Jasper stood on a branch with his hand against the trunk for support. His nose up in the air in search of those familiar scents Alice had said he would encounter today.
Peter and Charlotte.
She had a vision last night and she had been more than delighted to tell him the News. He could hear Alice explaining to the Cullens who were the incoming nomads.
Two vampires from his same coven who he had helped escape from Maria. Charlotte wasn't gifted nor did she had great skills so she would have needed to die. Peter was asked to kill her and when he saw the chance he made a run for it. Jasper was meant to watch for runaways.
He let them escape.
Years later Peter came back for him.
Jasper's thoughts halted as the wind brought their scent. He grinned as he left the branch he was at.
The sound of running reached his ears. It were soft whispers across the leaves and he couldn't help but smirk. Charlotte was never good at stealth and it seemed she had rubbed it off on Peter.
The Cullens came out to the porch in time to see the male one, Peter , burst from the forest, Jasper met him halfway and they both crashed into each other with thunderous force, stumbling and knocking themselves off their feet. Foreheads pressed together.
The scene itself was surreal, to see Jasper so willingly physical with someone that wasn't Alice.
The female one, Charlotte , wasn't as enthusiastic. She emerged from the forest with absolute calm throwing Alice a soft smile and a wave of her hand.
The two on the ground got up with ease and- oh he was smiling . It was the slightest quirk of his mouth but all things considered that was the happiest Jasper had ever openly looked like and that's all Carlisle needed to trust these two.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peter and Charlotte much like Jasper held a handful of scars but not even their skin was as marred as his. Both of them held the same air of caution and mistrust but neither seemed bothered with the idea of being touched.
A fact proven when Peter offered his hand for a handshake.
He and Jasper had disappeared into the forest a while ago.
Charlotte on the other hand sat on the couch letting Alice talk her ear off. She would throw a glance towards the forest from time to time before returning her absolute attention to Alice.
-You were in the same coven as Jasper right?- Emmett's sudden question halted Alice and made Charlotte give him a shrug.
-I was, though I wasn't there for as long as the others, my fightin' skills didn't seem to please Mrs. Perfect. Why?
-How was he?
Carlisle gave Emmett a look because while he was also curious to know about Jasper's previous life he didn't want him to think they were spying on him.
-He was a dick.- Charlotte said as a statement of fact, Alice didn't seem bothered by the fact that her mate just got insulted.
In fact. She looked as if she had come to terms with Charlotte's words a long time ago.
-But I guess being a dick was what made one fall on Maria's good graces. It was kill or be killed. Thinkin' 'bout others would do nothin' but lead you to an early death. Mercy was overrated and a weakness that couldn't be allowed.
-Peter and you are alive. I think at the end he still did show mercy.- Carlisle's words got him a scoff.
-He's an idiot is what he is.- Charlotte glanced towards the forest. She could've hated him at some point but all that hatred and anger had turned into nothing but sympathy.
And maybe pity.
Because while he had been an absolute bastard she understood now that much like the rest he had had no choice. All he had done was survive. Do whatever the bitch asks and no pain will come.
Fail and Hell will raise upon the Earth for you and you alone.
-Did you see The Major?
That question made Charlotte do a double take.
What?
One look at the Cullens told her none of them knew.
Jasper hadn't told them.
And while she could've outed him she didn't held the same kind of resentment she did in the past.
-I did. He was a dick. Though when one thinks about it everyone there was a dick.
-Was he really a black blood?
-Yes.
-How did he look like? Is it true his skin was all burnt and that he had long ass claws? You couldn't even recognize his face past the burnt and scarred tissue.- Emmett looked more excited than it should be healthily possible.
And Charlotte couldn't help but raise her eyebrows at the depiction.
-Well, he did had scars. We all did, one of the perks of fightin' most of the time. His skin could burn but he could heal just as fine. Aren't they like takin' really long to come back?
She glanced towards the forest and Alice snickered.
-Oh Charlotte are you still jealous of Jasper? There's nothing to worry about, we have stated already that Jasper won't take Peter from you... probably.
-That's not funny.
-Hey, if he does I will be here for you. We can be a perfect match.
-No offense Alice but I would rather keep Peter. I don't think anyone but Jasper would be able to survive havin' you as a mate.
-Fair point.
-Hold it, why would Jasper steal Peter?- Emmett asked craving to know the juice of this unexpected conversation.
Charlotte scowled and Alice smirked.
-They were each other's everything during their time with Maria, they didn't held anything romantic, they were just like, really close, kind of like each other's safe place in Hell, even after Peter came back for him their bond was still strong and Peter hovered over him because he was worried. Charlotte's jealous over nothing.
-I saw Peter kiss him once!
-Can't say I blame him.
Charlotte gave Alice such a deadpanned look. Alice patted her shoulder.
-Don't get so worked up. It's not as if they had sex with each other.
Charlotte grimaced at that.
The Cullens found hilarious how Alice clearly took joy on poking at Charlotte.
On the other hand her words about the relationship between Peter and Jasper were... comforting.
Because at least Jasper had had something to bring him comfort. And it would also explain how he didn't end up becoming mad due his empathic gift. Even if just one, positive emotions must had felt like a huge relief in that place.
Also explained how come he had looked so comfortable with being tackled and touched by Peter.
He didn't felt threatened with Peter for the sole fact that he had been his safe place in Hell.
A bond forged in Hell.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-Are you happy here?
Peter and Jasper had gone for a walk so as to avoid being heard and to also have some time alone. Peter trusted that Charlotte would be fine for the sole fact that Jasper trusted the Cullens enough to leave Alice alone with them.
-They are nice.
-That's not what I asked.- Peter worried for a lot of reasons.
Jasper looked better than he had looked last time he saw him but he still worried.
-I like it here. No one is tryin' to kill each other all the time.
Peter nodded at that. He knew for personal experience that one of the best things about this sort of freedom was the lack of constant violence. Not having to watch one's back 24/7.
That peace alone was beautiful.
Still.
He came here for one reason.
To make sure Jasper wasn't back to square one.
-The leader, how is he?
-Carlisle's... weird. He's nice... too nice. Flexible. Understandin'. Patient. I'm still not entirely sure he isn't hidin' somethin'. There's no way he can keep a mind reader and Emmett on such tight leash without usin' more harsh methods. Alice told me he doesn't use violence unless strictly necessary but I'm still questionin' how true those words actually are.
Peter turned to look at him. Grabbing his shoulders and halting him on his tracks.
-Listen to me, if he ever raises a single finger at you or Alice you are not to stay here, I know how much she wanted to come here but you cannot let her go through the same we went through, even if you have to take her against her will you cannot let her stay here. Jasper, I went back for you 'cause I couldn't bear the thought of you going through Maria's sadistic tendencies any longer, if I've to come here because that man hurt you I swear to God I will kill him.
His voice was sharp as steel and he refused to bend to the calm wave Jasper was sending his way.
Alice was the happiest person Peter had ever met and she didn't deserve to learn what it meant to be on the bad side of a coven leader. She didn't deserve that pain. No one did.
And he didn't want Jasper to suffer anymore, he wanted him safe and happy.
-Peter, have we met? I can take care of Carlisle and the entire coven before he even thinks about hurtin' Alice. You don't need to worry.
Even if he said that he wasn't that sure about his words.
For the first time since Charlotte he wasn't confident about killing someone.
He didn't want to hurt Esme nor Rosalie nor Emmett nor Edward.
He didn't want to hurt anyone.
Carlisle.
He was different.
He was the coven leader and as a coven leader he was bound to arise more suspicions in his mind.
-I know you can. I know you can take anythin', but this is different and we both know it... Jasper, if somethin' goes wrong you know Charlotte and I won't mind you and Alice joinin' us.
-I know.
-How is it going with the animal diet? Does it still gives you troubles?- Peter asked after a moment.
-I'm fine. Still tastes like shit though.- He added as an afterthought and Peter couldn't help but laugh and throw his arm around his shoulder as they began walking again.
-Oh the things one would do for love. Who would've thought the God Of War would end up chasin' squirrels for the sake of keepin' one pixie happy.
-Says the one who fell off a mountain and lost his thumb in the river, all 'cause he was tryin' to find flowers his mate claimed to love and then spent a week hidin' said fact while also fightin' to find his thumb. Have you told her that's not your actual left thumb but a french nomad's?
Peter fake gasped at that as he stepped back from him as if hit.
-That was uncalled for. We both agreed that that incident never happened!
-You agreed to it. I'm the one who makes sure such memorable stunt is never forgotten. It was a beautiful thing to see. So touchin'. So... fanthumbstic.
-You son of-!
Peter went to grab him but of course he was dodged. A grin spreading across Jasper's face.
-Oh if Charlotte knew that thumb isn't her man's real thumb. Hadn't been for decades.
-Must I tell Alice about how your drunk ass started strippin' infront of an entire bar while singin' in Spanish?
-I've no idea what you're talkin' about. All I hear is "Fake thumb".
-You!
Peter lunged at him with a wide grin and this time Jasper didn't try to dodge his attack, instead meeting him with an equally wide grin, their bodies slammed with each other with thunderous force, both crashing on the ground and rolling on the dirt.
Laughter echoed across the forest as they wrestled one another, though rather than wrestle it was more of a test play fight with no real strength or speed between them, just meaningless rolling around with each other and biting without breaking skin, pulling limbs, headlocks and pinning.
In a sense it was to test if each other's abilities had decreased without the actual innuendo of danger, a fight, sparing or even an innocent wrestle.
The limb pulls weren't painful but uncomfortable and so were the bites. Pinning that lasted too long. Headlocks a bit too tight. It was a dull reminder of the consequences for letting those actions happen and what it could bring if it was real.
Rolling off a hill wasn't part of their game but neither of them paid it mind. Just welcomed it with eager minds and tried to pin each other to see who would end up with their back on the dirt.
Jasper of course came on top just for a moment before being brought down by a gleeful Peter.
-Yes!
Peter's victory was short lived for Jasper grabbed his shoulders and slammed him back against the ground with a smug look.
-How many times do I've to tell you to not take your eyes off your enemy?- He asked releasing him and standing up. Peter brought his hand up and Jasper pulled him up in one swift move.
-Yes, sir.- Peter teased getting a playful shove in return.
Having Peter around relaxed Jasper greatly, much like Alice his emotions were always positive with an additional streak of playfulness, plus their similar pasts made it easier to coexist without risking crossing each other's comfort zones.
He was like a brother and at the same time so much more.
It wasn't a feeling he could put a name to nor did he think he would ever be able to.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Charlotte was sitting at the porch watching Emmett wrestle Edward with a bored look. Alice at her side doing her nails despite Charlotte's initial protests.
And somehow Rosalie had been dragged into painting the nails of her other hand.
Esme and Carlisle were also sitting on the porch but rather than using the stairs as seats they had taken it to use chairs that they dragged from the kitchen.
-Is that suppose to be useful?- Charlotte asked watching Emmett put Edward in a headlock. Even from here she could spot around five ways on how Edward could break free from said hold.
-Not useful. Fun. It's their way of releasing stem in a completely brute way.- Rosalie sighed. Charlotte was in a sense similar to Jasper, even if not as intensely she held herself with the same guarded stance, her eyes calculating and her movements cautious.
-Like Peter and Jasper's game but without the undertone of testing each other.- Alice supplied to which Charlotte frowned.
-That doesn't make sense. Why wrestle if you ain't gonna fight for real or test each other's weaknesses?
-Because it's fun .- Rosalie repeated as a statement of fact. Charlotte still looked skeptical at the sole idea of fighting for fun being a thing at all.
-You ever fought Jasper?- Emmett asked as he brought Edward down into another headlock.
-Sure.- Charlotte couldn't help but smirk at her own answer. Oh if these vampires knew.
-Is he a good fighter?
The best. Also has an elite assassin who had the South shaking in its boots in his head.
-Sure.
-I wish he would wrestle with me.- Emmett sighed sounding quite melodramatic.
-You have to be mad to want to fight him . A lot of vampires would've paid to not have to even come across him.- Alice squeezed her hand in warning reminding her that these vampires didn't know and couldn't know.
-Is he that good?- Carlisle asked feeling rather surprised and genuinely curious.
-He was The Major's favorite. Of course he's good.
That single fact sent a shiver down the Cullen's spines. The Major's favorite? But wouldn't that mean he could have been trained to be at a similar level as The Major himself? That's what fighters did when someone became their "favorite" right?
He could have seen Jasper's empathic gift as a chance to make an even more lethal weapon than himself.
The idea of Jasper as an empath becoming like The Major was a rather mortifying thought.
The Major had been merciless and with no ounce of humanity left in him, people said that maybe becoming a black blood had erased any trace of humanity he had ever had, turning him into a demon.
A merciless empath with no humanity left whatsoever could have become the devil itself. An unstoppable force.
Carlisle wasn't one to be glad over someone's death, much less if it was by suicide, but part of him was glad that The Major had died before he could keep up with the idea of turning Jasper into a monster.
The world didn't need that nor that poor boy deserved it.
The sound of running was soon heard and both Peter and Jasper came out of the forest almost at the same time with their clothes askew and their hairs sporting leaves.
The picture those two painted was an eerie one. Their crimson eyes and the similarities in their body language... Something about Peter's body language towards Jasper felt odd, even if they appeared at the same time Peter kept a step behind him, not too close but not too far either.
Weird.
-God what happened to you two?- Alice chuckled as she took on the mess that had become their clothes and appearances in general.
-Peter fell off a mountain.- Jasper said as an explanation that sounded more like an inside joke than anything else. Peter glared at him but said nothing as he shook the leaves off his hair.
~~~~~~~~~~
Peter was proud at how well he did at managing to find himself alone with Carlisle.
And once he was he didn't hesitate to get into his personal space as he glared at him.
-I just wanna say, if I find out you've hurt 'em I won't hesitate to kill you. I'm not gonna allow anyone else to lay their hands on him. Not again. I couldn't kill that bitch but I can certainly kill you.
His voice was like steel and his glare was one of the most intimidating ones Carlisle had ever seen.
And he wasn't threatening him.
He was promising it.
And those eyes... He liked those eyes.
There was a breathtaking sense of loyalty in them. Carlisle had never seen something like it.
And despite the situation part of him pondered what had Jasper done to gain such loyalty.
Still. Focus .
-I understand your concern, but I promise you there's nothing for you to worry about, I would never hurt them.
Peter scoffed at his words.
-As if. All coven leaders want the same bullshit. Little slaves to do whatever the leader pleases. You can beautify it all you want but you're no different than the rest.
There was so much resentment in those words. Hatred. Anger. Such darkness in his gaze.
Was this what all the vampires in the South thought? Or was it Maria's creations? Had that woman messed them up that much?
-You are right. But I'm not a coven leader nor this is a coven. We are a family and I respect each one of them, they are not slaves, they are free to leave if they wish. All I care about is to keep them safe and happy.- Carlisle told him honestly.
Peter didn't answer.
He was giving Carlisle an odd look.
-You actually mean that.
He sounded so surprised Carlisle felt his chest constrict. All aggression in his demeanor disappearing.
-I do.
-You want him? You ain't tolerating him 'cause of Alice... right? 'cause if that's the case I-
-I do want him. I believe that while Alice wants to be here Jasper needs it. He's... complicated but that doesn't mean I will give up on him.
Peter stared at Carlisle.
This man...
How could one be so good? Was that even allowed? Possible? Natural? A coven leader shouldn't be this soft.
But he could see it. There was no deceiving trace in his face. He was telling the truth and there was something more about that look that made his shoulders relax.
This man was no threat.
He wasn't sure how that was possible but this man was no threat.
Still.
-I'll come for him and Alice if somethin' goes wrong.
-I know.
Despite all Carlisle couldn't help but feel respect bloom in his chest for Peter. Pride.
Now he could see what Alice had meant.
The bond between Jasper and Peter was truly unique.