ManCandy Monday: Double Trouble (Dirty Talking Jasper Winners)

For those of you who missed the winners announcements for the Dirty Talking Jasper Contest, let me point you towards the joint judge's pick winners (only in this order because I've read one and not the other) Wanderlust by TuesdayMidnight and Hard by SingleStrand.

First off, let me tell you that I am totally biased as far as TuesdayMidnight is concerned because she wrote Raw & Rosy which is just the best spankfic ever, and despite saying she wouldn't write a sequel, she does do the Revisited (the outtakes) to keep us fans busy.

Also, I have never read anything but SingleStrand, but if 'Hard' was good enough to tie with 'Wanderlust' it's going to be my next stop just as soon as I hit publish on this post; because Wanderlust is one of the best one shots I've read in a long time.

Jasper, our little dirty talking piece of Tex-ass, has had life hard (snickers) and although we only see snippets of why and how, the emotional feeling of being weighted down and needing to run from just about everything is very tangible. He visits old friends, old lovers and friends he hasn't seen in too long because he tried to stay in the wrong place with the wrong person. It's slowly killing him.

Then he meets Edward. Edward has ghosts too but he's not running from them, he's just very wary. He goes from being a simple conquest to something intriguing to a place Jasper can call home, and the end of the story is so simple but so heavily charged that you may well find yourself blinking back a few tears.

Despite my bias, I think this story was a well deserved winner and while you're perusing that one I'll be checking out 'Hard', which is also Jasper & Edward. Yes, I have a big smile today.

Recc'd Again - And More Voting!

The lovelies over at The Lemonade Stand have recc'd 'Behind Enemy Lines' for their weekly list, which means it's open for a live vote to potentially be one of their 'Fantastic Four' next week. There's only 3 days left to vote, so what are you waiting for?

Hop on over and pay them a visit, it's a great site with so many awesome stories to choose from I'll even forgive the lack of Jacksper in their banner.

And if you should happen to stick a vote in for me? Thank you very much ;)

Pimpin' Friday 2/4/11

Since this blog is new, I feel it's necessary to explain a little before I get into the Pimpin'. I'm going to do my best to write a review or send out a recommendation each Friday. I know that I am notoriously inconsistent in these things, so don't yell at me if I miss a day, but I'll do my best! Promise.

Now, this week I want to pimp my twi-wife, Jazzella. I am one of the beta's for her story Behind Enemy Lines, but even if I didn't have a vested interest I would say that it is one of my top three favorite stories. She is an awesome writer and her story concept had me hooked from the very first chapter.

BEL is a Jasper/Bella fic (which shouldn't surprise anyone considering that's all I read anymore). What makes this unusual is that its a mystery....dum dum DUM! We're up to chapter 15 now, but I still don't know 'who-dun-it'...and I have the chapter notes to look at! Loyalties are in question, alliances are being revisited and revoked, and Eddie-boy is a wild card. Jasper has personality issues, but it seems our dominant Major has gotten himself collared by mild-mannered Bells. And then there's Emmett in Elf shoes. All in all, its a great read. You should really take the time to get caught up if you haven't read it already. I mean it...go now! Why are you still here?

ManCandy Monday: Since by Mizz Hyde

So you like your smutty boy secks but you like regular lemons too? And you don't mind a bisexual, sorry, 'non preferential', Jasper?

Yeah, me too.

I can highly recommend 'Since' by MizzHyde, which is on a whole other level of tangled web. Jasper arrives in England for his sister, Rosalie's wedding to Emmett. Bella and Edward are a lovely couple who aren't exactly blazing a trail, but get on just fine.

Then Edward has sex with Jasper.
And then so does Bella.
And then Edward does again.
And then they tell each other.
And then Rose finds out.

I cannot WAIT to see what happens next. I kinda want Edward & Bella to get back some at Jasper for what he's done, because he does deserve it. But Jasper has a back story that makes you feel so bad for him that you also kind of want him to be OK and not get hurt, even though he's a 'non preferential' boy-slut.

Here's a teaser from Ch8, in which, post-bachelor party, Emmett has been helped home by Edward & Jasper and is currently doing the drunken, spinny thing on the sofa.

EmPOV

Fuck. That fucking hurt. How the fuck did I fall out of bed? I've never fallen out of bed before. I think. Not that I can remember anyway. The second the room stops spinning I'm gonna get right back in.

X

Where did this pillow come from? Am I on the floor? I'm pretty sure I'm still on the floor, because it's damn uncomfortable. I appear to have a duvet on top of me too. Maybe I won't bother getting back into bed. Moving seems to be a lot of effort.

I'm going to throw up if I keep lying on my belly. Maybe the floor would be less hard if I turned over. God I'm hungry. I could kill a MacDonald's right now. Or an egg sandwich. I have no idea why that seems so appealing. OK thinking about food is a bad idea. I really need to turn over.

X

God, that was hard work. I don't think I'm in my bedroom. The carpet feels all wrong. Maybe I have fallen out of bed before, why do I know the carpet textures? I can hear weird little grunty, moany noises. Shit, it sounds like someone making out. That is so not fair. I'm the one getting fucking married. I should be making out.

X

There's definitely making out going on. They must think I'm asleep... Maybe if I pretend to snore they'll keep going and I can watch for a bit. That would be hot. If I don't get to do it myself I can at least have a bit of a perv. Maybe I'm in someone else's bedroom? I wonder who it is. Jasper was supposed to bring me home.

X

I can open one eye just a teeny tiny bit, and I can see that the face making the noises I can hear is Jasper. Damn. I'm not sure I want to see this so much. There is definitely someone behind him. Jasper's face is all scrunched up and he's kinda squirming about, rubbing up against, against... whoever it is. I can't see the other guy. How the hell did he find a dude to bring home with him? Gotta keep the snoring noises going. I'm a genius.

I can tilt my head a little bit to the side, and open my other eye to get a better view. Jesus, I think I could sit up and sing Sweet Home Alabama right now and they wouldn't notice. If they take it much further I might have to. There are some things a guy just does not want to see his nearly brother-in-law doing, regardless of his sexual orientation.

Jasper is turning away from me now. Oh shit, they're going to kiss. I'm definitely going to close my eyes again. But if I just shift a tiny bit further I might be able to see the other guy's face, just a bit further, over to the side...

OH MY HOLY MOTHER FUCKING GOD IT'S EDWARD.

I don't know if this story is available outside TwiWrite, but seriously, you all should be members over there by now because it's a fuckawesome site with a fuckawesome set of admins who actually listen to their readers and don't allow any nonsense. So get your ass over there and sign up, if only to read this beauty.

Mancandy Monday: Punishment by Ariana Whitlock

This week's slashfic rec is 'Punishment' by Ariana Whitlock.

(for those who need warnings, this is a BSDM fic)

For those who read mostly on FFn, this is probably an old one because there it's complete, but I discovered it recently as the author has started to post it on TwiWrite.

This story has a bit of everything and it's not your usual BDSM fic that's just gratuitous kinky sex. This has a real twist to it; Jasper starts off as Edward's master, but when he reveals that he's broken his own first rule and fallen in love with his sub, Edward turns the tables on him. Not only does he want to continue to be Jasper's sub, and explore a relationship with him, he wants to be Jasper's Master, as well. Yes, that's right... there's switching involved.

Now, this had the potential to go terribly, horribly wrong, as fans of the genre will know. But I can assure you, it doesn't. Like Edward, Jasper is a former sub turned Dom, and he understands where his new boyfriend is coming from, persuading Alec, his own former Master, to train Edward up. But the tangled web continues when we find out that Alec and Jasper parted ways because Alec fell in love with Jasper, and that Alec is now with Emmett, Jasper's former sub, who also fell in love with him.

Yeah, that Jasper... he has a way about him....

But that's not all. No, deftly written into this love quadrangle is an action-packed, under cover operation, which Alec, Jasper and Emmett are all part of, dealing with abuse in the local sub/Dom system and making sure that if the authorities don't deal with it, justice is still served. When his sister, Leah, becomes a victim of abuse from her boyfriend, he too is drawn into this world.

Add in a Jasper who is extraordinarily strong but who can be brought to his knees (quite literally) by the man he loves, an Edward who has denied his true feelings for Jasper for so long he's having trouble getting them to surface and a bad guy you never meet but will love to hate, and you have all the makings of whatever the slash equivalent of a bodice-ripper is.

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG! *squeals*

That's right folks, I've been peened!

No, really! And I'm on the same freakin' page as Duskri123 for 'Someday'.

HOLY COW!

or should that be Holy Sheep?!

Read the review here!

Tuesday Twister: Family Therapy; Cullen Style by vjgm

Did you ever read the Twilight Saga and think 'Damn, those Cullens need to go to group therapy.'?

Yeah, so did this author. If you're looking for something a bit more lighthearted and humorous for the holidays, 'Family Therapy, Cullen Style' by vjgm is what I suggest. It's funny but in a subtle way, not slapstick and it's had me crying with laughter on several occasions. Even more surprising is that the author didn't make them AH, so it's even funnier, because the therapist obviously doesn't know about them being vampires.

Summary

Carlilse comes home from a particularly taxing day at the hospital to find mayhem at home, as usual. He swiftly calls a family meeting and decides that family therapy is the way to go. Enter Dr Benjamin Dover (think about it...) who will soon realise that this family is nothing like the Patridges.

I managed to do quite well, just giving the occasional chuckle here and there, though enjoying it immensely; until part way through Ch 5. This is the point where I about lost it and actually had to stop reading because I couldn't see the screen for the tears of laughter rolling down my face. Edward's line is just perfect.

Edward POV (so we hear some internal thoughts as well)

"Well, gentlemen, like I told the ladies a few minutes ago, I want to thank you for coming to therapy. I know this can be very scary and uncomfortable, but I think I can help you and your family settle some issues and move forward to a healthier relationship. Shall we begin?" He asked eagerly.

Jasper and I shrugged our answer while Emmett gleefully said "Bring it on doc. Do your worst."

Dr. Dover was taken off guard by Emmett's outburst and he quickly scanned his paper before he spoke. "Well, we already touched on Edward a bit before, um...how about we start with you Jasper? Can you tell me a bit about yourself?"

"My name is Jasper Hale, and I was adopted by the Cullen's a little more than 5 years ago." Jasper answered in a rush, never making eye contact with the doctor..

And... Dr. Dover thought to himself.

"Anything else you'd like to tell me about yourself Jasper?" The doctor tried to press.

Leave me alone, Leave me alone. Jasper was chanting in his head to the doctor. He finally answered out loud "No. that's it."

Frustrated, the doctor turned to me and asked "Is he always this quiet?"

Careful Edward...Jasper warned.

"Yes he's usually pretty quiet." I said glancing up at the doctor's bookcase casually, and a brilliant idea came to me. "Unless he's discussing the Civil War, then he becomes a complete chatterbox!" I laughed.
You will regret that dear brother.

Yankees beware, the confederate vampire has risen! Emmett laughed to himself.

"Jasper that is so amazing! I am quite the history buff myself, the Civil War is a special area of interest of mine. Sherman's march to the sea, the emancipation proclamation, Abraham Lincoln's presidency, the restored union." Dr. Dover was waving his hands wildly at the bookcase behind him where he had over 100 books that told the tales of the great Union army and the fall of the Confederacy. Jasper silently seethed in his chair, but Dr. Dover was so distracted by the subject he didn't even notice.

"Greatest military figure of the Civil War, Jasper?"

"General Lee"

"Best battle?"

"Bull Run."

"Lincoln or Davis?"

"Do you really need to ask Yankee?" Jasper spat as he rose to his feet. Right on cue, Emmett starts humming 'Dixie' causing Jasper to jump to attention like a good little Confederate soldier and salute. Jasper's patriotism seeped off him in waves and hit poor Dr. Dover right between the eyes.
A confederate 'butternut' in my office? I will have none of that...Dr. Dover thought.

Not to be outdone, Dr. Dover sprang to his feet and began humming 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic' with his hand over his heart.

Yankee scum! Jasper glared in his head.

Jasper reached into his pocket and pulled out a bandanna with the confederate flag on it that he carried with him at all times, and wrapped it proudly around his head. He then jumped on top of his chair and began singing 'Yellow Rose of Texas', which was one of the confederate soldier's favorite marching song at the top of his lungs.

Edward Cullen, what have you unleashed in there? Alice asked from the waiting room. You know how bad this gets, he'll be marching around the yard for a week! He's wearing that damn bandanna isn't he? His hair will be all smashed down now. Shame on you Edward.

Hilarious as is was for Emmett and I, it was time to end this episode of Civil War Idol. "Jasper, the South loses, you need to let it go..."

Yes, even Edward's funny and likeable in this one. (more EPOV)

Emmett's sense of self preservation took over.

"Edward hears voices!" He shouted.

"For the love of God Emmett!" I roared. How dumb was he? Well I knew the answer to that but to let that bit of information slip? I wanted to tear him limb from limb and find a match. Wait, why am I so angry?

"Damn it Jasper!" I hissed. Jasper was hiding a laugh behind his raised hand.

"Edward! Is what Emmett said true? Do you hear voices?" Dr. Dover asked with wide eyes. Is he schizophrenic? Multiple personality disorder...it would explain the suicide attempt...
Ha ha Edward's in the hot seat now. How does it feel Edward? Emmett gloated in his pea brain.

Remembering what Carlisle said, I replied "Yes. I hear voices." Jasper gasped and Emmett tipped his chair over in shock.

Are you nuts? I mean for real... Jasper thought first.

What the hell are you doing? You can't tell him that...Carlisle is going to kill you... Emmett chanted.

"How long have you been hearing voices for?"

"As long as I can remember."

"What do the voices say?" The doctor's writing picked up as he tried to write every word that came out of my mouth.

"All kinds of things."

"Do they ever tell you to do bad things?" He asked cautiously. Jasper and Emmett sat silently still. Jasper tried to calm me, thinking I was having a real breakdown or something.

"Often." It was getting harder and harder not to smile at the absurd questions.

"And what do you do when the voices tell you to do bad things?" I bet a voice told him to kill himself, that makes so much sense now...

"I usually hit Emmett or Jasper."

"Huh?" Dr. Dover asked taken completely off guard by my answer.

"I usually hit either Jasper or Emmett, whoever is closer. Then the voices usually stop."

If you're gearing yourself up, as I am, for a Christmas of family mayhem, then this could be just the tonic you need.

Monday ManCandy: Over The Top by Starfish422

This week's J/E slash rec is Over the Top by Starfish422.

This is not a new fic, in fact I seem to be one of the last people in the world to actually read it. But having read it, albeit a year after everyone else, I was so affected by it I had to recommend it. After all, there's always someone who's newer to the fanfic arena than you, right?

And if any slash fic is worth rec'ing it's this one. It actually made me cry. I got so caught up in the story I didn't review it until the end of ch16, by which time I was bawling my eyes out. This is the part that got to me.

from ch16

He grabs my shoulders. "You are FUCKING LYING!" he roars. I'm crying too hard to answer him – I can only shake my head. He releases me and storms back out of the bedroom to the living room. Slowly I follow him; I stand in the doorway between the two rooms, watching as he paces around the room, his hands again clasped behind his back, muttering to himself.

"This is too close...it's too close," he murmurs. Again and again he repeats those words – too close. Finally he says, "No!" and skids to a halt. He eyes me standing there watching him; and says, "He knows we've been together. I have worked too hard..." he breaks off and closes his eyes, trying to collect his thoughts. When they reopen, all trace of tenderness, any affection he's held for me – they're all gone. Replaced by an infinite vacancy that tears my heart into a thousand pieces.

"This thing...it's over," he says flatly. "They know we've been together. Thanks to you, they have a lovely little window into my life."

"Edward, no..." I plead. "He didn't know we were together till they saw us tonight. I didn't tell him..."
"But they know now, Jasper," he continues, cold, detached. "And that is insupportable. You'll see him at the hospital, he'll ask you about me...you're too polite to tell him that it's none of his fucking business..." He shakes his head. "No. The window is closed. It was...fine...while it lasted. But it's done now."
My eyes close and I feel myself start to sway. I have to reach out to the door frame to steady myself. Three words repeat in my mind, over and over. Edward...please...no. Edward...please...no.

When I reopen my eyes, he is dialing his phone. "Who are you calling?" I manage to whisper.

"A cab," he answers bluntly.

The room feels like it's spinning as I listen to him speak to the dispatcher; he provides his own address as the pickup address and mine as the destination. This isn't happening...Edward...please...no...this can't be the way it ends...Edward...please...no...

Finally Edward clears his throat. I open my eyes, and he's holding my coat and the box I picked up from the table at the restaurant. "The taxi will be here soon. I'd rather you waited downstairs," he says ungraciously. "Here's your stuff."

"That's not mine," I whisper, indicating the box.

"Well, I don't need it anymore," he replies. "I don't want it in my apartment. Take it with you."

I shrug into my coat, and take the box from his hands. He shoves his hands in his pockets and stares at the floor. It's ending...how can this be the end?

One last time, I implore him. "Please don't do this..."

Finally he meets my gaze, but his eyes are cold and dead. He steps past me to open the door. "I didn't do this," he says coldly. "Goodbye, Jasper."

I will not say goodbye. "I love you." I refuse to believe I'm the only one feeling it.

The door closes behind me, and it's so final, so abrupt. I want to collapse on the floor outside his door. Somehow, though, I know I have to get home first. I stumble my way down the stairs, and the cab is waiting outside the front door.

I get in, and the cab driver asks, "Where to?" I manage to choke out my address, and he turns around to look at me. "Are you okay?" he asks, with kind concern.

"No," I answer truthfully. "Please, just take me home."

Yeah. I know, right? It's one of those moments where you find yourself desperately wanting to scream 'Just fucking talk to each other, you'll figure it out!' but you can't because of the tears and snot and they wouldn't hear you from behind the handful of tissues anyway.

It's not all angst though, and it has a HEA, a spin off and plenty of outtakes. It's well written, the author does present tense excellently and mixes present moments with flashbacks flawlessly, and the characterisation is fantastic. These boys grow and learn and change, both apart and together and it's amazing to look back at them in ch1, once the journey is over, and see where they started out.

Don't think you'll be disappointed in this one. It's a completed fic too, so perfect to go with that bottle of wine you were saving for Christmas ;).

Monday ManCandy: 'Sketchbook Revelations' by PolkaDotMama

It's Monday so it must be tie for some more slash fiction with the adorable twosome. This week's rec is 'Sketchbook Revelations' by PolkaDot Mama.

It's another AH/OOC M rating *whispers* on account of the boy-sex (which is also excellently written btw, as per my lemons requirements) but in a nice twist, this story is complete. Yes that's right folks, if you're looking for some instant gratification to get you through the Holidays, this is it.

Author's summary: Jasper makes a confession to Edward that changes their lives forever. When words fail they rely on their sketches and more to reveal their inner most secrets. Their unique friendship grows and transforms. Can it survive the sketchbook revelations?

There's everything you could want from a story in this. The characters are superbly crafted, the plot line is a mixture of tentative steps in the present and past revelations; sweet couple moments where only they matter, and harsh family reality where 'who you do' can become more important than who you are.

And dare I say it? I really like Edward in this. No, really I do. He's insecure and shaken and vulnerable and he cares just a little too much about everything. He's very real and there's none of that arrogance we normally associate with him (although he is a bit of a drama queen at times...). Jasper is a sweet, sensitive soul and the character development right from the beginning is a slow and steady progression.

And if you like a bit of angst you won't be disappointed. Who's sending Jasper threatening notes? And what will his dad the 'don't ask, don't tell' Colonel, who refused to speak to Edward for a year when he came out, saw when he finds out Jasper is not only gay but with Edward?!

Here's an excerpt from chapter 19. It's important to understand at this point that Jasper has been working as an often-nude model for some time to supplement his income. It's a superb piece of character development that really showcases their relationship.

Driving to the art gallery, I started to feel a little anxious. It had been awhile since I had modeled nude before students, and I had never done it with another man, only solo or with a woman. The debacle that was the underwear photo shoot showed me what could happen when I was seated so closely to Jasper, and I really didn't want a repeat performance of Little Eddie wanting to come out to play, especially when he was already…out. Hopefully, with our relationship not being so new anymore, I wouldn't get hard just from his skin touching mine. Although, Jasper might have that problem this time around, considering how his body had been reacting to mine for the last few months. I just hoped we wouldn't embarrass ourselves.

When we arrived at the gallery, we were surprised at how large the class was. There must have been thirty students and easels forming a circle around a large round rug with several pillows scattered on it that was obviously our spot. The teacher approached us and asked in his heavy French accent if we were the models, saying we fit Dr. Banner's description to a tee, while he led us to a small room off of the studio where we could change for the class.
"I'm a bit nervous," I admitted while we started to get undressed. "Are you?"

"No. I do this all the time though. It's almost second nature to me now. I'll be there right next to you, and we can probably even talk most of the time, especially tonight while they are just roughing things in."

There was a small knock on the door and we quickly left the room to enter the studio. The teacher's back was to us as we made our way to the rug and started to find a comfortable position we felt we could hold for three hours. When the teacher turned to give us more direction he walked toward me and asked if I could recline on an elbow with a knee raised. Jasper was facing me, my knee in front of his torso and when the teacher walked around to his back, he let out a gasp, and then a small shriek.

Jasper jumped at the loud noise behind him, and I scowled as I saw where the man was looking and what he had reacted to.

"Your body is…scarred!" he said in a scandalous, pretentious voice, accusation dripping from his tone.

Jasper turned to face him and told him with no shame, "Yes. I was assaulted nearly two months ago." As his body was turned, the man scanned the scar on Jasper's side where his spleen had been removed, and a look of disgust twisted on his face.

"This will not do. I am paying you very good money to sit for these fine artists. I need models who have bodies that are perfect. You will have to go," he said with condescension to Jasper, and then looked to me. "You can stay."

"No sir, I'm sorry. If Jasper goes, then I go too." I held my anger back, biting my bottom lip until it hurt. "Now if you'll excuse us, I believe you have a class to teach and new models to find." Standing quickly, I held my hand out to Jasper and pulled him to his feet, seeing unshed tears swimming in his eyes. I held his hand as we hastily moved toward the dressing room, seeing many eyes follow us that were filled with embarrassment, shame, and anger, but it was all directed at their teacher, not us.

We dressed in silence, making quick work of our clothes and shoes before leaving the room. As we walked toward the front of the gallery, I noticed several people had packed up their art supplies and were leaving the class, even though one of the students had stepped in and was already laying down on the rug serving as the model. I unlocked the car and started to open the door, overhearing several of the students complaining about the teacher, talking about how bad they felt for Jasper and how unnecessary firing him was before I took us away from that place as fast as I could.

I didn't know what to say, but I felt I should say something to him. His eyes were glassy as he stared out the passenger window and ran the fingers of his right hand over the back of his left. It was obvious that this hurt him and when I took a breath to say something he turned to me and looked me straight in the eye.

"Don't say anything, Edward. I knew this was going to eventually happen. I never thought it would happen at an art class. I always thought it would be with a modeling job." His eyes looked resigned and sad, and all I wanted to do was go back there and punch that fucker in the face. I must have been clenching my teeth because Jasper reached over and started to gently massage my jaw with his thumb as he smiled at me. "Let's just go home, Babe. Now we have five nights to ourselves. We can do whatever we'd like. How about a movie?" he asked, the smile finally reaching his eyes.

"But the money Jasper. That would have helped you so much." He looked back toward the side window, and I saw him nod his head out of the corner of my eye. We both remained silent the rest of the drive home, but I reached for his hand and held it between us, our arms resting on the console.

When we walked in the front door, Jasper hung up his coat, took off his shoes, and started turning on Christmas lights all over the house, including the outdoor lights. His silence was scaring me but I let him be, knowing that he wasn't ready to talk quite yet. I was used to this routine because this was how things were handled in the past. If something bothered Jasper, he was quiet while he thought about it, and tried to work it out, eventually he would come to me. I knew how to play this role as his friend, but I wasn't sure I could do this as easily as his lover, but I would do my best to give him space.

I walked to our room and quickly got dressed into a pair of red flannel pajama pants. In the kitchen, I popped some popcorn, opened a couple of bottles of beer before heading into the living room to find a movie that I thought Jasper might enjoy. When he joined me a few minutes later wearing a pair of navy flannel pants, I was already settled into the corner of the couch, sitting cross-legged, resting the bowl of popcorn between my legs. Jasper sat in the middle of the couch, stretching out his long legs and resting his bare feet on the coffee table. He still hadn't spoken except for saying 'thank you' when I handed him a beer and I wasn't about to push it so I started the movie.

As soon as the popcorn bowl was emptied and set on the coffee table, Jasper laid his head in my lap, as if he had been waiting for his spot to open up. Without thought, I wove my fingers through this hair, fingering the wheaten curls and playing with the soft locks at the back of his neck. It didn't take long for him to fall fast asleep, so I turned off the DVD player and television, sitting there and watching the peace finally wash over his face, erasing the subtle lines of worry that only I could distinguish.

I wasn't sure what Jasper was most upset about. Was it the loss of the money, or the fact that he had been turned down for a job because of the scarring that Jessica caused? The longer I thought about it, the angrier I became. Not only had she nearly killed him, but now she was still affecting his life and most importantly, his fucking livelihood. It wouldn't always be that way, but now, while he tried to pay for school, he was using his body to make money.

There was only one thing that I could think of to help him…somehow give him money. If he stopped paying me his rent, which I really saw as part of the mortgage, that would free up a lot of cash each month, but I knew that he would never agree to that, knowing that I had to make our house payment.

I had been considering closing out one of my investment accounts and if I did, I would have enough money to pay off our house. The money wasn't earning nearly as much interest as I was paying on my loan, and the money would be better served paying for real estate that we planned on living in for many years to come.

This was our house.

From start to finish this story is superbly written, with so much attention to detail it'll astound you. The sketchbook theme is woven throughout and the relationship is beautifully written, showing a real in-depth awareness of the dynamics between two people who know everything about each other and yet are re-discovering themselves and each other as well.

And when you're done with that? There's outtakes.

My Current Top Ten JxB TwiFics

I love reading TwiFics and my favourites are Jasper/Bella, vamp/human ones.

This is my top 10 from my current reading list. There's so many awesome ones out there right now that I could probably write another top 10 list tomorrow, but these are the ones I squeal about when I see an update in my inbox.

They are in no particular order, they are ALL worth reading for Jasper/Bella fans. Some of these authors have more than one story going in tandem so I picked the one I would read first if two alerts came to my inbox at the same time. Do check out their other fics as well.

1. The Butterfly Effect - HammerHips (cross posted to TwiWrite)
One of the most unique stories around at the moment. Jasper kills a human girl called Evie and her ghost takes pity on him. Evie herself is one of the single most unique characters I've seen.

2. The Quiet Room - Givemesomevamp
Heartbreaking storyline, hilarious internal dialogues from Bella, Peter being a lovable jackass and a God of War. What more could a girl ask for?

3. Saving Bella - Mynxi
No, but no one, writes Doucheward like Mynxi does. This story will make you laugh, make you cry and occasionally make you shout at your screen.

4. Conversations With My Killer - Oracle Vas
What's that you say? You want some nice, dark, don't-give-a-hoot Jasper, who tells it like it is and suffers no fools? And you want Bella to get a backbone and see the reality of her situation? And at the same time you want to know what the Cullen's are really hiding? You better get reading then.

5. The Art of Redemption - Cowgirl Amber (cross posted to TwiWrite)
It's 4 years later. Bella has pulled up her big girl panties, developed a backbone and now works in a bar in New Mexico. Jasper is struggling still and being a bit emosper while Peter and Charlotte try to pull him out of it with a night on the town. Girl meets Vamp and... well it's early days but it's already an interesting ride.
Disclaimer: I'm a little biased because Amber's my beta and, as of this week, I'm hers. But I actually started reading and favourited this story before she offered to be my beta, so no bias there, I promise.

6. A Beautiful Mess - kO haLe yeS
They're on the run from James and Bella, Alice & Jasper are staying in the hotel. She ogles him,  he ogles her and as the title suggests a beautiful mess of angst unfolds from there.

7. Bound By Promises - JaspersIzzy
No one writes Darksper like Izzy and this is Darksper at his finest. She promises a HEA but it's going to be a bumpy ride for both Bella and Jasper, if the first few chapters are anything to go by.

8. Thirteen - Karen E Teague
Jasper gets his Psych Doctorate and guess who he bumps into? This story is dark and will pull on your hearstrings. It also has some of the most original characters I've seen in TwiFics.

9. Someday - duskri123
Everyone has secrets and Jasper knows everyone's. How will Bella react once she's clued in to the reality of the seemingly perfect world Cullen family? And what is Bella's secret? No one can mess around with poor Jasper's head like Duskri.

10. The Threads of Our Souls - Untamed Loner
If you want a truly original JxB fic with plenty of cliff hangers, this is the fic for you. It's totally original storyline reveals some interesting truths about the real relationship between Jasper and Bella and if it doesn't keep you on the edge of your seta, nothing will.

Got some recommendations? Let me know in the comments, I love hearing about new ones.