Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It’s the middle of the first semester of my goddamn senior year of high school, not on the martial arts team. Not acting as team captain to promising young students like in my old timeline. Nope, I’m here, in this godforsaken town of Forks.

I’m only accepting this because my mom is getting a better paying job here - surprisingly enough - and she doesn’t need my shit on top of her own. Especially considering we’ve left everything and everyone behind for this place. So instead of throwing a fit or holing myself up inside my room, I decide I might as well make the best of this. 

I’ve gotten the chance to decorate my room to my liking, so I choose a gradient on the walls, a dark ceiling and decently dark top of the walls that fade into a sunset and then a nice blue. Once that’s done, I stick realistic constellations and glow-stars to the ceiling and darker parts of the walls, hanging up a few posters and setting up my bed. The bed itself is pretty minimalistic, simple jersey t-shirt sheets, comfy pillows, and a nesting area for me to curl up in against a corner of the wall. Little accents and the like are added, plus necessities, but nothing else matters when I lay down and stare up at the night sky.

Forks High is just as dumb as I remember in the book. Luckily for me, I’m not Bella Swan, so I don’t have to worry about any of that dumb greeting committee shit. Nobody comes to talk to me, nobody laughs or looks my way more than once, and that’s the way I like it. Not wanting to draw too much attention to myself, I put on my waist-button jeans, a white tee, and a cardigan. I do end up seeing Swan during my first period class and wonder just how well she’s adjusting to the lack of sun. 

Second period is AP Lit and lucky me, I see Edward Cullen himself sitting at a desk in the back. Taking a seat two desks to his right, I sit with a quiet sigh, waiting the thirty minutes for class to start. With a quick glance to my left, I can see he’s looking my way, almost puzzled and I give him a little smile with a wave. “Hi, I’m Addison, ‘s nice to meet ya.”

Porcelain boy seems about to crack one too, inclining his head my way. “Edward. You’re new here, right?”

Smiling wider, I nod. “Yessir, I am. Moved here with me mum about a week ago.”

“How are you liking it? Your accent sounds Southern.” His smile is more genuine, and he makes decent eye contact. Not long after, his brow furrows in confusion but I ignore it.

“It’s nice. I honestly prefer dreary weather over the heat of the South—makes me sick.” 

“Huh... Well, it’s been nice but-”

He’s cut off by the teacher and the rest of the struggling students coming in as the bell rings. Much to my surprise, we’ll be reading and acting out the Great Gatsby. Most people look upset with the thought but the second that the teacher announces the book, I wonder what roles everyone would take. Would I be Nick Carraway? Would Bella be Daisy? Edward as Gatsby?

I like to think that perhaps, just maybe, I am more Gatsby material than Edward, and maybe we’d switch. Though Bella’s role would be strange, so maybe Edward truly is Gatsby.

The next few classes aren’t really worth thinking about or acknowledging but lunch is damn near a spectacle. It seems that word of the newer new kid has finally gotten around and now, just now, I get my stupid welcoming committee. They’re cute and nice enough but I’m too uninterested in clubs and the like to really be excited. 

The second that Angela goes to put a camera in my face, I glare, holding my hand in front of my face. “Do you mind?”

She at least has the decency to look apologetic and Bella – she introduced herself – snickers quietly. The rest of the crew, Mike and Eric and Jessica all seem a little upset with me for my reaction and I glare at them too, raising a brow. “If y’all got som’in’ to say, go ‘head.”

Huffing and tossing her curly auburn hair over her shoulder, Jessica rolls her eyes. “You didn’t have to be so rude to Angie. She’s only trying to get pictures for the yearbook.”

“Jess!” Bella says scolding and she huffs again, giving her a look that says, well am I wrong for saying what needs to be said?

I see a few heads turn our way, including the Cullens and I give Edward a slight shrug and a what-can-you-do? - smile that he returns slightly before we turn back to our respective tables. Glancing Jessica up and down, I sigh. “I don’t recall her asking me if she can take a picture of me. If she’d asked, maybe I’d have said yes. Either way, I don’t appreciate someone trying to take my picture without my permission or y’all trying to make me feel bad for reacting like a regular person.”

Finishing my little spiel, I stand up and move away from the table as Jessica calls, “you can’t eat anywhere but here!”

Not turning back, I shrug, arms out, as I respond, “Guess I won’t eat!” and leave the cafeteria entirely.

If anything, that sets the tone for the rest of my day as I go through classes, sharing Bio with Bella and Edward, and luckily being able to pair up with them. Halfway through the experiment Edward and Bella start discussing something, leaving me to finish our classwork. Looking over it, I finish up and turn it in after making sure our names are on it. Thankfully, that’s my last class, meaning I can go home – well, new home – and see my kitty and mom.

On my way out the school doors, Angela tries apologizing to which I listen and accept it, reminding her to ask next time and sighing half-amused, half-exasperated when she asks for my picture for the yearbook. I agree and she beams, taking a picture of me at my locker, giving her a wry smile, eyes sparkling, even in the picture. 

“Wow… you’re like, really photogenic,” she whispers, showing me the picture. 

Jessica and the others come over and she shows them the picture which makes them give me a second and third glance, seemingly surprised. Bella passes by and glances from me to the photo and then rolls her eyes. 

“It's not that he's photogenic, he's attractive.” She teases, making me roll my eyes. 

Taking my bag from my locker, I shut it and turn away from the teens, heading out the front doors. On my way out, I see a head of curly blond hair quickly duck out of the way before I see Alice making her way towards me with a smile. 

The pixie-esque girl is cute, even her voice is nice, but that knowing look in her eyes is killing me. Practically skipping over to me, she beams. “Hi! I’m Alice Cullen! I hope your first day was good.”

Unable to stay stand-offish, I sigh and move out of the doorway so people can pass through, leaning against the brick wall. She follows with a smaller smile, concern flashing before it's covered with genuine childlike curiosity. “Was it okay?”

I offer her a small smile. “Yeah, it was alright. And it's really nice to meet you, Alice. I’m Addison,” I respond with a slight wave, glancing up at the dreary weather, wondering if I’ll get home before it rains.

She giggles softly and steps a bit closer. “Things are going to be just fine, Addison. Just stick around to see it, okay?”

My vision snaps back to her quickly and I see her flinch slightly, eyes widening, and I wonder what she sees. Her hands go up in surrender as I stand up straight, taking a deep breath and frowning to myself. Am I really this scary that this girl is frightened of me? 

“Hey,” I start, feeling guilty for whatever it is I’ve done, “I’m not mad. I was just-- I didn't expect that choice of words is all.” 

She relaxes with a soft smile and sadness in her eyes and voice when she says, “Maybe not, but I think they're the ones you need to hear.”

I huff a soft laugh, nodding to myself. She isn't wrong. We part with a goodbye when Rosalie calls her away, the blond giving me a sneer that I ignore, heading to my car. Jasper slinks from his hiding place and to his own car, his gait stiff as if uncomfortable and I sigh. The poor man shouldn't have to be part of this damn charade. 

I drive home with the intention of going back to that school tomorrow, wanting to know what the hell Alice means. 

“And you didn't see this kid anywhere?” Edward questions his ‘sister’ Alice as they all sit in the lunchroom. She gives him an unimpressed look. It is the third time he's asked but she's the seer, not him. 

“For the last time, no.” She tells him. “It's just like how it was with Bella, okay?”

This gives him pause while the others share a commiserating look. It's been about a year since her vision about his future with his girlfriend and they still remember how awful the year ended up being thanks to their idiot brother.

A commotion occurs at the table the newest student is seated at and they watch as the cheerleader makes a flimsy attempt to shame the new kid before he snaps. And snap does he ever. 

Emmett whistles low in his throat at the kid's spunk and general apathy for the girl’s anger. “He's got guts, that's for sure,” the large man grumbles.

The others nod but Jasper is too busy wondering why, in this room of all of these emotional wrecks, the only void of emotions is the newest kid who's just left the cafeteria. Turning to Alice, they lock eyes and he can see that she knows, confirming his suspicions with the slightest of lip twitches. Their own siblings will think of it as a passing thing, but he and Alice know the truth. 

Jasper tries not to get jealous when the boy smiles at Alice, he wishes it was him talking to Atlas and seeing that face but he's behind this stupid pillar, listening to his dearest friend talking to his perfect half. He settles for listening from afar, cursing Rosalie for cutting their conversation short. The drive home is agony but the second he gets into the house; he heads to the living room and is nearly barreled over by Alice. 

Her thin arms squeeze him round the middle until he squeezes back then she skips back to her seat, grinning widely at him. He sits across from her and waits for the verdict. Her amber eyes sparkle as she tells him and the others about his soul’s mate. Rosalie looks regretful and Jasper gives her a look for being so petty. 

Alice draws his attention back by shutting up and waiting up they both look at her again. Then, she smiles and continues. “Anyway, so when we were talking, I got something!” Her excitement dims and the smile turns brittle as she looks at the others. “I'm not going to say it until you three are gone, so..”

The others stand and leave the room, the backdoor opening and shutting, the sound of Emmett whooping getting softer and softer with each second. After about a minute of waiting, Alice takes a deep breath. “Jas, he's very fragile. No, not fragile, just a bit cracked? What I saw when talking to him isn't good and I don't know if you really will want to hear this.”

Jasper, knowing it's now or never, grimaces. “I can't not know.”

He gets a sad smile and a nod. “I knew you'd say that… What I saw was Addison in a hospital bed. He was scared and confused and then I saw why. It was…” Her smile wobbles then falls completely. “Jas, his arms were in ribbons. And it was his own doing.”

The shock anchors him to the ground, head thinking about the possible future. “I..” 

Alice perseveres though. “But it didn't seem real, not like my other visions. It was as if he dreamt it. But Jazzy, you can't bombard him, okay?”

“You say that, but how am I going to keep myself from him?” Jasper questions gruffly. She rolls her eyes. 

“You don't have to avoid him, silly. He’s your mate. Just don't crowd or baby him.” She admonishes him. “He needs friends and you should be okay around him.”

Relief palpable, he stands and walks over to her, resting his head in her lap. “Thank you,” he mumbles. 

“Of course, Jazzy. Just don't forget about me, okay?” She teases. His face is so cute and offended when he looks up that she laughs. “You know most humans would be jealous of their partner being so close with a friend.”

He frowns. “If Addison thinks it's weird, we don't have to around him.”

“Okay, Jazzy,” she says softly, patting his head gently. He’ll learn soon, she’s sure Addison will help.

Chapter Text

I head to school the next morning after hugging my mom goodbye, parking and walking to my locker while humming a song. I put my bag away, grabbing what I need and grumble to myself when I think of having PE. When I close my locker, I jump upon seeing Alice and Jasper standing there. She laughs at my reaction and I rub the back of my neck sheepishly. 

“Y'all spooked me,” I mumble, seeing Jasper smile a bit before wincing almost unnoticeably. I glance and see that a large number of students just walked in and sigh, great. 

“Sorry for scaring you! Just thought I’d introduce you to Jasper!” Alice explains and I look up at Jasper and crack a smile. He's a pretty man, nice honey blond hair and a handsome face. Too bad he's suffering in this hellish place. 

“Hey, I’m Addison. It's nice to meet you, Jasper.” I say genuinely, seeing his eyes light up and Alice watches with a knowing smile. 

“Nice meeting you too, Addison. Your accent is uh…” he fumbles his word and I know he’d be red as hell right now if he wasn't a vampire. Waiting with a patient smile until he gets his sentence figured out, I see people staring and whispering. 

“It's a southern one. Where ya from?” He asks with a slight Texan accent. 

“Georgia born and raised. And you must be from Texas. I can tell just off the bat,” I say with a teasing wink, regretting it immediately after. He huffs a laugh, looking more and more haggard with each second as more people pour in. 

Knowing I need to get this beautiful blond Texan idiot out of here before he goes bananas, I open my locker up and grab my backpack and keys back out. Giving the two of them a shrug, I nod to the doors. “Y'all wanna play hooky with me?”

Alice refuses but Jasper takes the offer after some coaxing, following me out of the building and to my car. I unlock it and get it, taking a moment to sit there before I have to drive. He does the same and we nod in silent solidarity. 

Pulling out of the school parking lot right at eight, I sigh deeply. “That place is awful and it's only my second day.” 

His voice is laced with amused sympathy. “Try doing it for years. I promise it doesn't get better. You just learn to deal with it.”

I wince. “Yuck. I’d rather not.”

He hums in answer and we drive for a bit in silence before I speak again. “Thanks for coming with. I uh, I have sensory processing issues, especially when it comes to noises. Kinda noticed something similar with you so I thought you might appreciate the chance to skip the bull.”

“Thank you.” He says it so earnestly that I’m surprised and have to stop myself from looking over. Instead, I nod and let a smile cross my face. 

“Course. Us Southerners have to stick together in this Northern hellscape,” I joke, hearing him laugh quietly. 

Silence falls again but it's comforting, we drive a bit longer before I drive us to a place the La Push Rez dwellers have no claim and get out, glad to see the Sun still far away and under some nasty looking storm clouds. Jasper looks hesitant so I duck my head inside the car and smile at him. “C’mon. If anyone says anything, I’ll take blame for it. And if they try and rough us up, I know a few things about making a grown man cry.”

He turns and looks at me with curious eyes and a smile of his own, nodding before climbing out. I grab the picnic blanket from the backseat and carry it to a grassy area with less sand, setting it out for me and Jasper to sit on. Locking the car, I wait for him to sit before sitting beside him, a few inches between us. The sound of the water is comforting, and I lay down, head on my arms. 

“Tell me about yourself,” Jasper says after a bit of silence. I turn my head to see him, surprisingly enough, relaxing on the blanket, head tilted back and to the sky. Unable to not smile, I think about what I’ll say, humming for a bit. 

“Well,” I start, turning to lay on my side facing him. “I was born on the 4^th of June one month premature and nearly died because I was so small. Lived in Georgia my whole life until now. It's just my mom and I—my father isn't worth a thought.”

The last sentence shocks him and he opens his eyes to see me and my little smirk. “What? I’m just telling you the truth.”

Clearing his throat, Jasper shakes his head, blond curls following the motion only to lay perfectly at the end. “No, I believe you, I was just… I didn't expect that.”

I wink. “I’m full of surprises. But if you want me to stop, I can.”

“No!” His reaction is very quick, and he looks scared enough that the yelling doesn't bother me like it normally would. The blond deflates quickly, looking out toward the water, a deep-set frown on his lips. “Sorry, that was outta line.”

Scoffing softly, I sit up and stretch my back before nudging him gently with my shoulder. “Hey, it's okay. I wasn't expecting it, but you didn't scare me.”

He turns to face me, and I see golden eyes widen at just how close we are. My own face heating to unbearable temperatures, I lean back slightly, looking down at the blanket in embarrassment. A gentle but cold hand brushes my cheek, Jasper’s amused drawl reaching my ears over the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. 

“I can see what Swan meant now.” He chuckles to himself, my breath hitching when his next words are whispered so close I feel his breath against my neck. “And just so you know, I didn't mind how close we were.”

I think I might die there if I don't get some form of reprieve from this. My savior comes in the form of the shifters from the Quileute Tribe. They're laughing and having fun until they spot Jasper and I sitting like we are. 

“Hey!” One of them calls, making Jasper grimace as he pulls away from me with a sneer. I hear the shifters curse and hesitate before coming closer. 

“Oh shit, it's that one,” one of the younger ones whispers and I see Jasper stiffen. Sighing to myself I look up and turn to the shifters standing a good 10 feet away. Their eyes widen upon realization that I’m both human and sitting there, and I see Jacob, Leah, Paul, and Embry stare with surprise. 

Standing to my feet, I cross my arms and raise a questioning brow at them. “It? He's that what? If you don't mind me asking.”

Jacob steps forward before Paul rolls his eyes and starts closing the distance until there's just a foot between us. I hear Jasper going to stand but put my hand palm down and splayed out, silently asking him to sit. I hide my surprise that it works and widen my stance, still waiting for an answer from one of the shifters. 

Paul sneers, looking me up and down in a way that makes me uncomfortable despite how I don't show it outwardly. Finally, he goes to look around me and I move so he can't see Jasper, giving him a cute little smile, batting my eyelashes. “You still haven't answered my question.”

He rolls his eyes. “I don't have to tell you shit, now mo--” As he speaks, he goes to touch my shoulder, grabbing it and I quickly hook my leg behind his and knock him down with an elbow to the gut. He lets go as he falls on his ass, clutching his abdomen and looking up at me with something akin to respect shining in his dark eyes. 

I look at the rest of his group and then back at him, the pleasantness gone from my smile. “Now,” I start with irritation clear in my tone, “tell me. And just for the record, don't fuck with people you don't know.”

Embry steps forward, looking shy and unsure so I give him an encouraging smile to show I’m not mad. “It's just that we don't really get along with the Cullens. And he uh, we’ve just heard rumors about him and yeah…”

It's a bad lie. It's the worst one I’ve ever heard, but it's amusing so I laugh to myself. “Alright, keep your secrets then.”

Embry looks embarrassed and I spot Paul standing and preparing to lunge for Jasper, midway I grab him around the middle and throw us both to the ground. Paul growls angrily and I snarl at him, digging my nails into his skin. “Stop! Fucking! Around!”

“No!” He yells, “He's a fucking parasite!” 

I hear the others yelling for him to shut up and I pull away, pretending to be confused. “I’m sorry, what the fuck?”

Breathing heavily, he stares past me, glaring at a still Jasper who looks like he might die at any second. Grinning maniacally, Paul looks at the two of us before laughing loudly. “Oh, this is fucked up!”

Jacob yells at him. “Sam is going to kill you if-”

Paul leans forward, eyes wild as he points to Jasper. “That thing is a parasite! It's going to kill you as soon as it gets the chance!”

Tired of hearing his bullshit, I punch him in the forehead, watching his eyes roll back as he flops onto the sand unconscious. Standing to my feet, I walk back over to Jasper, kneeling in front of him, smiling kindly. “Hey, let's get you home. This is a lot of excitement for a day meant to be relaxing.” 

Golden eyes look at me in shock, but he nods and stands, quickly folding the blanket. I glance back to the Quileutes with a shake of my head before walking with Jasper to my car. 

As we’re driving back to Forks, I break the tense silence formed thanks to Paul. “I'm a black belt so don’t worry about me. And, I know what that dumbass said, but you know what? I think if it was by your hand I died, I could go smiling.”

He doesn't respond so I just sigh quietly and drive us back to the school so he can get his car. We go to part ways soon after and I watch him go before heading to my home with a sigh. 

When I get home, I go inside, only to see Sheriff Swan and my mom waiting for me. She gives me a pissed look and I shrug, waiting to know what's going on. I sit down and listen to the charges placed against me. Aggravated assault, trespassing on private land, and skipping school, fun. 

With a sweet smile, I tilt my head. “So, you're telling me that La Push Beach isn't open to the public? So, anyone who goes there is trespassing?”

His face goes pale, thinking about it and my mom gives him the look now. Clearing his throat, Charlie Swan tries to regain control of the situation. “Well, that charge isn't valid then. But what about the assault charge? Do you have a reason for that?”

Smiling wider, I nod. “Oh yes. You see, back at home I went to a dojo which followed the teachings of tae kwon do, and one of the main rules of this style is that we don't instigate things, we finish them. Who exactly is charging me with this assault charge? I do have a right to know considering this could affect my permanent record.”

Sweating now, Swan looks for my mother's help, seeing nothing but annoyance there. “Paul Ver said- Well, he brought the case and--”

“And as a friend of the Quileute Tribe, you thought you should come here and attempt to ambush me after my friend was threatened, forcing me to defend him and myself from an aggressive man? Interesting. The only charge that slightly, and I mean slightly sticks is the school one. However, you nice folks of the North have this thing called mental health days. Jasper Cullen and I took one because I have sensory processing issues and he has something similar, so we went to relax by the water. While there, the Quileute, mainly Paul, were less than kind. 

“He tried to touch me after conveying through words and body language he wasn't there to talk. I defended myself first. I only did something more drastic when he attempted to lunge at Jasper. I’m unsure of why, but he started spewing insults at my friend and saying Jasper would kill me, so I knocked him out to ensure we could get out of there safely. I took Jasper back to school to get his car then came back here to find you waiting. Is that a sufficient statement, Sheriff Swan?”

The man gapes and I see my mom’s irritation grow with the bumbling man. “Sheriff Swan call your partner and see if the statements match up. Now. I and my baby’s doctor and therapist can confirm that he is on the spectrum and does have sensory problems.”

Swan does as he's told, my mom coming around the table to hug me, so I sniffle and let the tears form, happy to have her on my side. The Sheriff talks for a few minutes, hanging up with a gruff, “Goodbye.”

I look up to see him looking at my mom and I with a tired look in his eyes. “Jasper Cullen corroborated the statement and the elder Cullens confessed to the family having some tension between the tribe but also expressed concern that it had spread to affect their quiet son too. You're free of all charges, but would you like to press them against Paul Ver?”

I look at my mom. “It's your call mama. I dun really know much about it.”

She hums, then looks at Charlie. “How old is Mister Ver?”

Charlie pales further. “I believe that he's late-twenties, ma’am.”

My mom’s arms tighten around me. “What? And he's picking fights with children? With my little boy, nonetheless? We are pressing charges for sure. This is ridiculous.”

Swan gets the information he needs and leaves with a quiet goodbye. My mom locks up behind him, walking over and kissing my head. “So, tell me about this Jasper.”

Groaning I put my head in my arms, wishing I could escape this. I can only hope Jasper is faring better.

“I don't want to talk about it, Carlisle.” Jasper tells his adoptive father, irritated with the way the others are looking at him after the officer leaves their house. The doctor sighs quietly, shaking his head as Esme takes her husband's hand. 

“You should invite the kid over, Jazz. We're all curious now, plus, if he's really the one, we have to test him.” Emmett jokes, yelping as his blond brother appears over him a split second later, snarling. 

“No!” Jasper hisses, “You will not!”

“Jasper!” Edward snaps. “Sit down! He's just joking. I promise.” He adds the last sentence when his brother looks to him for confirmation. The blond hisses one last time but goes back to his seat beside Alice. She murmurs to him, running a hand through his hair, soothing his nerves. 

“Emmett, you know better than to tease Jasper about something like this. But, I do think you should invite him over, Jasper. It would be nice to meet him before you two get too serious,” Carlisle says with a pleasant smile. 

Unwilling to deny his father anything, Jasper nods. “I’ll ask him, but after today I don't know if he'll want anything to do with me.”

At this moment, Edward groans. “Really Jasper? Addison isn't joking. You and I both know that. Besides, anyone with eyes can tell he likes you.”

Chuckling, Carlisle scolds his younger son before dismissing them all. “Go on and get food, kids. We’ll join you soon.”

Jasper stays behind, giving his father a nervous smile. “Promise you won't let them mess him around too much? I’m not…it's not that I’m worried but--”

“But you're worried. I know how you feel.” Carlisle admits. “But I promise those two won't be able to do anything to your Addison, Jazz.”

Flashing a little used smile in thanks, the blond turns and heads out to join his siblings.

Chapter Text

The next day when I go to school, I’m met with stares and whispers. With a sigh, I gather my stuff and head to first hour, getting stopped by a couple of girls in cheerleading jackets. Backing up a few steps, I wait for them to move out of my way. When they don’t, I tilt my head in confusion. “Yes?”

One of them, a girl with grey eyes and bright red lipstick sneers and snidely says, “Don’t act dumb. We know what you’re trying to do. You think you’re going to turn Jazzles gay, but he’s mine, okay? Just go back to whatever nasty little town you’re from and we won’t have a problem.”

I can’t help it, and later I might regret it, but for the split second that it takes to register, I snort at how serious she sounds. She looks so offended when I do stop laughing that I have to take a deep breath to keep from laughing again. “Sorry, sorry. It’s just..” I drop the smile and let my face go blank, voice monotone. “How stupid can you be? His name is Jasper, not Jazzles. I am not trying to do anything. And in reality, in case you don’t understand how the world works outside of your little delusions of high school and this false hierarchy that doesn’t exist outside of this establishment, let me be your teacher. My mother and I moved here. That means we packed up and left our home to live in this little town. I live here now and I’m not leaving until I damn well please and no cheerleader with a god complex will change that. You may think you’re important but there are 8 billion people on this planet, and we are on a small dot in a vast universe that is slowly but surely swirling down into a black hole that will consume this place we call home. And not only that, but I come from a city much bigger than this with people who don’t talk; we take action, and I will not be kind.”

Her grey eyes are full of tears and the girl beside her is trembling, both of them flinching back when I smile—cold and full of teeth. “You are nothing to me. Now take your threats and delusions of grandeur and fuck off.”

The girls turn tail and run off, Grey Eyes bursting into tears halfway down the hall. The football boys that were flanking them look like their world has been crushed and I smile at them too, watching in amusement as they flee. Rolling my shoulders, I continue on my way to the classroom, sitting in my seat with a sigh. Edward waves with a smile and I wave back.

“Morning,” I say pleasantly, ignoring the whispers from everyone walking in. He has enough time to return the sentiment before the teacher walks in and asks someone else to come in. my eyes widen when I see that it’s Jasper and I see people turning to look at me. With a glare, I wave Jasper over, smiling at the teacher’s excitement at having him in the class.

The blond gives me a little smile as he sits down. “What are we doing?”

Rolling my eyes, I pull out my personal copy of The Great Gatsby and watch his mouth twitch in amusement. “They’re still teaching this?” He asks and Edward snorts, nodding.

I watch the interaction curiously but remain quiet as the teacher asks about who wants to take the different role in the book. I take Nick, smiling sheepishly when the teacher thanks me profusely. Unlike at my old school, the role of Nick will also be the narrator, meaning I’ll be forced to speak a majority of the time. It isn’t that I love speaking, but I do love this book. It’s definitely my favorite of all time despite how sad it makes me to read again and again. Jasper takes the role of Jay Gatsby and I have to keep my heart calm after the smile he sends my way.

Unfortunately, the role of Daisy goes to Grey Eyes who I didn’t even know had class with me, and I see her looking at Jasper with goo-goo eyes. Temper flaring, I lean over to Jasper and whisper what happened earlier so he knows. The reaction I get isn’t the one I expect, but honestly, I’m fine with it. When I sit back down, he carefully moves our desks together, mumbling an excuse about forgetting his copy. Smirking at the way the girl is trying to glare a hole in his back to get his attention, I relax next to him, sighing when the teacher lets us break for the last twenty minutes of class.

Grey eyes walks over, trying to put her hand on Jasper. “Jazzles, I—”

Catching her hand, I smile coldly. “Do ask before you touch someone. Consent is required.” Letting it drop to her side, I wave off the teacher’s concern. “And his name is Jasper. Use it or shut your mouth.”

She pouts and stomps back to her seat. I wait until she’s seated before sitting back down and staring into wide golden eyes. “Jasper, are you okay?”

He nods. “Come to my home? Tonight, for dinner, I mean. My parents…they’re uh, they want to meet you.”

With a grin, I nod. “Okay. I’ll text my mom, so she knows I won’t be home tonight.”

The rest of the morning passes just fine after that class and my mom happily agrees to me going to the Cullen home after school and for dinner. During the lunch period, I sit with Bella and her friends, reading my book to pass the time, eating a few almonds absentmindedly.

Bella nudges me at some point and I look up to see the cheerleaders walking over, making a beeline for me. Rolling my eyes and sighing in exasperation at their persistence and idiocy, I wait until Grey Eyes and her posse are standing and staring at me before going back to my book. I hear her fuming in rage, turning the page and marking it before closing my book.

Looking up through my glasses, I blink. “You realize that you're wasting time being upset with me, yes? Statistically, high school relationships don't last longer than five years. In fact,” I pause as she lunges forward, jumping up and out of her way, wincing when she crashes into the chairs and hits the floor.

She screams and looks up at me with tears in her eyes. “Why do you keep doing this? I’m the popular one! I’m supposed to get the boy and be happy!”

Sighing deeply so I don't destroy her confidence, I shrug. “I can't help you with that, but I can tell you that you could work on being happy with yourself first. Ask if you're truly happy with yourself and if you aren't, work on it. You're young. I promise you that a majority of the boys here aren't even worth a second glance. Ambition will take you far when applied properly, as will humility.”

Walking over, I extend a hand down and help her up, making sure she's steady before moving away and letting her hand go. Grabbing my book and hugging it to my chest, I smile at her kindly. “You're a beautiful girl, use that to your advantage. Men are idiots, especially young ones.”

She laughs quietly, painted red lips in a smile. Whispering, she asks, “So I should probably focus more on being me and not Jasper, huh?”

“That's for the best,” I say firmly, seeing her wink and turn away. The other cheerleaders look confused but follow her back to their table. Part of me wonders if I’ve just gotten a new ally in this hellish place.

“How the hell did you do that?” Bella asks, looking at me with worried eyes as if confused about me still being alive. Shrugging, I sit back down.

“Just told the truth. I don't care about this high school shit. I mean, some of the people, yeah. The idea? No.” It's honesty that she wants but she seems surprised to get it.

Lunch ends soon after and we all head out and to our last three classes of the day. With each passing class, I get more and more excited, leaving Biology as soon as the bell rings and heading to my locker, nodding to Giselle – I finally learned Grey Eyes’ name thanks to Bella.

Closing my locker, I’m met with Jasper waiting behind it, giving me a right scare. Golden eyes crinkling at the corners and shining with mirth, he motions to where Alice stands, waving at us from by the door. “She drove today, so I’ll be going with you.” He whispers as we reach her.

Pouting, she flicks him lightly on the arm. “I wanted to tell him!”

I shake my head at how cute they are, following them out, waving goodbye to Edward and Alice before leading Jasper to my car. He slides into the passenger seat like he belongs there, the thought making me smile like a dumbass.

“What's got you so happy?” He asks when I start the car.

Turning to him, I smile more. “You.”

His mouth drops open and he sits there in shock for long enough that when he's back in commission, I’ve already begun driving.

We reach the Cullen home with softly given directions from a flustered Jasper. Parking the car, I text my mom so she knows I made it, smiling at Jasper. “Let's go in, yeah? Unless you wanna talk about it out here?”

He shakes his head and climbs out of the car. I follow, locking it after ensuring I have my phone on me. When we reach the door, we’re greeted by Esme. “Hello there, you must be Addison. I hope you like Greek food.” She says with a warm smile.

“It's very nice to meet you, ma’am. I haven't had Greek in a while so I’m excited,” I say honestly, curious to try the Cullens’ cooking. Esme just smiles brighter and leads us inside where Alice ambushes me and Jasper with a hug.

“Hi! Oh my gosh, I am so glad you came! You're going to love the food! Esme is a great cook!” She says excitedly, flouncing over to Jasper for a hug before I can react. The whiplash is nothing I can't handle but I forgot just how cold these poor people are. Not as cold as I’d expected but still cold enough. Laughing quietly, I turn and smile at the cute scene of Alice and Jasper hugging.

They spot me and pull away quickly as if caught doing something illegal, movements slowing as I hold my hands up to stop them. “Guys, it’s cute. Please feel comfortable in your own home.”

A large shadow appears over my shoulder and I turn, backing away so I can look at Emmett without breaking my neck. The large vampire grins down at me, looking like an oversized puppy. His smile is infectious, and I can’t help but smile back. “You must be Emmett,” I say happily.

He looks over my head, likely at Jasper, then back down at me, raising his large hand in the air. “Hell yeah! High five?”

Looking up at the hand, I realize just how high up it is and hum, ignoring the snickers from around me. “You know I have to jump to reach it, right?”

Emmett lowers his hand so I only have to stand on my tip-toes to smack his hand with mine. Surprised that they make contact, I sink back down to a normal standing position and shrug. I really expected him to play around more than he is but nope. Maybe Bella coming around changed some things.

Thank God, because I don't think I could stand this otherwise.

Dinner is delicious. Not that I think it won't be, but for people who don't typically eat human food, they are amazing cooks. At least Esme is.

The entire time, I’m asked various questions, and then sub-questions for the questions until even I’m confused about the original question. Jasper notices pretty quickly and dismisses us both from the table and drags me to his room upstairs. It isn't really dragging considering the fact that I’m walking and he doesn't touch me anymore once we're out of their sight.

The second we're in his room, he closes the door and presses his head to the door, shoulders hunched tight enough to make mine ache. “Jasper,” I say softly, “can I touch your shoulders?”

There's a sharp nod of affirmation and it takes a few seconds before I’m rubbing his shoulders with both hands, gently so I can just remind him I’m here. “I don't know what's going on, but I'm here for whatever you need.”

He bites something out but it's too quiet to hear. When he repeats himself, asking for a hug, I nod. “Okay, Jasper.”

Wrapping an arm around his midriff and the other across his chest, I press close to him, cheek pressed to the muscular plane of his back. He tenses then relaxes, one of his cool hands pressing to the one on his abdomen. We stand there for what seems like hours, just breathing together as I hold him close.

At some point, he turns and hugs me, leaning against the door frame, neither of us saying anything but saying everything at the same time.

I know what you are, the tightening of my arms around him says, I know and I accept you.

You’ll be safe with me, even when you're not safe with yourself. His hand clutching at my back tells me this, and more.

Jasper lets me go, putting his hands on my shoulders, moving them down to grip my arms tightly. His golden eyes shine in the dim light of the evening, beautiful in their vibrancy. I look up into them, my hands trailing down to hang around his waist. I'm unsure of if what I think is happening is happening but I feel my tongue darting out to wet my lips just in case. Golden eyes following the movement, Jasper wraps an arm around my waist and tilts my chin up, head ducking down to brush our noses together.

With a breathy laugh, I say, “You could kiss me, you know.”

“I know,” he whispers quietly, turning his head and pressing our lips together. It's a gentle thing that lasts for a second and leaves me wanting more. He pulls away, stroking my cheek with a smooth, cold thumb. Each touch is more affectionate and gentle than one expects from a vampire. It's all Jasper though, and I love it.

“You're so warm.” Jasper presses a kiss to my cheek then another. “I want to keep you so badly. Make sure that…” he trails off, fingers pressing into my side and keeping me still as he nips the shell of my ear, chuckling when I shiver, “you're always with me.”

Snickering quietly, I press closer. “You sure are using that Southern charm, aren't ya, lover boy?”

He growls softly, breathing in deeply. “Maybe I am. Is it working?” He asks, pulling away to look me in the eyes. I stare back with a soft smile, nodding.

“It is, but like I said in the car, you're the thing making me happy and making me smile.”

“You don't even…what that bastard—what Paul said, it's true. You're saying this but—”

I shush him sharply, pressing my hands to his cold cheeks, making him look me dead in the eyes. “You're a vampire, right? Please do me the honor of not assuming I’m a complete dolt; there were signs. Not only that, but the Quileute are wolf-shifters?”

“How did you..? I mean, yes, but..” He starts but trails off again.

“Jasper, you're freezing. Like, freezing, babe. Secondly, I know white folk are pale but you..y’all are next level pale, okay?” I reply with a soft laugh, playfully teasing him. “You're beautiful, too beautiful to be in high school, and too smart as well.”

His hands cup the ones on his face, sighing. “At least others aren't as perceptive as you or we’d need to move.”

“I’m glad too. Means I get to see you.” I roll my eyes, standing on the tips of my toes to press a kiss to his cheeks. “I should probably get going, though.”

He frowns, wrapping his arms around my waist again, pulling me close. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Course, silly. But uh, what are we..? Do you…do you want to be public or?” I ask softly, worried about what he’ll say. I shouldn't be because within a moment, he’s dropped to his knees, taking my hands in his and staring up at me with bright gold eyes.

“I want nothing more. You and I will be as public as you want and as private as you want. Just say the word.” Jasper rasps emotionally, running his thumbs over my knuckles.

Leaning over him, I press a soft kiss to his forehead. “I wanna be public but not too much p.d.a? I just…” I trail off, holding in a shudder as I remember myself and him from my other life. Pressing another kiss on the tip of his nose, I push that thought out of my mind. “I want to be respectful of others too and not be one of those gross teenagers.”

“Of course, Addison,” he murmurs, standing smoothly, giving me one last hug before leading me out of his room and down the stairs. Alice gives me a big hug and knowing smile before walking up the stairs. Jasper walks me to the car, giving me one last kiss and watching as I drive away.

Coming home, I walk inside and lock the door, heading upstairs to say goodnight to my mom. She gives me a large hug and starts interrogating me about it, teasing me when I tell her about Jasper. We part with a goodnight and I go to bed with a smile on my face.