A/N SM owns the Twilight Saga, its characters and everything else. I merely own the laptop on which I wrote this. Thanks go to Dark Absynthe, Touchstone67, and Zigster for betaing this chapter.

I sit up in bed, squinting at the sunlight pouring in through my window. Tossing back the covers and standing, I'm fricken amazed at the total lack of hangover. No headache, no nausea, no clothes.

Wait.

I'm in my boxers. I don't sleep in my boxers.

My mind flickers to an image of Edward mouthing the words, You do, now!

Oh, shit.

I start to recall bits and pieces of what took place before I fell asleep, but I can't wrap my mind around it.

Piggy-back ride. Claire and Edward undressing me. Kissing Edward. Kissing Claire. Edward kissing Claire.

Shit. What kind of fucktard am I?

On top of that, I recall Edward saying that he was coming back to my room to talk after he saw Claire to the door. I don't know if he tried to wake me up after that.

Truthfully, I don't even care.

I can't continue doing this. By entertaining foolish whims like last night, I'm only making it harder on myself. Bella needs Edward right now. Edward needs to grow the hell up. I need to move on and forget all of this ever happened.

And let's not forget Claire. Christ, is there gonna be any fixing that? She must think I'm a complete ass right now.

I make my way to the door, trying to scrub the sleep out of my eyes, and decide that at this point, a shower would be the best course of action. My senses are dulled, but I can imagine that I smell nothing like a basket of roses. That being the case, I shuffle my tired ass to the bathroom, and after tossing my boxers in the hamper, I climb into the shower. Making the water as hot as I can stand it, I lean my head against the tile wall beneath the spray and let the scalding water pound my shoulders and back.

As I begin to scrub the grime and self-loathing from my body, my thoughts drift back to last night.

My intent was to get Edward out of my system. I couldn't allow myself to get any more invested in him after the complications that Bella's arrival presented. If Edward wasn't going to make the decision to step up and be a man, and instead, continue to be the player that he was, then I was going to have to take myself out of the equation for him. I didn't want to come between the two of them and I certainly didn't want this to affect our friendship.

Besides, the easiest way to ruin a friendship is to turn it into something more, whether it's something simple like a one night stand, or something more complicated, like a full blown romantic relationship.

We can't have that now, can we?

Claire presented the perfect opportunity to at least take my mind off him. A hell of a lot of good it did when we had gotten home though. Meeting Edward at the door aggravated me at first, with the way he was all grins and chuckles, laughing at my socially inept state. But I was done for when he roped me into that fucking piggy-back ride.

To my chagrin, I start to grow hard at the thought. This will definitely not help matters.

Blatantly ignoring my problem, I turn off the water and step out of the shower.

I still can't make sense of what's happened between Edward and I. He certainly made it seem like he was into me, and had been for quite a while. However, I have to remind myself to take that bit of information with a grain of salt, given his promiscuous nature. In the course of a month, he's had intimate contact with Mike, me, Alice, Claire, and well, I would certainly hope he didn't try anything with Bella. I doubt he's that much of a slut.

Why am I over-thinking this shit? I just had a mindfuck of a month. Nothing's different. I'm still the same man. I'm putting my foot down now. Edward dazzled me, plain and simple. I've never been attracted to other men. I was just confused, that's all. Nothing's different.

I. Am. Not. Gay.

I'm gonna call Claire and see if she ever wants to see me again, and try to apologize for what happened last night. If she's not interested, I'll just move on. Then I'm gonna apologize to Edward and confess my lapse in judgment. And then he and I will both move on.

Drying off, I wrap the towel around my waist and stand in front of the mirror.

What the…?

There appears to be a sticker on the mirror. Leaning forward to get a closer look, I see that the sticker is a fucking rainbow. Who the hell would put this shit on the mirror? I try to pull it off but it's stuck. I then try to scratch it off with my nail, but it's like it's been super glued. Whatever. I need to get dressed, so I'm not going to worry about kiddy stickers on the fricken bathroom mirror.

I try to cinch my towel tighter, and suddenly, I'm brought back to reality, realizing that I still have a problem. Guess I'll have to take care of that before I get dressed. Upon leaving the bathroom, I literally slam into Edward in the hallway wearing a big smile on his face.

How the hell can he be so fucking chipper?

Oh yeah. That's right. I'm wearing nothing but a towel and sporting a semi. Fuck my life. If that's not bad enough, I'm dazzled all over again.

"I was just looking for you, Jazz. We need to talk."

I can't help but sigh as I try to remember the pep talk I just gave myself in the bathroom. Swallowing hard, I say the words that need to be said, "I just want to forget all of this ever happened."

No I don't! I'm lying! I'm a goddamn liar! Call me on it, I fucking dare you!

Edward staggers back a few steps, pain and confusion contorting his face.

"I don't understand, Jasper."

"What's there to understand? We're friends, Edward. That's it. Things got weird, but I'm past that." I can only hope my words have as much conviction as I want them to.

Edward's eyes dart all around the hallway, touching on everything but me as he processes this information.

"When you said you wanted to take this thing slow, exactly how slow were you thinking? 'Cause I thought that meant you didn't just want to jump into a physical relationship. Now, I'm starting to think you were just being, I don't know, polite? Well, you know I don't do polite, Jazz. I'd rather you just be up front with me instead of stringing me along." I can tell he's getting pissed. His chest is heaving and his nostrils are flaring.

Shit. I want him. What kind of man would that make me if I told him that right now? What kind of friend would that make me, knowing this shouldn't be going any further?

I have to end this conversation now. I'm still damp from my shower and my towel is clinging precariously to my hips. I'm afraid to move my hand to grasp it and keep it from slipping, but I'm sure in doing so, the movement would catch Edward's eye and bring his attention to my growing erection.

What has Edward done to me that makes it impossible for me to tame this fucking monster?

"Edward, there isn't a thing," I sigh, when really, I want to cry. "You and I have different priorities. I don't have time in my life for any complications."

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean, Jasper?" he growls.

"It means that I don't want what happened between us to ruin close to two decades of friendship. It means that we need to step back and see what's really important. It means that you need to forget this shit ever happened."

It would be so much easier if one of us could.

His head hangs for a moment before responding. Moments later, he raises his eyes to look at me, and I see the deep, green pools of bitter sorrow that quickly cloud over with vehement anger.

"What exactly does she do for you, Jazz? Does she make you hard as a rock with just a look? Did she offer to fuck you nine ways from Sunday once you got home? Or maybe she—"

"That's enough, Masen. We just met for Christ's sake, but I won't stand here and let you talk about her like she's just some sleazy piece of ass."

"Well, for just meeting her, you were pretty gung-ho to get her into bed last night. Or was that simply to get a rise out of me? You said you wanted me, Jasper. Did you want her more?"

I admit, deep down, at first, I wanted to make him green with envy. I'm kinda pissed at myself now that I did. I'm pissed because I used Claire like that and pissed that it worked, because I can see that it inflicted more damage than I'd wanted.

Still, I can't help the next two words that slip out of my mouth. "Jealous, Edward?"

Edward bites his bottom lip and looks up at the ceiling, as if momentarily lost in thought.

"I probably would be except for the fact that I'm sure she doesn't have quite the same effect on you that I do." He follows this statement with a lick of lips, his tongue barely slipping out of his mouth before moistening the full, pink flesh. If his intention was to make it vividly erotic, he nailed it.

He has me so twisted at this moment, I can't think of any other way to respond then to just tell him to go to hell and hope he leaves. I grasp the doorknob to my bedroom before doing just that. "Go to hell, Edward."

He steps back, momentarily stunned before narrowing his eyes. "You know what? You can fucking blow me, asshole!"

I had every intention of turning my back on him and entering my room to slam the door in his face. Instead, I snap.

Big mistake.

I grab the front of his t-shit in my fist and drag him close enough for me to feel his shocked breaths bathe my face. "You'd like that, wouldn't you, Edward? You're just pissed because you want my lips wrapped around your cock. You wanna see just how good my tongue feels against your skin, don't you?"

I then make a point to lick my lips in the same manner he did just moments before. Only, I make damned sure he sees my tongue ring when I do it. A low moan escapes his mouth, and I release him from my grip.

I have to put a closed door between us now, before I truly lose it. So I leave him standing there, bewildered, as I open the door into my room and slam it for effect before leaning against it and rubbing my eyes with the heels of my hands. When I go to step away from the door and make a move to get dressed, I hear Edward mutter the words that throw all my good intentions out the window.

"Fucking cock tease."

I spin back around and whip the door open to see him still standing there. The motion causes him to jump, as I'm pretty sure he hadn't intended for me to hear that damning comment.

Not even thinking, I grab him by the shirt again, yank him inside my bedroom, and shut the door. As if his eyes weren't big enough from shock, I shove him forcefully against the door and press the entire length of my body flush against his. His eyes grow to the size of saucers right before squeezing shut as I angle my hips to press my erection into his thigh.

I rest my cheek against his and growl in his ear. "I'm sorry. Did you just call me a cock tease? I have to say I resent that because I fancy myself a man who puts his money where his mouth is."

He takes a shuddering breath through his nose before releasing it through his mouth; his entire body shivering with the effort. After a few deep breaths, he finally finds his voice. "If that's the case, then why don't you prove it?"

I tighten the grip I have on his t-shirt before pulling back to look in his eyes. Raising an eyebrow, I challenge him to clarify his request. He voice grows firmer, more dominant.

"You heard me. Get on your fucking knees, Jasper. Prove it." His hands are already at his belt, hastily working the buckle open.

To hell with it.

I swiftly drop to my knees, keeping my eyes locked on his as I grasp his hands and pull them away from his pants. I take over, popping the button above his fly and slowly drawing the zipper down. Edward's hands dart to his head as he grips handfuls of his own hair, and gazes down at me with hooded eyes.

As I maintain his gaze, I try to tell him without words that I want him to forget everything I said in the hall. I don't want to forget what happened between us. I do want him. He may belong to Bella, but I will gladly take whatever fraction of himself that he gives me. Even if it's just this.

Tugging harshly at his jeans, I pull them down until they are resting on his thighs. Following suit with his white boxer briefs, I tug them down just enough to free his straining cock. My hands slide up the taut skin of his chiseled belly underneath his t-shirt as I trace the deep "V" of his hips with my tongue. I make sure to press the ball bearing of my tongue ring into his flesh and, in turn, cause Edward to arch his body against my mouth and emit a sharp hiss.

Pulling back, I take in the sheer beauty that is this man's erection. It's standing proudly at attention, pointing toward his navel. An intricate network of veins work their way around the shaft, visibly straining to pump blood to keep him at full mast. Looking at the head of his glorious cock, I can see that Edward is just as twisted with sexual need as I am. It's a dark rose, nearly purple, with droplets of precum in small pearls surrounding the slit. Just below the head is a prominent frenulum begging to be licked.

And I am all too happy to oblige.

I can't recall ever feeling this much wanton desire for a woman. If this is what Edward wants, I'll give it to him for as long, and as often, as he wants it.

Gripping his hips with my hands, I drag the flat of my tongue up the entire length of his cock from the base to the head, planting a kiss on the silken skin of the glans, slick with his desire. I chance a look up at Edward to gauge his reaction. He has pulled up his t-shirt, exposing his sculpted abs. His other hand remains in his hair. His brow is furrowed, eyes are nearly shut, and his lips form a soft "O"; heavy breaths falling on me with every exhale.

I've done this to him. He's this turned on because of me.

I give him my biggest fucking grin just before I suck the head of his cock into my mouth, swiping the slit with my tongue. After I release him with an audible pop, he gasps, "Oh fuck."

I smile once more before taking him in my mouth again. This time, I work to take in as much of his length as possible. My mouth deliberately descends towards the base until the head hits the back of my throat, making me gag. I come back up for a breath and try again to take in his entire length. When I feel the head hit the back of my throat again, I relax my muscles minutely, and slowly slide my lips to the base of his cock.

I can think of no other place I'd rather be right now than on my knees for him.

Edward reaches down with one hand to stroke my hair. "Fucking. Amazing." He whimpers my name as I slowly work my way back up his shaft, sucking hard enough to hollow my cheeks. With a swipe of my tongue across the head, I swallow his cock once again.

Both of his hands are in my hair now. I expect him to make fists in the wet strands, but instead, he caresses me reverently.

"Perfect. Absolutely beautiful, Jasper," he murmurs.

I can't believe I'm doing this.

And I'm enjoying it.

I begin to bob my head in a brisk rhythm on his cock, and the sounds falling from his lips have officially brought my semi into a full blown hard on. Reaching down, I slip one hand beneath my towel, causing it to open and fall to the floor. Now I am kneeling naked before Edward, his dick in my mouth, and I'm stroking myself.

This is so surreal.

Looking up at Edward, I see that he's smiling at me. Suddenly, he bites his bottom lip and lets go of my head with one hand, lowering it to my shoulder. Giving my shoulder a good shake he says, "Jasper. Wake up."

I halt my movements.

Huh?

"Wake up, Jazz. Hey!" He emphasizes the last word with a gentle pat to my cheek.

I squeeze my eyes shut for a moment and open them again.

I'm in bed, and Edward is shaking me awake. Glancing at my window, I see absolutely no sunlight. Confusion starts to set in until I look at my digital alarm clock on the bedside table. It tells me it's a few minutes shy of four in the morning.

It was a dream.

I look down to see that I kicked the covers off and my hand is in my boxers.

Shit, shit, shit!

Quickly withdrawing my hand, I rub my eyes.

"Hey," I say, sleepily.

Edward snickers. "You okay? You were moaning and talking up a storm so I came in here to check on you and, well…" his voice trails off, thankfully.

Totally embarrassing.

"I brought you something. Figured you might need it." He holds out a glass of water in one hand and a couple of ibuprofen in the other.

I sit up and immediately wish I hadn't.

"Holy shit! Sweet Jesus, my head!"

Leaning forward, I hold my head in my hands. Edward pries one of my hands from my head to put the pain tablets in it. I look at them begrudgingly, not sure if I'm going to be able to swallow, let alone keep them down. Finally relenting, I toss them in my mouth before taking the glass of water from Edward and chugging the contents.

"Easy there, you don't want to throw that up," Edward warns.

I most certainly do not.

Edward is sitting on my bed next to me and I can't help but lean my head on his shoulder. He wraps an arm around me and gives me a gentle squeeze.

I snicker to myself as I remember a very similar situation that occurred when we were twelve years old.

"What's so funny?" Edward asks with a smile.

"Total flashback, dude." I look up at him and with my best drunk cartoonish voice, I say, "I love you, maaaan!"

Edward throws his head back and laughs so hard that his body shakes around me. I can't help but join in his laughter, recalling that incident nine years ago.

We were playing video games in my bedroom after swiping a six-pack of Coors from my parents. We thought we were so slick knocking back some beers, and playing Sonic the Hedgehog, until we realized why kids our age shouldn't be drinking. We got totally plastered, and Edward got sick as hell. All over my bathroom.

I freaked out trying to tend to him, and clean up the mess, so my parents wouldn't find out just what we'd been up to. It didn't matter though, since my parents had ESP, or some shit, and figured it out. Either that, or they were clued in by the fact that we were hungover at three on a Saturday afternoon, and reeked of beer.

After I finished cleaning up the mess, and Edward's stomach was officially empty, I sat on the cool tile floor of the bathroom with him and cradled his head in my lap. When he was finally able to catch a breath, he looked up to me and slurred, "I love you, maaaan."

"My dad tore my ass up that evening. But, looking back, shit that was funny!" Edward says, laughing.

"Yeah. I was grounded for a month. Quite thoroughly, too, since they emptied my room of everything but my bed and dresser."

I close my eyes and absently sink into Edward's half-embrace. I don't even realize what I'm doing until I feel Edward gently press his lips to the top of my head. At his display of affection, I feel a tight squeeze in my chest and that buzz of electricity again. Stifling a moan, I sit upright. I can't keep putting this off.

"Edward, we really should talk."

Edward immediately straightens up and turns to me. "You sure you wanna do this now? It's the middle of the night. I can wait till dawn if you want," he snickers.

"This can't wait any longer."

All traces of mirth are erased from Edward's face as he absorbs the seriousness of my statement.

"Okay."

"Edward, I am so sorry for all that's happened—"

"Shit, with Claire? You were drunk, Jasper. I, of all people, am not going to hold that against you—"

"Let me finish, please."

Edward's mouth shuts closed with an audible snap.

"I'm sorry about everything. I shouldn't have led you on. I got carried away several times and I shouldn't have. This can't continue, Edward. I'm too scared it may ruin our friendship, and I love you too much to want to risk that. On top of that, we both have plenty of things going on and I'm just not ready for something like this."

Edward shakes his head, confused. "Not ready for what? A relationship with another man? What difference does it make?"

"I meant what I said to Mike that day, Edward. I'm really not into guys. I just got carried away, that's all. I shouldn't have."

"Not into guys? Carried away? Jasper, you could have fooled me. Or did I just imagine your erection every time I touched you?" Now he's starting to get angry. "You can't tell me there's nothing there." The anger gives way to hurt.

"Edward, please. I've been beyond confused—"

"No, no. I get it. Forget it. Let's just forget it." He hops off the bed and makes his way to the door. Looking back at me, he lets his voice drop to just above a whisper, "Friends, right?"

"Of course. Always." God, I didn't want to hurt him like this. This is the last thing I want.

But this is what's best for all of us. Edward needs to get his head in the game for Bella. I need to let them get their shit together.

I need to forget the effect Edward has on me.

Flopping backwards onto the bed, I take several deep breaths. Tears start to form in my eyes and I try desperately to will them away.

Moments later, I hear Edward downstairs. He's at the piano, and that heartache of a song drifts to my ears.

Clutching my aching chest, I let the tears fall at will.

A/N Thank you for reading! :)