Disclaimer: I own nothing but my ideas for the OoC plot, the character Hayden Redding his family, and associates, as well as any and all errors in spelling and grammar. Any recognizable quotes belong to the General Hospital Soap Opera and their affiliates. In this story Michael was not raped, and Jason is Kind of OoC, he is a lot more vocal with his emotions.

The duo continued down the corridor in silence, and made it back to their cell with no one the wiser. Seconds after they walked into their cell the door begain to clang shut and the loud speaker came on announcing that the prison was in lockdown until further notice, and that no one was to leave their cells.

Jason looked over at the teen he was beginning to see as his charge, and noted that though he was clearly still shaken by the recent events, he was a lot calmer. Jason felt that now would be a good time to go over stories and alibis for what happened, and to try to get Hayden to explain why he had a contract on his life. Hayden however beat him to the questions.

"Jason, we should go over our stories right? I mean, not script them because that would be suspicious, but so that we are at least on the same page. I don't want to get you in trouble or anything so,"

"Hayden, stop and breath." Jason said with a smirk, he noticed that the more wound up Hayden was, the more prone he was to ramble, just like his girlfriend Sam. Jason was impressed that Hayden had thought about talking out stories, but he was also saddened by it. A kid Hayden's age shouldn't think to do that, he knew Michael wouldn't.

"Yes we should try to have similar stories and they have to be believable. So when trying to create a story that sounds true, you have to remember two very important things. First is to keep it simple. The more complicated your story, the more likely you are to get caught in a lie" Jason lectured.

"Right, keep it simple." Hayden quoted with a lopsided grin.

Jason hid a smirk. "Second is to tell the truth when you can, and misdirect when you can't, never lie outright."

"Got it so keep it simple, tell the truth when possible, half-truths when you need to, and divert attention when possible." Hayden summarized.

He then raised an eye brow at Jason and asked innocently,

"Are you sure that is how you do it? Because I heard that the way to go was to sit in silence with a stone cold glare plastered on your face, and refer all questions to your lawyer."

Jason stared at Hayden and tried to form a comeback with a straight face, but he never got the chance as a huge grin broke out on Hayden's face and a few chuckles escaped the young inmate.

"You should have seen your face Jason, it was great!" he said as another chuckle slipped out.

"Oh I see how it is, I try to help you, and you mock me, see if I help you again." Jason tried to look upset, but he couldn't help the smile that appeared on his face.

It was the first time he had ever seen the teen truly smile, it was something that Jason was determined to see again. Jason realized he wanted the young man to be safe and happy, and he wanted him out of Pentonville, just as he had Michael. Michael… the realization hit Jason like a ton of bricks, the feelings he had for Hayden were just like the ones he had for Michael. Jason was shocked; he couldn't believe he was feeling protective and paternal towards Hayden, a boy he had just met a few weeks ago.

Jason was brought out of his stupor, when Hayden started talking.

"So our story needs believable. So what if I said I was in the yard, when some inmate came over harassing me. I told him to leave me alone, and I tried to walk away, but he grabbed me and the fight started from there."

"Sounds good so far, keep going." Jason encourage.

He wanted to see how far his newly found Charge could take the story without his help.

"I guess I should say that I might have broken his arm in self defense, because I thought he was going to kill me. Then you broke up the fight and helped calm me down. Shortly after that, the guard started yelling about clearing out the yard before we were assigned bathroom duty, and we came back to our cell, and we stayed there until they called the lockdown."

Hayden finished his story and looked almost shyly at Jason, waiting for his opinion.

Jason stared at Hayden pride blooming in his chest.

"Was it bad?" Hayden asked nervously.

"No actually it was pretty good. Adding the part about breaking the wrist was good, it shows your being honest, and cooperating. The bathroom duty was a nice touch; it shows you were in the yard and not somewhere else. I think this is the story we will use if we are questioned, but I really don't think that will happen."

Hayden smiled again, and though Jason still wanted answers about the attempted hit, he couldn't bring himself to ruin the happy mood his Charge seemed to be in. After all he could always ask him tomorrow, it wasn't like they were going anywhere.

The rest of the evening passed in comfortable silence, Hayden was engrossed in a new book, and Jason was busy writing a letter to Michael. The lockdown continued through dinner time, so dinner was brought in on carts and the inmates ate in their cells. Hayden fell asleep shortly after lights out which was not surprising considering the day he had. Jason on the other hand, stayed up thinking about the protective instincts he was feeling for Hayden and wondering why on earth Hayden had a contract out on his life and what he could do to protect him. Eventually Jason drifted off into a peaceful sleep, deciding just to let things come as they did and face them as came.