A/N: I really liked this chapter, and it really moves forward into the more romantic part of Quiz's relationship. Enjoy!
Ajandlizfan: Thanks for the review! I hope so too, and I think it would be great to do it on Jake's birthday, but unfortunately I feel like it will be overshadowed due to the Nurse's Ball and 50th Anniversary. And it would also be ironic, since last year Elizabeth spent it with Jason, and this year she could spend it with AJ. It is an elephant in the room, and I think it will be a great scene between them. Becky and Sean will knock it out of the park, for sure.
ghfan51184: Thanks for the review! I hope we do as well. I wanted to write it all in one swoop. AJ learning about Liason, the real Liason and Jake, instead of hearing the superficial version from someone in PC. Haha, the less Sam the better, so I just made a quick mention and kept it neutral. I really hope we get someone for Jake's anniversary, something like last year's scene with Liason on the bridge.
Lady Isadorra: Thanks for the review! It definitely pushed them further in their friendship, and how they can start to trust one another and support each other.
Mommyzilla: Thanks for the review!
sashahailee: Thanks for the review! They were there for each other, weren't they? Oh my god, Friday's episode killed me with the cuteness overload. I can't wait to watch, hopefully, their love story unfold.
Jaliz06: Thanks for the review! I think you may get your wish in this chapter…
Lostluv: Thanks for the review! Nope, AJ now knows about Liason and Jake. He did not know prior to his talk with Elizabeth on the docks. On the show, I have no idea if he knows or not.
juliebe: Thanks for the review! I hope so too.
JessicaBrennan: Thanks for the review! Thank you so much for your kind words!
Nicole: Thanks for the review! I'm right there with you, being a diehard Liason fan, but I've gradually moved on to greener pastures. You're right, the writers never knew how to writer for them, nor did they want to. Quiz will make a good couple because they've developed a strong foundation built on mutal understanding and trust. They're both made mistakes in their lives that they feel the need to continually pay for, as well as being in the shadow of their siblings. And that's where they get the mutual understanding. I honestly can't wait for their love story to unfold on our screens. It will be epic!
Guest: Thanks for the review!
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, just the storyline.
"The best love story is when you fall in love with the most unexpected person at the most unexpected time."
Chapter 9
She Is
Previously on You Found Me…
He moved a little closer to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. Elizabeth struggled to find the words to complete just one sentence. It may have been two years since her son was ripped away from her, but the pain was still fresh and raw in her heart. "My son, Jake, died in a car accident two years ago today," Elizabeth mournfully explained.
AJ sat back against the bench in shock. He didn't know that he was an uncle, let alone that his nephew was dead. He ran a hand over his face. Monica had never told him while he was stuck in rehab. Not even while Jake was alive.
"I'm so sorry Elizabeth. I had-God I had no idea," AJ said with tears running down his face when he realized how painful it must be to sit here on this bench at the docks where the father of her deceased son died, on her son's death anniversary.
Elizabeth wiped her tears away. "Thank you for being here," she whispered, placing a hand on his knee. AJ looked down at her hand, then at Elizabeth. He gave her a small smile and squeezed the hand on his knee.
"I have nowhere else I want to be," AJ assured her and she nodded her head. He placed a comforting arm around her shoulders and they both looked out at the waters, sharing the bond of losing loved ones.
~April 1st, 2013~
AJ walked into Kelly's for a quick lunch before he had to go back to work. Walking up to the counter, he smiles at the brunette with her back to him.
He waits for her to turn around before getting her. "Elizabeth," he says and she smiles at him. "AJ, hi."
"Lunch break," he asked. He looked down at the carry out order in her hands. "Yeah, it was my turn to go get lunch for everyone," she said as she stepped aside so he could order.
Do not get me wrong I cannot wait for you to come home
For now you're not here and I'm not there, it's like we're on our own
"Sorry, I'm in a rush, but Epiphany will be pissed if I'm late and Patrick gets really cranky when he's hungry-"
"Would you like to go with me to the Nurse's Ball," AJ interrupted her. Even though he thought her rambling was cute, he had been working up the courage to ask her out for a few days now.
To figure it out, consider how to find a place to stand
Instead of walking away and instead of nowhere to land
The Nurse's Ball was the next day, and he couldn't think of a more perfect setting for their first date.
"Like a date," Elizabeth clarified. "Yes, definitely a date," AJ stated. Elizabeth tapped her chin, pretending to think about it, and slightly teasing him.
This is going to break me clean in two
This is going to bring me close to you
"C'mon, you're leaving me hanging here," he nervously teased her right back. Elizabeth grinned before answering his proposal, "Yes."
She is everything I need that I never knew I wanted
She is everything I want that I never knew I needed
"Really," AJ asked in disbelief. Elizabeth laughed, "Really." AJ grinned, not caring if he couldn't contain his emotions.
"Okay, um, I'll call you later then," he finally got out and Elizabeth nodded her head. She walked out of Kelly's and AJ couldn't resist the small fist pump of victory.
AJ knocked on her front door, a fresh bouquet of flowers in his hand. He straightened his black suit jacket and ran a hand through his sandy blonde hair.
A few moments later, the door opened to Elizabeth wearing a red wine dress, hugging her curves perfectly and fell to her knees. She was wearing black stilettos, and curled her reddish brown hair to perfection.
It's all up in the air and we stand still to see what comes down
I don't know where it is, I don't know when, but I want you around
AJ's jaw dropped and Elizabeth blushed. "You look um…"
"Beautiful?"
Both adults turned around to see Cameron smiling at them. "Yeah, beautiful," AJ finally got out. Cameron rolled his eyes at the two lovebirds and moved back to the couch.
"Cam, did you get dressed-"
When it falls in place with you and I, we go from if to when
Your side and mine are both behind it's indication
Cameron pointed to his dress shirt and tie, and Elizabeth smiled. "That's my boy," she said as she placed the flowers on the table. "I'm going to go finish getting ready. You'll be okay down here, right," Elizabeth asked and AJ nodded his head.
He watched her walk up the stairs. AJ moved over to the couch, where a dressed up Cameron and Aiden were playing with their toys.
"Mr. Q, are you taking my Mommy to the Ball," Cameron asked once AJ sat down. AJ smiled down at the little boy, "Yes, I am, if that's okay with you."
This is going to bring me clarity
This'll take the heart right out of me
Cameron nodded his head. "My mom hasn't been happy in awhile. But you make her happy Mr. Q.," Cameron observed while playing his toys. He didn't look up to see the wide grin on AJ's face.
She is everything I need that I never knew I wanted
She is everything I want that I never knew I needed
"Your Mom makes me happy too," AJ whispered, but they all didn't noticed Elizabeth standing at the foot of the stairs, hearing their entire conversation.
"Okay, you boys ready," she announced and all three of them looked up. Elizabeth had applied fresh make up and lipstick that made her plump lips seemingly plumper.
"Uh, yeah" AJ stuttered and helped Aiden into his coat, whilst in the process stealing glances over at his date. Elizabeth reached for her coat, but AJ grabbed it first and held it open for her.
She smiled at him and he helped it into her. Buttoning it up, Elizabeth ushers her two kids out of the door and out into the cool April evening.
AJ announces Lucy to stage as the Nurse's Ball starts up. He walks off and watches the first act start. Patrick walks out in a suit and tie, carrying two stools.
Emma follows him out, in a cute pink princess dress. She immediately wins over the crowd before their act even begins. Patrick sets bot stools down and helps Emma onto hers.
AJ took his seat between Monica and Michael, but he stole a few glances over at Elizabeth's table. She beamed up at Patrick and Emma, which caused AJ to smile as well.
He nods to the DJ and "You Are My Sunshine" started to play. Both father and daughter sang along, and immediately the crowd started to clap. They stood up for the applause, and received a standing ovation.
Patrick and Emma walk back to Elizabeth's table, where Cameron, Aiden, and Anna were also seated.
Throughout the show, AJ is actually enjoying himself. He laughed at Michael and Starr's little skit and duet at the end. Dante and Lulu did a funny skit together while the Davis girls sang "Girls Just Want To Have Fun".
Excusing himself from the table, AJ heads over to the bar to see his date ordering three sodas.
"Having fun," AJ asked as he reached around her for a glass of water. Elizabeth turns around in surprise and nods her head. "It brings back a lot of memories, especially the ones with Emily."
AJ laughs, "If I remember correctly, you did Footloose with Emily one year, right?" Elizabeth's cheeks turned red in embarrassment.
This is going to bring me to my knees
I just want to hold you close to me
"I thought it was cute," AJ quickly complimented. "Thank you," Elizabeth acknowledged. She walks away with her three sodas, but turns around.
"Would you like to sit with us," she asked the tall blonde. He smiled and nodded his head. He helped her carrying the sodas back to her table. He took a seat between Cameron and Patrick.
The show went on, but AJ found himself paying more attention to the women sitting across from him. Elizabeth looked stunning; AJ couldn't take his eyes off her.
She is everything I need that I never knew I wanted
She is everything I want that I never knew I needed
Every time she caught him looking, she's smile or one time she even winked. That got his heart rate going.
The show was soon drawing to its close and AJ reflected over the past few of months. He had grown closer to Elizabeth; one of his true friends since he had come back to Port Charles.
She is everything I need that I never knew I wanted
She is everything I want that I never knew I needed
They had grown closer, despite everyone's protests. Elizabeth got up to announce the last act and AJ watched her walk away. Turning around in his seat, all eyes were on the brunette as she announced Lucy as the last act.
She glowed up on the stage in her red wine dress, and AJ couldn't take his eyes off her, even long after she moved out of the spotlight.
The Nurse's Ball finally drew to a close, with a tribute to Robin and all of her endeavors for HIV/AIDS.
Parking his car in her driveway, AJ carried a sleeping Aiden up to her doorstep. Once Elizabeth opened the door, Cameron raced inside and she turned around to face AJ. He handed Aiden to her, and she smiled up at him.
"I had a great time," Elizabeth admitted. "Me too," AJ said and Elizabeth smiled. AJ leaned in and kissed her cheek. She was surprised by his advances, but didn't move away.
"Good night Elizabeth," AJ said as he moved off the porch. Elizabeth smiled and he waited until she got in safely before driving away.
Finally crashing in his bed for night, AJ laid awake for a few hours. His mind was replaying the night events, and he couldn't keep the grin off his face.
She is everything
She is everything
It was the most fun he had in years, and after that night, AJ saw Elizabeth in a whole new light. Not just his friend, but the potential for so much more.
A/N: I hope you guys like this chapter. I know I did while writing it. Lyrics to 'She Is' by The Fray, a very fitting song for this chapter. Let me know what you thought in a review, and what you would like to happen. Until next time!
