A/N – Thanks for the comments!

Memorial scene was a hard to write because if I were Lulu I would hate Elizabeth. She lost her friend and she's injured and traumatized because bad guys wanted Liz. I get her being upset that Liz showed up. I tried not to make it too over the top, but I thought Lulu's reaction to Liz was pretty realistic and reasonable, especially since she's younger too. You guys are so quiet when there is no action.

Chapter 22

Jason watched Liz approach him. "Hey."

She gave him a hug.

"How did it go?"

"I'm going to get an IUD inserted after you're done. I might have cramping or bleeding afterwards, so I guess we'll be in bed together."

Jason kissed her forehead. "Are you sure you want to go through all of that?"

"I think it will be the easiest for my body. I don't have to worry about remembering to take the pill. I could have gotten the shot, but there are more side effects."

"Alright, if you're sure, then I will take care of you when we get home."

She softly smiled. "You need to rest too."

Patrick walked up to them. "Hello. It's nice to see you again Elizabeth."

"Thanks. Take care of him for me."

"I will. Come on, Jason."

They walked away and she grabbed a magazine and sat in the waiting room. All was quiet until she heard Lulu's piercing voice. "You again?"

Liz looked up, but didn't say a word.

"I just buried my best friend and your face is the last one that I want to see again."

Robin strode off the elevator.

"Lulu, I'm not sure what you want me say."

"There's nothing you can say. Maxie is dead and you're here reading like all is right with the world."

Epiphany walked over to them. "This is a hospital and sick people are trying to rest. If you can't keep it down…"

"I'm sorry Epiphany. I'll take her to her room," Lucky said.

Robin sat next to Liz. "Sorry for that."

"It's okay. I expected it. How is your mom?"

"She's doing much better. I came to pick up some meds for her."

"I'm not sure how you can look at me without any hatred," Liz said.

"Did you know who Gabriel was?"

"No."

"Did you do something to him to make him go crazy?"

"No."

"Then it's not your fault. How's Jason?" Robin asked.

"He's with Patrick. He has headaches, some more severe than others."

"That's par for the course. They'll go away over time."

"He's been sleeping a lot too."

Robin crossed her legs. "Now that probably gives me more pause than anything else."

Liz chuckled. "There's not much else he can do. I think he's bored."

"I'm sure he'll be up and around in no time."

"Yeah. How long are you staying in town?" Robin is growing on her.

"I'll probably leave in a week. I need to get back to my research."

"That must be rewarding."

Robin smiled. "It is. It gives me a good purpose. I like helping people."

Jason walked towards them.

"Hey. How's the noggin?" she asked.

"Good. I still have to be careful, but I can go back to work on Monday."

"So you're free to roam around the cabin?"

"Yes."

Robin stood. "Well, hopefully we can meet before I go back."

"Sounds good."

She left and Jason sat and took Liz's hand.

"Are you really okay?"

"Yes and we can have sex now."

Liz chuckled. "Actually, I can't for twenty-four hours."

Jason groaned. "These doctors are killing me."

"Sorry. I'll just have to make it up to you."

He kissed her lightly. "I'll count on it."

Kelly cleared her throat. "Hello, Jason."

"Hi."

"You ready?"

Liz nodded. "I'll be back soon."

"I'll be right here."

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Lucky got Lulu situated.

"I don't know how not to hate her." Her voice was barely audible as she fought to contain her emotions.

"Gabriel was a psychopath. Hating Elizabeth for not dying instead of Maxie is not going to help you feel any better. You were all in the wrong place at the wrong time. If Elizabeth had been there, Gabriel would have killed her and then the people after him would have still pulled the trigger. The end would have been the same."

Lulu wiped a tear away. "I hear what you are saying, but I just need some time. When I close my eyes, I see Maxie's face and hear the explosion. It's just too much."

He hugged her. "Shhhhh. You need your rest."

"If you see her, tell her I won't yell at her anymore."

"I will." He gently laid her back against the pillow, knowing the change in movement is very painful. The whole situation sucks and he hates that his sister is suffering. If Gabriel hadn't of been killed, he would be a walking dead man because he would have given up his badge to make the man pay for what he did.

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Jason stood when he saw Liz gingerly walking towards him. "You okay?"

She nodded. "I just need to lie down."

He took her hand and they got into the elevator and headed towards the car.

Lucky jumped into it at the last minute. "Hi."

Liz leaned her head against Jason's arm. "Hi."

"I talked Lulu down. She said to tell you that she won't yell at you anymore."

"She's been through a lot. What about her burns?"

"They are not too bad, just painful. She'll be fine."

Liz isn't convinced. "I'm sorry that she's suffering."

"I think everyone that Gabriel affected is too, that includes you."

"Thank you for saying that."

The elevator dinged and Lucky said goodbye and left. They went down one more level and slowly walked to the car as Liz gripped her stomach.

"I'm just cramping. Kelly warned me."

She looks miserable and he feels bad that she is hurting.

The whole way home, he held her against him. He even called Max and asked him to get her a chocolate milk shake from Kelly's and drop it off.

When they go to her house, she went right to his room. He waited for Max and then joined her."

She took a sip. "That's really good." She sucked down half of it before flopping against the pillows as she grimaced.

"What can I do?"

"Nothing, it just has to pass."

He kicked off his shoes and climbed in behind her as an exhausted Elizabeth slept.

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An hour later, Jason got up and went into the living room to finish making arrangements for their date the next night. It feels good doing something nice for her and he wants to show her that he can be romantic. Carly is helping him execute his plans.

Johnny knocked on the door and then came inside. "What's up?"

"I'm not sure. Have a seat."

Johnny sat across from him.

"A couple of men have disappeared from the warehouse. It's not clear if they defected or if someone took them out."

Johnny rubbed his hands against the top of his thighs. "There have been a couple of weird things. It's like someone is screwing with us, but hasn't decided to fully commit to doing anything."

It wasn't rare that they had someone mess with their livelihood. Sometimes it fizzled, and other times it turned into something bad.

"Just keep an eye out, we just got rid of a crazy person, I'm really not trying to go there again so soon. If we're proactive, we can shut it down before it gets bad."

"I'm on it."

"Thanks. What else is going on?"

"Nothing much, but I have to admit, I miss you."

Jason smirked. "Maybe I should have gotten that on tape."

"You should have because I will deny that this conversation ever took place."

"Can you take me to get my hair done?"

Johnny smiled. "Can I take pictures?"

"No."

"Can I laugh?"

"No."

"You're just a barrel of fun. I'll take you, but if she puts tin foil in your hair, all bets are off."

Jason rolled his eyes. "Let's go."

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Jason and Johnny walked into the salon and everyone stopped talking. A short blonde woman hustled over to them.

"How can I help you?"

"I have an appointment."

She checked the book. "Jason?"

"Yes."

"Well you're lucky because-"

"Angel, I think I hear the water running in the back. I'll take care of Jason."

Johnny bit his lip so he wouldn't laugh at the look of death on Angel's face.

"I'm Arlene and you can thank me for saving you later."

Jason smirked. "Can you make me look like this again?" he asked as he showed her a picture from his phone.

"Sure, come this way."

Jason sat in the chair. People start to talk again and he is surprised to see someone he knows walk in with another lady.

"Jason Morgan, this is the last place I'd ever think I'd run into you."

"He was scaring me with that hair color. It had to be done," Johnny said.

Epiphany chuckled. "Arlene is good. She'll take care of you."

Another stylist pulled her friend, who has an appointment, over to her station. There is an empty chair next to Jason so Epiphany sat down.

"You should put in some highlights."

"That's so eighties. What's next? You gonna make him rock a Miami Vice suit?"

"What's Miami Vice?" Jason asked.

Arlene frowned. "Is he serious?"

"He has a concussion from getting dropped on his head too many times," Johnny said.

Jason glared. "Feel free to drown him in your sink."

"That would be such a waste of a pretty face."

Johnny glanced at Epiphany. "Did she just call me pretty?"

"Yup."

Arlene mixed up some color. "This should be close to the color you have in the picture."

"Anything is better than what he has," Johnny said.

"He could have purple hair and he'd still be fine," Epiphany said.

A few other ladies agreed and Johnny shook his head.

"Don't be jealous," Jason said. "Remember, you're pretty."

Johnny muttered under his breath.

The door swung open and a girl walked in and gasped. "Johnny?"

"Oh shit."

"This is going to be good," Epiphany said. "I wish I had some popcorn."

A brunette walked up to him and put her hands on her hips. "I have been calling you for two weeks. You gonna sit there and act like you don't know me?"

Johnny sighed and looked up at her, trying to remember her name but failing.

"Honey, I don't think he remembers you," Angel said.

"After all we did that night, he better."

Jason chuckled.

"Amy?"

She clenched her fists. "Who the hell is Amy?"

"I can't believe he doesn't remember you," Epiphany said stirring the pot.

Arlene grinned as she put some more color on Jason's hair. "You're just digging a deeper hole."

"Mmmm hmmm. I've got ten bucks on faux Amy," Epiphany said.

"That's a sucker bet," Jason quipped.

Johnny turned around. "Look, I don't remember your name. I'm sorry. I had a lot to drink that night." He crossed his fingers behind his back. "And you seem like a nice girl."

Her head tilted. "You think I couldn't see that in the mirror?"

Jason looked at Epiphany and they started to laugh.

"Honey, do yourself a favor and walk away. This is making you look bad and I can't let you touch that face. It would be crime to mar it," Arlene said.

The girl rolled her eyes and stomped out.

"I think I owe you one," Johnny said to her.

Epiphany laughed louder. "Some of your expressions were priceless. Johnny, you need to slow your roll and settle down."

"Why?"

"Because some little bitch is going to eventually take you out."

Jason couldn't stop smiling.

"You don't think I could have taken her?"

Piph's eyebrows rose. "Without a weapon? I think she would have taken off her stilettos and beat the crap out of you if she had gotten the chance. Don't underestimate a woman's wrath."

Arlene laughed. "You guys have made my day."

"Epiphany? Do you play poker?" Jason asked.

"I've played a game or two. Why?"

"Because I'm inviting you the next time we play. Anyone who can put Johnny in his place is welcome."

"I don't think I can pass that up. I'll be there."

"Alright, come over to the bowl," Arlene said.

Jason got up and followed her and she washed and conditioned his hair and then quickly dried it.

"Much better," Epiphany said.

Jason looked in the mirror. "Looks good."

"As if you could look bad," Arlene said before taking the drape off.

Jason handed her some money.

"Let me get you some change."

"We're good."

Arlene's mouth dropped open. "I can't take all of this."

Jason smiled warmly. "Take it and do something nice for yourself. I need to get back to my girl."

"She's one lucky woman."

"I'm really lucky too." He gave Epiphany a hug and they left.

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Jason walks into the house just as Liz is coming from the kitchen. "Why are you out of bed?"

She smiled. "I was thirsty. You look fabulous."

"Thanks. I actually had a good time. Let's just say one of Johnny's one night stands came back to haunt him."

"I'm sorry I missed it," she said before sweeping her fingers through his hair.

He gently kissed her. "How are you feeling?"

"Better now that you're back."

"You want to get back in bed?"

"I'll sit out here with you."

They got comfortable and Liz fell asleep in his arms. He loved watching her sleep. Julian walked in and was surprised to see his daughter knocked out.

"You hungry?" he asked.

"A little bit."

"I'll order something. You have anything you're craving?"

"No. I'll eat whatever you want."

"Ribs," Liz muttered.

Julian grinned. "Anything for my little girl."

Liz slightly smiled and Julian went to retrieve the menu.

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The next day, Elizabeth was doing much better. She accompanied Jason back to the penthouse and he showed her around.

"I like it."

"I'm glad because I'm hoping you'll be spending a lot of time with me here."

She smiled. "You can count on it. In fact, I'm staying here tonight which is why I brought a bag with me. You didn't say what I should wear."

"Don't worry about that."

"You're going to clothe me too?"

"If that's okay with you…"

"I trust you."

He kissed her forehead and they went out on the balcony, both looking forward to their evening.

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Elizabeth slipped the blue dress Jason had delivered on and smiled. It is totally her and she likes that he gets her. She checked her hair and makeup one last time and then went downstairs.

"You look beautiful."

"Thank you. You look very handsome."

"Thanks," he said walking towards her. He had on some slacks and a button-down shirt. "You ready?"

"Yes."

They went downstairs and Johnny opened the door for them and they slid inside.

"Do I get a clue?"

"Nope. In fact, I need you to shut your eyes please."

"You're killing me."

Johnny chuckled. They aren't far from their destination and very quickly he pulls up front and Jason got out to assist Elizabeth.

"Keep them closed," he instructed.

"Okay."

He guided her up a flight of stairs and then into a room. "Okay, open them."

Elizabeth gasped. They are in her new gallery space. There is a table in the middle with some lit candles and soft music playing. A man walked up to them and handed her a glass of champagne and Jason a beer.

"Thank you."

He nodded and walked away.

"I can't believe that you did this."

"I think I'd do just about anything for you."

She gazed around the room. "Wait? How did you get in here?"

"Your father."

"I can't believe you all conspired against me."

He pressed his glass against hers. "To us."

"To us."

They took a sip.

"Will you dance with me?" he asked.

"Yes."