Setting Sun (Sequel to Newborn)

Confrontation

I haven't updated in like ever and I'm sooooo sorry! Thanks for sticking with the story (if anyone actually did) and please comment/vote and keep reading!

Chapter 7:

I fiddled with my paintbrush, grooming the hairs this way and that, trying to find the right angle to start with. The breeze hardly ruffled my hair in its tight bun that sat on the nape of my neck, just barely managing to break a few strands free of its prison. Jasper sat beside me on the grass rather than on the bench, reading a historical account of some war he seemed to already know everything about. I heard him chuckle every once in a while, as if reading a witty comic strip. Occasionally, he would graze his fingers on my bare foot or anything he could find, as if needing reassurance I was still there. I did the same, reaching out to touch his scarred cheek or playing with his honey-blonde locks.

Rose and I had just gotten back from shopping an hour ago, and I could hardly wait to break out my new supplies. Barely making it through the door, I ordered Jasper to meet me by my pond so I could paint. He made himself useful but carrying my canvas and wooden stand outside for me while I put everything I had gotten in the right place and gathered my purchases.

I still was in this position, trying to get something on the page. Finally, I settled for the beauty in front of me. We sat within a fairy tale; beautifully tall, green bushes engulfed us in a quiet solitude, while pink and white petals from neighboring trees fell to the ground as a sign of the remaining survivors of the slight chill. The deep blue pond was small, yet held a significant part in the story only I could see. I analyzed the colorful flowers popping up at seemingly random locations; Esme has yet to figure this part of the land out. Silently I hoped she would keep it the way it was meant to look. I vowed to bring it up with her in the future. With a content sigh and one last look at the slightly glowing man beside me, I dove into my work.

Each stroke that landed on the page created a new idea. Each dip in the paint made a new shade for the world I was creating with my hands. My teeth bite into my lip as I continued; a habit I had whenever I started a new project. My eyes barely left the canvas, only to capture a closer look of the scenery. I felt Jasper move from his place to sit next to me. He didn’t touch me, just watched, though I didn’t turn to see. Soon the piece was full of lively colors, shapes, and designs from my imagination and the landscape in front of us. With a few more touch-ups, it was finished.

I licked my bottom lip, tilted my head to the side, and examined the product like I have for as long as I could recall. With a small nod, I washed off the brush and stuck it behind my ear. I shifted my gaze to Jasper. He was smiling widely at me. I blinked in surprise.

“What?” I asked while looking behind me to make sure I didn’t miss Emmett trying to sneak up behind me, which, I may add, he has done multiple times before. There was no one behind me, and I strained my hearing back to the house and heard him playing video games with Jacob rather loudly as he yelled curses at the laughing werewolf.

“You just look beautiful like this.” He replied easily, tapping the brush behind my ear lightly. I snorted and was about to say a clever retort, but his lips captured mine before my words could escape. Immediately, I responded, pulling the collar of his shirt towards me until he was positioned on top of me without actually pushing all his weight on me, though it would do little to affect me. I felt his hands slide up my side delicately, bunching up the silky cloth of my shirt when he grabbed it forcefully. I arched my back into him, making him groan against my lips. I smiled sweetly before deepening the kiss, if it was possible.

And suddenly, Jasper pulled away from me, not far, just a few inches, but it could have been miles for me. I was about to complain when I saw what he was looking at. My breathing hitched before stopping completely.