A/N: Anyone else watch Supernatural last night? Anyone else emotionally compromised?

Yeah.

Anyway... on to less traumatizing things.

Sometimes, just sometimes, Bella reflected that this domino effect was happening just a little too fast for her own comfort. It was a little dizzying and frightening. She wasn't going to run; that wasn't an option, but it was still overwhelming.

This was what people meant by whirlwind, Bella mused.

Kebi was supposed to drop Benjamin off at Edward's apartment at ten that morning, as was usual. Bella was supposed to arrive around eleven, because she wanted to be there when Edward told Benjamin about them. It had to be today because Carlisle and Esme already knew, and Edward wanted to be the one to tell his son he had a girlfriend. Then, of course, next week, when Kebi picked up Benjamin, they would have to tell her before she heard it from Benjamin.

It all made Bella's head spin, especially when, with Bella trying to get all her projects done for school, they'd hardly had a moment to themselves in the entirety of their relationship.

Yeah, whirlwind.

But worth it, she reminded herself.

The boys had come into the diner on Thursday, and Edward had chosen to announce their couplehood by pulling her down onto his lap and smothering her yelp of surprise with his lips. She'd wanted to be mad at him, but honestly, getting the jump on their friends was probably one of the better ways to approach things. He'd looked so smug, so absolutely proud to be with her, she couldn't help but be smitten.

He sent her text messages about the things he wanted to be doing to her if only she would break off her relationship with her books. He made himself sound like a jilted lover.

Your Statistics textbook has no imagination, baby.

Bella's palms felt clammy as she knocked on the door.

It was Benjamin who answered. His face lit up when he saw her there. "Bella!" He wrapped his arms around her waist. "Hi. Did you come to play?"

Smiling, Bella cupped his cheek briefly, tenderly, realizing with a start that it was entirely possible she would hold an important place in this little boy's life forever.

That was a sobering thought. Bella felt her throat get tight with emotion. "Something like that," she answered his question in a soft voice.

"Hey."

Bella looked up just as Edward came to the door. They smiled at each other, and Bella thought about how this was going to be the last time they had to greet each other without a kiss. "Hey."

Benjamin took her by the hand and led her inside, jabbering merrily about little boy things.

"Daddy!" he protested when Edward lifted him up, away from his toys and his drawing pad to settle him on the couch.

"Gonna need you all ears for a second, buddy," Edward said gently.

Benjamin sighed, but he folded his hands on his lap and gave his father a look that suggested his patience was being tried. Bella had to press her lips together to keep from laughing.

"You remember you said it would be okay with you if I had a girlfriend?" Edward prompted.

"Uh huh. It's fair, right? Mommy has Amun. You should have a girlfriend. Or a boyfriend. My friend, his name is Visalli, he has two daddies. He said they were boyfriends until they got married."

Edward grinned at his son. "Well, that's very generous of you, but I like girlfriends. And I have a girlfriend now." He reached out, taking Bella's hand.

Benjamin blinked, but then his eyes lit up. "Bella, are you Daddy's girlfriend?"

Bella felt strangely shy and nervous and giddy all at once. "Yeah. Is that okay with you?"

"I think that's wicked awesome." Benjamin's brow furrowed. "Hey, Bella. We don't have to move into your house like Mommy and me moved into Amun's, do we?"

Bella's eyes flicked to Edward's, and they both laughed. "You don't have to worry about that. If you lived at my place, you'd have to sleep in a drawer."

Benjamin appeared to consider this. "That would be really weird," he decided. He grinned again. "Okay. I think it's cool. Will you bring dessert from the diner when you come over sometimes?"

"Um, I think I can manage that."

"And try not to be too kissy in front of me because that's kind of gross."

Edward draped his arm around Bella, and when she turned to him, he kissed her. It was a loud, wet kiss that made both her and Benjamin squeal.

"That felt really good," Edward said, chuckling near her ear as Benjamin ran off in protest.

Smiling, cupping his cheek, Bella pressed a small kiss to his lips. "Are you going to tell him about your parents now?"

He wrapped his arms around her legs, shifting her so they were draped over his lap, and pulled her closer. "Not yet. We still have a couple of hours, I think." He kissed the tip of her nose. "Just give me a little bit longer to enjoy this." He kissed right between her eyes. "You."

Bella sighed when his lips found hers again. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back languidly. She thought of more mornings like this, making out with her boyfriend lazily because they could.

But everything had to come to an end.

Eventually, Edward pulled away, making a disgruntled noise. He took her hands, playing with her fingers. "I know this is a lot. You've done so much already," he began.

"But," she prompted when he didn't continue.

"I really don't have the right to ask you," he hedged.

She tugged on his hands sharply, and he looked up. "Yeah, you really do. That's the point of all this."

He smiled, leaning forward to peck her lips one more time. "I just... I would really appreciate it if you could stay today."

"What?" Bella tilted her head, not quite sure she'd heard him right. "Don't you want some time alone with your parents?"

"I do. Of course, I do." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I just want this to go right. I want this to be perfect for all of them."

She wondered what that had to do with her. Was it that he still felt so guilty, he just needed someone in his corner, backing his moves or there to tell him if he was about to make another mistake?

Either way, if he was asking, he clearly needed her.

"Of course I'll stay, if that's what you want."

"If it would be uncomfortable-"

"Edward," she stopped his needless doubt with a finger to his lips. "You know how much I love your parents. If you want to know the truth, I was a little bummed that I wasn't going to get to see them with Benjamin the first time."

His cheek twitched, and his eyes lost some of their uncertainty. "That's going to be incredible, isn't it?"

"Seeing them get you back was incredible, so yeah. I think it's going to be great."

"Yeah." He kissed her again, softly.

They lingered for a few more precious minutes before Edward straightened. Following his lead, Bella put her feet on the floor.

"Benji, can you come here please?" Edward called.

Benjamin was an obedient boy, so it wasn't long before they heard his footfalls running toward them. He'd brought his sketch pad and pencils with him, and ignored them for a moment while he got settled at the coffee table. "Yeah?"

Edward knelt down so he was eye level with his son and swallowed thickly. "Do you remember when you asked about your grandparents? My mom and dad?"

"Yes. You said they were on an adventure like Bilbo Baggins."

Bella smiled. She'd wondered if Edward had spoken about his parents at all to Benjamin.

"That's right." He took a deep breath. "Well, they're back now, and they're coming to see you today."

That caught Benjamin's attention. He put his pencil down, looking distinctly solemn and scared.

"What's wrong, Benji?" Edward reached for his son, and the boy clung tight to his father's neck.

Bella tilted her head, her heart automatically going out to the child though she didn't know what was wrong.

"Are they going to like me?"

At that, Bella couldn't help but laugh. She clapped her hand over her mouth, giving Benjamin an apologetic look. "Sorry," she squeaked. Benjamin looked hurt, so she quickly sunk to her knees, reaching out to touch his arm. "I'm sorry. It's just that you're so awesome. Who couldn't like you?"

Edward smiled at her over Benjamin's head. "They're going to love you, Benji." He kissed the top of the boy's head. "You're part of them, like you're part of me."

Benjamin squirmed out of Edward's arms, his hands on his head. "Daddy! I have to comb my hair."

This time, it was Edward who chortled. "Well. Good luck with that."

As expected, Benjamin tried to tame his hair without much success. A little exasperated, he handed Bella a comb and told her to, "make Daddy look like a gentleman." Edward sat patiently still while Bella combed his hair into place, for what little good it did them.

She enjoyed it, and Edward took the opportunity to pepper pecks along her cheek.

After Benjamin gave up on his hair, he settled down to draw again. He was restless. He kept getting up to look out the window.

"He's so eager," Edward murmured.

Bella could practically see the gears in his head turning. Benjamin was obviously looking forward to meeting his grandparents, and Edward had kept them apart for so long.

"Today is going to be a good day," she reminded him, taking his hand, silently reminding him what was important.

Every time he saw a car, Benjamin would stare out the window asking, "Is that that them, Daddy?"

And it wasn't, until it was.

Then Benjamin was off like a shot, leaving Edward to sprint after him. Bella followed at a slower rate, watching, her heart speeding up. Benjamin ran down the stairs, stopping short so suddenly, Edward almost barrelled into him. Then Benjamin took Edward's hand, turning his head into his father's side with a hint of unusual shyness.

Esme, who'd just gotten around to the passenger side of the car, had similarly stopped short. She was gripping Carlisle's hand. They were both staring.

"Hi," Benjamin chirped. He took a few steps forward.

"Hello there," Esme said, her voice breathy.

Benjamin looked her up and down. "You are very pretty." He stepped closer, peering now at Carlisle. "And you are handsome like me and Daddy, except I think maybe you would call it dis..." He screwed up his face, searching for the word. "Distinguished." He nodded, satisfied that he'd found the right one.

Carlisle and Esme's smiles were blinding.

Benjamin took a few more steps forward. "Can I hug you, Grandma?"

That did it. Bella's eyes clouded with tears, and she heard the way the others breaths were ragged.

Esme's voice shook when she spoke. "Come here, baby boy."

Benjamin hugged her tight around her waist, clinging for a few seconds before he looked to Carlisle. "Hi, Grandpa," he said before he wound his arms around Carlisle's neck.

Carlisle cuddled his grandson close for the first time. "Hello, Benjamin."

Edward wrapped an arm around his mother's waist, hugging her hello, hiding his emotion against her hair.

Bella didn't know how she fit in with this little family, but she was glad to be there.

After a few moments, Benjamin wiggled out of Carlisle's embrace, taking his hand and tugging. "Come on, Grandpa, Grandma. You can see my room."

"Oh, Benji. Hold on." Edward stepped quickly over, gently pulling Benjamin back a bit. "Give Grandpa a little room."

As Edward helped Carlisle get out of the car, Benjamin watched with his eyebrows knitted in consternation. He took Esme's hand almost absently, deep in thought.

With Edward on one side of him, Esme and Benjamin ahead of him, and Bella bringing up the rear, Carlisle started the arduous task of making it up the stairs.

"I bet you got hurt killing a dragon, huh?" Benjamin said, scrambling up a few steps and looking back.

Carlisle blinked at him. "What?"

"Daddy told me you're a prince and Grandma a princess, and you were on an adventure to help other people. He said that's where you've been since I was born. Your leg is hurt. Did it get hurt killing a dragon?"

Everyone laughed. Benjamin seemed confused about why anyone thought that was funny, but he smiled, obviously deciding the happy atmosphere was only a good thing.

"It was something like that," Carlisle allowed.

Benjamin was endlessly curious about Carlisle's injuries. When they were settled in the living room, he waved off Edward's attempt to get him to show his grandparents his drawing, instead studying Carlisle's arms.

"You have scars," he said, clambering up on the couch beside his grandfather and taking his arm, running his fingers along the pink scar tissue there. "Do you have scars on your leg?"

Carlisle nodded slowly.

"Can I see them?" Benjamin seemed excited at the prospect.

"Benji. Don't be rude," Edward chided.

"No, it's okay. He's just curious." Carlisle pursed his lips. "You really want to see them?"

Benjamin nodded enthusiastically.

Leaning down, Carlisle pulled his pant leg up. Both Edward and Bella gasped.

Carlisle's leg wasn't just scarred. It looked twisted, mangled. Bella was frankly surprised he hadn't lost it.

"Whoa." Benjamin was more fascinated than horrified.

The pain on Edward's face, though, broke Bella's heart. She sat on the arm of the couch next to him, wrapping her arm around his shoulder in silent support. He was flagellating himself again for not being there for his parents.

He reached back, squeezing her hand.

~0~

It was a long day. A good day, but a long day.

As Bella had predicted, it was incredible watching the way this family came together. She saw the way Esme and Carlisle were constantly reaching out, touching either Edward or Benjamin as often as they could, as though they were still unsure if they were really there. Edward never pulled away, and the way Benjamin was warm and comfortable with them, no one would ever know they'd just met.

The day was so happy, Bella completely understood when Benjamin threw a fit of epic proportions when Edward said it was bedtime.

He calmed down a little when Esme offered to tell him a story about dragons and far off kingdoms, and while his parents put his son to bed, Edward followed Bella outside.

"Benji doesn't have very many tantrums, but when he does..." Edward shook his head. "The ground quakes."

Bella chuckled. "It's understandable. A lot has changed for him today, very suddenly." She wrapped her arms around his waist, tilting her head up to press a kiss to the underside of his chin. "How are you doing with all this?"

"I'm..." He sighed, holding her tight against him. "I don't know. I really don't know. I should be so happy..."

"But?"

He pressed his lips together before he spoke. "But I have so many questions. I don't know what's going to happen now. They're not across the country or anything, but they're still so far. And they need help. I want to help them. And they've been so good about everything, but I still keep expecting them to... I don't know, find something wrong. There's plenty of time for that, I guess. They still need to meet Kebi, and-"

"Edward." She put a finger to his lips. "Just breathe." She brought his head down so she could kiss him. "Remember you're not alone. They'll help you figure out where you all go from here." She kissed him again. "And I'll help too."

His hands ran up her back, pressing her only closer as they shared a few kissed. She felt the tension in his back loosen. "You're good to me, Bella." He rested his head against hers. "I want you to know, I have no intention of taking you, us, for granted. I know we need some time. Soon."

"We'll get there." She grimaced. "Maybe after finals. There's never enough time, is there?"

He laughed. "Not in my experience." He took her hands, bringing them up so he could kiss her knuckles. "I'll make time. I'm not going to screw this up."

Bella drew his hands forward, wrapping them around her waist. She rested her head on his chest. "You put so much pressure on yourself. I'm right here. There's no place I'd rather be."

They cuddled, lingering as long as they could before Bella lifted her head to kiss him again. It was a serious kind of kiss, a seal on the promise she'd made.

It was a lot. It was complicated, but it was also what she wanted. She wasn't going anywhere.

"I'll call you tomorrow. Will you come for dinner?" he asked.

"Yeah. If you want. But if you want to be alone with your parents, I'll understand."

He gave her one last kiss. "I'll call you," he promised.

A/N: Jessypt is good to me. All my girls are, but she looked this over.

HEY. I know I've mentioned it before, but if you aren't reading Something True by believeitornot... welp... just do eeeet.

SO. How we feeling, kids?