Welcome to the sequel! Let's follow Bella and Jasper through New Moon, shall we? Forewarning, we do divert from the original story more in this one than in Rock & Roll Rebel. Hopefully you'll enjoy the surprises I have in store. Cheers, darlings!

Chapter 1: Hunting

Bella gasped and jolted awake. Jasper quickly put down his book and moved within her line of sight. "It's alright, darlin'," he soothed, stroking her hair, his other hand coming to rest against her throat where could feel her pulse racing beneath his palm. He swallowed and moved his hand to her cheek instead. "Look at me, Bella. It's alright."

Her eyes finally meet his. "Oh shit, that was..." she breathed a shaky sigh, pulling away from him slightly to examine her hands. Seeing that they weren't in fact wrinkled and freckled with age spots, she laughed lightly in relief. "That was a way too intense way to start the day."

"Are you okay now?" he asked, watching as she ran a hand through her hair.

"Yeah, I- I think so," she nodded, pulling her legs up under her. "Thanks for staying again last night."

"Good," he smiled, pressing a quick kiss to her lips, "and it was my pleasure."

When she had him to stay over a few weeks ago, he was powerless to say no. He had almost every night since. She claimed she slept better when he was there, and she talked in her sleep so that usually made things quite interesting. And gave him plenty to tease her about. Except for last night. He was just as relieved to see her awake as she was.

He slid off her bed and stuck his book in his back pocket. "Charlie's on his way up, so I'll see you at school, darlin'."

"M'kay."

"Oh!" He turned back, halfway out the window and grinned, "and happy birthday!"

She groaned and threw a pillow at him, but he jumped down off the roof just as it hit the window.

"Jazz," Alice said, her tone letting him know that she was in no mood to be trifled with, but trifle he would. "Let me see your eyes!"

"No, I told you, I'm fine."

She followed him up the stairs. "Jasper Byron Whitlock!"

"That's low," he groaned and rolled his eyes with a sigh. "Was the middle name really necessary?"

He slowly turned to find Alice right behind him and Edward waiting at the bottom of the staircase. Ignoring his brother for now, he looked straight at Alice, already knowing what she'd see and not looking forward to the lecture to come. "Happy now?"

She gasped, and the sound made him flinch.

In what would have been a simple blink to the human eye, Edward was up the stairs and beside Jasper, trying to get a look for himself to confirm what Alice had been thinking.

"I know I need to hunt," he snapped, but Edward's tension and irritation remained. Jasper tried not to let it elevate his own. "I'm skippin' class to go this morning, alright?"

Edward frowned. "You have to be more careful. When you spend so much time with Bella..."

"I can handle it."

"Jasper, I'm only trying to help. You need to-"

"Look, I appreciate the hell outta what you did for Bella in Phoenix, but if you think that gives you some sorta high and mighty power over me, then-"

"I would never think that, but the fact remains that-"

"Enough!" Alice shouted, wedging herself between them. She glared up at both of them. "Edward, go downstairs. Jasper, your room. Now!"

Edward leaned in to kiss her head before heading back down to the living room while Alice pushed Jasper towards his room. She closed the door behind him and he felt her frustration melt into concern. "Are you okay?"

"I will be. It's just..." he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "When she asks me to stay, how can I say no?"

To his surprise, she nodded. "I know. But you do need to hunt."

"I know."

"Her party is tonight, remember? I want you fresh for it."

He smirked. "Yes, ma'am."

"Good. Now give me a hug and get going. If you leave now, you may be able to make it back in time to meet up with the birthday girl before second period."

Jasper smiled and wrapped his arms around her, picking her up and spinning her around. "Put me down, you weirdo!" she laughed.

He obliged then leapt from the window to the forest floor. Before he got too far, he looked back at the house where he saw Alice sitting beside Edward as he played the piano.

Sorry 'bout earlier.

He knew his brother heard him when he felt the sentiment returned.

I'm glad she has you, y'know, he added, because, honestly, he's not sure if he had ever said it. To him, at least.

He could feel Edward's smile, along with a shy acceptance and gratefulness he hadn't expected.

Huh.

Maybe he could be friends with his perfect little brother one day.

Maybe.