A/N – Thanks for the comments! Glad you like the puppies. One more chapter to go. What a ride it has been. I'm so glad that you commented and went along with me. It's much more fun to be able to interact with you. I'll be posting the new ficlet on Monday.

Chapter 48

When the couple walked into Nathan's room, he was all smiles as they hugged each other.

"Have you been practicing?" Jason asked.

"Oh, yeah. I'm pretty good. You might want to brush up."

"Bring it."

Ric smiled. "Can I get you something to drink?"

"No, we're fine."

"So, what have you been up to?" Nathan asked.

"I'm buying a house."

Nathan was shocked. "Wow. That's a big step."

"Tell him why," Liz said.

Jason whipped out his phone and showed him the puppies.

"Oh my god, they are so cute."

Ric looked over Jason's shoulder and smiled.

"They are gigantic when they grow up and slobber a lot."

"Yuck."

"They are so sweet though. Doreen and Jim have one and we bonded."

"You bonded?" Ric said with a raised bow.

"Is that so difficult to imagine?"

"No, it's not," Nathan said. "I can't wait to see your new house."

"Once the deal is done, we're upgrading it a little. I get the dogs in two weeks, so I'm going to move into the cottage at the Quartermaines for a few weeks."

Ric chuckled. "I'm sure they will like having you close."

"Yeah, I'm a little worried about that."

"You'll be fine," Ric said. "You realize they are relatively harmless."

"You've met Edward and Tracy, right?"

"Yes."

They were interrupted when a loud voice bellowed through the apartment.

"Where is my girl?"

"Does she have a key now?" Jason asked.

"Yes. She has been great helping Nathan."

Jason mumbled something incoherent.

Brenda strode inside and immediately embraced Elizabeth. "Hey, girl."

"It's good seeing you."

"What brings you guys this way?"

Liz filled her in.

"I can't believe you are buying a house for a dog."

"It's a free country, Brenda. I'd buy one for your mouth if it would keep you quiet." It wasn't the only reason he is buying the house. He really wants Elizabeth living with him too.

She smacked him on the arm. "You're so mean."

"And you wouldn't have me any other way."

She grabbed his face and planted a kiss on his forehead just to piss him off. Jason grabbed her and threw her over his shoulder, walked into the living room, and then put her out on the balcony.

"Jason!"

She banged on the window as he walked away.

"Much better," he said with a smile.

Nathan laughed. "You're so wrong."

Ric went to let her in.

"We'll probably go walk around tomorrow. Do you need anything?" Jason asked.

"I really want dessert from down the street, but I'm trying to watch my figure," Nathan said.

Jason's forehead wrinkled. "Why?"

"I don't want to get fat since I'm not moving around as much."

"You haven't been fat a day in your life," Brenda said before messing up Jason's hair.

In return, he messed up hers. They would never admit it, but they missed each other. It is crazy relationship, but it's theirs.

"That's the point. I don't want to start now."

"I'd love you regardless," Ric said.

Liz smiled. She had finished the sketch she had done and Alex was having it framed so he could deliver it Saturday night. "Come on Brenda. We need some girl talk."

They went into the living room.

"You have to see these pictures," she said handing her phone over.

"Oh, my god! Milo is totally whipped isn't he?"

"Yes."

She gasped when she saw Johnny's face. "Damn. I never thought I'd see the day."

"He is so far gone, but it's nice to see."

She busted up when she saw Jason's death glare. "Why was he staring like that? I swear he's going to get early wrinkles."

"Well, another artist was dancing with me. We go way back and Jason had a little freak out."

"Is he still alive?"

"Yup. You'll meet him tomorrow night."

"He must have some major cajones to show his face around Jason."

Liz laughed. "They have been in each other's presence since then. I told Jason he isn't allowed to kill my artists."

Brenda joined her as they both cracked up.

"I can't wait to meet him."

"He's a big flirt and very talented."

"Cool. I'll look forward to it and you must send me some of those pictures."

"Sure."

The boys joined them. Nathan hobbled out on crutches and sat in the wheelchair.

"I hate seeing you like this," Liz said.

He adjusted the position of his leg.

"I can't wait until it's just a memory."

Jason phone vibrated and he stood to pull it out of his pocket and then answered it. "Diane?"

"Hello. Are you in town?"

"No. I'm at Ric's."

"Well, they accepted your offer."

"Yes!"

Diane grinned. Jason usually isn't very animated unless he is pissed. "If you can swing by the house tomorrow, I'll have the contract here for you to sign. I'll give them a cashier's check first thing in the morning on Monday, and it will just take a few days for you to get the keys."

"Excellent."

"I'll see you tomorrow. Congratulations."

"Thanks Diane."

"We got it?"

"Yes. We should have the keys by the middle of the week."

"You work fast," Ric said.

"Diane is that good." Since Jason is paying with cash, there isn't a mortgage company involved so it was an easy transaction.

Ric passed out some drinks. "A toast, to Jason and Elizabeth."

They drank and chatted for a while about the house and their plans. Ric is very happy for Jason. It had been a long time coming that he smiled more than he frowned.

When Jason went out to the balcony, Ric followed.

"Happiness looks good you."

Jason slightly smiled. "Thanks. I owe that to Elizabeth."

"She's beautiful inside and out."

"How are you doing?"

"It's been rough, but I'll be glad when Nathan can get back to his normal routine. He misses it."

"You know, if there is anything I can do, you just have to ask."

Ric patted Jason on the back. "I know we became unlikely friends, and I tease you a lot, but I was just trying to draw you out."

"I know."

The door opened and Liz joined them.

Ric hugged her and then kissed her on the head before going back inside.

Jason pulled his girl into his arms and then pressed his lips against hers.

"What was that for?"

"I missed your mouth."

She smiled. "Can we go to the museum tomorrow?"

"Sure."

The next day, they walked around the City, making sure to go to a few museums and then they went back to Ric's and got changed. Elizabeth is excited to give Ric the sketch of Nathan.

Felix joined them along with Ric's secretary and a few of Nathan's friends.

When the doorbell rang, Jason got it.

Alec stuttered for a moment. "Um, can I come in?"

Jason pretended to think about it. "Do you promise not to dance with my girl?"

"Yes."

Jason stepped backwards and Alec moved inside. Elizabeth quickly crossed the room and gave him a hug.

"Are you trying to piss him off?"

"No. He's fine."

"Is he staring?"

Liz looked around Alex and Jason's eyes were narrow and she gave him a look to behave. "Come on." They entered the living room. "Everyone, this is Alex."

He put down the big bag he was carrying and she introduced him. When they came to Brenda, his demeanor definitely changed. "You are more beautiful in person."

Brenda smiled. "Thank you. Can I get you a drink?"

"I'll have a beer, please."

"Coming right up."

Nathan chuckled when Jason rolled his eyes. "Is he jealous?"

Liz shook her head. "You have no idea."

Alec handed the bag to Ric. "This is for you from Elizabeth."

Ric gave her a smile before pushing back the tissue paper. He pulled out the picture and is silent as he studied it. She had really captured what a beautiful person Nathan is inside and out and he appreciated the detail. "This is extraordinary."

Brenda handed Alec the beer and then gazed at the sketch. "Elizabeth, this is awesome."

Everyone took turns admiring it. Finally, Ric handed it to Nathan and then hugged Elizabeth.

"This means so much to me."

"I'm glad you like it."

"I love it and I'm putting it up in our bedroom. Thank you so much."

She gave Nathan a hug and then Ric turned up the music and everyone began to chat and have a good time. At one point, an amused Nathan watched Alec work his magic with Brenda. She was showing him some pictures from her phone. Alec took it from her and was looking at them as they laughed. A song came on and when he asked her to dance, she forgot to take it back. He put his arms around her as they started to sway. Liz brushed by and took it from his hand and rushed into the bedroom. Luckily, Jason was distracted by Ric and didn't notice.

She ran into her bathroom and quickly went into Brenda's video folder. She found one labeled Jason and pushed play.

Brenda started to laugh. "Did you really think I'd make it that easy, Jason? The joke is on you. That video is in a vault and there is no way you'll ever get your grubby little hands on it." She blew a kiss and then it ended.

"Damn her," she said before shutting it off and running back out. She put it in Alec's hand right as the song ended and then plopped next to Jason.

"Where did you go?"

"Bathroom."

He kissed her. "I missed you."

Brenda laughed at something Alec said.

"I think she likes him."

"If he can keep her busy and away from me, then so be it."

"Dance with me."

He made a face, but stood. She smiled and they moved a couple of steps away and he drew her closer. "The only time I like doing this is with you." He glanced over at Alec when she said nothing. "Aren't you supposed to say that back?"

She laughed. "I love you, Jason Morgan."

"I love you too."

RIc smiled. They have become his favorite couple.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

The next morning, they ate breakfast with everyone. And even though they will miss their friends, they are excited for Jason to sign the papers for the house.

"Brenda and Alec hit it off. I saw her give him her number," Nathan said.

"They are having breakfast together right now," Felix said.

Liz's mouth dropped open. "That is why she stood us up?"

"Yup."

"That is just so wrong."

"I think it's great," Jason said.

"Max and I had a bet that you'd end up with Brenda," Ric said nonchalantly.

Jason started choking on his juice and Liz patted him on the back.

"Are you trying to kill him?"

Rick laughed. "Sorry, but they were fighting all the time and we thought maybe they'd have hate sex."

Jason swallowed some water and then stared him down. "Ric."

"Yes, Jason."

"You should start running now."

Felix slid back. "Just don't accidentally take me out with him."

"Felix! I thought you had my back."

"I know I'm a diva, but I am not certifiable."

"I think I just lost my appetite," Jason said wiping his mouth.

Ric grinned.

"You are not getting out of here without playing a game of Madden against me," Nathan said.

"You're on. Let's go before the subject goes back to you know who."

Nathan guided the wheel chair to the living room and Jason followed.

"Alright, now that they are gone, how are we getting this video from Brenda?"

"We could tie her down and refuse to let her pee until she spills," Felix said.

"Tempting…"

Ric grinned. "I think it's on her computer."

"I've tried that. It's not there," Felix said.

"Did you look at every video?" Liz asked.

"No, but there is nothing named Jason or anything close."

"She's not going to name it Jason's blackmail video. You have to think outside the lines," Liz said.

"Yeah, like it could be something girly like swatches or baby kittens," Ric said.

Felix grinned. "Alright, I'll look again. I know her password because I peeked when she changed it last week."

"Don't fail me, Felix."

"You can depend on me."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

They said their goodbyes. Surprisingly, Nathan legitimately beat Jason. After hugs were exchanged, they headed home and signed the paperwork.

The next week, much to Jason's chagrin, they went shopping a lot. Between going to the store and shopping online, they had most of the rooms done fairly quickly. Liz was trying to figure out paint options while Jason was making plans for the basement. Their friends helped them the best they could.

Finally, it was time to pick up Jim and Doreen at the airport.

"There they are," Liz said as she pointed.

Doreen grinned. "There's my girl."

When they finally made it to their friends, everyone embraced and greeted one another.

"It's good seeing you," Jason said.

"We had a blast. Thank you so much."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"I have so many pictures to show you," Doreen said before walking towards the exit arm in arm with Elizabeth.

"You can stay at the house tonight and drive home in the morning."

"Perfect."

"We'll get the luggage," Jim said disappearing down an escalator with Jason.

"I guess we better follow them," Liz said redirecting them. They hadn't been paying attention.

"How is the house coming along?"

Liz had texted her the good news.

"I might need your opinion on a few things. Jason just agrees to everything."

"I'm your girl," Doreen said.

They found the guys just as the luggage started to drop onto the carrousel.

"So, I have something I want to show you."

Liz got her phone ready.

"What's up?" Jim asked.

Jason handed him the piece of paper with his fake driving credentials.

"What's this?" Jim's mouth dropped open as he read it. "What the hell?"

Liz snapped the picture. "That was so good."

"Tell me this isn't real."

Jason put his arm around Doreen. "I won over your wife and dog, now your truck will want to come live with me too."

Jim shook his head. "You're just wrong." He looked at his wife who had her arms around Jason's waist. "And why are you cuddling up to him? You really think Elizabeth will share?"

Liz grinned.

"You've got a point."

"That's what I thought."

"It's fake," Jason said.

"You just had to mess with me as soon as I got home."

Jason shrugged.

"Poor baby," Doreen said moving towards her husband. She kissed him and Jim saw a suitcase out of the corner of his eye.

He ripped his lips away. "Jason—that one…"

Jason grabbed it at the last second.

"Sorry, I was distracted."

Doreen smiled and stepped back so the guys could get the rest of them. "So, how's the desk working out for you?"

Liz blushed and Doreen laughed.

"Already?"

"Yes and I owe you lunch or something."

"I don't know if you can afford me. I feel like I have a tapeworm. I just don't get full."

Liz laughed.

They got the bags into the truck and Jason drove them to Liz's house.

"So, when do you pick up the puppies?"

"We go this weekend."

"Can we meet you there?"

"I don't see why not."

"We'll bring Chloe so she can meet her competition."

Jason smiled. "I know you're going to go home and tell her that I'm cheating on her."

"She's a female, so she probably already knows."

They spent the rest of the night looking at vacation pictures and Doreen helped Liz make some decorating plans.