Disclaimer: S. Myer owns all, but what I wouldn't give for a Jasper of my very own-sigh.

A/N- Okay-we are still in the backstory and I must warn the J/B people reading-there be Jasper/Alice relations ahead. Bear with me (and Jasper) as it is important for him to experience these things…you'll see why. That being said, this is most definitely a Jasper/Bella story.

Btw, we are in Jpov until otherwise specified.

My world is a brighter place because of C Me Smile- thank you, for everything-you truly are my muse, full of inspiration, laughter and Jasper love.

Also, thanks to Dark Absynthe for the chats, especially during Halloween scene

Angstgoddess003-DH 100% for you bb, I hope I did it justice!

"**~~**"

As it Once Was

Location-Forks, Wa (Confusion)

"**~~**"

"I want you to want me.

I need you to need me.

I'd love you to love me.

I'm beggin' you to beg me." –Cheap Trick

"**~~**"

Our first day of our junior year arrived and we once again entered Forks High School ready to face the boredom of day-to-day, never-ending teen dramas. My classes contained a mixture of students that year. I was taking a few advanced classes with upperclassman, including AP U.S. History, but some of my electives included some freshman and sophomores. To my surprise, Alice ended up in my fourth period Intro to Psych class. I wondered how much of a surprise it was to her…I suspected not much.

I hung my head, letting my hair fall around my face, trying to hide, when she danced into the classroom, her energy already bouncing off the walls and rebounding onto everyone. I was too late; she had seen me, and pranced over to the empty desk next to me, placing her backpack on the ground next to her chair.

"Jasper," she almost squealed like a fangirl as she sat down in her seat, one hand already reaching into her backpack for a pencil.

"Hi, Alice," I sighed. "You in this class?" I asked, trying to make polite conversation-out of obligation to Edward.

"Silly, course I am. I love psychology. Ya know, Edward has always said I can see the future," she grinned at me confidently and winked.

She was fucking flirting with me.

This wasn't the small shit from the summer, the little blushes or comments on my accent, this was all out- no-doubt-about it flirting.

"The future?" I smirked turning my head toward her, taking in her overly tight tee-shirt and painted on jeans.

Edward let her leave the house dressed like that?

Not that I was complaining.

I admit, she was cute with her inky hair in wild spikes around her pale face and green eyes framed with thick dark lashes. Her eyes were bright, and held a glimmer of mischievousness that intrigued me. At fifteen, she was petite as hell, but her small body still had curves that she was not shy about showing off.

For the first time since Bella arrived at our school, I admired another girl. I gave her a long stare, my eyes traveling appreciatively up and down her body.

Tempted by the fruit of another.

Edward would fucking kill me.

Twice.

I considered myself a gambling man. I took the risk even if the odds were stacked against me.

"So, Alice, tell me, what do you see in my future?" I slouched back in my chair, shaking my curls off my face, trying out my new sixteen-year old moves.

She giggled, lowering her eyes before looking back up at me through those feathered lashes. "Well," she hesitated. "You and I will be dating by the end of the month."

As if that would happen.

My dick twitched in hope.

"You think so, huh?" I shifted in my seat, hiding the increasing bulge. More students had entered and taken their seats around me. No reason to give them a show.

"Definitely," she confirmed, the confidence pouring from her. That mischievousness increased with each word.

"Alice, I don't think so, Ed-" I began but she cut me off, reaching over to place her cool hand on my arm. A small tingle traveled through my body.

"Jasper," she called, looking intensely into my eyes, and my breath hitched. "I wouldn't bet against me if I were you." And with that, she let go of my arm and turned to face the front of the room as the teacher entered. She began biting her bottom lip between perfect white teeth. I shook my head and turned forward.

This was Edward's sister for Christ's sake. She was fucking off limits. I quickly glanced at her, just as her tongue darted out to lick her bottom lip.

Twitch.

Fuck.

A week later we were dating.

I guess she could see the future after all.

"**~~**"

As the leaves of fall turned, Alice and I continued to date. We were together often - at the Cullen's, school or my house-but physically, we had never progressed much past hand holding. Alice was young, and I was under the watchful eye of Big Brother. Even though Edward seemed to accept me as his sister's boyfriend, I got a distinct 'hands off' vibe from him.

I wasn't going to fuck up my relationship with Edward for anyone.

Especially not his sister.

Alice and I had our first argument about a month after our first date, when Alice was showing me our costumes for the upcoming Halloween dance at school.

"I am NOT wearing that, Alice. No fucking way," I tossed the green tights onto the couch next to her. She sat there, legs crossed in front of her, eyes wide, her glossed lips in a full pout. "Don't give me that look," I demanded, I was not going to give in.

"But, Jazz, come on, it'll be perfect, "her voice softened to a mere whisper as she folded the green tights.

I shook my head. "No, Alice, I am not going as Peter Pan. Not happening," I paused. "Ever," I added for emphasis.

She sighed and looked down at her lap where her costume lay. It was a shiny one-piece frilly thing with sparkles all over it and on the back were…wings.

Edward and Bella walked into the room, both plopping down into the matching chairs on either side of the couch. Edward eyed me wearily, he was used to reading my moods by now; he knew I was not happy. I glared at him, daring him to push it.

He did. I expected nothing less.

"What's the matter Jasper, not man enough to fill out those tights? Green is your color," he started laughing, but still continued, "Jasper, if you are dating a fairy, does that make you one too?"

"Fuck you, Cullen. Payback's a bitch, ya know, " I snorted. "I don't see you having to dress up in tights."

"Don't have to. Bella and I are going as Dorothy and Scarecrow. Unlike you, I am not stuck in Tinkerhell," he paused, then continued, "But I can ask the Wizard for some balls for you," he couldn't control the laughter that exploded from him. I desperately looked over to Bella for help. Surely, she would not leave me hanging.

I was wrong.

Her hand was clamped over her mouth to stop the giggles from escaping as her shoulders shook up and down. I lulled my head back, closing my eyes and contemplated the how long it would take me to grab the tights from Alice's lap and strangle Edward with them.

I was thinking about thirty seconds.

"It's ok, Jazz," Alice's voice was quiet, small. "You can pick out our costumes. Whatever you decide is fine with me." I looked down at her, noticing her eyes were moist with unshed tears and her bottom lip trembled a bit.

I was an ass.

Sighing, I walked over and kneeled down before her, placing my hands on top hers, which still rested on the pea green tights. "Baby, don't cry. I just…I just can't wear that. I'm sorry I got upset." I apologized before taking her chin my hand and kissing her lips softly. I pulled back, resting my forehead against hers, my fingers lacing with hers. "We good, baby?"

Taking a deep breath, she smiled slightly and nodded. I caught Edward's movement out of the corner of my eye as he got up from the chair. He walked behind me and I swear I felt him pat my shoulder as he passed.

In support, in sympathy, in approval? I wasn't sure which, but I'd take it.

"**~~**"

A week later, Alice and I stood in her family room dressed in our costumes while Mrs. C took four thousand pictures. Alice looked beautiful in her southern belle ball gown. A black velvet strapless top lifted her small breasts, displaying them a bit more than I would have liked. Dainty black silk bows were tied around the bottom of the black lace covering the teal blue chiffon that flowed out from her petite frame barely skimming the floor. The black of her dress and hair, the paleness of her skin, and the green of her eyes all combined to take my breath away.

"Might want to wipe the drool off your chin, Hale." I turned to look at Bella, her hair in two braids over her shoulders, the blue and white checkered dress swung around her knees as she walked toward me. "I know what Alice is, but who are you?"

I glanced down at my uniform, automatically standing a bit straighter, pushing my shoulders back and jutting my chest out. The heavy gray jacket stretched tightly across my chest - apparently men were much smaller in the 1860's- and reached the middle of my thighs. Two rows of gold buttons lined the front, and a red sash was wrapped around my waist, tied on the side.

"Major Jasper Hale Whitlock, of the 19th Infantry, Confederate Army, at your service, Ma'am." I answered in my thickest Texan drawl while grabbing her hand, raising it to my lips for a light kiss. I swear I could see the blush in her cheeks deepen under the rosy make-up she had on.

"A Major, huh?," she quirked with a raised eyebrow. "Wow, aren't you awfully young to move that fast through the ranks?"

"I enlisted early and I am good at my job," I replied casually, winking, drawing on my innate southern charm.

"I'm afraid I don't know much about the Civil War, or even Texas for that matter," she admitted.

I mocked a gasp, putting my hand over my heart. "Bella, that is just wrong in so many ways." I considered for a moment before continuing. With both my hands, I reached up and ran them down her silky braids, fingering the locks at the end. "Someday we'll take a trip and I'll show you how we do things in Texas. I'll even teach you a little bit about the Civil War."

"Promise?" For some reason I didn't understand, her eyes filled with hope. I was not going to deny her this, so I nodded. Letting go of her hair, I grabbed her hands, tangling her fingers in mine, caressing her warm skin.

"Are you sure you won't fall in those?" I motioned to the red ruby slippers on her feet. I felt the wind on the back of my head before I felt the whack - at the exact same time Bella's hand shoved my shoulder.

"What the fu-"

"Ahem," Esme cleared her throat.

"Sorry, Ma'am." I blushed and turned to Edward. "You know, Cullen, you don't even need the wig, your hair looks like straw anyway." His hands self-consciously went to his wig, flattening the pieces of hay sticking out every which way.

"My hair does not feel like straw, Whitlock. Speaking of wigs, what that on your head? At least I know what conditioner is." He shook his head, pursing his lips, hay falling on to the carpet, which earned another reprimand from Mrs. C.

Alice floated over to Bella, admiring her choice in costumes. "It's perfect! I love it." She turned to Edward, "Scarecrow…absolutely perfect." Turning to me, she reached up on her toes, placing a kiss on my cheek. "Major, may I admire you tonight?"

I repeated the hand kiss that I had previously done with Bella on Alice, never breaking contact with her eyes, now fringed with extremely long fake eyelashes.

"Why certainly, Miss Cullen. Might I say you are looking mighty fine this evening," I complimented, heavy in the drawl, while my eyes were drawn to her inviting cleavage.

I swear it was mocking me.

Another whack on the back of my head.

I was on my way to having a serious headache.

Alice giggled, grabbing my hand, pulling me toward to the door. "Come on, guys, we're going to be late,"

"Yes, " I began. "We must follow the yellow brick road. After all, we have to ask the Wizard for a brain for Scarecrow," I snickered to myself, nodding back to Edward.

"Come on, Scarecrow. We are off to see the Wizard." Bella grinned as she reached for Edward's hand and grasped it tightly in hers.

"Lions, tigers, and bears…" I began to chant as we headed out the front door, my arm slung over Alice's naked shoulders.

"Oh my, " Edward chuckled behind me.

"**~~**"

I obeyed Edward's 'hands-off Alice' policy until one day in mid-December. At lunch, Alice sat on my lap at the table with Bella across from us, next to Edward, eating her apple while skimming her algebra notes for her test next period. As usual, Edward was slouched back in his chair, watching me and Alice intently. I had grown accustomed to his constant scrutiny and continued to eat my sandwich.

As Alice excitedly explained Pavlov's theory to Edward, her perfect ass bounced up and down on my lap. I groaned out loud and Edward's brow furrowed at the sound.

The look did not suit him.

I wrapped my hands around her hips in an attempt to still her. Well, at least her bottom half - her upper half remained in constant motion, her hands gesturing wildly as she became even more animated.

She really fucking loved Pavlov's theory.

She turned to me when she was done, her energy shining like a halo around her angelic face. I couldn't resist, and putting a hand behind her neck, I pulled her to me, kissing her fully for the first time. Her soft lips moved gently under the pressure of mine. The silky strands of her hair caressed my hand at her neck, as my other one continued to rest on her hip, my thumb absently stroking her jeans. Alice shifted in my lap, somehow never breaking our kiss, to straddle me while her tiny hands wrapped themselves into the waves of my hair, fisting and tugging as her lips parted for mine.

Moaning, I took advantage of her open mouth, and deepened the kiss. My tongue began to slowly explore her warm soft mouth. The mint from her lip gloss mixed with the citrus of the orange she had eaten for lunch, drawing me in deeper to seek out the flavor that was uniquely Alice. Holding her to me tightly, my palm slid up to her waist, seeking out the small sliver of smooth skin I knew could be found above her low-rise jeans. I felt her tremble when my fingers ghosted across her flesh, leaving goose bumps behind. She pulled away, leaning her forehead on mine while cute little gasps of breath escaped her and a small smile played at her lips. I smirked at her, letting go of her neck and running my fingers gently down her cheek.

"What was that?" she giggled breathlessly.

So fucking adorable.

I whispered, "That was our first kiss." Her smiled turned to a grin and she leaned to my ear, her hair brushing against my cheek.

"I hope it's not our last," she murmured, grinding her heat into my crotch. Already beginning to strain in my jeans, I was getting uncomfortable pretty damn quick.

Oh, it would definitely not be our last.

I was so enamored with Alice, I barely heard the scrape of the metal on tile as Edward pushed his chair back from the table, got up and left. Bella watched him go, clearly worried. She glanced over at me and I nodded. Gathering her books, she pushed her chair back and stood up.

"I'll see you in History, Jasper. Bye, Alice." She turned and jogged after Edward. Alice frowned at me, her bright eyes suddenly dulled with concern. I reached up and traced her frown with a finger.

That was the last time we kissed in front of Edward.

"**~~**"

But we did much more than kiss when out of Edward's line of sight. Our first kiss had apparently given Alice permission to touch me all the fucking time. Not that I minded of course, but my hormones were raging as it was, and having her body heat in constant contact with mine drove me to distraction.

I had also noticed that Bella had all but stopped showing me the affection I had grown accustomed. She no longer pushed my hair from my face, or climbed onto my lap while watching television. Of course, my lap was now usually occupied by Alice.

About a week before Christmas, we were at the Cullen's planning their upcoming annual holiday party. Alice had taken over almost all the preparations, planning the menu, decorations and outfits for us all. I sat quietly on the couch, Alice on my lap, Bella on the floor in front of chair where Edward sat. Bella leaned back between Edward's legs and he rested a hand on her shoulder, his fingers stroking her hair. His eyes were closed while he listened to the soothing music filling the family room. Alice told me that Christmas songs put her in the mood and then she winked at me.

While Alice planned incessantly, every now and then tapping the pen to her lips before eagerly jotting things down on her notepad, I stared at Bella. Her sadness had recently increased, and I wished for something to wash it away. She returned my stare evenly, even attempting a small smile, but I knew.

Our dynamic had changed.

She missed it.

I missed it.

I missed her.

"So, Jazz, yes or no?" Alice drew my attention back to her.

"Hmm?"

She sighed, realizing I had not been paying attention. "Do you want black or gray for your sweater?"

My sweater? For what?

"Black?" I guessed.

"Perfect! My dress is gray, we will compliment each other!"

I absently stroked Alice's back and she leaned back into my hand, her movements slowing down with each stroke. Bella's eyes watched my hand on Alice's back and her weak smile turned to a frown.

"Are we done yet, Alice?" Edward raised his head and opened his eyes, coming out of his pseudo meditation, speaking for the first time since we had sat down.

Alice nodded as she checked over the list one last time. "I think so. I have outfits, menu and a grocery list. Oh, and the list for decorations. You are going to help decorate, right, Edward?" He sighed.

"Of course. We all are," Bella answered for him, earning a growl from behind her and a smile from me. He leaned forward, pulling her hair around her neck and whispered something in her ear. She scrunched up her face and giggled.

I don't know why, but my stomach clenched. He was not doing anything we have both not done before. He was still Edward. She was still Bella. The difference now was that the touches were between just the two of them and not the three of us.

He smiled as he stood, reaching her out for her hand to help her up. She grabbed his hand and he pulled her to her feet. I closed my eyes as I listened to them laugh on their way to the kitchen, the tightening in my chest increasing with every step they took together.

I felt Alice shift in my lap so she was straddling me, and then her breath fanned across my face.

"Jasper," she whispered right before her lips touched mine.

Suddenly, I desperately wanted her.

I wanted her body.

All of it.

I gripped her hips and ground my already hard cock up into her. She moaned and retuned the pressure, our lips parting to allow tongues to explore. Small breasts crushed against my hard chest as her fingernails dug crescent marks into my shoulders. One of my hands rested on her hips, holding her tightly to me, while the other slid between her thighs. I moaned when my fingers grazed her crotch and felt the heat coming from her. She bucked into my hand and she pulled away from the kiss, leaning her head on my shoulder as she continued to pump into my hand. Running my index finger between her legs, down the seam of her jeans, I paused at the top each pass, putting pressure on what I guessed to be her sensitive spot. My breaths were quickly becoming gasps as my hips involuntarily starting moving back and forth in time with hers. Each time she rubbed against me, my dick strained even more in my jeans, the sensitive skin aching with pressure.

I had never been so turned on in my life.

Those magazines had nothing on the real thing.

I left wet kisses on her neck, traveling to her ear, taking the soft lobe between my teeth. The hand on her hips traveled up, sliding under the cotton of her shirt, skimming over her waist up to her breasts. Her breath hitched as I flattened a palm over the soft mound and squeezed gently. I whimpered when my hand pulled down the lace of her bra, exposing the silkiest skin with a pebbled nipple. My dick swelled even more. The sweetest moan escaped from her and her hips increased their pace.

I wanted more. I needed more.

"God, Alice," I murmured between licks and nips on her neck. Nodding in reply, she continued to hold on to my shoulders with more strength then I knew she had in her tiny frame while my palm moved faster to accommodate her increased speed. I thought I heard her beg me not to stop just before her entire body tensed, her grip on my shoulders tightened even more as her thighs clenched mine. I heard a gasp as she cried out and felt a shudder through her entire body. Her reaction to her orgasm quickly brought me to mine, with two more bucks of my hips, I released into my boxers.

"Fuck…" I groaned loudly as my hips jerked into hers, seeking any kind of friction. Grabbing her breast harder with one hand, I pushed her thighs down to me as I pushed up into her. My hands held her firmly to me as the last of my orgasm flowed through me, chasing away any bad feelings from earlier, leaving only gratification behind. We sat, breathless, for a few minutes, just holding each other. Gradually, her death grip on my flesh loosened and she leaned back to look at me, her movement hit my oversensitive dick and I hissed. Her skin was flushed, pink covering her cheeks, beads of sweat gathering on her forehead, her eyes glazed over with pleasure.

She never looked more beautiful.

I leaned in and kissed her.

"Did you predict that, Madame Alice?" I asked her jokingly. She smiled shyly and shook her head.

I made a prediction of my own.

We would be having sex by the end of the school year.

"**~~**"

It was the Friday before Christmas and the Cullens were preparing to welcome their friends, neighbors, colleagues and extended family into their home that had been decorated for the past two days by Edward, Bella, Alice and myself. Alice was quite the dictator, assigning us all projects.

It might not have been on Alice's agenda, but the snowball fight that ensued while Edward and I were hanging some outside lights was the highlight of the week. We ducked and dove behind trees and cars as we whipped snowballs at each other. While Edward was easily the fastest of the two of us, his aim was not nearly as accurate as mine, his efforts often landing several feet away from me. I caught a glimpse of Alice and Bella watching the battle from inside the house as I darted past the window to take cover behind the wicker loveseat on the porch. I flashed them a smile as I crouched down against the wall, packing my snowball while I waited for Edward to expose himself. I could hear him approaching, my heart racing from the excitement of the challenge. I listened carefully, estimating his footsteps and distance from me, but just as I was about to stand, there was a tap on the window behind me. Surprised, I turned to look just as the wet snowball slammed into the side of my face. Stunned, I fell back against the wall, my hand reaching up to wipe the snow off my cheek.

"Jesus, Cullen. That shit hurt, you using ice or what?"

He stood from behind the log pile about five feet away. I growled to myself, I had been so close judging his location, a few more seconds and he would have been mine. I stood up, rolling the last snowball around in my hand, debating on whether to let him have the last shot or not. Another tap from the window and I turned to see Bella frowning at me, pointing at the snowball still in my hand. I sighed and let it slip to the wood floor as Edward walked up the porch steps laughing.

"What's the matter, Jazz? Wet?" I hadn't seen him smile that wide since before I started dating Alice. If letting him win the snowball fight was going keep him happy, it was worth it.

"Fuck you, Cullen," I tried to hold back a grin as we walked into the house. I hung my head down and shook the soaked curls back and forth, spraying water like a dog. Alice and Bella shrieked as melted snow landed on them.

"That's for distracting me." I straightened, grinning at them both. Bella took a step forward, and palmed my reddened cheek in her hand.

"Did it hurt?" Concerned laced her voice. Stunned at the sudden return of affection, I shook my head no. She smiled and moved her hand to my hair, ruffling the loose damp waves. Edward hung his coat on the rack.

"Anyone for hot chocolate?" he asked as headed toward the kitchen.

"Yes," Bella answered, removing her hand from my head, she turned and followed Edward into the kitchen. Before I could take my coat off, Alice jumped on me, wrapping her legs around my waist, my hands automatically going to her ass to support her. I kissed her lips with a quick peck as she pushed my hair back and licked her warm tongue up my cheek. I bit my lip and sighed.

"Alice, what are you doing?"

"Kissing it and making it better," she murmured, nipping at my earlobe.

"Mmm… I think I need to teach you the definition of a kiss." I turned my head and captured her lips with mine, kissing her languidly; my tongue tasting her more with each step as I walked us toward the kitchen, placing her bottom on a stool by the island just as Edward placed a mug of hot chocolate in front of her. I reached up and untangled her arms from around my neck. She released me and I slid my coat off, noticing Bella by the stove, sipping from her mug, her eyes watching me. I picked up my mug, letting the hot liquid flow down my throat, burning me as it went, but doing nothing to warm up the sudden cold gaze Bella was giving me.

Two hours later, Bella, Edward, Alice and I were all dressed in our Alice-approved attire and mingling with the assorted guests of the Doc's and Mrs. C's. Alice had chosen a lovely dark blue dress for Bella, off her shoulders and reaching to her knees. I noticed Bella had won the shoe argument, as she had on clutz-free flats. Edward was dressed in navy dress pants and gray sweater. Alice wore a silver satin spaghetti strap dress and crystal covered heels. Her cream shoulders practically glowed in the candle lit room, her spikes sparkling with hair glitter, giving her an ethereal quality. I ended up in gray dress pants, a black knit sweater with a white tee shirt underneath. It was comfortable enough, but it wasn't my jeans and cowboy boots. As we walked around, she held my hand, introducing me to her parents' work colleagues and family members. Edward and Bella looked as bored as I felt.

Bella and I were standing next to the hors d'orderves table, quietly observing the partygoers from a safe distance. Neither of us quite the socialites that Edward and Alice had been raised as, attending or hosting many parties in their young lives.

As much as Bella and I sought solace in our mutual exile, there was slightly uncomfortable silence between us. I shifted back and forth as I sipped my slightly spiked cranberry juice. Bella brushed against me lightly as she reached across me, leaning over the table to the where she proceeded to scoop up some salsa in her chip. I closed my eyes briefly when I felt her warmth through my sweater, her shoulder pressing into my chest. Her hair had been pulled up into a messy bun thing, and the nape of her neck was completely exposed with wisps of hair begging to be touched.

Next I knew, I felt her stiffen slightly under the cold touch of my hand as my fingers grazed up her spine, to that exposed neck, the soft small hairs tickling my skin. She relaxed under my touch as quickly as she had stiffened, and I swear I heard her gasp. I don't even know why I did it, but as my hand flattened and rested on her nape, I leaned forward, deeply inhaling her scent of green apples, cinnamon and something else indescribable. A shudder traveled through her body and she straightened back up, avoiding my eyes as she held the chip to her mouth, cupping one hand under it, and bit a piece off.

I took a step back as she went to lean past me again, allowing her the room without the full body contact as she repeated the procedure. I ignored my body screaming at me to repeat my previous moves-instead keeping my hands firmly stuffed in my pockets. I considered her actions for minute.

"Bella," I started.

"Mmm?" she mumbled around her tortilla chip, her tongue darting out to catch the drip of salsa on the corner of her lip.

I ignored more screams from my body, instead asking, "Did you just double dip in the salsa?" My eyebrows raised accusingly.

She stopped chewing, thinking before her eyes widened. "No," she blatantly lied.

"Ah, I beg to differ, Swan," I scoffed. "I witnessed that very action and let me just say… ew!"

Giggles erupted from her, "Sorry, Hale, but there are no paper plates."

Lowering my chin, I pursed my lips and reaching behind her, a paper plate magically appeared in my hand. I waved it back and forth in front of her, smirking.

"Then what is this? A Frisbee?"

More laughter.

"I'm not sure I see the humor in breaking the numero uno rule of hors d'orderves eating. This can't go unpunished."

Jutting her chin out, she challenged, "And what would this punishment entail, Hale?"

Oh… like I said before, I was a gambling man. Just as I was about answer - Edward walked up behind Bella, placing a quick kiss on her cheek and wrapping an arm around her waist.

"Why are you punishing Bella? More importantly, can I be involved?" Edward grinned at me from behind Bella, his arms holding her to him as he swayed them back and forth a bit. Returning his smile, I was just about to describe the awfulness of the double dipping when there was a knock at the door, and Alice answered it, screeching in delight.

She had invited a few friends from school and they had arrived. Jessica, Lauren and Jacob all walked in, taking off their jackets and offering food they had brought. They joined us quickly, Alice coming to my side, grabbing my hand in hers.

I noticed Jacob's eyes flash immediately to Bella, still in Edward's embrace, taking in her tightly dressed body. His hungry stare pissed me off. My fingers tightened around Alice's hand and she looked up at me, pained.

"Sorry," I apologized and loosened my grip. We all spoke for a few minutes about school, the upcoming holiday vacation and travel plans. Jessica and Lauren gushed over Edward, begging him to play his piano for them, referring back to some promise he had made at school. Finally, agreeing, Jessica and Lauren followed him to the piano, in awe as he sat and wiggled his fingers dramatically over the ebony and ivory, adjusting the sheet music in front of him. With a cough, he began to play "White Christmas" and the guests began circling around him, in awe of the delicate touch his fingers had as they caressed the keys. He played from his soul, not his hands, and it showed. An intense look covered his face and I could tell, no one else existed then for him, he was alone in the room.

Alice pulled me over, closer to Edward, and I scanned the guests for Bella, not finding her…or Jacob.

"I'm going to go check on Bella," I pecked Alice on the cheek and let her hand go. I quickly walked to the kitchen, shocked at what I found.

Jake had Bella pinned against the counter, his large hands resting on counter on next to her, his hips pushing against her. I could see her hands on his chest, not pushing him away but keeping him at a safe distance. Her eyes were wide, but I couldn't tell if it was fear or excitement. With a wide devilish grin, he leaned toward her lips.

He never heard me coming up behind as I grabbed his shirt and pulled him backwards off Bella. Spinning us, I now had him pinned against the island. My hands fisted his shirt by his neck, my face inches from his.

"What the fuck, Black?" I spat at him.

"Jesus, Whitlock. Calm the fuck down, I was just talking to her," he sneered. Adrenalin pounded through my body as my heart raced, driving me forward. My knuckles whitened and I slammed him hard against the marble top, shaking the hanging pots above us.

"That looked like a whole lot more than fucking talking."

"Well, did you see her complaining?"

He smirked.

Fucking smirked at me.

I released his shirt, drawing back my clenched fist, I swung, hitting him square in the jaw. His body withstood the impact of the quick punch, but his face was forced to the side by the blow. I took a step back to avoid him, but it wasn't in time and I felt the force of his hit to my cheek and eye. I stumbled back, small arms caught me, wrapping around my waist.

"Stop, Jasper, please, stop," The worry in her voice spread clarity and calm over me. Jake stood up, all six-feet-three inches of him, and he stepped closer to me. I jutted my chin out, meeting his stare with one of my own, satisfied at the small drop of blood sitting on his lip.

"Another time, Whitlock," and with that he turned and left the kitchen. I quickly turned around in Bella's arms and wrapped mine around her. Holding her to me tightly, I tangled my fingers in her hair, kissing her head.

"Are you ok?" She nodded, her head buried in my chest. My heart was still racing, but it no longer had anything to do with my encounter with Jake. Bella's breathing slowed and she leaned back, placing a hand on my injured cheek; the same one that had gotten abused from the snowball.

"Your poor cheek." I leaned into her warm hand, taking a deep breath, my eyes closed. I felt her dry chapped lips on mine for only a second, my heart jumped and my eyes opened quickly in surprise. She had kissed me on the cheek before, but never on the lips.

Hell, she had barely touched me the past three months, much less kissed me. I think the hands off vibe I had been receiving from Edward, she had been receiving from Alice. I placed my hand over hers on my cheek, holding her palm to my bruised flesh. Nothing could make it heal faster than her touch; it was at that moment I realized how much I had really missed her casual contact. It seemed like hours we stood like that, our hands on my cheek, her other hand on my chest over my racing heartbeat, covered with mine, staring at each other, not speaking a word.

The joyous laughter traveled from the family room into the hall. There was no mistaking its owner, only Alice had laughter that could be compared to Christmas bells, full of spirit and hope. I sighed and pulled Bella's hand from my cheek, bringing it to my lips for a chaste kiss before dropping it. Alice's joyous sound brought me back to her.

Her timing was always impeccable.

"Thanks, Bella," I whispered as I turned, leaving the kitchen and returning to the bundle of energy that adored me with all her heart.

"**~~**"

Thank you for reading~