Disclaimer:

I own nothing related to or affiliated with Disney, ABC Daytime, or General Hospital. Characters are not mine; they are merely being borrowed.

AN:

Yes, I know I have no business starting anything new. Ever. LOL However this just won't let me be. It's going to a short piece.Only four parts. And yes I realize the title sucks. Enjoy!!

Kelly

Background:

Okay I'm sure you'd figure it out but this happens just after Elizabeth is released from the hospital, after she is kidnapped.

After the Crypt

Part One

Jason stood outside Elizabeth's studio door as his heart breaking into millions of pieces. Elizabeth and Zander were kissing on her couch. He knew he should walk away. If this was Elizabeth's choice he couldn't change it. He turned to leave just as a crash came from the room. "Damn it, Elizabeth. What the hell is wrong with you?" Zander's voice shouted.

Jason was immediately concerned. Zander wasn't exactly known for his control. After hesitating for a moment Jason broke down the door. Zander turned around at the noise. Jason was surprised to see his lip was bleeding. "What in hell is going on Zander? Are you hurting Elizabeth?"

"That bitch bit me."

"You watch your mouth about her. She's the reason you're still breathing." Jason looked at Elizabeth who was now huddled on the couch. Something was clearly wrong with her. He should have never left her. Why did he always feel the need to go running when Carly called him? He carefully sat on the couch beside her. "Elizabeth? Are you okay?" When she didn't respond Jason began to worry. He reached out to touch her trembling back. He glared at Zander and pulled out his phone. "Johnny, I need to over at Elizabeth's studio. What? No, she's... okay. Just get your ass over here now."

Zander paced the small room. He knew he was in serious trouble. Jason clearly had deep feelings for Elizabeth. That's why he came over tonight. When he found her crying in the stairwell he knew he finally found a way to beat Jason. He hesitantly kissed Elizabeth and was thrilled when she responded. She was so sweet and beautiful Zander didn't want to stop. Then all of a sudden she tensed beneath him, struggling to get away. Zander was confused by her behavior but was shocked when she bit his lip. Then Jason had to bust in like some white knight. "I didn't mean to..."

"That's the problem with you, Zander. You never mean too. Just stand there and shut up." Jason took one hand and cupped Elizabeth's cheek. He lifted her head till he could see her eyes. What he saw hit him like a punch in the stomach. He knew that look she was terrified.

Elizabeth blinked several times and she became more aware. "Jason?" When she realized it was really him she launched herself into his arms. After a moment of surprise Jason wrapped his arms around her. She clutched his shirt as she sobbed.

This was the sight that greeted Johnny. His eyes narrowed when he saw his boss comforting Elizabeth. He then focused on Zander, who was standing there nervously. Johnny knew instinctively he was involved. He grabbed the boy by the collar and slammed him against the wall. "What did you do you little shit?"

"Johnny, stop." Jason said firmly shaking his head.

"You're not going to let him get away with this?"

"Not here." He told the guard, indicating Elizabeth.

"Fine. What do you want me to do?"

"Take him to a safe house."

"A safe house?"

"For now. Unfortunately he still has information we need." Jason saw the anger in his friend's eyes. He knew the man was close to Elizabeth. In fact that's why he called him. "Johnny, just don't kill him."

"Sure thing, Jason." Johnny promised dragging Zander out of the studio.

He waited till they were alone before attempting to get Elizabeth to speak. "Elizabeth, what happened? Did Zander hurt you?"

Elizabeth raised her head to look in his eyes. "I'm not sure. I don't think he hurt me though." She admitted. "The power went out. I... I was scared. So decided to try and find the fuse box, but the stairwell was so dark, it reminded me of the crypt. And things are kind of confusing. Why did Johnny take Zander? Why was he even here?"

"I don't know why he was here. When I got here the two of you were..." Jason trailed off not wanting to think about what he had witnessed.

"What? We were doing?" Elizabeth pleaded.

Jason closed his eyes and pulled her to him. He wasn't sure if he could tell her, but he knew there was no way he could look at her as he did. "The two of you were kissing."

"What? I don't understand. I barely like Zander."

"I saw you." He whispered.

"I'm so sorry. Is that why the door is broken? Why Zander's bleeding?"

"You bit him. I heard a crash and then him yelling at you."

"So you broke in to save me? After I had hurt you. Why?" Elizabeth asked unsure why Jason was being so kind after she had hurt him.

"I care about you. Don't you know that by now?"

"But I was kissing Zander."

"I want you happy and I thought maybe he made you happy. That you wanted him."

"No." Elizabeth shook her head. "I don't want Zander and even if I did I'd never hurt Em like that."

Jason felt a wave of relief come over him at her words. She didn't want Zander. "Are you okay?"

"I think so. I just wish I knew what's wrong with me."

"You've been through a lot recently. Just give yourself some time. Okay?" As Jason spoke he ran his hand down her back in an effort to keep her clam.

"Jason, coul... I mean... that is if you don't have to... and if you'd even want to..."

"Elizabeth you're rambling. Just tell me what you need."

"Could you stay with me? Just for a little while. You make me feel safe."

Jason's heart tighten from both her request and admission. She needed him. Even if it was just for tonight. "You haven't really slept since you left the hospital have you?" Elizabeth just shook her head in response. "You can't keeping doing this to yourself. You need to sleep. I'll stay here with you tonight if you think that will help. But tomorrow I want you to think about staying at the penthouse with me." She started to protest but Jason cut her off. "Just for a few days. Staying somewhere else doesn't make you weak. Let me help you." Jason wanted to say more but he realized that Elizabeth had fallen asleep. He debated whether of not to move but in the end decided that for tonight he was going to forget all the reason being here like this with her was a bad idea. And just hold the woman he loved while she slept.