Chapter One - Our Little Slice of Paradise

July 2005

The South of France

"Is this really necessary?" If his eyes weren't hidden from my view, I just know Jasper would be giving me an amused-eyebrow-raised look.

Peeking over the top of the tall menu, I took in the man before me.

My Boyfriend.

Tall, handsome and blonde.

...And wearing sunglasses indoors. Indoors in a darkened room, lit chiefly by candles and fairy lights. He looked almost angelic.

"Yes. Definitely, we can't have anyone getting suspicious."

Such a lie. I just didn't want anyone else to see those honey eyes. Too many beautiful people had been eying up my man, and I was very much not enjoying it.

Even if he only had eyes for me… Or so he said.

I suppressed a grin, looking back at the menu.

Of course, some sunglasses didn't stop the curious gazes, but it made me feel better.

A waitress approached us smiling, pad and pen in hand. With a pretty French accent, she asked, "Are you ready to order? We have a lovely selection of wines on offer tonight."

"Oh, wine! Oui, could I have a bottle of Red please?"

"Of course! And for… you…?" The waitress trailed off as she took in Jasper's eyewear.

She glanced at me, "Is he... Uh, are the lights too bright?" She asked unsurely.

Before he could answer her, I said, "He's blind."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jasper's head snap toward me, but I was choosing to ignore him.

"Oh." The waitress blinked, "Should I…?" She was indicating toward the menu Jasper held in front of him.

"Oh no, he won't be getting anything," I added hastily, instantly cringing at how it came out.

Jasper laughed quietly at the woman's very concerned look and said, "Could you give us a minute?"

The woman nodded and walked away very quickly indeed.

Jasper reached across the table and grasped my hand, "Are you okay?"

I let out a loud breath and rubbed my face laughing, "Oh I sounded quite bad didn't I?"

"Oh yeah, pretty sure the poor waitress thinks you've kidnapped a blind man and are refusing to feed him."

I groaned into my hand, but the amused tone he used made her laugh.

"Wanna just get out of here?" He said.

"Definitely." I agreed, grinning.

And so we did.

It was our last night in France, and what a magical couple of weeks it had been. After all that had happened, they decided to get away for a while. Enjoy the summer somewhere quiet and peaceful, away from the reminders of pain and death.

And of course, the Cullens just happened to let slip that they had a small Château in the South of France.

It was nice being able to be together out in the open, with no secrets, and no hiding. The house was hidden away from everything and everyone, so much so that they could enjoy the sun out in the open, Jasper was able to shine as he does without the worry of being spotted.

I had taken to asking him if there were any… others of his kind around, the fear of being caught unawares haunting me. Jasper never questioned it, just listened for a moment before assuring me there was no one around but the two of us and I would be at ease.

And it had all been perfect.

Well.. apart from one embarrassing moment in the beginning… Because it wouldn't be me if I didn't make a fool of myself at one point or another.

We had just arrived at the house and I ran about the place determined to explore every nook and cranny. The only other house I had ever been in which rivalled the beauty of the place was the Cullen's current residence in Forks.

After I took far too long to pick a bedroom (I chose the one with direct access to the pool), I threw myself onto the bed, lying on my back. Jasper stood against the wall, smirking in amusement as he always did.

We made some quips and flirty comments and I somehow misinterpreted him saying we could sleep together as we could sleep together. I blushed and spluttered, exclaiming "You should have warned me! I haven't shaved! Or brought any nice underwear!"

The bewildered silence and awkward clearing of the throat made me pause.

"Oh." My eyes widened, "Oh no." I waved my hands furiously, chanting 'no' over and over, scurrying past him and into the bathroom, locking the door behind me knowing very well that he could come in after me if he so wished.

"Clara…" I could hear the smirk in that sing-song voice and I scowled at the closed door. "Would you come out please?"

"No."

"Please."

"No."

"Pretty please."

"...Only if you don't look at me."

"...Why?"

"Because I'm very, very embarrassed, and if I look you in the eye I might implode."

"Well, we can't have that." I heard some shuffling and then he said, "Okay, you can come out."

And so I did, and of course, all he had done was put on his sunglasses claiming he was suddenly blind. He had cuddled me close laughing so I couldn't escape, and I pouted and rambled over my embarrassing misunderstanding.

It was a very awkward conversation that followed, discussing our own experiences in that department. And a question I had for Jasper made him pause.

Could we ever sleep together? Was that possible? How does it work?

Would he even want to? I knew I would… I did.

The intense look in his eyes and the 'yes' he spoke assured me he too would like nothing more than to be as close as possible with one another, but he was hesitant. I could feel the want and unsureness radiating from him, knowing he could feel my own in return.

He didn't know if it was possible either. Is this something you could Google? 'Can I sleep with my vampire boyfriend and not die?'

The number one worry of course was how fragile I would be. I wanted to deny it, I trusted Jasper and knew how gentle he could be, but having experienced the untamed strength of a vampire a few months ago, I was not eager to throw myself into a situation where I could be quite powerless.

It was interesting how Jasper felt similar in some ways. Both of us felt as though we may not have any control over such a situation, and both were a little lost in how to approach it. Jasper was just about used to my scent, being close. No need to tempt fate any more than we already had.

We tabled it that night. It could wait, and we had more things to enjoy in the South of France than the sexual compatibility of a vampire and a human. Besides, it's not as though sex is the only kind of intimacy we could engage in.

It's times like these that I'm reminded of how absurd my situation is…

All was quickly forgotten though as I basked in the warmth of the French sun, and the love from my partner.

It was all so perfect, but of course, all good things come to an end and our time in France was coming to a close. Back to Forks we go.

Leaving the restaurant behind us, we hopped in the car and sped off, windows down, hair whipping in all directions wildly.

I giggled and squeaked as Jasper put his foot on the pedal, going faster and faster along the vast, isolated countryside roads.

Once we returned to the Chateau, my hair thoroughly windswept, we headed straight for the kitchen, and I scoured the cupboards for something to cook while Jasper turned on the radio, allowing soft French music to flood the room.

I went with a simple pasta dish and took pleasure in forcing Jasper to get involved with helping me. The frustration on his face while attempting to cook was becoming a favourite of mine.

Once I had prepared my meal and Jasper had left the house, I threw myself onto the sofa. He needed to hunt before we boarded the plane full of people the next day… not exactly his idea of a good time.

"Hello?" I answered my phone as I shoved food into my mouth, some French soap opera playing on the TV.

"Ugh, it's so good to hear your voice."

"Addy I spoke to you like two days ago."

"Yeah, but two days feel like a lifetime when my parents are home."

"Aren't you working?"

"No, I have a few days off. But of course, everyone decides to be busy the one time I have nothing to do! And I refuse to ask my parents for a ride anywhere."

I could practically hear the scowl on her face.

"Poor thing. How will you cope."

"You're back tomorrow aren't you?" she asked and I hummed in reply, "You're so lucky, I wish I was brave enough to do solo travel. I'm excited for you to come back though, I've been trying to figure out what to get you for your birthday. I can't wait for your party."

"You don't have to get me anything-"

"Oh shut up, we're all getting you something and you're going to like it."

"You're very aggressive in sharing your affection you know."

"The aggression is to compensate for the short height."

I snorted back laughter.

"Soo….." Addy trailed off, "Like… who is going to be at this party anyway. Last time I asked you said the list hadn't been confirmed."

"...Right," I cringed slightly. Every time I thought about the different elements of my life colliding, I couldn't possibly see how it could go smoothly. And I just knew my friends were very curious about a certain family. "Well, there's going to be my mom, Charlie and Bella. You guys of course, and my Aunt is coming. She's been away for a while now so that'll be nice…"

"Uh huh…"

I pursed my lips to stop myself from laughing. I could almost imagine Addy on the edge of her bed, finger twirling wildly around the telephone cord as she waited for me to confirm her suspicions.

"Oh! And I suppose the Cullen's will be there…" I said casually.

"Like all of them?"

"I suppose, depends on who wants to come."

"You should definitely get them all to come."

"Oh?" I said with faux confusion, "Any particular reason?"

"You're such a shit! You know we all want to meet them! I basically only know Esme. The rest of them are all mysterious and whatever!"

I laughed, "I wanted to see how long you'd dance around the obvious."

"Dick. You know I've barely seen them around the last few weeks. You'd think with the sun being out for once they'd show their faces more, but if anything they seem to be in hiding. Or on holiday."

"Maybe they're allergic to the sun," I offered.

"I honestly would not be surprised with how pale and weird they are."

"They're not that exciting once you get to know them."

"Uh huh, okay sure. Somehow I don't believe you."

"You never do. How's Joe's lady friend? Any more developments?"

"Who knows, he doesn't talk about her, I don't actually know how they met again but whatever. Maybe it's nothing serious. Or maybe she's secretly big foot or something and he's too embarrassed to share with us."

"Oh yes, that's got to be it," I said dryly, "Maybe it's just new, probably know's we'll all make fun of him as soon as we'd get a whiff of it. Or maybe it didn't work out and he doesn't want to tell us."

"Suppose… Oh my god, I forgot to tell you! Grace and Aaron are moving in together!"

"Already? They've only been together a few months!"

"I know, that's what I said at first, but I suppose we forget that they've known each other for years… besides I think Aaron is desperate to get out of here, not that I blame him. At least it's somewhere for me to retreat to when I need some space."

"Dude, you need to move out."

"Tell me about it, I feel myself losing brain cells every minute I'm in this godforsaken place."

"Always the dramatic Addy."

"You wouldn't have it any other way."

I spent the next half an hour chatting nonsense with Addy, filling in the quietness that had been left behind while Jasper had been gone.

Not long after the phone call, I finished packing our things when Jasper returned.

I smiled softly as he kissed the side of my head.

"All ready then?" He asked, gently rubbing my hair.

I sighed dramatically, leaning back into him, "Unfortunately. I feel like I'm going to get whiplash, going from the sun to rain."

"You never know, the weather might be nice back home."

"It's Forks," I rolled my eyes, "I wouldn't get my hopes up. Besides you'd light up like a disco ball if the sun was shining. How would I be able to see you?"

Jasper scowled at me and I patted his cheek grinning, before moving away to get ready for bed.

When I returned from brushing my teeth, Jasper was looking out at the setting sun, lighting up the room with a golden glow, which shone off his hair. His skin began to glitter and I stood watching him for a moment.

Eventually, he turned his head and looked at me softly and I smiled.

"Are you looking forward to getting home? I'm sure you're missing everyone." I said, knowing Jasper enjoyed the environment Forks had to offer over the sunny dry one we were currently in.

"Yes and no." He tilted his head back and forth, "I miss my family, but I will miss this time with you."

I padded across the room to join him, wrapping my arms around his middle, "We'll have another trip soon. I enjoyed being normal with you… Well, as far as possible for a vampire anyways."

He gave me a small grin and pulled me closer, "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm pretty sure that people think I'm less strange than you."

"What can I say," I shrugged, "I'm an enigma. And you still love me regardless so…"

Jasper smirked and took my hand, "Come here. I have something for you." He pulled me over to the bed and indicated for me to sit down.

Doing so, I watched him curiously as he left the room. "You know, you already got me a holiday, I'm not in need of much else?"

He reappeared with a box no bigger than his palm and handed it to me.

"For your birthday," He nodded, "Thought I'd give it to you now since we probably won't get a private moment when we get back. It'll be all eyes on you."

"Don't remind me," I rolled my eyes, accepting the gift, "Between my mom and Alice I'm not expecting much peace until after this party."

Jasper watched me expectantly, hands behind his back and I bit the inside of my cheek to push down my growing excitement. I took the lid of the box and on the inside sat a bronze pocket watch, old and worn, but well preserved and shining. It was of simple design and felt firm in my hand.

I ran my finger over the outside, turning it around and taking in the 'JW' that had been carved into the back.

"It's from when I was human. One of the only things I still have from then, during my time in the army."

"Oh my God." I suddenly felt like I was holding something very fragile, afraid to move in fear of dropping it, "This is like, a bit of history or something. Jasper, I can't take this, it's yours." I held it out toward him.

He smiled softly and knelt in front of me. Reaching forward he gently closed my hands around it, "I want you to have it, like a part of me with you, the human part."

I opened my hands and looked it over before looking up at him sheepishly, "...But what if I break it."

He smirked amused, "Don't worry, if it can survive a civil war, I think even you'll be able to handle it." He breathed out a laugh at my eye roll, then reached forward to pop the watch open, revealing the clock on the inside. "I checked it over and made sure it still works."

I watched the ticking of the clock hands and thought over the past couple of months and how much had changed in that time, the events that led to me holding this in my hands.

I smiled softly and looked up again, one hand reaching out to cup his cheek, "thank you," I whispered, warmth in my chest, "I love it, and I'm honoured you trust me to have it. I promise I'll keep it safe."

"I know." He kissed my hand, then nodded, "Alice told me."

I gasped as he stood quickly avoiding my fists, laughing when I followed his speeding movement around the room.

"Kidding! I'm kidding." He laughed. He easily dodged me as I chased him, and one moment the pock watch was in my hand, the next it was safely in its box and I was in his arms, hurrying toward the glass doors.

"No, no, no! Don't you dare!" I squealed as Jasper took both himself and me into the moonlit pool.

I flailed wildly and pushed myself up, breaking the surface, and spluttering.

Jasper was across the way grinning wildly, his hands pushing his hair back.

I couldn't help but stare, "I hate you." I whispered pouting.

"Liar."

The next few hours were spent under the night's sky, kisses under the water, laughter and splashes, watching the stars twinkle above us in the calm evening bliss.