A/N – Thanks for the comments! Glad you like the friendships!* Kikimoo – No Carly.

Chapter 10 - Home

Brenda sure hoped everything would be fine, because she couldn't imagine what Jason was going through or what he would do if his vision didn't return. "What about Lorenzo?"

Sonny pulled back. "He's recovering. He's going to be fine. The nurses are all fawning on him."

Brenda smirked. "He is handsome," she said as Sonny scowled. She laughed. "What about Manny?"

Manny walked into the room. "Did someone mention me?"

Sonny turned with surprise. "Manny."

The man nodded at Sonny and then turned his attention to Brenda. "I'm glad that you and the baby are okay."

"Thank you. Sorry if I gave you a hard time."

Manny smiled slightly. "It was understandable."

Sonny walked towards him and held out his hand. "Thank you for your assistance."

Manny shook his hand. His brother had told him that he was crazy for helping out Corinthos. But, Manny had felt guilty after talking it over with his mom. "You're welcome."

"If you ever need a favor, than you just have to ask."

Manny smirked. He was surprised that Sonny was being so nice. It was amazing how much family could change a person. "I'll remember that. I'm about to fly home. Have a safe trip."

"Thanks," Sonny said.

"Bye," Brenda said nicely.

Manny smiled. "Bye."

Sonny watched him leave. "You have this innate ability to attract psychos."

She smacked his arm. "What does that say about you?"

Sonny chuckled. "I love you Brenda."

"I love you too."

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Liz helped Jason put on his t-shirt. It was almost a shame to have to cover up his body.

"Thanks," Jason said softly.

She gave him a soft kiss and then took his hand and led him into the hallway. "We're coming to the staircase." She put his hand on the railing and stepped around him so she was one step below him. "Take your time. You need to get used to the distance."

Jason held his breath and awkwardly took the first step. They cautiously moved down until they final reached the bottom.

"Last step," Liz said standing in front of him.

Jason navigated the last step and then reached for Elizabeth's arm. She held it out.

"We're going to walk a little bit and then we'll go into the dining room."

"Okay."

When they came to the door, she paused and touched his hand to let him in him know and he followed her inside.

"Good morning," Maximus said.

"Good morning," Jason replied.

Elizabeth smiled. "Everything looks so good."

Maximus smiled. "Thanks. Have a seat."

She got Jason settled and then sat down beside him.

A woman, Angela, entered the room and brought them some coffee.

Maximus watched as Jason felt for his plate and then his hand moved towards the cup that Angela had sat down. She had made sure not to fill it up to the top. Jason tentatively moved it towards his face. He came in slightly low but adjusted and was able to sip it.

Liz smiled and then looked up at Maximus who looked worried.

Jason finished and lowered the cup back to the table. It was stressful for him because he knew people were watching his every move.

Milo watched him roll his neck as if he was trying to relax. They were all worried about Jason. Going home was going to put extra stress on him. "Logan and Enzo will be on the plane with Sonny and Brenda. They are a little beat up but the doctor's patched them up and they'll be fine."

"Where were they shot?"

"Logan was shot in the right leg. It hit an artery so he had to get a few pints. It was lucky that the ambulance came when it did. Enzo was shot in the arm and has a mild concussion. They both feel like shit about Brenda, but are doing okay."

"I'll make sure Enzo takes at least a week off with pay. Logan is off until further notice," Jason said firmly. It would take a while for his leg to heal and they were all really bad patients. Enzo could help out in the warehouse doing something that wouldn't tire him out until he was back to full speed.

"I had them make you a breakfast sandwich," Maximus said watching Angela walk towards them with some food. "I thought it would be easier for you." It wasn't traditional, but it was certainly functional.

"Thanks," Jason said quietly.

Maria put two sandwiches on his plate and then Angela sat some eggs, bread, butter, and jam in front of Elizabeth along with some cookies.

"Yum," Elizabeth said smiling.

"What is it?"

Liz told him and then started to dig in.

Maximus had a pastry and some coffee and Milo had what Jason was having.

Jason took a bite of his sandwich. It was good. Eating was still a little awkward for him but he did the best he could. He felt like he always managed to get more on his shirt than in his mouth. Elizabeth tried not to reach out and help him even though it was a natural reaction to do so. When he was finished he wiped his mouth.

"Did I get anything on me?"

Liz looked him over. "Just some crumbs," she said wiping them off his shirt.

"Thanks."

Johnny breezed into the room. He had already eaten. "What's up?"

"Nothing. You aren't riding with us are you?"

Johnny grinned. "Of course, I was going to sit next to you and hold your hand."

Milo chuckled.

"I'd offer you to Maximus, but I don't think he'd take you."

Maximus smiled.

"You'd miss me too much. I'm your favorite person right behind Brenda."

Jason groaned.

"She's naming her first born after you so you better be nice."

Maximus frowned. "Aren't they having a girl?"

Johnny chuckled. "Yup."

"Jason Corinthos?"

Milo laughed. "No, the last few weeks it's been Jacie Corinthos."

"That's kind of cute," Liz said.

Jason rolled his eyes. "I think Sonny will throw a fit."

"That man is whipped and you know it," Johnny said.

"I'd love for you to say that to his face," Jason quipped.

Maximus looked at Elizabeth. "You sure you are going to be able to put up with those two for nine hours?"

Liz chuckled. "I'll have to sit between them so Jason doesn't kill him."

"Hey…." Johnny said. ,

"I still have my drugs. We can knock him out," Jason offered.

Liz put her hand on his thigh. "You behave."

Maximus's phone rang. "Yeah."

He listened for a few seconds and then put his phone down. "The plane is ready."

Johnny and Milo got up to pack the car.

"Just stay here until they are ready. Jason, you know you're going to have to keep your blindness a secret right?"

"I know," he said softly. He had been considering this and had already decided that only Brenda and Emily would know for now. There was no way he could hide from his sister. In fact, the thing he needed most right now was to give her a hug and let her know that he was there for her.

Maximus studied Jason. He was actually really proud of him. He hadn't heard him complain once. There is no way in hell he would be dealing with this as well.

"I'm fine Maximus."

The mob boss smirked. "You read minds now?"

"I just figured that was why you were so quiet."

"You were right. I am worried Jason. You are in danger every second that you're blind. Maybe I've grown a little fond of you."

"You're not going to get all mushy on me are you?"

Maximus chuckled. "No, but just take care of yourself okay. Contrary to your life so far, you are not indestructible."

"I'll try to remember that."

Maximus looked up and saw Milo. "It's time."

Liz stood up and then waited for Jason to rise before leading him to the car. They were on their way home and both of them were happy to get on that plane.

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Brenda paced back and forth as she waited for Maximus's plane to land.

Sonny finally spoke up. "Brenda, you need to sit down."

She looked up at him before continuing to walk. "I can't. I have too much energy right now."

"It won't do anybody any good if your blood pressure goes too high."

"I just need to see him for myself Sonny. What is taking so long?"

Sonny sighed. Max ran inside the plane. "They just landed."

Brenda grinned. "Tell me the minute the stairs are attached. I mean it Max."

Max looked over at Sonny who nodded. "Okay."

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Jason felt the wheels touch the ground and his stomach started to turn. He was home and he was still blind. He'd have to get used to his place and the distance between things. Then there was Emily.

"Are you okay?" Liz asked.

"Yes."

Liz grabbed his hand. "You don't look okay. Are you worried?"

"A little bit."

"Jason, if things get to be too much, then we'll deal with it and get the hell out of dodge."

Jason smirked. "I don't think an army could stop Brenda from seeing me."

Johnny snorted as Milo chuckled. "She is like a force of nature."

Part of him missed her. She was probably getting bigger and he wouldn't even be able to see it.

The plane taxied to the gate and finally, the stairs were pushed against the plane and secured.

Brenda stared at the plane as the cockpit opened.

"Breathe baby," Sonny said softly when she looked like she was holding her breath.

Milo exited first and then Johnny. Jason was between him and Elizabeth. She watched as he awkwardly navigated the steps. A tear ran down her face and she didn't even realize she was walking towards him. Elizabeth stepped to his side and Jason grabbed her arm and moved forward.

Smelling Brenda's perfume, he stopped.

"Jason," Brenda breathed out. "I've got to hug you."

He slightly smiled as she moved into him and hugged him tightly.

"It's okay. I'll be fine." He kissed the top of her head.

Sonny watched not sure what he should say.

Brenda pulled back and touched his face. "I missed you."

"I wasn't gone that long."

"Are you really going to argue this point?"

"Of course, it's what we do."

She slightly smiled and then grabbed his hand and put it on her stomach. Jason smiled. "You've got a big bump."

"Finally. I was worried that Jacie was going to hide in there forever."

Jason smiled. "Jacie."

"Isn't it cute?"

Sonny groaned behind her.

"Hey Sonny."

"It's good to see you man," he said before giving Jason a half hug.

"Brenda and Sonny, this is Elizabeth Webber. She took good care of me."

Liz smiled. "It's nice to meet you."

Brenda gave her a hug. She was pretty and she hoped she was just as nice. "I hope he wasn't too difficult."

Jason sighed.

"He was usually on his best behavior."

Brenda grinned.

Sonny shook her hand. "It's nice to meet you. Thank you for being so good to him. We couldn't have gotten him here without you."

Johnny cleared his throat and Liz chuckled.

"Johnny and Milo helped a lot too."

Sonny shook his head. "Come on. Johnny will drive you to the penthouse. I figured you wouldn't want to stay with me."

"Thanks. Home is fine. Elizabeth will be there."

Sonny smiled. "Good."

Brenda walked on the other side of Jason. "Elizabeth, you're going to have to give me the real scoop on what went down."

Liz smiled.

"You don't have to tell her anything. What happened in Italy, stays in Italy."

"What? That's a ridiculous saying," Brenda said.

"It's only ridiculous because you're being nosey."

"I'm never nosey."

Jason stopped walking.

Brenda jerked back a little. "Why did you stop?"

"I didn't want lightening to strike me."

She smacked him on the arm.

"Sure, hit the blind person."

Liz chuckled.

"Since when did you get a sense of humor?"

Jason shrugged.

They got to the car and Brenda hugged him one last time. "Call me if you need anything. I mean it."

"I will. Thank you Brenda," Jason said quietly.

She watched him get in the car and stood there while Johnny pulled off. Sonny touched her arm and she turned into him and hugged him tightly. "He's scared."

"I think he held it together pretty well."

Brenda pulled back. "Jacie's hungry."

Sonny smirked. "Just Jacie?"

Brenda grinned. "Feed me."

He looked over at Max who was smiling. "Metro Court."

Max nodded and opened the door to car and once everyone was settled, he headed to the hotel.

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Johnny opened the door to the penthouse and they walked inside and he heard a gasp and froze.

"Jason," Emily said animatedly. "Oh my God, when did you get back?"

"Emily, what are you doing here?"

"Alice brought me. Everyone was smothering me and I come here sometimes because I miss you."

She walked closer. "Why didn't you tell me that you were coming home?"

Jason closed his eyes.

"Is something wrong?"

Normally he would have hugged her by now and they'd be talking about his trip, but he just stood there and everyone seemed tense.

"Emily, I think we should sit down."

Emily looked at Elizabeth and then Johnny. "Okay."

She stepped to the side and watched in shock as Liz led Jason to the couch.

"The coffee table is in front of you, so move to the left," Liz instructed.

Emily gasped. "Jason?"

"Please, sit next to me."

She sat next to him and Jason put his arm her and she rose to her knees and hugged him. "Talk to me."

"I'm temporarily blind."

"What?"

"There was an accident and I was shot in the side and I hit my head. Once the swelling goes down all the way, I should get my sight back."

Emily sat down and took the water Johnny handed her. "You need to keep hydrated."

She nodded. "I can't even imagine how hard this must be. I wish I was there for you."

"I had Elizabeth and Milo. Emily, this is Elizabeth Webber. She's Audrey's granddaughter."

Emily slightly smiled at Elizabeth. "It's nice to meet you."

"I heard a lot about you. How are you feeling?"

"I'm doing okay. The cancer is gone. My stamina is just shot and we're just trying to keep me healthy until my immune system gets stronger."

"I'm glad that you're doing better. I'm sorry that I couldn't be there for you."

"Are you kidding me? You were fighting your own battles. I'm just glad that you're still alive."

"Me too."

There was a knock on the door. Johnny ran to answer. "Hold on one minute." He turned to Jason. "It's Monica."

"Shit."

"You could go hide in the kitchen, but Jason, she missed you and she can keep a secret. Please consider talking to her."

Jason sighed. He hadn't expected to have to go through all of this so fast. "Okay, but no one else can know."

Emily got up and opened the door. "Hi mom. Where's Alice?"

"I told her that I'd pick you up on the way back to the hospital. Honestly Emily, you need to be resting," she said walking into the apartment. When she saw Jason she stopped. "Jason?"

"Hi."

Monica smiled and walked over to the couch. "When did you get back?"

"I just got in."

"Well it's good to see you. I know Emily has missed you terribly."

"Thanks. It's good to be back."

Monica cleared her throat. "Aren't you going to give me a hug?"

"Mom, there's something you should know."

Jason stood up. Monica moved towards him and Jason flinched when she touched him so she quickly pulled back. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No, it's nothing like that. I was in an accident."

"Where were you hurt?"

"I was shot in the side and I hit my head."

Monica gently touched his arm. "Are you going to be okay?"

"Hopefully, but right now I'm temporarily blind."

Monica was stunned. "Oh Jason. What did the doctor's say?"

"The swelling just needs to go down and I should be fine."

"You should see someone here."

"I have an appointment with Patrick tomorrow."

Monica was glad. "How are you getting into the hospital?"

"I don't know. I was hoping that somehow I can sneak in."

"You leave that to me. I can come and get you at the employee's entrance and then we'll get you into the closest room."

"Thanks. It's at 10:30 A.M."

"Alright, then I'll meet you there. It's at the back of the building."

"Mom, this is Elizabeth Webber. She took care of me."

Monica smiled. "Jeff's daughter?"

Liz nodded. "That would be me."

"Well it's very nice to meet you and thank you for taking care of my son."

"It's nice to meet you too."

Jason sat back down and both Monica and Emily smiled when he grabbed a hold of Elizabeth's hand.

"Well, Emily, you should come home and have some dinner and rest."

"Mom…." She wanted to stay with Jason. She had missed him.

"Emily, you can have Alice bring you here for lunch tomorrow. I'll have Elizabeth text you when we're done at the hospital."

"If we can order Kelly's, it's a deal."

Jason smiled. "Done."

Emily got up. "I love you and I'm glad you're back." She hugged him and Jason savored the contact.

"I love you too."

Monica gave him a kiss on the forehead and they said goodbye and left.