A/N – Thanks for hanging in there and commenting!

Chapter 27

This was it, their last chance to say goodbye. One by one they went to the casket and said a few words before gathering in the aisle, making sure they supported one another. Jason is last and Liz watches as he starts to break down and then sucks in his pain and tears himself away. God, she wants to run to him. Ric watches from a few yards away as his anger festers. A woman, who had been hanging back approaches him and you could hear a pin drop as she wipes a tear from his face. "You tried to save my husband, and I can't thank you enough for your efforts. I'm sorry you lost a friend. If it weren't for your battalion, I would have lost my son too, but you saved him. I don't know why good men had to die, but I will be forever grateful to you and Sonny for your sacrifice." Jason sucked in a harsh breath and the woman lovingly held him. Liz brushed some tears away, wishing she could take his pain away. The son limped to Jason. "I know you did the best you could. Thank you." His father had been badly burned, and the moment Milo had escorted him away from the group, even though he was a little out of it, he knew he would never see his father again. Jason accepted his hug. "I wish I could have done more."

"You did enough."

He watched them walk away and Mac pulled Jason into an embrace and whispered some words of encouragement and then Jason wiped his face and closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Ric steps forward as tears prick his eyes prompting Robin to move closer and touch his back. "Please, don't—not today." He ignores her and as soon as Jason's gaze lands on him, and then growls. "It's always about the great and mighty Jason, isn't it? I'm so sick of you. My brother is dead because of your arrogance."

Johnny moves forward. "Ric, not here."

"What? Jason can't handle the truth. You killed him!"

Logan tugs at Ric's arm. "Come on, man."

Ric yanks it free as he points his finger. "Is it not enough that you monopolized his time when he was alive, but even at his funeral it's all about you? We're all hurting. He was my flesh and blood!"

Liz watches Jason clench and unclench his fists.

"You don't think I blame myself? Huh? You don't think I wish I could go back and do something different. I loved him!" Jason is shaking with fury.

"Words don't mean a damn thing. You always push it too far, Jason, because you have to be the hero. Why didn't you listen when he told you leave?"

Jason lets out a tortured noise. "Our job is to save lives. Someone screamed and we all reacted."

"I guess you think that makes it okay—that Sonny's life is expendable."

Mac growled. "Enough! One more word out of your mouth and you are suspended."

Ric's gaze flew to Mac and then he glanced at all the faces staring at him incredulously and then turned and left with Robin trying to keep up.

Jason's eyes slowly close.

"Don't listen to him, man, you did the right thing," Ronnie said before patting Jason on the back.

When his eyes finally flickered open, Liz is standing in front on him and he pulled her close. "Thank you for being here for me."

His voice is thick with emotion and she rubbed his back before retreating.

"It's not your fault and I'll say it over and over until you believe me. Come on."

Nathan and Cooper squeezed his shoulder in support.

They grabbed the casket and moved towards the door, surprised to find a huge crowd there holding banners of thanks and praise. After Sonny was placed inside the car and it pulled away, someone yelled, "Thank for your service!"

A woman held a sign that says, "Your loss is our loss."

It was overwhelming, and the guys are in shock. As they moved to their truck, they were hugged and handed bags and cards. It was beautiful, and Liz couldn't help but let a few tears fall.

"Come with us?" Jason asked.

"Okay."

When they finally were able to drive off, even though they were sad, hope filled their hearts at the outpouring of love from the community. They didn't fight fires for glory, but knowing that they were so appreciated helped them move forward.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

As they pulled in front of the station, they were surprised to see more people. Johnny smiled when he saw Sarah waiting and Jason did the same when he saw Audrey and the Quartermaines. He is trying to shove Ric's words out of his head, but they are haunting him.

"We thought you could use some food and drink," Monica said, noting that her son seemed troubled more than he did at church.

"Thank you." They hugged and then everyone moved inside. It was nice being surrounded by family and friends. Tables had been set up and the aroma is making their mouths water as the meal simmered on the stove.

They are still prohibited from taking any fire related calls and won't be back to a full schedule until next week. Mac wanted to make sure their heads are on straight and they have time to grieve. They did a toast to Sonny and after a few drinks, the guys started to loosen up and tell stories about their fallen friend and soon they were laughing instead of wanting to cry. Lila watched her grandson carefully since he was more quiet than usual. One thing did make her smile; Elizabeth hadn't left his side and seemed like an anchor that was holding him up. She is so glad they had hit it off so well.

After hours of eating, drinking, and camaraderie, the men were taken home.

Audrey left Elizabeth and Jason in the living room while she ran an errand. He would be going back to his place in the morning and she is sad to see him go. She is sure that he is perfect for her granddaughter and is glad that Elizabeth found someone worthy of her love.

Jason's head is in Liz's lap as she scratches his scalp. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate everything you did today."

"I'm glad you let me in."

He turned onto his back. "You're the best thing that has happened to me in a very long time."

She averted her eyes and he reached up and grabbed her chin to make her look at him.

"I mean it. I don't how it's possible that we have the connection we do, but I already love you so much."

"I feel the same way." The last few days, they had spent every waking moment together and had re-established their bond.

"I'm glad we're still on the same page. Will you go out on a date with me tomorrow night?"

"I would love to."

He slightly smiled. "Dress up."

"Really?"

He nodded. "You deserve the best."

"I don't need anything elaborate."

It wasn't that he didn't know that she likes simpler things, he just doesn't let it influence his choices. "I know, but I want it to be special. We can do a more lowkey date the next time."

She slightly smiled. "Deal... So how dressed up do I need to be?"

"A sexy dress will suffice."

She chuckled. "Sexy huh?"

"Yeah, you already have that part down."

"Jason…"

"Come closer. I need to kiss you."

She quickly obeyed and soon they were furiously making out, oblivious to anything around them. When his hand touched the bare skin of her back, it sent a jolt up her spine. "Jason…," she said breathlessly.

The sound of his name, uttered with so much passion, caressed his ears and just about drove him wild. When he roughly pulled her body against him, she gasped, wishing they were at the cottage instead. Her eyes fluttered shut as his lips brushed against her neck, sucking and nipping as a moan escaped her lips as he eagerly tasted her porcelain skin. "You're so beautiful."

Her eyes snapped open and she watched his turbulent orbs narrow with lust, making her fist his hair and her mouth crashed onto his as she wantonly sucked his tongue before ravishing his mouth and then, it was his turn to moan. The woman is chipping away at his resolve and they need to stop before it gets more out of hand. "Elizabeth…"

"Hmmm?"

He grinned against her lips. "We need to stop before I throw you down on this couch and have my way with you."

She groaned but slid next to him, knowing he is right. "I think your mouth should be illegal."

"Yours is just as bad."

She can't explain how wild she feels when she is around him. Patrick had always tried to get her to do crazy things, but she felt shy about it. With Jason, she wanted to do everything a million times over.

That is how Audrey found them, silent staring ahead making her frown. "What's going on?"

Their eyes snapped to her. "Nothing," they said.

Her head tilted. "Are you sure?"

Liz nodded.

"Okay. I'll put these groceries away."

There is no way Liz is going to tell her that they were trying not to touch each other because it led to kissing, which led to touching, and then being out of control.

Jason is the first to stand. "I'm going to go help her."

"Okay."

He left and then a smile lit up her face. She hadn't felt this alive in ages and couldn't wait for the date.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Jason, who had borrowed Edward's Bentley, parked in Audrey's driveway and turned off the engine. It had been hard leaving the house in the morning. Both women were sad, and he felt bad that he was the cause of it. Grabbing the bouquet, he had bought, he eased out of the car in a black suit with an azure blue shirt and strode to the door. Audrey opened it and smiled.

"Well, don't you look handsome."

Jason smiled. "Thanks. These are for you."

She took the gorgeous flowers and eagerly perused them. "Oh Jason, they are lovely."

"I wanted to give you something nice for taking care of me and teaching me that recipe."

Liz shook her head. Her grandmother had just blushed—ridiculous.

Audrey turned and smiled at her. "Have fun tonight. I'm going to go put these in a vase."

Jason held out his hand. "You look beautiful."

Liz moved closer. The short emerald wrap dress hugged her body and he stared at the string holding it together, knowing with one tug he could see all she has to offer. Her hand slipped into his and they both felt the physical connection and smiled.

He led her to the car and they headed to the Metro Court.

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Elizabeth couldn't believe how beautiful their table is on the private balcony. There are flowers everywhere and soft lighting. "Jason, it's perfect."

He smiled. "I'm glad you like it. I was a little nervous."

She allowed him to push her closer to the table. "I love it."

"I already ordered for us. I hope that is okay."

"I'm game."

Soft music filtered in the air and Jason raised his chilled glass of beer. "To us."

She picked up her wine glass and tapped it against the bottle. "To us."

When the waitress took the lids off their dinner she grinned and then laughed before looking at his. A bacon cheeseburger and fries filled out his plate while her own grilled cheese and fries made her mouth water.

"I figured I'd still keep a sense of us in my choices."

She chuckled. "It looks really good."

He was pleased that she was happy and they ate and chatted.

"That really hit the spot," Liz said before wiping her mouth.

"Dance with me."

"Okay."

As they swayed to the music, she sighed contently, feeling as though the evening is the best date she has ever been on.

"You happy?"

"Yes. Are you?"

He embraced her tightly as their movement ceased. "I will be in a minute." Before she could reply she was being kissed thoroughly, his tongue making her dizzy as his sensuous kisses set her body ablaze. Right there and then, she made a decision that Jason wasn't going to take her back to Audrey's, she was staying at his cottage tonight.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Jason slides into the car and turns it on and then reaches for her hand.

"I don't want the night to end," Elizabeth says softly.

"Me either."

"Let's go to your place, but we need to set the alarm because Audrey has breakfast plans for us."

He nods and pulls out of the parking lot. When he finally parks the car and opens the door, the tension makes him snap and he pushes her against the closed car door and grabs her face. "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen."

As she stares into his lustful eyes, she is blown away by the emotions swirling in them that she can't even respond.

"I love your lips, so plump and soft. Kissing you is one of my favorite things to do. Can I kiss you, Elizabeth?"

She swore she felt herself gush at his sexy tone. Quickly, she pulled it together, a mischievous sparkle dazzling in her eyes. "On one condition…"

He smiled. "What is that?"

"You go into the bedroom and strip and sit on the bed and wait for me. When I get there, you let me be in control."

His head tilted. "Define control."

She grinned. "Well, I know you are used to being bossy in the bedroom, but tonight, you have to do what I say."

He pretended to ponder for a moment while what he was really doing is picturing her naked underneath him as he pounded her relentlessly. "As long as you don't tell me to go to sleep, my body is yours to do with as you see fit."

She chuckled. "I promise, sleeping is the last thing you'll want to do."

"Alright then, I'm going, boss."

Once he was in the bedroom, she rushed to the kitchen and opened a lower cabinet and grabbed the bag from it. She doubted that Jason had ever opened the cabinet with the baking stuff in it, so she had hidden it right under his nose. Grinning proudly, she took off her clothes and put on a barely-there negligee. The underwear is crotchless and her nipples are exposed for easy access so there is no need to undress. After taking a deep breath, she slips on the venus butterfly vibrator and secures it. Testing it, she jumps and yelps before shutting it off.

"Everything okay out there?"

"Coming!" Well, she's not yet, but the night is looking promising, especially with the gadget pressing against her clit.

Grabbing some whipped cream and flavored lotion, she put it in a small bag and then slowly makes her way to the bedroom.