Title: After the Storm
Chapter Four - Lost Art of Keeping a Secret
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.
Author notes: Dark Edward, possibly dark Jasper, M-rated for violence and other graphic content and use of crude language.
Many thanks again to my all wonderful people, especially again my heartfelt thanks to my main woman rhenea5018 - honestly I still need you!
Thanks to KuroiBlackNightingale for being the grammar nazi, and to gypsysue, VanpireNZ for their pre-reading and support!
"Forbid us something, and that thing we desire." ~Chaucer
"Shit!" Jasper swears as his foot catches on an exposed root. Edward grabs his arm, holding him for stability. Carefully guiding him to a fallen log, he bids Jasper to sit before quickly kneeling, examining Jasper's foot.
"It does not seem to be hurt too badly," notes Edward critically after a moment.
"I think I had a heart attack, more than anything." Smiling gratefully, the blond man waits for Edward to finish.
Edward turns the ankle over, scrutinising it for any further damage. "Expect it to bruise. Are you able to walk? Are you in pain?"
"As long as I can ride, it won't matter much to me." Jasper moves to stand and Edward quickly helps him up. Jasper waves him off. "My pride, I think, has suffered more of a hammering. You've just seen me at my most graceless."
Demonstrating by taking a few steps, Jasper cracks a grin at Edward's concerned look. "See, I can walk." He further jokes, "I tripped, but I'm not damaged."
Affectionately shaking his head at the blond man's obstinacy, Edward acknowledges his words with a nod, "You are being deliberately stubborn, Jasper Whitlock, but as you say, you are not broken or at least your foot is not." He puts an arm around Jasper regardless and steers him back towards the path. "Nonetheless, I insist that we make our way back to the house."
Before they had taken more than a few steps, a gentle snort of a horse warns them of someone's approach and they both turn toward the sound. A beautiful palomino comes into view, its golden coat gleaming in the light. Jimmy Oaks, Jasper's stable hand, reins the gelding to a halt. His dark hair is damp against the nape of his neck, and his untucked shirt hangs loosely at his waist.
"'Briand!" exclaims Jasper and he stumbles forward to the horse. Brown eyes gaze down upon the blonde-haired person, but it seems to Edward that Jimmy's adoration goes unnoticed by Jasper. Edward however, notices it – a lot.
"Oh! H'lo, Major Whitlock." The boy's voice is soft and gentle, but, Edward notes, his accent differs greatly to Jasper's.
Jasper, busy nuzzling the beautiful golden horse, lifts his head and gives Jimmy a mock glare. "Jimmy, how many times do I have to tell you, it's Jasper."
Edward raises his brow at the affection he hears in Jasper's voice. Disconcerted at the attention both men pay to one another, he wonders a little anxiously if this is something crucial that he has missed. He pays closer attention to them as they interact, noting every glance, and he frowns when he sees Jimmy moving to dismount.
"Have you hurt yourself Major…Jasper?"
The boy's voice holds concern, but for some reason it sets Edward's teeth on edge. Edward, attempting to keep the hot feeling of jealous emotions in check, unclenches his fits slowly, opening each finger one by one in an effort to keep them reined in.
"Yes, I have. Silly really, but thank you for asking, Jimmy. I was just not watching my footing and tripped over an exposed root. It smarts some, but it'll be fine once I walk it out."
Edward studies the dark haired boy as he leaps down from the saddle, reins still in his worn hands. He glowers as he notices how the lanky build of the young man compliments Jasper's lithe form, as they stand together conversing. Hearing the other man's cheery tones and seeing Jasper's happy smile and the light-hearted laughter that floats in the air, Edward determines he does not like Jimmy Oaks. Furthermore, he also decides that he does not like the way Jimmy Oaks stares at one Jasper Whitlock – his Jasper Whitlock. 'He'll definitely have to go,' he states firmly in his head as he observes Jasper talking to the other blond man. His mind set with resolution Edward alters his plans as he gives free rein to his jealousy while the two men continue to talk.
As the groom finally gets back into the saddle and waves to them before riding off, Edward forces a pleasant look onto his face. Briefly, his lips purse in annoyance as Jasper cheerily waves off the other man.
Edward slings an arm over the back of Jasper's shoulders and pulls him close, feeling possessive as Jimmy and the mare ride off. "That's the stable boy?" he questions with a touch of acerbity.
Luckily, it appears Jasper does not notice the tightness of Edward's voice as he volunteers, "Yes, that is Jimmy Oaks, a fine born and bred Southerner."
"Well, if I'd a'known that they bred folk like the two o'ye down here, I'd've got here sooner. 'Cos darn it, I got to get me one of those men." In an effort to lighten his mind, when he speaks Edward facetiously inflects his voice with a strong Southern twang.
"I'd have thought it were obvious you already were chasing one of 'those'?" Winding his arm through the crook of Edward's, Jasper adds, "I might have to get me one too."
A flare of jealousy fires through Edward at Jasper's words and he grits his teeth as he mockingly bites, "I seen it first. Don't think just 'cos you're fine lookin' that you get to call on him first."
Stopping, Jasper moves to hold Edward's face in his hands and huskily whispers, "I was meanin' you, darlin'. I'm wanting… you." Edward's arm lightly locks around Jasper's neck as he fights to rein in his overwhelming jealousy.
The tension is almost palpable as emotions threaten to overflow.
Jasper sniggers in nervousness and continues in jest, "Well, I'm not usually so forward, but you have to understand," he pauses and leans his forehead against Edward's, "I'm an old frail human man and I have to snap you up right quick before someone else does."
They pause, staring at each other before breaking out into raucous laughter, clearing the tension in the air. As tears of mirth stream down the face of his human, the eyes of the vampire hold a calculating gleam, hidden from the blond man and he makes a snap decision. When Jasper calms, Edward curves his lips into a semblance of wondrous amusement before drawing Jasper closer.
"Come, I want to go back this way."
Swinging the other man's arm around his waist and tucking him into his side, they make their way back to the house via the path that leads past the stables. The path curves around the edge of the lake, following the waterline, and up the small hill leading towards the buildings where it forks in two, one way leading to the stables and the other to the main house. They take their time and slowly circle the lake, sharing more stories with one another, not noticing the sun rising high into the sky, then beginning the downward glide into the afternoon.
The sunlight glints off the water's surface as they walk. Edward is grateful for the shadowed path that is speckled with the shade of the trees. His thoughts could not contend with the conflicting bright sunshine.
As they near the stables Edward can detect the lingering scent of another human. He casually mentions this to Jasper, needing to confirm there is only the one human to take care of.
"Oh yes, it's probably Jimmy. He should be there already. He really is quite invaluable. He comes in everyday to help me ride and groom the horses." Edward detects the lilt that is back in Jasper's voice as he talks about Jimmy.
"He seems young."
"Maybe to you. He's the second oldest in his family. He's a good lad. Never comes late, is always around when I need him. He's been a great help when no-one else was willing." He sees Jasper's eyes cloud and Edward quickly changes the subject.
"So why horses?" Edward plays for time.
"Well, my parents bred horses and since they are... gone, I have taken over."
"Horse breeder. Very nice. You are not just an idle man then?"
"I can take care of myself and anyone else that comes along," Jasper retorts in a defensive tone.
Edward tugs on Jasper's hand pulling him to a stop and then pulls him in closer. "I'm glad to hear that," his voice slightly husky and he notes Jasper's shiver as he holds him loosely in the circle of his arms. Edward takes a deep breath, allowing the scent of Jasper to consume him. A burn starts at the back of his throat, gravitates up and into his mouth, pulling and tugging at him to find and feed with the tempting and tantalising smell. He swallows back the venom that is pooling in his mouth.
Want roughening his voice, he asks Jasper, "So what is this about your stable boy? Should I be worried about your roving eye?"
Jasper snorts and gives him a whimsical look, "Well he's not like you."
Edward roars with laughter. "Not like me?" He imbues his voice with an injured tone as he teases, "Therefore, you have drawn comparisons. I take umbrage at that." Mockingly, he asks. "Surely, you have not discarded me so soon?" Needling Jasper further, he queries, "So what is he like? I did not get to speak to him before because you were hoarding him to yourself." Edward drew himself up, mockingly imperious, "I demand at once that you tell me since I could not find out myself."
Peals of merriment escape from Jasper and ring out through the still air. "Fine. I will tell you, but I shall make but one small request before I do so."
"Anything Jasper."
"Please do not act. You are a poor Thespian. Believe me when I tell you this."
The irony of Jasper's little speech causes Edward much amusement. Relaxing his stance, he listens half-heatedly to Jasper as he talks about Jimmy.
The enthusiasm of his human as he launches into the captivating description of the groom does not go unnoticed by Edward. He feels irritation that another human can capture Jasper in a manner Edward prefers to think of as his alone. Casting his arm once more around Jasper's shoulders, Edward lets Jasper guide him towards the stables.
Stopping at the door, he motions for Jasper to go on in, and proceeds to lean casually against the side of the door. There is no sign of Jimmy, as yet. 'Good,' Edward is satisfied that his plan may well work. Nodding as Jasper talks, Edward glances around noting evidence of the stable boy. A jacket slung over a stall door, a pair of boots near the tack room. It seems to Edward that Jimmy spends a great deal of time here.
Waiting with his hands in his pockets, Edward watches from the doorway as Jasper strokes one hand over each of his horses as he passes. He takes in the affection that Jasper has for the equine and feels a small surge of anger and hostility towards the small stable of Arabians.
'No one, nothing can hold his interest beyond me,' he thinks irrationally. 'I need to make sure he has no interest outside of me.'
He does not wish to enter the stables as his presence has already been noted by the equine within and they have become restless in their stalls. The horses can sense his predatory nature and he does not wish to startle them while Jasper is near. His irrational jealousy is, however, at the forefront and he wants to ensure that Jasper is still in his possession.
'Go ahead with the plan then,' Edward's mind whispers to him.
Edward is hesitant, wondering if this may backfire on him, but then he dismisses it. After all, so far it has all been successful. He can hear horse's hooves pounding from a distance, along the path, and knows that Jimmy and his horse will soon come into view.
As Jasper pauses outside the stall of one particularly beautiful Arabian with a glossy brown coat, Edward walks quietly behind him, and presses himself hard against the man's back, trapping Jasper against the stall door.
The horse snorts, sensing the air of a predator and tries to move backward in its small confine. Edward ignores it, leans over, and whispers insinuatingly into Jasper's ear. "You know what would be incredibly beautiful to watch? You and that stable hand of yours. I can barely contain myself at the thought." Pausing, he glides his nose over the silken skin at the man's nape, listening to the shuddering breath and feeling his body tremble. Snickering at Jasper's reactions, Edward further implies, "It's your fault. The way you talk about him; you've thought about it – admit it."
Silky locks flutter enticingly against the side of his face as Jasper nods incoherently. Thrusting one hand in and fisting those golden strands, he pulls back on Jasper's head as he hears the faint sounds of the groom's arrival outside.
"You are a very naughty man Jasper Whitlock," taunts Edward as he brushes his lips over Jasper's lobe, resisting the temptation to take it into his mouth and suckle upon it. "That young boy is only what, nineteen, twenty? Barely out of his teens and you're already thinking about corrupting him. Is that what you do here? Do you imagine him here? You in the throes of sexual ecstasy, heart beating wildly, your beautiful face flushed and his beautiful face starting up at you from between your legs."
Edward listens for the sounds of Jimmy's footsteps entering in the stable and it coincides with Jasper's groan. As the footfalls stop just inside the door and the scent of the other human wafts towards Edward, he teases Jasper some more, knowing what it looks like to Jimmy's eyes.
"What a magnificent sight that would be to behold. You like that don't you?" Jasper's hips grind against Edward's erection and he hisses into Jasper's ear at the feel, and only Edward can feel the eyes of the groom staring, feasting on the sight of them. "You would be incredible, but do you know what would make it more magnificent in my eyes? The thought of you having your hard length licked, and stroked by that nubile young man as you look deep into my eyes while it is happening. That would be incredible. I would love that... very much."
For a moment longer, grinding his groin into the taut flesh moving smoothly against him, Edward holds Jasper in place revelling in the feel of his warm body. A choked cough and the faintly discernible disturbance in the air indicates that Jimmy has gone back outside and in one smooth movement, Edward is several feet away, leaving Jasper gasping incoherently over the stall door.
As Jasper struggles to contain his arousal, Edward voices smoothly, "Jimmy's back Jasper." Smirking at the accusatory glare that Jasper throws his way, and knowing it will further irk Jasper, he adds casually, "You might want to pull yourself together or he might think your pretty flushed face is an invitation."
Giving him a withering look, the blond man gingerly rearranges himself and attempts to smooth his hair into some semblance of order.
The incoherent thoughts of the young man outside are loud to Edward and he wilfully listens, gathering his much needed information. As he thought, Jimmy is fascinated by Jasper and right now is stroking himself to the heated image of Jasper and Edward as he had witnessed. However his thoughts had replaced Edward's figure with his own. 'Interesting,' murmurs his mind.
Edward throws a final heated glance towards Jasper, but stops in surprise. He barely stifles a chuckle at the picture Jasper presents. In his agitation Jasper has run his fingers quickly through his hair, and instead of smoothing it out as intended, the result is a more a tousled, rumpled-just got-out-of-bed mop. 'Not inviting at all,' Edward sarcastically snorts to himself.
Edward peers outside, purposely making a noise and chuckles under his breath when he hears Jimmy stop, mutter a curse and hide behind his horse - a different horse than before. 'Hmm, maybe we have been out a lot longer than I thought,' muses Edward. 'Come along, Jimmy,' he bids silently.
Eyes downcast, Edward surreptitiously watches from beneath his lashes as Jimmy steps through the door once more, pulling up the saddle before his young body, trying to hide his own erection behind the leather. Checking the boy's thoughts, Edward knows that he has not been spotted in his corner. As Jimmy's feet falter to a sudden stop, Edward knows when Jimmy spots Jasper.
The vampire notes the quickening of Jimmy's breathing and his increased heart rate; his breathing becoming labored; the blood pulsing thicker and heavier. It causes venom to pool in Edward's mouth unexpectedly and he swallows hard. What surprises Edward most of all is the dark-haired figure's stance becoming suddenly more primal, almost predatory and Edward feels a desire to feed and quench his sudden thirst. It is an instinct he quickly quashes.
"Major Whitlock…"
The murmur heavy with desire resonates through the air as insinuation thickens the young man's voice, changing it to a rawer, lower, and huskier quality. Even Edward feels a ripple down his spine at the craving apparent in Jimmy's voice. The boy's guileless dark eyes do not attempt to hide their obvious inspection as they draw south in their shameless perusal of Jasper's firm body. Colour seeps into Jasper's face as a result of the boldness and the laconic lift of Edward's brow indicates his surprise at this rather obvious contemplation of his human.
'Oh hell, this is even better than we could imagine,' Edward's mind declares. 'Hook, line and sinker - that's ours!'
Obviously flustered at this change in the young man, Jasper rubs the back of his neck as he awkwardly greets the groom and Edward hastily holds back his uncharacteristic chortles at Jasper's obvious unease.
"Hello again Jimmy. Beautiful day! You're back as we can see. As are we - as you saw. Ah, you surprised us - I mean me - I mean... My ankle's better, obviously. I mean, um, oh God! Have you only just finished taking Chateaubriand out?"
Grinning insolently in Jasper's direction Edward cannot help but find enjoyment in Jasper's predicament.
"Molasses," Jimmy states slowly, his eyes still travelling over Jasper's body and Edward is very aware that his thoughts are far from innocent.
"Pardon me?"
"I took out Molasses. He likes the shorter slower rides. I brought 'Briand back a while ago now since, like me, he favours the longer, harder early morning rides... Jasper." The insinuation is clear as Jimmy's gaze snaps up to Jasper's flushed face.
From his position beyond Jasper, Edward knows precisely the moment when Jimmy spots him. The change is immediate. The sudden shift in Jimmy's eyes, an unmistakeable clearing, as Jimmy breaks free from his not-so-innocent thoughts.
Primal and predatory gives way to soft and obsequious as Jimmy realises where he is, and the rough, raspy tones are now slow and languorous as a summer's stream.
The young man's thoughts however are panic-stricken as Jimmy worries about how Jasper and his company may react.
"Ah, I'll head outta your way… Jasper… Major Whitlock...Sir." Jimmy is apologetic and stammers in his agitation. "I'm so sorry Jasper sir, I didn't expect to see you in here today. Not that you can't be here. It's your hay – I – I mean, stables. Shoot, I mean, it's a nice day after that fierce storm last night and I thought you'd be staying out, seein' as you had naked m... - I - I - I mean - company an' all."
Turning away uneasily, he scampers away, lugging the saddle with him into the tack room. The banging sounds that emanate from the room soon after strongly implies a head or other body part is banging against a wall in frustration.
The bewildered eyes of Jasper meet Edward's amused ones and Edward inclines his head enquiringly towards the house, indicating they should leave, but then Jimmy dashes out with a wooden crate full of currying gear, his head down.
Jasper wordlessly nods at Edward and they quietly leave the nervous groom behind. He unbridles the horse and brushes it down as if his life depended on it.
Edward would venture a guess and say that it probably was dependant on it. Another moment of Jimmy staring at Jasper like meat on a stick and Edward knows he would have had to do something. His mind purrs in satisfaction, 'Jimmy could make a fine final deed on our little paved road for Jasper's... alteration.'
Hiding his smirk, Edward casually remarks to Jasper, "He saw us together. Please accept my apologies for letting him see us. I know you were uncomfortable when you realised he was there." Jasper nods, but remains silent. His thoughts are full of wonder at Jimmy's actions. Edward pounces on the opportunity.
"Now correct me if I am wrong, but I strongly suspect that boy has a small measure of fondness for you."
Jasper nods vehemently, a large grin breaking through the bemusement upon his face. Edward forces the appropriate emotions forward to mask his true feelings.
"You knew, didn't you?" Edward pretends to be shocked and amazed.
"Well he is rather obvious about it. Today was the first time it's been that awkward though. I have to admit I am a little uncomfortable that he came upon us as he did. Any earlier and that boy would have seen a lot more. He's not usually that, well, obvious. Do you think that seeing us may have nudged him... in that direction?"
"Yes," Edward jokingly leers at Jasper.
Jasper nudges Edward's shoulder playfully, "Can you blame him? I mean I am dastardly good-looking."
Sporting a bemused look, Edward scoffs, "You also have a big head. Any larger and we will need to widen your doors."
"Are you annoyed?" ventures Jasper hesitantly.
Edward smiles as Jasper's insecurities clamour at him. "No, not at all. He has good taste. Although I will hazard a guess that he is still currently watching you walk away with me, admiring your phenomenally amazing backside."
Jasper stops abruptly in the middle of the path. Edward cracks a smile as Jasper attempts to covertly look back at Jimmy.
"Will you stop that?"
Jasper ignores him and tries to peer back over his shoulder. Edward grabs him by the shoulder and firmly turns him towards the house. "Are you insane, shameless, or are there darker forces at work here?"
"Are you insanely jealous?"
Edward lies, "No."
"Partly jealous?"
"Should I be?"
"Yes. I'm a catch you know." The jocular tone is loftily said as Jasper pulls away from Edward.
Glancing sideways, he sees the cheeky grin on Jasper's face and he cannot resist his reply of, "Then Jimmy will be lucky to have you."
Shrugging happily, Jasper tucks back into Edward's side and they continue to walk up the path. With his arm casually thrown over Jasper's shoulders, Edward thinks again about the imagery of the two men together. He finds he rather likes the vivid picture. It is lacking only one thing – him. A brief but unmistakably shrewd and calculating look crosses his face. Perhaps he can kill two birds with one stone. Edward takes a deep breath before stating, "Jasper, watching you and Jimmy...that is something I would definitely pay to see."
Jasper quickly straightens, and while he can feel the sharp look directed at him, Edward chooses to ignore it. He listens shamelessly as thoughts whirl around in Jasper's head.
'The seed has been planted,' confirms his mind's voice. 'Indeed,' he purrs.
Edward comes to a halt and turns, placing his hands upon Jasper's shoulders. "I want you to know, I am not mad. I am a touch embarrassed that I lost some control back there and that Jimmy may have seen... things. I am perhaps also a tad jealous. You seem to like him and that feeling seems to be - by all indications - reciprocated."
Edward pauses then in a teasing tone he adds, "I do conclude however that you are insane." He smiles beatifically before continuing a more serious tone, "Know that I do feel, and that jealousy is high on my list right now, but I am willing to work on tamping that down. I want you to be happy and if the thoughts of a single stable boy makes you happy, then so be it. Now - shall we go in and see about feeding you? I could hear your stomach complaining bitterly back there."
Glancing briefly at the hand Jasper proffers to him, he carefully curls his fingers around Jasper's and sighs contentedly as Jasper lengthens his steps to match his own. As they walk, Edward peers at the sun and is surprised at how late it has become.
Restless, Jasper paces. Edward is not in the room and he feels strange being in the room alone with Isabella's body. He wonders where Edward has gone. Jasper is curious, but not so curious as to ask. He suspects that he may not like the answer. 'Deliberately oblivious is a good state,' he thinks peremptorily. His ruminations have brought about imagery of Edward feasting as he had the other night and surprising even himself; the thought does not imbibe him with as much distaste as he thought it should.
He wanders around, avoiding the area where Isabella lays. Her body laying there reminds him of Edward and the events of that night and he does not want to reflect on that at this moment in time. Avoidance is his best bet.
He stops at the window gazing out toward the stables.
Today has been a revelation for him. For a long while, Jasper has held a tight rein on his actions and emotions. Knowing that many people around here are waiting and expecting him to slip up, he has been careful in his everyday motions, not wanting to add fuel to the fire.
But today – he let go, just a little bit.
Surprisingly, the notion of being naked with another man does not bring terrifying images as it used to, and he concedes that maybe if he has another chance, and Edward is willing, he might even be comfortable enough to take it to another level. Swimming with a man had never held so much appeal as when he thinks about doing it again with Edward. The water glistening on that lithe figure is quite a magnificent sight and he cannot help but think of what he would like to do if he gets another chance.
However, if his notion is correct, he may not have that opportunity as vampire and human may not allow for copulation, but he is willing to find out. Jasper acknowledges Jimmy is his back up plan if he too is willing.
'Now that was more than a little surprising,' he laughs to himself. Jimmy has certainly grown bolder.
The obvious perusal was unexpected, but not exactly unwelcome. For a long time, he has been holding himself aloof from other people, aside from Bonnie. Now he finds that opening himself up and allowing his natural feelings to flow, he has two, albeit different, admirers. 'The boost to the ego is rather nice,' he reflects.
In the last few hours he has enjoyed swimming with a naked man with whom he also openly flirted and his stable hand had shamelessly perused Jasper's body. None of these things were part of Jasper's usual demeanour, but Edward seemed to be bringing out some inner recklessness in him. Jasper, to his bemusement, thinks that he might like this side of himself. All in all, it had been an enlightening day.
"What are you thinking about?"
Jasper turns. "I didn't hear you come back."
"I had to take care of something. So what were you thinking about?"
"Oh nothing much."
Edward brushes his hair off his face and Jasper feels the inclination to lean into it, so he does. 'I think I like going with my instinct,' he thinks.
"Shall we play that game then?"
Lips curving upwards, Jasper nods, "Let's."
Jasper can sense the thickness of the dimly lit air, smell the staleness of the atmosphere, and yet all he can concentrate on is the blood thrumming with adrenaline through his veins as he creeps along. His breathing reverberates and Jasper suspects that it is much too loud for the silence of the empty wing. Hurriedly, he moves down the hallway, trying to keep his steps low and muffled by traversing the many rugs placed on the floor. Jasper senses Edward moving around after him. Quickly, he ducks into an empty room and holds his breath, waiting.
Edward is too quick for Jasper to know exactly where he is, but Jasper knows Edward is around, lurking. Jasper's hearing so acutely attuned to any slight noise, a pin could have dropped, and he would have jumped ten feet in the air. Obviously, Jasper's hearing is not as good as Edward's is though.
Tentatively he pokes his head out and looking down the dark windowless corridor, he tries to sense Edward's presence. His ears cannot pick out any movement or any breathing. His eyes, having grown accustomed to the murkiness, cannot see any indication of Edward's presence, but he can still sense he is not far.
Jasper eases back out and presses back, shuffling against the wall. The absence of light is so pervasive, seeming inescapable, it is almost stifling. Shakily he makes his way down towards the northern wing of his home and sanctuary. Jasper's fingers brush against the roughness of the walls, as he slides with his back against it, the pads of his fingertips tingling as they brush against the abrasiveness of the wallpaper. Up here, the air is damp and humid and he finds himself slick with sweat.
As the blackness decreases and dim light begins to penetrate the gloom, he silently curses himself for not recalling that this is the wing where he never draws the curtains. Again, he mentally smacks himself for not remembering that the hall he was currently tiptoeing through led directly to the mezzanine floor that bridged that wing of the house from the rest.
You see, his dilemma is that the mezzanine had tall, narrow windows dotted a few feet apart allowing moonlight to penetrate the interior of the hall, disallowing the obscurity of shade that he requires.
Pausing in the doorway, he takes in the light that floods through the windowpanes, offering scant to little shade. Jasper sighs in resignation. There was no helping it - through the few shadows, he creeps, dodging from shadow to shadow and kneeling or crouching in between. He can feel the softness of the sporadically placed rugs, alternating with the cold marble stone beneath his aching knees and his sweating palms clogged with particles of missed dust and debris. The smell of mustiness rises from some of the rugs as he makes his way over them and he struggles not to sneeze as the released dust tickles his nostrils. A sneeze would give away his location far too easily, though he surmises that it is likely his location is already well known to Edward.
His eyes squinting through the dimness, he makes his way carefully down this empty hall, his breathing shallow and he cringes, fearing the rasping sound is agonisingly loud in the too still air. It is slow going, but he knows he needs to keep as silent as possible. Taking care to step slowly and carefully upon the marble floor, he crouches slightly, placing one foot quietly in front of the other. Apparently, it is not quiet enough. Startlingly, Jasper finds himself hurtling all too quickly down the corridor.
His arms pinned to his sides, he recognises the quick vampiric movements as they literally fly through the hall; Jasper's heavy breathing loud as they rush through the shadows, the harsh sounds of their combined breathing cutting through the stillness. His sudden journey ends between two of the tall windows, far down the corridor. The lack of light there provides concealment from any wandering eye.
Pressing him hard against the wall, restraining his lean frame into the slight alcove is Edward - Edward the aggressor, the agent of malcontent, and the provoker of all of his senses.
The air is suddenly thick with expectation; the humidity in this wing lending its sultry moistness to the already tense, hot atmosphere. Edward moves between Jasper's legs as one forearm tucks under his chin. Edward's cool sweet breath wafts slowly over Jasper as one word spoken from Edward's lips, fires Jasper's senses and leaves him reeling.
"Gotcha."
When he hears Edward breathing in his scent – a mixture Jasper fears speaks of nervous sweat, fear, and adrenaline, with a touch of arousal - Jasper holds his breath as Edward's hips push enticingly against his own, his other hand tightly gripping his wrist.
Dear God, the closeness was heavenly.
Jasper feels every part of Edward's sinewy body pressing hard against his own. Already aroused and with adrenaline coursing through his veins, he is embarrassingly aware that his cock has become achingly hard beneath the meagre cloth that separates them. He feels Edward's eyes pierce his, a slight smile climbing up that agonisingly beautiful face and Jasper feels as if his soul is being sucked out in one long tortuous glance.
The world glazes over as his breathing becomes erratic, like he is swimming through a roomful pool of glutinous water. He hears Edward's cool chuckle in his ear and he notes faintly the differences in their two bodies as they are pressed together.
The cool, calculating breath of Edward is in contrast to his own harsh, erratic, and intensely warm version, the two mixing as they both exhale. Jasper notes somewhat absently that he cannot hear an accompanying thump of Edward's heart to match his own rapidly beating one; and as his fingers run over the hard yet smooth skin of Edward's form, Jasper is heartbreakingly aware of the coarseness of his frail human body.
Small electric currents flow through his body at the touch of Edward's fingers. As they slide up Jasper's bare forearms, causing goose bumps to rise shivering upon his skin, every inch of Jasper's body is singed, as if on fire, as Edward inches his way from his wrist to his elbow, and Jasper can feel Edward's stare boring through him.
As he peers into Edward's eyes, a dark gleam in their depths despite their red colour, Jasper can see Edward's lips curve upward in the most captivating, most lascivious grin. Edward's slim fingers slide over the material of his shirt; threatening to undo what little composure he has left, running deliberately over the curve of his elbow, calmly tracing the line of his triceps, trailing gradually up and over his shoulder to unhurriedly follow the line toward his neck.
Jasper struggles to breathe, gulping at each brush of Edward's hand, breathing heavily at each trace of skin, and pure anticipation building in his chest at every measure of movement. By the time those lithe fingers finally come to rest upon his collarbone, every pore in his body clamours for the feel of Edward - skin upon skin. He can feel Edward's hard length through his pants and Jasper's knees are trembling and weak at the thought of Edward's erect member sliding against his skin and into his body. He opens his eyes when Edward's hand moves and stills at his throat briefly; red eyes fixating on his face, head cocking to one side.
Jasper's own tongue snakes out to the outer edge of his lip in a weak mimicry as he watches Edward's bewitching tongue dipping out to glide beguilingly, becomingly along his upper lip. He desperately wants to follow with his own.
"Jasper," Edward drawls his name out enticingly, sending shivers down Jasper's spine and causing his hips to jerk against Edward's. A low moan eases past Jasper's careless lips and he feels an aching want in the pit of his stomach and between his legs as his cock twitches at the low rasp in Edward's voice. Jasper's imagination starts to run wild, he wants desperately to touch his tongue to Edward's as he imagines Edward's body rocking back against him. His eyes close at the imagery of Edward's cool flesh placed between his open legs, Edward's hardened length throbbing against his.
Edward, his tone taunting, draws out "Jasper...." and Jasper can feel the cool breeze of his breath against his cheek. He groans incoherently as he leans his head back against the wall. The heady scent of pure Edward wafts over him as Jasper stands there in blind incomprehension against Edward's lean body.
Jasper snaps back to the present abruptly as he feels Edward's tongue graze against his lobe.
"You're 'it'." Edward whispers into his ear.
Edward smiles, a self-satisfied smile, as he leans back. "I'll go hide now and you can find me. I'll be waiting." With that Edward traces Jasper's jaw line with his index finger, the smile lingering on Edward's face at the faint rasp of stubble beneath his fingertips before turning and, in a flash, he is gone.
Jasper breathes deeply, cursing in his head. 'Fuck.'
Thanks for all my lovely reviews! Another chapter is on its way soon. Hopefully you only have a few days to wait for it. TJ