All the basic disclaimers apply. Sorry for the wait folks but I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 6

The next couple of days passed quickly as Jasper and Bella sat at lunch together and then went their separate ways. Much to Jasper's chagrin they continued to be the hot topic at school and there was no getting away from the gossip that filled the halls and classrooms.

Friday at school came to end Jasper made his way home to ready himself for his date and Bella did the same. Jasper planned on just doing something simple. They really hadn't spent a lot of time together since the day at her dad's house when Charlie and Jasper met. Jasper felt it was best to try to be normal and Bella was going along willingly as she felt awkward.

"I just don't know what to say or what to talk about. What about my hair is this too much?" she babbled to Felix who gave her a patronizing smile.

"Just be yourself, your hair is fine, it's a date so it's okay if it's done up a little more than normal. Let the conversation flow, don't push anything. If you're unsure of what to do or say next, just say so, he'd much rather you be honest with him than have you say something way out there, right?"

Bella nodded as she applied makeup and then wiped it off with a tissue giving Felix an exasperated and desperate look. He had never seen her like this and it was rather refreshing to see that the spoiled little girl he raised had an Achilles Heel and his name is Jasper.

Felix smiled softly at her and took the makeup quickly placing a light layer on her skin; he knew what went where and how it was used. He watched when her "mom" taught her a couple years ago and he watched a lot as Bella would dress herself up from time to time throughout the years. When he was done Bella looked in the mirror to see only her face reflecting back. She looked at Felix questioningly but said nothing.

"He likes you as you are, a little bit to accentuate your big doe eyes, your soft cheek bones, and your pouty lips, is all you need," he said as he handed her some strawberry lip gloss. She took it with a shaky hand, now realizing that her nerves were truly getting to her.

This will be her first ever…date.

"You'll be fine, little one," Felix remind her as the look of terror shone on her face.

Moments later Bella was fidgeting constantly as she sat on the sofa waiting for Jasper to arrive any minute now. Her dad watched her with interest and kept looking from her to Felix who sat with an adoring grin on his face as he too watched Bella's discomfort.

Bella heard Jasper's truck coming up the road but maintained herself until he was in the driveway and the door shut, with big eyes she looked from Felix to her dad wondering what to do next. Felix chuckled and went to the door before Jasper had a chance to knock.

"Jasper, sir," Felix greeted him with a flourish as he backed up allowing the lithely vampire entrance.

Bella looked away from her dad to see Jasper standing there in dark jeans, cowboy boots, a long sleeved navy button down and a brown leather jacket tossed over his arm. His hair was in it's normal waves and he smiled brightly as he assessed her little black dress and black ballet flats. Her hair was curly and her make-up perfect. He was very pleased and sent her his feelings.

Bella smiled in return as he had never communicated with her this way and it surprised her but the feelings were positive, so she enjoyed it.

"Ready?" Jasper held his hand out to her and bounced up off the sofa, feeling stupid for just sitting there staring at him.

"Oh, yeah!" Bella took his hand and headed for the door.

"Back by 11:00?" Jasper asked looking from Charlie to Felix who both just nodded and smiled as Bella whipped around to assess the situation.

Jasper then led Bella to get a jacket from the closet and donned his own as they left hand in hand out the door.

Bella's nerves had her bouncing as she walked to the truck and Jasper chuckled at her.

"It's just me, Bella. Just relax." He helped her into the truck this time and was much more comfortable with the situation. Felix and Charlie stared from the front window as Jasper backed out of the driveway and drove down the street.

"Is Felix going to follow us?" he asked looking at Bella.

She gave him a surprised look, "I wouldn't see why, you could probably protect me better than he could."

"He was just eager for us to leave is all. And maybe there was a hint of deceit, coming from him."

"Oh, he's probably going to hunt. He'll tell Charlie he's following but no he won't be around."

Jasper nodded in understanding and didn't want to think about who Felix might be hunting. It was obvious they still had the red eyes and wore dark contacts.

Jasper pulled up to the theater and Bella gave him a questioning look. "A movie?"

"I thought we'd keep it simple. Is this okay or do you want to do something else?" He wasn't sure what she was expecting but he'd adjust his plans if she gave him an idea.

"Well I just figured the famed God of War would do something a little more interesting for a date than a movie." She looked at him with big eyes not believing she just said that. She didn't mean to be snarky.

"What I mean is…" back to being nervous Bella decided to just shut up.

Jasper was a bit angered by her comment and felt her embarrassment but nonetheless was upset she thought he was supposed to be some wild creature.

"What would you like to do highness?" he asked sarcastically giving her a look that showed his distaste for the sudden situation.

"Uhh, nothing…a movie is fine, Jasper." Her own anger was building and Bella decided she wasn't going to be seeing a movie if they didn't get it calmed down soon.

Without a word Jasper got out of the truck and moved to help her out, offering her a hand which she willing took and tried to smile at him, but he could see the fakeness and feel her anger underneath.

The movie was inconsequential; they sat next to each other stiff and unmoving from beginning to end never actually watching the film. Jasper could see her tension and she could see his. When the movie ended they wordlessly got up from their seats and headed back to Jasper's truck.

"Now what?" Jasper asked making sure to give Bella a soft look, trying to salvage some of the evening.

"I don't know," she responded with a shrug not really looking at him.

"Well we're on a date. So far it hasn't been great. I just wanted to have a normal date. Obviously, you had other expectations, so why don't you tell me what you want?"

He waited patiently as her emotions circled between boredom, worry, and a bit of anger. The boredom aggravated him some, he knew that was her trying to control herself so he couldn't get a read on her, but it didn't seem like the right time to discuss it since emotions were are ready running high.

"I am hungry. Is dinner a normal date thing?" she sneered, looking at him and then raising an eyebrow challenging him.

"Why do you have to be such a bitch?" He couldn't help himself. He was frustrated and just was hoping to have a calm nice evening with his "new girlfriend".

Bella didn't flinch at his accusation and sat up straighter ready to him on. His eyes narrowed as her did and they stared at each other for a moment before he huffed and started the engine. Her emotions indicated that she was upset that he gave in.

Jasper didn't give her a choice of food and drove straight to McDonald's and pulled into the drive thru. "What do you want?" he asked rolling his window down and looking at the menu.

"Really?" she asked in aggravation.

He looked over at her and raised an eyebrow, daring her to challenge him, while she stared back with no intention of answering.

When the guys voice came over the speaker to take their order Jasper again looked at her for an answer. When she didn't give one he ordered her a cheeseburger Happy Meal. The man inquired if it was for a boy or girl and he stated boy, asking for chocolate milk for the drink. He didn't look at Bella as he pulled forward to pay for the food.

When he was finally handed the bottle of milk and the little box of food he turned and put in her lap without much of a glance and drove off.

"I can't believe you bought me a Happy Meal at McDonald's on our first date," she griped.

"Well you act like a little kid and I'll treat you like one, now eat your burger and be a good little girl."

He drove back towards Forks but he was obviously taking her time. Bella finally gave in when her stomach growled and began to eat the meal in her lap. She pulled out a miniature stuffed donkey that was part of some new cartoon at the theaters and laughed.

"Here I think was supposed to be for you." She tossed the donkey into his lap and he picked it up with a small smile.

"Why princess are you calling me an ass?" he smirked and looked over at her. She had a mouthful of food but just not returning the smile slightly.

"I think we need to work on tempers, Bella or this is going to be very difficult for the both of us. You eat and I'll talk for a few minutes, deal?" She again nodded and he felt her trepidation which was good.

"You stated a few days ago that I shouldn't allow people to treat me poorly. Do you remember that?" She again nodded when he glanced at her.

"Do you know that you are the one treating me poorly? That is when you are not being insecure and awkward. You seem to have only two ways of being, either high and mighty or scared. There are other ways to behave. I have tried to be a gentleman and be nice to you, get to know you, even by asking Felix about you, it's me trying to find out what makes you tick. Our first date hasn't been so great. I am keeping this though, by the way." He waved the little donkey at her and then put it on his dash, making them both smile.

"I guess what I want from you is respect, not expectations. I realize you may not know you are doing it. You have heard all these things about my exploits as a warrior, but I haven't been that man in a long time. I don't like that man and I don't want to be that man. I like who I am now and in all honesty Aro gave you a lot of expired information. Yes, he calls me every year but I haven't seen him in 28 years and I've been at my new life for nearly 60. My point is half of my new life and the person I have worked to become he doesn't know. Do you think you could try to get to know me, the me of now, and not have expectations for this hardened war criminal?" He glanced giving her a beseeching look and then stayed silent.

Bella had continued to eat her meal and listen to his words. She stayed silent also trying very hard to make sure she said the right thing. As Bella continued to think about it she realized he was right, she had expectations for the hard ass and had been led to believe that he had been softened by the Cullens. The Volturi though friendly with the Cullen family considered them lower, mainly because of their diet and desire to continue to fit into human society, continually going to school over and over again, they saw as a ridiculous way of life. Bella had been taught that she needed to get the warrior back so that he would be the proper mate for her. But what she hadn't considered was how he felt about everything. He didn't like the warrior, calling himself a hardened war criminal. He wanted to be this Jasper Hale person.

Bella finished the meal and set the container on the floor. She looked back to him and they gazed at each other momentarily before Jasper pulled up in front of the Swan residence. It was only 9:00 and technically they still had two hours.

Jasper looked at the house and noted that Felix was not back yet. "Do you want to go in or go somewhere else?"

"Somewhere else," Bella answered with a slight blush. She had her own ideas and wanted to kiss this new Jasper again. They hadn't kissed since the first time and she was eager to try that again as well as learning who her mate was. She knew not to trust the Volturi and was beginning to realize her judgment had been clouded by their biases.

Jasper drove them to the Cullen house. When they pulled up, she was not only surprised but disappointed. Jasper looked at her and raised an eyebrow at her disappointment which she immediately covered with her boredom. He gave her a nod and disapproving look as he moved to help her out of the truck.

"Is this your house?" she asked innocently, trying to avoid a fight so soon.

"Yes, it's the Cullen home. I want you to meet everyone and then I thought we could go to my room and talk."

Jasper felt as Bella's nerves jumped a little in sync with her heart rate increasing. Again she took a deep breath as they began walking and centered herself before they entered the door, which was unlocked.

She quietly looked around taking in the open space lowly lit from other rooms indicating no one was present in the entry way. She gave Jasper a smile and nod indicating they should proceed. He took her hand and smiled silently walking her to a set of steps. Bella continued to look around as they entered a living area where two people sat on large white sofa watching television.

"Hi Jasper, this must be Bella," Carlisle stated rising from the sofa with his wife in two both smiling happily.

"Yes, this is Bella. Bella, this is Carlisle and Esme." Jasper smiled at them as he looked to Bella for approval.

"You have a lovely home," she commented still looking around.

"Thank you and please make yourself at home. There are assorted beverages and food in the kitchen and refrigerator, help yourself. I always have things stocked," Esme greeted and pointed towards the large open kitchen that was separated from the living room by a long bar with stools.

"Why do you keep food here?" Bella wondered scrunching up her nose.

"Well it would look unusual if I didn't go grocery shopping for such a large family. I go once a week and buy an appropriate amount of food for a family of 7. It doesn't go to waste though. I make meals and take a couple to some elderly people here in town. I donate some to the local food bank and once a week I prepare food and take it to the homeless in Seattle. I can't do it too close to home without it seeming suspicious. As I'm sure you understand, in small towns everyone sees everything and gossips even more."

Bella nodded with nothing more to say. She was in awe of the family. She knew that Carlisle was a doctor and had a strong enough control over his thirst that he daily subjected himself to humans and the hospital setting. She had even heard of him referred to as compassionate. But it appeared his mate was no less compassionate and caring. She wasn't just some wannabe June Cleaver, in fact, she did a lot to not only help people but keep the suspicion off the family. She played an important role as the mother of these vampires.

Bella finally smiled at Esme and then looked over to Carlisle. "I appreciate the welcome. I am learning tonight, that I have a lot to learn. Please forgive me for being so quiet. I have never been in someone else's home before and I am not sure what to do." She blushed and looked into Jasper's side but didn't move any closer.

Jasper squeezed her hand letting her know she had his support. Everyone smiled with a bit of an awkward feeling, but Carlisle and Esme were impressed with what Bella had just said. They had only heard negative things about her behavior from Jasper and worried she would also be rude to them.

Esme stepped forward and Bella looked when she noticed the movement. Esme held her hand out to Bella who took it hesitantly looking at Jasper. With his nod of approval Esme escorted Bella into the kitchen.

"I'm not sure what has been happening between you and Jasper but you are nothing like I imagined," Esme stated opening the refrigerator and moving Bella to stand in front of it. "Please pick something to drink and a snack if you would like."

Bella looked to her and nodded and took a pop can not really paying attention to what kind it was and thanked Esme looking back towards Jasper and Carlisle who stood there watching the interaction. With a nod Esme gave her a little push and sent her back to Jasper.

Smiling Bella took Jasper's hand and he led her out of the room and up another flight of stairs. "My room is this way." He pulled down the hallway to the last door and opened it.

"Wow," Bella gasped as she took in the rich red and green tones in the room. It was dark but warm, books decorated the wall by the window which was complete with a settee for reading in the morning light but a black iron lamp sat in the corner ready for use in the evenings.

"Do you like it?" Jasper asked as he sat her on the bed.

She continued to look at the older furniture and though it was obviously old and worn it was well taken care of. The hint of iron accents on the bed and dresser matched the lamp in the room though it was obvious the lamp was a newer age. Bella looked at the pictures on the wall, surprised to find beautiful sceneries. No pictures of people were in the room and it was sparsely decorated but the warm feeling never left her.

"I do," she whispered afraid to break the magic of the room. The room she had always wanted, the feeling of home. Jasper felt her feelings as she became relaxed and content in the room. He too was happy she liked it.

"So Bella…Would you like to talk?" he wasn't sure how to start things and he moved to sit on the bed next to her.

"I'm…I'm sorry, Jasper." She stopped there and Jasper thought maybe she wanted to go home. His face fell a little but he nodded and held his hand out to her. Bella looked at it with confusion.

"Do you want to go?" Jasper asked no moving his hand away.

"What? No. I just. Look Felix told me to tell you, if I don't know what to say then say I don't. I don't." She looked at Jasper red faced and her humiliation was apparent to him as he sat next to her and gently turned her to him.

"That's a start." He gave her a smile and then motioned for her to get more comfortable on the bed.

As they settled in Bella drank her root beer and learned about Jasper. He liked country music and rock, he liked more of the 80's and 90's stuff right now. He's been to college and gotten degrees in writing, music, and engineering. He loves to read and doesn't have a television in his room, but he does join the others for movies and games. He likes to just go for walks or runs and look at the views. He loves where he lives right now and enjoys the forests, mountains, and water that surround them. Bella learned that Jasper was really an easy going guy that enjoyed nature and spending time with his family. He didn't particularly like going to school over and over again, but he did it so he could have the other things in his life.

She found out that on Saturdays when Esme would take the food to Seattle he would go with her and spend time walking around the city, shopping, sight-seeing, going to the theater or a museum if they had a special exhibit. It was his day away from everything. He liked his own time. As Jasper talked about himself he avoided the topic of Alice hoping to just get more connected with Bella.

Bella listened with attention and when he seemed to be done she smiled at him. "Where is everyone else?"

"Well, they usually go out on the weekends to a club or sometimes a long hunting trip. Sometimes Esme and Carlisle go but I guess they didn't this weekend. So to answer your question, I'm not sure where they are, why?"

"You said, you wanted me to meet the family, but they aren't here." She gave him a funny look but her emotions didn't change.

"Like I said, I didn't know who would be here. Is there something else?" Jasper was suspicious but he wasn't sure of what.

Bella set her now empty pop can down on the night stand and scooted closer to Jasper. "Well I was hoping that since we were mostly alone here that maybe…" she ran her fingers along his arm and batted here eyelashes way too fast that it made Jasper laugh and Bella pulled back quickly.

He grabbed her and pulled her closer; he leaned down and gently kissed her despite the frown on her face. She melted quickly into the kiss, wrapping an arm around him and letting herself go. He opened her lips with his and slid his tongue in gently exploring. This was only her second kiss ever and Jasper bringing that thought to mind began purring and held her a little tighter. He loved that she was untouched and inexperienced. He could be her teacher for everything and he was more than willing.

As he pulled away from the kiss, he smirked down at her. "Better?"

She lightly hit his chest and giggled before ducking into his chest to hide her warming cheeks. As they gently warmed him through the cotton material Jasper once again began purring as he just held her close. He was never one to purr this much but she was his and he was happy. For the first time since they met Jasper has begun to having feelings for the princess.

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