*A very sincere thank you for all of the reviews! You are such wonderful readers!
**As always, I don't have a beta so the mistakes are my own. AND I don't own Twilight.
Rosalie was excited for Monday morning to roll around. She had spent the rest of her Sunday thinking about her Isabella. She decided that she was going to pursue her little mate in a much more forward manner. She was Rosalie freaking Hale; she needed to start acting like it. Gone was the timid and shy Rose. She was going to come out swinging. With her new found determination urging her on, she arrived to work early and eagerly awaited her mate.
"Good morning, Rose," Megan said as she arrived and stopped in at the director's office, resting against the door frame. "You look way too chipper for a Monday morning. Are you even human?" She questioned with a playful chuckle.
Rosalie smirked at the irony of the statement and looked up to greet her new friend. "I'm just feeling more like myself this morning. How was your weekend?"
The two exchanged pleasant conversation for a short while before Megan made her way to settle in at the front desk. Rosalie began her Monday morning work routine to bide her time until Bella arrived with her child. She was just beginning to get immersed in the details of some curriculum when the sound and smell of her mate roused her. She swiftly stood from her desk and made her way out in the lobby. As soon as Elliott saw Rose heading their way he ran over to greet her pulling his smiling mother along. Rosalie grinned brightly and bent down to give the toddler a hug and then she cupped his cheek, "Good morning, sunshine."
The boy leaned into the affection and grinned back at the blonde. "Hi Rosie!"
Rosalie smiled at him and then stood and pulled his mother into an embrace. Rosalie felt her stiffen a bit in surprise before she relaxed and returned the hug. "Good morning, Isabella," she purred in her ear. She enjoyed the heat and scent that increased with her greeting and took a moment to relish in the feeling before pulling away slowly.
"Good morning, Rosalie. How was your evening last night?"
"It was good. I mostly spent time with the family." She almost said 'my family' but stopped herself at the last moment. This would be Bella's family too and she wanted to include her in all things, even simple phrasing.
Bella smiled sincerely. "Your family, or what I have met of them, seem like wonderful people. This one," she pointed down at the squirming toddler, "absolutely loved your brother!"
Rosalie smirked, "The feeling was mutual."
They shared another smile and then Bella shook herself from the moment, "Well I should be getting Elliot checked in and off to class."
Rosalie reached out gently to touch her arm to garner her attention again before she questioned, "When are you free for lunch this week?"
Bella's eyebrows rose in shock, "Oh, um," she stuttered uncharacteristically, "Um, any day other than Wednesday."
"Perfect, what time should I swing by your office to pick you up today?" Rosalie didn't want to wait any longer; she wanted her mate now, today. Waiting a few hours until lunch already felt like an eternity.
Impossibly, Bella's eyebrows rose even higher and she squeaked out, "um, noon?"
"Perfect, I'll see you then." She then looked down at the toddler and ruffled his hair, "I'm visiting your class this morning. I'll see you soon." Elliot responded with a jump and a clap and then he drug his still gaping mother away and to the check in station. Rosalie watched the pair fondly before turning and walking back into her office.
She was in the middle of some paperwork when Megan popped her head in again. "So, you want to tell me what all that this morning was about?"
Rosalie raised an eyebrow and cocked her head, "What do you mean?"
"Very funny, you know very well I am referring to you and Swan. You seemed very close this morning."
"We are becoming friends. She has been working with my mother on her new house."
"Uh-huh? Alright, dear, you don't have to talk now but I will be watching you," she said with a suspicious glint in her eyes.
Rosalie laughed and stood to walk over to the admin at the door, "Oh Megan, if only there were something to tell. Alas, we all have to be patient." She gently tapped her shoulder and then made her way out of the office and toward the two year old room.
Once she entered the room she took a moment to observe the class. They were huddled together around a large table that was filled with water, bubbles, boats and various water toys. The air was filled with the sounds of splashing, shrieks of delight, and giggles. The two teachers were weaving in and out of the children discussing various things. Caitlin approached Elliot and they worked together on counting the boats and naming the colors. Rosalie smiled in pride when he successfully counted to ten and named all the colors correctly. Caitlin gave him and high five along with verbal praise and then moved on to the next child.
She observed for a few more moments before clearing her throat to make her presence known. Caitlin turned and offered a general greeting while the other teacher came over and invited her to join in. Elliot looked up and begged her to come and play with him first. She happily obliged and then spent the next ten minutes making her way around and working with the kiddos. When she stood to leave all of the children called out farewells and Elliot gave her a big, suds filled, hug. She gave the boy a gentle squeeze and exited the class. She was eternally grateful that she had thought to leave spare clothes at work. It would not do to show up to her lunch date with her mate looking anything less than pristine. She made a few more stops in other classrooms and then headed to her office to change and grab her keys. She said goodbye to Megan and told her she would be taking a bit longer of a lunch.
Megan responded with look that said she wasn't fooling anyone and replied, "Take your time, you work too many hours. I'll call if we need you."
With a wave Rosalie was off to win her mate. She could barely contain her excitement as she got in her car and navigated to Bella's building on the edge of campus. She located the tech company and fortunately found a spot right out front. She put a coin in the meter and walked as quickly as she could inside. She checked the directory and then raced up the stairs to the top floor. Bella's assistant stood watch outside of the office door and questioned Rosalie upon her arrival.
"Do you have an appointment?" The assistant with a baby face asked cheerfully.
"I am here to take Ms. Swan to lunch." Rosalie stated firmly, but not impolitely.
The boy looked up sharply at Rosalie stunned. "As in a date? But Bella doesn't date. Is she gay?" He fired of in quick succession.
Rosalie gave him a piercing glare, "I don't believe that is really any of your business. Would you mind?" She gestured to Bella's door.
"Oh, sorry." The boy blushed, picked up the phone, and dialed. When it connected he stated, "Ms. Swan, you uh, lunch date, I mean appointment, or something is here." The boy looked visible scared by his continued blundering and apologized to Bella when she opened the door.
"It's okay Mike." She then turned away and made eye contact with the blonde, "Hello Rosalie." Rosalie smiled in turn.
"Hello Isabella, are you ready?" Rosalie extended her arm and Bella stepped forward. Rosalie placed her hand in the small of her mate's lower back and led her from the building. She relished in the opportunity to be in contact with her mate and she loved the fact that her mate did not seem to be bothered by the possessive gesture. She smiled and kept her hand firmly in place until they were out of the building. When they reached the car, Rosalie maintained her hold but used her other hand to open the passenger door and she gently helped the brunette into the vehicle. When she got in on the driver's side she looked to her and smiled.
"I was thinking of going to this little bistro just off of campus. It's a quaint little place that I think you will like."
"That sounds lovely."
Rosalie started the car and fought the urge to reach out and reestablish contact. She opted to start a conversation instead. "So, how was your morning?"
"It was pretty boring. Monday mornings are usually spent dealing with emails and having start of week meetings. How was yours?"
Rosalie recounted her morning with Elliot and Bella was grinning when she got to the part about the wet hug. She laughed and said without thinking, "It's hard to imagine you looking anything less than perfect."
Rosalie grinned impishly in delight before raising an eyebrow and looking briefly at the brunette, "Perfect, really? That's high praise coming from someone who looks as you do," she flirted unashamedly.
Rosalie watched the flush on Bella journey from the tips of her ears, to her collar bone, all the way until it was unfortunately covered by the top of her blouse. Her eyes traveled back up to meet Bella's and she smirked at her handiwork. Bella stuttered in response but was saved from having to speak by their arrival at the restaurant. Rosalie quickly exited and opened the door for Bella. When Bella was standing, Rose shut the door and her hand took up its place in the small of her mate's back. She led them into the bistro allowing Bella a few moments of silence to compose herself.
Once they were seated and their drinks were ordered, they looked over their menus. Rosalie really didn't care what she ordered as it would all taste relatively bland to her, but she had done her research and knew what humans liked here. She interrupted Bella's perusal gently, "Do you see anything that you would like?"
"Everything looks good, do you have any suggestions?"
"I think I know what you would like."
Bella looked at her expectantly and Rosalie just grinned and signaled the waiter. When he arrived she ordered for both of them and then returned her gaze to Bella. "Anything else?"
Bella flushed at shook her head. Rosalie smiled and said with a shrug, "I figured it would save us a bit of time if I just ordered for the two of us. I didn't want you to be late getting back." In all honestly, Rosalie wasn't planning on ordering for Bella but when she noticed the way the waiter's eyes lingered during their drink orders she took the opportunity to assert her claim.
"I don't mind," Bella said softly, "Actually it was nice to not have to think about it." Then she added, "thank you."
"It was my pleasure, Isabella," Rosalie grinned and then continued, "So, what made you decide to move to Seattle?"
While their food was being prepared Rosalie took the opportunity to try and learn more about her mate. She learned after Bella's parents divorced she decided to stay with her dad, in Forks, as her mother had difficulty even taking care of herself. During high school she excelled in photography but knew she wanted something more substantial for a career. She went to college in the bay area pursuing both photography and marketing. While there, she racked up various internship opportunities and was offered her first job. Rosalie was very impressed at how motivated her little mate was.
Bella finished her short narrative with a, "I wanted Elliot and I to be closer to family, so I applied and got a job here. It's nice to be able to go up to Forks for quick weekend trips again." Rosalie knew there was a bit more to the story. In fact, Elliot's father was like a big gaping hole. But she didn't push for details. This was her first time alone with Bella. She needed to prove herself.
When there food arrived, Bella turned the tables, "Can you tell me about your family? I must admit, I am a bit jealous. As an only child, I always wished I had a bigger family."
Rosalie chuckled and started to fill Bella in on her family members. She was careful about the details she told. While her coven had developed the perfect backstory, she did not want to tell her mate a fabrication, she wanted to be as honest as possible. So instead of giving her the 'foster child' bit, she simply said that while there was no genetic similarity, they were family and had been together for a long time. Bella, in turn, was a great listener. She paid rapt attention and asked small probing questions that showed genuine interest without pushing too far.
They continued their conversation until their food was gone and the waiter returned with the check. Rose quickly took the offered item and placed her card in the slot and returned it to the waiter without a glance. Bella began to object, but Rosalie raised her hand.
"Nope, I invited you. Thus I get to pay."
Bella narrowed her eyes in response, "Alright, but I get to pay next time."
Rosalie grinned in response. Her mate wanted there to be a next time. Of course there was no way that she would let her mate pay, so she shrugged her shoulders and responded playfully, "You can certainly try." Bella pouted in response and Rosalie cooed internally.
"I guess I should be getting you back."
Bella sighed, "Unfortunately, I have a meeting this afternoon with a potential client that I need to spend a bit more time prepping for. But I had a really nice time."
"I did as well. We will have to do it again soon."
"Definitely," Bella responded with a small nod and a half smile.
"Shall we?" Rosalie said and she stood and held her arm out for Bella. Bella quickly followed and Rosalie led her out to the car and helped her in again. They drove back in comfortable silence. When they arrived at Bella's company, Rosalie opened her door and walked the brunette back to her office, despite the brunette's protest. Rosalie wanted more time with her mate and she was going to take any and all opportunity to establish physical contact. So when they arrived at Bella's office Rosalie leaned in for a hug and took a risk a placed a chaste kiss on her cheek before leaving with a wave and saying, "See you soon, Isabella."
The rest of the week passed quickly and Rosalie delighted in the memories she had of her and her mate at lunch. Whenever she would see Bella at drop off or pick up she would greet her with a hug and a brief kiss on the cheek. Bella would always respond in a blush and Rosalie would savor the moment. Rosalie was a bit disappointed when she learned that Bella would be unavailable for any more lunch dates that week. But Bella had snagged a big client and was busy with preparations. Rosalie was proud of her little mate and so on Friday afternoon when she came in to pick up Elliot; Rosalie stopped her to discuss the topic of celebrating.
"I think that we need to celebrate you landing that big client this weekend."
Bella smiled and lowered her head at the praise. "While I would love to take you up on the offer, I was going to work on the house with Esme this weekend. It is not supposed to rain, and I think I need to take advantage of my window to do some outside work as well. Maybe next weekend?"
Not one for missing out on time with her mate Rosalie countered, "How about I come and help you?"
"You don't have to do that Rose." Rosalie smiled at the nickname and then raised an eyebrow at her.
"Nonsense, I am happy to lend my services." At Bella's reluctant nod she continued, "Then it is settled. I will come along with Esme."
Bella gave an exaggerated sigh, "If you must," she stated with mock defeat.
"Perfect." Rosalie leaned down and gave Bella a quick peck on the cheek and left her mate to pick up Elliot.
The next day arrived quickly and Rosalie was practically buzzing with excitement. "Hurry Esme, we don't want to be late!" She shouted up the stairs.
Esme descended shortly thereafter with a raised brow, "Seriously, Rose? You are so jumpy I am beginning to think you are Alice." Rosalie scowled in response.
They left the residence and were only in the car for a short while before they turned into Bella's property. Rosalie took a moment to enjoy the house and the scenic vista before her. "Wow," she turned in wonder toward Esme.
"I told you. It was as if this was built just for you. I guess in a way, it was."
Rosalie raked her eyes over the property before zeroing in on her mate working in the front garden. Her hair was swept back in a messy bun and she was wearing a lose v-neck and a pair of tight work out capris. She looked up and waved at the approaching vampires.
"Hi Ladies."
Rosalie sauntered up and greeting Bella with a warm embrace. Before she could extend the greeting, Esme interrupted, "Bella, I told you to wait until we got here to get started."
"I know, but Elliot woke up early so we came out to burn off some of his energy." As she said this, the toddler burst forth from the garage with a pail of child-sized garden tools in tow.
"Esme! Rosie!" He exclaimed in delight. He ran toward them with and when he got close enough he dropped the pail and leapt into Rose's arms. She exchanged an equally enthusiastic greeting before setting him back on the ground and helping him collect the toys that had fallen from the bucket in his haste.
Bella looked on fondly before turning to Esme, "So, I just got started on weeding, but didn't want to get too committed to any task before you arrived."
"That's perfect, dear. We really just want to clear enough away so we can get a vision and then lay the basic plan out. Then we will hire out the main work. How about you and I tackle the north side and Rose and Elliot can work on the main walk?"
Rosalie seemed a bit put off when Esme suggested they split up, but when she noticed a certain gleam in Esme's eye she didn't voice her discontent. She knew her mother must have a good reason for her suggestion so she went along with the plan. Plus she knew that instead of working, she would likely just end up playing with Elliot and she would never complain about the chance to engage with her child.
"Sounds good Esme. As long as you don't mind watching out for Elliot, Rose?"
"Not at all. I love spending time with him." Bella smiled gratefully at the response and then turned to head off to what she thought was the north side of the house.
Esme chuckled and called Bella back, "The north side is this way dear," she pointed in the opposite direction of where Bella had been headed.
Bella blushed and grimaced, "I've always been awful at directions."
Esme chuckled and led Bella away. When they were out of human hearing range she began to speak again, "I was hoping I could talk to you a bit today."
Rosalie tried valiantly to give her mother and mate some privacy but she couldn't help but hear what unfolded. She heard Bella respond, "Of course, Esme."
"I've just noticed that you and Rose seem pretty close."
Rosalie could smell Bella's blush and smirked. "Yes, we went to lunch on Monday. I would say we are on our way to becoming friends."
"Just friends?" Rose could hear the playful glint in Esme's tone and listened intently for a response.
"Um, I don't know. Can I be completely honest with you? I mean I know that you are her mother and this may put you in an uncomfortable spot and…"
"It's okay dear, please, you can talk to me about anything."
"Okay, I loved Elliot's father. His name was Jacob; I don't know if I told you that," she trailed off briefly before continuing, "He was my best friend. He was my first boyfriend, well my first everything." Rosalie cringed and fought the snarl that she desperately wanted to release. Bella continued on, oblivious to the fact that Rose could hear, "I thought I loved him because he made me feel safe, but I think it was merely because he was a safe choice. I never felt a strong passion for him. I didn't know it then, but now, something is different. Maybe I am different? Ug…" she let out a puff of air and then said in a quiet voice, "I don't know how to describe this."
"Just take your time, I can tell this is important." Rosalie could imagine that Esme was being the epitome of the perfect mother in this moment. She knew that Esme would be giving Bella her full attention and was likely seeking out some way to physically soothe the young woman. Rose smiled at the thought of her mate and Esme. From their brief conversation about Bella's mother, Rose was able to glean that Renee, while loving in her own way, was rather neglectful. Rosalie was thrilled that Bella was getting the family she deserved; the mother she deserved in Esme. She also knew that Esme already loved the brunette, and was itching to establish a closer relationship.
"It's just I've always felt the need to be in control, I never wanted to allow anyone to control my decisions or my future." Rosalie heard Bella begin again after a short pause. "And Jacob was always so respectful. He never assumed anything or took control. I always had all of the cards, and I always made all of the decisions. To be honest, it was exhausting. But I think if he ever acted possessive or controlling I would have hated him for it. I know I sound awful don't I?"
"No, you don't. It takes an enormous amount of trust to allow someone else to impact your life. Perhaps Jacob was not someone you were ready to trust like that."
"I think you're right. I mean, Jacob was my best friend and I loved him dearly, but I never wanted him to impact me. I always felt the need to keep total autonomy. And when I try to picture myself with another man, I feel the same. I used to think it was simply because I wasn't over Jacob."
"And now?" Esme questioned lightly.
"But now that I think about it, I actually find those things attractive, but…but only if I think of a woman being that way with me." Rosalie had to stop herself from shouting for joy at the declaration. But she schooled herself and continued to play with Elliot, grinning broadly. Then she heard her mate question, "Am I crazy?"
"Not at all dear. That is completely normal. You are allowed to find different things attractive in men and women just as you are allowed to be attracted to men and women."
There was a brief pause and then Rosalie heard Esme's voice again, "I am assuming these feeling were stirred up because of Rose, perhaps?"
Rosalie could hear Bella smack, what she assumed to be, her forehead with her hand before she heard a whispered, "yes."
Rosalie decided that she couldn't eavesdrop any longer. While she loved learning that Bella likely enjoyed her possessiveness, she felt a bit ashamed that she learned this without her mate's knowledge. So she convinced Elliot to take a stroll to the brook, which was out of hearing range, to play. This is where Bella found them a short while later. When they arrived, Rosalie looked over Bella's features carefully. When she was assured that Bella was doing alright she gave her a small smile. Elliot jumped up from his place at Rosalie's side and pulled his mother to him. "Come play, mommy!"
The young boy practically pulled Bella into Rosalie's lap to play with them and Rosalie smirked at her mate, "Well hello, Isabella." Bella's blush filled her face and chest and she proceeded to move slightly away from Rose and into her own space.
Elliot oblivious to any type of tension proceeded to show his mother how he was learning to skip rocks along the surface of the water. He obviously couldn't yet manage the skip, but he painstaking scoured the rocks on the bank to find a smooth stone, as Rosalie had shown him, and would try to flick it across the water. It usually plunked in and sank immediately, but he would beam and Bella and Rose would clap and grin broadly. They continued for a short while before Elliot requested lunch. So the trio made their way back to the house. On the walk back, as Elliot ran ahead, Bella reached out and touched Rosalie's arm tenderly.
Rose turned with an inquisitive look and Bella closed her eyes and took a deep breath before speaking, "Esme said that she would stay in the house and watch for Elliot during his nap this afternoon. I was wondering if maybe, you would join me for a walk. Maybe we can talk?"
Rosalie smiled gently, this was the first time her mate had sought out time with her. It was also the first time that Bella had initiated physical contact. She savored the moment. "I would love nothing more, Isabella."