Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns the Twilight universe. The title of this chapter and opening quote belong to Ben Harper.

Synopsis: Alice doesn't care for Jasper's newest scar.

"Battered and torn, still I can see the light. Tattered and worn, but I must kneel to fight. Friend of mine, what can't you spare. I know sometimes, it gets cold in there." - I Shall Not Walk Alone by Ben Harper

I Shall Not Walk Alone

She held his arm lightly between cool hands. The skin there was smooth and red, the new crescents crossing over old scars. She ran her fingers over it with testing care, her touch feeling like thousands of tiny pin-pricks over the sensitive skin.

He shuddered and tugged her hand away so he could scratch at the new wounds that would give way to new scars. Alice shook her head at his downcast eyes. "You don't get to get hurt for me."

Her voice was firm and it might have made him smile under other circumstances, but he could feel the licks of anger in her emotions. She was gearing up for a rare fight.

Jasper shrugged, his eyes meeting hers before he dropped his gaze again. "What's one more scar?"

Her brow furrowed delicately and she shook her head again, her fingers abandoning his arm to nudge his chin up. "Not for me." She enunciated each word carefully, and he could feel her anger flare acutely.

Jasper lowered his arm and paced away from her with tense steps. "What did you want me to do, Alice?"

"I wanted you to let me do my part." Her voice raised as she stepped closer. "I wanted you to not get yourself hurt for me."

"That's not a choice." He kept his voice steady, even as he felt her emotions start to sway his own. He raised his eyes to meet her gaze. "You're in danger, I'm there. That's how it is."

She threw her hands up in frustration. "You're the one who taught me to fight. You're the one who showed me how to look for their moves." Alice tapped her foot, crossing her arms. "Remember how I can see the future?"

Jasper fought to keep his eyes from rolling. "That's a great advantage." He raised his hand as she started to interrupt. "As is your speed and agility. But your size is a disadvantage."

She sighed, her teeth gritted. "You got hurt for me."

"And I would do it again." He held up his arm, the skin red and angry looking, his own voice raising as her anger washed over him. "This scar is the only one I have that is worth anything."

She shook her head and he felt it then, the fear she had been trying so hard to keep at bay. "I don't like it." She suddenly looked like the weight of the day had slammed into her.

He stepped closer, just one tiny step. "It doesn't matter, Alice."

"It's the only new one you've – while we've – " She swallowed, her eyes still fixed on the raw skin.

Jasper strode forward, easily crossing the distance between them in two strides. "I won't apologize for wanting to keep you safe." He touched her hair and she looked up at him, her eyes sad and her face devoid of its usual cheer.

"You could have been killed." She said the words with all the gravitas that such a statement deserved, her voice thick with emotion. Alice shuddered as Jasper pulled her close.

"No, I couldn't." He kissed the top of her head.

"Why did you tell Bella she didn't need to worry about me if you were just going to do all my fighting for me?"

Jasper gave her question a moment of thought and then shook his head, tightening his grip on her. "I can't just stand by when you are in danger. I won't."

She sighed, her forehead pressed to his chest. He felt her anger start to fade a bit. "I was scared when I saw him lunge for you."

"I know." He closed his eyes as he rested his chin on her head.

The hulking newborn had dashed for Alice, his size making Alice look like a child. Jasper hadn't allowed himself a moment to think. He had darted over, tossing Alice behind him with a firm hand, glancing back briefly to make sure she would stay. He had felt her fear spike a fraction of a moment before the newborn took advantage of his brief distraction. His teeth took hold of Jasper's arm. Jasper finished him off quickly, wrenching him apart with a fluid motion, turning to catch Alice's wide eyes before moving on.

"We're never going to agree on this one, are we?" She sounded sad and tired, her voice muffled against his chest.

"I don't think so."

She tugged out of his embrace. "Can I see it again?" He held up his arm and she traced the already fading lines. "Does it hurt?"

"It really stings." She shook her head with another sigh and he felt a tiny lick of her anger again. "Are you going to get angry every time you see it?"

She gave him a withering glare that only made him smile. "For awhile."

"I'll wear long-sleeved shirts."

She raised an eyebrow, her own small smile starting to form. She lowered her voice to a mock-whisper. "I see you naked."

Jasper lowered his voice to match hers. "I can't remember you ever being angry while I was naked."

She ran light fingers over his arm again, her smile mischievous as he shuddered. "Then I suppose we'll have to wait until I'm not angry anymore."

He laughed openly and gripped her wandering fingers. "Yeah right."

Alice grinned at his laughter. "You're right. Probably won't work."

Jasper kissed her fingers. "I am sorry you were afraid."

Alice's smile turned gentle. "I'm never going to be okay with you getting hurt for me."

"Agree to disagree?"

She made a face as if considering the offer and stuck out her tiny hand for him to shake. "Agree to disagree." He shook her hand, feeling her anger abate as she struggled to let it all go. She smiled slowly as he held onto her hand. "You were impressive out there today."

He raised his eyebrow, the adrenaline of the battle still coursing through him. "Oh yeah? Does this mean you like the scar now?"

She gave a huge, teasing sigh. "I'm going to have to see you naked to know for sure."

Jasper laughed and pulled her close, lowering his lips to meet hers. "Sounds fair."

Note: Just one chapter again and for those of you who asked for an argument and something about the Eclipse battle, here is a taster. More on both subjects will be forthcoming.

I know I said Wednesday or Thursday for an update but I've been working crazy hours and I had to get Six Interruptions updated since that gets so much less updates.

Thanks, as always, to everyone that reviewed. I know 'The Luckiest' was different, but I am glad you all embraced it because it was a joy to write.

I'll be posting my regular two chapter update on Sunday. Thanks for reading and please review!

(I'll respond to reviews in one of the Sunday chapters. I'm late for work!)

- Brynna