Is it vain for a writer to admit they like their own characters? I really love writing about these two! :-D

Word Prompt: Rapid

Dialogue Flex: "I promise I'll be home soon," he said.

Using the provided snippet of dialogue, explore what comes to mind, be it a scene, a thought, or something else.

"I promise I'll be home soon," he said.

Edward glanced apologetically at me across the table.

"Sorry about that. Mum is staying with me at the moment and she was wondering when I'll be home."

"It's okay if you need to go. I know your Mum is your priority right now"

"Bel, I look forward to seeing you all day. I don't want to think about leaving just yet."

His words were like the feel of a warm drink on a chilly morning and I reached out to clasp his hand. He had started calling me Bel and after a faint attempt at annoyance, which wasn't really fooling anyone, I had acquiesced. It was so easy to be with him like this, and we had both become comfortable with each other's touch quite rapidly. My relationship with him felt so natural; I never had to wonder anymore if we were on the same page. On the subject of his feelings for me, at least, he was exceptionally verbose.

We hadn't spoken about his father since that fateful night a week ago, but he had been returning to the café every evening to spend the last few hours before closing with me. He sometimes brought his work with him and set up camp at the counter while I took care of the usual evening rush and prepared for the next day. When it was quiet, like tonight, we moved to a table and worked side-by-side, or just sat and talked.

Since I had left home and moved out on my own, there had never been anyone waiting for me at the end of my day. To see him there, to catch his eye after a particularly obnoxious customer complained that there wasn't enough froth on his latte, all these little things made me feel lighter than I had ever felt before. Who knew independence could weigh so heavy on me?

"Penny for them."

I arched my brow. "Only a penny?"

"I was just thinking how much I enjoy your company here every evening and how much I'm going to miss it."

"Miss it? What do you mean, miss it?" His features were screwed up in anxiety and I smoothed his brow with the tips of my fingers.

"I just meant that I won't be working here for the next two weeks. My exams are starting and I've taken some time off to study. Ned was actually really good about letting me take a break."

"Geez. I'm so clueless. I never even thought to ask you when your exams are!"

He raked his hands roughly through his hair, so that it stood up adorably at the back. I couldn't help but smile with delight at the chance to run my fingers through the strands. Edward was an attractive guy, but he wasn't vain and these little irregularities in his appearance made me care for him all the more.

"It's okay. You've had a lot to deal with and I'm pretty prepared for these ones."

"You'll have to give me your timetable, so that I can keep track."

I didn't want to tell him that I had already copied my exam schedule for him a few days ago. He might think I was secretly making a scrapbook of what our future children would like if I sprung that one on him tonight.

His next words interrupted my musings. "And…will I see you? I mean – do you want space, or…? 'Cos I don't want to crowd you or anything. I mean, I'm here for you, but you don't have to see me if you're too busy, or…"

"Edward." I placed a finger gently against his lips and tried to remain focused on his anxious babbling rather than the feel of his lips. So soft, but with a little rough ridge of skin where he chewed on the lower one when he was concentrating. We hadn't kissed yet, apart from him giving me a kiss goodnight on the cheek or temple, and I was dying to feel him closer to me.

"Edward, I'm going to be stressed and busy, but of course I still want to see you! You'll have to be patient with me, but I don't want to put this on hold."

A smile blossomed across his face, lighting up his eyes and the darkest corners of my soul.

A/N: Reviews truly mean the world to me - be they long or short, it's nice to know who's out there reading. So if you have time, let me know what you think. Even if you haven't reviewed before, or you like to lurk, think about it.