Category Archives: Alternate History

January 30, 2014

This entry is part 5 of 6 in the A Second Chance

Jason blinked. I either stop you from leaving town or go with you.

He sat back and stared at her, a little stunned. He was a rational, literal man. He believed that Elizabeth truly believed she’d traveled back in time. And hell, he was inclined to believe it. She was still Elizabeth–still the bright, beautiful, sparkling girl she’d been yesterday.

But today she was different. She still had her curly hair, but her eyes–still ocean blue–had lost some innocence, a little bit of their sparkle. She didn’t look as sad as she had when he first met her–she looked a little more miserable, actually. The Elizabeth sitting in front of him might as well have come from three years from now.

But Jason had only admitted to himself that he was attracted to her. For all he knew–three years from now, he was hopelessly in love with her. But if he was, why would he sleep with Sonny’s sister–or anyone else for that matter? This wasn’t like Robin where they couldn’t be together.

He wasn’t sure he was ready for Elizabeth to become such a permanent part of his life. If he left town, it was probably a good idea to do that anyway. He didn’t really want to screw up the future. But to bring her with him? Let her pack up her life, say goodbye to family and friends and come with him?

Elizabeth smirked. “Not an easy decision to make on the spot, huh?” she asked.

He frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?” he asked.

She shrugged. “Well, you asked me to do it once. Asked me to come with you. Just go away and then you didn’t even have the nerve to tell me how you felt. Told me to see the world. I could do it with you if I wanted to. Not once did you ever open your mouth about how you felt.” Elizabeth shook her head. “I admit an hour before that I want more than a friendship and you ask for everything. It’s not fun to be put on the spot, is it?”

Jason scowled. “That wasn’t fair.”

“Neither was asking me to go with you and never telling me how you felt,” Elizabeth retorted. She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I’m talking to the wrong Jason again.”

He frowned. “If I’m such a jerk, why’d you put up with me for so long?”

“You’re not a jerk!” Elizabeth protested. She pursed her lips. “You’re just confused.”

“Confused.”

“You’re sleeping with Sonny’s sister,” Elizabeth reminded him. “You don’t want to tell anyone, much less Sonny. And since you’re married to Brenda, who’s under suspicion for murder…” Elizabeth stopped. “You know what? I really should stop telling you what’s going to happen.” She sighed. “And I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, too. I’ve hurt you probably worse than you ever hurt me.”

“I doubt that,” Jason replied.

Elizabeth sighed and looked away. “Yeah, well, I’m hoping I can change that because you are the last person I ever wanted to hurt.”

He reached out and took her hand. “Same goes for me. I’m sorry for whatever pain I might have caused,” Jason told her, sincerely.

“Once again, it’s not your fault,” Elizabeth murmured. She sighed. “I really think that you leaving next month is the big thing I was sent here to change. I think you need to leave. I’m not sure what happened, you know…we never talked about it. You just said something happened and you needed to figure out how to live through it.”

“The reason I went to the boxcar that night…” Jason began. He looked down at her hand in his. Tightened his grip. “I had a meeting that night…Sonny was supposed to go, but I went instead. I was shot and I went to the penthouse to get help.”

Elizabeth frowned at him. “But then, why did you…” She stopped. Understanding dawned in her eyes. “That’s when it happened.”

“He was just sitting on the couch,” Jason said quietly, looking down. “He wouldn’t look at me.” He met her eyes. “And then Carly came down the stairs. Wearing his shirt.”

“Oh, Jason,” Elizabeth murmured. She brought her other hand up to touch his face. “That must have been so…”

“I’m not in love with her,” Jason told her. “I think I convinced myself that I was, but I…it was more of the idea. You know…with Michael.”

“A family,” Elizabeth supplied.

“Right,” Jason agreed. “It’s just…I don’t understand what makes her do the things she does sometimes. I think I understand her…I think I know her and she does something like this. But Carly’s always doing stupid things. I’m pretty much used to the backwards way she thinks. But…” Jason stopped and looked away.

“But?” Elizabeth prompted.

“Sonny,” Jason said softly. “He was my best friend. I know he was trying to prove to me what kind of person Carly is…but that…that’s not the way to go about it, you know?”

“I know,” Elizabeth replied. “And sometimes, it’s that kind of act…it’s hard to forget. Hard to forgive. But…you did it,” she said. She squeezed his hand. “If it’s any consolation…you, Sonny and Carly…you all get past this.”

“Really?” Jason asked, a tinge of disbelief in his voice. “But you said they get married. I assume Michael lives with them. I’m still friends with them?”

“Yeah,” Elizabeth confirmed. “I don’t get why…but I never asked. Your friendship with Carly, mostly…it’s something I don’t understand and I really don’t want to either. It works for you. She asks for something, you deliver.” Elizabeth bit her lip. “Which is probably why you married Brenda. I know Carly had to be feeling insecure about her marriage with Brenda back. Sonny certainly seemed to be bending over backwards to help her.”

“Let me get this straight…Carly, the woman who has slept with my best friend…married AJ in some weird way to get Michael and come back to me…I marry Brenda Barrett to so she’s out of Sonny’s way?” Jason asked, skeptically.

“Yeah, it does seem a little strange, huh?” Elizabeth shrugged. “I told you, Jason. You’re not the same three years from now. You know you love to let people live their own lives and you’re all about doing what you want when you want…but you’re not like that anymore.”

He exhaled slowly and looked down. “So, I turn my life over to Sonny and Carly.”

“In essence, yeah,” Elizabeth agreed. “You’re all about the job. You don’t have the time to call me and tell me you’re alive–you use your job as an excuse for everything.” Elizabeth smirked. “Like why you watched Courtney strip.”

“I did what?” Jason asked, jerking his eyes back up to meet hers. “I go to a strip club?”

“Apparently,” Elizabeth replied. “I don’t really know. I overheard AJ accusing you of doing it. I asked you and you told me it was business. Then I saw the lipstick.” She frowned. “You know, I never did find out if that was Brenda or Courtney’s lipstick on your neck.”

“I’ve never set foot in a strip club,” Jason said, ignoring the rest of her comment. “I don’t get why I would want to.”

“Man, I miss you,” Elizabeth murmured, shaking her head.

“The future sounds pretty…” Jason hesitated, looking for the right word. “Sounds kind of bleak.”

“Yeah, it does,” Elizabeth agreed. “Man, I have a whole list of things I’m doing differently. First of all, I’m gonna punch Lucky the first time he tells me to be with Nikolas.” She started ticking the things off on her fingers. “I am saying no to the rave and I am not letting Emily within five feet of Juan Santiago, that’s for damn sure. Let’s see…Gia Campbell is gonna get cold-cocked when she tries to blackmail me.” Elizabeth grinned. “I’m going to rip her little braids out, and then–”

“Whoa, whoa,” Jason said, chuckling. “Calm down. First things, first.” He took a deep breath. “Were you serious about the coming with me thing?”

Elizabeth frowned. “That depends. Why?”

“I think…” he shrugged a little. “I think we could both use a vacation. We can go as friends,” Jason continued. “And then…well, who really knows?” He held out his free hand. “So?”

“I am not screwing this up again,” Elizabeth said firmly, placing her hand in his. “I am so in.”

This entry is part 4 of 6 in the A Second Chance

“I think I know what I’m supposed to do!”

Jason regarded her suspiciously. “I’m not going to like this idea, am I?”

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “You know, I forgot how paranoid you used to be.” She frowned. “You know you’re still paranoid, you just weren’t as annoying as you are now.” Her frown deepened. “Well…you’re paranoid in a really annoying way three years from now…”

“Right,” Jason said, hopelessly lost.

“Anyway,” Elizabeth drawled. “I think I understand why I woke up here instead of like next April.”

“Next April?” Jason asked. “What did you do next April?”

“Uh…I chose Lucky over someone I really wanted to be with…anyway–”

“Over who?” Jason asked, a wicked gleam in his eye. Elizabeth folded her arms and glared at him.

“You know who, so don’t be so irritating,” she retorted. “You know, this has got to be the strangest conversation I’ve ever had.” Elizabeth snorted. “Then again, you manage to carry on conversations with Carly, so maybe it’s not all that strange for you.”

“So,” Jason asked, unable to resist. “How long did it take before we got together?”

“What?” Elizabeth asked, blinking in surprise.

“I’m just kind of confused by the timeline of events,” Jason replied. “So, I’m just curious–in next April, we were obviously at a point where we had feelings for each other or there’d be no reason to choose Lucky over me.”

“You know, you’re a lot quicker than some people give you credit for,” Elizabeth said. “You know, I never asked you that. I assumed it was because of all the time you spent in my studio that winter.” She eyed him. “Do you have plans to leave town?”

He looked startled. “How did you know that?”

“You little stinker,” she said, punching him in the arm. “You were already thinking about it?”

“Wait, wait, do I leave town or something?” Jason asked. “I’ve only thought about it in passing. I didn’t really give it any real consideration.”

“Oh…well, you leave town next month. You come back in August, but then you leave again. You come back next January, but you leave in April. You finally came back in May of 2002–”

“Why did I come and go so often?” Jason interrupted.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “How in the hell should I know? You have crazy reasons, sometimes.”

“Oh, really?” Jason asked. “You know, you avoided my question.”

“What question would that be?” Elizabeth asked innocently.

Taking a chance he never would have yesterday, Jason leaned forward just a little, bringing his face within a few inches of hers. “So tell me,” he said, lowering his voice. “If we dated for…eight seconds, as you say…where was our first kiss?”

“Uh…” Elizabeth blinked, trying to clear her thoughts and concentrate on the question rather the nearness of the man in front of her. “Our first kiss?” she repeated a little faintly.

He resisted the urge to smile. He’d actually thought about kissing Elizabeth for weeks, but she was so young and still mourning Lucky. If her story was to be believed, she was three years older, no longer cared about Lucky and if her behavior the entire morning so far could be trusted, she was definitely attracted to him.

He closed the distance a little–another inch or so. “Yeah,” he confirmed. “Our first kiss. I assume we’ve had one.”

“We’ve had one or two,” Elizabeth replied softly.

Their lips were now two inches apart and he could tell it was affecting her–her breathing was a little shallow and slightly erratic. “So where was it?” he asked, completely amused by the entire situation.

“Here,” she breathed, her eyes locked on his lips. “In the studio.”

“Really,” he replied. “So, how was it?”

“It was okay,” Elizabeth replied, not really paying attention to his questions.

“Okay?” he raised his eyebrows. “Is that it? Well…I should try to be more memorable in the future.” Without waiting for any kind of answer from her, he closed the distance and kissed her.

It was strange set of coincidences. Elizabeth had kissed Jason before, but he’d never kissed her.

He meant for the kiss to be short–as just a way to prove to both of them that the attraction three years from now had started here in this studio while he was recuperating from the gunshot wound. He’d never dreamed she’d seen him this way–not now, while she was still mourning Lucky.

But Elizabeth must be telling the truth, because the girl sitting in front of him was no longer the girl who’d lost Lucky. She was the woman who’d lost him, found him and apparently thrown him back.

But just like everything else between Elizabeth and Jason, the kiss was out of control the second their lips touched. Her eyelids fluttered shut and her fingers threaded through his hair. She kissed him back with an intensity that surprised him. She matched every thrust of his tongue.

When he finally pulled back, Elizabeth licked her lips, smiled and then opened her mouth. “You know…that works so much better when you’re not walking away afterwards.”

“I walked away after kissing you?” Jason asked, startled. “What, was I nuts?”

“Probably,” Elizabeth replied. “No, the last time we kissed, it was during your entire it’s too dangerous to know me much less date me phase. Although,” Elizabeth continued, frowning, “I notice that doesn’t seem to apply to Courtney,”

“Sonny’s sister again,” Jason said, nodding.

“Yeah, well, I think you’re just using her for sex,” Elizabeth joked, looking away. She looked towards the tree. “I forgot how much fun I had this Christmas.”

“I’d never do that,” Jason said, sounding insulted.

“Do what?” she asked, swinging her eyes back to him.

“Use someone for sex,” Jason said. He frowned. “Well…not again. And definitely not Sonny’s sister.”

“Not again?” Elizabeth repeated. “Oh…Carly.” She shrugged. “Well, I’d never sleep with someone who drugged me, but hey, we all do things we wouldn’t normally when things are going crazy.”

“You were drugged?” Jason asked.

“Um…” Elizabeth bit her lip. “Maybe.”

“And you slept with him?” Jason asked. “What, before or after?”

“After,” Elizabeth answered reluctantly. “But it was like two years after and he’s a completely different person now,” she said, defensively. “And it was just that one time because I was really scared–”

“Who was it and why did he drug you?” Jason demanded.

“You know what?” Elizabeth said, “This is getting us nowhere.” She was not about to tell him it was Zander. “None of this stuff has actually happened.” She frowned. “You’re not…jealous…are you?” she asked, smiling at the thought.

“No,” Jason said, scowling.

“Right,” Elizabeth replied, clearing not believing him.

“So, you said you knew what you had to do?” Jason prompted.

“Oh, right. I completely forgot about that,” Elizabeth replied. She shifted on the couch. “Well, it’s actually really simple. I’m surprised I didn’t think of it before.”

“You gonna tell me?” Jason asked.

She grinned. “I either stop you from leaving town or go with you.”

This entry is part 3 of 6 in the A Second Chance

“Whoa, whoa, I’m married to Brenda?”

Elizabeth started to giggle. “The look on your face!”

Jason shook his head. “Now, I know you’re crazy. Why would I marry Brenda?”

She took a deep breath to control her giggles and said, “I don’t really know. I think she was sick or something.”

“Yeah, but why would I marry her?” Jason asked. “Do you have any idea how irritating that woman was?”

“Don’t ask me,” Elizabeth said. “I had to find out from Courtney.”

“Wait, who’s Courtney?” Jason asked. “And why wouldn’t I tell you myself?”

“Are you blocking out the fact that we’re not talking?” Elizabeth asked. “Courtney’s Sonny’s sister, although I think he should ask for a DNA test.”

“And we’re not talking because I lied to you,” Jason said.

“There’s that, and the fact that you ignored me, you guarded Courtney personally while I got a stupid guard at the penthouse door,” Elizabeth ticked off the reasons, “Not to mention you’re sleeping with her and you told me it was too dangerous…”

“Wow, did I do anything right?” Jason asked. “Wait, I’m confused.”

“Yeah? Me, too,” Elizabeth grumbled. “You know, I got shot at–I would think I warranted better protection. Courtney got some heavy breathing. Johnny could have taken care of that.”

“You were shot at?” Jason repeated. “You know, I don’t think I’m liking the future all that well.”

“Makes two of us,” Elizabeth muttered. “I was also kidnapped, too. And I got shot–well, grazed by a bullet.”

“Was this because of me?” Jason asked, dreading the answer.

“Oh, here we go,” Elizabeth said, rolling her eyes. “Yes, I was kidnapped because they thought I was your girlfriend, I’ll give you that one. But Zander’s the one who picked up the gun I got shot with…” She frowned. “He was pointing it at you because you were trying to beat up Roy.”

“Who’s Zander?” Jason asked. “Can you write a list so I can keep these people straight?”

Elizabeth glared at him. “Are you teasing me again?”

“No, no. Really, who’s Zander?”

“He’s a boyfriend of Emily’s you’re not gonna like,” Elizabeth replied.

“Well, if he goes around shooting you, I can see why.”

“Well, that’s not why you don’t like him,” Elizabeth replied. “Anyway, I also got shot at because I was with Zander.”

“Wait, I thought you were my girlfriend–or was this when we weren’t speaking?” Jason asked.

“You thought I liked Zander,” Elizabeth explained. “But I didn’t. And I wasn’t with Zander like that. I was sitting next to him when someone else was aiming at him.”

“Okay, so let me see if I’ve got this straight,” Jason said. “Three years from now, Emily’s dating a guy named Zander–”

“They broke up from two years from now,” Elizabeth cut in. “She doesn’t live in town right now. She had a car accident and she’s away in therapy.”

“Emily was in a car accident?” Jason repeated.

“She’s all right,” she said quickly. “She’s coming home in two months.” Elizabeth frowned. “Well, three years and two months from now.”

“Okay, Emily dated a guy named Zander who I don’t like who shot you, got you shot at and I think you like him. We’re not talking because I didn’t tell you Sonny was faking his death and because I ignored you. I’m married to Brenda, who’s alive but I’m sleeping with Courtney, who’s Sonny sister, but she’s married too.”

“Wow, that sounds really weird when you put it like that,” Elizabeth said. “But, in a nutshell, that’s it.”

“And that’s just three years from now,” Jason said. “I don’t want to know what happened before that, do I?”

She shook her head. “No, probably not.”

“So, were we dating?” Jason asked.

“For about eight seconds,” Elizabeth replied, bitterly. “Then you lied to me.”

“I’m sorry,” Jason said. “I think.”

She shrugged. “Still not your fault. I’m just having a hard a time separating the two of you.”

“Yeah, not the first time that’s happened to me,” Jason said.

She bit her lip and looked down. “Sorry. I just…it’s really weird talking to you right now. Back…well…there…we haven’t spoken since September, not really. A few conversations here and there, but we’ve mostly been on the outs. Couple that with Brenda and Courtney and then waking up to find myself back before things got complicated…” she exhaled slowly. “I’m really not in the right frame of mind right now.”

Jason shrugged. “Can’t say I blame you. So, what are you going to do?”

“I have no idea,” Elizabeth said. She sighed and leaned her head against the back of the couch. “I wish I knew why this is happening. I don’t think I’m dreaming now, but I also don’t think I was dreaming the last three years either.” She turned her head to look at him. “You think I’m here to correct a major mistake and then once that’s done, I get to go back?”

“Possible,” Jason replied.

“But I don’t remember making any mistakes at this point,” Elizabeth protested. “I mean, until Lucky came back–”

“Came back?” Jason repeated. “What are you talking about?”

“Oh…I forgot to tell you,” Elizabeth said. She grimaced. “Lucky’s not dead. He’s being held by Faison, one of Luke’s enemies. Helena Cassadine and Faison have brainwashed him and eventually it’s going to start up this huge Cassadine/Spencer war all over again.” She wrinkled her nose. “I am so not faking my death again.”

“Faking your death?” Jason echoed. “Are you sure you weren’t dreaming that part?”

Elizabeth glared at him. “I remember taking poison that could potentially kill me. I don’t think I dreamed that or the month I spent on Sonny’s island.”

“Okay. So, you were saying about mistakes and Lucky?” Jason prompted.

“Well, until Lucky came back, I was doing pretty well. I was standing up for myself, not letting people shove me around. But once he came home, I had to go back to being the girl I’d been before the fire.”

“Why?” Jason asked. “Why go back to someone you used to be?”

Elizabeth snorted. “If I’d known Lucky was gonna sleep with Sarah, I would have done a lot of things…” She sat up with a start and turned to him, her eyes excited. “I think I know what I’m supposed to do!”

This entry is part 2 of 6 in the A Second Chance

“Okay, wait a second.” Jason shifted his position, straightened his legs out so there wasn’t as much pressure on his wound.

“You okay?” Elizabeth asked, automatically. Old habits die hard, she thought bitterly.

“Yeah, yeah. You, um, want to run that by me one more time?” Jason asked.

“I told you. Three years from now. We’re not talking and you–”

“I’m sleeping with Sonny’s sister,” Jason replied. “Yeah, I caught that. Elizabeth, Sonny doesn’t have a sister.”

“Yeah, well, she didn’t show up until last year.” Elizabeth stopped. “Well, two years from now. Anyway, you’re sleeping with her.” She grimaced. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

“Wait, wait, you wanna back up a little?” Jason asked. “Why aren’t we talking?”

“Because you lied to me,” Elizabeth replied. “You know what? This might not be a conversation we should be having.”

“Why?” Jason asked. “It was probably a dream, Elizabeth. No big deal.”

“No.” Elizabeth shook her head. “It couldn’t have been a dream. I mean, I couldn’t have lived three years and…” she paused. “Well, a lot of unbelievable things did happen. I mean, I faked my death, I got kidnapped, Lucky came back from the dead, he was brainwashed, oh and he attacked you…” Elizabeth stopped. “You know, the more I think about it, the more I really hope it was a dream.”

“See?” Jason said. “It was just a dream.”

“You know, not all of it was bad,” Elizabeth said, pushing herself up into a standing position.

“Really?” Jason asked, following her to the tree. “What was good?”

She turned back and looked at him hesitantly. It did not seem like a good time tell him that she knew what it felt like to kiss him. That might not go over well. “Well…I got to see Lucky again,” Elizabeth said. “Even if he was a little strange. I mean, he did push me to be with Nikolas, and then he attacked you–twice nonetheless. He also told me to stay away from you…” She trailed off. “You know what? Never mind.”

She paused in front of the Christmas tree and felt rush of déja vu. Would he be giving her a leather jacket?

Would he be moving out of the studio in a few days?

She grimaced. Would he be leaving next month?

How could it have been a dream? She would have woken up, and whatever would have happened would have melted away, and she would feel like she had before. She’d be glad Jason was there and she’d be missing Lucky.

And right now, she was glad she and Lucky had broken up and she wished Jason would leave, because seeing him was reminding her a lot of things she would rather forget.

This was a surreal situation. Had she been dreaming…or was she dreaming now?

“Elizabeth.”

She blinked and looked up at him. “Hmm….what?”

“You’re still thinking about that dream, aren’t you?” Jason asked, joining her next to the tree. He reached out and took a wrapped box that Elizabeth was suddenly sure held the leather jacket she didn’t wear anymore because it reminded her of Jason and better times.

“I can’t help it,” Elizabeth replied. She reached for one the boxes to hand to Jason. At least she knew he’d like the shirt she’d bought him. “It felt so real. I mean, how could I have dreamt three years in one night and have it feel like three years?”

Jason shrugged. “Don’t know. I don’t dream.”

“Yeah, well, you’re lucky,” Elizabeth said. “Because this is just…I mean, I don’t feel like I did yesterday.”

“What’s different?” he asked. He handed her the box. “Here.”

“Thanks,” Elizabeth said. “Here’s yours.”

“You didn’t–”

“Yes, I did.” Elizabeth bit her lip. “Jason, I don’t think I was dreaming. Because I feel so different. I mean, I don’t feel like I’m in love with Lucky anymore. I don’t even miss him.”

“Elizabeth, there’s no other explanation,” Jason said. “I mean, you’re not dreaming now, right?”

“Okay, let me prove it to you,” Elizabeth said. She held up the box. “If I can tell you what you got me before I open it, will you believe me?”

“How do I know you didn’t peek?” Jason asked, warily.

“Because I didn’t,” Elizabeth insisted. “Come on, you know when I’m lying, don’t you?” She bit her lip and looked down then. “At least you used to.”

“Elizabeth…does this have anything to do with what happened in your dream?” Jason asked, leaning towards her.

“A little,” she admitted. “I know, I know, holding you responsible for something you either did in a dream or aren’t going to do for another three years is stupid, but hey, I’ve never been the world’s most logical or rational person.”

“All right,” Jason agreed. “If you can guess what I got you, then I’ll believe you.”

“Okay.” Elizabeth looked down at the box and then back at him. “It’s a black leather jacket.”

He frowned. “You sure you didn’t peek?” he asked.

“I’m positive. In fact, this is my going to be my favorite jacket,” she told him. “I’m going to wear it all the time unless it’s too hot. I’ll wear it right up until we stop speaking.”

“Well, I’m glad you like it,” Jason said. “So…”

“You believe me now?” Elizabeth asked. “Because something’s happening and it’s really weird. I swear, Jason, when I went to sleep last night, the studio was empty, I was by myself and I woke up back here. And it’s freaking me out.”

“So, why aren’t we talking again?” Jason asked, pulling the wrapping off his own gift. He pulled out the long-sleeved black shirt. “Hey, thanks.”

“No problem,” Elizabeth replied. “I told you. You lied and ignored–you know what…it doesn’t really matter.” She moved past him to grab some clothes to change into. He grabbed her arm.

“Hey, wait a second.” He studied her for a second. “Are you trying to tell me that I lied to you and ignored you?”

She bit her lip and shifted. “Yeah.”

“Why?” Jason asked. “I mean…I don’t lie. So, are you sure I did?”

“Well, you didn’t exactly lie,” Elizabeth said. She put her hands on her hips and raised her eyebrows. “You just let me believe Sonny was dead. I suppose that makes it better.” Shrugging, she continued, “You also never came home, you never called to let me know you were alive and you hugged Courtney every time I saw you.”

“Okay, wait a second.” Jason rubbed his temple with thumb and forefinger. “I never came home. Home being…?”

She flushed, realizing she’d said way too much. Jason three years from now wanted more from her. Well, he had. The Jason she was looking at was involved with Carly or he had been. “Your penthouse,” she answered.

“And just for curiosity’s sake…how would you know I didn’t go there?” Jason asked.

“Um…I was living there…” she said. She turned around, intent on getting some clothes. Maybe it had been a dream. Or maybe she was dreaming now. Either way, she didn’t want to have this conversation.

“We were living together?” Jason asked. “Are you sure?”

She turned back around and frowned. “What kind of question is that?” She crossed her arms. “You know what? It doesn’t matter. I’m just going to get changed and I’m just going to–”

“I’m sorry,” Jason cut in. “I just don’t…I don’t understand. You woke up this morning, telling me that you had pretty much gone back in time and apparently, three years from now, we were living together, we’re not speaking now, Sonny’s got a sister that I’m sleeping with and…” he narrowed his eyes. “Was there something about Sonny being dead?”

“No, he faked his death,” Elizabeth said. “Do you really believe me?” she asked. “Because most people would just ship me off to the hospital to have tests run.”

“Uh…let’s just say I believe that you believe it.”

“Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence,” Elizabeth muttered. She sat on the couch. “What am I supposed to do? Not figure out why I’m here and just live my life all over again, or try and figure out a way to fix this…?”

Jason sighed and sat next to her. He leaned back and stretched his legs out. “Maybe you’re here for a reason.”

“Maybe I’m here to fix a mistake,” Elizabeth murmured. “But I can’t think of a mistake I made now that’s any worse than…” She stopped and looked down. “One I made about a year or so from now.”

“Which mistake would that be?” Jason asked.

“The one where I walked away from you,” Elizabeth admitted. She looked at him. “I don’t know that I should be telling you any of this. Because I could seriously mess up the future if I tell you, because it’s obvious that anything that I dreamt is gonna happen.”

“You guessed the leather jacket,” Jason argued. “That’s not hard pressing evidence.”

She hesitated. She could certainly come up with something, but she wasn’t sure if she wanted to. “I could tell you something else.”

“Like what?” Jason asked.

“Um…” She shifted on the couch, tucking one leg underneath him so she could face him. “I know that Sonny and Carly are going to get married.”

Jason frowned. “Are you nuts? They hate each other.”

“Well, that’s going to change,” Elizabeth said. “Carly gets pregnant–” She stopped and bit her lip. “Oh…you know what? Never mind.”

“What do you mean she gets pregnant?” Jason asked. “When is–” He stopped abruptly.

“Hey, Emily breaks up with Juan,” Elizabeth volunteered, changing the subject. “That’s good right?”

“I guess,” Jason said, grudgingly. “But is there anything you can prove?”

“Not especially,” Elizabeth replied. She frowned. “So you still don’t believe me?”

“I told you…I believe that you believe,” Jason replied. “So, you gonna tell me anything else about the future?”

“See, now you’re just teasing me,” Elizabeth complained.

“No, no,” Jason protested, but unable to keep himself from smiling.

She sighed and leaned against the back of the couch. “You know, I’d rather stay here than go back anyway.”

“What’s so bad about three years from now?” Jason asked.

“Haven’t you heard a word I’ve said?” Elizabeth asked, irritated. “We’re not talking and you’re sleeping with Sonny’s sister.” She wrinkled her nose. “I have no idea what you see in her. Well, I mean, she’s blonde and she’s pretty, but honestly Jason, every other word out of her mouth is something stupid.” She shook her head.

“I’m sorry…I think,” Jason apologized.

“It’s not your fault,” Elizabeth grumbled. “It’s your fault three years from now.”

He chuckled. “Elizabeth–”

“And she’s married too,” Elizabeth continued. “Then again, so are you.”

“Wait, I’m married?” Jason repeated. “To who? You?”

Elizabeth snorted. “No, not me. You’d have to spend more than five minutes with me in order to do that.” She shook her head. “No, you’re married to…wait, first I should tell you that she’s alive.”

“Who’s alive?” Jason asked, now genuinely interested.

“Brenda Barrett.”

“Whoa, whoa, I’m married to Brenda?”

This entry is part 1 of 6 in the A Second Chance

She went to bed on Christmas Eve 2002, she was completely sure about that. The studio had been cold–she’d been the only person there.

And there’d been no Christmas tree. She hadn’t had the heart to put one up. Because then she’d either have to break out the paper chains or buy new decorations.

And to buy new decorations, she’d have to think about the reason she wasn’t going to be using her old decorations.

And then she’d think about Jason.

Which defeated the purpose of her entire life right now.

So, she knew it was December 24, 2002 when she went to sleep that night.

But when Elizabeth Webber opened her eyes the next morning, she knew right away something was different.

The ceiling she was looking at was further away. She was sleeping on the floor in a sleeping bag.

And someone was sleeping on her couch. She sat up, avoiding the couch. She turned to look at her tree.

And blinked. It was the Christmas tree she’d decorated three years ago. With the paper chains and the angel topper. There were the gifts she’d put under the tree.

Elizabeth closed her eyes and turned her head back towards the couch. She opened her eyes slowly.

Jason Morgan was lying there, sleeping.

Elizabeth exhaled slowly. She looked at her left shoulder and shoved the collar of her blue sweat shirt aside to look at her shoulder.

The scar that had been present since the shooting in August was gone.

Okay, no reason to panic, Elizabeth told herself. You’re just dreaming. This was one of the happiest holidays of your life. Of course you’d dream about it during one of the most miserable ones.

She stared down at her arm, studied it for a second and then she pinched herself.

She looked back up, expecting…some sort of change. When the scene around her didn’t change, she bit her lip hard.

“Ow,” she hissed, drawing blood. She touched her fingers to her lip, studying the couch again.

Nope. Still a sleeping Jason.

She looked at him, then and realized that this was the Jason she remembered from then. He had shorter hair and Elizabeth realized he must have been working out since then because the Jason of the present day was more muscular.

Not that this Jason was all that bad, she noted, drinking in his sleeping form. After all, this was the Jason she’d fallen in love with in the first place.

And as if on cue, Jason opened his eyes.

“Hey,” he said, shifting on the couch for a second before sitting up. “I can’t believe you didn’t wake me up before now.”

She just stared at him. “Elizabeth…” he prompted.

When she didn’t answer, he frowned. “Elizabeth?”

“I think I’ve lost my mind,” she murmured. She blinked and shook her head. No…there had to be some sort of catch. This had to be a dream. There had to be some reasonable and logical explanation for this.

“What’s today?” she asked him.

“Is this some sort of test?” Jason asked, warily. “Because your birthday was in November. I know it’s Christmas.”

“What year?” Elizabeth asked, almost desperate to hear 2002. Please don’t say 1999. Please don’t say 1999.

“1999,” Jason answered. “Elizabeth–”

He stopped as she laid back and jerked the blue sleeping bag over her face. “Elizabeth, are you all right?

“No. I’m not,” her muffled voice said. “I’ve fallen into the twilight zone and I would like go home now, thank you.”

“What’s the twilight zone?” Jason asked, confused.

“I’m going back to sleep and when I wake up, I want to be back in my miserable life!”

Jason sat up and reached for the sleeping bag. He pulled it off her face. “Are you mad about yesterday?” he asked her.

Her forehead creased. “What are you talking about?” she asked. “I’m not mad about yesterday.” She frowned. “What happened yesterday?”

“Now I’m worried,” Jason said. “Nikolas…the Christmas party…?”

“Oh…that…” Elizabeth shook her head and cringed when she felt the curls fly around her face. She hadn’t curled her hair like that since…well, since Jason left town that first time. “No, that has nothing to do what’s wrong with me.”

“Oh.” He frowned when she reached for the sleeping bag still in his grip so she could pull it back over her face. He kept his grip on it. “What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?” Elizabeth asked. “Now you ask. Figures. Let me sleep.”

“Elizabeth, what’s wrong?” Jason repeated.

She sat up so quickly, she startled Jason who leaned back and somehow managed to slip off the couch.

“Oooh, I’m sorry,” Elizabeth said, pulling her legs out from the sleeping bag and crawling over to him. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Jason said, adjusting himself so he was sitting on the floor. “You gonna tell me what’s wrong? It’s Christmas, I figured you’d be up at dawn…”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” Elizabeth said, honestly.

“Try me,” Jason said.

“All right, you asked for it. When I went to sleep last night,” Elizabeth began, “It was 2002…like three years from now. You and I aren’t talking and you’re sleeping with Sonny’s sister.” At his skeptical look, she smirked. “See, I told you wouldn’t believe me.

January 29, 2014

Timeline

This is set in mid to late 2007. Cooper Barrett was on the show for about a year at this point. He’d joined as one of the crew in the Metro Court Hostage crisis, but he was there to protect Logan. After it was over, he cleaned up his life and joined the PCPD. Sonny learned about this and wanted him to be their informant on the PCPD. I have no idea how that ended because I was dipping in and out due to work. Cooper later died in the serial killer storyline in early 2008, and was one of the suspects.

Inspiration

I dunno, I was just interested in remembering Sonny as a good person maybe.

Banner Here

Cooper Barrett had made mistakes in his life. Decisions that he regretted, paths that he wished he had avoided. Like any red-blooded human being, there were things in his life that he was not particularly proud of.

He couldn’t change the cover up he had participated in to keep his best friend out of a military prison and he couldn’t go back and tell James Craig that he would never participate in any sort of criminal activity. But maybe, just maybe he could fix this and really lead the life he wanted. He would graduate from the police academy, get married and have a few kids.

So he was taking that future in his hands (and possibly his life) and he was going after it.

“Cooper Barrett,” the swarthy guard announced. The answer from inside the room must have been satisfactory because the guard moved and motioned for Coop to enter.

Sonny Corinthos was pouring himself a glass of water. “What have you got for me?” he said brusquely. “It had better be good to make up for that incident with the shipment.”

Coop swallowed hard. “I’m here to tell you, sir, that I don’t intend to be your inside guy.”

Sonny frowned and Coop found himself pinned beneath those dark eyes. Unsure if Sonny were amused or furious, Coop forged on. “This wasn’t the kind of police work I wanted to. I’m not sure I can live with myself if I become a dirty cop.”

“There’s money to made,” Sonny replied. He set his water glass down and approached the nervous cadet. “More than what you would earn at the bottom of the feed chain at the PCPD.”

“Yes, sir, I understand that but it would not be earned ethically,” Coop said. “I’m not interested in making that kind of money.”

“Are you interested in your freedom?” Sonny asked. His tone was level, even friendly as he delivered the threats. “Are you interested in breathing?”

Coop was sure his fear was clearly expressed in his face, in the tremble of his jaw but he knew walking into this room that he might not walk back out. If that was the case, he would go out of this world with more honor and dignity than he had used while in it. “Sir, if you refer to the Metro Court hostage incident, then I understand if you feel you need to turn me in. But…” he hesitated. “But I would like to remind you that my face was never seen and Jerry Jacks was known to everyone in that building. He’s still breathing.”

Sonny couldn’t help himself. The corners of his lips quirked up and he nearly smiled. “That’s a very brave statement, Coop.”

“Yes, sir,” Coop nodded. “I’d like to ask, man to man, that you don’t ask me to do this. That you don’t ask me to comprise my principles more than I already have. With all due respect–”

“But you don’t respect me, do you, Coop?” Sonny replied. “The work, the money, the life, you don’t respect any of it?”

“No sir,” Coop admitted. “I don’t respect any of it, but I do respect you. I respect that you pulled yourself out of the streets and you made a life you wanted on your terms. It would be difficult to find anyone to who didn’t respect at least that.” He hesitated. “All I’m asking, sir, is that you extend the same courtesy to me.”

There was a long pause and then Sonny closed his eyes. “Well played, Cooper. Well played. Appeal to my better nature.” He opened his eyes and focused on Cooper. “From now on, you and I are strangers. I never saw you inside that hotel and you’ve never worked for me.”

“Thank you , sir.” Coop nodded and then left the room, feeling a little bit lighter in the shoulders.

Now if he could just keep Logan out of trouble.

Timeline

This set after August 15, 2006 when Jason and Elizabeth slept together. This story is written in Carly’s POV, and during this time period, she’d moved into a new era of her character. She was managing the Metro Court and becoming closer to Lulu, who had recently learned she was pregnant after a brief relationship with Dillon Quartermaine.

Inspiration

I really loved GH back in 2006, and I wrote a ton of character pieces, just having fun with these people I loved to spend time with. Laura Wright’s first two or three years of Carly rejuvenated my love for the a character which led me here. Ironic, honestly.

Banner Here

Carly Corinthos was having a very bad day, thank you very much. She’d overslept, missed a meeting with suppliers at the hotel and then had to cancel lunch with an investor for a new club because her pregnant cousin needed someone to drive her to the hospital for a doctor’s appointment because the useless moron who had impregnated her had had some sort of family emergency. Carly always dropped everything for Lulu because she wanted the girl to know that someone was at least on her side in all this. As long as Lu didn’t feel alone, she might not do any Carly-like things and screw up her life.

And her day was getting worse after running into Sam at the hospital and seeing her all teary over Alexis, who’d been sick for months and had hidden the illness. If Carly had a husband as annoying as Ric and a daughter as useless as Sam, she would have hidden it too. You just couldn’t depend on people to take care of things for you–especially not your kids. Sam had been all teary-eyed because she and Jason were still not back together and the only way to shut Sam the hell up was to promise to talk to Jason.

She’d talk to him, he’d ignore her and then with any luck, she could go home, eat dinner with her boys and maybe this day would end better than it had started.

She shoved open the penthouse door (Carly Corinthos never knocked and didn’t intend to start, knocking was for people who had time to waste and she didn’t) and shrieked. “Oh, my God, I’m blind!” She slapped her hands over her eyes.

A brunette squeaked and fell off the couch, grappling for something to cover her naked body.

“Carly,” Jason Morgan glared at her and tossed Elizabeth Spencer the t-shirt from the back of the couch. He tugged a pillow over his middle. “What the hell do you want?”

“Can’t talk, traumatized.”

Elizabeth sprang to her feet and tugged the shirt down further, as if it didn’t already come very close to reaching her knees. She looked around frantically and found Jason’s jeans tossed over the pool table. She skirted around the sofa and tossed them to him. “Ah, Carly–”

“Oh, god I wasn’t hallucinating,” Carl whimpered, “you really are here.”

“Carly,” Jason growled, sliding into his jeans and pulling them up around his waist. He zipped them but didn’t bother with the button. “What do you want?”

“Is it safe to look yet?” Carly asked, not moving her hands.

“Oh my God,” Elizabeth muttered, dragging her fingers through her tousled curls. “Carly–”

“Carly, take your damn hands from your eyes and tell me what you want,” Jason said shortly.

“Okay, okay…” Carly reluctantly slid her hands away and breathed in relief. “Good, you’re somewhat decent.” Still, she felt somewhat nauseous and damn, Jason looked pissed. She must have interrupted him before he could finish–oh, God, she was going to be sick. “Um, so my reason for coming here is obviously moot now.”

“Just say it and go,” Jason replied, irritated.

She frowned and glanced at Elizabeth before looking at Jason oddly. “How long has this been going on anyway?” She gasped. “Is this why you really broke up with Sam?”

“Oh my god,” Elizabeth repeated. She leaned against the pool table. “This isn’t happening to me.”

Jason strode forward, grabbed Carly’s hand and shoved her into the hall. He joined her, shutting the penthouse door behind him. “From now on, you knock,” he instructed, jabbing a finger in her face.

“Do you intend on screwing the muffin in the living room often?” Carly demanded. Her face paled. “Oh, God, I’m never going to get that image out of my brain. I’m going to havenightmares.”

“Carly,” Jason said, his teeth clenched. “You will knock from now on. And you’re not going to tell anyone about this, or so help me God–”

“Don’t worry, I will never forget to knock again,” Carly assured him. She narrowed her eyes. “And why can’t anyone know?” she demanded. “Does the brat still think she’s too good for her? Well, you just give me five minutes and I will have her teeth knocked out–”

“Carly.”

It was that tone that told Carly she might have gone too far. The glare on his face, the clenching of his jaw. Clearly, keeping this a secret was important and he wasn’t asking her, he was demanding her to comply. She narrowed her eyes. “Jason, look, I’m not about take an ad out in the paper about this. Believe me, I don’t even want to know this is going on. But you deserve better–”

“No, Elizabeth’s son deserves better,” Jason cut in. “He needs to be safe and the only way he can be is if no one knows.”

“That’s not fair to you–” Carly began again.

He sliced his hand through the air. “I’m not going to push her away like I did before, like I did to Sam. It doesn’t work. But this way everyone gets what they want and what they need. So you’re keeping your mouth shut, Carly, and you’re letting me have this.”

She closed her mouth and nodded. “Okay. Okay.” She hesitated. “So I guess coming over here to talk you into giving Sam another chance is not going to work right?”

“Probably not,” Jason said, exasperated.

She shrugged. “I only agreed so she’d leave me alone. Geez, Jason, what did she do that was so horrible–” she stopped. “Nope, don’t even tell me. I’m better off not knowing.”

“Carly,” Jason called as she started for the elevator. “And you’re not allowed to tease, torment or in anyway use this information against Elizabeth in public.”

“I would never,” Carly said, insulted. Damn him, he knew her too well. She jabbed a button. “And damn you. You always take the fun out of having a secret.” She stepped onto the elevator and heard the door to the penthouse open and close. She did not want to think about what was going in there now.

This was definitely a bad day.

Timeline

This is set vaguely in 2007, but I actually wrote it in 2006. That being said, it doesn’t really fit into any piece of the GH canon so you’re free to read it it without knowing much history.

Inspiration

I literally could not tell you what inspired this little crazy story, lol. It’s the only Electrick story I’ve written (outside of playing with it in Fallen From Grace) but it’s a sweet, cute fluff with the Spiderman theme song in the background.

Banner Here

“Spider-man, Spider-man, does whatever a spider can.”

The sound of Elizabeth Spencer’s off-key, yet still sweet voice filters through the baby monitor and he laughs to himself, thinking that Cameron’s got a great mom if she knows the words to the Spiderman theme song.

“Spins a web, any size, catches thieves, just like flies.”

It’s a strange journey that he’s made, from where they began to where they are in this moment. Twisting turns, and detours that weren’t necessarily mistakes–he’ll never pretend that what he’d shared with Robin was anything less than what it’d been–but it still surprises him that he’s found himself here.

“Look out! Here comes the Spider-man!”

What had once been a superficial flirtation had turned into the real thing and dinners between friends turned into dinners between a man and a woman. And kisses on the cheek and jokes about his prowess had turned into something a bit more meaningful. This is now a nightly ritual–she puts her son to sleep before coming out to the living room and snuggling with him on the couch as he tells her about his day and he asks her if she’s sold any paintings in the last twelve hours since he’s asked last.

“Is he strong? Listen, Bud! He’s got radioactive blood.”

It’s been six months since these nights became routine and eight since Elizabeth became more than the beautiful nurse he worked with. He’d thought for a while that it would taper off, that eventually, he would want out, that he wouldn’t want something lasting with someone like Elizabeth. Casual to Elizabeth was a type of dress, not a relationship. She might have said she’s sworn off serious but he’s never believed that.

“Can he swing from a thread? Take a look overhead.”

He fishes into the back pocket of his pants and withdraws the ring box he’s been carrying out for two weeks, trying to find the right moment. Even in the best of times with Robin, though there had been few of them, it had never occurred to him to take that last step. She’d never brought it up and it wasn’t part of his future at that time. But with Elizabeth, it feels right. It feels like he’s taking a step towards the rest of his life.

“Hey there, there goes the Spider-man!”

With Elizabeth, he can see a future, he can see the way it should be. With a house and a garage and a place for Elizabeth to paint. A backyard to build a tree house for Cameron. And sometimes, he lets himself think about more than just Elizabeth and Cameron. About having a baby. Of seeing Elizabeth with his child, with their child. A little brother for Cameron to torment, or a sister to protect. He can see the years down the line, with dinners and Elizabeth laughing at him across the table as she’s burned yet another meal she’s sworn she could pull off.

“In the chill of night, at the scene of the crime,”

His father loves her and he wishes his mother could have met her, could have seen that it was going to be okay after all. That despite a rocky start in the world of serious relationships and commitments, he’s found the right woman and the person to spend forever with. He thinks his mother would have approved. And he knows his father will like the idea of him settling down and will embrace the role of honorary grandfather to Cameron. And that’s important to him. That Cameron not be just her son, but part of their family. His family.

“Like a streak of light, he arrives just in time,”

He’s spent a decade alone, and a year with another woman, whom he’d loved a great deal. He would never tell Elizabeth that he’d never loved anyone like her, because that would be unfair to Robin. He’d loved her as much as he’d been able to and she’d loved him. There was no rhyme or reason why they’d fallen apart, but they’d had. But he’ll never regret taking that step with her and loving her. Loving Robin opened him up to the concept of a future and a full life and he’ll always treasure their friendship, he’s grateful it survived.

“Spider-man, Spider-man friendly neighborhood Spider-man,”

Elizabeth wasn’t his polar opposite like Robin had been; there had been no real walls to tear down, no extreme hurdles to get past. By the time he’d worked up the courage to ask her out on an actual date, she’d already received the go-ahead from Robin and was more than prepared to take their friendship to that level. She’d laughed when he’d asked her, wondering what had taken him so long. She’d seen what they could be together and now he can only hope that her vision of their life had meshed enough with his that she would say yes to this.

“Wealth and fame, he’s ignored, action is his reward,”

He’s not even sure how he’ll ask. If he’ll say pretty words or just blurt it out. He’s not sure which way would be better, or how she’d want it done. He very much wants this to be perfect for her. She’s been hurt so much before, by those that came before him and he’s worked very hard to make up for that, bringing her flowers when she doesn’t expect them, leaving presents around in the middle of the day for her to find and taking her out to fancy dinners for no reason at all. He’s gone overboard to make her feel special but now he wonders if this is the right moment. If asking her over their nightly conversation is really the best way or if he should plan something more elaborate.

“To him, life is a great big bang-up,”

He listens to the song wind down and shoves the ring back in his pocket. It’s better, he tells himself, to wait until the moment is absolutely perfect because if you’re lucky, you only get to do it once. She’s been proposed to many times before, he knows that but he wants this one to count, to be the last. And he wants to start their life together as perfectly as he can.

“Wherever there’s a hang-up, you’ll find the Spider-man!”

A few moments later, Elizabeth emerges from Cameron’s room and smiles at him, shoving her hair out of her face. Her eyes are on his and her smile is bright and he realizes that the look in her eyes, the affection and the warmth are all for him.

And that he doesn’t need elaborate plans, fancy food and elegant surroundings for this moment to be perfect. He stands and retrieves the box from his pocket. The moment is perfect because she’s there and he’s there. And that’s all they really needed.

“Elizabeth,” Patrick Drake begins, “there’s something I have to ask you…”

Timeline

In August of 2006, Patrick was exposed to end-stage AIDs after operating on a patient. He was eventually found to be negative. This is set after the black out that month.

Inspiration

I wish I could tell you. I wrote a lot in 2006.

Banner Here

January 10, 2007

“You always think somehow, there’s going to be a miracle.”

Robin Scorpio glanced over shoulder and smiled faintly as Elizabeth Spencer stepped up to her side. The two women both cast their eyes to the gravestone they stood over. “I guess you do. I mean, even though you know they don’t happen all that often and even when they do, they usually turn out wrong…it doesn’t stop you from believing in them.”

“Would you have still treated her if you’d known how it would turn out?” Elizabeth asked softly. “Knowing that…it would end this way?”

“That would be asking me…would I still have fallen in love with Stone if I’d known that he would die of AIDS, but before that, he’d give me the virus as well.” Robin sighed. “There are days my answer would be no. But most days, the answer is yes.” She met Elizabeth’s eyes. “Would you have still fallen for Lucky all those years ago if you’d known it would end like that?”

“And that’s assuming you have a choice in who you love,” Elizabeth murmured. “But you don’t. I think we each know that better than anyone.”

“If I had known that by treating April Gilbert, that my entire life and those of the people I love would change irrevocably, would I have still fought for her surgery?” Robin pursed her lips. “I suppose it really doesn’t matter what my answer is, does it?” She trailed her fingers restlessly over the stone, knelt on her knees and traced the letters. “Patrick would have fought for her anyway.”

“That’s true.” Elizabeth hesitated. “But even if he hadn’t…would you have?”

“Yes,” Robin stood. “Because I’m a doctor and my patient’s needs come first. They have to come first. But I would have thought twice. I would have hesitated.” She chuckled bitterly. “I suppose that doesn’t make me a very good doctor, does it?”

“Maybe not,” Elizabeth allowed, “but it makes you human.” She touched Robin’s shoulder. “And there’s no shame in that.”

“I’m glad April came into my life,” Robin said after another moment. “Not that Patrick…that what happened, happened. But that I met her. And that I was able to make a difference, at least in her life.”

She tugged her coat more tightly around her and glanced over her shoulder where two cars waited, two men stood. Far apart, seeing as neither liked the other but there they stood nonetheless. “It’s strange how much everything’s changed since that day in the OR.”

“You’re not kidding,” Elizabeth laughed, her hand straying down to the rounded belly that was covered by her black pea coat. “I never thought I’d be in this place.”

“Are you sorry?” Robin asked, turning the tables on Elizabeth. “Are you sorry you went to him?”

“There are days when I say yes,” Elizabeth nodded, echoing robin’s answer. “Days when I think this is all a mistake and that it can’t end any other way but badly. But most days, I’m glad. Because if nothing else, something good will come from it. And our friendship survived it.”

“Friendship,” Robin sighed heavily. “That’s what it all comes down to in the end, doesn’t it?”

Elizabeth looped an arm around the brunette’s shoulder and hugged her. “Yeah, I guess so. It’s not going to be easy, Robin. We’ve both chosen hard roads.” She glanced down. “Me with my being pregnant with the baby of a notorious criminal. And you…” her eyes softened. “If you need me, Robin, for anything. Night or day, sun or snow. Because I love him, too.”

Robin’s throat swelled. “I know,” she said thickly. “And there are days when I think I can’t possibly do this again. That I can’t…” she closed her eyes. “But then there are days when I look at myself and realize that I’m proof. Right?”

“Right.” Elizabeth took Robin’s hand in her free one. “And even it turns out for the worst, you’ll have had today. And tomorrow. And as many other days come after it.”

“There are moments when it doesn’t feel real,” Robin said slowly. “And that I will wake up and it have been a dream. That he’s not…that he didn’t test…” she sucked in a deep breath. “That it’s all okay.”

“And there are moments when I think that I couldn’t have possibly tested pregnant. That it was a nightmare and even if it was true, it could never be his child.”

“It helps to say it out loud. That I’m scared and that I wish I’d never met April Gilbert, because if I’d never met her, Patrick would be okay right now.”

“He will be okay,” Elizabeth said. “We’ll all be okay. We might have different definitions of okay, but, hey…it’s not a death sentence anymore.”

“But it can be.” Robin closed her eyes. “I know that I’m strong. I know that I have lived through so many awful things and still came out standing but I have to wonder…”

“Don’t we all have a breaking point?” Elizabeth nodded in sympathy. “If you feel yourself breaking, I’m here. I love you. You know that.”

“I know.” Robin exhaled on a shaky breath and smiled weakly. “I love you, too. You know that. I don’t think I could have survived this last month without you. Since the moment we found out, you’ve been so good to me–”

“Well, you never turned your back on me either,” Elizabeth pointed out. She tilted her head in the direction of the cars. “We should get back to them. Jason gets cranky if I’m out in the cold for very long. I think he picked it up from Sonny.”

The two women turned and arm in arm, they made their way to their separate cars. Robin stepped up to Patrick and touched his shoulder.

“How are you feeling?” Robin asked. “Did you want to go say goodbye–”

“I said what I needed to say at the hospital,” Patrick said. He tucked her arm in his. “Robin, I understand if you–”

“Don’t give me another out,” Robin interrupted. “I don’t need it or want it.” She opened the car door. “We should go.”

“Yeah, I definitely don’t need to spend any more time in a cemetery than I need to,” Patrick said darkly. “It won’t be more than a year before–” he stopped abruptly, seeing the stricken look that flashed across her face. “You’re right, let’s go.”

Jason hustled Elizabeth into the car but not before casting a concerned glance at Robin. “Is she okay?” he asked, once Elizabeth was settled inside.

Elizabeth rested one hand on her belly, feeling her daughter kicking and entwined her other with Jason’s. “No,” she admitted. “But then again, none of us is right?”

Timeline

Another Patrick & Robin story set in the era of 2006, but not specifically tied to any story in particular.

Inspiration

I repeat: Patrick Drake and the dimples.

Banner Here

It was supposed to be temporary. A temporary affair that would last until he was tired of her. And Patrick was sure that he would get tired of her. Despite the fact that whatever he shared with Robin was different than everything that had come before, he assumed that once he’d charmed her into bed, he’d only want to stay there for two, three weeks top.

Three weeks had turned into a month and without realizing it, a month turned into three. And pretty soon, everything about his life was different. He flirted less and he didn’t even realize that he hadn’t dated anyone else since the first time he’d slept with Robin. It didn’t even register that there was no one else that even remotely interested him on that level.

He didn’t notice that how much time he was spending in her apartment–even after she’d cleared first one drawer for his things and then two. It didn’t occur to him that he had more clothing at Robin’s apartment than in his hotel room and when he’d gotten his monthly hotel bill in September, he’d laughed at the fact that he’d not charged one extra expense to his room. He joked that he might as well move in and save money all together.

And eventually, that’s what happened, though neither of them commented on that fact when Patrick quietly gave his room up at the hotel in early October and his luggage joined hers in the hall closet or that they’d bought a second dresser and put it in her bedroom.

And when they’d resigned her lease and added his name, he remarked it made sense since he spent so much time at the apartment, he should be helping her out with the expenses. He didn’t call it living together and neither did she. They ignored the obvious to first the amusement of their family and friends and then to their dismay.

He didn’t really think about the fact that he wasn’t tired of her. And it more than the sex–though that was the best he’d ever had in his life. It was the after part of it. The waking up in the morning and arguing who would make the first pot of coffee and who would get the shower first. It was the way they each brought their work home–often doing their research together. It was the way she’d try to steal the remote when he wanted to watch hockey and she’d hide it until he kissed the location out of her.

He could spend an hour just watching her read a medical journal and enjoy the way her nose would wrinkle when she read something she didn’t like and the way the corner of her mouth would curve when she read something she agreed with.

He could ignore the fact that they had somehow entered an exclusive and committed relationship without intending to. And he could ignore that they’d been living together, even four months after he’d given up the hotel room. He could ignore all that because he couldn’t remember the last time life had felt this right. He had his career, which was going better than he could ever expected, he had his father, he even had a few friends. And he had this beautiful, intelligent and captivating woman that stimulated him, challenged him inside and outside the bedroom.

But something happened just after anniversary of the death of Dr. Tony Jones, which was commemorated in a very sweet memorial. He’d been called in from the service for a tricky surgery–a risky surgery to be more exact and it’d been a roaring success. He’d become one of only five surgeons worldwide to complete the surgery without losing the patient on the table and one of only three surgeons who didn’t lose the patient at all.

Job offers poured in from around the world and Patrick could no longer avoid placing a label on his life with Robin. He was being offered lucrative positions in hospitals he’d only dreamed of and he could basically write his ticket at any of them.

But none of the positions were in Port Charles and he knew if he wanted his career to continue ascending, he couldn’t stay at General Hospital. GH had a decent reputation but if he stayed, his career would be stalled.

He was studying the job offers when Robin came home from her shift and she sat across from him silently as he read through them a fifth time.

“The one from Toronto looks good,” she said after a long moment. “They’re offering you a lot of money and a really good position in the department.” A weak smile spread across her face. “And you know how you love hockey.”

“I was looking at the one at Columbia University Hospital.”

“In New York,” Robin nodded. “You could probably even get a place in your old neighborhood.”

New York was closer to Port Charles than any of the other offers, though if Patrick were asked, he’d never admit that’s why he was closer to taking that one than any of the others. Because then he’d have to admit that New York was close enough that Robin might consider going with him. Because then she’d still be close to her family.

“And you’d be close to your dad,” Robin continued. She bit her lip and looked around the apartment. His basketball was next to the front door, his sneakers tossed in front of the couch where he’d kicked them off after a game in the park the day before. It drove her crazy when he did that.

They had been creating a life together but how much of a life could it have been if neither of them were willing to admit it? It was better this way, better that Patrick would leave for his career because she didn’t think she could have survived him leaving on his own accord.

“And the research they do there is incredible,” Patrick found himself saying. “They do a lot of studies there, more than most of these other hospitals.”

“Mmm…” Robin nodded. “They were one of the hospitals I applied to get my grant for my drug therapy. They agreed but the hospital in Paris gave me more money.”

He didn’t look up at her and made sure to keep his eyes on the table in front of him as he spoke. “You should, ah, you should apply again.”

Robin blinked, but that was only reaction that showed physically. Inside her heart was racing and she was sure the palms of her hand were a little damp. “Are you…are you asking me to go with you?”

Patrick exhaled sharply and stood. He stalked towards the windows and yanked the curtains open to stare moodily out at the harbor. “I can’t–I can’t not accept any of these offers, Robin.”

“I know that,” Robin murmured, somewhat fascinated at his reaction to her question.

“It’s not that I don’t want to work at GH,” Patrick continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “But you know what my career means to me–”

“Patrick…” Robin stood and crossed to him. She put a hand on his chest and looked up at him with a tremulous smile. “Do you have any idea how proud I am of you? You’re a brilliant surgeon and it was only a matter of time before the rest of the world realized that.”

“Robin–”

“Of course you have to take one of these jobs,” Robin said. “If you had even thought about staying in Port Charles, I would have smacked you.” She licked her lips. “But I–I mean, we’ve–” She huffed impatiently. “Look, we’ve been dancing around this for months and I think–we can’t do that anymore.”

“I know.” He licked his bottom lip. “Robin, we’ve been…well it’s been…” He dragged a hand through his hair. Why was this so hard to say? Why couldn’t he make the words come out? “Look, we’re basically living together…”

“Patrick, we’re not basically doing anything. We’re living together,” Robin laughed nervously. “Your name is on my lease, too.”

“Right, yeah.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “And I think–I mean we’re doing okay, right?”

Her lips curved into an amused smile. He was so adorable when he was flustered. “Yeah, we’re doing okay.”

“So–I mean, I don’t–I know you want to be close to your family. I get that. I kinda want to be close to my dad. So you know, New York is a good idea. It’s an hour by train and if there was an emergency, we could be back quickly–”

“Patrick,” Robin interrupted softly. “Are you asking me to go with you?”

“Ah, I mean if I go to New York, yeah–”

“No, Patrick,” Robin shook her head. “Are you asking me to go with you wherever you decide to take the job?”

He exhaled slowly and met her eyes…and saw her answer. “Will you go with me, no matter where I take the job?”

“Yes, I will go with you,” she replied softly. She leaned up and brushed her lips over his.

“But what about your job, your family?” Patrick said. He pulled back. “You have a career, too and it’s important to you and it’s important to me–”

“I can do my research pretty much anywhere.” Robin’s smiled deepened into a smirk. “And you know, you’re not the only one who gets job offers.” She crossed to her desk in the corner of the room and withdrew a stack of envelopes. “Let’s see how many match and pick where we want to live.”