Airport Scene Part Two
"Will you at least try and fake a smile? You've had your operation, you've made new friends, Seth is even thinking about moving out with us."
"I know. I'm sorry."
Jason tried to smile at his dad's request, but the tears he had managed to supress as he finally walked away from his old life again and more specifically Bart were threatening to surface.
"As much as I know I am going to regret this…Jason I want you to be happy. California isn't making you happy, but I know someone who could."
He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"I- he doesn't want me."
Carl wrapped his arms around him and held him tightly as sobs wracked his body.
"Even if that were true it is no reason to leave Hollyoaks. You should be with your brothers. It is only me that doesn't belong there."
"I don't know if I could be there every day, watching him with her."
He finally admitted that truth to himself.
"And running away may solve part of that, but you aren't going to stop loving him."
"I've never stopped loving him dad."
"I know. I also know he loves you."
"No he loves Jasmine."
"That's not true."
"How do you know that?"
Jason sulked.
"He wouldn't be here if he didn't."
Carl raised his hand to Bart who smiled in acknowledgement. Jason turned, his breath catching in his chest.
"He's here?"
He couldn't believe it. It wasn't possible.
"I never doubted it. Carl quipped. Go. I have a plane to catch."
"Dad I-"
The words he wanted to say so badly seemed to catch in his throat. Despite his many mistakes, he was his dad and he loved him.
"Go. I love you too. And Jason?"
"Yeah?"
"Take care and call if you need me."
"We will. Probably need some money soon."
He muttered guiltily.
"Don't worry about that. Tell Riyle not to struggle. I will send you some."
"He won't take it."
"Tell him it's an apology and I am not taking no for an answer. I know I messed up-"
"Dad you have a flight to catch. There isn't enough time for all that. We do love you."
"I know. I love you all too. Tell Riyle and Seth that too."
"I will."
"Go you have things to sort out."
Jason visibly relaxed as he felt a familiar hand rest on his waist and a heartbeat pulsing against his back.
"I know. Take care dad."
"You too. Take care of him Bart or I will hunt you down."
"I know you would Mr Costelo, but I will."
"That's two for two, because I know that too."
The boys stood and watched as he ascended the escalator waving until he finally went out of sight.
"So what are you doing here?"
Jason turned defiantly to face Bart.
"I came to see you. To stop you from leaving."
"Why?"
"Because…"
"Oh God. I can't believe this. If you can't admit how you feel I am walking away now and you will not see me ever again. Jason stood, frowning, his hands on his hips. What are you smirking at Bart McQueen?"
"You. Will you please give me a chance to speak?"
"I guess I could do that."
Jason muttered sheepishly.
"I came to stop you leaving because God knows why but I love you. I loved you as Jasmine, I love you as Jason and if you leave me it may just kill me. It broke my heart when you told me you were leaving, as selfish as this sounds I want you around every day. I want to be the one that holds you, kisses you, wakes up with you every morning and goes to bed with you every night. When we're together it's special. I should have told you all this a long time ago."
"And Sinead?"
"It's not the same and it never could be, because I am not in love with her. I have never felt for anyone what I feel for you. I am literally begging you. He got down on bended knee. Come home with me and say you'll go out with me."
"Get up you idiot."
Blushing furiously Jason dragged him to his feet.
"So is that a yes then?"
"Yes, just don't ever make a scene like that again."
"I promise to only do that once or twice in the whole time I know you."
"You better mean it when you do."
"I will, but I mean it now too. I love you Jason."
Jason's jaw literally hit the floor, hearing Bart say those words was nothing short of a miracle and in public too.
"I love you too, Bart. Lets go home."
"We will, but there are two places I need to go first."
"Where?"
"First I need to find Sinead and the second is to see Jono. You wouldn't believe what he has been hiding from us."
"Did he tell you about Neal? This time it was Bart who stopped in shock. That was obvious."
"How did you?-"
"I walked in on Neal talking to Tilly about it, but I promised not to say anything. I think they make a cute couple though."
"Yeah, they kind of do. Bart replied thoughtfully, as he held out his hand for him to hold. Just like us."