Hey you guys! So I'm not going to sit here and make excuses…I'm just going to say that these characters have minds of their own and all my plans for this chapter just didn't go as I thought they would! But I think it turned out better than I expected and I hope you all enjoy! I can't wait to hear what you guys have to say! Thanks for reading! And the reviewers…your AMAZING!
Disclaimer: I don't own General Hospital or it's characters!
Standing and staring at Carly Jason silently groaned at the pounding in his head. This headache had started while arguing with Sam and he just knew that Carly wasn't going to be any help in relieving it. Watching as Carly grabs the brandy Jason's eyes go wide and he sighs. "Carly what do you think you're doing?!" He asks pointing to the brandy. "You can't have a drink while you're pregnant…you know better." Standing with his hands on his hips he looks at her incredulously.
With a small pout and a glare at Jason Carly turns and sets the brandy back down and crosses her arms over her chest. "You're right. I just…lost my head for a second there." She says turning back to see the concerned look on both Jason and Sonny's faces. "Don't look at me like that! I'm fine!"
"Are you sure?" Sonny asks coming to stand at her side. "This pregnancy is high risk…"
"And I'm just a little irritated right now and pissed off at my husband." Carly says waving off Sonny's concern. "What I wouldn't give to have just one drink right now…just one!" She says throwing her hands in the air.
Exhaling loudly Sonny leans forward to grab Jason's water bottle from the table. "Drink this and just imagine that it's something stronger." Walking back towards his desk Sonny pauses mid step and looks over his shoulder. "And don't even think about throwing that bottle in frustration." Casting Jason a quick look he isn't surprised to see the mobster scowling at him. "One temper tantrum is enough for me." Sonny adds quietly and smirking when Jason's scowl becomes more pronounced.
"Like I would do that?" Carly scoffs before taking a sip of the water and frowning…it so didn't do the trick. "I would like to think I've matured a little bit after all these years." Carly says before raising the bottle to her lips again.
"Yea, whatever." Sonny mumbles under his breath, swiping a hand over his face. He hadn't thought Jason would either and was surprised to see such an outburst from the man. For the last two years Jason had been so withdrawn and detached, that Sonny almost wanted to cheer when Jason had finally shown emotion. Even if it was at the expense of his house.
Carly heard what Sonny had muttered, but let it go. Instead she took another glance at the wet bar, that didn't go unnoticed by Jason. "Carly." He says with a small shake of his head.
Looking back at him she heard the warning in his voice, but all she saw on his face was concern. "Oh don't give me that look Jason." Carly says with a sigh.
"What do you want from me Carly?" Jason asks uncrossing his arms. "This is a high risk pregnancy and you come walking in here, obviously very upset, and heading straight to the liquor. I can't help but worry."
"Well don't."
This was his opportunity to get the attention of both Sonny and Carly off of him and directed on to her. "Do you want to talk about it?" He asks looking over at Sonny in time to see the other man look at him in confusion. Jason could understand why, because under normal circumstance he would try and get out of having to listen to one of Carly's rants over Jax. But unlike Sonny, Jason would rather discuss Jax than him and Sam any day of the week. And with his headache the last thing Jason wanted to do was discuss Sam with either of them and if that meant he had to sit and listen to Carly complain about Jax for an hour, it would be worth it. Jason wouldn't really have to even listen to Carly since he already knew what she was going to say. Having listened to her complaints many times before, he could just tune her out and in the end offer her his support.
Carly, never one to miss her chance to rant about whatever was bothering her, opened her mouth ready to curse Jax into next week. But before any words could leave her mouth and Carly could really build up her anger at Jax she remembered the conversation she walked in on and turned an accusing eye on Jason. "Not a chance!" Carly laughs walking over and patting Jason on the shoulder. "You're just trying to distract me from the conversation I walked in on." When Jason gives her a stricken look her smile grows. "Which is a huge mistake on your part, because you need me Jason."
"Why does Jason need you?" Sonny asks amused at the show he gets first row seats to. It's not very often that he got to witness Carly in one of her moods without being on the receiving end of all her attitude.
"Because if left up to the two of you, Sam will be back home before Jason knows what he wants to do with her." Carly spares Sonny a glance before looking back at Jason to see that he had closed up again, his poker face firmly in place. "If you have any chance of things with Sam going your way…you're going to need my help." When Jason just stares at her skeptically she sighs. "You and Sonny may be good at a lot of things, but when it comes to women…you both lack the tack needed…"
"Excuse me!" Sonny says scoffing. "I have never had a problem when it comes to women." He flashes his trademark smirk that shows off his dimples.
Rolling her eyes Carly laughs. "Yea you have no problem reeling them in, but your problem Sonny is what to do once you got them. You're like a child playing with sand…they just keep slipping through your grasp."
Sonny scowls and nods his head towards Jason. "I thought we were talking about Jason." He says earning him a glare from the other man. Sonny simply shrugs his shoulders in response; it was every man for himself at this point. And if that meant throwing Jason to the proverbial wolves…so be it. The man wasn't in any real danger of Carly anyways.
"Ah you're right…we were." Carly says turning back to look at him and noticing the wary look he gives her. "Jason here has never really had a problem with woman either…I mean there are times where you have to practically beat them off with a stick! Am I right?" She asks smirking, actually enjoying watching her longtime best friend squirm. "You have Robin who, up until she found Patrick, couldn't really seem to take a hint that there wasn't a place for her in your life. And then you have Elizabeth…" Carly says watching the flash of something in Jason's eyes and Carly is tempted to badger the reason behind it out of him, but she resists. "Elizabeth who wormed her way in to your life and your bed like the little insipid parasite that she is...that woman…"
"Carly…!" Sonny shouts cutting off the woman's words. When she casts a glance in his direction he shakes his head with as little movement as possible. Looking back at the couch she finds that Jason is now standing with his back to the both of them, looking out the window.
With a drawn out sigh she rubs her temples. She knew better than to start in about Elizabeth. Carly just figured that since both Elizabeth and Sam had been taboo subjects for some time, but now with Sam back she just figured both women were fair game. Not that Carly had anything bad to say about Sam, that woman deserved an apology from everyone in Port Charles, but especially from Carly…while Carly wanted nothing better but run Elizabeth right out of town. "Fine…whatever." She says shrugging her shoulders and walking over to stand by Jason. "Like I was saying…Both of you, when it comes to women at least, are completely out of your element." When Sonny makes noise behind her she scoffs. "You both are the masters at wining and dining a girl and do really great with those romantic gestures that make even me go all gooey inside. But neither of you have any clue what to do when you actually have them right where you want them...how to have a lasting relationship."
Jason heard everything Carly was saying and he would agree with a lot that she had to say, but she was wrong on one point. "Sam and I were together for over two years Carly. Proving your theory that I can't have a lasting relationship is wrong."
"No…that just proves that Sam was committed to you two more than any other and that she was better fit for you." Carly says shaking her head. "And for those two years you spent so much of that working or helping Sonny and I out of one crisis or another that you hardly had time for Sam." Jason wanted to argue, Carly and Sonny could tell.
"You can't deny she has a point Jason." Sonny chimes in, earning himself a bright smile from Carly.
"Of course I do." Carly says smugly. "Jason, you spent so much of your time with Sam making up for a canceled plans and interrupted dates…"
"Who was the cause of a lot of those interruptions Carly?" Jason asks turning to stare at her.
"I'm not denying that I played a large part in that Jason. I'm just saying that you and Sam didn't have a normal relationship and had to work hard to make it work…but you did. And that's a good thing since normalcy just isn't possible in your life. You needed someone by your side that understood that…you had that in Sam." When Jason breaks eye contact Carly reaches out and grabs hold of one of his hands and gives it a light squeeze. "But you let her get away anyways."
"Is there a point to this Carly?" Sonny asks sympathizing with his friend. "We all know what happened two years ago…I don't think it's necessary to rehash it all again."
Sighing Carly releases Jason's hand and crosses her arms. "What I'm trying to say is that Jason is great at the grand gestures and lord knows that when he gets that look in his eyes he doesn't even have to say sorry… But that's just not going to cut it this time with Sam. She been around the block and she knows how the game is played. Jason is going to need some new material because Sam is going to see him coming from a mile away if he tries using his old tricks." When the two men look at her in confusion and skepticism she huffs. "Romantic rendezvous on the roof and candle light dinners in the penthouse aren't going to cut it this time."
"Well Jason already is taking a step back from the business to protect Sam. Maybe you can convince Robin that Sam isn't safe here in Port Char…"
"And flying her off to Hawaii or a getaway on a private yacht isn't going to win points." Carly says rolling her eyes. "Been there, done that...Sam won't be impressed."
"Sam won't be…or you won't be?" Sonny says wryly.
"No…Carly's right." Jason finally speaks up shaking his head. "Sam isn't going to just sit back and let me kidnap her, which is what it would be if I took her away. And the fact she can't manage ten minutes of my presence without getting restless or combative lets me know what her thoughts on a romantic dinner would be."
Sonny at a loss leans back on his desk and shoves his hands in his pockets. "Well what are you going to do Jason? And what are you going to do to help him?"
"Why don't you first tell me why you were even discussing Sam moving back into the penthouse. Doesn't she have to stay in the hospital?"
Releasing a deep breath Jason takes his seat back on the couch. "Robin and Patrick are releasing Sam tomorrow morning in hopes that with a little freedom Sam won't push herself. But the only way they're allowing her release is if she agrees to stay here in Port Charles and have someone around to watch her recovery and keep her from doing anything stupid."
"And since Jason is watching over Sam and he has the room in the penthouse for her…it only makes sense for Sam to move in there for the time being. What I don't understand is how Sam can't see it."
"How bout the fact that it's just too convenient to have Sam just follow orders like a good little girl?" Carly chuckles. "Did you really think it would be that easy for you Jason?" She asks looking over at her best friend sitting on the couch, rubbing his temples.
"No…I didn't really think at all when I said Sam would be moving in with me." Jason says still rubbing his temples. "I just want her to be safe…"
"And the safest place for Sam would be with Jason in the penthouse."
"I already told you she won't Sonny." Jason says tensely.
"But why she won't is the…"
"Maybe Sam doesn't like the idea of moving back into the home she once shared with Jason. Maybe that's a little too close for comfort? Have you even considered that Sonny?" Carly asks arms still crossed, turning her critical eye on the clueless mob boss.
"Surely Sam can set that aside." Sonny says, but with a lot less confidence. He didn't like that he was now the focus of Carly's attention.
"The fact that Sam even allows Jason in her hospital room surprises me." Carly contradicts. "If you remember correctly when I found out about Jason's deceit and the true reason for why Sam left him I kicked him out of the house and for the next month the only time he was allowed around was for the boys. It took me a long time to realize that I could forgive and I'm never going to be able to forget how hurt I felt. And I wasn't even the one he truly betrayed in that whole mess. I can't even imagine what Sam went through."
It wasn't pretty Jason silently says dropping his hands to his sides and leaning back on the couch. "Sam was hurt and she still is…I think I'm just starting to realize how much we both are." He says, but his thoughts are off on his conversation with Elizabeth and Sam. He had thought he was over everything, but with Sam showing up he was starting to realize that he wasn't.
"Of course you both are." Carly says noticing the far off look on Jason's face and going with the urge to comfort instead of nitpick. "Neither of you really dealt with what you were feeling. You both just reacted and lashed out at each other. And then Sam ran…now she's back." Coming to stand in front of him, Carly reaches a hand out and rests it on Jason's shoulder. "The question is what are you going to do about it?"
"I'm not sure yet." Jason shakes his.
"But if he's going to get a chance to find out than Sam is going to have to cooperate and let Jason keep her safe."
Sighing Carly goes and sits down on the other end of the couch and eyes the two men. "Ok so I am giving you both the benefit of doubt and say you are strictly trying to move Sam back in the penthouse for her safety and no other hidden agenda. But that's not going to happen. And I don't blame her. She shouldn't just roll over for you two."
"It's not rolling over Carly…" Sonny starts to say, but she silences him with a look.
"Nevertheless…you are going just going to have to come up with another place for Sam to stay where Jason can protect her." When the two just look at her she sighs. "What about here?"
"Do you really want Sam to be staying under the same roof with the boys while Jerry Jax is out there gunning for her?" When Carly gives him a dismayed look Sonny smirks. "Not so easy is it?"
Rolling her eyes Carly closes her eyes and focuses, but comes up with nothing. "Ok I see your point, there really isn't anywhere that's safe for Sam and for innocent bystanders. I'd offer her a room at the Metro Court, but I really don't want Jerry to blow the place up again. And I'm sure you don't want her anywhere near Kelly's for the same reason."
"I rather not put Mike in unnecessary danger." Jason agrees.
"What about the apartment Sam moved in to after she moved out of the penthouse? Is it still hers?"
Just picturing Sam's old apartment brings Jason back to the last confrontation they had had there. I will kill you. Flinching even at the thought of Sam going back to that apartment, he didn't want her anywhere near that place and the terrible memories it held. Jason shakes his head. "No. Sam held on to the place for awhile, but her lease was up after a year and she let it go." At the inquisitive look Jason receives he sighs and keeps talking before either can ask how he knew all that information about Sam's old place. "Besides the security in that building was severely lacking. I would never be able to protect her there."
"It sounds to me that there really isn't a choice here." Sonny says pushing off his desk to stand straight. "Sam has to move into Jason's penthouse in Harborview Towers…it's the only place that Jason can really protect her."
Harborview Towers immediately reminds Carly of when she and Sonny used to live there and that's when it clicks. "You want Sam to move into Harborview Towers…right?" Carly asks.
"Yes Carly, Jason has his men covering the building and Spinelli has added his own cameras for security. It's the smartest place for Sam."
"You're saying Sam would be safer in the Towers, not necessarily in Jason's penthouse?"
"Can you get to the point Carly?" Jason sighs rubbing a hand over his forehead before looking at the time. It had been over an hour since he left the hospital. He wanted to get back soon, but needed to make a quick stop over at the penthouse first. "I have to be heading back to the hospital."
"Why can't Sam move into our old penthouse?" Carly asks shrugging her shoulders. "I know that no one has stayed there since Reese, but it's still furnished." When neither say anything she gets defensive of her idea. "That way Sam is still in Harborview Towers where Jason can protect her, but she isn't forced into such close proximity."
"It's a good idea." Jason finally agrees giving the idea some thought. "If Sam goes for it." But that was what he was unsure of.
"It's a good compromise." Sonny nods his head. He actually thought it was a great idea, but if he was going to be living with Carly again he wasn't about to stroke her ego.
"I'll mention it to Sam as soon as…" Jason says pushing off from the couch.
"Not so fast." Carly says leaning forward and reaching out to stop Jason. "If you are the one that offers Sam the old penthouse she's likely to say no…if for nothing else than spite. Since I'm sure the two of you went a few rounds already. It's gotta come from someone else."
"Someone like you?" Jason says skeptically standing up to turn at stare at Carly.
Carly laughs a full laugh that comes straight from her belly. "The idea of Sam taking any suggestion I offer her at this point is hilarious Jason…but thanks for the laugh. I needed that." Carly says jokingly wiping at a tear at the corner of her eye. "I have a lot of ground to cover with Sam first."
"I could do it. Sam and I have our own share of bad blood, but she's more likely to listen to me than you at this point." Sonny says apologetically to Jason.
"Yea…that would probably work better than me trying." Jason agrees annoyed at the truth in those words. If only he hadn't open his mouth and made an ass of himself when Robin said Sam was being released. But it had just been instinct to Jason. Protect Sam was all he could think of…but Sam didn't see it that way. Jason honestly didn't know how she saw it. He just knew that she didn't trust him and that intentionally or not he was hurting.
Sonny and Carly both saw the shadow in Jason's eyes and they shared a look of concern for their friend. Neither wanted Jason to go back down that path two years ago where he withdrew from everything but his work. They both held high hopes that Sam's return to Port Charles meant that Jason would finally work through whatever had been causing that haunted look in his eyes. Both had their own theories as to what was bothering Jason, and both were sure that Sam might be the answer. "So I'll stop by early tomorrow morning and offer Sam our old place."
"Yea, I'll see you in the morning." Turning to leave Jason pauses in the doorway. "I'll be at the hospital if you two need anything."
"Oh we'll be fine here." Carly says smiling wide, but as soon as Jason is out of sight it drops from her lips. And at the sound of the front door closing she turns back to look at Sonny. "I have to admit that it's nice to see he isn't closing himself off as much anymore, but I do not like that look he kept getting. He looked so haunted Sonny."
Nodding his head Sonny comes to sit next to Carly on the couch. "You should've seen him earlier at the hospital. This whole thing with Sam has him twisted up in knots."
"I have to admit, after I got over the shock when I first arrived at the hospital, and it sank in that Sam was back…I was… relieved?" Carly says confused, looking at Sonny. "Is that the word I'm looking for?"
"I don't know." Sonny says shaking his head.
"Jason hasn't been the same since Sam left." Carly says turning to face Sonny. "At first I was so angry at her and mad at Jason for letting her hurt him so badly, but that was until I found out about his betrayal. And then I was so furious at him that I couldn't see straight, but I got over it and I saw how he was acting. At first I thought it had to do with Elizabeth keeping Jake from him and I was out for her blood. But soon the sniveling nurse went crawling back to Jason, but he turned her down and there still wasn't a change. Then when his…well when Jake got sick. And everything after…These past two years have been hell on him."
"But he got through them Carly. Hopefully things will get better."
"I think they will and as much as it pains me to admit it, it's because of Sam."
"Pains you?"
With a small smile Carly sighs. "I know it makes no sense, but I still feel I have this claim on Jason that makes him mine before anyone else, but that's just not the case. He's Sam's…as much as I hate to admit that, but it's true. Jason loves her."
"He loves you too."
"But he can live without me. There are some days I'm sure he would prefer it to the chaos that I cause." Carly chuckles and rubs a hand over her growing belly. "But for those two years Sam was gone he wasn't Jason anymore. But since Sam entered our lives all those years ago there has been a change in him, one that I'm so happy to see, even if another woman is the cause."
"Are you going to be ok if Sam ends up staying? Becoming part of Jason's life again?" When Carly eyes him warily he smiles. "Because you know that's where this is headed right?"
"She made him happy in a way that I never saw before." With a long sigh Carly nods her head. "And at least with Sam she can take whatever I throw at her…she isn't some wimp that will run crying to Jason because she can't take honest criticism."
"Is that what you call all those fights Jason, Coleman, and myself had to break up?" Sonny laughs.
"Well…I admit the woman can throw one hell of a punch." Carly raises a hand to rub her jaw in memory of the many times Sam had hit her. "I'm looking forward to maybe building a friendship with her…if she stays that is." Carly adds.
"You don't think she will?" Sonny asks leaning back and the couch and smiling when Carly does the same so they're sitting shoulder to shoulder.
"I think Jason has his work cut out for him…" Carly says looking over at Sonny. "But if he really wants her to stay I don't think Sam stands a chance."
Chuckling Sonny reaches out and grabs Carly's hand. "You have that much faith in Jason?"
Carly didn't know what it was, but she felt her eyes tearing up. Blinking them back she decides to blame it on the hormones from her pregnancy. "I just think back to all those times Sam stuck by Jason when so many others would have bolted. Any woman who had been willing to put up with gunshots, kidnappings, and me…" the last part brings a smile to both their faces. "Is really in love and that just doesn't go away."
Staring at each other neither heard the footsteps down the stairs, but both heard the clearing of an obviously feminine throat. "Well isn't this just cozy." Claudia says with a sneer, crossing her arms over her chest. "Carly if you would please go home so Sonny and I could go to bed."
Carly looks Claudia up and down, rolls her eyes and snorts before standing from the couch so she was eye level with the other woman. "I hate to burst your bubble there sweetheart, but for the time being…I am home." When Claudia's sneer turns into disgust Carly laughs. "You look almost as outraged as I do at the prospect of living under the same roof, but if I can suck it up than I'm sure you can too." Walking and picking up her bags from where she had left them Carly stops at the bottom of the stairs. "Sweet dreams Claudia…see you in the morning." With those parting words Carly holds back a laugh at the shriek that follows her up the stairs and down the hallway. She really didn't envy Sonny right now.
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Hearing the sound of keys in the lock Spinelli freezes in the middle of taking a sip of his orange soda and watches as the door swings open to reveal Jason, looking tired and agitated. With a quick glance down at the mess surround him Spinelli stands and starts reaching for the open bag of chips and the video game controller. "Much apologies Stonecold, the Jackal wasn't expecting you to be home tonight. Maximista had informed me that you had settled yourself in for the night at the Fair Samantha's bedside." When Jason just gives Spinelli and his mess a passing glance before turning to the desk to check the pile of mail Spinelli takes a deep breath. "That's no excuse for the Jackals complete disregard of Stonecold's request…no Stonecold's order…to keep my junk food and videogames out of the living room, but only in my pink fortress where my untidiness can only be seen by myself." Jason was finished with the mail and still hadn't said anything to Spinelli. Turning around he doesn't spare Spinelli a glance but heads towards the stairs. Releasing a sad sigh Spinelli's shoulders slump. "So this is how it is going to be. The Jackal has betrayed Stonecolds trust and has forever lost a friendship that he has treasured all this time." Jason stopped at the bottom of the stairs, but still stayed silent and not turning around. "Is there nothing the Jackal can do to attest to how regretful he is over having to deceive his friend and mentor?"
With a sigh Jason turns and with arms out wide stares at the younger man. "What do you want me to say Spinelli? That it's ok? You're forgiven?" When Spinelli looks down at his feet in shame Jason feels a little guilty, but then quickly remembers what Spinelli had done. "You not only knew where Sam was staying, but had helped her set up her business. All this time you've been in constant contact with her! I asked you repeatedly to see if you could locate her just so I could know she was ok. And you always said you couldn't find her Spinelli." Jason knew he shouldn't yell at the younger man, that he didn't deserve it. But he was the only one there. It wasn't fair, but he couldn't help it.
"Stonecold I apologize…"
"I thought the worst had happened Spinelli! I thought she had died when you couldn't even find a money trail after her leaving Port Charles. You had me thinking Sam was dead! For the last two years I had to live with the fact that her last memory of me…That we had…" Closing his eyes and pacing away Jason comes to stand at the desk, his back towards Spinelli. He was reliving that night in her apartment all over again. He saw the look on Sam's face when he left her, standing all alone, in her apartment. He hadn't known at the time it would be the last time he saw her for two years, if he had maybe he would've taken a longer look. "I spent two years thinking that I would never get a chance to apologize to her. Do you know what you put me through with your silence?" Turning back to stare at his friend Jason can see the regret and shame on his face and checks his anger before continuing. "I get that you're sorry and I understand it wasn't an easy thing that you had to do and you did it for Sam, but…" Shaking his head Jason raises a hand to his forehead and sighs. "You just have to let me be angry for awhile Spinelli." He says lowering his hand to his side.
"The Jackal understands that he handled things most dreadfully and will give Stonecold all the time he needs." Turning back to clean up his mess, Spinelli stops when he notices Jason still hasn't moved, but is still standing behind him. "Is there more?" He asks.
"Yea…" Jason says looking down at his hands. "Thank you Spinelli."
"For what?" He asks confused and curious.
With a small shrug Jason shoves his hands in his pocket. "You might've lied to me, but you did it for Sam." With a frown he shuffles his feet. "You were there for her when she really needed someone. You were a friend when I let her down. And I'm sure if Sam hasn't said so yet she means to tell you how much she appreciates it…your friendship and support. We both do."
"Well the Jackal is here for both Stonecold and Fair Samantha whenever they need him. Anyway I can be of service. Whether a search on the cyberspace, uncovering sealed police files, or even just as a trusted confidant when there is much weighing on your mind." Spinelli adds giving Jason a meaningful look. "The Jackal knows that Stonecold is upset with him, but one can't help but think there is more to your outburst than was spoken."
With a rueful smile Jason rubs the back of his neck. "You're right and I'm sorry for taking out all my frustration on you when you don't deserve it…"
"No worries Stonecold. The Jackal has much experience with being the sounding board. Being with Maximista has taught the Jackal to just listen when she has a long-winded complaint."
Frowning Jason didn't know how he felt being compared to Maxie Jones, but he appreciated Spinelli's understanding. "Let's get this mess cleaned up." He says hoping by ignoring Spinelli's offer to listen that he would let it go, but it just wasn't Jason's night.
"Stonecold the Jackal knows how much you despise conversation on ones feelings, but with the events taking place with the return of the Goddess…surely you have much you wish to get off your chest?"
Releasing the breath he had been holding Jason sets back down the bag of chips he had been holding to turn and look at Spinelli. "She is so angry Spinelli and if it was just anger it wouldn't bother me so much, but it's not. Behind that anger there is just so much pain…" Shaking his head he runs a hand down the back of his head. "And I can't do anything to fix it or help her, because she won't let me in."
"Won't let you in?" Spinelli says in confusion sitting down on the arm of the chair. "Stonecold has been at Fair Samantha's bedside all this time…"
"Sam knows that she needs me around because Jerry is a threat, but she won't talk to me. Every time I feel like we're making progress I say something to set her off or she is reminded of how much she was hurt and how angry we both were…everything comes back to two years ago."
"Well the Jackal can't help but point out that Stonecold and the Goddess both traversed down a very vengeful and dark path. Or course it will be difficult, but not impossible to overcome."
"But does she want to?" Jason asks on a sigh. "Sometimes I feel like I'm hurting her more by being there and that it would be better if I left her alone like she's asked me to."
"Is that what Stonecold wants?" Spinelli asks, fearing the answer. If Jason said yes than Steven and Maxie's plan of getting the two back together needed to be called off.
Jason silently stares down at the floor listening to Spinelli shuffle, waiting for him to say something. Finally he looks up and shakes his head. "I walked away from Sam because I thought it was for her own good before and where we are now is partly to blame for that. I'm not going to make the same mistake twice."
Happy to hear the resolve in Jason's voice and a look of determination in his face, causes Spinelli to smile. "So what is Stonecold doing here if he plans to stay by the Goddess' side?"
"I'm just stopping by for a quick shower and a change of clothes. I haven't left the hospital since earlier yesterday." Besides he and Sam needed a break from each other after going a few rounds earlier. She was going to receive one more round pain meds and Jason hoped that Sam would be sleeping by the time he returned. Saving any more arguing until tomorrow morning, where hopefully Sonny's offer of the penthouse across the hall would be accepted, at the very least he hoped Sam would be in better mood since she was being released. "I actually was in a bit of a hurry since I've already been gone for longer than I planned."
"Well I won't keep you any longer." Spinelli says standing and reaching for the bottle of orange soda and the bag of chips and hurrying up the stairs.
Following after him Jason hurries through cleaning up and is out the door without a backwards glance, the only thoughts in his mind are that the guards would've called if there was anything to report on Sam.
------
Sam's room was dark with all the lights out and Jason slowly closes the door behind him and quietly walks to Sam's bedside. She looked so peaceful, you never would've guessed that just hours before she had been in a shouting match with Jason. Watching her breathe deeply in sleep Jason smirks when that stray hair of hers falls in her face. Reaching out he brushes it out of the way and sits down in the chair he had occupied earlier. Leaning back and closing his eyes Jason tries to get some rest.
It's only minutes later that Sam starts to stir and Jason is silently moving his chair forward and reaches out for her hand. Brushing his thumb over her knuckles he watches as Sam's breathing becomes deep again and the crease in her brows disappears. "What are we going to do?" Jason whispers while resting his head down on the side of Sam's bed, staring up at her. With Sam's hand in his and his head resting on the soft comforter of her bed Jason is asleep in minutes, the day's event finally having caught up with him.
It was later, when both were deep in sleep when a nurse slips into the room and is shocked to find the two so at peace with each other. Stumbling, not very quietly, back out of the room without getting the vitals she was requested to get for Epiphany the nurse heads back to the elevators. "How long has he been in there with her?" She asks the guard standing by the elevator.
"Mr. Morgan has been by Ms. McCalls side for all but a few hours since she's been admitted." The guard says noticing the distress on the nurses face. "Is there a problem?" He asks confused.
"No…not at all." She says and quickly enters the elevator and pushing the close door buttons. Only when the elevator is in motion and she's out of the guards eye sights does Elizabeth Spencer release the shaky breath she had been holding. For the last two years Jason had been so distant from everyone and Elizabeth had thought it had partly to do with the fact she had chosen Lucky. But seeing him so protective of Sam earlier and now sleeping at her bedside Elizabeth was starting to wonder. Could Jason possibly be getting back together with Sam? The idea didn't sit well with her at all.
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Waking up in the middle of the night Sam saw Jason's head resting near her left hand, which was held lightly in his grasp. With a small smile Sam brings her right hand up and runs it lightly through his short hair before pulling it back and covering her mouth. Feeling her eyes filling up with tears Sam sighs and blinks them away, but never taking her gaze off of Jason. Keeping her hand in his she sighs and turns lightly on her side and stares at his sleeping form. Wondering how she could possibly push him away when so much of her wanted to hold him close.
Coming up is Sam's release from the hospital…where's she going to end up? And will she allow Jason around to help?