asked. Nik almost choked on the coffee he was drinking. “I uh don’t have time for one.” Nik said. Gia’s eyebrows knitted in thought. “What could be more important than love?” Gia asked. Nik didn’t quite know how to answer. Luckily he didn’t have to, as their conversation was interrupted when Gia was suddenly pulled out of her chair and locked in a hug with Lt. Taggert.