A/N – Thanks for the comments! * Catrina – Thank you for reading. I explain some things below and of course there will be dialogue later, but teasing Jason a little is not trying to change him. They really aren't making his life hell. It's not that bad. Brenda is Brenda. I thought she was too extreme on the show, but I've kept their dynamic without being as insulting as she normally is. I really didn't like her on the show, but believe it or not, I dialed it down. Lol.

It's really simple re: all of their actions. Brenda, Nathan, and Ric tease Jason to get him out of his head. They are worried about him and it's hard to get Jason to open up. It is not good for Jason to be in the state he is in. Brenda and Jason have always been twisted because of Sonny and how Jason was after the accident. Liz has been torn away from her life and she's freaking. Jason is someone she needs to depend on and he's totally disconnecting so she thought he didn't like her. She doesn't have all the history and now she's getting bits and pieces. It's an extreme situation and he's all she really has right now.

I forgot to explain that Gabriel is Sylar from the prime time show Heroes. Gabriel is his real first name. He won't have super powers but he'll be dark and dangerous. You can google Sylar under Images and get a visual. I'll post tomorrow, but not Sunday. I can't promise I will post every Sat. though.

Chapter 5

Jason's eyes were seemingly glued to Liz as she danced and laughed. Felix stuck to her side, making sure no one bothered her. After a while, Ric sat next to Jason to check on him. "I think she has been through a lot and so, have you. Instead of running away from her, maybe you should run to her."

He is definitely drunk because he can't believe he is about to engage in this conversation as if there could ever been something more with Elizabeth Jerome. "That would not end well."

Ric guffawed. "Are you a fortune teller now?"

"You know what I do for a living."

"And her father runs an organization. She is already exposed to danger, so what's your next excuse?"

"I'm brain damaged, grumpy, a loner, and I suck around people."

Ric drank some more beer as he watched everyone have a good time. "While I can't argue with you on those counts, most of that is your own doing though. I also know that you have a big heart and can be very charming when you want to."

Jason frowned. "When have you ever seen me be charming?"

"Well, I always enjoyed seeing you talk to Lila and buying Liz those supplies was very smooth." Lila had died the prior year. It was another thing that had thrown Jason into a tailspin. The matriarch was one of the few people to accept him for who he was and not judge him for it. She was probably one of the first people he loved after the accident.

He rolled his eyes. "You would think so."

"I know so."

Sometimes, he really hated Ric's smile. "She's too good for me."

Ric gave him a look. "I'm curious, who do you think isn't? I mean, is there some kind of profession you'd avoid like spokesmodel? That would probably be a little too chipper for you, but would that make them not good enough?"

"I don't understand a word you just said."

"Neither did I. The point is that saying someone else is too good for you implies that you are shitty and that is far from the truth. First of all, you are the best eye candy in Port Charles and second, when you stop brooding you're actually nice to be around."

Jason let out a long sigh.

"What? You're handsome and basically a good guy, Jason. Deal with it. Anyway, your need to protect and your loyalty are very good qualities to have as well."

He wasn't sure how to respond to that. "And?"

"It's up to Elizabeth to decide whether you are good enough for her. You will always think you are not because of your accident. Face it, you have this skewed way of looking at yourself. I thought letting people make their own choices is something that is important to you."

A woman came up to him and hugged him and then left.

"It is."

"Then for once in your uptight life, go with the flow instead of trying to control things that you can't. Trust me, you'll be less constipated and surprise, you might even find some happiness."

Jason took another swig of his beer. Why did his life have to suck so badly? He abruptly stood. "They always leave me, you know that. Why even go there?"

Ric watched him walk into the kitchen to get another beer. He felt badly for Jason because he had chosen the one profession that is usually a deal breaker.

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Elizabeth is having a blast. She hurried off to the bathroom and when she came out, she is surprised to see the man who she had been talking to earlier standing by the bed. "Mark? What—what are you doing?"

"I just wanted to make sure that you were okay. You're so beautiful Elizabeth."

"I'm fine." Even with the alcohol raging through her body, she knew she might be in trouble. "My friends are waiting for me. Maybe you can join us for a drink?" She brushed by him and then he pulled her into his body and spun her around. "What are you doing?"

He fisted her hair and his lips crushed hers, sending off her alarms. She struggled against him, finally picking up her foot and sending her spiked heel into his. He yelled in her mouth and then pushed her onto the bed, holding her down. "Are you crazy?"

"Get off me!" They struggled and she bit his hand, giving her enough leverage to wiggle off the bed and run, but his foot caught her leg and she tumbled to the floor.

Jason had thought she had been gone too long, so he threw open the door and their gazes locked. Her eyes were wide and adrenaline rushed through his body when he saw the state she is in. He flicked on the light and noticed the guy and just lost it. Liz watched him reach the bed in two strides and start to pummel Mark as he cried out. Nathan rushed into the room and pulled Jason off him.

"What the hell is going on?"

"He attacked her," Jason said, wiping some blood off the corner of his mouth from where Mark had got one hit in.

Nathan growled and punched the guy and then grabbed him and dragged him away. Without warning, Jason smoothly lifted Elizabeth up, making her gasp. She didn't think he could get any hotter in that moment. His body was taut and his eyes were fiery, yet he held her so tenderly. He carried her back to the living room and carefully placed her on the couch. Brenda swooped in and hugged her from the side as Ric cleared the apartment of the remaining guests. He grabbed a first aid kit and sat next to Jason.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

They whispered back and forth and then Brenda laughed loudly, almost falling off the couch which attracted everyone's attention. She held up her finger while she tried to get herself under control as Liz sat there grinning. "She said that when Jason was hitting him, it reminded her of a bobble head cause of the way Mark's head kept bouncing off the bed."

Ric chuckled. "You know that is the alcohol talking," he said as he swiped Jason's lip, making him grimace as the girls giggled.

"You don't even know how hot it was when he was carrying you," Brenda whispered, "But seriously, are you okay?"

"Yeah. He ruined my buzz, but he'll be walking funny tomorrow."

"Oh, he's going to be in a world of hurt," Felix said sitting next to her. Jason had done a lot of damage in a very short amount of time.

Liz started to think about how close she got to being raped and she hugged herself.

"Hey, don't go there," Felix said softly. "You protected yourself. Between you and Jason, the guy didn't have a chance."

"Jason." She looked around Felix until their eyes met. "Thank you."

"I'm sorry I didn't get there faster." The angst inside of him was starting to churn and eat away at him. "It was my job and—I shouldn't have drunk anything."

She pushed off Felix's leg and wobbled as she stood. Once she gained her balance, she rushed over to where he is sitting and touched his face as his eyes flutter shut. "It's okay. You get to have fun ,Jason."

"Your dad is depending on me. I'm sorry."

He abruptly stood, forcing her to take a few steps backwards and he left the apartment to get some air.

"What just happened?" Liz asked.

"Vintage Jason," Brenda said sadly.

"He's upset," Nathan said. "I'll go after him."

"Get her some coffee," Brenda said patting the cushion next to her. "Have a seat."

Liz plopped down next to her as Ric handed her a mug. She sipped the hot liquid and then focused on Brenda.

She told Elizabeth the story of Sonny's kids getting kidnapped which happened six months prior. "They were missing for weeks. Jason practically tore the city apart. Sonny was a hot mess and Alexis fell apart. They did everything to find them and finally they got a break and pieced together some clues and went to the graveyard. When Jason finally found them, Kristina was in bad shape. She had a massive head wound and she almost died and ended up in a coma for four months. It was a nightmare. Basically, they had been left in a crypt to die. Molly had to have psychotherapy and couldn't sleep with the light off. She would have horrible nightmares screaming her sister's name. It took an emotional toll on everyone. At first, she wouldn't let go of Jason and she was inconsolable. I think that made it worse for him because he saw how devastated she was firsthand. He blamed himself for not finding them sooner. He was a mess, but he didn't leave her side at the hospital."

Ric continued the story. "After she was released, Jason was drinking a lot and getting into fights and then it just stopped and he stayed away from everyone. I was surprised to get the call that he needed help, but because they were under attack Sonny probably lured him back. I love my brother, but he can be manipulative where Jason is concerned. He might seem like he's closed off, but he hurts just like anyone else."

"Wow," Liz said. It is a lot to process.

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Jason walked to the edge of the roof and looked out over the city. It seemed like it was never quiet. There is always something making a noise. The slight breeze feels good and is helping to clear his head.

"You okay?" Nathan asked as he moved next to him.

"I guess."

"She's fine. I'm sure it hasn't hit her entirely, but she's a strong woman."

"I know." If anything, Jason is always very observant.

"I'll tell you what, next time we play, I'll let you win if you promise to stop being so hard on yourself."

Jason glanced over at him. "Very funny."

"Jason, do you consider me a friend and trust me?"

"Yes." Nathan was one of the few people that didn't drive him crazy.

"You can't go on living like this. You have been a shit show for months and everyone has been worried about you, even Brenda."

Jason sighed.

Nathan put his hand on Jason's shoulder and squeezed. "If I were doing things to ruin my life, would you step in and say something?"

"Probably."

"I like having you around. You've punished yourself long enough. Even Kristina and Molly don't blame you because they know you can't be everywhere, so enough with the self-loathing. Can you at least try?"

Jason nodded.

"Thank you. Now come back inside with me. You need to be around friends."

"Is Brenda still there?"

Nathan chuckled. "She loves you, so deal with it."

Jason groaned. "It's her kind of love that has made my life a living hell."

"You're so dramatic."

Jason's brows popped up as his head lowered and tilted.

"Yeah, I'm talking to you. For someone who has very little to say, you are such a diva." He was going to go with drama queen, but he didn't want to end up on the street below.

"What the hell is a diva?"

Nathan grinned. "I'm too scared to tell you that to your face."

"I need to get you away from Ric."

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By the time Jason strode into the apartment, Brenda and Felix were gone. Liz and Ric are sitting on the couch and he gets up and hugs Nathan before leading him to their bedroom.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"I think I'm supposed to be asking you that."

She patted the couch beside her and he lumbered towards her and plopped onto the cushions. "I have to admit, the events of the last few days have got me on edge. You probably think I'm a crazy person. I just—I'm so scared. Can we just start over?"

"Okay."

She inhaled sharply. "Hi, I'm Elizabeth Jerome."

He took the hand she held out into his, liking how perfectly it fit into his. "Jason Morgan."

"You like tequila?"

His face contorted. "I guess if I have to drink it, I could."

She stood. "Come on. There are some lemons and a bottle waiting for us in the kitchen."

He followed her and watched as she poured some liquid into two glasses and then grabbed a lemon slice and some salt.

"You ever play lick it, slam it, suck it?"

His head tilted as amusement flickered in his eyes. "Not knowingly."

She laughed. "Good one. Let me show you how it's done." She licked her hand and then sprinkled some salt on it, brushed her tongue over it, tossed the drink back, and then sucked on the lemon. "Delicious."

"I highly doubt that." He licked his hand. She sprinkled the salt and he grimaced at the taste then downed the drink and grabbed the lemon slice she held out as his expression turned to disgust. "Don't you usually use limes with Tequila?"

"Yeah, but we're out." She poured some more. "I think I'm going to like you, Jason Morgan." The more alcohol she drank, the hotter he got.

Jason smirked. She is so trashed. "Are you even going to remember me in the morning?"

She laughed. "I don't know what Brenda was talking about, you are hysterical."

"Do yourself a favor and don't listen to Brenda."

"She did say you were hot."

He made a face. "Now I know she's up to something."

"Well you are."

His eyes slightly darkened at the flirtation. "What else do you think about me?"

She put the shot glass down and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "If you would take that stick out of your butt, I think you could be a real catch."

He felt his butt. "What stick?"

Liz snorted. "Priceless." She laughed loudly at Jason's expression. The music is still softly playing in the background. "Dance with me."

That is really the last thing he wants to do with her, but she had been through a lot earlier, so he obliged. They gently swayed as she laid her head on his chest. "Don't listen to Diane."

"What?"

"Don't listen to her. Your chest is perfect."

He smiled. "Good to know."

"I think you could bounce a quarter off it."

His eyebrow rose. "Really?"

"Uh—huh."

"I'm not sure why you'd want too and I don't think anyone has tried that before."

Her head jerked up, like she had just had the best idea ever as eyes shined brightly. She starts unbuttoning his shirt and Jason's mouth dropped open. "What are you doing?"

"I'm going to bounce a quarter off your chest."

She had it undone before he could respond. Nathan and Ric were trying not to laugh as they snuck a look. Ric motioned for the bedroom and they crept back to it.

Liz found a quarter in a change bowl in the kitchen and came back. Jason is sitting on the couch. "Lay down."

He pushed off his shoes and obeyed her demand.

"Flatter."

He sighed, but did what she asked. Then she straddled him, taking Jason by surprise and he watched with hooded eyes as she bounced the quarter several times. He wished she was the one bouncing. The coin he could care less about.

"Perfect," she muttered before sprawling out on top of him and squirming a bit to get the maximum amount of comfort.

Jason was just too tired to get up and move to the bedroom. She sighed contently and then he adjusted his body a little before grabbing the throw off the back of the couch and splaying it across them. The warmth of her soft body soothed him and he wrapped his arm around her protectively. After a few minutes, they were both knocked out.

Ric came into the room an hour later and took a picture and texted it to Brenda and turned off the music and lights. Tomorrow morning is going to be very interesting.

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Elizabeth's eyes fluttered open. Nathan and Ric are in the kitchen and when their gaze connects, she frowns. Realizing she isn't in her bedroom, she pushes up as she turns her head and gasps. Jason's eyes snap open and amusement sprang into them at her apparent horror.

Her hands are on his chest as she tried to avoid his nether regions. "Why is your shirt open?"

"You were bouncing a quarter off his chest," Ric said wickedly.

Liz could feel her skin redden as she quickly slipped off of him. "Are you guys punking me?"

"Nope," Nathan said.

"Damn." Liz scurried off while Jason sat up and rubbed his face.

"Nice abs," Ric said.

Jason ignored him. The phone rang and Nathan brought it to him. "Hello?"

"Seriously? Number one, why was your shirt unbuttoned and number two, why were you using my new best friend as a blanket?"

Jason groaned. "Ric! I'm going to kill you."

Ric ran out of the kitchen to his bedroom.

"Don't be mad at him. Well, I'm waiting," Brenda said.

"We were drunk and she wanted to see if she could bounce a quarter off my stomach. Are you happy now?"

Brenda giggled. This was priceless. "I see. And the sleeping arrangements?"

"She passed out and I was too tired to move her. Now, can I please go? It's too early for this shit."

"It's 9:00."

Jason blinked twice. "What?" He never slept past seven.

"That's right lover boy—" The phone went dead and he rolled her eyes. He is never going to live this one down.