Jasper

Leilani slept so peacefully. I had been relieved when she had let me help her get some rest. The dark circles under her tired eyes, combined with her restlessness only showed how little sleep she had been getting.

I had spent some of the night on my phone. I'd briefly thought about messaging Alice, but knew it was pointless as she would probably have seen everything anyway. I also preferred to talk to her in person about the photograph she'd posted through Leilani's front door. She hadn't exactly told her the truth, but the clue had been enough. I was both glad Alice had done it, and mildly annoyed about her meddling.

I wondered what would have happened if things had gone another way. If I'd finally been brave enough to talk to Leilani, and how long it would have taken me. Maybe she would've had enough before then.

Glancing over to her sleeping form, I listened to her steady heard beat and her breathing. There was no way I could've left, and deep down I must have known it would always end up this way, ever since I saw her for the first time.

How god-damn lucky I was that she accepted me.

I spent a good few hours working on my assignments for university, typing them out in an email to myself. I didn't have any books with me, but there were enough resources online, and having done the degree so many times I could remember some of the sources.

It was starting to get light out as I browed Leilani's shelves, thinking about things that we could do together. I looked at some of her photos that she'd put in frames and dotted around her room. There were some of her with her friends in London and other various places. She looked so happy, but I couldn't tell if her grins were genuine. Perhaps she hadn't been feeling herself, even then.

When she woke up, she hummed, stretching and slowly opening her eyes.

"Mornin'," I smiled at her, leaning on my elbow, facing her on the bed.

"Hey," Leilani rubbed her eyes. "What time is it?"

"Nine," I answered.

She rolled over to face me, smiling back. "Really? Then I think we can conclude that your magic powers work."

"They meet your standard, Leilani?" I raised my eyebrows, still smiling.

"Just about," she tried to be serious but giggled, pulling the covers over her face so only her green eyes were visible. "I can't believe you're here, Jasper." Her voice was slightly muffled by the duvet. "This is so crazy."

I laughed. "What's crazy is how I can't stop thinking about you, or stay away from you. A human."

She lowered the covers below her face as some of the humour drained out of her. "How is this going to work?"

"I don't know," I replied, honestly. "I don't know any vampire who's ever done this before."

"Me neither," she joked.

We both laughed.

"I suppose hunting at five and a movie date a six?" She paused. "No, but seriously," Leilani sat up and so did I, so we were leaning against the pillows on the headboard. "I guess it would be the same as before, just with more," she trailed off, licking her lips, glancing at my own.

"That sounds like a great plan," I murmured, inching closer towards her.

Leilani closed her eyes, her breathing gradually getting heavier as we were very close. I could smell her breath, feeling it on my face. I closed my eyes, too, as our lips touched.

She moved her left hand to touch my cheek and neck as we deepened the kiss. Our lips moved slowly against each other. I moved my hand around her waist, my fingers taking their time to move underneath the fabric to touch her soft bare skin. With the wave of pleasure coming from her, I knew she was enjoying herself just as much as I was.

Carefully, I moved my hand further up around her back, past the point of where the back of her bra would have been if she had been wearing one. I began to bring my hand around towards her front, by her ribs, when she pulled out of the kiss.

She quickly moved her hand from my neck to my elbow, preventing me from going any further. "I'm sorry," she breathed, looking up at me, the worry in her eyes. "I'm not ready for that yet."

Immediately, I took my hand away. "No, don't apologise. I'm sorry." I insisted. "I never want to do anything you don't want me to. And please don't ever feel pressured."

She frowned. "Are you sure that's ok?"

I stared at her. Something was off. The most logical conclusion I could think of was that she'd had a bad experience with someone before. Maybe her ex.

"Of course, Leilani," I told her. "I only want to be with you, and for you to be happy. I really care about you."

She snuggled up to me, and I put my arm around her. "And what about your happiness?" she asked.

I rubbed her arm. "Taking things slow will make me happy," I exclaimed, feeling the relief and joy coming from her.

"Thank you, Jasper."

I held her tighter. "No problem."

She grew anxious again and I was going to ask her what was wrong when she spoke. "There's something you should know, too."

The way she was so worried had my mind racing as to what she wanted to tell me. "What is it?"

"The medication I'm on. It's- it's kind of ruined some things for me. Like… that," Leilani paused. "I don't know how long it will take to get back to normal." She sighed. "If it ever does."

"What do you mean?"

She blushed. "My sex drive," she mumbled.

God, she was having a hard time. "I'm sorry. It's ok, I promise you, Leilani. We're just taking things slow."

Some of the doubt ebbed away, but not all of it. It probably wouldn't be possible for her to fully believe it until more time passed and she could see the evidence for herself that I was completely fine.

"Thanks for being so understanding. I really appreciate it."

We sat quietly together for a while, snuggled up together on the bed.

"How have you been doing?" I asked her, breaking the silence.

She didn't reply. If it hadn't been for the fact I could feel her sorrow and bleakness, I might have thought she hadn't heard me. After a moment Leilani said, "they upped my medication."

"It wasn't working or-?"

"I don't know. I wasn't feeling any better, and I guess every time I complain they'll just drug me more." She laughed, humourlessly.

"I'm sorry this is happening to you," I took her hand. I wished there was something I could do, but this was something only time would change.

"Me too," she whispered. "What are we going to do today?" Leilani asked.

"It's your choice," I said.

"I don't know." She was frustrated now. "Let's do something you want to do."

"Ok," I thought about places nearby that we could visit. It had rained in the night, but stopped, leaving it cloudy outside. "We could go for a walk. I know somewhere nice we can go."

"Alright." Satisfied, Leilani got out of the bed and started straightening up her pillow.

She grabbed her glasses and put them on before running a hand through her short messy hair and started walking towards the door. She opened it, stopped, and looked at me, eyes wide.

"What?" I asked, wondering why she was suddenly so panicked.

"Oh noooo," Leilani groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Noooo."

"What's wrong?"

"You bloody vampires and your bloody super-hearing! Your whole family's heard me take a dump!" Leilani wailed.

I tried so hard not to laugh, putting a hand over my mouth. I didn't try hard enough, clearly, as the laughter escaped into the open.

"Don't laugh at me!" she cried, hands on her cheeks, her eyes glistening. "This is serious."

"I'm sorry, Leilani, it's ok!" I was still struggling against the laughter. "We are around humans almost every day. It's something we've learned to block out."

She cringed, shaking her head.

"It's fine! We all used to do it."

Leilani wrenched open a drawer and pulled out some earphones, thrusting them into my hands. "Nope. Listen to music, or watch a video. I don't care - just not," she trailed off with another recoil and headed back to the door.

"Leilani," I called out.

She turned back, the frown still present on her face.

"You're so cute."

Her face softened as she took pleasure in the compliment. Still, she pointed to the earphones and then left, shutting the door behind her.

I didn't have the heart to tell her they wouldn't do much. Nevertheless, I put on some music, focusing on the song and blocking out any sounds coming from outside the room.

Leilani

I took a quick shower and told Jasper to go downstairs while I got dressed. I wanted to feel good, so I decided to put on something nice, but still casual enough to go on a walk. I shoved the hangers aside in my wardrobe, settling on a blue and white floral skater dress, with a cream jumper with matching boots that were fluffy on the inside. I put some tights on as well so I wouldn't be too cold, along with my jacket.

As I blow dried my hair in the mirror, I lifted some of the strands where the brown was coming through. Maybe I could dye it again, I thought, if it mattered.

Almost ready, I walked over to my bedside table to pick up my rings, when I spied a silver necklace Evie had bought me. I put it on, touching the tiny blue gem. I'd have to talk to her soon.

Stepping down the stairs, Jasper, who must have heard me, walking into the hallway.

"Ready to go?" I asked him.

"Yeah," he nodded, meeting me on the last step. He had his arms outstretched, one hand on the wall and the other on the hand rail. "Leilani, you're all dressed up."

I smiled. "I just put on a dress. Amazing what a good night's sleep and a shower can do."

He stared at me. "You look beautiful."

I held out my hands so he could take them. "Thanks. I wanted to feel good about myself."

Jasper took my hands, and lifted one of them towards his mouth. He kissed it, making me blush.

"Jasper," I mumbled, trying not to let a girly giggle escape. Oh, how it wanted to.

"What? I want to treat you like a lady."

"Yeah, but you can't say that. I'm not a-," I put on a posh English voice, "Lady."

Jasper grinned. "You love it."

I shook my head, still smiling, moving around him towards the front door. One of my hands was still in his as I led him out of the house.

"So, where are we going?" I asked as we walked down the drive, hand in hand.

"You'll see." We reached the end of the drive and he let go of my hand. "First, I'll get my bike and meet you here. I'll only be a couple of minutes."

I tilted my head, wondering where we would be going that involved driving there first. "Sure," I said slowly. "See you in a minute."

While I waited for Jasper, I checked my phone, sending a message to Evie asking to chat later. I also looked at my calendar, seeing that next week I'd be going back to Uni. My time off had seemed to pass both fast and slow. The days dragged, but somehow my four weeks were nearly up.

Already I could hear Jasper's motorcycle and I pocketed my phone, seeing him approach. He handed me a helmet. "Your chariot awaits, ma'am."

"God, don't call me ma'am." I laughed, putting on the helmet. "I'm not fifty."

"Sweetie? Baby? Honey bear?" Jasper joked as I swung my leg over, making sure my dress wouldn't fly up in the wind. I didn't need the traffic to see my knickers.

I made a retching sound at his suggestions.

Jasper laughed. He looked over his shoulder, making eye contact with me. "Alright, darlin'."

That made me smile. "Ok, that I can work with." Especially with that Texan accent.

Jasper seemed to know exactly where he was going as he sped down the country roads. We hadn't gone onto the motorway so I knew we weren't leaving the city.

My hands were starting to get cold in the wind so I pulled down my sleeves. Too bad Jaspers chest wasn't giving off any warmth.

I wondered where we were going until I saw a sign for some gardens and he turned off into a car park. I'd been there before with my parents once, years ago. It would be wonderful to make some new memories with Jasper.

The gardens were quite empty as it was so late in the year. Only a few other people were around, some of them walking their dogs. Jasper and I held hands as we walked down one of the paths. The bare branches of the trees towered above, most of their leaves scattered across their roots amongst the grass.

It was so quiet and peaceful. Occasionally we could hear the birds, a dog barking, and as we followed the paths there were the sounds of tiny waterfalls and streams.

"This place is really pretty," I said, looking at some of the colourful plants that were still flowering. "I've been here before, with my parents."

"In the summer?" Jasper asked.

I shook my head, "No, a long time ago. To me, anyway." I eyed him with a smile. "I think I must have been fourteen."

"Wow, such a long time." He teased.

"Shut up," I bumped my shoulder against his arm.

We were nearing the small hedge maze now, which gave me an idea. I let go of his hand, stepping forwards towards the entrance. "Time to test your vampire senses."

Jasper smirked, but before he could say anything I had rushed into the maze. I hurried around the corners, an excited thrill racing through me. I couldn't remember any of it from when I had been there before, but it wasn't so difficult that I was unable to find my way to the centre.

I couldn't see Jasper anywhere. I climbed the little platform in the middle, which overlooked the whole maze. My eyes traced each pathway, searching.

Suddenly there was a pair of hands on my shoulders and I let out a yelp of surprise. Jasper spun me around, laughing. Hands still on my shoulders, he bent down to kiss me.

I kissed him back, my eyes closed as I enjoyed the feel and taste of him. My hands touched his chest and we got closer to each other. It was amazing.

Until I felt a cold wet drop on the back of my neck. I reached around to touch it, pulling away, just as another drop landed on my glasses. I blinked a few times, trying to get used to the distorted view.

And then the sky opened. In just a few seconds water was hitting the gardens all around us, pattering loudly onto the leaves. The heavy droplets began to soak us.

I let out a small scream, rushing to the steps and to the exit. Jasper was following me, laughing.

We ran out of the maze and to a shelter nearby which had some benches inside. Immediately I started straightening up my hair with my fingers. I took my glasses off, trying to wipe the lenses on my dress, which was also slightly wet.

Jasper shook his head like a dog, sending water everywhere.

"Jasper!" I cried, trying to shield myself with my arms, giggling.

He gave me the stupidest looking grin I'd ever seen.

"You wanker," I sat down, continuing to wipe my glasses.

He put on a mock English accent, "Wanker?"

I laughed, "You sound like Oliver Twist."

Jasper sat next to me, so close that our arms and thighs were touching. Satisfied with my glasses, I put them back on and pushed them up. I turned my head slightly to see him smiling at me.

"Thanks for bringing me here," I said. I had started to feel a little more like myself again, even just for the odd moment. Maybe eventually I'd no longer feel like a stranger in my own body. I couldn't imagine it, but the possibility seemed to be there at least.

"Thank you for coming with me," Jasper replied. He put his arm around me, pulling me closer.

I leant my head back expectantly, my eyes closed. Jasper chuckled and obliged, giving me another kiss.

"How would you feel about meeting my family?" he asked.

I raised my eyebrow. "Jasper, I've already met your family. Haven't I?" Did he mean something else? Were there more of them?

"I know, I mean properly. As my," he paused, his golden eyes brightening up. "Girlfriend."

I couldn't stop the squeal that burst from my mouth and I quickly put a hand to my lips. My cheeks were warm.

Jasper rubbed my back, letting out another laugh. "Don't be embarrassed, Leilani. You're adorable."

I gave him a hug. Jasper was my boyfriend. I felt like a giddy teenager. A vampire boyfriend. What was I getting myself into?

"I'll think about it," I told him. I didn't want to agree just yet since I definitely wasn't ready. They had seemed welcoming enough before, but that was when I was just a friend and nothing more. I was certain it was bad enough Jasper was going out with a human, let alone a sick depressed one. The idea of any of them disliking me, which would be fairly easy for them to do, made me feel sick.

"They already love you," Jasper tried to assure me, giving me a comforting squeeze.

"If you say so."

"It's true," he continued. "I asked all of them if they were happy for me to tell you the truth about us. And they all agreed." Jasper then added, "More or less."

I sighed. "Ok. I'm just not ready yet."

"That's fine," said Jasper. "We'll wait until you are."

There was a moment of silence. I listened to the rain as it started to clear up, the droplets sounding lighter by the second. "Sorry," I mumbled.

"If I hear you apologise one more time," Jasper threatened, "I'm taking you home."

That made me smile. "Ok, sorry."

He pulled away from me, staring with raised eyebrows. "What did I just say?"

"Ok, ok! S-," I cut myself off and pressed my lips together.

"That's better." Jasper stood up, holding out his hand for me.

I took it, getting to my feet. The rain seemed to have stopped for now, so we headed towards the café.

We sat opposite each other in the warm by the window. I had a cup of tea with some chocolate cake that tasted amazing. The two of us chatted for an hour, sometimes holding hands across the table, sometimes staring at each other and giving compliments. It was a truly magical time.

Too bad, like everything, it had to end.