Disclaimer - Nothing special... I just don't own Stephenie Meyer's characters... or her storyline...

Angels on the Moon

GESTURE

Thanks to Alice, the reception party started immediately after the wedding, beginning at twilight – just in time so we could be outside without worrying about the sun. The timing was perfect, and the decorations were all beautiful; twinkling lights; a breezy tent; more priceless flowers… I assumed by the look on Bella's face that the aroma was breathtaking.

Then I heard something in the forest; the soft, rhythmic padding of oversized paws coming closer. I strained my neck and looked across the crowd to find Seth, and when he caught my gaze, he nodded and ducked out the door – he must have heard it, too. He returned with a huge smile on his face.

Jacob's coming back! He'll be here soon… I think before the dance is over.

The crowd began to relax as the night went on. Friends and family came to greet us, and we embraced, talked, and laughed.

"Congrats, guys," Seth Clearwater told us with a smile. His mother, Sue, was almost glued to his side, her eyes darting from guest to guest. Her thoughts were very worried – but she still had faith in Seth, and she almost believed that he was doing the right thing. Billy Black was on Seth's other side, his face was bright and happy, and all his thoughts were centered on the fact that his son was coming home … Seth had told him, almost immediately after he found out himself. As he looked in my direction, he began to think about the ancient treaty. He, too, knew that a breach would come soon, and that Bella had already made her choice.

Don't hurt her. Her life is in your hands now.

I tried to smile in reassurance, but my thoughts kept going back to the honeymoon, and the choices Bella had made. If only I had never met her… But then I would never feel this way. The past is the past. I can only focus on her future, and keeping her safe.

Then Seth leaned forward, and I happily embraced him with my free arm. I almost shuddered when his hot skin pressed against my arm – the two opposite temperatures almost made me uncomfortable. But the friendship that we had made me smile, and Bella smiled too, I could almost hear her thinking about how she was right, the two species could co-exist.

"It's good to see things work out for you, man," Seth said. "I'm happy for you."

"Thank you, Seth. That means a lot to me." And it really did. Their presence made Bella so much happier, and Billy and Sue must not have felt comfortable with it… "Thank you, as well. For letting Seth come. For supporting Bella today."

"You're welcome," Billy said, his thoughts once again centered on the return of his son.

Seth then waved goodbye, and they left, letting the slowly forming line move on. Angela and Ben were next, followed by Angela's parents and then Mike and Jessica. Jessica's thoughts were centered on Mike, which disgusted me, and Mike's thoughts were centered on Bella, which disgusted me even more. Behind them was the Denali clan – Tanya was first, and she swiftly embraced me, sighing.

"Ah, Edward," she said. "I've missed you." Are you positive about this?

I chuckled, ignoring her question, and pulling away. She knew very well how I felt about Bella. "It's been too long, Tanya. You look well."

"So do you." I'll take that as a no… oh well.

I almost rolled my eyes, and once again ignored her. "Let me introduce you to my wife." Bella smiled as I said the words, and my chest felt light – I finally had staked my claim to her. She was mine, completely, entirely, forever… mine. "Tanya, this is my Bella."

Tanya's eyes curiously raked over Bella. She will make a beautiful mate, Edward. You know how I feel, but I can't help but be happy for you. I ignored the beautiful statement – Bella was already stunning – as she took her hand.

"Welcome to the family, Bella," Tanya said warmly. "We consider ourselves Carlisle's extended family, and I am sorry about the, er, recent incident when we did not behave as such. We should have met you sooner. Can you forgive us?"

"Of course," Bella whispered, breathless. "It's so nice to meet you."

Tanya smiled, and turned to her sister. "The Cullens are all evened up in numbers now. Perhaps it will be our turn next, eh, Kate?"

"Keep the dream alive," Kate muttered, rolling her eyes. She then turned to Bella, and squeezed her hand gently. "Welcome, Bella."

Carmen placed her hand on top of Kate's, and smiled. "I'm Carmen, and this is Eleazar. We're all so very pleased to finally meet you."

"M-me, too," Bella stuttered. I chuckled, too low for her to hear.

Good luck with her Edward. She'll be fine, you'll be fine – their thoughts all echoed the same thing. I sighed, ignoring their reassurances.

"We'll get to know each other later," Tanya grinned. "We'll have eons of time for that!" Then they all laughed, and moved on.

As the night progressed, the standard traditions were kept, much to my amusement. The only part I disliked was the eating of the cake – I didn't want to think about how I would have to dispose of it later. By the time the first dance began, Bella no longer seemed tense or worried, she seemed to be having an excellent time. Having her in my arms again calmed me down, as well… but I still couldn't stop the thoughts that echoed in the corner of my head, telling me about how tonight was a bad idea, it's too dangerous. They were just an echo, though – a separate part of my mind, worrying about separate things. It was too late to convince Bella of anything now. We just got married… she's mine.

I beamed at the beautiful brunette in my arms; she was so happy. It calmed me entirely, as always. Bella was happy, so I was happy.

I slowly leaned down to whisper in her ear, enjoying the moment. "Enjoying the party, Mrs. Cullen?

She laughed. "That will take a while to get used to."

Her happiness flowed through me. "We have a while." I leaned down to kiss her, softly, but sweetly. The feeling of her lips on mine affected me as they always did – the background faded away, all I could feel was her. I barely even noticed the cameras clicking away, capturing the moment.

Then Charlie danced with her, and I danced with Esme. Her thoughts were all joyous, and all she was focusing on was my happiness. Then I danced with my sisters, and even Renee.

Why she wants that horrific, disgusting idiot, I won't ever know. But she's in my arms now, now that… thing. I wish I could kill him. He deserves it. Bella should be mine. I have her, she is mine. I could take her away right now. She's so beautiful tonight… he doesn't deserve this. I could've been the one standing next to this. Her soft lashes, her creamy skin. And, the way it feels under my hands…

Mike Newton's thoughts continued in a very disgusting way. I quickly whirled over to Bella, pulling her from his arms as swiftly as I could.

"Still not that fond of Mike, eh?" She commented.

"Not when I have to listen to his thoughts. He's lucky that I didn't kick him out. Or worse."

"Yeah, right."

"Have you had a chance to look at yourself?"

"Um. No, I guess not. Why?"

I was briefly shocked. Alice… "Then I suppose you don't realize how utterly, heart-breakingly beautiful you are tonight. I'm not surprised Mike's having difficulty with improper thoughts about a married woman. I am disappointed that Alice didn't make sure you were forced to look in a mirror."

"You are very biased, you know."

I sighed. When will she ever see herself clearly? I turned to her around to face the house, her reflection off the glass showing her exactly how beautiful she really looked. "Biased, am I?"

I smiled as she gasped, looking at herself in awe. I was about to tell her that it didn't make a difference, she was always beautiful, when I heard my name called out, awkwardly.

Um… Edward? I'm here.

"Oh!" I said, surprised. Bella looked up to me curiously, and I smiled.

"What is it?" she asked.

"A surprise wedding gift."

"Huh?"

I didn't bother answering; I just twirled her out the door to where he was waiting in the shadows. I stopped, looking up to his form, deep in the trees.

"Thank you," I said to his tall form. "This is very kind of you."

"Kind is my middle name." He walked towards Bella. "Can I cut in?"

"Jacob!" Bella choked out. "Jacob!"

"Hey there Bells," he grinned.

"Rosalie will never forgive me if she doesn't get her official turn on the dance floor," I lied, knowing very well that I had already danced with her. Instead, I disappeared far into the trees, taking the time to cough up the cake I ate earlier. I then sat on a rock, and waited, thinking about Bella, and trying to give her enough time to be with Jacob.

WHAT?!

The thought was louder than if he had screeched it into the darkness. I knew that he was angry from the sound of his voice, and I flew into the darkness towards them, needing to get to Bella.

"Ow, Jake! Let go!"

Fury erupted into my system. He was hurting her. I sprinted making it into the small space.

"Take your hands off her," I said, growling, ready to rip his head off. Seth had heard the argument too, and he joined us in the small space.

"Jake, bro, back away," he urged. "You're losing it."

You'll kill her.

He didn't move.

"You'll hurt her," Seth whispered. "Let her go."

You'll kill her!

He didn't move.

"Now!" I snarled.

Jacob's hands dropped, and I pulled Bella into my arms and away from him quickly.

"C'mon, Jake. Let's go," Seth pleaded, putting his arms around Jacob's body.

NO! Bella! She'll die! NO!

"I'll kill you," he whisped, focusing on me. "I'll kill you myself! I'll do it now!" His body trembled, and I kept my grip on Bella, ready to fly with her to safety at a seconds notice.

Sam growled sharply. Stop! Jacob! Seth will get hurt!

But Jacob couldn't stop, and neither could hear Sam's warnings.

"Seth, get out of the way," I hissed. But, naturally, he didn't.

"Don't do it, Jake. Walk away. C'mon."

Sam realized that his pleas wouldn't help, and so he began to push Jacob out of the way, along with Seth. After what seemed like hours, the unnoticed struggle was over, and Bella was safe.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice cracking.

"It's all right now, Bella," I tried to sooth her, wanting to erase the pain… none of this was her fault, it never is.

You better keep her safe, bloodsucker. As much as I want to go after you right now, no one wants a war. Protect her…

I stared into the wolf's cold, dark eyes. He was sincere, even with the red hate tingeing his thoughts. I nodded, trying to convince him that she was safe; with me… she's always safe…

I looked away from him as realization struck me. This entire fight – Bella being in danger – was because of me and my future decisions. About… me not keeping her safe. Everything I've been trying to convince myself and everyone around me was untrue. The chances of Bella…

"All right," I said to myself, trying to shake the thoughts away. "Let's get back."

"But Jake––"

"Sam has him in hand. He's gone."

"Edward, I'm so sorry. I was stupid––"

"You did nothing wrong––"

"I have such a big mouth! Why would I… I shouldn't have let him get to me like that. What was I thinking?"

She didn't understand… none of this is ever her fault! "Don't worry." My fingers slipped across her pale skin, and the warmth momentarily calmed me down, helping me to think reasonably. "We need to get back to the reception before someone notices our absence."

She slowly shook her head in disbelief, then decided that it was time to return. "Give me two seconds," she whispered. She took a few deep breaths, and smoothed out the lines on the poufy skirt. "My dress?"

"You look fine. Not a hair out of place."

After a few more deep breaths, we made our back into the crowd, spinning like nothing had happened.

Is everything okay? It sounded pretty tense out there… Emmett was about two seconds away from going after you.

Pulling my lips into a grim smile, I nodded, then turned to Bella. "Are you––"

"I'm fine," she mumbled, rolling her eyes. "I can't believe I did that. What's wrong with me?"

Any other day I would've snorted at her bizarre assumption. "Nothing is wrong with you."

Her lower lip trembled, and I could see the emotions through her deep eyes; embarrassment, regret, sadness, and then, a small, tiny bit of confidence.

"It's over," she sighed. "Let's not think of it again tonight."

She said that like it was possible. The thoughts and worries that had been running through my mind for weeks had multiplied immensely with all of the day's stress. Bella… tonight… the wolves… death… what am I… how can I?

"Edward?" she said, worried.

"Jacob is right," I whispered, talking to myself as much as her. "What am I thinking?"

"He is not." Her face was fierce; determined. "Jacob is way too prejudiced to see anything clearly."

I ignored her, letting the thoughts run through my mind, closing my eyes whispering to myself. "She will not be all right. This is all my fault… it always is, all because of my selfishness. I should let him kill me for even thinking…"

"Stop it," she hissed, interrupting my self-inflicted accusations. Her silky hands gently fell onto my cheekbones, calming me slowly. I took a breath, and opened my eyes, not wanting to worry her any longer. "You and me. That's the only thing that matters. The only thing you're aloud to think about now. Do you hear me?"

"Yes." If only it were that simple. But I would try, as always, for her.

"Forget Jacob came." Impossible. "For me. Promise that you'll let this go."

I looked into her eyes. How can she want me to forget about this? About her safety, about the things that are almost protecting her from the monster that I am. But…

I sighed. "I promise."

"Thank you. Edward, I'm not afraid."

"I am," I whispered. How could I not be? Her gentle, fragile life has been placed in my hands, and there's only so many things I can do to stop it from cracking, breaking into pieces.

"Don't be afraid." She smiled, taking a deep breath. "By the way, I love you."

Her words made me smile just enough to make her believe I was fine. "That's why we're here."

My turn, brotha. "You're monopolizing the bride," Emmett laughed, tugging me backwards. "Let me dance with my little sister. This could be my last chance to make her blush." Plus, Jasper says you need a break. Seriously, it's not the end of the world.

The night continued on, my thoughts in a daze until Bella was back in my arms.

"I could get used to this," she grinned.

I chuckled. "Don't tell me you've gotten over your dancing issues?"

"Dancing isn't so bad – with you. But I was thinking more of this," she smiled mischievously, pulling me closer to her. "Of never having to let you go."

"Never," I answered honestly, and I slowly leant in and kissed her smooth, warm lips. The kiss was serious, the warmth slowly spreading, building ––

"Bella! It's time!" Alice's voice trilled. I ignored her, pulling Bella closer into my arms, urgently. I was no longer worried about her increase in heartbeat – it was part of the pattern now.

"Do you want to miss your plane? I'm sure you'll have a lovely honeymoon camped out in the airport waiting for another flight." Edward! Come ON.

I would never make Bella do that. "Go away, Alice," I muttered, turning my face slightly and then pressing my lips to hers once again.

Edward…

"Bella, do you want to wear that dress on the airplane?" She was once again ignored, causing her to growl quietly. "I'll tell her where you're taking her, Edward. So help me, I will."

I froze. She wouldn't dare. But still… it wasn't something I wanted Bella to know, she needed the full effect. "You're awfully small to be so hugely irritating."

Ha. I know!

She rolled her eyes, happy to have gained our attention. "I didn't pick out the perfect going-away dress to have it wasted." Her slim hand wrapped around Bella's. "Come with me, Bella."

But Bella had no intention of doing so. Her neck strained, her lips brushing mine for one last time before Alice had pulled her away.

I smiled, chuckling along with our small audience.

Then Bella returned, and after a few goodbyes, we stepped out onto the front steps, and I kissed her on the doorstep, following tradition. Then we tucked into the car – I didn't ignore the rice pelting my back from Emmett, who was greatly enjoying the chance to annoy me – and we tucked into the car. We were finally driving away, and I turned to look into her soft eyes. "I love you."

"That's why we're here," she smirked.

I kissed her hair, and ignored the agonized howls echoing from the woods as we finally departed.

AN - I know you all hate me now, I don't expect many reviews, but that would be nice : )

Sorry it took so long! I really am! It must be close to a year now since the last time I updated... oh well. I am almost done the next chapter, I have about 10 pages left, if that makes you feel better. The only problem is, I currently have little to none when it comes to access to the computer, so it's written out, not typed up. I might have it in a week. I'll attempt to update every week, preferably on weekends if possible. Don't worry, I'm not quitting this story, it's just... gotten a little boring.

It kindof has... gotten boring. Because I've written a few of my own stories now, well, one, and I started another. I hope you guys can't see the change in my writing. I think there's less of a change in the next chapter, so please, just review, tell me what you think, and the fic will only get better!

Review please : )