Always and Forever

by Toniann

The penthouse, late evening. Reynaldo opens the door and Robin and Jason walk in. Robin heads for the sofa and Jason stretches.
Jason: Man, I'm tired.
Robin: I know, me too.
Jason: And hungry.
Robin: (laughing) Jason, how can you be hungry? There was all kinds of food at the wedding, every time I looked at you, you were eating.
Jason: Those tiny little snack-food things, they're not exactly filling. (pauses) Besides, there weren't a lot of people there I wanted to talk to.
Robin sits up to make room for Jason next to her.
Robin: I'm sorry, you had a bad time.
Jason: (smiling) I was with you, I didn't have a bad time.
Robin smiles in return and nestles back against him.
Robin: Didn't Karen look beautiful?
Jason: I guess so. I didn't notice.
Robin: Please. You didn't notice the bride?
Jason: I was looking at you. But, yeah, now that you mention it, Joe seemed to think so, the way he was looking at her. The look on his face, you know.
Robin: What?
Jason: Just… he looked at Karen the way I feel about you.
Robin: Well, he loves her.
Jason: I just didn't know anyone else could feel the way I do about you, about someone else. But I think that Joe guy, I think he does.
Robin: I hope so, since Karen married him. That's usually how it works.
Jason thought about that for a moment, confused. He felt that Robin was getting at something, and was about to ask what when she got up.
Robin: I'm going to get ready for bed. Coming?
Robin held out her hands. Jason smiled and took them in his.
Jason: To bed, with you? Anytime.

The next day, Jason is at Luke's, going over the books in the office. There is a knock at the door, and Bobbie walks in.
Bobbie: Jason! Hi there, I thought Luke was back here.
Jason: Nope, he's off today. I think he took Lulu out somewhere.
Bobbie sighs.
Bobbie: I know he tries to spend as much time with her as he can. (sitting down) Sometimes I still can't believe what's happened to their family. Laura living on Spoon Island with Stefan and Nikolas, Luke and Lulu on their own, Lucky working for you… How is my nephew?
Jason: He's fine.
Bobbie: Really?
Jason: Really. Lucky's never in any danger. That's the way we all want it, including Lucky. Robin… well, Elizabeth came and talked to her, and told her that she was raped.
Bobbie: I know. And Lucky stood by her the whole time.
Jason: And he needs to be there for her, he can't be taking risks. I understand that.
Bobbie: (smiling) Even though that's not how you live your life? (Jason says nothing) You know, I just saw Michael yesterday. Does it bother you for me to tell you about him?
Jason: No. I mean, it hurts all the time that I can't see him. But when you tell me about him, then I know that he's happy and okay, and that's what matters.
Bobbie: You always did put his happiness first. (pauses) You know, Jason, I still don't approve of what you and Carly did, lying about who Michael's father was.
Jason: I never lied. No one asked, Bobbie, and after awhile I was his father, in every way that mattered.
Bobbie: I know that. But you did lie, Jason, by omission. And you made decisions about Michael and who he knew and who he saw that weren't yours to make. They weren't even entirely Carly's. But I know that you never meant to hurt anyone, and I know that you loved Michael. And I know that you just did what Carly asked you to do, as her friend. You're the best friend she ever had, Jason. And for that, for being my daughter's friend, I thank you.
Jason: She's not too happy over there at the Quartermaines', is she?
Bobbie: (laughing) Well, if you mean do she, Edward, and AJ fight constantly and that she fits right in? Seriously, Jason, don't worry about Carly. She and Michael could come and live with me and Lucas any time. She likes living in the Quartermaine mansion.
Jason: I can't imagine why.
Bobbie: (standing) To be honest, neither can I. Jason, you take care of yourself, okay?
Jason: I will.
Bobbie: And give Robin my love.
Jason: Always.
Bobbie leaves and Jason sits down to the books again, but his attention wanders. He pulls out the picture taken at Sonny's, of him holding Michael, sighs and puts it away, resolutely.

Robin and Felicia are having lunch together at the Outback.
Felicia: That was a beautiful wedding.
Robin: Well, nothing can quite compare to yours and Uncle Mac's.
Felicia: We certainly were unorthodox. When I think back to how nervous and anxious I was before our wedding…
Robin: I still can't believe you two managed to rationalize why you would go all those months "pretending" to be engaged when it was so obvious to everyone how much you both loved each other.
Felicia: (shaking her head) All I can say is, thank God we came to our senses and admitted that we both really wanted to get married. (pauses) Tell me the truth, Robin, are you sure it doesn't bother you that we were faking all that time? I don't want you to feel that we were deceiving you.
Robin: (smiles) But as it turns out, you were really only deceiving yourselves. Really, Felicia, I understand.
Felicia: I'm glad. Marrying Mac is the smartest thing I ever did.
Robin: I would say that marrying you was the smartest thing my Uncle Mac ever did.
Felicia: I have to tell you, right up until the ceremony, I thought he'd never ask.
Robin looks away and takes a sip of water.
Felicia: What is it?
Robin: (smiling brightly) Nothing.

The penthouse. Johnny opens the door for Robin and she walks in carrying a shopping bag.
Robin: Jason?
She puts the bag down on the sofa and is about to head upstairs when Jason appears.
Robin: There you are. I want to hijack you for dinner.
Jason: (grimacing) I have to go out.
Robin: Business?
Jason: Yeah, well, I have a meeting on the docks and then I promised Mike I'd take a look at his books.
Robin: Well, I can wait for you, we'll have a late evening.
Jason: (sighs) That's not going to work. I don't know how long I'll be. I'm sorry-
Robin: No, no, I understand, really I do.
There is a knock on the door.
Jason: Come in.
Johnny opens the door. Reynaldo and Emily are there.
Emily: I hope you don't mind-- I was at the mall and I ran into Reynaldo and asked him to drive me over.
Robin: Of course we don't mind!
Jason: Is everything okay?
Emily: Oh yeah, completely, I mean, there's nothing but the usual bickering at home, if that's what you're asking. I just wanted to visit.
Jason: Anytime, you know that.. (to Reynaldo) What were you doing at the mall?
Reynaldo: These suits don't shop for themselves.
Robin and Emily laugh; even Jason cracks a smile.
Jason: We have to go.
Robin: But you can keep me company, Em, if you don't mind.
Emily: Sure! See ya, Jase.
Jason: Bye. (to Robin) I'll try to get back early, okay?
Robin: Okay. (kisses him) Be careful.
Jason: I will.
Jason and Reynaldo leave. Robin flops down on the couch next to her shopping bag.
Emily: What's in there?
Robin: (smiling) A dress… that I won't be wearing as planned.
Emily: Can I?
Robin: Sure.
Emily looks in the bag and pulls out a short, sleeveless black dress with a scooped neckline. The fabric sparkles as she runs it through her hands.
Emily: Robin, this is beautiful! Is it for a special occasion or anything?
Robin: No. Well, actually, I sort of had this whole evening planned… I thought Jason could wear his tux and we'd go out for a wonderful dinner and dancing. But, you know, he had business to take care of.
Emily: I'm sure he'd rather be with you.
Robin: (smiles) I know. It's just… well, sometimes it's hard. I know Jason loves me, don't get me wrong. But romantic gestures aren't his strong point.
Emily: (laughing) That's such an understatement!
Robin: But enough about me. How have you been? I don't see as much of you as I want to these days, what with all of those companies and photographers vying for your time.
Emily: Well, I'm not that popular, but I have been busy. (pauses) I don't know, I think I like to be busy. Then I'm not home so much.
Robin: (concerned) Is it really bad, Em?
Emily sighs.
Emily: Oh, I guess not. It just gets to me. Grandfather is always putting Dad down. I mean, it really took a lot for Dad to get clean and we're all proud of him. I mean, I'm proud of him. But Grandfather, he just doesn't seem to see it that way.
Robin: I'm sure Alan knows you're proud of him, Em, and I'll bet that's what matters most to him.
Emily: I guess so. (pauses) AJ and Carly fight all the time.
Robin: That's Carly.
Emily: I know. And Mom says they don't really mean it. I think AJ actually loves her. I don't know if Carly loves him. I know they both love Michael. (pauses) Sometimes I still feel angry at Jason for lying about Michael. I mean, not really angry, he's my brother and I love him, but... so is AJ.
Robin: I understand. When I found out about AJ being Michael's father, I wanted them to tell him right away. But it wasn't my place to decide that.
Emily: I, I'm not blaming you, Robin-
Robin: (interrupting) But I do bear some blame. I mean, I could've told AJ myself. And even long before that. I left Jason and went to Paris. And then Sonny left. And Jason was all alone when Carly showed up on his doorstep. I'm not saying Jason's not responsible for his own actions. I'm just… I'm just trying to say that it was complicated, and that he never meant to hurt anyone, least of all you, Em.
Emily: I know that. I do. (she pauses and looks at Robin shyly) That can't have been easy for you, I mean, everyone thinking Jason had cheated on you.
Robin: (laughing a little) No, to be honest, it wasn't, especially as far as my Uncle Mac and Brenda were concerned. But I knew the truth, and that's what mattered. I always knew Jason loved me… and Michael.
Emily: (sadly) He misses him, doesn't he.
Robin: Very much. But he wants what's best for Michael, too, and he knows that Carly and AJ are trying to be a family now.
Emily: Yeah, but Jason had a family and now… I mean, though, he has you, so I guess, you know, he's probably pretty happy.
Robin: (smiling) Well, I hope I make him happy. But I also understand that he needs to get used to not being Michael's father anymore.
Emily: He seems quieter lately. And I didn't think Jason could get any quieter, I mean, it's not like he was talking up a storm to begin with.
Robin: No, I know what you mean. (decides to change the subject) I'm starved. Let's go into the kitchen and make something to eat, okay?
Emily: Sure.

Mike's bar, the Recovery Room. Jason comes out of a back room, a ledger in his hand, and walks over to Mike, behind the bar.
Jason: All finished.
Mike: Thanks, Jase. I really appreciate you looking those over. Have a seat.
Jason: (sitting down) Business is picking up.
Mike: Well, you know, we've developed a good reputation and a group of regulars, the interns and some other folks from over at the hospital. Some wedding the other night.
Jason: Robin had a good time.
Mike: And you didn't?
Jason: Well, I didn't have a bad time. I just don't really know what to do as those things.
Mike: You don't really do anything. You just witness the bride and groom exchange vows, and wish them well.
Jason: See, that's the part I don't get. Why exchange vows, especially in front of a room full of other people?
Mike: Because… you want to promise each other that you'll always be there for each other. And love each other, and no one else, before God. Like at Michael's baptism… I'm sorry.
Jason: No, it's okay, Mike. I like to talk about him.
Mike: It doesn't hurt too much?
Jason: It hurts anyhow.
Mike: Well, Michael's baptism was you, promising God and everyone watching, that you would love and take care of him. A wedding is two people, promising God and everyone watching, that they'll love each other and take care of each other, forever.
Jason: But then most of them don't stay together.
Mike: True. (chuckles) But some do. Take you and Robin for example. Are you ever going to stop loving or taking care of her?
Jason: No way.
Mike: Then, there you go.
Jason: But that's it. Why would I need to say that in front of a lot of people?
Mike: You don't need to, Jason. The point is… Look, for one thing, those other people are the ones you care about, your friends and loved ones. And they're there because you want them to be. And you're there because you love someone so much, you want the whole world to know it, and you want to do them the honor of saying it in front of them. That's it.
Jason: That's it?
Mike: Yeah. (pauses) Where's this coming from?
Jason: (standing up to go) Just thinking, Mike. Thanks.
Mike: Any time, kid.

Later, the penthouse. Jason returns home.
Johnny: Miss Scorpio left a message for you. She's staying at the Quartermaine mansion tonight with your sister.
Jason: (surprised) Is everything okay?
Johnny: I got the impression Miss Quartermaine just wanted company.
Jason: Robin's guards are with her?
Johnny: Of course, Mr. Morgan.
Jason: Fine. Thanks.
The door closes and Jason moves within the penthouse, aimlessly. He stands by the window gazing out, an unreadable look on his face, and then goes into the bedroom, taking off his suit jacket and shirt and sitting down on the bed to take off his shoes. He sees the shopping bag Robin had brought in earlier, tucked into a corner next to her side of the bed. He pulls the dress out of the bag and looks at it for a long moment, then puts everything back as he found it. He sits there in the semi-dark, looking at the floor. A pillow comes from behind, hitting him on the head, and the scene flashes back to another night.
Jason: Ow!
Robin: You woke me up!
Jason gets up and walks to his side of the bed, climbing in.
Jason: I tried not to.
Robin: Liar.
Jason: (smiling) What d'you mean?
Robin: You woke me up on purpose.
Jason: And how do you know that?
Robin: Because you know exactly where the nightstand is, and the closet, and the window, and you never make that much noise closing the door, much less moving around you own bedroom.
Jason: Are you mad?
Robin: (grinning) That depends on why you woke me up.
Jason takes Robin in his arms and gives her a slow, lingering kiss.
Jason: So?
Robin: Not mad. I missed you.
Jason: I missed you, too. I couldn't stop thinking about coming home and finding you here.
Robin: Well, I'll always be here.
Jason: And I'll always be glad, every time I walk in the door.
This time, Robin kisses him, passionately, and the flashback ends. Jason is lying in bed alone, staring at the ceiling. The room looks empty and bleak.

About a week later. Robin is leaving PCU, Johnny is carrying her books. She looks a little tired.
Robin: Thanks, Johnny. You don't always have to carry those for me.
Johnny: It's not a problem, Miss Scorpio.
Robin: I know. But I appreciate it anyway.
The limousine pulls up and Johnny holds the door for Robin, who climbs inside. To her surprise Jason is there.
Robin: Jason! What are you doing here?
Jason: It's my limo.
Robin: True, but you usually don't ride around in it all day.
Jason: Aren't you glad to see me?
Robin: (smiling) Of course I am. (kisses him quickly) But… is anything wrong?
Jason: Nope. Except you're tired.
Robin: (settling back and resting her head on his shoulder) I am, actually.
Jason: Which is why I booked you at the spa, that one Lucy used to run.
Robin: (sitting up) You did? Why?
Jason: Cause, you're tired. Also, I have a special evening planned for us.
Robin: What's going on?
Jason: Wait and see. Unless, you know, you've got business… a meeting on the docks or anything. Because I will completely understand if you do.
Robin: (laughing) Okay, I get the hint, I'll stop asking questions.
Jason: Good.

Later, the penthouse. Jason, wearing a tuxedo, paces around the room nervously. There is a fire going and a beautiful candlelit dinner for two set out.
Reynaldo: Anything else, Jason?
Jason: No, thanks, this is great.
Reynaldo: (gesturing to the elaborate setting) Can I ask--
Jason: (smiling) No, you cannot. Go on, head home. Johnny's on duty tonight, and he should be bringing Robin up any minute.
Reynaldo: Good night, then… and good luck.
Jason shakes his head watches Reynaldo leave. He stands at the window pensively until he finally hears Johnny at the door. Robin enters, wearing the black dress from before. She looks around the room in awe.
Robin: Jason, what is all this?
Jason: Dinner. You look beautiful.
Robin: Thank you. So do you.
Jason crosses the room to her and kisses her. Robin still looks bewildered.
Robin: But--
Jason: Dinner'll be up soon. Are you hungry?
Robin: I guess so. (smiling) Thank you.
Jason: No thanks necessary.
Jason walks over to the stereo and turns it on. Luther Vandross' "Always and Forever" begins to play.
Jason: Want to dance?
Robin: (looking surprised) How did you know I like this song?
Jason: Uhh, let's see, three weeks ago, we were driving back from Mac's and it came on the radio and you said you liked it.
Robin: I did? You're amazing.
Jason: I'm what you made me.
They dance slowly, close, their eyes closed.

Every day love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away with a smile
Take time to tell me you really care
And we'll share tomorrow together
Always forever with you
I'll always love you… forever.

The song ends and they pull apart slightly. Robin is smiling softly, gazing into Jason's eyes.
Jason: You know, I don't usually get why you watch those movies you like so much that make you cry, or what's so great about those fairy tales Brenda told me about, or get what some guy's singing about on the radio. I mean, I can usually tell if it sounds good or not, but I can't usually figure out what he's getting at. But I think I understand this song.
He takes her hands in his and looks a little nervous.
Robin: What is it?
Gazing into her eyes, he smiles.
Jason: Robin, will you marry me?
Robin: (her eyes fill with tears) Oh, Jason, you don't even have to ask.
Jason: Yes, I do. And I'm sorry I didn't do it sooner. I just didn't understand what getting married was all about. I thought, we love each other, we both know that, what difference would a ceremony make?
Robin: And now?
Jason: I think I get it. I just know that I want to come home to you every night, and I love you so much that sometimes I have to show you. And this is the best way I can think of.
Robin: You don't have to show me… I know you love me. But I love you so much, sometimes I want to shout it from the rooftops. It doesn't matter what obstacles the world throws at us, what you do for a living, where we go, or what anyone else thinks. I want to share every moment of my life with you.
Jason: Is that a yes?
Robin: You better believe that's a yes.
They kiss. Jason picks Robin up and they spin around the room in giddy circles.
Jason: (setting her down) I almost forgot…
Robin: Everything's perfect, what could you possibly have forgotten?
Jason: (laughing) Isn't it traditional for the guy to give the girl a ring when he proposes?
Robin: Well, yes, now that you mention it.
Jason leads Robin over to the table, where a ring box is nestled amongst the flowers. Robin opens it and looks stunned. Inside is a beautiful, antique diamond ring, set in gold.
Robin: It's so beautiful.
Jason: It was Grandmother's. Or, it was in her family, or something like that. I… I needed a little advice on how, you know, to do this, and she gave me that.
Robin: I love it, and I love that Lila wanted me to have it.
Jason takes the ring out of the box and slides it over the fourth finger of Robin's left hand.
Jason: And I love you.
Robin: (grinning) Always and forever?
Jason: (bending to kiss her) Definitely.

* Last updated July 22, 1998.

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