A/N – Thanks for the comments! Leasmom- Great point! Guest – Jason did not put Michael before Jake. Jason chose to walk away from Jake, along with Elizabeth with her approval, due to the danger and he lived his life like he normally did. Michael was in Jason's life since he was born. Please, show me the scenes or the transcript where Jason walked away from Jake or Elizabeth to put Michael first. As far as Danny is concerned, did you watch the show? Jason fought having a child with Sam for a long time and then she decided she wanted a kid, so he did say his lifestyle isn't suited for a kid, but that he wouldn't take away her choice. He regretted his decision to walk away, even more, when Jake died because Jake got hurt anyway. People get to change their minds and realize they made a mistake. Sam was willing to take the chance. Whether you like it or not there are endless scenes where Liz had no problem with Sam being pregnant with Danny or her being around Jake. She told Jason that she is glad that Jason and Sam are trying to have a child. And why would you assume Jake would hate Michael? He's blaming the adults where it belongs. He's not a child. He gets that none of it was Michael's fault. My half-sisters were spoiled, and I was not wanted in the equation, yet we love each other. I never hated them.

ghfan51184 –When I answered, I thought you meant redemption for what she did re: the lie about Jakeson which is something totally different. You're just talking about that chimera situation with Jake…got it.

I'm not trying to make Michael a villain. He's hurting because he has tragically lost 3 parents and that takes a toll. He was also shot, in a coma, and raped. Michael may have been given a lot, but a lot has been taken as well. Growing up sucks in PC.

Chapter 48

Jason handed Michael a wet washcloth and he wiped his face.

"Let me see your jaw." After perusing it, Liz looked over her shoulder. "Get me some ice, please."

Jake got up to retrieve it. He had stopped himself from hurting Michael because he knows what his cousin means to his father and Michael is grieving, but he won't give him another chance if he goes after his father again.

"Why are you being so nice to me?"

Liz sighed. "I understand why you are upset and even your anger, but you're taking it out on the wrong person."

"You want me to hate my parents?" He knows that they have done some pretty bad things in the past, but they are still his family.

"You know what your parents were capable of. You've seen it front and center. Even though they made many mistakes, they loved you, Michael. You get to mourn them, but you can't run from who they were fundamentally. I've made mistakes that have hurt my family. I love them and they were still hurt by my actions and I have to live with that."

Michael sighed heavily. "The difference is that you're truly sorry."

Jason helped him stand.

"I don't know how to feel about this right now. I know you won't confirm or deny, but if you're responsible for their deaths, how do we have a relationship?"

Jason closed his eyes but didn't reply.

Jake handed Michael the ice. "My father has sacrificed everything for you since you were born. He protected you, found you when you were in danger. God, he went to jail for you when your father didn't step up and do it. He has probably done more for you than anyone. Think about that before you trash your relationship with him."

A fresh batch of tears rolled down Michael's cheeks as he considered what Jake said. He doesn't want to hate his uncle, but he can tell that he had something to do with his parent's demise and it's killing him, partly because he knows if his uncle went to that length, then his parent's were out of control.

Jason sat on the couch as he stared as his nephew. "Losing you when you were a baby hurt me to my core. In my heart, you were mine. Having to give you to AJ and Quartermaines who not only wanted to hurt me, but treated you like a prize or a pawn—there are no words to explain how much it crushed me. Then after all your mother's crazy schemes crashed and burned, and I had to watch Sonny raise you, who betrayed me with your mother. I kept telling myself that it would be okay because at least I got to see you." A tear escaped as Jason tried to quell his emotions. "You were kidnapped, shot, and other horrible things happened which ate away at me because I couldn't save you. That was partly the reason I walked away from my son. If I couldn't protect you, how could I protect him?" He stood. "If you want to hurt me, just walk out that door and never come back. I won't stop you because it's your right. Just knowing that all my sacrifices meant nothing is killing me because I lost out on so much. Hate me all you want, but don't throw your life away for selfish people. I'm going upstairs because I can't watch you leave."

Michael sobs as Liz chases after Jason leaving him with Drew and Jake.

Drew embraced his nephew. "Come sit, please."

Michael eased onto the couch as Jake handed Drew the box of tissues and then went outside to get some air.

Jake would have done anything to have his dad in his life and Michael is just ready to throw him away. He understands the circumstances, but what choice did his dad have? He kept Carly alive partly for Michael's sake. Sonny had to go. God, how many betrayals does his dad have to endure before he can react? He sat on the porch deep in thought. His father had been through a lot and Jake is surprised that he's still standing.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Drew patted Michael on the back. "You get to feel how you want, but I hope that eventually you can try and put yourself in Jason's shoes."

"I never thought about how much he gave up or how much my parents hurt him. He was just Jason and was always there. I love him, I just don't think I appreciated him."

"Yeah, I don't think most people did."

"This is hard. I know they did bad things, but they were my parents. There was good in them too and now, they're gone. How can I be okay with that?"

Drew sighed. "I think it takes time. Sam and I argued before she left the house. I gave her an ultimatum and she was mad, and it wasn't pretty. She left and said we'd talk when she got back, and she never came home. I forgave her for things I probably shouldn't have because I loved her."

"She knew you loved her."

"I know, but it still hurts. What if the baby looks like her? Some days it's hard to breathe, but you know what gets me through?"

"What?"

"I know the kids need me and I need them. Your uncle has lost so much, and I don't want to add to it and then there are Elizabeth's kids. I want to be in their lives. Monica would be devastated if anything happened to either one of us. You just need to find your purpose and let your family be there for you. Get to know Jake, Cam, and Aiden. If you have their backs, they'll have yours. I'll be there for you any time you need me and if you let Jason, he will too. You're a man now, Michael. Stop letting crazy women take advantage of you."

"Maybe I'm just used to crazy."

"Well, snap out of it because trust me, you will lose in the end."

"You're right." He had made some stupid mistakes and now, he needs to learn from them.

"Now, how about you stay at my house and let things cool down tonight. Danny can camp out on the floor and you can sleep in his bed."

Michael slightly smiled. "Okay."

On their way out, Drew told Jake that they'd be back for breakfast.

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Upstairs, Liz stood in the doorway as Jason stared out the window.

Aidan, who had been in his room but heard everything, moved next to her. "He's just hurting. He'll come around."

Jason pulled his attention toward the younger man and nodded.

Aidan moved closer. "I know we don't know each other that well, but I think Michael would be crazy to walk away from you. You've been good to us and it's nice having you around."

"Thank you, Aidan. I love being here."

"I know I'm not him, but if you could use a hug…"

Jason slightly smiled. "Come here."

Liz wiped a tear away. Aidan hates it when people fight and always wants to fix it.

They embraced as Jason closed his eyes and savored it.

"Thank you."

Aidan smiled brightly. "You're welcome." He went back to his room and Liz moved inside and took his place.

"He's such a great kid, Elizabeth."

She smiled as she gripped him tighter. "He's getting old too fast."

"We already talked about remedying that."

She laughed. "I think it's Alana's fault."

"She is cute."

"The Quartermaine men make good-looking babies."

Jake moved into the room. "So, I'm good-looking huh?"

Liz retreated. "You know you are."

Jake grinned. "Drew took Michael back to the cottage. They'll be back for breakfast."

"Thanks for defending me," Jason said.

"Always…"

"You okay?"

"Yes. I was thinking on the porch that I didn't fully consider the consequences of killing people."

"It's a huge responsibility. People have family who will miss them and love them regardless of the bad things they do."

"I think I just thought it was us against them. They were trying to hurt me, so I hurt them."

"It's complicated."

Jake nodded. "How did you cope with that?"

"The brain-damage helped me compartmentalize it."

"I think I'm going to go lay down." He hugged his father and then Liz went into the bathroom and got changed and when she came back, Jason was already in bed.

She shut the door and then crawled next to him, snuggling against him.

"Thank you for being nice to Michael."

"He's hurting and I know he didn't mean it, Jason."

"He has a right to hate me. It's not like I'm innocent."

"You didn't have a choice."

"There is always a choice and it was the right one. They wouldn't have stopped. I wasn't going to let them hurt you just to save Michael's feelings."

It made her feel good that he had put them first, but she felt bad that it was at Michael's expense.

"I let them get away with too much in the name of Michael."

"Well, we just have to pray that he won't act out."

"Hopefully, Drew can get through to him."

"You know, he doesn't hate you."

"He just hates what I did."

She shifted and then leaned on her elbow. "Tomorrow night is our non-date."

He smirked. "I know."

"Are you still up for it?"

"It will be fine."

"I have a surprise for you."

His eyes narrowed which she can barely see due to the moonlight.

"Don't worry, it will be fun."

"If you say so…"

She resumed her previous position and listened to his heartbeat. "Good night, Jason."

"Good night, Elizabeth."

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The next morning, Michael shyly entered the house.

Cam waved him over. Jake had filled him when he had gotten home and they had decided to try and embrace Michael and hopefully, that will help.

"You want to play?"

Michael smirked. "Yeah."

"You've played it before?"

"Yes." He didn't want to let Cam know he's a master at the game. He and Morgan would play for hours.

Jake laughed as he watched them battle. Michael surprised him with his smack talk and when he beat Cam, Jake jumped in and ended up slaughtering Michael.

"Come on, boys," Liz said.

Aidan finished cooking and Liz and Drew helped put several quiches on the table and when the boys saw their favorite monkey bread that Audrey used to make they were salivating.

By the time breakfast was over, there wasn't a scrap left.

Francis wiped his mouth. "That was delicious, Aidan."

"Thanks!"

Jason got up. "I'll clean up."

Michael stood. "I'll help."

Jason nodded and Michael grabbed some plates and followed him into the kitchen. Drew and Johnny cleared the table and then everyone else went back into the living room.

"I don't hate you."

"Good."

"I need some time, but I want you in my life."

"I want that too."

"Are you happy here?"

"Very… You know, you can visit any time you want."

"Thanks. I might take you up on that. You need to learn how to face chat though."

Jason scrubbed the plates and Michael put them in a plastic rack to dry.

"I'm sure the boys can help me."

"They are cool. It's still crazy to see how much Jake looks like you."

"He reminds me of Elizabeth sometimes too."

"Do you remember some happy times with my mom or dad?"

Jason nodded, knowing what he needed, and then told him a few funny stories and they laughed. By the time they were finished with the dishes, they felt a lot better and joined the others.

"When are you going back?" Liz asked. "I could take you sightseeing, or the boys can."

"I'm afraid I can't stay long, but maybe I can come with Monica and visit for Thanksgiving."

"That can be arranged," Liz said.

Michael smiled. "Thank you." He could stay one more day and then he must head back for an important ELQ meeting.

"Just remember, Jason and I are going to dinner with Alessa."

Jake smirked.

"As friends…"

All the boys rolled their eyes making Michael chuckle.

"Mind-numbing…" Johnny muttered as he left.

"Ditto," Francis said joining them.

Liz and Jason just ignored them and then watched the boys play games.

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Later that evening, Liz led Jason up some steps to a restaurant called Cin-Cin. The door opened before they could touch the handle and the owner, Vincenzo greeted them with a smile.

"Welcome."

Liz smiled as they greeted him. It's a small place and Alessa's husband had rented it for a few hours, so they have the place to themselves.

Alessa moves towards them and warmly embraces Elizabeth.

"Hello, Jason."

He smiled and accepted her brief embrace.

"This is my husband, Georgio."

They shook hands. Georgio is probably Francis's age. They are seated and wine is ordered and for Jason, a local brew.

Georgio wasn't over-talkative, but Jason tried to be social and answer questions. When the food was served, they were in heaven. Jason had gotten the beef fillet in brandy and Liz ordered the pasta with urchin sauce.

"Vincenzo, this is so good," Liz said.

He smiled. "Gratzi."

Everything tasted so good and they were stuffed by the time they left.

"Was that the surprise?" Jason asked as he led Liz back to the car."

"No."

He is surprised to see Francis leaning against a car and Liz's was nowhere to be found.

"I'm your uber."

"Okay…" Jason said.

They got in and several minutes later, Francis steered the car down a long driveway and when they finally reached the house, several cars were parked there, and he could see lights coming from the back yard.

"Just walk around the side of the house," Francis instructed.

Georgio and Alessa had beat them there, but as soon as they cleared the corner, Alessa rushed toward them. There are several additional couples there and the back yard and is beautiful and festive. Soft music is playing and lights are hanging everywhere. There are tables and a bar. It's perfect.

"Welcome to my home," she said before grabbing Liz's hand. "I hope it's okay, but this is my family." She introduced her sisters and brothers as well as her uncle who is the bartender.

Jason is handed a beer.

"Do you know how to play Bocce ball?"

Jason shakes his head. He has heard of it, but he doesn't know the rules.

She grins and then yells that he doesn't know how to play and then for a second, all the men froze, and then their eyes widened, and a roar arose, and Jason was dragged off to the corner as Liz giggled.

"He will be fine. I just hope they don't try to play for money."

Liz chuckled. "Jason picks up things fast, so it would be their loss."

She's pulled over to a group of females and they get some drinks and an hour later, Liz swore her face hurt from laughing. Her gaze went to Jason who is drinking with the guys after his bocce ball lessons. His eyes locked on her and he slightly smiled.

Alessa pulled her husband onto a small dance floor and the couples paired off.

"Care to dance?" Jason asked.

She stood and slightly wobbled making him chuckle at her shocked expression. "I guess I had more than I thought."

He led her to the edge of the dancefloor and then pulled her against him.

Her sighed filled his ears as she closed her eyes and rested her head against his chest.

It's a beautiful, warm night and the stars are glistening.

His finger rubbed circles on her back, making her shiver.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm perfect."

He smiled. "Good to know."

She lifted her head. "Are you having fun?"

"Yes. They are nice."

"How did you like the game?"

"It's cool. Don't tell Johnny and Francis I know how, so I can kick their asses."

She laughed. "Okay."

Their gaze locked as they fell into the abyss. The music stopped, breaking their connection.

Drinks were passed around and a toast was made. By the time they got back to the car, Jason is buzzed and Liz is definitely feeling it.