"Come on, Jasper. Get yourself up and go sit on the couch."

The youth glanced over his shoulder at the older men, but did not break his position.

"Carlisle, I've already told you that you are not going to change my mind so you might as well just go back to your room and lay down for a while. I really think that you should use this time to decompress. You don't need to put yourself or Eleazar through the added stress. There is no reason for it."

"Yes there is," Carlisle muttered softly. "I will not allow you to shoulder the burden of my actions. You've done that far too often as it is. In this we are equally at fault and I will not see you punished alone."

"And I won't see you or your relationship with Ele damaged so it appears that we are at a stalemate."

Carlisle thought for a moment before he patted his friend on the shoulder.

"Well, Ele if Jasper won't move I guess there is only one path left for us to take."

"Si, Mi Amigo." Eleazar nodded, but a puzzled expression shown brightly in his eyes.

"Let's go in the kitchen. We can make use of the table in there and then you can come back in here to finish up with the Major's stubborn hide."

Jasper swiftly stood up and placed his hands on his hips while narrowing his eyes at his leader.

Ignoring the indignant look that the soldier was giving them, Eleazar caved to Carlisle's suggestion. "Ah, yes, the kitchen. I seem to recall something said about wooden spoons. I believe Carmen has one that she painted a bunny on. It just sits in a drawer. We might as well put that to use."

Despite the seriousness of the moment, Jasper found it impossible to suppress a snort of laughter. "A bunny?"

The Spaniard nodded. "I do not ask because often I find that I really did not want to know in the first place."

"It doesn't matter, my friend." Carlisle offered gently. "A wooden spoon is no match for our hard hide. You're just going to have to bring that strap with you."

"I like the idea of spoons better. It seems less cruel and how much harm could a bunny do anyway?" Eleazar groused as he reached over and gathered the slender leather implement from its resting place. "A cow on the other hand. The words stampede and trample come to the mind."

"In you hand, I'm certain that a cow can't cause any real damage."

"Hmmph."

"For the love of God! Fine, Carlisle. Since you are so dead set on this, you come here and take my place for the time being. I don't want you going off where I can't be of assistance if either of you need it. Damn it, but you are stubborn."

"Something else that I've learned from my children."

Carlisle offered Jasper a smile, but the Major's hard glare caused the expression to quickly fade.

The soldier stalked over to the chair recently vacated by Eleazar and slumped down in it with a frustrated huff as he unsuccessfully attempted to reel in his annoyance.

With the air electrified by Jasper's exasperation, Eleazar gave a shudder before glancing from the elder to the boy and back again. "That went well." He sighed inwardly before adding softly, "Now that that has been settled..." With a flourish of his hand, the disciplinarian motioned towards the coffee table directing Carlisle to take Jasper's abandoned spot.

Carlisle strode over to the table with an air of confidence that he didn't feel, but which he vehemently tried to project towards Jasper. Taking a deep breath, he spread his feet slightly to gain better balance before leaning down and placing his palms securely on the thick sheet of glass. Releasing the trapped air, the elder Cullen closed his eyes and whispered, "I'm ready when you are."

A quiet cough from near the fireplace interrupted the scene before it could begin.

"Forget somethin' there, Carlisle?"

Shifting slightly he glanced back behind himself at the boy. "I don't believe so."

"Hmm. What about those pants? Seems to me that back home in a similar circumstance I wouldn't be sportin' ..."

"Oh no." The dark haired Spaniard crossed his arms and shook his head violently. "I will carry out these punishments, but I will be damned if there are going to be naked asses on display in my living room. I am sorry, but here is where the line is drawn."

"That wasn't exactly how far I was suggesting, Cuz. Most of the time, unless we have done something dreadfully bad, we do get to keep our drawers up so we're not talkin' nekkid butts here; just an underwear fashion show. That will make things a little easier for you as well since you won't have to use as much force to make your point."

"I don't care. That is a little too... intimate for me. I'm sure that I can whack hard enough to overcome the defense of fabric."

"Besides, Jasper, I didn't see you willing to part with your jeans just now when it was you who was bent over," Carlisle stated softly but with conviction.

" 'twas different. I was taken a wallopin' for two."

"So now each gets a wallopin' for one and as the person in charge here, I say pants stay on." Eleazar nodded decisively as he shot Jasper a look that challenged the boy to contradict him because then he would feel justified in calling this insanity off.

Seemingly somehow aware of that fact, the Major humbly lowered his head instead in acceptance of his cousin's decree.

Finding no further objection from the youth, Eleazar gave a single nod.

"Better. Now let us see if we can complete this sorry undertaking without further interruption so we can call it a day."

The Spaniard awkwardly sidled up to his friend's left side and placed a hand on Carlisle's lower back for just a second before pulling it away. Closing his eyes, the dark haired elder swallowed hard to clear his throat before gingerly replacing the steadying hand while raising the other just above his shoulder level then let it fall back down at his side.

"Madre de Dios!"

"It's alright, Eleazar. You're doing fine. Just take a breath," Carlisle encouraged quietly.

"I think you're wrong, Carlisle and I know what the problem is. I am clueless as to what I'm doing. Apparently I was an angelic child instead of a chico travieso like you two because I have no reference for this. I don't believe I was ever in trouble as a muchachito."

The still figure near the fire snickered softly. "I'm willing to bet money that you raised some hell and paid for it pretty dearly. There is a scoundrel in you, Ele. I can see him lurking just beneath that genteel exterior. It's just the amnesia from the change that makes you think that you were so saintly."

Jasper stood and walked a little ways further away from his elders before crooking a finger to call Eleazar over to him.

"Jasper, you have already tried to educate me. I don't see the point in another attempt."

"There are a few more tricks that I need to teach you, Perro Viejo."

"Perro?" Eleazar cocked a brow as he patted Carlisle's back to encourage his friend to stand while he walked over towards the soldier.

"I would get onto him about calling you old as well." Carlisle smiled slightly as he sat down on the table to watch what transpired between his executioner and his cohort. "Jasper, I don't know how smart that move was when it's your tail that will be in the cross-hairs next."

"Just callin' 'em as I see 'em. You just worry about your tail and let me see to mine."

As Carlisle looked on, Jasper spoke to Eleazar in a whisper that was even too low for the patriarch's sensitive hearing which had his old friend responding in kind often with a shake of his head that Jasper eventually turned into a nod. The entire interaction took mere moments, but it appeared to the doctor that a great deal of ground had been covered in that period of time and a new sense of confidence seemed to have taken hold of his soft hearted companion.

Narrowing his eyes slightly, he called out to Jasper, "Are you using your gift, young man?"

"With my permission, Carlisle, but only slightly to ease the nerves. Your boy is a good teacher which helps to lessen anxiety even without his God given power. He did not tell me how to handle himself, but he is a wealth of information when it comes to handling you."

Eleazar gave his old friend a half smile as he waved Jasper back towards his seat before striding to where the doctor sat.

"Up up up, Carlisle. Turn around and retake your position. Let's not draw this out." Least I lose my nerve.

Sliding off his perch, the blonde elder once again found himself with his fingers splayed out against the hard unyielding glass surface. Carlisle stared at his reflection in the table top and issued a soft sigh as he waited. Eleazar carefully wrapped a steadying arm around his friend's waist and pulled him tightly against his hip to secure him as per Jasper's suggestion.

The boy had shared with his cousin the fact that Carlisle would be more comfortable if he had contact during this dreadful event. According to the soldier, whenever Carlisle was the one dealing out punishment he made sure to maintain close contact with the miscreant to let them know that he was there for them. It stood to reason that he would appreciate, if not actually require, the same level of care if he was expected to endure his turn under the lash.

Jasper reasoned that this need probably came from his leader's past experiences in his youth. It was very doubtful that Carlisle's father would have offered any emotional support at all when corrections were deemed necessary since it was a well known fact that none was offered after. From his own memory, Eleazar knew that the only touch Carlisle had received during his fall from grace in Volterra had come in the form of the rough restraining hands of the guard and the punishing blows of the sjambok. No comfort could ever be ferreted out of that travesty.

Jasper's analysis made sense and the extra insight helped Eleazar form a more suitable plan. If executed correctly, Carlisle would receive the benefit of resolution that comes from an act of loving discipline, without being catapulted back in time where the same circumstance would have resulted in only suffering and abandonment. Eleazar would never allow his friend to suffer needlessly if there was any way at all to prevent it.

Glancing over his shoulder, the Spaniard inquired gently, "Are you sure that this is what you want, Carlisle? You know I will not force you to see this through and no one will think any less of you. There are other methods of discipline..."

"I'm sure, Eleazar. Now please, just... just do it. The waiting is making me jittery."

That blessed warm wave of serenity came again washing over them to take the edge off of both men's nerves; something that they were very grateful for.

Carlisle closed his eyes and attempted to concentrate on the breath flowing in and out of his body whose only purpose was to provide a hypnotizing measure. Having been in Eleazar's position far too many times to recall, the doctor could easily recognize and interpret each motion of his friend's body. He clearly visualized the action in his mind's eye as Eleazar shifted his weight with the rising of his hand. A slight twist foretelling its fall had Carlisle gritting his teeth in anticipation of a harsh blow that never quite came.

"Eleazar? I know that it's not my place to be critical, but... what was that?"

At his question, Carlisle heard Jasper choke on a strangled chuckle.

"It's a spanking, Carlisle. That is what this whole song and dance is about. No?"

"My friend, that wouldn't even qualify as a love tap. I'm afraid that you're going to have to put a little more muscle behind it, if you want this to work."

There was a silent pause before the Spaniard answered in a whisper, "I don't want to hurt you."

Carlisle swallowed hard as two words formed in his mind, but it was at the moment that they crossed his lips that he suddenly realized he truly believed them. "You won't."

He heard the slow release of Eleazar's breath followed by a mumbled, "A moment, Carlisle."

A volley of three rapid fire cracks, each increasing in volume, shattered the near silence causing Carlisle and Jasper both to jump before the doctor once again heard the soft accented voice mutter under his breath, "Ay, Dios mío."

The shaking of his confidant's body was proof that Carlisle's immediate suspicion had been correct. Still he questioned, "Working out your strength?"

"Si." Eleazar ground his teeth as he rapidly rubbed his thigh to chase off the sting. "And I find that my hand and leg both hurt now."

Clearing his throat, Ele locked his arm around the doctor's waist and without another word brought his hand down sharply upon Carlisle's vulnerable behind.

The elder blonde grunted and his body stiffened, but when a voice cautiously queried, "Are you alright?", he nodded and released his breath in a soft gust.

"That hurt."

"I thought that was the idea."

"It is, but it still hurt."

"No more complaints about love taps then?"

"Nope."

"Bueno. Then let us begin."

Carlisle gasped as Eleazar's hand came down hard once again kindling a fire on his backside. It had taken his friend several minutes of trial and error, but eventually he found a strength and rhythm that suited him well for the job at hand. Now to his dismay, the Cullen patriarch was beginning to feel very much like a well chastened naughty little boy.

Pressed firmly against the Spaniard's side, Carlisle found it a bit easier to allow the pain to ebb and flow through him instead of struggling against it. Venom tears blurred his vision, but he quickly blinked them away for fear of causing added distress to his friend by such a show of emotion.

Suddenly, a sharp swat brought him up on his toes causing him to ball up his fists against the glass.

"Do you think that you've learned your lesson now, Carlisle?"

"Yessss," he hissed through clenched teeth as yet another firm swat caught him low along the edge of his right cheek.

"I truly don't want to have to ever do this again."

"I ...couldn't.. agree.. more," the doctor managed to respond between the powerful strokes that collided with his roasted rear end.

"This really is hurting me more than it's hurting you."

"Somehow ...I... doubt that."

Carlisle stamped his foot in an effort to ward off the stinging burn, but was rewarded by a swat to the back of each thigh which took his breath away.

"Keep both feet on the ground, if you please." Eleazar shot a questioning expression towards the youth sitting quietly in the chair by the fireside. Jasper nodded in approval and felt Eleazar's apprehension diminish slightly.

"There will be no fighting or destruction of property. Wrestling matches will relocate themselves outside away from anything that can be harmed. I want you and Jasper to have fun and make the most of your time here together, but not at the expense of our home."

Carlisle nodded as a particularly biting blow rendered him speechless.

After a few more smacks to the meaty part of the doctor's well warmed rump, Eleazar stopped his attack and loosened his anchoring hold around Carlisle.

"Alright, my friend, I think this lesson has been mostly learned. Am I right?"

The eldest of the troublemakers drew a breath that filled his lungs then slowly released it as he nodded before adding softly, "This will not happen again, Eleazar. You have my word on that."

"That is gran, Carlisle. Now let us seal this with un pequeño incentivo for good measure."

Reaching out, Eleazar picked up the strap and, grasping the loose ends tightly in his palm, he coiled it around his fist until only a short length was left to hang freely.

"I think three will make the point remain."

The strap snapped lightly against the lower edged of the doctor's rump and Eleazar unexpectedly found himself stumbling a few feet before catching himself to turned back and find himself faced with a snarling Carlisle. Dropping the strap, he held both hands up and watched as the enraged vampire's eyes darkened.

"We're done here, Carlisle. Acabado. No más."

Jasper was between the men in a blink, shielding Eleazar from his coven leader.

"Carlisle, stop. You have to listen to me and find a way to compose yourself. There is only so much that I can do on my own. Look at me, Carlisle. Look here. You're okay. You're not in any danger. There is no reason to defend yourself. Calm down. Eleazar did not harm you. He never would. You know that. He's not like your father. He's a good man and a loyal friend."

Carlisle continued to glare at the tall dark male who had just attacked him and gave a deep rumbling growl of warning.

"Don't look at him. Look at me."

As the vampire crouched to attack Jasper tried the only thing that he could think of that might reach the man locked within the beast.

"Papa, please don't do this." His voice was incredibly soft but urgent. "You and Ele have been friends for too long. Don't take a chance on throwing that away. You know him. You trust him. He is nothing like those others who have hurt you. You cannot find a kinder soul with the exception of the one in you. Don't do this. You have to listen to me, Papa and stop before you end up forced to live with regrets like I do. I don't want that for you. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy so I sure as hell won't see it happen to someone I love."

For a second those onyx eyes flared with pure hatred for the man standing behind the boy then they closed and Carlisle turned away moments before his legs gave out bringing him to his knees. A few tears leaked from the tightly closed eyes to roll down his cheeks as his body shuddered from the surging shame and remorse.

"You're okay, Papa." Jasper knelt next to his grieving father and embraced him. "Hush and just listen to the sound of my voice. I have you and I won't let anything hurt you. Nothing has happened for you to feel this way. You have to let it go. Eleazar is fine. Granted, he is in a mild state of shock right now, but he's good. There was no harm done."

Jasper rested his cheek against the top of Carlisle's bowed head as he looked up into Eleazar's wide eyes and smiled to try to relieve the man's concerns. Lifting his head for a second, he tipped it towards floor encouraging his cousin to join them.

Quietly, Eleazar sat down next to Carlisle and placed a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"Your boy is right, Carlisle. You have done nothing wrong. The fault here lies in me. I didn't realize that I had pushed so hard and I regret that. You have to remember that I'm new to all of this. This is a first for me and also, I pray, a last. I'm sorry that I made you feel this way. I told Carmen that I was not qualified for this job and now see what happened? I was right not that she would ever admit it. One of these days that woman will learn to listen to me." Looking over at Jasper, Eleazar smiled and winked.

"Ha. Good luck with that. You know how these women get. Think they know everything and won't even give what we say a second thought."

"You realize that I am still in the house and can hear you?" Carmen's voice called out from upstairs making the soldier chuckle.

"Now see that, Papa. Eleazar has gone and gotten himself in trouble. He must be wantin' to join our exclusive club. Shame on him for going bad and ticking Carmen off like that. He'll be in the dog house yet."

"I believe that it was your comment that my love took offense to, Jasper."

Carlisle's hand unexpectedly shot out and grasped Eleazar's forearm, taking his friend by surprise. After the initial shock passed, the Spaniard placed his hand over the blonde's and gave it a little pat.

Slowly the doctor raised his head to meet Eleazar's gaze with a sad expression darkening his features. "This is not your fault. You could not have known, but I should have. I knew that a strapping was going to be a problem the moment we came in the room and I saw you with it. The minute that I panicked I knew. I should have said something and saved you this grief."

"A bit of a warning would have been nice, but I could have put that together if I had been just a little more observant."

Carlisle sighed and lowered his gaze while shaking his head sadly.

"Si, Carlisle." The golden eyed brunette cupped a comforting hand behind his friends neck and ducked his head a bit to catch the doctor's eyes. "What cannot be cured must be endured, yes?"

"Si."

Eleazar smiled gently at his old friend. "You have endured much in life, both this one and before, so I know that you are unfamiliar with this concept of being able to change your circumstance, but when you can fix something for the love of God do it. Do not hold your fool tongue with me. If I say or do anything at all that makes you uncomfortable, let me know. I never want you to feel this way again; most certainly not if I'm the cause."

"I could have hurt you."

The whispered statement was voiced so low that had he not seen Carlisle's lips move, Eleazar was sure that he would have missed it.

"That is a possibility, but I very much doubt it. I'm more agile than you and I've always been faster. I am like a gazelle, sleek, fast and strong. You on the other hand... Well, Carlisle, I do hate to say it, but you're more like an old burro put to pasture; just shuffling along getting fat and lazy."

A faint smile tugged at the blonde's lips which served to broaden Eleazar's own grin.

"Ah, there we go. Now that is more like it." Eleazar gave Carlisle a little shake before releasing his hold. "Better? Still friends?"

"Always."

Turning his attention towards the boy who still held his shaken frame, Carlisle sighed.

"I always thought that it was my job to be the one to provide comfort."

"Hey, Chief, we all need a shoulder to lean on sometimes. I'm just glad that I was able to be here for you. You know it's not often that I get to use my powers for good. I kinda like the idea of being a super hero for a change instead of the super villain."

Carlisle allowed the boy to support most of his weight as he leaned into him and hugged him close.

"Never a villain, Jasper. Occasionally misguided, but never a villain."

"Hmm. I know a great many who would disagree with you on that if they were still kickin'."

"That was not your fault."

"Feels like it was, but at least now I get chances to redeem myself thanks to Alice." The soldier gave Carlisle's shoulder a squeeze. "And of course you."

A feeling of physical as well as mental exhaustion swept Carlisle as he bowed his head.

"Thank you, Son."

"Don't mention it, Papa."

Lifting his head, the physician gazed directly into the boy's ruby eyes and saw nothing there except the affection that he thought that he had lost, but which had never truly been extinguished. A heavy weight lifted from the physician's shoulders and he found himself completely overcome by emotion. Grabbing Jasper tightly, a sob of relief shook Carlisle as he lost his battle against his tears.

Jasper rocked the elder gently and rubbed his back in an effort to afford him comfort while marveling at the sudden role reversal. Quietly he whispered words of encouragement and reassurance as he struggled against the bombardment of strong emotions being released from the elder.

Feeling a bit like an outsider, Eleazar slowly got to his feet and removed himself a short distance away. Picking up the discarded strap, he rolled it up and was just placing it safely in the drawer of the end table next to his chair when a low soft voice stopped him.

"Don't put that away. It still has a job yet to do."

"Jasper, I really think that we are done here. Even if that were not so, there is no need for this ever again."

"You're wrong, Eleazar." Carlisle pulled away from his son and wiped the stray tears from his face before clearing his throat. With his voice coming a bit stronger he continued. "It's use on Jasper is between him and you, but we still have a bit of unfinished business."

"Hell no, Carlisle." He shook his head as he gave his friend his full attention. "I told you already that it is finished; no más. No more. Any debt, any debt at all, has been paid. I'll still ask that you and Jasper help me with a couple of the needed repairs, but this punishment is complete."

"No, it's not."

"I say it is."

"And I respect that, Eleazar, but I also respect you too much to let this remain incomplete. You took a big gamble and put yourself on the line. I understand how that is and I respect you for it, but I will also see to it that you keep your word."

"What word is that?"

"You said three strokes so there will be three strokes taken. By my count there are still two more yet to go."

As the Spaniard began to protest more passionately, his friend got to his feet and approached him. With a pleading look that silenced the dark haired elder, Carlisle carefully retrieved the rolled up strap and allowed it to naturally unfurl. Doubling it over, he placed the free ends against his friend's palm and gently curled Eleazar's fingers closed around it.

"It's just two more. Please do this for me. I need to prove to you and to myself that I can over come this."

"You have nothing to prove to me."

"Then help me prove it to myself. Please, Ele. I have to try to see this through to completion. I would expect it of my son so how can I accept less from myself?"

Eleazar crossed his arms, but still held on firmly to the strap as he bowed his head and sighed.

The silence that hung between the men was nearly palpable as Carlisle awaited the decision. Finally after many tortuous minutes, the dark vampire loosened his arms and pointed towards the table with his strap laden hand.

"Gracias, mi querido amigo," Carlisle whispered before putting himself back in the place of punishment.

Eleazar watched as his friend reclaimed his spot at the table and patiently waited, bound by some need to submit to his authority.

I never wanted authority over you. I don't even wish to have authority over Jasper. You are my brother, Carlisle. You should not take a position below me. If I wanted to rule I would have stayed in Volterra where all but the Brothers themselves would bow to me. I would never have agreed to this week had I honestly believed in the possibility of this outcome.

Aware that his breath had ceased, Eleazar inhaled to allow himself a hefty sigh.

Only two. Only two. But after those two I still have Jasper making stringent demands of me. Santa Maria, what did I get myself into?

With his next inhalation, the dark haired elder tipped his head to the side and narrowed his eyes slightly.

Though, I must admit that Carmen has been correct thus far. With this experience shared, the wall between my friends has crumbled, or at least it has begun to. It was good to see them like that; to see the boy's anger fall away when he knew that he was needed, but wasn't there an easier way to get them here?

Slowly Eleazar came to life and joined Carlisle. Running his hand over the blonde's back he lightly massaged some of the tension out of his shoulder's then bent low to whisper in the doctor's ear.

"Are you certain there isn't another method to prove what you feel must be proven?"

"This is the only way."

Standing back up he slid his arm once again around Carlisle's waist in a motion that was becoming habit and fastened him firmly against his hip.

"Two strokes. No more. Two and this is done. You have put me in charge so you must accept my decision."

"As long as the strokes are sound. If I can't feel it, it doesn't count."

"Time for negotiation is long over. If I chose to return to the love tap you complain of, you will simply have to accept my decision or we are done here and now."

The blonde shook his head.

"Si. I will make these two count, Carlisle, but if you want to get out of this what you claim to need then you must accept my ruling with no questions asked. Now do you accept or are we done?"

At first Carlisle gave no indication as having heard the ultimatum, but seconds later he finally nodded.

"Two."

Eleazar firmed up his grip and brought the strap down hard and fast along the lower edge of Carlisle backside reigniting the fire as he called out, "Uno!"

Rapidly he applied the strap again before the man had time to fully process the first stroke let alone respond.

"Dos and done!"

Dropping the strap and placing his hand against Carlisle's back, he felt a growl vibrating in his friend's chest, but the only sound to escape the doctor's throat was a quiet groan.

Freeing the blonde, Eleazar helped his friend to stand then put his hands on Carlisle's shoulders and looked him sternly in the eye.

"It is over. You've done well regardless of how you think. Your slate..." The Denali elder whistled low. "Clean. No tally left for any wrong committed. We forgive and forget and that includes you. Be proud of your accomplishment, but give yourself a break from worrying about what you think you have done wrong."

Carlisle closed his eyes but nodded.

"Thank you again, my friend. Thank you for humoring me." Rubbing his stinging behind, the doctor winced. "And for being true to your word and making those last two count."

Eleazar laughed.

"I accept your gratitude though I don't understand it."

He gave Carlisle a few moments to settle before issuing his next instructions.

"I think it best that you go lay down. It has been an eventful day and downtime would do you good."

"No. I want to be here for Jasper."

The boy had been standing against the wall close enough to have offered assistance if needed, but now he joined the two elders and laid a reassuring hand on his father's back.

"It doesn't bother me one way or the other, but I think Ele is probably right. I know that I feel like I could sleep for days even though it's not really our thing. Still it is nice to just lay down for a spell and let the tension go as you empty your mind for a little while."

"It is nice and I do plan on doing just that, but not yet. Even though it is Eleazar, I don't like the idea of someone else laying a hand on you. I need to be here to see that you're safe. I hope that I can offer you some support, but I also need this for my own peace of mind."

To Jasper's way of thinking, Carlisle's reasoning was sound enough so he gave in without further argument. Smiling gently, he nodded before putting a bit of pressure against the elder's back to propel him forward and out of the way.

"Then go grab yourself a corner since I believe sitting is not going to be high on the to do list for a while and let Eleazar and I get this rodeo started." With a quick glance thrown in his cousin's direction, Jasper smirked. "Let's dance, Ele. Come on and show meh what 'cha got."


AN: Alright, I know that Carlisle is worn out and Jasper has to be feeling the strain from over working his power while trying to keep the environment stable, but I swear it's Eleazar and I who are most exhausted here. Ele and I are going to need to take a little vacation after all of this. I feel so bad for him since now he has to deal with Jasper. At least Jazzy should go a little easier on him, but his "putting on a happy face" must have my Spaniard reeling right about now.

Many thanks for all the reviews, pms and support. You guys make it all worthwhile. As always, couldn't do this nearly as well without my top notch Beta. Love ya, Splinter. You're the best.

Well, Jazzy is up next and Eleazar is not going to let those pants come down so the Major and I are going to have to find a way to work around that in answer to the "Jasper Pants Off" challenge from edwardian1901. The soldier and I have an idea already so put your thinking cap on, my friend since that means that we will be looking forward to another story from you ...unless Ruby wants to join in, but for her the challenge is in keeping Jazz's pants on. ;-)