Part 4/5:
It was a Tuesday night and Jason had been grabbing a drink with Jessica at Merlotte's when the confrontation happened.
He was nursing his second beer, only half listening to Jessica go on about local town gossip when suddenly Jessica's head did a 180 and she swore under her breath.
She then looked to Jason as she gracefully got up from her chair and smiled. "Jason. I'll be right back—do me a favor and order me another True Blood, kay?"
Jason looked at Jessica, confused from the sudden break in conversation. "Okay.. Sure."
Jason moved to sit upright in his chair, absentmindedly scratching his scalp as he watched the quick, retreating form of his best friend and ex girlfriend.
The couple had taken to going out once a week, usually to Merlotte's simply to talk. No sex. No kissing. Nothing. Though Jason originally thought it impossible, he was slowly becoming friends with Jessica—just friends—and he had to admit he was mighty proud of himself. Sure, at times he still had urges—he was, after all, still a man. After a breakdown last month, however, Jason had decided he no longer wanted to seek comfort in simply the physical, which ultimately had left his soul in shreds. Thus, Jason resisted urges and looked to longer showers and solidarity in times of temptation.
Jessica had been surprisingly okay with Jason's confession, much to his relief, and while she admitted she missed the sex, she also said she would always be there for him as a friend and confidant. In addition to this, however, Jason also noticed she had taken over a protective, motherly role around him, always keeping a close eye on the young Adonis any time a girl threw herself at Jason during parties.
Jason went to take another sip of his beer only to realize it was almost gone. "Well, she did say she wanted a refill… Might as well get myself one too," he thought as he picked up Jessica's empty bottle and carried it over to the bar, his own empty glass in his other hand.
The bar was unusually crowded for a Tuesday night, a healthy mix of the natural and supernatural mingling in the joint about two hours past sunset. As Jason squeezed between two other customers, leaning over the bar, Sam took note of him and nodded his head.
"Just leave the glasses there Jason, I'll have Arlene drop off another round at your table."
"Thanks," Jason called, turning around to walk back to his abandoned seat. As he turned, however, a flash of amber caught his eye, just outside of the main entrance. "So that's where Jessica went…" Jason began to walk back to the table, hesitating half way. "If she doesn't get back soon, that true blood Arlene drops off won't be warm for long… Better go let her know I ordered." And with that thought, Jason casually walked towards the entrance of Merlotte's. Behind the glass of the door Jason could see Jessica was talking to someone else, their features hidden by Jessica's frame. When Jason pressed his palm against the door, slowly opening it, it became apparent what the conversation was about—Jessica's angered voice easily distinguishable among the cool night air.
"What part of stay awaydon't you understand! Now this is my final warning and you best be polite as I've been nothing but a lady thus far, generous as fucking hell."
Adrenaline rushed through his veins and protective inclinations in Jason spiked as Jessica yelled for what he assumed was a stalker of Jessica's to stay away. "Take a hint, buddy," Jason thought, "The lady ain't interested!" Jason moved slightly to the side of Merlotte's entrance, in hopes of getting a better look at who Jessica was verbally beating up. Jason knew Jessica could take care of herself in most situations, so he felt no need to rush to her aid, but he still kept a close eye on the situation in case the stranger was secretly hiding a wooden steak or something of the sort.
"You leave Jason the FUCK alone or else-" Jessica stopped herself mid-threat, head quickly turning towards Jason's form just outside the door to the bar. Her eyes went wide, but only for a second—before Jessica did her best to mask the surprise. "Oh.. Why aren't you inside getting us drinks, Jason? I'll be back in a second, lemme finish up, kay?" Jessica smiled sweetly.
Too sweetly. Jason knew it was fake. Jason knew it was fake and had most definitely heard HIS name in her last threat to the mysterious stranger- which in Jason's book, made him part of this conversation instantly. "You're drink's getting cold, Jessica." Jason started walking forward, the man beside Jessica finally coming into view. It was Steve Newlin, a vampire that as of late had become a common sight in Jason's day to day life… One of the few things Jason innocently forgot to mention to Jessica when they got together for drinks. After the run-in between the two in Jason's house a while back, Jason figured it was best for his friendship with Jessica and his… whateverit was he had with Steve… if Jessica wasn't aware of Jason's occasional run-in with the Authority's new Nan Flanagan. Realizing now, it might have been a mistake, Jason took a deep breath while staring down the two vampires to the best of his abilities.
"Now someone better tell me what you two are doing out here and what the hell it has to do with me."
Silence.
"Now." Jason continued to glare at the two vampires, arms crossed as if he was scolding children. "Screw Jessica's cold True Blood, my beer's going to go flat," thought Jason as briefly glanced back at the bar, imagining two drinks left abandoned on the table… "That or someone else has already jacked it. Cheap bastards."
Steve spoke first. "I was just going to grab a drink at-"
Jessica cut him off, taking a step closer to the younger vampire. "Oh Bullshit! I could SMELL your lust a mile away, you pathetic piece of shit. You were here to see Jason. I told you, he's off limits."
Jason did his best to insert himself into the conversation again, his voice holding steady and calm. "Now Jessica, Merlotte's is a public place. Sorta. Well really it's Sam's but that's not my point." Jason's hands flung between the two vampires, as if to physically put a barrier between the two. "If the Reverend wanted to swing by and get a drink, it's in his rights." Jason momentarily ignored Jessica's comment about Steve's true intentions, nodding towards each of them. "Now how 'bout you two play nice and we all go in and grab something?"
Steve smiled, causing Jason to smile in return and rage immediately flooded Jessica's features again. "Jason! How can you say that! This man views you like a piece of meat!"
Jason turned towards Jessica, slightly confused. "Well, technically I guess you could say all vamps view us humans as pieces of meat, don't ya think? I mean you drink our blood and all…"
Jessica sighed, hitting her palm against her forehead. "No, you idiot, I meant meat as in he objectifies you and speaks of you as a thing when you're not present!"
"Huh? How would you know?" Jason did his best to remain calm, occasionally taking a glance towards Steve as a hint of sadness crept into his voice.
Jessica's right palm rested on her hip as her weight shifted to one side. "You know those college parties I've been throwing while Bill's away? Well this fucker," she nodded to Steve with her head, "showed up uninvited once."
A look of apprehension crossed Steve's features, but much to Jason's surprise he didn't flea, regardless of the fact it was obvious Jessica was about to talk shit about him.
"He came in trying to buy you from me. Ten thousand dollars Jason—well… actually it rose to twenty, but that's not the point. He only views you as an object—cattle!" Jessica pleaded with Jason as Steve remained silent.
Jason waited a moment, turning over the words in his head. The sour taste in his mouth was undeniable, but he wasn't about to walk away from the conversation without first hearing what both parties had to say—being involved with public law enforcement had instilled a few values in Jason that he was proud he could say he upheld. Nodding to himself first, Jason turned towards Steve, nodding again before locking eye contact with Steve. "Is what Jessica said true?"
Steve motioned to speak, but the words froze in his throat. Instead he took a second to compose himself and form his thoughts. "It's… true, Jason Stackhouse. I did show up to Jessica's party and I did make her an offer of… twenty thousand dollars… for you." Jason's frown worsened. Had the one man—no, the one person who had ever said he loved him… not just sex with him… lied? "But let me explain," continued Steve. "I showed up offering ten thousand dollars originally, for a man another vampire had already staked claim on. Already treated like an object. And yes, you could say she was dong it as a friend—but I never meant any harm either, Jason Stackhouse. I meant what I said to you back in your house," he hesitated, glancing at Jessica who looked confused. "I… love you. And I figured the only way I could get close to you without Jessica delivering me the true death was to find a way to have her relinquish claim on you." Steves hands were at his sides, clenched tightly. He looked Jason straight in the eyes, doing his best to smile positively at his situation, though regret also framed his features.
"Oh please. You can't tell me you really believe him!" Jessica laughed at Steve's words, "I mean... seriously?"
Steve flinched.
"Jessica... let him finish." Jason spoke quietly, his eyes never leaving Steve's.
"Ugh if I didn't know any better I'd say he was glamoring you. Fine. Continue."
Jason nodded for Steve to continue.
"As I was saying, I did offer to buy you off Jessica—I won't lie to you Jason Stackhouse. But not for your body, no sir. Not for sex. Not for blood. I want to spend time with you, Jason. A taste of your blood or a night with you would only be bonus. I denied myself this as a human and, forgive me Lord, but I'll be damnedif I do now."
Jason couldn't deny he was upset at the whole situation involving Steve trying to buy him- but at the same time, in a twisted way, he could relate. He could understand Steve's logic. He could respect it—hell, in a weird way he almost found it flattering someone valued him at twenty thousand dollars… Back when he was on V he wouldn't have seen himself as someone worth more than two dollars, tops. In his current state? Fifteen, if he was feel'n lucky.
He sighed, shoulders slumping as Jason wondered how he ever got into these messes. "Steve. You can't buy someone, regardless of your intentions. That… was wrong, and even though I'm flattered ya'll think I'm worth twenty, I can't be bought or owned by anyone like some dog. I'm a person—I have rights," he continued, confidence rising to his defense, "that be'n said," he turned towards Jessica, "Jessica, I know you only mean to protect me, but you can't start act'n like my mom—hell I don't want you to act like my mom. You're my best friend. I love ya." He turned again to face Steve, still addressing Jessica. "Look... I'm not really sure what I want with Steve and I'm not really sure of what he wants either…"
Steve eyed him cautiously, not sure if he had won or lost this battle of words.
"But right now… I do know that… in the past few weeks he's saved my life… He's had… opportunities… to hurt me—he has hurt me… But he's also apologized. He's been sincere. Honest. " He caught the look of anger rising in her eyes again at the mention of hurting him. "And before you say anything, by 'hurt'... I meant emotionally, not physically," the words flowed out uneasy, Jason unsure if he wanted to admit to someone that Steve's lies prior to him being openly gay in the media had hurt Jason. Had made Jason question the validity of Newlin's words. Hell, Jason was struggling in general to grasp the very words that were coming from his own mouth… The last thing he had expected tonight was to find out he was the object of a bidding war. Steve Newlin was full of surprises, both good and bad. "…Because of this…" He tried finding a way to wrap up what remained of his thoughts, feeling the beginning of a numbing headache. "Ummm…." Jason fumbled with his the emotions he was feeling, the thoughts racing through his head, unsure what to do.
Usually in cases like this, Jason found himself leaving the conversation, if not physically, then mentally. Clocking outas he liked to call it. Unfortunately, he respected the vampires before him too much to allow himself the comfort of disengaging.
"Right now… I'm going to go into Merlotte's to pay my tab. And maybe get a new beer since my previous one is no doubt wasted now. Jessica…" He stared at her, hoping not to insult her but rather placate her. "I'll see you this Friday at your party. I promise."
It was the easiest way for him to end the conversation quickly—dismiss them. "Steve… I…" Jason's mind was quickly blanking at how to end his encounter with the male vampire that was quickly becoming awkward. Jason had just told Jessica he was done with her for the night, yet here he was unable to say goodnight to Steve. He knew what he wanted to say, but also feared Jessica would get pissed at him for at least a week. He said a silent prayer, then figured why the hell not? "I think you were about to get yourself a drink at Merlotte's? Let me treat you before I head home for the night." Jessica growled at Jason, calling him an idiot under her breath before she took off into the night.
A/N: Once again, each chapter is getting longer! (2,419 words in this chapter, compared to 650ish in the first!) I felt like this chapter was a bit awkward, and definitely not one of the better ones, but hopefully that's just me and it's still remotely entertaining at least. :P It was definitely more of a 'both parties surprise each other' rather than Steve entirely taking Jason by surprise.
I just wanted to say thanks again to everyone sending in positive feedback, and especially to Ai Linna-chan! This chapter is dedicated to her because I woke up this morning to her reviews which inspired me to chop out another chapter. Thank you for such generous comments.
I already have the remaining chapters planned so those should be up in the next week… If anyone still has requests, feel free to message me them. I will try to keep writing after this story's done, but I won't update nearly as often... I'm hoping I can trigger a few other people to write Steve/Jason so I can enjoy reading the pairing as well! :D