Disclaimer: I don't own any of the General Hospital characters, but if AMC is lookin' to get rid of Patrick, Noah, Luke, Robert, Lucky, Dillon, Nikolas, Jason or Jax, I'd be happy to take 'em.

A/N: This one came to me at about 1:30 this morning; woke me out of a sound sleep. I got up and wrote this in about fifteen minutes---enjoy!

The Visitor

Robin entertains a guest who helps her deal with Patrick and his situation. POV.

It's been a long day. Indeed, far too long. I heard everything my mom said, I know his chances are good, but---I just can't help worrying about Patrick. Whatever the case, now I've gotta try---really try to get some sleep. Maybe things will look better in the morning.

"Robin?" The voice seems so familiar and yet I cannot place it. Maybe that's because I'm too exhausted to try. They call my name again. "Robin, wake up." Now I play a guessing game.

Dad? No, it's not him---no Australian accent. Hmmm…I'm pretty sure it's not Patrick…or Noah…or Jason…I'm running out of options. Unless---no, that's impossible! It couldn't be…could it?

"Stone?" Sure enough, I slowly open my eyes to see none other than Stone Cates standing above me. I don't believe in ghosts; there are no such things as ghosts!

"Sure is. You look great." I shake my head quickly to clear my thoughts.

"What the--? Am I dreaming?" He shrugs.

"Well, I'm here and you're here…you tell me, are you dreaming?"

"I think so. You're not real---that's why this has to be a dream." He smiles and extends his hand to me.

"Go on, Doubting Thomas, go on and take my hand. Then you'll see." I reach for his hand, my own trembling. He catches it and pulls me to his level, into his arms. "See…I'm real." He's right.

"Why'd you come here, then?" I demand. A look of hurt flashes through his dark eyes.

"If you don't want me here, then I'll just---"

"No! No, don't...don't go, Stone…please," I say. "I-I've missed you." He smiles warmly.

"I've missed you too, babe, but I didn't come here to catch up. I'm actually here to talk to you about something."

"Okay, what about?"

"About a fella named…Patrick Drake." I bet I have a shocked look on my face. "I've been watching him, watching you. I know you love him," he continues.

"You're wrong, you know…I don't love him," I counter. Stone rolls his eyes.

"Don't kid a kidder, Robin…I know love when I see it, feel it…and so do you. It's all right, I'm not jealous if that's what's keeping you from admitting this. You loved another in between the two of us--- remember? I wasn't jealous of Jason Morgan and I ain't jealous of Patrick Drake, either. So come on and say it, you're in love with this guy, aren't you?" I lower my gaze in defeat.

"Yeah." He puts his finger to my chin and raises my head to meet his look.

"And you're scared to death because he might get HIV." At the mention of the situation, I can't stop the gradual coming of tears to my eyes.

"I don't know what to do," I answer in a shaky voice.

"Be there for him," Stone replies. "Be there for Patrick like you were for me, Robin. He needs all the support he can get---give it to him." I sink back down onto the edge of the bed as the tears that I've held back for so long finally course down my face.

"I feel so helpless." He joins me there, wrapping his arm around my body, drawing me in.

"Don't---you're so much stronger than that. Robin Scorpio, you are living proof that HIV cannot and should not hold you back from being all that you can! It shouldn't start now."

"I know, it's just---I go to work and see Patrick being so afraid to talk about it and how he really feels…then, I think of you and I have to wonder…will I lose the man of my dreams again to this disease? I'm so scared, Stone…" I can't speak anymore; the sadness and the fear prevent it. He holds me tight, a welcomed gesture.

"I know how frightened you are, the both of you---but Patrick will be okay."

"That's what my mom said, too…how can you be so sure?"

"Because Patrick has a strong, beautiful, kind, smart, amazing woman like you to back him up, regardless of what happens. That's how. Patrick will be okay…and so will you."

"I believe you, Stone," I state.

"Good. I have to go now," he declares, softly kissing my cheek.

"Don't go…" I respond, largely out of longing for him to do that again.

"I have to---but maybe I'll pop in again someday."

"I'd like that," I find myself saying.

"Okay, then. See you around," he calls, rising to leave.

"Wait a second!"

"Yeah?"

"I wanted to thank you…for everything." He grins.

"No problem, sweetheart. Anytime." Again, he heads for the door. I remember one more thing I must tell him.

"Stone?" His head whips around.

"What is it this time, Robin? I'm gonna be late getting back home."

"I love you, Stone," I nearly whisper. He hears me.

"I love you, too, Robin---and I always will." And just like that, he's gone. What he's left me with, though, will remain for a long time to come…

The digital clock by the bed flashes 6:30. Almost time to get up. I lie in bed and listen intently as the birds sing a cheerful ditty outside the window. It's now that I remember the events of the previous evening.

I guess it really was just a dream…but it felt so real! Stone's right, though---I have to be there for Patrick. I will be there for Patrick. I promise. And as I stay that way, I silently thank the love of my life for showing me how to help his successor.

The End

A/N: Hope you enjoyed it and let me know what you think!