A/N – Thanks for the comments! Glad you're still with me.
Chapter 29
Jason sat across from Mac.
"It has been a rough few weeks."
"I know. I'm about to go see Diane."
Mac sighed. "I saw her yesterday. Francis has been sleeping on the couch when he's not working. She's heartbroken."
"I'll try to spend more time with her." It will be hard to be at their place, but he'll do anything to honor Sonny's memory.
"She'd appreciate that. I guess you want to know why I wanted to see you?"
"Yeah."
"We need to figure out the hierarchy at the station. I just came from a meeting and they know what Sonny's intentions were and while they totally regard you, they are also concerned with morale if you skip the normal progression."
"I understand. Honestly, I never really considered where this job would take me. I love it and enjoy it and that was all that mattered to me."
Mac slightly smiled. "You've grown up a lot since the accident and you also have someone special in your life. It makes you start thinking about the future."
"Yeah."
"You also got your associates degree, so that shows initiative. For my position, you'd need to get a bachelor's degree."
Jason nodded.
"You're active in the community and volunteer, not to mention that you are also trained for Francis's position. It's all good things that set you apart from the crowd whether you realize that or not. I know you enjoy jumping into the fray, but you have a head for detail and predicting what will happen next. Sonny looked to you for advice often. You mentor the guys already and they look up to you. First, you would need to take the promotional exam and then if you pass, you move onto the assessment phase."
Jason knew from talks with Sonny that the assessment process would be difficult. You are basically standing there with your competition answering questions from a panel.
"Well, what do you think?" Mac asked, knowing that is a big question.
"I—I'm extremely flattered that I'm even being considered, but under the circumstances, it's hard to even fathom anyone taking Sonny's place."
"You can't look at it that way. No one can replace him and you'll bring your own spin to the job. Someone is going to have that position, we just think that if it is you, it will boost morale and be good for the station. Of course, I'll work with you as much as possible and there will be training involved." Jason will not only be responsible for the safety of everyone on scene, but also scheduling and making sure all the equipment is up to speed and sometimes be the media contact.
"What about Ric?"
"If Ric can't be professional, then he'll be transferred. He's a good firefighter, but Sonny's death has sent him reeling. We had high hopes for him. The other shifts have lieutenants as you know, and you get along with Brian and Jagger. For the most part, you'll stay with your current shift and they'll report back to you. On your shift, you'll also oversee the training. Francis could take that on."
Jason let out a deep breath. "I guess you've give me a lot to think about."
"Well, the next exam is in six weeks. Do you think you can be ready for it?"
His eyes widened, and he rubbed his chin and neck. "I guess we'll see."
"So, you'll do it?"
"Yes."
Mac smiled. "That's great news, Jason. Good luck and call me if you have any questions."
"Thanks." They shook hands and Jason left.
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Elizabeth went over to Jason's for lunch and found him deep in thought on the couch. "What's up? How did the meeting go?"
"They want me to be Captain."
She smiled. "That's good news, right?"
"I guess. I mean, it's good for my career and Sonny wanted me too."
"But you have to want to, Jason. Could you have a passion for it?"
"According to Mac, I'm already doing a lot of it and it would help morale."
"You are worse than me about doing things because other people want you to. Can you be happy in the new position? I know it's hard for you to visualize, but try."
He was quiet for a few minutes. "Yeah, I can see myself doing it. I'd miss being on the front line, but there would still be a lot of adrenaline at the scene and I'd have to direct it and make life or death decisions. It's what I'm good at."
"When is the test?"
"Six weeks…"
"Wow, that's not a lot of time. How do you prepare for it?"
"I just have to know my shit, but also think about things from Sonny's perspective as well. That can be a little different."
"Well, if there is anything I could do—even quiz you, I hope you'll ask."
He pulled her onto his lap and gripped her tightly. "It's a little intimidating."
No matter how many people Jason has saved, he's a humble man.
She peered into his eyes. "You have such a beautiful soul, Jason Morgan, and you're so smart. The guys look up to you for a reason and you need to own your greatness."
He slightly blushed.
"I don't mean be an arrogant jerk, just own all your hard work and do your best. I have faith in you and so do they."
He kissed her languidly. "Thank you."
Her eyes teared. "I came so close to losing you. I know I've been a little clingy lately—" She's cut off by his laugh.
"Seriously? Hell, I thought maybe I was being to clingy. When you're not around, it's hard to even breath," he said.
"When you can't, I'll breathe for you. When your heart feels like it will burst, I'll be there to make it beat stronger. I know you're hurting, but maybe this is what you need, something to focus on." He had mostly gone quiet as he deeply reflected on his loss.
His eyes pricked with tears. "I feel so lucky to have you in my life."
She tried to reply, but his finger quickly quieted her.
"You suck at just taking a compliment."
She smiled and then licked his finger, cause his eyes to slightly darken.
"I miss him so much. When will it get better? When I step inside the station, it's like I'm waiting to hear his voice or for him to pat me on the back like he always does. I even miss those damn dimples he used to get his way with everyone."
Liz chuckled. "They were spectacular."
"It's just so hard."
She kissed him gently. "Over time, the grief won't be so heavy and then you'll think back on him with love and reverence and it won't seem like someone punched you in the gut. When you go to the station, think of it as a place where you can feel closer to him. You know, change your perspective a little."
"I'll try."
She kissed away a tear that had escaped his eye. "He misses you too. I think he'll always watch over you."
"Yeah?"
She nodded and then stood and eased her top off as he lustfully watched and then wiggled out of her jeans and unsnapped her bra, letting it fall away.
"Beautiful… If we start this, you're going to be late."
"Well, I guess you better be quick then."
His brow rose as he stood. "Hard and fast?"
She grinned. "Let's do this."
He chuckled and then kissed her senseless, lifting her up as he continued his assault. She moaned as he headed for the bedroom and for the next fifteen minutes, he rocked her world.
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An hour later, Johnny plopped onto Audrey's couch.
"What's up?"
He shrugged. "I think Sarah is trying to fuck my grief away."
Jason laughed. "Yeah?"
Johnny's smile lit up the room. "She makes me happy."
"I'm glad. You think she's the one?"
"It's looking that way, besides, Audrey sweetens the deal."
"So true…"
"How are you and Liz?"
"I meant to thank you from talking me down. We're good. She means everything to me. Listen, Mac called me to his office and we talked about Sonny's position."
Johnny raised a brow and then smiled. "Is it yours for the taking?"
Jason nodded as he averted his gaze. "Yes, but I still have to pass the exam and assessment."
"How long before the next one?"
"Six weeks…"
Johnny let out a harsh breath. "You have a lot of studying to do, my friend."
"Will help me?"
"Of course, and I know Francis will too. We'll switch off. When do we start?"
"How about later?"
"I don't have plans."
"Come over to the cottage and we'll order pizza. You can bring Sarah."
The girls entered the room.
"Where are we going?" Sarah asked.
"We're going to Jason's for dinner and then I'm going to start helping him study for an exam."
"Okay, I'm in."
"Me too," Liz said. She can catch up with Sarah on the porch while the guys chat.
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Later that evening, while Jason and Johnny started going over procedures, Liz and Sarah slipped outside.
"So, what's going on?" Sarah asked.
Liz blushed. "I used the butterfly."
Sarah grinned as she gazed mischievously. "Did you like it?"
"Sarah—there are no words. I felt so dirty for the things I did with him, but damn it was so hot."
"I'd ask for details, but I know you won't go there. Me and Johnny have been doing it a lot and I've already had to change the batteries in the venus twice."
Liz smiled. "That's good, right?"
"Yeah. I will never turn him down, but I have to admit that I've been seducing him a lot to try to take his mind off Sonny."
"You know, as good as you make him feel, he needs to grieve."
"I know. Watching him cry is just so—"
"I get it, truly I do, but let him open up to you, alright?"
"I'll try, but have you seen him? My body and mind go to mush every time I look at him."
Liz laughed. "I feel the same way about Jason. We need a specialized pair of sunglasses that can block their pheromones."
Sarah cracked up. "If we could just create and market that…"
"As seen on t.v.—is your boyfriend driving you crazy with lust? Put on these sunglasses and give your vajayjay a much need rest."
Sarah snorted, making Liz laugh so hard she cried.
Jason and Johnny grinned. They had heard the entire conversation because the kitchen window is cracked.
"We have to be the luckiest men on the planet," Johnny said.
"Absolutely…"
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The next morning, Jason went to visit Diane.
"Jason?"
"Hi."
Her head tilted. "Are you checking up on me?"
He nodded bashfully. "Yeah."
She pulled the door open wider and he strode past her. Sonny's cologne filled his nostrils and he immediately stops in his tracks.
"I sprayed some because it helps me feel like he's still here," she explained before moving past him. "Want something to drink?"
He snapped out of his reverie. "No. I'm fine, thank you."
After getting comfortable on the couch, he openly perused her.
"I'm fine—well as fine as I can be."
"Have you eaten?"
She shook her head. "Not yet, I didn't feel well this morning."
He stood and moved into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator as she protested.
"Jason, you don't have to make me anything."
"Can you handle eggs?"
"Yes, but—"
He glanced at her. "The baby is going to start kicking you if you don't get something down."
She rolled her eyes. "The baby isn't big enough yet."
"Don't argue with me, woman," he said before smirking and pulling out the eggs, some onion and then dug around and found some spinach and mushroom. "Are the ingredients okay?"
"Perfect. There is some pepper-jack cheese in the drawer."
"Now you're talking."
She slid onto a stool. "So, how are things going?"
Jason cracked the eggs into a bowl and then started cutting. "It's been tough, but Elizabeth has been great."
"She is wonderful. You lucked out. Sonny adored her too."
Jason nodded.
"Jason, Mac told me about the Captain position. You're going to try, right?"
He put some oil in the pan and waited for it to heat up. "Yes."
"Good. You know Sonny was leaving and wanted it for you."
"The problem is that I don't want the damn position, I want him back." He paused as he leaned against the counter. How many time had he sat where she is while Sonny cooked him a meal?
Suddenly, her hand slid down his back. "Turn around."
He did and then she embraced him warmly before retreating.
"You have no idea how comforting it is to know how much all of you cared for my husband. Just having you around here helps me because I can feel your love and support."
He sighed and then threw the veggies in the pan. "I do love you, Diane." There were times when he was struggling and she was there when Sonny couldn't be, raising his spirits and helping him cope.
Her eyes pricked with tears as she touched his face. "You're a good man, Jason and I love you too. This baby, will as well. Will you go to my first ultra sound with me?"
He smiled. "When and where?"
"Three weeks… I'll be in week sixteen which is my second trimester."
"So, we can find out the baby's sex?"
Diane nodded. "Yes, if the baby cooperates."
"You know I have a problem with seeing images."
"I'll help you see it."
"Why me?"
He mixed up the eggs and poured them into the pan.
"Jason, Sonny considered you his best friend, so I want you and Mac to be there because he was closest to you."
"Thank you. I can't wait."
"Good, because I wanted to ask you to be the godfather as well."
His head jerked towards her. "Really?"
"Yes."
His eyes narrowed. "Who is the godmother?"
She crossed her arms across her chest. "Please tell me that you are not negotiating right now because you are no match for me."
He chuckled as he folded the eggs and then covered them. "Do I need outside representation?"
She rolled her eyes. "No. It's not negotiable and you already know who it is going to be."
"Alexis?"
Diane smirked. "No."
Jason's mouth dropped open. They are very close friends.
"Alexis got to be at my wedding, so my other bestie won out."
His head tilted. "Epiphany?"
Diane grinned. "Yup—your other girlfriend."
He is beaming as he slid the eggs onto a plate and then poured her some orange juice. "I accept."
She shook her head. "You are so predictable," she said before stabbing her fork into the concoction. "Oh my, this is heavenly."
"That's because I learned from the best."
She is glowing. "What else did he teach you?"
"I can make a good sauce with handmade pasta."
Her eyes bulge. "Okay, where was I when all this food network stuff was happening?"
"It was at the station."
"I'm going to need a full list. A girl gets cravings."
"I'll get on it." He cleaned up as they chatted. It wasn't as painful of a visit as he had initially anticipated.
She dropped her fork. "Thank you, Jason. That was fabulous."
"You're welcome."
She yawned.
"Tired?"
"This baby is using its super powers to zap my strength."
He moved to her side. "May I?"
She nodded, and he knelt and then touched her stomach.
"Michael Corinthos the third, you better be nice to your mommy."
She laughed. "How do you know it's a boy?"
"I just have a feeling."
"Well, if it is, I hope he looks just like his father."
"And cook like him?"
He loves seeing her laugh after all the heartache.
"Definitely! You'll have to teach him."
"Gladly…"
They hug and then he walks her into the living room and makes her lay down and he covers her up and then kisses her on the forehead. "I'll check on you soon."
She grabbed his wrist before he could retreat. "Thank you."
"No, thank you."
