Disclaimer: Not mine…just playing with SM's characters…
A/N: Thank you all so much for reading & reviewing! Apologies…I've been quite busy. I'm so glad that you all enjoyed the last chapter and Bella and Edward's first time. :-) Apparently I also introduced some of you to Adam Lambert. Anyway, here's the aftermath :-) Longer A/N at the bottom, but please read it.
P.S. And good lord, no, there will not be any babies in this story. I promise. I gotta get these kids off to Stanford. :-P
Chapter 14
"Mmmmm…"
Something soft and warm and so wonderful smelling was in my arms. I hummed again and pulled it closer, nuzzling myself against its warmth.
"Edward…"
"Mmmmm…"
Little Edward was pressing against delicious warmth and I shifted my hips. The greedy bugger was demanding to be closer.
"Edward."
I could feel the frown spread across my face. Why was my warmth moving away from me? I didn't want it to go.
Bella…Bella is here.
My mind is bombarded with images from last night. Bella's naked body, how beautiful she looked, how confident…how tight, how wet…My eyes popped open as Little Edward twitched violently. I almost panicked, not recognizing the room that was shrouded in a bluish gray light, and much fancier than my room at home. I inhaled deeply and buried my face against the sweet smelling hair that was in front of me. I heard Bella giggle, and she shifted in my arms. A soft groan left my mouth as her butt and hips brushed against Little Edward. I finally cracked my eyes open as I felt Bella's body still.
"Hi," Bella breathed, her warm, brown eyes meeting mine. Amazingly, she was wide-awake and not the least bit rumpled or grouchy.
"Hi," my voice cracked awkwardly. I cleared my throat and tried again, "Hi."
Bella giggled quietly and brought her hand up to brush her fingertips against my cheek softly.
"I see not everyone is awake yet."
"What?" I asked, somewhat confused.
Bella grinned at me as her hand smoothed its way down my chest and abs, and I gasped, feeling her fingers around my erection.
"Bella…"
"Shhhh…let me take care of you," Bella murmured, sliding her body down and pressing her lips against my neck. She has whispered the same words to me last night, and I moaned as her fingers ghosted over my tip. My subconscious was blissfully shocked unconscious and I let out a very garbled version of Bella's name. Her hand began to move in a rhythm she knew so well, and I closed my eyes tightly, reliving memories of last night.
After what was one of the most…heavenly experiences of my life, I came back to my senses and realized it was not quite as divine for Bella. Scooping her up in my arms, I carried Bella to the bathroom before placing her to sit on the edge of the tub. Bella smiled at me, but remained silent as I filled the tub with warm water. I finally chanced a glance down at Little Edward, who was nice a sated now, and I breathed the biggest sigh of relief. There was only a small, pinkish streak of blood. I tried to be stealthy and glance at Bella, but she totally caught me.
"It's very little blood, Edward. I'll be okay."
I still wasn't completely convinced, and I helped Bella get in the tub slowly, before we both sunk down in the warm water. I had to admit, it felt amazing, and I was hurting in muscles I didn't even know existed, despite my recent workouts with Bella. Bella hissed and then sighed as she settled between my legs. I had to mentally scold Little Edward for coming to life as Bella leaned back against me.
Our bath was relaxing, and the hotel had some lavender body wash and shampoo so we decided to move to the shower to wash up. Bella let me wash her body and her hair, and despite my scolding, Little Edward was desperate to participate. As Bella rinsed her body, I reminded myself (and Little Edward) about a thousand times, that Bella was sore and we were not going to be having sex again any time soon.
"Thank you for taking care of me," Bella whispered. She took the washcloth and soap and pressed her wet body against mine. "Let me take care of you."
Little Edward was a lucky son of a bitch, and of course, that meant that I was also one of the, if not the luckiest man alive. No one cared for me the way Bella did, and I doubted there was another girl out there who cared for her boyfriend the way Bella did. She was truly selfless and caring, and that was something that couldn't be faked. It was simply who she was. We had dried each other off with the large, plush towels and I carried Bella back into the bedroom, neither of us bothering to put on clothes. Bella did ask that I put her down, and I watched as she took some painkillers.
"Just in case," She shrugged.
I had felt guilty about the pain she was in, but she saw it in my eyes and told me right away that it wasn't my fault, reminding me that this was inevitable. I nodded and Bella joined me on the bed, snuggling into my arms. We fell asleep, softly kissing and whispering words of love to each other. At some point we shifted, and before I knew it, I was being woken up, and now being worked to an orgasm. Yeah…the subconscious was still blissfully quiet, and more than likely confused by the sheer pleasure happening here.
Bella's lips nipped and sucked at my neck and collarbone as I panted, and the familiar build in my groin was throbbing incessantly. I was pushed onto my back, and Bella's hand didn't falter in her rhythm. I had no idea what time it was, but I cried out into the grayish light of our room, a familiar sticky wetness spurting across my stomach. I was panting and my eyes felt heavy. The bed moved and I knew Bella was moving to get a towel to clean me up. I couldn't help but sigh when I felt the damp cloth against my skin, and soon, Bella was climbing back on the bed and curling up against my chest.
"What time is it?" I mumbled.
"Sleep," Bella whispered, pressing a kiss to my chest, "We have time. Just sleep."
My eyes were heavy and I couldn't argue. Soft lips and tiny fingers running through the hair on my chest lulled me back to sleep. Bella's soft voice whispering, "I love you", was the last thing I heard before I was dreaming of blissful things once again.
The blaring sound of Daft Punk's, "The Grid", from "TRON: Legacy" startled me awake. It wasn't the loud sound of my cell phone's alarm that had me frowning. My arms were empty, and the shower in the bathroom was running. I growled as I reached over and slammed my palm over my phone and silenced the alarm. 11:30am…time to get ready to meet the others for lunch. I groaned as I swung my legs off the edge of the bed. The muscles in my hips were killing me.
Gee, Cullen, I wonder why…
Oh goodie, you're awake.
There's an exercise for working out your hips…I'm pretty sure you and your hand can handle it…
Ugh…don't even go there right now.
I notice the bathroom door is slightly ajar and smile to myself, knowing my Bella is in there. I don't bother with putting on any clothes, despite the fact the sun is shinning straight into our room. Our view is facing the sound, so unless you're Spider-man, no one was going to be seeing into our room any time soon.
When I push the door open, Bella doesn't see me. She's standing in front of the mirror, and I instantly wonder what she is doing. I beg Little Edward not to get hard as Bella palms her breasts and move them around a bit. Her hands ghost over her stomach and her hips and…good lord what is she doing? I finally come to the conclusion that Bella is checking for damage or bruises. My heart sinks.
Relax, Cullen…you're not that strong.
But what if I was too rough last night? I already hurt her…what if I did something else?
The girl plays volleyball, Cullen. I don't think she bruises easily…
I'm shocked out of my conversation when Bella let's out a small scream. My body jumps and I feel my heart hammering in the chest when I tune back into what's going on. My cheeks feel like they're on fire and my eyes instantly go to the floor…but not before I see her hastily grab a towel and pull it in front of her, and notice that her cheeks match a strawberry.
"Edward…" Bella breathed, "You scared me."
"Sorry," I mumbled, grabbing a towel for myself and wrapping it around my waist. Bella's scream definitely killed the semi that was starting to rise.
"It's okay," Bella whispered.
We were both silent for a few seconds, and I had to ask. The idea that I hurt her further was killing me.
"Did I…were you…checking for bruises?" I asked quietly. I held my breath as I waited for her to answer. The idea of bruising her…of hurting her, even it was an accident, was horrible. When Bella didn't answer, I looked up, and found that her cheeks were, if possible, even redder and she was gnawing away on her bottom lip.
"Bella?"
Her eyes met mine hesitantly. "Do you promise not to laugh?"
Seriously? She thinks that I of all people am going to laugh at her?
Focus, Cullen!
"Of course," I answered, nodding my head.
Bella bit her lip again and then took a deep breath. "I was…well…I was looking to see if there was anything…different. I mean, now that we're not…you know anymore…I was just looking to see if I looked different."
I couldn't help but glance down and look at myself. Nothing looked different. Muscles I didn't even know existed were sore, and Little Edward seemed to want more attention than ever…but I didn't think those were huge changes. I wouldn't necessarily associate them with cashing in my V card.
"It's silly right?" Bella asked quietly.
"No!" I quickly shouted. Bella eyes went wide and I scrambled to recover. "No…I mean…well, I just checked myself just now…now that you mentioned it I mean."
Bella nodded, but didn't say anything. I swallowed to clear my throat a bit.
"Were you uh…expecting to…look different?"
Bella shrugged her shoulders. "No…I don't know. I know I feel really different, so I was just wondering if I looked different."
I grimaced, but I had to ask. "How do you feel different?"
I wasn't about to tell Bella that my hips were aching from all the thrusting last night.
Yeah, the full 40 seconds or so you were at it…
SHUT UP!
"I just…" Bella paused, "I know I tell you that you're cheesy all the time, but I just feel…closer to you know. I feel like my heart just swelled in size and was filled with even more love for you."
I couldn't help but smile and abandoned my towel on the ground. Wrapping Bella up in my arms, I pressed my lips to her forehead.
"You my sweet girl are not cheesy. You said everything I am feeling as well."
Bella snorted and kissed my chest. "So that does make it cheesy then…"
"Hey!" I pouted, my fingers tickling Bella's side. She squealed and tried to dance away but I held her close. My lips found hers easily and I kissed her until we were both breathless.
"I love you, Bella," I murmured against her lips.
Bella pecked my lips softly. "I love you too."
The shower was still going and I reluctantly pulled back. If we were going to shower and walk down to Pike's Place Market to meet our friends, we needed to get a move on.
"Help me save the planet?" I grinned. Bella's brows furrowed. "Shower with me and help conserve water."
Bella snorted and rolled her eyes, stepping around me and getting into the warm shower. I grinned and closed the door.
"You're a real superhero, E."
By the time Bella and I finally got out the door, we both had 10 nosy and sort of angry text messages from Alice on our phones, and we were almost twenty minutes late meeting our friends for lunch. It was completely worth it though, and Bella and I would definitely be coming back to Seattle again.
It was rather lame that I was sad when I stepped into my house in Forks alone. My subconscious kept reminding me of that fact. I dropped Bella off, giving her a quick kiss since the Chief was home and I was positive he knew what happened this weekend, and she wished me luck planning for my Peer Leadership thing tomorrow. I sighed and dropped my bag next to the couch.
Man up, Cullen! It's not like you're never going to see her again.
Shut up! Don't act like you didn't enjoy being in her arms all weekend.
Touché…but stop pouting. You'll see her tomorrow.
I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. Bella told me she thought it would be better if she ate with her Dad tonight. I didn't want to imagine what that conversation was going to be like. I was pretty positive the Chief liked me and approved, but I'm sure no father wanted to think his baby girl was coming home deflowered after spending the weekend with her boyfriend in Seattle.
God, I hope we don't have a daughter…
CHILDREN? Cullen, you're sad about being apart for 10 minutes and you're thinking about children?
I'm just saying…
No more "just saying". Not for 10 more years and there's a ring on both your fingers…
When I walked into the kitchen, I was surprised to see my Dad sitting there. I started to laugh as he ate cold lasagna straight from the pan. My father frowned and put his fork down.
"Gross, Dad. Don't you want to at least warm it up?" I asked, "And Mom would kill you if she knew you were eating it straight from the pan. Gross…"
"Well, your mother doesn't have to know," My Dad huffed, "And I'll heat some up. Do you want some?"
"As long as there's a part your fork didn't touch."
I heard my Dad grumble something under his breath as he went to take out two plates.
"Hey, where's Mom?"
"Oh," My father said as he put the food on the plates, "She's resting upstairs. She wasn't feeling well on the way back from Portland. I took her some soup earlier."
I eyed the familiar looking red and white labeled can of chicken noodle on the counter. Those cans were only busted out when someone was sick (or I was home alone), so she must've been pretty bad. I took a seat on one of the stools against the island counter in the middle of the kitchen and watched as my father put our plates in the microwave.
"So…how was Seattle?" My father asked, taking the stool on the opposite side. I noticed he was drinking tea as well, and I was thinking that maybe I should pop some vitamin C or something later. I really didn't want to get sick.
"It was good," I shrugged.
"Just good?" My father asked, raising his eyebrow.
"Bella had only been to Seattle once before. She really enjoyed it. We uh, we went down to the waterfront and Pike's Place Market."
"Wasn't the Four Seasons in a great location?"
"It was," I nodded, "The room was very nice. Uh, thank you, Dad."
"You're welcome," My Dad grinned, "And the rest of the trip…was good?"
Oh my God…Dad's on a fishing mission
Don't surrender unless you have to, Cullen!
"Uh…" I shifted in my chair, "Yeah. The concert was great."
"Really? I remember that guy when he was on TV. He was quite good."
"I think I may have broken my eardrums from Bella's screaming, but I think he sounded better live."
I cut my Dad off before he could speak again.
"And he did this whole acoustic set where he sang like, four or five songs with just him and his guitar player. It was really impressive. You should've seen the stage though, there were lasers and fog everywhere and glitter was like, everywhere and it was…God, it was just so loud and so much screaming."
I knew I was rambling to stall, and I was more than sure my father knew that as well, based on the raised brows he was directing my way. I fidgeted, but stayed silent, staring back at him.
Stay strong, Cullen…Stay strong…
The timer on the microwave went off and scared me.
"I had sex with Bella!" I blurted out.
CULLEN! What the balls did you do that for?
I don't know!
My father started chuckling as he turned around to grab our plates out of the microwave. I was pretty sure that my face was going to burst into flames at any minute. Any second now I was about to prove that human spontaneous combustion really was possible. It didn't help that my father was still laughing when he set my plate of food down in front of me. When the chuckles finally died down, my father spoke.
"I figured you'd be excited about it, but not that excited."
I felt a scowl begin to creep onto my face as my father started to chuckle again.
"Well…you…you were trying to…to fish it out of me!" I stammered, trying my best to sound irritated and teenage-angsty. My father full on laughed this time.
Epic fail, Cullen. Epic fail.
"Edward…" my father chuckled, "I was just trying to make sure you and Bella had a nice trip in Seattle. Although, now that you brought it up…"
Damn it! I swear this is some reverse psychology crap or something…
You know you're going to have a psych rotation right?
SHUT UP!
My father cleared his throat and his face was composed. "I hope you remembered our talk from before you left."
I nodded.
"And you took your mother's advice? Treated Bella gently and like she was the most precious thing in your world?"
I nodded again, my face flushing even more.
God, I'm going to look like a Spider-man mask minus the black webbing…
"And you two were safe? You used protection."
Oh crap…what do I say? We technically did right? I mean, Bella's on the pill…
"Edward!"
"She's on the pill!" I blurted out, "She takes it religiously! I'll use one next time!"
Next time? Cullen, what are you doing?
I slapped my palm against my forehead and rubbed viciously…what the hell is wrong with me?
I can answer that! Pick me! Pick me!
Would you can it! I'm trying to save our asses from Dad!
I couldn't read the look on my father's face. He sighed. "Bella was okay with that?"
I nodded.
"And if she winds up pregnant, are you two both ready to deal with the consequences?"
Again, I nodded, as terrifying as that situation would be.
"Edward," my father sighed, "I'm not saying that you two shouldn't be having sex, hell I gave you condoms, but when you don't use them, I hope you two are prepared for what could happen."
I swallowed heavily, but nodded for the millionth time.
"Your mother and I, and I'm sure Chief Swan, just want you two to be safe and happy. You two are going to Stanford next year! We all want to see what you two are capable of. I'm not saying a baby would stop you from that, but it would certainly make things more difficult and I hope you two think about that next time."
"I…we will," I said quietly. When my father brought Stanford into the equation, I knew I definitely didn't want Bella to miss out on playing volleyball. She admitted that without the volleyball scholarship, she probably would've never been able to go. That was a big wake-up call for me. I wouldn't bring it up with Bella since I didn't want her to feel bad. I'd just be adamant about using a condom next time.
"I'm proud of you, Edward."
"What?"
"You survived a sex talk with your father. The day after cashing in your V card."
"DAD!" I shouted.
My father held up his hands in surrender.
"In all honesty, Edward, I am proud of you. You found a girl who is beautiful both inside and out, who treats you like you're the only man in the world, who loves you for you…and who makes you happy. I don't think you could've found anyone better for you, son."
"Uh…thanks, Dad. That means a lot."
"You're going to do great things, kid," My father smiled, "And you'll have a great woman by your side. You hang on to Bella."
"Dad," I grumbled, thought I liked the thought, "It's not like I'm proposing to Bella tomorrow."
"But you love her right?"
I nodded.
"Then you'll marry her someday. We Cullen men, we mate for life."
Did he just…is he comparing us to penguins or something?
I believe the bird is a swan.
Oh my God…does that mean…oh, ewwwww…Mom and Dad….
GAH! Cullen! Keep that stuff out of here!
"I would be happy," I said quietly, "If…if I was with Bella for the rest of my life."
Bold statement, Cullen.
My father smiled at me. "I'm sure she feels the same way, son. She looks at you the same way your mother looks at me. It's the look of love, Edward."
Totally was not expecting that.
Me either.
"I'll pick you up more condoms before Friday. Unless you think you and Bella will be having sex again before the weekend?"
And there's the Dad I know and sometimes unfortunately love.
I just shook my head and started eating my food. My father chuckled as he began to eat as well. Though I was thoroughly embarrassed to have had this conversation with my father, and to have him know that Bella and I had sex, I felt oddly better that he did know. At least I had someone who I could share my…concerns (if any arise) with. And yeah, he might say some of the most embarrassing things sometimes, but my Dad gave good advice when it counted. I idly wondered if Bella could say the same thing. I found out the next day as soon as Bella got in my car when I picked her up for school.
"Oh my God, Edward…the first thing he asked me was whether I was still a virgin or not."
My eyes nearly bugged out of my head and the car may have swerved a little. Bella scowled at me.
"You deflowered his baby girl AND you want to add a poor driving record to that? Not helping, E!"
"Sorry," I muttered, "Give a guy a warning before you spring that kind of news on him though."
"Well, I got no warning from my Dad. As soon as I put my bag down, he asked. I don't even know if I had closed the door all the way yet! It was the most awkward and awful fight slash conversation of all time."
Bella rubbed bother her hands over her face vigorously. I swallowed heavily.
"So…uh, did you…you know…tell him?"
"Of course not!" Bella shrieked, "He would've shot you by now if I did! I had to divert him with talk about the pill and my period again, and about how the pill was also a form of protection, and…ugh…it was just awful."
"But he…he suspects doesn't he?"
Bella sighed and slouched down in her chair.
"Yeah…alone time is going to be hard to come by for a while I think."
I just nodded. I had figured as much. My father didn't say anything about limiting when I could have Bella over at the house or not, but I had a feeling that there were going to be more "random" checks to my bedroom now when Bella is over. I have never even risked setting a limb inside Bella's home. Who knows how many guns the Chief has in there?
Our school day was pretty mellow. Bella and I sat with Jasper, Alice, Ben, and Angela at lunch. The girls were still squealing about Adam Lambert, while Jasper, Ben, and I sort of just smiled and nodded. Bella held my hand the entire time we sat there though, so that was comforting.
"So…" Alice drew out, a playful gleam in her eye, "Today's Valentine's Day…"
Crap…I forgot. I didn't even wish Bella that when she got in the car!
Good one, Cullen.
In my defense she was upset…
"How'd you guys enjoy your Valentine's Day weekend presents?" Alice finished up.
Bella had bought me chocolates yesterday when we were walking around Pike's Place Market yesterday before we headed back for Forks. The chocolates were gone before we even got off the ferry. Bella insisted that I not get her anything since I had paid for the whole weekend. I didn't think she should buy me anything either, since all I wanted was her company, but she called me cheesy and bought me the chocolates. Not that I was complaining. Those were some delicious homemade goodies.
"It was amazing," Angela sighed, rather dreamily.
I listened and ate my lunch quietly as Angela and Alice recounted their weekends. Bella leaned her head on my shoulder as she munched on the salad she bought for lunch. Apparently before the concert, Angela and Ben were also down by the waterfront. Ben had taken Angela to the Seattle Aquarium and they were also walking around Pike's Place. Alice and Jasper ended up spending their time at the Seattle Center and the Space Needle. Everyone sounded like they had nice weekends, and when the bell rang, I couldn't help but sigh as we headed out of the cafeteria.
Bella hugged my right arm as I walked to throw away our garbage.
"Working out is going to be so boring without you," Bella pouted.
I chuckled as I threw our lunch away. Sliding my hand into hers, I leaned over and kissed Bella on the forehead.
"I know you said alone time might be hard to come by, but are you still going to come over tonight?"
Bella nodded as we walked down the hall. "Yeah…Charlie is having dinner with Sue tonight. I actually think it's cute. He got all red and embarrassed when he was trying to tell me about it."
"So that's where you get the blush from."
Bella laughed, "Yeah…I guess it is."
When we came to Bella's classroom door, she didn't want to let go of my hand.
"Good luck today," She said quietly.
"Thanks, B," I murmured.
"Don't let them push you around okay?"
"I won't."
"Okay…call me when you're on your way back and I'll see you at your house."
I nodded and Bella kissed me on the mouth softly.
"I have a great dinner planned," Bella grinned.
"I can't wait."
The last words I said to Bella were an understatement. I really couldn't wait to get home and have our dinner as planned. My palms felt sweaty as I sat in the office at La Push Middle School and waited for my supervisor, Mr. Griffin. I knew I had been recognized by some students as I walked from the parking lot to the main office. I tried to keep Bella's words on replay in my head.
"Don't let them push you around okay?"
Keep telling yourself that, Cullen.
I could use your support damn it! It would be nice if Han Solo were onboard with Luke's plan!
Just take a breath, Cullen. You can do this. I meant those words in a nice way.
"Edward?"
I snapped out of it and looked up. The man in front of me was a tall, Native-American man. His long hair was tied back, and if I had to guess, he was probably in his 40s. I stood up quickly and accepted his outstretched hand.
"It's good to meet you Mr. Griffin."
He smiled and let go of my hand. "We'll talk in my office and then head down to the classroom you'll be using."
My last two periods of the school day were non-existent on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays since I needed to get down to La Push and also prepare for whatever it was that I would be doing with my group that day. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I had a planning period and meetings with my Forks High supervisor and discuss any difficulties I was having, and also learning new activities I could do with my peer leadership group. Last week, I thought I was prepared. Now that I was actually here, I was beginning to get nervous again. Taking a seat in Mr. Griffin's office, I took a deep breath and tried to focus.
I can do this, I can do this, I can do this…
Don't let them push you around, Cullen.
Thanks for the reminder.
"Well, Edward," Mr. Griffin started, "Here is your list of students. There will be six of them in total, three boys and three girls."
I read over the list in my hand, seeing Seth Clearwater amongst them. I hadn't talked to him in a while, and Bella wasn't sure why he was a part of the group either. I guess I would have to find out today. In addition to Seth, the other boys' names were Paul and Jared. The girls were named Rachel, Hanna, and Leann. All of them were in the eighth grade and would be moving on to high school next year.
"Each of them has been recommended to this program for different reasons. I'm not here to disclose those, as I want them to build trust with you, Edward," Mr. Griffin said, closing a folder on his desk, "I'm told you are already familiar with Seth Clearwater?"
"Uh…yeah. I'm, uh, friends with his sister."
I didn't know what else to say. I didn't think Mr. Griffin wanted to hear the long winded explanation of how I knew Seth through my girlfriend and her father dating his mother and blah, blah, blah. Mr. Griffin nodded and folded his hands on top of his desk.
"Edward," He said slowly, "I know you were involved with…the situation between Seth's sister and Jacob Black."
I swallowed heavily. "Um…yes."
"I should tell you ahead of time, that Jared and Paul do not get along with Seth. Those two…well, they are in my office almost every day for something. They are definitely the bullies in their grade so to speak. Jacob Black was a hero to them. You have your work cut out with those two, but if you ever need my assistance, I will gladly step in."
I nodded silently.
"You will be running the sessions, but I'll be sitting in the room with you. Like I said, if you need me, just say so or I will step in if things become to much."
"All right," I said finally. My hands felt a little clammy and I noticed that there was 10 minutes left in the school day.
"Okay then, do you have any questions?"
I shook my head. I was about to encounter kids who looked up to Jacob Black. I didn't think they were going to be in the group that I was supposed to be working with. I just hoped I would be able to gain their trust and be able to do something…productive and helpful.
"How come you're so late?" Bella asked me as I came in the door. I had given her my house key a couple of weeks ago so she could just let herself in on our Saturday night dates.
She wrapped her arms around my waist and pecked my lips softly. I dropped my backpack and sighed, wrapping my arms around Bella's shoulders. Bella didn't say anything as she began running her hands up and down my back slowly. I let out another loud sigh and placed a kiss on her neck before pulling away.
"I had to drop Seth off at home."
I watched as Bella's brows furrowed. "How does he usually get home?"
"Most days, Leah picks him up, but she had an appointment with her therapist today so he was going to walk."
"What happened?" Bella asked, as she took my hand and led me towards the living room, "You guys had your peer leadership thing today right? And he was in the group?"
I flopped down on the sofa and took Bella with me. Pulling her towards me, Bella immediately climbed into my lap, knowing I wanted her close to me. I sighed again, wrapping my arms around her waist and burying my face in her neck.
"Apparently the other two boys in the group are the bullies of the school…and they worshiped Jacob Black."
Bella gasped loudly, but didn't say anything else.
"When I was leaving, they were pushing Seth around in the parking lot."
Bella pulled back so she could look me in the eyes. "What did you do?"
"Well," I sighed, "I think I made it more difficult for myself, but at least nothing happened to Seth."
"Today," Bella sighed, bringing her hand up and letting her fingers trace along my cheek.
I grabbed Bella's hand and placed a kiss in her palm. "I know."
Who was to say that tomorrow Jared and Paul wouldn't be picking on Seth again? And I wouldn't be there to do anything about it. How was I going to make Jared and Paul realize that bullying wasn't the way to go? I would have to speak with Mr. Griffin again before Wednesday's session.
"Come on," Bella whispered, "Tomorrow's another day, and I believe in you, Edward. You will help these kids. It's only been one day."
"I know…I just hope I didn't make it worse for Seth you know?"
Bella nodded. "He's a tough kid. Knowing that you're there to support him and make a difference helps."
Bella placed a quick kiss on my lips before standing up and smiling. "Come on. It's our first Valentine's Day together. Let's eat and then cuddle."
I followed like a puppy as she pulled me out of my seat and led me towards the kitchen.
You're so whipped, Cullen.
It's not a bad thing.
It's like, Jedi mind trick bad…she's going to turn you into her willing slave.
Key word there is "willing."
Touché, Cullen.
As I entered the kitchen, I noticed that while Bella was supposedly on a diet, it didn't stop her from hunting down delicious sounding, smelling, and tasting recipes to try out. The one thing that didn't fit in was the red velvet cupcakes I saw sitting on the counter, but I decided not to say anything. It was Valentine's Day and she deserved the treat…and in my opinion, given the chance, I would tell those Stanford volleyball people off. Bella was already so tiny and she definitely didn't need to lose any weight. Thank God she was a confident girl. I could see that kind of request going badly for someone who wasn't as confident in themselves. Bella ended up making a pasta with whole grain noodles, turkey sausage, and something called broccoli rabe. On the side was also a mixed vegetable salad. It all looked very healthy, but I can honestly say it tasted like anything but.
Despite her father's lecture yesterday, and Bella's fear of us getting to spend less and less time together, she received a text from her father after dinner saying he wouldn't be home tonight. We both shuddered at the implications of that text message. My parents were also having their own romantic evening in Port Angeles. There were just some things that I didn't need to think about. After cleaning up downstairs, we headed up to my room.
"Take a shower with me?" Bella asked quietly.
"Do you have clothes to change into?" I blurted out.
Cullen! She wants to get naked and wet with you! Who cares about clothes?
When did you turn into such a horn dog…
"Who said I want to put clothes on?"
My eyes bugged out and I swore I would never get used to this sexy side of Bella. Not that I was complaining, but good lord…she was going to be the death of me one day. Bella giggled and grabbed my arm, pulling me into my bathroom. Soon enough we were both under the hot spray of the water in my shower. To my surprise, Bella grabbed my shampoo.
"Bella, what are you doing?"
Usually she used her own…which I was quite pleased to say had a permanent fixture in my shower. She smiled and gestured for me to bend down a little. I complied, still confused as to why she wanted to wash my hair. As soon as I felt her fingers in my hair though, I didn't bother to question her motives anymore.
"I just want to take care of you," Bella said quietly, moving to stand behind me. "You took such good care of me this weekend, and gave me so much…you said no Valentine's Day gifts, but I want to do this…if that's okay?"
"Okay," I whispered, letting myself get lost in the feeling of her nails against my scalp.
Each of Bella's touches were soft and gentle, almost as if she was trying to tell me how much she loved me each time her skin touched mine.
That's what she's trying to do idiot…think about it.
I am…don't interrupt me.
As Bella's hands began to drift over my skin with a washcloth, I sighed and let my head fall back. If you had tried to tell me a couple of months ago that I would be standing here naked in my shower with Bella Swan, I would've thought you were crazy. I never would've thought in a billion years or in this universe or any alternate one, that Bella Swan would've ever cared for me the same way I did for her. She was smart, kind, funny, and so beautiful in more ways than the obvious. Bella made me feel like I fit somewhere, and I had discovered that my place was right next to her. She never felt like she was better than me or treated me like an outcast. She gave me confidence and made me believe that it was okay to be smart and have the interests that I did. She brought me to life with her love and caring. There was nothing I could give her on Valentine's or any other day that would equal that.
Bella's hands drifting below my belly button snapped me out of my musings. Little Edward was wide awake and quickly rising to the occasion. I groaned as Bella's soapy hand wrapped around my erection.
"Bella…" I panted, opening my eyes and looking down at her.
"Let me take care of you," was all she whispered before I closed my eyes and moaned, my head falling back.
I felt her body move closer as her hand began to move up and down, and soon felt her lips on my neck and moving down my chest. This was another thing that I never thought would happen for me…anything of a sexual nature. Well, maybe not never, but I figured I'd probably be in my twenties before I even found a girl who would agree to even going on a date with me.
Why are you thinking about that when Bella's hand is on your dick?
I was just-
"Ohhhhhhhhhhh…"
The loud moan left my mouth and my head snapped back forward the same time my eyes popped open. Another moan left my mouth as I looked down, torn between stopping her and urging her onwards. Bella's tongue tracing up the underside of my dick made the decision for me.
"Bella…I…"
"Just enjoy," she whispered.
I moaned and braced one of my hands against the wall. The thought of Bella's lips around my dick had previously repulsed me, but I couldn't find any fault in it right now. She had said the same thing after the first time I went down on her. All too soon I felt all the familiar signs.
"Bella…wait…wait…"
I still didn't like the idea of my…semen in her mouth. Bella pulled away and immediately replaced her mouth with her hand, her lips going back to my chest as she stood up. Three more pumps of her hand was all it took before I came, exploding all over her hand. Bella's hand kept moving as she coaxed all of my orgasm from me, and my body sort of slumped over on her in its post-orgasmic haze. She placed soft kisses on my neck and whispered words of adoration in my ear as I tried to recover from that pleasant little gift.
The daze I was in apparently lasted long enough for Bella to finish bathing herself, and I seemed to snap out of it when the water turned off. Bella moved around me, smiling and looking quite pleased with herself. I was still completely blissed out, and even my subconscious wasn't making fun of me as I let Bella towel us both dry and led me by the hand back into the bedroom.
I would follow this woman anywhere…
Bella pulled me towards the dresser when she tossed me a pair of sleep pants. I finally regained my sense and frowned when I saw her pull a pair of panties and one of my t-shirts out of her bag. I was still standing there frowning, completely naked and holding my sleep pants in my hand when she noticed me.
"Edward? Are you okay?"
"You…don't want to…ummmm…you don't want to have…?" I trailed off, unsure of how to ask Bella if she wanted to have sex.
Good one, Cullen. Real smooth and romantic.
Shut up! I'm working on it!
Bella blushed and smiled at me, shaking her head. "No…I just want to cuddle with you tonight if that's okay?"
"Oh…right…of course," I nodded.
I couldn't deny that I was a little bummed out that she said no, but I slipped on my sleep pants without question. Bella stopped me with a hand on my forearm before I climbed into bed.
"Edward…" She said softly, her brown eyes meeting mine. "It's not that I don't want to…to make love to you again."
Bella's cheeks reddened further as she looked down briefly and bit her lip. Well, I was at least relieved that she had been thinking about having sex with me again.
Not sex, Cullen. She called it "making love".
Right, right…
I assumed there was more Bella wanted to say, but she surprised me when she instead tugged on my forearm and pulled me into bed. Fortunately only my bedside lamp was on and I wouldn't have to climb back out to turn off the lights. Lying on my back, Bella quickly found her spot at my side and cuddled against me, sighing and almost purring like a content little kitten.
"I really, really want to make love with you again," Bella whispered after a few minutes. "I know it's Valentine's Day and we should be all lovey dovey and romantic like all the clichés say, but I…um…I just…well…your colossal peen did a number on my lady bits and I need to recover!"
I couldn't help but snort when Bella finally blurted everything out. "Colossal peen? Is that a technical term?"
Bella sat up and glared at me. "What would you rather I call it? Your giant cock? Gargantuan penis? Your obscenely large dick? Your blessed wand? Your-"
"Okay, okay, woman!" I laughed, "Colossal peen works fine for me."
"It works more than fine for me too," Bella smiled, becoming shy again. She lay back down and snuggled up against my chest once more.
"Just give me a few more days to recover," Bella whispered. "Hopefully we can both wait that long."
"I can wait," I whispered back, "Anything for you, love."
"I love you, Edward…and thank you for…for understanding."
I nodded as Bella's hand began to make small circles on my chest. After a few minutes, I grabbed her wrist, and lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm and then her fingertips.
"So…no colossal peen for a few days right?"
Bella snorted but answered with a, "correct."
I rolled Bella onto her back and propped myself up on my side next to her. Leaning down I captured her lips in a kiss, our tongues slowly peeking out to caress each other. I broke away and began to trail kisses along Bella's jaw.
"Edward…" Bella panted.
"Mmmm…" I hummed, "You said no colossal peen…but what about dexterous fingers and a talented tongue?"
My tongue snaked out and licked the shell of Bella's ear. She gasped and one of her hands flew up and gripped my hair.
"Yes, Edward…please…"
"You're sure?" I murmured against the skin of her neck.
"Please…"
I was pretty sure that nothing boosted my confidence like being able to make Bella come. It was a bit crude, but it made me feel like more of a man nonetheless. No one else needed to know that though. She was beautiful as she came all over my fingers, and again as I tasted her, making her hips and back arch off the bed. Bella was beautiful, and radiant, and so alive in the throes of passion. I liked to think that like she had brought me to life, I had done something similar for her. She had always been beautiful, but here with me in my bed, she was like a goddess, completely divine and too splendid for anyone else to behold.
Bella could barely move her limbs as I crawled back into bed with her after having helped her redress in her panties and shirt. She had tried to offer to take care of Little Edward again, but I waved her off. My girl was exhausted, and unfortunately we did have to go to school tomorrow morning. As I rejoined her in bed after washing up a bit, Bella immediately snuggled against my chest, throwing her arm and leg over my body. I chuckled softly as I wrapped my arms around her, hearing her breaths already turning heavy and evening out.
"Happy Valentine's Day, my love…my Bella," I whispered.
Bella sighed, a small smile on her lips. "My Edward."
Well? Yes? No? I know…it's been a while and I really, really do apologize. My thesis is due at the end of April and I had all these re-edits to do. Plus I got distracted by something else:
Okay, so by now everyone has heard about the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan. That really hit close to home for me. I have family and friends in Japan (who are thankfully okay), family and friends in Hawaii (whom I was really worried about in the wee morning hours of March 12th), and a friend of mine's boat got destroyed in Santa Cruz. Since this tragedy hit so close to home for me, I decided to participate in the Fandom For Tsunami fundraiser. I wrote an outtake from "Whatever It Takes". It's all about a particular 9 months. :-P That's all I'll say about that.
Please check out fandomfightstsunami(dot)blogspot(dot)com and think about donating if you haven't already. There is already a huge list of authors contributing, and I know the one I'm really looking forward to is the exclusive future outtake from the story "Emancipation Proclamation" by Kharizzmatik. So if you want to read that, or likely another exclusive piece, all you have to do is donate $10 to the Red Cross. Check out the website for all the info on how to donate and receive this huge compilation of work.
So…after all that, think you guys can tell me what you thought of the chapter? Good or bad? Pretty please? Hope to update within two weeks :-D