Title: After the Storm
Chapter Three - Mirror, Mirror
Pairings: Jasper/Edward, Jasper/OCs
Disclaimer: This story mine. Characters of Twilight and associated - not mine. OC characters Jimmy Oaks, Bonnie Simmons - all mine. Don't sue. Unless you really want the kids. All references to Gone with the Wind belong to their respective owners.
Author notes: Dark Edward, possibly dark Jasper, M-rated for violence and other graphic content and use of crude language.
Many thanks to my wonderful betas and helpers, especially again my heartfelt thanks to my main woman rhenea5018 - honestly this wouldn't get out without you! Thanks to KuroiBlackNightingale for being the grammar nazi, the fixer-upper and not reaching through the screen and slapping me for the lack of verbs and your patience at rereading, and rechecking, and to gypsysue, VanpireNZ for their support!
And thus I clothe my naked villainy
With old odd ends, stol'n forth of holy writ;
And seem a saint, when most I play the devil.
~ William Shakespeare
"Come for a walk Jasper." Edward's tone is cajoling and Jasper peers up at the vampire eager to leave the confines of the stifling house. Quickly Jasper leans over to a nearby window and scans the scene outside. The clearing skies beckon, as alluring as the bronze haired man before him. The morning sun is shining through the windows and on the ground, crystal-like spheres of dew sparkle radiantly. The twisted and gnarled branches of the trees that have stood there since before Jasper's birth are as inviting as when he was a youngster, and Jasper swears they are calling him to go climbing in them once again.
He looks up at the smiling vampire. Above him, his hand outstretched, Edward stands, waiting to pull him to his feet. For a moment, caught in the lure of the vampire's magnetism, Jasper freezes in his seat, but he shakes himself free of the thrall as Edward speaks, "The sun rises, the sky is cloudless, and I thought we could walk in your woods. We have spent enough time here brooding on the events of last eve. It is dark and morbid here. Let's go out." His last words sound a trifle whiny to Jasper's ears.
"You sound much like a petulant child."
"I am much like a petulant child. I am forever frozen in youth."
"You're twenty-two."
"Well you are older. That makes me younger."
"Are you not the century old vampire?"
"I'm twenty-two."
"…hundred," Jasper counters.
"Well if I am as you say twenty two hundred, then needless to say I'm wiser, therefore I am right, and I am the twenty two year old petulant child if I want to be," declares Edward.
"Your logic defies reason." Shaking his head, Jasper knows he is unable to deny the creature anything, but he cannot resist asking, "What if I want to stay in?"
"I would strongly encourage you to come with me, but I would completely understand being a frail old human man as you are." Exasperatedly, Edward sighs. "Oh come Jasper. I am all weary from our talks. Come, show me your land. Let us explore all avenues open to us!" Extravagantly extending his arms wide, he spins madly in a circle before stopping and extending his hand once more.
Laughing, Jasper grasps the hand offered and pulls himself out of his seat. He finds himself held still by the hips as the glorious face stares intently at him as if drinking in the sight. Jasper's breath catches.
Over the course of the night they had tentatively explored their boundaries repeatedly, a casual touch here, a lingering glance there. With every lack of boundary found, they pushed the limit a little higher; the glances grew to outright stares, the touches to caresses and still they explore, pushing that little bit further. He holds his breath, waiting for Edward to lean in.
Rather unsurprisingly, Edward bites his lower lip captivatingly before shrugging, "No, I don't think I will kiss you yet... although I think you need kissing... badly." A slight hiss sounds in the air as Jasper's hips jerk forward at the strongly stressed words, grazing against Edward.
Closing his eyes for a moment, Edward's hands tighten on Jasper's hips, keeping him caught between his legs. Acutely aware that Edward would be listening to his erratic heartbeat, Jasper flushes in embarrassment. An agonised wait occurs as seconds tick by before Edward opens his eyes once more. A small slow smile graces his lips, causing Jasper's heart to beat even more erratically.
"My apologies Jasper, I was not expecting that reaction from you."
Very softly, Edward looks at his face, then his lips, then back into his eyes and Jasper's heart speeds up again at the mere implication. "Jasper, your heart races just at the very thought."
Without any warning whatsoever, Edward begins to laugh, a rich vibrant sound that echoes in the stillness of the room. Jasper feels somewhat betrayed by his reaction and cannot help but pout as Edward stares intently at him, soft chuckles still emanating from his chest. It seems to Jasper that his heart is somewhat justified in its swift and speedy reactions to Edward's longing glances and innuendoes. The levity that Edward is currently showing has no place in this situation.
"I almost dare not touch my lips to yours in case your heart gives up." Teasingly, Edward adds, "You are an old frail human after all."
Suddenly, he feels the gentle brush of Edward's thumb against his lower lip, and the slight animosity that had been building quickly evaporates under his gentle ministrations.
Fondly, Edward says, "I think that's what's wrong with you, Jasper. You should be kissed, and often, and by someone who knows how."
Jasper catches his breath at his words. His knowledge of vampire and human relations is rudimentary at best. Edward had been much closeted on the pertinent facts and Jasper had not been comfortable enough to ask. 'Is it possible?' he wonders, his heart pounding.
Edward just smiles - that annoyingly knowing smile that Jasper is fast becoming familiar with - and he lets go of Jasper's hips, tugging instead at his hand. "Come on. Let's get out of this stifling room." He pauses, his hand reaching up to cup Jasper's face lightly. "Yes, it's possible," murmurs Edward before dragging Jasper out the door. Jasper lets himself be pulled along, but not without a small, satisfied smile gracing his face.
Edward eyes Jasper critically as they stand outside in the light of the sun. "You forgot your hat," he criticises. Jasper shrugs, and starts walking, eager to be away from the house. Sensing Edward following him, a smile tugs at his lips and he relishes in the feeling of being both outdoors and with Edward. Jasper had not realised how stifling the house had been.
Stopping at the crest of the hill before the land slopes towards the edge of the lake, he turns his gaze upon the scenery before him. The grey skies of yesterday are replaced with the clear brilliant blue of today, matching Jasper's clearing of spirit. His step is light as he resumes walking, leading them down the path towards the edge of the forest.
The soft shadows of the forest gently cover the two men as they follow the most oft used trail, meandering through the forest of maples, ash and the occasional cypress. Jasper excitedly points out familiar trees to Edward, ones that he used to climb when he was younger, and would be stuck in; twigs that grew into boughs, whipping him out of his saddle as he grew taller. They laugh as he shares these stories, walking along in the dim light through the undergrowth, exploring new or forgotten pathways and they even disturbed a band of jays, causing them to rise with loud, gull-like screams into the air.
Like adolescents of years past, they scramble through the underbrush, climb trees, and jump over fallen logs. They peer at the nests of birds, and lope easily after seemingly tame animals that cross their path. It is an idyllic way to pass time and Jasper wishes it could continue, but all too soon, they near the edge of the forest and a familiar fork in the trail. Indicating with one finger, Edward points towards a trail that Jasper knows leads to the far side of the lake.
"Let's go this way."
"South end of the lake?"
"Why not?"
"Lead the way." Shrugging, Jasper follows Edward through the underbrush, surreptitiously admiring the figure of the man before him.
The sun streams through the tops of the trees and the bronze light that hits a nearby fallen log reminds Jasper of Edward's bronze hair glowing in the firelight during the night.
He had queried Edward about his stillness of movement and Edward had stared at him in surprise. "Fidgeting is not in the vampire handbook, Jasper."
"Why is that?"
Edward had moved so fast, Jasper had barely had time to register that Edward was no longer in his seat. However, Jasper did register that Edward was now pushing him against his desk.
"Because I would not be able to do this if I couldn't catch my, ah, prey by surprise."
Jasper laughs, warmed by the memory and glances out of the corner of his eye at the bronze-haired man. Yes, it makes sense - cannot distract the prey by moving at an inopportune time during the hunt.
"I can sense you looking at me. You need to stop that. It's creepy," calls Edward over his shoulder, not stopping his stride.
As they walk, Edward pacing at human speed, Jasper finds himself sneaking glances at the man, thinking back over the past night, the seemingly endless hours of conversation with Edward. Jasper knows his mind has been perusing his memories, lingering on images of Edward's demeanour as they sat talking; Edward's downcast eyes; Edward's quietly clasped hands at waist level; Edward's carefully placed feet spread exactly shoulder width apart.
Things seem to feel different in the light of day. Nervously he wonders if Edward thinks similarly.
"Wool gathering is hazardous to your health Jasper," breathes Edward in his ear, nudging Jasper's shoulder with his own.
Glancing up at the gentle nudge against his shoulder, Jasper quickly sidesteps the tree trunk looming in his path. Edward's laughter rings through the trees and Jasper, mortified at being caught, concentrates on following the trail through the trees in silence.
Cool shadows eventually give way to more and more sunlight as it permeates the canopy. Trees relinquish their hold as the forest runs out and shrubs take over. Eventually they reach the edge of the woods and the south side of the lake. They pause as sunlight glistens off the water, coolly reflecting the landscape in its glassy surface. The open air is a stark contrast to the dim light of the forest and Jasper finds his eyes take some time to adjust. He feels a hand on his elbow and he lets himself be guided by Edward down the copse-lined path toward the edge of the lake.
Jasper just smiles, both his spirit and step light as he walks side by side with Edward.
They stop at the far edge of the lake, looking back towards the house. Uncomfortably aware that his family home has seen better days, Jasper avoids looking at it, and instead concentrates upon the boats in the water. They remind him of Isabella and another memory leaps into his mind.
"Why did you not kill Bella when you first met her? How is it that you fell in love instead?" Although Jasper had not been comfortable enough to ask about the pertinent details, he had not been able to stop himself from asking. Killing her would have been the expected action, but instead Edward had fallen in love with her.
To his surprise Edward had quoted the words of Albert Einstein, "Jasper, gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love." With a sigh that had spoken of exasperation, Edward expanded his explanation. "Why did I fall in love? Why do leaves fall from the trees? Why do they grow back fresh? It just happens, Jasper." Edward's voice had been distant. "I have lived for many years, never aging, never dying, and I have borne friends and family disappearing through the years, and the world changing around me. For me, life was fast becoming boredom, dullness, tedium. I suffered from ennui. Through Bella, I was lucky enough to find out that the French had it right: Love makes time pass."
Something about Edward's answer still disturbs Jasper. He thought it odd that Edward had phrased it the way he had. Should he not have said "because of Bella" and not "through Bella"? He puts it aside to dwell upon later.
"Edward?"
"Hm?"
Jasper turns, a questioning look in his eyes. "Do you sail?" At Edward's raised brow and his quick glance to the small dinghies upon the water, Jasper quickly clarifies. "What I mean is... have you ever been in a boat?"
As Edward gazes searchingly at him, Jasper squirms. He often feels that Edward can read him like a book, as if he can read his thoughts. He wonders if perhaps Edward can. 'Folks can't do that,' he berates himself. 'But wouldn't it be grand if they could,' he grins wickedly, thinking it would be nice if Edward could see or hear his thoughts. In a moment of whimsy, Jasper finds himself thinking of what he would do if Edward could read them and his thoughts diverge down a very elicit path, full of images of fanciful positions with Edward. He suddenly finds himself with his back on the ground and Edward pressed hard against him. Jasper tries to draw in breath, but finds it hard with his own personal Adonis pressed against his body.
"Whoops," drawls Edward lazily in his ear. "I slipped."
Jasper swallows as Edward moves off, sliding against him, falling off to one side.
"So," his voice is husky with undisguised desire, and he clears it loudly. "Have you ever been in a boat?"
"If you are referring to those things out there, they are not boats. More like rafts." At Edward's disgruntled tone, Jasper laughs and rolls to his side, leaning on the crook of his elbow. Content, he stares across the sparkling water. "Fine I won't suggest we go out on those then."
Edward turns his head and looks mischievously at Jasper. "How about a swim instead?"
"A swim?"
"Yes, you know that thing humans do when in the water? Although I have never seen you swim so for all I know you might be more like a floundering fish, fighting and grappling with the water."
"I'll have you know I can swim well."
Edward drags Jasper to his feet. "Show me."
Jasper takes off his shirt and starts to take off his boots, his intent to leave on his pants for swimming, but starts abruptly when he sees Edward taking off the rest of his clothes - all of the rest of his clothes. Holding a forgotten boot in his hand, he stares hard at the shirt that now adorns the ground, almost afraid to raise his eyes, but does so anyway and the reward of Edward's bare chest forces any oxygen left in his lungs to expel with a loud sounding wheeze. Running his eyes down the length of Edward's body, Jasper almost misses the amused look from him, but when his gaze meets the open fastening at the top of Edward's pants, he edges them away in alarm. However, not before the sight of Edward's pants open and hanging loosely at his lean hips burn onto the back of his retinas. Consternation on his face, Jasper rubs his jaw uneasily, wondering what he should do.
A cool hand slides over onto his bare shoulder and he turns to meet the concerned look of the pale vampire, but not before he spies Edward's pants on the ground. Jasper resolutely keeps his wide eyes locked on Edward's face.
"What's wrong Jasper?"
"You're taking off your clothes."
"Yes. It's what you do when you swim naked."
Wincing at the bluntness, Jasper tries to convey his feeling of unease to Edward. He gesticulates wildly with his hands, trying to make the words come out of his mouth, but they refuse. Dropping his eyes in frustration, he snaps them up quickly as he realises with a flush where his eyes strayed.
"Edward," he says his throat tight with rising panic, "I've never been swimming without clothes." It seems to Jasper that Edward does not understand him as a frown graces his face.
"Is that all? You will be all right. I'm here."
Jasper mutters, "Yes, that's what I'm afraid of."
Edward's hand slides gracefully down Jasper's cheek, before gliding along his bottom lip. Smiling briefly, Edward pulls away and jogs to the water's edge. Jasper's nostrils flare and he clenches his jaw at the sight of Edward's firm buttocks shining in the light. He sloughs off his pants; eyes firmly glued to Edward's enticing figure entering the water and with only a slight hesitation on his part, Jasper makes his own way to the water.
The short journey to the water's edge seemed like minutes, but it is only seconds before he joins Edward in the water. Jasper feels unusually reserved and quickly ducks under the water in an effort to rid himself of the bashfulness. Gritting his teeth at both the temperature and the disconcerting feeling of sharing a large body of water with a nude Edward, he resurfaces, flicks his hair off his face, and looks around for the pale being.
Frowning at the lack of sighting, Jasper turns treading water as he searches for the suddenly elusive vampire. "Edward?" he calls questioningly. The only answer is the flutter of wings as a couple of ducks kick off from the water and take to the air.
A growing sense of unease filters through Jasper as he kicks his legs through the water and gently treads it to stay afloat; it's not like Edward to just disappear. Turning his head, this way, and that, he scans frantically for any sign of Edward.
Nothing.
He makes a move to head to shore when Edward springs up out of the water, flinging water over him with a whoosh.
"Tag! You're it," cries Edward exuberantly.
Jasper falls back, and finds himself ducking under the water. He comes back up gasping for air and makes a face at Edward's laughter as he coughs. Ruefully laughing himself, Jasper runs a hand though his sodden hair.
"Tag?" questioning Edward as he sluices water off his face, Jasper blinks owlishly after his inadvertent dunking.
"Yes, tag. Tell me you've played before."
Confused at Edward's words, Jasper opens his hands, indicating his lack of knowledge. "What is tag?"
"It's a game. It's a game that started in Rome. I promise that you aren't Gaius Juliae chasing after Julius Caesar. He died, after all, at the end of that game."
"Again – what?" Jasper does a double take before asking, "He died? What?"
Edward smiles and patiently explains the childish game to him, including the gruesome history and soon the lake fills with the sounds of Edward and Jasper as they cavort through the water in an almost childish way, their enthusiasm filtering through the air. Churning through the water, Jasper tries to catch Edward who is waiting a few yards away. He reaches for him, but in a flash, Edward has dashed away. Disgruntled, Jasper exclaims, "Hey that is unfair!"
The rich sound of Edward's laughter cuts through the air, startling a nearby flock of geese. "All is fair in love and war. Come catch me, Jasper!"
They play for a while, allowing themselves to be free, only the trees and surrounding animals witness to their light-hearted play.
Finally, Jasper pleads exhaustion and climbs out of the water, falling weakly to the grass next to their clothes. He leans on the crook of his elbow as Edward follows him and the sight of water sluicing sleekly off Edward's hard, well-toned body leaves him mesmerised. He bites his lip, holding in a rising moan. His body's reaction is not as quiet and he can feel himself instantly become hard.
He quickly turns to lie upon his stomach, hiding the evidence, but feels the discomfort as his hardened length is pressed down by his weight upon the grass, the leaves feeling spiky against his sensitive flesh.
Desperately, Jasper lowers his head into the cradle of his arms, hoping to dispel this feeling of desire. He thinks about inane things, hoping to rid his mind of the images of Edward with water dripping off him, but it is not helped as he feels Edward falling to the grass beside him. He turns to look surreptitiously at him; naked, leaning back on both of his elbows.
'Dear God Almighty!' he chokes silently in his mind as he slams his lids shut, removing the temptation to move his eyes down the length of his body. Jasper knows Edward is not yet clothed. He shifts uncomfortably, then lies completely still as he feels Edward trailing a finger down his spine and eliciting shivers. The next moment his clothes come crashing on his head.
"Get dressed Jasper! You're shivering!" Edward's sharp bark lessens to a warmer, more gentle tone as he kneels next to Jasper, "My apologies. I do not mean to sound so sharp. I do not want you to get a cold. I know you humans are so susceptible to them. I would hate you to fall ill. Come, get dressed, and then we can rest."
Grateful for this excuse, Jasper quickly gets dressed, turning away from Edward's perusing gaze as he tries to hide his erection. Finally, he manages to get his clothes on and lies back down gingerly upon the grass, finding Edward dressed too.
They stay laying side-by-side as the sun continues to raise high above the treetops, warming the land. The birds trill a welcome song to each other and flit about the slowly warming air. 'The day has really started out brilliantly,' thinks a drowsy Jasper as he hears Edward moving next to him.
"Jasper...?"
"Hm..." Jasper answers sleepily. He could stay here and sleep.
"Why are you not familiar with children's games?"
"My folks never encouraged that sort of thing. Only uncouth children play games that involve racing around like madmen. Why do you ask?" He looks up curiously at Edward leaning back, his neck craned to gaze at the speckled light coming through the canopy of leaves. Jasper waits and after a while, Edward speaks again.
"Would you be willing to play a game with me?"
"Yes." Jasper starts to nod off, his thoughts full of images of Edward.
"Good. It will be fun teaching you games that I like playing." Jasper's mind jerks back quickly to reality as he registers Edward's words. Jasper, busy daydreaming, nearly chokes at Edward's question, swallowing hard as he attempts to stifle his mind from racing with what-ifs. His mind is busy showing him the types of games that Jasper could and would happily encourage Edward to play.
"What kind of game?" squeaks Jasper.
"Hide and seek?"
"That's a child's game."
Lazily, Edward's head turns towards him. "Not the way I play it." Edward's smile is lascivious and Jasper shivers just at the sight of it.
"Rest, Jasper. We have time later to play."
And Jasper finds he is content to lay back, this man's hand resting gently upon his chest and listening to the chorus of birds.
The brown, ribbon-like path on the westward side of Jasper's house wound and curved, following the gentle rise and fall of the small rounded hills leading to the stables.
Edward's keen eyesight picks up the dark haired figure walking the path, leading a spirited piece of horseflesh out into the open air. Following the young man with his hawk-like vision, Edward takes in the smooth practiced movement as he swings easily into the saddle, rides away through overgrown gardens, lush fertile grass, and out towards fields beyond Jasper's large home.
Jimmy Oaks.
The name earlier gleaned from Jasper's thoughts, Edward considers his next move in the game, wondering where to place Jimmy Oaks. It would not do to alienate Jasper by simply getting rid of the groom himself. Careful cogitation darkens Edward's eyes to a deep crimson, almost black and casually twining a lock of Jasper's hair around his finger, he scrutinises it, seeing the minute detail in the individual strands. Absently he flips and twirls it in his long fingers, twisting it into a semblance of a curl, idly wondering if Jasper can fulfil the task. Perhaps that is too much to ask from Jasper at this point. Changing his mind's course, he settles for a tentative way to rid himself of the other human whilst achieving another milestone with Jasper. Feelings stir within him as he salivates at the very idea. He looks down at Jasper, smiling at the man's soft even breathing, his dark blond lashes brushing against his cheeks as they flutter while he rests. Picturing Jasper's blond locks entwined with the dark hair of the young groomsman, Edward's face takes on a happy countenance. 'Yes, he would be a good first meal for Jasper,' he thinks, satisfied with his choice.
Optimistic, Edward settles back on his elbows, raising his face to the sky. The sun has not reached the shadows in which they lie, but he knows it will soon reach its pinnacle. Awareness of his human's needs prod his mind, reminding him that Jasper will need to eat soon. Sustenance for his human is vital for he does not wish Jasper to fail. He has come too far to cast Jasper aside.
He lazily circles a hand on the man's back. Beneath his hand, he feels the gentle rise and fall of each breath. Feeling a rush of anticipation course through him, he shakes the man gently. "Jasper, we should make our way back."
He hears the refusal first in Jasper's thoughts, then feels the rumble under his palm as Jasper mutters an indistinct objection. Edward's laughter is faint as he shakes him again. Jasper raises his head to glare in mock resentment.
"Why'd you have to do that? I was having such a nice dream."
"You weren't asleep."
"Well, no," Jasper concedes, "but I was enjoying being out here, with you. Now you've gone and spoiled it all."
Edward raised his brow at the unspoken and distinctly thought 'Bastard.' Amusement runs rife through Edward at the grumpy thoughts of his little human pet. Contemplatively, he regards Jasper as he sits up, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hand, much like a child.
This pose triggers something in Edward, causing him to ask, "Tell me Jasper, do you have any close friends?"
He can feel Jasper hesitate. Unashamedly Edward listens to Jasper's thoughts and it confirms for Edward that there is no one that Jasper regards as a close friend. There is a brief pang of sorrow on behalf of Jasper as Edward realises that no-one would really miss Jasper Whitlock, should he disappear.
Edward is thankful for his acute hearing, for when Jasper does reply, his voice is low, "No. I had some, but the incident with my parents… - my friends or those I thought were friends disappeared, or left to join the army. My parents... they were..."
Jasper stops, unable to go on. Edward watches him closely, noting his pale pallor and moves to finish Jasper's sentence.
"They are dead."
"No!" Edward raises both brows at Jasper's outburst and Jasper rushes to finish, "They went missing. They have not been found. The folk around here think we should assume they are dead, but ..."
"... a part of you hopes for them to be alive," Edward finishes for him. He waits for Jasper say it, to admit that he is still holding out hope.
"Yes." The small admission is whispered.
Edward leans back as Jasper moves away from him, giving the other man much-needed space. Impassively he gazes as Jasper stands by the water's edge, staring out at the lake in silence. He hears Jasper's voice, flat with emotion. "I wish they were here, Edward. I'm so alone."
Slowly, Edward stands up, moving to slide his arms around the other man's shoulders. "I'm here Jasper. You aren't alone."
He feels a leap of exultation as Jasper draws a shuddering breath and leans against him. "I'm glad you're here Edward."
They stay that way, both looking out across the silent lake as the sun gradually moves higher into the bright blue sky.
AN: Yay! Another chapter up - and on time too! Like? Dislike? Please read and review. Thanks TJ.