A/N: See, that wasn't too bad of a wait!

Jasper had the sudden, horrible feeling he was going to be sick. His skin went all cold and clammy. He stood before he could think about it. There wasn't much he wanted more than to get out of that room, but his legs buckled.

Edward's arms were around him before he could sag to the floor. Jasper's cheeks burned with shame. He shoved at the other man. "Get off," he mumbled, but Edward tightened his grip.

"Sit down," he said, gently pushing Jasper back down on the bed. "Breathe deep. You're going to be fine."

Jasper pressed his lips together in a thin, tight line. He searched for some snappy retort, but his head was too busy swimming to be much use to him. Instead, he slumped forward, his arms on his knees and his hands clenched tight as he tried to get a handle on his trembling. He did as Edward told him and breathed deeply. Edward rubbed his back as he did, and that pissed Jasper off.

"Get off," he said again, jerking his shoulder to throw off Edward's hand. He stood and was pleased to find his legs much steadier now. "I'll be in my room."

He hadn't gotten two steps before Edward spoke. "This is your room."

Jasper stopped. He crossed his arms over his chest—he felt worse than naked now—and looked around for his shirt.

Edward stood and brushed passed him. Jasper couldn't tell if it made him feel better or worse that he was leaving. But he only went as far as the bathroom. He came back with a robe and wrapped it around Jasper's shoulders. "Come on. Sit down."

Yet another horrible sensation hit Jasper. He bit the inside of his lip viciously, but his eyes blurred with tears. He sat on the bed and turned his face away from Edward, wiping at his eyes.

"I'm sorry," Edward said, his tone soft. "If I'd known… Well, it doesn't matter. I shouldn't have been so rough with you."

Jasper huffed, anger beginning to mix in with everything else he was feeling. He already felt like a stupid little child. He didn't need to feel like he was fragile, too. "I'm not a fucking doll. I was fine."

"It's just a general rule of thumb, Jasper. Anger sex isn't really a good idea for any kind of first encounter."

"It was hot, though," Jasper said under his breath.

Silence fell between them. Jasper's skin crawled. He had no idea what the hell he was supposed to do now. He was of several different minds—all of the voices in his head loud and demanding. He had to bite his tongue to keep from cursing at Edward. What the hell was he still doing here anyway? Why couldn't he leave Jasper to die of mortification like he wanted to?

At the same time, he was sure if Edward left now, he was going to lose what little control he'd gained over his pathetic tears. Insecurity hit him like a wrecking ball to the gut. And really, fuck Edward for all of this. Why the hell had he forced Jasper to admit he was a virgin? Asshole was all about manners; it seemed rude to call someone out like that.

Jasper's internal monologue cut off when he felt a soft touch to his cheek. He tensed, resisting as Edward tried to get him to turn his head. "Look at me," Edward said, the words more request than demand.

Telling himself to get a grip, Jasper looked up. He was surprised to see a soft look in the other man's eyes. Not pitying or derisive—just soft. A rueful smile tugged at the corner of Edward's mouth as he stroked his thumb along Jasper's jaw. "It's not like there's anything to be ashamed of, Jasper. It wouldn't have stopped me if things were different."

"What kind of things?" Jasper asked, hating the way his words shook on the way out.

Edward gave a small laugh. "Well, if you liked me, for one."

Jasper looked down. "I do like you," he mumbled.

Edward huffed, and Jasper blushed. "I mean, you're annoying sometimes, obviously. Like when you make asshole assumptions."

"Ha. Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black."

Jasper flushed hotter and ducked his head.

"You don't know me, Jasper," Edward said quietly. "You think I'm an uptight prick, but you've only known me in this context. I'm trying to be a good role model for teenage girls. I take that seriously, but how I am with Bella and Alice isn't how I am—"

"When you're trying to get some tight teenage ass?" Jasper asked, unable to help himself.

Edward rolled his eyes, but he didn't look annoyed. "Ah, teenage is not the kind of ass I'm after. For the record, what you saw was me when there's a pain-in-the-ass little cocktease who's maybe just a little too big for his britches doing everything he can to drive me crazy."

Jasper grimaced, remembering all the things Edward had said about how he grew up, why he stole. He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling like a tool. "Guess that was closer to a hate fuck, huh?"

"I don't hate you," Edward said firmly. "Not by a long shot." He tweaked the underside of Jasper's chin. "You're great with the girls, and you're funny. Maybe you're a little exasperating, but that's not exactly atypical for a man your age."

"Yeah, I get it." Jasper couldn't quite keep the bitterness out of his tone. "Why would you want a dumbshit kid like me, right?"

Edward's answering laugh was wry. "Oh, I want you."

Jasper's cock stirred at the words and the low, gravelly sound of Edward's voice as he spoke them. He looked over, and a thrill went down his spine. Edward's eyes were dark, intense in their focus on him. "Isn't that what you wanted with all your teasing?" Edward asked. "I told you—you always seem to get what you want. You drive me crazy in more ways than one."

Edward shifted, and Jasper's eyes widened when he put a hand high up on his thigh. He cupped his other hand to Jasper's cheek, holding his gaze. "Do you want me?"

Despite the gentleness of his tone, there was also something strong and commanding there. Jasper's throat had gone dry. The coil of lust stirred, tightening from the base of his cock to the top of his head. "I...yes."

Despite believing Edward wasn't that kind of guy, Jasper half believed he was messing with him. His heart beat out of control. He was tense—waiting for humiliation or whatever was about to come next. He had been helpless but to tell the truth when Edward was looking at him like that. It left him vulnerable, raw, and all too aware that he was out of his depth.

But Edward didn't laugh in his face. Instead, he tilted his head, kissing Jasper once, twice, a third time. They were tiny kisses—a taste, a tickle at Jasper's lips.

On the fifth or sixth of these little kisses, Jasper whimpered. He pressed forward, hungry for more than a taste. Edward rewarded him. His lips lingered, pressing to Jasper's mouth. His tongue swept across his lower lip, seeking entrance.

Edward had begun to stroke up Jasper's side. Jasper shivered and groaned into Edward's mouth, reveling in the sensation. Edward parted his robe and splayed his palm flat against Jasper's chest, no doubt feeling where his heart was beating out of control.

When Edward didn't move, Jasper opened his eyes. He was afraid he was going to reject him, and Jasper had the melodramatic thought that he would simply die if that happened. But Edward was watching him, eyes still lust-dark but also concerned. He leaned in, and pressed the softest of kisses to Jasper's lips.

"Is this really what you want?" Edward asked, pulling back to look him in the eyes. "You're not going to insult me, Jasper. There has to be a reason you've waited this long, so—"

"No, I want it to be you." Jasper said the words all in a rush. He hadn't known until it was about to happen that it was what he wanted. Really, he hadn't let himself believe it was a possibility.

Edward's lip twitched. He stroked a thumb along Jasper's cheek in a tender motion. "Why me? Maybe you don't hate me, but I find it really hard to believe you like me."

Jasper took a shaky breath. This whole thing was so surreal. How the hell had they ended up here, with Edward's arm firm around his waist; his face close enough to kiss? Jasper did his best to flash a flippant grin. "You're hot enough that I can overlook that."

Edward rolled his eyes, and Jasper laughed. Then, uncertainly, he touched the tips of his fingers to Edward's cheeks, mimicking an intimacy he'd never known before. "I told you, I do like you," he admitted in a small voice. "I like that you got into this whole thing because you wanted to help kids. And I know sometimes you're a pain in the ass, but not because you're smug. It's because you care." He swallowed hard and had to close his eyes before he could admit the next thing. "I trust you."

The smile that graced Edward's face then was unlike any other Jasper had ever seen. It made him glad—the bubbly, giddy feeling overshadowing his infuriatingly shy uncertainty. Edward brushed his hair back out of his eyes. "I'll be good to you," he promised, kissing the tip of Jasper's nose. Then he smiled again, this one more mischievous. "Brat."

With that, he moved to sit behind Jasper, his legs framing his. He kissed Jasper's cheek and the corner of his mouth. He tugged the robe from his shoulders and ran his hands over Jasper's chest.

"So, you never did answer my question," Edward said, nibbling Jasper's ear. He ran his fingers in feather light circles around his belly button.

Jasper sucked in a breath, his stomach contracting under Edward's touch. "Wha-What question?" He tilted his head back as Edward's lips moved to his neck.

"What do you like? Or, I suppose, what do you think you'd like?" He let his hands drift south, cupping Jasper through his jeans and rubbing. "Do you want me to fuck you, baby?"

Jasper's hands clenched on Edward's knees. He tried to resist but couldn't help but thrust against Edward's hand. "Please," he said, his voice near a whine.

"Please you want more of this?" Edward rubbed him harder, giving his cock a squeeze. "Or please you want me to fuck you?"

Jasper groaned. "Both?"

"Greedy, aren't you?" Edward licked along his neck. His deft fingers undid the button of Jasper's jeans.

It didn't take long, of course. Not with Edward whispering dirty things in his ear as he worked him. He came too quickly, but Edward didn't let him feel embarrassed about it. He shushed his mumbling with a kiss.

"I love being fucked after I come," Edward said. "When I'm all relaxed and sensitive." He kissed Jasper soundly. "Get your pants off. I need to grab something from next door."

Luckily, Edward wasn't gone long enough for the nerves to really set in. Still, Jasper's throat was dry as Edward climbed over him, settling on his knees between his legs. He tossed a condom to the side and coated his fingers with the lube he'd brought from his room. Jasper raised an eyebrow at him.

Edward smirked. "Always, and I mean always, be prepared. Put a condom in your wallet." He leaned in and kissed near Jasper's ear. "The gays are everywhere."

Jasper might have quipped something about how he guessed the conservatives were right to fear the secret queer army, but his mouth was too dry. His heart had begun to speed again. Edward pushed his knees back, teasing his entrance with the tip of a lube-covered finger.

"Is this still what you want?" Edward asked, pressing lightly against his asshole.

Jasper gasped—sensitive as Edward had promised and very aware no one else had ever touched him like this. "Y-yeah. Yes."

"It's okay if you changed your mind, you know."

Jasper groaned. He was going to go crazy if Edward didn't stop teasing him. "I want. Please."

"So sex was the secret all along," Edward said, his voice a sing-song tease as he entered Jasper with one finger. "You're so polite when you're begging me to fuck you."

Edward worked him slow at first, one finger deep inside him, setting off every nerve Jasper had. It didn't take much to make Jasper hard again.

"The benefits of being a teenager," Edward said, adding another finger.

And Jasper wanted to tease him back, because it wasn't like he was a decrepit old man. But he couldn't find words just then—not between all the new sensations and the shock that Edward could be like this. It was all overwhelming.

But not bad. No. Far from bad.

Edward readjusted, guiding Jasper's legs up to rest on his shoulders. He rested one hand on Jasper's chest as he tore the condom wrapper open with his teeth. Why the sight was so erotic, Jasper had no idea. He licked his lips, running his fingers along the muscular definition of Edward's arms.

"Are you okay?" Edward asked, reaching between them.

Jasper pressed his lips together as he felt the blunt head of Edward's cock against him. He nodded, nervous but ready. He wasn't scared; he just wasn't sure what to expect. He trusted that Edward wouldn't hurt him.

A moment later, his fingers tightened on Edward's arms as the other man entered him.

Edward, Jasper had already noted, was thick, and he could feel every inch as he slid inside him. He gave a little cry, clenching and then relaxing around the stretch. He threw his head back, his cry louder as Edward thrust deeper in him.

It did hurt, but not enough to overpower the sensation of pleasure. Edward went slow, giving Jasper time to adjust to the feeling of being filled. It was incredible to be taken this way, to have someone inside him. More than that, Edward surrounded him. He came forward, pressing Jasper's knees close to his ears as he thrust deeper. He kissed him, and that sweetness was almost too much. The physical sensation, the pleasure that shot down his spine with each movement, the feeling of being consumed—it was all so much.

But as moments passed, Jasper came back to himself. He kissed Edward back and raised his hips to meet each thrust. He ran his hands through Edward's hair and reveled in the noises Edward made as they moved together.

"Sweet, tight, little ass," Edward murmured against his lips. "Christ, you drive me so crazy."

Minutes later, they lay together, Edward sprawled on top of him, his breath hot in Jasper's ear. He was glad Edward had his face buried in the pillow beside him. Jasper knew damn well he had the biggest, goofiest grin, and he couldn't seem to stop smiling. He stroked the back of Edward's sweat-slicked neck—achy, sticky, and happy.

~0~

Jasper came awake slowly. He'd never been as blissed out as he was right then. Dawn was breaking over the mountains. He could see it from where he lay. Jasper wasn't such a hard ass that he couldn't appreciate a beautiful sunset.

Better than the natural beauty, though, was the bliss of Edward's arms around him. It was a nice way to wake up, especially because Edward was raining kisses along his shoulders and neck. A happiness Jasper had never felt before rushed over him, and he rolled onto his belly, hiding a goofy grin against the pillow.

"Don't try to kill yourself. It couldn't have been that bad," Edward said, his breath tickling Jasper's ear.

Jasper turned his head to the side. He still hadn't managed to tame his grin, so Edward got a full frontal view of it. The other man laughed, and Jasper hid his face again.

"Can I ask you a question?" Edward asked, stroking his fingers through Jasper's hair.

"Hmm?" Jasper grunted, far too content to consider moving.

"You don't have to answer, of course, but how the hell did you end up a virgin? I mean, you obviously weren't saving yourself."

Jasper snorted and then yawned. He rolled his head to look at Edward sleepily. "I was, uh...sheltered, I guess. Innocent or whatever. Naive about sex. I mean, I didn't really understand what sex was until maybe sixth grade. Something like that? My mom and my stepfather were the kind who kept me away from movies with tits in them. Would never consent to sex ed. All that. I was the butt of a lot of jokes that I didn't figure out until way later."

He rolled onto his back and stared up at the ceiling. "Then my stepfather got really weird with me when he found out my mom was pregnant with Lucy. He started getting...strict, and I don't know. I guess it pissed me off. I started hanging out with people I knew my parents wouldn't approve of." He snickered. "Learned about the birds and the bees and figured out I was hella gay. I think my mom still thinks I'm gay just to piss them off."

"Are they bad about that?" Edward said with a frown.

"Not really. It's just not what they would have wanted, you know?" He huffed. "But I guess that about describes all of me when it comes to them. No, the people who had a real problem with gay guys were the assholes I hung out with last year. One of them was the one who set me up for the fall, which I guess is better than beating me up, right?

"Anyway, long story short, I went from being that kid who wanted to protect his flower to hanging out with a bunch of homophobic, petty thieves. And since I got in trouble, my parents have kept me on a pretty tight leash." He made a face. "I know it's pathetic, but I can't do much without my high school diploma. Even I know that."

Edward gaped at him. "Are you telling me you're in high school?"

Jasper grimaced.

"Holy shit," Edward said under his breath. He rolled to his side and sat up.

"I'm almost nineteen, man," Jasper said, defensive now. "I was held back a year, that's all. It's just a fluke."

To his surprise, Edward started to laugh. "Jesus Christ. I don't know what you're doing to me, Jasper Whitlock. There's not a single person I know who wouldn't give me shit for this. I mean, I'm not as uptight as you like to think I am, but this is not my usual scene."

Edward laughed again at the look on Jasper's face and rumpled his hair affectionately. "I'm teasing you. Mostly." He rubbed a hand over his eyes, still grinning. "You're a bad influence." His smile gentled. "But I hear everyone goes through a bad boy phase. I'm just a late bloomer."

He leaned down and pecked Jasper's lips, but then got to his feet. He stretched and Jasper had to swallow a groan. Edward was still naked. Gloriously naked.

Unfortunately, he pulled his pants on and his shirt over his head in the next few seconds. He sat on Jasper's side of the bed and cupped his cheek, smiling. "I'm not going to regret it, you know."

Jasper raised an eyebrow. "Obviously. If I were you, I'd be bragging about having me for years to come." He gestured down at himself. "Guess you can say you still got it, old man."

Edward leaned down, so fast and quick it caught Jasper off guard. "You know, I have some ideas of how to better use your mouth instead of antagonizing your elders."

He strode out of the room then, and Jasper rolled over, burying his head in his pillow with a groan. His cheeks were flushed, and that goofy, dorky grin was back again.

How Jasper had gone from a general dislike of Edward Cullen to a full blown schoolboy crush, he really couldn't figure out.

A/N: One chappy left. :) Check out the beautiful banner Dorchester made me!