Alsper is ours; Twilight isn't. 'Nuff said.

Kristin: So here's Jazz.... I know a lot of people were speculating whether or not he went to another woman... well here's your answer. This is pivotal to our plot... LOTS of shit is about to go down, so I hope you're strapped in! A shout out to the ladies that hang out on our thread you guys are fuckawesome and keep us laughing (and drooling!) Also if you need a fix, be sure to check out Chasers! It's a series of one shots that go with this story... makes for some damn good reading!

Robs: Plots upon plots. I have no idea who said that, but it certainly is true of this story. Thanks as always to our super masta beta Kels. She gets it done. We love her. And as K said check out Chasers, the new series of one shots we're posting.

Playlist suggestion: Broken by Seether; Anything but Love (SOS) by Apocalyptica; Heaven Forbid by The fray; Sharp dressed Man by ZZtop; New beginning by Trapt; Fix You by Coldplay


Chapter 12: Better Man

After dropping Alice off with my cousin, I felt like a damned fool. I couldn't believe I acted the way I did saw that guys hands on her. She wasn't mine to claim. Man, I fucked up royally.

Just as I reached where Seth was, the band started with the last song of the night. Broken. I sat down on the grass, resting my head in my hands as the words flew around me.

"I wanted you to know I love the way you laugh
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain away
I keep your photograph, I know it serves me well
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain"

Yeah, I knew how the dude felt. I loved the way Alice would laugh. I had that damned picture on my phone that I would stare at all the damned time. I hated seeing her so fucking sad. Sure she'll smile around Bella and everyone, but I can see it in her eyes that she's hurting, that she's sad - especially when she looks at me.

I couldn't take listening to this song any more, but I didn't want to leave Seth. I got Seth's attention.

"Hey, you remember where we parked right?" He just nodded. "Okay, I'm heading to the truck then, got a bit of a headache" I lied.

The little shit just winked at me, and smirked. He was smarter then I gave him credit for, that's for sure.

As I was walking to my Jeep, I could faintly hear music that wasn't the same as what was playing live. I started to follow the sounds; the voice was haunting and familiar to me.

That's when I noticed Bella's car, parked in the farthest row of the parking lot, near to wear Seth and I had parked. Shit, why didn't I notice that before? Alice was sitting in there with her eyes closed, singing along with… Apocalyptica? Well shit, there's where my CD went. Stupid thieving cousin!

I moved closer to the car to make sure she didn't see me.

Jesus I feel like a fucking stalker or something.

"Without any faith

Without any light

Can dare me to live

Can dare me to lie

Inside I am dead

So go on and fight me

Go on and scare me to death

I'll be the victim

You'll be the voice in my head

You could give me anything but love

Anything but love

Anything but love

Anything but love

Anything but love

Anything but love"

I watched in stunned silence, listening to her pour her heart out it a fucking song that was already heart breaking, feeling myself being pulled closer to her, close enough that if I reached out I could touch her through the window of the car. But adding her voice to it and the tears that were on her face, that was a clear message that her heart was shattering

Because of me?

Of course dip shit!

I watched as her little hand wiped the tears from her cheek, my own hand twitching as the need to touch her overwhelmed me. I shoved my hands in my pockets to keep from touching her, just as her eyes look up and lock on to mine.

I wanted to apologize for being a dick, for using her in the beginning, for everything. But most of all I wanted to apologize for breaking her heart. I never intended for us to be in this fucked up situation.

Instead, I just kept walking to my car. I couldn't believe that every time I was around her I got like a fucking girl.

Once in my car, I rolled down the windows and listened to the crowd in the distance as they cheered for an encore that wasn't going to come.

Finally Seth came to the car, getting inside I noticed he had bought some tour stuff. I smirked at him as he folded up a shirt that I knew was too small for him.

"Care to explain the lady sized shirt?" I teased as I started the car. He blushed slightly before answering.

"I promised Kelci I would think of her since she was stuck covering my shift."

"So you bought her a shirt?" He nodded, making me laugh. "Dude, you know buying a chick clothes usually means you're fucking her, right?"

His cheeks turned a brighter red as he chewed on his fingernail.

"Dude! When did that happen? I didn't even know you two talked to each other out side of work!" I was shocked, to say the least. Kelci was always so focused with school.

He shrugged. "I didn't say we were doing it. We went out for pizza after work one day and well… we've been hanging out a lot. She's fucking cool. She loves anime, and dude, she rocks at DDR!"

"DDR?" I asked puzzled, as we waited to get out of the lot.

"Yeah, Dance Dance Revolution." He looked at me like I was living under a rock.

"Sorry, I'm a tad bit older then you, I don't know all the hit dance moves." I teased.

"Fuck you dude, it's a game. And I bet she could wipe the floor with your ass." He smirked. Well I'll be damned. Little Seth Clearwater has a crush on my little Kelci.

----

When I finally got home after dropping Seth off, I was relieved that Bella's car wasn't anywhere in sight. Maybe she was staying with Eddie boy tonight. I saw Emmett's Jeep, and wondered briefly if that meant I'd be alone tonight.

Just as I got out of the car, Emmett came out of the house.

"Hey man, did Bells come home yet?"

"Nope, she just called. Said she and Alice were gonna get some food before calling it a night. What are you going to do?" He asked as he reached his Jeep.

"I don't know. You workin' tonight?" He nodded. "You want to hang out at work or something?" He cocked his head to the side, then raised an eyebrow at, but said nothing as he made a motion for me to follow.

He tried making small talk on the way to Sue's, but he noticed my reluctance to answer him and decide to leave me alone. Once we were there, I sat down in the darkest corner of the bar with my whiskey and Guinness chaser. Yep I was gonna get fucked up tonight.

Some time later when I noticed there was an inch left of my best friend in a bottle, I saw a girl come towards my way. Yes, I will admit, I was fucking trashed. Yes, I did flirt with the idea that maybe, I could be exactly what Alice seemed to think I was. I leaned back in my chair some, running my hand through my hair as I smirked at her.

As she got closer I got a better look at her. She fucking reminded me of that Hilton slut they make a big fuss over, only with black hair. I rolled my eyes internally as the thought, 'I prefer dark haired beauties', ran through my mind

Yeah and shit load of good they fucking did!

When she finally reached me, she picked up my Guinness and took a sip out of my glass.

Fucking A lady, go eat a fucking double Whopper or some shit, I thought as my eyes gave her frame a once over.

She smiled at me, obviously catching my beer goggles checking her out.

"What are you doing in the corner by yourself?" She asked, in what I was assuming a seductive purr. The shit reminded me more of a cat coughing up a hair ball.

"I'm a vampire, I like the dark." Well that was fucking stupid.

Smooth move ex-lax, my thoughts mocked me.

"Mmm" she coughed up again, "Vampires are so fucking sexy." She leaned forward as her hand rested on my knee. "Will you bite me sexy?"

"You're sexy by the way," she purred as she took the ear lobe in her mouth scraping her teeth along it. The memory of Alice hit me full force as skank-a-rella grabbed my crotch.

"Whoa, bitch!" I shouted grabbing her wrist, seeing her flinch at my pressure. "That's not yours, so Back off!" I spat at her.

"You're a fucking homo, aren't you?" She laughed, "Well no wonder the vampire comment seemed to fit you…" She got in my face, and Jesus Christ did this bitch ever hear of Listerine? "Because you suck cock, don't you?"

I smirked at her, placing my hands on her shoulders as my eye narrowed. "Well, that is for my girlfriend to know and you to NEVER find out." I pushed her away from me slightly, making her stumble back.

"Fucking asshole!" She shouted before storming off in the direction of the bar, where she was met by one pissed of bouncer by the name of Emmett.

Ah, Em, my good friend, this shots for you, I thought as I raised my glass to salute him.

I don't remember much after that. Honestly, I don't think I cared at this point. I knew why I wanted to forget everything, and that in itself, was bad enough.

----

The insistent ringing of my phone was bothering the ever living shit out of me! I threw my arm over my eyes, praying who ever it was would leave a message and leave me to die in peace.

Of course, fate mocked me.

"WHITLOCK, ANSWER THE DAMNED PHONE!" Emmett's voice boomed.

What the fuck is Emmett doing at my house this early? I wondered as I reached in the pocket of my jeans for the offending phone.

I looked at the number flashing at me. Oh shit! It's my lawyer, I thought as I bolted upright, my head protesting as my brain threatened to explode.

"This is Jasper."

"Good morning son. I'm sorry to call you so early on Sunday," he apologized.

"No, Mr. Jones it's fine. What can I do for you?"

"Jazz, don't be so formal," he chided.

"Sorry sir, old habits." He chuckled at my response.

"Well, I've called to talk business. Did I reach you at a bad time, or do you have a minute?"

"Uh, yeah, for you Tim I got all damned day."

"Well it seems that Ms. Salas' council has brought up an issue in the case that we need to rectify." He started to explain, I sat back on the couch.

What the fuck? Why am I on the couch? Fuck Jasper, more important matter at hand!

"It's not another issue with my arrest at seventeen is it?" I groaned, rubbing my temple. Fucking head got worse over this shit.

"No, that has been handled, honestly the judge laughed at that claim. Said marijuana possession before Jordan's birth was not relevant to the fact, especially since you've passed every court mandated drug screen," he sighed, before continuing, "The problem lies with us. Her council filed a claim of conflict of interest. Apparently, he is bringing up the fact that I'm your godfather into question."

"Fuck"

He laughed, "Seriously Jazz, do you kiss your mother with that mouth of yours son?" I chuckled at his attempt to lighten the mood.

"What do we do now? Jordan can't stay with her. She's better of with momma."

"I agree, Jasper. What I've done is sent the case over to James Jenks. He's a very good family lawyer, and honestly, I trust him with my own life. I also put in a motion for a DNA test."

"What? Why?"

"Jasper, you have to think of this logically, from the outside in, so to speak. We aren't completely sure that Jordan is, in fact, yours. And given Maria's demands and behavior towards your relationship, it's shiest and I don't like it. With a DNA test, we'll have definitive proof that she is your child."

"Damn it Tim, I know she's mine." This wasn't the first time I heard this speech. Bella and Rose had given it to me before.

"Jasper, I've seen Jordan and I know why you are saying that, but please, with a DNA test proving that you are indeed the father, the case is that much stronger."

I knew he was right, but I was scared. What if everyone had been right? What if Jordan wasn't mine…? I shook my head clearing that train of thought. I knew she was mine, damn it.

"You're right Tim."

"Also, I'm sure Jimmy's going to tell you this, but I know you were curious about the hearing."

"Yeah"

"I believe, as well as Jimmy, that once we have the confirmation on the DNA, it would be best if you showed up in Texas. I know how you feel about being in the state, but son, if you're going to fight for your little girl, this is the best way to do it. Be there representing Jasper Thomas Whitlock, not the law firm representing you. Understand me?"

"Perfectly. When will Mr. Jenks be contacting me?"

"Most likely tomorrow morning sometime. Again Jasper, I can't stress how important it is that you stick to the plan. Don't do anything stupid. I understand that you are fighting for sole custody and then wanting to give legal guardianship to Sammie. But anything you do, no matter how small, can cause the biggest butterfly effect in this case."

"Yes sir." He said his goodbyes, as I said mine, and hung up the phone. I looked at the time. It was just after ten a.m. so I decided to go back to sleep and see if I can rid myself of the hangover.

I was awakened by Emmett smacking me with a pillow. I popped on eye open to glare at him as I rolled to my side, facing my back to him.

"Jazz, man seriously, get the fuck up" he growled as he flipped the couch on to its back. I rolled onto the floor, groaning as I did so.

"Okay you may not care about you're sister's temper, but I do. She's pissed 'cause Bells is worried sick, therefore I need to get your stupid, pussy whipped ass home."

"I'm not pussy whipped!" I snapped at him.

"Right and I wasn't star quarter back of my high school. Face it Jazz, you got it bad for the pixie, and because you can't get the balls to tell her that, you drown you're fucking sorrows in whiskey. Grow up, life isn't about you anymore. You can't always have fucking pity parties when it fits you. You have a daughter Jasper. Man up, and take over. We all know you want Alice, fuck we all know she wants you. Stop playing the martyr and get a fucking clue!" He folded his arms over his chest as he glared at me.

Damn, this was a side of Emmett I only saw with the drunks. Honestly, he scared me right now.

I got up, stretching my sore muscles.

"Fine let's go"

Emmett's jaw dropped as he raised an eyebrow at me.

"What?"

"I tell you to grow some balls, fight for your daughter and get your dream girl and all you can say is, 'let's go'?" I rolled my eyes and headed for the door.

The ride to my place was quiet – thank God – with the exception of the typical rainfall.

All I wanted was to get in my room take a shower and crawl back to bed. The house was quite save for giggling coming from Bella's room.

As soon as I was in my room, I slammed the door shut, regretting it instantly as the sound vibrated off my already pulsing head. I went over to my desk and pulled out some pain killers to help dull the pain. I headed over to my closet, stopping when I saw the closet slightly open. I narrowed my eyes glaring at the door as if it would suddenly tell me who was in my room.

Get over it Jazz, it was probably the girls sneaking in new clothes.

I ignored my gut feeling, the same gut feeling I had when I first had Alice over, that feeling in the pit of my stomach as if something was off, and took my shower.

After standing in my closet for what seemed like twenty minutes in nothing but a towel, I finally decided on my old favorite, feeling a need to feel comfort in my fucked up life.

I loved this shirt, it was a steel blue, with the faded Star Wars logo on it, and old as fuck. I've had it since I was thirteen. I pulled it off the hanger and grabbed a pair of jeans on my way out of the closet.

Once I was dressed I started to head down stairs for some substance, noticing the scent of coconut.

What the fuck? I stop and look around. No one was around but me. Slowly I lift my shirt up, the smell stronger the closer it gets to my nose.

Why do I smell her on this shirt? I racked my brain, trying to remember if she had worn it any time she was here. Impossible, I thought, the scent wouldn't be so strong from that long ago. Or would it?

I head into the kitchen not really paying attention, until something runs into me. I look down into the stunned face of Alice.

"Jesus Christ, Alice." I mutter.

"Excuse me?" She raised her eyebrow at me. She seemed a tad angry. Well I'm done with this hot and cold shit.

"Make up your fucking mind princess, you can't fuck me when ever you want. And stalking me," I rose my eyebrow at her and smirked. "In my own house, isn't cool either." I saw the anger flash in her eyes. Oh so she wasn't pissed. Oops.

"First of all," she poked me in my chest. "I'm not a fucking princess," She crossed her arms over her chest. "And secondly, the last time was all you fucker. And last," she smirked at me as if she had just won a chess match. "I'm not fucking stalking you. Why would I when I didn't even stalk James? And trust me when I say this, but he was a whole lot hotter than your sorry ass."

I felt my jaw clench and my fists ball up as my eyes narrowed at her. I hated her for doing this to me, she knew exactly how to play me like a marionette, and I was getting fucking tired of it.

"Go fuck yourself princess, because I sure as hell ain't doing it any fucking more!" I spat at her, and turned on my heels, effectively leaving the house.

I got into my car, slamming the door with more force then necessary. I don't know why I even cared, we did nothing but fight. It was obvious that we weren't meant to work.

After cranking the engine to life, I did a quick one-eighty with the car to peel out of the driveway. The rain is starting to come down harder, surprising me that I didn't crash the car into a fucking tree.

I glanced up in the rear view mirror in time to see Alice running out the door and into the rain.

As I pulled out into the street, I started hitting my steering wheel, shouting every damned word that I knew my mother would beat the ever living shit out of me for. Everything inside of me wanted to turn this car back into the direction of home, back to Alice.

"FUCK!" I shouted louder. What the hell is wrong with me?

"What, did you come out here to insult me again, your highness?" I sneered at her.

"I don't know why I fucking TRY!" She yelled at me and started to leave. Oh hell no, this bitch was not going to come into my life without answers.

"Try what? Like you fucking care about anything. You get pissed at me cause I sing one fucking song about the most mind blowing sex I've ever fucking had, and YOU ATTACK ME!" I screamed at her.

"Not just physically sweetheart, oh no, you did much more then physically hurt me. You go and sing some fucked up song about how I don't understand." I catch up to her and grab her arm(,) forcing her to look at me. "Listen here princess, you don't fucking know who the hell I am, or what the fuck I've gone through."

The memory of our first fight washed over me, the raw emotion accompanying it caused me to pull over. I placed my head on the steering wheel, trying to regain my normal breathing pattern and calm down. But more memories where hitting me.

"So I ask you one more time. What. Do. YOU. Want?" I asked her. She grabbed my shirt roughly, pulling me down to her so her lips could reach mine.

That second night she came over…

"Are you ok with this?" I asked, searching her eyes, silently pleading with her to end this now, before it gets to deep.

"Well yeah."

I threw my head back against the headrest, screaming out in frustration. Why was I so confused over her? Why did I have this compulsive need to touch her, kiss her, fucking see her smile?

But most of all, why did it fucking hurt like this, to be like this… this hurtful when we're apart; when I hardly knew her?

"I need a drink" I said to the space in the car, pulling back into the road as I turned the radio on, my Trapt CD still in the player.

I was going to the Wagon Wheel, the one place that was far enough away that no one would look for me, a plus, if I might say so myself.

A downside to the trip was that it gave me more time to stew over Alice.

I cracked the window and lit a smoke, hoping to clear my mind and just listen to the music and focus on driving. New beginning came on and I found myself singing along to it, a song that I usually ignored.

"The pressure is building I want to break away

Motivation is lacking the point starts to fade

I look to the bottom still empty still the same

I'm waiting for something to show me the way"

"Try to be with me," her voice rang in my ears.

"To the path that I should take, it's just too real to go ahead and fake

Every step that I make

Name your price I would give anything

I would give anything

I want to start over again"

Can we start again? After all that was said?

"What do I want I have nothing to say

Whatever it is I want it today

Do we choose our own ground Do we choose to stay

Well I've seen too many throw it away"

"Do I see just one small chance to be myself to try and make it last

Every step that I take

Name your price I would give anything

I would give anything

I want to start over again"

"Name your price 'cause I don't feel so right

Am I the only one"

"I feel it too Alice" And I did. I felt like my world was complete and safe when I was with her.

"Well I'm glad I'm not the only one." Did if really feel the same for her?

"Why don't you show me

Why don't you show me"

"I can't do this." Her voice broke as she spoke. I could see it in her eyes that this shit was killing her as much as me. I could still hear her voice crack even in my thoughts, as strongly as I did that day.

"To the path that I should take, it's just too real to go ahead and fake

Every step that I make

Name your price I would give anything

I would give anything

I want to start over again"

"I'm sorry for ever thing." I whispered, pulling away to leave the bar. For being a jackass, a stupid boy, a liar, and most of all for hurting her.

Fuck!

"Name your price 'cause I don't feel so right

Am I the only one"

I think I'm in love! Oh man shit keeps getting better and better…

-----

My high ball glass sat in front of me with half the glass filled of whiskey. My cigarette, which I was smoking, lay in the ash tray burning itself out. I could hear the voices of the fellow patrons laugh and talk about their day or whatever, but it was just noise.

How did this happen to me? I mean, it was a relief to know what the hell was going on. I had never been in love before, so as much of a relied it was, I was scared out of my mind. But I was happy, right?

No, I wasn't happy, because either way I was going to turn around and fucking hurt Alice. I always do. Since the first night we've met, I've done nothing but hurt her, whether or not it left physical proof didn't matter. I was poison to her.

I heard Chuck greet someone that just came in, and judging from Chuck's face, it wasn't a regular. I chuckled darkly to myself. How fucked up am I to know if someone was a regular to this particular bar and to top it off, it wasn't even quitting time for most folks.

I looked slightly to my left, to see the one person I never expected, nor want to see in this place.

Edward walked over to me and started to unbuttoning his suit coat before taking the bar stool next to me, I rolled my eyes as I took a sip of my whiskey.

"What can I get you?" Chuck asked Edward.

"Scotch on the Rocks." He smiled at chuck. He clenched his jaw some before speaking, but not looking at me.

"My sister is crying again, any idea why?" I lit up another smoke, intending to smoke this fucking one.

I took a long drag off of it before answering him. "Nope, but let me guess, you're gonna blame me." I said arrogantly to him. Sure the fucker was right, but I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction. I could tell by his stiff posture and unwillingness to look at me, that he didn't want to be here anymore then I wanted him here.

He smirked at his drink, chuckling before taking a sip. "Nope, wouldn't dare blame you. I blame her for falling for you." His eyebrow quirked up slightly, "She should have learned her lesson about a year and a half ago, but of course, she didn't." He took another sip.

Damn he didn't even flinch at the shit, impressive.

"It's not my fault" I glared at the amber liquid in front of me. I couldn't tell who I was more pissed at. Him for being a fucking ass, blaming his sister for this shit, or me for breaking her heart. "I told her she'd get hurt." I said more to myself.

That made him look at me, but I still refused to meet his gaze. "So did I. Alice is… single minded and she thinks she's always right," I tipped my head slightly, letting him know he could continue. "She thinks you're different." He shook his head, bringing his glass to his mouth, "I wish you were," he said before taking another sip.

"Nope, just another fucked up guy."

Edward scoffed. "Well… at least you're not hiding a marriage and fucking my sister on the side. Taking her to hotel rooms like she's a whore. Fucking James…" He growled the last bit out.

My head involuntary snapped in his direction. "I didn't even stalk James. And trust me when I say this, but he was a whole lot hotter than your sorry ass." Alice's words screamed in my head.

"James?" I asked.

"James…" he growled again, trying to take calming breaths before continuing. "Alice met him at a party… he was guitarist." He gave me a pointed glare. I rolled my eyes at his insinuation.

"Well, she said he was better then me."

He shook his head continuing. "She likes blonds, so that part I don't understand." Well gee fucker, wouldn't you just shit your Armani suit if you knew I was a blonde. "And I believe my sister was lying to you. A side effect of hurting her feelings."

"And you don't think she's fucked with mine?" I narrowed my eyes at him. Obviously she had, if I went from not knowing her, wanting to fuck her brains out, hating her to thinking I loved her in less then two months. That shit was not normal.

Edward cocked his eyebrow at me, "Not intentionally, and certainly not without being provoked. Alice cares too much about what people think." He took another sip of his scotch as I looked back at my drink. It was obvious she cared, it would take a fool not to see that.

Just one of many things you love about her.

"James and Alice had a relationship for three years. It started when she was almost seventeen…" I could hear his teeth grinding together. "He was twenty five."

"Jesus Christ, she was just a kid" I muttered. I could see him nod out of my peripheral.

"She never had any real friends. I was in college at the time, or else… I would have done something. She of course, didn't see anything wrong… with it." I watched as the grip on his glass got tighter. I vaguely wondered if he was gonna shatter it.

"From what I hear, losing her virginity…" I looked at him slightly, seeing the anger of what he was trying to say flash in his eyes before he continued. "Was less then ideal… she didn't even really know what he was going to…" He trailed off as his gaze seemed to blur of at some unseen memory, taking another deep breath.

I knew what he was trying to say, and being a brother, a protector of the women in my family, I understood his anger at this. I swear to God if I ever seen this son of a bitch, I'm gonna fucking kill him, I thought, making the silent promise to both Alice and Edward.

"Don't," I said getting Edward's attention. "I get the hint." He nodded at me taking another sip of his drink while I followed suit.

"Three years later she came here to Seattle to stay with me. She was still seeing him at the time. He'd call her telling her how he loves her. Of course she didn't know any better," he shook his head. "He wasn't around very often, which I thanked God for that everyday." I nodded, wondering where this was leading to.

"Anyway, I had tickets to an art show."

I shook my head, what the hell does this have to do with me? "No disrespect man. But why are you even telling me this shit?"

He glared at me, "Shut up and listen, I'm telling you something big about my sister and its fucking hard for me to talk about it."

I nodded, pushing my smoke over to him as an offer. I didn't know if he smoked or not, but judging by the shaky movements of his hands as he picked on out, it didn't matter, he needed it. He took out the cigarette, reaching for my zippo as he lit up. I was slightly amused to find Bella was fucking a smoker.

He took a long drag, slowly exhaling before giving me, what I assumed was a grateful smile.

"That was the first time I had ever seen the asshole," he looked forward into his drink, jaw tight, as his eyes narrowed, scowling at it. "He was married, has a child that was around two or three years old… and his wife. She was very happy and obviously pregnant again. To add insult to injury to this vision that now played out in front of my sister," he looked at me. "He had slept with Alice the night before." He said venom dripping from his voice.

That's why she wouldn't let me explain… Wait did she see Jordan that day, or did she find out after?

"Alice walked away," He said, breaking me out of my thoughts as he stubbed out his cigarette. "I fucking failed to protect her." He rubbed his face roughly, before dragging his fingers through his already fucked up hair.

I just shook my head, because of me, both he and Alice had to relive this shit. "I have to get out of here." I fucked up, big. I needed to fix this… I need to find a way to fix us.

"I just want you to stop fucking with my sister's head, Whitlock." Ah there's the cool demeanor I remembered from dinner. "She's fucked up enough with out you adding to it."

Fuck you, don't talk about her like that prick!

"So figure what the fuck it is that you want." He finished

"What. Do. You. WANT?" I remember growling at her, praying she wanted me, but was smart enough to say no. She wanted me then… does she still want me now?

He got up off the bar stool, dropping some money next to his glass, then turned to me.

"If you ever tell anyone, I will kindly bash your head in. And you're a better man then he will ever be."

I looked down at what was left of my whiskey. "No I'm not…" I said softly

"My sister, she knows what she wants." He added whether or not to inform me, or fucking reading my mind.

Well, I understand his need to threaten me, so it was my turn. I stood up, leaving some money on the bar as I grabbed my smokes and zippo. I looked at Edward.

"Well since it seems appropriate that you gave me the big brother speech, here's mine," I shoved my shit in my pockets, while smirking at the smug bastard that looked like he walked off the cover of fucking GQ. "You ever even think about hurting Bella in any way shape or form, I will personally show you how we handle shit in Texas. As I would expect no less from you in regards to Alice."

Edward nodded some, a small smile played at the corner of his mouth. "I'm in love with Bella and have no intention of ever hurting her. And Jasper, you are the better man."

I nodded, suddenly feeling very anxious to get out of here. "I never meant to hurt Alice, I just hope I never will again."

"That makes two of us. I'm sick of hearing her cry in the shower," he held his hand out in the direction of the door, "Well, now that I'm out of the office, how about we go see that cousin of yours." That's how he fucking knew where to find me.

Wow, way to catch up with the class dumb shit.

I shook my head, walking towards the door. "You're free to go see Bells, I have more important things to take care of." I called out over my shoulder.

I could swear I heard him say something about making sure to remove my head out of my ass first.

----

I pulled on to Elm, still unsure of what it was I was going to do about Alice. I knew I was definitely not ready to tell her that I loved her, although the more I thought about it, the more it all made sense.

What I wasn't so sure of was whether or not I could make this work, if there is an 'us' to be had. I didn't know if she would want to be with me after everything I'm sure Bella told her.

"Heir Whitlock" the memory of her seething that at me rang fresh in my brain. I glanced down the street, barely making out the shape of my house through the rain. Well fuck, she knows I had money, and if that's an issue wait until she finds out why I chose to work minimum wage.

I got closer to the house. I noticed that Edward's car wasn't here.

Odd.

I growled out in frustration when the car in front of me that decided to do two miles rather then twenty-five. Fuck, it rains and people become morons!

Finally I could see the house become clearer. I was about three houses down, the soft sound of Coldplay's Fix you playing in the background.

Huh, that's pretty ironic…

That's when I saw her. Alice, sitting on her knees in the front yard with her head in her hands.

Oh God no! My mind screamed at seeing her in the pouring rain like that. My heart was racing as I pulled my car over to the side, again finding it ironic how Chris Martin knew what was going on at this moment as the music picked up.

I slammed the car into park, throwing open the door as I ran towards the house, towards the broken woman in my front yard, to the one person I felt I could be me with.

As if I had my own fucking sound track in my head the last lyrics to Fix You ran through my head as I rushed to her.

"Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you"

I will fix us Alice, I promise…I thought as my feet sloshed through the grass, sending sprays of water everywhere.

"Alice!" I called out to her as I got closer. She looked up at me, her make up running from her red eyes, her nose red as well. I knew it wasn't from the rain but from me, because I'd made her cry again.

"Tears stream down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down your face
And I"

When I finally reached her, I dropped to my knees. I cupped her head in my hands, my thumbs instinctively rubbing the water from her face. I smiled a little, imagining how pissed she would be if she saw her face right now, red with black smudges from her make up everywhere. I found her fucking beautiful, no matter what.

"Tears stream down your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes"

"I'm so sorry, baby." She started shaking, closing her eyes to block them from me. "I'm never running again, and I promise I'll fix this," I said with conviction. She pushed me away, standing up.

"Fix what?" she yelled.

I stood up, as she took a few steps back from me. "I want to…no, I need to fix you… me… us. Fuck... everything!" I threw my hands up in the air.

"I don't need you to fix me," she spat at me, trembling. I started to edge closer to her, but she kept stepping back.

"Don't lie to me, Alice." I could see her fighting with herself, she wanted to get away from me, but stay at the same time. I managed to reach her before she could get too far.

"Worry about yourself," she responded.

I was tired of thinking about myself. I'd done that too many times in the past, and it wasn't until I met her that I realized that about myself. Alice had woken me up, she had made me into the better man that her brother had claimed I was.

"I can't do that, Alice. I worry about you, too, you know. Damn it all to hell, you can lie to yourself and say you don't need me to fix you, but I fucking need you."

"Don't say that…" Her eyes were wide with shock as she whispered it.

"You're the one person, the only fucking person that made me see what I need to do, Alice. I need to grow the fuck up, and thanks to you I know that now. I. Need. You. Remember what we said? With you, I know everything will be okay. If all you want is friendship, then fine- I want that, too."

My shoulders slumped in defeat. As much as it would kill me, and obviously piss me off – if the Seether concert was any indication – I just needed to be with her.

"I just need you in my life in whatever capacity you'll allow."

"Jazz..." she closed her eyes, "please... I..."

I didn't know what else she was going to say, but I couldn't let her go on like this anymore- it was killing me. I needed to hold her, to feel her against my body, even if it was for the very last time. I closed the distance between us and pulled her to me, and it felt so right, more than anything else in my life ever had.

Her lips parted in a little "o" of surprise at my sudden movement, and I did what I'd been wanting to do for what seemed like forever. I lowered my mouth to hers, and I tightened my arms around her, trying my best to tell her without words everything that she meant to me. If she never wanted to see me again, at least I would have the memory of this moment, of kissing Alice and feeling utterly complete.

At first she was still and stiff in my arms, her small fists pushing against my chest, but I felt her body soften into mine after a moment. Her hands slipped up into my hair, pulling me closer, and our kiss deepened.

I slid my right hand down her body, stroking her thigh through the soaked denim of her jeans. She moaned into my mouth and tugged even harder on my hair, making my already shaky knees give out completely. We fell to the ground with a splat, my body colliding with the muddy earth.

I did my best to keep her from getting hurt, thankful for what I'd learned about falling from years of playing baseball. My head fell back against the muddy earth, but Alice was totally off the ground, cradled against my chest. I lay there for a moment before I realized that she was shaking.

"Baby, are you okay? Are you hurt?" I started to panic, wondering if maybe I wasn't as good as I'd thought.

She looked up at me with a smile on her face, and I realized with relief that she was laughing.

"Well, that was unexpected...are you okay?" She smiled down at me as her hand brushed the hair out of my face. I was better then okay.

My hand cupped around her neck bringing her mouth back to mine. I kissed her softly at first, feeling her smile against my lips.

Jesus Christ, I am in fucking love.

------

I don't think Alice or I really wanted to move from where we were. We were just to wrapped up in the moment, in each other, to stop it. But the moment I felt her little frame start to tremble again, I knew it was time to get her inside.

After all, I would be an ass to let her pneumonia on top of everything else I've put her through.

"We need to get you cleaned up and warm." I said finally breaking our kiss. She giggled.

"You do realize you are the one in the mud right?" Alright Ms. Smarty Pants, be a kill joy. I just smiled at her, leaning up some as she crawled off of me. She started walking towards the house, but I wasn't having that.

I quickly caught up with her, slumping down some, I gently pushed her behind the knees causing them to buckle while I caught her, cradling her in my arms. She looked at me in surprise, her eyes dancing with excitement. I winked at her before tossing her over my shoulder.

"Jasper!" She squealed with laughter as she smacked me in the back.

"Whoa, hold on there little miss, you don't want me dropping you, do you?" I teased as held her legs to keep her from kicking me. She smacked me hard on the ass. "Hey!" I chuckled at her.

"Jasper Whitlock you put me down right now! You're getting me muddy!" She protested but her laughing wasn't helping her cause.

Once inside the house, she had finally stopped struggling against me as I carried her up the stairs to my room. I could feel knots form in my stomach the closer we got to my room. When reached the door, I reached out my hand to see it slightly shaking.

Fuck why am I so nervous now?

"Jasper" Alice said softly. "I can walk you know." I laughed, gently setting her on her feet as I prayed the shaking would stop. "Jasper you're shaking." She observed. Damn, I was hoping she didn't catch that.

"Well, yeah…" I pushed my door, open allowing her to enter first. "I'm soaked, therefore cold?" I hadn't meant for it to come out as a question but she laughed and went inside.

"Well, lets get you warmed up then." She teased, pulling my arm and dragging me into the room.

"Oh really, am I gonna learn how Alice Cullen gets dirty boys clean?" I teased back, flashes of us in the shower flashing through my head. I chuckled when I saw her ears turn pink, a dead sign to me that she remembered as well.

But that gave me an idea. I had something to give her.

"Come here" I said, pulling her close to me again, as I wrapped my arms around her from behind, leading her towards my bathroom. She leaned back into my embrace and walked with me. I could feel a smile as big as Texas on my face. We were letting our guard down and just being us.

Once in the bathroom, I let go of her hesitantly, placing a soft kiss on her temple. She tilted her head to the side as she watched me go to the back of the bathroom. I started the water for a bath, making sure to get the water hot but not scalding.

"That's a tub?" she asked surprised. I chuckled. I could see why she was surprised. The way the tub was designed, it looked like nothing more then a counter with cabinet space, from where she was standing.

"Yeah, I saw it on a DIY show, and thought that would be cool." I shrugged. "I needed something different, you know. Being six three makes it difficult to enjoy a bath in a normal tub." I explained while I reached into a cabinet for the gift I had bought her shortly after our first fight, feeling like an idiot for explaining that to her as I turned to face her.

"Sorry, for some reason I tend to ramble around you." I placed the black box on the counter next to her as I stripped down to my boxers, throwing the muddy clothing into the shower floor. She stood there her eyebrow raised as she watched me.

"What?" I chuckled.

"You ramble with me? I can never figure out how to say things the right way with you." She said as she wrinkled her nose, her eyes wondering over to the box.

"Well, with me… I mean us" When I said us, her eyes locked with mine. "Honesty would be the best right?" She nodded in agreement, a small smile as she looked down.

"Hey," I said softly lifting her chin with my finger to make her look up at me. "Those eyes are too beautiful to hide." I smiled, hoping that she knew I meant even if it down sound like a line from some cheesy romance movie.

She bit her lip, I could tell she wanted to say something but started to laugh.

She rolled her eyes, "What did you do read a Nicholas Sparks book or something?" She teased. I feigned being hurt by her words.

"Oh ha, ha, I see. I try to give you a complement and you call bull shit on me." I shook my head laughing as I walked back over to the tub to check the water level.

"So, what's in the box?" She finally asked. I had to give her credit she held off on wondering longer then I thought she would.

"Well, the day after our fight, you know the one were you slapped me?" I looked at her, and she nodded. "I passed the store and thought of how you said you were sore." I walked over to the counter which held the box from the Kiki De Montparnasse boutique. The simple black box held several items that they considered their 'pampering kit' tied off with a pale pink bow.

"Anyway, when I saw this, I thought of how it my help you relax any tired and sore muscles you may have, and how sorry I was for causing any physical pain to you." I explained as I handed it to her. She took it from me, smiling as she read the name on the box.

"So bought me a pampering set from an expensive sex store?" she asked. Her shoulders started shaking with silent laughter as she bit on her lip.

"I… uh… well…" Damn she knew of the store. "I had heard good things?" I turned around, facing the mirror seeing my neck turn red.

"Yeah, it's good. I've been there before…" I could see her reflection, and smirked when I saw her cheeks brighten. Well at least we were both embarrassed about this.

"So umm… are you gonna open it?" She nodded, as she took off the ribbon, draping it over her left arm as she opened the box. Inside the box were three six ounces bottles, each specific to a different form of pampering, and a four ounce box of bath salts. I watched her nervously as she inspected them.

"Can you help me?" She asked, motioning for me to take the box for her. As I held it, she removed the bath oil bottle. Very carefully, she opened it, bringing the lid to her nose as she inhaled the sent. I watched mesmerized as her eyes fluttered close, and her smile widened.

"Lavender," she said softly as she walked over to the tub, pouring a few drops into the tub. She placed the lid back on the bottle, resting it on the edge of the tub as she dipped her hand in the water.

It wasn't until I saw her shiver some, that reality hit me. She was still in the damned wet clothes! I walked up behind her, placing a gentle kiss on the side of her neck.

"We got to get you out of these wet clothes before you get sick, Alice." I whispered, before placing a kiss to her temple. She nodded, lifting her arms above her head, allowing me to take her shirt off. I heard her breath hitch in her throat when my fingers ghosted along her rib cage.

Once the shirt was off, I tossed it over with mine in the shower. She turned to face me, chewing on her bottom lip some. I gently slid the back of my fingers along her stomach, reaching the button of her jeans. I watched as she reached around behind her, unsnapping her bra. I was transfixed on watching as the fabric slowly slid off of her shoulders.

Slowly, I unbuttoned her jeans, taking my time to unzip them. She pushed my hands away as she slid them down over her hips, removing her panties with them as she shimmed out of them.

I felt the nerves creep back up as I reached around her to turn the water off. Something told me she wanted us both to use the bath, and I had never had the opportunity to share a bath with a beautiful woman before, which quite frankly scared the shit out of me. I decided to let myself off the hook.

"Your bath is ready," I informed her, but once I looked into her eyes, I felt like I was drunk. I don't know if it was the scent of the lavender that was wafting around the air, or just the mere presence of Alice. But either way, I wasn't going to fight it. I leaned down, bringing my lips to hers. Immediately she wrapped her arms around my neck, returning my kiss before pulling away slightly.

"Are you going to wear your boxers in the tub?" She teased. I just shook my head, not really sure what to say. She pulled away allowing me to remove my boxers. I caught her looking off to the side, by trying to sneak looks at me, which made me chuckle.

I got into water, leaning against the back of the tub. "Well come on Alice. The waters gonna get cold." I teased. She looked at me and rolled her eyes, as she climbed in. Once she was in, she settled herself between my legs, and leaned back so she could rest her head against my shoulder.

We sat in the water talking about various things from her school to my work. I could tell she was trying not to touch on certain subjects, as well as editing some of her answers to my questions.

"You should have told me you were promoted Jasper," she said softly. I took her hands in mine, interlocking our fingers.

"Well darlin', I was going too, but unfortunately when I spoke to you that day, there were other things on my mind." She tilted her head to look at me.

"Like what?" I didn't want to go into this with her. Last thing I wanted to do was say something that may cause us to start fighting.

"Just things… You… My family..."

"Well you could have told me. A promotion is a good thing right?"

"Alice, please I don't want to talk about this right now," I said softly. Her eyes narrowed.

"Because you're lying to me about something." She accused. I straightened up some.

"I've not lying Alice."

"Bullshit Jasper. Why did you really have to work on Wednesday?" Shit…

"Because Mark needed me."

"Mark, he would be the one that looks like Shaggy from Scooby Doo right?" My eyes widened at her description of my boss. "That's what I thought." She said pulling herself up to get out.

"Alice, what are you doing?"

"I'm done. You say you need me in your life and you need to fix us, well start thinking what it is you want from us. I'll tell you this right now Jasper Whitlock, I don't like liars." She wrapped herself up in a towel, and left the bathroom. I heard the door slam as I dunked my head under the water.

Fuck this is not good.

I quickly re-emerged from the water, looking over at the shower.

Stupid Alice, you left your clothes in here, I thought laughing slightly. In a rush I pulled myself out of the tub, making sure it was draining. I wrapped my towel around my waist and hurried to my room.

Fuck this shit, she's not running away this time. No more running away for either of us.

Just as I stepped into my room, my breath caught in my throat. Alice was laying on my bed, her back to me, and her shoulders were shaking slightly.

Great fucking job asshole, you made her cry again.

I took a deep breath, slowly walking towards her. "Alice, I'm sorry. Yes, I lied to you about having to work." I watched as she pulled her self up to sit on the edge of the bed. "Tuesday, Maria came to work." I saw the muscles in her back tighten. "That's why I was late from work. I needed to calm down because I was tempted to do something that would put me in jail for a very long time." I couldn't believe I was almost admitting to wanting to kill the mother of my child, but the minute Maria had said she left Jordan alone, I wanted to strangle her.

"And I had to think. Mainly about what kind of monster you would think I was because I didn't put up a fight for my daughter for five years, but yet, I stand up to her about you."

"I wish I hadn't been the cause for this," she gestured towards the door, confusing the fuck out of me. "And thank you for standing up for me." She moved on the bed so that she was facing me. She looked up at me; her gaze was so intense that I had to look down.

"I know you care about me, or else you wouldn't have," she grabbed my hand, pulling me to sit down with her. Her little hand brushed the hair out of my eyes. "You're not a monster Jasper. I never thought you were."

She shrugged slightly as she gave me a small smile. "Just a little… confused on where your priorities should be." I opened my mouth to say something, but she gave me a look, that was all to familiar to Bella's 'I'm not done with you' look.

"I'm glad you're fighting for your daughter now, even if I was the one who had to roughly pull your head out of your ass. I have two things that confuse me about you. More than anything in the world, I wanna know why you never thought to fight for her before. Have you ever thought about what kind of neglect Jordan receives on a daily basis because of Maria? I mean... I hate seeing what that causes." She took my hand in her hers as she rubbed my arm comfortingly.

"I don't want to say this to make you angry. I just want an honest answer," I watched her face as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "The other thing that confuses me is why me? Why stand up for me when you still love Maria?"

"Maria?" I raised an eyebrow at her. She thinks I'm in love with Maria? No you silly little girl, I'm in love with you. She nodded at me.

"I don't love Maria. Quite honestly, I don't think I ever did. I mean if what we had was love, then I am completely and royally screwed." I tried to joke. I stood up going to the dresser to grab some boxers for me and a t-shirt for Alice. I slid them on under the towel, and handed her my old baseball shirt.

She smiled at me before sliding it on over her head, pulling the towel out from under the shirt. She folded her legs up under her as she turned to face me.

"Why did you kiss her then?" She asked softly, looking at her hands.

"Baby, I didn't kiss her. She kissed me," I rolled my eyes internally at my own words. "I had the intention of hugging her and giving her a kiss on the cheek. But only because Jordan was in the car watching us, otherwise I would have just walked away. No matter how much I despise Maria, I can't let my baby girl think that because daddy isn't nice to mommy, then I don't love her." I put my head in my hands. It made sense to me, but I wouldn't be surprised if I sounded like a hack to her.

"'Kay…" She sighed, "I wish I could just forget it." She was quite for a moment. "At least your not married." She laughed sadly.

I groaned and threw myself back on the bed, thinking about her last comment. I knew she was talking about James, but I knew that I needed her to tell me what happened, before I could approach that with her.

I laughed bitterly, after having the thought of being married to Maria. "I would have killed myself if that was the case. Besides, you're more ideal for that." I teased, playfully pinching her thigh.

"Are you saying I'm marriage material?" she started laughing, "I don't know what exactly to say to that" She laid down on her side, looking at me. I smiled back at her.

"Well, yes, defiantly marriage material. And whoever that person is, he's fucking lucky to call you his wifey." I smiled at her. When I closed my eyes for a second, I could see her in a beautiful white dress. Very fucking lucky, I thought bitterly.

Holy shit, where did that come from?

She laughed and poked me in the side. "I could say the same for you." Wait, was she saying I'd make a good 'wifey'? She rolled on to her stomach, placing her chin on her folded hands.

After a few moments of silence she broke it. "You said you wanted to fix 'us'?" I nodded.

"I do"

"Okay, so I think that we kind of need to... stop certain things only for a little bit, just so we can get to know each other, like other people do in their relationships," she chewed on her lip as she looked at me nervously. That made sense, maybe if we take out 'certain things' we would be able to not fight while in the bath. I chuckled softly.

"We royally fucked up didn't we? I mean, did this thing ass backwards."

Alice laughed lightly, "Yeah, you could say that," she smirked at me before continuing. "Not that I really regretted it."

I laughed, "That makes two of us"

"Well what do you think?" I saw the smile was gone and she looked nervous.

"What things are we talking about here?" I had feeling she meant sex, but if that's what she wanted I would stop for her.

"Mainly the sex stuff," she took a deep breath as if she was preparing for a fight. "Sex tends to make things… complicated," she chuckled softly. "So I was thinking, we try, maybe, like a month of no sex?"

I looked at the ceiling to make it seem like I was thinking about it. "A month… Now, do you mean no intercourse, or anything sexual?" Nice, that sounded like a logical "thinking" question.

She laughed, causing me to believe that my acting skills sucked. "Well geez, I don't know. I still want to kiss you. And touching is okay."

I acted relived, "Good, cause I would die if I couldn't kiss you," I said truthfully, before giving her a quick kiss on her lips. "I think that's a good idea. We started off on the wrong foot, and need to find our way back."

I rubbed my hands over my face, thinking for real this time. A month of no sex, but kissing and touching was allowed. But wait…

"Does this mean that there's a possibility to you and me being an 'us'?" I looked over at her as she leaned closer to me, her eyes burning my soul with their intensity.

"If you want there to be an 'us', there is a definite possibility of it."

Fuck yes I want there to be an us!

But things are different now, its not just about me. I have to think about Jordan. Would Alice still want that once Jordan's in the picture permanently?

If I get Jordan…

"I want what ever you want Alice. Like I said earlier, if you just want me as a friend, I'm here. I understand if you change your mind and can't be with me," I started to chew on my cheek, again feeling scared shitless about how she was going to take that.

Alice's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she lightly rubbed her hand across my stomach. "Why do you think I'll change my mind?"

"Because of Jordy…. Jordan I mean. I just, fuck," I was pretty sure anyway I was about to say this is going to make me seem like a bastard. "I'm fighting for sole custody, Alice. Once I am at the point where I can take care of her, I'm not going to let her go. I mean, for the time being she's gonna stay with momma. I just… I don't want you to have to feel like you're being forced into being a mother to someone other woman's child. Like I said I understand, you're still so young, you have your future ahead of you and I would never forgive myself if you had to give it all up because of me."

She pulled herself up and closer to me shaking her head, "I think you over think things a little too much." She kissed me, her tongue dancing along my bottom lip. Just as I went to give her access to my tongue, she started kissing along my jaw, dragging torturously slow kisses to my ear.

"By the way…" she whispered, "The month starts tomorrow."

Oh that sneaky little…

I growled at her pinning her down on the bed under me. "Well then let's make this a night to remember"

-----

I looked over at the clock, careful not to wake the woman laying on me. It was about ten minutes to eight. I knew she had school this morning but I didn't want to wake her. I also didn't want her to get in trouble with her professors.

I had been laying here for at least an hour just staring at Alice as she slept. She was an interesting sleeper; she snored but not loud and obnoxious. More like gentle little pants of air. Every once in a while, the corner of her mouth would curl up, often making me wonder what made her smile in such a way.

When I woke up earlier, she seemed to be having a bad dream. I tried to wake her but she wouldn't wake. So I pulled her close to me, wrapping my arm around as if to protect her from what ever it was that was scaring her. I had told myself that I would stay awake, just to make sure she was safe, but lost that battle quickly when I felt her intertwine her fingers in mine.

And now, she was using my shoulder as a pillow, her head tilted so her face was looking up at me. I smiled down at her as I gently ran my fingers along the arm she had draped across my chest. I felt her shift her leg, which was currently wrapped around my own.

"Ali, baby you need to get up," I said softly. She made a mumbling noise as she tightened her arm around me "Baby, don't you want to go running?" I asked and she shook her head, pulling herself closer into my side.

I chuckled, but stopped at the sound of Bella's voice coming into the room.

"Hey Jazz, did Alice… OH SHIT!" I could feel Alice stiffen, which meant she was awake.

"Sorry, I didn't realize that…" Bella started backing out of the room, her cheeks bright red.

"That's why you need to learn to knock, cuz," I teased, causing her to turn brighter red, as Alice pinched my side. "Ow," I scowled at her. She looked back at me her eyes wide.

"Well, at least Alice is dressed." Bella hissed before slamming the door behind her. I started laughing, causing Alice to slap me in the chest.

"Ow! What the hell baby."

"What did you say that for?" she asked, looking around. "What time is it?"

"First, if you are referring to what I said to Bells, is because it's true she didn't knock. And secondly it's just now eight o'clock; do you want me to take you to class?"

She looked at me wide eyed and in shock. "I need clothes!" I chuckled, rubbing her back some.

"No baby, I woke up last night and got our clothes washed. So you have clean jeans and all that jazz." Blushing a little, she looked at me through her lashes. Fuck, if she expects me not to fuck her she really shouldn't give me those eyes.

"Yeah, if you want to." I nodded. She was my girl now, of course I wanted to.

"Well beautiful," I started pulling her up so I could give her a kiss. She giggled, trying to get away from me. Finally I was able to give her a kiss on the cheek. "As, I was saying," I gave her a playful glare, which she returned by sticking her tongue out. "As much as I love seeing you in just my shirt, I don't want the boys at your school ogling your legs."

She climbed over me, making sure to stop and grind on my dick once she had straddled me. After I groaned at her, she laughed more and headed towards the bathroom.

After taking a few moments to think of things, besides wanting to fuck Alice in the shower, I got up and pulled on some jeans. I was reaching for a shirt when Alice stuck her head out the door.

"Hey Jasper, can you run and get my bag from the guest room?" I nodded and went to grab her things.

When I entered the guest room I groaned. I never understood why Rose wanted to do the color scheme in red. I grabbed Alice's bag from the bed, and left quickly.

When I got back to my bathroom, Alice was wrapped up in a towel while she used the other to dry her hair.

"Your things, ma'am," she reached for the bag. "Ah, now what do we say Ms. Cullen?" I teased.

"Thank you Jasper," She responded giving me a quick kiss on my jaw.

"Why do you always call me Jasper?" I was curious. Everyone else was calling me J. or Jazz by this time.

"Because it's sexier then Jazz," she winked at me as she pulled out her brush. "But I'll call you what ever you want me to."

"Does it bother you that I call you Ali?" I leaned against the door frame, crossing my arms as I watched her style her hair.

"No," She shook her head. "I just really hate it when you call me princess or rich bi-" She stopped herself and looked at me through the mirror.

I walked up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean for princess to sound like I was being an asshole. I call all the girls I…care about that. 'Cause I'd give them everything they want." I shrugged, looking at her through the mirror.

Good job, ass-hat you almost told her you loved her. You really want to fuck this up don't you.

"I'll stop calling you that. And feel free to call me what ever you want." I kissed her shoulder. She turned around, standing on her toes to kiss me.

"You've been calling me princess since the second night. I only call you Jasper when we're… doing stuff," she blushed.

"Well, I spent two weeks going insane thinking you were just a dream. Then when you came back, I knew I would do anything to make you happy…" I admitted. It was true, I wanted to make her happy even if at that time we were both at each other's throats.

"Well I wasn't that good, it was mostly you," she looked down at her feet, to keep me from seeing her blush. I just chuckled. "I couldn't stop thinking about you either."

"Alice, trust me when I say that if it weren't for you, that night wouldn't be as memorable for either of us." She looked at me confused, but I really didn't want to go into it.

"Well if it were any other man then that night wouldn't have happened." She kissed me again.

"Alright I get the hint," I teased letting go of her. "Hurry up though, I need to get you some coffee and breakfast before your class. Tick tock Ali," I playfully smacked her on her ass. She squeaked and turned to pinch mine.

"Hey! Don't do that unless you plan on following through Alice," I warned her playfully. She just rolled her eyes.

Once I got back into my closet I pulled out two t-shirts, one for me and one for Alice, if she chose to wear it. I slipped the shirt over my head and put my socks and shoes on.

"Hey baby, I'll be down stairs, need to catch Bells before she goes to work," I called out to Alice. When I heard her answer me in the affirmative, I headed down stairs.

Bella was in a pant suit and looking through the community desk for something.

"Hey Bells, lose something?" I asked sitting on the couch. I heard her muttering under breath but couldn't figure it out. "Bella?"

"What J.T?!" She spun around and glared at me.

"Are you mad about my comment this morning? 'Cause I was just kidding about that." I watched as she took a deep breath and ran her hand through her hair.

"No sorry, I'm just running late for work cause I couldn't get Ed to calm down. I tried to explain to him that everything is okay, but of course he won't be satisfied with that until he talks to Alice personally." She found what ever she was looking for as she shoved it in her purse.

"By the way, take this from some one who is close to Ed. Don't fuck with him. And by that I mean do not turn off Alice's phone when she's here. Got it?" I nodded. "Is there something you needed?" she asked glancing at her watch.

"Uh yeah, remember how you said if I ever needed you to talk to Billy to tell you?" She nodded. "Well could you?" Her eyes lit up at my question as she ran over towards me tackling me in a hug.

"Are you sure about this?! I mean I'm pretty sure Billy is going to love that you are looking for help. He loves your sound Jazz." I laughed at her enthusiasm.

"Yeah, I'm sure."

----

I took Alice to get coffee this morning, my eyes nearly bugged out of my head when she ordered a triple shot mocha. All that caffeine couldn't be good for her. I tried to get her to order something for breakfast but she kept saying she wasn't hungry.

Once in the car however that was a different story. She kept stealing bites of my blueberry muffin, and after about half of it being gone –due to her – I pulled out the second one I bought. I had also given her the Seether CD I had promised her. I think she was surprised to see that I had remembered, but never commented on it.

When it was time for her to head to class, we both were reluctant. I felt torn between wanting to spend the day with her and letting her get to her obligations. After about ten different kisses, she finally started to walk away.

"Hey Alice!" I called out to her. She spun around to look at me. "Why that shirt?" I asked. She looked down at the Mario Brothers shirt with the words 'I'd hit that!' under a mystery box.

"I like what it says; it makes me think of you." She smirked at me. I nodded at her.

"Go learn," I teased shooing her off as she hurried to meet a girlfriend.

Later that day I had gotten a voice mail from her and Bella. Bella wanted me to meet her at the Golden Dragon for dinner and told me to bring Rose. No problem, I briefly wondered if Alice liked Chinese food and if I should bring her to dinner. That was until I listened to her voice mail.

"Hey Jazz, it's me. I got home fine. Um, Double D is kind of pissed at me, so I gotta hang at home tonight. Um...as much as I want you to, can you not call me tonight? I'll call you first thing tomorrow okay? Um....I miss you. Talk to you tomorrow, bye."

Well, shit.

----

I loved Chinese food, but I hated this place. It was a dress nice kind of place, but since Bella did most of the cooking, it made sense that we go where she wanted to go. Rose walked out the door to join me, take the smoke out of my hand.

"Christ, you would think Bells would make a reservation," she complained. I just looked at her in disbelief. "What?"

"You're not some Hollywood starlet, it won't kill you to wait ten minutes Rosalie," She rolled her eyes at me, giving back my cigarette. I shook my head. "No thanks, your lipstick is all over it."

"Oh come on Jazz, red is so your color." A booming voice teased from behind me.

"Jesus Emmett, if I wanted to hear from an asshole I would have farted." Rose slapped my shoulder as she walked by to greet Emmett. Thankfully, Bella chose now to show up.

"Hi guys!" Well her mood has dramatically improved since this morning.

We all went inside and once we were seated, Bella was bouncing in her seat. She was obviously excited about something, but was waiting to share the news.

I kept glance at my phone, hoping for some off chance, that Alice would call me or text me. "Double D is pissed", what did that mean.

"Hey Bells?" She looked over at me with a raised eyebrow. "Who's Double D?" Emmett started laughing.

"Edward, why?"

"No shit, does he watch Ed, Edd and Eddie or something?" Emmett asked, gaining the gaze of three pairs of confused eyes. "It's an old cartoon, it was awesome. Oh stop looking at me like that. You," he pointed at me. "Still watch Scooby Doo for crying out loud."

"Yes, but Scooby Doo is a classic. Classics never get old," I turned my attention back to Bella. "Well if the warden is Double D, what's got his thong in a twist?"

She rolled her eyes. "Thanks to a certain cowboy, Alice missed the family dinner, which Ed covered for." Shit, she had a family dinner last night… why didn't she say something?

Just as I was about to say something the food arrived and Bella decided to talk about what ever news she had.

"Okay so this is a celebratory dinner with my family." Emmett choked a little on his Pepsi. "Emmett, I consider you family, so relax." She smiled warmly at him.

"What's up?" Rose asked breaking her chopsticks apart.

"Well at the request our favorite performer here," she squeezed my hand before continuing. "I talked to Mr. Black about possibly helping him get into the music business. Well he was so excited about that, I will be in charge of everything pertaining to Jasper's new music career." She looked at me, a wide smile on her face. I was speechless, as I stared at her.

"So a promotion?" Rose clarified.

"Yes, and on Wednesday, Jazz here has his first meeting with Wolf Records, where Billy, erm Mr. Black, would like to discuss Jasper's ideas for a band. He also said that if you know anyone that can play a particular instrument to see if they are interested in doing this with you."

I was stunned. I couldn't believe she had actually managed to do this so quickly. Any thoughts of Alice went out the window as I tried to think of who I knew that would want to do this.