Do not own General Hospital or any of the characters.

So this chapter took a turn I didn't expect it would. But have decided to leave it as it is. Its an angst one. This is a warning.

The Flame of Franco

Birthdays

He hadn't meant to stay as long as he had at Carly's, drinking, remembering the little boy that they both loved. Who , despite their best efforts was going to prison. And there was nothing they could do about it. Michael was being sent to prison for killing Claudia. Something they had all tried to stop from happening. His sentence had been a shock to all of them present at the court, including Claire Welsh. Dante had managed to convince Michael to confess to the judge about being the one to kill Claudia. He had thought that the judge would go easy on him. Seeing how the young man had only been protecting his mother and new born sister. That had not been the case. The judge was sending Michael to prison on behalf of how the adults in his life had acted. He was being punished for his parents mistakes. Michael's sentence was a lesson to all of them, that they can't lie for the crimes that they commit. Everyone was convinced that the judge would go easy on Michael, and let him walk with a few hours of community service. Now the young man's life was coming to a stay still once again. Another two years being taken away.

A mixture of emotions had coursed through all of their minds and bodies after leaving that court room, coming to terms with this raw piece of information. Carly, after visiting Michael in lock up, had went to Dante. Revenge was fresh on her mind. She wanted someone to pay for what had happened to her baby boy. The person she blames most was Dante. If it wasn't for him, Michael would still be far away on the Island. Not in shackles waiting to be moved to Pentonville. She had spilled this all to Jason, after he had come to her house. The two of them needed each other more then ever now. Both felt like their worlds had been turned upside down and didn't know where to go from here.

As the two friends confided in each other, Carly kept on repeating "He looked like such a little boy..." She could not digest this fact. Every time she looked at him, she didn't see the man that he had become but the little red head boy who at the age of three knew all the animals that lived in Africa. The little boy who was afraid of the dark. The little boy who would smile bravely at his mom on visit to the dentist. And that is how he looked on at Carly today for the very last time, giving her a brave smile, letting her know that everything would be okay.

In their drunken state, they had agreed on one thing. That Dante was going to pay for his actions. That he would disappear for what he had done. Jason had told this to Carly, as he sipped his six deer, his blue eyes dark with determination and anger. Both wanted revenge. However, Carly had dismissed her friend's idea of killing Dante. It was too risky. Especially when Dante was not only a cop but Sonny's son. There was too much at risk. Carly had explained to Jason that Dante needed to be dismantled piece by piece. Slowly and painfully, until there was nothing left in his life. She was going to go after the people he loved. Destroying his relationship with his mother and Lulu. Making him feel as alone as ever, just like she knew her son was feeling at that moment miles away from the comforts of home.

The night air was warm against his skin as he stepped onto the front step of Carly's home. It had been a while since he had drank so much. He was feeling the effects on him as he stood there, blinking, trying to stop the world from spinning before him. He had switched from beer to a stronger drink about halfway through the evening. He was feeling so much pain, sadness and anger. He had just wanted to shut it all out. Feel numb to the world. He couldn't really remember how he had gotten here as he slowly stumbled down the stone steps and began to walk down the front drive way. It was then slowly, that he staggered his way home.

He had left Sam at home all day. He had promised to call or text after the trial was over, letting her know what happened. But he had not expected Michael to go to prison. After hearing that his nephew was sentenced to two years, all his logic went out the door. He couldn't think clearly. All he could think about was Michael and how he had failed him. Sam had phoned him twice and texted him but he had ignored his phone all day. He had been too busy making sure that Michael would be protected while in jail. He had first paid a visit to Johnny and then next to Anthony. Before visiting Sonny and then lastly Carly. Sam had heard the unfortunate news from Spinelli, hours after the trial had ended.

Sam was hurt that Jason didn't call her but she understood all at the same time as well. So, she found her self waiting up into the early hours of the morning for him. She didn't sleep much nowadays either. So she found it no different from any other night as she sat on the couch, reading a book, waiting for him to come safely home.

Hearing the sound of his key in the lock, Sam placed her book down on the coffee table and glanced over to the digital clock on the DVD player in front of her. It was nearly two in the morning. A wave of nerves washed over her as she turned her attention towards the front door, watching as he staggered into the Penthouse. She could tell immediately that he was drunk.

"Hi," she murmured towards him as she stood up from her seat.

Jason turned suddenly around to face her at this. He hadn't noticed her at first. "Sam," he stated, a little too loudly. He was trying to be quiet as he shut the door behind him but was failing miserably.

"You're drunk!" she stated with a shocked expression. She hadn't been expecting him to be drunk when he came home. He never drank too much.

"I am NOT!" he whispered a little too loudly, shaking his head dramatically from side to side. He was acting very un- Jason like at the moment. Sam couldn't help but smile a little at this. She couldn't help but think how cute he looked at the moment with his wrinkled black shirt and flatten hair.

She then took him by the hand and lead him over to the couch. "Sit," she demanded as she pushed him down slightly on the couch.

"Yes Ma'am!" whispered Jason, grabbing her suddenly by the wrist, pulling her onto his lap. Their eyes then locked with one another. Even know the room was dark, Sam could seen the desire in his eyes. "Jason," she whispered, placing firm hand on his chest. She knew what he wanted. She tried to hold him back but lost the battle as he wrapped his arms firmly around her waist, leaning in and nuzzling her neck. She could smell the alcohol on his breath. "Jason," she murmured again, this time more forceful as he began to trail kisses along her neck.

"Sshhh," he whispered as he pressed his lips against hers. His right hand gripping the back of her head as his left one slide up the loose t-shirt she was wearing. Despite her early resistance towards him, Sam found herself melting underneath his touch. She could taste the beer on his lips as she kissed him back. Their lips parted open and tongues intertwining with each other. Her hands rested on his shoulders as he suddenly lifted her up, so that she was now lying on her back on the couch. They continued to kiss passionately as he towered over her, pushing his erection into her stomach. And it was at that moment he lost all reasonable thought. He no longer wanted to think about anything. He just wanted to feel. He desperately wanted Sam. He didn't want to have to think about how he had failed Michael. How he was questioning everything he had done in the past. How he could had prevented today. He wanted to leave his regret and guilt behind. And be in pure bliss.

"Jason," whispered Sam, pulling her lips away from his. Her hands were resting on his shoulders, gently trying to push him off. His weight was too much for her. His touch was overwhelming. She couldn't handle it.

However, Jason miss heard the whisper of his name as an act of pleasure. "Yes Baby," he moaned as he continued to push him hips into her. His lips were hot against her neck. His hands teasing her nipples through the material of her shirt. He wanted her. He was too lost in his thoughts. Too drunk to notice the tension of Sam's body. The fear in her eyes as she whispered his name again, this time more forcefully, trying to get him to stop as he slid his right hand up her shirt, while the other one fumbled with the draw string of her sweatpants. His breath uncomfortable, hot against her skin as he blew into her ear. Forcing more of his weight on her. Her legs kicked from underneath him but he did not notice. She couldn't breath as she continued to feel the hardness of him through his jeans. "JASON PLEASE," she cried arching her back, using all her weigh to push him off. Again her protest went unnoticed as he slid his hand into her sweatpants, cupping her sex through the material of her panties. Tears filled her eyes as she tried to push Jason's hand away. "Oh baby," he moaned again in her ear, as he slid a finger into her. "JASON STOP!" she cried pushing against his chest. Once again trying to push him off of her. "STOP!" her voice was high and in a panic. she couldn't breathe. She shook her head violently from side to side, trying to get the image of Franco out of her thoughts. This went on for a few moments longer, her begging and cries for him to stop before he came back to reality.

Removing his hands from her suddenly, he sat upright. A look of lost painted on his face. He didn't know what had just happened. What had suddenly came over him to lose all his senses? Trying to regain his breathing, he looked over at Sam. She was standing, her back pressed up against the fire place. Tears streaming down her face. Her brown eyes were staring into him, a look of horror on her face. She was biting her lower lip, trying to hold back a sob. She didn't know who this man was who stood before her. He was a stranger to her. After a moment of staring into his eyes, she couldn't take it anymore. She had to look away as a sudden sick feeling came over her. She was going to throw up.

She could feel the bile rising up her throat.

Jason opened his mouth to say something but quickly closed it. He had no words. He couldn't believe it himself forwhat he had done. Gut wrenching guilt twisted in his stomach as he looked away from her and down at his hands. He looked at them like he had never seen them before. They were stranger's hands, not his own. They couldn't be. "Fuck," he swore under his breath. He had never hated himself more than he did right at that moment. Seeing that look on her face, that look of horror. And it was put there because of him. Never had he hurt someone he loved so much like he just had.

"Get out," whispered Sam harshly too him. She couldn't stand the sight of him at that moment. It hurt too much to look at him. She wanted him to leave. "GET OUT!" she cried louder now, not caring if she awoke Spinelli, who was asleep upstairs.

Jason's blue eyes stared at her sadly. But he did not argue with her as he suddenly stood up and left the Penthouse. He hated himself for what he had done. He was no better then Franco at that moment, he thought.

"Faire Samantha," whispered Spinelli, as he approached where Sam lay on the floor, curled up in front of the fire place. Her muffled cries filling the room. He had awoken from the slamming of the front door. Fearing something was up he came down stairs to find Sam in distress. He knelt down in front of her. He had never seen her like this. Slowly reaching out, he touched her lightly on the shoulder.

Sam flinched suddenly at his touch. She had not heard him come down the stairs. She was lost in her pain. "NO!" she screamed, pushing him away. She thought he was Franco.

Sitting up, she looked at him, finally realising who it was. "I'm sorry," she murmured sadness filling her voice as she hugged her knees to her chest. She felt so lost. She was blinded by her pain. She didn't seem to know who was who anymore.

"It is alright," whispered Spinelli, who was still kneeling in front of her. However, he did not make a move to touch her again. He didn't know what had happened. He figured she had some sort of nightmare about Franco. He hated seeing his friend so hurt and haunted.

"Is Stone Cold home?" he asked, after a moment, sounding hopeful. Spinelli was nervous. He didn't know how to comfort Sam like Jason did.

Sam just shook her head at Spinelli, closing her eyes. She knew that Jason hadn't meant to hurt her like he had. He hadn't been himself. But it still pained her to hear his name. She didn't want to see him. Not until he was somber. Spinelli did not push her any further. He assumed something had happened between them. That is who he heard leave. But did not question her on the matter.

After leaving the Penthouse, Jason walked the streets of Port Charles. He had no place in mind. He was lost in his thoughts. He couldn't believe what he had done to Sam. He had not been thinking. He had been too lost in his own grief he had not seen what he was doing to her. He had acted selfishly. He was still intoxicated but some of the fuzziness had warn off. His head was a little more clearer now then it had been when he arrived home. Rage spread through his body. He was anger at himself for losing control. For drinking too much at Carly's. For taking advantage of Sam. The last time he could remember drinking that much had been the night that Jake had been conceived.

The next morning, Sam was awoken by the ringing of her cell phone. She couldn't remember falling asleep but she figured she must have some time after she had convinced Spinelli she was fine and sent him back to bed. As she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, her body protested as she suddenly sat up. Her whole body ached from sleeping on the hard wood floor. She felt like shit as she rose to her feet in pursuit of her cell phone. She remembered leaving it on the couch somewhere last night, waiting for Jason's call. At the thought of him, it all came back to her, what had happened between them. She didn't know how she felt about it. She didn't blame him. But she didn't forgive him either. Sighing, she finally found her phone beneath the pillows of the couch. Not bothering to see who was phoning, she answer it. "Hello?"

"Sam," spoke the voice on the other line.

"Hi, Mom," sighed Sam, taking a seat on the couch. A part of her was hoping that it was Jason calling. She suddenly missed him.

"What's wrong?" asked Alexis suddenly, noticing the sad tone in her daughter's voice.

"Nothing," lied Sam as she ran a hand through her hair. "I just woke up, that's all."

"Well, you know you can talk to me if something is bothering you," continued on Alexis. She wanted her daughters to trust her. Ever since Kristina's accident, she had become very mother bear.

"I know," whispered back Sam. She knew that she could come to her mother about anything. She just didn't feel like burdening her mother with her problems, when she already had Kristina's to deal with.

"Well, anyways," spoke Alexis, changing the topic. She knew that something was bothering her daughter but she didn't want to push her. "The reason I am phoning you, is to wish my eldest daughter, my first born a very Happy Birthday!"

"But my birthday is not until..." she stopped mid-sentence as she realized it was her birthday. "Shit," she swore underneath her breath. After everything that had happened over the past couple of days, she couldn't believe she had forgotten her own birthday.

"That's right! I'm afraid to tell you, that you are indeed another year older!" chimed in Alexis, teasing her daughter about forgetting her own birthday. Figuring like any women, she didn't want to face the reality that she was another year older.

Sam let out a dry laugh at her mother joke. She didn't want her to have to worry about her, then she already was. The two of them talked for a few moments longer, going over the plans for later on that night. Alexis wanted to celebrate Sam's birthday by having both her and Jason and Maxie and Spinelli over for dinner. Sam had told her that she and Spinelli would be there, but she wasn't too sure on Jason. Alexis had not pushed her on this bit of information. She figured something had happen between them. She would ask her daughter later if she arrived solo at her party.

After hanging up, Sam buried her face into her hands. She couldn't believe that she had forgotten about her birthday being today. Her days had become a blur ever since the trial had started. She had been up with Jason at all hours, who had been worried about the outcome of it. This was the last thing she needed at the moment. She knew this dinner was important to Alexis. It was a rare thing for Sam to celebrate her birthday. But Alexis over the last few years, had made it a thing. She always felt guilty for giving up her daughter for adoption and losing many years together. She wanted to make up for lost time. This year, Sam had finally caved in, giving her mother what she wanted. But now she wasn't really feeling it. She rather spend the day in bed then having to face her family.

Just then Spinelli came bouncing down the stairs, "Well, Good Morning Faire Samantha!" cried the computer hacker. He smiled broadly at his partner in crime. He was clearly happy about something.

"Hi Spinelli," she greeted, returning his smile. However, hers did not seem to reach her eyes.

"Happy Birthday!" spoke the Jackal, coming up and giving her a hug.

"Thank you," she replied, hugging him back. She was touched that he remember.

"The Jackal would give his partner in crime her present but had decided to wait until this evening to give it to you, if that is okay?" rambled on Spinelli, unsure of her response.

"That is fine," answered Sam, laughing at the young man's nervousness. She didn't expect any presents any how.

"And now if you would excuse the Jackal, he is going to prepare a feast of all the Birthday Girl favourite breakfast foods!" and with that Spinelli, left Sam alone once again on the couch, disappearing into the kitchen. Sam tried to stop him but there was no use. Spinelli was going to do what he wanted to do. She couldn't help but smile a little at this. It was nice to be loved, she thought.

Rising to her feet, she made her way upstairs. She was in need of a shower.

While she was in the shower, Jason came home. His head was pounding as he walked through the door, throwing his keys and wallet onto the desk. He couldn't remember the last time he had ever felt this hung over before. After walking around the street for a bit, he had ended up at Robin's house. The two of them talked about Michael until the sun had come up. Robin could tell that Jason was upset by something else other then just Michael, but she had not pushed him. His 200 and something pounded body ached with exhaustion as he looked up towards the stairs, were he could hear the water of the shower going. He assumed it was her as he heard commotion in the kitchen, whom he knew was Spinelli.

Standing there for a moment, he closed his eyes briefly as he rubbed his forehead. He wasn't sure where to go. He just wanted to sleep at the moment. But knew he couldn't sneak into the bedroom. He knew he couldn't go into the kitchen to get an Advil for his head. So he just instead took a seat on the couch, waiting for someone to confront him. He didn't have to wait long as she soon came down the stairs. Her hair hung damp around her face as she slowly walked down the stairs. She didn't notice him at first until he looked up and catch her eye.

Sam stopped a brutally in her path as her brown eyes looked into those pale blue ones. She was surprised to see him. Neither of them spoke as they continued to look at one another.

He stood up slowly, debating if he should go towards her or not. He looked down at his feet for a second before glancing back up at Sam. Her expression said it all. She wasn't too happy to see him. She didn't say a word to him as she looked away and moved in the direction of the kitchen. She was in need of a coffee. She needed to do something with her hands she found. She needed a distraction. She was surprised but it hurt to much to look at him at that moment.

Swearing angrily under his breath, Jason made his way towards the stairs. He knew there was no going after her. He knew he only had himself to blame for what happened between them.

Thanks for reading, Part 2 will be out soon!

Julie