Disclaimer: I don't own the characters.

Gosh, I had to re-type this all over again because stupid Internet Explorer stopped working suddenly while I was halfway through. ):

My fingers are tingly with excitement and anxiety, as I drum them soundlessly on the soft cushion of the arm rest.

I concentrate all my attention on the movie screen, but I'm not really paying attention. My senses are acutely aware of the warm presence of Edward, who is sitting beside me.

My cheeks are burning. I'm probably as red as a tomato right now.

Thank goodness we're in the dark. So, I don't think Edward can see me.

I can hear him munching quietly on the popcorn we bought. In fact, this thought kind of infuriates me. The thought that he isn't as conscious as my presence as I am to his.

He seems pretty relaxed about this whole thing, if you'd ask me. Totally laidback.

Well, at least that's what it seems like to me.

I can't really see him in the dark as well, but it's kind of obvious that he's completely absorbed with the movie, and you can tell that even without looking at him.

I mean, a nervous person will probably radiate some kind of detectable anxiety vibes, right?

And I'm totally not sensing his nerves at all.

That has to say something, right?

Oh crap, then he's probably totally aware of how anxious I am now. I'm practically shaking in my seat.

If he's feeling it, he's intelligent enough to feign indifference. He's still slowly munching on the popcorn.

I frown in the dark. Is it really that good - the popcorn? He's been chewing it ever since the start of the movie.

I swallow nervously as I sense movement from him again. Edward's grabbing another handful of popcorn.

"Want some?" He asks suddenly, a quiet whisper, but his voice alone is enough to send the hair at the back of my neck standing.

"Er, okay. Thanks," I mutter back, flushing furiously. Thank god he can't see my reaction towards him.

I squint in the dim light to spot the vague outline of a popcorn container and plunge my hand into the container.

I stuff a handful of the crunchy treats into my mouth, feeling slightly annoyed that caramel is getting stuck on my teeth.

I try to wash the caramel with a drink and at the same time drive the stupid 'lemon' wedged in my throat down with the refreshing coke.

It's no use. The stupid bundle of nerves is still lodged in my throat.

Suddenly, everyone around me bursts into laughter. Bewildered, I look around me. Oh is it a funny scene right now?

I awkwardly laugh along, trying to join in, but unfortunately choke on my drink instead.

I start to cough madly and my cheeks are heating up in embarrassment.

Edward asks me if I am okay, concern lacing his tone. He seems flustered, fidgetting in his seat and shifting about uncomfortably.

I try to reply him, but coughing erupts from my throat again. So in the end I settle for a half-wave which I hope comes off as a form of reassurance.

Finally, he tentatively places a hand on my back and attempts to calm me down by rubbing my back.

"Thanks," I croak finally, when my coughing ceases.

Calming myself down, I shift my attention back to the big screen.

Actually, when you really concentrate, the movie isn't half as bad as I'd thought. It has some witty humor, and the actors are pretty realistic with their acting.

In fact, come to think of it, the lead actor is pretty good-looking. In a rugged, mature kind of way.

Of course, realistically speaking, he cannot be on par with Edward. But still.

Oh, stop thinking about Edward! Concentrate! Concentrate on the movie!

I focus all my attention on the movie again, slowly beginning to gain interest in it.

I am just about to get pretty absorbed when I decide to reach for another handful of popcorn. Instead, my fingers find something warm.

Startled, I turn to look at Edward smiling nervously at me, eyeing our entangled fingers warily.

"Sorry," we both whisper simultaneously, and I bite back laughter.

Reluctantly, I pull back my fingers and take another long sip of my coke to cool my flaming cheeks.

A secret thought plants itself in my head.

Maybe Edward isn't as calm and collected as he appears to be.

Maybe he's just as jittery and nervous as I am.

This thought cheers me up immensely, and I shift my focus back to the movie.

The lead actress spouts off something humororusly witty and there is a brief swell of laughter, in which I join easily.

Thoroughly enjoying the movie, I reach the popcorn bucket for another handful of popcorn absent-mindedly.

However, instead of coming into contact with the tasty treats, my fingers are caught by a warm, waiting hand.

Surprised, I don't react as the warm fingers interlace themselves with my fingers.

I sneak a sideway peek at Edward, to see him completely absorbed with the movie. But his facade of utter concentration is broken when a small, cute smile inches its way on his lips.

I roll my eyes, wanting to laugh, but holding myself back by mentally reminding myself that we are in a movie theatre. But deep inside I feel like a giggly schoolgirl.

I feel my own lips curling up in a smile as well as I turn back to the screen, pretending that everything is normal and that it's the most natural thing in the world for Edward freaking Cullen to grab my hand.

Okay, calm down, Bella.

I can't help but widen my grin when my peripheral vision catches Edward stealing a glance at me too.

Oh God, we're such dorks but I'm loving every moment of it.

I'm totally enjoying the feel of his hand wrapping itself around mine when it suddenly tightens and freezes.

I automatically tense up as well, and then I realise that a kissing scene is taking place.

Oh God.

Mortification hits me as Edward's hand grips mine tightly while the lead actor leans towards his love interest in the movie, passion blazing from his eyes.

I feel my cheeks flame and I try not to let it bother me that Edward is suddenly very tense as well.

"I love you, John," the lead actress whispers with conviction.

The lead actor's answering smile meets the lips of the actress' and they share an intimate kiss.

I try not to squirm in my seat.

Gosh.

This is awkward.

I feel the back of my neck radiating heat.

Is it just me, or is this kiss is a tad too long?

The actor deepens the kiss, and the actress tangles her fingers in the long brown locks of the actor's hair.

Edward's hand shifts under mine.

And then, finally, finally, the lead actor removes his face from the actress' face.

I very nearly breathe a sigh of relief, out loud.

But I contain myself just in time.

Soon enough, the movie is over, and I blink spastically to myself when the lights come on again.

Something tugs my arm and I realise that my hand is still in Edward's warm hand and he's standing to leave.

"Leaving?" Edward smiles at me, his eyes luminous.

"Yeah, er, of course," I mutter stupidly, also getting up from my seat.

As we leave the theatre, we don't say anything, but equally silly grins are plastered on our faces. I know because I stole a peek at his face once.

"So," Edward begins to say, his voice shaking slightly. I try not to laugh. "Did you enjoy the movie?"

"Definitely," I grin, enjoying the way our hands are swinging between us. "How about you?"

"I don't think I've ever enjoyed watching the movies so much before," he admits, his cheeks turning a faint shade of pink at his honest revelation.

I struggle with my urge to pinch his cheeks.

"The lead actor was very good-looking," I reveal teasingly.

"Oh yeah? The actress was quite pretty as well," Edward taunts.

I burst out laughing.

"What's so funny?" Edward asks, amused.

"Nothing," I giggle. "I'm just in a...very good mood now."

"Me too," Edward laughs along.

I'm genuinely happy about how the day was spent so far. The progress we're making is tremendous, considering the baby steps we've been taking previously.

"It's getting late, are you hungry?" Edward asks.

We're strolling mindlessly about, not really paying attention to where we heading for, but purely enjoying each other's company.

"Not really, I had quite a lot of popcorn," I reply, unable to stop the grin from spreading on my face.

"Yeah the popcorn was pretty good, wasn't it?" Edward agrees cheerfully, raising an eyebrow mischievously.

"I think there will be dinner at home. I didn't expect us to er, go out, so I kind of made arrangements with the cook to prepare dinner." I reveal, feeling slightly wistful that our time together is coming to an end.

"Oh," Edward says, appearing to be crestfallen as well.

"Why don't we just take a seat somewhere...and talk, or something?" I suggest. "You know, to pass the time, and then we can get Harry to come over and pick us up."

"Okay," Edward agress, cheering up minutely.

We find a small bench and sit together, my hand still in his.

His thumb is subconsciously drawing patterns on my hand as he looks off into the far distance, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"You know, I haven't really been to a lot of...dates," Edward admits, his face childlike and slightly red with embarrassment.

Is this what it is? A date? My heart does a mini backflip.

"Don't worry Edward," I laugh. "I don't have much of a social life either, even back in Forks."

"I find that hard to believe," Edward scoffs, looking at me. "Unlike me, you've been to school, and you didn't fall into coma for three years."

"So?" I roll my eyes. "That doesn't mean anything."

"Well, regardless, you're probably more experienced at this than I am," Edward mumbles shyly.

"You've been doing great Edward," I try to cheer him up. "You don't have to feel inadequate or anything. I had a lot of fun today."

His eyes light up. "Really?"

"Yes I mean it," I smile at his expression. "I've never had so much fun in a long while."

"But I didn't plan this. Alice did." Edward points out.

"She planned the outline, but you crafted the details. It wouldn't be as much fun if my date wasn't you." I admit, avoiding his eyes while I blush, much to my embarrassment.

Edward grins widely, his dazzling smile uninhibited from my peripheral vision.

"I'll plan something personally next time." Edward promises. "We'll enjoy ourselves more than today."

We sit in comfortable silence for while.

"I have a question," I blurt out suddenly.

"Hmm?"

"Er, in the theatre," I start, trying my hardest not to stutter.

"Yeah?" Edward's voice sounds like he's trying not to laugh.

"Erm, with the popcorn," I continue stupidly. "Was it...intentional?"

My cheeks burn treacherously.

There is an awkward silence.

"Er," Edward starts to say.

I listen expectantly, keeping my eyes on my shoes.

"Yes," he admits. I struggle not to peek at his face. "I tried to er...do it, twice, actually."

My eyes bug out in surprise. Twice?

"The first time failed," he continues. This time I cannot withhold my urge to look at him. I see his lips twitching with amusement.

"You thought it was an accident," Edward laughs finally, a carefree sound.

"I decided to try again, and man, you took a much longer time to reach for the popcorn," he allows a slightly disgruntled tone to leak from his voice.

I can't help but laugh.

"Well, you succeeded." I chuckle, my voice wavering slightly from the nerves. We are both new at this. We're both equally nervous. The fact that Edward's in it with me comforts me slightly.

"Yeah, I succeeded," Edward laughs triumphantly, squeezing my hand in his.

I smile at his musical laughter, enjoying the way he held my hand protectively, the sense of security he provided me with.

Maybe this marriage isn't going to be so bad after all.

A/N: So? What do you think? Really fluffy chapter huh? Haha I love AwkWARD :D Some development in their relationship. Next chapter will probably stray away from the ExB relationship and focus more on other aspects of the story I want to cover. Keep your reviews coming!