I'll Be Seeing You by pcwatcher

[JRK Archiver]

Part One

March 3, 1942

The early March air was crisp and Lizzie Webber could hear the faint sounds of the band playing as she crossed the parking lot towards the gymnasium. She stopped to catch her reflection in the window of a parked car to make sure her crimson lipstick was on just right, and her every hair was in place. Then she checked the backs of her legs to be sure the seams of her stockings were straight. She had no clue as to how her best friend Emily had conned her into this. Lizzie had never been one to frequent the USO dances but Emily had been rather persistent that she, go tonight, saying something like it was her civic duty to show the soldiers a good time, and that it would do her good to get out. This time she had to agree with Emily.

A lot had happened since early that morning in December when war had been sprung on the United States by Japan maybe that was why she didn’t put up a fight. Even though it had been a few months since Pearl Harbor it still felt like it had happened yesterday. Her grandmother had let them skip church that morning so they could listen to the radio announcements. They’d both sat in the living room on the edge of their seats clinging to the reports of the day, and then when President Roosevelt made his speech there wasn’t a noise made across the country other than the sound of his voice. Like he’d said it was a day that would live in infamy for everyone. The losses that day had touched everyone in one-way shape or form, even her.

As she climbed the steps Lizzie straightened the shoulders of her red dress and she could hear the band strike up again. This time it was something more upbeat. When she opened the door she heard it clear as a bell, it was In the Mood. The couples were whizzing around the dance floor, dancing away their cares. Lizzie stopped to watch them for a moment enjoying the frenzy of it all before handing her coat and hat to the hatcheck girl. Then she spotted her friend Emily walking towards her. “You made it.” Emily smiled. “I was beginning to think you’d never make it.”

Lizzie checked her watch, “I’m not even late. The dance just started.” She pulled her friend into her embrace, “You know when I say I’m going to be somewhere I’m there.” The girls pulled away, “So, tell me how many potential husbands have you found for yourself tonight?” Lizzie chided crossing her arms in front of her.

“Very funny.” Emily sarcastically told her friend. “Only two.” She laughed pulling her friend over to the table she’d had reserved. The girls succumbed to their giggles. At least Emily could admit that she had a thing for a man in uniform. Lucky for her she was of age and there was a war going on. The whole country had an abundance of them, men in uniform that is.

When the two of them had reached their table Emily took both of Lizzie’s hands to give her the once over, “Wow you look great so much different when you’re not covered in paint.” Emily even turned Lizzie’s hands over to check her fingernails for traces of paint and only found perfectly crimson polished nails. “You went all out, are you hunting husbands too?” Emily smiled.

Lizzie smiled back at how well her friend knew her. Emily knew that she’d have been more comfortable in her drafty studio painting than dressed up and dancing. Emily was clearly making fun of her now. “Ha, ha, Em. I’m here to support the soldiers same as you, and no, I am not hunting a husband” Lizzie told her in no uncertain terms that was the last thing she thought she needed.

“Alright already.” Emily held her hands up in defeat. “I got it.” She motioned towards the dance floor, “but you have to admit there is nothing quite like a man in dress uniform.”

Lizzie perused the room and smiled, “Well, you got me there.” However she couldn’t shake the thought that some of them wouldn’t make it home, or they’d come home damaged whether obvious to the eye or hidden beneath their skin, and it shook her to her core. War wasn’t a walk in the park, and if it helped them, her being there, to show them a good time then it was the least she could do.

The girls had been watching the couples dance by, when they were joined by their friend Caroline Benson. “Sorry I’m late girls, but it took forever to find just the right dress to wear.” She told them as she spun in a circle to show off the winning garment.

Caroline, much like Emily was ready to marry her war hero and settle down, but Lizzie couldn’t wrap her mind around that right now. There was a lot she still wanted to do before she settled down. Like see Europe and the museums there. Painting was more than her hobby it was her passion and there were days when it consumed her so much so that she’d lose whole days locked up there in her studio painting.

“That’s ok. We just got here ourselves.” Lizzie assured her. “You look beautiful by the way.”

“Thanks, you too.” Caroline offered taking her usually plain friend in, “I love you in red. It’s striking on you. A real work of art.”

Lizzie blushed and curtsied towards her good friend. “Well I think we all clean up well.” She said looking towards Emily who was in sapphire blue, and Caroline in pale pink.

Her friends smiled back, “Yes we do.” They said in unison before being taken over by giggles again. To any outsider taking the trio in it would have seemed as if they had known each other for years and that was true. The three of them had met the first day of school in junior high and they’d never parted since. If one of them had done something then they all had done it. Good and bad.


**


He’d been standing at the refreshment table when she walked in. Immediately he was drawn to her. At first the thought had crossed his mind that it was because of the red dress she wore, it was his favorite color, but after closer consideration it was the way the light danced in her eyes when she looked at well, everything she took in. Like she could see things that others couldn’t. However if he were to be completely honest it was when she smiled, and then when she laughed that did him in. In fact it was hard to decide just what it was about her. Wow was the only thought he could muster.

Jason Morgan had gotten to town late that afternoon and after getting settled at the hotel he made his way over to the Port Charles High School Gymnasium for the USO dance. It struck him funny that even though he was technically from the very same small New York town that he’d never been in the gym having been sent to boarding school at a very young age. He’d only been back to town for holidays and those had been few and far between. Unfortunately his family was under the impression that it was easier to raise children if someone else did if for you and preferably in another town, maybe another country. Consequently this was his first time there.

He watched from his post a short distance away as both of her friends were asked to dance and she was left to her own defenses. Jason found it hard to believe that there wasn’t anyone with the inkling to ask her maybe it was to his advantage. Normally not shy it took him a moment to gather his courage for some reason he knew that this girl was different from the ones he’d met in the past. If only they’d allowed liquor at these dances maybe it wouldn’t have been so hard to approach her. After he’d made sure his jacket and tie were on straight he placed his hat under his arm and took an extra glass of punch and made his way over to where she stood at the edge of the dance floor.


**


When she first saw him walking in her direction she was taken by the thought that he was the reason Emily couldn’t resist a man in uniform. This man looked as if it had been made just for him. Sure they all looked broad shouldered when they were in their dress uniform, but something told her that he looked like that without it. He was army and a pilot, he stood close to six feet tall, and there was no way on earth that he was heading towards her, men like him didn’t notice her, ever, Lizzie was used to blending into the background behind her best friends and that was okay with her, when it came to men, at times she preferred it.

So imagine her shock when he came to stop at her side and handed the punch to her, “Thirsty?” he asked trying not to shake and spill it all over her.

Lizzie cast him a sideways glance as she tried to keep her shock in check, “I could drink something.” She answered with a grin as she accepted the punch. “Thanks, Mr?” she paused waiting for him to fill in the blanks still not turning to face him for fear that she’d lose all speech functions and just stare at him.

“Morgan. Captain Jason Morgan, but please call me Jason.” He offered in a throaty voice. “And you are?” Jason asked taking a closer look at the beauty next to him without seeming like he was as interested as he was. He fixed his gaze back on the dance floor where hers was.

“Lizzie Webber.” She told him as she turned to shake his hand.

Her name struck him strange, Lizzie it didn’t seem to fit the striking beauty next to him. “Really? You don’t look like a Lizzie.” Jason told her with a tilt of his head never releasing her hand in fact relishing in the feel of her skin against his. “If you don’t mind my saying so?”

Jason watched as a blush crept across her face, “Well actually it’s Elizabeth but hardly anyone ever calls me that except my Grams. In fact I hate Lizzie, never liked it truth be told.” It surprised her that she was being that open with a complete stranger, but what got to her more was how comfortable it felt.

“Why do you go by Lizzie then?” He asked honestly interested in her answer. Jason didn’t understand why if you didn’t like something you kept doing it.

“I’m not sure really. I guess it’s a nick name I got at a young age and it stuck.” Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders. “One of those things I guess.” She took a step towards the table, “Would you like to sit?” she asked hoping that he didn’t want to dance. That was something she just wasn’t as good at as her girlfriends were.

“Sure.” He smiled sending shivers down her spine. “But if you don’t mind I’m going to call you Elizabeth. I prefer it.”

Jason pulled her chair out for her and she looked up locking eyes with him, “Good. That’s fine by me. Thank you again, Jason.”

He unbuttoned his jacket before sitting next to her, “Your welcome, Elizabeth. So tell me do you come here often?” Jason asked knowing that small towns like these had dances pretty often.

Elizabeth smiled at his use of an obvious line, but something told her he was sincere in the asking of it, “No, actually I’ve only come here a couple of times. It’s really not my thing.” She told him sneaking a glance at Emily as she whizzed by. “My friends conned me into it.” Elizabeth explained pointing at them.

Feeling at ease he loosened his tie a little, “Really? What would you rather be doing? That is if you don’t mind me asking.” Jason settled in for what he hoped was a long chat. He felt the need to get to know her better.

“Seriously? You really want to know.” She questioned giving him the eye. Most men didn’t want to know anything more than her name and if she was single. This man seemed to want to know her and she liked that. Let’s see how long he can stay interested she told herself.

“I’ve got time. Yeah I’d like to know.” Jason answered honestly as he made himself even more comfortable by taking his jacket off and hanging it behind him on the chair.

That was when her first assumption had been answered. He was broad shouldered all on his own. She tried to remain focused, “Well, I paint.” Elizabeth told him simply. “Now before you ask, no I don’t paint the outside of houses.” She smiled. “I’m an artist. Or at least I’m giving it a try.”

Now she was getting interesting. This girl had vision and he liked that, “Have you sold anything?” Jason asked liking how here eyes sparkled when she talked about her art.

“No, not yet, but I hope to one day. I pay for my small drafty studio, which I love, by waiting tables at the diner in town.” Elizabeth informed him. “Hopefully one day my art, it will pay for itself, and I can travel the world after the war is over of course. Now I get to ask you something.”

Jason smiled, “Ok, fair enough. Shoot.”

“Are you from around here, or are you just passing through on the way to your assignment?” Elizabeth questioned him hoping that it didn’t sound like interrogation.

Jason paused trying to figure out where to begin, “Well both actually. I was born here, but I was sent away to school at a young age, and yes I’m on my way overseas.” He looked around. “In fact I was just thinking that it was strange being from Port Charles and never having stepped foot inside this gym until now. I probably would have been, friends with some of the men here tonight, dated some of the girls.” He smiled wishing he’d been here more growing up maybe he’d already know this Elizabeth before him.

“Wow. Boarding school. You must have come from a wealthy family.” Elizabeth asked shocked that she’d brought something like money up. “I’m sorry, that’s not my business.”

Seeing that she felt ashamed he reached over and covered her hand with his, “No, that’s okay. It’s not a big deal. Yes, I come from money, a lot of it, but it doesn’t make me who I am, much to the family’s dismay.” Jason smiled. “Or rather my grandfather’s I guess I didn’t turn out as snobbish as I was supposed to coming from those bloodlines. See, I was supposed to be a lawyer, but I fell short in his eyes. Oh well, they’ll survive.” He shrugged.

Elizabeth smiled in return, “Why you seem alright to me.” she mentioned not understanding how anyone could be disappointed in a man who enlisted to help his country in a time of war. Not to mention the fact that he was putting his life in danger by flying over enemy lines. It didn’t get past her that he referred to them as the family. It was obvious that no love was lost there.

“Thank you.” Jason said as he put his hand back in his lap. “I think so, but you have to understand that I was on the fast track. The best prep schools, Yale, on to Harvard Law, and then I became aware of the growing tyranny in Europe and it made me crazy that we as a country were doing nothing to prepare for something like what was later going to happen at Pearl Harbor. I felt then that it was only a matter of time before something happened to draw us into the war. So, I decided back then that my last year of law school could wait and I went down and enlisted.” Jason stopped to flag down a waitress for two more punches and then he continued, “When they asked me what I wanted to do and if I wanted to work in the legal department I was honest with them.”

Elizabeth watched him hanging on every word. “What did you tell them?” she asked.

“Well, I told them that I wasn’t joining so I could push paper and that if I was going to do it I wanted in the thick of things. I said the first thing that came to mind, I told them I wanted to fly planes.” Jason watched as she took everything he said in. “Long story short they agreed and two years later here I am. Luckily there were more men like me and we’re prepared now to go over there, especially after what the Japanese did to us in Hawaii. There’s no time to waste.”

“Wow. So you’ve been in for a while now, and I take it the family really isn’t happy.” She questioned resting her chin in her hand and her elbow on the table. The music and commotion around them seemed to fade away and it was just the two of them. “I mean now that you’re going off to war.”

Jason scratched his chin and shook his head, “ That’s and understatement. In fact, Grandfather disowned me when I enlisted, you see I was being groomed to take over the family company, and rather than wait for my tour of service for our county to be over so I could return to the business he told me I was wasting my time and talents, that I’d come home a broken man and a disappointment to my family. So, I made sure that no matter what happened I wouldn’t be linked to them, him especially, so I changed my name.”

“That’s awful what he did.” Elizabeth told him, shocked that a family could do that. “I’m so sorry for you.” She reached over to pat his hand. “I can’t even fathom at a time like this your family could do that.” She did her best to hide her anger it was after all none of her business. “What did your parents say?”

“Thanks but, “ Jason covered her hand with his, “Don’t be mad for me. It’s not the whole family really it’s just Grandfather. He only wants things done his way. He’s not big on independent spirit and all that.”

“I can see.” Elizabeth gave his hand a squeeze before pulling hers away much to his dismay. Jason liked her touch. “But, your folks, they just let him do that to you?”

Jason tilted his head to the side as he gathered his thoughts. “This is nothing new for them. My father, he went on his own path as well. He disappointed his father, my grandfather by becoming a doctor, but Grandfather didn’t disown him,” Jason rubbed his forehead, “I don’t know maybe he had bigger hopes for me. My dad never actually had any inkling for the business so maybe it wasn’t as big a shock that he wouldn’t want to run the company. I used to go to the office with Grandfather as a boy and I honestly had every intention of taking over, maybe that’s why he’s so upset, but now things have changed.”

Elizabeth nodded, “You had every intention?” she asked getting the feeling that his plans for after the war had changed as well. “What changed?”

“When all of this is over I have every intention of finishing law school, but not so I can run ELQ, but so I can hang a shingle out and help people. Maybe I’ll even teach, who knows.” Jason told her as he saw something register on her face.

“ELQ?” she questioned. “Wait, are you a Quartermaine?”

“Guilty.” Jason admitted holding his hands up in the air. “Are you familiar with them?” he asked knowing that she must be if she lived in Port Charles the Quartermaine’s were everywhere. They served on every board and owned the major hotel in town.

“You could say that.” Elizabeth smiled. “Your father is chief-of-staff at General Hospital right?”

“Yes.” He answered trying to follow her.

“He took over for my Grandfather after he passed away.” she laughed, “and my grandmother is head nurse there.”

“Small world.” Jason smiled. “Wait. Your grandfather was Dr. Hardy and your grandmother is Audrey?” he asked making sure that he understood.

“Yes, that’s them.” She smiled, “Oh, and I’ve come across your brother, A.J. as well.” Elizabeth looked less than thrilled at that coincidence, “but I had no idea they had another son, that there was you.”

Jason rolled his eyes, “Well that’s another advantage to changing my name,” he smiled. “I don’t get grouped with my older brother anymore. We aren’t exactly close.” Jason informed her. “That is in part thanks to Grandfather as well due to the fact that he’s played us against each other our whole lives and it doesn’t make matters better that A.J. is just like him. They’re perfect for each other. I’m sure that A.J. has moved into the position as sole heir now that I’ve been banned.”

“That doesn’t make you sad?” she questioned already not liking his family and never having met most of them. “That you’re on the outside looking in.”

Jason shook his head, “No. I have the best of them. My mother and grandmother, they don’t play those games with people. In fact Morgan was my grandmother’s maiden name and my middle name so I use that now. She’s very independent in fact she came into her marriage with my grandfather with her own money. Her father was very wealthy and she was an only child. That money has never been a part of the Quartermaine wealth. She has managed her own money and properties all of these years and truth be told she’s better at it than Grandfather is.” He laughed thinking of his favorite person. “She’s amazing, my grandmother. She and mother are the only reasons that I came to town before shipping out.” But now he looked across at his new companion glad that he’d come here for another reason, if only to have met her. “I had to see them.”

Elizabeth reached for his hand again, “I’m sure they’ll be pleased.” She looked around at everyone dancing and laughing and felt the sudden need to be alone with Jason. Even if it was only for that evening, “Captain, have you ever seen the docks here at night?” she asked.

Jason looked at the bandstand and then back at her, “Not in years, why?” he wondered.

“Well, you see it’s a full moon tonight and I love to go down there and watch the moonlight dance off of the current in the harbor. It’s kind of inspiring I don’t know I can’t explain it. Would you care to accompany me?” Elizabeth asked. “It’s something you really have to see for yourself to appreciate.”

He looked back at the bandstand feeling guilty, “I feel bad I haven’t even asked you to dance. This is after all what these things are for, dancing.” Jason watched as she took her surroundings in before looking a back at him.

“Honestly, I’m not much of a dancer. I like this,” Elizabeth motioned between them. “I like the talking it’s easier to do when we’re both not jumping around.” She smiled.

“True,” Jason nodded, “Well, in that case then I’d be honored to walk in the moonlight with you, Ms. Webber.” He stood and offered her his hand, “Shall we?”

Elizabeth tipped her head to the side, “I thought you’d never ask, Captain.” She smiled taking his hand.

After Jason had fixed his tie and put his uniform jacket back on he escorted Elizabeth to the coat checkroom where they each retrieved their coats and her hat. When he’d finished helping her into her coat he donned his own along with his hat and offered her his elbow before leaving the gymnasium. Caroline and Emily looked on from their spots on the dance floor giving each other a wink.


**

[JRK Archiver]

When they reached the bottom of the steps outside Jason motioned to his right, “I have a car over here.” he pointed towards a waiting chauffeured car with its engine running. “It’s grandmother’s I use it to humor her.”

Elizabeth shrugged, “Sounds good to me it’s that or the bus.” She smiled. “I’m game for anything.”

“Good.” He smiled taking her hand and helping her in.

They rode in silence for a while each taking in the road as it passed by, but not feeling the pressure to talk. Jason and Elizabeth were surprisingly comfortable with each other. “You can let us off here.” she told the driver as he came up on the small diner she worked at.

“As you wish.” The driver obliged as he stopped the car, “should I wait here Captain Morgan?” he asked.

Jason looked from Elizabeth back to his driver, “No Max, I think I’ll walk back to the hotel. Have a good evening.” He got out of the car and reached in to offer his hand to Elizabeth to help her exit it. “We’re going for a walk.” Jason told Max all the while never taking his eyes off of her. “Tell Grandmother I’ll be over in the morning.”

“Good evening then sir.” Max offered before pulling away. Max could see the two of them standing on the sidewalk still facing one another, looking into the other’s eyes. He’s in trouble, Max smiled to himself, knowing that whoever she was, the Captain’s heart would be staying here with her.


**


Jason absently reached up to brush a stray curl off of her forehead with his gloved hand, “So, this is where you work?” he asked.

Elizabeth blinked and shook her head in an effort to compose herself, and she found that a hard thing to do in such close proximity to him, “Yeah, about four nights a week. I like the dinner rush.” She took a few steps away from him to peer in the window, “Then I can paint all night and get a nap in before work, and the tips are better at dinner time.” Elizabeth looked over her shoulder to find him hanging on her every word. “Shall we?” she asked heading towards the docks.

Jason straightened his hat and nodded offering her his arm again and her taking it. They walked the short distance quietly until they were on the docks overlooking the harbor. “Wow.” Jason said as he escorted her down the steps. “It’s beautiful here.”

“I know.” Elizabeth answered looking out at the water, but what she didn’t know was that Jason hadn’t even seen it yet. All he’d seen was how the moonlight danced in her eyes when she surveyed the harbor before her.

Jason cleared his throat, “Do you want to sit?” he asked motioning towards the bench behind them.

“Sure.” She answered leading the way. “So, how long has it been since you’ve been back?” Elizabeth asked looking up at him as he sat down.

He sighed, “Gee, a long time four years maybe.” Jason shrugged. “Hey, isn’t it my turn to ask you something?” he smiled.

Elizabeth laughed and her eyes twinkled, “You’re right. Ask away.” she turned sideways to face him.

“Ok, here goes.” Jason rubbed his hands together. “Have you always lived here?”

“No, I didn’t move here until I was twelve.” Elizabeth informed him. “Until then I lived in San Francisco.”

“With your parents?” Jason wondered aloud.

“Yeah, my dad, he’s a doctor too, he’s with the Red Cross and Mom being a nurse follows him wherever he goes. That was until I was born.” She crossed her arms in front of her more as a mode of self-protection that one of extra warmth and this didn’t go unnoticed by Jason.

“She had to stop for a while after you I take it?” Jason presumed aloud.

“Yeah. I’m an only child, they never intended on having a family because it would have infringed on their lifestyle, children aren’t really convenient when traveling the world, and as you can see things happen sometimes, and here I am.” She managed a half-hearted smile. “They tried as best they could to provide the most normal family they could for me, but they were miserable and I could tell. It’s funny isn’t it, how even at a very young age you can tell when things just aren’t right with your family?” Jason nodded his agreement and she continued, “Dad passed a lot of things up, but there were times when they’d send me here for the summer or an extended holiday vacation so they could go to some war torn country to help even for a short time, but they always came for me.” She turned to face him after a long look at the water.

“Always?” Jason asked concerned that maybe she really didn’t want to talk about her parents and that he’d overstepped a line.

Elizabeth smiled at his intuitiveness, “Well, until that last time.” She looked back at the water and seemed to get lost in time somewhere, “Something big happened overseas, I don’t even remember what it was, but it was big and I remember them dropping me off here at my grandparents and saying that they’d see me in a few weeks. They’d even gone so far as to get my schoolwork from the teacher in California so I wouldn’t miss anything. That was a first, I should have known something was up when they did that.” Elizabeth shook off her regret and went on, “Those few weeks turned into a month, and the month turned into six, and you get the picture. They called as often as they could which wasn’t much, but I knew they wouldn’t be back for me. I was better off really with my Grams and Gramps.”

Jason watched as she wiped a stray tear from her cheek, “I’m sorry they did that to you.” He told her with complete sincerity, taking her hand. “When was the last time you saw them?” he asked.

Elizabeth sighed and turned to face him, “That was the last time when they dropped me off. I still get the occasional letter and a Christmas card but that’s it. Parenting was never really their strong suit in fact they hired nannies for me growing up anyway. It was better this way. At least I was with family.”

“I feel the same way about the boarding schools. My parents did me a favor sending me away. At least then I wasn’t being raised in that crazy environment.” Jason watched her closely as she gazed over the water again, “It made me independent from them, I belong to myself.”

Elizabeth cast him a sideways glance, “Yeah, I get that. I just never knew how to put it into words before. Thanks.” She smiled feeling better.

“You’re welcome,” Jason smiled back. “So tell me about your painting.”

“Like what? What do you want to know about it?” Elizabeth questioned unaccustomed to anyone asking about it who wasn’t her Grams or her girlfriends. She’d never shared it with anyone else.

“Well, like how you started and what you like to paint.” Jason encouraged.

“In school I guess, after I moved here we studied art history for a little while and I liked that so much I saved my allowance to buy supplies, and I took it from there. First I painted landscapes and animals and things like that but now I paint what I like or feel, what inspires me. I’m in my abstract phase now.” She smiled. “I go into my studio sometimes and I get lost in things, before I know it whole days have passed without my noticing. It’s my escape. Sometimes my boss at the diner has to send a busboy to come and get me, I get so lost I’m late for my shift.” She pointed to her left, “Over there is the building my studio is in I spend most of my free time there.”

“It’s good that you can get lost in your art like that. Everyone needs and escape of some kind.” Jason told her looking up at the sky.

Elizabeth followed his gaze, “Is flying yours?” she asked liking the far away look he got when he looked at the sky.

Jason smiled, “Yeah. How did you know?” he laughed realizing he had looked up at the sky giving it away. “When I’m up there in the clouds nothing else seems to matter. It’s just me and the plane floating, have you ever been up?” he asked.

“Me?” she placed a hand on her chest, “No, but it looks amazing.” Elizabeth smiled.

“It is, but the army doesn’t just let me take their plane whenever I want to so there’s an old farmer near my base who has a crop duster.” Jason told her. “In exchange for the use of his plane I do all of his crop dusting for free, he’s getting too old to do it himself so it works out for both of us.” Jason smiled, “I love it up there. I never realized how much I could enjoy something until I flew a plane for the first time.”

“Sounds like a good arrangement.” Elizabeth offered liking how his face changed when he talked about his passion.

“Yeah it suits us both.” Jason nodded. “So, what do you plan to do with your art?”

Elizabeth laughed, “Sell it I hope. Oh, I don’t know maybe I’ll teach someday too. I haven’t really given it much thought. Right now I’m just enjoying what I’m doing.”

“You’ll figure it out.” Jason assured her. “In my experience things always figure themselves out. I’d even bet that someday your art will decide for you.”

“I hope so.” She smiled glad that she’d met the man before her. Even though she’d never seen him before in her life it felt like she’d always known him.


**


They sat like that for a while talking about each other’s lives. Elizabeth told him how she’d met Emily and Caroline, and Jason had told her about his first days in the army and the people he’d met there. They discussed music, movies, and whatever else had come to mind. Before they knew it they were watching the sunrise on the horizon.

“Uh oh.” Jason cringed. “I’m not making much of an impression on your grams by keeping you out all night. Where did the time go?” he asked checking his watch.

“Don’t worry about her, Grams won’t be worried I don’t live with her anymore. I moved completely into the studio a couple of months ago.” Elizabeth squeezed his hand. “I can’t believe we talked all night and I’m not even tired.’ She smiled. “I wish we could stay here all day like this.”

“I know, but you have work and I promised to see Grandmother today.” Jason frowned. “But if you don’t have plans could I see you again later?” Jason asked fingers crossed that she’d see him again.

“I’d like that.” Elizabeth grinned.

“Me too.” Jason whispered. “When should I pick you up?” he asked helping her to her feet.

Elizabeth was quiet a moment while she considered their options, “Well, I have to work tonight, why don’t you come to the diner after it closes and we’ll have dinner? We’d have the place to ourselves.” She liked the thought of that. Elizabeth wasn’t ready to share him with anyone else just yet.

“What time?” he asked in a throaty voice doing his best not to crowd her space but only wanting to be closer to her.

Elizabeth did her best to catch her breath. It was easy to lose it when she was standing next to him, “Around eight?” she managed.

Jason smiled because in the early morning light she looked like he pictured an angel would. “I’ll be there.” He looked towards her studio, “Can I walk you back to your studio?”

“Yeah,” she smiled. “I’d like that a lot. Are you going to go and take a nap before you head to the mansion?” Elizabeth teased.

Jason smiled and pointed a finger at her, “I’m going to let that slide because you’ve never been there, but yes I need all the rest I can get if I’m going over there. It’s exhausting.” He told her that sensing he’d never get a wink in because all he was going to be able to do was think of her. Then he offered her his arm again and they proceeded to her studio.

When they reached the double doors to her building she paused on the landing, “You don’t have to walk me up. I can make it from here.” Elizabeth told him liking how the step up offered her a look directly into his eyes. She straightened the lapels on his coat, “Thanks, I had a good time.” She smiled.

Jason reached up to cover her hands with his, “Me too.” He looked up at the old building, “Are you sure you can make it up alright? Maybe I should walk you up to be sure?” he offered genuinely concerned by the looks of the building.

Elizabeth grinned, “Yeah, I’m sure, besides it’s a mess. I left it in a hurry earlier tonight to get ready for the dance. Most of my dresses are still at Gram’s I almost didn’t make it.” She admitted as she looked into his crystal blue eyes.

Jason tilted his head to the side and brushed a curl that has escaped her upswept hair from her forehead, “Well, I’m glad you did.” Without hesitation he leaned in and placed a kiss on her forehead, “I’ll see you later.”

“Yes you will.” Elizabeth affirmed before she turned to go inside. When she entered her studio the light streaming in the windows was so inviting that she went to look out them. Her gaze landed finally on Jason’s face looking up to make sure she’d made it in all right. How he knew which was hers she didn’t know, but he smiled up at her and tipped his hat before turning to walk away towards his hotel. She watched him walk until she couldn’t see him anymore.

[JRK Archiver]

Part Two

Elizabeth changed out of her dress clothes and into her painting ones, but she didn’t paint. She sat down on her sofa, clutched a pillow to her chest, and thought of Jason. How he looked walking across the dance floor towards her, how he offered her a drink, and how he kissed her gently on her forehead before leaving that morning. He’d been such a gentleman, not like most soldiers did before they shipped out. Those men used the situation to their advantage where young women were concerned. Jason was different, he was easy to be with, and he wanted to know her. Elizabeth could sense that and she in turn wanted to know him too. Soon the urge to paint had passed and she drifted off to sleep hoping for sweet dreams of him.


**


Jason stepped into his room at The Port Charles Hotel a little while later. He’d enjoyed his walk back. It was a beautiful morning as he walked along the docks. The only thing he could think of that would have been better was to have been in the air in that little crop duster, and of course if Elizabeth had been with him. He smiled when the thought crossed his mind that he almost hadn’t gone to the USO dance the night before, but he was glad that he had. Jason knew that if he’d missed it he’d have missed out on the chance of a lifetime in meeting her. Elizabeth was a rare kind of woman, at least compared to ones that he’d known at college and prep school. She was sensible, smart, and it didn’t hurt that she was beautiful. She had no clue how beautiful she was. Those eyes and that smile would be with him forever no matter what happened between them. There was a reason he’d met her, and whatever that was he didn’t plan on wasting the opportunity to get to know her better. Jason hung his uniform back up and climbed into bed with a tank top and his boxer shorts on. He folded his arms under his head, looked at the ceiling, and with thoughts of her drifted off to sleep.


**


After they’d each gotten a few hours of sleep they went about their days. Elizabeth cleaned the studio up in case she had company later for coffee after dinner, and then she managed to finish a few sketches she’d been working on before she cleaned up and went to work at the diner.

Jason showered and changed into some civilian clothes. He’d opted for those so he wouldn’t draw attention to himself as he snuck through the rose garden and into his grandmother’s suite. He did his best to not draw any unwanted family members into his time with Lila especially now that he had his orders he only wanted to spend his time where it was of the most quality. Jason didn’t want to spend it arguing with his grandfather over trivial things that in the end would never matter.


**


Elizabeth was thankful for the afternoon rush at the diner. It made passing the time until Jason arrived go by faster. Before she knew it, it was time to get ready for her date with him. She did one last minute check of the dining area before going into the restroom to change out of her uniform and into a tailored gray skirt and a pink sweater set. Elizabeth eyed herself in the mirror trying to decide about her hair, finally she concluded that it looked better just tied back on the sides and left loose on her shoulders. She was so engrossed in getting it just right that she didn’t hear the knock on the front door.


Jason looked up when the door opened to find an older man with white hair standing there. Jason looked behind the man, “Hi. I’m looking for Elizabeth?” he asked cautiously.

The man eyed him closely, “You the flyboy?” he asked raising an eyebrow at Jason.

Jason laughed at this man’s abruptness, “Yeah, that’s me. Jason Morgan.” He introduced himself holding a hand out to shake.

The man nodded and shook Jason’s hand, “Luke Spencer. I own the joint. Come on in, she’s expecting you.” Luke stepped to the side to allow Jason by. “I already knew who you were by the way.” Luke informed him. “You’re that other Quartrmaine grandson, aren’t you? The one who threw the name back in that old bastard’s face.”

Jason smiled, “Right again.” He looked around hoping Elizabeth would join them soon for some reason this guy made him nervous. “I guess you could put it that way.”

“Wait till I tell the guys tonight at poker. You’re a kind of urban legend around Port Chuck. Did you know that?” Luke watched as Jason tried to make sense of what he was saying. “No one believed you even existed.”

“How do you mean?” Jason questioned clearly not understanding the older man.

“Well see we all had heard that your brother, A.J. had a younger sibling, but we weren’t sure never having seen you and all. Then we hear that you do in fact exist but that you’d cut ties with that clan. Of course some of them thought you must be crazy to walk away from what you would inherit, but I never did.” Luke crossed the diner to the counter and handed Jason a bottle of beer and joined him in a drink.

Jason took the bottle of beer, “Why didn’t you, ever wonder that is?” he asked intrigued by what Luke might have to say.

“I’ve seen, your family up close and personal having done business with that old coot in times past. He’s sneaky and he uses people even his own flesh and blood to further his own plans.” He paused to take a drink of his beer, “It’s no wonder you told the old man to shove it. Good call by the way taking Lila’s maiden name, now she’s a gem.” Luke nodded with a smile.

“Yeah, she is. That’s the only reason I came to town.” Jason agreed liking Luke’s take on things. He slid onto the stool opposite Luke.

“So, tell me why did you do it. Leave the old codger high and dry like that with only your brother as an heir. Which by the way is a good way to screw him in the long run.” Luke winked knowing that the young man before him had and even better sense of the screw up that was his brother. Everyone in town knew that.

Jason laughed, “When I told them I was going to take a leave from law school to join the army Grandfather had a fit and told me I was a disgrace to the family name.” He rolled his eyes. “So, I did the only thing I could I gave him the name back.” Jason shrugged his shoulders. “Grandfather isn’t really into serving ones country only himself.”

“Exactly.” Luke agreed. “I’m guessing if you’re in town that you got your orders, right?” he asked checking to make sure that Liz wasn’t coming. “And you came to tell Lila goodbye.”

“Yes that’s right.” Jason answered. “I’m shipping out to England week from Saturday.”

“This thing with Liz, what is that all about?” Luke asked going into protective mode. “Is it one last hurrah and all that?”

Jason sat up straighter feeling like he was under inspection, “I enjoy her company and I hope she enjoys mine.” He answered truthfully not willing to let the older man in on anymore than necessary. Jason only wanted him to know that he was acting honorably.

“A huh, okay well then you should know that I consider her one of my own.” Luke began placing a hand to his heart.

Jason interrupted, “I take it this is a threat?” he asked amused.

“No, son you can take it as a promise, don’t believe in threats that’s a waste of time. Now, don’t get me wrong Liz is capable of taking care of herself, but if you hurt her you’ll wish you were dealing with the Nazi’s instead of a grumpy old man. Don’t hurt her, don’t use her, and most especially do not make her cry. Got it?” Luke demanded.

Jason sensed that this man didn’t make empty threats or say things just to say them. “Got it.” He answered swallowing hard.

“The only reason I say,” Luke began to explain, “is that she’s had a rough few months and the last thing she needs is some hot shot handsome flyboy giving her the run around.”

“Understood.” Jason nodded.

“Luke! What do you think you’re doing?” Elizabeth came around the corner having heard Luke giving a talking to Jason. “I can’t believe you did that, again. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself!”

Luke cringed, “I know darlin, I just can’t help it is all.” He winked at Jason as if to say that he knew exactly what he’d been doing and enjoyed and meant every minute of it. “Look I’ll leave you two alone. Don’t forget to lock up, and if you need me I’ll be at the jazz club playing poker.” Luke told them as he found his way to the door, new beer in hand for the short walk to his club.

Elizabeth sighed and turned to Jason, “I’m really sorry about that. Luke had no right to interrogate you.”

Jason took the few steps to be at her side, “Don’t be he just cares a lot about you. I can’t fault him for that.” He took in her appearance, “Wow, you look great.” He smiled thinking that if he had thought her eyes were blue last night then he was sure they were bluer tonight, and he loved how they sparkled like sapphires.

“Thanks.” She blushed. Then she took him in wearing his civilian clothes. Dark brown trousers, white shirt, and of course his aviator’s leather jacket. “You don’t look so bad yourself.” Elizabeth smiled. “Hungry?” she asked as she stepped behind the counter and into the kitchen.

“Famished.” Jason answered as he watched her walk away.

Elizabeth raised her voice so he could hear her, “I hope meatloaf is okay. Cook left enough for both of us.”

“That sounds good.” Jason answered. “It’s better than I’d be getting on base. You need any help?” he asked heading towards the sound of her voice.

He found her in the kitchen filling two plates with meatloaf and mashed potatoes. She looked up from the task at hand and smiled, “No, I’ve got it. If you want though there is a jar of nickels under the counter out there you could play us some music if you want.”

“I think I can handle that.” Jason smiled heading off to do just that. He easily found the jar, hung his coat up and made his way to the jukebox. “Anything in particular?” he said towards the kitchen.

Elizabeth came around the corner carrying two plates, “No, I’m sure what ever you pick will be great.” She smiled when their eyes locked for a moment. She set the plates down and lit the candles on the one and only table that, was set for dinner in the small diner. Taking a cue as he watched her light them he dimmed the lights. Elizabeth watched him as he walked to her and pulled her chair out for her so she could sit down.

“Thank you.” She smiled over her shoulder as Jason pushed her chair in.

Jason leaned into her ear, pausing to take in her delicate sense, “No, thank you.” He whispered into that ear finding it hard to find his voice because for a moment he’d become lost in her.

They ate in silence for a few minutes, “This is great.” Jason complimented after a few bites. “Much better than on base.” He smiled.

“Don’t thank me.” Elizabeth laughed. “It’s all Cook he knows his way around a kitchen. Me, not so much.”

“You don’t cook, hey?” Jason asked liking how her face was lit by the candlelight.

“Nope. Bake yes.” Elizabeth grinned. “But cook, not a chance. I am however a good waitress. I can serve.”

Jason smiled, “Then I guess you’re in the right profession.”

“Looks like it.” She smiled back. “So, did you have a nice visit with your grandmother today?”

“Yes I did.” Jason began as he wiped his mouth with a napkin and placed it on his empty plate. “It was great to see her. She never ceases to amaze me.”

Elizabeth could tell by watching his face when he spoke of Lila what she meant to him. His eyes danced. “I’ll bet she’s just as proud of you and you are of her.”

Jason sighed, “I hope so.” He cleared his throat, “So, have you known Luke a long time?” he asked curious as to what the relationship was between them. Luke acted more like a father than he did a boss.

“Yeah, since I moved here. His son, Lucky and I met at school and have been friends ever since. Luke and his wife kind of took me in.” Elizabeth rested her elbows on the table in front of her putting her chin in her hands, “They became my home away from home.”

“You didn’t get along with your grandparents?” he asked.

“Oh, no I did. It’s just that they worked a lot.” Elizabeth told him. “I ate dinner frequently with the Spencer’s. I try to make it there, once a week now that Lucky is gone.” She sat back in her chair folding her arms across her chest.

“Gone?” Jason asked suddenly concerned. “He’s not?”

“Dead?” Elizabeth asked realizing what it must have sounded like. “No, he’s in Europe, England I think. Lucky is a medic in the army. He shipped out just after Pearl Harbor. You and he have something in common.”

“What’s that?” Jason asked.

“Lucky left medical school to join up.” She told him. “He’s the most qualified medic in England. They told him he could work in the mash unit but he said he wanted to be on the front lines. He gets that from Luke, the dangerous streak.”

Jason nodded, “I can relate to that.” He paused to watch how the light reflected in her eyes losing, himself in them for a moment. He hadn’t meant to stare.

“What?” Elizabeth asked growing self-conscious with the direct attention. She broke eye contact and twirled her hair around her finger.

Jason blinked, “Just thinking.” He cocked his head trying to get her attention.

Elizabeth looked up into his blue eyes, “Thinking what?” she wondered aloud.

“More like wondering.” He admitted. “Wondering why someone like you hasn’t settled down yet.” Jason shook his head, “I can’t believe that some guy hasn’t come along and snapped you up yet.” When she didn’t respond right away Jason worried that he’d said the wrong thing. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

Elizabeth waved him off, “No, don’t be. It’s not you.” She shook her head and smiled. “I was almost married, I mean I could have been.”

Jason sensed there was more to it, “Do you want to talk about it?” he offered.

“Yeah I do. I think its time I talked to someone about, it.” She stood to take their plates to the kitchen. Jason waited patiently for her to return with coffee for the both of them. “I met Ric not long after I moved here in junior high. We hit it off and at first for a long time were just friends. We ran in the same circles, parties, and all that.” Jason looked on as she busied her hands stirring cream into her mug. The look in her eyes told him she was back there all those years ago. “It wasn’t until we were in high school that we started dating, ninth grade as a matter of fact. Everyone including Ric and I thought that we’d always be together.” Elizabeth set her spoon down on the saucer beneath her cup and continued, “Ric, he was my closest friend, even more so than Emily or Caroline. He understood me because he’d been left by his mother, when he was very young with his father but still abandoned just the same.”

Jason listened closely realizing that this was the first time she’d referred to what her parents had done as abandonment. He was gaining some insight on Elizabeth. More than likely she wasn’t even aware that she’d just revealed that to him. He knew her enough to know that she didn’t just let people in that close right away.

“We had a lot in common.” She shook her head, “Anyway we dated all through high school. He was captain of the basketball team, class president and I was the doting girlfriend and all that. Then it came time for him to go away to college. Princeton.” Elizabeth grinned, “I was so proud of him. He too was going for a law degree only like his dad, Ric wanted to be in politics he had a natural aptitude for it. I should have known when he left that I wasn’t heartbroken and neither was he that we’d run our course, we simply made better friends than we did a couple. It’s just hard to let go of all those dreams and ambitions. Like a lot of high school sweethearts we always planned on getting married when he finished school, having a home and a family, but sometimes you don’t get what you wish or plan for. Do you?”

Jason only shook his head no in agreement. He didn’t want to break her stride. He could see relief in her face as she let go of her tale.

Elizabeth stopped to take a sip of her coffee. “We did our best to hold it together until he came home for Christmas break that first year. You know, we never fought. I guess we didn’t feel like that would have done what we had, had together justice. We talked when he got here and decided together that it was over for good. He was adjusting to college life, and I was adjusting to my looming independence.” She smiled thoughtfully. “Ric was the one who encouraged me to rent the studio and get out on my own.” Elizabeth walked to the window. Jason remained in his seat just watching her. “Then one spring he comes in here telling me that he’s going to do a tour in the Navy because he’d never feel right if he didn’t give back to his country especially with all that was going on with Germany and all.” She eyed Jason closely realizing the parallels in the two men. “What is it with you guys and your incessant need to be a war hero?” she looked like she was angry with him, but Jason knew differently. “To leave everything you have going for you behind and run off like that? To fight in someone else’s war?” she sighed, “Anyway he left that summer for boot camp and of course in true Ric fashion moved up in rank and was a junior officer before he knew it. I of course was the devoted friend and wrote to him every week.” Elizabeth stopped feeling like she’s gone on long enough.

Jason stood and walked towards her, “Elizabeth, you don’t have to tell me this if it’s painful for you. I understand.” He placed his hand on her shoulder.

Elizabeth wiped her face, “You’re right. You don’t want to hear me rant about Ric. I’m sorry. I mean we’ve only just met and I’m here going on and on about another guy.”

Jason shook his head, “No, that isn’t what I meant. Elizabeth, I can tell there is more to it than you’re letting on. I only want to help. Please let me.”

Elizabeth swallowed the lump forming in her throat and looked up into his eyes. At that moment she knew, no, she felt that this man before her was someone she could entrust her innermost secrets and fears to. That he wouldn’t take them lightly, but hold them in the proper respect. The very same respect he had shown her. “You know, it’s strange.” She mentioned to Jason.

Jason tilted his head, “How’s that?” he asked.

She reached up and brushed the bangs across her forehead, “Well we’ve only just met and I feel like I could trust you completely.” Elizabeth watched as a thoughtful smile crept across his face. “I don’t know why I just do.” She admitted in a whisper.

“You can.” Jason informed her taking her petite hand in his larger one. “I feel the same way.” He confessed.

“It’s oddly,” Elizabeth began finding that she was at a loss for words.

Jason however wasn’t he found it for her, “comforting.” He smiled.

Elizabeth laughed, “Yeah, that’s just it, comforting.”

“I think so too,” he laughed back still holding her hand and absently running his thumb over her knuckles.

Elizabeth looked down at their hands and regrettably pulled her away so she could finish clearing the table in hopes that the subject of Ric could be dropped. She only wanted to enjoy Jason not dwell on her past.

Jason walked up behind her with other things on his mind, knowing that they weren’t finished yet he took her shoulders in his hands, “Go ahead finish your story. What happened to your friend?” He too knew that they hadn’t known each other long but he knew enough to know that she needed to get something off of her chest, and that he’d never know all of her until she did.

[JRK Archiver]

Part Three

Jason walked up behind her with other things on his mind, knowing that they weren’t finished yet he took her shoulders in his hands, “Go ahead finish your story. What happened to your friend?” He too knew that they hadn’t known each other long but he knew enough to know that she needed to get something off of her chest, and that he’d never know all of her until she did. “What happened, did the two of you have a fight?”


“No.” she answered liking the feel of his hands on her shoulders. It made her feel safe. Just the fact that he was in the room with her made Elizabeth feel safe, and she hadn’t felt that way in a long time.

“Okay.” Jason nodded taking her hand and leading her back to her seat. He reclaimed the one across from her. “When was the last time you were together?”

Elizabeth didn’t need time to think of when that had been it was etched in her mind like yesterday. “Thanksgiving, last year. He was home on leave. We were at a dance, one like last night.” She informed her new friend. “Ric and I had the best time.” She smiled thinking of the way they’d danced and laughed together. “It was like high school. The gang was all there and I think we danced until they kicked us out.”

Jason liked the way her eyes lit up when she smiled. It made a light go on in the room, made things glow. “Sounds fun. How long was he in town for?”

“A week.” Elizabeth began twisting her napkin in her hands as she spoke, “He’d gotten new orders so he was home for a week before he shipped back out.” She did her best to focus on Jason like he was a beacon in a storm, but the only storm was the one inside of her.

Jason watched as the light went out in her eyes, and how more fervent she was torturing the napkin in her hands. “How did you leave things between you?” Jason asked hoping that this Ric guy hadn’t left her heartbroken, and wondering if he had how he could have left someone like Elizabeth behind. Jason knew even after only two days that the task of leaving her would be nearly impossible. He easily slid his chair next to hers and took her hand gently in his.

“Friendly. Above all that’s what we were first. We left it friendly.” Elizabeth limited her answer to just what he’d asked. It was hard enough knowing what she needed to say. She wasn’t just going to offer it up, afraid that she’d choke on it. Even after all of these months she hadn’t spoken a word of it to anyone. Not her girlfriends not even Lucky. After it had happened she had just shut down, went through the motions.

Jason looked on as the conflict pooled in her eyes. Feeling his scrutiny she took her leave and went to the jukebox aimlessly searching for a new song. Suddenly Jason had a sinking feeling in his gut, “Elizabeth, what ship was he on?” He asked cautiously afraid that he already knew the answer. “Where was Ric re-assigned to?”

Elizabeth turned to face him as the sobs shook her shoulders and he was at her side immediately. Softly she whispered her answer, “The Arizona.” Elizabeth turned her face into Jason’s chest and for a moment nothing more needed to be said.


“Oh no.” Jason whispered as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head, “He was at Pearl Harbor wasn’t he?” he asked again already knowing the answer.


**


For a while Jason had just held her while she cried, and to Elizabeth it felt like now that she’d started she might never quit. It was nice to be nestled into Jason’s arms like she was and oddly it felt like she fit there. It was something she’d never experienced before not even with Ric, a sense of belonging.

Jason had fixed her a cup of hot tea and settled her down he sat with her in the silence that came so easily to them. Finally she spoke, “Wow, some date huh? Not very often your date has a breakdown I bet?” Elizabeth did her best to make light of what had happened as she dabbed the remnants of her tears from her eyes.

Jason smiled at her attempt to be funny, “No, not very often. At least not with me I think they wait until I drop them off.” He laughed.

Elizabeth managed a giggle, “I find that hard to believe.” She told him rolling her eyes before growing serious again. “I know it must have sounded silly. I mean Ric and I weren’t even a couple anymore, but the loss is the same as if we had been.” Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders because she could think of no other way to explain it. “I’m sorry I shouldn’t have unloaded on you like that.” She looked away breaking eye contact with him. How could she explain to someone she’d only just met that she felt connected to him?

Jason reached for her chin and turned her to face him, “Listen, don’t be sorry. Seems to me you had been, needing to let go of all of that, and no it didn’t sound silly. You and Ric had history together, and it sounds like you basically grew up with him, so you should feel however you need to feel about losing him.” he ran his hand over her shoulder, “There isn’t a manual for grieving and no one can or should tell you how you should go about it.” Jason whispered.

Elizabeth nodded and wiped her eyes with the hanky he handed her, “You know I’ve never said those words aloud to anyone. In fact I haven’t spoken about his death since.” She rubbed her nose with her finger, “I talk about him like he’s still alive. Part of me still expects him to come bounding in here and order a chocolate shake. Sounds crazy right?”

He cleared his throat, “No because he isn’t gone, at least not all of him.” Jason shook his head, “A part of him will always live on in your heart.” He placed his hand over his own heart.

“Thanks for listening. It feels good to get it off my shoulders.” Elizabeth leaned in and kissed him on his cheek.

Jason only shrugged, “Hey, that’s okay. I’ve got broad shoulders.” He smiled.

Elizabeth thought of her first impression from the night before and smiled outwardly, but inwardly she was giggling, “Yeah, I noticed.” She blushed turning away.

Jason eyed her like he wanted an explanation but let it go. As long as she was smiling he didn’t care why.


**


Jason helped her clean up the diner after they finished dessert. “I think everything is in its place.” Elizabeth surveyed the room before reaching for her coat.

Her date intercepted it though and helped her put it on. Jason paused as he leaned in and caught the scent of lavender in her hair. He recognized the aroma from his grandmother’s garden. Then he reached for his own jacket and held the door open for her. “Can I see you home?” he asked.

Elizabeth smiled before turning to lock the door, “Of course. Unless of course you’re ready to run for it after my display earlier.”

Jason waited until she turned around and took her shoulders in his hands, “Listen, I was glad to be there for you. I’m not running anywhere much less away from you.” When she dipped her head to break eyes with him he reached for her chin with his finger and pulled her gaze back to him. “Something tells me there is a lot of know about you, and if it’s alright I’d like to continue getting to know you.” He looked at her with a lop-sided grin that she knew would be hard to resist.

“I’d like that too.” she whispered as a blush crept across her face.

“Good.” Jason nodded before offering his elbow to her like he’d done the night before.

As they walked along Elizabeth glanced over at him, “So you didn’t go into details earlier. How was your visit with your grandmother, really? After hearing about your family last night I sense that there was more to your visit that just your grandmother.”

Jason grinned and nodded, “How did you know that’s what I was thinking about?” he asked leading her to sit on a bench similar to the one they’d sat on before.

“Just something I sensed.” Elizabeth shrugged. “It’s your turn, come on spill it.” She ordered laughing.

He watched her closely before his mouth took over, “As long as you keep laughing and smiling I’ll do anything you ask.”

Elizabeth smiled and bit her bottom lip at the same time, “That’s good to know, Captain. I’ll remember that.” She answered shamelessly flirting with him and not caring only hoping that it was working. She liked him plain and simple regardless of what had happened earlier and she wanted to be sure he knew it. Elizabeth watched him laugh as he watched her. “Go on tell me about your visit. Stop stalling.”

Jason shook his head in an effort to clear his thoughts, “Oh okay. You know if you would stop distracting me,” he shook a finger at her, “I’d tell you sooner.” He suggested.

“I’ll do my best, sir. Would it be better if I sat on my hands?” she asked batting her eyelashes at him and obviously over doing it. Elizabeth liked the way he looked at her. The feeling it gave her was indescribable. She just kept rambling on.

Jason could have agreed because the feeling he had when he looked at her was the same one. So much so that as he listened to her ramble, and watched her he was overcome. It felt like slow motion when he reached in and cupped her cheek with his right hand. This seemed to slow her down because now she was focusing on the electricity pumping through her body. Jason watched her face closely when she stopped talking her mouth still open just ever so slightly like something had caught her off guard. Absent-mindedly she reached up to cover his hand with hers liking the rough feel of it against her delicate one.

Jason was unsure if he should go further but any reservation he might have felt was erased when he locked eyes with her. Easily he reached up with his left hand to mirror the right one as he lightly ran his thumb over her cheekbone and then her bottom lip. First he kissed her softly on the forehead before placing the same on her cheek and then the other. When he pulled back to look at her he stared while she ran her tongue over he bottom lip. Jason swallowed hard and that was it he thought to himself. He had to know what those lips felt like against his. So, he leaned in and tenderly placed their first kiss on her lips. If possible they were softer than he’d imagined. Then he leaned in for another, this time with something more behind it, and when he pulled back her lips were swollen from the kiss and he didn’t hesitate before leaning in for another. Again, this time was more fervently than the last. Jason’s hands moved to the nape of her neck and ran his hand up her neck and into her hairline tangling his hands there. Elizabeth on the other hand went directly for his shoulders aching to feel them and then ran her hands into his hair before resting them on either side if his face. When they finally parted he rested his forehead against hers, “Wow.” Jason swallowed.

“I’ll say.” Elizabeth sighed. “Wow is right.” She agreed pulling back just barely so she could see his eyes looking back into hers.

They each laughed still in close proximity to each other. Jason was the first to speak, “I think I better get you home.” He told her reluctantly. He would much rather have sat there on that bench kissing her all night, but Jason knew that wouldn’t be appropriate. Elizabeth still had to live there in that dinky town after he shipped out and he wouldn’t do that to her.

“You’re probably right.” Elizabeth agreed. “Hey, you still haven’t told me about your visit.” She reminded him as they stood.

As Jason wrapped his arm around her shoulder and replied, “Why don’t we hold off until tomorrow? That is if I can see you again?”

Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders, “Well, I don’t know. I have to check my schedule.” She cast him a sideways glance as he stopped walking and stood next to her arms folded across that broad chest of his.

Jason tilted his head to the side, “Well, you just let me know. Unless you’ve decided that you can’t stand me, in which case I’ll just leave you be.” He teased.

She laughed and patted his shoulder, “Of course you can see me again and soon. I’d be crazy not to go out with you again.”

“Well, that what I was thinking.” He smiled before taking her hand and leading her up the stairs towards her building. Elizabeth laughed along with him leaning her head against his shoulder. With him she didn’t feel self-conscious about anything, she could just be and she cherished that in him. Elizabeth wasn’t sure how long he was going to be in town or where he was going but as long as he was here she wasn’t going to waste a minute. If losing Ric had taught her anything she’d learned to treasure the time she had with those she cared about and there was no mistaking the fact that she cared about Captain Jason Morgan.

[JRK Archiver]

Part Four

“Well, that’s what I was thinking.” He smiled before taking her hand and leading her up the stairs towards her building. Elizabeth laughed along with him leaning her head against his shoulder. With him she didn’t feel self-conscious about anything, she could just be and she cherished that in him. Elizabeth wasn’t sure how long he was going to be in town or where he was going but as long as he was here she wasn’t going to waste a minute. If losing Ric had taught her anything she’d learned to treasure the time she had with those she cared about and there was no mistaking the fact that she cared about Captain Jason Morgan.

**

Jason held her close on the short walk to her studio. He had his arm around her shoulders and hers in turn were around his waist. They seemed to fit together like that. To anyone walking by they looked like a young couple very much in love and that’s what worried Luke as he stood in the shadows watching them walk by. He knew that the young pilot would be leaving town soon, and he also knew that pilots didn’t have a long life expectancy in that day and age, but what worried him more was the thought that the young woman he considered one of his own would be left again heart broken and alone. Luke just hoped that over the course of the next two weeks that the captain would be in town that things would fizzle out between them and then that hope turned to the fear that whatever it was between them would only get stronger. Either way there was only one thing he could do and that was, be her strongest supporter and keep a very close eye on the flyboy.



**

When Jason and Elizabeth arrived at her building they paused like they had the night before on the stoop. “Thanks for walking me home, and everything.” Elizabeth said as she smoothed her hands down the arms of his leather bomber jacket. “I’m sorry if I seemed like a basket case.”

Jason waved off her apology, “You have nothing to be sorry for. I was happy to be your ear. Really, I was. Thank you for a wonderful dinner.” He reached up to brush that pesky curl off of her forehead again glad that it was pesky or he wouldn’t have a reason to touch her. “What are you doing tomorrow? Can I pick you up after work?”

“I’m not working tomorrow.” Elizabeth informed her suitor with a smile stretched across her face.

“Even better.” Jason smiled back. “Do you have plans?” he asked hoping she didn’t.

“I was just planning on finishing some work in the studio.” She tilted her head, “What were you thinking?” Elizabeth was curious.

Jason only grinned, “How about I come for you in the morning?”

“Okay.” Elizabeth agreed. “What time?”

“Nine?” Jason suggested hoping it worked for her because that would mean a whole day together.

“Nine is fine.” Elizabeth answered as she watched the wheels turn inside his head. “See you then.”

“Yes you will.” Jason confirmed placing his hand on the small of her back and pulling her closer to him. He watched the moonlight dance in her eyes as she smiled at him anticipating what she hoped was a good night kiss, which he did gladly. When he kissed her like that she found she never wanted him to stop and that was strange to her. How could she want to kiss someone forever especially when she’d only just met him? It just doesn’t happen like that she thought. Although, since December things had changed, the world had changed and you had to grab things when they presented themselves. Life was short you had to live it while you had the chance.

Jason finally rested his head against hers, “See you soon.” He promised wishing he didn’t have to go back to his empty hotel room alone.

“Okay.” Elizabeth whispered back. She quietly entered her building and climbed the steps to her studio. Like the night before she immediately went to her window to find him standing below waiting to catch a glimpse of her before he left. Elizabeth waved and so did Jason before taking his leave towards the Port Charles Hotel.

**

The next morning Elizabeth was just finishing a cup of coffee and thinking about the day to come with Jason when she heard a knock on the door, “Elizabeth? It’s Mrs. Pryor, there’s a phone call for you in the hallway dear.”

Elizabeth quickly opened the door to find her elderly neighbor, hair in curlers waiting for a response on the other side. “Thank you Mrs. Pryor. I didn’t even hear it ring. I hope it didn’t wake you.” Elizabeth followed the woman down the hall towards the community phone.

“Wake me? Oh no dear I’m up with the roosters.” The woman laughed. Before they reached the phone she turned to the younger woman, “I’m guessing it’s that young gentleman that’s been walking you home lately.” Mrs. Pryor smiled. “Very handsome from what I can tell. Soldier right?”

Elizabeth grinned at her nosy neighbor, “Yes he is. Thanks for coming to get me.”

Mrs. Pryor nodded, “you’re welcome.” Slowly entering her apartment in hopes of gathering a juicy tidbit of gossip.

“Hello.” Elizabeth said into the telephone. “This is Elizabeth.” She informed the caller.

“Hi. It’s the handsome guy from last night.” Jason teased having over heard the older woman talking to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth smiled, “Which one?” she teased in return. Two could play that game.

“Oh, ok.” Jason laughed. “What are you wearing?” he asked before realizing how it must have sounded.

However it wasn’t lost on Elizabeth as the blush crept up her cheeks. “Jason! What kind of question is that?” she asked hoping that he wasn’t going to turn out to be some kind of pervert.

“What?” Jason asked at first not understanding what she meant. Then it hit him, “Wait no. I didn’t mean it that way. I’m sorry. I meant I hope you aren’t dressing up today. I just wanted to let you know that it was going to be very casual is all. Do you have a pair of jeans?”

“Yeah, I think so. It’s that casual, huh?” Elizabeth asked wondering what exactly he’d had planned for them.

“Stop fishing around for information. I’m not telling.” Jason smiled into the phone. “Oh and dress warm.”

“Ok.” Elizabeth assured him. “By the way how did you get this number?” She wondered suddenly thinking about the fact that he’d never asked for it and she’d never offered.

“My grandmother is a Quartermaine.” Jason left it that. Nothing more needed to be said. Lila had connections.

Elizabeth nodded like he could see her, “Of course. Okay, well I’ll see you soon.”

“See you later.” Jason told he before hanging up.

*
Elizabeth was standing on the stoop promptly at nine when he pulled up on of all things a motorcycle. “Jason! Who’s is that?” she gasped pointing at the machine.

Jason smiled at her appearance. Jeans, red sweater and a barn jacket with her hair pulled off of her face in a ponytail. “It’s mine.” He answered grinning. “You look nice.” He offered his hand to help her on the back.

Elizabeth resisted for a moment, “I’ve never ridden one of those before,” she informed him hesitant but exhilarated at the thought of screaming through the streets with him. “Is it safe?” she asked thinking what her grams would say if she found out.

“I promise to take good care of you.” Jason promised still holding his hand out for her.

Elizabeth eyed him up again. He too was in jeans and a black sweater with his leather aviator jacket and sunglasses on. Lord he was handsome, she thought to herself. She smiled as she took his hand and hopped on the back of the bike.

Jason reached for her arms and put them around his waist, “Hold on.” He spoke up to be heard over the engine. “If you don’t like something just yell.” He watched from the corner of his eye to see her nod that she understood. When Jason was sure that she was secure behind him he gently went on his way slow at first but the farther they got out of town the faster he went and the more she laughed behind him. Jason liked how she held tight to him.

They finally came to a stop at a small, very small run down airport just outside of Port Charles. Jason stopped the bike gently next to the old hanger, got off the bike, and helped Elizabeth do the same. “Where are we?” she asked brushing the hair that had come loose from her ponytail out of her face.

“An airport.” He answered sarcastically with a smile on his face.

“I know that.” Elizabeth sighed, “but why?”

Jason reached for her hand and led her inside the hanger, “Well, since you won’t let me see how you get away by showing me your paintings, and don’t think that we won’t address that further at a later date. I thought I’d show you how I get away.” They came to a stop next to a small red crop duster that reminded her of the Red Baron. “First with a motorcycle ride and now,”

“We’re going flying?” Elizabeth asked excitedly.

Jason laughed, “Yeah, if you want.”

“Are you kidding.” She relinquished her hold on his hand. “I’d love to.”

Jason crossed his arms over his very broad chest, “I think I’ve created a monster.” His eyes were twinkling watching her face light up.

Elizabeth cocked her head and placed her hands on her very petite hips, “What is that supposed to mean?” she asked playfully. “What is it that you’re implying, Captain?”

Jason threw his head back and laughed, “Well, earlier you were hesitant to ride just my motorcycle,” he placed his hand over his heart, “and now at the offer of a plane ride you can’t seem to board it fast enough. Just wondering how you go from one to the other is all.” He tried to suppress his laughter further.

Now it was Elizabeth’s turn to place her arms over her chest, “I was only hesitant for a moment regarding the bike.” She told him pointing at it. “If you really must know I’ve always wanted to see what everything looked like from the air. That doesn’t mean that the idea of being so high above ground doesn’t make me uneasy it’s just means that I think it’s worth the risk. I trust you.” She smiled.

“Ok,” Jason answered returning her grin. “I can see where you’re coming from. The first flight is always the most exciting, I think. I hope you aren’t disappointed.”

Elizabeth took a few steps towards him to close the gap, “How could I be? It’s a beautiful day and I have a charming companion. What else could I need?”

Jason smirked and took a step towards her, “You think I’m charming, huh?” he asked laughing.

Elizabeth laughed, “Did I say charming? I meant conceited.” She succumbed to giggles when Jason grabbed her and began to tickle her.

“Take it back!” Jason laughed as she continued to giggle uncontrollably, “Take it back or I won’t stop.”

“Never!” she gasped breathlessly trying to squirm out of his grip.

“Suit yourself!” Jason roared.

The man standing in the doorway of the hangar had to clear his throat more than once to get the rowdy couple’s attention. “Excuse me!” he yelled over their hilarity. He waved his arms in hopes that they would at least see him.

Jason caught the movement from the corner of his eye and looked up. Suddenly he stopped, stood up straight and cleared his throat. “Hi.” He offered smoothing his hands down the front of his jacket.

“Hi.” The man stated in return taking a few steps towards them. The young woman’s face was flush and she was brushing wisps of hair from her face. He held his hand out, “I’m Mike Corbin. My boss said someone was coming by for the plane, is that you?”

Jason cordially shook the gentleman’s hand in return, “Yes that would be me, I’m Jason Morgan and this is my friend, Elizabeth.”

“Morgan, Morgan.” Mike said over and over. “Wait, I’ve heard about you last night in fact at poker. You’re that flyboy aren’t you?” he asked. Then he turned to Liz, “You, you’re Luke’s waitress, right?”

Jason eyed the man closely, “Right on both.” He answered.

Mike put his hands in his pockets and eye Jason again, “So, you really walked away from all that lute? Wow.” He nodded.

Jason did his best to keep the sarcasm from his voice, “Right again. Listen can we get the plane in the air, today?” he asked.

“Sure.” Mike replied un-phased by Jason’s attitude. “It’s gassed up and ready. I just have to get it out on the runway for you.”

“Great,” Jason replied taking Elizabeth’s hand and walking out of the hanger, “We’ll wait out by the bike.”


They watched as the older man pulled the small plane out with a tractor and followed him towards the end of the runway. After Jason had helped Elizabeth into her seat, helped her strap in and handed her a pair of goggles he took the seat behind her and did his pre-flight check. When he was sure everything was in order he yelled up to her, “Ok, here we go. Ready?” he asked smiling.

“You have no idea.” She screamed.