Disclaimer: All characters and places belong to ABC Disney/General Hospital, no copyright infringement is intended.
"Are you ready?" Jason asked as he put on his leather jacket. Elizabeth took a deep breath and nodded.
"Back to the real world huh?"
Jason just nodded, his expression almost grim. They left the house and climbed into a back SUV that Johnny had left for Jason to use. Elizabeth almost looked disappointed that they weren't riding his bike.
"Too much stuff to deal with the bike today, but I promise we'll go for a ride as soon as possible."
"How did you know that I was just thinking that?" She asked, glancing over at him. Jason shrugged.
"Just a guess." Jason pulled out of driveway and they made their way back to Port Charles.
Forty-five minutes later they stood side by side in the elevator taking them to the Penthouse level of Harborview Towers. They were meeting with Alexis at her place then everyone would head over to the courthouse for the wedding ceremony. Elizabeth caught herself looking down at the ring on her finger, something she realized she had been doing a lot, still amazed that something so beautiful was hers, even if it was only temporary. Knowing Jason, he would tell her to keep it when they ended their marriage but there was no way Elizabeth would do that, it was far too expensive.
The elevator dinged and they stepped off, walking the short distance to Alexis' door. Moments later they were inside and seated on the sofa.
"How are you two doing this morning?" Alexis asked as she glanced between her two clients.
"A little nervous." Elizabeth admitted without looking either one of them in the eye.
"That's perfectly understandable Elizabeth. This is an unconventional situation to say the least."
"Are you sure you still want to go through with it? It's not too late, we can figure out another plan." Jason offered, even though a large part of him was hoping Elizabeth wouldn't change her mind and it had nothing to do with his legal situation.
"I told you before we left the safe house Jason, I'm sure. I'm not going to change my mind." She said with conviction, meeting Jason's eyes for a moment before looking over at Alexis. "So what do we do next?"
"We have an appointment with Judge Butler at two o'clock for him to perform the ceremony in his chambers. I've got some paperwork that I need you both to sign then we can head over if you like."
Butterflies took flight in her stomach but Elizabeth did her best to keep her nerves in check.
"Alexis, would you mind if I used your bathroom? I'd like to freshen up a little bit before we go to the courthouse."
"Not at all Elizabeth. In fact, I've got something to show you." Alexis smiled and led the younger woman up the stairs and down the hall to her bedroom. "Now I know that this marriage may not be…traditional shall we say, but every bride needs to feel special on her wedding day, regardless of the circumstances." Alexis said to a puzzled Elizabeth.
"What do you mean Alexis?" Elizabeth asked. Alexis crossed to her closet and pulled out a garment bag.
"Open it." Alexis said with a smile as she held it out to Elizabeth. With a shaking hand Elizabeth pulled the zipper down to reveal a simple white slip dress.
"Alexis, it's beautiful, but I don't understand. We don't have to go to all this trouble, it's not like it's a real wedding."
"That's where you're wrong Elizabeth. This is absolutely a real wedding. As I said, the circumstances might not be conventional but you deserve to feel like it is. I hope you like the dress."
"Of course I do, it is absolutely gorgeous, how could I not?"
"I'm glad. Please feel free to make yourself at home and get ready. We have some time before we need to leave."
"Alright, I…thank you Alexis. What about the paperwork you needed me to sign?"
"The paperwork is mostly for Jason but I can get your signature on the couple things when you're done. Take your time."
"Thank you." Alexis smiled and left the room. Elizabeth sat down on the foot of the bed and took a deep breath. For the fact that this wedding wasn't supposed to be real, Elizabeth was starting to feel like a real bride.
Jason looked up with Alexis walked down the stairs.
"Did she like it?" Jason asked expectantly.
"Yes, she did. I think she is just a little bit overwhelmed with everything."
"I just want her to know that she is important to me and that I'm not taking this marriage lightly, even if it is just a temporary arrangement."
"Is it just temporary to you Jason?" Alexis asked as she pulled the file of paperwork that needed his signature out of her briefcase.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, I think it's pretty obvious that your feelings for Elizabeth are deeper than friendship. Is this marriage just an arrangement to you?"
Jason took a deep breath and looked at Alexis. He didn't know when his relationship with the attorney had changed but somehow it had and Jason found himself wanting to confide in her. After all, the only person he had ever really been able to do that with was Elizabeth and he certainly couldn't do that now.
"She means everything to me Alexis…beyond that, I don't know."
Alexis chose to let the conversation drop for the moment and they got down to business. It had taken some doing since it was needed on such short notice but Alexis had managed to buy for him the soon to be available Penthouse # 3 in Harborview Tours so now Jason, Sonny and herself would occupy the whole top floor on the building.
"This first set of paperwork is on the Penthouse purchase. The previous owner is leaving for Hong Kong in a few days and he was planning on putting the furniture in storage but I talked him into selling it to you furnished. If you don't like anything you and Elizabeth can change it but at least you won't have to start from scratch."
"That's perfect." Jason said as he signed where Alexis pointed without reading the documents, something he normally wouldn't do but he trusted Alexis to handle the transaction.
"This next set is about the bank account you are setting up for Elizabeth. I had the amount we discussed transferred first thing this morning. You are also a signer on the account. I'll get her signature when she comes down."
"Thank you for everything you have done to make this all happen quickly."
"You're welcome Jason, but you might not want to thank you until you get my bill." She said with a smile. Jason returned her smile.
"Whatever it is, I'm sure it will be worth it. Is that it for the paperwork? I want to get changed."
"Yeah, you're done. You and Elizabeth will sign the marriage license at the courthouse with the judge."
"Alright." Jason turned and disappeared down the hallway to Alexis' home office where Johnny had stashed his suit.
Just a few minutes later Jason returned, looking heart-stopping sexy in his deep navy suit, blue dress shirt and tie. He had just reached the bottom of the stairs when Elizabeth appeared at the top. Jason's breath caught in his throat as he saw his bride for the first time. Her hair was pinned back from her face in loose waves. The dress he'd chosen fit her curves perfectly, making her look incredible. She slowly descended the stairs, a nervous smile on her face.
"You look…" Jason paused at a lost for the right word.
"If you say nice I'm going to smack you." Elizabeth replied as she reached his side. Jason laughed softly then shook his head.
"Nice was definitely not the word that came to mind. You look beautiful Elizabeth." She blushed slightly and smiled.
"You don't look half bad yourself Jason."
Alexis stood off to the side and watched the two of them. A fake marriage my ass, she thought to herself.
"Alright you two, we should probably get going. We don't want to keep Judge Butler waiting." Alexis pointed out, making both of them look at her.
The three of them met up with Johnny and Vincent in the hallway and made their way down to Sonny's limo to head to the courthouse.
Jason's hand rested at the small of Elizabeth's back as he guided her down the hallway to the judge's chambers. She focused on the warmth and familiarity of his touch to keep herself from getting overwhelmed by what was happening around her. She was about to get married. How was that possible? She glanced up at Jason and he offered her a soft smile but she could see the nerves written in his expression as well.
"You're still sure about this?" He whispered to her as they approached the judge's office.
"Yes, I'm sure." She smiled up at him.
"Ok, good." He replied as Alexis knocked on the judge's door.
Moments later their little entourage was settled into Judge Butler's chambers. Jason had had one more surprise in store for Elizabeth in the form of a beautiful bridal bouquet of white and pink roses. He couldn't help but notice the tears in her eyes when the judge's clerk handed it to her. He hoped they were happy tears.
The ceremony only took about twenty minutes as they stuck to the traditional vows and the exchange of rings. Elizabeth couldn't help blinking back a few tears as Jason slipped the wedding band on her finger.
After the ceremony they signed the marriage license and the judge's clerk disappeared to have it filed.
Judge Butler shook Jason's hand. "Congratulations, I can see that the two of you are very much in love and wish you nothing but the best."
"Thank you Your Honor." Jason replied as he smiled over at Elizabeth.
Less than an hour after arriving at the courthouse Jason was leading Elizabeth, his wife, back down the hallway when the front door of the building burst open and an angry Lucky stormed towards them. A few feet away Lucky stopped when he saw the two of them, Elizabeth obviously dressed to be a bride.
"So it's true."
"Lucky…" his name came out barely a strangled whisper from Elizabeth.
"Don't, don't you say a word." Lucky growled at Elizabeth before turning and glaring at Jason.
"What did you say to convince her? How did you trick her into marrying you?" Lucky accused.
"This is not the time or place for this Lucky." Alexis said as she stepped between Jason and Lucky. The last thing Jason's case needed was more scrutiny.
"This is none of your damn business Alexis!" Lucky tried to push his way passed Alexis but Johnny stopped him with a hand on his chest. "You can't even face me like a man Jason? You're going to hide behind your attorney and bodyguards?"
"If you want to have a rational conversation that can be arranged Lucky, but this is not happening here and not right now."
"Elizabeth, you don't have to do this. Whatever he has told you to make you marry him, we can fix it." Lucky plead with her.
"Lucky…it's already done." Elizabeth held her left hand up and Lucky saw the wedding ring and large diamond engagement ring on her finger. She watched as Lucky's heart seemed to break right in front of her and it made her hate herself for doing this to him.
As Lucky moved to take a swing at Jason Johnny grabbed him and restrained him. Jason looked at Elizabeth.
"Can I take you home?" He asked softly and she nodded as tears filled her eyes. She forced them back, knowing she had to appear unaffected by Lucky's pain. Jason wrapped his arm protectively around his wife's shoulders and led her from the courthouse. Lucky's screams of "Elizabeth" following them.
The limo ride back to Harborview Towers was filled with tension.
"I'm sorry Elizabeth." Jason said softly. She looked up at him questioningly.
"What are you apologizing for? You didn't do anything wrong."
"I got you caught up in this mess. I was the one that pushed you to go along with this marriage idea." Jason replied, his voice strained and filled with regret.
"I want you to really listen to me Jason…this isn't your fault. I was the one that came to your room the other night and I am the reason Rick even had the opportunity to come after you. You didn't force or push me into this marriage, Alexis suggested it as a legal tactic and I agreed. You even offered to run, to become a fugitive so that this marriage wouldn't be necessary. I had every opportunity to change my mind. Lucky's reaction is not your fault either."
"I saw how much his reaction hurt you and I never wanted to be the reason for you to be hurt Elizabeth."
"Maybe this is for the best, that Lucky found out some other way and knows we're married. Now I don't have to try to explain it without telling him the truth."
"I really doubt that this is over for Lucky. He's going to want more of an explanation from you."
"I know and I will figure out what I'm going to tell him but now I have a little bit of time."
"You don't have to deal with him at all if you don't want to. I can make sure that the guards keep Lucky away from you."
"Guards?" Elizabeth hadn't given thought to that possibility until now.
"You are going to have a guard from now on, wherever you go. I'm sorry Elizabeth, I know that it's not something you really signed on for but I have to make sure you are safe. Once it becomes public knowledge that you and I are married it will make you a target." Elizabeth took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
"I guess I hadn't thought about that but it makes sense. I mean, I've seen how Carly and Michael have guards with them. It's ok Jason, I know it is because you want to protect me."
"That's the most important thing to me Elizabeth." She reached out and touched his arm lightly.
"I know."
They rode the rest of the way to the Towers in silence. Elizabeth looked at him questioningly when she realized where the car had stopped.
"What are we doing back here? Did Alexis need something else from us?"
"No, not exactly. This is where we are going to be living."
"What?" She asked, genuinely shocked.
"I bought the third Penthouse that shares Sonny and Alexis' floor."
"You bought a penthouse? Just like that?" Jason shrugged and nodded.
"I told you that I needed to find somewhere for us to live and the other penthouse just came available so it made sense to me."
"I can't believe you bought a penthouse, just like that."
"The guy who sold it to me was moving out of the country for business so he left the furniture and everything. If there is anything that you don't like we can change it though."
Vincent opened the door and Jason climbed out of the car. He walked around to Elizabeth's side and opened her door, taking her hand to help her out. He could tell that Elizabeth was still in shock and he wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.
Jason pulled the keys that Alexis had given him from his pocket and unlocked the door to their new home. Elizabeth took a step closer to walk into the apartment but was stopped by Jason sweeping her up into his arms. She shrieked in surprise and wrapped her arms around his shoulders to hold on.
"Jason! What are you doing?" She cried, laughter in her voice.
"Isn't it customary for the groom to carry the bride over the threshold?" He replied with a smile. Elizabeth laughed again and shrugged.
"I guess so."
"Well I am nothing if not traditional." The irony of his statement was not lost on either of them. Jason stepped into the apartment and they took a look at their new home for the first time.
The layout was almost identical to Sonny's, with a large great room and doors on the far end of the room leading to a rooftop terrace. A stairway in the corner led to the four bedrooms and two baths upstairs. Off to the right was an open doorway and short hallway that led to the kitchen and dining room.
"You can put me down now." Elizabeth said, her voice barely above a whisper as Jason's eyes met hers. He laughed softly and set her back on her feet.
"Well, what do you think?" Jason asked.
Elizabeth walked around the apartment, taking it all in. She never imagined living in a place like this and was completely overwhelmed. The furniture wasn't necessary her taste, it was very modern, with sleek lines and dark colors. There was no doubt this place belonged to a bachelor.
Jason untied and happily pulled off his tie as he watched Elizabeth look at everything. He knew immediately that this wasn't her style and he would make sure that she knew anything and everything could be changed to the way she would want it.
"It's…nice." She said as she glanced over at him, smiling.
"That is your way of saying that you don't know what to make of it right?"
"Something like that. I mean it's not bad…it's just…" Elizabeth searched for the right word.
"It's not you." Jason supplied for her.
"Yeah, I guess that's it more then anything. If it were up to me I would rather see warmer colors on the walls. The furniture is good but all the dark colors closes the space in."
"Well it's a good thing that it up to you then."
Elizabeth looked over at him in surprise. "What do you mean it's up to me?"
"Elizabeth I want you to feel comfortable here. We don't know how long it's going to take to prove that I was set up for Rick's death. It could take months. I want you to make this place your home too."
"But when this marriage is over I'll be leaving, you'll still own it. You should be the one to make the decisions about how your home is decorated."
"I'm more then willing to put those decisions into the hands of a very talented and capable artist that I know." Jason teased.
"Just cause I'm an artist doesn't mean I know anything about decorating." Elizabeth pointed out, suddenly feeling overwhelmed again.
"I trust you. But none of that has to be dealt with now Elizabeth. You're dealing with a lot of change so whatever you want to do is fine with me."
After a moment Elizabeth asked. "Will I still be able to work at Kelly's and go to my studio?"
"Of course. Whoever is guarding you will just sit at the counter at Kelly's while you work and will wait outside your studio whenever you want to paint."
"It is definitely going to take some getting used to having a bodyguard."
"I know it's an adjustment and I'm sorry that you have to make it." Jason replied, that familiar feeling of guilt settling into his stomach once again. "There is one thing I want to show you about this place." He said with a smile as he held out his hand. Elizabeth slipped her hand into his and followed as he led her to the terrace doors. Jason opened them and led her outside.
"I thought you might be able to paint out here. This part of the terrace is covered and there is plenty of light." Elizabeth looked around and felt tears filling her eyes again, that seemed to be happening a lot over the last few days.
"Jason, it's wonderful. I can't believe you thought of that."
"I remember you telling me how important good light is when you're painting. You'll still have your studio but I thought you could get the supplies you need to paint here so you don't have to go over there if you don't want to." Before he could entirely prepare himself Elizabeth all but launched herself into his arms. He wrapped his arms around her and swung her around to keep them both upright.
"Thank you Jason." She whispered as she held onto him.
"You're welcome." He said back to her before reluctantly letting her go. As she stepped back he looked down into her eyes. "We can go to Kelly's and get your things tonight, unless you want to do it tomorrow."
The thought of running into Lucky made Elizabeth hesitate. "I don't know, part of me just wants to get it over with tonight the other part isn't sure I can deal with seeing Lucky again today."
"It's completely up to you. Like I said, I can make it so that Lucky can't get close to you."
"I'm not afraid of him or anything." Elizabeth replied, a slight defensiveness to her voice.
"I didn't say you were but you saw how out of control he was at the courthouse today and the other night at the police station. I just don't want him to lose it and do something to you, even if it is an accident."
"Lucky wouldn't hurt me. I know that. He is just reeling. I owe him a conversation at least."
"Whatever you want to do, it's up to you Elizabeth." She paced away from Jason for a moment and took a deep breath.
"Let's go to Kelly's. I'll feel better having my stuff here."
"Ok, are you ready to go now then?"
"Yeah, I think so."
They walked back into the apartment and Jason made a quick stop at the closet where he pulled down a small lock box. A chill ran through Elizabeth as she watched him take out a handgun and tuck it securely into the back of his suit pants. He turned to put the lock box back and caught her expression.
"I'm sorry, I know you aren't very comfortable with guns, but it is always locked up when I am not carrying it. I promise I will do whatever I can to keep it away from you."
"It's ok Jason, I've known for a long time that you carry a gun."
"It's just different actually seeing it?"
"Yeah I guess so."
Jason sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. He hated the idea of something that was such a natural part of his life made Elizabeth uncomfortable but there wasn't anything he could do about it. Guns were a fact of life in his business and he had learned his lesson the other night about walking around unarmed, even to a place he wasn't expecting trouble.
"Come on, let's go." He said softly and waited for Elizabeth to head out the door and followed behind her.
"Is it true?" Emily asked her voice filled with accusation and more then anything hurt. Elizabeth stood there frozen, completely at a loss as to what to say to her best friend. She and Jason had barely made it in the front door of Kelly's before Emily was on her feet, facing off against them. Elizabeth should have known that since Lucky had seen them at the courthouse word would already be getting out about their marriage. She could only hope that word hadn't gotten to her Gram yet. The least Gram deserved was for Elizabeth to tell her herself about her marriage to Jason.
"Emily…let me explain…"
"What is there to explain? You married my brother and didn't bother to tell me? How could you do that? How could you go behind my back with Jason again? How could you lie to me for months?" Emily screamed. Nearly everyone in the restaurant had stopped to stare at the two of them.
Jason knew that his sister was going to be upset but he hadn't expected this level of pain and anger. He wanted to be understanding but he wouldn't allow Emily to take it out on Elizabeth.
"Emily, if you want someone to be angry at, be mad at me. You want to yell, yell at me. Don't take it out on Elizabeth." Jason said to his little sister. The wounded look in Emily's eyes as she turned her gaze on him tore at Jason's heart.
Elizabeth didn't know why Jason's defense of her surprised her but it did. Emily was the one person besides his grandmother Lila that Jason never raised his voice to. The fact that he was doing just that to protect Elizabeth tightened something in her chest. She didn't have the time or energy to examine the feeling at that moment.
"I am mad at you Jason. I thought you cared about me, I thought I could trust you, but I guess I was wrong." Jason took a step closer to Emily and reached for her arm but she pulled out of his grasp. "Don't touch me. I don't want to hear anything that either of you has to say right now."
"Em, please, can we talk about this privately please?" Elizabeth pleaded with her. Emily just turned away from Elizabeth and Jason, to her boyfriend Zander who stood just behind her. "I need to get out of here." She whispered, her voice breaking and tears starting to fall. Zander nodded and wrapped his arm around Emily before leading her out of the diner.
Elizabeth wiped the tears from her eyes and turned to look at Jason, at a loss for words. Nothing Emily had said was untrue, even if she didn't know all the details. A year and a half earlier Elizabeth had lied to Emily when she hid and took care of Jason at her studio and now was lying to her again about the circumstances of their marriage. She didn't blame Emily for hating her.
Jason wrapped his arms around Elizabeth and pulled her close. "Let's get your stuff from upstairs and go home. Come on." He led her up the stairs and down the hallway to her small room.
Once inside he closed the door behind them and let Elizabeth's hand go. She crossed to the bed and sat down on it.
Jason wanted to say something to comfort Elizabeth, to help her but he had no clue what that would be.
"Everything that Emily said is the truth. I have been a terrible friend to her. I have lied to her, I'm still lying to her." Elizabeth said miserably.
"Do you want to tell her the truth?" Jason asked.
It was a very bad idea and something Alexis had strongly advised against. Alexis was covered by attorney client privilege so there was nothing to worry about with her knowing the truth about their marriage but anyone else would have to tell the truth if called to the stand. If the DA was able to prove that they had only married so that Elizabeth wouldn't have to testify then they could be charged with fraud and obstruction of justice on top of Jason's murder charges. There was no way that Jason would let that happen to Elizabeth.
"We can't, I know that. It's just harder then I thought it would be I guess." Elizabeth sounded so defeated and it pulled at Jason's heart.
"I wish that things were different."
"So do I, but they aren't and we will get through it together right?" She said, looking up at him.
That was the only saving grace to this whole situation, they had each other. Not that Jason ever wanted to end up in a situation like this, he was glad that it was with Elizabeth.
"Right. Come on, let's get your stuff packed."
It didn't take long to pack up Elizabeth's clothes and the few personal things she had. Most of her stuff was at her studio so there wasn't that much that needed to be dealt with at Kelly's. Jason called Johnny to come pick everything up and they headed down the back stairs. Elizabeth wasn't ready for another run in with anyone in their lives that might be in the diner.
As they got into Jason's SUV Elizabeth looked over at him.
"Would you mind making a stop before we go, um, home." It still felt strange to call the new penthouse home.
"Sure, where do you want to stop?"
"My Gram's."
Hope you all enjoy! Thank you for the continued reviews, follows and favorites.