Summary: Eve finds her engagement ring in a desk drawer at his office. Determined to discover the meaning behind it, Eve sets off to find Chris in the midst of a snowstorm. What will she uncover?  This story takes place right after Miracles Happen and a bit into Secrets. Chris has been fired from his job as Chief Resident and Eve has taken over the role. Ian has been spending his time with Amy and Eve has suddenly realized that something is wrong with her friend, something that she needs to address before it’s too late.

“Everything going okay in here,” Karen popped into the Chief Resident’s office as she noted her best friend standing behind the desk shaking her head disapprovingly, “something wrong?”

“I can’t believe Ramsey left things like he did here,” Eve confessed with a sigh, “it’s not like Chris to just up and leave a mess of things, especially not work related.”

“Well, you know Chris,” Karen shrugged slightly, “maybe this was just something he’d done to spite you.”

“Leaving a mess,” Eve frowned, “even so, you’d think he’d at least have some kind of order left here,” she pulled open the top drawer feeling it stick a bit before it slammed into her thigh eliciting a sharp squeal from her, “ouch.”

“It looks like he has those rigged too,” Karen noted dryly, “leave it to Ramsey I suppose.”

“Yeah,” Eve frowned slightly peering into the drawer, “although the paper work doesn’t seem to be in here either seeing as this stupid thing is empty. So much for cutting down some time for myself here,” she huffed slamming the drawer shut once more only to be met by a faint clinking sound.
        “What was that?” Karen asked curiously as the rumbling stopped after a moment, “I thought you said it was empty in there.”
        “It was,” Eve reached for the handle to the drawer once again yanking it open a few inches before it came to a screeching halt with a thud following as a tiny black box slammed into the front of the drawer.
        “What is it?” Karen circled the desk curiously.
        “I’m not sure,” Eve reached for the tiny trinket inside wiggling her fingers around a bit feeling the velvet encasing tickle her finger tips.
        “Well?” Karen’s eyebrow arched curiously.
        “It’s....it feels like,” Eve reached in for it a bit further, “like maybe some kind of box....”
        “I gathered that much,” Karen urged, “but what’s it doing in there.”
        “I don’t know, but whatever it is,” Eve tugged gently once again, “it seems to want to stay there.”
        “Well, we’ll have to work on fixing that,” Karen stepped in closer, “let me get a try at it.”
        “It’s not going to do any good,” Eve frowned once more, “as it seems to have made it’s home in this drawer.”
        “Too bad,” Karen tried to coax her fingers into the small desk top’s opening, “it’s going on a little vacation despite it’s many protests.”
        “Karen, I don’t think it really cares what plans you have for it,” Eve began as her friend reached around for a moment before withdrawing her fingers from the drawer as she held the tiny box.
        “You were saying?” Karen smiled proudly.
        “Show off,” Eve snatched the box from Karen’s hand, “now let’s see what Ramsey was hiding in here.”
        “Knowing him, it’s probably something dreadful,” Karen rolled her eyes as Eve popped open the tiny box, “well?”
        “Oh my god,” Eve gasped her eyes falling upon the sparkling gem in her hand.
        “What is it? More vampire serum?” Karen tried to peek over Eve’s shoulder.
        “No,” Eve shook her head, “it’s a ring.”
        “A ring,” Karen seized the box out of Eve’s hand, “you don’t say.”
        “Hey,” Eve turned to watch her friend pull the ring from it’s protective covering, “I was looking at that.”
        “Now I am,” Karen inspected the ring closely, “it’s nice. I’ll give Chris credit for that.”
        “It’s beautiful,” Eve couldn’t help but admit as she watched Karen turn the ring between her two fingers before stopping abruptly upon noting what was inside, “what? What is it?”
        “Eve,” Karen held the ring out towards her friend, “it’s yours. Chris bought this for you.”
        “For me?” Eve repeated in confusion as she nabbed the ring from her friend, “that’s impossible.”
        “Is it?” Karen watched Eve closely as her eyes fell upon the inscription, “he did ask you to marry him.”
        “Well yes, but it was just because he was trying to do me a favor,” Eve argued moving into the light to get a better look at the words that were hidden within the golden band.
        “Eve, think about this one. Ian told you Chris had a ring for you,” Karen reminded her further.
        “Yes, I know that, but....” Eve’s eyes widened.
        “But what?”
        “I wasn’t expecting something like this. Not something so....so extravagant,” Eve took a seat at the desk unable to believe what she was seeing as her eyes scanned over the words.
        “Then explain that,” Karen urged as she touched her friend’s shoulder, “Eve, I’ve given you my friendship and now it’s time to share my love. Forever, Chris.”
        “Karen, I don’t think this is what you’re making it out to be,” Eve shook her head in disbelief, “Ramsey wasn’t making any declaration of love. He was just trying to make the most of a horrible situation.”
        “Eve, that man has had a thing for you as far back as I can remember.”
        “He doesn’t have a thing. We’re just friends.”
        “Funny, when Chris had a thing for me, he was determined to make me miserable, but you know despite everything that happened, there was never a ring involved.”
        “Karen, I already told you,” Eve started with a heavy sigh, “you know that Chris and I are just....”
        “Friends, yeah I get it, but obviously he didn’t,” Karen nodded to the ring, “though I’m sure he should by now.”
        “Karen, this is crazy,” Eve rose from the seat, “certainly Chris wouldn’t buy this out of some kind of love for me. It’s just not like Chris to do something like this. In fact, I think it would be best if I returned this to him.”
        “Come again?” Karen blinked back.
        “Well, he did leave it here and I’m sure that given the nature of what it must’ve cost, he was keeping it for some reason or another,” Eve thought it over.
        “Maybe in the hopes of getting a second chance,” Karen suggested.
        “No, it’s not that Karen,” Eve shook her head, “in fact, I think I’m going to just put it back where I found it.”
        “And risk it getting stolen?” Karen questioned.
        “Good point,” Eve looked to it once more, “maybe I should return it. You know let Ramsey know I found it where I did.”
        “I’m sure he’d appreciate that,” Karen nodded noting the expression on her friend’s features, “I’m sure he’d like to know where his ring was.”
        “You’re right,” Eve agreed half listening as she pulled off her lab coat, “and I should take it over to him.”
        “Right now?”
        “Sure, why not? I mean I’m sure he’s not doing anything else, but drowning himself in martinis, so why not?” Eve decided determined to prove to Karen that this ring was what it was, just a sign of Chris being a friend, nothing else.

        “Eve what are you doing back here?” Karen questioned as she found Eve standing over by the nurse’s station frantically searching through pages before her.
        “Have you spoken to Chris lately?” Eve asked skimming over the log for the past week.
        “Why would I want to?”
        “He’s gone Karen,” Eve explained matter of fact as she looked up to her friend, “vanished and I don’t have the first clue where he went.”
        “Maybe he left town,” Karen shrugged, “you said it yourself there was nothing holding him back here.”
        “Even so, he wouldn’t go without telling me goodbye,” Eve shook her head, “it’s not like him, but when I got to the apartment everything was missing. All of his things were gone and the landlord said he’d packed up and left yesterday.”
        “Eve, that doesn’t sound like Chris,” Karen decided seeing the worry wash over her friend’s features, “are you okay?”
        “No, I’m not okay. My best friend is missing and I don’t have the first damn clue where to find him,” Eve slammed the log shut, “damn it, where could he have gone?”
        “Did you try Jack’s place?” Karen suggested, “maybe he stopped over there to talk to him.”
        “Good thinking,” Eve nodded in agreement, “Jack and Chris have been closer lately. Surely he would know where to find Chris. Yes, that’s a good idea,” she spoke to herself, “if anyone would know where Chris would be, it would be Jack. Good thinking Karen.”
        “I try,” Karen replied watching her friend flee from the hospital on a mission now more determined than ever to find Chris.

        Taking in a breath, Eve tapped on the door to Jack and Livvie’s home hoping that she’d be able to find her dear friend and soon if she was ever to find any type of closure on the situation that had been drawn to her attention earlier in her new office. Tapping on the door, she waited a moment before Jack appeared in a golden colored sweater while holding a small, black, very excited puppy in his arms. As he tried to manage the small dog, he found himself on the losing end of the battle as the puppy leapt towards Eve.
        “Eve, hi,” Jack greeted her with a smile, “it looks like the latest member of the Ramsey family was ready to invite you in with open arms.”
        “This is the kind of welcome I could get very used to,” Eve confessed as the tiny young dog kissed at her face in between tiny little whimpers, “he’s adorable.”
        “He’s a housewarming present from Livvie,” Jack explained reaching out to retrieve the puppy from Eve’s arms with a smile, “speaking of which, are you here to see her because if you are Livvie was just on her way over to school...”
        “No, no I wasn’t here to see Livvie,” Eve shook her head, “but I did come over to have a few words with you.”
        “With me?” Jack raised a curious brow as he invited her in, “what about?”
        “Jack, I know this isn’t the easiest of subjects, but well, I need to talk to you about Chris,” Eve hesitated, “I know he left.”
        “I know,” Jack replied turning away from her.
        “Do you have any idea where he might be?”
        “Eve, look while I realize you came here looking for my brother, it’s really not something I can help you with.”
        “Jack, I’m sure you must have some idea where he is,” Eve started desperately as he looked over to her, “He didn’t even bother to say good-bye to me and I’m worried about him.”
        “He’s fine Eve. You can be sure of that.”
        “How so?”
        “You know Chris,” Jack reminded her, “when he has his mind made up about something....”
        “I know,” she shook her head, “he does it anyways, but that still doesn’t mean I’m not going to worry. Jack, where did he go?”
        “Away,” Jack replied with a frown, “he needed time to think.”
        “Away from Port Charles?”
        “He thought it would be best,” Jack nodded, “he needed a piece of mind if you will...”
        “So he just packed up and moved out,” Eve shook her head, “that’s not like Chris.”
        “Eve, there’s a lot about my brother you don’t know,” Jack pointed out, “while I realize you and Chris were close, there’s a lot about him that he refuses to share with anyone, even me.”
        “But he did tell you where he was going, didn’t he?”
        “Even if he did, I can’t tell you,” Jack sighed, “I gave him my word.”
        “Jack, he shouldn’t be alone right now. He needs to be with people who care about him,” Eve argued, “and I can’t rest knowing that he’s gone.”
        “Eve, look I know you mean well, but this is something he needs to do on his own,” Jack began with a soft sigh as he moved over to the sofa, “when he’s ready, he’ll call.”
        “No he won’t,” Eve shook her head once more, “if he went to such great lengths to vanish, he’s not going to just pick up the phone and say he’s okay.”
        “Eve, I really can’t tell you anything,” Jack frowned, “I realize you care about Chris, but he needs to get away, especially from...”
        “From what? What does he need to get away from Jack?”
        “From you,” Jack blurted out.
        “Me? You‘re kidding right,” she blinked back.
        “Look I’m not supposed to say anything and while I value you as a friend, you’re just going to have to respect my silence,” Jack reached out to his tiny puppy, “I can’t get into details.”
        “So you’re saying that I drove Chris away, but you can’t tell me why.”
        “It wasn’t just you,” Jack began in a sympathetic tone, “it was a lot of things rolled into one.”
        “But I played a big part of it?”
        “To a degree.”
        “And Chris left to avoid me. Is that what he said?”
        “Not in so many words,” Jack stopped himself, “look Eve, I already told you...”
        “I know what you said Jack, but I can’t just leave it at that.”
        “Somehow that’s what Chris warned me about. He said you’d show up more determined than ever,” Jack half laughed, “and I thought he was exaggerating.”
        “Jack, this isn’t a laughing matter. My best friend is missing and I need to speak with him. If you know where he’s at, at least give me a number where I can call him.”
        “There aren’t any phones where he’s at,” Jack sighed, “and even if there were...”
        “You wouldn’t tell me,” Eve finished, “Jack, look while I know you’re trying to be a good brother to Chris, you are my friend too. You know that I would never willingly harm your brother in any way.”
        “Eve, while I realize that I have to respect his decision to be left alone.”
        “Even if it means watching him shut himself off from the world around him,” Eve asked painfully as she reached into her pocket withdrawing the small box she’d discovered in her desk, “Jack, I know about this.”
        “About what?” Jack looked to her.
        “This ring,” Eve sighed as she flashed her finger at him to reveal the beautiful stone within.
        “Oh my,” Jack reached out to it taking a closer look, “he really did hold on to it. I would’ve thought he’d have gotten rid of it.”
        “You mean he told you about this,” Eve’s eyes widened.
        “He told me about the proposal,” Jack nodded, “but I hadn’t imagined that he’d still have the ring.”
        “Jack, what did Chris tell you about this ring?”
        “Not much,” Jack looked away.
        “Don’t lie to me Jack. What is the story behind this ring?”
        “Eve, do you have to ask?”
        “Yes, I do. I need to hear it.”
        “Chris proposed and you refused. End of story.”
        “No, that’s not even close to the beginning and we both know that. Why did he get me this ring?”
        “Because he was banking on a yes from you,” Jack shrugged, “but hey I guess it wasn’t meant to be.”
        “Jack, there’s more to it. I can see from the look on your face that Chris told you something more.”
        “Eve, I told you I can’t get into it,” Jack hesitated, “now if you just came here to ask me about Chris, well I’m afraid I can’t help you.”
        “Jack please. I need to know.”
        “Eve, it’s not my place to tell you,” Jack sighed, “I wish I could, but I can’t.”
        “That’s not a good enough answer,” she argued, “but if you won’t tell me, then at least let me know where Chris is so that he can tell me.”
        “Eve, you know I can’t do that.”
        “Can’t or won’t?”
        “He asked me not to tell anyone especially you.”
        “Jack, can’t you see that I need to speak with him?”
        “Eve, he doesn’t want to see you.”
        “Jack, I am worried about him.”
        “Don’t be. That’s the last thing Chris wants.”
        “Jack,” Eve pleaded with him, “did he buy me this ring because he’s in love with me? Does Chris love me?”
        “Eve, I already told you that this isn’t my conversation to be having.”
        “Please Jack. I’m begging you. If Chris told you he was in love with me, I need to know.”
        “Would it matter if he was? Would it change things?”
        “I....I don’t know,” Eve answered honestly.
        “Eve, you’re married to Ian. What could you really offer Chris if he was in love with you? Honestly, you are already in love with someone else and you have a family, what in the world do you need Chris for?”
        “I care about him Jack.”
        “Eve, that’s not what Chris needs from you,” Jack sighed, “look I think you’d better go.”
        “Jack please,” Eve begged as he walked over towards the door, “I need to find him, to hear the truth.”
        “The truth never helped anyone,” Jack responded tightly as he opened the front door, “sorry I couldn’t help you Eve.”
        “Jack,” Eve stepped forward as she thought of the words that she was struggling with, “I need to see him. I need to tell him that if he does love me, if he wants to be with me....”
        “Then what? You’ll jump right on that fact and walk all over him? Eve, he doesn’t need that.”
        “Jack I....” Eve hesitated further as she looked to the ring on her finger, “I love him.”
        “You what?”
        “I love him Jack.”
        “I know he loves you too as a friend, but that isn’t what he needs....”
        “No Jack, it’s not that easy to just write it off. When he left without saying goodbye, well it was like this huge chunk of my life was missing and Jack, I can’t imagine not having him in my life.”
        “Eve, he needs to find his own way to move on, to live again.”
        “I realize that and while I know I should let him go, give him what’s best for him in his life, I can’t do that. I wish I could give him that, but I just can’t.”
        “It’s not a choice for you to make as he’s already taken the steps into starting over.”
        “But he’s not gone from my life completely yet, is he? There’s still a chance, isn’t there?”
        “A chance at what Eve? What do you hope to find with him?”
        “Jack please,” Eve stepped forward, “after all you’ve been through in this lifetime, you know how much happiness means to a person and what real love can do for someone.”
        “Eve.....” Jack stopped himself, “you really believe there’s something between you and Chris huh?”
        “I hadn’t thought so, but now that I lost him,” Eve confessed, “Jack right now finding him is all that I care about. Please, please help me find him before it’s too late. I can’t lose the best friendship I’ve ever known.”

        Chris Ramsey stood before the crackling fire place as he rubbed his hands together trying to alleviate the chill that had overtaken him at the small cabin. While he’d been so hell-bent on spending some time in this place that had been his childhood refuge, at least for a little while before he left Port Charles forever, he’d hoped to have at least had some electricity running, but alas like everything else in his life, this place too offered up nothing more than a cold reception. Taking a moment to watch the cloud of vapor rush from his lips, he moved away from the fire deciding he’d just have to get used to the chill.
        Making his way across the small room, Chris looked around remembering a time when life had been seemingly less complicated, a place in his life where things were almost simple, carefree and happiness had surrounded him. It had been so long since he’d been able to experience that kind of carefree bliss and he found himself envying the days gone by as his life was now seemingly more twisted than ever. As he looked over the shadows of his past, it was with a heavy heart as he realized that he’d lost any hope for joy in his life as reality had a way of altering his plans.
        Leaving Port Charles was a good idea. That much he’d been certain of as he’d paid up the rent and said his goodbyes. While there wasn’t much leaving him there, he’d hated just picking up and leaving, but alas it was the right thing to do. Going on in a new place, a new town would be the way to begin again. He’d be able to feign a life of happiness as he wouldn’t have to see those whom he’d been hurt by day in and day out. He could have that chance for happiness that he was never given.
        “Oh who am I kidding,” he muttered to himself as he thought of those he’d left behind. Jack had been very understanding and concerned about his decision to leave, but he’d assured Jack that he’d keep in touch and while he’d intended to hold true to that promise, he was certain that it would be a means of keeping himself attached to Eve.         Regardless of how far away he traveled, Eve was just something that he couldn’t break away from. He’d miss her and not being around her. Her smile, her eyes, her laughter, it would all be part of a whirlwind of memories destined to haunt him until his dying day as he thought of how he’d left her behind. Saying goodbye was something that he was certain he wouldn’t be able to do with her as she was the only thing keeping him holding on, but alas she was also the one thing that had eased him into the final decision to leave. Eve had been such an integral part of his life, that he feared letting her go. He dreaded the notion of not seeing her day in and day out, not having a moment with her here and there, but alas it was for the best. 
        Leaving Port Charles was the best thing for everyone and at least in being far away, he wouldn’t have to pretend. He wouldn’t have to hide the feelings that were tugging from within every time she walked into the room. He wouldn’t have to lie to himself anymore as he could love her without ever having to show it. This was truly for the best and nothing would change it. He would move on without Eve and somehow he’d find a way to be happy in a world where she wasn’t even if it killed him as he was certain that it was already taking a great toll on his heart.
        Hearing a soft rumbling sound coming from the cabin door, Chris walked over to open it as he found the owner of the cabin standing before him while covered in a cascade of snow.
        “I just thought I’d check up on you kid before I headed back to town,” the kindly old man explained with a smile despite the chill in the air, “I’d worked on getting that electricity going again, but with this damned storm....”
        “It’s alright,” Chris shook his head, “I’ll manage.”
        “I really hate to leave you here like this especially with the weather. All the other cabins are empty this time of year and for me to just leave you in this one with no electricity....”
        “The water works,” Chris offered with a half smile, “so I’m not completely helpless.”
        “No, I suppose not,” the man scratched his head, “but the storm that’s coming in is supposed to be pretty serious. Are you sure I can’t coax you into going back to town with me? I’d be willing to give you a full refund plus deposit.”
        “My mind is already made up,” Chris shook his head, “I’m staying.”
        “You’re really a stubborn son of a bitch, aren’t you?”
        “So I’m told,” Chris half laughed, “but don’t worry if something goes wrong, I promise not to sue you.”
        “That was the least of my concerns son,” the man replied, “but with this storm...”
        “I’ll be fine,” Chris decided, “but you on the other hand had better get going before it becomes too much for you to drive in. Your family is probably worried sick about you.”
        “I was just on my way out kid,” the man explained, “but I wished you’d changed your mind.”
        “It’s not likely,” Chris answered his voice full of determination, “I’m going to be fine. I have some things here that I needed and the solitude will do me good.”
        “In that case,” the man sighed, “good luck.”
        “You too,” Chris offered with a smile, “and drive safe.”
        “I’ll do just that. You take care,” the man offered giving Chris one last look before going off to face the winter storm that lay ahead of him.
        Chris closed the door feeling the sense of being alone at last finally washing over him. While he’d spent so much time in solitude over the last few years of his life, now he was finally on his own, in the middle of nowhere with only his thoughts and memories to keep him warm. He’d finally find a way to reach that inner peace he’d been craving and nothing would stand in the way of that even if his thoughts only drove him to insanity. Making his way across the room, Chris reached out for one of the medical journals he’d brought with him as he hoped it would provide a distraction from his thoughts of Eve that had been dominating his thoughts. Maybe this time he would be able to get some time away....or at least he was hoping as he settled into a chair determined to fight the urge to think about those he’d left behind in Port Charles.
        As Chris opened the front page of the book, he let out a heavy sigh, hoping that the fire would start to warm up the small room as he knew he was in for a long, cold night all by himself. He thumbed through a few pages more before he heard the tapping upon the door once again. Looking to the window beside him, he noticed that the winds had picked up and the snow was starting to swirl around the night in thick, white clumps along with what appeared to be a light sprinkle of rain drops.
        “Great an ice storm,” Chris frowned slightly as he made his way over to the door realizing that something had obviously gone wrong in his brief companion’s way back to Port Charles. With a sigh, he reached for the door realizing that his notions of being alone were about to become a distant memory as he was certain he’d spend this evening talking old war stories with Mr. Hughes, but as he opened the door, something far beyond his imagination struck him as he noticed a chilled Eve standing before him, a scarf wrapped securely around her neck as she pushed her way into the cabin.
        “You know you have a lot of nerve,” she cursed at him as she made her way into the living room before peeling out of her scarf and glaring at him, “what the hell were you thinking?”
        “What are you doing here?” he frowned, “how the hell did you find me?”
        “Believe me it wasn’t easy,” she snapped in response, “and I damn near killed myself getting here, but now that I am, I think it’s about time we get a few things out in the open starting now.”
        “Eve, you shouldn’t be here,” he argued realizing things were not going as planned as he stepped towards her, “you need to leave now before things get worse out there.”
        “I’m not going anywhere Ramsey,” Eve decided firmly as he seized her arm in his, “and there is no way you’re making me move from this spot until I hear exactly what it is that I want to hear from you, so just get used to the fact that I’m staying and you can’t make me leave.” 
        “What do you mean you aren’t leaving?” Chris frowned slightly at his uninvited arrival as Eve made her way over towards the sofa pulling off her jacket and making herself comfortable before him.
        ”Just as I said before, I’m not leaving and there‘s nothing you can do to change that,” Eve folded her arms in front of her chest as a frown washed over her features, “Geez, don’t you believe in heat around here?”
        “Eve, you can’t be here,“ Chris slammed the door shut as he marched on over towards her, “I don’t want you here.”
        “Too bad,” she snapped back at him, “I’m not going anywhere and it’s about time you just come to terms with that.”
        “What I want to come to terms with is spending a night alone without your aggravations,” Chris snapped at her, “I don’t want you here.”
        “The only way you’re getting rid of me is to throw me out, but I’ll warn you, if I go down, I’m taking you with me, so either way you’re just plain out of luck,“ she shot him a warning glare, “but if you still feel compelled to give it a try, you’re more than welcome, but it’s not going to be like you’re hoping.”
        “You don’t give up, do you?“ he sighed in frustration.
        “Not when I’m feeling particularly motivated on a subject,” she announced proudly.
        “Why can’t you be motivated to just leave me alone,” he groaned making his way over towards the bar with a groan.
        “Because leaving you alone is clearly out of the question when company is the thing you need most in this world,” Eve watched his retreat from her, “you’ve clearly lost your mind and it’s about high time that I work on setting it back straight.”
        “Eve, why must you push me like this?”
        “Because if I don’t, who will?” she stood from the sofa.
        “No one asked you to,” Chris replied sharply, “I didn’t invite you to be here.”
        “Even so, I can’t walk away from a friend. I wouldn’t do that.”
        “It wouldn’t be a first time,” Chris remarked smugly.
        “I‘m not the one who ran away Ramsey,” she pointed out, “I didn’t leave without so much as a good-bye.”
        “I didn’t want to have to deal with this,“ Chris snapped at her, “Did Jack tell you where I was? Was it Jack?”
        “He didn’t have to tell me. I know you well.”
        “Yeah right,“ Chris shook his head, “see what I get for trusting someone. You end up on my doorstep.”
        “And it’s a good thing I did. You would‘ve bored yourself to tears had I not shown up. To think of you spending the night alone...”
        “I’m used to being alone, Eve. That isn’t a problem.”
        “Well, you aren’t alone any longer,” Eve explained with a bright smile, “I’m staying here.”
        “No, you’re not,” he shook his head with a sigh, “you aren’t going to be here. I don’t want you here.”
        “Chris, I know you aren’t going to just toss me out into a snowstorm like this. You don’t have it in you to kick me out of here when the truth is that you want to be spending time with me more than anything right now.”
        “In your dreams Lambert.”
        “Chris, admit it, you are glad I showed up.”
        “Eve, this is your last chance to leave before it gets bad out there,” Chris warned hearing the winds pick up a bit outside the cabin, “now I strongly suggest you make the most of it and get moving.”
        “I’m not going anywhere Ramsey,” she folded her arms in front of her chest defiantly, “the only way I’m leaving is if you make me.”
        “Don’t tempt me,” he warned his voice tight with anger as he looked over at her.
        “I dare you,” Eve challenged a proud smile upon her features as she dared him further, “you don’t have the balls to kick me out of here now that I’m here.”
        “Want to make a bet?” Chris watched her smugness as his anger overtook him.
        “I’ll win,” Eve answered matter of fact as he found himself overwhelmed with the electric surge of anger rushing through his every synapse at her response to him. She was defying him and damn her she was determined to prove once and for all that she’d had power over him. Well, he was not going to take that and as the flame of the inferno she’d evoked from within him, got the better of him, he felt the heat licking his every nerve ending as he marched across the room hoisting her over his shoulder as he stomped off decidedly towards the cabin’s front door.
        “Chris,” she cried out in surprise as he opened the door.
        “Remember you asked for this,” he pointed out storming out into the winter world beyond the lukewarm cabin as the winter winds picked up around them.
        “Put me down,” she kicked at him struggling to free herself from the powerful hold he’d had over her as he carried her away from the cabin towards the winter flakes that surrounded the thick, tree lined area surrounding the cabin, “put me down Chris.”
        “I’ll put you down,” he answered matter of fact, “just as soon as I’m certain you’ll be getting in that car and getting out of here.”
        “I’m not leaving,” she shouted her anger bubbling over as the chill in the air nipped at her features leaving a cool contrast to the heated fury Chris had called out from within her. She kicked at him again, feeling more determined than ever to stay with him as he fought her company. As she threw her weight into one final kick to his abdomen, she tumbled to the ground landing in a heap of crunchy, white snow that had gathered by the front door to her car.
        “Go,” Chris ordered emotionlessly as she looked up at him from the ground momentarily speechless by his actions. He watched her a moment longer before his voice took on a much harsher tone, “I don’t want you here. Do you understand that?”
        “I’m not leaving,” Eve answered her eyes fixed on him as she firmly planted herself in the snow, “if you want me out of here, you’ll have to drive me back to Port Charles yourself.”
        “Eve, don’t be difficult. Just go.”
        “Chris, I’m not leaving you here,” she explained reaching for a chunk of snow from beside her as he let out a sigh of frustration.
        “What do I have to do to get rid of you?”
        “Drive me home and we can settle this on the way,” Eve suggested with a sugary sweet smile despite her fury with him.
        “Eve, I’m not leaving, but you are,” Chris confessed in another harsh tone, “and if you don’t leave right this instant...”
        “Then what?” she questioned as the snow flakes began to fall at a more rapid tempt as if in sync with the beckoning winter winds.
        “You won’t like what I’ll do,” Chris warned again feeling his resolve slipping as it dawned on him that Eve was set on doing what she normally did in driving him crazy. She was daring him to defy her, to push her away with her consistent determined attitude that drove him absolutely mad on occasions.
        “Is that a threat, Ramsey?” she raised a brow as her palm clenched the snow tighter as her fist contracted into a ball.
        “No, it’s a promise, Lambert, now leave!” he snapped back at her fiercely as he shot her one last look, “or freeze out here. I don’t really give a damn,” he finished marching back towards the cabin once more leaving her behind as he tried to ignore that inner voice from within.
        “That’s it,” Eve grumbled watching him as she let out a huff, “you’re not getting off that easy, Ramsey.”
        With that, Chris felt a cold, slushy thud snap against the back of his neck catching him off guard as he reached out to the exposed skin just above the neckline of his sweater and he felt the dampness over his skin. Bringing his hand out once more, he noted the winter white snow that was seeping down his spine, awaking his senses with a numbing chill. Anger coursed through his veins as he turned to find Eve seated in the snow as before, only this time she’d had another mound of snow in her hand momentarily before she launched it, offering up another perfect blow to his face.
        “What the hell....” Chris blurted out spitting out the snow that had covered his now freezing features, “what do you think you’re doing?”
        “I’m not letting you win,” Eve explained continuing her snowball assault on him as Chris raised his hands to defend himself.
        “Eve, don’t you think this is a bit childish even for you?” he questioned in between her launches at him.
        “I’m childish?” she questioned with sharp disbelief, “I’m not the one who’s running away from his problems rather than facing them. I’m not the one hiding from how he feels.”
        “Eve, just go away. You don’t know the first damned thing about me,” he replied blocking her shot as he stepped in towards her.
        “No,” she threw another clump of snow as she raised herself to her feet, “I’m not going anywhere. Not tonight and most certainly not without you.”
        “Eve, knock it off,” he warned once more before his anger got the best of him and he leaned forward picking up a clump of the newly packed snow launching it towards her. She ducked as the snowball slammed into the windshield of her car.
        “Ha, you missed,” she smirked brightly as he threw another one at her hitting her right square in the face and she let out a squeal.
        Unable to mask his amusement, Chris broke into a chorus of laughter as Eve wiped at the snow seeping down her features, “That cool you off, Eve? What‘s wrong? Can‘t take what you dish out?”
        “That’s it,” she hissed lunching forward as she caught him off guard tackling him to the ground while her hands aimlessly picked up snow launching it at him.
        “Eve, w-wait....” he started as she rubbed the snow into his hair, down the front of his sweater, over his neck, down his body as her limbs swung out of control. Her slender frame pinned him down as her arms swung rapidly over him.
        “How’s this for cooling down, Ramsey? Huh? Huh?” she questioned viciously as she continued her attack on him.
        “Eve,” he managed to get out as he tried to fend her off. Finally giving up on the notion, he slipped his arms around her waist seizing her body with one firm tug before pinning her down on the ground beneath him. With a deliciously wicked smirk, he began to throw snow over her, through her dark tresses to allow her locks to blend with his now snow covered hair, “how do you like it? Huh? Well?” he chuckled further, “how does it feel to be on the receiving end?”
        “I may be down, but I’m not out,” she threatened reaching out to a patch of snow beside her as he clasped his hand over hers stopping her mid-movement.
        “No you don’t,” he chuckled in devilish delight as he squished her hand further into the mound of snow, “not this time, Lambert.”
        “We’ll just see about that,” her other arm rose up from beside him slamming a cold, wet gob of snow into his ear causing him to cry out in surprise while his body remained over hers. Almost instantly he clasped her arm, burying it in the snow as he lay over her completely pinning her down beneath him.
        “We won’t be having anymore of this,” he explained with a half laugh as their eyes connected and the laughter died down.
        “Now that you think you’ve won, what do you think you’re going to do with me,” Eve questioned raising a curious brow as she felt the warmth of his breath fall over her chilled features.
        “I’m going to ask you to leave,” he replied the seriousness returning to his voice as he hovered over her frozen in the moment between them.
        “No you aren’t,” she argued, “because you know it’s pointless. I won’t go.”
        “Eve, please....”
        “I’m not leaving Ramsey,” Eve insisted, “you can’t make me go.”
        “Eve, please don’t be impossible about this,” his gaze shifted to her chilled lips as he thought of what it had been like to kiss her so long ago. Reaching out to brush a strand of damp, icy hair from her face, his cold finger brushed up against her cheek before he pulled back a bit, “I can’t have you here. I need to be alone.”
        “No Chris,” she argued, “you need to be with me. We need to be together.”
        “Why?” he questioned his eyes upon hers once more, “why are you so determined to stay here with me?”
        “Because you need me. You need someone to remind you of what you’re leaving behind in Port Charles. You can’t just walk away from everything you know and love.”
        “Eve, you and I both know that it’s not that simple. If I go back, I’ll never be able to have what I've always wanted....”
        “Chris, you can’t give up on what your wishing for.”
        “It’s an impossible dream,” he pushed off of her as he turned away from her, “and one I would rather not share with you.”
        “Chris,” Eve frowned sitting up as she watched him dust himself off, “why are you being such an ass?”
        “Eve, go home. Your husband and your son need you,” he shot back harshly, “they are who need you. Not me....”
        “How can you do that,” Eve asked watching him walk away as she pulled herself up from the ground, “how can you be so cruel? How can you just turn away your friend like this when all I want is to help you?”
        “You want to help me Eve,” he faced her once again fighting to keep what he was feeling under control, “then leave. That’s the best thing you can do for me. I don‘t want you here.”
        “Fine I will,” Eve blurted out frustrated, “but when I do, I won’t be coming back again.”
        “Good, that’s just the way I want it,” Chris answered turning away from her fighting to shield what was going on inside of him as his heart ached at the thought of letting her go.
        “Fine, then that’s exactly the way that you’ll have it,” she pulled her keys from her pocket realizing just how impossible Chris Ramsey truly was. At that moment she’d never wanted anymore more than to slap him, but she decided to give him what he’d wanted. If he wanted her gone, then so be it. He’d regret turning her away and it would be his loss. He’d see that soon enough and she’d be so far gone, he wouldn’t be able to get back what they had. Then again, what did they have, she frowned thinking of the ring on her finger as Jack’s questions came back to haunt her. What was it exactly that she felt for Chris? Could she love him? Was her desire to be with him something more than friendship? As she turned to see him heading back towards the house, her heart ached at the thought of never seeing him, but he’d been so damned stubborn.
        “Fine Chris,” she called out to him once more, “you don’t ever have to worry about seeing me ever agai.......” her words were cut off as the earth beneath her feet crumbled giving way to the ice beneath her as she slid down the incline a bit with a scream.
        “Eve,” Chris turned to face her finding her voice the only thing remaining as he looked to the edge of the incline, “Eve,” he followed the sound of her voice as he rushed over to the edge watching her fall down the hill screaming all the way as she tumbled down the hill.
        “Why now,” he questioned watching her with mock amusement as she finally hit the bottom of the hill twenty yards beneath him. He placed his hands on his hips as he watched her expectantly ready for her tongue lashing with him as he was certain if she hadn’t been upset before this was certain to piss her off, but it seemed the longer he waited, the more still she remained, “Eve?” he called out to her getting no response as she lay in the clearing face down, “Eve, talk to me,” he spoke out to her again realizing she must’ve been knocked out in the fall as she remained motionless before him, “Eve!” he called out once more before deciding to make his way down the hill fearing the worst as he thought of the ways in which he’d pushed her away.
        Once at the bottom a few moments later, Chris rushed over to her side, finding her still face down in the snow as he knelt beside her. “Eve,” he spoke her name reaching out to her as he rolled her over seeing her features a cherry red color as she lay limp in his arms. He searched for a pulse finding it going strong as he let out a breath of relief, “you scared me,” he whispered checking for injury as he’d realized moving her probably hadn’t been a smart idea, although she hadn’t appeared to have any neck injury. Slipping his arms around her slender frame, he let out a groan realizing how things got out of hand between them.
        “You couldn’t just leave, could you?” he sighed in frustration as he stood up keeping her body close to him as a crackling sound grew in volume from beneath him and before he knew it, the ice he was standing upon gave way, dropping him and Eve into the icy water that had been shielded by the snow and thin layer of ice.
        Gasping for air as he resurfaced, Chris felt his body stiffen at the cold surrounding him as he tried to register what had happened. Realizing that he no longer had Eve in his arms, he searched the water, seeking out any sign of her before he dipped back under fearing the worst. After a few seconds he resurfaced once again having no luck in finding her as his heart thumped in his chest wondering where she could’ve gone. He couldn’t have lost her that fast and if she was unconscious there was no telling what..... He banished the thought as he dipped back under searching frantically determined to find Eve. Opening his eyes, he felt the sting of the chilled water cutting upon him harshly as he sought her out. She couldn’t be far from him and he was determined to find her. As he felt his air supply running out, he noted a red figure before him and he swam further beneath the ice reaching out to feel her chilled form. He tugged her body closer to his holding her tightly as he resurfaced again praying above anything that he hadn’t inadvertently injured the best friend he’d ever known. As Chris pulled himself and Eve from the water, it dawned on him that he couldn’t afford to lose her. Not now...not like this. 

        Kicking the cabin door open, Chris carried Eve in his arms hoping to awaken her as her body remained ice cold in his arms, “Just hold on Eve,” he whispered praying that the water hadn’t sent her into shock as he’d made his way up to the cabin. Closing the door behind him, he carried her over towards the fireplace laying her down upon the carpet. He directed his attention to the fireplace as he fought to get a fire going despite the chill that had overtaken the cabin. Once he’d managed to get a modest flame going, he turned to her seeing her still as he’d left her moments earlier.
        “Eve, you have to wake up,” he reached for her arm noting the color of her face had taken on a pale blue shade and he feared the worst as he reached out to her blouse, pulling open the soaked material to rid it from her body. He stopped himself mid-way through as his eyes fell upon her pale skin before him. He’d thought about their fight recalling how much she’d tear into him when she’d wake up from having him rescue her. He was certain the last thing Eve wanted was for him to see her naked, but rather than fighting him on it, he was determined to take his chances as he stripped her down before reaching for a blanket to cover her with.
        “You’re going to be just fine,” he whispered soothingly as he noted her trembling beside him.
        “Chris......” her voice tapered off weakly as he let out a breath of relief.
        “I'm right here,” he touched her cheek gently bringing the blanket around her as he rubbed her shoulders, “you’re going to be okay,” he replied reaching for her hand as he felt a cool, smoothness over her finger. Raising her hand up to him, he noted the emerald on her finger and he found himself at a loss realizing she was wearing the engagement ring he’d bought for her.
        “Don’t leave me,” Eve pleaded with him, her voice weak as he hugged her to him.
        “I’m right here. I’m not leaving,” he promised listening to the winds pick up outside the cabin as the storm started to rage out of control, “I’m not going anywhere.”
        “Please don’t leave me,” she trembled against him as he felt her latch on to his wet body.
        “I won’t,” he promised once more moving out of her arms as he pulled off his sweater, kicked off his shoes and stripped down to his damp under shorts before pulling her into an embrace, “I’m not leaving you,” he whispered holding her as she buried her head in his chest and he kept her in his arms feeling the fire inside of him burning him to the core as she clung to him. 
        Despite the reasoning behind the situation, Eve’s presence affected him more than he’d wanted to admit. Why he’d taken the liberty to strip down to hold her was beyond him as he thought of how good it felt to hold her in his arms. She was freezing, he reminded himself feeling her skin against his as he hugged her tighter. He was doing the logical thing in this storm. There was no ulterior motive going on here. Sure, he could’ve gotten dressed, changed into something else, but it would be wrong leaving her alone to do that, wouldn’t it? Feeling her head snuggle into his chest, Chris took in a sigh realizing that while he may have started off with the best of intentions, the longer he’d held her, the more his temptation threatened to overtake him.
        “Eve, I’ll be back,” Chris whispered easing away from her a bit before her arms hooked around him.
        “No, don’t go,” she urged once more drawing him in closer to her, “don’t go.”
        “Eve, I’ll go get you something warm to put on,” he spoke his voice a bit of a hoarse whisper as she held his body, her leg circling his torso.
        “I’ve already found something to hold onto,” she lifted her chin meeting his eyes for a moment as a soft smile pressed over her features, “and I like it.”
        “Eve,” he started again as she snuggled into him and he gave in to the feel of her in his arms. Despite his protests, there was no where else in the world he’d rather be in that moment and maybe just maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. After all what harm would a couple of hours be?