Intermediate Imprinting: Temptation #3
Nov. 23rd, 2012 08:20 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
elvenavariTitle: Intermediate Imprinting: Temptation
As RPed by:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
starry_nights88 & avari_maethor
Pairings: Jasper/Seth, Edward/Jacob & Emmett/Leah.
Sam was waiting for Seth and Leah with the rest of the pack at their meeting circle. Paul growled at the stench of vampire that surrounded them both. Leah growled back as Seth approached Sam on his stomach. After phasing for the first time everyone quickly fell into the ways of how wolves acknowledged their alphas. It was only natural now.
Why didn't you say anything about your imprint? Sam demanded to know, obviously not happy about finding out that another one of his wolves had imprinted on a leech, but he was even more upset to find out about it from Sue and not Seth himself.
Seth whimpered and rolled into his back so that his stomach and neck were exposed. I was in shock, and scared… and upset… I was going to tell you today and then Jasper and Edward came over and… and I was just so happy that I forgot.
Sam growled lowly and then turned his attention to Leah. Why didn't you say anything? The alpha demanded to know; the female wolf whined and crouched low in the dirt.
It wasn't my business to tell, Leah replied. She had been more worried about Seth's well being at the time; the thought of Sam hadn't even crossed her mind until she heard his howl.
Don’t be mad at Leah, Sam. I should have come to you as soon as it happened or this morning. I’m sorry, Seth told him. You know now…
I do. Because of your mother calling my house hysterically! Sam replied, not bothering to mention what Sue had interrupted when she called.
She overreacted. She was angry… you know how mom gets when she’s angry… Seth whined.
Yeah...I see where Leah gets it from now... Sam grumbled as he sat, not really upset at the other two anymore now that they had apologized for not acting quicker, though he wasn't sure if that would've saved him from Sue's call. I also want to point out that while the leeches are allowed in La Push...inside of your house is another matter entirely. I can't force your mother to let them see you.
We know, we’ll go to them. We are welcome in the Cullen house, Leah told him.
Yeah! Jasper has this huge collection of books on all kinds of subjects! He’s letting me borrow this really cool series about Shadowhunters! Seth exclaimed as he rolled over, his tongue lolling out of his mouth.
Sam heaved a sigh in his wolf form, standing once more. Yes. I know. As soon as you figured out you weren't in trouble it was bouncing around your head... he replied before he shook out his fur. I've got to get back to Emily. Don't forget that you and your leech are on patrol tomorrow night, Leah.
Leah nodded. Will you be telling the elders? Does Seth need to be present for it if so?
I'll have to tell the Elders...another pack member imprinting on a vampire...? Sam said, shaking his head. I'd best tell them before your mother does. I don't think Seth will have to be present.
Good, those guys give me the creeps sometime’s, Seth said scratching a persistent itch on his ear.
They give everyone the creeps, Leah replied with a soft snort as Sam shook his head once more, giving them a yelping bark in parting before he turned and left, returning to his own imprint.
Great another leech smell to deal with, Paul said, his tone annoyed.
What? Are you jealous Paul? Seth questioned.
Watch it kid, Paul growled.
Maybe if you'd come and meet the Cullens you might imprint on one too, Leah seethed, looking over at Seth. You wanna head home or back to the Cullens?
Paul go home, Jacob told him as he stood. Paul looked at him but Jacob stared him down. Huffing a half sigh/growl he turned and left the circle.
Seth hung his head. I’d better go home. Mom doesn’t have much say over you but I’m still just fourteen, Seth answered.
Don't you at least want to say good night to Jasper? And get your books? Leah reminded him. I can say bye to Emmett and then take you home. She didn't want Seth to face their mother alone.
Do I want to risk making mom any madder than she already is? Seth questioned.
Leah blinked and had to think about that. How much madder can she get...? She asked, but sighed. If you want to head home I'll get your book for you.
Seth nodded and came over to lick her cheek. And tell Jasper I said goodnight? Please?
Of course, Leah replied, smiling though it didn't show in her wolf form.
Night Jake, Seth said before he left the circle.
Want some company? Jacob questioned Leah as he watched Seth head toward home.
Even though you'll ditch me for Edward and some dark corner when we get to the Cullens', Leah teased, not taking off for the house until Jacob had a chance to catch up with her.
Well at least you’ll know what will happen, Jacob laughed.
Unfortunately. You give play by plays you know, Leah pointed out in all seriousness, the pair of wolves taking off for the Cullen household. What are you doing out and about anyway? I didn't know you had patrols tonight.
Sam called us all to confront Seth, why I have no idea. Your mom was pretty mad it seemed like. She called dad and I could hear her yelling when he pulled the phone away from his ear. Jacob explained.
She can't stand the fact that both of her kids imprinted on vampires, Leah replied with a sigh.
Well she’s gonna have to get used to it, Jacob stated.
That doesn't mean that she will, Leah replied, knowing there was a good chance that her mother might never accept her or her brother's imprint.
You guys are always welcome at my house, Jacob promised. He knew that they were welcomed at the Cullen’s too but he felt the need to offer anyway.
We know that, Jacob. But you're at Edward's most of the time anyway...and I'd rather not be in your house if he's over and your dad isn't... Leah said. Its bad enough I have to see it in your head...I'd rather not experience it in real life.
Jacob barked a laugh as the Cullen house appeared through the trees. He phased and quickly changed into a t-shirt and pair of jean shorts. Leah followed suit grinning when she saw that Edward and Emmett were already waiting outside when they emerged from the trees. A quick sniff told her that Jasper was waiting just inside but hadn’t come outside.
Leah walked into Emmett's arms, chastely kissing the vampire before telling him she needed to speak to Jasper. The elder nodded and let her go.
Jasper stood when she entered the living room. He looked concerned, even more so since Seth wasn’t with her. “Where is Seth? Did everything go alright?” He questioned.
"Seth's fine. He wanted to get home before our mother got more upset. He asked me to tell you good night for him," Leah answered.
Jasper sighed in relief and nodded. “Thank you for telling me Leah.”
"You're welcome Jasper," Leah replied with a smile.
Jasper glanced down at the couch and then picked up the book Seth had left. “I told him that he could borrow this.”
Leah nodded and reached to take it from Jasper. "I promised I'd bring this back to him," she explained.
Jasper gave her the book. “You are a good sister Leah, Seth loves you very much.”
Leah's smiled widened at that and the barest of blushes touched her cheeks. "I try to be anyway," she replied with a shrug.
Jasper nodded. “Goodnight Leah.” With that he disappeared up the stairs to his room. Emmett came in and wrapped an arm around her waist.
“Are you staying the night?” He questioned.
Leah sighed softly. "I wish I could, but I don't want Seth to have to deal with my mother alone."
“Should I come over there then?” Emmett asked. He didn’t like the thought of either of the shifter’s dealing with Sue alone or together.
"If you want to, but if my mom catches you she's going to be pissed."
Emmett grinned. “Well I just won’t get caught then.”
Leah chuckled softly at that. "I'll leave my bedroom window unlocked then."
“Expect me an hour after you get back,” he told her leaning down to catch her lips in a kiss.
Leah leaned up into the kiss, making it last longer than Emmett had probably intended. "An hour," she said after the kiss was broken.
“You are such a tease,” Emmett groaned even as he trailed a hand down to her butt and squeezed.
Leah laughed, giving the vampire a saucy wink before she stepped out of his arms. "What can I say...? It keeps you coming back though," she teased with a chuckle.
“That it does,” Emmett agreed as he grinned.
“I’m gonna head home now, I don’t want to leave Seth alone any longer than I have to,” she told him.
“Alright, I’ll see you in an hour.”
---
"I don't know why you're worried, Seth..." Leah said as she pulled into the Cullens' driveway after she had picked Seth up from school. "I'm sure he'd love to help you with your project."
Seth picked at a loose thread on his jeans absently. “I know he probably won’t mind… I just don’t want to seem like a nuisance you know?”
Leah nodded in understanding before looking over at her brother. "Something tells me that you'll be anything but."
Seth blushed. “I hope you’re right.” He and Jasper had gotten much closer in the week since his imprint. It seemed that every night he was either going over to the Cullen’s or Jasper was coming to the reservation, he couldn’t come in Seth’s house but neither minded just walking through the woods.
Leah stopped the car near the house and turned it off. As Seth got out of the car Jasper came out of the house and Seth smiled. “Hello Seth, Leah,” Jasper greeted. “Emmett is in his room absorbed in a game.”
"I know I'm right," she insisted before giving Jasper a smile. "Thanks for telling me, Jazz, I'll just leave you two to it then." Leah then left the two alone as she made her way into the house.
Jasper watched her go. “Leave us to what?” He questioned. When he looked back at Seth the younger boy was blushing. “Seth?”
“Um… well I have this project I was given today, it’s a history project and I could use some help. If you don’t want to you don’t have to!” Seth rushed out.
Jasper blinked and then his face split into a grin. "I'd love to help," he replied easily.
“Really?” Seth questioned, though he was already smiling. “Great! My teacher gave us a list of things we can choose from. I can’t decide what to do…”
Jasper nodded. "Easily remedied," he replied, beckoning the boy to follow him.
Seth followed Jasper into the house and up to the vampire’s room. Once there he dug through his backpack and handed Jasper the list of things they could do for the project that his teacher had given him. He shouldn’t have been so excited to work on a school project but then he was excited to do anything with Jasper.
“What do you think?”
"Does anything jump out at you?" Jasper asked, looking down at the list before looking up at the shifter. "Anything you're interested in?"
“Well… I’ve developed quite an interest in the Civil War recently,” Seth replied with a blush.
Jasper grinned before he nodded. "That's fine..." he replied, looking over at the younger. "That's one thing I know a lot about."
“I thought you would.” Seth came to stand beside Jasper as he looked over the list. “So why don’t we do… this one?” He asked pointed at the project title.
Jasper nodded. "Sounds good!"
“Great! Where do we start?” Seth questioned.
"Research. Obviously."
Seth nodded and pulled a notebook from his backpack. He settled on the floor as Jasper gathered an armful of books. Once he had enough for this first session he sat on the floor with Seth. They spent the next few hours talking about various things to use or not to use.
---
“How’s the project coming?” Leah questioned as she drove to the Cullen’s. The lack of response after a moment caused her to look over at her brother. Seth’s head was dipping down and coming back up with the movement of the car but he was asleep and hadn’t heard a word she said. “Seth!”
Seth’s head snapped up, his eyes wide. “Wh-What? What happened?”
“You didn’t fall asleep in school today did you?”
“Huh?” Seth yawned. “No… well… I might have for a few minutes in math but I didn’t miss much.”
Leah frowned. “No more night patrols for you this week.”
“You’re not Sam.”
“No, but you’re still in school, you need your sleep.”
“Uh-huh.”
Leah sighed. “So how’s the project coming? Its due next week isn’t it?”
“Yeah, it’s coming great. Jasper is so smart… and well he did live during the Civil War so he has great insight. I’m gonna have the best project of the whole class. We should have it finished in the next few days,” he told her with a tired smile.
Leah smiled at that, but her face fell when she noticed his tired eyes. "You're finishing it early, right?" She asked, frowning as she glanced over at her brother as she drove along.
"A few days," Seth answered, biting back a yawn as he leaned against the seat with a soft contented sigh.
His sister nodded. "Well. Why don't you give it a rest with the project, hm? Take a break today and just rest. Maybe watch a movie with Jasper?"
Seth hummed. “That sounds nice; I’ll ask him if he wants to.”
"That's good," Leah replied, satisfied that her brother would get some much needed rest.
Jasper was sitting outside under a tree with a book when Leah pulled up and parked the car. He stood as Leah and Seth got out, greeting them with a smile. That smile quickly turned into a frown when he felt how dampened Seth’s emotions were. “What’s wrong?” He questioned.
“Nothing’s wrong,” Seth answered.
Jasper didn't believe the younger for a second. "You can't lie to me Seth," he said softly, frowning as Leah passed them and continued into the house, confidant that Jasper would take care of her brother.
“I’m not, nothing’s wrong. I’m just tired. I had two night patrols this week.” Seth stretched his arms up over his head causing various things to pop. “Leah suggested we take a break from the project today, maybe watch a movie instead?”
Jasper noticed, the tiredness from the shifter brushing over him like waves. "Yes. That sounds like a good idea," he agreed, nodding before he beckoned the boy to follow him into the house.
Seth smiled and followed his imprint inside. They went to the living room and Jasper offered to let Seth pick out the movie but Seth declined. “I’m probably going to fall asleep anyway,” he said.
Jasper nodded and picked out a movie, not really paying attention to what he had picked because he had seen them all already anyway. He gestured Seth towards the couch as he put the movie in the DVD player, then he took a seat on the couch next to the shifter.
As the movie started Seth grabbed a throw pillow from the end of the couch and propped it against Jasper’s leg. He stretched out with his head on the pillow before glancing up at Jasper. “Is this okay?” Seth questioned.
Jasper smiled down at the younger boy. "You're fine," he assured him before looking back up at the movie and the two sat in silence for awhile, at least through a quarter of the movie. Seth's breathing had evened and Jasper assumed he was asleep as he glanced down at the younger boy, hesitantly touching his hair, running his fingers through it as he smiled at the silky smoothness.
Seth sighed and shifted. Jasper stilled his fingers, his eyes wide, had Seth not been asleep yet? After a moment Seth stilled again, his emotions calm and breathing even. Jasper’s smile widened and he continued to play with the short hair.
“…Jasper…” Seth whispered.
Again Jasper's hand stilled, but he did not think Seth was awake, he was simply surprised. Surprised that the younger teenager had said his name and idly he wondered just why his name was said as his hand began moving through the shifter's hair again.
“He’s dreaming about you,” Edward said quietly from the doorway.
Jasper knew that if he still retained the ability to do so he'd be blushing at his brother's words. He looked over at the other vampire. "He is?" He questioned, curious to know what the dream was about.
Edward nodded and smirked. “They are not like Jacob’s… these are… innocent, at least for now.”
Jasper couldn't help but to snicker at that. "You know all about Jacob's, don't you?"
“Of course, he dreams as he does everything else in his life, passionately.”
"Passionately?" Jasper asked, giving Edward a disbelieving look. "Don't you mean pervy?"
“Jacob isn’t a pervert in all aspects of his life so no… passionately fits,” Edward replied. “A fair warning, if all imprint’s work the same way then Seth will eventually have the same types of dreams about you. Knowing Seth, it will probably embarrass him as much as it will you.”
Just entertaining the idea embarrassed Jasper, but that was only because he wasn't sure of things with Seth. He liked the shifter. He felt at ease in his presence. But the fact still remained that he had never been attracted to a boy before. And Seth was a boy. In every sense of the word.
“He won’t always be,” Edward stated before he disappeared.
Jasper sighed softly and knew that Edward was right. He leaned back against the couch and ran his fingers through Seth's hair, contemplating what would become of him and Seth.
---
A week later as soon as Leah stopped the car Seth was out and running into the house. He ran up to Jasper’s room, a smile on his face as he held a grade sheet out to the vampire. “I got my grade on the project back!”
Jasper saved his page in the book he was reading and looked up at the beaming teenager. "Really? What'd you get?" He knew it had to have been a good grade because the other boy's emotions were ecstatic.
“An A! My teacher said it was the best project in my whole grade! And it’s all thanks to you!” Before he could stop himself he was hugging Jasper. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Jasper couldn't help but to feel excited for the younger boy, his emotions were that overwhelming. He couldn't help but to feel happy and wrap his arms around the shifter, hugging the younger to himself.
After a moment Seth realized what he was doing and pulled away blushing brightly. “Sorry…” He was still smiling. “I didn’t mean to hug you.”
The most adorable sight Jasper had ever seen had to have been Seth blushing. "It's alright," Jasper assured the younger boy, reaching for him and pulling him back into his arms. "Friends hug, right?"
Seth nodded, his arms wrapping around Jasper, his cheek rubbing against Jasper’s chest as he nodded. “Really though, thank you,” Seth said.
"You're welcome," Jasper replied, hugging the teenager to him. "I'm glad to have been able to help."
Seth knew he was still blushing but right now he didn’t care. His inner wolf was practically purring with pleasure at being held in the arms of its imprint. “Hey Jasper?”
Jasper looked down at the shifter. "Yeah?" He asked, his arms still wrapped around the other male.
“The nights are getting cooler; I think this might be one of the last nights that the fireflies will be around. After Esme fixes supper do you want to go out to the meadow and watch them with me?”
Jasper grinned at that. "Sure," he agreed easily.
Seth looked up at him. “Great!” He said with a smile. “I’ll go ask Esme if she has an empty jar and then we can… watch a movie or something while I work on my homework.”
"Sounds like a plan," Jasper agreed, not really minding what they did so long as Seth was apart of it. Since getting to know the younger boy he had realized how much he liked spending time with him.
Seth waited a moment to see if Jasper was going to let him go. When the elder didn’t he laughed softly. “Could you… um… let me go? So I can ask Esme for a jar?”
Again Jasper realized that if he could, he'd be blushing. He let the boy go and took a step back, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry about that," he replied.
Seth smiled and laid a hand on Jasper’s arm. “It’s okay, oh! I have something for you.” Seth dug in his backpack for a moment before he pulled out the book Jasper had let him borrow. “I finished it while waiting for Leah this afternoon. It was great! You have the next one right?”
Jasper grinned as he took the book. "I have the entire series, you're free to borrow the next when you leave," he promised.
“Great! I’ll meet you in the living room in a few minutes, alright?” Seth questioned.
"I'll be there," Jasper answered with a nod.
Seth nodded and left the room to find Esme and a jar. He found the mother vampire browsing through cookbooks in the kitchen as she tried to decide what to have for supper that night. She looked up and smiled at him as he entered the room.
“Hello Seth, how are you?” She asked.
“Great, I made an A on the project Jasper was helping me with.”
“Oh that’s wonderful! Congratulations.”
“Thanks. Ms. Esme…”
“Just Esme, Seth, please.”
“Esme… I was wondering if you had an empty jar.”
“Whatever for?”
“Jasper and I are going to go out after supper and catch some lightning bugs.”
"Lighting bugs, hm? That’s sweet!" Esme said as she turned and looked through a cupboard, making a pleased exclamation when she found an old mason jar. "Here you go, honey."
“Thanks Esme!” Seth gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and then headed to the living room where he found Jasper waiting for him. “I got the jar.”
"Great!" Jasper replied, grinning as well before he looked through the sliding glass doors that led out to their back yard. "Want to go now? It's dark enough."
“Do we have enough time before supper?” Seth questioned.
“Go ahead!” Esme called. “I haven’t decided what to have yet!”
Seth laughed. “Alright, let’s go.”
Jasper bit back a chuckle before he led the younger out of the house. "Got a place in mind?" He asked, looking over at Seth.
“There are a couple of clearings not far from here… though one smells a lot like Edward. I think he must spend a lot of time there.”
Jasper nodded, knowing of the meadow Seth mentioned. "That's his sulking meadow...Jacob's the only one who doesn't get bitched out for going there," he replied. "Let's go to another one."
Seth nodded leading him in the opposite direction to another meadow. When they emerged from the trees, Seth’s face split with a smile. Thousands of fireflies flew around above the grass. “This is great!”
Jasper smiled, his eyes darting around the meadow. He hadn't seen fireflies in years, decades. It felt like such a long time to enjoy such a simple pleasure. "It's beautiful."
“It is,” Seth agreed before dashing off to chase the fireflies. He wasn’t trying very hard to catch them, it was to fun to follow them and try but then just miss.
Jasper watched the younger for a moment; Seth had the jar anyway so catching them wouldn't do much good. It was alight though; he was contented with watching Seth.
After a few minutes the younger noticed that he was just standing there. “Jasper!” The vampire met Seth’s eyes as he ran up to him. “C’mon! It’s fun, I promise!” Seth held the jar out to him, it was empty.
"It's empty..." Jasper pointed out. "You're trying to catch them, right?"
Seth scratched the back of his head. “Well… yeah…”
Jasper nodded. "And you haven't caught any yet?"
“A couple but they flew out of the jar before I could get the lid on.”
"Oh. Okay. Well we can fix that," Jasper replied with a smile, reaching for the jar with one hand and Seth's with the other.
Seth’s eyes widened as Jasper took his hand. A light blush came to his cheeks. “What are you going to do Jasper?”
"Catch fireflies?" Jasper replied, blinking as he looked over at the younger, noticing his blush and then why he was blushing. "Oh! Sorry!" He said, dropping his hand. "I remember, when I was little in Texas, I remember catching fireflies."
“Well then, maybe you should show me how it’s done,” Seth told him.
Jasper chuckled softly at that. "It's been centuries Seth. I doubt I remember how to do it. Maybe you'll have to refresh my memory."
“Maybe. But I won’t know until you try,” Seth replied.
And try Jasper did. Though the only thing he accomplished was getting outsmarted by a bunch of fireflies.
Seth covered his mouth with one hand and held his sides with the other as he laughed. Jasper approached looking rather sullen. Seth got his laughter under control just as Jasper came to a stop at his side. “No luck?” He asked with a smile.
"None at all. Still as hard as I remember..." Jasper replied, giving Seth an apologetic smile.
Seth nodded and took the jar from him. “I’ll try again.” Slowly he stepped away from Jasper and waded into the grass. Unscrewing the jar he held it open as he approached a group of three or so fireflies. Holding the lid and jar out he slowly brought them together effectively catching the three. Seth grinned as he held the jar up for Jasper to see.
Jasper watched the younger and grinned widely when Seth held up a jar of fireflies. He walked over to the teen. "Good job!"
“Your turn,” Seth told him as he unscrewed the lid and let the three he had caught fly out.
Jasper looked confused for a moment. "Why'd you let them go?"
“The joy isn’t in catching them… it’s in enjoying their beauty as you try and then letting them go,” Seth explained.
Jasper couldn't help but to smile at the beauty of that statement. "That's right..." he replied softly, taking the offered jar to try his hand again.
Seth watched as Jasper tried again, this time being more successful. When he came back to Seth this time at least twenty fireflies were flying around the jar, blinking their lights on and off. Seth stepped up to him and unscrewed the lid on the jar, as he took the lid away the fireflies started to fly out. Seth turned his head this way and that watching them in wonder. One landed on his nose and he crossed his eyes trying to look at it.
Jasper laughed aloud at that. "I think he likes you, Seth."
Seth smiled and scrunched up his nose, the firefly flying away. “You think so?”
"I know so," Jasper replied in a matter of factly tone. "Who wouldn't like you?"
Seth shrugged. “It’s possible. Paul doesn’t like any of us who have imprinted on a vampire very much right now.”
Jasper snorted softly at that. "From what I've heard about him he seems like a negative person. You shouldn't worry about him."
“He is my pack mate, as long as we are in the same pack I will worry about him… it’s ingrained in there somewhere I guess.”
"Your pack mentality...it seems like such a headache..." Jasper said, frowning slightly as he looked over at the younger boy.
“Sometimes it is,” Seth agreed.
“Jasper, Seth.” They both turned to Edward who was standing on the edge of the meadow. “Esme says that supper is ready.”
Jasper turned to his brother and nodded his understanding. "We'll be right in," he replied before he turned back to the shifter. "Ready to head back?"
“Only if you promise we can do this again sometime,” Seth told him.
"You don't even have to ask," Jasper replied with a smile. "Of course we can do it again. Anytime you want to."
Seth grinned. “Next summer then, it’s a date.”
Jasper nodded. "It's a date."
Seth’s eyes widened when he realized what he had said and then what Jasper had repeated. He blushed and laughed nervously.
It took a moment for the vampire to realize why he was suddenly overwhelmed with a bunch of nervous energy that wasn't his own. It took him another moment to realize what had made Seth nervous. He gave the teen a sheepish smile. "Let's head back?"
Seth nodded. As they walked back Seth slipped his hand into Jasper’s, he waited for the vampire to pull away though he hoped that wouldn’t happen.
For the entire walk back to the house Jasper kept his hand wrapped around Seth's, unable to deny the warmth that gathered in his chest from such a simple action. It touched him in a way that Alice never had.
After supper the whole family, minus Alice and Rosalie (both of whom were in Alaska), gathered in the living room to watch a movie. Seth lay on his stomach on the floor, a favorite position of his, with his homework spread out in front of him. Jasper also sat on the floor, though his back was to the couch, a book in his hand. Every now and then he would stop reading to watch Seth do his homework.
---
Seth had come straight home from school that day; he had a night patrol tonight so no going to visit Jasper. He sighed, already missing the presence of his imprint that he had gotten so used to. It didn’t matter to him that Jasper wasn’t looking at him with lust every chance he got… sure that would have been nice… but this innocent flirting and getting to know each other was so much better in his book.
Stepping out onto the porch and then the ground he got undressed and tied the clothes to his leg. After phasing he stretched and rolled in the cold grass to try and get an itch on his shoulder. The cold nip in the air stung his nose slightly but it was also refreshing. Jogging to the edge of the woods he howled letting Sam know that he was starting his patrol.
Sam's answering howl echoed through the air, alerting Jasper who was just finishing up a hunt with Edward. Then he remembered, with a pleased smile, that it was Seth's night to patrol.
"So I take it you won't be home tonight?" Edward asked, looking at his brother with an arched eyebrow.
Jasper snorted softly and gave Edward an amused smirk. "Like you will be? If Seth's on patrol that means Jacob's at his house just waiting for you," he pointed out.
"That's right," Edward replied, smiling widely and already Jasper could feel the waves of arousal radiating from his brother, causing the blond to roll his eyes.
“I’ll see you sometime tomorrow brother, have fun,” Jasper told him as he turned to follow Seth’s scent.
"You have fun too!" Edward called after him, watching his brother disappear into the woods before he turned and headed for his shifter as well.
Seth had his nose to the ground as he jogged along the path that he had ran many times now. He could pick out each scent of his pack mate’s as easily as his own, the scents of the forest and… Jasper? Seth stopped and looked around. He could smell his imprint but not see him yet. What was he doing here? Was something wrong?
Jasper spotted Seth long before the wolf found him, but that was alright. He contented himself with watching the blond wolf for a few moments before making himself known. "Mind having some company?" He asked, though knew Seth could not answer in this form, but that was alright. Seth had his own signals.
Seth tipped his head at Jasper, his tongue lolling out of his mouth in a wolfish grin. He barked softly and continued along the path. Happiness filled Jasper’s senses.
Jasper was unable to keep the smile from his face as he followed the shifter, overwhelmed with such happiness. He couldn't tell if it was his own or Seth's. But it was all consuming.
Jasper stayed with Seth through the entire patrol. As dawn approached Seth howled to let know Sam he was finished. After Sam returned the howl Seth disappeared behind some trees to phase back and change into his clothes. He smiled at Jasper as he came out.
“What made you join me? Not that I’m complaining or anything… just curious,” Seth questioned.
"Just wanted to see you," Jasper replied, shrugging as he watched the other boy leave the woods.
Seth’s smile widened. “I had fun. It was nice having company.”
"I had fun too," Jasper agreed, returning Seth's smile with one of his own.
Seth glanced towards the line of houses. “I have to head home now…” He bit his lip before looking back at Jasper. “Why don’t you come to?”
Jasper glanced off towards the line of houses, frowning in thought. It wasn't the best of ideas. He knew how Seth's mother felt about him, but Emmett stayed with Leah a lot and he hadn't been caught yet. He looked back at the shifter and sighed, seeing the hopeful look in the boy's eyes. He couldn't refuse. "Alright."
If Seth smiled any wider Jasper thought his face might crack. Seth grabbed Jasper’s hand and led him toward his house. “My mom won’t be awake yet if you want to come in the front door… if not my window is open.”
Seth's happiness was contagious causing Jasper to smile as well. "I don't want to risk waking up your mom; I'll just use your window."
Seth nodded as they stopped outside his house. “I’ll meet you inside.”
Jasper nodded and continued around to the back of the house where he climbed into Seth's bedroom through his window.
Seth appeared a moment later, taking a bite of a pop tart from its package. He closed the door behind himself. “I’m gonna jump in the shower,” Seth told him as he pulled a pair of sleep pants from a drawer in his dresser. “Feel free to look around and make yourself comfortable. Its 5am now, my mom gets up at 6, she’ll check on both Leah and I to make sure you guys aren’t here then but after that she’ll leave for work.”
Jasper nodded in understanding. "Alright," he replied.
Seth disappeared into his bathroom, closing the door behind himself. The water turned on a moment later and Jasper heard him undress and climb in. Seth stood under the spray of hot water trying not to think that his imprint was just in the other room. Shaking his head he started to quickly scrub as to not keep Jasper waiting.
Jasper's eyes lingered on the bathroom door for a moment before he turned away, his eyes glancing around the room, noticing that for everything that Seth Clearwater was...he was still a child. Posters hung on his walls and the random stuffed animal was lying around the room. It was small, the room, but cozy. Jasper immediately liked it, but of course he was bias. He was beginning to see that he liked anything that had to do with Seth.
When Seth came out of the bathroom in his sleep pants, a towel in his hand as he rubbed it over his hair. Jasper was standing in front of the small bookshelf he had sitting on his nightstand. “I’m about halfway through the second book. I knew I liked Luke for a reason,” he said with a grin.
Jasper laughed at that, turning to look at the younger boy. "I told you," he replied, giving Seth a smile.
“I really like Valentine too, I mean he’s the kind of villain you like to hate, you know?” Seth asked as he dropped his towel into the dirty clothes basket in the corner of his room. His back was to Jasper as he stretched, yawning at the same time.
Jasper didn't mean to, but he couldn't help it. His eyes were drawn to the younger's tanned skin, stray drops of water sliding down his toned back. He didn't mean to stare, but he knew that his gaze lingered a little too long. "Yeah. He really is," he agreed.
Seth turned as he lowered his arms. “It’s Saturday so I can sleep as long as I want. You are welcome to stay as long as you want to, I know watching someone sleep can’t be that entertaining but Edward seems to enjoy it…” Seth laughed softly even as he shook his head and came to his bed.
"Edward can read minds," Jasper pointed out by way of explanation as he followed the teenager to his bed, but instead of sitting or laying on it (as Edward would've done) he sat on the floor next to him. "I'll be alright though."
Seth handed him an extra pillow. “Well no point in getting a crick in your neck… can you guys get aches like that?”
Jasper shook his head, but took the pillow anyway because he knew Seth would insist. "We can't."
“Lucky,” Seth said softly as he pulled his sheet up over himself. He lay on his side near the edge of the bed so he could look at Jasper. His eyes were already starting to close. “I’m glad you decided to come back with me Jasper.”
"I'm glad I came," Jasper replied, smiling as he watched sleep over take the teen.
Seth fell asleep, his arm hanging over the side of his bed. Jasper stared at the hand at the end of Seth’s arm for a couple of minutes before he took it, lacing their fingers together. Seth sighed, a small smile appearing on his lips. Jasper lost track of time as he watched Seth sleep. An alarm going off brought him out of his thoughts; the footsteps that came after the alarm was turned off were too heavy to be Leah’s.
After that it didn't take him long to figure out who it was. Jasper untangled his hand from Seth's and headed for the window, deciding to stand just outside of it until Sue checked on Seth and left. Then he'd return to the younger boy.
Just as Jasper ducked down below the window sill Sue opened the door to Seth’s room. Jasper could feel the suspicion coming off of her, annoyance and worry but love was also there. He listened as she came into the room and adjusted the sheet on Seth before kissing his cheek. Sue left the room, closing the door back behind herself.
Jasper waited a few more minutes until he was sure she wouldn't be back and then he climbed back into the window. He returned to his spot and reached for Seth's hand again, intertwining their fingers.
---
Edward had been back for a couple of hours when Jasper came in. “I expected you back much sooner, it’s almost sundown.”
"I was with Seth," Jasper replied, shrugging.
“I can tell that from his smell that is all around you… and your thoughts. You stayed to watch him sleep?” Edward questioned, his tone amused.
Jasper blinked. "You watch Jacob sleep," he pointed out. "It's not like I had anything better to do."
“I can also read his thoughts as he sleeps. You are spending a lot of time with Seth, more than I originally thought you would.”
"What? You said to make friends. That's what I'm doing. We're friends. Friends spend time together," Jasper pointed out, not seeing why Edward was making a big deal out of it.
“Friends don’t usually spend twenty minutes just staring at each other; a friend probably wouldn’t spend the whole night on patrol with another just to spend the next day watching them sleep. It’s not bad, nothing you are doing is bad Jasper, and I’ve never seen Seth happier. I just didn’t expect it.”
"I know it's not bad. I like spending time with him," Jasper replied.
Edward nodded. “I would say you do more than like it,” he teased.
"Well...maybe I do..." Jasper replied, looking away from Edward because he didn't want to see his smirking face. "But...it's hard not to get attached to him..."
“Is it? How so?”
"He's just so..." Jasper couldn't explain it. Everything about him. "I've never felt anyone like him before."
Edward hummed in agreement. “I’m happy for you Jazz.” He laid a hand on Jasper’s shoulder before heading upstairs, giving him a smile.
Jasper returned the smile and shook his head slowly. He was happy for himself. Falling for Seth, as it turned out, was a lot easier than what he thought.
<< Last | Next >>
A/N: Pg. 52
As RPed by:
starry_nights88 & avari_maethorPairings: Jasper/Seth, Edward/Jacob & Emmett/Leah.
Sam was waiting for Seth and Leah with the rest of the pack at their meeting circle. Paul growled at the stench of vampire that surrounded them both. Leah growled back as Seth approached Sam on his stomach. After phasing for the first time everyone quickly fell into the ways of how wolves acknowledged their alphas. It was only natural now.
Why didn't you say anything about your imprint? Sam demanded to know, obviously not happy about finding out that another one of his wolves had imprinted on a leech, but he was even more upset to find out about it from Sue and not Seth himself.
Seth whimpered and rolled into his back so that his stomach and neck were exposed. I was in shock, and scared… and upset… I was going to tell you today and then Jasper and Edward came over and… and I was just so happy that I forgot.
Sam growled lowly and then turned his attention to Leah. Why didn't you say anything? The alpha demanded to know; the female wolf whined and crouched low in the dirt.
It wasn't my business to tell, Leah replied. She had been more worried about Seth's well being at the time; the thought of Sam hadn't even crossed her mind until she heard his howl.
Don’t be mad at Leah, Sam. I should have come to you as soon as it happened or this morning. I’m sorry, Seth told him. You know now…
I do. Because of your mother calling my house hysterically! Sam replied, not bothering to mention what Sue had interrupted when she called.
She overreacted. She was angry… you know how mom gets when she’s angry… Seth whined.
Yeah...I see where Leah gets it from now... Sam grumbled as he sat, not really upset at the other two anymore now that they had apologized for not acting quicker, though he wasn't sure if that would've saved him from Sue's call. I also want to point out that while the leeches are allowed in La Push...inside of your house is another matter entirely. I can't force your mother to let them see you.
We know, we’ll go to them. We are welcome in the Cullen house, Leah told him.
Yeah! Jasper has this huge collection of books on all kinds of subjects! He’s letting me borrow this really cool series about Shadowhunters! Seth exclaimed as he rolled over, his tongue lolling out of his mouth.
Sam heaved a sigh in his wolf form, standing once more. Yes. I know. As soon as you figured out you weren't in trouble it was bouncing around your head... he replied before he shook out his fur. I've got to get back to Emily. Don't forget that you and your leech are on patrol tomorrow night, Leah.
Leah nodded. Will you be telling the elders? Does Seth need to be present for it if so?
I'll have to tell the Elders...another pack member imprinting on a vampire...? Sam said, shaking his head. I'd best tell them before your mother does. I don't think Seth will have to be present.
Good, those guys give me the creeps sometime’s, Seth said scratching a persistent itch on his ear.
They give everyone the creeps, Leah replied with a soft snort as Sam shook his head once more, giving them a yelping bark in parting before he turned and left, returning to his own imprint.
Great another leech smell to deal with, Paul said, his tone annoyed.
What? Are you jealous Paul? Seth questioned.
Watch it kid, Paul growled.
Maybe if you'd come and meet the Cullens you might imprint on one too, Leah seethed, looking over at Seth. You wanna head home or back to the Cullens?
Paul go home, Jacob told him as he stood. Paul looked at him but Jacob stared him down. Huffing a half sigh/growl he turned and left the circle.
Seth hung his head. I’d better go home. Mom doesn’t have much say over you but I’m still just fourteen, Seth answered.
Don't you at least want to say good night to Jasper? And get your books? Leah reminded him. I can say bye to Emmett and then take you home. She didn't want Seth to face their mother alone.
Do I want to risk making mom any madder than she already is? Seth questioned.
Leah blinked and had to think about that. How much madder can she get...? She asked, but sighed. If you want to head home I'll get your book for you.
Seth nodded and came over to lick her cheek. And tell Jasper I said goodnight? Please?
Of course, Leah replied, smiling though it didn't show in her wolf form.
Night Jake, Seth said before he left the circle.
Want some company? Jacob questioned Leah as he watched Seth head toward home.
Even though you'll ditch me for Edward and some dark corner when we get to the Cullens', Leah teased, not taking off for the house until Jacob had a chance to catch up with her.
Well at least you’ll know what will happen, Jacob laughed.
Unfortunately. You give play by plays you know, Leah pointed out in all seriousness, the pair of wolves taking off for the Cullen household. What are you doing out and about anyway? I didn't know you had patrols tonight.
Sam called us all to confront Seth, why I have no idea. Your mom was pretty mad it seemed like. She called dad and I could hear her yelling when he pulled the phone away from his ear. Jacob explained.
She can't stand the fact that both of her kids imprinted on vampires, Leah replied with a sigh.
Well she’s gonna have to get used to it, Jacob stated.
That doesn't mean that she will, Leah replied, knowing there was a good chance that her mother might never accept her or her brother's imprint.
You guys are always welcome at my house, Jacob promised. He knew that they were welcomed at the Cullen’s too but he felt the need to offer anyway.
We know that, Jacob. But you're at Edward's most of the time anyway...and I'd rather not be in your house if he's over and your dad isn't... Leah said. Its bad enough I have to see it in your head...I'd rather not experience it in real life.
Jacob barked a laugh as the Cullen house appeared through the trees. He phased and quickly changed into a t-shirt and pair of jean shorts. Leah followed suit grinning when she saw that Edward and Emmett were already waiting outside when they emerged from the trees. A quick sniff told her that Jasper was waiting just inside but hadn’t come outside.
Leah walked into Emmett's arms, chastely kissing the vampire before telling him she needed to speak to Jasper. The elder nodded and let her go.
Jasper stood when she entered the living room. He looked concerned, even more so since Seth wasn’t with her. “Where is Seth? Did everything go alright?” He questioned.
"Seth's fine. He wanted to get home before our mother got more upset. He asked me to tell you good night for him," Leah answered.
Jasper sighed in relief and nodded. “Thank you for telling me Leah.”
"You're welcome Jasper," Leah replied with a smile.
Jasper glanced down at the couch and then picked up the book Seth had left. “I told him that he could borrow this.”
Leah nodded and reached to take it from Jasper. "I promised I'd bring this back to him," she explained.
Jasper gave her the book. “You are a good sister Leah, Seth loves you very much.”
Leah's smiled widened at that and the barest of blushes touched her cheeks. "I try to be anyway," she replied with a shrug.
Jasper nodded. “Goodnight Leah.” With that he disappeared up the stairs to his room. Emmett came in and wrapped an arm around her waist.
“Are you staying the night?” He questioned.
Leah sighed softly. "I wish I could, but I don't want Seth to have to deal with my mother alone."
“Should I come over there then?” Emmett asked. He didn’t like the thought of either of the shifter’s dealing with Sue alone or together.
"If you want to, but if my mom catches you she's going to be pissed."
Emmett grinned. “Well I just won’t get caught then.”
Leah chuckled softly at that. "I'll leave my bedroom window unlocked then."
“Expect me an hour after you get back,” he told her leaning down to catch her lips in a kiss.
Leah leaned up into the kiss, making it last longer than Emmett had probably intended. "An hour," she said after the kiss was broken.
“You are such a tease,” Emmett groaned even as he trailed a hand down to her butt and squeezed.
Leah laughed, giving the vampire a saucy wink before she stepped out of his arms. "What can I say...? It keeps you coming back though," she teased with a chuckle.
“That it does,” Emmett agreed as he grinned.
“I’m gonna head home now, I don’t want to leave Seth alone any longer than I have to,” she told him.
“Alright, I’ll see you in an hour.”
"I don't know why you're worried, Seth..." Leah said as she pulled into the Cullens' driveway after she had picked Seth up from school. "I'm sure he'd love to help you with your project."
Seth picked at a loose thread on his jeans absently. “I know he probably won’t mind… I just don’t want to seem like a nuisance you know?”
Leah nodded in understanding before looking over at her brother. "Something tells me that you'll be anything but."
Seth blushed. “I hope you’re right.” He and Jasper had gotten much closer in the week since his imprint. It seemed that every night he was either going over to the Cullen’s or Jasper was coming to the reservation, he couldn’t come in Seth’s house but neither minded just walking through the woods.
Leah stopped the car near the house and turned it off. As Seth got out of the car Jasper came out of the house and Seth smiled. “Hello Seth, Leah,” Jasper greeted. “Emmett is in his room absorbed in a game.”
"I know I'm right," she insisted before giving Jasper a smile. "Thanks for telling me, Jazz, I'll just leave you two to it then." Leah then left the two alone as she made her way into the house.
Jasper watched her go. “Leave us to what?” He questioned. When he looked back at Seth the younger boy was blushing. “Seth?”
“Um… well I have this project I was given today, it’s a history project and I could use some help. If you don’t want to you don’t have to!” Seth rushed out.
Jasper blinked and then his face split into a grin. "I'd love to help," he replied easily.
“Really?” Seth questioned, though he was already smiling. “Great! My teacher gave us a list of things we can choose from. I can’t decide what to do…”
Jasper nodded. "Easily remedied," he replied, beckoning the boy to follow him.
Seth followed Jasper into the house and up to the vampire’s room. Once there he dug through his backpack and handed Jasper the list of things they could do for the project that his teacher had given him. He shouldn’t have been so excited to work on a school project but then he was excited to do anything with Jasper.
“What do you think?”
"Does anything jump out at you?" Jasper asked, looking down at the list before looking up at the shifter. "Anything you're interested in?"
“Well… I’ve developed quite an interest in the Civil War recently,” Seth replied with a blush.
Jasper grinned before he nodded. "That's fine..." he replied, looking over at the younger. "That's one thing I know a lot about."
“I thought you would.” Seth came to stand beside Jasper as he looked over the list. “So why don’t we do… this one?” He asked pointed at the project title.
Jasper nodded. "Sounds good!"
“Great! Where do we start?” Seth questioned.
"Research. Obviously."
Seth nodded and pulled a notebook from his backpack. He settled on the floor as Jasper gathered an armful of books. Once he had enough for this first session he sat on the floor with Seth. They spent the next few hours talking about various things to use or not to use.
“How’s the project coming?” Leah questioned as she drove to the Cullen’s. The lack of response after a moment caused her to look over at her brother. Seth’s head was dipping down and coming back up with the movement of the car but he was asleep and hadn’t heard a word she said. “Seth!”
Seth’s head snapped up, his eyes wide. “Wh-What? What happened?”
“You didn’t fall asleep in school today did you?”
“Huh?” Seth yawned. “No… well… I might have for a few minutes in math but I didn’t miss much.”
Leah frowned. “No more night patrols for you this week.”
“You’re not Sam.”
“No, but you’re still in school, you need your sleep.”
“Uh-huh.”
Leah sighed. “So how’s the project coming? Its due next week isn’t it?”
“Yeah, it’s coming great. Jasper is so smart… and well he did live during the Civil War so he has great insight. I’m gonna have the best project of the whole class. We should have it finished in the next few days,” he told her with a tired smile.
Leah smiled at that, but her face fell when she noticed his tired eyes. "You're finishing it early, right?" She asked, frowning as she glanced over at her brother as she drove along.
"A few days," Seth answered, biting back a yawn as he leaned against the seat with a soft contented sigh.
His sister nodded. "Well. Why don't you give it a rest with the project, hm? Take a break today and just rest. Maybe watch a movie with Jasper?"
Seth hummed. “That sounds nice; I’ll ask him if he wants to.”
"That's good," Leah replied, satisfied that her brother would get some much needed rest.
Jasper was sitting outside under a tree with a book when Leah pulled up and parked the car. He stood as Leah and Seth got out, greeting them with a smile. That smile quickly turned into a frown when he felt how dampened Seth’s emotions were. “What’s wrong?” He questioned.
“Nothing’s wrong,” Seth answered.
Jasper didn't believe the younger for a second. "You can't lie to me Seth," he said softly, frowning as Leah passed them and continued into the house, confidant that Jasper would take care of her brother.
“I’m not, nothing’s wrong. I’m just tired. I had two night patrols this week.” Seth stretched his arms up over his head causing various things to pop. “Leah suggested we take a break from the project today, maybe watch a movie instead?”
Jasper noticed, the tiredness from the shifter brushing over him like waves. "Yes. That sounds like a good idea," he agreed, nodding before he beckoned the boy to follow him into the house.
Seth smiled and followed his imprint inside. They went to the living room and Jasper offered to let Seth pick out the movie but Seth declined. “I’m probably going to fall asleep anyway,” he said.
Jasper nodded and picked out a movie, not really paying attention to what he had picked because he had seen them all already anyway. He gestured Seth towards the couch as he put the movie in the DVD player, then he took a seat on the couch next to the shifter.
As the movie started Seth grabbed a throw pillow from the end of the couch and propped it against Jasper’s leg. He stretched out with his head on the pillow before glancing up at Jasper. “Is this okay?” Seth questioned.
Jasper smiled down at the younger boy. "You're fine," he assured him before looking back up at the movie and the two sat in silence for awhile, at least through a quarter of the movie. Seth's breathing had evened and Jasper assumed he was asleep as he glanced down at the younger boy, hesitantly touching his hair, running his fingers through it as he smiled at the silky smoothness.
Seth sighed and shifted. Jasper stilled his fingers, his eyes wide, had Seth not been asleep yet? After a moment Seth stilled again, his emotions calm and breathing even. Jasper’s smile widened and he continued to play with the short hair.
“…Jasper…” Seth whispered.
Again Jasper's hand stilled, but he did not think Seth was awake, he was simply surprised. Surprised that the younger teenager had said his name and idly he wondered just why his name was said as his hand began moving through the shifter's hair again.
“He’s dreaming about you,” Edward said quietly from the doorway.
Jasper knew that if he still retained the ability to do so he'd be blushing at his brother's words. He looked over at the other vampire. "He is?" He questioned, curious to know what the dream was about.
Edward nodded and smirked. “They are not like Jacob’s… these are… innocent, at least for now.”
Jasper couldn't help but to snicker at that. "You know all about Jacob's, don't you?"
“Of course, he dreams as he does everything else in his life, passionately.”
"Passionately?" Jasper asked, giving Edward a disbelieving look. "Don't you mean pervy?"
“Jacob isn’t a pervert in all aspects of his life so no… passionately fits,” Edward replied. “A fair warning, if all imprint’s work the same way then Seth will eventually have the same types of dreams about you. Knowing Seth, it will probably embarrass him as much as it will you.”
Just entertaining the idea embarrassed Jasper, but that was only because he wasn't sure of things with Seth. He liked the shifter. He felt at ease in his presence. But the fact still remained that he had never been attracted to a boy before. And Seth was a boy. In every sense of the word.
“He won’t always be,” Edward stated before he disappeared.
Jasper sighed softly and knew that Edward was right. He leaned back against the couch and ran his fingers through Seth's hair, contemplating what would become of him and Seth.
A week later as soon as Leah stopped the car Seth was out and running into the house. He ran up to Jasper’s room, a smile on his face as he held a grade sheet out to the vampire. “I got my grade on the project back!”
Jasper saved his page in the book he was reading and looked up at the beaming teenager. "Really? What'd you get?" He knew it had to have been a good grade because the other boy's emotions were ecstatic.
“An A! My teacher said it was the best project in my whole grade! And it’s all thanks to you!” Before he could stop himself he was hugging Jasper. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Jasper couldn't help but to feel excited for the younger boy, his emotions were that overwhelming. He couldn't help but to feel happy and wrap his arms around the shifter, hugging the younger to himself.
After a moment Seth realized what he was doing and pulled away blushing brightly. “Sorry…” He was still smiling. “I didn’t mean to hug you.”
The most adorable sight Jasper had ever seen had to have been Seth blushing. "It's alright," Jasper assured the younger boy, reaching for him and pulling him back into his arms. "Friends hug, right?"
Seth nodded, his arms wrapping around Jasper, his cheek rubbing against Jasper’s chest as he nodded. “Really though, thank you,” Seth said.
"You're welcome," Jasper replied, hugging the teenager to him. "I'm glad to have been able to help."
Seth knew he was still blushing but right now he didn’t care. His inner wolf was practically purring with pleasure at being held in the arms of its imprint. “Hey Jasper?”
Jasper looked down at the shifter. "Yeah?" He asked, his arms still wrapped around the other male.
“The nights are getting cooler; I think this might be one of the last nights that the fireflies will be around. After Esme fixes supper do you want to go out to the meadow and watch them with me?”
Jasper grinned at that. "Sure," he agreed easily.
Seth looked up at him. “Great!” He said with a smile. “I’ll go ask Esme if she has an empty jar and then we can… watch a movie or something while I work on my homework.”
"Sounds like a plan," Jasper agreed, not really minding what they did so long as Seth was apart of it. Since getting to know the younger boy he had realized how much he liked spending time with him.
Seth waited a moment to see if Jasper was going to let him go. When the elder didn’t he laughed softly. “Could you… um… let me go? So I can ask Esme for a jar?”
Again Jasper realized that if he could, he'd be blushing. He let the boy go and took a step back, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry about that," he replied.
Seth smiled and laid a hand on Jasper’s arm. “It’s okay, oh! I have something for you.” Seth dug in his backpack for a moment before he pulled out the book Jasper had let him borrow. “I finished it while waiting for Leah this afternoon. It was great! You have the next one right?”
Jasper grinned as he took the book. "I have the entire series, you're free to borrow the next when you leave," he promised.
“Great! I’ll meet you in the living room in a few minutes, alright?” Seth questioned.
"I'll be there," Jasper answered with a nod.
Seth nodded and left the room to find Esme and a jar. He found the mother vampire browsing through cookbooks in the kitchen as she tried to decide what to have for supper that night. She looked up and smiled at him as he entered the room.
“Hello Seth, how are you?” She asked.
“Great, I made an A on the project Jasper was helping me with.”
“Oh that’s wonderful! Congratulations.”
“Thanks. Ms. Esme…”
“Just Esme, Seth, please.”
“Esme… I was wondering if you had an empty jar.”
“Whatever for?”
“Jasper and I are going to go out after supper and catch some lightning bugs.”
"Lighting bugs, hm? That’s sweet!" Esme said as she turned and looked through a cupboard, making a pleased exclamation when she found an old mason jar. "Here you go, honey."
“Thanks Esme!” Seth gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and then headed to the living room where he found Jasper waiting for him. “I got the jar.”
"Great!" Jasper replied, grinning as well before he looked through the sliding glass doors that led out to their back yard. "Want to go now? It's dark enough."
“Do we have enough time before supper?” Seth questioned.
“Go ahead!” Esme called. “I haven’t decided what to have yet!”
Seth laughed. “Alright, let’s go.”
Jasper bit back a chuckle before he led the younger out of the house. "Got a place in mind?" He asked, looking over at Seth.
“There are a couple of clearings not far from here… though one smells a lot like Edward. I think he must spend a lot of time there.”
Jasper nodded, knowing of the meadow Seth mentioned. "That's his sulking meadow...Jacob's the only one who doesn't get bitched out for going there," he replied. "Let's go to another one."
Seth nodded leading him in the opposite direction to another meadow. When they emerged from the trees, Seth’s face split with a smile. Thousands of fireflies flew around above the grass. “This is great!”
Jasper smiled, his eyes darting around the meadow. He hadn't seen fireflies in years, decades. It felt like such a long time to enjoy such a simple pleasure. "It's beautiful."
“It is,” Seth agreed before dashing off to chase the fireflies. He wasn’t trying very hard to catch them, it was to fun to follow them and try but then just miss.
Jasper watched the younger for a moment; Seth had the jar anyway so catching them wouldn't do much good. It was alight though; he was contented with watching Seth.
After a few minutes the younger noticed that he was just standing there. “Jasper!” The vampire met Seth’s eyes as he ran up to him. “C’mon! It’s fun, I promise!” Seth held the jar out to him, it was empty.
"It's empty..." Jasper pointed out. "You're trying to catch them, right?"
Seth scratched the back of his head. “Well… yeah…”
Jasper nodded. "And you haven't caught any yet?"
“A couple but they flew out of the jar before I could get the lid on.”
"Oh. Okay. Well we can fix that," Jasper replied with a smile, reaching for the jar with one hand and Seth's with the other.
Seth’s eyes widened as Jasper took his hand. A light blush came to his cheeks. “What are you going to do Jasper?”
"Catch fireflies?" Jasper replied, blinking as he looked over at the younger, noticing his blush and then why he was blushing. "Oh! Sorry!" He said, dropping his hand. "I remember, when I was little in Texas, I remember catching fireflies."
“Well then, maybe you should show me how it’s done,” Seth told him.
Jasper chuckled softly at that. "It's been centuries Seth. I doubt I remember how to do it. Maybe you'll have to refresh my memory."
“Maybe. But I won’t know until you try,” Seth replied.
And try Jasper did. Though the only thing he accomplished was getting outsmarted by a bunch of fireflies.
Seth covered his mouth with one hand and held his sides with the other as he laughed. Jasper approached looking rather sullen. Seth got his laughter under control just as Jasper came to a stop at his side. “No luck?” He asked with a smile.
"None at all. Still as hard as I remember..." Jasper replied, giving Seth an apologetic smile.
Seth nodded and took the jar from him. “I’ll try again.” Slowly he stepped away from Jasper and waded into the grass. Unscrewing the jar he held it open as he approached a group of three or so fireflies. Holding the lid and jar out he slowly brought them together effectively catching the three. Seth grinned as he held the jar up for Jasper to see.
Jasper watched the younger and grinned widely when Seth held up a jar of fireflies. He walked over to the teen. "Good job!"
“Your turn,” Seth told him as he unscrewed the lid and let the three he had caught fly out.
Jasper looked confused for a moment. "Why'd you let them go?"
“The joy isn’t in catching them… it’s in enjoying their beauty as you try and then letting them go,” Seth explained.
Jasper couldn't help but to smile at the beauty of that statement. "That's right..." he replied softly, taking the offered jar to try his hand again.
Seth watched as Jasper tried again, this time being more successful. When he came back to Seth this time at least twenty fireflies were flying around the jar, blinking their lights on and off. Seth stepped up to him and unscrewed the lid on the jar, as he took the lid away the fireflies started to fly out. Seth turned his head this way and that watching them in wonder. One landed on his nose and he crossed his eyes trying to look at it.
Jasper laughed aloud at that. "I think he likes you, Seth."
Seth smiled and scrunched up his nose, the firefly flying away. “You think so?”
"I know so," Jasper replied in a matter of factly tone. "Who wouldn't like you?"
Seth shrugged. “It’s possible. Paul doesn’t like any of us who have imprinted on a vampire very much right now.”
Jasper snorted softly at that. "From what I've heard about him he seems like a negative person. You shouldn't worry about him."
“He is my pack mate, as long as we are in the same pack I will worry about him… it’s ingrained in there somewhere I guess.”
"Your pack mentality...it seems like such a headache..." Jasper said, frowning slightly as he looked over at the younger boy.
“Sometimes it is,” Seth agreed.
“Jasper, Seth.” They both turned to Edward who was standing on the edge of the meadow. “Esme says that supper is ready.”
Jasper turned to his brother and nodded his understanding. "We'll be right in," he replied before he turned back to the shifter. "Ready to head back?"
“Only if you promise we can do this again sometime,” Seth told him.
"You don't even have to ask," Jasper replied with a smile. "Of course we can do it again. Anytime you want to."
Seth grinned. “Next summer then, it’s a date.”
Jasper nodded. "It's a date."
Seth’s eyes widened when he realized what he had said and then what Jasper had repeated. He blushed and laughed nervously.
It took a moment for the vampire to realize why he was suddenly overwhelmed with a bunch of nervous energy that wasn't his own. It took him another moment to realize what had made Seth nervous. He gave the teen a sheepish smile. "Let's head back?"
Seth nodded. As they walked back Seth slipped his hand into Jasper’s, he waited for the vampire to pull away though he hoped that wouldn’t happen.
For the entire walk back to the house Jasper kept his hand wrapped around Seth's, unable to deny the warmth that gathered in his chest from such a simple action. It touched him in a way that Alice never had.
After supper the whole family, minus Alice and Rosalie (both of whom were in Alaska), gathered in the living room to watch a movie. Seth lay on his stomach on the floor, a favorite position of his, with his homework spread out in front of him. Jasper also sat on the floor, though his back was to the couch, a book in his hand. Every now and then he would stop reading to watch Seth do his homework.
Seth had come straight home from school that day; he had a night patrol tonight so no going to visit Jasper. He sighed, already missing the presence of his imprint that he had gotten so used to. It didn’t matter to him that Jasper wasn’t looking at him with lust every chance he got… sure that would have been nice… but this innocent flirting and getting to know each other was so much better in his book.
Stepping out onto the porch and then the ground he got undressed and tied the clothes to his leg. After phasing he stretched and rolled in the cold grass to try and get an itch on his shoulder. The cold nip in the air stung his nose slightly but it was also refreshing. Jogging to the edge of the woods he howled letting Sam know that he was starting his patrol.
Sam's answering howl echoed through the air, alerting Jasper who was just finishing up a hunt with Edward. Then he remembered, with a pleased smile, that it was Seth's night to patrol.
"So I take it you won't be home tonight?" Edward asked, looking at his brother with an arched eyebrow.
Jasper snorted softly and gave Edward an amused smirk. "Like you will be? If Seth's on patrol that means Jacob's at his house just waiting for you," he pointed out.
"That's right," Edward replied, smiling widely and already Jasper could feel the waves of arousal radiating from his brother, causing the blond to roll his eyes.
“I’ll see you sometime tomorrow brother, have fun,” Jasper told him as he turned to follow Seth’s scent.
"You have fun too!" Edward called after him, watching his brother disappear into the woods before he turned and headed for his shifter as well.
Seth had his nose to the ground as he jogged along the path that he had ran many times now. He could pick out each scent of his pack mate’s as easily as his own, the scents of the forest and… Jasper? Seth stopped and looked around. He could smell his imprint but not see him yet. What was he doing here? Was something wrong?
Jasper spotted Seth long before the wolf found him, but that was alright. He contented himself with watching the blond wolf for a few moments before making himself known. "Mind having some company?" He asked, though knew Seth could not answer in this form, but that was alright. Seth had his own signals.
Seth tipped his head at Jasper, his tongue lolling out of his mouth in a wolfish grin. He barked softly and continued along the path. Happiness filled Jasper’s senses.
Jasper was unable to keep the smile from his face as he followed the shifter, overwhelmed with such happiness. He couldn't tell if it was his own or Seth's. But it was all consuming.
Jasper stayed with Seth through the entire patrol. As dawn approached Seth howled to let know Sam he was finished. After Sam returned the howl Seth disappeared behind some trees to phase back and change into his clothes. He smiled at Jasper as he came out.
“What made you join me? Not that I’m complaining or anything… just curious,” Seth questioned.
"Just wanted to see you," Jasper replied, shrugging as he watched the other boy leave the woods.
Seth’s smile widened. “I had fun. It was nice having company.”
"I had fun too," Jasper agreed, returning Seth's smile with one of his own.
Seth glanced towards the line of houses. “I have to head home now…” He bit his lip before looking back at Jasper. “Why don’t you come to?”
Jasper glanced off towards the line of houses, frowning in thought. It wasn't the best of ideas. He knew how Seth's mother felt about him, but Emmett stayed with Leah a lot and he hadn't been caught yet. He looked back at the shifter and sighed, seeing the hopeful look in the boy's eyes. He couldn't refuse. "Alright."
If Seth smiled any wider Jasper thought his face might crack. Seth grabbed Jasper’s hand and led him toward his house. “My mom won’t be awake yet if you want to come in the front door… if not my window is open.”
Seth's happiness was contagious causing Jasper to smile as well. "I don't want to risk waking up your mom; I'll just use your window."
Seth nodded as they stopped outside his house. “I’ll meet you inside.”
Jasper nodded and continued around to the back of the house where he climbed into Seth's bedroom through his window.
Seth appeared a moment later, taking a bite of a pop tart from its package. He closed the door behind himself. “I’m gonna jump in the shower,” Seth told him as he pulled a pair of sleep pants from a drawer in his dresser. “Feel free to look around and make yourself comfortable. Its 5am now, my mom gets up at 6, she’ll check on both Leah and I to make sure you guys aren’t here then but after that she’ll leave for work.”
Jasper nodded in understanding. "Alright," he replied.
Seth disappeared into his bathroom, closing the door behind himself. The water turned on a moment later and Jasper heard him undress and climb in. Seth stood under the spray of hot water trying not to think that his imprint was just in the other room. Shaking his head he started to quickly scrub as to not keep Jasper waiting.
Jasper's eyes lingered on the bathroom door for a moment before he turned away, his eyes glancing around the room, noticing that for everything that Seth Clearwater was...he was still a child. Posters hung on his walls and the random stuffed animal was lying around the room. It was small, the room, but cozy. Jasper immediately liked it, but of course he was bias. He was beginning to see that he liked anything that had to do with Seth.
When Seth came out of the bathroom in his sleep pants, a towel in his hand as he rubbed it over his hair. Jasper was standing in front of the small bookshelf he had sitting on his nightstand. “I’m about halfway through the second book. I knew I liked Luke for a reason,” he said with a grin.
Jasper laughed at that, turning to look at the younger boy. "I told you," he replied, giving Seth a smile.
“I really like Valentine too, I mean he’s the kind of villain you like to hate, you know?” Seth asked as he dropped his towel into the dirty clothes basket in the corner of his room. His back was to Jasper as he stretched, yawning at the same time.
Jasper didn't mean to, but he couldn't help it. His eyes were drawn to the younger's tanned skin, stray drops of water sliding down his toned back. He didn't mean to stare, but he knew that his gaze lingered a little too long. "Yeah. He really is," he agreed.
Seth turned as he lowered his arms. “It’s Saturday so I can sleep as long as I want. You are welcome to stay as long as you want to, I know watching someone sleep can’t be that entertaining but Edward seems to enjoy it…” Seth laughed softly even as he shook his head and came to his bed.
"Edward can read minds," Jasper pointed out by way of explanation as he followed the teenager to his bed, but instead of sitting or laying on it (as Edward would've done) he sat on the floor next to him. "I'll be alright though."
Seth handed him an extra pillow. “Well no point in getting a crick in your neck… can you guys get aches like that?”
Jasper shook his head, but took the pillow anyway because he knew Seth would insist. "We can't."
“Lucky,” Seth said softly as he pulled his sheet up over himself. He lay on his side near the edge of the bed so he could look at Jasper. His eyes were already starting to close. “I’m glad you decided to come back with me Jasper.”
"I'm glad I came," Jasper replied, smiling as he watched sleep over take the teen.
Seth fell asleep, his arm hanging over the side of his bed. Jasper stared at the hand at the end of Seth’s arm for a couple of minutes before he took it, lacing their fingers together. Seth sighed, a small smile appearing on his lips. Jasper lost track of time as he watched Seth sleep. An alarm going off brought him out of his thoughts; the footsteps that came after the alarm was turned off were too heavy to be Leah’s.
After that it didn't take him long to figure out who it was. Jasper untangled his hand from Seth's and headed for the window, deciding to stand just outside of it until Sue checked on Seth and left. Then he'd return to the younger boy.
Just as Jasper ducked down below the window sill Sue opened the door to Seth’s room. Jasper could feel the suspicion coming off of her, annoyance and worry but love was also there. He listened as she came into the room and adjusted the sheet on Seth before kissing his cheek. Sue left the room, closing the door back behind herself.
Jasper waited a few more minutes until he was sure she wouldn't be back and then he climbed back into the window. He returned to his spot and reached for Seth's hand again, intertwining their fingers.
Edward had been back for a couple of hours when Jasper came in. “I expected you back much sooner, it’s almost sundown.”
"I was with Seth," Jasper replied, shrugging.
“I can tell that from his smell that is all around you… and your thoughts. You stayed to watch him sleep?” Edward questioned, his tone amused.
Jasper blinked. "You watch Jacob sleep," he pointed out. "It's not like I had anything better to do."
“I can also read his thoughts as he sleeps. You are spending a lot of time with Seth, more than I originally thought you would.”
"What? You said to make friends. That's what I'm doing. We're friends. Friends spend time together," Jasper pointed out, not seeing why Edward was making a big deal out of it.
“Friends don’t usually spend twenty minutes just staring at each other; a friend probably wouldn’t spend the whole night on patrol with another just to spend the next day watching them sleep. It’s not bad, nothing you are doing is bad Jasper, and I’ve never seen Seth happier. I just didn’t expect it.”
"I know it's not bad. I like spending time with him," Jasper replied.
Edward nodded. “I would say you do more than like it,” he teased.
"Well...maybe I do..." Jasper replied, looking away from Edward because he didn't want to see his smirking face. "But...it's hard not to get attached to him..."
“Is it? How so?”
"He's just so..." Jasper couldn't explain it. Everything about him. "I've never felt anyone like him before."
Edward hummed in agreement. “I’m happy for you Jazz.” He laid a hand on Jasper’s shoulder before heading upstairs, giving him a smile.
Jasper returned the smile and shook his head slowly. He was happy for himself. Falling for Seth, as it turned out, was a lot easier than what he thought.
A/N: Pg. 52
