Naelany and wishingforlove continue to be fantastic betas.
Please read the note at the end.
Edward watched with affection as Jasper let the little girl sidle up to him while he played his guitar and sang for the children. He looked very at ease sitting on the floor playing Christmas songs with the children singing along. After the excitement of having 'Santa' visit and getting presents, Jasper's performance was very calming and Edward heard mutterings of 'thank goodness,' coming from many of the parents and nurses as the kids settled down.
"He's good with them," Rosalie said quietly at his side, having changed out of her 'Mrs. Claus' costume into jeans and a nice sweater. Jasper was still playing while the kids had started digging out some of their toys to play with. A little boy crawled into Rose's lap and she hugged him before he sat down to play with his new car, making little 'vroom vroom' noises as he raced the car over her legs and the floor.
"He is," Edward agreed. "So's Em," he said nodding toward his brother, who was similarly clad with kids in his lap. "He's going to be a good daddy some day," he said, referring to his brother.
Rosalie smiled, looking down at her ring for a moment. "Yeah, he will be," she whispered. "I know he's ready. I am, too." She smiled. "I was both relieved and disappointed back in November. The timing wasn't ideal, but I'm so ready to be a mom. I'm thinking about a June wedding," she confessed. "Six months seems long enough, and I'm not getting any younger."
At only a year younger than Jasper's thirty, Edward knew that to be true. He also knew her age wasn't really a factor except that she'd likely prefer to have a brood, and having waited to settle down, she may have to settle for a few.
"Six months seems like plenty of time, especially if you let Alice help plan," Edward advised. His cousin may have found her primary career in arts and teaching, but she also loved to plan events as evidenced by her control over the Halloween and Fourth of July parties his parents hosted every year.
"I wouldn't dream of doing it without her," Rosalie answered with a smile. "Without any of you," she clarified.
"Alright, kiddos!" one of the nurses, dressed in festive scrubs announced, clapping her hands. "It's time for bed check. Please thank our guests and start heading back to your rooms."
The toddler in Edward's lap stood and wrapped his arms around Edward's neck. "Fank you for playing wif us," he whispered to Edward. He looked half-asleep already, worn out by the excitement of the day.
"You're very welcome," Edward said sincerely, hugging him back. "Let's find your parents, hm?" He couldn't stand while holding the child, but got himself up and then lifted the tot in his arms and managed to find his way to the kid's parents. Edward handed him off and accepted the parents' thanks as well, before making his way back to Jasper.
He passed the nurse he remembered from checking Jasper out of the hospital two weeks previous and greeted her with a nod and a "Hey." She smiled and continued on her way out and Edward went to claim Jasper for the ride home.
"Ready to go?" He asked Jasper, his guitar back in its case at his feet.
"Yup." Jasper answered with a nod, taking Edward's right hand in his left, hefting his guitar in his right as they followed the rest of the family out, saying a last few goodbyes and accepting a few more gracious words of thanks on their way out and down to the cars.
"Did you have fun?" Edward asked as they walked.
"I did," Jasper answered. "Nancy said they have monthly gatherings for all the kids. I may talk to Carlisle about coming back to play some more."
Edward gave his hand a squeeze. "I'm sure they'd love to have you," he said. He wondered at his lack of jealousy at his partner's musicianship, but Edward was well aware it was his own lack of confidence that continued to hold him back from re-pursuing his dreams. Though, he also had to admit, he rather liked teaching. As much as he'd love to perform again, he wasn't sure he'd want to go back to the orchestra. Not full time, at any rate.
"I've been thinking about a way I could do some service, since Veterans Day," Jasper admitted quietly as they walked behind the rest of the family. "But I won't have a lot of time next semester…"
Edward smiled. "It may not seem like a lot to you, Jas, but to them it'll be everything."
Jasper returned the smile. "I know," he answered softly.
When they reached the parking garage and the cars, Edward pulled Jasper into a hug. "I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too," Jasper answered, kissing him softly.
Edward slipped back into the driver's seat of the SUV with Jasper riding shotgun. The ride back to the house was lively as everyone chatted about how the day had gone. At the house they gathered in the dining room for their own dessert and more games as a family. Bella pulled out a game called Apples to Apples and quickly explained the basic rules as she passed out cards to everyone while Esme and Emma prepared dessert.
Carlisle turned the Christmas music back on and they passed the rest of the night playing and eating until the parental units retired. Emmett brought out a bottle of vodka and six glasses and they moved to the living room and sprawled out on the furniture. Emmett poured and they each took a glass, toasting Rosalie and Emmett with a shot. Emmett poured again and they settled back with their drinks when Bella got up and retrieved the cranberry and orange juices from the fridge, splashing cranberry into her and Alice's glasses, and orange into Rosalie's. Jasper also topped his drink off with cranberry, while Edward and Emmett continued to enjoy theirs neat.
"So, you all know you're in the wedding, right?" Emmett asked.
Edward rolled his eyes and Rosalie slugged his shoulder.
"What Emmett means to ask," Rosalie continued as Emmett rubbed his shoulder with a pout, "is whether you'd all stand up for us. Bella, the only reason I'm asking Alice to stand as my maid of honor is because she actually iwants/i do everything involved with that."
"Sold!" Bella said with a laugh. "Seriously, Rose, it's alright. I don't mind one way or the other, but Alice is probably the better choice since I've got a deadline this summer."
"When is this shindig supposed to happen, anyway?" Jasper asked.
Emmett and Rose looked between each other. "June," they answered together.
"We should start planning!" Alice declared. "Six months? Come on!" She stood, gulping down the contents of her glass and reached for Bella and Rose. She succeeded in dragging them upstairs while the guys remained behind, laughing.
The boys sat around and talked for awhile, Edward agreeing to be Emmett's best man and Jasper consenting to standing in with him as well. Nothing too serious was discussed, and a few drinks were consumed, and Edward thought it was a nice quiet way to round out the holiday.
Eventually the talk died down and Alice and Bella came back downstairs, headed for their makeshift bedroom in the basement. Both wished them all one more Merry Christmas and hugs were distributed before they disappeared. Emmett took that as his cue to find Rosalie for a celebration. Edward and Jasper went upstairs after returning everything to the kitchen.
After they changed for bed, Jasper crawled into bed with Edward, and curled up next to him, laying his head against Edward's chest, allowing Edward to hold him.
"I'm glad you had a good day," Edward said quietly after they'd turned the lights out.
"It was honestly the best holiday I've had in years," Jasper confessed. "I'm just trying to remember everything that we talked about yesterday. That it's okay to move on, and live my life," he said quietly. "But it was nice having the spotlight mostly on Em and Rosalie, too."
Edward laughed softly. He was relieved that Jasper had made it through the day and seemed to have had a good time. The kids at the hospital were good for him, it appeared, and Edward made a mental note to go with him, if he managed to join in the monthly parties. It might turn out to be good therapy for both of them. His hands drifted idly over Jasper's back, the touch meant to be comforting rather than arousing and Jasper snuggled into him just a bit more.
"Any thought on where we want to go for our getaway?" he asked Jasper quietly.
"San Francisco sounded good," Jasper answered. "I'm sure we can find plenty to do there for a weekend or slightly more."
"Sure? It was just an idea." Edward clarified.
"Why not," Jasper answered with a shrug. "It's as good as any place, and I didn't have anywhere in mind."
"Alright," Edward responded, kissing Jasper. "We can look at dates and stuff later."
"Mm." Jasper agreed, and further thoughts of their holiday were put on hold as they focused on each other, eventually drifting off to sleep.
The house was quiet when Edward woke the next morning. Jasper was still fast asleep beside him, having shifted onto his back during the night. Edward had apparently taken up his usual sleep position as well, on his side tucked up against Jasper. A glance at the clock revealed it was after nine, which meant everyone else was out of the house for the day. As he lay there and watched Jasper sleep, a plan began to come together in his mind.
Clouds had rolled in overnight, painting the sky in shades of gray. It would be slightly warmer than the previous couple of days, and there was a good chance it'd rain.
Edward slipped out of bed after whispering a few reassurances to Jasper, who promptly went back to sleep when Edward 'shushed' him. He slipped into a hoodie, grabbed a few things from his bureau, and made his way downstairs.
It took him a little while to gather everything he needed. There were spare blankets in the linen closet, and fortunately when his parents had renovated the back patio area they'd made sure there were power outlets available. He carried everything he needed out to the patio and set it up (including a spare electric blanket), smiling to himself when the first drops of rain spattered against the fiberglass roof. Edward switched on the decorative lights his mother had strung and went back inside to get the first part of his plan ready.
Fifteen minutes later, Edward was carrying a tray of a simple breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, coffee and juice up the stairs. Though he still limped without his cane, he was beginning to find it easier to move without it. Jasper was still asleep when Edward nudged the door open with his elbow.
He set the tray on his bedside table and climbed back on the bed. Edward curled up next to Jasper and kissed him lightly, cupping Jasper's cheek in his palm and running his thumb over his cheekbone. Jasper stirred and his eyes opened slowly, revealing the blue that was still slightly unfocused with sleep. His lips stretched into a smile under Edward's, and Edward kissed him again.
"Good morning," Edward said quietly.
"Mornin'," Jasper answered.
Edward kissed him again softly. "I brought breakfast."
"You spoil me," Jasper said, stretching a bit and hugging Edward close.
"Nope. I'm just going to look after you today," Edward responded quietly with a smile. "We have the house to ourselves again."
Jasper's smile widened and he kissed Edward. "I like the way that sounds," he whispered.
"Good, because I have plans for us for today. First, breakfast." Edward kissed Jasper again and sat up, reaching for the breakfast tray.
Jasper propped himself up beside him, and they ate from the one plate Edward had prepared. When they finished, Edward shifted the tray away and prodded Jasper in the side. "Meet me downstairs with your shower stuff," he said in a low voice against Jasper's ear.
"What's wrong with your shower?" Jasper asked with a slight pout.
"Nothing," Edward answered with a shrug, fighting a grin. "Humor me?"
Jasper's pout turned into a smile and he nodded. "Alright. This once, and because it's still the holidays," he teased.
Edward laughed softly and kissed him quickly, gathering the tray and heading downstairs. He'd already mostly prepped the downstairs bathroom, laying out fresh towels and pulling out the bench that had been installed into the shower when he'd first moved home after his accident. Edward quickly put the dirty dishes into the sink, intending to clean up later, and rushed to the bathroom, wanting to get there before Jasper.
He got the shower running, letting the water warm and he had just kicked off his sleep pants when Jasper shut the door behind him, grinning as his eyes wandered over Edward's naked body. Edward crossed the short distance that separated them and took Jasper's bundle of clothes and toiletries from him. He set the clothes on the vanity and moved everything else into the shower enclosure. Without speaking, he slowly stripped Jasper out of his clothes, discarding his pajamas into a pile near the door.
Jasper didn't break the silence between them either, just smiled fondly and followed Edward's lead.
Edward took Jasper by the hand and led him into the shower, guiding him to the bench that he'd covered with a small towel and pressing him to sit with his back facing the shower head. Gently, he tipped Jasper's head back into the spray while he reached for the shampoo. He poured a generous amount into his palm and stepped behind Jasper, the spray of the shower beating down on him as he stood behind his lover and began to work at washing his hair.
He took his time, using his fingertips to massage Jasper's scalp while working the soap to the ends of his hair and back, before stepping out of the way and easing Jasper back under the spray to rinse him clean. He repeated the process, feeling Jasper melt under his fingertips as he continued to wash. Edward moved on, lathering his hands with body wash and reverently washing every inch of Jasper's skin. His touch wasn't meant to be arousing, but it didn't escape Edward's notice that Jasper was half hard before Edward moved around to wash the front side of his body.
Edward carefully knelt on the slippery floor of the shower stall and reached for more body wash. He soaped up his hands again and then reached first for Jasper's left foot, washing gently and thoroughly as he moved up his calf. He repeated the actions on the left, moving up to his thighs, his eyes locked on Jasper's, who was watching him through heavy lids. He eased Jasper under the spray again to rinse him clean before Edward slid forward a bit on his knees, coming to rest between Jasper's thighs. Edward ignored the temptation of Jasper's cock as he washed his lover's chest. His plan was to shave Jasper after the shower so he didn't bother washing his face, but he re-lathered his hands once more and carefully washed the bits of Jasper he'd ignored, feeling Jasper's erection grow in his hand as the soap was run over the length and back to his sack, down the back of his thighs.
He smiled softly as Jasper's breathing changed, hitching slightly, though Edward did nothing but make sure Jasper was clean before scooting back out to reach for the removable shower head and rinsing him down. When he was done, Edward kissed Jasper sweetly and took a couple minutes to clean himself up as well, before shutting off the shower and wrapping them both in towels.
Edward guided Jasper out of the shower and positioned him in front of the sink. No words were exchanged as he took out the materials he needed. Edward met Jasper's eyes as he began to lather the foam in his hands and found nothing but trust and love in his eyes before he smeared the foam over his cheeks and jaw. With tender and careful motions, Edward shaved Jasper, leaving him completely smooth and smelling of his usual musk after a gentle application of his aftershave. Edward didn't expect Jasper to offer to return the gesture; Jasper preferred to be clean shaven, where Edward kind of liked going around stubbled.
Before they dressed, Jasper kissed Edward, his palm sliding roughly against Edward's own stubble as Jasper cupped Edward's cheek to tug him just slightly closer, his tongue running over Edward's lips. The kiss deepened and Edward draped his arms over Jasper's shoulders, his fingers toying with the longer hair at the base of his neck; Jasper needed a haircut. Jasper hugged Edward close when they broke the kiss, the warmth of the room beginning to fade, forcing them to part and tug on comfortable clothes.
"Come on," Edward said quietly, the first words since he'd left Jasper in the bedroom after breakfast. "I have more plans for you today."
Jasper smiled and nodded, taking the hand Edward offered and followed him. Edward led him through the kitchen to the patio, shutting off the lights as they went. The rain was smattering against the patio cover as they stepped out, the low grey sky helping create the atmosphere Edward wanted with the lights and nest of blankets he'd carried out to the new patio chair. The world was otherwise quiet, the neighborhood hushed in the late morning, everyone else finding sanctuary out of the weather.
"Lay with me?" Edward asked quietly as they approached the new round lounger, feeling suddenly anxious about his plans. It had been a long time since he'd done anything overtly romantic like he'd done, and though he knew Jasper wouldn't reject him, he couldn't help but fear that he'd laugh at what Edward considered a slightly pathetic display. He hadn't put out any music, knowing Jasper liked to listen to the rain, but he hadn't done anything clichéd either, having really lacked time for anything over the top. He just wanted to lay with Jasper, hold him, and spend some quiet time together.
"Of course," Jasper answered.
The round chair wasn't big enough to allow them to both be horizontal, but Edward got comfortable against the slightly raised back, leaning against the pile of pillows and Jasper curled up with him, tangling their legs together and resting his head against Edward's shoulder. They shifted and squirmed to get comfortable under the blankets, laughing quietly as they both fought for them, eventually settling down, sealing out the damp and locking in their shared body heat under the electric blanket.
Jasper relaxed against Edward with a quiet sigh, and Edward smiled, wrapping his arms around him. The rain poured down around them, nothing new or special for Forks, but in sharing the moment with Jasper it became something else.
"Thank you," Edward said quietly.
Jasper didn't answer with words; he lifted one of Edward's hands from his chest and pressed a kiss to his palm.
They sat quietly for awhile, the soft sound of their breathing mingling with the rain and wind. One of them would shift occasionally, and they snuggled together, just enjoying each other's company and the storm. Gentle touches were exchanged, and lingering kisses on available skin.
It didn't take long for things to heat up and shirts were being stripped off under the cover of blankets to allow each other greater access to bare skin to touch, kiss, or nibble. There was laughter and quiet moans, but few words as they slowly wound each other up, encouraged by the rhythm of the storm building around them. They shifted against each other in their need to touch and have contact, and the pillows spilled over the edge of the bed as they wrestled off clothing and sought the best position for as much skin on skin contact as they could get. They continued to touch and tease, remaining under the cover of blankets though there was little chance of being caught, since the family was out for the day.
They settled, in a manner of speaking, with Edward's spine curling around the curve of the chair, resting on his left side, able to see the expanse of his parents' back yard over Jasper's shoulder.
Edward pulled Jasper close, the blonde's back to Edward's front, their clothing already discarded under the blankets. Edward nuzzled the tender skin at the juncture of Jasper's neck and shoulder while he reached for the supplies he'd carried down from their room earlier that morning. He felt Jasper shift against him as Edward's dick slid against Jasper's ass, and Jasper's legs spread wider on reflex.
"I love you," Edward said lowly into Jasper's ear, fingers of one hand making circles low on his belly, his knuckles brushing over Jasper's cock, causing soft whimpers to escape the other man.
"Love you, too," Jasper gasped, turning his head to capture Edward's lips in a kiss.
Edward's hand curled around Jasper's hip while the other fumbled with the lube and condoms as they kissed. He released Jasper's hip and rocked his own forward just a bit, feeling his lover respond. "Is this okay?" he whispered as his hands drifted to Jasper's ass, finally getting the lube open. His fingers ran lightly over the backs of his thighs.
"Fuck, yes," Jasper sighed.
Edward spread lube on his fingers and began to gently prep Jasper. He took his time, his free hand going back to Jasper's front, resuming his gentle massage of his lower belly, teasing a bit with 'random' brushes against his cock, feeling Jasper both relax and tense against him. When he added a second finger he began to drop kisses over the scarred expanse of Jasper's back and shoulders, burying his nose into the longish hair at the back of his skull, nuzzling along his jugular. Edward tried to remember how Jasper had taken great care to relax and prepare him the last time and wanted to make sure that Jasper felt the same way he had. Jasper was itrusting/i him with everything he had, and Edward couldn't fuck that up.
He pressed a kiss to the back of Jasper's neck as he reached for the condom, quickly tearing it open and rolling it on. He moaned quietly when he touched himself, adding lubricant to his sheathed erection. "Shift up, love," he urged Jasper, sliding down slightly to better align himself with Jasper's body.
As Jasper lifted his hips to move, Edward bent his left leg at the knee and slid his thigh under Jasper's hip. Jasper turned his head again and kissed Edward, his right hand falling back over their bodies to curl around Edward's hip and draw them closer.
"Patience, baby," Edward breathed against Jasper's lips, but he followed Jasper's unspoken command and slowly began to press himself into the blonde. He went slowly, pressing just the head of his cock into Jasper's opening, then backing out slightly, over and over until Jasper's body stretched to accommodate him, and Edward let out a shuddering sigh that raised goose bumps along Jasper's neck when he was fully inside Jasper. Jasper's hand tightened around his hip in response to Edward as he rocked his hips forward slightly with a quiet breathy moan of pleasure.
Edward mirrored Jasper's action and placed his hand on his hip, tugging him back as Jasper tugged Edward forward. Edward's left hand was cradling Jasper's head and as he wiggled his fingers, Jasper tipped his head back against Edward's shoulder, freeing his hand to roam over Jasper's body.
Slowly, Edward began to move. He rocked his hips back, then forward, the motions awkward at first the way they were positioned, but after a moment, Jasper began to move in counterpoint, and they established an easy slow lazy rhythm. Edward wanted to take his time and make it last.
Jasper's left arm came from under his chest and tangled in Edward's hair as they moved together, and Edward took advantage of the new line of flesh along Jasper's bicep to kiss and nuzzle.
"Fuck, baby," Edward groaned when Jasper pressed back into him and shifted position slightly, Jasper answering with a pleasured whimper. Edward raked his stubby nails down Jasper's chest, circled his belly button and followed the scant trail of hair down to his dick, where it stood hard and neglected. Edward gathered the pre-cum with his fingertips and used the natural lubricant to slide his hand down Jasper's length as they continued in their building rhythm as their lust grew. The sweat on their bodies allowed them to move easier against each other under the pile of blankets (mostly) keeping them concealed from wandering eyes.
Jasper made a noise low in his throat as Edward stroked him, all of the movements beginning to lose tempo slightly as things became more frenetic between them. Edward bit his lip momentarily, trying to find his cadence again but gave up as Jasper's hand released his hip and skimmed down and around the back of his thigh. The fingers of Jasper's other hand tightened in his hair, spurning Edward on further. Though this was only the second time they'd completely been together this way, Edward had no trouble reading Jasper's non-verbal cues; it seemed his lover was as quiet in his lovemaking as he could be in everything else, and as always, words seemed unneeded between them.
The hand Edward had around Jasper's hip moved lower and back and he cupped Jasper's sack in his palm, rolling gently. Jasper let loose another needy sound and captured Edward's lips once more. "Close, baby," Jasper gasped out against Edward's mouth.
Edward felt the familiar burn low in his belly as well as his body began to cry out for release, his breath coming in rapid gasps and his heart feeling like it was going to burst from his chest while his muscles burned from the exertion and strange position.
"Let go, lover," Edward coaxed Jasper softly through his heavy breathing. Jasper did and Edward followed a moment later, his orgasm crashing over him like a tidal wave, dragging him under for a moment. Jasper collapsed back into Edward, and they slumped against the back of the chair, Edward's arms somehow finding the strength to circle Jasper's waist as he nuzzled his face between Jasper's shoulder blades.
Jasper's hand returned to his hip and Edward felt his thumb rub small circles into his skin. Edward rested his cheek against Jasper's back as they burrowed back under the blankets. He wasn't ready to lose the connection he had with Jasper, and made no move to pull out of him as he held him close.
Quiet sniffles soon grabbed his attention and Edward cupped Jasper's cheek, concerned, and turned his head slowly toward him. "Are you alright?" he asked softly, thinking he'd somehow hurt Jasper, but there were no tears to be seen.
Jasper nodded, a hand emerging from the blankets to rub at his nose.
Edward kissed him softly. "C'mon," he said, regrettably slipping out of Jasper and sitting them both up. "I think you've spent enough time outside in the cold for a few days," he teased and kissed him again, trying not to feel guilty about dragging him out into the cold and damp after he'd spent hours in the cold on Christmas Eve. It wasn't enough to actually make him sick, Edward knew, but that didn't mean he needed to deal with being cold and sniffly to satisfy Edward's whims, either. "Let's go inside and snuggle where it's a bit warmer."
Jasper nodded and kissed him back. Edward tied off the condom after he'd removed it, and they fumbled under the blankets to get their clothes back on before wrapping up in the blankets and returning to the house. Edward gathered the remainder of the condoms and lube and shoved them into the pocket on his hoodie, in case they didn't get back outside before anyone else came home and decided to test out the chair. He started a fresh pot of coffee and heard Jasper moving around in the living room, and then he smelled smoke, and smiled; Jasper'd gotten the fire going.
He disposed of the condom and made a note to take the trash out before anyone else came home, fixed two cups of coffee, and shut off all the lights on his way through.
When Edward joined him in the living room, the tree lights had been switched on, and Edward found Jasper in one of the chairs, accepting his open armed invitation to join him with a smile. He let his cane fall to the floor beside the chair as he snuggled in with Jasper, unashamed to show how much he enjoyed it. Jasper laughed softly and hugged him close, kissing his temple.
"Thank you for this morning," Jasper said lowly in Edward's ear, his nose brushing the long hair that fell over the top of Edward's ear.
"Thank you for indulging me," Edward returned, and they both laughed softly. They remained curled up together in the chair, watching the fire and exchanging tender kisses and touches until their stomachs rumbled a reminder that they needed to eat.
"I'll make lunch," Jasper offered. "Why don't you pick a movie?"
"Okay," Edward agreed. He shifted to let Jasper up and accepted his hand to rise from the chair. Edward went over to his parents' movie collection and after browsing for a few moments, found nothing that appealed. He found the remote on top of the television and moved to the couch, flipping through the various movie channels until he came across something new on the pay per view channels that they'd not seen yet. He ordered the movie and settled back as it queued up, ready for them.
Jasper carried in a plate with two sandwiches and some of the raw veggies from the tray Esme had made for Christmas Eve, and two glasses of water balanced in his other hand. He settled down on the couch next to Edward after handing him the plate. "Do y'all have any Boxing day traditions?" he asked quietly as they got resituated, spreading a blanket over their laps, despite the warmth from the fire (and central heating).
Edward shook his head as he claimed one of the ham sandwiches. "Nope. Why?"
"I was thinking we could go out to the store after the movie and cook dinner?" Jasper suggested. "It appears that we've eaten Esme out of house and home," he teased. "The pantry's pretty bare, and there's not a lot of leftovers in the fridge."
Edward kissed him softly. "I think mom and Emma would really appreciate that. Got anything in mind?"
Jasper shrugged as he took his own sandwich from the plate. "I don't cook much, but I can follow a recipe. Soup and bread sounds really good to me, and we can make a lot of it and leave it simmering for whenever everyone gets home."
"We'll probably need to do a couple different kinds, but we could use the slow cooker for one," Edward said. "We'll sort through a cookbook after the movie?"
Jasper made an affirmative sound and Edward started the film. Once they'd finished eating, Jasper leaned against Edward, tucking himself against Edward's side, and Edward draped his arm around Jasper's shoulders.
After the movie (and considerable cuddling time), Edward carried the plate and glasses back to the kitchen and rummaged around for a couple of Esme's cookbooks. He returned to the living room with a slow cooker book and the classic red and white checkered Better Homes and Gardens he remembered from his childhood. The pages were worn and stained from use and Edward had considered replacing it with an updated version a couple of times, but realized that it likely held sentimental value to his mother. He handed the crock pot book to Jas and settled down with the other, flipping open to the soups tab.
Edward flipped through the pages and glanced at the options. "What are you thinking, Jas?"
"Something that uses the ham hock," he said, marking a few pages with his fingers. "Split pea or lentils. Though I think this winter squash could be good with the ham thrown in. You?"
"Hm," Edward thought out loud as he skimmed the pages again. "Minestrone," he decided. "It's easy and is better later, so we can cook it and put some of it away for everyone else while the other cooks?"
Jasper leaned over and kissed him lightly. "Good plan."
They scribbled out a list and went upstairs to change into real clothes (they'd both chosen to lay around in flannels) and shoes. Edward grabbed his keys and they both slipped wallets into their pockets and Jasper closed down the fire before they left.
The grocery store was nearly empty on the day after Christmas, making it easy for them to gather what they needed. Jasper decided on the winter squash and white bean recipe, deciding to leave the ham hock for Esme to freeze and use later. They strolled through the store and grabbed their ingredients, plus a few things to restock the fridge and Jasper got the items necessary to make a dump cake, something he said was his father's favorite dessert, with vanilla ice cream.
Jasper insisted on paying for the groceries, and Edward relented only because he knew it was important to Jasper to feel like he wasn't taking advantage of his family's hospitality, despite how often Edward had told him he was welcomed. They loaded up the groceries and headed back to the house.
The house was still quiet and empty when they returned. Edward expected his father and David to return ahead of everyone else, but since their golf game had likely been cancelled because of rain, Edward had no idea where they'd disappeared to for the day. Jasper unloaded the bags and sorted everything onto the counter while Edward stoked the fire back up and put on some music.
Edward and Jasper spent the next hour working together in the kitchen. Edward located his mother's huge slow cooker under the counter and set it up for Jasper before getting started on the minestrone he was going to make. They worked fairly slowly, neither of them really accustomed to cooking, though Edward felt pretty assured they couldn't really screw anything up. It took some time for Jasper to get the squash peeled and chopped, but once he figured out a method, it went smoothly. They teased and poked at each other as they moved around for the things they needed, and it was a different kind of relaxing for Edward. Though he was moving around, his mind was focused on something, and he found it an odd kind of meditation.
When they finished and had cleaned up, except for the pot on the stove and the slow cooker going on the counter, Edward heated up the last of the cider and they returned to the living room. This time, Edward relaxed against Jasper with a soft sigh, Jasper's quiet laugh rumbling under his ear against Jasper's chest.
"When are you seeing Dr. Card again?" Jasper asked softly after they'd been sitting for a few minutes.
"Wednesday," Edward answered. "Don't you have to go back next week to get your back checked?"
Jasper nodded. "Friday."
Edward laughed quietly. "We sound like a couple of old men, arranging our schedules around doctor's appointments."
Jasper chuckled. "I know." He kissed Edward's temple. "When do your meditation classes start?"
"After the new year," Edward answered with a sigh. "I had thought we could start sooner, but the instructor is starting a new group, and asked if we could join that one, to keep the other class on track."
"Okay," Jasper said with a nod. "Just let me know when they are, so I can adjust my office hours or whatever if I need to."
"Yes, dear," Edward said with a smirk, laughing when Jasper nudged him in the ribs. He elbowed Jasper back, and from there it kind of dissolved into an odd kind of foreplay, though they managed to keep their clothes on and, miraculously, stay on the couch.
They were laughing so hard Jasper had tears in his eyes and Edward was snorting, unable to catch his breath, when his father and uncle returned home.
"Have a good day, boys?" Carlisle asked, an amused smile on his face as he watched them frantically right their clothing from their wrestling match and try to control their laughter, which wasn't really working, Edward noted, as they both kept dissolving into embarrassingly girlish giggles as they bumped into each other (intentionally, on Edward's part at least). "Something smells good."
"We made soup," Edward explained through his laughter as Jasper kept trying to squirm away from him. "There's minestrone on the stove that's ready but needs greens and the cheese, and some stew in the cooker, that won't be ready for a couple hours yet."
"Esme and Emma will appreciate that," David said. "I'm sure Alice has walked their feet off today. I'll call Em and keep them from picking up take out," he said, fishing his phone from the clip on his waist and wandering into the kitchen.
Jasper succeeded in scooting out of Edward's reach and they managed to contain their laughter somewhat, Carlisle looking on and shaking his head, though Edward thought he saw something almost wistful in his father's expression.
"Plans for the evening?" Carlisle asked, falling into one of the armchairs.
Edward shook his head. "You're pretty much looking at it," he said, and Jasper burst out laughing again. Edward realized just how that sounded and blushed, his father's laughter mixing with Jasper's. Edward threw one of the throw pillows at Jasper's head.
"What I meant, was," Edward continued. "Just staying in and laying around." He rolled his eyes at the fresh wave of laughter that rolled through his father and lover. "Fine," he huffed. "I'm shutting up now."
Carlisle laughed at Edward's petulance, but Jasper managed to contain himself for a minute. He slid to Edward's side and kissed him softly in apology. "You have to realize how that all sounded after what they walked in on," he whispered.
On one hand, Edward was beyond relieved that Jasper felt comfortable enough with his family to be affectionate like that in front of his father, but he was still a bit irritated with their laughter at his expense. He playfully shoved Jasper away with a roll of his eyes.
"The girls are on their way back from Seattle," David said, coming back into the living room, clipping his phone back to his belt. "They just left, so they'll be a few hours."
Carlisle nodded as David sat in the other chair, stretching his legs out in front of him. "Sounds like we're on our own then. Son, Jasper, think you can keep your hands off each other long enough to watch a movie?"
Laughter rang out through the living room as Carlisle was pelted with pillows from both ends of the couch.
wiki apples to apples. It's a fantastic game that I play with my ESL students as a vocab/culture building exercise.
The dump cake recipe will be up on the blog.
Please check out fandomgivesback(dot)blogspot(dot)com. Support the fight against childhood cancer.
Now for the (semi) important stuff. There may be a lack of post next week. With the move and dealing with the crap that's come with it (lack of creativity, etc.), I've used up just about all of the chapters I had saved up. Depending on how things go this weekend while my family is out of town (giving me time and mental space to write), I may take next week off to buy myself a bit more time. We'll see how it goes. I'll post to the blog and twitter when I get things figured out.
In the meantime, check the blog for another teaser post, and as always, you readers rock my socks.
