Title: Remembering Tibet
Author: Kat/Yuppiekat
Rating: R
Disclaimer: I don't own...well, anything pertaining to GH.
Summary: This is an Alternate Universe fic. (And, possibly, a strange one at that.)-- The past haunts Jason and Elizabeth. In order to heal, they'll need each other.
Notes: There are a few things that you should know about this fic... This fic was started (I believe) in 2002, but time constraints and frustration about the show stalled the writing of this fic. I am in the middle of re-reading and revising all the chapters. I’m not sure how often I can post. I wish I had more time to work on this, but you’ll have to settle for a sporadic posting schedule. The character of Lucky is, well, very out of character. I’m aware of that. There is also a lot of head hopping in this fic... Um, sorry about that.

Chapter 2

Jason sat down on one of the small chairs in the kitchen leafing through his mail.

Sonny continued to cook dinner, periodically looking out at Elizabeth.

"She must be cold," Sonny finally said.

Jason looked up and shrugged his shoulders feigning disinterest. In reality, he was anything but disinterested. This pixie of a woman fascinated him. There was something so…alluring about her.

There was just…something about her that made him feel, in some way, connected. And he hadn’t felt that way, or even wanted to, in a long time. She did something to him. He’d never felt such a strong pull to anyone.

She’d made it hard for him to ignore her. That was for sure. She had this way about her. There was this completely charming habit of rambling on she had, and looking so damn sexy when she did…even when she wasn’t making complete sense.

Damn.

He was in trouble.

"Well, let's see if she can't be persuaded to come inside." With a clever smile on his face, Sonny opened the window and let the wind carry the smells from the kitchen in Elizabeth's direction.

Jason’s eyes narrowed into slits.

"Don't look at me like that," Sonny said.

It might have been a long time since Jason had uttered a single word, but that didn't mean Sonny didn't understand exactly what Jason was thinking.

______

Elizabeth's hands were freezing. Sometimes the world had a way of getting away from her when she was immersed in her art. She'd been sketching for over two hours and in that time the sun had started to fade and the wind had picked up. She shivered against the wooden bench where she sat. Looking back at the house, she sighed deeply. She could smell a wonderful meal being cooked inside. If she wasn't so stubborn and afraid of running into Mute Boy, she might actually take Sonny up on his offer of dinner. The school’s cafeteria food wasn’t exactly something to brag about.

The rumble in her stomach was getting louder and she knew sooner or later she would either have to head home and eat a lovely meal prepared in her microwave from a box or can or swallow her pride and sit down to the fine foods Sonny had prepared. Something told her that whatever he cooked would be delicious. It was just the way he carried himself. Wearing his apron so proudly and inviting her to his table like it was going to be as great as the second coming.

But still, Jason would most likely be there and would most likely be thinking evil thoughts about her. And right now she just didn't need that. She’d had enough negative energy for one day.

Since the afternoon, after leaving that pathetic excuse for an art class, with a less than encouraging Professor, her nerves were shot. She didn't think she could take any more criticism right now and especially none from a man who embodied confidence.

Although she was feeling better now about the class and her ability to create something that might show the professor that she did have talent. She had actually sketched quite a bit. The trees, the landscape and as hard as she tried not to, she even snuck in one of Mr. Karate himself.

Hating to admit it, the one of Jason was her best work in a long time. His strong features and purely masculine force made her hand take on a life of its own. She hadn’t been able to stop herself. She’d had to draw him.

Her stomach growled again and despite better judgment, she picked up her art supplies and backpack and headed towards the place Sonny and Jason called home.

One small knock on the door and Sonny was ushering her inside, already handing her a mug of hot chocolate. "Miss Webber, I'm so glad you decided to come after all,” he said, with an innocent smile that had Jason snorting in the background.

"Yeah, well, I could smell dinner all the way across the field and I have to admit I didn't eat much at lunch today," Elizabeth recalled, grabbing her stomach to quiet the tiny noises of hunger. "Is there someplace I could freshen up?" she asked, running her fingers through her tousled hair.

"Oh, sure. Just out towards the dinning room, take a left, then a right...actually, Jason will show you. Jason?" Sonny winked slyly at Jason.

Jason shook his head in obvious disagreement, ruffling the papers he was sifting through.

"Oh no, really, that's not necessary. I'm sure I can find it," Elizabeth argued.

Her face flushed. This was a bad idea. She couldn't bear to look at Jason, sure he was more than reluctant to act as tour guide for her, much less be in the same room with her.

When she turned, reiterating Sonny’s instructions in her head, moving out of the kitchen, Jason was right by her side. They stood still, neither wanting to make the first move. Finally, Jason maneuvered his way in front of her, just barely brushing her shoulder, edging past her and taking the lead. Elizabeth walked quickly to keep up with his long strides.

And she did not check out his butt. Okay, so maybe just a little.

Standing in front of the bathroom door, Jason waited until she caught up before he started walking back to the kitchen to rejoin Sonny.

"Wait!" she called after him.

Oh, God. She was going to regret this.

He turned and looked down at her.

She nervously bit her bottom lip, unsure now under his watchful eye what to say.

"I-I, um, just wanted to say that I, uh, I-I'm sorry about earlier," she stammered, looking down at the hand-woven rug under her feet like it was the most interesting piece of material ever created.

Jason waved a hand in the air, dismissing the entire episode. Or was it her he was dismissing? Either way, he was back down the hall before she had a chance to ask.

God, she was such an idiot!

Returning, feeling refreshed, she met Sonny in the dinning room where Jason and two other men were already seated. Thankful for small miracles she was as far away from Jason as she could manage. Her eyes grew large when she saw the steaming bowl of pasta, salads and freshly baked bread.

Taking a slice from the wooden bowl, she had it to her mouth and was about to take a bite when one of the men cleared his throat. Looking around the table, she realized everyone had their heads bowed and no one was eating. Feeling very foolish, she dropped the bread to her plate and did what they did.

"Bless us our Lord for the wonderful gifts you have graced us with," Sonny began. "We thank you for our health and the wonderful meal we have before us. We thank you for friends," Sonny continued, looking around the table, "We also thank you for our new friend, Elizabeth Webber. Please watch over her. In the name of the Lord, Amen."

Elizabeth's head shot up and she turned to Sonny. He gave her a grand smile and she knew his words were genuine. Flashing her eyes over to Jason, she saw not an ounce of emotion on his face and for some reason that bothered her. Why couldn't he be warm and friendly like Sonny was? She had already apologized, what more did the guy want?

Finally, after waiting not-so-patiently Elizabeth popped the piece of bread into her mouth and closed her eyes when the hot dough practically melted from the heat when she chewed. She wondered if she had actually moaned while she ate because, really, the food was that good.

She learned that the men across from her were Johnny and Francis. They used to work for Sonny. They didn't live with them at the monastery, but came a few nights a week for dinner. When Elizabeth heard this, she was almost envious. What would it be like to have Sonny cook for a person everyday? Sinful, she supposed.

On her third helping of pasta she was finally satisfied and stuffed to the brim, but when Sonny brought out a chocolate cake, she couldn't help but take a small piece.

It seemed strange at dinner, that while conversation flowed and they shared a few laughs, that Jason just sat there. She knew he had taken a vow of silence, but he seemed withdrawn, not even listening to the things around him. Sometimes she would feel his eyes on her and for some reason her stomach would drop with nervous energy.

After helping with the dishes—it was the least she could do--Elizabeth gathered her art supplies and made her way toward Sonny. "Thank you so much, Sonny. I've never felt more welcome in my entire life."

And that was the truth. No one had ever accepted her so blindly and without pretense in her entire life. It warmed her heart. She kissed him on the cheek and, surprisingly, he blushed.

"I don't think I can eat again for a week," she said with a note of humor to her voice.

"Anytime you want to come back, a place will be set for you," he said softly. "Should I call a cab?"

"No, I'll be fine. I like to walk and it's so nice out." She smiled warmly and headed for the door.

"Oh, no, Elizabeth, you can't walk home alone. It's late and dark and no place for a woman like you. Jason will walk you home," Sonny insisted. "Won't you, Jason?"

Again the look on the other man's face was unreadable. His eyes were blank slates and for once she wished he would just smile at her or something. Just to show her that there was someone lurking behind those icy blue eyes. Couldn’t he just be someone that accepted her just as easily as Sonny had? Or, if not, just give her some type of sign that he was trying.

They didn’t have to be best friends forever, but he could just give her a little hint that her efforts weren’t going unnoticed. He made her feel uneasy and she didn't like feeling like she wasn’t in total control. At least if she knew his intentions, she could push those feelings to the side. But he was, as always, stoic.

"Really, Sonny, I'm sure Jason has more important things to do than walk me home. I'll be fine."

As much as she protested, it was a losing battle.

Jason went to what she supposed was the closet and took out a leather jacket. Fitting it over his shoulders, he walked toward her. As soon as they were out of the house they were assaulted by the cold winds.

Elizabeth pulled her jacket tighter around herself.

Jason seemed to be unaffected.

"You really don't have to do this," Elizabeth gasped, trying to get her breath that was being stolen from the cold. He barely looked in her direction so she continued, "I walk home alone all the time. It's no big deal."

Hugging herself to keep away the chill, she was momentary taken aback when she felt the heavy weight of Jason's leather jacket around her shoulders. She took a few steps to distance them, bracing herself for whatever might happen next. But when he only stood there, waiting, she came out of her fighting stance and straightened her spine. The jacket was warm and soft against her cheek when she looked up at him gratefully and smiled.

"Thanks," she all but whispered.

Jason simply nodded and continued to walk beside her.

Walking next to him Elizabeth was humbled by the brute force of his existence. He was a huge man compared to her small frame and the heir of confidence that exuded from him made her more than a little nervous. He didn't look like he would hurt her, not really, but with his build and strength he could if he wanted to.

His shoulders were square, cut and defined. And under that shirt she knew there was more muscle than on a purebred racing horse. He had lean, strong legs stuffed into black boots and a slender waist embossed in denim. Stealing a quick glance his way, she studied his face. He had a strong jaw, sculpted cheekbones and a mouth that would send a nun to confession thinking of the things it was capable of. Smooth, supple lips fit for kissing.

Of all the traits Jason had and didn't have, the one thing that troubled Elizabeth the most were his eyes. They were a steely blue, the color of the sky after a hard thunderstorm. But beyond that, she couldn't make out a single inkling of emotion. There was not one ounce of feeling behind the cold stare and lengthy shield of lashes.

The lack of conversation began to needle her. Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. As much as she was curious about the man who was walking her home, she was as equally apprehensive. Did she really want to know or even care who he was?

The answer sprang to her mind faster than she could blink.

Yes, she did.

And that couldn't be a good thing.

She had nothing left to say and obviously Jason had nothing to contribute so she kept quiet the remainder of the walk.

"This is it," Elizabeth announced when they came to the building that harbored the studio she called home.

Turning towards the big man beside her, Elizabeth tilted her head to the side, studying him. "I haven't figured you out yet, but I will."

It was saucy, she knew it, but did she care? He obviously had already formed an opinion of her so what did it matter what she said now. With that, she headed toward the door, yelling a “thanks” over her shoulder and mounting the steps. When she looked back, she could have sworn she saw a smile before he headed back the way they had come, but she knew she had to be mistaken.

By the time she realized she was still wearing his coat, he was already gone and it was too late to catch up to him.

Locking the door behind her, Elizabeth slipped the jacket from her shoulders and studied the garment. The leather was soft and worn-in like a really good baseball mitt. Before she could stop herself, she brought it to her nose and took in a deep breath. Fresh pine, leather and a deep musk greeted her senses. It was a warm combination that had her cheeks blazing at the sheer obscurity of wondering how it would smell on him. She took another breath, wondering if there was something she was missing. Faintly, she could smell clean soap and now her own perfume. She almost laughed at the thought of him pulling his jacket on to smell her now embedded in the fibers.

Later, while Elizabeth lay in bed, her eyes tightly shut, images of Jason played in her head. What bothered her most was that she really couldn't read him; had no idea what he was thinking or feeling. That he excited her and scared her all at the same time was unsettling.

In the morning when she awoke the first image she saw was the black leather laid out on a chair across from her makeshift bed. She would have to give it back. The weather was already getting cooler and he would need it. The smallest of smiles passed her lips. She reached for the phone.

_______

"Liz, really, you could have done this on your own. All you have to do is say: “Here's your jacket. Thanks!” and then walk away. Is it really that hard?" Trisha said, rolling her eyes.

"You don't understand. He's just...he... I dunno. I can't describe it. I think he scares me," Elizabeth admitted quietly.

Trisha stopped and turned to face her best friend. "He didn't try anything with you, did he? So help me, I'll give him a good kick in the-"

"Relax! Nothing happened." Liz reached to pull her hair out of her face, ignoring the wind that kept misplacing it.

"Well then, what is it about him that scares you?"

"It's hard to put into words. It's just the way he looks at me. It's like he knows what I'm thinking. I know it sounds weird." She laughed at herself. "Listen to me. I'm making it sound like he works for the Psychic Friends Network. Enough about Jason, tell me about Mr. Human Sexuality."

"Bob."

"Huh?"

"His name is Bob." Trisha sighed.

"Oh."

"Elizabeth, can you really see me involved with a guy named Bob? I mean, it's a perfectly fine name. Lots of people marry Bob's," she said.

"You're not like lots of people, Harper," Elizabeth pointed out. "Now cut the shit and tell me what the real problem is. You've never had a problem with whose name you scream in the middle of sex, so why now?"

Trisha had to take a double-take to make sure it was still Liz she was walking with. "You're awfully blunt this morning."

"Yeah, and you're being evasive and trying to change the subject, so spill."

"Do you think I have a problem?" Harper fished.

Elizabeth studied her friend not sure where this was headed. "Problem? Many. Now can we narrow it down? Which problem are we talking about?"

"With sex? Do you think I'm obsessed?" she asked point-blank, grabbing Elizabeth to halt her movements.

"Oh jeez! Have you been talking to Lucky again?" she scoffed. "Trisha, there is nothing wrong with you. What's the difference between a man who has lots of partners and a woman? The answer: society. I can't believe I have to stand here and reiterate your own philosophy of the double standards enforced by society to give modern women the feeling that they are being immoral. You yourself have said it a thousand times: you're no one’s standard! You do what you want and don't take shit from anybody, so why now?"

"I'm getting old, Elizabeth. My party girl routine can't last forever." Trisha sighed.

Elizabeth could see the faint signs of tears in her confidant’s eyes. Oh, man. Sometimes, she didn’t always understand Trisha and the choices she made. It was difficult to see her go from pointless relationship to pointless relationship. She deserved better than flings and casual sex. But she was her friend and Liz supported her in whatever decisions she made. If Trisha wanted to cool down her indulgent lifestyle, Liz was all for it. Whatever made her happy. Hell, if she started wearing bright red polka dots and clown make-up that would be okay, too. Just as long as it was what she wanted. That’s all she really hoped for.

"Old? You're twenty-five for God's sake!" Elizabeth huffed. "What is this really about?"

Shifting from one foot to the other, Harper found it almost impossible to look Liz in the eye. "I think I'm ready to settle down."

"With who?”

Trisha looked Liz in the eye and shrugged.

“Oh God, don't even say it!" She held her hand to her mouth to bear the brunt of the impact of the gasp that had escaped.

"Come on, Liz, he really isn't all that bad. He has his good qualities," Trisha said, innocently.

"Yeah? Name two," Liz drawled, sarcastically.

"He's persistent."

"Fine, I'll give you that one, but in other places that's just another name for obsessive stalker. Are you sure you didn't hit your head during your little escapades last night?" Elizabeth snorted.

Everything in Trisha was telling her to hide, to retreat. She wasn't the type of person to think about the future. Wasn't the type to care if she ever got married, but lately the prospect was weighing her down. But who was she to be married? Trisha Harper…better known on campus as the party girl who can’t--and doesn’t want to--settle down with anyone. She certainly was not someone capable of making a real commitment. After all, wasn’t she the one time-after-time that moved onto the next man before her body even had a chance to cool down from the last? She was not the marrying type…even if she wanted to be. And so, she did what she does best and made her situation out to be some complete lie. Somewhere between the lies though, the real Trisha Harper lived, but was too afraid to come out of hiding.

Because one version of the truth might be that sometimes she got tired of maintaining an image. Of living up to a reputation she wasn’t all that proud of anymore. But people expected things of her. She wasn’t respectable or chaste like Elizabeth. No one was ever cautious with her feelings…or even acknowledged that she had any.

But, maybe, that was a bit of a lie, too. Maybe there was one person. And as scary and hard as it was to admit, Lucky didn’t ever make her feel like she was cheap or good for only one thing.

And maybe that frightened her more than she wanted to admit.

If she did choose to be with someone that actually respected her, that made her feel special and appreciated, she knew Liz would be behind her one-hundred percent, but first she had to admit the truth to herself. And she just wasn’t ready for that yet.

"He can really take a joke, unlike yourself!" Trisha wailed, barely able to contain her laughter. "I'm kidding, Lizzie!"

"What? Harper, you idiot! You better start running," Elizabeth said through gritted teeth.

Here she thought her friend needed her and it was all just some joke at her expense. Elizabeth wasn’t entirely sure what to believe. Trisha seemed so sincere. She wasn’t going to press the issue, though.

"Ha, you should see the look on your face! Come on, Liz, like I would ever go for Spence. You are so gullible." Harper laughed and this time she tried not to make it sound forced.

"You think this is funny? I really thought you had lost it there for a minute."

"Right!" She laughed softly, concealing any real emotions. "That's what you get for dragging me out of bed at eight in the morning to return a stupid jacket all the way across town in the freezing cold. Remind me again why we couldn't take a cab?"

"The walk will be good for you. Maybe I should go alone if you can't handle it though," she said to her, annoyed.

"Elizabeth, I was just trying to lighten the mood. Tell me more about this Jason."

"There's nothing to tell."

"There must be something. What does he look like?" Trisha asked, perking up.

"I don’t know," Liz said, avoiding eye contact. She picked up the pace.

"You must know. You spent the entire afternoon with him. He walked you home. You must have noticed something about him."

"First of all, I didn't spend the afternoon with him. I was sketching and only saw him briefly at dinner. Nothing eventful happened, so stop trying to make it into something it's not," Elizabeth huffed, throwing her hands in the air.

What was she supposed to say, that the man was all muscle and hard lines and that when she first saw him she wanted to touch him to make sure he wasn't a figment of her imagination? Because, looking the way he did, he very well could have been.

"Calm down, Webber," Trisha breathed, trying to keep up with Elizabeth's pace. "Look, I'm sorry, okay? I shouldn't have done that to you."

"It’s okay," Liz said, meeting the blonde in the eye. "I think it's his eyes."

"What?"

"The thing that scares me. He has these blue eyes that are like granite. His gaze is like...like stone and even the color doesn't make up for the intensity of them. They're so blue, but so cold," Elizabeth confessed, recalling his piercing glare.

"Sounds sexy as hell to me!" Trisha admitted, trying to imagine the man that had so obviously gotten under Elizabeth's skin.

"You would think that!" she snorted. "Now come on; it's just over the bend."
______________
Sonny and Jason stood just outside their house going over plans to secure the property for the upcoming winter.

Sonny was in another fashionable outfit, complete with trench coat and dark shades.

Jason was dressed casually in jeans, motorcycle boots and a long sleeved shirt. Despite the cold, he didn't seem to be feeling it.

Elizabeth and Trisha came up the walk laughing and talking, having made up from their small tiff.

"Which one is he?" Harper asked Liz when they got closer.

"The one without a jacket, genius," Elizabeth said sardonically.

"Oh, right!" Trisha studied the men, took in Jason's lean body and short trimmed hair.

"Damn, Liz, that's who you're afraid of?!"

"Keep your voice down! And I didn't say I was afraid of him, I just said..."

"Uh huh." Trisha nodded, picking up the pace. "He's gorgeous." She smiled, letting her eyes drink him in.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes, pretending that she hadn't noticed the obvious fact. "Is that all you think about?"

When Trisha simply shrugged her shoulders, Elizabeth knew her attempt to restrain her friend was falling on deaf ears. "Forget I asked."

"Introduce me." Trisha grabbed her compact from her purse and checked to make sure her make-up was perfect--which, of course, it was.

"Huh?"

"Come on, you have to talk to them anyway to give back the jacket, so introduce me and make sure you build me up a little. Okay?"

"Sure, Harper, whatever you say."

"How's my hair?" Trisha asked keeping her eyes trained on Jason Morgan.

"Good."

"Clothes?"

"Fine."

"Do I have anything in my teeth?"

"Didn't you just look in the mirror? What's the sense of asking if you already know?"

"Oh, Liz, you just don't get it."

"Get what?" Liz asked confused.

"Exactly."

"You know, Trisha, you get weirder the more you hang out with Lucky Spencer. Are you sure that was really a joke earlier?"

"Cute, Liz. Now stop stalling and call over to them."

Elizabeth waited until they were closer so she wouldn't have to yell. She took a deep breath. For some reason she felt nervous. Perhaps it had something to do with the way she had treated Jason the day before, or perhaps it was the fact that she had spent the night dreaming about him… Whatever it was, it didn't seem to be going away.

"Jason?!" she called weakly.

Both men turned and seemed genuinely surprised to see her. The butterflies began to kick-box in her stomach and her cheeks felt hot.

"Elizabeth, I didn't expect to see you so soon," Sonny said, walking towards them.

"Oh, I-I just came to give Jason back his jacket," she offered, holding out the leather for Jason when he came up behind Sonny. "Thanks," she said softly to Jason when he took it from her.

"That was nice of you. And who do you have with you?" Sonny offered his hand and took Trisha's smaller one, delivering a small peck to her knuckles. Oh yeah, Sonny was the charmer of the two.

Jason just stood there, holding his jacket and sizing up Trisha.

"This is my very best friend, Trisha Harper. She's an art student, too. Much better than I am," Elizabeth added, building her up like she promised, even though both of them knew it wasn't true. "Trisha, this is Mr. Corinthos and over there is Jason Morgan."

"Please, call me Sonny." He smiled and winked at Elizabeth. "Don't let the brooding fool you, he's a nice guy under all the grease and leather." Sonny laughed.

Trisha presented her hand to the other man and gave him a bright smile.

Almost reluctantly Jason took her hand in his for a quick shake and then released it.

"Ah, the strong, silent type," she joked.

"More like the mute and miserable." Elizabeth scowled, saying the words under her breath.

When she looked up, Jason was eyeing her and for a brief moment she thought he might have heard her.

"Why don't you ladies come in for some hot chocolate?" Sonny suggested. "I make it myself from scratch. Real chocolate and everything."

"Oh that would be..."

"We can't," Elizabeth interjected not letting her friend finish.

"We can't?" Harper asked, darting looks between Liz, Jason and Sonny. Her eyes were begging to stay.

A small part of Elizabeth felt bad, but the other part, the one that knew she was just trying to sink her teeth into Jason, didn't give a crap if she had to drag Trisha off the property. They were not staying.

"Liz, can I speak to you for a moment, in private? You'll excuse us, won't you?"

"By all means," Sonny said with a twinkle in his eye.

Harper dragged Elizabeth around the corner. "Why can't we stay?"

"Look, the only reason I even came here was so I could give back that damn jacket. I still have to sketch something for Dr. Sharpy's class. Have you even started anything yet?"

"I'm working on it," she said absently, eyes fixed on Jason.

"Well, fine then, you stay and I'll go."

"Oh, Elizabeth, don't be like that," Trisha whined.

She took a deep breath and looked back at her friend. What was she getting herself into?

Harper continued to eye Jason, scanning his physique like he was a decadent piece of chocolate cake she was about to devour. "Look at him, he's huge. I bet he's got a big-"

"Trisha, if you even think of finishing that sentence, I swear I will leave right now!" Elizabeth said in a controlled yet exhausted voice.

"Relax, Liz," she laughed. "Sometimes you can be so uptight."

Elizabeth followed Trisha back over to the pair who had been eyeing them. Jason's stare was particularly unnerving.

"Great news, boys! We can stay after all!" Trisha exclaimed, stepping between the two men and flashing a dangerous smile.