Twilight is the property of Stephanie Meyer. Anya Simms is all mine.

Note: the inspiration for the tattoo mentioned in Chapter 48 is from this fanfic: A Moment Changes Everything by heavyinfinity (a beautiful story of Jasper and Bella):
s/5770574/1/A-Moment-Changes-Everything

While Anya's does differ this is where I thought of the idea and altered it to fit this narrative.


Chapter 49: Stumblin' In

APOV

Friday, May 27th, 2005

Forks, WA

I had forgotten how electric high school dances could be, but also how exhausting they were when you were an adult. I couldn't help but slightly envy Jasper, Alice, and Edward—always so poised, never breaking a sweat, while I was left feeling every bit my age by the end of the night. By the time I finally walked back home, the thrill of the evening had worn off, replaced by a deep, satisfying fatigue. I was in my home office, trying to unwind. A glass of Pinot Grigio in hand, I'd kicked off my shoes, letting them lie wherever they fell. My feet still ached from those three-inch heels, but the ache was a good one, a reminder of the night's success. I was lightly humming the tune to "Stumblin' In," the song still playing on a loop in my mind.

When Mike and I had been busy with our set list, he was surprisingly open to some of my suggestions. We'd had fun bouncing ideas off each other, experimenting with different genres and eras. But we both knew we needed something spectacular for our grand finale. Mike wanted it to be epic, something that would leave everyone talking. I told him I'd think it over, wondering what song could possibly fit the bill.

Later that evening, I was flipping through my vinyl collection, searching for inspiration. I just love the tactile experience of vinyl—the feel of the records, the crackle of the needle, the way music felt more alive when it came from a turntable. Flipping through, Suzi Quatro's Stumblin' In caught my eye. I pulled it out, and as I scanned the liner notes and the lyrics, I felt that familiar spark of inspiration.

I've fallen for you, whatever you do,

'Cause baby, you've shown me many things that I never knew…

If there was ever a more apropos song for Edward and Bella, I didn't know what was. But I also knew it was 2005, not 1978, and the song would need a more modern twist to fit in with the mood of the formal. The idea of reworking the song thrilled me, but I wasn't sure I had the time—or the skills—to pull it off on my own. Oh, how I wish Grégoire or Michel were here! I pushed that thought to the side and went with the next best thing: Emmett.

When I told him my idea, it didn't take long for him to catch on. "Damn, Anya, you do have style! This is perfect to get Edward out of his funk."

Ahh, so Edward was on track, still brooding, maybe he's finally letting the universe unfold as it should, I thought to myself, amused. I turned to Emmett, grinning. "Well, do you think you can make it a bit more hip for the spring chickens?"

He laughed, a deep, hearty sound. It was easy to joke about our age differences when they were all so much more ancient than me, yet never seemed to act like it. Emmett especially—always the eternal youth, despite having lived through more decades than I could count. At times it felt as if Grégoire and Michel were with me, just rolled up into Emmett, the vampire who wrestled grizzly bears for fun.

"Piece of cake," he said, flashing that signature grin. "Leave it to me."

And just like that, the plan was set in motion. Emmett worked his magic, bringing the song up to date without losing its original charm. By the time the formal rolled around, we had our grand finale—something that was both nostalgic and fresh, a perfect blend of old and new.

Sipping my wine, the night replayed in my mind. The way Mike had embraced the song, the way the students had flooded the dance floor, how for a few minutes, the gym had felt like an entirely different place. But the best part was seeing Edward finally loosen up, if only a little, as he sang softly to Bella, guiding her carefully across the floor with that clunky cast of hers. Even he couldn't resist the magic of the moment, and for once, he let himself be part of the world instead of just an observer on the sidelines. And the kissing! Yeah, I saw that! Eddie Boy remembering he's a teenager with a teenage girlfriend. About damn time!

And then there was Jasper, always watching me with that calm intensity of his. He knew what this night had meant to me—what it had represented. It wasn't just about the dance or the music; it was about carving out my own place in this strange, beautiful life we were building together. And as I hummed the last notes of the song, I felt content. Exhausted, yes, but deeply content.


JPOV

Friday, May 27th - Saturday, May 28th, 2005

After the dance, when my obligation of playing the perfect boyfriend to Alice and doing the dutiful double date routine with Heathcliff and the Duck finally ended, I was relieved. All night, I had to watch Anya from afar as she transformed the gym into a club-like scene for the kids of Forks High School. Which meant feeling the lust the majority of the teen boys present were projecting when they watched her on stage. Afterward, the four of us headed back to Bella's house—Alice, so she could help Bella get ready for bed, and Edward, to play his usual creepy night watch, standing guard at the foot of her bed once she was asleep. Although with all that kissing I wondered yet again, does the playbook end with spice?

The twenty minutes we spent in Bella's living room were painfully awkward. Chief Swan kept giving Eddie Boy the stink eye—rightfully so, I might add—and Edward sat there, tense, as if afraid I'd take a snack out of the Chief. He kept throwing glances my way, and I had enough.

Oh, give it a rest, Edward! I'm not thirsty. I just want this night to be over so I can get to the real part. I mentally projected to him.

"And what's that, Jasper?" he hissed, low enough that Chief Swan wouldn't hear, but still grating on my nerves.

I stared at him. You a special kind of stupid, Eddie Boy? I thought, but I didn't say it out loud. What do you think I want to do—play PS2 with Emmett all night? Go hunting with Alice?

"Maybe you should hunt, Jasper," he hissed back. "When was the last time you went?"

Before I could snap something back, Chief Swan returned from the kitchen with another beer in hand, breaking the tension.

"Jasper," the Chief said, giving me a nod, "Bella tells me you're graduating this year, along with your sister Rosalie. Any plans for the fall?"

I turned to him and smiled politely, using a little of my gift to smooth the mood. "Yes, sir, that's correct. I'm planning to take a year off before deciding on university. Alice still has another year, so I'll be sticking around to stay close to her."

He grunted in response, taking a sip of his beer. "Yeah, Bells mentioned you two are an item. Alice has been a big help to her." Then, muttering under his breath, probably thinking we couldn't hear, he added, "Unlike her idiot boyfriend."

I smirked and leaned toward Edward. "Hear that, Edward? Looks like you're still in the doghouse with the Chief. Maybe Em and I should build one for you in the backyard. Bet Charlie wouldn't be too happy if he knew you were in his daughter's bedroom every night." I couldn't keep my thoughts to myself, and the way the tension was rolling off Eddie Boy—his fists clenched and jaw tight—he would've preferred if I had. Oh yeah, the book ends with spice! The thought actually slightly horrified me.

Luckily for both of us, Alice came bounding down the stairs. "Hey, Charlie, I'll be by in the morning to help Bella," she chirped.

Charlie leaned against the doorframe, beer in hand. "You sure I can't convince you to stay the night? Couch ain't the best, but I'm sure Bells would appreciate it."

Edward's annoyance was radiating off him now, and for a brief moment, I considered manipulating Alice into staying, just to mess with him. But that would interfere with my real plans.

Alice gave a light laugh and shook her head. "Sorry, Charlie. We're all expected back home. Curfew, you know how it is."

Charlie bid us goodnight, and the three of us walked out to the car. Edward slid into the driver's seat, clearly annoyed at having to keep up the charade of driving his "siblings" home. He barely made it a few blocks before pulling over and slipping out of the car to run back to Bella's.

"Have fun, Eddie Boy! Don't do anything I wouldn't do," I thought, knowing full well he'd catch it. Again, slightly horrified at the image of Eddie Boy manning up.

Alice had already moved into the driver's seat as I stepped out. I had other things on my mind. First, I needed to hunt. Then, I could take on the role I actually wanted: Jasper Whitlock, boyfriend to Anya Simms.

Before I could take off, Alice grabbed my arm, her face glowing with excitement. "Jazz, everything arrived. It's perfect!"

I gave her a nod. "Thanks, Alice."

The hunt was quick—a single deer to take the edge off the burn in my throat. Then I ran home, eager to get out of my formal suit and into something more comfortable. I swapped it for a pair of jeans and a Henley, feeling more like myself.

From the fridge, I pulled out the box Alice had mentioned earlier. I took a peek inside—definitely not my idea of appetizing—but I knew Anya would love it. I glanced at the clock, calculating the time. By the time I reached her house, it would be just after midnight—her birthday.

Perfect timing.

Her 26th birthday—the second time she'd get to celebrate it. I ran lightly back into town, slipping into her backyard without a sound. The lights were on in her home office, and I noticed smoke rising from the chimney. If I had to guess, she was on her couch with a glass of wine, enjoying the fire. Faintly, I could hear the soft crackle of a record spinning in the background.

I made my way to the unlocked door and let myself in. Sure enough, there she was, lounging on the couch, flexing her feet, a glass of wine in her hand, the bottle nearby. I carefully placed the box on the coffee table and sat beside her, lifting her feet onto my lap.

"Hey, Tex," she murmured, her eyes half-closed as she stretched her legs again. I gently took one of her feet and started to massage it. She'd been in heels for over six hours, singing and dancing. I could feel the ache rolling off her like heat, even from where I sat.

"That feels incredible," she sighed, shifting to get more comfortable. That's when she noticed the box on the coffee table.

"Tex? Not like you to bring gifts when you pop over. What gives?" she inquired.

I shrugged, digging my knuckles deeper into the ball of her foot, feeling the tightness ease under my touch. "Well, darlin', you tell me."

She blinked, curiosity sparking in her eyes as she leaned forward to take a closer look at the box. I saw her expression shift—her eyes glistening with a mix of love and the faintest twinge of sorrow. "Tex, was Esme doing more cross-border shopping?"

I chuckled softly. "Nope. I pulled a few strings and had it specially delivered."

What I didn't tell her was that I'd called up our fix-it man, Jenks, to grease a few palms and make sure this specialty birthday cake got delivered all the way to Forks from her favourite bakery back home in Montreal. This was her first birthday in this world—the Dreamworld—without her family, and I wanted to make it special for her. A taste of home.

Setting her wine glass down, she opened the box carefully, her breath hitching for just a moment when she saw what was inside. I could feel the wave of emotions hit her all at once—gratitude, nostalgia, and that ever-present love she had for me, laced with a quiet sorrow for what she'd left behind.

"You didn't have to do this, Tex," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

"I know," I replied softly, my fingers still working out the knots in her feet. "But I wanted to."

Inside the box was a red velvet cake with double chocolate icing, the words Bonne Fête Anya written in white lettering across the top. Around the cake, chocolate-dipped strawberries were artfully arranged. I had to admit, it looked pretty impressive, though appetizing? I had no idea. But from the emotions rolling off Anya—anticipation, excitement—and the way she licked her lips, I was pretty confident I'd hit the mark.

"Would you like a slice, darlin'?" I asked as I switched to her other foot, working out the tension there.

"There's a cake lifter in the kitchen—you don't have to ask me twice!" she replied with a grin, her eyes sparkling as she took in the sight of the cake. Then she inhaled deeply, the sweet scent filling the room, and I felt her excitement grow even more.

I laughed softly, watching her. "I'll get it for you," I said, easing her feet off my lap and heading towards the kitchen. I grabbed the cake lifter from the drawer, a plate and fork, and made my way back to her. Anya was already sitting up, hands ready to take over the moment I handed it to her.

But I paused, pulling a single candle from my jeans pocket, along with my lighter. Without a word, I gently removed the cake from its box, placing it carefully on the table. I set the candle front and centre, flicked the lighter, and lit the wick. Leaning in close to her, I said softly, "I believe it's tradition to make a wish and blow."

She smiled, a light blush rising in her cheeks, then kissed my cheek. "You truly are the best boyfriend, Tex."

I smiled back, watching her as she leaned closer to the cake. She closed her eyes, pausing for a moment—probably thinking of her wish—and then blew softly, her lips forming a perfect "O."

For a second, I didn't even notice the candle going out. I was caught up in the moment—the way her breath made the flame flicker, the soft glow of the firelight from the hearth, the warmth between us. I had no idea birthday cake could be so... erotic.

"Now, let's get to the good part," she said with a grin, reaching for the knife to cut a slice.

I chuckled, handing her the cake lifter. "I thought this was the good part."

She laughed, and cut a generous slice, placing it on a plate. "Trust me, it's about to get better," she said with a mischievous glint in her eye. Anya took a bite, and I could feel the wave of delight roll off her before she even swallowed.

"You know," she said, cutting into the cake with the careful precision of someone who had been waiting for this moment, "this might just be the best birthday cake I've ever had."

I could feel more than just her excitement. Waves of love and desire rolled off her, and the way she was savouring each bite—slow, deliberate, almost sensual—was starting to make me decidedly uncomfortable. I shifted slightly on the couch, my gaze lingering on her as she took another bite, eyes half-closed in satisfaction.

I sat there watching, lost in the moment, and wondered when the last time was that I'd even celebrated a birthday. Honestly, I couldn't remember. It wasn't exactly a thing during my time with Maria and with the Cullens; well, I think it never crossed our minds. Of course, Eddie Boy would know the answer to that, but I sure as fuck didn't feel like texting him to find out. He'd probably ignore me, engrossed in whatever it was he did in Bella's bedroom. As for human birthdays? Those memories are hazy at best.

"Jasper?" Her voice broke through my thoughts.

I blinked, meeting her gaze as she smiled at me, a bit of frosting still on the corner of her mouth.

"You okay?" she asked softly, setting her fork down and leaning in just a little. "You seem... far away."

I shook my head, giving her a small smile. "Just thinking, darlin'. It's been a long time since I've seen anyone enjoy a birthday quite like this."

She reached out, resting her hand on my arm, her touch warm and reassuring, smiling playfully. "Well, lucky for you, I'm pretty good at reminding you how to live a little."

I chuckled softly. "I suppose you are." I leaned back, my hand resting on hers, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine. "It's strange... I can't even remember the last time I celebrated a birthday. Feels like it was someone else's life."

Her eyes softened. "Well, maybe it's time you had one of your own." She leaned forward and, with a glint of mischief, swiped a small dollop of icing from the cake with her finger and dabbed it on my nose.

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so that's how it is?"

She grinned, sitting back and taking another bite of cake, clearly pleased with herself. "What are you going to do about it, Tex?"

I smiled, reaching up to wipe the icing off my nose and considering my options. It might have been her birthday, but I wasn't above a little playful revenge.

I reached over and plucked one of the chocolate-covered strawberries from the plate, bringing it close to her lips. Slowly, I ran the berry along the curve of her mouth, watching as her eyelashes fluttered, her breath catching just a little. Her lips parted slightly, inviting, as she leaned in closer to the sweet temptation I held.

"You're really trying to get me back for the icing, aren't you?" she teased, her voice barely above a whisper, but I could feel her arousal swirling with her emotional cocktail.

"Maybe," I murmured, trailing the strawberry along her bottom lip before letting her take a bite, her eyes closing in delight as the rich taste hit her senses. Fuck Anya, who knew watching you eat would be so riveting.

She let out a soft moan of approval, and I could feel the satisfaction and warmth radiating off her, but it was more than just the cake or the strawberry. Not to brag, but I think the company may have played a part.

I leaned in a little closer, my voice low. "Do you want another one, Anya?"

Her eyes opened slowly, locking onto mine. "Are you offering to feed me again?" she replied with a soft smile, licking the last bit of chocolate from her lips.

I carefully wiped the last pieces of strawberry from her lips with my thumb and then kissed her, lightly at first and then more urgently. She responded in kind and then my hands found my way round her back, I brought them up along her spine where the zipper of her dress was located.

When I started to pull the tab down, Anya shifted so that she was straddling my lap, her skirt billowing around us and I continued to slowly pull the zipper down. The memory of seeing her topless on the side of the highway when we escaped south in March had stayed with me since and I was not a patient vampire. I was determined to steal this base tonight, my birthday gift to Anya and from the lust she was beginning to project to me I had a feeling she liked the direction I was taking things.

The zipper stopped at her waist, and I slowly dragged my fingers back up her spine, eliciting soft moans of delight from her; she pulled back slightly to look at me, her eyelashes fluttering as my fingers continued their assault against her warm back.

"Tex." she moaned lightly.

"Yes Anya?" I asked innocently as my fingers now grabbed the edges of her dress to slowly peel it off of her.

"What are you doing?" she asked as she shimmied her shoulders out of her dress, her hands running through my hair.

"Nothing you haven't fantasized wanting me to do." I responded. With her desire continuing to rise I felt that this was a safe bet. I pushed her dress down her arms and she slowly removed her hands from my hair and soon more fabric pooled around her waist.

"Are you sure this isn't your fantasy Tex?" she whispered into my ear before lightly nibbling on the lobe.

I laughed lightly at the sensation and brought my hand up to flick her bra clasp, "You know me too well darlin'." I drawled, running the straps down her arms, once more causing her to remove her fingers from my hair. It fell quickly to the floor, and I leaned back taking in the sight.

It was perfection. She was perfection. Even better than I remembered. I leaned forward to grab another strawberry and lazily traced it up her taut abdomen, between her breasts, my fingers grazing her pert buds, up between her collar bones, her neck and chin, around her lips and she slowly parted them for me and bit down, her eyes locked on mine the entire time. She took her time chewing and then swallowing, her throat constricting, much like how my pants were getting decidedly tight in the crotch, with her warm core so close. I kept my eyes focused on her and ran the berry round her mouth once more before she flicked her tongue out, teasing my fingers holding the stem and she bit down more forcefully, taking the berry with her and leaving me with the stem.

I found myself involuntarily gulping as I watched her slowly chew and swallow her berry. When she was finished, I ran my hands up her sides and along her arms wanting her to place them on the couch behind me. Her hands firmly in place, again her eyes not leaving mine, I ran my hands back down her arms, along her sides and slowly cupped her breasts, feeling their weight in my palms.

Anya moaned and I could sense her wanting to remove her hands from the back of the couch, no doubt to cup my own over her breasts. As much as I may have wanted that I had other plans for this evening, so I slowly released my gentle hold on them and traced my fingers along her sides, down her thighs and up under her skirt. Again, her eyes never left mine although I could see her having trouble keeping them open as the lashes fluttered as I moved my hand slowly closer to her core.

I leaned in slightly and dragged my tongue along her jaw line and I could feel her thighs clenching in response. "Jasper" she moaned, and I lightly took her bottom lip, careful of my teeth and sucked, my fingers, easing their way into her soaking panties.


A/N: 1 more chapter & an epilogue to go!