AN: These characters are not mine.
Spoilers: Takes place toward the end of Eclipse, in the tent.
Chars: Bella, Jacob, Edward
The muscles in Bella's jaw were sore from her teeth chattering so hard. She'd never been so cold in her life.
But now, wrapped in Jacob's arms like a steaming hot dog in a toasty bun, she could finally relax a little.
Edward was reluctant, and jealous, of the idea of Jake being a human space heater, but he wasn't ready for Bella to die. Not this way, anyway. So he bit his tongue and sat watching. He finally had to excuse himself and take a walk outside, he couldn't stand it any longer.
Take your time Edward, and don't get lost, Jacob teased him. He shot Jake a dirty look.
I still can't feel my fingers, Bella said to Jake. She had shed her socks and slipped the icy soles of her feet against Jake's warm shins. At least she could wiggle her toes now.
Jake pulled her tighter, covering her clasped hands gently with his huge mitts for a moment. He then put her fingers in his mouth briefly, one hand at a time. She wrinkled her nose at first, then found it oddly comforting.
There, Bells. Zat help?, he whispered softly, sucking on her thumbs to warm them too. His hot breath feathered and tickled her ear.
Mmm, yep, s'good, she answered. She shivered against him involuntarily, luxuriating in his hot, thumping chest warming her cheek. She felt intoxicated by his heat, and, she was realizing, from his hotness.
My god, you were really close to hypothermia, y'know Bells, he said, and added, And there was nothing Edward could do to save you.
Bella sighed. Yeah, well, being a vampire does have its disadvantages.
She twisted her head slightly, trying to look at Jacob's eyes, even though she could clearly picture his face—content, smug, satisfied that he was helping her and Edward wasn't.
Oh, and desirous.
Or maybe she was projecting. Because that's how she felt.
She'd always considered him beautiful, but lately, since he'd been shifting, he was enormous, muscular, cocky to the point of annoyance. And he was always walking around with a minimum of clothing. Not that she objected.
They lay quietly for a moment, spooning in the too-small sleeping bag. Bella was relaxed enough to nod off for a few minutes, a peaceful grin on her face. Jake's bicep made a perfect cushion.
And I love you, too, Bells, she felt Jake murmur, head pressed against his thorax.
What, Jake?, she said, shaking off sleep.
You just said told me you loved me, that you always have, Jacob said calmly.
I didn't say anything, I was… oh. She grinned sheepishly. Crap. I was sleep-talking, wasn't I, she said. Busted.
Well I already knew how you felt, but it's nice to hear, Jake said.
She arched her back a little, pressing her hips into Jake's. She'd just meant to stretch, instead triggering a latent impulse in both of them.
Jake pressed more firmly against her, his desire now manifesting itself. He had it under control til then, but it just took a little catalyzing…
He nuzzled the lovely curve in the nape of her neck, opening his lips to caress it.
Bella shivered again, this time from lust, drawing in breath through her clenched teeth.
She twisted her head more so her lips could find Jake's.
Bells, I don't think we should… I mean, Edward… he whispered, doing his best to stop them from what was now coming all too naturally.
But Edward would know anyway. In fact, he already knew how Jake felt. So what was the use in trying to stop the truth?
And Bella was being more aggressive than he was at the moment.
Jake. I don't want to … turn… without knowing what it's like. Without… um… I don't want to die a human virgin, she spat out. There. I said it.
Bells, are you asking me to take your virginity? He started giggling.
Well, yeah, Black, that's exactly what I'm asking you. She kissed him again to prove it.
He paused, not moving for a moment, before they heard Edward bellow outside.
Fine! Just get it over with. I don't want to deprive her of the experience of human love either, dog. And it may as well be with you.
Did you just ask him for permission?, Bella said in disbelief.
Yep, Jake smiled, as he slid his hot hands under Bella's sweater, and covered her mouth with his. And I got it.
Wait… she panted. You'll be gentle, right Jake? I mean, you're so, uh, big… I mean tall, muscly, you know…
He smiled, blushing. As gentle as I can possibly be, Bells. You just tell me if I'm hurting you and you want me to stop.
He didn't. Well, just a little. And she didn't.
They were free to sink deeply into one another, if only for the moment.
-/-/-/-
Afterward, Bella considered how it might be worth postponing the changeover, or figuring out a compromise.
She was still breathing hard, but she already missed the feeling of Jake uniting with her physically after being a soul mate for so long.
Their reverie was broken when Edward shouted impatiently to see if they were done.
Oh god, what am I going to do?, she thought. It had been so clear. Now she saw that being human had way more to offer. Jake smiled at her warmly, tenderly.
She truly felt as if her heart were split in two.
As soon as Edward saw her face, he knew this. He knew he'd made a mistake.
And Jake knew he'd gained an advantage. Cocky, sure, but with good reason.
Decision time.