Locked Out
By Candie

Chapters 6-10

Chapter 6

- Hours Later
Setting: The Metro Court
(It's a beautiful summer night. Robin Scorpio walks through the lobby of the Metro Court wearing a simple pink tank top with a flowing white skirt. She was happy that she decided to meet Patrick tonight for dinner. To be honest, she still wasn't convinced that she could completely open up to him about how she felt about becoming John's godmother, but it felt good to know that if she decided to, she could. She couldn't explain why she hadn't told Patrick about John's paternity when she had first found out. He was right, in a sense; there was no reason for her not to have told him. He was not emotionally attached to either Jax or Nikolas. In fact, Patrick had a way of being emotionally detached to most major decisions. That was why Robin had nominated him during the outbreak to decide who received the vaccine. She admired that characteristic about Patrick. Robin had a habit of letting her heart guide most of her major decisions, but Patrick was different. With him, it was all about facts. But what Robin didn't know, the main reason Patrick wished she had told him was so that she wouldn't have had to share that burden alone. He was convinced that he could've made a difference… at least a little bit of one. In his room at the Metro Court, Patrick is standing by the small desk in his room lighting a candle when he hears a slight knocking on his door. He looks up as he blows out the match in his hand then walks over to his door smiling.)

Patrick: You're late.
(Robin looks down at her watch and smiles.)
Robin: By five minutes?
(Patrick steps aside and Robin walks into his room.)
Patrick: Five valuable minutes.
(Robin rolls her eyes slightly as Patrick pulls her toward him.)
Patrick: Five valuable minutes we could've been doing this…
(Without any other words, Patrick leans down and kisses her tenderly while caressing the side of her face.)
Robin (pulling away): I'd love to see what I get for being ten minutes late.
(Patrick laughs slightly as he guides Robin toward his couch. They sit down and Robin laughs slightly once seeing three types of pizza and a basket of French fries staring back at her.)
Robin: You know… we have to get you a real kitchen.
Patrick: What's wrong with hotel food?
Robin: Once in a while, maybe… but all the time? (Looks at him) You need a home cooked meal.
Patrick: Then, invite me to your place. (Smiles) I'd love to have you cook for me.
(Robin rolls her eyes as she picks up a French fry.)
Robin: I didn't necessarily mean that you need MY home cooking.
(Patrick leans in toward Robin and smiles.)
Patrick: You know, they say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.
(Robin looks back at Patrick.)
Robin: Most men. But you… you aren't like most men.
(Robin softly touches Patrick's chest.)
Patrick (smiles): I'll that as a compliment.
(Robin laughs as Patrick leans back on his couch and brings her with him. She continues to play with the buttons of his shirt.)
Robin: You can take that whichever way you'd like.
(Patrick leans down and kisses the top of Robin's head.)
Patrick: So, have you given any thought to what we talked about earlier?
(Robin looks down at her hands.)
Robin (softly): Yes.
Patrick: And?
Robin: If there was anyone I'd share how I feel about all of this with… it'd be you.
Patrick: But?
(Robin looks up at Patrick.)
Robin: I don't want to bring that mess into our time together. (Simply) Patrick, I don't want anything concerning Carly with us when we're together.
(Patrick studies Robin for a moment then pushes back her hair gently.)
Patrick (softly): Are you sure?
(Robin looks back down again and nods.)
Patrick: Can I just say one thing about Carly? And then I'll drop it?
(Robin nods as she moves from Patrick's chest.)
Patrick: I know that according to her, you wrecked her oldest son's life. (Robin rolls her eyes) But, he looks pretty healthy and somewhat normal to me… and any lacking of social skills, I'm assuming comes from his parents.
(Robin looks back at Patrick. She can tell that he's waiting for her to say something.)
Patrick: And since I've known you, you've shown the most passion when it comes to two people.
Robin: Excluding yourself?
Patrick (smirks): Excluding myself. (Pauses) Passionate hate for Carly and… passionate whatever it is you feel for Jason.
(Robin looks down at her hands again and Patrick silently nods.)
Patrick: That's why you hate Carly. (Comes to a realization) She's the reason you and Jason aren't together.
(Robin shakes her head as she continues to stare down at her hands.)
Robin: It's not that simple.
Patrick: Simple or not, it's what made that whole secret with Jax and Nikolas so complicated.
(Robin looks back at Patrick. He wasn't going to let this go. She can tell. And once Patrick was determined to get something, he did everything in his power to get it. Her sitting in his room with him was living proof of that.)
Robin (sighs): That had nothing to do with Jason. (Simply) I can promise you that.
(Robin slowly looks back up at Patrick.)
Robin: But, you are right… Carly was part of the reason that Jason and I broke up, but there were so many reasons at the end. (sighs loudly) Jason and I started seeing each other not that long after Stone died. I wasn't ready for a relationship and when I pulled back, Jason went to Carly and they began an affair behind my back.
(Patrick just stares back at Robin. She couldn't tell what he was thinking. He wasn't expecting that. Perhaps, he was… but hearing the words and thinking them seemed like two completely different things at that moment. Jason Morgan seemed like a lot of things – violent, a jerk, even simple… but, he didn't seem unfaithful.)
Robin: It was right after Jason's car accident.
Patrick: And that made it okay?
Robin: I forgave him, if that's what you're asking.
(Patrick just nods.)
Robin: That was probably my first mistake when it came to Carly. I mean, it made sense to me at the time. But, what did I know? I was an eighteen year old in my first relationship as an HIV+ woman and all I knew was that Jason had needs, that in my mind, I couldn't meet because I was scared… so I forgave him.
(Patrick stares back at Robin, not even knowing what to say. Quite frankly, he was disgusted.)
Robin: Anyway, they eventually broke it off and somehow became best friends. (shakes her head) In my mind, she uses Jason. (Sighs) Maybe I'm wrong. I don't know. I just never saw his benefit to the friendship. (Sighs) And when Jason's line of work became a little too much for me after he was shot in front of me, Carly managed to get herself pregnant. She didn't know who the father was and the two men, in the running, smartly wanted to take their child away from her, so she went to Jason for help and they both lied and said that Michael was his.
(Patrick releases a held breath.)
Patrick: Everything is falling into place now.
Robin: I returned to Port Charles only a month later when my best friend had a mental breakdown and walked into this huge lie.
Patrick: And you told the truth?
(Robin looks down and nods.)
Robin: It was complicated, but yes. I waited too long, though. Jason grew extremely attached to Michael; Carly grew extremely attached to Jason… and I…
(Robin softly sighs.)
Robin: I got extremely attached to Jason and Michael. (Emotionally) Telling the truth last time cost me everything I loved.
Patrick: That's why Jason broke up with you. (She nods) And that's why Carly thinks you wrecked Michael's life, because if you hadn't told, she'd still be with Jason.
Robin: There you go.
Patrick: And now…
Robin: And now… Carly did it again with Jax. (Simply) And I did it again by telling Nikolas the truth.
(Patrick leans in and studies Robin carefully.)
Patrick: Are you sorry you told Nikolas?
Robin (quickly): No. It's selfish of me, but I just wish that someone else could've done it. (sighs) And I wish Jax didn't have to get hurt in the process. (looks at him) Nikolas loved Courtney. I mean, can you imagine losing the woman you love and the one thing you have to hold onto her is being kept from you?
(Patrick takes a deep breath then looks directly at Robin.)
Patrick: Robin, you did the right thing. (pauses) I told you once before you had the courage of your convictions. I was right.
(Robin looks away.)
Robin: And now Nikolas wants me to be John's godmother. (looks at him) I feel like I'm being rewarded for tearing apart Jax's life.
Patrick: No. I don't see it that way. Nikolas obviously trusts you and probably thinks you have amazing judgment. He's doing it because he thinks you can help guide his child through life.
(Robin leans back on his couch and closes her eyes.)
Robin: Yeah, imagine that. (dryly) Half the time, I have no idea what I'm even doing. I find myself doing things I will never be able to explain.
(Patrick looks down. He knew she was referring to their “no strings attached” relationship as well.)
Patrick: Thank you.
(Robin turns her head and looks back at Patrick.)
Robin: For what?
Patrick: Trusting me enough to tell me about what happened with Carly. (looks at her) And about how you're feeling right now with Nikolas.
Robin (emotionally): The worst part of this all is that Jax has been an amazing friend to me. When my entire world shattered around me, Jax was one of the very few people that never said I was wrong or judged me. I never even got the chance to properly thank him for his support and now I ripped his world apart. (Wipes her eyes) I don't know how to be there for Jax.
(Patrick slowly turns her face toward him and looks at her.)
Patrick: We don't have to figure it out tonight.
Robin (softly): We?
Patrick: I'm going to be here for you… just like you were there for me during that whole mess with my father. (Looks down) It doesn't matter if I agree with what you did or not; as a friend, you deserve my support.
(Robin just stares back at Patrick speechless.)
Patrick: And I'm not saying that I don't agree with what you did. I just can't wrap my mind around it, because I'm not connected to Jax, Nikolas or even Carly. The only person I'm connected to in any of this is you… so, I guess, that's where I stand.
(Patrick leans in toward Robin and kisses her tenderly while caressing her cheek.)
Patrick: Okay?
(Robin just tearfully nods and Patrick smiles.)
Patrick: Good, because I have plans for you tonight.

Chapter 7

- The Next Day
Setting: Patrick's Room at the Metro Court
(It's early in the morning. Patrick Drake was the first one to wake up. He's resting on his elbow simply watching the woman next to him sleeping peacefully. She was taking deep breaths. Inhale. Exhale. She looked absolutely beautiful. Patrick loved watching Robin when she slept. He would never tell her that, though. Casual partners don't watch each other sleep… even Patrick knew that. There had been several times where Robin had almost caught him watching her and he had to fall back onto the bed with a loud crash pretending to be enjoying his tenth dream of the night. This morning, however, Robin was sleeping so soundly… she wouldn't be waking up anytime soon and Patrick knew he'd be able to watch her for as long as he wanted. He always wondered what Robin thought about while she was sleeping. Her mind seemed to always be going a mile a minute when she was awake; it seemed only natural that it would continue at that same pace while she slept. There would be moments when a small smile formed across her lips and she would murmur a few soft words. Patrick would find himself leaning over her trying to decipher what she was saying, but he would always be too late… and just like everything else about her… her thoughts were a mystery as well. And he had to admit… if only to himself, he was still trying to figure out if he was the one she “faked it” with. Patrick shakes his head. He could not believe he was actually still hanging onto that one single moment. He couldn't explain the thoughts that flew through his head when he watched Robin raise her glass. He can still hear Kelly's voice, “have you ever faked it in bed?” and then Robin lifted her glass! Lifted her friggin' glass! It had to be Jason! It had to be. He seemed like he was pretty insensitive in most areas of his life, he probably was just as insensitive when it came to pleasing his partner as well… but Patrick could be described as insensitive too. Still thinking, Patrick plops down on his back and stares up at the ceiling. It had to be Jason. He was so monotone; all he did was stare. It had to be Jason! He jumps from his thoughts when he suddenly feels Robin's shifting around in the bed. Patrick wraps his arm back around her and closes his eyes. The last thing Robin remembered from the previous night was Patrick tightening his grip on her when she attempted to leave his bed and that was all the convincing she needed to stay put. This morning, she glances toward the small clock next to Patrick's bed and reads the red blurry numbers. It was only a little after six. She sighs gratefully. Robin had a little under three hours to go home, shower and change for work. Now, her first challenge was to get up without waking up Patrick and that meant untangling herself from his grip. She slowly and cautiously raises her leg that was now curved around his like a snake then attempts to ease her body from his. It was during times like these Robin was grateful for her dancing background. It made her pretty graceful and somewhat cat-like when she needed to be. She smiles impishly when thinking that if someone asked Patrick when her dancing background came in handy, it definitely would not be during her great escapes from his death grip, but more like the instances that led to what she now referred to as the “Drake hold.” He had a way of securing her body so close to his that she could barely move during the night once he got a hold of her. He also had a habit of waking up the moment she left his arms… this morning was no exception. Patrick tiredly rubs his eyes and sits up slowly allowing the thin sheet to fall from his body and rest at his waist. He watches silently as a naked Robin looks around his room for her clothes. She had no idea where they were and was trying so hard to find them in complete silence, not to wake him up. Patrick just watches her completely amused, enjoying the show. And of course, he knew where her clothes were. He had moved her skirt and tank top himself during the night when he had woken up to go to the bathroom and noticed them at the foot of his bed. Patrick simply picked them up and hung them up on the back of his bathroom door. Last night was a good one. Patrick smiles at the memory. It was an amazing, amazing night. And watching Robin scramble around his room naked, only made him want to start up where last night left off. He finally decides to free Robin from her scavenger hunt and scoots closer toward the edge of the bed.)

Patrick: They're in the bathroom.
(At the sound of Patrick's voice, Robin leaps into the air, yelps slightly and spins around to face him. He smirks looking back at her.)
Robin: How long were you watching me?
(Patrick starts to reach for her, but Robin backs away slightly.)
Patrick: Well, I was enjoying the view so much, I just thought…
(Robin's eyes slowly lower to her body and realize that she is fully nude. She covers her face embarrassed.)
Patrick: It's nice to see that your entire body blushes.
(Robin uncovers her face and glares back at Patrick then in a sudden movement, pulls the sheet from his body and covers herself in it.)
Robin: I thought I was being polite… by leaving you with the sheet since you were sleeping, but I can see that…
(Suddenly Robin's eyes lower to Patrick's naked body and then moves back to his smirking face.)
Robin: You're awake… everywhere
(Patrick slowly leans back on his elbows and stares directly at her.)
Patrick: Very.
(Robin stumbles back slightly and shakes her head.)
Robin: I can't believe you moved my clothes.
Patrick: It was just a skirt and tank top.
(Robin walks into Patrick's bathroom and quickly changes back into her clothes then comes back moments later carrying his sheet. He watches her, still amused, as she throws it toward him then suddenly falls to her knees looking for her shoes underneath his bed.)
Robin: Why would you do that?
(Patrick reaches next to his side of the bed and finds one of her shoes then slides over to the other side and finds the other. He suddenly sees Robin's head pop up then extends both of them to her.)
Patrick: It wasn't some ulterior motive to get you to stay the night – don't worry. It was simply that I didn't think you'd want your new skirt to get wrinkled.
(Robin's features soften as she sits on the foot of Patrick's bed.)
Robin: How did you know it was new?
Patrick: You never wore it before.
Robin: For you, I haven't.
Patrick: So, it's old?
(Robin takes her shoes from him.)
Robin: Thank you.
(Patrick scoots up to the foot of the bed and sits easily behind her. Robin looks down, breaking their gaze, as he with ease softly kisses her bare shoulder.)
Patrick: I am glad you did end up staying last night.
(Robin turns her head slightly and looks at him.)
Robin (softly): I'm sorry I fell asleep.
(Patrick just looks back at her. He releases a soft breath then reaches toward her and kisses her softly.)
Patrick: I'm not.
(Robin looks down again. She had to remind herself that this was purely casual.)
Patrick: You have to get to work, right?
(Robin nods silently.)
Patrick: Did you drive here yourself last night?
Robin: My car is in the garage.
(Patrick nods then starts to get out of his bed.)
Patrick: I'll walk you then.
(Robin reaches toward Patrick and he stops suddenly with the feel of her hand on his chest.)
Robin: Don't… I'm fine. (Smiles) You have to get ready for work, yourself.
(Patrick just stares back at Robin in complete silence as she slowly leans toward him and kisses him tenderly.)
Robin: Last night was amazing. (Kisses his nose) Thank you for being there for me. (softly) See you in a few hours, okay?
(Patrick just nods then watches as Robin gathers her last few things then leaves his hotel room. Once she's gone, Patrick releases a loud breath he hadn't even realized that he was holding. This was purely casual. He shakes his head then stands up. He starts walking toward his bathroom. He had to get ready for work. Meanwhile, Robin leaves the elevator of the Metro Court and stops short when she almost collides with Jax. He instinctively looks at his watch then back at her. Robin blushes slightly. It was obvious she had spent the night with Patrick, especially since she was sneaking out before 7AM.)
Robin (awkwardly): Hey. You're up early.
Jax: Just getting back from my morning run.
(Robin just nods silently.)
Jax: And you… you're…
(Before Jax can finish his statement, Robin smiles nervously.)
Robin: How are you?
(Jax sighs. Things have been somewhat awkward between them since it was revealed that John was Nikolas's son and not Jax's. He didn't truly blame Robin for what happened. He knew that the truth was bound to come out and now just had to deal with it.)
Jax (sighs): I'm dealing.
(Robin just nods then looks down silently.)
Jax: Carly's really torn up. She misses John like crazy. We both do.
(Robin is about to say something then stops. She wasn't in the mood to get into a fight with Jax, especially standing in her clothes from last night… somehow that took her power away when trying to prove a point.)
Robin: I'm sure. (Pauses) Well, I probably should head out.
(Robin starts to turn around, but stops when Jax gently reaches toward her and grabs her arm.)
Jax: There's something I've been meaning to ask you…
(Robin turns and looks back at Jax fully.)
Jax: If I wasn't with Carly, would you have wanted me to keep John?
(Robin sighs.)
Robin: I love you, Jax. You know how much I love you… or at least I hope you do. (Softly) But I love Nikolas too. He's an amazing man, Jax, and he deserved to know his child.
(Jax simply nods.)
Jax (softly): That's what I thought you'd say.
(Robin forces a smile and nods.)
Robin: And for what it's worth, Nikolas loves that child.
(Jax nods quietly.)
Jax: That's worth a lot. (Emotionally) It worth everything right now. It's what gets me through the days.
(Robin stares back at Jax then sighs softly when he reaches toward her and hugs her tightly. Unbeknownst to them, Carly is watching them by the entrance of the Metro Court. She couldn't believe it! Jax still didn't see Robin for what she was. Carly sighs angrily. She had to pay her back. She had to. Carly reaches into her cell phone and calls General Hospital.)
Carly: Is Elizabeth Spencer and Patrick Drake working today?

- Hours Later
Setting: General Hospital Locker Room
(Elizabeth Spencer tiredly walks into the locker room. It's been a long day. This morning, she dropped Cameron off at Audrey's then ran into Jason on the docks. He was on his way to a meeting. She could tell by his suit. Elizabeth's heart went out to Jason. She knew that he really didn't want this life. She just wished there was more she could do for him. Elizabeth jumps from her thoughts when she suddenly hears Patrick walk into the locker room. She watches him freeze somewhat at the sight of her.)

Liz (smiles): Hey! Did I scare you?
(Patrick clears his throat and shakes his head. For some reason, every time he saw Elizabeth, he heard Lulu Spencer's voice in his head.)
Patrick (quickly): No… no… (Looks around) Have you seen Dr. Scorpio?
(Liz smiles as she closes her locker.)
Liz: What is going on with you and Robin?
(Patrick licks his bottom lip nervously as he starts toward his own locker.)
Patrick: What do you mean?
Liz: I mean, it's obvious that you two are spending an awful lot of time together.
(Elizabeth moves closer to Patrick and looks at him.)
Liz: A lot more time than before. (Smiling) Are you two an official couple yet?
(Patrick shakes his head as he reaches for his scrubs.)
Patrick: Dr. Scorpio and I are colleagues, that's all.
(Elizabeth nods.)
Liz (skeptically): Right.
(Patrick closes his locker then looks back at Elizabeth.)
Patrick: How are things with your husband?
(Liz smiles as she crosses her arms over her chest.)
Liz: And I thought you didn't pay attention to domestic squabbles.
Patrick: I normally don't.
(Elizabeth releases a soft breath.)
Liz: I love my husband, that's all that matters.
(Patrick nods. He looks up when he hears the door to the locker room opening then a laughing Robin approaching them with Maxie Jones.)
Robin: So, then the lab guy asked me when I started working out and I…
(Robin stops short when she sees Patrick and Elizabeth standing in front of them as they turn the corner. Maxie glances between Patrick and Elizabeth then clears her throat. There was an awkward silence until Patrick breaks it and looks at Robin.)
Patrick (lightly): Please don't stop this story on our account.
(Robin smiles as she shakes her head.)
Robin: It was nothing.
Maxie: The lab tech was hitting on you, Robin. (Looks at Patrick) It was actually quite cute.
(Patrick smirks as he leans on his locker and folds his arms over his chest.)
Patrick: So, are you going to go for it?
(Robin blushes slightly as she looks back at Patrick.)
Robin (smiling): Do you think I should?
Patrick (smirks): What's stopping you?
(Elizabeth leans in between Robin and Patrick.)
Liz: I say, “Go for it, Robin.” It's not like your married.
(And with that, Elizabeth leaves the locker room as Maxie shakes her head and starts toward her own locker.)
Maxie (under her breath): And even if you were… why not?
(Patrick watches Maxie for a moment and once she's focused on her locker, he pulls Robin around the corner to the next row of lockers.)
Patrick: So, which lab tech was it?
(Robin laughs as she shakes her head.)
Robin: I'm not telling you.
Patrick: Was it Gary with the glasses?
Robin (laughs): Gary? He's married with two kids.
Patrick: Tyler with the slight limp?
Robin (laughs): Tyler is engaged to Susan in pediatrics.
Patrick: So, it was Marshall with the lazy eye?
(Robin bursts out laughing as she covers her face.)
Patrick (laughing): What?
(Robin uncovers her face and touches Patrick's chest lightly.)
Robin: You focus on the nurses and I'll focus on the lab techs, okay?
Patrick (smirks): So, you have been focused on the techies?
(Robin smiles as she shrugs her shoulders.)
Robin: You know guys with brains turn me on.
(Patrick leans on the locker and smiles widely.)
Patrick: Is that all?
(Before Robin can respond, the door to the locker room flies open revealing Robert Scorpio. Robin turns around in shock.)
Robin: Dad? What are you doing here? (Looks around) This is the hospital locker room!
Robert: What is this I hear about you going to the Cassidine compound in Greece?
(Robin closes her eyes and groans slightly as Robert turns his attention back toward Patrick.)
Robert: I mean, honestly, Dr. Drake – what good are you?!?!

Chapter 8

Setting: General Hospital Locker Room
(Robin covers her face embarrassed as Robert glares back at her and Patrick.)

Robert: I really thought you were of some use, Dr. Drake.
(Robin groans as Patrick just stares back at Robert not knowing what to even say.)
Robin: Dad, stop…
Robert: So, it’s true? You’re going to Greece with a Cassidine?
(Robin uncovers her face and looks back at her father.)
Robin: Nikolas is christening his child – not kidnapping me.
Robert: Well, I want to go with you.
(Robin stares back at her father like he is insane.)
Robin: You cannot be serious! Only me, Nikolas, Lulu and Lucky are going to Greece.
Robert: There’s always room for one more!
Robin: Why on earth would you want to come with us for Nikolas’s son’s christening?
Robert: I’m your father! To protect you!
Robin: Dad! I don’t need protecting from Nikolas! We are just going to Greece for a few days.
Robert (dryly): Laura probably thought that too, and look at what happened to her! She came back years later with a secret child.
(Robin shakes her head as Patrick steps forward.)
Patrick: Well, lucky for Robin that Nikolas just found out he has an heir. I don’t think he’ll be kidnapping her and making her the mother of his children anytime soon.
(Robert glares back at Patrick.)
Robert: And to think, I thought you had what it takes…
Robin (exasperated): Takes for what?
(From behind the other row of lockers, Maxie leaps forward and smiles at the sight of Robin, Robert and Patrick.)
Maxie: Uncle Robert!
(Robert’s head spins as he looks back at the young girl.)
Robert: It’s just Robert!
Maxie: Whatever. (Looks at Robin) Greece sounds cool. When are you leaving?
Robin: I’m not sure… soon, I guess.
Maxie (simply): Sounds fun. (Looks at Robert) Relax, Uncle Robert, Nikolas is cool.
(Robert rolls his eyes as Maxie leaves the locker room laughing under her breath. Once he’s alone with Robin and Patrick, Robert turns his full attention toward his daughter.)
Robert: Can you just cut me a little slack, here? Imagine my huge surprise when Luke’s little tulip during a game of gin rummy informs me that she is going to be a godmother to the Cassidine heir with you.
(Robin rolls her eyes.)
Robin: Luke’s little tulip is John’s aunt.
Robert: And you?
Robin: I’m Nikolas’s friend. (Looks at him) Cassidine or not.
(Robert looks at Patrick again.)
Robert (to Patrick): And you approve?
Patrick (smirks): I have a say?
(Robin smiles as she looks back at Patrick. This was his subtle way of supporting her. And in that moment, she appreciated him. Well, she always appreciated him… he just didn’t know it. Patrick lowers his gaze and catches Robin’s smile toward him. He looks at her somewhat confused, but turns his attention back to the door when suddenly it flies open again revealing Noah.)
Noah (surprised): Wow! Full house.
(Noah takes a step back as he holds up his hands slightly. Robin turns toward him fully.)
Robin: No, you belong here. (Pointedly) You work at the hospital. (Trails off) My father, on the other hand…
(Noah looks back and forth between Robin and her father then toward his son. Patrick simply shrugs his shoulders.)
Noah: Well, I actually came here looking for you, Robin.
(Robin turns toward Noah.)
Noah: The Drew Randall case. (Pauses) The family decided to go with your drug treatments.
(Robin releases a held breath as Patrick pauses for a moment then nods silently while raising his hand to his mouth. Robert quick to pick up on any change in temperament looks between his daughter and Patrick.)
Robert: Is this a patient of yours?
(Robin just nods as Patrick finally lowers his hand from his mouth and place it back firmly on his hip.)
Patrick: They made a good decision.
(Robin turns her head and looks at Patrick. She picked up that he didn’t say the “right” decision, but him acknowledging it was even a “good” one seemed like more than she had ever expected from him.)
Noah: I thought you might want to talk to Drew before we start treatment, Robin.
(Robin turns her head from Patrick’s attention and looks back at Noah.)
Robin: Of course.
(Robin looks at her father.)
Robin: Can we finish this conversation later?
(Robert nods. He could tell this wasn’t just an ordinary case for Robin. However, he doubts that any case was ever ordinary for her. He laughs slightly. She was like him. There was a time when every single case to Robert was personal. Robert sighs. The naiveté of youth.)
Robert: Be brilliant, daughter.
(Robin smiles as she rolls her eyes. Her father was still able to get to her. With three simple words, he found away to chip just a little bit closer toward her heart. Robin looks at Patrick one last time then leaves the locker room with Noah. Once they’re alone, Robert smiles widely and turns fully toward the younger Drake.)
Patrick (awkwardly): Well, I guess I’ll be seeing you around then, Mr. Scorpio.
Robert: Not so fast, young Drake. I think we need some alone time.

Setting: General Hospital
(Robin Scorpio and Noah Drake are in deep discussion about Drew Randall’s case. Neither notice Carly Corinthos watching them silently by the waiting area at General Hospital. Once the two doctors disappear, Carly steps forward and walks toward the Nurses’ Station. She smiles toward the on-call nurse.)

Carly: Hi, I’m Barbara Spencer’s daughter. By any chance, would you happen to have the current schedule? I keep missing her and I really need to speak to her.
Nurse (smiles): Sure.
(The nurse hands Carly a clipboard with the upcoming schedules for the staff. She quickly scans the page and then takes out her day planner and starts to highlight all of the days Robin, Patrick and Elizabeth are working. Once she is done, she closes her planner then throws it back into her purse. Carly is about to turn around, but stops shortly when she sees Jax approaching her.)
Carly (smiles): Jax! Hey!
Jax (surprised): Carly, what are you doing here?
(Carly quickly shoves her planner into her purse and smiles.)
Carly: I’m here to see my mom.
(Jax looks around the nurses’ station.)
Jax: Is she around?
Carly (simply): She’s off-duty.
(Carly smiles as she wraps her arms around Jax’s waist.)
Carly: Why don’t you take me away from here?
Jax: With pleasure. (Smiles) I just have to drop something off with Alan, but I’ll be right back.
Carly (curiously): What are you dropping off?
Jax: My donation to the Stone Cates Memorial AIDS wing.
(Carly backs away and nods slightly.)
Carly (blankly): Because of Robin?
Jax (simply): HIV and AIDS were always causes close to my heart, but yes, once I met Robin they became personal to me. (Looks at her) You know that.
(Carly just clears her throat and backs away.)
Carly: Go. I don’t want to hold you up.
Jax: Am I going to hear about this for the rest of the day?
(Carly just smiles.)
Carly: Of course not. (Clears her throat) It’s very charitable of you and the money helps many people – not just Robin… so go!
(Jax kisses Carly’s cheek then looks at her.)
Jax: Thank you. I’ll be right back.
(Carly forces a smile as Jax disappears. Once he is gone, she walks over to the desk phone and picks it up.)
Carly: Hi, this is Carly Corinthos. I need some help with a project I’m working on.

Setting: Drew Randall’s Hospital Room
(Robin Scorpio and Noah Drake slowly walk into the hospital room of their 16-year old patient. The young man looks up from his Game Boy at the sight of Robin.)

Drew (smiles): Hey Dr. Freckles.
(Robin smiles widely as a soft blush covers her face.)
Robin: I thought that was our secret.
(Drew lowers his Game Boy next to him and folds his hands over his lap as Robin sits down next to him. Noah smiles widely as he stands at the foot of Drew’s bed.)
Noah (curiously): Dr. Freckles?
Robin: The other day I came in drinking a cup of tea in a mug that my cousin gave me.
Drew: And it read “Dr. Freckles.” (Smiles) It was a very cute mug.
(Noah smiles as he looks at Robin.)
Noah: She does have a cute mug.
(An embarrassed Robin covers her face.)
Robin: Okay! Enough of this!
(Drew and Noah laugh as Robin finally raises her head. She turns her attention toward Drew’s Game Boy.)
Robin: You’re not playing this too much, are you?
Drew: Two hours a day – the most. Separate the hours by at least three.
Robin (smiles): Very good. I’m impressed. It’s nice to know you follow doctor’s orders.
Drew: I can tell you, though... two hours a day is doing nothing for me beating my high score on “Lethal Doom.”
Robin (makes a face): “Lethal Doom?” What happened to games like “Tetris” or “Super Mario Brothers?”
Drew: Oh, those are classic games now.
(Robin smiles as she nods.)
Robin: Classic? Nice. I feel really old right about now.
Noah: Well, I feel ancient because I have no idea what either of you are talking about. (Gestures toward the Game Boy) I thought that was a high-tech calculator.
(Robin bursts out laughing as she hits Noah playfully.)
Drew: Well, when I get better, Dr. Drake… I’ll show you how to play any game you want.
(There’s an intense silence as Robin bites her bottom lip and Noah simply nods.)
Noah: I’ll hold you to that, Drew.
(Drew looks back at Robin.)
Drew: I will be getting better, right?
(Robin opens her mouth to speak then stops. She thinks for a moment then continues.)
Robin: I hope so. (Emotionally) With all my heart, I hope so.
(Drew smiles as he leans back on his hospital bed.)
Drew: My mom told you that I’m taking a drug regimen you developed, huh?
(Robin slowly nods.)
Robin: Dr. Drake just told me.
(Drew smiles as he looks back at Robin.)
Drew: I think it’s kind of cool to be taking medicine you made.
Robin (laughs): Really? Why is that?
Drew: Well, before I got sick... in chemistry, we were studying Sir Alexander Fleming and how he developed penicillin. It was a pretty cool story. (Looks at her) Do you know it?
Robin: I studied it, yes.
Drew: I thought it was cool how something bad like blue-green mold could destroy bacteria. (Looks down) I don’t know it’s probably corny… never mind.
Robin: No, go on.
Drew: It just reminds me of a fight, you know… like the good guys against the bad guys… or like David and Goliath. (Looks at Robin) It’s like your medication is David and whatever messed up junk is in my head is Goliath. (He closes his eyes) You know, David killed Goliath with a single shot. (Pauses) My mom use to say that he probably had some help from an angel.
(Robin takes a deep breath as Drew reopens his eyes and looks back at her.)
Drew: I chose your medication because I like my odds. It didn’t seem like a real fight if someone just opens up my head and makes a few cuts. (Smirks) And my mom said she almost named me David once.
(Robin swallows a soft sob as Noah gently touches her shoulder. He looks back at the young man.)
Noah: The name Drew fits you very well.
(The young man nods then closes his eyes again. He was getting tired. Robin releases a soft breath as she just watches Drew take slow and steady breaths in and out.)
Robin (softly): We’ll let you get some rest, okay?
(Robin starts to stand up, but stops when Drew catches her arm. She turns her head slowly and looks back at him.)
Robin: What is it?
Drew: My Game Boy. It needs new batteries… it’s starting to get dim. Do you think you can pick me up some from the gift shop?
(Robin reaches for the Game Boy and looks down at it.)
Robin (surprised): Really? I thought we just changed them. (Smirks) Are you sure you’re only doing two hours a day?
(Drew just smiles as Robin turns on the Game Boy. Noah watches the young doctor’s face fall immediately as the bright light from the game screen illuminates her entire face. The batteries were fine. Robin stares down at the screen for several moments.)
Drew: You can hardly see it, right?
(Robin clears her throat softly then turns off the small handheld game. She looks back at Drew and smiles again.)
Robin: Just rest and tomorrow we’ll start your treatment, okay?
(Drew nods slowly.)
Drew: Good night, Dr. Freckles.
(And that was all Robin could take. She leaps up from Drew’s bed and runs out of the room covering her mouth to stifle any sobs that may be released. Noah watches the young boy for a moment. Once he’s sleeping, Noah softly pushes back the young boy’s hair then flies out of the room looking for Robin. He doesn’t have to look far… he can hear her. Noah stops short at the sight of Robin sobbing softly outside of the eastern corridor of General Hospital which led to the administrative offices. He releases a soft breath then slowly walks toward her.)
Noah (breathes): Robin…
(Robin walks into Noah’s arms and sobs quietly. He just held her, without any words or effort. He simply held her. They both didn’t notice Carly Corinthos turn the corner of the corridor just as Lucky Spencer does as well holding his refill of pain killers. He stops short at the sight of Robin Scorpio crying in Noah Drake’s arms. Carly smiles, not believing her luck and timing, then walks toward her cousin.)
Carly: She’s emotional, huh?
Lucky: What’s going on?
Carly: I don’t know. (Shrugs her shoulders) I heard Noah say something about not taking Patrick’s actions so personally.
(Carly watches as Lucky clenches his jaw slightly.)
Carly: Hey… have you seen Elizabeth?
(Lucky just shakes his head.)
Lucky: No one knows where she is.
Carly: Hmm… I’m sure this is all just a coincidence.
(Lucky keeps his eyes focused on Robin and Noah. And it was in that moment, he was convinced that Patrick Drake was breaking Robin’s heart… while Elizabeth was breaking his.)
Lucky (dryly): Right.
(Carly jumps slightly when she feels an arm snake around her waist.)
Jax: Carly, what are you up to?
(Carly smiles as she turns into Jax’s arms.)
Carly: Nothing at all. (Simply) I was looking for you… then I saw my cousin.
(Jax turns his attention to Lucky.)
Jax: Lucky… hey.
(Lucky is still staring at Robin and Noah.)
Lucky (distracted): Hey.
(Jax follows Lucky’s eyes then spots Robin being comforted by Noah.)
Jax (concerned): What’s going on?
Lucky (angrily): Patrick Drake! That’s what’s going on.
(Jax simply stares at Lucky speechless as he storms off. Carly reaches for Jax’s hand and leans in toward him.)
Carly: Come on… let’s go.
(Jax looks back toward Robin and Noah again.)
Jax (softly): I told you this would happen, Carly. Patrick Drake is a player.
Carly: Okay, Robin getting her heart broken right now isn’t my biggest concern.
(Jax turns his head and looks at Carly.)
Carly: However… she’s obviously being comforted by someone who probably knows Patrick better than you or me, so why don’t we just let Noah deal with their mess?
(Jax nods.)
Jax: You’re actually right. (Breathes) Let’s go.
(Jax guides Carly away from the corridor just as Robin pulls apart from Noah. He softly wipes her tears as she shakes her head.)
Robin (emotionally): He’s going blind, Noah.
(Noah simply nods as he lowers his hands onto his hips.)
Noah: I know.
(Robin just closes her eyes, releasing a new stream of tears. Noah’s heart simply broke for her in that moment.)
Robin: The treatment has to work. (Opens her eyes) It has to.

Chapter 9

- Hours Later
Setting: The Docks
(It's late in the night. The docks is eerily quiet for a late June night. Robin Scorpio was accustomed to seeing kids running around or couples walking along the docks. She was accustomed to at least seeing Nikolas Cassidine waiting for the launch to head back to Wyndemere. There was none of that tonight. All there was tonight was complete silence. And Robin was happy about that. After leaving Drew's room earlier, she had told Epiphany to cancel the rest of her appointments and decided to head home. She never made it home. She started walking… and walking led to thinking… and thinking led to doubting. She didn't doubt her drugs. She believed in them. She would've never offered them to Jason months ago, if she hadn't. Robin was confident in her research. That was the one part of her life that had never failed her. She was brilliant. Tonight, Robin Scorpio doubted herself. She was afraid that she made Drew's case too personal. Robin literally broke down after leaving his room. She had never done that with a patient before. There was something about Drew that just killed her. No, there wasn't something about Drew – it was simply Drew. He reminded her so much of Stone. It almost broke her heart. He was so good, so pure… and so young. Way too young to be facing death… and yet he did so with such bravery and honesty. Robin sighs. And he was going blind. Blind. That was what got to Robin. She would only admit it to herself, but watching Drew go blind was what killed her. It was painful enough to watch the light known as Stone Cates slowly fade, but to know that it was literally fading for him inside as well… it simply destroyed her. She didn't know if she could do that again with Drew. The best case scenario was that Robin's drug treatment would help relieve the pressure behind Drew's corneas then hopefully restore his vision, but there were no guarantees. No guarantees. Robin sighs as she closes her eyes and leans back on the bench overlooking the docks. And, then it hit her like a wave. She missed him. Robin missed Stone. She sits like this for several moments by herself, simply missing her first love. And then it happened… Stone missed her too and in ironies of all ironies, Sonny Corinthos finds him suddenly face to face with the woman he loved like a sister. He hadn't seen Robin in months. He watches her for a moment then looks around him. They were alone. Sonny clears his throat softly then slowly sits down next to her. Feeling a presence next to her, Robin's eyes fly open and she jumps back slightly at the sight of Sonny Corinthos staring back at her. He looked like he had some demons of his own that were terrorizing him tonight.)

Robin (surprised): Sonny.
(Robin looks around awkwardly. She notices for the first time that he's by himself.)
Robin: Where are your guards?
(Sonny ignores Robin's question and looks down at his hands.)
Sonny: You shouldn't be down here by yourself. (Looks at her) You know better than that. The docks aren't safe.
(Robin looks back down at her hands and nods silently.)
Robin: I'm fine, Sonny.
(Sonny turns his head and looks at Robin.)
Sonny: Are you? (She looks at him) Why are you down here by yourself?
Robin: Probably the same reason you are down here without Max.
(Robin stares straight ahead.)
Robin: I needed to be alone.
(Sonny releases a loud breath and nods.)
Sonny: Me too.
(Robin looks down at her hands and stares at them.)
Robin: I miss Stone.
(Sonny just turns his head, but doesn't say anything as she continues to stare down at her hands.)
Robin: I have this 16-year-old patient that's going blind. (Emotionally) He can barely see and...
(Robin takes a deep breath and swallows a soft sob.)
Robin: Do you remember toward the end when Stone would ask us to turn on the light… and it was already on? (She shakes her head) It's crazy… the things you remember.
(Sonny turns his head and looks straight ahead.)
Sonny (hoarsely): I remember reading to him. (Breathes) We became his eyes and… (Looks down) I miss him too.
(Robin nods as she wipes her eyes. Of all people she expected some sort of comfort from tonight, Sonny was the last one… but in many ways, he was the only one who could give her what she needed.)
Sonny: Jason took my business from me.
(Robin looks back at Sonny.)
Robin: I heard something about that.
(Sonny just stares at his hands.)
Sonny: I miss it, Robin. (Pauses) I miss the control. (Looks at her) Remember how I hated having no control over Stone dying? I hated being powerless then… and I hate it even more now.
Robin: But, no one's dying, Sonny.
Sonny (frankly): I am.
(Robin just stares back at Sonny and they share an intense silence. She knew Sonny wasn't okay. She knew that the minute she saw him.)
Sonny: I feel dead inside.
Robin: Over a business? (Simply) Sonny, you are alive. You have a family that loves you, a girlfriend that turned her back on her own brother to be with you… what more could you want?
Sonny: Control. (Looks at her) You want it too. If there's anyone that ever wanted control as much I do, it's you. (She rolls her eyes) You wanted it even more than Jason did. See… Jason and I wanted power, but you and I… we wanted control. We always have. (Simply) Robin, you want to control the few things you can.
Robin: Because so much of what I wish I can control, I can't. I can't control the virus in my blood any more than I can control what will happen to Drew when he starts my regimen tomorrow, or what will happen with Jax, or what will happen between me and…
(Robin stops short and releases a loud breath.)
Robin: Yes, I do like control. (Looks at him) Because I know what it's like to lose it. I couldn't control what happened with Stone; I couldn't control the danger that surrounded me when I was with Jason. (Pauses) But, you can control whatever is going on with you, Sonny. You can enjoy being alive.
Sonny (upset): Do you know that Jason has to assign guards to me? (Raises his voice) I taught him everything he knows and now he is going to protect ME!
Robin (lightly): Welcome to the world that you and Jason had Brenda and me in.
(Sonny just stares back at Robin.)
Robin: Having guards sucks, Sonny. There are no if, ands or buts about it… especially when you don't get to reap the rewards of having them. See, I didn't mind them when I was with Jason, just as Brenda didn't mind them when she was with you. That was the price we supposedly paid for being with the men we loved, but when you're alone at night and there's a strange man underneath your window watching your apartment… it sucks. It's just a constant reminder of the life you lost. (Looks at him) You're right. You've lost your control. (Softly) I'm sorry, Sonny.
(Sonny looks down at his hands again.)
Robin: But, you are alive and probably safer now than you've been in years. And as long as you remember that, control won't seem as important.
(Sonny turns his head and looks at her.)
Sonny: And what makes you forget your need for control?
Robin (simply): Same thing as always. (Softly) Happiness. (Looks down) If I'm happy, I forget how important control is.
Sonny: And are you? Are you happy, Robin?
Robin: There are times I am. (Looks at him) And there are times I'm not so much.
(Just as Sonny is about to respond, a shadow appears over them. It was Patrick and Elizabeth. They were on their way back from seeing their private patient. Robin slowly raises her head and her eyes meet Patrick's. He can immediately tell something is wrong with her. She looks as if she's been crying and she's sitting with Sonny Corinthos, a man that Robin has only spoken of once or twice, and never rather glowingly. Sonny watches the odd interaction between Robin and Patrick. He may not know Robin as well as he use to, but he could tell that seeing Dr. Drake with Elizabeth bothered her. And Robin didn't know why, but it did strike a nerve with her.)
Patrick (awkwardly): Uh… what's going on?
(Robin just looks down at her hands.)
Robin: Nothing. (Emotionally) I was down here and I ran into Sonny. (Looks at him) That's all.
(Elizabeth awkwardly looks between Robin and Patrick as well.)
Liz: We were just on our way to Kelly's. Would you like to join us?
(Robin's eyes widen slightly.)
Robin: For dinner?
(Patrick looks back at Robin.)
Patrick: Take-out.
(Before Robin can respond, Luke and Lulu Spencer appear from the direction of the launch leading from the Haunted Star. The father and daughter duo stop shortly at the sight of Robin, Sonny, Patrick and Elizabeth. However, it was obvious that Robin and Sonny were together as were Liz and Patrick.)
Luke: Well, this is a sight I never thought I'd see again.
(Lulu turns her head and glares directly at Patrick and Liz.)
Lulu: Me neither.
(Luke catches his daughter's tone and follows the direction of her venom. He leans in toward her.)
Luke: Tulip, I was referring to Robin Scorpio and Sonny Corinthos.
(Luke looks back at Robin and Sonny.)
Luke: Maybe I should actually start listening to town gossip. (Looks at Sonny) So, have you really lost your mind?
(Robin's eyes widen in shock as Sonny just stares back at his former best friend. Meanwhile, Lulu keeps her gaze on Patrick and Liz.)
Lulu: You know, dad, I have some rumors I'd like to clear up too.
(Robin shakes her head sighing. She couldn't deal with this tonight. It was obvious Lulu was angry with Liz for being with Patrick. And it was obvious that Sonny was perhaps having a breakdown. And this all seemed extremely small when she was missing Stone and was scared for her patient. Robin stands up slowly and looks down at Sonny.)
Robin: Thanks for the chat, Sonny. I think I'm going to head home.
Sonny: Alone? (Simply) Robin, I told you when I found you down here by yourself… it is not safe for you to be walking around at this hour by yourself.
Liz: He's right, Robin.
(Robin looks toward Liz then back at Sonny.)
Robin: Well, I am alone.
(Those four words held more meaning than Robin meant for them to. Patrick watches awkwardly as a look of realization washes over Robin's face and she looks down. Sonny, sensing that she needed to get away from these people, stands up.)
Sonny: I'll walk you home.
(Robin looks up at him.)
Robin (shocked): You will?
Sonny: Let's just say… I'm keeping a promise to an old friend.
(Luke scoffs loudly.)
Luke: I really hope you're not referring to Junior... because it's about ten years too late for that, no?
(Robin and Sonny both turn toward Luke knowing full well that he was referring to Stone.)
Robin: Good night, Luke.
(Patrick watches the interaction between Luke, Sonny and Robin. He had no idea what the hell was going on. All he knew was that Lulu was shooting daggers at him, Liz looked like she was suddenly on the brink of tears and Robin was leaving with the mobster! Luke watches them leave then sighs.)
Luke: Most definitely a full moon tonight.
(Lulu turns suddenly toward Liz.)
Lulu: Are you heading home, Elizabeth?
Liz (nods): Yeah, maybe I should.
Lulu: I'll walk you. I have to see my brother. (Looks at Patrick) Good night, Dr. Drake.
(Patrick watches Lulu and Liz disappear. Once they're alone, Patrick looks at Luke.)
Patrick: Uh… Robin and the mobster?
Luke: They share a past.
Patrick: A past?
(Luke turns fully toward Patrick.)
Luke: You know, my daughter looked none too pleased with you back there.
Patrick: It's just a misunderstanding.
Luke: Misunderstanding or not… better you than me. (Pauses) My daughter has a forked tongue and she'll aim it toward anyone who she feels deserve it; a trait that I am very proud of. (Looks at him) So, tell me, young Drake, how are things going with you and my favorite medicine woman?
(Before Patrick can respond, his father approaches him and Luke.)
Luke: Oh, if it isn't the Elder Drake. (Smiles) Isn't tonight just the night for reunions?
(Patrick rolls his eyes as Noah moves closer toward his son. He looks between Luke Spencer and Patrick.)
Noah: Hi Luke. Do you think I can talk to my son in private?
Luke: I'm all for father-son bonding. Good night, Drakes.
(Once alone, Noah looks back at his son and sighs tiredly as he rubs his face.)
Noah (tiredly): How's Robin?
Patrick: Robin?
Noah: She was upset when she left the hospital. I tried to help and she let me in a little bit, but…
(Patrick just nods. His father didn't need to say anything more.)
Noah: Drew Randall is starting his treatment tomorrow morning.
(Patrick runs his hand behind his neck as he stares back at his father.)
Noah: She's not like you, Patrick. Robin feels things.
(Patrick releases a soft breath. Robin feels things. That was putting it mildly. Patrick sighs again. He knew that was true. And with that, he simply nods then disappears down the docks.)

Chapter 10

Setting: Robin Scorpio's Apartment Building
(Robin Scorpio and Sonny Corinthos are walking toward her apartment building. There was an awkward silence between them. These were two people that were once best friends who knew each other better than anyone else… and now they didn't know each other at all. The only thing Sonny Corinthos was certain of was that Robin seemed somewhat bothered to see Patrick Drake walking along the docks with Lucky Spencer's wife. He turns toward her slowly as they approach her front door.)

Sonny: Was it wrong for me to use Stone back there?
(Robin just silently shakes her head.)
Sonny: It's just that… I noticed how you froze slightly when you saw Dr. Drake walking with Elizabeth.
(Robin takes a deep breath as she lowers her head to take out her keys.)
Sonny: Emily may have mentioned to me after one of your girl's night's out that you and Patrick were seeing each other.
(Robin just turns and looks at Sonny. It's funny how just like that, their past suddenly crashed with their present – and it made Robin uncomfortable. Sonny didn't have any place in her present.)
Robin: I don't know if “seeing” is the right term.
Sonny: Then, what would you call it?
(Screwing? Robin shakes her head. That was too crude… and not completely true.)
Robin: We're casual.
Sonny: Casual? (Looks at her) And he's casual with other women as well?
Robin: He knows that he has to tell other women he's with about my HIV.
Sonny: Well, that's good, but I was actually thinking more about you.
(Robin groans slightly.)
Robin: Why does everyone assume that I would have a problem with a casual relationship?
Sonny: You just said it. The two words – casual and relationship don't usually go together. (Looks at her) And you don't do casual. You are not a casual person.
Robin (dryly): Maybe I am now.
Sonny: I don't believe that.
Robin: Do you believe that losing Stone nearly destroyed me? And do you believe that Jason shattered my heart completely? (Simply) Then, you should believe that I am a huge advocate of casual right now.
(Sonny sighs loudly.)
Sonny: No strings, no feelings… it never works, Robin. (Simply) All of my deepest relationships, from Brenda to Carly, started with me never wanting a commitment. You can't control feelings, Robin.
Robin (sighs): So, we're back to control again?
Sonny: Did we ever leave it? (Pauses) I didn't want to love Brenda. (Looks at her) Do you remember how badly I didn't want to tell Brenda I loved her?
(Robin actually smiles as she nods.)
Robin: She said you looked like you were in physical pain the first time you told her.
Sonny: Because I was.
(Robin laughs softly.)
Robin: Why were you so afraid of telling her?
Sonny: Because I never said it. My whole life, up until Brenda, I only loved one other woman – my mother.
(Robin stops for a moment. She would never in a million years compare Sonny to Patrick, but in that moment – their lone similarity was glaring back at her.)
Robin (softly): Brenda never gave up on you.
Sonny: She was young and naïve. (Looks at her) You're not.
(Sonny takes a deep breath and turns fully toward Robin.)
Sonny: Pretend for a moment that this isn't coming from me and what I'm about to say isn't from someone who hurt you. (Pauses) Don't let Patrick Drake ever make you feel cheap. You deserve so much better than that, Robin.
(Robin covers her face and sighs tiredly.)
Robin: I can't talk about this with you, Sonny.
(Sonny nods. He knew she was right. Somehow they had found each other tonight. And this moment in time was just for tonight. Tomorrow they would go back to what they currently are – strangers. Robin looks back at Sonny and they stare at each other for a moment. He knew that she was thinking the same thing. Stone brought them temporarily together to help each other through something rough, but they weren't friends. Not anymore.)
Robin (clears her throat): Thank you for walking me home, Sonny.
(Sonny nods.)
Sonny: You're welcome.
(Sonny is about to walk away, but stops when he suddenly notices an envelope by his feet. He bends down then hands it to Robin.)
Sonny: I think this was meant for you.
Robin: Thank you.
(And with that, Sonny slowly walks away from Robin. She watches him for a moment then opens her door to her apartment. Once she's inside her home, Robin looks down at the envelope in her hands and sighs. It was Nikolas's handwriting. She opens it and takes out a roundtrip plane ticket.)
Robin: Greece.

- Hours Later
Setting: Robin Scorpio's Apartment
(It's extremely late in the evening. The entire city of Port Charles is eerily quiet. Robin is sitting by her window drinking a glass of red wine. She loved looking out over the entire city. That was the one redeeming quality that the Harborview Penthouses use to have, even Brenda agreed with her on that one. Brenda. Robin sighs. After she had left Sonny, Robin changed into her pajamas and quickly settled in and called her best friend. She missed Brenda so much. Robin was right earlier. She couldn't talk about Patrick with Sonny, but she could talk about him with Brenda. And Brenda was Brenda. She was perfect. She first congratulated Robin on having a little fun with Patrick and then voiced her concerns about a supposed “no strings attached” relationship. Robin had purposely waited a while to tell Brenda about her arrangement with Patrick. She had known that if anyone would be able to see through her “rules,” it would've been Brenda… and sure enough, she did. And she warned her for a good thirty minutes about the dangers of a “string-less” relationship without any interruption. Robin let Brenda speak… because Brenda told the truth; she hadn't said anything Robin already hadn't thought of. And for some reason, tonight, Robin found herself truly questioning this arrangement for the first time since her and Patrick started it. And it wasn't because of anything he did; it wasn't about him walking with Elizabeth. It was about the shortness of life. It was about the sound a heart breaks when it shatters in a million pieces. It was about looking into the empty eyes of Sonny Corinthos and vowing to never be that lost, to never be that void of love. Robin was terrified suddenly that this situation with Patrick will immobilize her. And before she can allow that thought to truly penetrate her mind, Robin looks up when suddenly she hears a slight knocking on her door. She glances at her wall clock and sighs. It was after midnight. Robin slowly walks toward her door wearing a fitted white tank top and boxer shorts. She already knew who it was before opening the door. It was Patrick Drake.)

Robin (softly): Hey.
Patrick: Can I come in?
(Robin simply steps aside and Patrick slowly walks into her apartment. His eyes immediately catch a medical folder sitting spread open on her couch. It was Drew Randall's file. Robin follows his eyes and sighs loudly as she walks over to her couch and forcefully picks up the folder while closing it.)
Patrick (breathes): About the Drew Randall case…
(Robin shakes her head and closes her eyes.)
Robin: I can't talk about this with you.
Patrick (simply): Why not?
(Robin looks at Patrick.)
Robin: Because you consider feelings a weakness.
(Patrick starts to object, but Robin doesn't let him as she continues.)
Robin: Weren't you the one that told me I was too attached to this case?
(Patrick just looks away. He wasn't going to deny that he had said those things.)
Robin: Thinking about it… from the very first day we met, you hated my bedside manner.
(Patrick looks back at her.)
Patrick: As much as you hated mine. (Simply) The feeling was extremely mutual, if I remember.
(A frustrated Robin throws her arms in the air.)
Robin: Fine! Well, right now… it's my patient that is dying and is depending on my bedside manner to get him through this, so I really don't feel like talking about my shortcomings tonight.
(Patrick steps back slightly hurt as he firmly places his hands on his hips.)
Patrick: And you think I came all the way here after midnight to do that?
(Robin closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. She can feel her tears threatening to reveal themselves and turns around before he can see them.)
Robin (softly): Patrick, you don't owe me anything, okay? (She looks down at her hands) You don't have to check on me or make sure that I'm okay. (Sniffles) I will deal with whatever happens on my own.
(Patrick just nods. Robin's words clearly bothered him and if she turned around to see him, she would've seen that.)
Patrick: I'm sorry if I intruded on your evening – next time I'll make sure to call first.
(Robin sighs softly as she wipes her eyes then turns around and looks back at him.)
Robin: Patrick… wait.
(A frustrated Patrick runs his hand behind his neck. He hated this. This was the exact reason he didn't do relationships. He could handle sex with Robin, but he couldn't handle this part… the emotional fumbling over words and hurt feelings.)
Patrick: You don't think I know why you're angry that I'm here? (Simply) You're still mad that I originally told my dad that I thought surgery was a better alternative to your drug treatment. (She looks away) Be mad if you want, Robin, but it doesn't change that we simply had a difference of opinions. All that matters right now is that the family went with your treatment and…
(Robin finally looks back at Patrick with tears in her eyes.)
Robin (emotionally): It was Drew.
Patrick: What?
Robin: Drew picked my drugs over surgery – not his family.
(Robin sits down on the couch and stares straight ahead.)
Robin: His parents wanted him to make the final decision. (She looks up at Patrick) And I am terrified that Drew chose me – not the treatment.
(Patrick releases a held breath and slowly sits down next to Robin. He turns toward her on the couch and looks directly at her. And now she let the tears reveal themselves.)
Robin (emotionally): I am not void of emotion. (Pauses) I feel things, Patrick… and maybe that's a weakness of mine. I care about my work. I care about things. (Looks down at her hands) And I need to feel connections with people. I can't just… I can't just go through the motions. (Looks at him) I'm not made that way, Patrick. (Emotionally) I'm just not.
(Patrick stares back at Robin and realizes that this conversation isn't entirely about Drew. It's also about them. Robin feels things. She doesn't do “no strings.” No matter what she says or how hard she claims it, she doesn't do anything casual. And there lies the difference between Robin Scorpio and Patrick Drake. )
Patrick: I know that he's more than a patient to you, Robin. (Looks down) And looking at you right now is exactly why he shouldn't be.
(Robin starts to leap off the couch.)
Robin: I told you - I cannot hear this right now!
(Before she can leave, Patrick grabs her arm and brings her back down next to him.)
Patrick: Let me finish my thought. (Looks at her) I always thought if I stayed detached, I'd become the better doctor. And if somehow my brilliance wasn't enough and something went wrong, I wouldn't carry it with me because I wasn't a part of the situation. (Pauses) I was wrong. I carry it.
(Robin looks down. She couldn't meet his eyes right now.)
Patrick: I am weighed down by Mrs. Dixon. I am weighed down by Jesse Beaudry. (Pauses) I am weighed down by feelings.
(Robin finally turns her head and looks at Patrick. He was so incredibly beautiful in that moment.)
Robin (softly): I'm sorry.
(Robin slowly reaches toward Patrick and touches the side of his face. He closes his eyes at the feel of her hand on his face. This is the one part of relationships he could handle. Having just sex didn't give him this. It didn't give him her comfort, her support. Patrick reopens his eyes and slowly starts to lean toward her. He just wanted to taste her once tonight. Robin feels him moving closer to her and closes her eyes awaiting his lips to press against hers, but before he can, the sound of her beeper fills the entire room startling them both. Robin sighs. It was time for her last dosage of meds before she went to bed. Without any words, she stands up and walks over to her kitchen. Patrick simply watches her as she takes her pills in silence then hesitates by her kitchen counter. They weren't about sex tonight. He clears his throat softly.)
Patrick: You're heading to bed?
(Robin just nods slowly as she turns around and looks back at him.)
Robin: I have to be at GH early to prep Drew.
(Patrick simply nods.)
Patrick: Do you mind if I just check my messages before I head out?
Robin: No, go ahead.
Patrick: I'll let myself out.
(Robin starts to walk toward Patrick then stops. She studies him for a moment then finally just walks over to him and kisses him tenderly while caressing his face in her hands.)
Robin (softly): Thank you for coming here tonight, Patrick.
(Patrick nods silently and watches Robin as she pulls away from him then walks into her bedroom wiping her eyes. Alone in her living room, Patrick looks around the entire room and sighs. He leans back on her couch and runs his hands through his hair. His eyes suddenly catch an envelope on her side table. It looked like plane tickets. He reaches for it and opens it. He was right – roundtrip ticket to Greece. It looked like Nikolas planned the christening to be next week. Patrick shakes his head slightly as he starts to place the tickets back in the envelope then stops when he sees a folded white piece of paper in the envelope as well. It was a letter addressed to Robin. Patrick stares down at the letter in his hands. He knew that he shouldn't read it. Hell, he knew he shouldn't even WANT to read it. A casual, no strings-attached relationship required, no it called for, not wanting to read personal letters addressed to the other partner in the relationship. To hell with it – Patrick Drake rarely played by the rules anyway. He opens the letter and quickly begins reading it to himself.)

Patrick (reading): Dearest Robin… so, it's only taken me almost nine years, but I'm finally getting you to accompany me to Greece. However, I never thought it would be under these circumstances.

Robin, I am so thoroughly pleased that you agreed to be John's godmother. You are one of my oldest and dearest, if not the dearest, friend I've ever had the pleasure of having. I treasure you and our friendship. I think I knew from the very first time I met you all those years ago when you approached me at the hospital that you would be a lifelong friend. I am so glad that you will now be a lifelong friend of my son's as well.

I hope these dates work for you. If not, just let me know. Call me in the morning.
With love… Nikolas

(Patrick takes a deep breath and refolds the letter. Nikolas Cassidine.)
Patrick (quietly): I guess feelings don't weigh him down.
(Patrick quietly places the tickets back where they were next to Robin's couch. He stares at them for several moments. It shouldn't bother him that Robin was going to Greece with Nikolas Cassidine, but he had to admit that it did somewhat. It wasn't that he was jealous of Nikolas Cassidine, per se. He simply recognized that Nikolas had been able to tell Robin how he felt with such ease. He didn't stumble; he didn't fumble with his words. Lulu Spencer was right. Nikolas Cassidine was confident. He was confident in a way Patrick wasn't. He was confident with his feelings. And he hated that. Everything always goes back to feelings. Patrick Drakes releases a loud breath then stands up. He turns off the lights in Robin's apartment then leaves knowing all too well that tomorrow would be a new day. )

to be continued...

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