Disclaimer: unfortunately I do not own Twilight or any of the characters.

Chapter IV - I've Seen Better Days

Jacob POV

Putting away the car keys when we got back in the garage, I then unzipped the front of my overalls and stepped out of them hanging them up.

"I love this job, who else can say they road tested the new Aston Martin before anyone else?" Demetri nodded, unzipping his own overalls to reveal the tight short sleeved tee that showed off his well-muscled torso and arms.

"It is better that working in office"

"Damn straight, I had an office job before hated every second of it" he nodded again getting his jacket.

He smiled and I saw him in the corner of my eye, check out my ass, clearing my throat and acting like I hadn't noticed we went outside and locked up. Then I let him lead me back to his car, which was a classic dark blue BMW that had probably seen better days, I slid into the front passenger seat as he stuck the key in the ignition.

"Are there any good bars around here?" He asked as we pulled out of the car lot and drove towards the main road.

"Yeah, on the left after the second set of traffic lights there's a good Irish pub, not one of those ridiculously priced designer bars"

"Okay" he flicked the radio on, tuning into some station that was playing an old Ja Rule song.

Loving hip hop and R+B I found myself tapping my fingers on my knee in time to the beat and quietly singing along to the amusement of the Russian driving.

"You like this music?" I nodded and sang the last line before it went to adverts.

"Yeah, but Edward's more into classical or indie music"

"Edward, he is fiancé, no?" I nodded. "How long have you been together? If you don't mind me asking"

"I don't mind, we've been together for about six and a half months officially but we've known each other for years, since we were at college" soon I was telling him all about the shit we went through to be together, leaving out the part where we had an affair under the nose of Edward's ex.

As we got to the bar and ordered drinks, sitting in a booth near the door I was still telling him about it.

"Wow, it sounds like you really love each other" I gave him a small smile and took a big gulp of my beer, leaving my glass half empty whilst he had only taken a few small sips of his own.

"Yeah" was all I said, draining my drink I almost slammed it down onto the table with a sigh. "How about another, my treat?" Before he could answer I stood and went back to the bar.

A few more drinks later, I was starting to feel the effects of the alcohol so when I tried to stand I almost fell over as I got a bit of head rush. Catching and steadying me, the earlier flirtation was gone as he led me back to his car with me calling out for him to let me have another drink. Even if I wasn't so drunk, I doubt he would have tried anything considering that the only person I talked about all night was Edward.

"I'm fine, I'm fine, honestly" was what I was trying to say, but the words came out so slurred Demetri shook his head and opened the car door depositing me into the back seat.

"You're drunk, I'm taking you home. Where do you live?" I eventually got out enough of my address for him to punch into the sat nav and start driving. Lying on my back, I glanced out of the window seeing the lights flashing past with small patches of the night sky in between.

In my drunken state I started singing a number from Hairspray at the top of my lungs, had I been even partly sober I would have realised how much of an idiot I looked, but I didn't care.

"You can't stop the beat!" I half sang and half yelled as we came to a stop and the door opened.

"Okay then" Demetri said as he got me out of the car, as a familiar car came to a stop just in front of us and a red haired man got out and walked towards us with an expression that was angry and a little scary.

"Eddie!" I shouted happily moving away from Demetri and towards Edward, stumbling but getting to him where I flung my arms round him and kissed his cheek.

"Are you drunk?"

"No"

"Yes, you are" he accused harshly, turning his head to look at Demetri who was still standing by the open car door. "You got him drunk" I shook my head as he narrowed his eyes at my co-worker, holding me steady as I swayed with a firm grip.

"We went out for a drink, I didn't-"

"I don't want to hear it, if you're looking for an easy lay try someone who is single" he was getting really angry and his voice had a sharp edge to it as he glared at Demetri. He however just took it, nodding and shutting the car door, remaining by it.

"It is my fault, I'm sorry" Edward pressed his lips together and tensed his jaw, staying silent as the large russian got on the car and drove off, turning round still holding me to him we went inside with him half carrying me the whole time.

"Ed" he stayed silent, taking me into the bedroom and depositing me on the bed. Walking out he came back a few minutes later with water and a couple of aspirin, waiting until I took them and drained the glass before taking it from me and putting it down on top of the bedside table. "Eddie, are you angry with me?" His jaw was still tensed, but he shook his head.

"No, I'm not"

"You're lying" even in my drunken state I could tell when he was telling the truth or not, even though he thought he was good at it. "You know it really wasn't his fault, I was the one getting the drinks in" he nodded his face almost expressionless.

"Yes, but why do you need to drink so much?" He sat on the edge of the bed next to me and I turned so that I was on my side facing him.

"So you are angry at me"

"I'm not angry!" His voice rose but he checked himself, shaking his head and letting out a soft sigh turning his body round, glancing at me as he ran a hand through his hair. "I'm just...it's so...you know I love you, right?"

"I love you too" smiling at me, he leaned down giving me a soft kiss.

"Alright, now get some sleep you drunken fool" my eyes started to fall close as I muttered a response, then feeling Edward's lips against my cheek, he kissed my cheek before whispering a goodnight in my ear, his lips grazing my ear lobe as he spoke.

The next day I woke up with a raging hangover and in bed without Edward, running to the bathroom to throw up I was only half aware that it was quiet in the flat. After brushing my teeth and swirling around mouthwash, I went to the kitchen to find a note for me attached to the fridge with a beer bottle opener magnet.

Jacob,

Had an early morning staff meeting, there's fresh orange juice in the fridge and an omelette in the pan on the hob.

Tonight, I'm not working late so will be back at around six.

Edward xx

Grabbing a plate from the cupboard I got the omelette and the juice, calling in sick at work as I did so.

Charlie's head lifted as I pottered around the kitchen, so I put down my plate and cup, feeding the dog before having my own breakfast. Later on that afternoon, after going to the park for a walk with Charlie who tried to chase after any squirrel that ran by, I got a text as we got back home.

Hi Jacob,

I hope you are feeling okay, but seeing as you kept singing for most of the night after your fifth drink, I think you might not be feeling too well?

Demetri

Groaning at the idea of tone deaf me belting out show tunes or something, I cringed hoping I didn't make too much of an ass of myself.

Hi,

Please tell me I didn't do anything else that embarrassing!

J

I got a reply almost immediately.

You may have started dancing to a song called 'Play That Funky Music' :P there was some dancing that looked very...suggestive?

Damn it!

And I really liked that place, I'm probably never going to be able to go there again! :(

Smiling and shaking my head, I sat down on the sofa and Charlie jumped up, curling up next to me even though Edward didn't like him jumping onto the furniture.

It wasn't that bad!

Came back his quick and short reply and I just shook my head, typing back a quick reply.

~X~X~X~X~X~

Later on that evening I was by my laptop phone in hand, having an argument with a Chinese woman about the flower arrangements for the table.

"I said cream not green!" I all but yelled into the phone, as Edward let himself in raising an eyebrow in confusion as he took of his jacket and I just continued to shout down my phone. "Fine, fine cancel my order, I'll go somewhere else!" There was a lot of shouting on the other end of the line in Chinese that I could not understand, but it didn't sound all too good, I hung up and stood up. Putting my phone down and picking up my empty mug by the side of the laptop, walking over to Edward I kissed his cheek and he smiled and kissed me on the lips though it felt a little restrained.

"Hey" he said simply, putting down his bag and loosening his tie, whilst I went to the kitchen before he could realise that the mug I held had the dregs of an Irish coffee despite the previous night which led to my killer hangover.

"Hi"

"Care to tell me why you were shouting down the phone about flower arrangements?" I grinned and we went to the bedroom, I sat on the edge of the bed and he unbuttoned his shirt facing me so I got to appreciate his lean body.

"I wanted cream roses for the table centrepieces, but the woman I talked to had no idea what I was talking about"

"Oh" came his reply that was lack lustre, as he turned and threw his shirt into the laundry hamper by the door. Despite the underwhelming response, I was side tracked by his bare torso as he flexed his arms to fling his shirt across the room. Next went his pants and socks, giving me the perfect view of his ass, the moment was made all the better when he bent down to open the bottom drawer. It was short lived as he straightened up and turned to face me, tugging on a pair of navy drawstring pants.

He also got out a white tee but before he could pull it on, I stood up went over to him, standing behind him and putting my hands on his hip bones just above the trousers that rested low on his hips, kissing the side of his neck.

"Jake, what are you...Oh" I moved my lips to the spot between his neck and shoulder, nipping lightly to show him what I was thinking of. He turned round to face me, putting his hands on both sides of my face and kissing me all too briefly for my liking. "Jake, I'm tired and I have an early start tomorrow can we just have dinner and go to sleep?" I dropped my hands, leaning back though he kept his hands on my cheeks as he looked at me.

"You are angry at me for last night, aren't you?" he shook his head, but I took a step back forcing Edward to drop his hands.

"No, I'm not" I snorted turning and walking out, Edward following me as he tugged on his shirt. "Jacob...Jake"

"Okay" I said getting to the kitchen and going to the oven where the store bought fish pie I had been cooking, taking it out he stood by the door as I got out the plates and cutlery.

"Okay, that's it?"

"Yep"

"You have nothing else to say?" I put down the plate I was holding, placing both hands on the counter and lowering my head, closing my eyes as I faced away from Edward, he took two step closer but kept some distance between us.

"No...You spend all of your time out, you have nothing to say about our wedding and now you don't want me" my voice was low and self-conscious, opening my eyes I kept my gaze looking down at the worktop, very aware of Edward standing behind me.

"I've been busy that's all, with the PR and gigs combined with work. I'm just really knackered, but it will pay off soon and we will have plenty of time together" he came up to me, placing his hand over one of mine and glancing at me as I turned my head in his direction.

"That's it? You're not getting cold feet or anything?"

"No" he looked at me trying to hold my gaze and I glared back, completely unconvinced by his response. "How can I prove it to you?"

"You shouldn't have to ask that!" turning away from him again, I got the food out and loaded it on to the plates. Taking my time, so I could compose my features into a blank mask, before I turned back round to face him.

"I can't read your mind, how should I know what to do?" his defensive answer, sent a flare of anger through me. We had been best friends since college, he knew me better than anyone else and yet he was totally blind as to what was happening between us.

"You know what? Just forget it"

"Well, you're not perfect!" I all but slammed his plate down in front of him, some of the food almost spilling.

"What do you mean by that?" he pursed his lips, like he regretted the outburst. I went to the fridge and got out a beer, pouring it and taking a big gulp as I sat down opposite him.

"You know what I mean" he half mumbled, under his breath.

"No, I don't. So please...enlighten me" my voice was deeply sarcastic, as he looked at me he lifted his hand and pinched the bridge of his nose before shaking his head. "Go on, I want to know"

"Demetri" he said so quietly I almost didn't hear him.

"Demetri? The guy I work with?" he nodded and dropped his hand from his nose, crossing his arms over his chest instead as he glanced down at the table.

"I've seen the way he looks at you, he likes you and I think you know that" I slammed my hands on the table and stood up, pushing my chair back angrily as I started to pace.

"And...What? Do you think because I have a good looking guy working with me that I am just waiting for the opportunity to jump his bones?"

"I don't think that, but he always flirts with you and I know he texts you all the time!"

"So I can't be friends with him, without something else happening?"

"We couldn't" he gasped and his eyes widened, another admission that had slipped though. "Jake, I-" I held up a hand to stop him, shaking my head and walking to the door.

"Thank you for trusting me" was my sarcastic response as I went to grab my coat, when he scrambled to his feet and came over to me, grabbing my hand as I was about to open the door. I froze for a second, but staring at the door handle, I kept my voice low. "Unless, you want me to give you a black eye, let me fucking go" he hesitated but did as I said, and without any more hesitation I opened the door and shut it behind me.

Walking outside, I started walking in a random direction not knowing where it was I was heading at all.

I soon ended up at a small park, walking up the path I stopped by a bench and sat down feeling all of my anger come out and I let out a sound that was close to a scream, startling a nearby flock of pigeons. Leaning forward, I rest my head in my hands and closed my eyes, sitting there for god knows how long. Sitting up, I looked around and across form the park I saw a small pub, so getting up, I walked to the pub and sat at the bar, ordering a large neat whiskey.

And then another.

And another.

And another.

Edward POV

I stayed up until midnight, but he still didn't come back, it wasn't until half two in the morning that I heard the key in the lock turn and open. I internally debated whether I should go and talk to him or wait for him to come to bed.

In the end, I lay away hearing him, stumbling around, possibly drunk again and then the apartment fell quiet again. getting out of bed, I popped my head into the living room to see Jacob asleep on the couch, with a sad sigh I got out a spare pillow and blanket from the airing cupboard, so as to make him more comfortable.

Then I went back to bed, not that I got a lot of rest.

~X~X~X~X~X~

"Edward!"

"Hi Tanya" I said holding the phone to my ear, as I sat in my classroom during my free period.

"Darling, I have the most amazing news!" she sounds excited and so I sat up a little straighter in anticipation for whatever it was that she had to tell me.

"Well then? What is it?"

"Oh, a rep for Mumford and Sons saw your gig in London and he called me in the hopes that he could get you to go on tour with them!" she spoke rapidly and I had to do a double take.

"What?" I said, stunned.

"Mumford and S-"

"I heard what you said. Wow that is brilliant, when is it?"

"Two weeks, they are going on a tour starting in London and ending in The States and they'd like you to be their opener" I was shocked into silence, a tour. This could be big, amazing. It was also happening very fast and in the middle of mine and Jacob's wedding preparations.

"It's a great opportunity...but can I take some time to think about it?" there was a short pause on the end of the line.

"What is there to think about, this would be a massive boost to your career. It is the best way to get you out there!"

"I know, but I have my upcoming nuptials coming up, how can I just leave all that to Jacob for a few weeks?"

"It's a two month tour, and it could possibly be extended if all goes well"

"It's something we will have to talk about" She 'hmm'ed and 'ahh'ed for a few seconds.

"James, wanted a quick reply or it's off the table. I'll get you until tomorrow evening to figure it out, it's the nest I can do for you Ed"

"Thanks, I'll get back to you once I've talked to Jacob"

"You do that Ed. And don't let this chance slip through your fingers for the wrong reasons"

"I'll get back to you" I replied not knowing what else to say to a statement like that. Through the rest of the day all I was thinking about was the tour, how would I bring it up to Jacob after last night?

If I was totally honest with myself, if this was after college when I was single I wouldn't have hesitated at all. But it wasn't just me I had to think about now.

"Edward, you still with us?" came the voice of Angela Webber from next to me, we were in the staff room discussing the responsibilities of each teacher in the school fair next Saturday.

"Yeah, yeah...so erm I'll be in charge of the food?"

"Yes, we'd get Amy to do it but she has to go out of town that weekend" I nodded and zoned out again, as the other roles were assigned and we disbanded. Swinging my messenger bag over my shoulder, I got out my phone as I went outside, there were only a couple of texts from Tanya, pestering me for a response, but nothing from Jacob.

The morning after our argument, he hadn't said a word to me going so far as to leave early for work so he wouldn't have to be around me any longer.

"Hey Edward!" stopping and turning round, I saw Angela walking up to me, she was the English teacher and was fairly new to the school, having only started a couple of months before me. She was a good teacher, inspiring real interest in most of her students for her own enthusiasm and love of literature. Angela had also been the one to sort of take me under her wing and show me the ropes, helping me settle in when I was still very new and hardly knew anyone in London apart from Jacob.

"Angel, what's up!" I tried to inject some light heartedness into my voice as I smiled at her, but my voice sounded false and hollow to my own ear so I knew she would see right through it.

"I'm good, but I have the feeling that something is on your mind" she arched an eyebrow at me and I sighed heavily. "So go on pretty boy, what's wrong?" I didn't intent to, but she was friendly and I could use a friend so on the way out of the school and to our cars, I found myself spilling my guts about everything that happened with me and Jacob including the offer from Tanya.

"It sounds like you and Jake have a lot to talk about"

"We did" she shook her head as we came to a stop by my car.

"No, you both took digs out of each other, avoiding the real issue. Jacob is a great guy Edward" I looked down and ran a hand through my hair, messing it up even more than it usually was.

"I know"

"Maybe you should think about if you are ready to get married, because if you aren't then you risk hurting and losing him" I looked up at her.

"How do you know so much?" she smiled and patting my shoulder sympathetically.

"I'm a genius" on a more serious note, the smile faded a bit. "Talk to him, properly and tell him everything"

~X~X~X~X~X~

"Jacob? Jake are you home?" I called out when, I got into the apartment. He came out of the bathroom and looked at me silently, before taking a few steps towards me then sitting in the armchair furthest from me. "Good, you're here"

"Why, did you think I wouldn't come back?" his voice was slightly bitter and I could smell the faint aroma of smoke before I saw the pack on the coffee table, out in the open.

"No, it's just that I think...I think we should talk"

"I thought we did last night" I shook my head and went over to him, sitting on the end of the sofa closest to him, leaning forward and clasping my hands in front of me.

"We argued last night, it's not the same thing. Plus, I got some news today" he couldn't help the look of curiosity that crossed his features, as he turned his head to look back at me.

"Good or bad?"

"That depends" I paused, waiting to avoid another fight with him but also wanting to tell him the truth.

"On...?"

"On you. Tanya told me that a band rep saw my show and wants me to be a supporting act for a big band when they go on tour in two weeks' time" he crossed his arms over his chest and pressed his lips together, shaking his left leg as he considered this information.

"How long for?"

"Two months, possibly longer" he nodded, still taking all of it in. "There is more" he snapped his gaze back to me and raised his eyebrows.

"What else?"

"It's back in the States"

"Oh" was all he said.

A/N: so...?

Should he go or stay? Should they stay together or break off the wedding?

Until next time, ciao!