When Sonny left the hospital, he decided to not go back to the penthouse. It was one of those spur-of-the-moment decisions he'd made when he saw Max standing at the limo, the door already opened. Instead, Sonny slipped off his suit jacket and rolled his sleeves to three-quarters length.

"Mr. Corinthos," Max greeted his boss. He looked past him towards the hospital entrance expecting Mr. Morgan and his wife. "Will the others be coming soon?"

"No, Max. They want to keep Isabelle for observation."

"How is she?" the guard asked. All of Sonny's guards had heard what happened to Elizabeth and Isabelle at the park. Max had wanted to join the hunt for Stryker, but since he was new he'd been assigned as a driver to Mr. Corinthos. Some of the older, more experienced guards went after Stryker.

"No concussion," Sonny answered him. "The doctor says she'll be fine. Jason will probably call for a car later, so you can stay here if you want." Sonny tossed his jacket inside of the open limo and faced Max. "I won't need the car today. I think I'll take a walk."

"Mr. Corinthos, with all due respect sir, Mr. Stryker–"

"Mr. Stryker is well on his way to Chicago by now, Max. Don't worry about me. Besides," he said looking up at the blue sky, "it's October and this will be one of the last nice days before it snows."

"Maybe I should just follow you in the car, sir. Or I'll get Mr. Morgan–" he tried.

"Mr. Morgan is with his family. Right where he should be." Sonny moved passed Max and closed the door. He turned to look the young guard in the eye. "Wait here for them, or until you hear from me. I'll be back later and I'll be fine. And Max?"

"Yes sir?"

Sonny pulled at his tie and loosened it. He dropped it in the bodyguard's hand. "If you send someone after me? You'll be looking for a new job in the morning."

Max gulped at the threat. "Yes sir."

"I'm glad we understand each other," Sonny told him. Max watched as his boss turned on his heel and headed the other way. He stood at the limo for a long time, Sonny's words echoing in his head. Finally he shook his head in defeat and climbed into the front seat. He'd made his decision and was going to do exactly what Mr. Corinthos instructed of him.

Sonny walked two blocks before he was satisfied no one was following him. He'd been touched by his employee's concern for his well-being, but he knew he could handle things himself.

As he walked, he replayed the scene in the hospital over in his mind. While he and Jason had often agreed they were more like brothers than friends, he wasn't sure Jason had ever said it aloud to anyone else. And the truth was Elizabeth was the little sister Sonny never had. The person he'd needed growing up: someone he could take care of. Jason's absence over the last two years had given him the chance, not that he wanted it that way. Sonny knew he'd trade every second he spent with Elizabeth and Isabelle if it meant Jason would have been there instead.

That's what love was to him. He knew what he had, but he'd walk away in a second if it meant his best friend go to be with his family.

Sonny glanced up and sighed at where he'd ended up. Even though he'd told Alexis he thought it better he and Marie back away and get a little space, he was still at her apartment building. The truth was, he was ready to find the one. That person who was going to make him complete. Granted, he'd found her three times before and all three times she'd left. This time he hoped she'd stick around a little longer. Like maybe forever.

As he approached the courtyard to the apartment complex, Sonny heard the familiar laughter of a child. Soon a more feminine laugh joined in and finally a deeper, male laugh. "The sound of a family," he murmured to himself. What surprised him more was who the laughter was coming from.

He rounded the corner to find AJ Quartermaine doubled over at the waist laughing hysterically. His son, Michael, was beside him lying on the ground. Leaning up against the tree was Carly. Sonny looked on as she watched her son and his father play. He could tell she was truly happy for the first time in a long time. While he and Carly still considered the other a friend, they never had the chance to talk anymore.

The blonde turned and her face lit up when she saw him standing there. It was just like old times. Well, almost. Sonny was sure an argument wasn't going to start as soon as she opened her mouth. Instead, Carly waved him over.

Sonny tucked his hands in the pockets of his trousers and started towards her. "Caroline," he greeted her.

His ex-fiancée turned to face him with a smile. "Michael," she returned. Carly placed one hand on his forearm and reached to give him a kiss on the cheek. "How are you?"

"I'm doing okay," he answered her. Part of Sonny wanted to ask her why they never worked. Why she couldn't love him like he'd always wanted. But another, larger part knew they were doomed from day one. He frequently reminded himself of his betrayal. "And yourself?"

Carly's smile was bright and real. "I'm doing okay." She gaze strayed from him and her smile grew wider when it settled on Michael. "We're doing well, Sonny."

"I'm glad," he said sincerely. Sonny reached up and tugged on his ear. "I don't know if you know this or not, but Jason's back in town."

Carly's eyes widened at the mention of her ex-lover. "Jase is in Port Charles?" When Sonny nodded in conformation, Carly said, "Oh wow…I should take Michael by to see him. I'm sure Jason would love it." Carly bit her lip, wondering if she should ask her next question. It wasn't really her business, but she had to know. Finally, her curiosity won out and she asked, "Is he back in town alone?"

"He, Elizabeth, and their daughter are staying in the penthouse across from mine," he told her. No use in alerting Carly to the problems in the Morgan marriage.

"But I thought he left–"

"He loves her Carly." Sonny touched her cheek when she sighed heavily. "I know it hurts you to hear that sometimes. And a long time ago I know you thought you and Jason were meant to be, but he's married. He loves Elizabeth and they have two children together."

Her eyes watered because she knew his statement was true. Carly looked away trying to hide her tears. "It's just—it's not fair, Sonny. I loved Jason long before he knew who Slizzie Webber was, but she still got him." Her gaze strayed to Michael and AJ again. "Not that AJ isn't a wonderful father, because he's really cleaned up his act, Sonny. He's wonderful with Michael, but I want someone who loves me. Not someone who wants me for my kid or because I'm pregnant…but just me. Is that so bad?"

"No," he told her. Sonny took her chin in his hand and turned her face so he could see her. "I loved you, you know that right? And at some time, I think Jason did too. Jason loves Michael, he always will. But he has a daughter with Elizabeth. It's her ring he wears, Carly. You have to face it: he's never going to leave her."

"I know," she conceded. "I just want him to be happy, ya know? Tell me Sonny, is he happy?"

"He's getting there," Sonny told her. He glanced towards the building and remembered he needed to speak with Marie. Sonny tugged on his ear again. "Listen, I need to see Marie, so I should go."

Carly nodded. She reached forward and hugged him briefly. "I think I'll go play with Michael and AJ for a little, and then we'll have to go. Sonny, you're still welcome to come and see him anytime you want."

"I know." Sonny took three steps away from her and looked back. "Carly?" he called.

"Yeah?"

"I think you've already found someone who loves just you, you just can't see him." Sonny gave her a dimpled smile and turned again towards the building.

"Who?" she called after him, but Sonny never looked back.

He took the stairs to her floor. Which, considering she lived on the eighth floor, probably wasn't the smartest thing. But he needed a few more minutes to collect his thoughts. Sonny nodded at Don when he rounded the corner. The guard he'd assigned to her two days before was still with her.

"Mr. Corinthos," he greeted his boss.

"Don," Sonny said with a nod. "Anyone in there?"

"No. Ms. Bauer hasn't been anywhere today. And no one has been here."

"Thanks Don." Sonny moved past him and knocked on the door.

When Marie opened it, she was in her bath robe and her dark hair was wrapped in a towel. "Sonny…" she trailed off, "I didn't realize you were coming."

His hands were in his pockets again as he spoke. Sonny casually leaned against the door frame. "I took a walk and ended up here." He smiled at her, but no one moved. "Can I come in?"

"Oh!" she exclaimed. Marie moved back and held the door open for him. "Yes, come in. Of course. Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude."

Sonny stopped in front of her and kissed her cheek. "Don't worry," he whispered in her ear, "I'm not going to bite. No need to be nervous."

"I'm not nervous," she denied. "I'm just–" Marie glanced down at her clothes, "I just need to get dressed."

"Okay," Sonny said.

Without another word, she disappeared into the bedroom, but didn't shut the door completely. Sonny perused the pictures on her mantle. People she'd told him before were her family and friends. People he'd never met. People who he wondered if they knew about him.

"So what brings you by?" Marie asked from the door. She'd thrown on an old pair of jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt with Columbia University's logo on the front. Sonny glanced down and noticed her feet were bare. He smiled at that.

"I was just–" Sonny cocked an eyebrow, "Would you believe I was just in the neighborhood?"

"No," she answered smoothly. "Are you here to see if I've cooled down about the guard?"

"I took a walk and I ended up here," he said honestly. "I didn't plan on it; I just knew I didn't want to go home to an empty house. But now that you mention it, how is Don working out?"

"Don's fine," she said coolly. "Look Sonny, be honest, why're you here?"

"I just left my best friend and his wife at the hospital with their daughter–"

"Oh my god, are they okay?" she asked, concerned. "What happened?"

"Isabelle fell at the park. She's fine, but I wasn't finished. I watched as Elizabeth threw her arms around Jason's neck and he hugged her close. I listened as he made promises he didn't know if he could keep and felt like I was intruding. But I also realized I wanted what he has."

Marie quirked an eyebrow. "You want Elizabeth Morgan?"

"No," he answered immediately. "I want the wife, the car, and the two point three kids."

"Jason has a wife who wants to divorce him, a motorcycle, and one daughter. Hardly the American dream," she said dismissively.

"Would you stop?" he asked. Sonny approached her. "Would you just stop?"

"Stop what?" She questioned. As Marie looked up at him, she felt her upper lip quiver.

"These games," he told her. "Whatever it is you're trying to accomplish. Just listen to me."

"I'm tired of listening Sonny. All I do is listen to you. Why don't I ever get to talk?"

Sonny shut her up the only way he knew how. He kissed her. As soon as he touched her, she was pushing at his chest, trying to move him back. "Marie–"

"Stop," she ordered. "Just stop. I can't do this."

"Do what?" he asked. "You can't do what?"

" This," she motioned around her. She pointed between the two of them. "This thing we've started, Sonny. I can't do it anymore."

"Fine," he said shortly. Sonny started towards the door.

"You don't understand," she cried. "Will you at least listen to me."

"I'm tired of listening, Marie." Sonny turned around to face her. "You listen. I love you. Do you know what that means?"

"You love me?" Marie asked, not really believing what he said. "How?"

"How?" he scoffed. "Easy. We've been together for months, Marie. After we make love and you fall asleep, I lay there and watch you. I feel something I can't explain for you."

"Sonny–"

"I'm forty years old, Marie. I'm finally where I want to be, with who I want to be with. I want to get married, have my own children, and watch as my best friends raise my goddaughters. When I picture this, I picture it with you by my side." Sonny lifted his gaze to meet hers. "But that's not what you want, is it?"

"I care about you," she said sincerely. "I love you, even. But you're right. I don't want that. Not right now. Sonny, I just–" she looked away from him in shame, debating whether she should really say what she thought. "It's just…when I dreamed of getting married and having a family, I never dreamed I'd marry into the mob. I won't, no I can't, sell my life short that way."

He nodded, completely understanding where she was coming from. "I've only offered to walk away from this life for one woman and even then, I couldn't. So you have to understand, I can't leave this life. They'll never let me. I won't walk away."

Marie closed her eyes briefly as she sighed. When she opened then, there were tears pooled there. Silently she crossed to where he was. She cupped his face gently as she kissed him on the lips. When she pulled back, she smiled sadly at him. "Goodbye Sonny Corinthos."

Sonny held her hand to his cheek for a moment. Then he sighed heavily. "Goodbye Marie Bauer." Without another word, he turned and walked away. He couldn't bring himself to look back.

~*~



Andrew was posted at Elizabeth's door when he got home. Johnny was on his. "Boss," he nodded.

"Johnny."

"Jason's in there," Johnny told him.

Sonny sighed heavily. "Thanks."

Jason was sitting on the couch, his hands linked between his knees, staring at the floor when Sonny opened the door. He looked up and nodded briefly at his friend. "I was beginning to wonder about you. Everything okay?"

"I went to see Marie," Sonny explained.

"How'd it go?"

"It's over," Sonny told him. Not saying anything else Sonny went to fix himself a drink. Instead of the scotch he'd normally have, Sonny poured a full glass of water and added ice. "We said goodbye."

"Are you okay?" Jason queried.

"I will be," Sonny sighed. He took another drink of the water. "We just...we wanted different things." He reached up and undid the top two buttons of his shirt. "I saw Carly. She, Michael, and AJ were playing in the courtyard."

"How is she?"

"She still thinks herself in love with you. She won't open her eyes to see that the other brother just might be the prince she's looking for."

"Carly hated being married to AJ," Jason reminded him.

"Your brother is like a different person now, Jason. He changed for Michael. And he loves them both equally."

"I just hope she finds what she's looking for," Jason said. He ran his left hand through his hair.

"Where's your ring?" Sonny asked. "I thought you decided to not get the divorce."

Jason held up his right hand and Sonny saw the wedding band there. "It was Elizabeth's idea. She said she doesn't want a divorce, but she's not ready to be married."

"How do you feel about that?"

Jason sat back down on the couch. "I'd wait until the end of time for her, Sonny. I know she loves me and I think we'll work it out. At least we have a chance. But right now, I think what Elizabeth and I want the most is to get Abby back."

"How do you plan about doing that?" Sonny asked.

Jason looked up at his boss and smiled. "Simple: I'm going to knock on Scarcella's door and ask for her."