A/N: This is a shout out to Packy who recorded the scene between Jasper and Edward at the end of the last chapter. GAH. That gives me so many feels!

Jasper was ecstatic when he found out there had been not one but three Transformers movies in his "absence".

"You don't understand," Jasper pleaded when Edward made a face. "I wasn't one of those kids who got up at the buttcrack of dawn. The only thing I ever got up for was Transformers and GI Joes cartoons on Saturday."

Edward groaned, making a mental note to keep the existence of the GI Joes movie from him. "You're going to regret it," he warned. "You did the first time."

"How bad could it possibly be? Even if it's horrible, if it's got a good robot fight, I'll be happy."

"That's the problem. How Michael Bay screwed up robot fights, I will never understand, but it happened."

"You're just a movie snob."

Edward rolled his eyes. "Have it your own way. You're going to want those two hours of your life back. Again. If there was one good thing to come out of this whole mess it was to forget this movie... and maybe Avatar."

They curled up on the couch, and Edward contented himself with ignoring the horrible example of cinema in favor of watching Jasper.

It had been a good week.

Their relationship was a lot more even now. Jasper was still struggling to find his place, but he seemed sanguine with his decision to keep Edward close. Jasper was definitely more aware and considerate of Edward's feelings.

They were working around both their needs now. It wasn't easy. Jasper had lost much of his inhibition, and while it was nice, it was also very difficult not to take it too far. Edward's body was still used to a more aggressive, forward relationship. With Jasper acting more confident, it was too easy to forget this was all new to him.

They were both trying hard to do the right thing.

But not everything was a challenge. As they settled in to watch the movie, Jasper didn't hesitate. In the past, they would have curled up with Edward's head on his lap. Now, they'd apparently switched - not that Edward minded.

Throughout the movie, Jasper kept his hand on Edward's knee, his fingers occasionally pressing down like he was absently tapping out a little tune.

Because he was curious and because he just couldn't help it, Edward began running his fingers through Jasper's hair. It was growing back, and the blond man seemed content to keep it long. Edward was pleased. He liked Jasper's hair a little long.

When Jasper didn't protest, Edward let his questing fingers wander, tracing first his hairline and then his jaw.

"This movie is really terrible," Jasper muttered, sighing. He turned his head so he was first looking straight up at the ceiling, but then he closed his eyes.

"I won't say I told you so," Edward teased gently. He traced the pad of his thumb over Jasper's strong chin.

Jasper hummed his acknowledgment. "Did we see that one together?" he murmured.

"Mmm no," Edward said slowly. "We already knew each other, but we saw that one separately. And even though we both thought it was horrible, you made me see the second one."

Opening one eye, Jasper looked up at him. "So you're telling me that Michael Bay didn't right the grievous wrong he's done the Autobots, eh?"

Grinning, Edward shook his head, still caressing the lines of Jasper's face. "The second one is worse."

Grumbling, Jasper shut his eyes again. "They usually are."

"Well, if it's any consolation, you did learn. We never saw the third one."

Jasper was quiet. He opened his eyes slowly. "Doesn't it bother you?" he asked, his tone completely changed from what it had been just a minute before.

Edward furrowed his eyebrows. "What? That you made me see the sequel? Well, a little bit, but-"

"Not that," he grumbled, rolling his eyes. His eyes were oddly uncertain, self-conscious, as he focused on Edward. "The scars. Doesn't it bother you to see me like this?"

It was only then that Edward realized he was running the pad of his finger along each of Jasper's scars - the gash across his chin, the thick, red line that ran from just above his ear right down to his cheek.

"I... hate your pain," Edward said sincerely. "I hate seeing you struggle with your leg." He drew the back of his hand down Jasper's cheek. "I'd do anything if it meant you wouldn't have to suffer."

Jasper's lips pursed in a small smile.

"But," Edward continued. "As for these..." He reached for Jasper's hand, flipping his arm over to trace the smattering of scars there. "As with everything on you, Jasper, they only make you look sexier."

The other man's lips quirked, the uncertainty draining from his features, replaced by an easy smile. Enthralled, Edward brushed his finger over Jasper's lightly pouted lips.

The air around them changed, warmed, thickened. It was downright balmy, like it was mid-summer in Florida rather than late fall in Washington. Edward's hand hovered above Jasper's face.

For long moments, they stared at each other. Jasper reached up, cupping Edward's cheek and slowly stroking down. Edward tilted his head into the other man's hand.

He loved these moments the most - when Jasper looked at him just like this. Maybe there wasn't the same depth to the emotion, but there was adoration there.

And attraction.

Edward bent down at the same time Jasper raised his head. They kissed. Jasper sat up, scooting back as he did, winding his hands around Edward's neck.

Jasper's hands in his hair; their lips moving together, slow at first, then more fervent; being able to wind his arms around this man, holding him up - Edward felt more alive than he had in these last few months combined.

He wished he could stretch this moment on forever or at least for a few hours.

Stifling a groan, Jasper pulled back slightly, bowing his head and wincing.

Edward frowned and rubbed Jasper's back, knowing his body still wasn't cooperating with him. "Sit straight," he encouraged, kissing his cheek gently.

Grumbling, Jasper sat with his back against the couch. To Edward's surprise and pleasure, Jasper put his arm back around his shoulder, pulling him closer. Hand to his cheek, Jasper turned Edward's face toward him, resuming their makeout session.

Edward relaxed into the kisses, his fingers tangling into Jasper's hair, his fingertips finding the raised scar the blond locks typically hid.

This scar... this one tried to take his lover, his husband away from him. But slowly, so slowly, he was coming back.

As they kissed, Jasper's hand drifted, starting at Edward's neck and then coming down to splay over his chest. Then lower, brushing his stomach.

And then, Jasper rested his hand lightly on Edward's pants.

Edward's breath caught, and he broke their kiss with a small cry at the back of his throat. He squeezed his eyes shut, his head spinning as he tried to remember what he was supposed to want.

When he opened his eyes, he found Jasper's gaze on him. Edward bit back a groan as he watched him lick his swollen lips.

"Edward?" Jasper's voice was a low, throaty rumble. "I want..." He swallowed and licked his lips again. "Will you let me touch you?"

At first, Edward was sure he'd heard wrong. Then his brain threatened to explode, wanting nothing more than to scream, "yes," but also utterly terrified at the same time.

But the look in Jasper's eyes... It was want, need. He was pleading. The air between them was still super-heated and electric.

Edward jerked his head in a quick nod.

That was all it took.

Jasper surged forward, attacking Edward's lips vigorously again, his kisses passionate. Edward gasped, the noise muffled against Jasper's mouth. Jasper didn't waste any time. Rather than start slowly, as Edward might have expected, Jasper went straight for the gold, so to speak. He was unbuttoning and unzipping before Edward could process what was going on.

When Jasper's hand was cupped over him, fully on him inside his boxers, they both stopped.

Jasper leaned his head against Edward's. They were both panting. Edward had one hand at the back of his neck, and he waited.

Slower now, Jasper tilted his head again, kissing Edward sweeter now. As his tongue came out, sweeping over Edward's lip, he began to move his hand.

His grip was firm but his movements were hesitant, achingly slow.

Catching his breath again, Edward opened his mouth, letting his tongue meet his lover's. He raised his hips to encourage Jasper's hand, whimpering into his mouth.

They shifted and moved together, Edward letting Jasper slide his pants down enough that he could get a better grip. The hand he had around Edward's shoulders was brushing against his cheek. It was tenderness and, oh dear God, sexiness wrapped up in the same moment.

And it had been so long since he'd had this, since they'd done this.

With a gasp, Edward broke their kiss. "Jasper," he groaned. He pressed his lips together, trying not to get caught up in the physical pleasure and the emotional connection. "I'm not... going to... Jesus. Fuck."

"Let go, baby." Jasper's voice was raw, husky. "Please." Jasper pressed his lips to Edward's throat. "I want to see you."

Edward groaned. That had to be the most erotic thing he'd ever heard in his life... though he was struggling to remember further back than a few seconds. His breath was hitched, his pleasure coiling tight.

But Jasper's rhythm, his grip, was much more confident.

"You gonna come for me? Hmm?" Jasper's lips were against his ear.

Edward could only nod as his body seized and he orgasmed, coming in Jasper's hand.

As he caught his breath, he leaned his head on Jasper's shoulder, breathing in his scent. It took him a few moments to gather his wits. "I...um." he cleared his throat. "I should get you something to clean up." He tried to stand, but Jasper grabbed him by the back of his shirt, tugging him back down.

"Don't leave yet."

"Your hand is sticky," Edward said with a smirk, pleased that Jasper didn't appear to be freaking out.

"Hmm," Jasper hummed. An indecisive look flitted across his face before he pulled away long enough to tug his shirt over his head. He ignored Edward's wide-eyed expression as he wiped himself clean.

Snapping out of it, Edward took the chance to pull his pants up.

Jasper pulled him closer and kissed his cheek. "So... what else about my childhood has been destroyed?"

Edward grinned. "You don't want to know what Jason Lee has done to Alvin and the Chipmunks."

~0~

"At what point do you tell me where we're going?"

"It's not that far of a drive. Settle down, cranky-pants."

"Cranky-pants," Jasper repeated scathingly, hunkering down in his seat.

It hadn't been the best couple of days for him. Several days previous, the doctors had told him the damage to his legs was likely permanent. Now he was facing too many decisions he didn't know how to make. All he remembered was wanting to go into the army and then studying, intent on becoming a cop. Both were physical duties.

He didn't know what he wanted to do when he grew up, and with every other uncertainty, he hated that he had to rebuild his life so completely. There was nothing - nothing - the way he remembered it.

And yes, some things were getting better. He loved being a father. His relationship with Edward was definitely a highlight. But there were bad days.

"Just relax," Emmett said. "You're kidnapped, so you might as well enjoy it."

Rolling his eyes, Jasper rested his forehead against the cold glass window. He watched the city fade away, curious about why they were headed up toward the mountains.

"What the hell is this?" Jasper asked as they pulled into a parking area. He read the sign. "Seattle Paragliding? Emmett."

Emmett held up his hands. "Don't say no yet."

"What the hell are you getting at? I can't do this."

"You can do this. I checked. Just listen."

Jasper glared and crossed his arms, but he stayed silent.

Emmett narrowed his eyes, but when he saw Jasper was really listening, he continued. "I've signed us up for tandem paragliding. I already checked. The instructor will take all the pressure of the landing, and your legs work well enough for the take off."

"What is it you're trying to do here?" Jasper asked after a moment.

His friend opened his mouth, closed it again looking as though he'd bitten into a lemon, and then tried again. "I..." He huffed. "I'm not a doctor, or a psychologist, or... nearly as in tune to what you need as Edward is... but the whole adrenaline thing? This is a huge part of who you are."

"Who I was," Jasper corrected.

"Either way you look at it, it was something you enjoyed at one point. Even if it doesn't help you remember, I think it's safe to say you'd probably enjoy it again. It couldn't hurt."

"It couldn't hurt?" Jasper glared at his friend. "I don't know if you noticed, but it was that adrenaline habit that got me into this mess in the first place."

"We were hiking. It wasn't even one of the more dangerous things we've done. It was a well marked, well traveled trail." Emmett shook his head. "Jasper, it was a fluke. You had a much higher chance of being in a car accident, but you weren't scared to get in the car with me."

"I'm not scared," Jasper lied. His fear was only a general anxiety. "Just what is it you think is going to happen? I get a rush, and I go back to needing an adrenaline junkie buddy?"

"You're making this harder than it needs to be. This is what we did. This was a huge part of you and me." Jasper could tell it made Emmett slightly uncomfortable to try to explain, but he pressed forward. "If it's not something you want to do anymore, that's fine. But I think you should try it before you just dismiss it outright."

Jasper took a calming breath, reminding himself that what happened with Edward applied here too. He wasn't the only one that had lost something when he fell off that cliff. Everyone who'd known him was struggling to redefine their relationship with him. "It's never going to be the same, you know. Even if I wanted to, there are going to be things I can't do." As if in emphasis, he had to lean against the car to keep himself upright.

Emmett gave him a withering stare. "That self pitying crap is really not your style, so how about we just not go down that road?" He blew out a breath and tried again. "Look, I already told you, I've talked to these guys. They've worked with people much worse off than you. You already know it can be done. Try it, and if you want to do more, we'll figure out how to do it."

Jasper couldn't help his chuckle. "That's almost the exact pep talk I gave myself about Edward," he muttered.

"Whoa." Emmett held his hands up, palms out. "Way more information than I needed to know."

He couldn't help his snicker, but then he huffed and nodded. "Fine. Let's do this."

~0~

Throughout their little instructional period, Jasper was mostly dutiful. He listened. He participated, but he showed no excitement. Honestly, he didn't know what to feel. Technically, he knew what they were doing had some risks, but Emmett was right: there was risk in stepping outside his own door every day. He saw others taking off, and obviously they were returning to the ground safely.

But on the other hand, he didn't know that he was prepared to be eager. He just didn't have a context for this type of experience.

Everything changed the minute his feet left the ground.

Though he'd tried to take it in stride, Jasper's new-found handicap had been an endless source of frustration for him. He'd always been athletic - fast, lithe, strong. Feeling feeble was not something he enjoyed.

When he was in the air, none of that mattered. The wind rushed by his ears, stinging his cheeks. The earth beneath them flew by, the land stretching out as far as the eye could see. His movement was fluid, smooth.

He felt powerful.

His heart pounded fast against his chest with the thrill, and the joy it brought him - mixed with the innate rush and a healthy dose of fear - welled up from somewhere deep in his chest. Before he could process what he was doing, Jasper found himself whooping and hollering. Nearby, he could hear Emmett's similar yells. Their eyes met across the wide open space and that connection sprang back to life.

They both enjoyed this. They both lived for moments like this, and it was so much better because it was shared.

And as that emotion hit him, several images inundated Jasper's otherwise awed thoughts.

He saw Emmett beside them as they scaled the rocky face of a cliff, his muscles taut and straining as he pulled himself upward. He saw Emmett looking ridiculous with all his gear but excited just before he jumped out of a plane. He heard himself cheer, looking back at Emmett who was water skiing behind him.

They were moments, mere seconds of time, but all of them shared this exact same high.

When they landed and the instructor helped Jasper loose himself of all the cables, he fell to the ground almost instantly, sitting back on his ass. Adrenaline still had him high as a kite and while he felt as though he could run back to Seattle in under five minutes, his body wasn't capable of keeping him upright in his current, jittery condition. So he sat and laughed, letting out a whoop of exhilaration as he tried to come down from the incredible height he was at.

"It was good right?" Emmett asked, breathless, as he sat beside Jasper in the grass.

"We wanted to go white water rafting," Jasper blurted instead of answering his friend's question.

Emmett's eyes went wide. "You remember?"

Jasper shook his head. It wasn't something he could explain. "I just... know." He rubbed his temple a moment before he looked up at Emmett, excitement beginning to take hold. "I want to do it."

Emmett grinned. "Well, fuck yeah."

A/N: Ooooooh I'm sure Edward will be THRILLED.

Thank yous to my beautiful girls: naelany, jfka06, jessypt, and barburella. My docs are always hilarious and insightful. This time the argument was over whether or not Jasper would be comfortable in the position I had him in. lol!

And you, my lovely readers. I love you and your enthusiasm for my boys.