Rewriting The Stars
Endgame: Liason

Letting her hair down as she walks into the safe house by herself, Elizabeth lets out a heavy sigh, using her whole body to close the door by leaning back into it. It's been a while since she's had to socialize on that level and she finds that the night has truly wiped her out. With Jason driving Lily and Sonny back to the airstrip, Elizabeth takes the time to unwind, holding onto the promise that she will see her guys again soon.

Pushing away from the door, she carefully removes her shoes, deciding that a nice long hot bath is just the ticket to help her relax. When she invited Sonny and Lily out, she did so because she knew how much it would mean to Juan to have them all there for his last concert and she truly missed them. What she hadn't counted on was their constant curiosity into matters that really have nothing to do with them directly.

In a sense, she understands why they care so much, being close to all those involved, but there are some things that they just can't fix. Clearly, Johnny and Francis both carry the same belief because they have yet to tell either of them what happened between the four of them. Either way, Elizabeth's just glad to have some time away from the questions, now that the two are heading back to Port Charles.

"We're going to make a stop in Ireland," Lily explains as they are driving to the airstrip. "Now that things seem to be settling down there, we think it's about time we paid Johnny and Francis a visit."

"If you say so," Jason says plainly. "Just remember you're on foreign soil. Keep your guards close."

"That goes without saying," Sonny assures. "Cody and Jack are waiting for us on the plane."

"Why do I get the feeling that your warning isn't just formality?" Lily questions as she takes in Jason's body language. "Is there something we should know about Johnny and Francis?"

"No," Jason states. "O'Brien may be the head of his organization, but his organization isn't the top organization in his country. With Sonny being the head of the business and you being you...erring on the side of caution is best in this situation. That's all."

"Why don't I believe that?" Lily throws back. "Something's up, I can tell."

"Do you know how much longer before you head back to town?" Sonny decides to change the subject when he realizes Jason's done explaining himself. "No rush or anything, but I'd like to get things back to normal soon."

"Shouldn't be much longer," Jason concedes, taking the turn into the private airstrip. "Once I can set up Elizabeth's treatment team in town, we'll make our way back."

"Do you need any help with that?" Lily questions, accepting the topic has been dropped for now.

"No, I'm just about done," Jason assures. "Just hang on for a little while longer."

"Fair enough," Sonny accepts before they all get done. "It was good to see you guys again. Hopefully, the next time will be back home."

"Right," Jason shakes his hand. "Do me a favor and send the guys out."

"You got it," Sonny says before boarding the plane.

"You know I only ask because I care," Lily reminds Jason before hugging him goodbye. "Whatever's going on between you guys...I just hope it's fixable because you're all family."

"See you later," Jason gives as his reply.

"Right," Lily smiles softly. "See you guys back home then."

Boarding the plane, Lily takes her seat before watching the two guards walk off the plane to meet up with Jason outside, her gaze fixed on the small group through the window. She doesn't know what happened in the year that they were gone, but clearly something happened for Jason to be this on guard and obviously relaying the sentiment to the two guards that'll be with them. She just doesn't get how so much can change in a single year.

"Don't worry, man, we've got them covered," Cody assures Jason, seeing that he's serious about them staying on high alert while they're in Ireland. "We'll only be there for a day before heading back to town."

"We'll keep them safe," Jack adds with conviction. "No doubt."

"Anything happens, you call me," Jason states. "Got it?"

"We got it," Cody replies firmly. "Do you really expect something to happen?"

"Always," Jason says simply. "Expect it, whether it happens or not, you'll never be caught off guard."

"Right," Cody accepts. "Hopefully it won't come to it, but we'll call if anything."

Accepting that they have it well in hand, Jason shakes their hands and sends them on their way, walking back to his car and waiting for the plane to take off before heading to the safe house. Even with all their nosy questions, Jason had to admit that it was nice to have them around, even for just a little while.

"Hey," Jason says softly when he finds her sitting in front of her vanity drying her hair. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Elizabeth assures, spinning in her seat to hold out her hairbrush to him. "Would you mind?"

"Do I ever?" Jason counters before walking over to gently take the brush from her hands. "They're heading to Ireland before going back to town."

"Thought they might," Elizabeth admits, turning around so he could brush her hair. "It was good having them here. Tonight turned out better than I thought it would."

"Right," Jason voices, slowly working the brush through her hair. "Still, it must have taken a lot out of you."

"It did," she admits. "I'm not used to being around so many people anymore. The concert alone was already more than I could handle."

"I know what you mean."

"But it's something I have to get used to," Elizabeth points out. "Now that we'll be heading back home. People is a given."

"True."

"If not for my grandfather, I don't think I'd ever want to go back," Elizabeth admits, letting out a soft sigh. "Hearing that he's slowly getting stronger, I just can't help but want to go back...to see him...to know that we both made it out of the hell that is Lucky Spencer while the bastard didn't."

"Soon," Jason promises, setting the brush down, turning her to face him before kneeling in front of her. "I almost have everything set. Just a little while longer."

"I know," Elizabeth assures him, gently touching his face as she stares into his eyes. "Till then, I'll make use of the time I have left with your undivided attention."

"Yeah," Jason agrees, knowing exactly what awaits them when they return to town, almost not wanting to go back but knowing that wasn't an option.

"As hard as this year has been on us," Elizabeth says as he takes her hands in his. "I'm thankful that it was us. Knowing that we could go through all that and still stand together, I'm not worried about going back."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," Elizabeth smiles softly. "Come hell or high water, I know we'll make it through, one way or another."

"Without a doubt."

Leaning in, Elizabeth's eyes slowly close as Jason's lips take claim to hers, knowing that they will figure out a way to be together no matter what may come their way. The choice to be together in the first place wasn't an easy choice for either of them to make. They both weren't certain that what they felt was real or simply due to circumstance.

So, they did what they thought was right and tried to fight it, to stop feeling it, but it was no use. When it became apparent to them that their emotions stemmed from before the kidnapping, small things that they held onto all this time, they took the plunge and they chose each other. The ease that came from it once they gave in to each other, they know now that what they have is real and it's theirs.

"The staff has been on high alert all day," Fiona comments as yet another one of the staff quickly walks past her with their hands full. "What's going on, John?"

"My former boss is on his way," Johnny explains as he hands off the approved menus for the following day. "He should be here by morning."

"That's hardly enough time to prepare," Fiona points out. "Couldn't they have given more of a warning than this?"

"It was a last-minute trip," Johnny replies, ushering out the rest of the staff from the den. "They were in the area and called to ask if they could stop by. What was I supposed to do? Say no?"

"Of course not, I just don't think it's right to have the staff working through the night to prepare, that's all," Fiona sighs, realizing what he meant by in the area. "By in the area, do you mean..."

"Yeah," Johnny confirms. "It doesn't seem as if they know what happened, not that I expected them to tell them, but still...it's only a matter of time."

"Very well, I guess I'll go and help with preparations," Fiona replies, not at all looking forward to this visit. "Do we know how long they'll be here?"

"Just tomorrow," Johnny replies. "They can't be away from town for too long."

"Okay."

"You don't have to help with preparations," Johnny stops her from walking out of the den. "The staff have it well in hand. You should turn in and get some rest. Tomorrow's bound to be a long day."

"Are you going to sleep then?"

"Not just yet, I still have some things that need..."

"Then neither am I," Fiona cuts him off. "I'll go oversee preparations in the kitchen. Come find me when you're ready to go to bed."

Watching her walk off, Johnny lets out a heavy sigh as he runs his hand down his face in frustration, swearing this is why he didn't tell her about the visit. He was hoping to get the place in order without her noticing, but clearly that was expecting a lot out of the staff to keep it out of her sight.

He can only hope that they can make it through the next day without things falling apart. Knowing Sonny and Lily the way he does, however, he's not at all certain he can avoid their questions as Jason clearly can. In all honesty, he almost expected Jason to inform Sonny about all that went down, but finds he's kind of thankful he didn't. At least this way he has a chance at having a decent reunion with them.

"Someone looks surprised to see us," Steven comments at the slackjawed look on Audrey's face when she pulls open the door to find them standing in its wake. "You going to invite us in?"

"What do you think you're doing here?" Audrey questions pointedly. "Your grandfather has already turned in for the night, not that I'd let you see him if he hadn't."

"Because you can control us, right?" Steven counters plainly. "Who do you think asked us to be here?"

"You're lying!" Audrey snaps. "I have been with him every waking moment since he left the hospital."

"To think I was feeling conflicted about telling Gramps what you did," Sarah voices, truly disgusted with her lack of growth over this last year. "Guess I should be grateful that you're the same heartless woman you were last year, if not more so, because now I have nothing stopping me from doing what we must do."

"This isn't your home," Audrey counters. "So I suggest you leave before I call the cops."

"Please do," Sarah throws back. "I would love to see you explain this to Gramps."

"We're not going anywhere, Audrey, so, get used to seeing our faces," Steven states. "Until Gramps says so, we are going to be right here to ensure your day of reckoning comes to fruition."

Standing in front of them, she could feel her heart tightening in her chest, the realization that all the legwork she had done to prevent this from happening has been for naught. It wasn't like her husband gave any indication that he doubted her words, he seemed to accept what she was saying, but that's clearly not the case with these two standing before her. Could he really have seen through her all this time or did someone get to him when she wasn't paying attention? His doctors maybe? That didn't make any sense. But then who?

"Oh, dear, it's so good to hear from you again," Lila says softly when she answers the phone and Elizabeth's voice comes over the line. "How have you been since we last spoke?"

"I'm doing a lot better, but I still have a ways to go where my hands are concerned," Elizabeth admits. "I was wondering if you heard anything more about my grandfather."

"I just saw him last week," she replies with a soft smile. "He's getting stronger by the day. I know he's eager to see you again, as am I."

"I know the feeling. I miss you guys so much," Elizabeth says wholeheartedly. "Jason says it shouldn't be much longer now. He's almost got everything set up back home."

"Oh, that's so wonderful to hear," Lila replies happily. "I have to admit though, I may have been a little too honest with him while he was here."

"What do you mean?"

"He was curious about everything that happened while he was incapacitated," Lila explains. "I may have hinted that the only people that could really tell him all of that are his grandchildren."

"Oh, Lila," Elizabeth sighs. "I really wish you wouldn't have done that."

"The truth would have found its way to the light sooner or later," Lila reminds her. "What your grandmother did was unforgivable and Steve deserves to know what happened. Whatever comes from it, he has the right to make that choice, don't you think?"

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Elizabeth accepts. "I was just hoping to be back before he finds out what happened."

"To lessen the impact of what she did by showing him that you've overcome it?"

"Something like that."

"It's not your job to protect your grandmother, Elizabeth," Lila says seriously. "It was your grandmother's job to protect you and to help you heal. She chose to run you off instead and that's something she'll have to answer to. The results of what happened do not negate what she chose to do. Not by a long shot."

"I know, I guess I just haven't learned to treat them as they have treated me," Elizabeth sighs. "But I know you're right and I appreciate your honesty. It means so much to have you on my side."

"Yeah, well, get used to it because you're as good as family," Lila replies lovingly. "I can't wait for you both to come home."

"I'll be sure to call you before we head back," Elizabeth promises. "If you could not tell my grandfather, I'd really appreciate it, I want it to be a surprise."

"Of course," Lila assures her. "You both take care of yourself. I'll look forward to your next call."

"You take care, as well," Elizabeth replies lovingly. "We both love you so much and we really can't wait to see you again."

"I love you both truly."

Ending the call, Lila can't help the smile that remains on her face as she gets ready for bed, thankful to have heard from them again. It has been quite a while since their last call and she was starting to grow worried about their wellbeing. To know that she's come to a place that she's ready to come home, Lila thanks the heavens for such a miracle.

As much as she knows Elizabeth would prefer to weaken the blow about what Audrey did, Lila's glad that the truth will soon come out before her arrival. Audrey deserves whatever Steve deems necessary for the horrific thing she did to her own granddaughter. After what she did, the last thing Audrey deserves is for Elizabeth to help her after refusing to help Elizabeth.

"What are you all talking at the door for?" Steve voices behind Audrey, making her internally curse the world for such luck. "Come on in, you both must be so exhausted from the drive."

"Gramps," Sarah voices, brushing past Audrey to walk into Steve's arms. "I'm so glad you're doing better."

"You had us worried for a while there," Steven comments, hiding the smirk from his face at the dismay clearly on Audrey's. "We're sorry we weren't here while you were recovering."

"Nonsense, you both have your own lives to tend to," Steve counters. "I wouldn't have made you stay even if you both wanted to."

"Yeah, well, we're here now," Sarah points out. "We've got the whole week to spend with you."

"Good, that gives you tonight to rest up, I'm sure you both could use a good night's sleep," Steve replies. "I've already set up the rooms upstairs. Go get some sleep and I'll see you both for breakfast in the morning."

"Sounds good," Sarah says before kissing his cheek. "See you in the morning, Gramps...you, too, Grams."

"Night, Gramps," Steven says, clasping his shoulder gently. "It's great to see you back on your feet, old man."

"It's great to be back on my feet," Steve agrees. "Get some rest."

"You got it," Steven replies. "Night, Gramps."

"Why did you invite them back home?" Audrey dares to ask once they are alone. "They both have such busy schedules these days, I told you that, didn't I?"

"You did, but it never hurts to extend the invitation," Steve reminds her. "Besides, I've missed my grandchildren, haven't you?"

"Of course, but..."

"Then I don't see the problem," Steve counters. "If they couldn't come, they would have said so, seeing as they're here, clearly, they had the time. Now, it's getting late, why don't we follow suit and get some sleep? I'm sure tomorrow's bound to be eventful."

"Right," Audrey manages to say, unsettled by the look on her husband's face. "Let's get some sleep then."

"That's my girl," Steve says with a slight smile. "You go on up, I'll lock up and be there shortly."

Audrey takes a moment to look at him before turning away and walking up the stairs. Just from her reaction, Steve could already tell that whatever truth she's been hiding is bound to shake him to his core and he's not at all certain that he's ready to hear it. Ignorance has never been a choice for a man like him and he knows that this time is no different. Whatever truth awaits him, whatever reality will soon become his own, he knows that he must face it for the sake of those he holds dear to his heart. For the sake of his grandchildren.