a/n: Hey guys I know it's been a while. Like five months to exact. I apologize for the long delay, but life made me put my writing on the back-burner for a while. Regardless, I'm back and plan to start updating more frequently.

Thank you all who favorited or followed this story. I'm absolutely humbled by how many people seem to enjoy my work. It would mean a lot to me if you all took a minute or two of your time to leave me a review. (I seriously read and gush over every single one, my family thinks I'm insane.)

I like to know what my readers are thinking so don't be shy!

Thank you to all who have already reviewed and special thanks to Viren96 who kicked my butt into gear to get this up.

Well, that's enough of my babble. Hope you enjoy the chapter!

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight. If I did it would have taken decades to be finished

The way I figured it I had two options.

One: I could attempt the impossible and bamboozle both Jenna and Seth without either finding out.

Or...

Two: I mysteriously disappear and never return, leaving this whole mess behind.

At the moment I was leaning quite heavily towards two, if only because I was a massive coward.

I groaned, rolling over so that my face was mashed firmly into my pillow. I couldn't sleep a wink last night, agonizing over how royally screwed up my life had become in the matter of days.

"You did what?" Aubrey had shrieked disbelievingly, and I could only duck my head in shame, "What the hell did you go and do that for!"

"Jenna actually likes him," I stressed, trying to get my sister to see reason. It would be easier to defeat Sam Uley at arm wrestling, and he was huge. "It'd be wrong if I didn't help her out. She's my best friend and she liked him first anyway."

Aubrey scoffed.

"And you don't like him?" I opened my mouth to protest, but she silenced me with a sharp glare. "I see the way you guys look at each other Maddy, it's so obvious it's sickening."

My cheeks were absolutely scorching.

"It's just hormones." I swiftly denied, attempting to keep my blush from spreading. It was a losing battle. Apparently even my own sister could tell Seth got me all hot and bothered.

How humiliating.

"It's only natural I'd be physically attracted to the cutest guy at my school." I justified, making my voice sound matter-of-fact, "Pure biology."

Aubrey wasn't buying it. Her brown eyes were narrowed to little slits, mouth downturned disapprovingly.

'Bullshit' her expression seemed to say.

It was aggravating.

"Really!" I insisted. Anything to remove that suspicious look from her face—it was driving me bonkers! "Seth and I aren't even like that!"

She snorted.

"Yeah, and I'm a virgin."

Rude much?

I sent her a dirty look, not that it bothered her in the least. She was immune to my intimidation tactics.

"And just," I retorted hotly—was she calling me a liar? "Is that supposed to mean?"

Another snort.

Was she part horse or something?

Her eyes met mine knowingly.

"He really likes you Mad." she emphasized, "Like really, really likes you. You shouldn't just disregard his feelings."

I frowned.

Feelings? Was she high?

"Whatfeelings?" I snapped, exasperated. This conversation had gone on for far long enough. "Seth hardly even knows me. We hadn't spoken two words to each other until last week! He couldn't possibly 'really like me'—it doesn't make sense."

And it didn't. That's why I couldn't bring myself to give in to him.

For all I knew he could like somebody completely different a few days from now. And I refused to have my heart toyed with.

It was vulnerable enough.

My sister sighed, regarding me with a look of such discerning I scowled.

"Take it from some one with love experience," she revealed quietly, almost bitterly, "It doesn't always make sense. But if you deny it simply because it doesn't make 'sense', you might find yourself seriously regretting it later."

My heart skittered at her solemn confession—did something happen that mom and I didn't know about?—but refused to let the words affect me.

Just what made her the expert about this stuff anyway?

I flipped over on my back, staring up at the ceiling with new resolve.

Seth and I just weren't compatible, so I should match him with someone who was.

Some one like Jenna.

And then. I knew what to do.

Like Leah predicted, Seth had come to see me later that evening. My heart had nearly leapt out my mouth when I swung open the door to reveal the very boy I was fretting over standing on the other side. His shoulders were hunched, smile sheepish as he met my eyes nervously.

Good thing Mom or Aubrey weren't home. They'd totally have field day with this.

"Hey Maddy..." He greeted awkwardly, scratching his head, "Can I come in?"

I almost told him no, just because of the simple fact he had worried me sick yesterday—just why the hell were his clothes ripped to shreds anyway? And where did those tracks come from?— but decided against it, wordlessly stepping aside. For my plan to work I had to be on friendly terms with Seth, and I couldn't do that by giving him shade.

No matter how much I wanted to.

I shut the door behind him, leading him into the kitchen and gesturing to one of the bar seats. He sat without hesitation. Or words. Which was quite unusual considering this was Seth Clearwater—Mr. Sunshine himself.

Hell, he made the sun dull in comparison.

I reddened as soon as the thought crossed my mind.

What the heck Maddy?

I envisioned my inner self quirking a challenging brow back at me.

What? You know it's true. Just look at him—sex on legs!

Despite my better judgement I peeked, then shook my head fiercely when my eyes began to roam his chiselled form.

Yeah, this conversation was ending now.

"Want anything?" I asked, partly to distract myself from my own mind and partly to ease the tense atmosphere.

The quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach after all.

I nearly face-palmed.

And there I went again.

I was not after Seth's heart dammit.

Said boy looked startled, and I wasn't sure if it was due my weird facial expressions, or the fact I was actually offering him food.

I could feel myself frowning.

Had I really been that rude to him?

"Y-you're not mad at me?" He asked meekly. Ah—so that's what this was about. His head was lowered, hazel eyes peeking at me through spaces of dark hair. It was adorable.

Or, at least would have been if my sanity wasn't hanging by mere threads.

My heart had sped into hyperdrive at the look, and I quickly diverted my attentions elsewhere or risk possible heart-failure.

My knuckles were nearly white as I gripped the counter for balance, the urge to hug him nearly unbearable.

Perfect. Five minutes and already my brain was turning to mush.

I sighed, peering at him from over my shoulder.

"Look Seth," I attempted to sound stern, but with the puppy-like way he was gazing at me I soon found my voice softening, "Let's just put yesterday behind us alright?"

He grimaced.

"I know I was the one in the wrong Maddy." He said quietly, "I want to apologize."

I waved him off, turning to rummage through our cupboards for anything edible.

"It isn't necessary." I assured distractedly, tossing aside an expired box of Wheat Thins. The things were nearly crawling with mold. "Now what do you want to eat? Mom hasn't been shopping in a while and all we seem to have that won't kill you our transform you into one of the X-men are raisins or —"

"Maddy..."

"—gummy-bears. But there isn't nearly enough to feed a guy your size. Maybe I could—"

"Maddy." He repeated, sounding frustrated now, but I was too preoccupied with my own thoughts to pick up on his tone.

"—make some Mac 'n cheese or something. I'm sure there's more than enough and Mom probably won't mind if it's you—"

"Maddy. Stop."

I could only stare wide-eyed as two strong hands abruptly seized my waist, whirling me like a top and caged me against the counter. My entire body was tingling with his touch, thrumming with warmth as the heat of his fingers seared through my thin t-shirt.

"S-Seth ?" I questioned breathlessly, avoiding the intense look in his eyes by turning my head. He seemed almost...angry.

He turned it back with his thumb, pinning me in a heated gaze. My mouth went dry.

"Don't dismiss me so quickly." He whispered sternly. Purposefully. And worst of all— reminding me of Aubrey's words. "I want to apologize to you."

I found my voice then, averting my eyes as I exhaled,

"Seth. It's okay. Really."

"No Maddy," he disagreed passionately and my insides flipped when he his fingers trailed up my face to cradle my cheek, "Look at me. I'm apologizing because I couldn't live with myself if I didn't. I forced my feelings on you, that was wrong of me. You already told me you just wanted to be friends and I crossed the line. I'm sorry."

I felt sick.

"It wasn't all your fault," I pointed out. I had to alleviate the guilt of what I had done. Of what I was going to do. "I kissed you back."

Seth chuckled.

"Yeah. You did." He agreed, "But I'm still sorry."

He smiled. A small, secretive smile that had my heart pulsating and cheeks burning.

Just why did he have to be so—so...nice? And forgiving. And sweet.

It just made what I had to do all the more difficult.

I cleared my throat, purposely dispelling the moment as I ducked beneath his arm and scuttled a couple paces away. As soon as I was away from him my body began to cool, heartbeat slowing drastically as my breath evened out.

Seth was watching me curiously, and I forced a placating smile for his benefit. If he worried too much he would come near me again, and I'm pretty sure my poor heart couldn't take much more of his Sethness.

"So..." I drawled, feigning nonchalance. In reality I was attempting to wipe sweat on my shorts without Seth noticing.

"Friends?" I offered hopefully, "For real this time?"

His face dropped a fraction, but he covered it quickly with a grin.

"Of course." He chirped cheerfully, yet it sounded much more forced than usual.

I tried not to dwell on it, nodding at him.

"Good." I answered, then added teasingly, "Because there is no way I could finish these gummy bears all by myself. This bag is massive."

I held up said bag and Seth laughed, noting how tiny it was.

"Yeah," he played along, "You probably couldn't even get through half of it."

I quirked a brow at him.

"Is that a challenge Mr. Clearwater?" He obviously had no idea who he was dealing with. There was a fat man living inside of me.

Seth smirked, looking devilishly handsome doing so.

Be still my heart.

"Only if you're game Mrs. Clearwater."

I flushed.

"Seth..." I grumbled, uncomfortable. That title sounded a lot more appealing than it should. "I thought you said we were friends?"

"We are." He quipped, "Friends can tease each other you know. In fact they're supposed to."

"Not like that." I contradicted, flush deepening.

The tall boy merely shrugged.

"Perhaps." He conceded, "But I'm not just going to pretend I don't like you. You know anyways, it would be pointless. Besides—" he winked, "There's still a chance you could start liking me later. Friends fall in love all the time."

My chest throbbed painfully at his words.

He just never gave up did he?

If it was up to me I would never love Seth. I couldn't when I was plotting to make him fall for my best friend.

I began to fidget, and Seth noticed, sending me an inquiring look.

"Maddy?" He implored when I didn't speak.

I didn't look at him. I was too afraid of what his answer would be.

"C'mon," he urged, coming to my side. His hands were warm as usual as the rubbed up and down my arms in a consoling manner.

"You can ask me anything," he insisted. I still wouldn't look at him. "I'll never think any less of you—I promise."

My eyes shifted to his. Taking in how welcoming and vibrant they were.

"Really?"

His answering grin was the biggest I've seen.

"Cross my heart and hope to die." he joked.

It wasn't a joking matter.

I hesitated, biting my lip.

"Maddy..." He growled playfully.

I groaned.

"Fine." I huffed, "What...what if I never fall in love with you?"

Seth was silent.

My body went cold.

I knew it.

He was going to toss me aside, it was only a matter of time.

"Just forget I said anything." I muttered, "It was a stupid question and I didn't even know what I was saying so–"

Seth hugged me.

He frickin hugged me.

"I'll always be by your side." He whispered fervently, "No matter what."

"So— rules," I began as Seth and I sat sprawled across my living-room couch. On opposite sides of course, though Seth took up majority of the space. We were watching The Avengers, a movie Seth seemed to be deeply engrossed in if his answer was anything to go by.

"Wha?" He mumbled through a mouthful of gummy-bears. Anybody else would have looked ridiculous, but Seth somehow managed to make a dazed expression and mouth full of half-eaten gummy treats look cute.

The kid had skills, I'll give him that.

"Rules." I repeated patiently, "For our friendship not to go into uncharted territory. Last time we didn't really go into debt and see what happened?"

Seth swallowed, grinning cheekily.

"Yeah, you got kissed senseless on your kitchen counter. That's pretty badass."

I blushed at the memory, instantly mortified.

"Seth!" I hissed, and the male raised his hands in surrender at my murderous expression.

"Fine, fine!" He backtracked hastily. I think he actually feared for his life. "Just let me pause the movie first."

He did just that, swiping the remote from the coffee table and pressing the pause button. He then looked at me expectantly.

"Please do proceed princess Madeline." He teased.

I rolled my eyes.

"Like I said." I stressed, "You and I need to lay some ground rules or this whole friendship thing won't work."

And neither will my plan.

Seth bobbed his head.

"Got it. Like no lusting after Seth's delectable body or having sexy dreams of him."

He waggled his eyebrows suggestively and I looked everywhere but at him. Seeing this, Seth laughed.

"I was just kidding Maddy." He clarified.

I coughed.

"I know..."

Too bad I had already done those things.

"So?" He urged after a prolonged silence, "What are the rules?"

I gave myself a mental kick. C'mon Maddy. Quit being such a space cadet.

"Right." I answered, all business, "Rule one: absolutely no more kissing."

Seth huffed, crossing his arms.

"Fine."

"Rule two," I continued, "No fraternizing at school. You garner way too much attention and I prefer to stay out of the limelight."

"So I've noticed." Seth grumbled. I chose not to comment on that.

Time to play the tump card...

"And finally," I finished, "Rule three: you have to hang out with my other friends too."

Seth's brow furrowed.

"You mean that Jenna girl?"

Good. He remembered her.

I was elated and crestfallen at the same time. It was rather bizarre sensation if I were to be honest. Like someone was dumping boiling water and a bucket of ice on me at the same time.

He remembered her.

"Yeah," I said, ignoring the conflicting emotions. This had to be done. "I want you two to get to know each other. It would be stupid if I couldn't hang out with both my friends at the same time."

Seth snorted.

"Tell me about it." he muttered, and I got the impression he wasn't talking about his buddies from school.

He probably meant Jacob Black , Embry Cal, and the others. I'd seen them around. Living on the reservation basically required it since they were all so popular, but since I went to school in Forks I didn't really associate with people around here much.

Did some of them have a problem with each other or something?

It was inevitable with a group that size, that's for sure.

"Can we finish watching Avengers now?" Seth whined, interrupting my musings, "It was just getting to the good part."

I rolled my eyes for what was probably the fifth time this afternoon.

"Go for it."

He cheered, pumping his fist in the air as he lunged for the remote and restated the film. He was practically bouncing in his seat, and I was tempted to ask him if he had to pee when he exclaimed excitedly,

"Look Maddy! It's The Hulk. Isn't he awesome?"

He looked to me for confirmation and I sighed.

"The best." I agreed sagely, and Seth rewarded me with one of his megawatt grins before turning back to the screen, where Hulk was currently smashing a car to smithereens.

He cheered again.

I shook my head.

Boys will always be boys.

Now if I could only get my lips to stop smiling.

A/n: So...Good? Bad? Stupid?

let me know in a review!

~Hope to dream