Lulu told Johnny that Anthony wants them to be together so much that he threatened to have Luke jailed for money laundering. Johnny suggested they pretend to be together until he can gather evidence to give to the Feds to have his father locked up for good. Lulu didn't think that would be a problem, noting, "I still care about you." Later, they told Anthony they are back together. Anthony blustered, but was secretly happy. On The Haunted Star, Luke and a dolled-up Sam played poker with some high-rollers. Tracy interrupted to scold Luke for gambling while under investigation and "sleeping with secret agents." Luke explained Anna was just freaked out by grandmotherhood, and this was a legal private party. Just then Harper strolled in to bust the party. Despite the fact that it was a private party and everything was perfectly legal, the detective insisted on taking down all the players' personal information. If only Luke knew a good lawyer...

Nadine checked on Nikolas, and found Emily's ring in his hand. He said Emily had not returned. Then Robin and Patrick arrived to tell him "the surgery was a resounding success."

On the docks, Jerry and Claudia bonded over the animal kingdom and their mutual ties to Ian. She warned that if she goes down, he goes down. Then Jerry kissed her — just in time for Alexis to see. Claudia needled her, and Jerry said they are in "preliminary negotiations" for a business partnership. Claudia suggested if a deal doesn't happen they can still have great sex, and left. Alexis told Jerry to get another lawyer if he gets in bed with Claudia. They bickered over whether Claudia is "hot" or "skanky." He admitted being attracted to Alexis, who insisted, "I don't care about your relationship with Claudia" so loudly that it was clear she did. He stalked off and left her panting. Later, Luke arrived, and Alexis asked him what's the appeal of "a woman who dresses like a streetwalker and vomits her sexuality into the lap over every man she meets." He seemed confused by the obviousness of the answer, and observed, "It sounds like you caught your man with his hand inside Claudia Zacchara's cookie jar." Alexis was worried that Claudia could get Jerry shot, and that would upset Jax. Then Alexis tipped Luke that the raid revealed the Star made $500,000 in one hour, which should trigger a fed investigation, but she's holding off.

At the long-term care facility, Carly sobbed to Jax, "I wish Michael were awake and smiling." Meanwhile, at Kate's office, Sonny insisted there was no way Kate would have given money to the man who shot Michael. When she asked to talk to him privately he realized what happened, and demanded an explanation. She told Sonny it was because she loves him. Jason went to Michael's hospital room and told him about Kate. "This shouldn't be your life," he said, noting he stopped Carly from picking Michael up at the warehouse. "I wish I was there," he sobbed. Carly found Jason there, and told him she doesn't know how to send her little boy away to spend the rest of his life eating from a tube. She wanted to paint his room blue, like the summer sky in Florida. She recalled happy times at the beach, and Jason comforted her. Kate told Sonny she paid Ian because he threatened to shoot Sonny. She also feared that if Sonny killed Ian, there would be a messy investigation — and Michael would still be in a coma. She wanted him to break the cycle of violence. "That wasn't your call to make," he growled. She said he did it to protect him, as a gesture of love. "Let's not call it love," he snarled. "Let's call it what it is: betrayal." Later, Jax found Kate a zoned-out mess. She told him she and Sonny were "finished." Sonny went to the Star, where Claudia found him drinking. He poured her a shot and they admitted they understand each other; Kate doesn't. And she's nowhere to be found.

Robin asked Elizabeth for mothering advice, but she said babies don't come with instruction manuals. Robin lamented that Patrick is no help at all. She tried to explain to him that she needs a female perspective, but Patrick pointed out she doesn't let him help. Liz gave her a Web site with mothering advice. Robin mulled doing a video blog. Patrick wondered why she didn't want to share with him instead of strangers. She wanted empathy.

At The Haunted Star, Sam bemoaned how little she's earning, and remarked upon Luke's sharp suit. He said he's trying to get his wife back. When Lucky arrived, Sam kissed him and left. Lucky scolded Luke for getting involved with known criminals. Luke insisted he likes a little danger around the edges of his life — and he's not going to change. "Don't save me from me," he warned. At the Quartermaine mansion, Tracy demanded Edward fire Alice, but he refused. Tracy found Alan waiting for her in the study. She confessed she's scared for Luke. Then Luke arrived, wilted flower in hand. Luke said, "There's no one else for me. We're a perfect match." He offered her her ring, asking, "Won't you please wear it again?" Tracy demanded that he wash his hands of the Zaccharas, and he agreed.

Epiphany told Sonny the Aftercare Institute is one of the best in the world, and he's doing right thing by sending Michael there. Mike stopped by, and encouraged Sonny to visit the facility — with Kate. Sonny said Kate has her own reasons for not being with him. Mike assured him he's doing the right thing, then left. He went to Kate's office. She told him Sonny ended things with her, but he insisted Sonny needs her. She recapped about paying off Ian, but Mike encouraged her to help Sonny accept that committing Michael is the best thing. Then Spinelli dropped by, looking for Maxie. Kate raved about Maxie's rapport with a hot new designer (much to Spinelli's chagrin). Kate suggested Jackaling the designer. Later, Spinelli went to Jake's, where Coleman served him an orange soda and observed as Spinelli bumbled around the joint. He told Coleman he wants to become cool like Jason, who attracts hot chicks. Coleman advised him to drop the orange soda in favor of booze — which he should knock back "like a sexy man." He also advised adopting Jason's trick of not talking: "Just sit there and shut up." When Patrick rolled in, he advised Spinelli never talk about past relationships (good or bad) and never talk about her mother. Oh, and watch out for pregnancy — that's the big danger. At home, Robin began her video blog with thanks that her nausea is gone, but now she can't stop eating, so she's worried about the extra weight and Patrick's attraction to Anna...

Lulu found Johnny playing piano on the Star. She said, "My feelings for you are as real as it gets." He was skeptical, so she kissed him. Then they spotted Logan and Anthony watching them.

At G.H., Sam and Lucky found Nikolas sprawled on the floor of his room. Dr. Harmon noticed the bloodwork indicated no trace of medication in Nik's blood. Sam realized the same thing happened that time Liz got yelled at.

Sonny visited the Aftercare Institute of Manhattan room earmarked for Michael. He talked to the administrator about the room and what a bright, active kid Michael is — was. Kate arrived just in time to overhear Sonny express his regret: "I saved Kate's life when I should have saved my son." Anguished, Kate fled.

In Nikolas' hospital room, Dr. Harmon asked Elizabeth about the previous incident in which medication did not appear to be in a patient's bloodstream. Sam said something is seriously wrong at G.H. Lucky suggested there may be counterfeit drugs circulating. Nik confessed to spending $10 million to buy unapproved drugs from Ian — because he was having hallucinations of Emily. "I knew that she wasn't real," he claimed. (Oh, really?)

At Jake's, Spinelli made a move on a hottie. Coleman summoned Jason because Spinelli was out of his league. Jason arrived in time to see the lady in question name her price: $250. Spinelli was confused, so Jason paid her to go away. Coleman told Spinelli she was a "working girl," which depressed Spinelli. So he asked Jason for advice on women, and lamented that Maxie was out of town. Jason was morose about Michael being sent away tomorrow.

Back at G.H., Carly wondered how to tell Morgan that Michael was being moved to the Aftercare Institute. Jax suggested "the boys would be better off without Sonny in their lives," and revealed he had Alexis draw up papers to sever Sonny's parental rights. A skeptical Carly called getting involved with Sonny her biggest mistake. She failed her kids by letting them get embroiled in the gangster life because, "I loved Sonny, and I couldn't let go." She admitted she didn't listen to the warnings: "I knew the violence that surrounded Sonny." Then she resolved: "Having Sonny as their father puts my kids in danger every single day. He can't be their father anymore." Jax assured comatose Michael that nurses would keep him updated on the Yankees. Carly reminisced about Sonny being a sincere and loving parent, but told Michael that Sonny has to sign some papers and "not be your father anymore." She promised to put him and Morgan ahead of her own needs from now on. Meanwhile, Alexis delivered the legal papers to Jax. Alexis suggested the gambit would just anger Sonny.

Aboard The Haunted Star, Lulu told Anthony that she and Johnny are not hiding their relationship, but that doesn't mean she wants to be a Zacchara. She urged Logan to quit working for Anthony. Anthony noted that Logan seemed jealous of Johnny. Lulu and Johnny went to Crimson Point, where he showed her a garden shed, which he suggested could be "our place." He wondered how she really feels about him. "I don't love you, but I could," she said, "if I let myself." She recalled how her mother fell for a bad boy who eventually raped her. She admitted she's afraid of getting lost in forbidden love and going mad, just like Laura. He admitted feeling the same way, but they agreed they liked the edgy feeling. Meanwhile, Claudia told Ric she's wary of betraying her father for him. Ric dangled the prospect of giving Claudia her fair share of the business if she convinces Anthony he needs Ric, not Trevor. Later, she went to the Star, where Anthony asked her what he can do to make up for neglecting her. When she brought up the business, he said he's protecting her from becoming bitter and cold, like her mother. He claimed Domenica grew to love the business more than him, so that's why he left her. Then Jason walked in. Anthony and Logan left, but Claudia stayed with Jason. Back at Crimson Point, Anthony told Ric to feed Claudia any information necessary to make her trust Anthony, saying, "I'm ready for a faithful, obedient daughter." On the Star, Jason told Claudia he won't take out Anthony without proof he hired Ian.

As Kate prepared to attend a charity gala in Manhattan, Maxie and Lulu wondered if she was going to be with Sonny when he moves Michael to the home. Kate said no, and wanted to keep her breakup quiet. She promised she's not moving Crimson to Manhattan. While the girls hustled to coordinate the trip, Spinelli arrived and awkwardly attempted to flirt. Maxie mooned over Federico the designer treating her like a princess — making Spinelli crazy jealous. Then Federico actually called.

When Max revealed that Jason ordered Sonny secretly protected, he angrily summoned Jason. Meanwhile, Claudia told Johnny she's pretty sure Jason believes Anthony hired Ian, so now is the time to strike. But Johnny balked. When Jerry arrived, he and Claudia explained he wanted to go into business with her — and kissed her. Ric wheeled in Anthony, and Claudia pointed out that Jerry is dating Ric's ex-wife. Jerry wanted to talk business: the Alcazar pier. He wanted to lease space for an import business in the old cannery. Anthony said he already has plans for that property. Alone, Ric threatened to tell Alexis that Jerry is back to his old tricks. Later, Anthony told Ric he wants Ric to earn Claudia's trust by any means necessary. At G.H., Bobbie met Jax and Carly with the paperwork to transfer Michael. They thanked Elizabeth for her help. Carly told the comatose Michael they're moving him to the special place, where he will be cared for. Bobbie told him, "Family has to stick together." Jax offered to follow Michael's ambulance, but Carly said Sonny is sending a car. Jax promised Michael that he would be the best stepfather possible to Morgan, who will have the kind of childhood Michael should have had. He vowed: "I'll never stop looking for a way to bring you back to your mother." Elsewhere, Sonny scolded Jason, who told him how he traced Ian to Michael's shooting. Jason noted that Ian implied someone else was involved, but Jason thinks he worked alone. An anguished Sonny recalled protecting Lucky when Joe Scully shot up Luke's house — but failed his own son. Sonny insisted Jason would have protected his son. He demanded that Jason blame him, but the hit man replied, "We did this — you, me and Carly!" Later, Sonny went to the hospital and thanked Jax for helping Michael. Jax went to Kate's office, looking to do some work. She was fretting over Michael. He offered to accompany Kate to the charity gala. Meanwhile, Sonny and Carly accompanied Michael in the ambulance. Sonny thanked her for letting him ride along. "Michael would want you here," she noted. At the Institute, Jason checked out Michael's room and chatted with Dr. Leavitt. He passed along a book about Africa to be read to Michael.

Nikolas packed to go home, telling Nadine it's time to move on. She warned that he still needs care — and wondered if he wished to see Emily. Later, Leyla warned a frustrated Nadine that Nik may never return her feelings.

Claudia went to the docks to scold Jerry for showing up at Crimson Point. He said he was checking to see if she truly is impotent in her family's business. She insisted he help her frame Anthony for Michael's shooting so Jason will kill him. Once her father is dead, she will give Jerry the piers. He whipped out a switchblade and stabbed her in the gut.

Aboard the jet, Kate remarked about the storm and explained why she and Sonny broke up. And, seeing as she paid off the man who shot his stepson, Jax might want to terminate his relationship with her as well. At the Aftercare Institute, Carly and Sonny ran into Jason, so Carly gave him a chance to say goodbye to Michael. Jason reminisced about caring for him as a baby. "I'm thankful for every day I had with you," he sobbed. "I love you. I'll always be thinking of you. Goodbye." Then he strode right past Carly and Sonny. Sonny told Michael that he feels Michael's consciousness has gone somewhere else. He'll miss the way Michael put a smile on his face. "I damaged you in ways I didn't intend long before you were shot," he confessed. "You were my first child; the child of my heart. I will always love you." As Sonny prepared to leave, Carly told Michael, "I don't believe that your life is over. I will never, ever give up on you." Later, at the charity gala, Kate met with Warren and Giselle, who sniped about her boyfriend's son being shot. Warren privately told Kate that if Crimson fails, there will always be a place for her at Couture. After Giselle suggested Kate was too old for the target demo, Jax hinted to Giselle that Warren actually wants Kate to come back to Couture. Kate thanked Jax for defending her, and they danced.

Anthony remarked on the coming storm, and told Johnny that Claudia hired the hitter who shot Michael. Johnny defended Claudia, but Anthony said guards saw Ian talking to Claudia at Crimson Point twice. Johnny suggested Ian was merely hitting on his sister. Trevor entered, and Anthony asked if there's any proof Claudia was behind the shooting of "Sonny's brat." Trevor said he thinks Claudia was involved. Johnny said Trevor is just jealous of Claudia and left. After Trevor admitted Devlin might have acted alone, Anthony said he can control Johnny as long as he "thinks" he loves Lulu. Meanwhile, Johnny met Lulu in the shed as the storm hit. As they started to have sex, Trevor just happened to be walking outside the shed in the downpour and spotted them through a window.

On the Port Charles docks, Jerry heard Alexis approaching so he pitched Claudia into the water and hid his bloody knife in a pocket. He tried to put her off by saying "that splash" was a sandwich he tossed in the water. He told her he's interested in starting an import business at the cannery, but she was suspicious, so he ushered her away.

Alfred welcomed Nikolas home to Wyndemere. Nik told Spencer, "the doctors fixed me all up." Then Lulu visited, asking how Nik knew he was in love with Emily. He said he loved her as a friend, but when she was fighting breast cancer, he realized his feelings were so strong they would never go away. "I just knew." After Lulu left, Alexis arrived and remarked, "There's a storm coming." Later, he decided to go for a stroll in the teeth of the storm. He wandered to the docks, where he saw a hunched female figure. "Emily?" he shouted as he embraced her. No, it was Claudia.

At G.H., Elizabeth asked Lucky to pick up the kids and watch Jake, so he canceled his plans with Sam. Later, Lucky brought the kids to the nurses' station and handed off Cameron. As Liz drove home, she got a flat, and when she stepped outside into the storm to check it, she locked herself out of the car. Luckily, Jason just happened to be driving by — on a motorcycle, during a downpour without a helmet or goggles!!!! — but he was unable to get the door open. He pounded his fists in frustration and she hugged him.

In the car on the way home, Sonny and Carly reminisced about funny and touching times with Michael. Suddenly, she freaked and demanded that he turn the car around to fetch Michael. He comforted her — and they kissed.