Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer
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Where the Lines Overlap
All We Know
~~ Mark ~~
(After all this time, I'm still) Into you
The soft morning light filters through the blinds, casting a warm glow across the room. I'm still lying here, half-awake, cocooned in the comfort of my bed. The peaceful quiet is only interrupted by the slight stir beside me.
A small, slender body presses against my back, arms tightening just a little, seeking warmth, seeking me. I smile to myself, heart swelling.
It's moments like this that remind me how lucky I am.
Jasper's hand slips under my sleep pants, and I feel the shift of his body—his hardness gently pressing against me. It makes me chuckle, the easy affection between us still so fresh.
"Sunny," he mumbles, his voice thick with sleep, and my chest tightens at the sound of my nickname on his lips. It's a simple thing, but it always hits me in the best way.
I can't help but tease him, the same way I always do when he wakes up like this.
"You're insatiable," I joke, turning to face him, my smile wide as I slide a hand into his messy hair. I can't get enough of him.
Jasper's smile grows mischievous, and it's enough to make my heart stutter.
"What can I say? I just can't get enough of you," he murmurs, his voice a little too low, a little too teasing.
I laugh, brushing a lock of hair from his face, feeling that warmth radiate off him. I reach for him, unable to help myself.
"It's your fault for being so damn hot," he adds, his voice soft, almost reverent.
I raise an eyebrow at him, recognizing the glint in his eye. I know exactly where this is going.
"Is that so?" I challenge.
His hands slide over my chest, and before I can react, he rolls me onto my back with an ease that never fails to surprise me. His strength might be unexpected for someone leaner and lighter than me, but it always gets me. I have to remind myself that, even though he's way shorter, he's still six-three and a damn good athlete—he's not some fragile little boy, even if I sometimes forget.
I chuckle, playfully protesting.
"Hey now, you're not supposed to be the strong one here."
Jasper grins, clearly enjoying this too much. His hair falls in soft waves around his face—golden shades shimmering through light brown strands, just long enough to frame his sharp features perfectly. Something about the way it tumbles around his face makes him look even more stunning—it's impossible not to be drawn to him.
"You love it when I toss you around. Don't lie."
I can't help but laugh at that, shaking my head in mock surrender.
"Guilty," I admit, reaching up and threading my fingers through his waves, savoring the familiar texture before pulling him in for a kiss. It's slow, lingering—a kiss just for us, the kind that reminds me of everything we've built over these past five months.
But of course, right when it's getting good, the cell rings.
We both groan in frustration. I pull away, glancing at the phone. It's the guys, calling for our Sunday game. A part of me wants to ignore it, but I know better.
Jasper pouts, leaning down to plant a kiss on my jaw.
"Come on, let's skip it. I've got you right here."
I roll my eyes, knowing full well that if we skip today, he'll be the one getting roasted at practice tomorrow. I'm not part of the College team anymore—I graduated at the end of last year—but he still is, and the guys would never let him live it down.
"You know you'll never hear the end of it, right, Captain?" I say, giving him a pointed look.
Jasper hesitates, then sighs dramatically.
"Fine," he says, and I can see the playful defiance flicker in his eyes. "But you owe me tonight."
I grin, pulling him closer.
"Deal."
We stand up together, and there's this quiet, playful tension between us. I grab him by the waist, and he stands on his toes, his arms wrapping around my neck, pulling himself up to look me in the eye. His smile softens, and I can feel his warmth, the affection in the way he holds me.
"What now? You just want me to melt into your arms?" I ask, trying to keep the teasing tone, though my heart's already giving in to him.
He laughs softly, his grin still there but softer, more intimate now.
"Would it be so hard?"
I hold him there, the moment stretching longer than I expect, and then lean in for another kiss. This one is deeper, more serious, no teasing, just raw, unfiltered affection.
When we pull apart, I don't even think about it. I scoop him up into my arms, carrying him like it's the most natural thing in the world.
"You don't get to make demands like that and leave me hanging," I say, smiling down at him, already moving toward the bathroom.
He wraps his arms around my neck, his face lighting up with that mischievous grin again.
"You're gonna spoil me, you know that?"
I wink at him, my voice playful.
"Good. You deserve it."
And as we step into the shower together, the sound of water cascading around us fills the air, but it's the warmth between us that fills my chest. This—this right here—is everything I've ever wanted.
I steal one more kiss, and the world outside feels like it doesn't matter at all. All that matters is us.
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I place the box in the living room with a grunt, straightening up as I survey the chaos of moving in.
"That's the last one," I say, wiping my hands on my jeans.
Jasper doesn't waste a second. From the kitchen, he comes running toward me, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"Think fast!" he calls out, and before I can react, he launches himself into my arms.
I catch him effortlessly, laughing at the surprise. His legs wrap around my waist, his arms draped over my shoulders, and I can feel the weight of him, the heat of him, pressing into me. For a second, I just hold him there, the sound of our laughter filling the space between us.
He looks up at me, his eyes sparkling, and I can't help but smile.
"Are you happy?" I ask, a soft teasing note in my voice.
Jasper raises an eyebrow and tightens his hold on me, leaning in closer.
"Can't you tell?" he teases back, his grip around me making my heart skip a beat.
I feel him there—his warmth, his body molded to mine—and I tighten my arms around his waist, pulling him closer. The smile slips from my face, replaced by something deeper, something real.
"I can tell," I say softly. "I'm happier than I've ever been."
It's been a year and a half since we started this journey, a year and a half of learning each other, growing together, and now we're here, sharing this moment in our new home. The weight of everything—the love, the time, the commitment—presses in on me. I never could've imagined this, not when we first met, but now... now it feels like the most natural thing in the world.
Jasper's smile falters for a split second, his eyes growing more serious, and I know he feels it too. This is it—the moment we've been building toward. Our own space, our future ahead of us.
"I love you," he whispers, his voice low and full of emotion.
My chest tightens, the words hitting me in a way I didn't expect.
"I love you so damn much," I reply, my voice thick with feeling, before I pull him into a kiss.
The kiss is slow at first, our lips brushing gently as if we're both savoring the moment. But as our bodies press closer, the kiss deepens—our tongues meeting in a familiar rhythm, slow and intentional. His hands tangle in my hair, pulling me in deeper, and I lose myself in him. It's more than just physical—it's the sentiment, the memories, the significance of everything we've been through. We don't need words. Our bodies say everything.
When we finally pull apart, I lower him to his feet, my hands still resting on his waist. I look down at him, my chest still tight with everything I feel. I tuck a stray lock of his hair behind his ear, brushing my thumb over his cheek. His eyes meet mine with such clarity, such certainty.
"I want this to last forever," I say, the words slipping out before I can stop them, but I mean them more than anything.
Jasper stands on his toes, the motion so natural and endearing that it makes my heart swell. He looks up at me, and I see it in his eyes—the same certainty I feel in my own chest.
"I found in you something I never knew I needed," he says, his voice steady but full of love. "I can't even explain it. You complete me, Mark. In a way I never imagined. And I know... I know I want to spend my life with you."
I can feel the truth in his words, the depth of his love, and it makes my chest tighten all over again. Without thinking, I pull him back into a kiss—this one deep, passionate, full of everything we've said and haven't said.
We break apart, both of us breathless, and I pull back just slightly to look at him, my forehead resting against his.
"Can I take you to bed, Moony?" I whisper.
Jasper smirks, his lips curling up in that teasing way I love.
"There's a very good couch just behind you, Sunny. No need to waste time moving to the room."
I laugh, and without a second thought, I lift him into my arms again, carrying him over to the couch. I set him down gently, our gazes locking, and we both know what comes next.
The playful teasing vanishes, replaced by something deeper. The kiss we share is full of heat, of need, but also tenderness. Our hands explore each other's bodies, desperate and soft at the same time, as we make love right there. The space around us doesn't matter—the only thing that matters is us, here, together.
And it's damn fucking perfect.
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I stand at the stove, stirring a pot of sauce as the air fills with the scent of herbs and fresh tomatoes. Rosalie and Bella are busy chopping vegetables, the sound of knives against the cutting board mixing with their laughter and teasing. I can't help but smile at how easily they've adopted me into the family over the years. Almost six years now with Jasper, and it still feels like we're just starting, like every day with him brings something new.
"Alright, so what do you think?" Bella asks, a sly grin on her face. She and Rosalie both exchange amused looks as they prepare the salad.
I roll my eyes, not surprised by the subject of conversation. Emmett, Bella's boyfriend, has a talent for getting himself into trouble, and it's no secret that he and Rosalie's boyfriend, Alec, have become partners in crime.
"I think Emmett's plan involves way too much energy for something that will probably fall apart halfway through," I say with a chuckle, stirring the sauce again.
Rosalie snorts.
"You're probably right. He's lucky Bella keeps him in check."
Bella shrugs, smirking.
"Someone has to."
The playful banter continues, and I can't help but notice how effortlessly they all talk about their relationships. The topic shifts to Jasper, naturally. Rosalie grins at me.
"Speaking of keeping things in check, what's up with your boyfriend? He's been in that living room studying for hours. You sure he's not getting too spoiled with all your attention?"
I laugh, a little embarrassed but used to it by now.
"You know how your brother is," I say, glancing toward the living room with a fond smile. "He's got his CHA and CPHM exams next week. They're huge—if he gets certified, it'll open so many doors for him in healthcare management. He's been pushing himself really hard to prepare, so I'm just making sure he's eating and not working himself into the ground."
Rosalie pauses mid-chop, her expression softening.
"That sounds intense. No wonder he's been glued to his books."
"Yeah," Bella adds, nodding. "But if anyone can handle it, it's Jasper. He's always been so focused when it comes to stuff like this."
Rosalie hums her agreement, slicing another carrot for the salad.
"Still, you're doing a lot for him, Mark. Making sure he eats, keeps his balance—sounds like someone's pulling boyfriend-of-the-year duties."
Bella's grin widens as she glances between me and Rosalie.
"Sounds like Jay's got you wrapped around his finger." She nudges me with her elbow, her teasing tone impossible to ignore.
I shrug.
"Maybe. But I like being wrapped."
They chuckle while shaking their heads as if I'm a lost cause. And honestly? When it comes to my Moony… yeah, I am.
The sound of footsteps approaching catches my attention. Jasper appears in the kitchen, his usual look of determination softened by the warmth in his eyes as he glances at me. He walks right over and leans in, pressing a quick kiss to my lips. It's brief, but it's enough to make my heart skip a beat.
"Moony, you alright?" I ask, looking him over as I brush a lock of hair from his forehead.
Jasper smiles but lets out a soft sigh.
"Just a bit tired. But gotta keep studying." He turns to the girls. "Don't let him spoil me too much. I've got to focus."
"Aw, poor Moony needs a break," Rosalie teases, a playful glint in her eye.
I can't help but grin.
"Five minutes, that's all I'm asking for. You deserve it." I pull him closer and press my lips to his again, this time a little longer, savoring the brief moment of calm before he dives back into studying.
Jasper pulls away, his smile still lingering.
"Alright, alright. Five minutes." He gives me a soft squeeze before heading back to the living room.
I turn back to the girls, who are practically bursting with curiosity.
"So, tell us," Rosalie says, her tone dripping with mock curiosity. "What's with the nickname? I've always wondered."
I feel my cheeks heat up and glance at Bella, who's already raising an eyebrow.
"I want to know too, Mark," she chimes in, her smile full of mischief.
I clear my throat, suddenly aware of how shy I feel. Still, there's no escaping this now.
"Jasper... he's got this introspective nature," I begin, my voice steadier than I expected. "He's got so much emotional depth, especially when he's dealing with something complicated. It's like everything weighs on him more deeply. You notice it more when he's overwhelmed."
Bella's expression softens as she nods in understanding.
"Yeah, that tracks. Jasper does tend to retreat into himself when he's dealing with things," she says thoughtfully.
I shrug, feeling a little sheepish.
"It made sense to me at the time, but honestly? It just popped into my head one day. I started calling him that in my mind at first… and then it slipped out the day he asked me to be his boyfriend. That's the story."
Rosalie lets out a dramatic sigh, waving her hand like she's dismissing a dull lecture.
"Alright, alright. That's the technical explanation, courtesy of Mark Wallon, Psychologist Extraordinaire. Now give us the real tea, brother-in-law."
I look at her with a confused expression, but then Bella jumps in, her voice teasing but affectionate.
"Yeah, we need the truth. Come on, Mark—spit it out."
Rosalie mimics a high-pitched voice, teasing me in a way that sounds exactly like Jasper.
"I need to hear it from Sunny."
I laugh nervously, realizing I've been caught.
"Alright," I say, rolling my eyes and giving in. "Jasper reminds me of the moon. Reflective, with all this hidden depth, kind of withdrawn at times, but when you get close, you see all this light and softness. He's gentle and luminous, especially when he's vulnerable. And it's a nice match because he calls me Sunny. So he's my Moony."
There's a brief pause before both Rosalie and Bella burst into exaggerated 'awws,' and then they both bat their lashes in unison, teasing me with mock innocence.
I can't help but chuckle at the ridiculousness of it all, but I'm also glad they're teasing me about it—it feels like I'm really part of the family.
Just then, the sound of footsteps interrupts us, and we all turn to see Jasper standing in the doorway, arms crossed, looking at us with a mock-serious expression.
"What's all this fuss about?" he asks, clearly amused by what he's walked in on.
The girls giggle. Bella shrugs innocently.
"We were just teasing your boyfriend, Jay. Nothing to worry about."
Jasper frowns, his playful side still shining through. He strides over to my side, throwing a look at his sister and best friend.
"Hey, don't mess with my man," he says, his tone mock-threatening.
I press a quick kiss to his cheek, squeezing him gently.
"Thanks for defending me, Bae" I say with a grin, feeling the warmth of his touch. "But I'm alright with the girls."
Jasper just smiles, still teasing, as he heads back to the living room.
"Yeah, I'm sure you're fine," he says over his shoulder, his voice laced with affection.
I turn back to the girls, who are already gossiping about something else, and I feel a sense of peace settle over me. This... this is what I've always wanted. Family. Love. Home.
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I'm at my desk, going over the profile of my last patient for the day. He's four, with ADHD—a bright, energetic kid. As I read through his notes, I'm piecing together the best approach to help him grow in a way that fits his needs. I jot down a few ideas, but a knock at the door pulls me out of my thoughts.
My assistant, Daniel, peeks in, polite as always.
"Need anything else before I head out?"
I shake my head and give him a smile.
"No, I'm good. I'll be out of here soon, so you can go ahead and close up."
"Got it. See you tomorrow," he says, already turning toward the hallway.
He's barely gone a minute before he's back, stepping into the office with a grin.
"By the way, Jasper's on his way up."
At that, my chest tightens in anticipation, warmth flooding through me.
"Thanks, Daniel. Have a good night."
"You too," he says, and this time, he's gone for good.
I take a moment to tidy up my desk, sorting through the day's files and setting aside anything I need to revisit. The soft click of the door opening pulls my attention, and I glance up—then stop dead.
Jasper steps in, and for a moment, I can only stare.
This morning when I left for work he was sleeping, still sporting his long hair that I've grown so used to. But now, standing in front of me, he's got a fresh haircut—a classic taper that makes his jawline even sharper. And that suit—dark grey with a white shirt and a matching tie—it's rare to see him dressed up, but every time, it takes my breath away.
We've been together for seven years now, but moments like this still make me feel like I'm seeing him for the first time.
He catches me looking, his lips curving into that dimpled smile that always makes me weak.
"So," he says as he crosses the room, his voice playful, "I take it you liked the new look?"
"Liked?" I echo, leaning against my desk as he stops in front of me. My hands find his waist, and I pull him just a little closer. "You look breathtaking."
He chuckles, tilting his head at me.
"Did I just knock the air out of your lungs, Bae?"
"Definitely," I say, smirking. "Might even need CPR."
He laughs, his cheeks tinged with the faintest blush, before leaning in for a kiss. It's soft but enough to leave me wanting more. When we pull apart, I keep my hands on him, letting myself linger just a little longer.
"How was the meeting?" I ask, my tone shifting to something more serious.
He sighs, the sound heavy but not weighed down. I know he's been going through this process for almost three months now—interviews, presentations, assessments—everything leading up to today's final meeting with the hospital board. It's been an emotionally intense journey for him, and today was the big one. He's been putting everything he has into landing this position.
"Nerve-wracking, but I think it went well. Carlisle was there too—we talked for a bit after the meeting. He sends his regards, by the way."
I grin.
"If it came down to looks, no one in Seattle could beat you. Hell, probably no one in the U.S. Maybe the world."
He laughs, shaking his head, and punches my chest lightly.
"You're ridiculous."
"Not at all," I say, brushing my thumb over his cheek. "To me, you're the most dashing man I've ever known."
His smile softens, and for a moment, there's nothing but warmth between us.
"Thanks," he murmurs. "For believing in me. For always believing in me."
"Of course," I say, my voice steady. "You've got this, Moony. You're prepared. The background, the certifications, the experience—you're everything they're looking for."
He leans in for another kiss, this one slower, and when we part, he glances at my desk.
"You ready to go?"
"Almost." I finish the last bit of organizing and grab my things. Taking his hand, I lead him out of the clinic.
"So, how was your day?" he asks as we head down the hallway.
Our conversation fades into the evening, the rhythm of our words easy and familiar. Later, we have dinner out, followed by our usual routine at home.
The next day, Jasper gets the call that changes his career forever.
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Rosalie's wedding is perfect—the kind of event that feels like it belongs in a storybook. I've been holding myself together pretty well, but the moment Jasper steps into view, guiding Rosalie down the aisle, my composure falters.
He takes my breath away.
Dressed in a sharp navy-blue suit that fits him perfectly, Jasper looks steady, calm, and so sure of himself as Rosalie's hand rests lightly on his arm. Her smile is radiant, but it's him I can't stop watching.
Nine years. That's how long we've been together. Long enough for me to know everything about him—the way he moves, the subtle shifts in his expression, the warmth he carries wherever he goes. Long enough to build a life together, one that feels solid and unshakable.
I think about that life as I stand here, surrounded by family and friends. Jasper has this way of making everyone feel important, like they belong. My grandmother adores him. Bella and Emmett treat him like one of their own. And his own family? They couldn't be prouder of him.
He's a family man, through and through.
The thought hits me hard: Does Jasper want a family of his own? Marriage, kids, maybe even a dog? We've never really stopped to talk about it. Life has just been...good, easy, natural. I know how much he loves me—he shows it every day—but still, the question lingers.
I shake it off. Today isn't about me or my doubts. It's about Rosalie, her happiness lighting up the room as she and her new husband exchange vows.
The reception is lively, full of laughter and music, but I can't quite get out of my head. I'm sitting at our table, absently turning my glass in my hand, when Jasper comes up behind me.
"You okay?" he asks, his voice soft as he leans down so only I can hear.
I glance up at him and smile.
"Yeah. Just...thinking."
"About what?" His eyes search mine, warm and curious.
I hesitate.
"I'll tell you later. Right now, this is your sister's night."
He studies me for a moment, then nods, his hand brushing my shoulder before he walks away.
When the bouquet toss is announced, I'm not paying much attention until I see Jasper approach Rosalie. They exchange a few words, both smiling like they're in on some inside joke, and then Jasper turns and heads straight for me.
"What are you up to?" I ask as he grabs my hand and pulls me toward the group gathering in the center of the room.
"You'll see," he says, his tone full of mischief.
Before I can protest, he leans in close, his breath warm against my ear.
"I want to be next, so you'd better try to catch it."
I blink, caught off guard, but before I can process his words, Rosalie turns and tosses the bouquet.
It arcs through the air, white roses and greenery spinning, and somehow—it lands right in my arms.
The room erupts in cheers, and I look up to find Rosalie grinning at me, a wink in her eye.
When I turn to Jasper, he's standing a few steps away, hands in his pockets, smiling that dimpled smile that always makes my heart skip a beat.
He walks over, and when he cranes his neck to look up at me, I'm momentarily lost in the vivid green of his eyes.
"So, you got the bouquet," he says, his lips quirking into a teasing smile.
I chuckle.
"Yeah, your sister seemed to aim it right at me."
His smile widens, and he steps closer.
"Well, it seems I have to take responsibility now."
We laugh softly, the noise of the reception fading into the background. Then he rises onto his toes in that adorable way of his and kisses me—a brief, sweet kiss that feels like a promise.
"I love you," he says quietly, his voice steady and sure.
"I love you too," I reply, my chest tightening with the weight of everything I feel for him.
Every time I've had a question or doubt, Jasper has always been the answer. We fit together in ways that feel effortless, like two pieces of the same puzzle.
As his fingers lace with mine, I smile, knowing that whatever comes next, we'll figure it out together.
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