A/N: I don't own Twilight or BtVS; they are the property of Stephanie Meyers and Joss Whedon respectively. I just like to ponder what would happen if the two worlds collided.

Chapter 26: Through the Looking Glass

The aroma of roast beef and sautéed vegetables lingered in the air, mixing with the warm glow of the candles that adorned the dining table in Giles' cozy home. Plates were laden with food, remnants of the hearty meal Jasper had prepared under Giles' tutelage and Xander's running commentary. The clink of cutlery against porcelain gradually faded as the group settled into a comfortable post-dinner lull.

Giles, sitting at the head of the table, observed his makeshift family with a contented smile. Buffy, seated to his right, was deep in conversation with Spike, who sat beside her, their banter punctuated with occasional bursts of laughter. Xander, positioned at the other end of the table, took a swig of his drink, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he teased Jasper.

"Oops, almost forgot your mug o' pig's blood, Mr. Marble!" Xander quipped, his grin widening as Jasper's stomach emitted another growl.

Jasper, seated beside Willow across from the Slayer, let out an exasperated sigh. The flickering candlelight cast shadows on his frustrated expression as he raked his fingers through his hair.

"Ugh, just when I thought I had it all under control," Jasper muttered, his frustration palpable as he pulled at his hair.

Willow, sitting beside him, reached over and gently placed her hands over his, guiding them down to rest on the table. Her touch was calming, and a hint of flirtation danced in her eyes. "It's okay, Jasper. You've been doing great. It's just a minor setback."

Jasper forced a smile but couldn't shake the frustration gnawing at him. It wasn't just the hunger. It was everything. Adjusting to his new existence, constantly balancing between his reawakened humanity and his vampiric nature, felt like an endless battle. It's like I have to rediscover my own body, he thought, feeling off-kilter, and disoriented. After decades at Maria's side, there shouldn't be any shred of it left—Edward reminded me of that often enough. How much longer can I keep this up?

Giles, sensing Jasper's distress, offered some reassurance. "It's understandable, Jasper. You're adjusting to a lot, and it's natural to feel overwhelmed." With that, he rose from the table to warm up Jasper's much-needed mug o' pig's blood.

Xander, ever the comic relief, chimed in with a smirk. "Yeah, I mean, first you're allergic to water, now you're hungry all the time. What's next? Sunburns?"

Jasper managed a weak smile at Xander's attempt to lighten the mood. Lifting his hands, he displayed the faint scars on his skin, remnants of past encounters. "Already got those covered," he retorted, a hint of wryness in his tone.

The group chuckled, but Jasper's mind was elsewhere. He remembered the days when he didn't have to worry about such things, when his biggest concern was the next fight, not managing the unexpected physical sensations of hunger. In the past, he knew to hunt when he felt the thirst in his throat. Here in Sunnydale, his cues were more human than vampire, and the rumbling of his stomach constantly caught him off guard. Even simple acts like sharing a meal with friends felt like walking a tightrope.

Xander chuckled, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "Oh, can't wait for that day, when Jasper meets stakes. Talk about a wooden performance!" he teased, picking up his beer and taking a long sip.

Buffy grinned at Jasper, twirling her fork in her hand. "Yeah, Mr. Marble here keeps Spike in line. Can't have him getting too comfortable," she added with a wink, acknowledging Jasper's earlier hiss at Spike's taunt.

Spike, having recovered from the discomfort of Jasper's hiss, leaned back in his chair with a smirk, his fingers casually drumming on the table. "Oh, I could always stage a little accident for you, Mr. Marble, see how you handle a sharp piece of wood."

The morbid banter carrying on, Jasper rested his head on his folded arms atop the table, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration. They act like it's all a big joke. They don't get it. Back in Forks, people gave me a wide berth, their fear palpable. But here, it's like drinking blood is just another quirky habit, like a coffee addiction. This is bewildering.

Giles had been busy retrieving the pigs' blood. He passed the mug to Willow, who carried it over to the bewildered vampire with a lightness in her step. As she approached, she overheard Spike's veiled threat and responded with her own, her tone playful yet tinged with warning. "Well, Spike, I've been meaning to try out a new spell," Willow said, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Perhaps something to do with... garlic and mirrors?"

Jasper lifted his head, staring at the mug in front of him. This is what it comes to, drinking animal blood to keep the beast at bay. He knew he should be grateful, but it felt so... normal here. He took a sip, the lukewarm liquid sliding down his throat, and marveled at how nonchalant they all were. Why can't I just be normal? But here, normal was redefined. I'm eating human food, feeling the physical sensations of human emotions, and yet I still have to ingest blood. But it wasn't hunting; it was sipping from a cup, like tea.

Spike's smirk faltered slightly at the implied threat, and he glanced nervously at the nearest reflective surface. Jasper took another sip of the blood, feeling the hunger gradually subside. As he read the room's emotions, he sensed love, friendship, and humour dancing around him. But there was something else, something Spike was emanating — fear.

Buffy noticed the shift and nudged Spike with her elbow, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Careful, Spike. You might end up on the wrong end of Willow's wand."

Spike chuckled, but the nervous edge in his laugh was unmistakable. "Yeah, yeah, just keep her away from me with any garlic concoctions."

Jasper managed a faint smile, appreciating the playful atmosphere despite his inner turmoil. He took a deep breath, feeling more at ease with each passing moment. This was his new normal, and as strange as it was, it came with the comfort of being surrounded by this ragtag group who accepted him, quirks and all.

Curious, Jasper furrowed his brow and glanced at Spike. "Why would you be so afraid of mirrors?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.

Spike picked up his glass and swirled the remnants of his drink. "It's not the mirrors themselves, mate, it's what they don't show."

Giles, noticing Jasper's confusion, cleared his throat and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "You see, Jasper, vampires in Sunnydale don't have reflections. It's a peculiarity of this town, one of many supernatural anomalies we encounter."

Jasper nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "Ah, I see. Another quirk of this place," he mused, taking another sip of the blood. He could feel himself becoming more centered, the blood restoring some sense of normalcy, whatever that meant for him now. It's so strange, this acceptance.

Buffy stretched her arms above her head, stifling a yawn. "Yeah, just another day in Sunnydale," she said, her tone light but her eyes serious. She reached over and squeezed Spike's hand, her touch grounding him.

Spike interjected with a smirk, setting his glass down with a clink. "And they're bloody sharp when broken, mate. No fun getting a shard of glass stuck in your hand."

Xander couldn't resist adding, "Spike getting a boo-boo? Now that's a sight I'd pay to see."

The group laughed, and Jasper chuckled softly, appreciating the levity in the room. It's amazing how they can find humour in even the darkest things. Maybe I can too. Maybe, for once, I can be more than just a source of danger.

Jasper chuckled some more, surprising himself with how easily he was integrating into their banter. Back in Forks, I'd never be part of such casual conversation, especially about my nature. Even with Bella, there was always a distance, a caution. Edward had warned her off me, and I couldn't change his mind. It saddens me that I couldn't spend more time with her, to be more than just the dangerous one in the background. But here, it's different. They see me, really see me, and don't shy away. It's a feeling I didn't know I could miss, but now that I have it, I realize just how much I needed it.

Jasper nodded, absorbing the new information. "Indeed," he murmured thoughtfully. Then, with a hint of uncertainty, he asked, "Would I be affected by mirrors too?"

Spike shrugged, leaning back in his chair and running a hand through his tousled hair. "Guess there's only one way to find out."

Giles, always the voice of reason, interjected, leaning forward slightly. "We should probably test that in a controlled environment, rather than risking unnecessary injuries."

Buffy reached over to take Spike's empty glass, brushing her fingers against his as she did. "Good idea, Giles. We don't need any more excitement tonight."

Jasper nodded, his mind already considering the implications. Just when I thought I had my existence figured out, this place throws another curveball. But maybe it's worth embracing the unknown. Continuing to sip at his blood, he grew more curious. "Maybe we could test the mirror theory," he suggested cautiously, glancing around the table.

Willow's eyes lit up with excitement, her fingers tapping lightly on the table. "Oh, that sounds like fun! We could do it right after dinner," she suggested eagerly.

Giles nodded, intrigued by the idea. "Yes, for academic purposes, of course," he added with a small smile, adjusting his glasses.

Buffy, however, looked uncertain. She furrowed her brow and glanced at Jasper with concern. "I'm not sure, guys," she said hesitantly. "I mean, Jasper's a vampire, but not exactly a vampire. What if it doesn't work the same for him?"

The group fell into a thoughtful silence, each considering the possible outcomes of Jasper looking at his reflection in a mirror.

Xander leaned back in his chair, scratching his chin. "Maybe he'll just see a very handsome vampire staring back at him," he suggested with a grin.

Willow shook her head, her brow furrowed in thought. "But what if he doesn't see anything at all?" she proposed, her voice tinged with concern. "Like, just a blank space where his reflection should be. Much like what Spike sees – err doesn't see."

Giles nodded, considering the idea. "It's possible," he agreed. "Or perhaps he'll see something distorted, like a funhouse mirror effect."

Buffy bit her lip, still uncertain. "And if he doesn't see a reflection, does that mean he's like other vampires, or..." she trailed off, unable to articulate her concern.

Jasper listened to their speculation, feeling a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. The soldier in him wanted to test this out, to face the unknown head-on. He'd suffered burns, been gored by a wild boar, and dealing with human bodily needs. This was just another test, another challenge to face. How bad can it be?

He felt the excitement from Willow, and it was infectious. Her enthusiasm made him want to dive into this experiment, to discover more about himself. "Let's do it," he said, his voice steady with resolve. "I want to know."

Willow beamed at him, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Great! Let's get this show on the road."

Xander, ever eager for drama, suggested a full-length mirror, his eyes alight with mischief. "Imagine the spectacle if the mirror shattered and cut Spike," he remarked with a smirk.

Spike, never one to back down from a challenge, grinned in agreement. "No, it will cut Mr. Marble as he's dumb enough to be standing in front of it. And now that would be a show worth watching," he quipped, glancing at Jasper with a glint in his eye.

Giles and Willow, however, were quick to temper their enthusiasm. "Perhaps we should start with a smaller mirror," Giles suggested, casting a pointed look at Xander and Spike. "We don't want any accidents."

Willow nodded in agreement. "Starting small would be safer," she chimed in, her gaze flickering to Jasper with a reassuring smile.

Buffy, noticing Jasper's eagerness, couldn't resist teasing him a bit. "Easy there, Mr. Marble," she said with a playful grin. "Let's not rush into anything. We can take it slow and see what happens."

As the group reached a consensus, Jasper felt a surge of anticipation coursing through him. He couldn't contain the faint purr that escaped his lips, a subtle sign of his excitement and nervousness mingled together. This is another test, another challenge. I've faced worse.

Xander, staring at Jasper, bluntly stated, "Or maybe Jasper will just want to rub his body up against the mirror."

His wisecrack elicited a chuckle from the group, though Giles couldn't help but shake his head in exasperation. "Children," he muttered under his breath, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Jasper laughed along with them, feeling a strange mix of nervous energy and excitement. The idea of testing his reflection, of understanding more about his unique condition, was exhilarating. He felt Willow's excitement amplifying his own. His fingers drummed lightly on the table, and he shifted in his seat.

Spike, always ready with a suggestive remark, couldn't resist adding fuel to the fire. "Ah, yes. Alley cats in heat," he chimed in with a smirk, earning an eye roll from Giles and a playful swat on the arm from Buffy.

Willow, always quick to diffuse tension, jumped in with a playful retort. "Well, I like cats," she said, shooting Jasper a supportive smile. "And I'm pretty sure Jasper here is more of a gentleman than a feline in heat."

Jasper offered Willow a grateful smile, appreciating her attempt to lighten the mood. He relaxed slightly, the tension easing from his shoulders as he focused on Willow's reassuring presence. Her excitement was infectious, making him feel more at ease. He couldn't ignore the warmth that spread through him whenever she was near, a feeling that went beyond mere friendship. I'm a vampire, but there's more to me than that. My human traits, my emotions—they're becoming more tangible, especially around her. She made him feel alive in ways he hadn't felt for a long time.

Buffy returned with a small mirror, its silver frame slightly tarnished from years of use. She placed it on the table in front of Jasper, her curiosity mirroring his own. "Alright, Jasper," she said, gesturing to the mirror. "Care to give it a try?"

Jasper took a deep yet unnecessary breath, his curiosity piqued. With a mixture of excitement and trepidation, he leaned forward and gazed into the mirror. The others gathered behind him, crowding in with bated breath, eager to see what would happen.

As Jasper's reflection stared back at him, a wave of relief washed over him. There he was, just as he expected to see himself—no distortion, no disappearance, just his familiar face and piercing golden eyes.

A collective sigh of relief echoed around the room. Buffy grinned triumphantly, satisfied that Jasper's reflection appeared unscathed. "Well, I guess that settles it," she said with a smile.

Giles leaned forward; his academic curiosity piqued. "Indeed," he mused, adjusting his glasses. "It appears that our friend Jasper is not subject to the same... limitations as some other vampires."

Jasper nodded, a sense of reassurance flooding through him. Despite the uncertainties of his new existence in Sunnydale, seeing his reflection in the mirror was a comforting reminder that some things remained unchanged. He couldn't help but widen his smile. I'm still here, still me. Part vampire, part reawakened human—a complicated mix, but it's who I am. This familiar sight connected him to the part of him that had always been a vampire, despite the new sensations and emotions now rising within him. This realization brought a glimmer of hope to his troubled thoughts. Maybe this new life isn't so bad. Maybe I can find a balance.

Spike couldn't resist a jab, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Careful there, Slayer," he remarked to Buffy, a smirk playing on his lips. "Looks like Mr. Marble might be itching to join the feline club."

Buffy shot Spike a playful glare, rolling her eyes at his comment. "Oh, I think he's got enough on his plate already, what with adjusting to his new fangs and all," she retorted, her tone teasing.

Continuing to gaze into the mirror, Jasper took in his own reflection, Spike's sarcastic remark pierced the air. "Jealous, are we?" Jasper drawled; his southern accent tinged with amusement. "Well, I reckon even a vampire's got his moments of envy."

Spike, standing slightly behind Jasper, shot him a scowl, his lack of reflection glaringly evident. Jasper, however, turned his attention to Spike's reflection in the mirror, addressing it directly. "Come now, Spike," he continued, his tone playful. "You can do better than that."

The group's collective gasp filled the room as they witnessed Jasper's ability to see Spike's reflection, a phenomenon none of them had anticipated. Buffy's eyebrows shot up in surprise, her gaze flickering between Jasper and the empty space where Spike's reflection should be. "Wait, what?" she exclaimed, her tone incredulous.

Giles adjusted his glasses with a thoughtful frown, his mind racing with possibilities. "It seems Jasper possesses a unique ability," he remarked, his tone reflecting both intrigue and caution.

Willow's eyes widened with curiosity, her fingers tapping against her chin as she processed the revelation. "So, Jasper can see Spike's reflection, even though Spike himself doesn't have one?" she pondered aloud.

Jasper blinked, processing the implications of what he had just done. His mind raced with questions. How is this possible? Is it part of my vampire nature, or something else entirely? He felt a strange mix of excitement and trepidation. This new ability was a double-edged sword, revealing more about his unique nature while also deepening the mystery of his existence.

Xander, always quick with a quip, chimed in with a smirk. "Looks like Mr. Marble's got one over you, Spike," he remarked, his tone laced with amusement.

Jasper couldn't help but chuckle at the irony of the situation, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. This new ability, though unexpected, felt like a small victory. It was another piece of the puzzle of his existence falling into place.

His thoughts drifted back to his days as a soldier, where every new piece of information, every unexpected skill, could turn the tide of battle. Adapt and overcome, he reminded himself, a mantra from his past that seemed fitting now. In the chaos of war, he had learned to use every advantage, no matter how strange or unexpected. This new ability was no different. It was a tool, a weapon, and he would learn to wield it just as he had learned to wield so many others.

Spike's frustration boiling over, he couldn't resist the urge to express his irritation. With a swift motion, he stuck out his tongue and shot Jasper the finger. However, Jasper remained unperturbed, his attention fixed on Spike's reflection in the mirror.

"Well now, Spike," Jasper drawled, his tone still tinged with amusement. "There are ladies present. Mind your manners, won't you?" He winked at Spike's reflection in a playful gesture before finally returning the mirror to Buffy.

Buffy's lips twitched with a suppressed smile as she took the mirror from Jasper, her gaze flickering between him and Spike's scowling face. "Thanks, Jasper," she said, her voice laced with amusement.

Spike huffed in annoyance, shooting Jasper a glare that was mirrored in the reflective surface. "Just you wait, mate," he muttered under his breath, his frustration evident.

Giles, who had been observing the exchange with a mixture of bemusement and exasperation, cleared his throat to regain everyone's attention. "I think that's quite enough excitement for one evening," he remarked, his voice tinged with amusement. "Perhaps it's time we all retire for the night."

There were murmurs of agreement from the group as they began to disperse, the evening's events still playing on their minds. Jasper felt a mix of relief and anticipation. As they stepped outside, Willow fell into step beside Jasper. "You know," she said thoughtfully, "this ability of yours could be really useful. We should explore it more, maybe see if there are other hidden talents you have."

Jasper nodded, appreciating her enthusiasm. "I'd like that," he admitted. "It's all so new to me, but I'm curious to see what else is different."

Buffy caught up with them, walking alongside Jasper. "You did good tonight," she said warmly, glancing at him with a supportive smile. "We're glad to have you with us."

Jasper felt a surge of gratitude, the warmth of her words settling into him. "Thanks, Buffy. It means a lot."

Spike, overhearing the exchange, rolled his eyes but couldn't help a begrudging smile. "Yeah, yeah, welcome to the club, Mr. Marble. Just don't get too comfortable."

Jasper grinned. "I'll keep that in mind, Spike."

Continuing down the walkway, the cool night air brought a sense of calm. Jasper and Willow shared a lingering moment, their fingers brushing lightly as they walked. A subtle thrill ran through Jasper at the brief contact, and he felt a hint of desire from Willow as well. A silent promise of the potential that lay ahead hung in the air.