Thank you for the lovely reviews you left me for the last chapter :) You all seemed to like feisty Bella and I have to say, I am glad she didn't let Edward walk away. Good on her!

Quick recap:

Edward tried to break it off with Bella but she convinced him that he didn't always need to be so self-sacrificing. She asked him to stay with her he complied so she fell asleep snuggled up against him. Sweet or nauseating, whichever works for you ;)

Thanks to Cullenista for her invaluable beta skills, as always.

When There Is Peace

EPOV

Bella drifted quickly off to sleep, her breathing deepening as she snuggled into my chest, her hair fanned out over my lap. I was content to just sit there and watch her sleep, awed that such an angel could desire my presence. She was more than I could ever ask for.

I ran my rough hand through her silky chestnut hair and it's irresistible scent wafted up to greet me, transporting me into a state of calm and perceived well-being that harked back to when we were children. I already knew that the concepts of Bella and Home were unequivocally intertwined for me and now I realised that I had no desire to separate them. I wanted to make my home with Bella, to come back to her after the war and make her my wife, to have children with her and to grow old by her side.

I could see my whole life mapped out before me and my heart swelled with joy, threatening to burst as I contemplated what our future could be. Of course, I did not see why Bella would say 'yes' to me, but for a moment I allowed myself to get carried away in the fantasy of our life together. I would come home to her every day and she would greet me with a kiss, radiant in the doorway of our own house with our young children clutching her skirts. We would share everything we owned and I would wake up next to her every morning, her alluring scent pervading the linens and wafting around me as she slept peacefully in my arms.

Soon, however my rational mind began once again its chorus of doubt and apprehension. I knew that I could not ask Bella to commit to me; could not ask her to give her life to someone who would be risking theirs everyday in the trenches. But when the war was over, when there was peace, I was determined to make her mine. I would spend the rest of my life trying to make her happy if she would take me, if she would accept me, scarred as I was.

Lost in my thoughts and in the sound of Bella's soft breathing, I too found my consciousness being carried away and gave myself to it, setting my mind free to wander as it pleased. My thoughts always returned to Bella who, even in my sleep-fogged mind, I was acutely aware of pressed up against me as she shifted in an attempt to get more comfortable.

I, too, must have moved in my sleep as the next thing I knew, I was slumped in the bed beside Bella, the covers tangling around her as she slept soundly beside me. I was curved protectively around her small body, my larger one holding her to me as if shielding her from the outside world. I wished that I could always protect her, always be her shield but I knew that it was not possible from across the ocean. At least I could assume she would be safe here in Forks.

My arm that was slung aimlessly around her waist seemed to, of its own accord, trace up hers and over her shoulder, running my fingers along the definition of her collarbone that peeked out from her nightgown. Her beautiful mahogany tresses, loose and flowing over the crisp pillowcase, captivated me and I ran them through my fingers in awe as I listened to her breathing.

Outside, dawn was breaking and I revelled in the sweet stillness of the early morning, enjoying the flush of sunrise stroking Bella's soft cheeks. I held my breath, hoping to capture the stolen moment and savour it, making it last through the months and possibly years to come until I could wake up next to Bella once again.

I had to leave that day to return to the front; I had received a telegram the afternoon before urgently recalling me for a big push and I knew that I had no choice but to obey. To do otherwise was to risk the firing squad and I would do anything rather than make Bella ashamed of me, rather than bring humiliation on those I loved.

Torn between the need to remain here with Bella and the desire to avoid being caught in her bed, I indecisively stayed, holding her close in my arms as she slept, until I could begin to hear the clatter and noise from the neighbouring houses signalling that the street was starting to wake. Fighting every one of my strongest impulses, I pulled myself away from Bella and slid out of her bed, pausing by her pillow to gaze down at her in utter awe and wonder. She was so perfect, so breathtaking as she slept that I almost made up my mind to never leave her side, no matter what the consequences would be.

Creeping over to her desk against the opposite wall, I rooted through the drawers until I emerged with a sheet of paper onto which I quickly scribbled a few brief lines. They were not nearly enough to express everything I needed to say to her, but they would have to do for now. Tiptoeing back over to the bed, I slipped the folded page into her curled fingers, hoping that she would find it when she woke.

Bella sighed gently in her sleep and shifted slightly, rolling so that she was lying on her back, the covers tangled delightfully around her delicate body. I bent down and stroked her hair away from her face, softly brushing my lips to her forehead before pulling back to take one last look at her sleeping face. I then turned away determinedly and pushed open the window, slipping through and shimmying down the tree as I had done so many times as a child.

The street was still fairly quiet; the chirping of birds and the clatter of early risers from open windows were the only sounds that accompanied me as I pushed open my front door and quietly scaled the stairs. I could distinguish my father's snores coming from my parents' room and, putting my ear to Alice's, I could make out the deep, even breaths that meant she was sleeping.

Relieved that I had not been caught sneaking out, I tiptoed into my room and changed out of the clothes I had been wearing since yesterday, messing up the bed so it looked like I'd been sleeping in it.

When I was done, I sank into a chair and rested my head in my hands, suddenly overtaken by the enormity of what I had done. I had agreed to stay with Bella, to have a relationship with her, despite my better judgement and now we would both have to deal with the consequences. I had to catch a train to go back to the front this very evening and I could not face leaving Bella behind. She would haunt my every thought, I knew, until I could see her again and hold her in my arms.

I leaned slowly back in the chair and rested my head against the wall behind me, exhaling loudly, my mind whirring. I had come to realise that, now I had finally admitted my feelings for her, I could never be content with anything less than her hand in mine, her face lighting up in a beautiful smile as I gazed at her. I needed to let her know how I felt, so that when I was away she would never doubt my love for her.

Struck by a flash of inspiration, I leapt out of my chair and began rooting through my dresser, turning the drawers out in my search.

BPOV

It took me a few minutes when I woke to work out why I felt alone, why it felt as though something was missing. Soon, however, I remembered falling asleep with Edward's arms around me, my head resting on his lap and the feel of his gentle hands stroking my hair.

I sighed when I looked around and realised that he was nowhere to be seen, but reasoned that he would have had to go home before the whole street woke up. I definitely didn't want to be the centre of a scandal that would be quickly spread by Mrs Stanley and her croniesthrough the whole of Forks.

For a moment, though, I wished that he had stayed, no matter what the consequences might be. I could face the gossipmongers, I thought wistfully, and the stares if I had Edward with me. Then, nothing could touch me.

Shaking off the fanciful mood that had overtaken me, I slipped out of bed and to get dressed, rushing so that I could see Edward again sooner. I was surprised when a leaf of crisp paper was shaken out of the bedclothes and fluttered to the floor and so I surveyed it cautiously for a moment as if it could be poisonous.

Finally, I bent down and caught it between my fingers, seeing my name inscribed on the front in Edward's unmistakeable handwriting. I unfurled the page eagerly, feeling like a small child on Christmas morning, finding that Edward had left me a quick note.

Bella,

I'm sorry I had to leave while you're still sleeping but I didn't want to be caught in your room by your father. I'm not sure that I would enjoy his reaction much, especially as I know he has a shotgun hidden somewhere in his bedroom. Do you remember when he so proudly displayed it to us, all shiny and new, last spring?

Yesterday afternoon I received a telegram from my commander saying that I was to return to the frontline as soon as possible. I am taking the train from here late this afternoon and then I'll go the rest of the way on one of the supply ships. I'm sorry that I have to leave you soon; if it were my choice I would never go back.

I would really like to see you again before I leave; if you want to see me too then I'll wait for you at my house. I really hope you come.

I love you,

Edward

By the end of the note I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry. Sometimes I had no idea what was going on in Edward's head; how could he believe I would even think twice about going to see him? Since I had woken up only a few minutes before, I had been practically counting down the seconds until I could feel him against me again.

I was crushed, however, that he was planning to return to France so soon. He had only been home for a few days and we had hardly had any time together. It felt especially cruel to snatch him from me so soon after he had told me he loved me and I as I dressed I mentally cursed the war, the generals, the entire German race for taking him away from me.

Racing down the stairs, I caught my foot on the hem of my skirt and nearly went flying down the steps, only catching hold of the banister to stop myself at the last minute. I smiled wryly as I brushed myself down and whirled round the kitchen preparing breakfast, vaguely remarking that I had not been this enthusiastic, and therefore clumsy, in some time. If I pretended that this evening would never come, I found that I was hugely excited at the opportunity to spend several more hours with Edward. Hopefully, we could find some time to be alone.

I set the table just in time for my father to amble downstairs, looking rested and cheerful as he plonked himself down at the table.

"Morning, Bella," he greeted me with a smile and I beamed in satisfaction at the improvement in his health and spirits.

"Good morning. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, yes," he replied airily, brushing me off dismissively and I bit my lip to hide my grin. That was so like my father, unwilling to admit weakness or accept any help. That was so like me, actually, I recognised.

"Do you have plans for today?" he asked me and I shook my head, shrugging slightly.

"Nothing in particular. Why, do you need anything?"

"No, I was just wondering if you would be alright while I go fishing with Edward. He's found this great spot where the fish are really biting, but I don't want to leave you alone all day."

"Don't worry about me," I assured him. "I might go over to the Masens' and spend some time there." I decided to leave out the part about hoping to spend most of the time in Edwards' arms, deciding that my father's heart might not be up to hearing that.

He perked up at hearing that I would be visiting the Masens and asked interestedly, "Do you think you'll be seeing Alice? It's been a while since she's spent much time round here." He looked morose for a moment and I rolled my eyes surreptitiously when he was busy with his breakfast. In his eyes, Alice could do no wrong and he looked forward to her stopping by with considerable enthusiasm.

"Yes, I'm sure she'll be there," I told him, trying not to let my indulgent amusement creep into my voice. "I'll ask her when she's next planning to visit, shall I?"

"No, no, don't bother with that," he huffed and took a large mouthful, preventing further conversation for a few moments.

"Where is this miracle fishing spot, then?" I asked him as we ate companionably and he replied,

"A few miles out of town, by the bend in the river. Edward swears it's the best haul he's ever got."

"A few miles? Father, are you sure you're going to manage that?"

"Yes, Bella, I'll be fine," he grumbled, almost like a small child, and once again I was forced to hide my smile. "You shouldn't baby me so."

"I'm sorry," I told him genuinely, hiding my concern behind a warm smile. "I just worry about you, that's all. The winter hasn't been so good to you."

"I know, Bells, I know, but I'm much better now. In fact, I haven't felt so good in years. You take good care of me, you know."

I smiled gratefully at him and felt a blush start to creep across my face, causing me to leap up and busy myself with the clearing up. He watched me with an amused look on his face and I refused to meet his eye until the kitchen was spotless and the crockery was gleaming.

I rounded to face him and asked, "Do you need anything for your trip? A sandwich?"

"No, no," he waved his hand again as he heaved himself from the chair and headed out of the door. "Elizabeth is taking care of everything."

I watched him go, forcing down the instinctive concern that emerged when he talked of exerting himself in any way. I could not deny, however, the fact that his face and attitude were brighter than I had seen them in months.

Racing upstairs, I brushed my hair and pulled it back into a braid which snaked down my head and over my shoulder, snatching a quick glance in the mirror before running out of the door. I was hardly a beauty but I had no time to worry about such things now; I had only a few hours left with Edward before he had to board the train that would take him far from me.

Walking down the street as fast as I could reasonably justify, I soon arrived at the gate to the Masens' front garden. Having waved with affected enthusiasm at Mrs Crowley as she walked her dogs, I made my way up the path and knocked cautiously on the door.

It was wrenched open almost immediately by Edward who looked rather flushed and was still clutching a piece of toast in his left hand. For a moment or two I just stared at him, taking in everything about him, dumbfounded by his perfection. He, too, didn't move and I would almost have thought he was doing the same thing, had it not been for the fact that I was far from awe-inspiring.

Eventually, I shook off my paralysis and took a step towards him, my eyes locked with his as I closed the gap between us. At that moment, however, a small Alice-shaped blur came barrelling past Edward and collided with me, wrapping its arms securely round my waist. Slightly taken aback, I gasped, winded, and Edward fell into a fit of laughter at the expression on my face.

"I love you, Bella," Alice squealed and, having regained the ability to breathe, I hugged her back and laughed along with Edward. "You are the best!" she shrieked, her wiry arms constricting my movement and I patted her head awkwardly while she squeezed the life out of me.

"I am pretty amazing," I agreed dryly, "but is there any particular reason for my brilliance this morning?"

"You did it! The impossible. You got Edward and Jasper to be friends," she told me happily and my head shot up to meet Edward's gaze. I raised my eyebrows questioningly and he rolled his eyes, which I took as confirmation enough.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," she chanted and I stood stunned while she danced jubilantly around me.

"You're welcome," I mumbled, unable to tear my eyes away from Edward's face as he grimaced slightly.

"It's true, isn't it Edward?" Alice pressed, skipping over to him and looking up at his face expectantly.

"Well, I wouldn't say that exactly, Alice," he said uncomfortably. "I mean, I'm still not sure I trust the man. Besides, you're too young to have an admirer," he finished disapprovingly, frowning down at her.

"I'm not that much younger than you," she replied cannily, her eyes darting to me as she surveyed the two of us shrewdly where we stood on the threshold. I blushed, instantly betraying my guilt, and she raised one eyebrow sagaciously as I stammered and spluttered.

Edward frowned warningly at Alice and turned to address me, gesturing for me to follow him into the house. "Don't mind Alice," he told me, loudly enough for her to hear as she came back inside and closed the door on the street. "She doesn't know what she's talking about. Let's go and sit in the front room."

"Whatever you say." She shrugged lightly and tossed back over her shoulder, "I'll be upstairs if you need me," stifling a giggle as she went.

Edward took my hand and led me to the settee, sitting down and pulling me onto his lap. I leant into his chest, burying my face in his neck and asked in a small voice, "How does Alice know?"

I felt him sigh and reach up his hand to his head, presumably to run his hand through his hair that was just starting to grow back after the trenches. "I'm not sure," he finally admitted. "She's very observant and she seems to almost have a sixth sense when it comes to this kind of thing. You can't keep a secret from Alice," he warned me wryly and lifted up my hand to place a kiss on my palm.

I curled my fingers around his neck, relishing the contact, and pulled my face back to look at his expression. He seemed almost amused but his smile was flecked with noticeable irritation at his sister's perceptiveness.

"Will she tell your parents?" I whispered and I felt him sigh again.

"I don't know. She might."

I moaned and hid my face in my hands, shaking my head in apprehension.

"Would that be so bad?" he asked, sounding hurt, and I quickly glanced up, backtracking to erase the wounded look on his face.

"No, no, that's not what I meant. Of course it wouldn't be bad, it's just not the way I'd like them to find out. I'd rather keep this to ourselves for the time being," I pleaded, knowing that if he kept up that pained expression I would shout to the world that we were in love. Thankfully, his injured expression dissolved and he pressed his lips to my forehead, cradling my face in his hands.

Relieved that I was forgiven, I relaxed into his embrace and ran my hands down his neck and across his shoulders, the tips of my fingers tracing the muscle definition in his arms. He moved away from my forehead and tilted my head up so that we were eye to eye, his gaze smouldering as he inched his face closer to mine.

My breathing hitched and my eyes fluttered closed as I waited for our lips to meet, but when the expected contact did not come, I opened my eyes in confusion. I gasped when I saw that Edward's face was less than an inch from mine, a beautiful smirk playing across his features. He chuckled at my reaction, his eyes bright with mirth and a certain longing.

Gazing at his beautiful face, something in me snapped and I tangled my fingers in his hair, pulling him down so I could crush my lips against his. At first he seemed surprised, but he soon pulled me closer and ran his fingers up my back, sending tingles down my spine. When he reached my shoulder blade, he traced patterns onto the skin of my neck with the tip of his finger and I shivered, pressing myself tighter to his chest. His hand trailed up from my neck to my hair, running his fingers down the rushed braid to the ribbon that secured it at the bottom. With a quick tug, he pulled it undone and my hair fell free, tumbling over my shoulders as it unravelled. With teasingly slow movements, he let the dark brown waves flow through his fingers and I melted into his arms, no longer able to support my own body.

Pulling away from my lips, Edward nuzzled underneath my chin and began pressing soft kisses to my throat causing my eyes to drift closed as my arms tightened round his neck. He worked his way from the base of my throat, slowly up the side of my neck and up to my jaw, trailing his lips up to my ear behind which he placed a final kiss.

When he lifted his head to meet my eye, we were both breathing hard and his eyes seemed to be gentler and yet more insistent than I had ever seen them before. I could hear my heart thundering in my chest and his was doing the same, racing as if he had just run a marathon. Carefully, so as not to lose my balance, I shifted so that I was resting my head against his chest, my ear pressed to the spot from which I could hear the pounding of his heart.

His hand swept the hair from the back of my neck and he rested his hand there, cushioning my neck as I listened to his slowing heartbeat. Gradually, our breathing returned to normal and I slid off his lap, deciding that distance might be helpful for what I was about to say.

His eyes searched mine questioningly and I bit my lip, unsure how to broach the subject. The truth was, I had spent much of last night and this morning thinking and I had finally reached a conclusion. An ocean couldn't separate me from him; it just couldn't, I wouldn't allow it, so I would follow him to France. I was practically going insane being stuck in Forks, chained to my role as a respectable young woman, completely unable to do anything of use.

I needed an occupation, something I could do to make me feel that I was needed, that I had a use or a purpose. If Edward would fight for his country then the least I could do was volunteer my services. And so, it had been decided. I would proffer myself as a nurse and work near the front line. I had to do something and this seemed like the perfect solution; I simply couldn't sit here and worry any longer.

The only problem with this plan was my father and his health and I knew that this could be the obstacle that stopped me from going. If he was declining then I knew I would never leave, no matter how much I wanted to, as I could no more abandon him than give up on Edward. It was to my delight and relief, therefore, that he seemed to be in great spirits and recovered health, and this gave me hope that I could perhaps fulfil my ambition after all. The Masens would look after him when I was gone, I was sure.

The only thing that remained was telling Edward.

Standing in front of him where he sat, I squared my shoulders, taking a deep breath, and he looked up at me warily.

"Bella, what's going on?" he asked cautiously and I suddenly found my courage and my voice.

"Edward, I have something to tell you." His earnest eyes encouraged me to continue and so I went on, "I am going to train to be a nurse."

"A nurse?" he asked bemused. "But, Bella, you hate the smell of blood."

He spoke as if he were explaining something very simple to a child and that immediately riled me.

"That may be, but I will find some way to be of service. You would be surprised what I can endure; you should not underestimate me." His eyes shifted apologetically but I didn't give him a chance to interject and continued, "I want to go to the front line."

At this his eyes widened and his mouth fell open in what I could only assume to be abject horror, seeming to be unable to form words. Taking advantage of his sudden silence, I pressed on, "Maybe if I'm nearby then we can see each other more often. I would do anything to be near you," I finished quietly, begging him to understand.

"You would risk your life to be near me?" he croaked and I only nodded mutely, not looking at his face.

He spluttered for a few moments longer before finally exploding, his voice shocking me with the fear and anger I heard in it.

"Bella, have you lost your mind?" he practically shouted and I flinched away from him. "You can't go to the front line. Do you even know what you're asking for?"

I just stood there in front of him, cowering as he continued to vent, afraid to look up in case I should see steam pouring from his ears or rage blazing in his eyes.

"I won't let you go!" he yelled, panicking now, and my eyes snapped up to meet his as they darted frantically over the room.

"Won't let me?" I asked dangerously calmly but he did not seem to sense the warning in my voice.

"I won't let you. I can't, I can't." He almost sounded as if he was raving now but I was too aggravated to care.

"You have no right to decide what I do or don't do," I informed him coldly and he looked horrified at the callous tone in my voice. I shut down all my instincts, all my impulses to placate him, tell him that I would do exactly as he asked, and focused only on consolidating my point. "I can do whatever I please and I shall not allow you to dictate my actions."

He dropped his head into his hands and I immediately regretted my harshness, dropping down onto the settee beside him and resting one hand tentatively on his shoulder. Softening my voice so that it was kind and yet still firm I told him, "I'm not a child anymore, Edward. I don't always need you to protect me. I can look after myself."

He moaned slightly and buried his head further into his palms, taking a deep breath as if he would say something. I cut him off, however, before he could get the words out. "I'm not asking for your permission, Edward, but I would like your support. Can you give me that?"

For a while he did not move and I sat motionless next to him, holding my breath in anticipation of his reaction. Eventually, he lifted his head and looked straight at me, meeting my gaze with disarming honesty and sincerity.

"If you are decided, Bella, then I will support you," he said slowly, almost as if he wished that he could postpone his realisation of what he was saying. I smiled gratefully at him but before I had the chance to say anything, he put up his hand to stop me. "However, I strongly advise you to reconsider. You can't imagine what it is like to be surrounded by death and suffering all the time. I would not wish that on anyone, least of all you, Bella. I just wish that you could stay here forever, sheltered and happy." He reached out to take my hand, his piercing green eyes softening as they captured mine.

"But Edward," I insisted, needing him to understand, "I'm not happy. I may be safe but I'm going mad trapped here, useless and oblivious. I've never been one to chain myself to the kitchen sink and you know that. I need to do something and if I become a nurse then I also get to be closer to you. I'm happy when I'm with you."

He stared into my eyes desperately for a while longer, as if trying to deter me with a look alone, but he finally admitted defeat and sighed deeply.

"You're sure?" he asked, although his face clearly portrayed that he already knew the answer to that. I didn't answer but only nodded sadly, cupping my palm to his cheek in a feeble attempt to wipe away the sorrow that was etched there. He gave me a small smile and I brought my face closer to his, gently kissing all around his cheeks and eyes, brushing each eyelid with my lips in its turn. When I was done, he sighed again gently and our eyes locked, neither of us wanting to look away.

I don't know how much time had passed when he broke away, thrusting his hand into his trouser pocket and pulling it out clutched into a fist.

"I have something I would like to give you," he murmured softly and when his eyes met mine they were soft and warm again with only a hint of sadness betraying the conversation that had just passed between us.

I said nothing and only looked at him in confusion, not understanding what he could be referring to.

He uncurled his palm and I peered curiously at what he held, still barely comprehending what he meant. Reaching out one finger, he looped it through what I now realised was a silver chain and lifted it into the air, displaying a small silver cross on a chain. I frowned in bewilderment, uncomprehending of why he would want to give anything to me.

"It's beautiful," I offered, and I suddenly realised that it was as it swung from his finger, arresting in its simplicity and elegance.

Seeing my obvious bafflement, Edward explained in a low voice, "This was my grandmother's. Do you remember when she died, almost ten years ago now?" I nodded and he continued, "She left it to me in her will and it still reminds me of her; she would wear it always. It was given to her by my grandfather when they were young." He paused briefly, as if lost in the memory. "I want you to have it," he breathed, his emerald eyes boring into mine and holding me in position in the way that a mere look from him could.

"For me?" I whispered uncertainly, reaching out a finger to stroke the delicate chain as it swung slightly in midair.

"For you," he confirmed, leaning closer so that we were only a few inches apart. "I want you to have something to remember me by. Something to make you think of me when I'm away."

"Edward, I don't need anything to remind me of you," I scoffed but he put one finger to my lips to stop me.

"Please?" he asked, and I melted under his unbearably gentle gaze. "Will you wear it for me?"

"Of course I will," I assured him and he positively glowed, his face lighting up in a breathtaking smile.

Gesturing for me to stand up, he turned me gently by the shoulders and stood behind me, reaching over to lay the chain around my neck. I watched in awe as he fastened the catch, his hand brushing against my jaw and collarbone and lingering at the nape of my neck long after he secured it. Lifting the small cross I admired its beauty, watching the silver engravings dance in the sunlight through the window so it almost seemed to sparkle in the light as I moved.

When he spoke again, his voice was lower and huskier, sending shivers down my spine. "My grandparents were very happy together; I think that it could bring us luck. They were married for thirty-five years."

"Thank you, Edward," I breathed, incapable of uttering anything further, but it seemed that was all was needed. He leaned into me, wrapping his arms securely round my waist from behind and resting his head on my shoulder so that we were both admiring the cross together.

"It looks beautiful on you," he murmured and I turned my head so that we were nose to nose. Tilting his head, he kissed me tenderly, his lips almost whispering against mine, telling their own story. There was no further need for words or explanations, no compulsion to speak or listen. We were only there, with one another, and I knew that there was no place I would rather be. When there was peace, I promised myself, I would never leave his arms.

You know, you reviewers are starting to become some of my favourite people. Is that sad? Yes, probably, but you make my day :)

Go on, leave me some love...