A/N – Thanks for the comments! Some of you made comments and I watched the video and it didn't happen as you said. See my comments afterward which details what was said, but Liz did not ask Jason to leave Port Charles nor did she beg him to be a family. The kids were not a part of the conversation. And he didn't have a kid with Sam for 5 years. Some of you act like it was 5 minutes. I'm not trying to spin anything. I just try to be fair on both sides and look at the deeper meaning based on what they've done to each other and outside influences.

Chapter 49

Jason sat Liz on the bed and then slipped off her shoes. Once the door was shut, she fell backward, making him smile and he quickly changed and pulled on sweats.

"What do you want to wear?"

"Your t-shirt."

His brow rose. "Okay…"

He grabbed it and then tossed it at her and then turned around when she began to strip.

Finally, she got the shirt on and climbed under the covers.

"You okay?" he asked.

"Yup. No bed spins."

"Good."

She rolled onto her side, throwing her leg over his as her hand swept down his chest, making him groan.

"Elizabeth…"

"Yes, Jason?"

"You're drunk."

"I'm fine."

She kissed his neck and he muttered a curse word and she found herself on her back with him in between her legs.

"Hi."

He grinned. "You are so beautiful."

"So are you. Kiss me, Jason."

"Elizabeth, I don't want to take advantage."

"You're not."

Unable to resist, his lips pressed against hers and it quickly became heated.

Tearing himself away, he fell onto his back breathing heavily.

"I'm sorry, but this isn't taking it slow and I don't want you to regret it."

When she didn't answer, he rolled onto his side. "Elizabeth?"

She pushed out a breath of air and he chuckled.

"I can't believe you fell asleep that quickly." He shook his head and then got comfortable. Even in her sleep, she is drawn to his body and moved against him.

After kissing the top of her head, he let himself drift away with a smile on his face.

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The next morning, Jason got up first and headed downstairs.

"Where is mom?" Aidan asked.

"She's still asleep."

Cam smirked. "Did she drink?"

Jason nodded.

"Did she get sick?" Jake asked.

"No. She was fine, but she'll probably be grumpy."

"She'll be fine if you didn't wake her up," Cam said. Their mom doesn't go out a lot, but she had gone to one event with Alessa before and had a hangover the next day because she wasn't used to drinking.

Aidan handed Jason a cup of coffee.

"Drew and Michael just left. He's going to take Michael into town to get a gift for Monica."

"That was nice."

"He seemed like he's doing better today," Jake said.

"Good."

They heard a noise upstairs, so Jason went into the kitchen and cooked an omelet and made some toast and then took it up to the bedroom on a tray.

When he opened the door, Liz was climbing back into bed.

"You'll feel better if you eat a little."

She groaned. "Why didn't you stop me?"

He grinned. "You were cute."

She muttered something as she sat against the pillows and then Jason put the tray over her lap. Quickly she downed to the two aspirins and then began to eat.

"This is good."

"Yell if you need anything. You can hang out in bed for a while."

"I need to go to the shop soon. I need a batch of brownies for a party."

"I can take Aidan there if you want."

She slightly smiled. "It's okay. He'll want to come along and help, but you're more than welcome to hang out if you want."

He shrugged. "I can bring a book." He likes spending time with them.

"Alright, finish your coffee and then jump in the shower."

He went back downstairs and let Aidan know.

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After about an hour at the cafe, Drew and Michael arrived.

"Hey," Jason said.

Michael hugged him briefly. "The town is cool."

"I like it here."

Liz smiled when she saw them and brought out a plate that has cookies and brownies on it.

"That looks so good," Michael said. He bit into a brownie. "Holy crap."

Liz grinned. "I'll have to make a to-go bag for you."

"Thank you."

She went back to baking.

"What happens when you go home?"

"I'm going to work at ELQ. I'm living in the mansion, so I won't be alone."

"I spoke to Monica a while ago. She missed you."

Michael slightly smiled. "It's interesting living with her and Alice."

Jason chuckled. "Alice is a saint for all the years she put up with Edward."

"She has a lot of good stories."

"I was wondering if you can do me a favor. I'll give you the money for it."

"What?"

"I need a Kelly's care package."

Michael grinned. "I can overnight it. What do you want?"

"I'll call ahead, but I was hoping they could freeze some chili and ship a chocolate cake." He wants to surprise Elizabeth.

"That should be doable."

"Alright, I'll call today, so they can put it in the freezer. What time is your flight tomorrow?"

"It's at 1:00, so just tell them to have it ready by 11:00 AM and then I'll overnight it to you."

"Thanks." Jason handed him some cash. "You want to switch places?" he asked Drew.

"Sure."

Jason stood. "Come on. We'll go to a few places I think you'll like."

Michael smiled, happy to spend some time with his uncle.

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Two Days Later

Jason led Liz into the dining room for lunch.

She eyed him warily. "Are you trying to butter me up?"

He smiled. "No. I just wanted to do something nice for you to say thank you for watching over me."

"You don't have to thank me for that, Jason."

"I know, but I wanted to."

She sniffed the air. "What is that?"

He retrieved the bowl and her eyes widened.

"It can't be."

"It is."

"How? Michael?"

Jason grabbed the sandwich he had made for himself. "Yup."

She grinned and took a bite. "This is so good."

"I knew you didn't get a chance to eat it while we were there."

She smiled fondly of the memory of the hospital and Carly. "True. "I wished I had gotten a chance to spend more time with Epiphany."

"Well, maybe we can meet her the next time she visits Stan."

"That would be wonderful."

"Are you ready for the trip?"

"I think so. It should be interesting."

"Yeah."

"Jake is at his appointment."

Liz nodded. "Hopefully, it will start getting easier soon. I don't like seeing him stressed."

"Me either. I spoke to him about Michael."

"What did he say?"

"That he thinks Michael would have been better off he had stayed with me. I made sure that Jake knows he's my priority along with his brothers and mother."

She smiled. "Well, we love having you with us."

"We're a family now."

"Am I the crazy uncle?" Johnny asked as he got himself something to drink.

"Hey," Jason said.

"You're certifiable alright," Liz said.

Johnny sniffed. "What is that?"

"Chili from Kelly's."

Johnny shook his head. "Full—court—press."

It went over Liz's head, but Jason glared.

Liz rubbed her belly. "That hit the spot."

"I hope you saved room."

Her eyes widened. "Please tell me there is a chocolate cake."

"Hmm…what are you willing to do for it?"

Johnny chuckled. "That's my cue to leave. I'm going to run an errand. Jason, we'll talk when I get back."

"Okay."

Liz smirked. "What do you want for it?"

He tapped his lips.

She is amused by his boldness but leaned over the table and laid a nice juicy kiss on him and then plopped onto her chair.

When he didn't say a word, she sighed. "Jason, do you have the cake or not?"

He grinned. "You're going to have to pat me down for it."

She threw her napkin at him which he caught as he stood. "Do you miss the PCPD that much? I can call Dante."

He rolled his eyes. "So impatient…"

She clapped her hands together as he retrieved it.

"Here you go. You're so spoiled."

Her eyes widened as he opened the box and then she groaned. "Have I told you how much I love you lately?"

He shook his head. "No."

"Well, I do."

He sighed. "First my bike and now—cake."

She giggled before she took a bite. "Oh, this is heavenly. You think you can use your enforcer-ness to get the recipe?"

"Is that even a word?"

"It is now."

He eyed her.

"You look way too serious. Have a bite."

She held the fork to his lips, but he wouldn't open. "One bite…"

Finally, he let her slip it into his mouth. "It's okay, but your brownies are better."

"You just want another kiss."

"Maybe…"

She smirked before diving in with her fork again.

Aidan and Cam skidded to a stop in the doorway. "What is that? Did you bake?"

"They are as bad as you."

"Jason had Michael send a care package from Kelly's. I just had the most delicious chili, and this is my dessert."

They licked their lips as her eyes narrowed. "Touch my cake and I'll cut you."

Cam grinned. "Come on, mom. You are the one that taught us to share."

"Sorry, bad connection."

Their jaws dropped and she waited for a few beats before saying, "Fine. Get two plates. You can have a little piece."

The boys shoved their way into the kitchen and then grabbed forks before standing next to the table. Liz cut them each a slice and Jason amusedly watched them groan when they took the first bite.

Jake stopped in the doorway. "What the hell?"

Liz explained and he quickly grabbed a plate and got a slice.

"Why aren't you eating any?" Aidan asked Jason.

"I had a bite."

"Don't you like chocolate?"

"It's okay. I have to be in the mood for it."

"And you went out with him?" Aidan said.

Liz chuckled. "One of us needed to be a non-addict. Can you imagine the fights if we were both chocolate addicts?"

Jason shrugged. "I would just duct tape you to a chair and eat it all."

The boys laughed.

"Don't make me do one of my take-downs."

"You think I don't know your tricks?"

She smirked. "Let's go into the living room."

The boys jumped up so they could get a good seat.

Jason and Liz stood across from each other and then Liz stretched and rolled her neck.

"You done?" he asked.

"Shouldn't you stretch? You might pull something, old man."

"Very funny…"

She lunged and he easily darted to the left, so she missed. "You got lucky."

A smirk eased onto his face, and the boys almost died laughing when he lifted his shirt and pretended to use it to wipe his face and Liz froze giving him enough time to grab her and throw her over his shoulder as she laughed.

"Dammit! You hypnotized me."

He dropped her onto the smaller couch.

"It's not my fault that you're easily distracted."

When he turned, she launched herself at him and grunted when it felt like she had smashed into a wall.

"Is there a fly on my back?" Jason asked.

"Mom! Give it up," Aidan said.

She let herself slide down his body. "Damn muscular men…"

"Am I interrupting?" Johnny asked.

"Can you get him for me?"

Johnny grinned. "It's tempting, but he is practically in a senior home these days."

"I could still kick your ass, O'Brien," Jason said.

"Wow…now, dementia has set in."

Liz giggled.

Jake watched them with a smile on his face. His therapy session was hard, but he's learning how to deal with everything. There's a lot on his mind because there are so many decisions to make and knowing how his family feels about his choice of employment, made him feel like he couldn't talk to them. It's a lot to process.

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The day to leave for the trip had finally arrived and everyone is excited. Drew didn't want to leave the baby behind, so the nanny agreed to come with them.

Johnny leaned against the car as the nanny came in sight. "Damn, she's hot."

Francis rolled his eyes. "She's very nice. The kids like her already."

"What's not to like?"

Jason elbowed him. "Keep your eyes in your head."

"I'll try." She is a short, curvy, blonde with blue eyes."

Drew made his way toward them. "Jason, this is Karissa."

She held out her hand and wondered if all the men around here were handsome. "It's nice to meet you." The first nanny had a family emergency, so Karissa is filling in.

"Likewise…"

Johnny shook hands with her. Francis had met her earlier.

She took Alana from Drew and then he got in the SUV and put the baby in the car seat. Danny and Aidan squeezed into the back and Karissa sat between Drew and the car seat. Francis is going to stay and get some work done.

Liz, Jason, Jake, and Cam got into the next car and the group headed to the airport.

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After the plane leveled off, Karissa played with Alana as Drew watched. When she was hired, she was filled in about Sam and felt sorry for the family. The baby wouldn't remember her mother and Danny is probably heartbroken. Drew had been very quiet all day and she wonders what he's like when he isn't so somber.

Liz whispered something in Jason's ear making him smile. When she stood and stretched, it got everyone's attention. Jason undid his seatbelt and then grabbed her and kissed her.

"What was that?" Jake said.

"It's the proof that it's a cruel world," Cam said. "I lost the bet."

Aidan gagged. "Make them stop."

Liz giggled.

"Is this official?" Johnny asked.

They stared at it each other for a long moment and then nodded.

"We're officially dating."

A loud cheer is made, and Alana joined in on the clapping.

Jake raised his fists in the air. "I won. Pay up, suckers?"

Johnny groaned. "You couldn't have gotten it together a week ago?"

"Nope," Jason said. He and Liz still need to talk a little, but he figured they could after dinner to make sure they are on the same page. It just felt right and he's content with his family.

Jake stood and collected some money and then pulled his parents to the bedroom in the back of the plane. "You're really going to try and be together?"

Liz nodded. "Yes."

Jake took her breath away when he lifted her and spun her around as she laughed.

"Don't break her," Jason said.

"You're next."

Jason grinned and then his arms are full of Jake and he savored it.

"I've dreamed of this. I think this is the best trip ever."

Liz kissed him on the cheek. "I love you, Jake."

"I love you both."

"Can I get a hug?" Drew asked pretending Alana said it.

Liz laughed as the baby squealed and reached out her arms. "Come here, pumpkin."

"Pumpkin?" Drew said.

"It could have been worse," Jake said. "She could have called her lima bean or asparagus."

Drew smirked.

"Someone needs a diaper change," Liz said.

Karissa moved forward. "I can do it if you want?"

"Come on, you distract her while I change her. She does not like to lay still," Liz said.

They moved to the bed.

"She seems nice," Jason said quietly as the women fawned over the baby.

"Yeah."

"How long is Gia going to be away?"

"Probably for a few weeks. Her grandmother passed away and she's in England."

Jake watched as the women struggled with Alana who wants to get up. "Amateurs…" He moved over to the bed and laid down and the baby stared at him.

"Hey, Alana."

She smiled. "Ja!"

Drew rolled his eyes. "Kiss up."

"What's her vocabulary these days?" Jason asked.

"She can say ma and da. The rest is gibberish. She's not crawling anymore."

"They grow so fast."

Jake is telling her a story and she is mesmerized, allowing Liz to quickly change her.

"He's like the baby whisperer," Karissa said making everyone laugh.

Jake lifted her over his head and the baby laughed.

"I love her laugh. It's so cute," Liz said.

"She gets that from me," Drew said.

Jason made a face. "Nah, I think it's me."

Jake laughed. "Sure… I've never heard you giggle."

"I giggle all the time," Jason deadpanned making everyone crack up.

"What's going on back here?"

Jake's eyes grew wide. "It's drool time."

"Oh, hell no," Cam said running back to his seat.

Jake held up Alana's hand and gave her a high five. "I might need you to get rid of him later." When he nodded, she shook her head. "No?"

"Amateur," Jason said stealing the baby. "He nodded and Alana grabbed his nose and nodded. "That's how it's done."

They headed back to their seats and a short time later, the plane landed, and they rented two cars and headed to the hotel.

A/N sherimi –The convo you are referring to, Liz and Jason almost gave in to each other and he backed off because he didn't see how it could end well and he didn't want to hurt her or himself. She said she knows the business comes first. He was running things at the time and said there are a lot of people who depend on him and he's responsible for so many things that he can't just walk away from it, and he'd never ask her to come in 2nd. She didn't ask him to leave town. She didn't ask him to be a family. She offered herself, not the kids. They mostly left the kids out of the equation which was sad to me. She said that it's okay with her for him to put the business first. That before, she hoped that someday he would have a normal life and leave. He said he can't give her normal and she said she knows and that she has changed and just wants him and if it becomes too painful, she'll walk away. After she pressed him, Jason admitted he loves her but that it was just too painful to not get what he wants in the end, and he didn't want to put her through that. He refused to lie to her about his love for her and said he could have to push her away, but it's interesting to me that he had no problem lying to Sam to push her away.

Re: Jake, At first, he said no, but they both chickened out. I'm not spinning anything. Jason abandoned his son mostly because of his fear that he couldn't protect them and because children don't fit into his lifestyle (they still don't) and Liz agreed with it and originally suggested it. They fed off each other's fear. He didn't walk away directly for Michael which was my point in my last comments. I always blame both of them, so no, I'm not excusing Jason's actions nor do I like them but when you think about their actions and words leading up that point, do you think he believed that she'd stay if something bad would happen or forgive him? After Jake was kidnapped, she wanted nothing to do with Jason. It's not black or white. They've walked away from each other so much they expected it to end badly. People act like it was an easy choice. It was never written that way. It's not like Lucky going away to find himself and being a deadbeat. FIVE Years later, he had a baby with Sam, not five minutes later. People get to change their minds and grow. Both of them have said things and then turned around either immediately or years later and done the opposite. It wasn't Jason's idea to have another child and he said it doesn't fit in his lifestyle. Sam was willing to have one and risk it, so was Carly for Sonny. For 99.9% of the Liason relationship after Jake, Elizabeth was not willing to expose her kids to the violence. Liz wanted Jason, but not what came with it because of the danger. Hell, he didn't want that for her either. Drew and Franco live(d) with Liz, so of course, they will have more direct contact with the kids. The writers refuse to deeply develop the Jason/Jake relationship. They write parents on the show horribly. Jason wasn't exactly caring or putting the other kids first either since he returned, neither was Sam. They have been mostly running around. Monica was raising those kids. Kids are like accessories you wear occasionally on soaps—an afterthought. They've ruined Liz with Franco and used the kids and her for his redemption and won't let Jason be a more active part of Jake's life. They were horrible in dealing with Jake's trauma and made it all about stupid Franco when they could have shown Jason and Liz dealing with it when he returned. The writers don't want that interaction. They'd rather do the same stupid stories over and over instead of writing complexity.

For the record, I don't mind people having differing opinions, but I try to be very fair about why Liz and Jason do what they do from a more neutral space (not always perfect with that, but it's my goal to try to put my anger re: the show to the side) and show how their actions toward each other and the outside influences framed their decision-making right or wrong.