A/N: This story is rated M, don't read if you're under 18.

Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight.

This story is unbeta'd, all mistakes are always just me. Special thanks to DreamingPoet1988 for prereading part of this story and encouraging me to continue with this chapter, I might have completely scrapped it if I hadn't had her support.

Fic Recommendation of the week

Guiding Eyes by Mrs. Agget

It's a touching story about a boy who goes blind and the man who helps him to learn to live again.

Chapter 7 - Preventative Measures

Jasper nursed a beer, brooding and sullen. He wasn't good company and he knew it. He watched as Joe and Alex played darts with Garrett, the architect. Jasper tried to figure out why Edward had started ignoring him, why he had canceled their date. After the previous night, Jasper had been hopeful that they were on the right track. If anything, he was worried that Edward would push to move faster, and Jasper was fairly confident he wouldn't be able to deny the younger man.

Just before six this morning, Jasper had knocked on Edward's door and the redhead had whipped it open and ushered Jasper inside. Edward had been shirtless and his hair was wet from the shower, sprinkling beads of water onto his sunburned shoulders. Edward had been grinning when he handed a bottle of Aloe to Jasper and asked the blond to put it on his back. Jasper had bitten back a groan, but he'd done as Edward asked, massaging what he assumed were sore muscles in the process. Edward shivered involuntarily every time Jasper paused for a moment, trying to anticipate where the older man would next make contact. Jasper had finished putting the Aloe on Edward's back and was trying to distance himself when Edward remarked that he'd gotten his luggage, but he preferred the fit of Jasper's cowboy boots. Edward asked if he could continue to borrow them and Jasper nodded mutely, picturing Edward in only the boots, and maybe the hat… and assless chaps...

Edward had grinned wickedly at Jasper and picked up an undershirt, slipping it over his head and covering his beautiful chest. He layered it with a pale green flannel. His hair stuck out at crazy angles, and his cheeks were flushed with excitement to get out on the site and start working again. He slipped on his glasses and Jasper groaned out loud. Edward stuck out his tongue and Jasper couldn't resist giving the younger man a swift kiss. Edward's enthusiasm was infectious. Jasper should have taken advantage of it. Jasper shouldn't ever have taken Edward to the site. Maybe if he hadn't, Edward wouldn't have shut down.

As soon as they got to the shelter, Edward's demeanor changed. They'd stopped for coffee and bagels and had chatted absently about innocent things on the way. Jasper kept sneaking glances at the unconsciously sexy man beside him as they drew nearer to work. As soon as they pulled in, Jasper noticed several news vans. There was a crowd of photographers, cameramen, and reporters, all waiting for a piece of Edward. He almost felt the wall of formality slide down between him and Edward, and for a moment, he fumed. Jasper got control of his reaction and convinced himself that Edward was trying to separate his personal life from his work. It didn't mean anything.

Edward had not announced to the press when and where he would be completing his charity work, but local networks tended to visit each building site for the small blurb they would be able to share. They had prepared questions on the off chance that Cullen showed up at the site, but Jasper hadn't really realized how popular the story would be. The members of the press were more tenacious, now that word had gotten around and some crews had been sent out from Seattle. They had nothing to do but sit outside the line that had been drawn and continue to film, hoping for a glimpse of Edward now and again. Edward remained distant all day, but there was something more, something Jasper wasn't seeing. If the only problem had been the press outside, Edward would have been different when they were alone and isolated.

Jasper was almost convinced that Edward was trying to work in as close proximity as possible. Every time Jasper turned around, the infuriatingly beautiful man would be next to him, working on some project for Joe, distant and professional in all their interactions. Jasper missed the flirtations from that morning; he wondered where the Edward of the previous night was hiding. The only time Jasper had attempted any physical contact, Edward had stepped away, eyes flashing, and had explained he had work to do.

Jasper's hands itched to hold Edward; especially once the green shirt came off. Edward was an eclectic collection of appealing contradictions. He was wearing a hard hat and cowboy boots, completely incongruous. He had a tool belt and the nerdiest glasses available. His arms were not particularly large, but they were corded with muscle, and his hands were clever and quick. If Edward had given even the slightest indication that physical contact was anything less than repellant, Jasper wouldn't have been able to hold himself back from stroking Edward's neck, brushing Edward's hand, anything really, to maintain some sort of bond throughout the day. Edward didn't want Jasper's touch.

The cold front remained for the rest of the day, and Jasper's mood deteriorated proportionally as time drew on. He had been crushed when Edward had informed him quietly that he would not be available to go on a date that night. Jasper had asked if Edward wanted to join him and the rest of the contractors for dinner, Edward declined. Jasper asked if Edward wanted him to bring back a takeout order, and Edward informed him that he would be cooking for himself. Jasper asked if Edward wanted a ride to a grocery store; Edward had already had groceries delivered to his hotel room.

Jasper dropped Edward off at the hotel and made one last invitation for Edward to go out with the crew, perhaps now that the reporters were nowhere to be seen, the wall would crumble. Maybe Edward would come out, let loose, and have fun. Edward declined.

So now, Jasper was brooding. He tried to figure out Edward. Who the hell doesn't just go out to the grocery store? Delivered food, how lazy can you be? Of course, Jasper reasoned, a truly lazy person would simply come out to dinner and have other people cook, it's not like he can't afford it. Jasper decided that Edward was simply a different type of person. He was used to being waited on; he wouldn't even drive to a store to buy his groceries. Perhaps they were simply incompatible, they were from different worlds. Jasper was better off finding out now rather than being blindsided by Edward's distance and quirks when they returned to Seattle. Jasper liked his freedom, Edward seemed to be followed everywhere by cameras and reporters just because of who he was. Jasper would never fit in. Jasper didn't want that life. Jasper just wanted Edward. Jasper hadn't even looked at another man since he slept with Edward, the redhead was his perfect man, and now Jasper was out in the cold.

He tossed back the rest of his beer and got to his feet. He wanted to hear it from Edward. He wanted closure this time. Jasper deserved an explanation. He bade farewell to the other men and walked out to his truck, glad that he'd only had two beers. He drove to the hotel and saw that Edward's light was still on. He knocked on the door, and then saw the peephole darken as Edward looked to see who it was. The door remained closed. Jasper knocked again, slightly harder. Edward stayed inside his room. Jasper hit the door with his fist and leaned his forehead against the wood. He told himself Edward wasn't worth it, but a tear escaped and slid down one cheek. Jasper pushed away from the wood and turned sadly to retreat to his own room. He couldn't understand what had changed.


Alec and Jane were in Texas. Edward saw them in the milling crowd of news-men and -women. Of all his 'fans' Alec and Jane were by far the most tenacious. Each of the three times Edward had appeared on the cover of a tabloid looking normal instead of put together, Alec was behind the camera, and Jane wrote the article. Edward had no idea what to do; he hadn't imagined he was worth the trip. Alec and Jane wouldn't let him get coffee in Seattle without photographing him, and let's face it, there's a lot of coffee in Seattle, more than in practically any city. Getting coffee in Seattle is like breathing in another city, completely un-newsworthy. Edward absently wondered how much a tabloid would pay for an image of him out on a date with a man, or dancing in a gay club. They wouldn't have the opportunity. Edward would simply stay in his hotel. He could order food in and send his clothes out. He could live in the hotel for three weeks. He could stay away from Jasper until he had a chance to explain things back home. He would have to tell Jasper of course.

Edward imagined that conversation, 'Hi Jasper, this is the guy who told you to jack off while thinking of him last night, I have to cancel our date because I'm terrified of cameras.' He scowled bitterly, 'also, I was wondering if you would mind keeping your distance from me in case a paparazzo happens to be in a tree outside photographing us, thanks ever so.' Jasper had never dealt with press, he wouldn't really understand. Edward couldn't ask him to hide who he was. Edward didn't want to hide.

Jasper had cornered Edward in a hidden spot; no cameras would find them. Edward couldn't take the chance. He had braced his hands against Jasper's warm chest and pushed the taller man away. Jasper hadn't resisted, but the look on the blonds face was somewhere between confusion and hurt. Edward almost explained the whole thing, but his crippling fear stopped him.

Edward knew he was a terrible person for not explaining the situation to Jasper. He hoped that, not knowing how pathetically fearful he was, Jasper would not completely abandon the thought of them together. Jasper seemed so angry when Edward had resisted any attempts to convince him to go out in public. Given his frame of mind, Edward couldn't risk the public venue. He was likely to get drunk or stupid and get photographed at his worst. Edward knew his mother would urge him to go out, but one Emmett was enough for any family. Edward being irresponsible would be indefensible.

Hours later, Edward was watching a god-awful reality show when Jasper showed up at his door, and it was all Edward could do to keep from flinging it wide open and pulling the other man into his room. He wanted to date Jasper, know Jasper. He would probably come out to the press if it meant he could be with Jasper, but not here. He needed to get through three weeks. It wouldn't be that difficult. Edward had already spent the last three weeks avoiding Jasper; everything had worked out, more or less. He would just retain his professional distance. Perhaps he could get his morning ride to the site with Jake.


Edward started awake at 2 in the morning. The door to his room was rattling as if someone was trying to get in. Edward freaked out. He picked up the phone and dialed Jasper's room. On the third ring, Jasper picked up the phone, voice raspy from sleep, "Hello?"

"Someone is trying to get into my room." Edward's voice sounded small and pathetic in his own ears. Jasper bolted to his door, not even bothering to throw a shirt on, Edward was in trouble, which was all that mattered. He threw his door open and came out of his room at full tilt. A dark figure bolted from in front of Edward's door, though Jasper couldn't tell who it was. He knocked on Edward's door. Edward opened it inward and stepped aside, but Jasper waited for an invitation. Jasper remembered Edward's earlier rejection and anger boiled up in him; he felt used.

"Could you come inside?" Edward asked, wanting to talk. Jasper made no move to enter.

"I think I'll remain out here, I don't want to put you out, and you could change your mind about wanting me in your room." Edward looked like he'd been slapped in the face. He started to cry. Jasper turned to leave.

"Jasper, please…" Edward was frightened, and Jasper warred with his need to protect the man and the need to keep his distance so he wouldn't get hurt, "I'm sorry." Jasper turned in time to see the door click shut and he grabbed his hair, nearly screaming in frustration. He wanted to trust Edward, but he wouldn't be the only one putting everything into a relationship. Jasper might not be the greatest catch in the world, but he didn't deserve being toyed with. Edward had too much control, Jasper needed to draw a line.

He walked back up to the door and knocked. The door swung open before his knuckles connected with it a second time. Edward looked out hopefully, "Call the police next time," Jasper said calmly, "I may not come."

Edward knew he deserved Jasper's hatred. He felt his heart wrench in two as Jasper walked away toward his room. He wanted to call out, explain. He wanted to tell Jasper about Alec and Jane. He wanted Jasper to protect him, stay with him. Jasper's door closed and Edward collapsed onto the floor with his back to the door. He felt the weight of the moment press in on him and simply let loose a flood of sadness, disappointment, and shame.


In the morning, Jasper knocked on Edward's door, then slid a note under and walked away. Edward picked up the note, feeling the pressure of the premeditated contact. Jasper wouldn't talk to him. 'I'm leaving in 5 minutes', the note read. Five minutes later, Edward was in Jasper's truck. He didn't attempt to speak to the blond, Jasper didn't look at Edward. They rode in silence, the angry tension from Jasper crackled all around Edward, silently accusing.

Edward tried to keep up a brave face, but throughout the day, he wondered if everyone couldn't see what was really going on. Edward couldn't keep his mind off Jasper, who had been concerned enough to defend Edward, but angry enough that he wouldn't even talk to the younger man. Edward tried not to be preoccupied by Jasper. He did his tasks mechanically, making mistakes he hadn't made the day before. Joe was concerned for Edward, and stopped by often, helping the younger man with whatever task was at hand.

On one such occasion, Joe was assisting Edward with a piece of molding and Jasper happened by. He angrily ordered Joe to stop wasting his time and to let Edward handle his prescribed task. Joe glared at Jasper but returned to his work. It was evident to everyone on the site that Edward was having some sort of trouble, and more often than not, there would be a volunteer close at hand when Edward got distracted and messed up. He always thanked them for assisting him, though he never asked for help. If no one was around, he would struggle with his work until it was perfect, but each job took longer than it should have.

Jasper got irritated when he saw the volunteers sacrificing their time, but he couldn't tell Edward off. The other man had never asked for help, the others just seemed to want to lend a hand. Angry as Jasper was, he could see why. Edward seemed vulnerable. Jasper told himself that it wasn't his concern. Edward had placed the wall between them, and Jasper would not be the one to take it down. If anything, Jasper had simply pointed out its existence, marking it clearly, just in case Edward felt the urge to step through the wall as if it didn't exist. Jasper wondered what more there was to the story. He silently berated himself for reacting so badly the night before. If he'd gone in to soothe Edward, perhaps the younger man would have opened up and shared what was bothering him.

At lunch, Jasper kept working, unwilling to risk another confrontation with any of the workers over Edward Cullen. Try as he might, though, he couldn't help but watch the scene. Joe and Alex seemed to understand that Edward needed space, so they flanked him at the table, blocking Jake from having easy access. Jasper was gratified by the thought that Edward would be spared the shameless flirting of the documentarian. Edward finished his meal and started to walk back toward the shelter. Alex laid a restraining hand on Jake's arm when the man tried to rise and follow Edward. Joe glared at Jake, warning him to leave Edward alone. Jake sat back down stiffly, clearly pissed.

Jasper saw a flash of light from the fence and noticed a photographer he thought he'd seen the previous morning. The man was walking along the fence, keeping a clear line of sight to Edward. He noted that this was one of the photographers that had showed up the previous day. Jasper had thrown him off the site when he'd ducked in and started harassing Edward. The man didn't look like he would give up easily, and Jasper was tempted to call the police, but the man hadn't done anything illegal today. The second Jasper saw him trespassing, he would have the man removed. Knowing paparazzi from his time spent with Emmett, the man would almost definitely try to sneak onto the site to catch the celebrity at an awkward… shit.

Jasper suddenly had an epiphany about what had been bothering Edward, he remembered something Emmett had said three years ago when they'd started working on their first project together.


"Yeah, man, Edward hates the paps. Every time the family gets together, we're always on the lookout for press. If anyone points out the one or two paparazzi that are always following one of us three children, he freezes over and won't loosen up until they're gone. It's like he's worried they'll see a pimple on his face and get paid for the pic. Mom tells him to loosen up, but he's always the same." Emmett had rambled on for awhile longer, talking about how unfair it was that Edward never caught any flak for being a geek, but Emmett couldn't even pick up a chick without being plastered on the gossip rags. He then digressed into some rant about the bill of rights and the right to tell the press to shove their cameras up their asses, but Jasper had stopped listening when Emmett left the subject of Edward. He couldn't imagine that the successful businessman would be rattled by the press, not when he was virtually perfect.

Perfect credentials, perfect upbringing, perfect job, perfect ass, perfect smile. Jasper hadn't thought about his obsession with Emmett's brother in almost a year. Every time Jasper heard Edward's name mentioned, he catalogued whatever information he could gather, but he hadn't allowed himself to consider what might have been since before he learned Edward was working for Cullen Enterprises. Edward was part of the family, one of the ones who had shunned Jasper (though Emmett claimed that Alice and Edward never really cared, they just didn't know Jasper). Now that Edward was working closely with his parents, he no doubt shared their opinion of Jasper's influence over Emmett.

Jasper brightened when he considered this. Perhaps Emmett's father would be so impressed with Jasper's professionalism that he would reconsider the standing ban on Jasper Whitlock. (Jasper wasn't sure the ban was actually still standing, since Emmett rarely went home except for family events, but he assumed that it was since neither Esme or Carlisle had spoken to him in ten years). Jasper was determined to prove the Cullens wrong, perhaps he could even spend some time with Edward, feel him out, as it were.


Jasper felt his face heat up and was quietly thankful that nobody was around to witness his reaction to simply thinking about his obsession with Edward. His ache to know the man continued to grow, despite the seeming obstacles and cold treatment he received. God he was pathetic.

Thinking back to what had triggered the memory, Jasper considered Emmett's words. He had heard of Edward's media-shy nature often in the subsequent years he'd associated with Cullen Enterprises, but hadn't given the rumors much credence. Edward was always very cool and collected when dealing with the press. He never broke down or showed any adverse reaction. Was it all an act? Could this really be the reason Edward was acting so strangely? Was he that intimidated by the media?

Jasper disliked the media to a degree, but he also understood the value of news coverage. He always arranged for a few crews to get some time with the foreman of each project. He'd met with reporters himself when he'd arrived a few days ago. Jasper couldn't imagine being so scared of the media that he would shun Edward.

Perhaps it was because Edward was gay? Did his family not know? Jasper knew Emmett was aware of Edward's orientation, but Edward had attended the gala with that Irina woman. Jasper had been jealous, but decided that their relationship wasn't intimate when he'd seen how they interacted throughout the event. Did Edward's family think he was straight? Did they expect him to marry Irina and spawn some privileged grandbabies with her? Was Jasper again facing down the disappointment and ire of the Cullen clan? There were too many questions Jasper needed answers to.

Jasper ached inside at the thought. He'd hidden his private life from Edward's parents for years, never finding any relationship to have enough substance to bother making it official or public. He had only recently reached the level of accomplishment where he was newsworthy, so nobody had cared if he was straight, gay, or transgendered. Since his company had started working with Cullen Enterprises 3 years before, Jasper hadn't been in a serious relationship. Work had been his entire focus up until he became reacquainted with Edward. Now he wanted nothing more than to take the younger man away, force him to confront whatever insecurities or fears were standing between them, and let Jasper help him to overcome those obstacles.

Jasper narrowed his eyes at the brown haired photographer who was currently eyeing the fence as if he would very much like to climb it. If the paparazzi were the problem, Jasper was prepared to have them arrested in order to keep them from causing Edward any more discomfort. If the police wouldn't deal with the problem, Jasper also had no qualms about taking matters into his own hands. No member of the media would intimidate him into losing Edward. Jasper Whitlock wouldn't go down without a fight.

Jasper growled fiercely at nothing in particular and tromped down the stairs toward where Edward was currently fitting molding to a wall that had been finished that morning. He didn't look up from his work until Jasper tapped him on the shoulder.

"Edward, we need to talk… now."

Edward ran a hand through his hair, agitated. He was behind on his work because Alec and Jane continued to hang around, taking pictures of him every time he was on break or anywhere in their line of sight. He was rattled, and he couldn't afford to take time away from his volunteering. Jake had been pestering him all day, vaguely hinting that he would cast the documentary in a favorable light if Edward were to… meet with him privately to 'discuss' the project. Edward wasn't stupid, and knew the only way he could avoid fucking up the charity project was to be above reproach. He felt pulled in several directions. Jasper wanted to talk, Jake wanted god knows what, Alec and Jane wanted dirt, his father wanted him to complete the project and prove himself, his mother wanted him to stop hiding. Edward wasn't even sure what he wanted anymore. He studied the wall studiously, "What did you want to talk about, Jasper?"

"I want to talk about why you've been distant and cold for the past two days."

Edward felt his face get hot, though he wasn't sure if it was embarrassment or anger causing the reaction, "You didn't want to talk last night," he pointed out.

Jasper paused for a moment, trying to pick his words carefully and not incite any more irritation. He was fairly certain he'd surmised why Edward was reacting to him negatively, "Last night you shut me down when I was trying to help you, when I came back and knocked on your door, you ignored me. Don't pretend you weren't awake, your light was on, and I saw you move in front of the door. After all that you called me at two in the morning and asked me to help you. Laying aside the fact that someone was in front of your door, I felt like you were toying with me. I don't like to be pushed and shoved anymore than the next guy. If you want me to be there for you when you're in trouble, I feel like there should be a balance. You need to tell me why you're in trouble, who or what is bothering you. If you want my help, don't close me out."

Edward remembered how afraid he had been and how much Jasper's words had hurt, "I was completely freaked out, and you were the only person I thought to call… You told me you wouldn't come back if someone tried to break into my room again."

"I lied. It was petty, but I would never leave you in danger if there was something I could do, Edward. Not only are you my best friend's brother, but I thought that you and I were going to…" he couldn't think of how he wanted to put it.

"Fuck like rabbits?" Edward said and grimaced.

Jasper made a face, "I don't want to fuck you, Edward, I mean… I do, but I want to get to know you. Damn it, Edward, I've wanted to get to know you for over a decade, I probably would have pushed more if I'd had any idea you were gay. The only reason I'm haven't been pushing for the past few days is because I'm worried I'll push you away, and I don't really understand why. I won't wait forever, Edward. I deserve more than this goddamned limbo you've relegated me to. I'll ask one more time, and if you refuse, then I'll consider the matter closed. We can go our separate ways, and you never have to worry about me bothering you again. Moment of truth, Edward, can we talk about what's bothering you?"

Edward felt his blood run cold. He hadn't expected an ultimatum. He'd prayed that Jasper would give him time and space to figure out what to do, but time had just run out.

"Can I have some time to think about it?" He asked weakly. Jasper sighed.

"Edward, I don't need to hear everything this second, but you've had two days to come to grips with whatever the fuck is wrong. I don't think I'm being overly demanding when I ask if you're willing to talk about it with me. Either you want to try and have an honest relationship with me, or you want to keep your shell, close me and whatever or whomever else out. Am I really being unreasonable?"

Edward wanted to cry, he wanted to say 'yes' to convince Jasper to let the matter go, but Jasper was completely right. Edward knew he should have said something the moment he decided to distance himself. Jasper deserved to know why he'd suddenly stifled his feelings for fear that he would embarrass his father's company.

"Can we talk after work? I need to get back to my moldings if I'm going to finish on time."

Jasper shook his head, "Fuck the moldings, I'll hire an extra professional to replace you if I need to, come with me right now, we can cause some sort of hubbub and slip out without any of the paparazzi catching on. Joe will help, and so will Alex." Jasper reached out a hand to Edward, the younger man stared for a moment, reaching tentatively forward. Fuck it. Mom says to take risks; it's her fault if it backfires. Edward grabbed Jasper's hand and the blond pulled him to his feet.

A/N: I considered completely scrapping this idea and rewriting to have a bit less drama, but I felt like it was the right direction for the story. Don't hate me; Edward is obviously not good at dealing with his feelings. If he were secure enough in his individuality to confront his fear of the media and talk to Jasper voluntarily, he wouldn't have abandoned our boy after the passionate lovemaking incident.

Edward's insecurities are the greatest obstacle to the relationship, and Jasper's need for equality and honesty is going to force some tough situations, but I promise eventually there will be a HEA.

In other news, two outtakes are going to be forthcoming. I'm about halfway through one and the other is gestating in my mind. They'll both be posted at some point, (to be followed by more, I'm sure).