Thanks to drtammy1511 for her consult on this chapter.

As always, Naelany went through this with a fine toothed comb.

Readers, thanks for the great reviews. I love reading every one of them, and I hope I can keep up with replying to them all, because I enjoy it, but things are getting a bit nuts around here. That said, this is probably the last multi-post week for awhile. I'm getting into my reserve chapters while I work on a one-shot or two and get ready to move.

"Alright Edward, you can get dressed," Dr. Card said. "I'll be back in a few minutes."

"Thanks," Edward said dryly. It had been a long morning. After answering questions on everything from how much sleep he got at night to how his sexual function was, he was put through a number of physical tests he hadn't had to endure since the original injuries has put him in the hospital. He'd just been brought back from the MRI suite, dressed in a hospital gown.

He re-dressed in the jeans and t-shirts he'd tugged on that morning, and hobbled out into the hall to look for his father. He found him leaning against the wall, talking on his phone.

Carlisle looked up and nodded when Edward gestured toward the room where the nurses had parked him that morning.

Edward went back inside and climbed onto the bed, fiddling with his cane while he waited. He was anxious about what the test results said, and he was almost beginning to regret telling Jasper to go to Seattle with Bella. He could have used Jasper's calming presence.

"Edward?" His dad called after tapping on the door.

"Yeah, Dad." Edward looked up form where he was spinning his cane in the space between his legs.

"So?" Edward could read the open curiosity on his father's face.

"Don't know yet. He told me to get dressed and he'd be back." Edward sighed.

Carlisle crossed the room and grasped Edward's shoulder. "Be patient, Son."

"I'm trying." When it came to himself, Edward really had a problem being patient.

"Edward, Carlisle," Dr. Card greeted them as he re-entered the room, a file folder in his hands. He hooked a stool with his foot and sat down at the end of the bed Edward occupied.

"Good news and bad news for you, Edward," he began. "The pain you've been experiencing has been caused by some damage to your muscles due to repetitive stress," he explained. "It's nothing too serious, rest, ice, heat, and anti-inflammatories should help."

Edward let out a breath of relief. He could deal with that.

"Now, I have to warn you, Edward, this is something that will probably happen again. We're going to try to do a few things to prevent it, but I just want you to be aware of the fact that your body has weak points and it's not going to behave exactly like it used to. I'm honestly surprised we haven't seen an injury like this before. It also explains the decreased muscle mass in your right leg; you're not using it correctly and the muscles aren't keeping their tone."

Edward nodded. "Alright. So what do we do?"

"Take it easy for the next couple of days. Use ice packs to help bring down the inflammation in your back and then heat after a day or two to help relax the muscles. Try to stay off your feet as much as possible, and don't strain your back. No sexual activity for a week."

Edward grimaced at that. He had planned on utilizing the time he and Jasper would have alone on Wednesday. He sighed. "Okay, so no shopping on Friday. Alice will be disappointed, but she can deal." He caught his father's smirk, and he had a feeling Carlisle somehow knew he wasn't just thinking about Alice. "What about long term?"

Dr. Card laughed. "You could probably go shopping, if you're feeling up to it, just listen to what your body tells you and stop when you need to. Now," he continued, "You're going back into physical therapy," Dr. Card said, and his tone brokered no argument. "The damage has been caused by the way you walk to accommodate for the pain that you experience daily while walking or moving around. Despite the use of the cane, you've been putting extra unnecessary stress on your body, and it's finally starting to give out. Emmett has done a fantastic job of keeping you in shape, but it's not helping you overall. You need to get back with a professional who can help you start to realign the way you walk once again."

Edward nodded. "Okay."

"And you've got to start using the pain medication, Edward."Dr. Card slipped his glasses off and leveled his stare at Edward. "If you're in pain, you're going to be moving in ways that alleviate the pain, which in this case, caused the injury. Being in pain also increases your stress, and after the extended illness you described, I think you can understand why keeping your stress levels low is a good thing? It's not healthy and it will only continue to make things more difficult."

"Yeah," Edward said on a sigh. "Just…are there other options besides narcotics?"

"There are a couple of things we can try. Anti-inflammatories, like naproxen, Alleve, will help the muscle strain, but I think we'd have found an OTC treatment for long term pain management for you by now, if there was one that worked. But," he said, "I'm willing to negotiate with you." He paused. "You do have to consider the long term, though I understand your reluctance, given your family history. However, you have to find a way to manage your pain daily. Relying on your father for pain medication as needed isn't an effective treatment strategy."

"The meditation therapy was working," Edward protested. "Things just got out of control and I got out of practice."

"I'll make you a deal, then," Dr. Card said. "I'm going to give you an injection today, which should last for several days, but I still want you off your feet as much as possible until Friday, and take it easy after that. You have someone who can look after you?"

Carlisle cleared his throat. "He's staying at the house through the weekend."

"Good," Dr. Card said with a nod. "I want you to stop at the desk and schedule PT before you leave today. I'll write you a script for Celebrex, that I want you to start taking daily when the injection wears off. When I see you again in December, after a month of therapy, we can re-evaluate the meds. If you start feeling better, you can switch to an over the counter dose. But don't push it, Edward," Dr. Card warned. "Too much too fast, and you'll be right back here. But this is your chance to get back to whatever alternative pain management practices you want."

"Alright," Edward agreed. He had enough open time in his schedule that he should be able to do a day-time therapy appointment with no problems. Everything else seemed do-able.

"We'll see how things go with the PT and new pain medication, and whatever alternative methods you want to try."

Edward nodded. Everything seemed pretty straight forward, and the anxiety he'd been carrying for the last couple days seemed to be bleeding off.

"Alright. You get back to the meditation practice, go to PT, and start taking the prescribed painkillers. Every day. I also want you to start keeping a log to track your pain. You're too good at hiding your discomfort after all these years, Edward," Dr. Card said with a half smile. "And unless you're honest with me, we're going to keep ending up in pain, and I can't guarantee that you will be able to maintain enough function to keep walking if you don't start taking better care of yourself. And you should really quit smoking."

Edward nodded again, feeling like a little kid who'd been scolded for having too many cookies before dinner.

"Now, I couldn't help but notice your reaction to the order to refrain from sexual activity," Dr. Card said with a grin as he slipped his glasses back on. "There's someone that can help you will all of this? I know you've been managing a long time now, Edward, but sometimes it's easier to have someone that can take some of the burden off your shoulders."

"Yes, there is," Edward said quietly, unable to help the small smile.

"Good." Dr. Card made a note and closed the file. "Any questions for me?"

When Carlisle and Edward both responded negatively, Dr. Card reminded them of his contact information and said he'd be right back with a nurse to give Edward the shot he'd promised.

Within half an hour, Edward had set up his appointment for PT for early afternoons three days a week that wouldn't interfere with his lessons or rehearsals and they were on their way home. The car ride was quiet, Edward lost in his thoughts while Carlisle drove. The injection he'd been given had gone to work almost immediately which was a welcome relief as the constant pain receded to something more manageable.

It was nearly two by the time they got home; he'd been at the hospital for almost five fucking hours. Esme was the only one home, and he let her make him a sandwich, which he ate in the kitchen while filling her in on the news before going up to his room. He needed some time alone, and fortunately, fate was obliging him by making everyone out of the house (except the one person he really wanted to see). Other than Carlisle bringing up an ice pack, Edward was undisturbed after changing into sweats and a t-shirt and stretching out on the bed with his phone.

He hadn't even had a chance to text Jasper before he dozed off. His sleep the night before hadn't been as peaceful as he'd become used to, sleeping next to his boyfriend, and he realized after waking up a couple times for a few moments that Jasper hadn't been in bed with him.

Edward woke a few hours later, hazy evening light extending the shadows in his bedroom. He quickly sent a text to Jasper, and turned over to stare up at the ceiling after the message went through.

He reflected on Dr. Card's words as he stared off into space. He wasn't looking forward to taking daily pain medication because he hated the idea of being dependent on a substance, even if it was something he truly needed. He feared becoming physically and physiologically dependent on medication, of being turned into a stereotypical abuser. Edward knew he could count on his friends, family, and Jasper to be there for him and intervene if needed, but it was a risk he was unwilling to take. He wanted to believe that perhaps the PT and meditation might help him manage with something non-narcotic, but he also refused to get his hopes up.

But the doctor's words made sense. If he didn't start taking preventive measures to cope with his pain, he was going to find himself worse off physically, and it would only lead to longer and longer recovery times.

Edward sighed and ran his hand through his hair, thinking about Jasper. He wasn't sure how much he could ask of his boyfriend. Edward wasn't even sure if that was the right word anymore. Lover? Partner? They'd not declared themselves exclusive, and no formal declarations of love had been made, but Edward knew that his feelings for the blonde ran deep, and he knew that Jasper would do anything to help him (or anyone else in the family) if it were within his means of doing so.

But how much was too much to ask? Edward knew he'd get snippy if he asked Jasper to remind him to keep his pain journal like Dr. Card had asked, because after awhile, it'd only be a reminder of his fallacies. Edward was man enough to admit that would take his temper out on the nearest person, who would be Jasper, and who ultimately would endure it undeservedly.

Edward knew that he couldn't attempt to keep Jasper uninvolved. It wouldn't be fair to him or the family to take the burden on himself, because it would just shut him down again, to keep from lashing out in his frustration when it all began to overwhelm him, as he was sure it would. At least this time through therapy there'd be an end in sight; unlike when he was recovering from the accident when he'd had no idea what to expect from his body, this time there was a goal that he could meet, which he hoped would keep him from getting impatient and frustrated with himself again. He was also still independent; he could walk and care for himself and wouldn't have to be treated like a fucking toddler.

A soft knock at the door interrupted his musings. "Yes?" Edward called.

His father stepped through the door. "I brought you another ice pack," he said, brandishing a towel wrapped around something that was likely cold.

"Thanks." Edward turned onto his stomach and felt his father lift his shirt to lay the pack against his lower back.

"How're you doing, Edward?" Carlisle asked, perching on the edge of the bed.

"Okay. I'm not in any pain, anyway," Edward answered with a wry smirk.

Carlisle patted his shoulder. "If you need to talk, or have any questions, you know where to find me."

Edward's smirk softened. "I know, dad. Thanks."

"When should we expect Jasper and Bella back? And are you coming down for dinner?" Carlisle asked.

"Dunno. Bella had a full day planned. And no, I think I'm going to stay up here. I'm not hungry." He also wasn't quite ready to face the rest of the family yet.

"Alright." Carlisle rose. "Just holler if you need anything, son."

Edward nodded and heard his father's retreating footsteps and the soft click of the door closing. He reached for a pillow and wrapped his arms around it, not realizing until he inhaled that it was Jasper's pillow he had grabbed. He smiled softly as he rested his head, the pillow cradled between his arms. His thoughts wandered again, to Bella and the rest of his family and how he needed to tell them what has going on. He was sure they were all worried for him as well, even if most of them chose not to display it.

Edward must have dozed off again at some point, because the next thing he knew, the cold pack was being lifted from his back and a warm presence had settled on the bed next to him. Fingers combed through his hair and Edward felt himself relax just a bit more.

Jasper didn't say anything for a few minutes and Edward was content to lay there for a bit. Finally, Jasper rose, kissed Edward softly and crossed to his laundry basket shoved in the corner. He changed quickly into a pair of pajama bottoms and a waffle-knit shirt and disappeared into the bathroom for a minute. When he emerged he crossed to the bed, barefoot and perched on the edge near Edward.

"Do you need anything? 'Cause I'm going to crawl in there with you and I don't want to have to get up again for awhile."

Edward smiled and shook his head. "Esme will probably come check on us after awhile."

Jasper nodded his agreement and lithely slipped over Edward to 'his' side of the bed. He sat up against the headboard and Edward migrated closer to him, though he remained on his stomach. He watched Jasper's face carefully for a moment, seeing worry and affection etched into his features. But still, Jasper didn't push him to talk, despite Edward's promise the previous evening. They simply relaxed together for a few long minutes.

"So, I can't have sex with you for at least a week," Edward said suddenly into the silence.

"Uhm. Okay," Jasper answered, clearly confused. "I'm glad you're thinking about having sex with me, but I'm not sure I understand."

Edward chuckled softly, taking one of Jasper's hands in his own. "The doctor said the pain I've been experiencing is being caused by repetitive stress from the way I've been walking." He felt Jasper's exhalation and watched as he smiled softly.

"That's good, right?" Jasper asked quietly. "I mean, not really, because it's causing you pain, but it's something fixable."

Edward brought their combined hands to his lips and kissed Jasper's. "Yes. It's fixable. I've got to stay off my feet for the next couple days, but it'll heal."

Jasper's free hand brushed through Edward's hair. "What aren't you telling me?" he asked gently.

Edward sighed. "I have to go back to physical therapy," he explained. "Dr. Card thinks that this will keep happening unless I fix the way I walk."

"Is that a bad thing?" Jasper asked, frowning slightly.

"Not really, I guess." He just hated it.

Jasper laughed softly and kissed Edward's forehead. "You're far too stubborn to let something like PT beat you. So, what's the real issue there?"

Edward sighed softly and thought for a moment, putting his thoughts together. While he struggled to put his feelings into words, he stroked his thumb lightly over Jasper's knuckles. "Physical therapy is exhausting and frustrating and takes a very long time to see progress," he explained softly. He smiled softly up at Jasper. "Believe it or not, I've gotten kind of used to being more open with you and my family about things, and I'm worried that the process is going to turn me back into that person I was right after the accident."

He felt Jasper kiss the top of his head and rest his forehead against his crown. "Believe it or not, I think your family has gotten used to you being more open with things, too," Jasper said quietly, echoing Edward's words. "I don't think they're likely to let you slip back into that persona now that they've gotten you back."

Edward had a feeling that was true. "I couldn't bear to see the light go out from Esme's eyes again," he confessed quietly.

"Then trust in us to pull you back from the brink, Edward," Jasper urged softly. "No one wants to see you become that person again, either."

Another quiet knock at the door interrupted them, and Jasper called out for the person to enter.

Esme entered with a tray. "I brought you boys something to eat," she said, setting the tray down on the bureau next to Edward's bed. Edward turned his head and saw an assortment of easy finger foods and a couple of bottles of water. "You missed dinner."

"Thanks, mom," Edward said gratefully.

"You're welcome, sweetheart. Is there anything I can leave for you guys tomorrow? Bella and I will be out doing the shopping for Thanksgiving dinner and running some other errands."

Edward smirked. His mom and Bella had found an easy tradition; they went to brunch, did some shopping, and got the groceries for the big meal for Thursday. He knew Bella appreciated having the time to spend with someone she viewed as a mother and Edward liked that his mom finally had that daughter to dote upon.

"I can manage for us, I think, Esme," Jasper answered. "But thanks. You and Bella have fun tomorrow."

"We will," she answered with a smile. She kissed Japer's cheek and the top of Edward's head before mussing his hair even further. "Have a good evening, boys," she said quietly before she left.

Jasper reached for the tray and grabbed a bottle of water and one of the plates that contained two-bite brownies and set them within Edward's reach. "What else is bothering you, Edward?" Jasper asked. He lightly ran his fingers across Edward's shoulders.

"Something Dr. Card said," Edward answered. "That this is something that will probably happen again and that he was surprised that my body hadn't betrayed its weak points before this." He took a deep breath. "I thought I'd really come to terms with the flaws that I had; it took me a long time to accept my disabilities for myself. For my family, I was able to pretend that it was a blessing I was alive and more or less whole, while I internally raged about my fate. And to find out now, three years later, that there are still things I can't do correctly frustrates and upsets me."

"I'm not trying to patronize you," Jasper began, "but listen to me for a minute, alright?"

Edward nodded, reaching for one of the brownies.

"Given what you possibly expected to hear today, can you understand how this is kind of good news?" Jasper asked. "Christ, you have no idea how terrified I was that you were going to come back today needing surgery or something worse."

Edward hugged Jasper best he could, unused to hearing such naked vulnerability in the blonde, who always seemed to be everyone else's emotional rock.

"This injury is something completely fixable, Edward," Jasper said quietly, emotion thickening his accent a bit. "Yes, PT will be painful and frustrating, but Edward," he said earnestly. "It's not permanent damage. Your muscles aren't dying and you're not immediately facing the prospect of being unable to walk. It's a setback, yes, but fuck, Edward, can't you see that it's not as bad as it could have been?"

Edward shifted onto his back and into a sitting position in a smoother motion than was normally possible for him and wrapped his arms around Jasper, feeling the other man relax into the embrace. "You were really worried."

Jasper nodded against him. "I didn't sleep last night. Every time I closed my eyes my mind worked up the worst possible scenario. After you finally fell asleep I went downstairs to watch TV so I didn't bother anyone."

He didn't bother asking Jasper why he hadn't woken him, to talk about his worries. He knew the answer he'd get. But he'd also hid that worry well when he'd been there when Edward woke up in the morning; there'd only been a small trace of Jasper's anxiety when he'd kissed Edward goodbye before leaving with Bella.

"You should have said something," Edward admonished him softly.

"You had enough on your mind," Jasper responded. "But getting back to what I was saying, can you see the bright side? Even though Dr. Card thinks it'll happen again, think about how beneficial the PT could be. It'll be hard work, yes, but Edward, if they can adjust your gait, you might be able to rely less on your cane. Your balance issues may still be there and force you to use it, but as a support, not as a necessity. It's a small potential victory, but a potential victory nonetheless."

"I hadn't thought about it that way," Edward said slowly. He'd been so focused on what the immediate recovery steps were going to be that he hadn't thought about the long term effects. He also wasn't going to let Jasper discount his own feelings so easily, but for the moment, he let it go and focused on Jasper's words.

Jasper's laugh was soft. "I think you're a pessimist at heart, Edward Cullen. I don't mean that in a bad way, really, you just always seem to focus on the negative sides of things."

Edward thought about that for a moment and realized it was true. He shifted the plate of brownies back to the bureau and shifted back into a prone position on the mattress, tugging Jasper down with him. "You're right," he said, wriggling into the position he favored, pressed against Jasper's side with his head on Jasper's shoulder. "It's somehow easier to deal with disappointment and failure if there's no expectations to the contrary."

"Don't you think that's a…bleak way to live?" Jasper asked quietly, slipping his right arm out from under Edward's shoulder so his hand could sift through Edward's hair.

"Sometimes," Edward admitted. "But I've had enough disappointments that it kind of became second nature."

Jasper made a noise low in his throat but otherwise didn't speak. He brushed his fingers along Edward's neck and he shivered slightly. Edward kissed Jasper's clothed shoulder. They were quiet for a few minutes until Jasper finally spoke again.

"Do you feel still that way? That life is full of disappointments?"Jasper asked as he continued to stroke through Edward's hair, the gentle repetitive motion soothing.

"Things have started to look up recently," Edward answered quietly. "I'm happier than I have been in a long time," he confessed. "You've been a big part of that, Jas." He felt Jasper's lips in on his hair.

"I'm here for you Edward, in whatever capacity you need me," Jasper said softly, his voice laced with sleep. "You're not alone."

"You're not either, love," Edward reminded Jasper.

"You're going to let me help, right?" Jasper asked. "You're not going to force me to watch while you deal with this all on your own?"

Edward propped himself up on his elbow and kissed Jasper softly before holding his gaze. "I don't think I could if I wanted to."

Jasper smiled softly, his eyes warm and heavy lidded. He looked exhausted but happy and, dare Edward think it, loved and in love. "Thank you," he whispered.

Edward kissed him again. "Get some sleep, love," he urged Jasper, though it didn't appear that he needed much prompting. "You've had a long day."

"You're staying here with me?" Jasper's blue eyes closed and he was still smiling slightly.

"Where would I go?" Edward asked. He laughed softly. "I'm not supposed to leave the bed."

"Oh. Good." Jasper's eyes flitted open for a moment and he kissed Edward tenderly.

Edward lay back down with his head on Jasper's shoulder as the blonde's breathing deepened and evened out as he slid into sleep. Edward smiled and kissed his t-shirt clad shoulder once more before closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep, pain-free and happy in the moment. "I'm glad I found you, Jasper Whitlock," Edward whispered.

When Edward woke up Wednesday morning, he was alone, but Jasper's side of the bed was still warm, so he hadn't gone far. He turned carefully onto his back, pleased to find that he was still pain free, like the doctor had promised. He felt well rested and ready to face the day, and then immediately disappointed to know that he was going to have to spend it in bed.

"Good morning," Jasper greeted him, carrying two cups of coffee. He set them on the bureau and helped Edward sit up before handing him the coffee lightened with milk and sugar. "I spoke to your dad, before he left for his tee time," he said, sitting on the edge of the bed at Edward's waist. "You don't have to stay in bed, but once we get downstairs, you need to stay pretty much on the couch. I'm not supposed to let you move around too much."

"I can handle that," he assured Jasper. So long as he wouldn't have to stay in bed all day, he could be fairly content. "Everyone gone for the day?"

Jasper nodded around his coffee cup. "Esme and Bella took off for their day of fun a little while ago. Carlisle left earlier to meet up with his foursome. Alice is at her studio and Rose and Emmett are off doing their own thing." He smiled and kissed Edward softly. "We've got the house to ourselves again," he said with a waggle of his eyebrows.

Edward laughed. They both knew they couldn't do anything, but it was nice to be able to laugh about it. After they finished their coffee, Edward showered and tugged on clean sweats and a t-shirt and let Jasper help him downstairs. The nerve block the doctor had given him had put a temporary stop to the chronic pain he felt, but if he moved wrong, the abused muscles he was nursing screamed at him. By the time they reached the bottom of the stairs, Edward was beginning to rethink his feelings on staying in bed.

Jasper got Edward settled on the couch, bringing him another towel wrapped ice pack. Once it was in place, Jasper sat on the couch with Edward, placing a pillow on his thigh for Edward's head and they watched tv while Jasper combed his fingers through Edward's hair and they talked quietly.

The day passed quietly, with Jasper looking out for Edward's needs, keeping them fed and hydrated, helping Edward up when he needed it (including out to the lounger out back for a smoke, despite the slightly disappointed look on his face), and just making sure that he was relaxed. Edward dozed off a few times, but Jasper was never too far away whenever he woke up. The attention normally would have grated on Edward's nerves, but after their conversation the previous evening, he was trying to remember that Jasper cared about him and just wanted to make sure he was alright. He also knew that if he asked Jas to back off, he would have. But overall, he felt cared for and not smothered, since Jasper didn't hover, exactly, he was just there.

They were in the middle of an insufferable talk show with an overly perky host who apparently also cooked on the Food Network. "Why are we watching this?" Edward asked Jasper.

Jasper shrugged. "They mentioned something about burgers and I wanted to see what she was making," he answered as Bella and Esme returned.

"Jasper, sweetheart, can you help us carry in the bags?" Esme asked as she passed through, two paper bags in her arms. Bella followed behind her with another two, her maximum load lest she fall prey to her clumsiness.

"Of course," Jasper answered. He ran his fingers through Edward's hair one time and rose smoothly, stepping into a pair of Vans that Edward recognized as being from his own closet.

Even with Jasper helping, Edward watched, amused, as it took several trips for everything to be brought in. Esme and Bella had planned a meal for all eight of them, and it looked like they'd nearly bought out the store in order to feed them all.

Edward listened from the couch with a smile, as his mother, Jasper, and Bella bantered back and forth as they unloaded groceries and discussed the menu. It was the guys' responsibility to make breakfast and clean up in the morning before Esme and the girls started dinner. Esme was in charge of the turkey, Bella was on pies, and Alice would supervise while they all worked on the various side dishes. Thanksgiving had to be one of Edward's favorite holidays, not just for the food, but because of the comfortable way his family came together.

Though he had to admit, the food was good, too.

Jasper emerged with a slightly sad smile and the Chinese restaurant's take-out menu in his hand. "I'm glad your mom adopted me," Jasper said quietly as he resumed his seat with Edward. "She's making one of my mama's recipes tomorrow."

Edward smiled. That sounded like something completely Esme. She'd tracked down one of Rose's favorite family recipes shortly after she'd started dating Emmett, too. "How'd she find it?" He relaxed back against Jasper's thigh.

"Mama published a cookbook when I was younger. Esme found it in the bookstore she and Bella went to today," Jasper explained. He combed his fingers through Edward's hair again, and Edward was beginning to realize it was as comforting to Jasper as it was to himself. "I'm surprised she found it, really," Jasper mused, mostly to himself.

Edward had a sense that there was a little more research done on Esme, and probably Bella's part. But he wasn't going to let their secret out – they deserved their small victories as well. "I'm glad she found it," Edward said. "You look happier just thinking about the possibility."

Jasper smiled. "I am. I hadn't really thought about it, since it's been awhile since I've had an actual family Thanksgiving. It shouldn't surprise me that your mom did something like that, but I'm touched."

"Did you tell her that?" Edward asked. He knew how happy it would make Esme to know.

"Of course," Jasper said, bending slightly to kiss Edward softly. "What kind of cad do you take me for?" he teased.

"Hm, a gorgeous, brilliant blonde one?" Edward suggested.

Jasper laughed quietly and opened the menu. "We're apparently supposed to pick out two dishes for dinner tonight," he said, displaying it to Edward.

"Ah, family traditions," Edward said with a fond smile. "Since Esme cooks a big meal for Thanksgiving, we get take out and sit around and play board games the night before." Edward studied the menu.

"Is everyone going to pick two things?" Jasper asked, his brow furrowed. "That's a ton of food."

"You've eaten with Emmett and Alice," Edward commented.

"True." Jasper grinned.

"And we kind of just graze all night long," Edward said with a shrug. "It's good to have some options."

Jasper nodded his agreement. They picked out their four dishes and Jasper took the menu back into Esme, returning a few moments later, resettling on the couch. Carlisle came home a bit later, and after a quick shower and a check in with Esme, he gave Edward a quick once over and joined them on one of the chairs. Alice was next to arrive, dashing upstairs to scrub clay out of her hair (Edward wasn't sure he wanted to ask) and Rose and Emmett finally arrived with a mountain of food carried between the two of them.

Carlisle and Alice dug out the pile of board games from the closet and stacked them on the coffee table. Everyone but Edward settled on the floor around the coffee table, plates balanced on their laps. Edward sat up on the couch to eat and then under the stern gaze of his father resumed his prone position to join in the fun.

They played Candyland and Chutes and Ladders, and Edward sat out of Hungry Hungry Hippos because he couldn't reach the table well enough (they had to play tournament style to declare a winner, since there were only four positions). They had fun with Guess Who, then Clue, and they ended with Trivial Pursuit. It ended up being a late night full of laughter and Edward basked in the closeness of his family.

The party broke up after midnight when everyone started to head for bed. Jasper helped Esme clean up a bit and planned breakfast strategy briefly with Emmett and Carlisle before assisting Edward up the stairs. Edward was leaning heavily on Jasper by the time they reached the top of the stairs, biting his lip to contain a small whimper when he stepped wrongly and jarred his back.

"Edward?"

"I'm okay," he answered in a small, tight voice.

"Liar," Jasper said, but Edward could hear the smile in his voice. "I'll get you some more ice."

Edward nodded as they made their way slowly down the hall. Jasper kissed him gently when he settled on the bed and said he'd be right back. Edward slowly maneuvered himself around so he could lay flat on his back with a quiet sigh.

Jasper returned a few minutes later with another ice pack, a bottle of water and a small white bottle. "Alleve," he said, pouring two tablets into Edward's hand. "Your dad said it was okay, and would help with the inflammation," Jasper explained.

He took the pills and turned onto his stomach wincing as the cold pack touched his back. Jasper kissed him between his shoulder blades before climbing easily over Edward and joining him in the bed. "Thanks for today," Edward said quietly as Jasper got settled.

"My pleasure," Jasper answered, dropping his arm over Edward's shoulder and hugging him close.

"It really was, huh?" Edward asked, somewhat ineloquently.

Jasper laughed quietly. "I like to spend any time I can with you, Edward. Even, or maybe especially, just cuddling on the couch. Though I have to admit, it was kind of nice having you mostly captive today," he teased.

Edward chuckled. "Yeah, well, don't think it's going to last, buddy."

"I certainly hope not," Jasper whispered and pressed his lips to Edward's. It was a tender kiss, yet full of passion. Edward knew that Jasper was keeping their current limitations in mind, but that didn't stop Edward from cupping Jasper's cheek in his palm before sliding his fingers into the hair at the nape of Jasper's neck and shifting slightly, so there was more of their bodies in contact.

Jasper's hand mimicked Edward's and found its way into Edward's hair as Edward's tongue running over Jasper's lips, seeking entrance. As the kiss deepened, Edward's tongue caressing Jasper's, he felt his arousal grow, and he broke the kiss before they could push things too far and they both wound up extremely uncomfortable or Edward ended up hurting himself further. Jasper smiled at him softly and kissed Edward again lightly.

Edward sighed and relaxed against Jasper, their legs tangling together as he resettled. "What time is breakfast?" Edward asked.

"Esme said nine, so she could get started by eleven, and the girls wanted to watch the first part of the parade," Jasper answered, his long fingers trailing across Edward's shoulder again.

"Mmkay," Edward answered.

Jasper laughed quietly. "Goodnight, Edward," he whispered, kissing his temple.

"'Night, Jas," Edward responded, snuggling up closer and letting sleep take him away.

See? I promised it wouldn't be all bad... ^_^

Chapter 21 should post on Thursday.