A/N – Thanks for the comments! Guest – There is nothing sordid going on in this fic like the show. I would never go there. I agree with everything you think is ewww. Lucky/Nik/Liz was gross because of the situation moreso then it being siblings and none of that exists in this fic anyway.

Chapter 4 – Game Changer

Elizabeth thought about Jason's question for a moment. "I don't know—the unknown. Sometimes I don't have as much confidence as I should have. Love scares me."

"Why?"

"It just always seems like it comes at a very high price."

Jason was quiet for a moment. "Did someone hurt you?"

Elizabeth didn't really want to go there or think about it. For a second, she wished that she hadn't brought it up. "Let's just say that I don't have very good luck in that area."

"I'm sorry. The guy must have been an ass."

Liz smiled. "Yeah, I guess you could say that." It was the standard girl falls in love with boy, gets engaged, and then finds boy with maid of honor who happens to be your sister.

Alice poked her head in. "Dinner in fifteen."

"Okay," Jason said.

"I should go. I just wanted to make sure that you are okay."

"Thanks." He handed her his phone. "Put your number in there if that's okay."

She smiled. "Sure." Once she was done, she left and went back to her studio to paint.

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Tracy noticed how quiet Jason was at dinner so she made it a point to talk to him afterwards. "What's going on in that big head of yours?"

Jason looked over at her.

"You're going over all the worst case scenarios aren't you?"

He sighed. "Maybe."

"You should stop. You're just going to be depressed and it will screw up your recovery. I know you're itching to get out of here already, so I wouldn't recommend your current path."

"I know. It's hard not to."

"Doctors make the worst patients. What's up with you and the little nurse?"

Now she really had his attention.

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm ornery but I'm not blind. You like her."

"She's a nice person."

Tracy smirked. "AJ is going for it. Are you prepared for a fight?"

Jason sighed. "I'm not going to do that."

"Why the hell not?"

"Because he's my brother and it's disrespectful to Elizabeth."

Tracy rolled her eyes. "Seriously? If you think she does it for you, then you should let her know. AJ is a big boy. He'll get over it."

"Like he did Keesha?"

"Well, maybe you have a point there. I'm going to tell you something. Sometimes happy moments in life are few and far between. If you think you can be happy with her, then you're a fool if you let her slip through your fingers."

Jason sighed. He just didn't want to get into it with AJ, but Tracy was right, Elizabeth was worth fighting for. That was for sure.

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The next morning, Epiphany cornered Liz at the nurse's station. "So, do you have a date yet?"

Liz rolled her eyes. "No."

"Why not?"

"No one has asked."

She started arranging some charts knowing that Piph just like too tease her.

"Jason is coming in for a checkup today at 9:30. Maybe you could be around when he comes in."

Liz smirked. "You are a grade 'A' trouble maker."

Epiphany smiled. "Just make sure you are at the desk around that time."

Liz watched her walk away and chuckled.

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Alice pushed Jason towards the waiting room and immediately looked around for Elizabeth. Alice checked in and finally she walked into the room.

He caught her eye and she smiled.

"Well hello."

Jason smiled. "Hey."

"How are you doing?"

"I'm okay. I'm here to get checked out."

"Good luck."

He smiled as the nurse called him back. "Thanks."

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Patrick took a look at Jason's feet as his patient watched him closely. Taking a step back, he looked up at him and took his gloves off. "I think you're doing better than I expected."

"What does that mean exactly?"

"Well, I want you to stay off of them for another week. The pain will lesson over time but you might have some phantom pains here and there. I don't think we'll have to amputate."

Jason smiled. "That's great news."

"Yes, but you probably won't be able to come back to work for at least two weeks. There is no way you'll be able to stand for long periods of time. Of course, you could do some consultations if you don't mind being in the chair."

"I'll take you up on that after next week." He was anxious to get back to work.

Patrick smiled. "You owe me a pool game."

Jason smirked. "You feel like you're in the mood to lose again?"

Patrick chuckled. "As soon as you're able, I'd like the chance to knock that smile of your face."

"Deal."

A nurse pushed him back to the waiting room and he told Elizabeth the good news.

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AJ walked over to Elizabeth as she was heading to the elevators. "Hey, I was wondering if you could have dinner tonight."

Liz stopped in her tracks. "Uh."

"Come on, I'd like to get to know you and talk to you about art."

"Well, I don't know AJ."

He touched her arm. "Please. There aren't a lot of people around me who are interested in the topic. It doesn't hurt to make friends."

She slightly smiled. It would be nice to talk to someone about her painting. "Okay. Maybe six o'clock?"

He grinned. "Hand me your phone."

She handed it to him and he put in his number and sent a test text.

"Alright, text me your address and I'll pick you up."

"See you later."

They rode the elevator down to the first floor and AJ got off a happy man.

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Jason looked up as AJ entered the living room.

"I have a date tonight," AJ said before plopping onto the couch.

Jason sucked in his breath.

"I'm taking Elizabeth out."

Jason didn't say anything but his heart practically dropped from his body.

"Cheer up, you still have your hand."

Jason glared at him. "You're an asshole."

"Takes one to know one."

Jason turned and looked out the window, choosing to ignore him and after a few minutes, AJ left the room.

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Liz put on a sweater dress and some boots on and bundled up as best as she could. AJ knocked and she ran to the door and opened it. "Hey."

He smiled. "You ready to go?"

"Let me just grab my purse." She reached for it and then made sure she had her keys.

"I hope you're hungry."

She smiled. "Famished."

He took her to the restaurant at the Port Charles Hotel.

"This is nice," she said, looking around. She felt a little under dressed but shrugged off her insecurities.

"So, when was the last time that you painted something?"

"It's been a few weeks. Sometimes, I just get really busy at work and I'm too tired when I come home."

"That's understandable. I took some pictures of what I'm working on right now. Maybe you could tell me what you like and don't like."

She nodded and took his phone from him and eagerly studied them. They got in a big discussion, only interrupted by the waitress to take their order.

"Thank you. I like your suggestions," AJ said, smiling.

"Thank you for asking." She liked AJ, but her feelings didn't go beyond that. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

She fiddled with her napkin. "Why do you and Jason fight all the time?"

He took a sip of water. "Well, that is probably because I have a huge chip on my shoulder. I always thought that everyone favored him and I turned to the bottle and became the black sheep of the family. I wasn't the most pleasant person to be around and my struggle to overcome my demons is legendary."

"But you turned it around right?"

He smiled. "I'm doing my best to stay sober. I guess when it comes to Jason, old habits die hard." For some reason, he just liked to mess with his brother. Maybe it was lame way to pay him back for being the favorite. "Look, I want to lay my cards out on the table. I like you a lot and want to get to know you more. I'm just hoping that you feel the same way."

"AJ, I don't want to lead you on. I like being friends with you and would love to continue to be a sounding board regarding your art, but I think you know that I have a connection with your brother first and foremost."

AJ sighed and put his napkin down. "Let me guess. You like him."

"I do, and I don't want to hurt you."

AJ closed his eyes for a second. He hated losing to Jason. "I suppose there isn't anything I can do to change your mind?"

Liz shook her head no.

"Well, I guess I just got a new BFF."

She smiled. "Thank you for understanding."

"You're beautiful, smart, and talented. Trust me, I'll be bitter for a few days, but I'll try not to stay there."

"Good."

They ate and continued to chat, both of them have a great time and AJ dropped her back off at her apartment and headed home.

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Jason watched him walk into the family room. "How's Elizabeth?"

AJ glared at him. "Unfortunately, she has fallen for your charms and we're just going to be friends."

Jason didn't say anything but inside, he was really happy.

"Don't hurt her Jason. If you think you're getting back with Keesha, then don't even bother going there."

"Keesha and I are done. I'm not planning on going back," he said, firmly.

AJ got up and left. Right now, he knew he'd probably say something he couldn't take back so it was better if he just left.

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The next week seemed to go quickly. Elizabeth stopped by several times and spent time with Jason. They talked about everything and really got to know each other.

"I start back at the hospital on Monday."

"Are you sure that you're up for it?"

"I'll still be in a chair, but I can do consults."

Liz smiled. "Alice said you've been working out with her."

Jason smiled. "Yeah. No wrestling, but I've been lifting weights and stretching my leg muscles."

"Well, you were in great shape before the accident, so I'm sure that helps."

"Definitely."

"Maybe we can have lunch together the first day."

He nodded. "I think I can make that happen."

Elizabeth looked down, not even realizing that Jason had taken her hand. "Jason are you sure that you're over Keesha?"

Jason sighed. "I will always have love for her. That just doesn't go away with a flip of a switch. We were already having problems before the accident. I'm not in love with her. We had already grown apart. I guess I was just hoping that she'd come around and she didn't."

Liz nodded. "Why don't we concentrate on our friendship for now?" She just wanted him to process everything.

"If that is what you need then sure, I can do that."

"Thank you."

Lila motored into the room. "Hello darlings."

Liz smiled. "Hello."

Lila noted that their hands were joined and it pleased her. "Elizabeth, why don't you join me for some tea."

"I would love too."

Jason squeezed her hand. "Have fun."

Liz smiled and followed Lila to the den.

"I had Alice set it up in here because I wanted to speak to you alone," Lila said before taking a sip of her tea. It had become a ritual for her and usually she had company and enjoyed the time she set aside daily for it.

"Is everything okay?"

"It's fine. I just wanted to see where your head was at. I know you went on a date with AJ."

"Oh. We're just friends. I like AJ, but I don't have feelings beyond that for him."

Lila nodded. "And Jason?"

Liz slightly blushed. "We're taking it slow."

Seeing that Liz was firm on her decision pleased Lila.

"My grandson is a good man. He can be stubborn, but he works hard and loves hard. I just want him to be happy. I'm not at all pleased that Keesha left the way she did, but I do understand that when you're falling apart, you don't always make the best decisions."

Liz nodded. "You're scared she'll come back?"

"I know she will. Jason is a prize and she will come to her senses eventually. The question will be how you'll handle it."

"I don't know. I'll fight for him if that is what you're worried about." As far as Liz was concerned, Keesha lost her chance and while she and Jason weren't in love, he wasn't in love with his ex either.

Lila smiled. "Good. That's what I needed to know. Now, how do you like working at the hospital so far?"

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Three Weeks Later

Jason was doing well. His toes were intact and he was back on the rotation at the hospital. Things with Elizabeth were progressing nicely but very slowly. They still hadn't had a real kiss yet. There was a peck goodnight on a couple of dates, but Jason was re-thinking the whole going slow stuff. He really likes her, not only because she is beautiful, but she is also a great surgical nurse.

He pulled her into the supply closet, surprising her and pushed her up against the door. "I don't think I can take it slow anymore."

Her mouth dropped open and Jason pounced, pulling her into a smoldering kiss as he practically devoured her mouth. Elizabeth moaned as he turned her knees into jelly. Jason held her up as continued to explore her mouth. Finally, he pulled back and looked her in the eyes. "That was the best first kiss I've ever had."

Liz grinned. "I would have to agree with that evaluation doctor."

Jason smiled. "Can I take you out somewhere tonight?"

"I would love to but I'm actually having dinner with your brother."

He had come to accept their friendship. AJ didn't cross the line, so he had nothing to complain about. Jason pouted. "Tomorrow night then?"

"How about afterwards?"

He gave her a sultry stare. "I think that will definitely work for me."

"I'll look forward to it." She ducked under his arm and opened the door and slipped out, leaving a smiling Jason behind.

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Jason got off a little early and went to Jake's and had a beer with a new colleague and then decided to go to the mansion to visit Lila. He was surprised to find she wasn't there.

"Can I get you something to drink?" Alice asked.

"I'll have some water if it isn't any trouble." He felt a little tired and figured he'd relax for a little bit.

Alice smiled. "No trouble at all." She went to the kitchen and filled a glass with water, and on her way back, she ran into Keesha.

"What are you doing back here?"

"I came to apologize to Jason."

There was a crash in the kitchen.

"I'll take that to Lila if you want." She wanted to feel her out and see what was going on.

Alice wasn't sure what to say but she could hear Cook cursing.

"It's for Jason."

Keesha smiled and took the glass from her and Alice ran into the kitchen. She headed to the living room.

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Jason was stunned. "Keesha, what are you doing here?"

"I thought that maybe we could talk."

She handed him the water and Jason took a big gulp.

"I made a mistake Jason. I was hurting so badly and I walked away from you when you really needed me. I'm sorry."

"You left me and I moved on. I'm sorry if that hurts your feelings."

She wasn't totally surprised that he had found someone else. "What can I do Jason—to make it up to you?"

Jason started to feel really tired.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm just really tired that's all. I should go home."

He stood up and wobbled and sat back down.

"Drink some more water. Maybe you're dehydrated."

She lifted it to his lips and Jason drank the rest of it. "Come on, I'll help you up to your old room."

She helped him stand and just made it to his bed before Jason collapsed onto it.

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Jason's head was spinning as Keesha moved above him.

"Relax baby. I'm going to make this so good for you." Jason was messed up, but she figured she could use the situation to get what she wanted.

He could barely keep his eyes open. "Stop."

"Shhhh," she said, as she put her hand in his pants and started stroking his cock.

Jason couldn't even lift his arms. "Keesha…"

"We're going to have a baby Jason."

Jason realized that Keesha must have had some kind of mental break. "Please don't." It was getting really hard to breathe and he was scared.

Jason's body had started to react to her manipulations and that is when AJ burst into the room. He was stunned. "Keesha?"

She pulled her hand out of his pants. "AJ, what are you doing in here?"

"I was going to borrow a shirt. What are you doing to him? He's with Elizabeth."

She glared at him. "We're getting back together. You need to leave."

"Fuck that," AJ said, storming over to the bed. He was going to kick Jason's ass. Keesha jumped back and that is when he realized that his brother had passed out. "What the hell did you do to him?" he said, turning to look at her but she was gone. "Jason, wake up."

Jason didn't move and AJ felt for his pulse. "Shit." It was way too weak. He stepped into the hallway and yelled. "Alice."