AN: Hey, you wanna know something? This is supposed to be chapter ten. Yeah, I'm a little behind… but, hey Bella was also supposed to get freakin' cancer in this story. ((If any of you remember in the second or third chapter it's mentioned that Bella has some prolonged bruises on her legs… yeah, that was my foreshadowing.))

Last Time On Sundown

He smiled, "It's a shame that I don't have x-ray vision."

I blushed at the audacity of his statement and shut the door in his face, leaning on it to see if he really left. Of course I would never hear Edward make a sound, he could become a perfect statue if he wanted to. A perfect, god like statue.

As the water rushed over me my thoughts wondered back to his previous statement, about the x-ray vision. It seemed to me that over the past few days Edward's comments were becoming more and more risqué. I knew that boundaries would be broken soon, boundaries I was happy to break. And apparently so was Edward.

Who was I to complain, really? Breaking these boundaries with Edward was something I had wanted to do since our first 'date' in the meadow. But to hear Edward, the enforcer of the wretched boundaries, talk so freely about things beyond the barb wire fences was absurd to hear.

I smiled at the thought of what was to come for both of us.

Who was I to complain?

Sundown; Chapter 12

Buffy Meet Bella

I woke up, the sun bright in my eyes, "You let me sleep in."

"It's the last time I'll ever see you sleep, Bella. You talked all night, it was wonderful."

"What did I say?"

He smiled at me, "Lots of things," he brushed the hair out of my face, kissing my cheek, "Lines from the show last night. Commenting on my driving skills, which you don't think highly of. You said you loved me, lots of times. You didn't have any nightmares."

"I guess your just my personal dream catcher," I sat up, he met me half way and kissed me, "I have morning breath."

"I love it," he had to be lying.

"Well, I don't."

I got up and left the room to have my human moment; brushed my teeth, combed through my hair, which was still damp from last nights shower. I studied myself in the mirror, my pale skin, my rosy cheeks, free of most blemishes. My teeth and their slight cant, the mid-line apparently off according to orthodontists, something I've never noticed. My eyes, still hazy from sleep.

So many of these things would change soon.

I walked back to the bedroom and curled up next to Edward, shivering against his skin, he pulled the blankets, still warm from me, tightly around me, "Are you going back to sleep?" he sounded hopeful.

"No! Maybe later. I wanted to continue that kiss," I turned and looked up to him expectantly. He smiled and fulfilled my request.

As much as I wanted to get lost in Edward's arms and lips forever, I actually had forever to do that and to do that without the God awful boundaries. I had little time left to be human with Edward and although I had had plenty of human time with Edward I knew he wanted to cherish these last few precious moments.

He pulled away, of course, "Bella," he sighed.

"Edward. What do you want to do today?"

He sat back and thought for awhile, "Do you know how to swim?"

My eyes grew wide, "Of course not, by the time my mother wanted to enroll me in swim lessons she had realized that I was a world class klutz!"

"I want to teach you then," he said, as if his word was the end all and say all of the matter.

Although, when it came to me, his word was the only word that really mattered to me.

I still had to argue though, I looked outside, "It's sunny out though, Edward, don't you think you in a swim suit," I tried not to stutter as that picture floated through my mind, "would alert people?"

"No. There's a pool in the backyard," of course there is, "It will be just us," I opened my mouth to find another argument, "I won't let anything happen to you, Bella, don't be absurd. I would never let anything happen to you. We can even stay in the shallow end."

"Okay," I agreed tentatively, knowing he wouldn't give up.

We met at the edge of the pool, my breath caught in my throat like a rock as I saw his abs, "Bella," he breathed. His eyes everywhere but my face.

"I'm up here."

We spent the rest of the day at the pool and the piano; it was bliss. But at the back of my mind there was the constant nagging that soon things would change.

As I started cooking dinner Edward's joyful mood began to simmer down and he was silent through out dinner.

"Edward, please don't get moody. You promised. I know you're happy about this," I pushed my plate away and looked at him.

"I know, Bella. I'm sorry. And I am happy. I'm just not looking forward to the next three days."

"Do you want to go now?"

Edward looked down and then at the clock, "Sure."

I walked over to him and bent down in front of him, "Thank you, Edward," he picked me up, wrapping my legs around his waist. I smiled against his neck.

"Do you want to brush your teeth? I know how much you hate that morning breath," he teased, stopping at the bathroom. I brushed my teeth studying my face again.

I sat down on the bed next to Edward and caressed his face, soon my skin would feel like his. I looked up at him waiting, nothing had ever felt more awkward and right in my life.

"I'm going to bite your neck first, then your wrists," he held my hands in his, palm up, he was looking at them, noticing the reddening of the palms for the last time.

Over time the blood would slowly leave my body, I would blush less and my palms would become pale all over, "The last bite I give you- the scar won't heal. A scar on your wrist will be easier to cover in public places, your neck not so much."

He paused and I swore I could almost see a smile, "Besides, I would hate to have to deal with your neck being covered up so much."

I smiled despite the situation, "You know, when you explain it like that, the romanticism kinda leaves the whole thing," I was making a joke but he looked taken a back.

"Isabella, you think me biting you and being the cause of so much pain is romantic?"

"No-"

"Because I don't want to put you through this if you think this is going to be a wonderful thing-" I stopped his mouth with my hand.

"Edward, the idea of going through an immense amount of pain does frighten me to some extent and I'm not really looking forward to it. What I am looking forward to is the time we will get to spend together afterwards and the only reason we will be able to do that is because you are giving me this new life."

I put my hand down and he remained silent, "And that is what I think is beautiful and romantic."

I'm pretty sure that if Edward could cry he would of, instead he crushed me to his chest and murmured against my hair, "I don't deserve you Bella," and for once instead of telling him he deserved more I simply laughed it off, "Are you ready?"

"I think I've been ready since that day in the meadow," his eyes were beautiful, the lightest shade I had ever seen them. He had been drinking more blood ever since I had accepted his marriage proposal. He gave me one last chaste kiss on my lips; the boundaries would be gone in three days. I blushed and he held my face close to his, "Please Edward?"

He breathed in deeply and placed his lips delicately on my neck I could feel the heat of my neck beneath him, every move he made was emphasized by the closeness and the adrenaline surging through me. His lips parted against my neck and I closed my eyes, relaxing into his embrace on the bed. I could feel his sweet breath escape on my neck as his teeth punctured my skin and he sped the venom through my veins with loving care.

And that's when the pain started.

I felt him pull my hands from my chest and the sharp stabs as he bit and spread his venom further throughout my body. I bit my tongue, holding back a scream.

The night raged on as I clung to Edward in pain. He held me close, failing to squeeze the pain out of me. Singing lullaby after lullaby, a distinct tremble in his velvet voice.

I tried not to scream, tried to only focus on the smooth notes Edward was humming. With every cringe that came out of me, with every hateful scream, Edward held me closer.

I felt the venom run through my jaw, pushing out old teeth, creating sharp, new, perfect teeth. A predator's teeth. My throat became clogged with bone, blood and nerve endings. My screams became gurgled, Edward scooped out the carnage, like scooping mucus from a just born baby's mouth.

As the venom chugged along I felt my bones tighten and my skin ripple, both becoming stronger. Scars disappeared.

"Only a day or so left, sweetheart."

Two days couldn't of passed. It couldn't though, it felt like an eternity. It felt like two minutes.

My body became numb, my functions slowed. My mind became foggy, I knew my memories were fading. Becoming more indistinct. I grasped Edward's hand, not wanting to let go of him or the memories.

It had never occurred to me that I could forget him.

"Oh, you can't forget me love. You won't," Edward said soothingly, I felt his face against mine, "I can read your mind, Bella."

What?

Why?

Oh, God Edward, I love you.

"I don't think your mind is particularly blocked right now. You have other things to worry about," I tried to smile and he laughed, "I love you, Bella. Only a few more hours."

Maybe it's my gift, you can finally read my mind.

Sucky gift.

"Oh, Bella," he laughed again.

My breathing slowed and which each breath I smelled something new, the laundry detergent, the glue on the books, the CDs. My hearing became more distinct, dogs barked in the distance, sirens rolled in the city.

Edward held me tighter, he knew my bones could handle it. He matched his breathing with mine.

The door slammed open, "Oh, this is perfect timing," my eyes were closed but I could recognize that voice anywhere.

Victoria.

"Victoria."

"Edward. Bella. This is sweet. I must though, it's going to be harder to kill you know. And I had so been looking forward to tasting your blood. Everyone had said it was as sweet as fresh rain," she paused and I heard her breathe in, "Was it, Edward?"

"I wouldn't know," he said through gritted teeth.

"Oh, you can't lie to me, Edward. You drank from her and you thought she was as sweet as candy. The only thing that stopped you from draining her were her terrified screams. I always thought they added to the kill," I could hear the sneer in her voice.

It's okay, Edward. It's okay.

"It's not true, Bella. Love, it's not true."

And in the distinct whine of his voice I knew he was lying.

It doesn't matter, Edward.

"This can be fun," I heard her lunge towards me. Edward dropped me from his arms, I heard glass shatter and books fly. The door broke. I listened silently, in more pain then before, as they made their way down the stairs. More glass shattered.

Edward!

I curled over on my side, each breath became more labored then the one before. I felt my heart slow down, each beat stronger and weaker. I felt each thud hit my rib cage.

Ed-ward.

Ed-ward.

…

Ed…ward.

A pain surged through me, unlike any pain I had felt during the past three days. I sat up, breathing the new, superfluous air in. I felt power run through my veins, the strength I felt. Urging me to go after Edward. To save him.

And I could win.

I got up and ran down the stairs, my feet knowing where to go and leading me to the basement. I was carried down more stairs; my feet pounding noiselessly down them.

I looked around the dark, dank room, my eyes automatically adjusting. Edward was chained together; feet together and hands together all connected by one chain. How could something as frivolous as metal contain Edward?

"Bella," he exhaled.

"Edward-" my feet refused to obey and move forward.

"Duck."

I turned around and was met with a beam to my forehead; I was slung across the room a slur of coarse words escaping my mouth without permission.

I pushed myself off up the wall and stood before my enemy.

"Who do you think you are?" she asked.

I smirked at the question, "I'm Bella. And I'm gonna kick your ass."

I threw myself towards her, arms out aiming for anything, throat, hair, something to cause injury.

"Bella, you have to rip her apart. It's the only way," came Edward's voice.

I pushed Victoria around, the violence came naturally, I knew every move, every block.

I drew first blood and she screamed an ear splitting scream, "Bitch!" I worked hard, anger fueling my adrenaline, the adrenaline fueling my next move.

And she lay still on the floor, I walked away, terrified at the sight and at myself. I never thought I was capable to do something so destructive.

"Bella, I need your help. She's blood bonded the chains to me. She knew," he refused to meet my eyes, "She knew I would drink from you."

"It's okay, Edward. I expected you to. I would have been surprised if you hadn't," I tentatively walked down and sat beside him, pushing my stingy hair out of my face, "What do I need to do?"

"You can just tear them, it'll be easier at the seam."

I examined his reddening wrists and ankles, "Why can't you? You said they were blood bonded. What's that?"

"Very dark witch craft. Can you please take them off, they really do hurt."

I pulled at the metal and watched in amazement as the metal stretched apart and Edward slipped his wrists out, "So, she blooded bonded them to you with my blood. But, you couldn't have taken that much."

"Human blood is stronger than animal blood. Especially since your blood is so curiously attracted to me. Or the other way around."

I pulled the other shackles apart, "Is that what draws me to you? My blood?" I looked down at my bloody hands, "But won't my blood leave me. What if that's the only thing keeping up together?"

"Don't be absurd, Bella," his swollen hand, "Nothing can tear us apart. Although Victoria certainly did try."

"That was scary."

"But, your safe now," he rose up and helped me to my feet, walking me out of the basement and closing the door with finality.

"No, the power. Edward, I killed someone. Sure, she was evil and trying to kill me, but I never thought I would be the bringer of such harm."

"I told you, Bella, being a vampire comes with consequences."

"Next are you going to tell me that with great power comes great responsibility?" I smiled.

Edward laughed, "Well, you will have to learn how to control your strength. There's enough in this house to patch up, we don't need you adding to it," he teased. He walked me up stairs.

"Am I really strong?" not wanting to believe what had just happened.

"Yes, Bella," he turned the water on in the shower looking up at me he said, "I don't want you to break the knob."

I childishly stuck my tongue out at him, he smiled, sighed and left the room.

The pellets of water hit me, and if I wanted to, I could of counted each one. I could make out every scent in the shampoo and soap.

I refused to look at whatever was swirling down the drain, I wanted my memories of tonight to go with the water and residue, but I knew that they would stay with me forever, no matter how hard I tried to forget.

I stepped out of the shower and wiped the fog off of the mirror. I looked the same, features more enunciated, hair a little more defined, a little more toned, but I was still Bella. I was still pale as ever.

I wrapped a towel around myself and made my way to my room. Edward had cleaned up the disaster, but the sheets on the bed were still covered in blood.

"Sorry," said Edward's voice. I turned around and jumped, surprised to see him there. I clutched the towel tighter around myself, conscious of my sopping hair, "I meant to get everything cleaned up before you got out of the bathroom, but I guess you were faster than before. When you were human."

I looked at the bed, "What's it all from? All the blood," I clarified.

He clenched his jaw, obviously pained by my question, I gently took his hand and pleaded with my eyes, "Well, biting you of course, caused most of the blood. When your hunting, animal or human, most of the times you snap the victims neck after the bite, but that would negate our purpose. You struggled something fierce," I thought back and couldn't remember fighting at all, "Your body takes over," he said, understanding my confusion, "although you might have told yourself not to scream or cry or fight back, you still did."

"I'm sorry."

He laughed, "Don't be, Bella. That's ridiculous, the change is painful. Honestly I thought that you were going to scream and fight more than you did. You just proved how headstrong you really are."

"You knew that already."

"But even more so," he brushed his hand across my cheek, the reddening in his hands was already going down, "The rest of the blood is from when you lost your teeth and from you scratching yourself."

I looked down at my fingernails, bitten back as far as I could get them, a nervous habit I was sure I would never break. I looked up suddenly, "Edward? Can you still read my mind?"

"Alas, no. The moment your heart stopped beating, the moment you began to think clearly again."

So, that wasn't my power. Which made sense because it would benefit Edward more than it would benefit me.

"Are you sad?"

He paused, really thinking before answering, "A little. You know I would love to hear your thoughts, Bella. I thought that maybe that was your power. Selfish, I know," I smiled, he was a selfish creature by nature after all, "It's silly of me, your power is going to be something else. Something special."

I realized then that I was still in my towel and gallon of water.

"I should get dressed," he grabbed my wrist and held me close, "Edward?"

"You're blushing."

I groaned, "Still?" If this was what my power was I was going to be pissed.

"Only for a few more months. Let me cherish it, please," I obliged and leaned into his chest, holding my warm face there.

He held me there for a few more moments. What else would change? "Hey, I haven't tripped at all!"

He let me go and I began to walk across the room to the dresser, "No, you have-" my foot caught under the rug and I dropped to the floor.

"I was so close," I said, disappointed. I sat up, wrapping my towel around myself tighter.

"You're probably hungry. Do you feel anything?"

I breathed in, "Like I need to cough."

He sighed, he looked troubled for a moment, but led me downstairs.

"Edward! I really need to get dressed. Please?"

For a moment he looked as if he was going to refuse. I smiled, shyly. I knew why he wasn't interested in seeing me in clothes. My breath shortened at the thought of what was to come for our relationship.

"I think I should get dressed and eat, Edward," I whispered, breaking the spell.

"Yeah, of course, I'll be outside the door," he kissed my still wet shoulder, "waiting," he added softly.

I heard the door close and went over to the dresser, I found some clothes to wear and quickly changed into the loose sweats.

I met Edward outside the door and slipped my hand into his.

"You probably aren't going crazy since you fought Victoria. Generally when people are first changed they have to hunt immediately."

I looked up at his face, curiousity and wonder in his eyes, "Maybe sometimes anger and passion are stronger than hunger."

"Sometimes it is. But you can't live on love," he said gloomily.

"It definitely feels like it could sustain you."

We were in the basement by now, the mess was cleaned up. Edward handed me a bottle and took one for himself.

I opened the bottle up and breathed in, it wasn't terrible but also not very appetizing, "Cheers," I muttered.

It tasted thick, like tomato juice. But stringy, like orange juice with pulp There was a distinct metallic taste, but not like chewing on aluminum… sweeter.

"This is kind of gross," I said, looking down in the glass after finishing it all.

"It's because it's old. Is the tickle gone?"

"Yeah, but I'm kind of tired… or exhausted… something," I wiped my eyes, trying to make the odd sleepiness disappear.

Edward frowned, "You just need fresh blood," he grabbed my hand and led me back upstairs. "Wait, you have something right there," he brought his hand up to my cheek but dropped it.

"What?' I began touching my face, trying to find whatever it was.

"Stop," he pulled my hands away and held my wrists in his hand. It crossed my mind momentarily that I could probably fight him if I wanted to. I remained still.

He came closer to me and I breathed him in. Sweet as ever. He looked into my wine red eyes, "I love you, Bella."

His lips covered mine, enveloped mine. Softly at first, a replica of old kisses to be forgotten.

Edward dropped my wrist and wrapped his hands around my waist, pulling me closer. Our lips spoke silent volumes. His hand found new crevices on my body, my hands searched previously forbidden territories.

"Bedroom?" he asked against me, his lips blazing a trail down my jaw and along my collar bone.

My hands wrapped around his neck and held him closer, "I don't care." Edward lifted me up and my legs wrapped tightly around him, "Kiss me. Please. Again."

Edward let out a throaty laugh.