JPOV

 
I lay in bed, my arms under my head as I stared up at the ceiling. My mind kept going over what happened today, especially the game and Rosalie meeting Edward – I was so glad that it had gone well! During dinner with Mom and Dad, Rose hadn’t stopped talking about Emmett, for which I was actually grateful. I had been a little preoccupied, to say the least.
 
Edward had been at the forefront of my thoughts all through dinner. I kept wondering about how it would be for him to meet my parents. I think Rosalie sensed this and purposely kept their attention away from me.
 
It felt like dinner lasted for hours, but we finally got home, and I was able to excuse myself. I went to my room, switched on my computer and tried to go through my emails, but I still wasn’t able to concentrate.

That’s when Edward popped online. He seemed a little off, which was quickly explained when he told me about his discussion with Emmett. When he was done, I knew I had to see him, had to talk to him face to face. So I’d asked him to pick me up and take me for a drive. We talked for quite a while, and he made it clear that he would let me set the pace – something I was very grateful for, even if the thought of it was slightly daunting.
 
I’d been going back and forth about what was happening ever since we met again. The more time we spent together, though, the more I felt the need to be with him, almost as if gravity itself was trying to pull me to him. And when we were in his car, talking, it got stronger still. He was scared, too, and the need to protect him, to stop him from hurting over this was almost overwhelming. It made something click in my head. I would not hurt him. I couldn’t. Not again.  
 
I smiled softly as I put a finger to my lips, tracing them as I remembered the song that played on the radio.

 

It’s in his kiss…”

 

Truer words were seldom spoken.  

 

I had to do something, to show him. I also wanted desperately to see if kissing him now would have the same effect on me as it had all those years ago. And it had. Kissing him then had been new, exciting and wonderful. Kissing him tonight, it was all that and more. I kissed him because I couldn’t tell him everything I was feeling. I wasn’t sure I had the words. It had felt as if he had done the same.
 
I closed my eyes and sighed softly, smiling. I fell asleep not long after, dreaming of that kiss.
 
ooOoo
 
It had been two weeks since Jessica’s near drowning, and today was her first time back in the class. Before we started, Jessica and her mom walked up to Edward and me.
 
I knelt down so I was eye-level with her and smiled.  “I’m glad to see you’re back, Jessica.”
 
She smiled shyly and looked up at her mom briefly. She received an encouraging smile and a nod. Jessica stepped forward and hugged my neck, whispering, “Thank you for saving me, Mr. Jasper.”
 
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. I’m just glad you’re okay.”
 
She let go and smiled at me, before looking to Edward. I stood up and followed her gaze. I noticed him watching us with a curious, yet tender expression. He blinked and quickly knelt down as well, and Jessica hugged him, too. He smiled as she whispered in his ear. I heard him repeat my sentiments as he hugged her back. The sight of them hugging each other made me smile; Edward and kids just seemed to belong. The thought of kids had me simultaneously feeling happy and sad. I wasn’t sure what to make of that, so I tried to shrug it off for now. There’d be time to think on that later.
 
When he let her go and stood up, Jessica’s mom had tears glistening in her eyes as she gave each of us a hug as well, thanking us.
 
I looked down at Jessica and told her she had better hurry and change, as we would start in a few minutes. She hugged her mom and scurried off to the locker room.
 
Her mom spoke to us about the visit Jessica had received from James and his mom. He had apologized to them both, and it had been Jessica who had told him she forgave him and then hugged him – much to the surprise of both mothers. James’ mother had also apologized for her son.
 
After assuring Edward and me that she was okay with the situation as long as there were no further altercations, she asked if she could stay and watch. Edward told her to go ahead and take a seat as we got the lesson started. I couldn’t help but smile at Edward as we watched Jessica jump in feet first. He winked at me and then turned his attention to our students.
 
Class went smoothly, and before I knew it, it was time to get ready for training.
 
We had just started doing stamina training when I felt someone hit my arm. I looked up and saw Edward had stopped dead in the water; he was looking toward the doors of the hall. I followed his gaze and felt my jaw drop. Rosalie? What the hell? She never comes to training…is something wrong? I swam to the side and climbed out, almost slipping in my hurry to get to my sister.
 
“Rosie! What are you doing here? Everything okay?”
 
Rosalie’s eyes darted from me to the pool. Emmett? No way!  She looked back at me, attempting to remain aloof, but I knew her better.  “Can’t I come and watch my brother practice?”
 
I gave her a scrutinizing look and crossed my arms.
 
“Rosie…you never come to practice. You almost scared me half to death just showing up. I thought something was wrong!” I let out a sigh and continued, “I wish you would’ve told me you were coming, is all. You can watch, if you like. Though I have a feeling you’re not exactly here to watch me.” I smirked at her.
 
“Maybe…”  She winked and sat down. “Shouldn’t you be swimming, or something?”
 
I shook my head at her and laughed.
 
“Have fun, sis.”
 
I walked to the deep end and dove in. They’d moved on to another exercise at this point, and I saw Edward waiting for me, so we could pass the ball back and forth. I rolled my eyes at him, tilting my head to Emmett. Emmett had been oblivious to Rosalie’s entrance, as he was focused on training. I was looking forward to seeing his reaction. For now, though, I had to pay attention and work out.
 
As soon as training was done, I checked to see if Rose was still watching. She was, and Emmett hadn’t noticed her yet. I still owe you, Emmett… I grinned, grabbed a ball, and shot Edward a look, hoping he’d get the drift and join in. He did, and we hurled a ball each at Emmett.
 
“Hey! What the fuck, bro?”  He whirled around and glared at us. I tilted my head toward Rosalie and grinned.
 
“I don’t think she came to check me out, Emmett.” I winked at him.
 
I heard Edward stifle a laugh and couldn’t help but chuckle as I watched Emmett’s face break out into a huge smile as he looked at Rosalie. He turned back to me for a moment.  “We cool, bro?”
 
“Sure, Emmett.”
 
He nodded and then swam over to Rose. I looked at Rosalie and gave her a thumbs-up, which earned me a glare that was quickly replaced by a genuine smile. She couldn’t stay mad with me for very long. Especially not over this. I’d never seen her this way before, and I was happy that she was letting someone in. If Emmett was the guy to break down her walls, then I was all for it.
 
Edward and I watched them for a few minutes as they talked. Then we put everything away and headed to the locker room. Aside from Emmett, everyone had already left. I snuck a glance at Edward, who was grabbing his towel and shampoo. I allowed myself the opportunity to look at him. Really look at him. His hair was its usual mess. The muscles on his back and arms rippled slightly with every move he made. My fingers flexed; I wanted to run them through his hair.
 
As I was admiring him, he turned around to look at me. His eyes darkened a little as he noticed my staring at him. His voice was low and husky as he stepped towards me.  “See something you like?”
 
Fuck me, do I ever.

 

I groaned softly as I reached my hand out, running my fingers through his hair. He closed his eyes as he leaned into my touch. I leaned forward, gently placing my lips on his. His eyes flew open, and he let out a soft moan.
 
“Jasper…”
 
He put a hand on the back of my neck and pulled me to him roughly, his lips seeking mine. I moaned into the kiss as I felt his bare chest against mine. I put my hands on his lower back, pulling him closer to me. I could feel his erection as it pressed against mine. God help me, I want him…
 
Edward pushed me slowly until my back hit the wall, our lips never parting. I felt his tongue trace my lips, and I sucked it into my mouth greedily, causing him to moan. He pressed his hips into mine, the friction causing me to shiver. He pulled away slowly and looked at me with heavy lidded eyes; his voice was hoarse with want.  “Jazz…as much as I would like to continue this…” He kissed me briefly, before speaking again. “I don’t think this is the place for it.”
 
As if to reiterate the point, we heard the door to the locker room open as Emmett walked in. Edward stepped away quickly and, with a glance at me, walked to the showers. I sat down on the bench and took a moment to calm down. I tried to will my hard-on away, not wanting Emmett to see as I suddenly felt a little embarrassed. Edward seemed to be able to handle things a lot better then I was at the moment. I sighed and grabbed my towel.
 
Emmett shot me a look as I stood up but remained quiet. I showered quickly and got dressed, trying very hard to not look at either Edward or Emmett. Grabbing my stuff, I walked out to the hall without another word. I spotted Rosalie and walked over to her.  “Hey sis.”
 
She frowned as she took in my expression.

 

I guess I look a little out of it… I sighed and shrugged.

 

“Out with it. Pun not intended.”
 
I couldn’t help but chuckle at her choice of words. Leave it to Rosalie…
 
“It’s nothing, Rosie. I’m just a little…frustrated.”
 
She smirked at me, her eyes darting from me to somewhere over my shoulder. I didn’t need to turn around to know she was looking at Edward. I could feel him near me, even a few feet away. The tension had built up so much, it was becoming palpable.
 
“Frustrated, you say? Looks like you’re not the only one, brother mine.”  She nodded her head to Edward, and I turned to look at him. I imagined that the look on his face was similar to my own. His eyes were alight with fire, and the urge to cross the distance between us and grab him shook me. I turned back to Rose with wide eyes. She raised a brow as she crossed her arms. She put her hand on my shoulder as she stepped toward me, her eyes on Edward as she stage-whispered, “Perhaps you should take matters in hand, brother mine.”
 
I could feel my face turn red and hissed, “Rosalie Hale!”
 
I was mortified. It wasn’t that she didn’t have a point, but that she’d said it loud enough for anyone to hear. For Edward to hear! I covered my eyes with one hand and took a deep breath. I felt a hand on my other shoulder. Warmer and larger than Rosalie’s. The current flowing from Edward’s hand into me made my heart beat faster. I slowly lowered my hand and turned to look at him. He squeezed my shoulder and smiled at me.
 
Right as Edward was about to say something, Emmett’s voice boomed, “Rosie, you ready?”
 
I turned to frown at Rosalie. If I didn’t know her so well, I would’ve missed the slight blush creeping up her cheeks.
 
“Ready for what, exactly? Rosie?”
 
I watched in amazement as Emmett put an arm around her shoulders. What the..?
 
“Rosie?” I asked again.
 
“Sorry, Jasper, but looks like Copper Top’ll have to drive you home tonight.” Emmett winked at Edward. “Rosalie is going out to dinner with me.”
 
I raised an eyebrow at her.  “Is she now?”
 
She muttered, “Shut up, Jazzie…”
 
I chuckled, and as I went to give her a hug, I felt Edward’s hand slide off my shoulder. I hadn’t even realized he’d had it there the entire time, but as soon as the contact was gone, I missed it.
 
I whispered to her, “Have fun, sis. I love you.”
 
She hugged me back and whispered, “I love you, too. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, okay, brother mine?”

 

She winked at me as she let me go. She took something out of her purse as she walked over to Edward. When she reached him, she grabbed his hand, placed it in his palm, and then closed his fingers around it while she whispered in his ear. He blanched at her words, looking down at his closed hand and then staring at her as she walked off with Emmett.

 

What the fuck? I looked at him in confusion.  “Edward, what the hell was all that about?”
 
He looked down at his closed fist again and swallowed hard before answering.  “Is she always like this?”
 
I frowned at him.  “Like what?”
 
He looked up at me; he still looked shocked as he opened his fist a little. I looked at what Rosalie had given him for the first time. For several seconds, it felt as if I was surrounded by white noise. I just kept staring at what Edward was holding in his hand. I snapped out of my daze as I felt Edward’s other hand under my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes. I had to swallow a few times before I was able to speak. I was almost afraid to hear the answer, but I asked anyway.  “Edward, just what exactly did my sister say to you?”
 
He looked a little uncomfortable, hesitating a moment before answering in a voice so low, I could barely make out the words.  “Remember: no glove, no love.”

 

Shoot me now. Someone just, please, shoot me now. She did not… I looked at the condom that was still in Edward’s hand. Yes, yes, she did. I groaned softly and closed my eyes. I don’t think I’ve ever been so embarrassed. “I’m sorry, Edward….”

 

I felt his thumb stroke my cheek gently, and I opened my eyes to look at him. The tenderness in his eyes was almost overwhelming.  “It’s okay, Jazz.”

 

He smiled his crooked smile as he continued to caress my cheek with his thumb. I could feel the embarrassment ebb away, and I took a deep breath.

 

“Would you like to have dinner with me? At my place?” he asked.  

 

I nodded, smiling softly as I saw his eyes light up a little. Suddenly the butterflies that seemed to have taken near-permanent residence in my stomach were fluttering like crazy. I’m going home with Edward. We’re going to be alone for the first time. Really alone. Not like the other night, confined to a car, but at his home. Am I ready for this?

 

I took one more look at the condom in Edward’s hand as he pocketed it and rolled my eyes. Maybe not quite for that, but yes, for other things, I think I just might be.

 

We drove to his place in silence. I was a little nervous, so I leaned my head back, closed my eyes, and tried to calm myself down. I felt Edward’s hand squeeze my thigh as the car stopped.  “We’re here.”

 

I took a deep breath and opened my eyes to look at him, smiling softly. I noticed we were in an underground parking garage. I got out of the car and grabbed my bag, slinging it over my shoulder. Edward fell into step next to me and led me to the elevator. As soon as we got in, he stepped closer to me and cupped his hand to my cheek. We stood like that for a little while, just staring into each other’s eyes. The butterflies in my stomach seemed to be unable to make up their minds, as one moment they were calm and the next fluttering like crazy.

 

Just before the doors opened to his floor, Edward placed a soft kiss on my lips and smiled. He grabbed my hand in his and gently pulled me after him, chuckling. I stumbled, having seemingly forgotten how to use my legs properly.

 

He let go of my hand as we got to his door so he could open it. He stepped aside and gestured for me to go in.  “After you, Jazz.”

 

I walked in slowly, taking in my surroundings. The apartment was done in good taste and exuded Edward.  My eyes roamed from one end of the room to the other, taking in the black leather couch and love seat, the fireplace with the rug in front of it, and the piano that stood in the opposite corner, along with a couple of guitars hanging off the wall behind it. There was more, of course, but when I saw the piano, I turned back to Edward and smiled.  “No trouble from the neighbors? Or is it just for show?”

 

He chuckled softly and shook his head. His eyes were twinkling, and I could detect a hint of mischief as he answered, “Not just for show. I had the place soundproofed, so that playing my music wouldn’t disturb my neighbors.”

 

I raised an eyebrow at him, smirking.  “For the music, huh?”
 
“Well, maybe not just for the music.”  He winked at me, and I could feel the blush creeping up my cheeks. Great job, Jasper.

 

I cleared my throat, put my bag down next to the door, and looked back at him.  “So, you mentioned something about dinner?”
 
He led me into the kitchen, chuckling to himself as he went. Everything in it was state of the art: stainless steel appliances, dark granite countertops, and mahogany cabinets. It was dark enough that it would have seemed cave-like had it not been for the large window and task lighting.
 
We made dinner together, which felt comfortable, even familiar, despite this being the first time we’d done so. He had opened a bottle of red wine to let it breathe and poured us each a glass while we worked. It took us awhile to prepare the food, as we were making lasagna, but finally it was in the oven, and we talked for a little bit while cleaning up. We set the table, so everything would be good to go as soon as the food was ready.
 
He refilled our glasses and handed me mine before walking to the living room. He set his glass down on the coffee table and invited me to pick out a movie while he lit the fireplace. It wasn’t cold by any means, but the ambiance was nice. I walked over to his extensive DVD collection, marveling at the variety of stuff he had on his shelves. Musicals from the 40s, 80s flicks, action, drama, love stories, horror, anime; you name it, it was there.
 
“Damn, you’re a regular Blockbuster here.”
 
I heard him laugh as I let my fingers skim over the backs of the covers. Aha! I grinned as I grabbed The Court Jester. I love Danny Kaye! I held up the movie for him to see.  “Hey, Edward, this okay?”
 
He stood up from the fireplace and turned to look. I watched as his grin broadened and he nodded his head in approval.  “Definitely! That’s one of my favorite movies.”
 
He walked over to me and took the DVD, setting it up so we could watch it after dinner was done. We settled ourselves on the couch and talked for a while. We sat facing each other, with our hands on the back of the couch. He’d laced his fingers through mine and was stroking my pulse point on my wrist. It felt nice. My nervousness was gone, and all I could feel was contentment at being here with him.
 
Before I knew it, the timer dinged in the kitchen, indicating the food needed attention. Edward got up to pull the foil off the lasagna before placing it back in the oven so the cheese could brown. I grabbed our glasses, put them on the dinner table, and walked to the kitchen. I watched for a moment as Edward was standing with his back to me. I quietly walked up behind him, making sure he wasn’t holding anything.
 
I slowly wrapped my arms around his waist and leaned against him. I felt him straighten in my arms before slowly turning around. He leaned back against the counter, wrapping his arms around my waist with a smile. He pulled me closer to him, and I placed a soft kiss on his lips. He returned my kiss, our lips moving slowly, tenderly. I could definitely get used to this…  
 
The timer went off again then, putting a stop to things. I groaned and reluctantly let go of him. He smirked, shaking his head slightly before turning and taking the lasagna out of the oven. He put the food on the table, looking happy, content, and completely at ease. I hoped that I had some part in that. I grabbed the bottle of wine and followed him to the table. We sat and ate, talking about other movies we liked. After dinner, we did the dishes together. I washed, and he dried, putting things away.
 
He started the movie and settled himself on the couch, his eyes on me as I sat on the edge of the loveseat.
 
“Sit with me?” He patted the seat next to him.
 
I got up and sat right next to him, curling my feet up under me as I leaned into him slightly. He smiled and put his arm around my shoulders. I’d never felt more at home with anyone than I did watching that movie with Edward. I rested my hand on his leg as we laughed as we quoted lines back and forth for a bit.  
 
“I’ve got it! I’ve got it! The pellet with the poison’s in the vessel with the pestle; the chalice from the palace has the brew that is true! Right?”
 
“Right. But there’s been a change: they broke the chalice from the palace!”
 
“They *broke* the chalice from the palace?”
 
“And replaced it with a flagon.”
 
I had always loved this movie, but watching it with Edward made it even better. I smiled up at him as the end credits started rolling onto the screen. The look on his face took my breath away.  He was staring at me so intently, his eyes a darker green than I had yet seen them. I sat up a little, placed my hand on his cheek, and leaned forward to kiss him. His kiss was harder this time, filled with need, and all I could do was return it in kind. My chest felt like it might split; my heart was starting to beat so fast.
 
I felt his hand reach up, his fingers curling into my hair, and I moaned into the kiss. Without breaking our kiss, I managed to swing my leg over him so I was straddling him. He wrapped both his arms around my waist tightly, his tongue parting my lips as he deepened our kiss. I felt him getting harder under me, and I bucked my hips against him, causing him to pull away from our kiss and hiss slightly.  
He grabbed my hips, pressing me closer. The feel of his bulge against mine sent shivers down my spine. I was getting to the point of not caring anymore, just wanting to – no, needing to feel him. I bucked my hips again, my fingers tangling in his hair. He hissed again.  “Jesus, Jasper!”

 

He was breathing hard; we both were. He struggled to contain himself for a moment before looking me in the eye, his gaze burning into me. His voice was husky.  “Jazz, tell me to take you home. Right. Now. I don’t know if I can stop if we continue.”
 
I let out a breathy chuckle and thought back to when he’d said something similar at camp. Haven’t we done this before? Don’t make me go home. I want to stay…  “Déjà vu?”
 
He looked puzzled for a moment before his eyes blazed as my words clicked. He let out a low “Fuck…” and then crashed his lips to mine. At this point my entire body felt like it was on fire, a low, sweet burn. All I could think of was that I wanted more. I tilted my head to deepen the kiss, tugging lightly at his hair. He moaned into the kiss, which sent fire shooting straight to my cock.
 
He pulled away from the kiss, shifted us slightly, and started to lean forward, pushing me back onto the couch so he was lying on top of me with his legs in between mine. His hand trailed up and down my side, and I let my own hands follow the muscles down his spine. He watched me for a moment, seeming to take in every feature. He slowly put his hand under the hem of my shirt, gliding it upward. I curled my torso up off the couch allowing him room to remove it, which he did quickly.
 
He continued to stare at me, as his hands gingerly traced over my chest. I felt myself blush slightly at the attention he was giving me. Deciding that turnabout was fair play, I slid my hands to the hem of his shirt and pulled it up over his head slowly. Beautiful…
 
I let my hands glide up and down his pecs and rippled abdomen, caressing every inch, marveling at the feel of him. He closed his eyes, seeming to enjoy the sensations. I circled his nipples with my thumbs, eliciting a soft groan from him. His eyes snapped open, and before I knew it, his lips were on mine again, kissing me hungrily. I felt his hand snake up my side to my nipple, just before he rolled it between his fingers, and I moaned into the kiss, bucking my hips to his. Fuck that feels good.
 
We stayed like that for a long time – caressing, kissing, teasing each other. It was bliss and torture, all rolled into one. And all I could think was, More…