A/N: Hello, my lovely readers! This story has been in my head since before Edythe and Beaufort existed, and even after all these years they still haven't left me alone. So I thought, why not? I'll jump into this full force. In the beginning, things may seem a bit out of character for some people, but you'll learn why soon enough! Okay, read and review and tell me what you think. And enjoy!

WARNING: GRAPHIC LANGUAGE, VIOLENCE, AND HOMOPHOBIA. IF YOU ARE UNDERAGE OR DO NOT ENJOY IT DO NOT READ.


Chapter One.


Brandon Swan's POV:

I'd never given much thought to how I would die. I mean, I'd never given much of a thought to anything really. Before this, I was just a normal guy with anxiety problems, barely any friends, and a love for mysteries. Dying wasn't in the job description for me with such a monotonous life. But now, standing in front of this bloodthirsty creature wanting to kill me, I could say that I would never have thought to die like this. Maybe in a car crash or drowning in my best friend's swimming pool.

But definitely not by being drained dry by some nomad tracking vampire intent on fucking with my family.

With onyx eyes, he stared down at me cockily, and I felt my temper start to rise. Just because I was a defenseless human did not give him the right to terrorize me! Had he never heard of vampires dating humans before? It happened quite a lot, honestly. Even Aro, a Volturi leader, had changed his human mate. And this guy had been alive once too.

Although, he probably wasn't much of a model citizen while he was breathing, anyway.

Without thinking, I screeched. "No! I am not dying tonight, fucker! Over my dead body." I could feel my palms getting sweaty and I could barely hear as my heartbeat rattled through my brain.

"Hah, if you say so." All at once he launched himself at me, pushing my lanky body to the ground. As my head slammed against the dance floor, I felt something crack. With foggy vision, I watched him bite into the meat of my wrist before disappearing.

Fire engulfed my entire body.

Someone screamed. Was that me? I couldn't be sure. My vision started to get hazy as the pain grew too great, and I gagged and dry heaved. The room was spinning so fast.

"Brandon, Brandon. Stay with me, I've got you." Edward, what was he doing here? Where was he? My throat felt raw as I breathed in and out slowly. He continued to murmur quiet words, but I couldn't make any sense of them.

Another bite to my wrist, and it felt like the fire was being sucked out of me. As time passed my eyes rolled into the back of my head and the world grew dim.

All at once, everything turned black.

I shot up in bed, bed clothes drenched in sweat and my heart pounding rapidly against my rib cage. There it was again, another nightmare. And this time another clue.

Edward. The same Edward that was my biology partner and currently hated my guts.

With a sigh, I dragged myself out of bed and made my way into the bathroom before hopping into the shower and cleaning the aches and pains out of my body. I had only been here for three weeks, three very long weeks, but in that short amount of time, I had not only pissed off Edward, but also Mike Newton and his followers. They all craved the sexy Lauren Mallory and cute as a button Jessica Stanley, who ruthlessly threw themselves at me, even though I told them all I wasn't interested. I may be into girls, but I was definitely into boys more. The only ones that had believed me were Angela, Eric, and Ben, all of which had become my close friends.

I was probably the only one out and proud at Forks High anyway, which was a shame. Dating was going to be a drag if I had to go all the way to Seattle for a cute boy.

After my shower, I dressed quickly in a pair of dark jeans, a black t-shirt paired with a red flannel, and my black Chuck Taylor's. Dad was already gone by the time I went downstairs, smelling of deodorant and cologne, and I quickly scarfed down a bowl of cocoa pebbles before quickly brushing my teeth and leaving with my bag over my shoulder.

It was another rainy day in Forks, and the earth smelt clean and fresh. The rusty orange truck grumbled down the wet roads, and I hummed happily to myself. I wasn't usually a morning person, but today seemed like it could be turning up. Maybe the girls would stop bothering me, and maybe the guys would stop death glaring at me. Maybe Edward would actually like me.

But as I parked into my usual spot and slid out of my truck, I knew it was all for naught. The guys stood protectively by the girls, who drooled in my direction and threw me grumpy looks. The happiness I felt quickly faded, and my shoulders slumped. Too good to be true, I guess.

"Hey B," Angela exclaimed as she and Ben walked up, a weird tension surrounding them. Eric and I had an ongoing bet on who would ask who out first. My bet was on Angela.

"Hey, Angela. You ready for the test?"

"What test?" Ben screeched.

"The one in Bio."

"It's over all the Phylum, right?"

"Yeah, the Phylum one, Ben."

"Phew! This one's in the bag," We made our way into school, joined quickly by Eric. It was easy to forget how weird my dream was and how disappointing this morning was when talking to good friends.

Well, it was easy until he walked in.

With his adopted sister, Alice, by his side, they glided through the hallway to their lockers looking like movie stars. My cheeks turned pink and my mouth became dry like cotton.

"Hey, you've got some drool," Angela exclaimed, and I instinctively went to wipe my mouth before I caught her sly grin. In retort, I stuck my tongue out at her before leaving the group as my locker came into view. Right next to the boy's bathroom and always smelling of whatever nastiness came out of there.

After depositing my bag inside I grabbed my English textbook, a pencil, and my notebook before closing it again. Eric met up with me again and walked to Mr. Mason's classroom.

"Today, class, we'll be getting into partners and discussing what we read yesterday." Eric and I shared a look from across the room as others around us groaned. Mister Mason droned on. "After you discuss I want you to answer the seven questions on the board on one sheet of paper. Write both of your names on it. Once you are finished turn it into the turn homework tray and sit quietly."

As the girl at the desk beside me moved, Eric slid in and sent me a cheeky grin.

"So, you still infatuated with Cullen?"

"I-I don't know what you're talking about."

"Cut the crap, dude. Your face is an open book." Blushing, I ignored him and opened my notebook and wrote both of our names down. Eric decides to change the subject and get to the task at hand. "So, what do you think are the major influences in Jane's life?"

"Probably her nasty family and her best friend. She's had a hard life."

"True, true. I don't understand how people can treat a child so cruelly, you know?"

"She didn't ask to be born. All she wants is love." We discussed and answered the rest of the questions in record time. After Eric turned in our paper he sat back down beside me and grinned again. My heart rate picked up at his expression. Oh, what now?

"You know…I heard he's been asking about you." Edward's been asking about me?

"Who?"

"Mike, obviously. No, Edward! Duh!"

"I think you're mistaken…"

"How so?"

"Why would he be asking about me of all people?" Eric's face softened. Leaning over, he patted my back sympathetically as my cheeks reddened again.

"Maybe he's finally noticed how awesome you are."

"I guess that could be it. I am pretty awesome."

"That's the spirit! Now, what's the plan?" The bell rang, and the class started to file out. As we exited the room I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Plan?"

"Well, yeah!" When I kept staring at him he sighed and rolled his eyes. "You know, the plan to get Cullen to fall for you."

"What!" I sputtered. "I don't know…"

"Please, come on. He's interested, I just know it!"

"Okay, fine. You do what you want, even though I know for a fact that he isn't interested."

As usual, Eric walked me to Government in building six. Thankfully, the rain had let up for a while and I made it to my class without my jacket that I had left in my locker. Saying goodbye to Eric, I entered the room and kept my mouth shut for the rest of the class. I shared it with Mike and Tyler, who both glared at me as soon as I entered.

Trigonometry and Spanish were no better. Jessica sat next to me and talked my head off. That wouldn't be a problem if it was a normal conversation, but she kept bringing up my sexuality.

"So, you really like guys?" Jessica leaned in to ask in Spanish as Mrs. Goff handed out packets, a confused expression on her face. Please, I don't want to have this conversation again.

"Yes."

"More than girls?" Yes! I wanted to shout.

But instead, I took in a deep breath before answering calmly, "Girls are nice, but I'd like a boy instead."

"But, why?"

"Why do you like boys?"

Suddenly she donned a dreamy expression and wistful smile, "Well, they're cute and sweet and can take care of me-"

"I feel the same way. No please, let me get back to my assignment." I said sharply before turning back to my assignment. I wasn't bothered for the rest of class and once the bell rang I quickly deposited my things in my locker before heading to the cafeteria.

I paid for an apple and a bottle of water before sitting down between Ben and Angela, who gave each other soft looks over my head. It made my chest ache out of loneliness, but I ignored it and munched on my food. The table quickly filled up and I tensed as Lauren sat down in front of me.

"Hey, Brandon," She purred, flipping her corn silk hair back.

"Hey, Lauren."

"How are you?"

"I'm okay, and you?"

"I'm great! And looking for a date to the dance."

"Are you?"

"Wait, I have a great idea! Why don't we go together?"

"I'm busy. Visiting my family in Florida." She looked momentarily stunned but brushed it off and smiled.

"Maybe next time then."

"Yeah, maybe," I bit into my apple and chewed thoroughly, hoping my anxiety would dissipate. Thankfully, she turned to Mike and started talking to him, and I finally relaxed. Well, I did until I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked up from my tray and saw that my lunch table had fallen silent.

Who was behind me?

Slowly, I turned and was met face to face with none other than Edward Cullen, a shy smile on his face and red hair a sexy mess on his head.

"You're Brandon?"

"Y-yes," I choked out, hand clutching the shiny red apple tightly. Hopefully, I didn't crush it.

Edward chuckled and asked, "Do you want to hang out after school today?" My eyebrows shot to my hairline and my jaw dropped. Is this real life? Was he for real?

"S-sure," My voice cracked. I coughed before continuing. "That sounds cool."

"Your house or mine?"

"Mine's fine."

"Cool, I'll meet you by your truck," He turned to go, and I thought the conversation, but suddenly he turned back around. With a soft touch, his thumb swiped over my lip before sucking on the appendage. Edward winked before exclaiming, "You had something on your face. I got it."

"Th-thanks," I licked my lips absentmindedly and then he walked away again. My face flushed as I watched him sit down at his own lunch table.

Was this real life? Did that really just happen? I brushed my lips with my fingertips and sucked in a breath.

Wow, wow, wow.

"I told you he liked you!" Eric whispered

"Shit, wow. That actually happened."

"All of the girls like you and now Cullen likes you? Damn, what's your secret?" Mike questioned bitterly before standing up and leaving the table. Jessica followed quickly after him, chattering his ear off.

"He licked his damn thumb after wiping your lip. He literally indirectly kissed you."

"Shit."

"So, what's the plan, now?"

"Again, with the plan? Dude, I think you're mistaken."

"Excuse me? He indirectly kissed you and you're still on that bullshit?"

"Uh, yeah?"

"You're hopeless! But don't worry, Yorkie is still here to help you."

"I hate when you talk about yourself in the third person," He sent me an impish grin and I groaned.

The bell rang, and we returned to our classes, but still, my mind was a mess. Could he like me of all people? The random bi kid that had been pining for him for weeks?

No, he couldn't. That's impossible. Even if he liked boys, why would he choose me of all people?

Yeah, he's probably just being nice. Just wants to be friends. But what was with that indirect kiss?

I was still deep in my thoughts as I slid onto the stool in Biology. Edward sat beside me, a crooked grin on his face.

"We meet again," He exclaimed, and I flushed.

"Heh, yeah. We do have class together." The bell rang again, and Mr. Banner started to talk about the lesson. I was only half listening, though.

"How are you liking Forks?"

"It's good. Unlike my sister and mother, I love the rain. Calms me."

"I feel similarly. You have a sister? Does she go here?"

"Oh, no. Bella lives with our mom and step-dad. I'm only here because I was at the wrong place at the wrong time."

"I do not mean to pry, but could you explain?"

"I had a friend and he wasn't… a great influence on me. He had a good heart, but his choices were rather horrible. One night we were out getting high and then the cops showed up. He slipped the weed in my pocket, so I would get in trouble for it," My face flushed again. "After that, my mom kicked me out and I've been here ever since."

"I'm sorry that happened to you."

"Don't be, I should have been more careful and chose my friends more wisely."

"Your friend should have been a better friend to you, in my opinion," Another smile graced Edward's beautiful face and then he did something I would have never expected. His hand landed on my thigh and caressed it.

I couldn't help gulping, my eyes not leaving the sight. His fingers were long like a pianist and his nails were neat and clipped. Turning to look at him, I noticed that he was already reading out of the textbook again. When he rubbed my thigh again I felt myself melt a little.

This can't be real… can it? Am I dreaming? What the hell?

Sucking in a deep breath, I decided to ignore it and get along with my studies. After that, we completed a worksheet. Edward's hand never left my thigh even as he finished his work.

When the bell rang he finally removed it and glanced at me with dark eyes.

"You know, I didn't ask you to hang out because I want to be friends."

"Oh?"

"I like you, Brandon Swan. More than I probably should. More than I'm allowed to."

"I-I like you too."

"Good, it's settled then."

"Wait, what's settled?"

"This will be our first date. Low-key as they say these days, correct?"

"Yeah, yeah. Low-key," Without warning, he kissed the corner of my mouth before gathering his things.

"See you after school, Brandon," Edward exclaimed before heading out of the classroom. I waved at his retreating frame, feeling dazed.

"See you…"


"He kissed you! Holy shit, I knew it!" Eric cackled loudly, causing others to turn and stare. "Yorkie has done it again!"

"Will you keep your voice down?"

"Let me enjoy this. Ooh, being right feels so damn good."

"You're so embarrassing," I said with a sigh, shaking my head. But I couldn't keep the small smile from gracing my face.

"You love me, though,"

"So… do I just meet him by my truck? Or do I go look for him?"

"Looks like he's already made that decision for you, bud." I turned from Eric to look glance at my parked truck. Edward leaned against it, playing on his phone.

"Maybe I should run."

"What? Why would you do that?"

"I don't know, I just feel like throwing up."

"Those are just butterflies."

"Damn big butterflies," Eric laughed before pushing me towards my truck. Towards Edward Cullen.

"Go on, you dramatic goofball. Go get your man," I glanced back and gave him a small smile, which he gave a thumbs up in return. As I walked over to the truck I felt like I was going to shit my heart out.

He was just so damn beautiful. His messy red hair, his jawline, his lanky arms. The way he laughed.

"Hey," Edward exclaimed as he pocketed his phone.

"Hello, Edward. Fine afternoon we're having."

"Shall we?" I nodded "After you."

The ride to the Swan residence was filled with a loud silence and his hand again rubbing my thigh as I drove. I almost hit two light poles and one parked car, but we finally made it with minimal difficulty.

When he removed his hand, I felt like I could breathe again. I quickly unlocked the front door and we slipped inside. Dad was still at work, so we had the house to ourselves.

"Would you like a snack? We have some Cheeze-it's."

"No thank you, I had a big lunch,"

A big lunch? An untouched salad is a big lunch? As much as I wanted to argue, I held it in and nodded. Maybe he was insecure about eating or was dealing with weight issues. He was skinny enough.

"We could work on homework," Edward slid into a chair and a small graced his face. "Or we could watch a movie."

"How about you come here." Hesitantly, I stepped towards him. When I stood in front of him his hands slid around my thighs and pulled me closer. Then his hands rested on my hips. My cheeks flushed, and I swallowed. "Is this okay?"

"Y-yeah."

"You are comfortable with this?"

"Mhm, completely."

"You seem nervous."

"Mhm, completely." His mouth morphed into a crooked grin that had me swooning.

"You're something else, you know that?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty weird."

"That isn't a bad thing. The best of us are."

"Thank you, Lewis Carroll." As the words left my lips he pulled me into his lap. As in like, all the way onto his lap.

I was sitting on Edward Cullen. What the hell?

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"I thought you hated me."

"I did...but-" The butterflies were back but this time they were massive, the size of golf balls bouncing around my stomach. Was I going to throw up while sitting in his lap? On his nice button up? The horror.

"I started watching you. And I sort of maybe… fell for you." Edward seemed as if he was choosing his words carefully.

"Me?"

"Yes. And I'd like to take you out on a proper date when this is over if you'd be willing."

"I'll have to think about it," I teased but started giggling when his smile dropped. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding! I'd love to go out on a proper date with you, Mr. Cullen."

You'd think it would be all chocolates and roses after that, right? No, not even close.

Not even close at all.