Chapter 9 At the PC Grill Ed: Will someone please tell me why we have to wait for a table at a restaurant we own? Lila: Oh hush, dear, just be thankful that the Grill is doing so well. Ned, when did you say Elisabeth is arriving? I just can't wait to see her and my great-granddaughter! Ned: She'll be here any minute, I'm sure, Grandmother. (under his breath to Monica) Or I'll shoot myself. Ed: I don't know why that girl would let her daughter be in the same room as a no-good scoundrel as you, Ned. Alan: Oh Father, what is it this time? Did Ned not return your phone calls fast enough today? Ed: No, not only was he responsible for a car wreck today, but-- Ned: (seeing Alexis walk in the door) Not another word, Grandfather. Alexis, so glad you could join us. (taking her hands) Alexis looks visibly ill as she joins the group, nervously fidgeting and shifting her weight from one heel to the other. She whispers to Ned. Alexis: Where's the caviar? Ned: In the getaway car. Alexis: Where's your sister? Ned: In the doghouse if she doesn't show in 2 minutes. Justus: Alexis, so good of you to join us. How are things over at the hospital? Alexis: (relieved to be talking to someone normal) Fine, fine, still working on the legal fallout from the Cooper hostage incident. And at ELQ? They banter a while before Emily and A.J. walk in the restaurant. Ed: Oh, great, she's keeping excellent company. Emily: Grandfather, be nice to A.J. tonight or we're both leaving. (she looks at Alan and Ned) That goes for both of you too. Mon: Well, A.J., I'm glad you could join us this evening. A.J. Thanks, Mom. Edward goes over to harass the maitre'd again about a table when Lise and Stefan stroll in to the restaurant in formal black tie attire. Lise is wearing a straight black dress borrowed from Katherine (which Katherine swore she never wore with Stefan, all the while berating Lise for agreeing to go out with him) and holds a sleeping Emma. Lise: (surveying the family, she whispers to Stefan) Did you ever read that Sartre play called "No Exit"? Stefan: Our exit limousine awaits our momentary return, not to worry. Lila: Well, there she is! My dear, you look more stunning than ever. And this must be my darling great-granddaughter! Lise: Hello, grandmother. Yes, this is Emma. (she nudges the child awake) Alexis: (surprised to see Stefan) What are you doing here? Stefan: I'll let Dr. Ashton give you the details. (he stands back away from the crowd). Ned: Lise, don't you think you're a little overdressed for the Grill? Lise: Oh definitely. Unfortunately I just won't be able to make it to dinner. Ned: Oh yes you will. Lise: Oh no I won't. (breezily) I have a professional meeting this evening to attend. I would have liked to have been on a *plane* tonight, but I thought I might as well make the best of it if I were stuck here. Nedster, you wouldn't mind watching Emma tonight, would you? Ned: (quietly) You're going down for this. Lise: I could have been *up* in an aircraft, and you wouldn't have scheduled this little extravaganza, but nooooo, you had to be your usual manipulative self. Well, I got a better offer. (she notices Emily) And you must be the newest addition to the family. Emily, it's a pleasure. Emily: Hi. Lila: So you won't be able to stay then, dear? Lise: No, grandmother, I'm so sorry. I was thinking that tomorrow, you and Emily and I could go shopping. I didn't want to leave without spending some time with both of you. What do you think Emily? We'll pick you up after school? Emily: Sounds fine to me! Lila: Oh Lise, dear, that would be just lovely! Lise: Wonderful. Alright then, here you go Ned. (she transfers Emma to his arms as he glares at her) Ed: I don't know, missy, whether you should leave a child in the presence of these two. You never know what things she'll see. Did you know they caused an accident today? Alexis: I'm leaving. Ned: Hold on. Grandfather, what did I tell you about that? Stefan: What is he talking about? Alexis: Remember what you said about my personal life being my own? Stefan: No. Alexis: I knew it. (All at once) Ed: You two are worse than A.J. with a bottle.... Ned: Don't even start.... A.J.: I don't have to take this. Emily: Would you all just stop it? Mon: Do we have to have a scene in public? Alan: You never can take this, can you A.J.? I suspect you'll go drown your sorrows. The scene descends into chaos as they all are screaming at each other as Lise crosses her arms, and stares smugly at them next to Stefan and Alexis, who have both retreated to the sidelines. Alexis: (to Stefan and Lise) I think I prefer the classic Cassadine silent treatment to this. In the meantime, Jason and Brenda walk in the door for dinner. Jason takes one look and turns right back around. Lise: (whispering) Now's our chance, come on. She takes his arm to go, when the mayhem is all brought to a halt by the screams of a child. Lise freezes at the sound of Emma in hysterics. Ned tries to hold her close, but she's screaming "I want my mama" and squirms to get away from him. Lise runs over and snatches Emma out of Ned's arms. Lise: It's ok baby. That's why Mama was trying to get us home tonight. I'm sorry. You don't have to stay here. Shh... (she glares at the family) A waiter interrupts. Waiter: Excuse me, your table of 10 is finally ready. If you would follow me? When no one moves, he clears his throat awkwardly and steps gingerly away. Ned: Lise, where did you say you were going? Lise: Pediatric banquet. Ned: That sounds scintillating. We'll join you. He grabs Alexis' hand and takes Emma in the other and Stefan, Lise, Alexis and Ned all leave the restaurant and don't look back. They make it out to their respective limos and stop. Lise: We can't take Emma. That's why I was going to leave her with you tonight. Ned: Sure we can. Lise: Ned, no. We'll be out too late. Ned: Ok, so, we'll leave her with someone we trust. Let me think... Lise: Oh yeah, like who? The only person I know well in this town is Katherine. Ned and Stefan in stereo: NO. Lise: (laughing) She's perfectly respectable! Ned: Don't even suggest it. Lise: Ok ok, not the maternal type, I suppose. Ned: Where's Robin when you need her? Lise: Who's Robin? Ned: Scorpio kid. I know, what about Brenda? Lise: Brenda, who's Brenda? Oh wait, you mean the model? Ned: Yeah, she has no social life since Sonny left her. Lise: My daughter is not spending one minute alone with some model. She's far too young to start bingeing and purging. Ned: But-- Lise: I'm not leaving her with a stranger. Let's face it, it's hopeless. Stefan, I'm so sorry. Why don't you go ahead without me. Ned, you and Alexis go enjoy each other somewhere else, and I'll take Emma back to the hotel. Stefan: Don't be ridiculous. We don't have to go to the banquet. Lise: What about your recruiting efforts? Stefan: The department chair is already there. I'll leave him to it. Why don't we all go back to Wyndemere. We can put the child to sleep and have champagne. Alexis: Stefan, while that sounds.... um... delightful, I think I'd better just call it a night. Ned: (with a wicked twinkle in his eye) Oh, I agree. Alexis, I'll drive you to the launch at the pier. Lise, come on, we'll drop you and Emma at the hotel on the way. Stefan: I'll see that they get to the hotel. Ned: (warily) No thanks. Come on, Lise. Stefan: Nonsense. I invited her out this evening, and I'll make sure she gets home safely. Ned: I'm quite capable, thank you, of taking care of my-- Lise: (interrupting) Alright, anytime you two want to end this little pissing contest, y'all go right ahead. Why don't we all just admit we have ulterior motives and be done with it? Ned and Alexis, get in your own car and skedattle. Stefan, if I go to Wyndemere with you, you have to promise me right here and right now that my child won't be eaten by gargoyles or stolen by flying monkeys or anything (Stefan looks away, annoyed). Ned: Lise, I really wish that you would just-- Lise: You have 30 seconds before I start telling Stefan about the limo incident (she takes Emma back out of his arms). Alexis: Come on, we're leaving. (she takes his arm, and they get in the limo) Lise and Stefan are left standing in the parking lot staring at each other. Lise: You know, I really won't be hurt if you want to go to the banquet. Especially if you're going to stay all huffy over my Wyndemere cracks. (he doesn't respond, she cups his chin playfully, the over-familiarity causing him to bristle) You gotta live a little, darlin'. Lighten up. (she walks toward the limo, and calls over her shoulder) Unless of course, you'd rather stay and have dinner with my family. Stefan sighs pensively before following, berating himself for getting involved with a woman so different from him. Chapter 10 In the limo. Ned: Alone at last. Alexis: I want a nudist colony. I want Bora Bora. And I want them now. Ned: That can be arranged. Alexis: I understand now, about Jason. And about your sister. Did you see the way that child screamed? I mean, I thought my family was an unhealthy environment for children. Ned: Yes. (sighing) As goofy as Lise is, she is dead serious about hating the family. She really hasn't been in Port Charles for like 10 years, except for a brief time around my wedding to Lois. Alexis: When she was acquainted with Katherine? Ned: Yes. Alexis: How do you two stay close? Ned: I make a lot of phone calls and day-trips to Virginia. Alexis nods pensively and leans her head back on the seat, closing her eyes. Alexis: I take it all back. Every time I ever thought that my family was worse. The sheer numbers in yours leave me reaching for the Prozac. Ned: And what about when Cassadines go wacko? What's that like? Alexis: Depends on which one. Ned: Let's start with the dead ones. Alexis: My uncles and cousin Stavros would just get drunk and beat up a woman. Very predictable. When they were sober, though, was when you had to worry. That's when the kidnappings and world domination strategies were hatched. Ned: And the live ones? Alexis: Well, when Helena is cranky, someone usually dies a tragic, accidental death. Ned: So it sounds like your family is more violent, but less annoying on a daily basis. Alexis: (with her eyes still closed, wearily) Stefan and Nikolas are entirely different though. When Stefan is angry, you can just be in the same room with him and tremble. But he usually doesn't say anything. Unless of course, you have some masochistic notion of talking it out with him. In which case, he yells and slams things. Nikolas is much easier. He gets testy and goes AWOL. The hard part is finding him, but generally not life-threatening. The nice thing about it all, is that I'm never the target of anyone's anger. Just the innocent bystander. I clean up the wreckage. Survival strategy. I learned to stay out of the Cassadine path of wrath long ago. Ned: And what about when you're angry? Alexis: Me? Ned: Sure. What gets your motor churning? Alexis turns to Ned and smiles mischievously. Alexis: Now that's a loaded question if I ever heard one. Ned: No way, counselor. I won't be deterred by flattery. Come on, what is it that the shrinks are always trying to get you to confess? Alexis: Cassadines don't need shrinks. We have islands to destroy. Ned: Don't be coy, Alexis. Alexis: What? So I don't have any repressed anger, sue me. Ned: I find that difficult to believe. Alexis: Why? Do I come off as slightly unhinged? Ned: No. Just restless. Alexis: Rest? What's that? Ned: No, I don't mean overworked. I mean, emotionally. Unable to stop and be happy. You're not one to live in the moment. Alexis: Oh, and you are? Ned: Yes. Alexis: And does this highly evolved joie de vivre of yours have something to do with the leather pants your sister referred to? Ned smiles and looks down. Ned: You're avoiding the issue. Alexis: Maybe. But I'm also dying of curiosity. Ned: I've been known to don leather and croon a love song or two. Alexis stops and she feigns shock. Alexis: Stop. Ned: Frightening but true. Alexis: Well, I have a confession too. Ned: Finally! Do tell. Alexis: I've had your CD for months. Ned: You sneak! Alexis: Well, I was afraid if I brought it up, it would remind you of your ex-wife. Ned: You're probably right. Alexis: (sighing) I usually am... Ned: However, don't get the mistaken notion that thoughts of my wife are threatening to you. Alexis: Am I that transparent? Ned: She was a goody goody. Alexis: That's why I hate her. Ned: Me too. Alexis: Oh. Ned: Condemnation is plentiful in my family. Acceptance makes me weak in the knees. Alexis: I thought I was the only one. Ned leans over very close to her. Ned: I'll catch you. Alexis: Don't be cheesy. Ned: Songwriter. Occupational hazard. They kiss, tenderly and lightly. Alexis inhales sharply and looks away, unwilling to be overcome by the moment. Ned: (pulling away slightly) That's what I'm talking about. Alexis: What? Ned: (taking her hand and stroking it softly) You can't just kiss me. You can't just be happy. Alexis watches his hand on hers and tries to avoid his eyes. Ned: There you go, gears clanking around in there. You can't be still. What are you afraid of? Alexis: Nothing. (abruptly) Are you at all concerned about your sister and Stefan alone at Wyndemere? Ned: (sitting back with resignation) No, but clearly you are. Alexis: (somewhat embarrassed) Well, I just don't know what he's thinking, why he's interested in her. Ned: He likes a challenge. Alexis: That's just what I'm worried about. He doesn't need one right now. Ned: Don't worry. She won't be here long. Alexis: Trust me when I say that distance doesn't impede his obsessions. Ned: (she's gotten his attention) Obsessions? Alexis: You know how he gets. Ned: No, not really. (his brow furrowing, he lets go of her hand) Why don't you tell me. Alexis: (sensing that she's gone too far, revealed too much) Never mind. I'm just being over-cautious. Ned: (nervously) I like caution. Tell me. Alexis: Nothing to tell. I just don't want him distracted. He needs to stay focused. Ned: Alexis, should I be worried about my sister? Alexis: (trying to downplay her anxiety) Don't get all Luke Spencer on me, Ned. They're both fine. I was just wondering what the attraction was. Ned: Well, she's a brilliant, beautiful woman, that's what. Alexis: (condescendingly) Of course. What was I thinking? Ned: Are you disagreeing? Alexis: Ned, for heaven's sake, let's just drop it! Ned: Look. Alexis: What? Ned: Look what just happened. Alexis: (laughing exasperatedly) Kinda depressing, isn't it? Ned: We're like the codependency poster children. Alexis: (leaning her head back again) I'm sorry. Ned: So am I. Alexis: So where were we? Ned: I was probing for repressed anger. Alexis: No, I think we were right about here. She leans over and kisses him deeply, running her hands through his hair. He responds momentarily, but then pushes her away. Ned: No way. Alexis: Now what. Ned: You're handling me. Alexis: (with a devious smile) And you're complaining? Ned: No, I mean, you're totally in your own little world. (she looks down, then up again, somewhat chagrined) You couldn't let go of it to be with me. So I tried to draw you out, and discover you're obsessing about Stefan. And when I try to draw you out about him, you shut down and try to distract me. You can't let go of your family when we're not talking about it, and when we are talking about it, all you want to do is not talk about it. Restless, Alexis. That's what I meant by restless. You're always avoiding whatever's happening in the moment. Alexis: (defensive and annoyed) Forgive me, Mr. Voice-of-the-Emotionally-Healthy. You're the one who said you were attracted to me because you'd never be in my #1 slot. I thought you could handle that. I thought you understood, and, and wanted that. Now all of a sudden you're attacking me for it? They both lean back against the seat, exasperated. They sit in silence a long time until the car pulls up at the pier where the launch to Wyndemere waits. The driver opens the door on Alexis' side. She waits a moment, perhaps for an objection from Ned, but in his silence, she turns to get out of the car. His hand grabs hers on her way up and pulls her back. Ned: (to the driver) One minute please. The driver shuts the door. Alexis looks at him impatiently. Ned: I changed my mind. Alexis: About what? Ned: I want that #1 slot. Alexis closes her eyes for a long moment. Alexis: I don't know if I can give it to you. I don't even know that it's mine to give. Ned: Therein lies the problem. Alexis looks at him plaintively. Ned: You think Stefan owns you. Or your family, or your job, or some combination thereof. You don't let yourself be happy. You steal your own freedom. Alexis: I want to, but-- Ned: But what? But Stefan will self-destruct? But Nikolas will become a Spencer? But Helena will exact revenge on all of you? But you'll have to give up some control? But you might be dependent on someone else emotionally? But you might fall in love? Alexis: (hurt) I thought you understood. Ned: My sister said something yesterday; she said sometimes I fix things that are better off broken. If you love me, you might not be in control. You might get hurt. But a broken heart is better than no heart, Alexis. She stares at him, terrified at his demands on her. Ned: I should know. Because I love control. And I've had a broken heart. And I don't want another one. Alexis: Then why? Why push things with us? Ned: Because I've got a little girl. She deserves a better father than the ice-king I had. Than you had. We all deserve better, Lex. Alexis sinks back into the seat, emotionally exhausted, her head leaning back, her eyes closed again. Ned leans over her and plants kisses on her exposed neck. She squeezes her eyes tightly shut to block him out, but his kisses are demanding and eventually, her lips part and invite him in. Chapter 11 A tap on the window of the limo door startles Ned and Alexis from their slow, sweet kisses. Ned: Driver. Alexis: What should I tell him? Ned: (caressing her face, gazing intently at her, as her eyes dart downward nervously) I don't know, what should you tell him? She turns to him and their eyes meet for a brief moment before she turns away and breathes deeply. She pushes a button which lowers the window. Alexis: (to the driver) Do you know where Apple Hill Lake is? Driver: Yes, ma'am. Alexis: There's a cottage, in the woods. I'll direct you when we get closer. She rolls the window back up, but keeps staring outside, turning her body away from Ned, not quite wanting to look at him, feeling vulnerable after revealing her true wishes for the evening. He pulls away a bit, giving her space to get comfortable with her decision. He sits back, crosses his arms and watches her. After a few moments, Alexis sneaks a peak over at him, only to find him staring and she quickly looks away. He smiles. Ned: Still has that junior high feeling about it, doesn't it? Alexis: What? Ned: This little blushing song and dance we're doing here. Alexis: (with a sweet sincerity) This is very... different for me. Don't make fun. Ned takes her hand and kisses it, before putting his arm around her shoulder and pulling her close against him. She settles back against his chest and sighs softly. Ned: (quietly, in her ear) Honey, it's *supposed* to be fun. Alexis: Well, that's what they always said about roller coasters too. I thought they were terrifying. Ned: (chuckling) Why am I not surprised? As their car pulls away from the pier, another pulls up. Stefan: She's sleeping soundly, I see. Lise: (stroking Emma's hair as she sleeps with her head in Lise' lap) Yes, she crashes around 7 or so every night. I try to keep her up a little beyond that so she's not jumping on my bed too early each morning. The car comes to a stop and Stefan and Lise sit in silence for a moment. Lise: So, Stefan, and I hope you don't mind me calling you that. Somewhere between our first meeting and my forcing my family upon you, we made the switch to first names. Stefan: I don't mind. Lise: So Stefan, do tell. Why are you in Port Charles? Stefan: I originally came because Nikolas was donating bone marrow to the Spencer child. However, pressing business interests developed and we decided to stay. Lise: For how long? Stefan: Until I see no further advantage to being here. Lise: Define advantage. Stefan: Financially. Lise: Mm-hmm. Stefan: You doubt my motives? Lise: Should I? Stefan: You wouldn't be the first. Lise: You'll forgive me if Port Charles doesn't strike me as the grand financial center which would keep you here purely for the amount it could add to your fortune. She doesn't ask anything further on the matter, sensing he's not interested in telling her the whole truth. Stefan: If you don't believe what I tell you, then why ask? A trend I've noticed with you. You act naive when you already know the answers. So my question to you, is why bother, when you've already formulated the truth in your own mind? Lise: The "truth"? (she raises an eyebrow) I've found that the truth is a very relative abstraction. You of all people should agree. I'm much more interested in how people respond to the facts than the facts themselves. Facts are boring, but differences in perception reveal differences in character. Stefan: So you ask me questions, the answers to which you already know simply to elucidate my character? Lise: Devious, isn't it? Stefan regards her with interest. Lise: That's why kids are so amazing. They are so honest. They haven't figured out yet that there's an ideal person that they think they should be and so they aren't yet playing games trying to pretend they're that person. They just call it like they see it. Vastly different than us, wouldn't you say? Stefan: Children bring out the best in us. Lise: Oh sure, when they're being precious and cute. And when they're not, we're surprised at how out of control we can feel and become. Stefan: (his thoughts turning to Nikolas) Why were you baiting me about my nephew? Lise: (innocently) Baiting? Stefan: You were trying to unsettle me. Lise: You are in denial. Consider me the wake-up call. Stefan: I know him and you don't. Lise: Of course. Stefan: Now you're condescending. Lise: Tell me, do you know everything he does when he runs away? Stefan: What makes you think Nikolas would run away? Lise: You forget that I'm friends with Katherine. Stefan: It's none of your business. Lise: Nope, it's yours. But you don't know, do you? That's the thing about teens. What they do *is* your business, but they don't let you in on it. So it's a constant guessing game, and power struggle. You have to prepare for the eventuality that he's doing something you wouldn't approve of. Stefan: Thank you for that scientific opinion, Doctor. Lise: You know Nikolas. But I know kids. They're great fun. But they'll scare the living daylights out of you. It's ok to admit that, you know. Stefan: I feel so relieved. Lise laughs. Lise: It could be a bit early in our relationship for the exchange of parenting tips. Stefan: Does that mean that there will be a "later"? Lise: Did I say that? Stefan: I expected you on a flight out tomorrow. Lise: Yes, well... Stefan: Did something change? Lise: I got a call this afternoon with an offer to teach a class at PCU. Stefan: Oh? Lise: Now look who's playing innocent. Stefan: I didn't-- Lise: I know, I know, I'm teasing. Not that it would surprise me if you were meddling. You do have a reputation for that, you know. But alas, the blame for this particular occupational meddling rests solely on my grandfather. Stefan: What makes you think that? Lise: And I quote "Well, Dr. Ashton, I ran into your grandfather today, and he mentioned that you were looking to stay in town for a while. I thought you might be available to teach a pre-med class at the University." (Stefan smirks) Remember what I said about different versions of the truth? Textbook case. Stefan: Yet you're considering the offer despite the manipulation. Lise: I know. Shoot me, but I am. Stefan: Why? Lise: I'd like to hang out with Emily. I'd like Emma to spend more time with Ned. And vice versa. Don't want him to be out of practice by the time he sees his own kid next. And it's a great opportunity to rescue future doctors before they turn into jerks. Stefan: And? Lise: And I'd like to slow down a little. My practice can get a little psychotic, and Emma spends too much time with the sitter. She only has a year or so left before she goes off to school and starts to get her own little world and this time with just us will be over. Stefan: (sadly) Yes, that time is over far too quickly. Lise: (smiling sympathetically) You have a hard time letting go, don't you? Stefan: He's all that has ever mattered. Lise: He's defined you. Stefan: Yes. Lise: And now that he's pulling away, you realize you don't even know who you are apart from him. Stefan closes up, unwilling to disclose anything more with this woman who is practically a stranger. Lise senses the dismissal of the subject. She looks down at Emma and sighs a "well, on to lighter topics" sigh. Lise: You realize, I hope, that I'm not going to Wyndemere with you. Stefan: I was rather surprised that you would consider it. Lise: It was a nice fleeting idea, but I barely know you. Besides, everyone keeps telling me to stay away from you. Stefan's face darkens a bit, with a look of anger that long ago replaced the pain of the alienation and isolation of being a Cassadine. Lise: Easy, tiger, I'm just playing with you. I never listen to advice. Stefan: Are you certain that's wise? Lise: Have you ever found anyone you could trust more than yourself? Stefan: No. Lise: Neither have I. Stefan studies her a moment, intrigued, before picking up the phone to speak to the driver. Stefan: (to driver) The Cosmopolitan Hotel, please. Chapter 12 The next morning. The pink dawn worms its way through the trees, reflecting off the lake and onto Ned's sleeping eyelids. The bitter cold attacks at the same moment, as his blanket lays on a heap on the rickety porch floor. Ned shivers and opens his eyes, only to find his body awash in pain, every joint sore from spending all night half-curled up, half spread out on a grand, if weathered porch swing. His gnarled muscles protest as he tries to sit up. Looking down, he smiles at Alexis, still sleeping comfortably against his chest. They each wear one of Stefan's robes, kept at the cottage for those spontaneous trips which, of course, were never actually taken. The ties around Alexis' waist are loose from the night's sleep and he sees a glimpse of the soft skin of her shoulders and breasts which makes him want nothing more than to have her at last. Why it hadn't happened last night was less due to reluctance and more to exhaustion. Ned looks up at the colorful morning sky and listens to the birds, the sight and sounds so different from the constellations and nocturnal orchestra which had been their lullaby, as they held each other wrapped in woolen blankets on the squeaky porch swing. Alexis stirs slightly in his arms, but doesn't wake. Ned: Wake up, sleepyhead. Alexis moans and buries her head further into his chest. Ned smiles and slides his free arm under her knees, swoops her up and stands. Alexis: (with her eyes still closed) I need coffee. Ned: (mischievously) Ok, honey. You'll have it. She doesn't notice in her partial slumber that he is not carrying her into the cottage, but rather down to the lake, clearly too out of it to recognize the sound of crunching leaves under his feet. She just hugs him closer and squeezes her eyes shut tighter, as if she can will the dawn away. He had subtlely pulled the tie at her waist open, but she was unaware since the blanket was still around her. Ned walks out on to the end of the pier, still holding Alexis. Ned: Alexis, it's really time to wake up. Alexis: Do I have to? Ned: No, honey, I'll do it for you, if you prefer. Alexis: (opening her eyes at last) What? Ned rolls her out of his arms, holding on to the blanket and the robe, as she splashes into the freezing lake. He howls in laughter as she comes back to the surface, sputtering and shivering and growling at him. She is so shocked she can hardly pull off a proper glare. He just stands there, laughing at her. Ned: Good morning, sunshine! Alexis: Bastard. Ned: (dangling out her blanket) Would you like to come out and dry off, my dear? Alexis: Yes, thank you very much. She reaches up for the blanket and pulls hard, throwing him off balance until he is in the water, Armani bathrobe, wool blanket and all. Alexis: (casually, as he splashes in the water behind her) But not until you go down. As he comes back up for air, she splashes stingingly cold water in his face. Alexis: I hate you I hate you I hate you. Ned: Awww... don't be such a poor sport. Alexis: May your children curse you and your mother move in permanently. Ned: (wrapping his arms around her and pressing their bodies together) Now that's what everyone needs at 6 in the morning, a proper Cassadine curse. Alexis: I hope you get hypothermia and they bury you with that stupid grin frozen in place for all eternity. He kisses her neck and shoulders... Ned: Aw, Lex, how could I get hypothermia when I've got you? Alexis rolls her eyes, pulls his arms off of her and heads for the ladder at the end of the pier. As she climbs up, her body shivers. Ned eyes her from the water. Ned: (whistling) Woo hoo! Ow! Alexis, getting up on the pier, wrapping her robe around her. Alexis: You are SO infantile. Ned: Yeah, well, I always went to boys' schools so I never got my fill of cat-calling, pigtail-pulling and other girl-torturing techniques. Alexis: (with annoyance) Clearly. Ned: Come on (climbing onto the pier), when was the last time you got thrown in a lake? Alexis: When I was 10, and I made the grand error of telling Stefan I was afraid of diving. Ned: See there, and now you're over it! You should thank him. Alexis: I thank him that there were two robes in the cottage and mine is dry and yours isn't. (She looks him up and down) You're looking a little peaked there, Mr. Ashton, standing there in your birthday suit. Ned stands, shivering, staring at her hungrily. Ned: Not for long, Ms. Davis. He grabs the front of her robe and pulls her close, opening it as he kisses her and running his hands all over her shaking body, unable to tell if it's the cold or him causing her trembling. He kneels and pulls her down so that they're both on their knees, clinging to each other, tasting one another like errant teenagers. Ned leans forward and pushes Alexis back until he's on top of her with her robe under them. She clumsily and quickly pulls her arms out of the sleeves and pulls his head closer to her as he kisses her shoulders and breasts, not able to get enough of her. She soon realizes that they've definitely crossed the point of no return. Alexis: Ned... Ned: Hmm? (not looking up from his attentions to her body) Alexis: Ned, shouldn't we go inside? Ned: No chance. Alexis: Why? Ned: Because we've waited long enough... And...(he slides up her body more, and pushes her legs apart with his knee, still kissing her) Alexis: And what? Ned: And you want this. He covers her mouth and kisses her deeply and slowly, until she has to turn her head for air, gasping slightly. She moans softly and wraps her legs around him. Ned: Say it. Alexis: Say what? Ned: Say you want me. Alexis pulls his head close to her mouth and kisses him until he stops her. Ned: Say it. Alexis: Ned... (she pulls him closer to her with her legs) Ned: Say it. Alexis: I want you. Ned: Again. Alexis: (louder, and almost incoherent with passion) I want you. At that moment, he enters her. He leans over her face and whispers in her ear. Ned: I know. Their lovemaking continues on the pier, oblivious to the rising of the sun or the hardness of the boards under them. And if you saw them from the other side of the lake, you might think they were a carefree couple of college kids who do this all the time. But they each knew better. They knew that their union in body was a union of souls, and a welcome release of all the burdens that keep them up at night, jittery on caffeine and closed off to the world.