Hola! So, I hope those of you who are new to my story-writing got the notice for my posting "Welcome Home". And for those of you who got hooked on the smut... welcome! Thanks for reading it! Over 1000 hits in less than 24 hours... I'm impressed with your ability to reread something that steamy so many times!
There are links for all involved music for this chapter on my profile. If you aren't familiar with 90s tunes, I'd highly recommend listening to the music, especially since I only did lyrics for one of the songs.
As always, special thanks to ereeeeeeen for being an awesome beta (and waitress model); halojones for threatening to make a macarobward for Comicon; Bittenev for being the Queen of Produce Porn; and Goo82 for being such a prev. -- ;) Shout out to the pervs over at twilighted!!
This one's dedicated to my Latina Lover gustariana, who is all by her lonesome somewhere in the Caribbean. And to Cristygen: Happy Birthday, Darling!
Disclaimer: I own no rights to Twilight; S. Meyer does. Edward Cullen totally owns me, though. In a gooooood way.
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Edward
"Eddie's in loooooooooove!" crowed my soon-to-be-ex-best-friend. I scowled at him.
"Shut up and get out of here. I need to brush my teeth," I growled, elbowing the smarmy bastard in the rib cage. He grabbed my Colgate and tossed it to Rosalie, who neatly caught it in her outstretched hand without looking up from her copy of the Auto Trader. She chucked the tube back at me, again without blinking.
"Let him get ready for his skanky vamp, Jas," she muttered. I shot her a glare.
"Hey, what's the deal with giving Bella the stink eye, Rosie?" I frothed. Toothpaste was dripping onto my chest, and I didn't care. Rose had really upset Bella last night. I didn't know what happened, exactly, but I do know that Rosalie isn't exactly the nicest girl around. She's also very territorial. "I mean, you were perfectly cordial to Alice. What's up with that?"
The more I thought about it, the madder I got. Who the hell does she think she is? I decided to go in for the kill. This was going to hurt. But I didn't care just then.
"Is it because she was the only girl at the party with better tits than you?"
Ha!
Uh oh.
Ten minutes later, I was still wincing at the pain radiating from my chest.
"Shit, Rose. If you don't go get me some Neosporin, this is going to scar. Do you have any idea how many microbes are underneath human fingernails?" I complained. The scratch marks she left on my chest were painful.
"Your grave, dude. You know better than to mess with my sister's vanity," Jasper grinned. It wasn't the first (nor last, I'm sure) permanent injury she'd leave on either of our hides. Great.
Instead of focusing on keeping The Rosalie happy, I decided on figuring out how to pick something to wear that would make sure Bella's eyes never left me. Jasper was giving me these sidelong glances and grinning out of the corner of his eye; he's been teasing me for years now that it takes almost as long for me to get ready for a date as it does his sister, to which I always answer the same way: flipping him the bird.
But dammit, this is important! Bella's seen me in a stupid costume and my Simpsons boxers; I suppose this date should give her the impression that I'm a serious guy.
I went with what all of the women who have ever been in my life have assured me is a "hot stuff" choice: the white, rolled-up sleeves button-down and those slouchy Abercrombie khaki cargos that were described by the last girl as "yummy and pelvic muscle revealing". I suppose that was a good thing. I'll admit it; I work at my abs and I'm proud of them. Why else do guys go to the gym but to allow hot chicks to ogle the bod? Note to self: remind me to thank Dad for the genes later.
"Quit checking yourself out, Pretty Boy. She still respected you in the morning. You look fabulous," lisped Jasper. I shot my eyebrows sky-high and hit him with, "Bite me, Sparkles. At least I've never worn tights." Rosalie rolled her eyes at the two of us, muttering, "Whatever, losers", and stormed off to change.
"Hey, Jasper. What's her deal?" I sort of whispered. I wasn't really opposed to Rose hearing us, but I was still healing. Best not to tempt fate.
Jasper threw me a disbelieving glare and made a noise that sounds like "tsk-duh!" I raised my eyebrows at him and put my hands on my hips. I realized I looked like an angry woman, but I didn't care. I was still too irritated by Rosalie.
"Do I need to spell it out for you? Alice has obviously been filling Rose's head with images of you and Bella being the perfect couple. When has Rosalie ever been okay with the women in your life? Just look at what happened when you started dating Jessica. We all know that's not a relationship that's going to end well, and I'm not even going to bring up the woman you've got back home right now, but… dude. I know you've never seen yourself very clearly, but…" he started to look embarrassed at what he was saying. I felt slightly guilty that he still didn't know my "relationship" had recently blown up in my face.
"…you should've seen yourself last night," he continued. "I've never seen you… glow like that. Seriously. It's like you've been asleep for the last few weeks, and you're now awake or something. I don't really know how to explain it. But I know one thing- it was that girl. That hot, sexy, scantily clad, blushing girl with those legs and don't even get me started on her boo-"
"Allright, Jasper. Enough. Trust me, I know all about her assets," I replied icily. Mmm. Scantily clad, blushing Bella. "Do me a favor and never look at her chest again," I finished. Great. Now I'm thinking about her heaving chest.
Jasper grinned and nodded. He kept nodding and his grin got wider.
"Jasper! Quit it! Think about my cousin instead!" I yelled, tossing my deodorant at him.
"I was!" he protested. "Your very hot, very sexy cousin. Why is it I've been made to wait until now to meet her? I thought you liked me!" he said, a frown appearing on his forehead.
Since I was already acting like a woman, I just rolled my eyes right out of my head at him. "Because she lives here and you didn't. Until now. Aren't you glad I'm letting you move?" I asked, nudging him with my elbow.
"No," he bluntly replied, "I wish you'd move with us. What's keeping you in San Fran, anyway? School? Jessica?" he snorted. "Dude, I never told you this, but I think she's cheating on you. Besides, you and Bella have way more in common. And Bella's about a thousand times hotter than Jess, anyway." He finished, waggling his eyebrows in my direction. Sigh. Perhaps it is time to drop my bomb on him.
"Jasper…" I began, but I didn't really know how to tell him this.
"Jessica-" but I was cut off by a loud, booming knock at the door. With that, Rose flew across the sitting room and slammed the door back. Emmett was standing there, holding out a single daisy and a set of car keys. Rosalie squealed, tossed the daisy onto the couch, and grabbed the keys, kissing Emmett on the side of his neck.
"I've never gotten to drive a vintage Cadillac before!" she squealed. Haughtily glancing over her shoulder at us, she said, "Tell Alice I said 'hello', Jas. And have fun with your SkankVamp, Eddie." And without missing a beat, she slammed the door behind them.
"Issues. Serious issues," Jasper muttered, shaking his head. "What were you saying, man?"
"Oh, nothing important. Let's go get the girls."
Since neither of us was familiar with the city, we had no idea what to do. The old standby dinner and a movie seemed so… boring for girls as fantastic as these ones, but who am I to argue with the classics? I was just going to offer the lame date idea when Alice opened the door to let us in.
"So, ladies…. How about… we…." I gulped. How is it that someone who graduated valedictorian of his high school is struck dumb by the mere sight of a woman in a miniskirt?
Alice
Almost three o'clock…almost three o'clock! I knew what we were going to end up doing because I so did not want to do the lame dinner-and-a-movie thing. Bella's going to kill me!
"Okay, Master Baker. Turn off the cake marathon and let's get moving. Outfit on the bed. Five minutes to hair and make-up. Go! Go! Go! Make sure you slather some of that Freesia lotion on, too!" I commanded, smacking Bella in the ass as she reluctantly rose from the couch.
"I'm going, I'm going," she grumbled. Ha. I saw the twinkle in her eye. That girl is actually excited about dating!
And why not?
I gave her exactly five minutes before I stormed in there. I half expected a major bitch session over the denim miniskirt and low-backed top, but I actually found the girl preening in front of the mirror. Wow. Edward is a good influence on her!
"What, no complaining?" I teased. She smiled shyly at me through the mirror, turning the top half of her body to check out the cut of the blouse in the back. Low and slouchy.
"Some people like to show the goods up front, but trust me- boys melt over that much back showing," I advised. Bella silently took my advice in, nodding her head slowly. I decided to put her hair up to show off her smooth, silky skin. Inwardly grinning, I relished the thought of making my cousin squirm.
The great thing about Bella is that she gives me something to work with. I barely ever have to put any makeup on her. I mean, the girl never needs blush. I let her do her own mascara and decided on some major lip gloss over those pouty lips that Edwards couldn't seem to keep his mouth away from.
"Okay, done," I finished, waving the lip gloss wand around with a flourish.
"That's it?" she breathed. "Alice, are you feeling okay? I feel like you're giving me a get out of jail free card!" she said, jumping from the little boudoir chair I had installed in her bathroom when we moved in with glee.
"Honey, you don't need much else. Who knows what we're doing tonight? I wouldn't want to cake some shit on only to have your sweat run it off. Waterproof mascara and great lip gloss are all a girl needs. Just keep this gloss in your pocket… in case, you know, you somehow manage to get it all sucked off," I teased. Then, what did Bella do? What Bellas do best: blush.
I heard the knock on the door just then, and with a quick glance at each other, we dashed off to answer it. I win! I swung the door open with a grin- and held my pout when I saw it was Rosalie and Emmett.
"Oh, hey, guys! Wh- come on in!" I stammered. What are they doing here? I nervously glanced over my shoulder and noticed Bella disappearing into her room. Great. Nothing to make her nervous about seeing Sober Day-After Edward like having his Beautiful Amazon Ex in the same room at the same time.
"Hey, Little Alice!" Emmett practically shouted. He rushed over and picked me up, swinging me around like I was a little kid. Why is it that the very large like to swing around the very small?
"I think I left my fangs here last night. Did you guys find them?" he asked, practically dropping me on the couch.
"Yeah, I think they're on the bar somewhere," I replied, rolling my eyes. Boys are silly.
"Sooo… Rosalie. How was your night?" I asked, patting the couch next to me. Rosalie joined me on the couch, gracefully seating herself next to me and folding her long legs in one smooth movement. Sheesh, she really is hot, isn't she?
"Good," she offered, suggestively raising her eyebrows. I bet.
"Emmett seems… enthusiastic," I giggled. She grinned back at me. Bella finally entered the room, and Rosalie stiffened a little bit, narrowing her eyes. Oh boy. Here we go.
"Hi, Bella," she said, with a little too much emphasis. "How are you feeling today?"
Bella looked a little confused and mumbled, "Fine." She struggled putting on her flats. Flats? Oh, fine. I needed her to be as comfortable as possible, considering where I planned on taking us tonight.
"Hey, what are you guys up to tonight? Wanna come out with us?" I asked before thinking. Whoops. I guess that'd be taking Bella out of her comfort zone a bit…
"We didn't really have concrete plans as of yet," Rosalie replied testily. I raised my eyebrows, asking a silent question.
"Emmett seems to think that I want to stay in again," she explained.
Oh. "Hey, Emm! We're all going out tonight!" I hollered at the bar.
"Found 'em!" he yelled, popping his head up over the counter. He had his teeth in one hand and a bottle of Jack in the other. Unscrewing the cap, he took a big swig of whiskey, then recapped and put it back.
"Gross! Now we'll get your cooties!" I giggled. "Use a glass next time, eh? I'm not entirely sure I'm up-to-date on all of my shots."
"Sure thing, Tink," he replied, winking at me. "There are still sparkles everywhere!"
"I know, I know. What can I say? My magic lingers," I said, laughing again. This guy is so much fun! Good thing. Rosalie looks like she needs to find the fun.
"So, where are we going, Ali?" Bella asked, searching around for something.
She located her purse and started rearranging its contents. "Oh, just a place where we can grab a bite and maybe a drink," I finished vaguely. I definitely was not going to tell her where I wanted to go. She'd instantly know what I was up to, considering it was Saturday night and all.
"Hmm," she absentmindedly replied. Good. Not paying attention is good.
There was a light knock at the door, and Bella's head snapped up. Beating her to the door, I threw it open.
"Edward! Jas! Look what we found!" I sang, pointing over at Rosalie and Emmett. Jas gave me a huge grin and leaned down to pick me up, nuzzling me in the neck. Mmm.
"So ladies. How about we-" Edward began. I glanced over, wondering what made him stop. Of course, he was checking out Bella, who immediately stopped what she was doing when the door was opened.
"Edward, are you just going to stand there, or what?" I teased. He seemed to be frozen at the door. I glanced over my shoulder and noticed that he and Bella were locked in a staring match.
"She looks good, right? Well, what are you waiting for? Come on in!" I said. Jasper shoved Edward over in Bella's direction, and a huge grin broke out on his face as he made his way over to her. She returned his smile with her own big, beautiful grin. I swear, that girl should do toothpaste commercials.
"Hey, Edward, Jasper," Emmett nodded at the two of them. "So, did you guys get any last night?" he grinned. Rosalie smacked him on the back of the head.
"What?" he complained, rubbing his neck. "It's a reasonable question." He pretended to hang his head in shame. "Forgive me? I'm a big oaf, I know," he growled, shuffling over in her direction. She pretended to look mad, but threw her arms around his neck when he got to her.
"Okay, I'm not interested in seeing these two grope in my living room. Let's get going!" I trilled, bouncing in my four-inch Jimmy Choos. Oops. Gotta keep the enthusiasm under control- this dress is not that forgiving.
The six of us paraded out the door, deciding quickly to head over in two cars. I had Rosalie drive ("There's no way I'm ever letting this sweet convertible go") in Emmett's car and had Bella and Edward follow in the rental car. As long as Bella wasn't driving, I knew she'd have no choice but to follow once she figured out where I was taking us.
As I directed Rosalie on when to turn, I started to get a huge grin on my face.
"Where are you taking us, Beautiful One? And why are you grinning so mischievously?" Jasper wondered.
"You'll see."
Bella
I almost wished the silence were awkward. But it wasn't. Edward was driving, deftly following Rosalie's erratic speeding. He had to run a few red lights to keep up.
I didn't know what to talk about. I didn't even know this guy, but I had made out with him. I kept glancing up at him from the corner of my eyes, thinking I was being sneaky. It's hard to unobtrusively ogle a God when they're staring at you to begin with, though. I giggled.
"What?" he asked, breaking into My Smile. Melt.
"You're staring at me," I said.
"And? You look good. Why shouldn't I stare?" he teased. His eyes were dancing, and he dropped his big grin into a sexy smirk. Breathe.
"Uh… shit. I have no reply. None. Do you know that I always have a reply? Seriously. You're making my conversational skills revert to the Caveman Era," I complained, but with a smile. Yeah, keep smirking, buddy. Once my brain awakens from this lust-induced fog, you're in for it.
"So what you're saying is that I render you speechless?" he asked. I slapped his shoulder playfully. Great. Standard Kindergarten code for "I like you." What the hell is my problem?
"Okay, Cullen. Spill. You're gorgeous. You get a glowing report card from your relatives. Your conversation skills surpass my own, which I'll admit ain't sayin' much now, but just you wait. You look better in a white shirt and khakis than any Abercrombie model. Alice tells me you don't need to work, yet you want to be a doctor when you grow up. And what's this I hear about giving free music lessons to disadvantaged youth? You're great on paper. So why are you still single?" My words were rushed, but I really did want to know. He frowned for a moment, but then his brow smoothed out and he said, "Are you saying I should be a model?"
I rolled my eyes at him and said, "Oh sure. I compliment your brain and your good will towards all men great and small, and you pick out the model comment? That's what's wrong with you. You're vain!" I said in mock disgust.
"Carly Simon wrote that song for me," he retorted, snorting at his own joke.
"Wow, you really do live in San Francisco, don't you? Knowledge of hippie chick songs- minus one point," I said.
"Oh, you'll find my knowledge of all music is vast," he boasted. He flipped on the radio and started singing along to the first song that was on.
Duran Duran. Hungry like the Wolf.
I was about to sing along with him when I suddenly noticed where Emmett's Cadillac was pulling into.
"Ohhh no. Fuck. No no no no no!" I moaned in horror. "But it's Saturday night!"
"Bella, what is it?" he asked, concerned. He put his hand on mine as I bent my head, shaking my hair furiously. The contact from his hand was making me shiver- mostly because he took the opportunity to brush his fingers across the top of my bare thigh. But even that soft touch could not calm the horror that was slowly radiating from my stomach and up to my throat.
Captain Joe's Pirate's Tavern was a dive bar that served the best cheese fries this side of the Mississippi. Alice and I often came here for two dollar beers and half price appetizers after work. But never on Saturday night.
"Karaoke! Score!" Emmett screeched, bouncing like Alice over to an empty table. There was an old man on the stage, pouring his heart out to his lady friend while badly singing "My Heart Will Go On." It was actually kind of sweet.
I slumped over in my chair, putting my head down on the table. No. Frickin'. Way. I am not singing tonight.
"You are SO singing tonight, Bella!" trilled the Evil Pixie. She waved to our favorite waitress, who came over to take our order.
"Bella! Alice! Good to see you! But… it's Saturday?" she asked, a little confused. It's sad when the waitress knows a customer's aversion to bad musical arrangements and stage fright.
"And who do we have here? New friends?" she asked.
"Erin, this is Emmett and Rosalie… my cousin, Edward… and Jasper." Alice winked with his introduction.
"Hmm. Nice to meet you. The crowd's pretty rowdy tonight, guys. Bella, watch your beer intake. I just know this one's going to bring you trouble!" she winked, pointing at the Pixie. Erin is hilarious. We all gave her our beer orders.
"I am. I really, truly am. Heineken, please, Erin. And if you folks will excuse me…" and with that, Alice made a beeline for the stage. Already?
Jasper had a bemused look of adoration on his face. I nudged Edward and nodded toward Jasper; he chuckled in response.
"So, Bella. Why the long face?" asked Emmett. Erin deposited my beer in front of me, and I took a long swig before answering.
"Alice is always trying to get me out of my shell," I responded.
He just laughed at me. "Kinda like last night? Talk about opening up a shell! That was some get-up she pasted on you. I never pegged you for a Vampire Seductress. You seem to be all… Thoughtful, Introspective Indie Rock Chick who reads the Feminine Mystique and quotes Oscar Wilde," he mused.
"Emmett, you know who Oscar Wilde is? I'm impressed. Who knew? The Sports Guy-slash-Dracula has a soft spot for witty banter and feminist prose! Are you writing your Mariners articles from inside the closet?" I teased right back.
"Nah. I just read that shit to get chicks," he answered quickly with a wink.
Yeah, I definitely liked Emmett.
I was going to respond when the beginning of a song we all knew started to play. When I groaned and turned, I knew what to expect. But I shook my head anyway.
"Really, Alice. Can't you be more original?" I grumbled into my beer. Edward started laughing, and Jasper was on his feet, pumping his arms in the air and cheering.
"One way or another, I'm gonna find ya… I'm gonna getcha getcha getcha getcha!"
Alice was all over the stage, pointing at Jasper and curling her fingers in a come-hither gesture. The crowd loved it.
"She's not a great singer, but what she lacks in talent she certainly makes up for in enthusiasm," droned Edward, smirking down at me. "So… what are you going to sing, Bella?" he asked. Ha.
"You're never going to see me up there," I haughtily pronounced, straightening my shoulders.
"Oh, really? Is that a challenge?" His voice had lowered to a husky whisper. The feeling of his breath caressing my neck was almost more than I could bear. I decided to drown my feeling of uneasiness in beer. He's going to think I'm a lush.
Alice had finished with her Blondie and was skipping off the stage to massive applause. She certainly knew how to work a crowd, I'll give her that.
She returned to our table with a huge shit-eating grin on her face. "Your turn next, Bells?" she sweetly asked, climbing onto Jasper's lap and reaching for her beer. He leaned over and whispered something in her ear, making her giggle devilishly.
"Nope. I told you last time, Pixiebell. It's going to take a lot to get me up there, and I already filled my drink-your-body-weight-in-tequila quota for the month, thanks," I replied, polishing off my beer. Where's Erin?
"Don't worry, Bella," Emmett said, finishing his Newcastle and swiping at his mouth messily. "I'll save you." He kissed Rosalie on the top of her head and jogged over to the stage, giving a big whoop in the process. He whispered something in the Emcee's ear. The guy grinned and nodded, turning to fulfill Emmett's request.
As Emmett waited for the current singer to finish ("Don't Stop Believin'", badly), we all fell into comfortable conversation. Even Rosalie was polite to me. I decided not to question it.
I was just about to ask Rosalie a question about her work when the guy doing the bad Steve Perry finished to scattered applause. Gulping my new beer down, we all started cheering noisily as Emmett bounded up on stage.
"Ladieeeees and Gents, put it together for Emmett, singing the Divinyls!" the Emcee yelled with glee. Oh, wow.
"I love myself… I want you to love me. When I feel down- I want you above me…"
Emmett was relentless. He was catwalking. He was strutting his stuff.
He was rubbing his nipples through his shirt.
We couldn't stop laughing. With each successive lewd act, Emmett was getting the crowd to their feet. I half-expected the cops to burst in, breaking up the stripper act. If it was me and my man was up there, I would've run to the ladies' room; Rosalie seemed to love it. She stood up on her chair and put her pinkies in her mouth, eliciting a very loud taxi-calling whistle.
"Impressive skills!" I laughed. She just beamed down at me and grinned a "thanks!". Maybe she doesn't actually hate me….
Emmett finished his act with a flourish to a standing ovation. At that point his shirt was unbuttoned, and sweat was gleaming down his forehead. He had to dodge many high fives and pats on the back as he swam his way back to our table, but he seemed to thrive on the adoration of the masses. When he finally reached us, he grabbed a glass of water and poured half of it down the front of his body. Rosalie gasped, her eyes growing wide. She openly ogled his chest, biting on the tip of her fingernail as a look of lust overtook her whole face.
"What?" he breathed down at her, leaning in and sucking face. Oh boy.
"Stop it!" Alice smacked Emmett on the arm. He pretended that it had hurt, and he pushed out his lip, pouting like a little kid. "Sorry, Mom," he said. "I solemnly promise to behave," he intoned, making a show of crossing his fingers behind his back.
"Bells? Are you next? Please save us from this bozo, please?" Alice said. She hiked her thumb up at the stage where a guy was butchering "My Girl." I violently shook my head. Whoa. Slow down on the Rolling Rock, Bella.
She pouted. "Okay. Rosalie? Can Jasper sing?" she was grinning now. Why, oh why does my best friend have to have such a mean streak? But Rosalie was chuckling.
"I KNOW I told you he was in Show Choir in high school, Alice," Rosalie smirked. Jasper just groaned. "Rose, you didn't," he said, looking defeated. Alice started bouncing around in her seat, wiggling her little butt from side to side.
"Come on, Jasperrrrrr," she beamed at him. He couldn't say no.
"Fine," he said, trying to look put out. I saw the twinkle in his eyes as he turned away, though.
Jasper's voice seriously blew me away. I must've looked glassy-eyed as he took the stage and the sensuous guitar warbling of "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak started pouring out of the speakers. Jasper sang it as well as the Man himself. He managed to pull off that dreamy Southern drawl thing, and the way he gripped the microphone and sort of swayed in place was mesmerizing. I couldn't take my eyes off of him.
Alice looked frozen, too. Her jaw dropped a little, and Rosalie simply looked smug.
"Hey, I'm starting to get a little jealous here," Edward breathed into my ear. I looked up at him, a small smile playing at my lips.
"Don't worry. I'm not that flaky. But it does make me wonder what you're going to be singing, Buster Brown," I teased. He smirked (swoon), but then his brows pulled together and he said, "Sorry. I'm not going up there if you're not."
That got Alice's attention. "You're both going up there if it kills you," she threatened, then turned back to watch her man.
"Nuh-uhh," I said. Again, with the eloquence.
"Please?" Edward wheedled. Not. Fair. He had one eyebrow raised and his eyes were all wide as the corners of his lips turned down into a frown. He reached out to brush away a fallen lock of my hair and his hand continued a trail down my bare back. I shivered at the contact.
"You go first; then we'll see," I offered, knowing full well that I wasn't going to go up there. Not if it I could help it. Then again, with Alice's insistence and Edward's smoldering glances/smirky smiles, I might be doomed.
"I have to go to the bathroom," was my brilliant follow-up. I tripped on the chair as I got up, eliciting a chuckle from everyone at the table. Blushing, I gracelessly made a dash for the bathroom.
I needed to clear my head. We'd been here for about an hour, and I was already three beers in. Any more, and I'd probably find myself up on that stage. I did not want to be drunk again, not in front of Edward. And that was really the only thing that could get me to sing in front of a large group of people that included a co-worker, someone I was crushing on big-time, and his ex-girlfriend-slash-Amazon-Warrior-slash-Beauty-Queen.
I listened as the current karaoke-er finished her song ("Since U Been Gone"- hollowly, but sweetly done), then I finished washing my hands and left. As I turned down the little hallway and back into the main room, I froze as I noticed Edward and Jasper taking the stage. Both of them?
The boys got a lot of feminine cheers as Edward took the mic off the stand with a flourish. Back off, ladies! I rejoiced in my head. Is he going to sing a song to me?
He located me at the back of the room and flicked his head, indicating for me to move closer. His messy hair flew into his eyes, and he subconsciously raked his hands through it, making my heart flutter. God, I love his hair. As I started to walk back toward our table, his velvety voice started to caress the microphone as he gazed intently into my eyes.
"You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips," he started to sing. I groaned inwardly. What is up, Maverick?
Jasper took the next line with great zeal. "And there's no tenderness like before in your fingertiiiiiips," he sang at Alice. She got up and started whistling like crazy; Rosalie added to the noise with her own whistling.
The two guys were getting into the full Top Gun act now; Edward had passed Jasper the mic for his part, but now they shared it. "You're trying hard not to show it (babeeeeeee)" and of course, right on cue, every male in the room joined in, Emmett loudest of all.
"Baby! Believe me, I know it! You've lost that lovin' feelin'… whoa, that lovin' feelin'… you've lost that lovin' feelin', now it's gone gone gone. Whoaaaaa-oh…" The words washed over me, and all of the guys in the room seemed to know that the song was directed at our table. Emmett had to spread his arms out to keep them away from us.
I was very impressed by the way Jasper was able to attain the high notes that Bobby Hatfield sang. Edward was no Bill Medley, but he wasn't too bad, either. The boys finished their duet to thunderous applause, and I nearly screamed myself hoarse praising the two of them. When they got back to the table, I threw my arms around Edward's neck and planted a big kiss on his lips. He grinned and I ended up kissing his teeth. Laughing, I let go of his neck and sat down.
"That was amazing, Maverick. Ice Man," I said, taking a big gulp of the water that Erin had thoughtfully left on our table. No more booze for Bella.
"Top Gun gets 'em every time," Jasper said smugly as Alice nestled in his lap.
"You're next, right, Bella?" he asked me, waggling his eyebrows.
"Wrong, Brother Dear," answered Rosalie, gracefully untangling herself from Emmett's wandering hands as she swept past the ogling of all males and up to the stage. She placed a hand on the Emcee's arm and gave a wicked grin in our direction; the Emcee seemed dazed for a second, then he nodded as she whispered into his ear, a cheesy smile plastered on his face. She leaned away as he put on her selection, then shifted her weight onto one hip while standing there, waiting, bouncing a little with impatience. The Emcee kept on staring at her, his eyes alternating between her chest and her ass. Emmett growled, and Alice hushed him.
"Our next performer is this hot Mama- Rosalie! Let's give it up for the Cure!"
The Cure? I was fully expecting Def Leppard or Britney Spears.
"Jasper isn't the only songbird in the family," chuckled Edward. I wasn't surprised by that fact, but Rosalie's breathy rendition of the song blew me away as much as Jasper's spot-on version of "Wicked Game".
"However far away… I will always love you… However long I stay… I will always love you…" she sang, swaying slowly to the beat. She was singing with her eyes closed, and I could feel every person in the room being hypnotized by the beautiful woman pouring her all into the song.
"…I will always love you," she finished. I joined in the rapturous applause. How can I hate someone who just sang one of my favorite Emo Girl songs of all time?
Alice was bouncing around. "That was amazing, Rose!" She jumped up and gave Rosalie a hug as she sauntered back to our table.
"Yeah, Rosalie. Thanks for that song! You were awesome!" I smiled.
"Don't thank me just yet, Bel-" she began, but she was interrupted by the Emcee calling out on the microphone.
"Can we please get Bella Swan to the stage?" he asked, peering out into the crowd with his hand shading his eyes.
Our table fell silent, and Edward's eyes darted over to Rosalie who simply shrugged, explaining, "It's her turn."
"Bella, you don't-" Edward began, but I cut him off. I wasn't going to let her get to me. A surge of energy flowed through my body. You wanna play games, Rosalie?
"No, it's okay. I'll do it," I replied cooly, and I got up. Our table started cheering appreciatively, especially Rosalie. She put her hand on my arm and offered what I took as a genuine smile, silently urging me with her eyes toward the stage. I met her gaze, trying to figure her out. Is she trying to make me look bad, or what?
Steeling myself, I marched over to the Emcee guy. "Just give me something that doesn't suck and isn't too played out," I pleaded with him as I heard Alice start a "Bel-la! Bel-la! Bel-la!" chant. He flipped through his little binder and pointed at one; I silently nodded my assent, grabbed the microphone, and headed out onto the stage. As the beginning notes floated over the speakers, I closed my eyes and turned toward the audience. It would be easier if I couldn't see them all, especially Edward.
Edward
I could have killed Rose. What the hell was she thinking? I was pretty sure I'd be able to convince Bella all on my own to get up there, but I wasn't going to force her into it.
"What the hell, Rose?" I asked, furiously shooting her a glare. She just shrugged at me.
"What? She would've gone up eventually. Stop trying to protect her, Eddie. She's a big girl," she threw back at me. I would've kept trying to stare her down if I thought it might intimidate her, but I knew better. I instead turned my focus to Bella as she took the stage, keeping her back toward the audience. I chuckled in amusement as incredibly 90s guitar riffs started to play; Roxette? Really?
Lay a whisper on my pillow
Leave the winter on the ground
My breath hitched as I heard Bella start to sing. Her low-pitched voice was already like a song in my head, but hearing this new side of her made me positively hyperventilate. So sexy…
I wake up lonely, is there a silence
In the bedroom and all around?
Her eyes were closed and she lightly swayed as the words poured from her lips. She was pouting a little bit as she sang, and my eyes glazed as I thought about how soft they were between mine. I smiled faintly thinking about kissing her; her taste; the feeling of her fingers as she ran them through my hair.
Touch me now, I close my eyes
And dream away
As she sang that line, her eyes opened and landed directly at me. They pierced right through my equally intense gaze and straight down to my heart. I lost all thought for a few moments; when I returned, she had a slight smile on her face as she sang the chorus. I felt a little dazed as she continued to gaze into my soul. She got more animated, holding onto the microphone and singing with gusto.
It must have been love, but it's over now
It must have been good, but I lost it somehow
It must have been love, but it's over now
From the moment we touched 'til the time had run out
I swear, this song is about heartbreak, but Bella was making it so damned hot that I was starting to feel a slight tightening in my pants. I tried doing a readjustment in my seat, but the movement managed to catch Alice's eye. She smirked at me, and when she turned back to Bella, she had to elbow Jasper because he had been caught staring at Bella, wide-eyed and open-mouthed.
Make believing we're together
That I'm sheltered by your heart
But in and outside I turn to water
Like a teardrop in your palm
She was still gazing over at me, a flirty smile on her face. My eyes travelled up to her eyebrows; they were so perfectly shaped in two inquisitive arches that I wanted to go up there and run my fingers across them. Her lovely brown hair was releasing tendrils that were framing her face, and I ached to brush them away. Her lips caught my eyes, and I had to force myself to concentrate on the song because I knew where my mind would go if I started thinking about her mouth right then.
Instead, I turned my gaze to her cute little nose, slightly pointed and straight. She had a light spattering of freckles across the bridge, but I couldn't see them under the glare of the lights from the stage. I traced to where the freckles brushed over her cheeks with my eyes, and that's when I noticed that Bella had yet to blush from being on stage.
And it's a hard winter's day
I dream away…
As Bella finished off the song with another few rounds of the chorus, I continued to gaze at her. It was almost embarrassing how transparent I was being; this girl couldn't possibly have any doubt as to my intentions at this point. I was completely blown away by her; she had it all. She was astoundingly, achingly beautiful; she was brilliant. She was warm and funny, patient and kind. And she can sing? No, not only can she sing- she can arouse every pore in my body to the point of yearning when I'm only sitting a few feet away. I have never felt this way before. It hurt to think that all of my previous relationships were nothing more than flights of fancy; me thinking that I cared for someone who wasn't in the same league as this Beautiful Bella Swan.
The song ended, and Bella gave a happy grin as she bounded down the stairs from the stage, ignoring the thunderous applause. I guess I'm not the only one who was affected by her performance.
I gulped. Who knows what other gems lay hidden in this girl that I'm falling for? Finishing my beer, I rose to my feet as Bella pushed her way through the crowd. She smiled sheepishly and trotted back over to our table. I was still a little bit stunned. She made it all the way to us before she finally blushed, turning her gaze away from me.
"There. Happy?" she challenged, eyeing both Alice and Rosalie.
"Very," they replied in unison. Bella laughed and took her seat next to me. I threw my arm around her shoulders and leaned in to kiss her forehead. She was trembling. I cupped my hand around the back of her neck and leaned in to whisper in her ear.
"You are incredible," I told her. She drew in a breath and let out a soft hiss as I slowly moved my hand down her back. Her skin was moist with drops of perspiration, and I had to resist the urge to wipe them away. The simple act of touching her was making my pulse pick up, and I had to gulp down a breath to calm down. She leaned into my neck, and her breath teased my ear as she whispered softly to me.
"I know. You don't suck, either."
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Bwa ha haaaa no lotion sex for you people (this time). Sorry, jandco. You'll have to wait for sweet, sweet lovin' 'til next week.
Captain Joe's Pirate Tavern was a real karaoke bar that got torn down. Boooo.
So, review, please. You get little sneaky peaks when you dooooooo!
And go read "Welcome Home", if you haven't done so already.
(goo... didja catch my mini shout-out to you? :D )
