|| Throwback chapter. A bit of background to Jasper and Asher while I figure out where to go from here. If you guys have any ideas to throw my way, feel free to! 3 Do let me know what you think.

Asher wasn't always so open about his emotions.

There was a time when he was vulnerable. Easily deceived. Which is exactly how he ended up becoming a vampire. He had Maria to thank for that - much like Jasper. She was a seductive woman, and even though Asher knew he was not interested in women, he went along with it. She chose Jasper - just like Asher did.

The moment Asher laid eyes on him - he knew he would fall in love with him. Who wouldn't? Besides, Jasper was friendly to him. He was the only other vampire that was. After all, Asher wasn't particularly strong, and he didn't try to be. He hated the thought of drinking from humans. He was weak in their eyes. From the very beginning, Jasper didn't judge him - in fact, he understood him. He felt the same way.

So. . . that's why, when Jasper tried to kill him, he failed to understand why.

Asher was in his quarters. His eyes fell on a note that was sitting upon his kitchen table. Holding onto the paper, his eyes scanned the messy handwriting.

I want to talk to you tonight. Expect me after dark.

- Jasper

A smile plastered the young vampire's lips. At this point, he already loved Jasper, so he soaked up every piece of alone time they had together. Running a hand through his black waves, he couldn't stop smiling. Maybe...just maybe Jasper would return his feelings. After all, he was so nice to him.

Once darkness fell, a tap came on his door. Asher opened the door to see Jasper stood there, looking stern.
"Follow me."
"Huh? Sure" Asher chuckled, following Jasper outside. He closed the door behind him, locking it and throwing the key in his pocket. Not that locking the door did much good - Jasper usually found his way through his open window, which is how he had put the note in there earlier that day.

Jasper didn't speak, he just directed Asher to the barn. Asher was starting to grow excited. Was it finally happening? Was he finally going to get to be with Jasper?! He watched Jasper pull open the barn doors, before following him inside. Closing the barn door behind them, Jasper watched Asher move across the barn to the open window. The night sky was clear, and the beautiful, twinkling stars were completely visible.

Asher took a seat on a haybale and propped his chin up on the window sill. Jasper slowly approached him.
"It's pretty, isn't it?" Asher whispered, looking up at the sky, his (then) red hues sparkling in the moonlight. Jasper felt uneasy as he approached him.
"Hm. Yeah."
"Sometimes, I find myself wondering what it's like up there, and if humankind will ever go there. You know? Do you think we will?"
"Maybe. Perhaps. Hopefully."
"I want to go there. . ." Asher whispered again. His voice was soft, and Jasper almost felt a chill. He didn't want to do this. Asher had dreams, but he had murdered before for Maria - and he would do it again tonight.

"You do?" he asked, taking a seat behind him.
"Mm. I mean, I get to live forever so, perhaps I will."
Asher looked down sadly, "um. . . Jasper?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you. . . like me?"
"Like you? Of course I like you. . . which is why I'm so sorry."
"Huh?"

Before Asher could turn his head, he felt two, strong hands wrapping around his throat from behind. He panicked, immediately knowing what was about to happen. He was frightened. People like him. . . they didn't go to heaven. They weren't welcome. The undead. So, where would he go? Kicking, he tried to let out a scream, but Jasper's grip on his neck tightened.
"I'm sorry, Asher. I know you have dreams, but they end tonight."

However, seconds passed and his neck hadn't been snapped. He was still kicking, fearing that Jasper would snap it at any moment - pulling his head from his shoulders. He'd burn his body. Then he'd forget he even existed. Jasper closed his eyes, releasing his grip on Asher's throat. Asher jumped to his feet, running to the corner of the room and cowering, hissing.

There was silence in the room otherwise. Jasper seemed to be in distress - and he was. He had failed his mission, Maria would be so mad. Asher has trusted Jasper. Now, could he trust someone who had tried to kill him?
"W-why?" Asher whimpered.
"Maria told me to."
"Are you hers or something?! Does she own you?!"
"Yes!" Jasper yelled, "you know that, Asher. She's my lover."
"Yeah, well she sounds like a dream come true for you. Forcing you to kill someone who is blindly in love with you! She wants me gone, right? There's no need for her to worry, I'm sure. You would never be with me!"

Jasper's eyes were wide when Asher finally looked at him.
"You're. . . in love with me?"
". . . I thought that was obvious."
Jasper stood, moving across the barn towards Asher. Asher really didn't want to even look at him in that moment, but he scooted over to allow him to sit beside him.

"I wouldn't say I love you, Asher, but I am attracted to you."
"You are?"
"Yeah, but I think we should take it slow for a while. I'm still with Maria, after all."
Asher nodded, "I mean, it doesn't have to be serious right away. I can wait."
"Thank you for understanding."

Asher hesitantly rested his head on Jasper's shoulder. Jasper took his cold hand in his, squeezing it tightly.
"What will you tell Maria?"
"I'll tell her you're useful. She generally takes my word for it."
"Oh. Well, thanks. I guess."
"I really didn't and still don't want to hurt you, Asher. You mean a lot to me. You're kind."
". . . Yeah. I get that. I feel that way about you, too."

Jasper went to kiss the top of Asher's head, but in that moment, Asher lifted his head.
"Oh!" Asher giggled, looking down at the straw floor. He picked up a piece, twirling it in his fingers. Jasper reached out his hands, cupping Asher's face. Asher lifted his gaze to look into his eyes. Jasper seemed...different. The look in his eyes screamed, "I want you. Now." Asher was a total virgin, so he wasn't entirely sure, but of course, he got carried away in the moment. Jasper pressed his lips to Asher's, kissing him passionately. Asher felt the electricity between them. Unsure of where to put his hands, he left them in his lap.

With one swift movement, Jasper pulled Asher up onto his lap, barely breaking their kiss. Asher hummed contently. It just felt so right. Pulling back, Asher rested his forehead on Jasper's.
"We're going to do it, aren't we?" Asher questioned.
Jasper chuckled, "yes. We are. If you want to, of course."
"I do but. . . I have never done it before."
"That's okay, I'll be gentle. I promise you."

Jasper kept his word.