Disclaimer: I own nothing of Twilight just this little plot. This applies to all previous chapters as well!
Interlude
~the Ride Home~
I didn't realize how green your eyes are.
Jasper took a deep breath praying he wouldn't act like an idiot as he walked alongside Edward. The whole left side of his body reacted to Edward keenly aware of his presence as if a current were running between the two of them.
He held on to his mantra; be Edward's friend he kept repeating to himself. Friend,friend,friend…It's not that that easy when the object of your desire is beyond gorgeous but Jasper was determined.
They reached the car. Surprisingly Edward held the door open for him.
"Is there a problem with the car door?" Jasper asked only to be met by a puzzled look on Edward's face.
"No, the door is fine." Edward said softly looking down and rounded the car getting in himself.
Jasper fidgeted with the seatbelt unable to get the lock to engage. Edward reached over and clicked it in place. Their hands brushed briefly but the heat was hard to contain. Both boys flushed furiously.
"That one sticks sometimes." Edward squeaked out, clearing his throat. He didn't start the car up immediately seemingly lost in thought staring out the windshield into the darkness.
"Um, are you hungry Jasper? I haven't eaten since lunch. Maybe we could grab a bite at the diner?" Had Jasper not been so famished he might have declined the invitation. As it was, hunger overruled his shyness.
"Sure, that sounds good. I'm still in this uniform though."
"Just take the uniform shirt off if you have a t-shirt underneath. I have an extra hoodie you can use" replied Edward who finally started up the car glancing over at Jasper surreptitiously as he removed his uniform shirt. Jasper shrugged it off and folded it neatly placing it in his lap. Edward reached over into the back seat and handed Jasper the hooded jacket. Jasper put it on and was immediately overwhelmed by Edward's spicy scent. It proved how strong he was that he didn't launch himself across the center console at Edward and ravage his mouth.
They drove off in silence but at the next stoplight Edward plugged in his IPod and selected a playlist. The Red Hot Chili Peppers' latest hit blasted out both boys smiling as the heavy base beat overtook them.
"Great tune." Jasper said. "I love these guys."
"You do? Did you know they're playing in Seattle next month? We should go if we can get tickets."
Friend, friend, friend…
Jasper decided that friends do things like go to concerts together, a very friend thing to do.
"That would be great." He grinned at Edward who grinned back at him. "I guess that makes you my first friend in town then, Edward." Jasper said quietly.
"Yeah, I guess so." Edward answered.
The diner was packed. Jasper and Edward had to wait for a table to open up. As they waited, a few of Edward's friends who were leaving approached.
"Dude" a tall thin kid gave Edward a high five. He was soon joined by a couple of other boys who like Edward were all tall and lanky just not quite as tall as he and Jasper.
"Guys, this is Jasper Whitlock, Bella's cousin from Texas. Jasper, these idiots are Riley, Mike and James." There was light jostling in fun as they took exception at Edward's characterization. They all shook hands with Jasper welcoming him heartily.
"These guys and I use the term lightly, are on the basketball team. Guys, Jasper's going to Forks high in the fall. He's planning on coming to b-ball tryouts."
"That's great. We need another tall guy on the team" said Riley, slapping Jasper lightly on the back.
They left after shouting insults at Edward. Sue approached holding menus and directed them to an open booth where they finally sat down. Jasper was very pleased at the reception he got from the guys feeling good for the first time in weeks. He relaxed even more settling down and stretching his long legs out.
"I like them Edward. They seem like okay guys."
"They are for the most part although they can get a little out of hand." As he talked, Edward's leg tilted into Jasper's until their knees were touching. Edward didn't seem to notice but every cell on Jasper's body reacted to this slight connection. He couldn't take the stimulation and moved his leg slightly away. Edward's eyes stayed on his menu.
"So what looks good?" Edward asked looking over the edge of the menu at Jasper.
"You" Jasper thought. Stopit! He reigned himself back in.
Friend, friend, friend…
"I'm going to get a burger and fries. What are you getting?"
"I'm getting the Southern fried chicken, my friend." Edward's eyes twinkled as he smiled at Jasper whose heart was beating a mile a minute. Jasper calmed himself. Everything spoken word seemed loaded with double meaning at least in Jasper's over stimulated brain.
Friend, friend, friend…
"That sounds mighty tasty, my friend." Jasper responded emphasizing his Texas drawl making Edward chuckle.
"I like that Southern drawl of yours."
O-o-okay, "Um good. You have an accent but I can't place it"
"Chica-a-a-go." Edward emphasized the mid-western twang making Jasper laugh out loud. "I was born there. My family moved here when I was ten. I guess I still have a little bit of it left."
Sue sauntered over and took their orders. They continued making idle conversation, nothing too serious or personal until their meals were served. They ate quietly each famished, lost in thought. They stole glances at each other trying not to make eye contact but every now and then they failed. Electricity burned between the two of them, unbidden and frightening.
Edward and Jasper cleaned their plates leaving them full and satisfied. Having eaten so much they both felt a little groggy.
Edward grabbed for the check and handed Sue a twenty while Jasper protested.
"You can get the check next time." Edward said softly. "Let's get you home."
Part 2 of The Ride Home will Post tomorrow. Hope you liked. Let me know!