So, this chapter is more from Elizabeth's point of view, in case you're wondering about the shift in the mood. I always vow not to slip into comedy, but it's such fun. Don't worry though, there's still drama. Also, there may be some mistakes, since I'm in a rush to post this, so I can get this whole story put together by All Hollows Eve, so if you notice anything truly annoying, let me know and I'll fix it!

Also, Underscored: I know it seems like I'm just torturing Jason (and okay, I am, a little), but there are good reasons, I swear.

She Bid Me Take Love Easy

Elizabeth groaned. She knew, she just knew that whomever was pounding on her door wasn't going to go away, like a civilized person. For that matter, she thought snarkily, a civilized person wouldn't be pounding on her door at, she glanced at the clock as she walked by, 4:45 in the morning.

"What?" She growled as she opened the door.

She was immediately blasted by Jason. "What was that? You don't, ever, just, open your door. You check." He turned and hollered, "FRANCIS!" The poor man came running. "Go in and secure the studio." Francis moved past Jason and a stunned Liz and tried to make as much a production of his job as possible, looking under tables and in the closet.

"Secure the studio?" Liz repeated incredulously. "Jason, it's one room, which I can guarantee only I am in. And furthermore-"

"Pack a bag. We're leaving." He interrupted, apparently not satisfied with Francis' progress.

"I beg your pardon?" She gasped. "What on earth-"

But he was talking on his cell phone. "I need the car brought around immediately. Make sure there's someone guarding it, and the entrance to the building at all times." He hung up, and looked at her, standing in her pajamas with her jaw dropped. "You're not packed."

Her mouth snapped shut and her eyes narrowed. "How observant. No. I'm not packed. Nor will I be. I am not setting foot out that door, packed or otherwise, until you explain what's going on."

Looking at the mulish expression on her face, he knew she was telling the truth. Since she had opened the door, he had been overwhelmed with tenderness, which in turn had sent his sense of urgency skyrocketing. Dreams or otherwise, he knew, absolutely knew there was a threat to her, and he'd be damned if he lost her, and never woke up.

"Elizabeth. Don't ask me how I know, because I can't explain it, but something bad is going to happen. To you. And I wont... I can't let it."

Her eyes softened. "And you want me to take it on faith." It was a statement. He started to respond, defensively, but she continued, "Because I will."

"You will?" Surprised.

"When it comes to you, Jason, you should know that I would take almost anything on faith." She gave him a gentle kiss. "I'll be packed in a moment."

She left, and he looked around. As if to mock him, he saw a new painting on the easel. A still life of pomegranate.

O O O

"I didn't notice it before, but your apartment looks different." It was the first thing she said as they walked through the door.

"Yeah, Carly decided I needed a change. I like it."

She smiled. "I hate to say it, but I do too. Actually, I always like the places she designs." Liz admitted. "Should I take the same room as before?"

He cleared his throat. "Actually, she's redoing the upstairs as well, and all the extra bedrooms aren't finished." She raised an eyebrow, and he flushed. "Sorry. I'll sleep on the couch, you take the bed." He grabbed her bad and headed upstairs.

"Such a gentlemen." She said to herself, "damn."

It was another hour before either of them felt settled enough to think of sleep. They sat on the couch talking and laughing, at ease as if they'd never been apart. There was a pause, and Elizabeth broke it, saying, "I think that when people are true friends, no amount of space or distance will diminish it. When they come together again, the foundation is the same." She stood up to go, adding softly, "I think you're one of the best friends I've ever had."

Her words lit him inside, and he lay on the couch and knew that no matter what it took, he would keep her safe, and make her his.

Elizabeth stood at the top of the stairs, having paused there, rather than continue to the bedroom. He thought she was in danger. She smiled bitterly, because she was, but it wasn't the kind he could protect her from. She wondered how he could know, but dismissed it. Then she wondered why she was wasting time. She loved him. She always had. If it wasn't for... Well, if things were different, she would be trying to win him back. But that would be selfish, since she could make him no promises.

Then she wondered if she cared.

Didn't she deserve happiness? Didn't he?

Jason snapped awake. And there she was, at the foot of the couch, watching him. "Elizabeth?"

"I don't want you to sleep on the couch."

His mouth went dry. "No?"

"No."

He sat up, then rose to his knees, leaning against the arm of the couch to pull her in for a kiss. It made up for every missed one, and more. Tender and desperate, it was an unspoken act of love, between two people with only one more chance.

TBC