Chapter 31:

Lucky and Nikolas were at the breakfast table the next morning, exhausted from the previous night. Nikolas had stayed with Lucky until he had fallen asleep, and then he left for his own room to get some rest. Sleep did not come easily for him, as the conversation with Lucky kept playing in his mind. He could not come up with any answers that satisfied him. Lucky, for his part, slept soundly after Nikolas had left. Which made Nikolas slightly envious. **He woke me up, and then after he fell asleep, I couldn't do the same.** Nikolas was brought out of his thoughts when Lucky spoke.
"Nikolas, thank you for letting me stay last night." **It was nice to finally be able to sleep in a bed, and not under the docks or the couch at my father's club. I just hope I don't run into Stefan, but I have feeling that is going to be unavoidable.**
"Lucky, I don't mind. In fact, I've been thinking."
"Always dangerous." Nikolas smiled. **Lucky must be feeling better to make jokes, even though they are at my expense.**
"Ha ha. Now listen. Since living under the docks is not the best accommodations, why don't you stay here with me? You could stay as long as you wish. No strings attached." Nikolas asked almost hopefully. Lucky was surprised by the suggestion. He thought about it for a moment and decided that at the present he had no where else to go. **Besides it would annoy Dad.**
"I appreciate it. As I said last night, I don't know where else to go. How did you know about the docks anyway?" Nikolas smiled. **Finally, I may actually get a chance to get to know my brother.**
"Liz told me. Speaking of whom, we are meeting her and Emily for lunch at the PC Grille.
"We are?"
"Liz called looking for you, and we decided to meet for lunch." That brought a smile to his face, until he realized that he had no money.
"But…"
"No, buts. I know you don't have any money of your own yet, so it's on me."
"Nikolas…"
Nikolas answered before Lucky had a chance to protest. "Besides as Stefan's son you are entitled to the money. You also need some new clothes. So before we meet the girls for lunch, you are going shopping."
It annoyed Lucky that Nikolas was right about the fact that he needed money. He had very little clothes that still fit. And they were at the Spencer house, which he didn't want to see anytime soon. He didn't want to think about his mother and her lies. The stuff he had in Greece was on Helena's yacht, and no one knew where that was. Even though he knew Nikolas was right, it annoyed him that he had no choice but to take it. ** I don't want anything to do with Stefan right now, and that includes his money, but I am practically being forced to by the fact that I have absolutely none of my own at the moment. I need a job. Now two ways about that.**
"Thank you. I am going to pay you back when I can. I don't want to live off you or Stefan forever." **Especially not Stefan. I am being backed into this corner, because of things that I had no control over. I hate this.**
"Lucky you don't have to pay me back. And I am just helping you until you figure things out, and have some money of your own. However, if you ever want or need money it's yours." He shook his head at his brother's stubbornness.
"Nikolas, I am going to pay you back." **I really hate being dependent on him and Stefan for money. I could probably try to look for a job with Computers. I know Ruby would hire me, but I think I need more money than just waitoring.**
"Suit yourself, but it's your money. We are not meeting them until 2:00 and it's 9:00 now. So you have time to get a few things." Nikolas hands Lucky several hundred dollars.
"Thanks."
"No, problem." **Finally I can do something to help.**

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Lucky came home with some new clothes and some other necessities. The guesthouse was empty. **I wonder where Nikolas is?** . He sighed and went upstairs to put on a new sweater and khakis for lunch. Fifteen minutes later Lucky came downstairs to wait for Nikolas. He was surprised to see Stefan waiting in the living room. **So much for Stefan not popping out of no where. Is he having me followed or something? Nikolas probably told him. I really don't want to deal with him now. ** Lucky thought silently. **Maybe if I walk upstairs he won't notice me.** Lucky turns around to walk upstairs.
"Good afternoon, Lucky." **Damn.** Lucky rolled his eyes and turned around. Stefan looked up from where he was sitting, and noticed that Lucky was dressing appropriately for a Cassadine, which pleasantly surprised him. Stefan had waited in the living room since he had seen Lucky walk in. He figured now was as good as time as any to talk to Lucky, and he was hoping Lucky would be willing to talk to him.
"Stefan." **What does he want now?** Lucky went over to where Stefan was sitting in the main room of the guesthouse.
"I am glad that you decided to live here with Nikolas."
"Well it beats the docks."
"Yes, I guess it does. The docks are definitely not the appropriate accommodations for someone of your social stature." Lucky smirks at him.
"My stature? You mean the all-important position of being the bastard son of a second son? What exactly does that entitle me to?" Stefan looked like he had been slapped. He got up and moved closer to Lucky, putting his hands on his son's shoulders. Lucky pulled out of his grasp. Stefan stepped back, stunned.
"Don't you ever call yourself a bastard. You are my son, and you were conceived in love." Lucky looked up in surprised at Stefan's words. **Then why didn't you love me enough to fight for me, and to let me know that you were my father.** Lucky, deciding that this was not a conversation he wanted to have now, or in the future, confronted him.
"Is there a reason you are here? I mean this is all fascinating really, but there has to be a reason. You always have a reason."
"I was looking forward to the chance that we would be able to talk together." **Great, he wants to talk.**
"So talk." **This was not going to be easy.** Stefan thought to himself.
"I wanted to tell you that I am glad you know the truth about your birth right and heritage, and I was hoping you would be willing to get to know each other better." Lucky looked straight at Stefan.
"Why?" Stefan sighed, he was not expecting that response.
"I want to get to know you?" Stefan tried to move closer to Lucky, but Lucky backed up.
"So you've said. But why now?" **Do you have an answer?** Lucky walked over to look at the window, hoping Nikolas would show up.
"I didn't want to hurt you when we first came to Port Charles." Stefan moved closer to Lucky, as Lucky turned around.
"So you wanted to hurt me now by telling me that the man I always thought was my father wasn't, and the man that I was taught to hate was?"
"No, I realized that I was given a second chance with you, so I took it. I could not stand the thought of my son hating me." **Why won't he let me near him, doesn't he see that I want to be his father.**
"So I had to die in order for you to notice me?" **Well don't I feel special?** Stefan took a calming breath. Talking to him was like pulling teeth. Stefan sighed, but he knew at the onset that this would not be an easy confrontation.
"I wanted to tell you, but Laura convinced me not too. She didn't want to lose you and Luke." **Again Luke wins.**
"So you didn't fight her for me. I thought you always fought for what you wanted?" **Why can't anyone tell me the truth?**
"It's obvious that you are not ready to talk to me."
Lucky walked up to Stefan and looked him straight in the eye. "I thought we were talking, or do you want to stop talking, because you don't like what I am saying?" Stefan backed up slightly. "Lucky, I do not know what to say that will change how you feel about me." "What do you want from me?" Lucky looked at Stefan with desperation in his eyes. There wasn't any answer that would satisfy him.
"I want you to be my son." **I know it isn't easy for you Lucky to see this, but I am speaking the truth.** Stefan again moved closer to Lucky, but this time Lucky did not back up. Almost as if he was tired of running.
"Stefan don't you see how hard it is to believe you? You claim you want me to be your son, but do you even know what that means? It means that as my father it is your job to protect me when you can. Not use me in a war against someone else." Lucky's voice is almost pleading. He turns away to try to hide the tears that are threatening to drop. **Why can't he see why I can't trust him. When I look at him all I see is lies, and I don't know how to get past it.**
"Luke…"
"Don't say anything, Luke did use me, but he never had the intention of hurting me. He only wanted to protect his family. You, on the other hand decided that it would be fun to toy with a thirteen year-old kid and use him in a computer game. Despite the fact that you knew that you were my father, and that I might get into trouble. You led me into trouble." Lucky can fell the anger well inside of him. He paced trying to maintain control.
"Lucky I was trying to lead you to your grandmother." Stefan watched him pace, trying to find a way to reach him.
Lucky turned sharply to look at Stefan. "Yeah, well it didn't work out that way did it?" Lucky said almost mocking him.
"Lucky, I am sorry about that. I wanted to help you, by giving you-your grandmother back."
"How can I believe anything out of your mouth?" **Besides, I know you only wanted Laura.**
**I am trying here. Why can't he see it?** "I have noticed that you and Nikolas have managed to bury the hatchet."
Lucky was thrown off by the change in topics. **Where is he going with this?** "Yeah, well after living with Helena for two years, being told that my parents didn't want me, I sort of understood him a little better. However, she spoke the truth and she wasn't even aware of it. Cause there is no way you can prove to me that you want me as a son." Stefan saw the pain in Lucky's eyes. He hated the fact that he had put that hurt in his eyes.
"Lucky, since the moment I knew you were my son, I wanted to get to know you, and perhaps be a father to you." Lucky didn't respond.
**This meeting did not go as well as I had hoped. I probably should not give this to him, but I need to know that I have tried to tell him how I feel.**
"I want to give you something to prove to you that I want you to be a part of my family. Nikolas has one, and this will help to bind you closer together as brothers. Every Cassadine has one. I would like you to have this, in order to prove to you that I want you as my son. If you are not ready to think of me as your father, take it as a symbol of the fact that you are Nikolas's brother." **I hope he will take it, and realize that I want him as my son.
That I need him to think of me as his father.** Stefan pulled out a box from his suit jacket pocket and handed it to Lucky, who looked at it curiously, before taking it.
He opened it and saw the Cassadine medallion. "Wear it when you are ready to." With that Stefan left.
**What does this mean? Does he expect me to wear right away? Does he expect me to wear it at all? Does he really want me to be his son? And he says that wearing this medallion will make me closer to Nikolas, how? He has always been my brother, I just have only now realized it.** Lucky rubbed his fingers over it, before putting it in his pocket.

Chapter 32:

Caroline Spencer Morgan walked into the PC Grille, followed by her husband Jason, who was holding their infant daughter Jennifer. Michael was following Jason. Everyone knew that Michael was AJ's. AJ and Caroline shared joint custody. She looked around and noticed Lucky, Nikolas, Elizabeth, and Emily sitting together. They looked like they were having a nice time; everyone was smiling, including Lucky. She was happy that Lucky seemed relaxed. She remembered how she felt when she had discovered that she was adopted.
However, being the son of your father's worst enemy, was something she just couldn't imagine.
"Jason, I am going to say to hi to Lucky and Nikolas, I'll be right back."
"Ok. I'll get us a table."

((((())))))))(((((((())))))

Lucky looked around the table at his brother and their friends and smiled. He was actually having a good time, but it was hard to keep his thoughts about Stefan and Luke away. As hard as he tried, they kept coming up in his mind. Nikolas and Elizabeth could see the pain behind his eyes. He was quieter than usual, trying to follow the conversation, but his concentration wasn't there. He couldn't believe that Stefan had given him the medallion. Lucky didn't even hear his name being called.
"Lucky…earth to Lucky." Emily said jokingly.
"Huh. Sorry Em, I am not with it today." Lucky apologized.
"It's ok. I was just wondering how it felt to be back at home with your family. Lulu must love having you back there." The table got quiet. Lucky didn't know quite how to respond. He looked over at Nikolas as if asking him, why didn't you tell your girl friend about what happened. However, Lucky was saved from answering by the appearance of Caroline.
"Hey, everyone. How's it going?" Caroline asked amicably, hoping that Lucky would respond.
"Ok. I guess." Lucky answered thankful for the distraction.
"If you ever need to talk, Lucky I am available. I know a little bit about how you feel."
"Thanks, I take it you talked to Aunt Bobbie?" **Maybe I will talk to her.**
"Yeah, I wouldn't let her get away with out telling me why she left Wyndemere. I hope you don't mind that she told me?"
"No, everyone is going to know anyway." **Unfortunately.**
"Mom told me that you might stop by at the Brownstone last night, and she was surprised when you didn't." Lucky closed his eyes briefly trying to forget what he had overheard.
"Yeah, I noticed Luke was there, and I didn't want to deal with more family issues so I stayed with Nikolas last night." Emily was now completely confused. It was as though, Lucky and Caroline were speaking in a completely different language. She had never heard Lucky calling Luke "Luke", instead of "Dad", and why would he stay at Nikolas's, instead of his own house? And why was Bobbie mad at Stefan? Last time she had seen them together, they were happy.
"Ok, I understand. As I said before, if you ever want to talk to me, I am available. I have to go meet Jason. It was nice seeing everyone again."
"Bye." Everyone said together.
"Ok. Will someone please tell me what's going on." Emily announced. Lucky, not wanting to talk about it didn't say anything, but nodded to Nikolas who told Emily.
"Lucky found out a couple a days ago that Stefan Cassadine is his biological father."
"Lucky, I am so sorry." Emily was shocked. She remembered running away with Lucky when they were younger, and how much a like Luke and Lucky were when Lucky was younger.
"Em, it's ok. I just would rather not talk about it right now." Emily took a closer look at Lucky and she could see how sad and vulnerable he looked, despite his efforts to shrug it off.
"Ok. I understand."
Lucky decided it was definitely time for a subject change. "Emily, how's Raoul doing?"
As Lucky and Emily chatted about past times, Nikolas spotted Alexis sitting with Ned. Ned just got up to leave, and Nikolas deciding now was as good as time as ever, decided to go over to see her. "Excuse me, I see someone I have to say hi to." Lucky nods at Nikolas and goes on talking to Emily and Elizabeth. They were explaining how Foster and Annabelle fell in love.

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"Nikolas hi. I was just about to come over to talk to you. How's everything going?"
"It's ok I guess." Alexis motions for Nikolas to sit down in the seat Ned just vacated.
"It must have been quite a shock to find out about Lucky."
"That's understatement. I mean there wasn't even a hint to the fact that Lucky is his son." **And, why did he keep it a secret?**
"Nikolas, you know that Stefan loves you, don't you?"
"Yeah, but I don't understand him. I always thought I did, but now I have no clue." **And will he care about me as much now that he has Lucky? **
"I have stopped trying to figure him out long ago."
"He's the only father I have ever really had." Nikolas shrugs and sits back glad that Alexis willing to talk about how he feels about everything. Alexis smiles thinking about how much Stefan has tried to protect Nikolas. "I know, and you are not going to lose him."
"I feel badly for Lucky, it's like he's being thrown into something, that he wants no part of."
"I know that feeling." It was bad enough that I was a distant cousin of the Cassadine family, but to find out that Mikkos was my father, and that Helena killed my mother. There were many times that I had wished I wasn't a Cassadine.
"I was wondering. Do you think you can help him? He's staying with me for a little while, but he needs a job, and I know he wants to go to school, but I don't know how he would go about doing that, because he's been "dead" for two years."
"I'll talk to him later, I've been thinking about that. I can't imagine him liking the fact that he has no job or money." **I know I would hate it. It's bad enough being a Cassadine, but having your whole life revolve around them is worse.**
"Thank you, I am sure he would appreciate it. I have to get back now." "I'll talk to you soon. Just remember that Stefan and I love you no matter what."
"I know. I love you too." Nikolas turned and walked back to the table. **I hope Lucky, will accept her help.**

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Lucky and Elizabeth were standing outside the Hardy residence. Lucky and Liz had walked home. They didn't say much, but Lucky was just glad to be able to relax. Despite the few awkward moments, lunch was nice.
"Do you want to come in?" Liz asked hopefully.
"Not now. I need to think for a while. There are too many things running around in my head."
"Okay." Elizabeth said a little disappointed.
"How about I come over later tonight?"
Elizabeth smiled. "Okay, come over around 9:00pm. Grams has to work late, so she won't be home."
"Sounds good. I'll see you then." Lucky turned and walked away with a smile on his face.

(((((()))))))

Lucky somehow found himself by the docks. He noticed Helena's yacht coming in to harbor. He figured Helena was on the yacht so he decided to leave. He turned around and almost walked right into her.
"Hello, Lucas."

Chapter 33:

"Hello, Lucas." Lucky was shocked to see her. He was slightly unnerved that Helena could sneak up on him like that, but he hid it well.
"Hello Grandmother. What a pleasant surprise to see you here, you left in such a hurry that I didn't get to say good-bye."
The word Grandmother being used to describe Helena, left a bitter taste in his mouth, but he knew that it would get a reaction out of her.
**Why did he call me grandmother?**
"Old habits must die had. You are still calling me Grandmother. I am happy to know that I made such an impression on you. Luke would be pleased." **She doesn't know.**
Lucky stepped back from Helena and smiled like someone who had a secret they were dying to spill. "Well it isn't just old habits. It's a fact."
Lucky looked in satisfaction as Helena was unable to mask her surprise.
**That's impossible.**
"Come now Lucas. Surely you are mistaken, you must know by now that you were just a tool that I could use to hurt your parents with." Helena looked at how boldly Lucky was confronting her. After two years on the island Lucky had barely showed his spine. She took a close look at him and could see the determination and enjoyment he had from knowing something that she didn't.
"Oh Helena, I know that. I have no illusions about you what so ever, but you see I thought you were smarter than to let such vital information escape you."
"Tell me what I am missing." Lucky walked closer to Helena smiling.
"Gladly, when we returned to Port Charles, at first I had no clue who I really was, but then I met Nikolas and he got someone to hypnotize me, and suddenly (Lucky snaps his fingers as if he had a sudden realization) everything came clearer. See I knew that Luke was my father, and you were his worst enemy. But what I didn't know was that I was the result of my mother's one nightstand with Stefan Cassadine. So you see the title Grandmother fits." Both Helena and Lucky were surprised at his boldness. **I don't know why I am telling her this.**
Helena stepped back slightly in shock not fear. **This is not possible. Lucky was too much like Luke to be Stefan's son.**
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Why not? Hell, there isn't much more you can do to me other than kill me, and I am sure for you it's more fun to play. You are like a cat with a mouse. You play first, then strike. But just to warn you. I am not anyone's mouse. I just think it's funny that out of all the lies in Greece you told me, the most important one was true." With that Lucky turned and walked away. He got a sick sort of pleasure from ambushing her instead of being ambushed. Nikolas, Laura, Stefan, and even Luke had ambushed him way too much in the last four years. It was definitely satisfying, especially since it was Helena.
Once Helena recovered from the shock, her mind came up with all sorts of possibilities. **Lucas doesn't seem too happy with Luke or Stefan right now. Other wise he wouldn't have gone to Nikolas. I wonder what I can do to help his animosity grow. It would hurt them both to lose Lucky again.**

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Luke Spencer was a man who had to know where everyone was. And not having a clue as to where Lucky was drove him crazy. He needed to know that Lucky was ok. That night at the club when Lucky broke down scared him. He had no clue how lost Lucky had become. Never had Luke seen him so unsure, but Luke felt that after that night Lucky knew that he would always be his son. However, it bothered him that he had not seen Lucky since. So he tried the only place he could think of, the Hardy residence.
Liz opened the door surprised to see Luke Spencer standing there.
"Hey Darlin, I was wondering if you had seen Cowboy lately?"
"Hey Mr. Spen, I mean Luke, I just came from lunch with him."
"Do you know where he is staying, I really need to talk to him." Liz looked at Luke skeptically. She wasn't sure if Lucky would want him to know, but yesterday he was so happy that Luke and he had straightened everything out that Liz figured that it would be ok.
"He's staying with Nikolas on Spoon Island."
"What!!" **I've lost him already.**
Liz was surprised by Luke's reaction. But she could guess that it came from Luke's fears that Lucky had sided with Stefan.
"Luke, Lucky will always think of you as his father. He needed a place to stay, so Nikolas offered. This isn't about you or Stefan."
Luke looked at Liz and hoped that she was right.
"We'll see. But I wouldn't be too sure of Stefan's motives. I'd watch out, if I were you. If he wants to get to Lucky, he may use you."
"I won't let him."
"Good. Thanks for telling me."
"Bye, Luke."
Liz stepped back and closed the door hoping that she made the right decision to tell Luke.

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Lucky was sitting in the park, lost in his own world of thought. Luke had always told him that family was the most important thing, and that nothing was thicker than blood. If that was true, then Lucky was destined to become a Cassadine. His blood now tied him to those that tried to freeze the world, Mikos, Viktor, and Tony. It tied him to those who stole his mother from Luke; Staveros and Helena. Just thinking of the fact that Helena was in reality his grandmother, made his blood run cold. And then there was Stefan, the man who after 18 years suddenly wanted to be his father. He was the man that had kept Leslie hidden and drugged in order to "protect her". Stefan used the fact that Laura longed to see her mother again, to draw Laura closer to him. His goal was not to become a father to a thirteen year old boy, but to use that thirteen year old boy to get to Laura. He also knew the truth about Lucky for five years and did nothing with it. He didn't care enough to get to know Lucky as anything more than a tool in the Cassadine Spencer Feud. The only thing that gave hope to Lucky that he wouldn't turn out to be as heartless as the other Cassadines was Nikolas. Despite it all, Nikolas was not too bad. He did more for Lucky than he ever dreamed he would, and Lucky was grateful. Lucky was still lost in his family tree that he didn't hear Caroline call to him.
"Lucky?" He didn't answer.
"Earth to Lucky?" Caroline said as she tapped Lucky on the shoulder. She laughed when he practically jumped off the bench he was sitting.

"What. Oh sorry. I didn't see you."
"That's obvious. So how are things going?"
"They're going, and you?" Lucky said shrugging.
"They're good. Jason is with Jennifer and Michael, hopefully they are not driving him to crazy. So what brings you to the park." Caroline asked sitting down.
"I just needed to think, before I did something completely crazy." **Although, telling Helena, may have ruined that idea.**
"Doing something crazy. I know that feeling. Too bad, I usually can't control that desire." Caroline responded smiling.
"Right now, I am not sure I want to. How did you get past it?" "Past what?"
"The anger at Bobbie for giving you up, and the anger at your adoptive mom for lying to you."
"It was hard, but after I saw that Bobbie and Virginia did love me, it was easier. But before that I had this insane desire to hurt her. So I stole her husband." Caroline laughed.
"I stole his car." Lucky smiled slightly.
"What?"
"The night Stefan decided to tell me the truth, I was so restless I couldn't even think straight. But I had this desire to hurt Stefan, like he hurt me. Although, breaking into the garage and stealing his Mercedes was not the best way to hurt him. Especially, since I ran the car into the tree. But I loved seeing the look on his face when I threw the Mercedes emblem from the hood of the car at him. He was so shocked that he couldn't say anything." Lucky laughed remembering the surprised look on Stefan's face and how he practically sputtered.
"I have never seen Stefan speechless, he is never at a loss for words. I would have loved to have seen that." Caroline said smiling.
"I just don't know what to do now. I am living with Nikolas, for now. I can't go back to the house. The house was built on too many lies, and if I were to live there it would slowly suffocate me."
"What about Laura and Lulu." Although, Caroline remembered that when she found out she was adopted, the last place she wanted to be was home.
"I love Lulu, and will always try to be a part of her life, but Laura I don't even want to think about. She lies about everything. I got past the fact that she lied to me about having a brother, but I can't get past the fact that she lied about my father." Caroline could notice the anger in Lucky's eyes when he spoke about Laura.
"Why do you think she did that?"
"I don't know. She didn't want to lose Luke, and I guess she didn't want to lose me. But the thing is it would have been better if she had told me. She never accepts her part in anything, and she has never come clean with me before I confronted her. If I see Laura again, it will be too soon."
"Lucky, I won't tell you what to do, because if you are anything like me, you won't listen, but if you need to talk or anything I am available." Caroline was saddened at how down Lucky looked.
"Thank you, it helped talking to you, but I better go back." Lucky says standing up.
"Ok. I am glad we talked. I'll see you later?"
"Sure, bye." Lucky replied standing up.
"Bye." Caroline sighed hoping Lucky wasn't going to do something completely insane.
Lucky leaves to return back to Spoon Island.

(((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))

"Why would he want to live with Nikolas?" Luke asked himself as he got on the launch to Wyndemere. "Doesn't Lucky get the fact that Stefan will be able to get his hands on him easier at Wyndemere? I think it's time to prove to Lucky that I am his father no matter what Stefan says. I was wrong. Blood was not always the most important thing. I can't let him fall into Stefan's trap, what ever that is. He is my son, and he always will be."

((((((((()))))))))))))

Stefan was still discouraged by the afternoon's events.
**Instead of bringing Lucky closer to me, I fear I have pushed him further away. I am unsure if giving him the medallion was the right thing to do. Although, I am not sure what he will do with it. I hope he does not throw it away. And if he decides to keep it, and not throw it away, I have to take that as a good sign. I have to find away of destroying Spencer's chances of Lucky treating Luke as his father. Spencer is not good enough for a Cassadine. Lucky deserves better. He deserves the wealth and power that being a Cassadine brings. And I intend to show him.** Stefan sat thinking while he waited for Lucky to return. He knew that Nikolas was with Emily, and knew that Nikolas would not be home for awhile, which hopefully would give Stefan a chance to talk to Lucky alone again. Stefan noticed that the front door was opening and stands ready to speak with Lucky.

"Lucky?"
"Nope, wrong Spencer." Luke lights a cigar and leans back against the wall.

Chapter 34:

Stefan looked in disgust at Luke who was calmly leaning against the wall of the main room of the guesthouse.
"Lucky is NOT a Spencer, the sooner you accept the fact, and stop deluding yourself, the better things will be for Lucky."
"Sorry Steffin. It's not that simple. It doesn't matter what you think, Lucky will never consider himself your son. He is mine." **At least, I hope Lucky will always consider himself my son.** Luke pushed himself off the wall and lounged on the couch like he had all the time in the world.
"Luke, it's only a matter of time before he sees you as the vile creature you are." Stefan watched as Luke put his feet on the couch and narrowed his eyes in disgust. He couldn't believe that Lucky had survived living with Luke.
"You would like that wouldn't you? I hate to tell you this, but he's seen me at my worse and still forgiven me. Lucky and I have a bond that can not be broken, just because you wish it to be." Stefan frowned at his words. **What if Lucky never considers me his father? Can I deal with that?**
"If that was true, then why is he staying with Nikolas, instead of with you?"
**Good question.** Luke thought to himself as he walked closer to Stefan.
"What ever his reasons may be, you can bet that it has nothing to do with you." Luke stalked closer to Stefan anxious for Stefan to leave so that he could talk to his son with out interference.
"You would like to believe that it has nothing to do with me. It galls you to no end that the son you raised is a Cassadine." **He is my son.** Luke thought.
"He will never be a Cassadine." **I will do anything to prevent that.** Luke thinks as he gets in Stefan's face.
"Stop!!" Both Luke and Stefan turn to look at the person who startled them both.

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It had been three days since she had last seen her husband. She couldn't go another day with out talking to him. Hopefully, he has had a chance to cool down. Although, Laura knew that Luke would not be happy to see her, she decided to wait in his office until he got back from where ever he was. She prayed that she could salvage her relationship with Luke, although she knew it would be hard if not impossible. That was not the only relationship that she needed to save. The relationship with her second son, was also important to her. However, she knew that Luke would be easier to reach than Lucky. If she could get Luke to forgive her then perhaps he'd help her with Lucky.

(((((((())))))))

After talking to Caroline, Lucky felt a little better, but not great. He still had no clue what he wanted and what he was going to do with the medallion. Lucky opened the door to the guesthouse and was bombarded with the angry voices of Luke and Stefan. They didn't even notice him come in. Lucky hid behind the door of the main room just listening. Finally he couldn't take it anymore.

"Stop!!" Lucky was satisfied when both Luke and Stefan turned to face him.
"What the hell is going on here?" Lucky yelled furiously. He was furious at the fact that both Luke and Stefan were treating him as possession.

"Lucky…"
"Save it. I don't want to hear it. I am not a possession." Lucky glared at both of them as he walked closer to the two men.

"I know that Lucky, but.." Luke tried to explain.

"But what Dad? Am I supposed to be happy that you are afraid that I will become a Cassadine? After all it's in my blood, right Dad? Oh wait, you don't even know me anymore. You don't care about me, really. You're just afraid that I will turn to Stefan. The truth is if I chose Stefan, then you lose the war. And that is what this is about for both of you. The winner of the great Cassadine Spencer Feud." Luke was surprised by his words. **How could he have known that I thought that. I thought after the night he cried in my arms that he believed that I would always love him. I just don't want to lose him.** Stefan's mind begins to work as he realizes that Lucky is not sure of Luke anymore. **If I can help Lucky to realize how unworthy Spencer is then I have a chance. It seems like Lucky just needs a little push and he'll be mine.** "Lucky, that is not true." **How can I believe you, Dad?** Luke steps towards Lucky, but Lucky backs away. Stefan was again glad at Lucky's reaction.

"Yeah right Dad. I mean Luke. That's what it has always been about. A feud that I don't even understand. How could I? It started before I was born. You wanted me to hate Nikolas, because he was a Cassadine. I'll admit I didn't have much of a problem agreeing with you, but you were wrong. I was wrong." The tears were gathering in Lucky's eyes. He angrily brushed them away. Stefan, although sad that Lucky was in such pain, was encouraged by the angry words from Lucky to Luke. **Maybe I have a chance.** Stefan was about to say something when Luke spoke again.

"Lucky, I love you. I don't care that Stefan is your biological father." Luke said as he stepped closer to Lucky.

"Liar. I heard you talking to Bobbie. You're afraid that I will turn against you, like I did before. But Luke how can I turn against someone who has already turned against me? After all I am a Cassadine, right Dad? It's in my blood." Luke was struck speechless. **No wonder Lucky turned to Nikolas, he thinks I hate him.**

"Lucky, I was hurt and confused, and I was wrong. I love you. I want to protect you."

Lucky wanted to believe Luke, and looking into his eyes he almost did. But he didn't want to get too close so that he couldn't be hurt again. He was about to say something when Stefan spoke. Both Lucky and Luke had forgotten he was there.

"You really think that I would hurt my own son?" Stefan asked.

"Why not? You almost killed Nikolas twice, and Lucky once." Luke replied. "It's not out of the realm of possibilities."

"Lucky, I never intentionally wanted to hurt you." Stefan tried to explain to Lucky.

"But you did Stefan, you lied to me my whole life. And used me against my father. I will not be used again, by anyone. I will make my own choices, for my own future. I am not a possession. I hope you both remember that I am not a prize to be won. I will not answer to anyone, not to you, my mother, or Helena. I will tell you the same thing I told Helena today, I will not be used or played with again." Both Luke and Stefan were startled when they heard Helena's name.

"Lucky, stay away from Helena." Stefan warned Lucky. **Helena would love to torture my son. She has already kidnapped him. The fact that Luke still thinks Lucky is his, will be added fire for Helena to use.**

"Why? She already kidnapped me, I doubt she will kill me. The only thing I do know is that she hates both of you. Are you worried, like Luke is, that I will side with Helena again? Perhaps, I will. It may serve you both right for using me. I have no loyalties to anyone." With that Lucky threw the medallion back at Stefan and went out the door away from the guesthouse.
Stefan opened the box and was saddened that Lucky gave it back to him.
However, Luke was glad. Both Luke and Stefan were worried about what Lucky told them about Helena. Neither believed that he would willingly work for her.
They realized that it was a threat from an angry hurt young man, but they knew that Helena wouldn't think twice about using Lucky again. They both silently hoped that Lucky would not let himself be used again. They both knew that Lucky as their son was further away than before. Luke left with out a word to Stefan.

((((()))))))))((((((()))))

Lucky had totally forgotten about his date with Liz. He found himself all alone on the bridge, sitting on the ledge. He tried to clear his head. He knew that he would never willingly work with Helena again, but it felt good to surprise Luke and Stefan. He wanted to hurt them. And he succeeded. But he was lying to himself when he said that it felt good. He just didn't know what to do. And he was sick and tired of it all. He wanted no part of it. Luke and Stefan could do whatever they wanted for all he cared. Again another lie. Lucky was just as lost as he was a couple of days ago.

(((((()))))))((((((()))))

Liz was worried. Lucky hadn't shown up and when she called Nikolas he had no clue where he was. So she decided to walk towards Wyndemere, hopefully she would see him. Liz didn't know what to do to help him. He was so distant and sad. She was surprised when she saw Lucky sitting on the ledge of the bridge.

"Lucky?"

(((((((()))))))((((((()))))))

Luke wanted to drink himself into a stupor. He wanted to forget about everything that had happened tonight. He wanted to forget the hurt that he had caused Lucky. He couldn't believe that Lucky had heard him that night. No wonder he was so angry. Luke wanted to forget it all. He walked into his office and saw the reason he couldn't connect with his son right there in his seat.

"Laura."

Chapter 35:

"Laura."
"Luke, I was hoping we could talk." Laura stood up nervously from behind the desk, from where she sat. She knew that he was staying at the club. **I hope he'll listen to me, but I doubt it.**
"Not now Laura." Luke could not deal with her right now. His son thought he hated him, and was talking to Stefan and Helena Cassadine. Both of which were very bad things. He just hoped that Lucky would be smart enough to stay away from the old bat. Luke refused to look at her and went over to the couch. Luke silently willed Laura to leave. He kept remembering the pain in Lucky's eyes and he couldn't forgive Laura for putting it there. He couldn't forgive himself either.
"Luke we have to talk." Laura walked over to where Luke was standing. He tried not to look at her, but he couldn't help it. He looked up into her puppy dog eyes. **Don't let her pull you in.** He walked behind the desk so that it separated them.
"Well, sorry darlin, I have absolutely nothing to say to you." Luke walked over to his private stock, pouring himself a shot of bourbon.
"Luke, please." Laura walked closer to Luke.
"Laura leave." Luke poured himself another shot and downed it just as quickly.
"No, I will not leave. I want to talk to you."
"Well, I sure as hell do not want to talk to you. You have no idea what your lies have done, do you?" Luke threw the shot glass at the wall opposite from Laura's head.
"Luke, I am sorry." Tears are streaming down her face. She takes a step closer to Luke and puts her hand on his shoulder. He turns around quickly at her touch.
"Save it, Laura. I don't want to hear anything from you ever again. I am sick and tired of your lies. They have destroyed everyone that you claim to love." **I don't understand you anymore**
"Luke, I love you." **How can I make him listen.**
"The only one you love is yourself. You claim that everything you do is for your children, but everything you do is for yourself and what makes you happy." Laura wipes her hand over her eyes.
"Luke, you are wrong."
"Laura, I don't care what you say. I don't know how to forgive you. I trusted you above everyone else, and you have lied to me too many times. Leave Laura."
Laura knew it was hopeless right now, but she had to know how Lucky was. She knew that Luke would make it a point to know where Lucky was and how he was taking the news. "Luke, I'll leave, but I have to know. How's Lucky?" Luke laughed bitterly. "How do you think he is, Laura? He is lost, confused, scared and angry. He asked me how you could you claim to love him if you keep lying to him? And you know what? I wonder the same thing."
"Luke" Laura said pleadingly.
"No, more Laura. Leave." Luke walked over to the door and opened it. "Leave."
Laura nodded and left the room with tears streaming down her face.

(((((()))))))

"Lucky?"
Lucky turned from where he was sitting on the ledge to see Liz walking up to him.
"Hey." Lucky responded sadly.
**That's it? He doesn't show up today, and all he can say is hey?** "Where have you been?"
"Around, why?" **Why is she so mad? Wait…I was supposed to meet her.**
"Because I have been worried sick. You were supposed to meet me a while ago."
"I am sorry, I got distracted." Lucky turned back to look out over the water. Liz took a closer look at Lucky and noticed that he almost looked defeated. "What happened?" Liz asked climbing to sit next to Lucky.
"Just more fatherly bonding." Lucky replied sarcastically.
"With who?"
"Both of them. I had just returned home when I opened the door to the guesthouse, only to see Luke and Stefan yelling over who I belonged to." Lucky got up to stand on the edge of the ledge.
"What are you going to do?" Liz watched as Lucky stood overlooking the water.
"What can I do? I have two fathers, neither of whom really wants me. They just want to control me. Whichever one I decide to call father, is the one who wins the stupid Spencer/Cassadine Feud, I am just a prize to them. A prize they want to claim so that they can declare victory."
Lucky went on ignoring Liz. "Stefan claims he wants to be a father to me after years of not acknowledging my existence. Neither one of them wants me around." Lucky closed his eyes briefly.
"Lucky, that's not true."
"How would you know? You didn't hear Luke tell Bobbie that he didn't know me anymore. Luke is afraid that I will turn into Stefan or worse, Helena. I can't believe that he would think that I am capable of that. Maybe I am? I mean, it's in my blood just like Luke said." Liz watched as Lucky walked absentmindedly on the ledge with out looking as to where he put his feet. It was as if he didn't care if he fell or not.
"Lucky…." Liz was starting to get more nervous. She climbed down from the ledge.
"What if Luke is right? What if I am capable of being as heartless as the other Cassadines?"
Liz had tears in her eyes. Her heart was breaking inside for Lucky. She wanted to scream at the people who were doing this to him. "Lucky, come down please."
Lucky ignored her and kept walking half-hazardly on the ledge.
"Lucky, come down now!"
"Why? Did you ever just want to end it all?" **Oh God. He can't do this.**
"Lucky, if you don't come down, then I am coming up."
Lucky doesn't respond. Lucky just stared out as if he wanted to disappear. Liz climbed up on the ledge, convinced that Lucky had lost it. Not that she could blame him. Liz stood up and walked over to where Lucky was standing.
"Liz, what are you doing?"
"I want you to listen to me, and you haven't heard a word I have said so I decided to join you."
"Liz, get down."
"Not until you do. I lost you once, I won't do it again."
"I think it would be better if I left." **Then Luke and Stefan wouldn't be fighting over me, and I wouldn't have to be torn in too many directions. It would be so much easier if I just left.** Lucky was standing with his arms spread open as if willing the wind to carry him away.
"For who, Lucky? Not me."
"Especially for you. What if Luke is right?" Lucky doesn't look at Liz as tears roll down his eyes.
"Lucky listen to me, please." At Liz's pleading voice Lucky looks over at Liz.
"Lucky, let me help you."
"You can't." **I wish you could.** Lucky smiled slightly turned away from Liz. Liz reached out to touch Lucky, and was surprised when he didn't shrug it off.
"I want to try. Remember after you found me in the park? I didn't want to see or talk to anyone. I was so ashamed. I don't know what I would have done if it hadn't been for you. Let me help you, like you helped me." Lucky looked at Liz and wiped the tears from her eyes and silently sat down on the ledge again. Liz followed and sat down next to him. "Lucky, you don't have to say anything. Just remember that I know there is no way you could ever hurt anyone the way that Helena can. You are so sweet and caring. You helped me through my darkest days, let me help you through yours, and remember it will get better." Lucky couldn't take it anymore and he let the tears fall down his face. Liz wrapped her arms around him and let him cry. After a few minutes Lucky pulled away from Liz. He just stared at her. "What would I do with out you?" He asked.
"The question should be what would I do with out you?"
Lucky touched her cheek and wiped away the tears with his hand and leaned closer to her.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For being here and for being you." Liz's heart swelled. She was going to reply when she felt Lucky's lips lightly on hers. Lucky pulled away as if to make sure it was alright, and when he saw her smile he leaned in again and he kissed her again.

When the day is long and the night, the night is yours alone,
when you're sure you've had enough of this life, well hang on.
Don't let yourself go, everybody cries and everybody hurts sometimes.

( Lucky and Liz were huddled together looking over the water on the ledge of the bridge.)

Sometimes everything is wrong. Now it's time to sing along.
When your day is night alone, (hold on, hold on)
if you feel like letting go, (hold on)
when you think you've had too much of this life, well hang on.

(Luke sat at his desk drowning his sorrows with bourbon thinking about the son he most likely lost, and the wife he didn't want to think about.)

Everybody hurts. Take comfort in your friends.
Everybody hurts. Don't throw your hand. Oh, no. Don't throw your hand.
If you feel like you're alone, no, no, no, you are not alone

(Laura laid on her bed crying silently holding a picture of her family realizing that they will never be that happy and together again.)

If you're on your own in this life, the days and nights are long,
when you think you've had too much of this life to hang on.

(Stefan knocked on Bobbie's door hoping that Bobbie would answer. She opened the door and reluctantly let him in.)

Well, everybody hurts sometimes,
everybody cries. And everybody hurts sometimes.
And everybody hurts sometimes. So, hold on, hold on.
Hold on, hold on. Hold on, hold on. Hold on, hold on. (repeat & fade)
(Everybody hurts. You are not alone.)

(Lucky and Liz walked silently away from the bridge hand in hand.)

The Complete R.E.M. Lyrics Archive
Everybody Hurts
From: Automatic For The People