~my mouth once again betrayed me by agreeing—it seemed to be doing that a lot these days and as far as I knew there was no cure for such an ailment.~

CHAPTER TWELVE - ERUPTION

He gazed at me with his now ochre eyes, vulnerability and apprehension heavy as his mouth parted in shock. It seemed I had stunned him into silence, his vampiric mind working even faster to try and decode what I just said. I was anxious. My toes curl in my shoes only to flatten back out then repeat the action all over again. "You still wish to speak to me?" His voice quavers, giving away how hard it really was for him to ask such a question.

"Mm." I hum before deciding more needed to be said, "Nothing has to change, Jasper." I didn't want to jump off the cliff with my feelings, instead hoping he understood my underlying message—we would return back to our normalcy. Best friends who happen to hang out almost every weekend. Best friends who ate private lunches together. Best friends who still texted when we didn't see one another. Best friends who made fun of Edward's violent mood swings.

His brows scrunched, "You don't want to know more? Ask questions? Are we even talking about the same thing?"

The warmth that surrounded me was comforting, like I was cocooned with love and care but there was an underlying fire waiting to be fed—I had learned that Jasper's mere presence brought that sensation with him. And maybe that's why I felt so confident. "I told you before. If I could be friends, I would." I cocked an eyebrow at him, "Am I going to be dragged into the woods and 'taken care of' because I'm not supposed to know?"

A choking sound left him, "Of course not." His tone was serious, not leaving any room for me to worry about my safety.

I shrug with nonchalance that I didn't truly feel, "Then it's settled." I take a drink of my water before continuing, "Besides, it doesn't seem like you actually want to talk about it right now. The situation is forcing your hand. I want you to tell me when you're ready."

Jasper hesitantly reached across the table for my hands. I was prepared to drown out the cloudiness with how slow he moved, he took the fact that I didn't move or flinch away as permission to grab them. He held them sweetly, as if my hands were some ancient prized treasure. And if that didn't cause me to almost cry. Gosh, I'm such a baby.

The sizzling heat that always spread through me whenever I was touched by Jasper was now like molten lava spreading through my body. His thumb rubbed a soothing circle over my knuckles that no longer stung, his eyes finally moving from our joint hands to my face. "I do not wish to rush you either, Vega. Your feelings are just as important as my own, if not more." He consoled before continuing, "It appears neither of us are ready."

I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I liked Jasper. Like, really liked Jasper. But I wasn't prepared for the inevitable fall out that would come with me announcing such feelings. Like wasn't love. And the truth is that I am not prepared to die, much less for the feeling of like. I don't even know if I'm prepared to die for love.

I know how it makes me seem to draw the imaginary line between Jasper and I, but I couldn't be the one to say it first. Knowing Jasper must've felt similar was surprisingly comforting. I give a little smile, my fingers twitching until they maneuver to curl around his own, "It appears that way indeed."

Jasper paid for the dinner—not surprising when he's probably filthy rich—and offered to take me home. I was curious, wondering just how that was going to work when Edward and Bella had long since left us in the dust. I didn't even know when they had left, only when Bella had texted me when they were halfway home apologizing profusely for forgetting that Jasper and I were still in the restaurant.

Jasper said his car was parked outside and I believed him, no questions falling from my lips as I wondered internally who had driven his car all the way out here. It was also when we got to the car—that I still didn't know the make or model of—and he went to open my door for me that I realized I still held Jasper's hand. The cold that seeped into my body when we let go was wretched and I almost frowned.

Getting home took a while as Jasper comfortably drove the speed limit. It was as if neither of us wanted to leave one another's side and I could only watch on as my head and heart battled internally. Logically, I knew we just kind of said we'd go back to our normalcy. But my stupid fluttering heart was over the moon, arguing that words weren't needed to move past whatever it was Jasper and I were doing.

But it wasn't time—I wasn't sure it ever would be. Jasper opened my door for me once more after we pulled up out front of my house, his hand lifting only to drop back down and I felt my heart tug. "May I pick you up for school tomorrow?" He asked timidly.

Part of me wanted to reject the offer, mainly due to it feeling too close to dating, but my mouth once again betrayed me by agreeing—it seemed to be doing that a lot these days and as far as I knew there was no cure for such an ailment. I suppose the smile on Jasper's face that lit up the darkened sky was worth it however. Walking me to the door and bidding goodnight fell into the normal pattern we had and I was silently thankful to not find Bella eavesdropping on the other side of the door. Though, I think she might be preoccupied with more pressing matters known as Edward Cullen.

"Vega?" Dad called out from the living as I locked the door.

I popped around the corner, "I'm home."

Dad looked up from the couch, his face expressionless but his eyes smiling, "Did you have a good time?"

Flashes of the day went through my mind. It wouldn't say it was fun but it was memorable in a multitude of ways. My answer was a simple one-word response of, "Yeah."

Dad looked uncomfortable before coughing and asking in a very unsteady tone, "I heard you met Jasper Hale? Bella said you ate dinner with him and he would bring you home." Bella that little rat. She's lucky I love her or I would tattle that she was with Edward, but knowing her she probably lied and said she stayed with the girls.

"Mm. I'm sorry it's so late even though it's a school night." I walk further into the room, about to take a seat on the couch with him when my soul nearly leaves my body.

"Just…uh…" he coughs as his face flushed beet red, "make sure you're using protection, okay?"

I choke and immediately flee toward the stairs, "Oh, dad. No! It's not…it's not like that. Don't worry, okay?" My own cheeks feel hot and I pray that Jasper has actually driven away and couldn't hear such an awkward conversation.

He glances at me before looking away again, but his face is screaming he doesn't believe me fully, "I know you're eighteen but I just want to make sure you're safe."

I pause, feet already on the steps before turning around and grabbing him in a hug. I know he just cares about us. Even if the conversation was awkward as fuck and unneeded. He mechanically hugs back, patting my head before I pull back, "I love you, dad. I know you just worry. Thanks for looking out for us." His eyes glisten and before either of us can get weepy, I ascend the stairs.

After my shower—that may or may not have taken too long—I burst into Bella's room without knocking. She jumps and almost screams but holds it on when she sees it's me.

"I didn't take you for a rat, Isabella Swan." I sniffed, head turned away from her.

Her face flies through so many emotions before settling on guilt, "I'm so sorry. I got home early and you weren't with me. And I didn't know how to explain Edward. But dad already knows you and Jasper hang out so I thought it would be easier to bring up."

I cross my arms and pop my hip out, "Well, dad now thinks Jasper and I are boning."

Bella started laughing so hard she had tears leaking from her eyes. She waved her hands around as she apologized but bluntly said that it's because we're obviously dating—she still won't let it go. But I once again reminded her that it's not like that. And since I refuse to back down from a challenge I teased back, "Oh, how was your date with Edward then?" That shut her up fast.

But then she started fidgeting. And I just knew all hell was about to break loose as she got up to close her door behind me, grabbing my hand and leading me to her bed before forcing me to sit down. Both of her hands were on my shoulders and her eyes were humorless before she launched into everything that happened tonight—no details spared. Including the fact that Edward can read minds.

I wanted to rip my ears off. Sure, Jasper and I had come to an understanding about the entire situation but hearing how blatant Bella and Edward were with one another made me want to run away. I had forgotten how insane they both were.

I refocus on Bella as she finishes up, "And so, I believe the Cullens are vampires." She shakes her head, "No. They are vampires."

My lack of expression must have been off putting as I asked how she knew for sure since she looked distressed. Apparently Edward's silence when Bella had guessed vampire was loud and clear enough for her to know.

"Remember when we talked before? I finally know what they are." She inhales before staring directly into my eyes, "They're vampires." The word was stressed as her hands squeezed my shoulders and shook me in place, trying to make sure I understood the word she had been saying.

And just like that I couldn't pretend I didn't know anymore. "And yes, that means Jasper is one too." She needlessly announced. My hands came up to cover my face and Bella must have thought she broke me as she tried to offer words of what I assumed were comfort, "But they're not bad! If they wanted us dead, we'd be gone."

I could only beg whatever higher power existed that Edward wasn't lurking outside her window listening in on the entire conversation.

I let my hands slide down to only cover my mouth, my eyes peering at her before making her promise that she would not tell anyone else that she told me. I explained that I wanted to stay out of whatever drama may be kicked up because of this. She agreed and hopefully would respect my wishes enough to comply.

But then she flopped down on the bed and began to wonder aloud, "Are we broken? Is that why Edward can't read our minds?"

The heaviest sigh almost escapes me but I contain it, "Oh so he can't read mine either? Maybe we're just too awesome." I try valiantly to make it as unserious as possible. Bella huffs and explains that Edward said I caused him pain when he tried to read my mind. As much as I feel terrible for Edward, I am so thankful. Before I left her room for bed I made her promise at least six more times that Edward would not find out that I knew.

The next morning was utter shit. I dreamt of my past again. The flashback was a happier memory this time at least.

A man with dark hair in an undercut knelt on one knee, his face blurry but I could tell it was Jae. My hair was sticking in all directions and we were both covered in sweat and paint. The unopened boxes were stacked in random spots around the room, still waiting for us to unpack them but none of that mattered when I looked at him. The box held in his hand with the dainty diamond ring front and center was taking my breath away.

My words got stuck in my throat and before I could manage a response I was standing in complete darkness.

And I was lonely.

All I wanted was to see Ja–Jasper. The realization was startling.

The darkness spins until light shines and I'm watching a scene play out. Jasper and I in front of a house, then it's changed to us barefoot and giggling as we huddle around yellow paint swatches on the wall. I felt happy and at peace, like I was meant to be there. Next to Jasper.

But then I awoke feeling guilty. Then the guilt rushed in like a fucking tsunami and I woke up to tears on my face. I nearly screamed into my pillow when I remembered Jasper was going to pick me up for school, all while I was emotionally unstable and my eyes slightly puffy.

After getting myself together and ready, I slowly drank my coffee after I told Bella that Jasper was picking me up. I think her neck made a cracking noise it shouldn't but I shuffled down the stairs before she could say anything. When Jasper arrived, his car was a different one than the sporty model from before—it was more normal looking. As I walked outside toward the car Jasper's face was once again twisted with worry as he eyed my prominent eye bags, "Are you alright? Is it because of last night?"

I shook my head, "Nah, just a hard time sleeping. Ya know." I chortled a bit at the joke and his own mouth pulled into a grin.

"Funny." Is all he responded with but I could tell he was laughing inside by the light in his eyes. I liked that we could pretend the joke and response were normal.

He opened my door for me as always and my heart did that little badump again. I knew Jasper could hear it but I refused to look his way, instead gesturing everywhere "New car?"

"It will stand out less at school." He responded, turning to look at me before grabbing a thermos from the cup holder, "For you."

"You can't bribe me with coffee…" I tease but take the thermos anyway and inhale the sweet aroma.

His knuckles tense a little on the steering wheel, "It's not really a bribe but with the new car and all I could also pick you up more often in the mornings if you'd like?"

I swallowed, the guilt stabbing me before the warmth numbed it and once again cocooned around my body. I offered to settle in between. Sometimes we'd ride to school together and sometimes it would be just Bella and I in The Beast. Couldn't leave her alone with her thoughts too long. Last time I did that she was already miles ahead and found out the Cullens were vampires—I know I should have been more prepared but I was a little distracted with my own vampire problem in the form of Jasper. Next thing I know she'll be untangling the secrets of the shapeshifters in La Push.

The rest of the drive to school was in a comfortable silence. It was as if neither of us knew what to say but we also didn't need to talk to understand. I broke the silence with the question that had been wiggling around in my brain almost the entire ride, "Does your family know you've picked me up?"

He looked a little uncomfortable but the small "Yes" that came out was good enough for me. I wasn't sure where I stood with the Cullens but I most certainly didn't want to piss them off or start causing trouble. I didn't want to know their secrets but I also was being dragged into the maw of it every time I looked away.

Part of me knew that I was going to inevitably get tangled in the supernatural but part of me wanted to continue as if I knew nothing. It wasn't fair for anyone but myself—I knew that too. I was being selfish.

The new car driving through the parking lot earned more than a few gazes but it's like the Cullens had all chosen today to drive something new as a bright red car sat where Emmett's Jeep usually was and most of the attention was still on that. Jasper wasted no time in parking next to the car that had to be Rosalie's. That made my anxiety spike a little because while I did agree to drive to school with Jasper, I hadn't realized that meant potentially socializing with his siblings. I might have preferred getting the stares like I was a new zoo animal.

He opened my door and I stepped out, catching Rosalie's eye. She didn't immediately grimace or even snarl at me so I took that as a good sign—or at least a neutral one. Emmett swung a broad arm around her shoulder before shooting me a goofy grin and a wink as he turned her away from my direction. Alice was bouncing on the balls of her feet as she positively radiated joy. It was a little overbearing for so early in the morning and even more so after a rough night.

Alice bound over to us and Jasper placed a hand on my back when she moved a little too close into my space and I stepped back to avoid her touch, nearly tripping over my own feet in the process. I mumbled a thanks, knowing he'd hear it before Alice started shooting off questions in rapid fire. How was my weekend? Did I buy a dress? She heard I punched a man in the face and was it amazing? Did our date go well?

I peeked skeptically at Jasper for that question and he shook his head, mortification swirling in his whiskey eyes. I didn't wish to become a little storm cloud for the perpetual rainbow in front of me but my mouth was correcting her before my brain could catch up, "Oh, it wasn't a date." I chuckle a little awkwardly before joking, "You're as bad as Bella."

Her face falls and I think if she had the ability, she might have actually cried. Jasper tries to direct the conversation in a new direction but all of us are immediately drawn to the Volvo that pulls into school—with my sister in the passenger seat. Edward didn't even bother to park near his family, instead opting to park far away and even open her car door for her.

Just like that, it was as if a volcano erupted at Forks High School.

Rosalie was visibly seething, moments away from blowing up. Emmett looked stumped and unsure. Alice's face was a mixture of surprise—something I think she rarely felt—and excitement, but also some nervousness. Jasper quietly huffed before physically turning his head away from the scene. My jaw must have been on the floor and while I knew it wasn't long until they got together, I hadn't remembered this small detail. Especially knowing that Bella hates attention. But maybe she's okay with it if it's for Edward.

My head tilted up at Jasper and he looked down at me at once. I could feel my brows furrow, "Did you know he was doing this?"

"No." He sighed a little but still kept eye contact with me as he moved a piece of hair that blew in my face out of the way, "Edward and I haven't really been on speaking terms as of late."

My eyes flutter shut and my head leans toward his fingers, chasing the warmth it brought me before coming back to myself and snapping my eyes back over to my sister. "Should I corner her at lunch today?" I wonder aloud as Jasper starts to lead me towards the school. The rest of the Cullens had long since disappeared and I'm partially convinced Alice is getting secret photographs of the newfound couple.

"But today is our library day." Jasper almost sounds like he's whining.

"But we did drive to school together." My lips purse in thought, "And since Edward has so generously driven Bella to school, I'll need a ride home." My hands squeeze the thermos, "If you don't mind that is."

"Anything for you, Darlin'." His small confident smile and crinkled eyes with that honey dripping southern twang calling me that again had the butterflies erupting through my entire body, their tiny wings tickling my heart for the first time.

A/N: Happy New Year to all! And thank you to everyone who has followed, favorited, and/or commented! 〜（ゝ。∂）