Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight.
A/N: Thanks to Kathy for beta-ing this, and to kem722 for soothing my insecurities over parts of this chapter :) Sorry it took me so long to update.
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Alice POV
I went into Horizon on my normal volunteer day and spent time with the various people there, as usual. But nothing else about my visits to Horizon is the same anymore. I've crossed the line Jasper draws that keeps everyone else at a distance. I really think that right now, I am the person in the world who knows the most about him. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel about this, but I know how I do feel: I feel special. I like that Jasper believes he can talk to me. I think he trusts me.
I also think he likes me, and I'm equally sure he imagines he's not good enough for me. It was only a week ago that he told me about the little girl in the middle of the road. Jasper thought that after I knew about that, I was going to leave. I could see it in his eyes – just like I could see the confusion when I stayed. He's still trying to scare me away. He tells me stories about his past when I visit him, and every time he watches me and waits for me to walk out of the room. Hearing the pain in his voice and seeing the self-loathing in his eyes rips me in two, but I always listen. One of the reasons is because I want to get to know him better, of course, and that means I want to know all of him.
But I also listen because I think it's good for him to talk about it. I can see Jasper relax, little by little, when he purges these memories to me. I will do whatever I can to alleviate the pain he carries – even if it hurts me to hear it. I just want to hug him and tell him he doesn't have to worry about anything anymore, but I know he wouldn't believe me. So the best I can do is listen calmly when he tells me things that are supposed to scare me away from him, and stay put.
"Hi," I said cheerfully as I breezed into his room.
Jasper looked up from his book. His mouth didn't smile, but his eyes did. "Hi."
He was sitting in his chair, so I sat on the edge of the bed closest to him. Closing his book, he said, "I'm getting out of here on Friday."
A wide smile split my face. "That's great! I didn't realize it would be so soon!"
Jasper frowned slightly. "I think your dad talked them into it."
My grin turned teasing as I said, "So you're moving in with Mom and Dad sometime on Friday?"
Jasper's frown deepened as he nodded, and I tried not to laugh. I knew Jasper didn't really want to live with my parents. Rosalie was giddy over Jasper's discomfort, and had wasted no time telling Emmett all about the arrangement. Emmett had laughed, but I had caught the look of relief in his eyes. Emmett knows what I do – my parents are the best parents anyone could ask for. They helped heal me, they helped heal Rosalie, and I just know they'll be able to help heal Jasper.
I didn't think he realized, yet, that he wouldn't be able to shake us. Rosalie tried it once, back when she realized Emmett really loved her, but it was a half-hearted attempt. Once Dad, Mom, Emmett, or I let someone into our hearts, we do everything in our power to let that person know how much we love them unconditionally. Edward is more aloof, but once you break through his reserve, he becomes just as doggedly loyal.
"Good! Then we can see each other whenever we want."
I smiled slightly as I thought about Horizon's no-phones rule. "And I can even talk to you on the phone," I joked.
Jasper's face became expressionless. "Alice," he began hesitantly. "Do you think that's a good idea? I'm going to be living with your parents…"
I cocked my head, my eyes narrowing slightly as I tried to understand what Jasper was saying. I stood and, taking a few steps closer to him, perched on the arm of his chair. "They're not going to be your wardens," I pointed out. "We could hang out at my apartment – if parental supervision is what you're worried about."
Jasper met my gaze squarely, his eyes miserable. "Alice, you're – look where we are right now. Call Horizon whatever fancy names you want, but it's a mental institution. Only two months ago I was popping pills and trying to forget all the terrible things I've done."
I wondered if Jasper realized he had put his arm around my waist. "Alice, I'm not like you," he continued, his voice tinged with desperation. "I'm not a good person."
I knew there was nothing I could say to Jasper that he would believe. Oh Jasper, you're really a great person. How do I know? I can just tell.
He would never believe that. Instead, I slid sideways into his lap. I put my hand over Jasper's mouth and watched the unhappiness in his eyes turn to surprise. "Jasper," I said firmly. "You know you're more than that. I know you're more than that. I feel something for you, something I've never felt before."
Jasper wrapped both his arms around me. I took my hand away from his mouth as I added lightly, "And you really are crazy if you think you're going to get rid of me that easily."
I saw Jasper's lips quirk slightly at that. He buried his face against my shoulder. When he turned his head and kissed my neck, I felt a tingling deep in my stomach. Jasper nibbled on my neck, then used his tongue to soothe. I squirmed, once, and he stilled.
Jasper pulled away slightly to look at me. I leaned in to kiss him, but he stopped my movement by cupping my chin in his hand. I stared into his eyes, fascinated that their blue seemed darker. Jasper's thumb brushed my cheekbone. "Do you want to go on a date on Saturday?" he asked, giving me a small smile.
I beamed at him as I agreed.
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Edward POV
I scowled as I got stuck at another red light. It's taking me longer than usual to get to Bella's from school, but with the way my life has been going lately, that shouldn't surprise me.
Whenever I go to Bella's all she talks about is her case. She's wrapped up in it, working all the time, and she won't tell me anything specific about it. I know either she or Alice would tell me if someone was at their apartment again, so I'm not really worried. It would be nice if Bella would give me some kind of idea about how it was progressing, though.
Whenever I'm at home, I have to listen to my mother go on and on about Jasper. She's decided to redecorate the guest room to "better suit him". I'm pretty sure Jasper would be happy with a sleeping bag and a pillow on the floor, so I don't know why Mom's putting in all this effort. No one asked me if it was all right if he moved in. Between going to class and spending time with Bella, I'm hardly ever home, but still. I will technically be living in the same house as this guy. And tonight I have to sit through Jasper's "welcome dinner".
We didn't know anything about Jasper. I've learned – from Emmett – that even Rosalie doesn't really know much about what her brother's been up to all these years. At least, unlike his sister, Jasper seems to get along with Bella. I don't trust him, but as long as he behaves himself, there's nothing I could say that would convince my parents or Alice to leave Jasper to his own devices. I'll just have to keep my eye on him.
"Hi," Bella greeted me when I let myself into her apartment.
She was sitting on the couch, working on her computer, but she put it aside and stood as I walked towards her. She tripped over her computer cord and I ran the last step to catch her. Bella was blushing and I smiled; my arms around her. "Hi," I echoed, giving her a kiss.
After a moment we broke apart. "I'm all ready to go," Bella said. "Is Jasper there already?"
I shrugged. "I haven't been home. I came here straight from the University."
Frowning slightly, I added, "Dad, Alice, and Rosalie were all going to pick Jasper up. I'm sure they're back by now."
Bella rubbed a hand down my arm. "Be nice to him, Edward," she said warningly.
I heaved a sigh. "I will – until he screws up."
Bella frowned, but apparently decided not to say anything else on the subject. She grabbed her purse and we headed down to my car. The drive from Bella's and Alice's apartment to my home is not that far and before I knew it we were pulling into the driveway. Emmett's car was already there. I reluctantly started walking towards the house. Bella didn't say anything, but she slipped her hand into mine and squeezed gently. Immediately I felt my mood lighten. I didn't really want to be present to watch my family fawn all over Jasper during dinner, but it would be okay as long as I had Bella with me.
I opened the front door, entering behind Bella, and heard muted voices from the direction of the kitchen. Taking Bella's hand again, we walked to the kitchen. Mom and Dad were cooking and Emmett sat on the counter, eating pieces of bread I assumed were supposed to have been served with the meal. "Great timing!" Mom said. "Dinner should be ready in about ten minutes."
"Nice to see you, Bella," Dad added.
Bella smiled at him. "I hope you don't want any bread," Emmett said with a grin.
I shook my head. "Seriously, Emmett? You can't wait ten minutes to eat?"
Emmett waved a piece of bread at me. "Hey, you just got here. I've been here awhile now."
"I wish you would have waited, Emmett," Mom gently scolded.
Emmett jumped down off the counter and went over to Mom, hugging her from behind. "Everything you're making smelled so great that I was dying of hunger," he said, kissing her cheek.
Mom swatted him with the spoon, a slight smile on her face, and Emmett laughed, backing away. "Open the pantry door and look on the bottom shelf, Edward," Dad said, his eyes lit with amusement.
I smiled, immediately knowing what I would find. Sure enough, there was another loaf of French bread on the bottom shelf, pushed back into a corner. "Well look at this," I said, turning around and raising the bread in my hand.
We all laughed, including Emmett, and Dad looked pleased with himself. "My hero," Mom said, giving him a quick kiss.
"Culinary hero," I corrected.
"Who's a culinary hero?" came Alice's voice.
I looked over to the doorway as Alice walked in, followed by Rosalie and Jasper. I blinked. They looked alike. I knew they were twins, but I had never seen them together before. If Jasper didn't have that scar down his face and that aura of danger, he would be just as pretty as his sister. Weird.
I wondered if Jasper had been teased about his pretty-boy face back in high school. I smirked at the thought, then noticed Rosalie looking at me. She saw my smirk and scowled. I resisted the urge to stick my tongue out at her.
As if she could sense my thoughts, Bella tugged on my hand. I looked at her and saw the warning in her eyes. "Let's carry some of the food into the dining room," she suggested.
Alice helped, and the three of us brought the food to the table. Everyone sat down and dinner passed rather quickly. Jasper didn't say much, and no one went out of their way to question him and put him on the spot. He kept looking at Alice, who would give him a reassuring smile, and I didn't understand that at all. If I didn't know any better, I would say Jasper was nervous. But why would that be? Besides, guys like Jasper don't get nervous.
Bella stood to bring her plate to the kitchen, and my eyes narrowed slightly when Jasper immediately followed. I shoveled my last few bites of food into my mouth and hurriedly cleared my plate. I knew that Jasper intentionally wanted to talk to Bella alone. I had seen the flash of resolve in his eyes before he had followed her into the kitchen. And since Jasper hardly said two words to Bella during dinner, I was curious to find out what he wanted.
I walked down the hallway to the kitchen and stopped outside the doorway when I heard Jasper say, "If you have any more problems, let me know. I can come over and check it out now that I'm living here."
Had something else happened with Bella's case that she hadn't mentioned to me? Was she in danger? I took a step closer in order to better hear their conversation. "Nothing else has happened. I don't want Alice to be in danger either, you know. She's my best friend. You don't have to worry, everything's fine."
"Any breaks in your case?"
There was a pause. "Maybe," Bella finally said.
I frowned. Bella hadn't mentioned anything to me about that. "What have you found out?" Jasper asked sharply.
"I don't really want to say yet."
There was silence for a minute. When Bella spoke again, I could tell she was striving to sound casual. "Don't try and intimidate me, Jasper. I'll tell Alice."
I came into the room at Bella's words. She was standing with her back to the sink and Jasper was a few feet away. He was glaring at her, but when he noticed me he tried to smooth out his expression. Still, I could almost feel the frustration coming off of him in waves. "Jasper," I said curtly, placing my plate in the sink and putting an arm around Bella.
His acknowledgement was just as brusque. "Edward."
Without another word, Jasper left the kitchen. "What was that all about?" I asked Bella.
Bella looked up at me, biting her lip. "I think he's just worried about Alice."
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Jasper POV
My eyes flew open, the sounds of an explosion ringing in my ears. I immediately sat up, breathing heavily, before I realized it had just been a dream. I was in a bed in the Cullen house. I slowly eased myself back down and looked up. I didn't have the nightmares every single night anymore, but I probably should have expected to have one on my first night in a new place.
I stared at the ceiling as my nightmare faded away. Not just any ceiling – a ceiling in the Cullen home. I couldn't believe I got talked into this. Those Cullens might be nice people, but they're master manipulators. Either that; or I'm losing my edge.
Edward's not happy I'm here. I already knew he didn't like me, and last night I learned that Edward and Rosalie hate each other. It had been kind of interesting, actually, to observe everyone interacting with each other during dinner yesterday. Rosalie doesn't like Bella – I have no idea why, and I don't care enough to ask Rosalie about it – and that's probably why Edward doesn't like my sister. Rose doesn't like Edward, either. Emmett and Alice like everyone, and vice versa. I think both of them are closer to Edward than they are to each other, and all three of them love their parents. Carlisle and Esme adore their children, as well as Bella and Rosalie. Bella seems to get along with Edward's parents.
It was mostly Rose who surprised me last night. I knew she was friends with Alice, and that she was comfortable with Carlisle and Esme. What I hadn't realized was that Rosalie actually loves them. And they both seem to love her. Maybe they expect Emmett to propose to her and are already treating her like a daughter, I don't know. What I do know is that Rosalie doesn't usually let people get close to her.
This reinforces what I already knew: those Cullens are damn tricky. They're nice, and supportive, and generally helpful, and before you know it you're depending on them to be your family. I'm glad it seems to be working out for my sister, but I have no intention of depending on anyone. I'll be sure to stay on my best behavior around the Cullens and do whatever I can to repay them for letting me stay here, but I didn't need a new family.
I sat up again. It was almost six in the morning and there was no way I was going to go back to sleep. Last night, after everyone left, Esme showed me around the kitchen and said I could help myself to anything, anytime I wanted. I pulled on a shirt with the vague idea of finding some toast to eat.
I glanced around my new room as I left. It was painted a soothing greenish color, and the furnishings were minimal. The bed was comfortable and the room had plenty of space. Alice told me hers and Emmett's rooms remained untouched; apparently this room had been a guest room. Rosalie informed me Esme had redecorated the room for me, specifically. I had thought she was joking – why would anyone bother to do that? – but Alice had nodded her agreement. Alice wouldn't make that up. I didn't know why Esme always seemed to want to rearrange rooms for me. It must be because she's an interior decorator. She probably thinks it's fun or something.
I started down the stairs, then paused. It was early, but what if someone else was awake? I bit back a sigh. For as long as I stay here, I'm going to have to be polite whenever I'm not in my room. I just know that's going to mean I'm going to have to participate in idle chitchat. I hate idle chitchat. Or, worse, meaningful conversations where I'm asked about my feelings.
I continued walking down the stairs. Because of my knee, it took me awhile to maneuver on the stairs. I didn't hear anything, so maybe no one else was awake. Edward took Alice and Bella home last night, but I'm not sure if he came back to the house or stayed at the apartment. I wonder if Bella told him about me cornering her in the kitchen. I purposely waited until I could talk to her alone because I thought she would be more likely to answer my questions then. I'd already deduced that Bella doesn't like to be the center of anyone's attention.
All she would tell me was that she has a potential lead in her case. She wouldn't tell me what it was, even after I gave her a look that has caused hardened men to take a step back. Maybe I am losing my edge.
I walked into the kitchen. Carlisle was already there. He was sitting at the table, a cup of coffee in front of him, and reading the newspaper. Remember to be polite.
"Good morning, Jasper," Carlisle said, looking up from his paper and giving me a slight smile.
"Good morning."
For some reason, Carlisle's eyes became amused at my response. "Are you always an early riser?" he asked.
Ah, fuck. Isn't it too early to deal with these types of questions? "Are you?" I wondered aloud.
Carlisle set his newspaper aside. "Yes, actually. I'm always the first one up. Esme will probably be down in about a half an hour."
He looked at me expectantly, and I knew it was my turn to share. "I never sleep well so yes, I usually get up early."
To my surprise, Carlisle didn't pursue the subject. "Go ahead and help yourself to anything. Coffee's fresh."
I don't like coffee. "Thanks," I said, avoiding the coffeepot and looking around for the bread.
I found the bread and put it into the toaster. "Any plans for today?" Carlisle asked casually.
My eyes flew to his face, but Carlise's expression was as serene as ever. "Actually, I have plans with Alice tonight."
"Oh?" Carlisle inquired, seeming only mildly interested. "What are you two doing?"
I frowned slightly. I hadn't exactly planned anything. I couldn't remember the last time I've been on a real date. I didn't even know why I asked Alice out. Well, probably because she was in my lap and smelled nice and felt good and I wanted another chance to touch her, but I definitely hadn't planned on asking her on a date. I tried to tell Alice she'd be better off staying away from me, but she refused. She said she liked me.
She can't say I didn't warn her. I already knew I liked her. My new plan was to spend as much time with Alice as I could – until she gets smart and backs away from me. Until then…"I'm not really sure yet," I answered Carlisle's question.
At least I have a good ten hours to think of where to take her. "Oh, that reminds me," Carlisle said, getting to his feet.
He walked over to the counter and picked up a key, handing it to me. "Here's the key to the house. Esme and I will probably be asleep by the time you get back tonight."
I tried not to gape at Carlisle as I took the key from him. A former pill-popping killer is going on a date with his daughter, and he's perfectly fine with it? He must be on Valium.
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Alice POV
"Can you slow down a little?" Jasper asked as we walked to the car.
"Oh, sorry," I said, coming to a halt a few feet away from the vehicle.
He never complained about his knee, but he still limped when he walked. I half-turned to apologize again. Jasper caught my eye and one side of his mouth quirked up as he took advantage of my stillness. He quickly took another step, reached around me, and opened the car door on my side.
Oh. "Did you do that on purpose?" I couldn't stop the words tumbling from my mouth.
Jasper didn't reply; he just winked at me and closed my door. I caught my bottom lip with my teeth, then grinned as he walked around the car to get to the drivers' side. "Where are we going?" I asked as soon as he started the car.
Jasper shot me a look. "I'm not telling."
I pouted slightly. "Tell me," I cajoled him. "I like to know what's going to happen."
Jasper didn't spare me a glance as we started driving. "Who always wants to know what the future holds?"
"Me. I do."
"Sorry," Jasper said, not sounding sorry at all.
I crossed my arms. A slight smile was playing around Jasper's lips. I looked out the window. It was eight-thirty at night and almost completely dark outside. We were heading outside the city, and idly I wondered if Jasper really knew where he was going. He wasn't reading a map or anything, but having grown up with three males in the house, I knew better than to ask him if he needed directions.
I had been excited about my date with Jasper all day. He hadn't even called me until almost four o'clock in the afternoon. It had been a bit disconcerting, actually, to see 'HOME' flash on the screen of my cell, and then hear Jasper's voice when I answered the phone. All he had said was he would pick me up at eight, and that I should come hungry. Then he had said he had to go and got off the phone before I could bombard him with questions. I had proceeded to spend the rest of the afternoon driving Bella crazy wondering what we were doing, where we were going, and what I should wear.
I had even called Rosalie, but she hadn't been much help. Jasper hadn't confided in her. All she said was Jasper would have told me if I needed to dress up. So, even though I would usually wear a dress on a first date, I had worn a skirt instead. This was major dressing-down for me and when Jasper arrived at my apartment, he told me I looked good. So at least I'm dressed appropriately – even if I didn't know where we were going.
I turned to face Jasper. "So what did you do today?"
"What did you do today?"
I poked his arm. "I asked you first."
Jasper looked at me and smiled. "Yeah, but you're just hoping I'll drop a hint about where we're going."
I couldn't help smiling back at him. "Maybe. All right, fine. And I didn't really do anything today, just hung out with Bella. And hung around the phone waiting for you to call, of course."
Jasper's eyes shot to mine; startled, but he relaxed when he saw my teasing grin. "How's work going?" he asked.
"Fine. Busy. I'm getting more responsibility now, which is a good thing. And one of our new hires is in charge of this Halloween event, and I'm actually going to be overseeing her efforts."
"So you're not the lowest person in the office anymore."
"Exactly," I said, beaming at Jasper even though his eyes were on the road and not on me.
"What about that wedding you're working on?"
Pleased that he remembered – and seemed interested enough to ask – I prattled on about work until the car started slowing down. We had been driving for a good half hour, and it was completely dark now. We were on a smaller side street, tall trees on either side of the road. Jasper drove further into the trees and then suddenly we came to a clearing. "How did you know this place was here?" I asked as he parked the car.
Jasper reached across me and opened my door. As the door swung open he looked at me, his face inches from mine. "I never reveal my sources."
"With most people, that would be a joke, but that's probably true in your case," I mused aloud as we got out of the car.
Jasper raised an eyebrow at me, but didn't say anything. He popped the trunk and moved to the back of the car. "What's in there?" I asked, following him.
Jasper handed me a blanket. "Dinner," he responded.
I smiled widely as we walked further into the clearing. Jasper's bringing me on a moonlit picnic.
There was only a sliver of moon, but there were plenty of stars. Jasper left the car's headlights on, too, so there was enough light for us to see. I spread the blanket on the ground and Jasper spread out the food, carefully easing himself onto the ground. "This is nice," I said, picking up a piece of chicken.
"A good surprise?"
I pretended to think about it. "I don't usually like surprises but – yes."
I grinned at him, and Jasper smiled back. We talked a little more as we ate. I learned Jasper was thinking of starting school when the next semester began, in January, and until then he wanted to find an auto mechanic job.
When we were finished eating, Jasper put everything back in the cooler. "Wait here," he said, and brought it to the car.
The car's headlights went out, and I felt a shiver shoot through me as the clearing grew darker. Jasper came back and sat next to me on the blanket. I shivered again. "Are you cold?" Jasper asked, putting an arm around me.
If I had known he'd pull me close like this, I would have thought to pretend I was chilly. "A little."
Jasper leaned back, and somehow I ended up with my head on his chest. He was flat on his back, his arm around my waist. Then a thought occurred to me, and I propped myself up. I could only see the outline of Jasper's face. "Do you know something?" I asked him.
His hand ran up my arm. "What?"
"This is the first time we've really been alone."
Jasper's hand came to the back of my head. "Yeah, I did notice that."
He brought my mouth to his and finally – finally – he kissed me. I was cold, but his mouth was warm, his body was warm, and I pressed myself against him as our first real kiss turned into a bunch of really long kisses. The arm he had injured was looped around my waist and his other hand was tangled in my hair. I kept kissing him, wanting more. Our tongues played and a tingling heat spread throughout my body.
I paused for air. "Jasper," I said, my voice coming out breathy.
His mouth moved to my neck. "Hmm," he replied, his lips against my skin.
I shivered, but I certainly wasn't cold anymore. "You're good at this."
I felt his lips curve into a smile. He pulled back to look at me. "You're beautiful."
I ran a hand over my hair. "It's dark. You can't even see me."
Jasper angled his head up to give me another kiss, then lay down. His hand stroked my back. "What are you doing?" I asked.
"Looking at the stars."
There was something in his tone that I didn't quite understand, but I lay my head on his chest and looked up at the sky. "Why?" I wanted to know.
"Someone told me it was relaxing."
I felt my insides melt a little. "Do you know any of the constellations?"
Jasper's hand came to rest on my stomach, his thumb rubbing in circles. "I know the Big Dipper. Straight up, to the left a little bit."
"Mmm-hmm. Okay, look across from the Big Dipper. See that W shape? That's Cassiopeia."
I continued pointing out the different constellations we could see, and we lay there looking at the sky. Then we kissed a little more. Finally we went back to the car and Jasper drove me home.
It was after midnight when we arrived at my building. Jasper walked me to my door, and I couldn't stop smiling. I didn't even try. I came to a halt in front of the door to my apartment and turned to face him. "I had a really good time," I said.
"Me too," Jasper said, looking almost surprised at his admission.
He was holding my hand, and I took a step closer. I stood on my tiptoes, placing my free hand on his shoulder for balance, and kissed him. "Call me tomorrow."
Jasper grinned at me. "I'll call you later today."
I giggled. Jasper kissed me, then turned me towards my door. I unlocked it, opening the door, and turned back to look at him. "Good night, Jasper."
"Good night, Alice."
I closed the door behind me and leaned against it. After a minute I remembered to flip the lock. It loudly clicked into place. Only then did I hear Jasper walk away from the door.
Knowing Bella was asleep, I tried to be quiet as I happily danced to my room.
