Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of Stephenie Meyer. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Story Notes: Where oh where...is Edward taking Bella?

They may seize
On the white wonder of dear Juliet's hand
And steal immortal blessing from her lips,
Who, even in pure and vestal modesty,
Still blush, as thinking their own kisses sin.

Romeo and Juliet. ACT III Scene 3.

Chapter 21 :::Classic:::

As we drove into Seattle, I turned and glanced at Edward. "Are you going to tell me where you're taking me now?" I smiled widely, hoping to influence his answer.

"Not yet love." he said, and began slowing down as he entered the city.

"Will you tell me when we get there?"

Edward laughed and hit his blinker, making a right turn onto the main road. "I'm sure it will be quite obvious when we pull up at our destination."

I sighed at the thought of having to wait any longer, the ride had already seemed to have taken forever.

Edward, noticing my anxiousness, reached out and placed his hand on my knee. "Don't worry love, we'll be there in about five more minutes."

We continued down the main road, passing up tall buildings and elegant restaurants. People were walking up and down the sidewalks, some arm-in-arm with their loved ones, others alone or with their families. I glanced inside some of the department stores as we passed by, taking note of their chic clothing lines and thought to myself how Alice would love some of these places. It was such her style.

The car slowing down as Edward pulled into a turning lane, brought my attention around to his side of the car. He turned into a parking lot, that was adjacent to the most beautiful and grand building I had ever laid my eyes on.

"What is this place?" I asked, dazzled.

"It's McCaw Hall." Edward replied, grinning.

"What happens here?"

"It's a performing arts hall, it's the home of the Pacific Northwest Ballet and Seattle Opera." he said, and climbed out of the car, making his way to my side and opened my door, helping me out.

I stood there for a moment taking in this beautiful structure. The entrance of the building seemed like it was golden against the light of day, and the entire building seemed to made of glass. I glanced up and noticed how the glass windows seemed to span the entire height of the building, and curved around lengthwise. I was amazed with the nine metal screens that spanned the walkway, flashing in multiple colors, and seemed to create a live painting.

"It's absolutely beautiful!"

"Not as beautiful as you are love." Edward replied softly, leaning in towards me, devouring me with his eyes.

I smiled, embarrassed at his frankness and turned back to gaze at the magnificent structure.

"Do you like what you see?" he asked.

I looked back up at Edward and smiled. "I love what I see now."

Edward smiled from ear to ear and wrapped his arm over my shoulders and pulled me tightly into him. "Well let's go inside and have something to eat first, I don't want you to be hungry for the performance later on, as I don't want you to miss a single thing."

I nodded and we made our way inside.

"Where are we going to eat at?"

"At Prelude." he said, as we entered the Hall. "It's conveniently located here on the Promenade so we don't have to drive all over the place. This way, we have more time to spend with each other." he said with a wink and pulled me in closer to him.

I looked around the lobby taking in the elegant, grand staircase that climbed five stories and the sophisticated balconies that hugged the curves of the railing. I quietly laughed to myself for thinking the words elegant and sophisticated, but not quietly enough.

"What' is so funny?" Edward asked, glancing down at me as we entered the diner.

"Oh, I was just wondering why you would bring me to such an elegant place. I so don't fit in here." I admitted.

Edward chuckled lightly as the hostess led us to our seat. He stretched out a hand beckoning me to sit down, and pulled his chair closer to my side, joining me.

I waited patiently for the hostess to leave us before speaking. "What is so funny to you now?" I asked, trying to whisper.

Edward shook his head and leaned in, whispering into my ear. "I was just thinking how you're busy wondering of how you don't fit in here, when you are so much more elegant in comparison." He took in a deep breath, breathing me in and then let it out softly, sending shivers down my spine.

"Uh..." I stammered, his breath and closeness causing my heart to pound. "I think we need to order."

"You go ahead...I have all I want right here." Edward said softly, as he ran his lips against my cheek bone, leaving me with a light kiss before returning to his original position at the table.

I sat staring blankly at the menu I had in my hands, not knowing what to do. I heard Edward laugh lightly beside me, as he watched me trying to collect myself.

"Any ideas yet?" he asked, trying to help bring me back to reality.

"Oh yeah." was my reply.

"And what would that be?"

I turned and glanced up at Edward. "I was thinking that maybe we should just skip dinner and go straight to dessert." I said, audaciously.

Edward snickered, yet seemed to toy with the thought for a moment, then quickly resigned. "I meant, did you have any ideas on what you are going to order to eat?"

I smiled widely at the thought of telling him I wouldn't mind having him served up on a silver platter with all his delectable trimmings, and of course with a few sides of pleasure and ecstasy.

My thoughts once again gave me away, as I felt the blood rush up to my cheeks and flood them with embarrassment. I looked over at Edward who was steadily smiling and shaking his head.

Edward raised one perfect brow. "Though I can only assume what you're thinking, I don't think it will help matters any If I ask you to confirm it. So, with that said, let's order your dinner and we will discuss it later." he said in teasing, yet quietly promising with his eyes, to pick up more than this conversation later in the night.

After dinner, Edward escorted me out of the diner and back out into the lobby.

"Where to now?" I asked, curious.

"Well...first to the box office so I can pick up our tickets, then on to the auditorium."

"Tickets for what?"

"You will see love."

I followed Edward as he took care of our tickets and led me to the auditorium. We made our way up the staircase that was fit for a queen, to the second tier and passed through a side door that said 'Box Seating'.

I was in total amazement with our seating arrangements. I had never been in something so extravagant and beautiful. I followed beside Edward as he led me to our seats and sat down.

I looked out over the auditorium amazed with the decorations and architecture. I finally took notice of the large stage and turned to Edward questioning him.

"What are we here to see?" I asked, excited.

Edward smiled and wrapped his strong arm around my shoulders, whispering. "I brought you here to see the Pacific Northwest Ballet perform Romeo and Juliet."

"What?" I asked ecstatic, almost bouncing out of my seat, as Edward tightened his hold on me trying to keep me calm.

"Calm down Bella." he laughed, leaning in and planting a soft kiss on my cheek. "I thought you would be excited, but not this much!" he whispered, playfully.

"I'm definitely excited Edward! I've always wanted to see this ever since I was little girl! I can't believe you would think to bring me here!" I said happily, and took his face in-between my hands and planted a firm kiss on his lips.

Edward smiled, his eyes glistening from the dim lights of the auditorium. "Well, I am happy that you are happy Bella, and that is all that I can ask for." he said softly, and pulled me closer into his side.

It wasn't long after announcements were made and the lights went out, that the curtain was raised and the first act began.

Throughout the performance, Edward would glance over at me, pull me closer or take my hand and hold it in his, sometimes absentmindedly caressing it with his thumb. I would smile at his touch and always returned my gaze back to the stage.

I was enthralled with the performance, at how beautiful and graceful the dancers moved. The play was above being compared to perfection and artistic. I felt like I was in a dream, and didn't want to wake from it. I had everything I could ask for. Edward was by my side, and I was watching Romeo and Juliet; one of my all-time favorite stories, and it was a beautiful ballet to complete it. I had always daydreamed of seeing a performance such as this, when I was in ballet as a little girl.

Before long, the happy reverie was over and I was upset that it had to end.

I turned to Edward as we remained seated for a few moments longer, letting the others around us filter out. "I think that Two hours and thirty minutes wasn't nearly long enough for such a beautiful performance." I paused, glancing over the balcony watching the people below us leave their seats. "I just wish it could have lasted longer you know."

Edward nodded and stood up, pretending to lightly stretch. "All good things must come to an end." he said casually, and held out his hand for mine.

I sat in my seat staring up at him with a shocked expression. I wondered to myself if he even realized what his words had implied. I for one, knew that all good things must come to an end, but knowing that if I never changed into what Edward was, these words would one day ring true for us.

"What's wrong Bella?" he asked, his expression becoming worried.

"Did you even think about what you said, before you let it out of your mouth?" I spat, and stood up ignoring his hand.

"What?" he asked, confused. "That all good things must come to an--" he said, cutting his own self off, realizing what I meant. "Oh, I'm sorry...I didn't mean it that way love."

I shrugged my shoulders trying to play it off, that I didn't really care. "It doesn't matter anyway Edward, it's so obviously true...what we have will end one day, so I guess it's best that we start getting used to that fact now." I said nonchalantly, and tried to make my way past him, but he reached out and stopped me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

"Stop it Bella...please."

"Well, it's true....is it not?" I asked, trying to confirm that he knew it was a valid point.

"Not necessarily, but can we discuss this later? I don't want to ruin our night arguing over this."

"Not necessarily?" I asked, confused. I had always known that he didn't want me to be like him, was he thinking otherwise?

"Bella..." Edward began, as he moved his hands to frame my face. "I don't think this is really the place to discuss this." he said softly, raising his eyes to look around us. "Let's go to the car and we will finish it there, okay?"

I nodded, and he took my hand into his and led us out of the Hall.

Once in the car, I picked up my playbill and began looking over it. Edward turned the ignition over and paused, glancing over at me. He acted as if he wanted to say something, then decided against it, and turned to put the car in gear.

"What?" I asked, not looking over at him.

"I uh..." he paused, taken by surprise that I had noticed his hesitation. "I guess I was just wondering if you really think that we will not last." he said, making more of statement than a question.

"You guess?" I asked, turning to look up at him.

"Yes...I am guessing, because I am not really sure of how you feel about us in that way." Edward said, his expression pained.

I sighed and reached out my hand to cover his that rested on the shifter. "I never said that we wouldn't last Edward, I meant that we wouldn't last forever. That is a big difference."

Edward turned and glanced out of his window then back to me. He was obviously hurt by my words, and didn't seem to understand how I could say something like that. "You really believe that?...That we won't last forever?"

"We will last for my forever...if we don't let anything come between us, but...There is no way we can last for your forever Edward." I stated, letting the harsh reality of my words sink in.

Edward nodded as he processed the truth of my statement. He remained in deep thought for what seemed like an eternity before speaking again.

He pulled his hand out from under mine and took it into his, looking down as he traced it with his thumb. "You do know that we can last for my forever."

"I know." I said, realizing that he meant we could last if I was changed into a vampire. "But you don't want that, so it's not an option."

"But Alice saw you as one of us." he replied.

I pursed my lips and looked up at him, waiting for him to look at me. "That's true, but that will change." I said, as he finally raised his eyes to meet mine. "If you don't want it, then it's not going to happen. I've already made my mind up on that, so I guess we'll have to make the best of my forever."

Edward reached up and placed a loving hand on my cheek, cradling it. I hadn't seen him this pained since the day he had arrived back in Forks. "Then I guess I will only last as long as your forever does." he paused for a moment, swallowing hard. "When your time comes, I will be right behind you."

I raised a brow in confusion. "Why would you do that? That is the most stupidest thing I've ever heard you say!"

Edward dropped his hand from my face in shock. "Because Bella, I don't want to be without you, there is no reason for me to exist without you!" he spat, hurt.

"That's not what I meant and you know that." I said, shaking my head. "Why would you do something like that when all you have to do is agree to change me. I just think it's stupid for you to be willing to die over me, when you can prevent both of our deaths to start with!"

"Bella.." Edward said softly. "I cannot kill you, just to make you what I am. I can't do that to you."

I leaned back in my seat and massaged my forehead. "Well then, I guess it's settled. We only have my forever, so... that's that."

Edward moved his hand to the shifter, putting the car in gear, and pulled out onto the main road. We rode in silence until we hit the isolated highway, and he pressed the gas speeding up to ninety in less than a minute.

"Are you going to avoid speaking to me for the rest of the evening?" Edward asked, keeping his eyes focused on the road ahead.

I turned and looked over at him, he still seemed to be hurt from our previous conversation, and it made my heart sink. He was expressionless and was tilting his head towards his window. I couldn't figure out if it was a unconscious attempt at avoiding me, or if he really was trying to distance himself.

I knew that I wasn't trying to avoid him, and that I didn't want this to continue for the rest of our time together. I noticed that he caught me out of the corner of his eye, watching him.

"What?" he asked, still not looking at me.

I smiled as much as I could, trying to push the tension of our reality of 'forever' together away, and reached out and put my hand on his arm. "I love you Edward, no matter what. I'll always love you."

Edward let out a sigh, then turned to glance over at me and smiled. "I love you too Bella, forever." he said and took my hand into his as he returned his gaze back to the open road.

Once we had arrived in Forks, Edward didn't take the usual route to his house.

"Where are we going now?" I asked, wondering what he was up to this time.

"You'll see."

I laughed softly and shook my head. I knew it wouldn't do me any good to question him further. So I just sat back and waited.

Soon, we pulled up to a parking area that bordered the forest line. I knew there were walking trails ahead and began trying to figure out why he would bring me here of all places.

Edward climbed out of the car and flitted around to my side letting me out. There were no other people around to view his super human speed, so I was a bit thankful for that.

"What are we doing here?"

Edward shook his head. "You and your questions." he said playfully. "Now cover your eyes and don't peek."

I nodded, doing what was requested of me and covered my eyes. I shrieked in surprise as I felt Edward pick me up into his arms and took off running.

I was so tempted to peek but didn't. I kept my head pressed into his chest and rebuked the idea of turning around to look at where we were going.

When we had finally come to a stop, Edward set me down gently. "Okay, you can look now."

I opened my eyes and looked around, we were in our meadow. Edward grabbed me by the hand and led me out to the middle where a blanket was already spread out.

"How did this get here?" I asked, knowing he hadn't brought it with him.

"Alice." he replied, and sat down on the blanket pulling me with him.

I smiled at the thought of Alice helping him out with our date, now I knew what she meant when she had told me that he wouldn't let her help plan anything. At least she had been able to help with this part.

I laid back on the blanket, crossing my legs at the ankles, and stared up at the sky. It was finally starting to get dark, and the air was becoming crisp, so I rubbed my hands up and down my arms in an attempt to warm myself. If I had only thought to bring a change of warmer clothes or a jacket, I wouldn't have had to worry about being cold.

Edward turned and watched as I tried to warm up. "Are you cold love?"

I nodded, as he grabbed an extra blanket that was set on the side, opening it up, and then leaned over; wrapping it around me. After making sure that I was warm enough, he curled up beside me and pulled me into his chest.

"So are we here to watch the stars tonight?"

Edward chuckled and whispered into my ear, sending even more chills over me. "No...we're here to watch the moon rise. It's going to be a full moon tonight, and since we can't watch the sun rise...I thought this would be even better." he said, pointing up to the moon and then dropped his hand, wrapping it back around me.

I smiled and pulled my blanket tighter into me, then turned to face Edward; my lips brushing up against his we were so close. He met my gaze and softly kissed my chin, moving his way up to my lips; devouring them with a tender passion.

He paused for a moment, catching my eyes with his. "I love you Bella." he whispered.

"I love you too Edward." I said softly, and locked my lips back onto his, letting my desire for him be known through my touch.

I felt as Edward grabbed at the edges of my blanket pulling it away from me. He backed away for only a brief moment and covered us both with it, hiding our bodies underneath.

His lips immediately met mine and our hands began to roam each other's bodies, searching with desire and begging for pleasure.

Edward's cool hand moved across my breasts, and down to stomach, stopping at my thigh as he ran his fingers underneath the edge of my dress and slowly worked it upward.

He crouched over me and and began to suck my stomach gently, pulling the taut flesh in and kept his mouth wide-open, blowing a little, and pulling me in again. I wanted him to touch me everywhere.

Inside, my belly quivered. Edward's cunning mouth sent a current of butterflies to work. The fluttering started between my legs and made me so wet I blushed at the possibility that he might now.

Edward moved his lips up the bare skin of my stomach to my chest, and continued to raise my dress until it was completely off; dropping it behind me, and then removed my bra with perfect precision.

I reached up and wrapped my arms around his neck and drew his lips to my mouth. Edward's lips were cool and sweet as they met mine. Passion seemed to overwhelm him and his mouth devoured my lips.

Edward's kisses grew more and more passionate. His hands caressed my breasts, inflaming my senses more and more into fully wanting him, the slow pace was pure torture to my body.

The palms of my hands moved seductively over him, touching his hardness through his pants as it pressed into the flesh of my thigh. I began to unbutton and unzip his pants, but my eyes jolted open when he pulled away from me.

When I saw what he was doing, that he was taking his clothes off, to match my own nudity, I shot him a look of passion, eagerly waiting.

Now stripped of his clothing, revealing his readiness to me, he leaned over me with burning eyes. I drifted towards him, letting his arms enfold me with their solid strength.

Edward's mouth then covered mine with a fierceness I'd never known before. It stole my breath away. It caused my pulse to race and my head began a slow reeling. With a moan of ecstasy I returned his kiss and clung to him, welcoming his hardness inside of me as he entered me with acute deliberation.

Opening myself fully to him, I met Edward's thrusts with upraised hips, stroke by stroke. I leaned my breasts more fully into his hands, feeling the curl of cool desire growing within me, spreading. The world was melting, everything was beautiful...oh, so peaceful within Edward's passionate embrace.

Edward continued to kiss me, a kiss that was all-consuming. I could feel the fire growing into an inferno within himself, his loins trembling.

He moved his hands from my breasts and let hem travel over me, reveling in the warmth of my body as I clung to him, meeting him thrust by thrust. He buried his lips in the delicate, vulnerable line of my neck, and groaned out words of pleasure so that I could hear him, but only barely. I could feel his body was near to exploding.

Trembling, his hands continued to move over me, from my thigh to my hip, from breast to breast. He looked down at me with eyes burning with passion, then once again kissed me, drugging me with his presence...by his sweetness.

I felt the wondrous pleasurable feelings mounting within me. I softly moaned, twining my fingers through his hair. My lips on fire with his kiss. My body was floating, my senses dazzled.

Molding me closer to the contours of his lean, passion-filled body, Edward grazed my shimmering flesh with his lips, and at the same moment he exploded within, matching my own moment of released passion.

We laid clinging, breathing hard. I ran my fingers across Edward's pallid shoulders, then down his spine. "I love you." I whispered.

Edward leaned partially away from me. His hand swept perspiration-dampened strands of my hair back from my face, his eyes devouring me. "I love you too." he said passionately.

He shifted his body away from mine, lying on his side, and pulled me into his chest. I could hear the unnecessary deep breaths emerging from his hardened lungs and smiled to myself that I could make him, of all people in this world, make him feel that way that I did. I knew in my heart that it was a mutual feeling, and wanted it to last forever.

I leaned my head back away from his chest so I could breath in some fresh air and looked up at him. "Can't we stay here forever...just like this, never moving?"

Edward smiled so tenderly, his breath washing over my face. "I wish we could love, I really wish we could."

We held each other for quite a while. I laid wrapped in Edward's arms and we watched silently as the night officially rolled in and the moon stood straight above us, shining brightly.

There had been no need for words. Just the soft touch and hold of our embrace was all that was needed. But before long, this too would have to end, and I would find myself wanting him over and over again.

Without saying a word, we both quickly dressed and picked up the blankets, folding them.

Edward turned to me, obviously not wanting the night to end, but knew that I needed to go home. "Well, I guess we need to get you back to my house so Alice can take you home." he said solemnly.

I nodded in confirmation. "Yeah, Charlie will end up sending out a search party before too long." I joked.

Once we made it back to the car, and Edward had opened my door for me, I reached out and pulled him into me, wrapping my arms around him.

"I had a wonderful time. Thank for you for taking me to the play and for spending time with me." I said, affectionately.

Edward leaned back and smiled, his eyes sparkling from the moonlight. "No need to thank me love, I do it because I love you, I would spend every waking moment with you if I could."

"I love you too, Edward."

Chapter End Notes: Again, thank you for reading!! Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts!! :)

Coming Up.... Chapter 22 'Vexed' Bella heads home and is forced to deal with reality, the reality of Jacob.