A/N – Thanks for the comments! I don't think I've ever portrayed Patrick is a total bad guy before.

Chapter 15

Elizabeth walked into her Grams house and immediately noticed how quiet it is. "Gram?"

When no one answered, she went upstairs, only to find it partially still in disarray and everyone gone. Thinking she hears voices, she goes back downstairs to the kitchen and realizes they are on the porch.

"Oh, hello, Elizabeth," Audrey said.

"Hi Gram," she said before giving her a hug.

Sarah patted the seat next to her.

"What are you guys doing?"

"We're just talking about everything that happened," Sarah said.

Liz curled up next to her sister.

"Did you feel that aftershock a while ago?"

"Yeah. I was at the cottage and that's why I came over here."

Audrey sighed. "It will take a while before we all feel safe again. Your men are under a lot of pressure."

"I know. Did you hear about Cook?"

"Yes. Lila called his brother to see where they want to bury him. Apparently, they are from Pennsylvania and want him buried there, so Lila wants to have a memorial for him."

The death toll in Port Charles for the earthquake isn't too high and considering the numbers in Canada, it could have been much worse.

"They are still going through the apartment building that collapsed, but so far there are 20 that are dead."

The women are quiet for a moment as they consider that.

"I'm scared for Jason. He is so exhausted and the Zander news hit him hard. I'm pretty sure he'll have to work tonight and I'm scared that he'll make a mistake."

"You have to trust him to know his limits," Audrey said. "Being with a firefighter can be rough at times. When they come home, they are spent and their moods could go either way depending on what had happened that night. They see death at someone's doorstep almost every shift. It's not unlike what a doctor deals with. While they must save lives, firefighters are also physically putting their life on the line. They are a rare breed."

"Let's hope that Johnny finds him and they are safe," Sarah said.

Liz gripped her hand. She hasn't stopped praying since he left.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Johnny parked behind Jason's bike and then trekked into a field, knowing that his friend will probably be near the statue that he liked.

Jason's gaze rested on Johnny and he let out a sigh. "Why did you come for me?"

Johnny sat next to him. "I was worried. You shouldn't have taken the bike."

"Why?"

"There are big cracks in the road. In fact, you're going to have to follow me home, because there is a rather big one on the way back that could make you crash."

"I didn't think about that."

"I know. It's not like it's something that would normally be on your radar. And by the way, you need to talk to Elizabeth so she understands how you react to things. It's not fair to blindside her." Relationships can sometimes pay the price because of their occupation and Jason is happy for the first time in a long time.

He grabbed some of the grass and tugged it. "Did she call you?"

"No. She was talking to her sister and Sarah told me about Zander and I grabbed the phone. She's worried."

Jason closed his eyes. He's not used to considering someone else's feeling or exposing himself and he'll need to work on that.

"You did all you could for him. We all did and we bought him some time."

"I know. I just—"

"It sucks especially after we did so much to get him out of there."

"I saw some pictures coming out of Ontario. It's a nightmare there."

"Yeah. The death toll is rising. Mac said they don't think that ours will grow much higher."

"I hope not. Cook died."

Johnny frowned. "Damn."

"From what I heard, a whole family was wiped out in the waiting room at General Hospital."

"Yeah. Anthony Zacchara is going to be ripped a new asshole."

"I'll let them borrow my crowbar."

Johnny smirked. "Claudia is probably freaking out. They didn't get along that well, but the old man was usually up in her business trying to tell her what to do."

"Well, he might go to jail for this or lose a lot of money. It's pretty serious."

"Yeah. Maybe I'll check on her later."

"Be careful. She might take that as an opening."

Johnny rubbed his hands on his pants. "You have a point." He looked at his phone. "Elizabeth is at her grandmother's house. I guess the aftershock freaked her out."

"You should get back to Sarah. We have a few hours before we have to check in." He stood and then helped Johnny up. "Thanks for coming for me."

"You're my best friends. I'll always have your back."

Jason nodded.

"Follow me down. When we get to the crack, I'll put my arm out the window and you go in the other lane."

"Okay."

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A desperate Patrick called a friend and asked for help. "I know what I'm asking for is unethical, but I really need you to help."

Ewen sighed. "You are way over the deep end, my friend." Maybe he needs to do another scan.

"I just can't let her go."

"Look, I'll do it, because I owe you one, but if I'm questioned about it later, I'm going to say that there must have been a mix-up or something. I'm not losing my license over this." It wasn't like what Patrick is asking is a complete lie, just slightly fabricated.

"I understand."

"I'll overnight it."

Patrick breathed a sigh o relief. "Thank you." He might not need an official document, but he wanted to have scans on hand just in case.

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When Jason and Johnny entered the house, Audrey was right there to greet them.

"Part of me wants to throttle you both, but I'm so happy that you're standing in front of me."

Jason grinned as he was pulled into a hug. Once he was released, Johnny got the same treatment.

"I'm sorry that we worried you," Jason said.

"Just don't let it happen again."

Johnny cracked up. The look on her face was priceless.

Her eyes narrowed. "Don't you even laugh, Johnny O'Brien, I saw you dive into that building before it shifted. What were you thinking?"

He shrugged. "That I couldn't let Jason have all the fun."

She growled and muttered all the way to the kitchen.

"Do you really think that was wise considering that is the hand that feeds you so well?" Sarah said moving forward.

"Baby, should you be walking around?"

"I'm not broken."

He lovingly pulled her into his arms. "You almost were."

Jason smirked and moved into the house further just as Elizabeth ran down the stairs.

"Gram? Was there someone—" She froze on the last step. "Hi."

He nervously shifted. "Can we talk?"

She nodded and then took his hand and pulled him outside and onto the porch.

"I'm sorry that I took off. I'm not used to having someone around and that's how I have always deal with it. I hop on my bike and just go to nowhere fast."

"Where is nowhere?"

"It's near Vista Pointe."

They sat and he put his arm around her. "I'll try to do better next time."

"Okay. I don't mind if you need time to yourself. I just—I hope that sometimes you'll let me help you."

He stared at their entwined hands. "My job, it's a lot of pressure and sometimes I wonder if you'll want to put up with it. You have been seeing me at my best most of the time, but I can be moody and internalize my emotions. I'm scared for you to see that part of me."

"I'm still here. I don't want you to feel like you have to be someone else for me. We all have our good and bad moments. If we're going to be together, then I want all of you."

He gazed into her beautiful blue eyes. "I want that too."

She smiled. "Good. I'm glad that we're on the same page. Now, I have some good and bad news."

He groaned. "I don't know if I can take more of that."

"My Gram is determined to help out your family. She's going to prepare the food for Zander and Cook's memorial and help them out with meals a few times a week. That means, she'll be expecting us to be there."

"Is there some technical term for food blackmail?"

Elizabeth giggled. "There might be, but I do think it's the best kind of blackmail."

"Hmmm, maybe sex blackmail is better."

His voice had dropped lower and softer and it just made her gush. After biting her lip for a moment, she stared at him mischievously. "You don't have to blackmail me for that, Jason."

She got up and sauntered to the door, briefly looking back at his tortured face. "In fact, feel free to blackmail me anytime." She heard a growl as she turned the doorknob and then she is being lifted over his shoulder and walked around the house.

"Jason! What are you doing?"

"I'm taking you home and having my way with you."

She laughed as she smacked his ass. "You can't do that."

"Why not?"

"If we disappear they'll know."

"You don't think that they know we have sex?"

She groaned. "God, I hope they don't think about that."

"There is nothing wrong with getting thoroughly fucked."

Her cheeks reddened as she hung upside down and then a few steps later, he righted her and her eyes lit up. "You have the bike? I thought maybe you rode with Johnny."

"You game?"

She nodded and held out her hands and he placed the helmet in them.

"It's been a bad day and I just need you," he softly admitted.

"I'm yours."

He smiled as she slipped onto the bike. This morning, he didn't think he wanted to ever smile again, but just a few minutes with her and all the pain faded away.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Claudia walked into this dad's office. A few men were trying to re-organize it since the earthquake had shaken it good.

His grin lit up the room. "Claudia!"

"Hi, daddy."

"Are you okay? What brings you by?"

She glanced at the men and Anthony got the hint.

"Hey guys, leave us alone for a minute."

They put down what they were carrying and moved out of the room, shutting the door behind them.

"You looked worried. Did someone hurt you?"

She almost rolled her eyes. He is obsessed with someone hurting her. "No, daddy. I'm fine, but you're not."

He patted his chest and then the top of his legs. "There's nothing wrong with me."

She sighed. "That's not what I meant."

He stared at her quizzically.

"Three of your buildings fell and a lot of people have died because of it.'

A scoff left his mouth and then he fiddled with some papers in front of him. "I can't control the earth, Claudia."

"I know, but rumor has it there was shoddy construction."

Anthony sighed. "I did nothing wrong."

"I hope that's the case."

"I would never risk my legacy or reputation like that. Do you believe them?"

Their gaze locked and she almost shivered when she realized how well her father believes his lies.

Her pause angered him and he stood, pointing his fingers. "I can't believe you wouldn't have my back. All of this, I did for you and your good for nothing brother who wants nothing to do with me. I've protected you when people hurt you and did whatever I could to keep you safe physically and emotionally and this is the thanks I get?"

Struggling to not tear up, she stood.

"I never asked you to act on my behalf. I'm a big girl, daddy. I can fight my own battles."

"You didn't feel that way when the piece of shit raped you!"

She sucked in a loud breath. "I can't believe you are throwing that in my face."

His face immediately softened. "I only said it to show you just how much I have sacrificed. When you came to me bruised and bleeding, screaming out your nightmares, and barely able to function, I took care of the situation and I would do it again if anyone hurt you like that."

She began to cry and he pulled her into his arms.

"I would do anything for you. Please don't turn your back on me."

Feeling guilty, she squeezed him tighter, hoping that he'd never have to pay for killing the asshole who had beaten and raped her. She owed him her loyalty whether she liked it or not.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Elizabeth flopped onto her back. "That was amazing."

Every muscle in Jason's body felt relaxed. She had looked amazing bouncing on his dick.

Her hand slid down his torso as she laid little wet kisses all over his chest.

"God, you make me feel so good."

She grinned. "You make me want to be a very bad girl."

He smiled as he gazed at her with hooded eyes. "I happen to like bad girls."

Her phone rang and she groaned. "Hello?"

"Is this Elizabeth Webber?"

"Yes."

"This is Wendy Newton at Mercy Hospital."

She sat up. "Is there something wrong?"

"Do you know Patrick Drake?"

She frowned. "Yes."

"Well, he's been consulting for us and on his paperwork, you are listed as his emergency contact."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"His father works at General Hospital."

"I'm sorry, but he's not listed."

Liz stood. "What happened?"

"He collapsed and according to a specialist in Boston, who is his doctor, he's very ill. Can you come down here?"

Her eyes fixed on Jason who is staring at her raptly.

"I'll—I'll be right there."

She hung up and just stood there in a daze.

"What's wrong?"

"Patrick collapsed and I'm his emergency contact. She said he's very ill."

Jason swallowed hard. "I guess you need to go see him then." He didn't even try to hide how disappointed he is that she needs to go to him.

"I won't be long. I'll get it straightened out and try to get his dad over there. He should be with him, not me." She took a quick shower and when she got out and went into the bedroom, Jason is no longer there, so she hurriedly put her clothes on and then went into the other room.

He looks up from the pool table. "Be careful."

"Okay."

His pager goes off. "Shit. I have to go in."

"Now it's my turn. Please, be careful."

He kisses her quickly before running into the bedroom. "I will."

They both freeze for a moment when a small aftershock hits and then they continue.

She grabbed her keys and headed out.

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Patrick's eyes fluttered open just as Elizabeth entered the room. "What are you doing here?"

"You listed me as your emergency contact." They had done a great job cleaning up the emergency room. Unlike General Hospital, Mercy hadn't sustained any major damage.

He groaned. "Sorry. I forgot. We're still not on the greatest terms."

She hesitantly moved closer. "What's wrong with you?"

He sighed languidly. "It's nothing you need to be worried about."

"Do you want me to call your dad?"

He winced. "No. I've dealt with this on my own so far, I'm fine."

The nurse came in. "Alright, your doctor gave us some levels you need to be at before you can be released, so I'm going to take some tests and if you pass, you can get out of here."

Elizabeth sat in the corner and watched as they drew some blood and once the nurse left, Patrick turned to look at her.

"Is this why you came back?"

His eyes filled with tears. "Partially—I thought if I saw you and could just be with you a little while, maybe it would make some of the inevitableness go away." That was mostly the truth. He's not totally faking this illness, it's just not as fatal as he is implying.

Bile turned her stomach. "Patrick, are you dying?"

A tear rolled down his cheek. "I—Ironically, I have a tumor."

She jumped up and went to his side and they hugged. "Did you get more than one opinion?"

"Yes."

"I'm so sorry."

"I've been pretty bitter the last month, now I guess I'm getting to the point where I'm resolved."

She pulled back, not even trying to hide her tears.

"I loved you so much. I'm so sorry that I hurt you." His voice broke and Liz hugged him again.

"I—I forgive you."

He gripped her shirt, relishing how good it feels to hold her again. "Thank you."