A/N – Thanks for the comments. I'm glad you like this story.

Chapter 8

The next day, Jason observed Elizabeth as she sketched. Something had definitely changed between them. She seemed almost a little shy. It is kind of cute, but he doesn't like that she feels she has to censor things with him.

He picked up some weights and began to do reps, totally getting her attention.

"What are you doing?"

"Working out…"

"Do you think that's wise?"

"I have to start somewhere. My fever is gone."

"Well, you don't want a setback."

He smirked. "I'm fine."

She started to gnaw on her lip and he longed to free it.

"Did Emily call?"

"Yeah. I spoke to her for a little while. Your parents aren't very happy about what happened and banned her from raves in the near future."

"I thought they'd be worse."

"So did she… I kind of envy her."

Jason looked at her incredulously, making her laugh. The Quartermaines are crazy on a good day, so it's hard for him to see the good.

"I know you think they are horrible, but Jason, having a group of people care about you and wanting to protect you is something people take for granted. I don't have that and sometimes, I really wish I did."

"You have people that care about you."

"I know, but they are your family no matter how dysfunctional. There are so many people whose families aren't there for them, so I'd kill for the Q's."

"You can have them."

She laughed. "Oh Jason, they don't want me. They want you."

He sighed. "Epiphany thinks I should try to be nicer."

"Well, that's up to you. When you're ready to embrace them, they'll be waiting. I don't think they'll ever give up."

"I'm not so sure about that. Things are pretty bad in that department."

"Does it bother you?"

"Yes and no."

"Explain please." She put her pad aside to give him her full attention.

"I—I don't feel anything for anyone but Emily and grandmother."

"That's because you really don't know them."

"I know enough."

"So, you're judging them from what happened after the accident just like they are judging you."

He shrugged. "I guess."

"I know you and your parents really clashed because they were so beside themselves. They lost their son, but still had to see you when you look exactly like him but are completely different and it was hard to reconcile all of that."

"They couldn't accept me."

"You make it sound like it should have been so easy when you had a hard time accepting what happened yourself. I can't even imagine if I had a son I loved for twenty-one years and then suddenly, he lost his memory and wanted nothing to do with me. I don't think I could just walk away. Could you?"

"Probably not…"

"I'm not saying all of this to make you feel bad, because you did what you had to survive and move forward. It was a lot to handle. Maybe they'd be more willing to get to know you now that the dust has settled."

"I'll think about it."

She moved beside it. "I don't want you to do this because you feel pressured. If you have no interest in them, then don't go there. We have different things that are important to us or that will fulfill us. If you knew all the things I've been through with my family, you'd probably think I'm crazy to want one."

"You want to be loved, right?"

She nodded. "Why don't you?"

He was quiet for a minute or two why he contemplated what she said. "I don't feel lovable, I guess. I mean, love equals pain to me. It doesn't last and I feel like I will always be a disappointment."

She slipped her hand into his. "Do you really believe that? Are you prepared to just shut love out forever?"

"I don't know. Loving me comes at a price."

"Love is always a risk, Jason. I can't stop hoping to find it because it can be beautiful."

"You're beautiful."

She blushed, bright red, making him smile.

"When I look at you, I think I want to try, but I'm not sure if I'd survive it if you got hurt because of me."

"It's my choice. What if I'm willing to take the risk?"

"And now the conversation has come full circle."

She rolled her eyes.

"I'm glad Epiphany picked you."

"Me too…"

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Later, Jason jumped up and ran into Elizabeth's room. The sheets are tangled around her legs and she's fighting an unknown attacker.

Slowly, he moves closer. "Elizabeth…"

She thrashes again and then screams, making him jump when her eyes snap open and lock in on him.

"You were having a nightmare."

Her breathing sounds harsh as she struggles to calm down.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

She shakes her head.

"Do you want me to stay?"

Her eyes move down and she notes his state of undress and then averts her gaze. "Yes."

He moves to the other side of the bed and gets under the covers. He is shirtless, which slightly gives her pause, but her fear takes precedence and she moves closer.

"Come here," he said, tugging her against him.

She briefs a sigh of relief the moment they touch. "Thank you."

The sound of her heartbeat and his fingers rubbing against her arm, lull her back asleep and when he knows she's good, he lets himself nod off.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Elizabeth finishes wiping tables and then moves back into the kitchen. It had been a long day and she couldn't wait to get home to Jason. As much as she misses Epiphany, she's going to miss being around him every day. It's amazing how fast they have bonded.

"Hey," Emily said rushing towards her.

Liz spun around just in time to catch her in her arms.

"I'm so glad that you're okay."

"Me too... He could have hurt you as well," Liz said.

"I know. I'm so sorry I left you with him."

"He seemed harmless. I don't blame you."

"Nikolas is feeling so guilty."

"I'll talk to him."

"Can you take a break?"

She looked around and Tammy made the decision for her.

"Go ahead. I'm fine."

"Thanks!"

They went outside and found a bench on the docks.

"When does Piph come back?"

"In a few days…"

"I'm sure your Grams misses you."

Liz smiled. "She's probably dancing around the house in her underwear.

They laughed at the visual.

"I love it out here."

Emily looked around. "It's peaceful. I wonder where Jason is right now."

"I'm sure he's fine."

"Sonny bugs me at least once a day asking if I've heard from him."

"He's as bad as Carly."

Emily rolled her eyes. "I wish they had never met my brother. Maybe things would be different."

"Well, you never know. Maybe someday, he'll wise up."

"I would do just about anything to make that happen."

Elizabeth just hopes that Emily will forgive her if she ever finds out about the arrangement at Piph's.

"Well, I have to go. Call me and maybe you can come over and I'll have Cook make something chocolate."

"That's a deal."

When Elizabeth's shift finished, she locked up and headed for her car when the hair on the back of her neck stood at attention making her spin around. Her hand flew to her mouth and then she opened and closed her eyes, but just that quick, he was gone. Letting out a whimper, she ran for the car and then got inside and locked the doors and then balled her eyes out. Is she losing her mind?

Once she could see through the tears, she headed back to Jason.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Jason heard the car and jumped up and opened the door and Liz rushed into his arms. "What's wrong?"

"Maybe I need help. What if I'm losing my mind, Jason?"

He pulled her into the house further and then shut the door. "What happened?"

"I saw him again. He was standing next to a tree and then I closed my eyes and reopened them, and he was gone. I can't live like this. It's driving me crazy."

He gripped her tighter, quite disturbed. Something just didn't seem right. "Elizabeth, could Helena be doing this to you? Maybe she wants to drive you crazy."

Liz sighed and retreated. "I don't know. I mean, I wouldn't put it past her. You're the only one who doesn't think I'm a fry short of a happy meal."

He is a bit confused by her comment, but there is nothing crazy about the woman standing in front of him. "I believe that you're seeing someone. I'm just not convinced that it's really Lucky."

"You're giving me an awful lot of credit."

"I trust you. It's not just about what you're seeing, but also the fact that you feel it is as well."

She wiped at her cheeks. "Thank you, Jason. It means a lot to me."

"Come on, I made some spaghetti."

Her head swung in his direction. "You cooked spaghetti?"

"Yeah. It's not that hard."

"You are an interesting man, Jason Morgan."

"Well, you haven't tasted it yet."

She grinned. "Somehow, I think you care too much about your reputation to screw it up."

The aroma hit her nostrils and she moaned. "That smells so good. I'll set the table."

She quickly got the plates and silverware out while he boiled the pasta and when everything was neatly displayed, she poured some water into two glasses and then sat at the table waiting patiently.

He noticed her and smiled. "Someone is hungry."

She raised her hand. "I ran to the car, so it got my appetite going."

He set a plate in front of her and she practically drooled. Once he parked, she dug in.

"So good…"

Instead of eating, he observed her for a moment and couldn't help but smile. "I think you're the cutest person I've ever met."

She washed down some food with her water. "Is that a good thing? I was going for sexy."

His eyes danced with amusement. "Oh really?"

"Uh—huh."

She shoveled in another forkful, moaning.

"Now, that was sexy."

She turned red, but never stopped chewing. "Don't tease me, Morgan."

"I can't help it, Webber."

Once she had taken her last bite, she relaxed against the cushion, rubbing her stomach. "That was delicious."

"Thank you."

He had already finished. "Piph will be back the day after tomorrow."

"You miss her, don't you?"

"Yes, but I'm glad if I had to be stuck in this house with anyone, that it was you."

"Ditto…" She wiped her mouth. "I saw your sister today."

"How is she?"

"Okay. She said Nikolas was beating himself up though."

Jason rolled his eyes. "He should have never left you alone."

"I'm a big girl. It was no big deal."

"Does my sister like him? I could never really figure out their dynamic."

"No. I think back in the day she had a crush, but they really aren't suited for each other."

Jason shrugged.

"He's in love with Gia anyway."

"I don't know her very well."

"She's a bitch sometimes, but she keeps him in line." When Gia came on the scene, it had disrupted their little click, but she traveled a lot, modeling, so it worked out.

They cleaned the kitchen together and put the leftovers up.

"Emily said that Sonny asks her where you are every day."

"Well, I'm going to have to face him once Piph gets back."

"Why do I have a feeling that won't end well?"

"He'll be pissed, but I just don't care."

"Be careful, please."

He turned to look at her. "Are you worried about me?"

"Yes. Contrary to popular belief, you are not indestructible."

He smirked and her eyes narrowed. "Don't you get all cocky on me."

"I'm good at my job."

"Well, as you know, guns kill, and one almost took you out."

"The infection is what almost killed me."

She licked her tongue out. "Semantics…"

"If I could run right now…"

"I'd still get away from you," she said saucily.

"Keep it up, Webber. I might have to spank you when I'm one hundred percent again."

"Promises…promises…"

He shook his head.

"You wouldn't have happened to whip up some dessert?"

"Well, considering you are an addict, maybe I did."

She grinned. "Now you're talking, Morgan."

He turned his back and grabbed something out of a cabinet and then hid it behind him. "You'll have to come over here to get it."

Her eyes smoldered. "You think I'm afraid of you?"

"Uh—huh."

She tapped on her lips before moving forward. "This better be good if I'm willing to put myself in peril."

"I promise I won't hurt you—much."

She laughed and then stopped in front of him. "Hand it over…"

He grabbed her and pretended to spank her as she laughed and then she is handed a bag.

She eagerly opened it and pulled out a box of chocolates and then ripped off the wrapping and opened it. After pulling one out, she bit it and Jason felt his chest clench as she emits the sexiest groan. "That was definitely worth a spanking." Turning away from him gripping the box, she got a safe distance away and said, "For the record, you spank like a girl, Morgan."

His eyes grew big and then he chucked the dish towel at her, hitting her square in the face.

She ripped it away and threw it back. "Don't make me put you on a time out."

"For what?"

"Inciting a fight when I'm supposed to be enjoying my chocolate."

"How much time is that going to get me?"

"About five to ten—minutes."

"In that case…" He turned and wet the towel and then chucked it at her again.

She ducked and then ran at him and he grabbed her and pulled her up to his body, stopping when they are eye level. Their gaze held until they heard the doorknob turn and then he placed her on the floor.

"I'm home!" Epiphany said before moving inside.

They stood there completely baffled.

"Don't look at me like that. You two are mind-numbing. Do you really think I'd stay away after the rave incident?"

Liz sighed. "Epiphany, I'm fine."

Her eyes flitted from one to the other. "For real?"

Liz chuckled. "Yes, mom."

Jason moved towards her. "You just couldn't stay away from me."

She smirked. "Brat…" She held her arms out and he embraced her.

"I missed you."

"I know. I missed you too," she said before pulling back. "Get over here, Webber."

She warmly hugged her friend. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. Jason helped a lot."

Piph looked up at him. "Thank you for being there for her."

He nodded.

"I wasn't interrupted anything, was I?" Her hopeful and slightly naughty expression is not lost on them.

Jason sighed. "Piph, we were just about to go break your bed."

She scowled. "Why my bed?"

Jason smiled. "Is that all you're worried about?"

Epiphany smirked. "I like my bed, a lot."

He shook his head.

A red Elizabeth moved to pick up the wet towel and then hung it up.

"She still blushes like she's having hot flashes," Piph muttered.

"I like her blushes," Jason said.

"What else do you like?"

His eyes danced wickedly as he stared at her and then pretended he was going to say something and then said, "Psych…"

She growled at him. "That's it. You can't hang around my son anymore. He's teaching you bad habits."

"I burned your dance game too."

Her hands found her hips. "Now I know you have lost your mind."

Liz giggled. "You two are so cute."

They glared at her.

"What?"

"There is nothing cute about him burning my game. Maybe if he was better at it, and wasn't sick of losing to me, he wouldn't be so bitter," she said before rifling through a basket and locating the offending disc. "You dodged another bullet."

He tried not to laugh. "You're rusty. Even Elizabeth could beat you now."

Piph's mouth dropped open. "Front and center, Webber."

Liz looked like a deer caught in headlights. "Epiphany, you know my body doesn't move like that."

"Oh hush, you can dance. I've seen you."

"Where?" Jason asked.

"Get a few shots of tequila in her and her hips don't lie."

Jason's head tilted. "Her hips usually lie?"

Liz snickered.

"You are so, damn, literal." She pulled Liz next to her. "I do have a bottle in the cabinet."

"You're willing to turn me into an alcoholic so you can do a dance battle?"

"Well, if you were more tuned into your inner hussy, I wouldn't have too."