The Handcuff Bracelet

by Lykosdracos

Having escaped to Forks, will Bella find solace in dark Edward Cullen? How hard will Edward have to fight to keep that which he longs to claim? Rated MA for lemons, language, drug and alcohol content. Tattoos with meaning, leather worn well- enjoy!

25. Costume For A Gutterball

Chapter 25
- Costume For A Gutterball

Authors Note:
The Twilight Series, and any related characters, do not belong to me.

Authors Note 2:
Edward-
http:/www(dot)twilightimages(dot)org/albums/Photoshoots/Robert%20Pattinson/Chris%20Pizzelo/011(dot)jpg
Authors Note 3:
Bella's Gloves-
http:/www(dot)mydivascloset(dot)com/skstfiglfor7(dot)html
I hate gloves, but these are damn comfortable. Highly recommended.
Alice-
Difficult to find Alice pictures because the way my Alice dresses is a lot different than what Ashley Greene wears as Alice/in real life. Same goes for Bella, all of the rock-punk pictures of her are with short, short hair. 'sigh.
http:/ashleygreene(dot)net/gallery/albums/Movies/2008%20Twilight/Stills/normal_004(dot)jpg

Authors Note 4:
Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's out there! Hope ya'll had a fantastic day!
Quick last note-
The italicized portions will be explained eventually, if they aren't in this chapter. You'll find out why I've written them in, promise. And, it just goes to show what Edward's lived with this whole time, to hear things like that and not be phased by them? Just a thought before this chapter starts…

Playlist
http:/listen(dot)grooveshark(dot)com/playlist/The+Handcuff+Bracelet/28554942
Releasing The Demons- Godsmack
DopeRide- Saliva
Costume For A Gutterball- Finger Eleven
Made of Steel- Our Lady Peace
Conversations- Finger Eleven

Edward's Point of View

"Edward? Edward, wake up."

I jolted back to consciousness and was aware of three things. Someone was in my room and it wasn't Alice. I was in so much pain, it was laughable in a way, and third? I wasn't dreaming anymore.

"I'm fine," I said automatically, shielding myself from the light.

Carlisle. It was Carlisle. No threat, I'm in Forks; no need to freak out about a nightmare. I rubbed a hand over my face and caught my breath before I let any pained noises escape. Fuck, I hurt all the fuck over. Its not as though I'd forgotten about the fight. Just, fuck. I could have done without the physical reminder. The pain was sharp and all-encompassing, but I was still fine. This wasn't that bad, all things considered. I wasn't bleeding or broken; shit would heal.

"Did you just get in?"

He shook his head. "I was working outside and heard you thrashing around. Sorry for waking you."

"It's cool," I yawned. "Want any help?"

"No, thank you all the same," he smiled. "Go back to sleep."

"I'm good for awhile. I fell asleep too early last night. I'll join you for some coffee, if you want the company?"

"Sure," he agreed. "I'll be outside."

"Great," I got up and headed to the bathroom. "Be there in a second."

Now that the dream had faded, I didn't want to go searching through the recesses of my mind for what it had been about. If Carlisle needed to leave soon, it was probably five in the morning. Ah well, I was running on six hours of sleep as it was, more than enough. I reached into my drawer and nearly bit through my cheek to prevent from groaning loudly. Fuck, I'd need to be careful of automatic movements. A hit or two from a joint would help keep things bearable.

There, much better. I smiled and made my way into the bathroom.

Coffee would be good; I looked like hell and a half. Maybe I shouldn't have so readily agreed to chat with Carlisle. He'd find out eventually, it wasn't as though I could hide this forever. I flinched slightly as I turned the overhead bathroom light on.

'Think your mama's pretty, kid? Look at her now, real fuckin' pretty, eh?'

Well, shit. My face was fine except for remnants of a bruise near my eye, courtesy of Jasper, and a dark bruise that went across my chin. Fuck Sam, fuck Paul, too. Fuck any guy who had been in the parking lot. My lip was split, I brushed my teeth and was thankful that none of them had punched hard enough to dislodge anything. I'd wait until tomorrow to shave, the side of my jaw was scraped from rubbing against pavement. I had two hickeys from Bella and a few bruises from the choke-holds of last night. My voice, however, wasn't in any way affected.

'Screaming, unable to emit sound. My throat had been rubbed raw by the rope…'

Might as well change for school, I wasn't going to find sleep until tonight. The shower warmed up as I mentally braced myself before stepping underneath the spray. Closing my eyes, I distanced myself for a while. The most unpleasant part was over; the heat felt really good now that the sting was gone. Washing my hair was a bitch, my ribs sent flashes of pain through my body every time I raised my arms. Knowing that Carlisle was waiting for me, I didn't take more than ten minutes.

I pulled on a black t-shirt and wore a flannel shirt over it so that my arms would be covered. With fingerless leather gloves, my knuckles were hidden. A pair of loose jeans and black boots finished the outfit. I still looked like crap, but most of the wounds were concealed including the ones on my throat and jaw. Whatever, it would have to do.

"Don't you make no sound, boy. I ain't raising no fuckin' girl."

Ah, so that's what my dream had been about. The voice rang through my mind and I quickly shut it off. Fuck all of it, that had been in the past. Why had Bella noticed that, of all the things she could have picked up on? I hadn't lied to her. My earliest memories had to do with Masen making me kneel on the ground, accepting punishment to increase my endurance for pain. I still had the marks somewhere underneath all of the ink.

"Rough night? What were you guys up to yesterday?"

I glanced over at his cup, it was still nearly full. Okay, I poured myself some coffee and sat down at the kitchen table.

"We were just hanging out. Alice had another date with Jasper, Bella and I listened to music in my room. How was work?"

"Better now that they've hired some competent people," Carlisle sighed, leaned back in his chair. "Everything been okay with you?"

"Uh… yeah, for the most part. Any particular reason you're asking?"

"Bella Swan has been around a lot lately," he hinted, smiling into his cup.

"Yep," I waited two seconds, laughed quietly. "We're dating."

"Esme's going to be upset, she didn't get any pictures of you two before the dance."

"Bella doesn't really like cameras," I got up for a refill. "I think Chief Swan took some, I'll see if she can get copies."

"So you do know she's Charlie's daughter."

"Of course," I studied him carefully. "She's my… girlfriend."

I wasn't sure how to explain this. The safe-sex talk had already taken place. It hadn't taken them long to realize that I was sexually active, and very careful. I still didn't know their true feelings about the subject, but they had never protested. A lot of my nightly visitors, they weren't aware of.

"How long have you been… dating?"

"From about a week after she got here."

Carlisle exhaled sharply, "How intimate have you become?"

"She's on the pill and we've taken extra precautions. I've considered all of the ramifications to our exploring a sexual relationship. I was tested recently, clean bill of health. You've seen her medical records, right?"

I knew this was a valid concern for him, but I really didn't want to talk about what Bella and I were doing, sexually. What he and Esme did was private, I never asked or wanted to know. It was a long-shot, but I hoped for the same courtesy.

"I can't stress enough, Edward. She's the police chief's daughter. I'm not protesting your relationship, but… be so very, very careful."

"I told the Chief I wanted to speak with him. He said I should give him some space. That when he was ready to find me, he would."

"Did he," Carlisle smiled into his cup again.

"Yes?" I raised my eyebrow at him. This wasn't over yet, I had a feeling.

"You asked Bella's father for permission to date her?"

"Uh, no. I said, 'I'd like to speak with you about-' and he held up a hand, basically asked me for some time to think things over. So, I obliged."

"That could be interesting. What do you plan on telling him?"

"The truth."

"That you're not a flaming homosexual who wears eye-makeup and lipstick?"

"I-." Well, shit. "Wait, I wasn't wearing lipstick."

I snorted, Carlisle laughed. What the fuck was that about? Maybe when I kissed Bella? No, I hadn't made out with her yet, Charlie had answered the door. The two of them must have spoken recently, though I really didn't know why he thought I was wearing fucking lipstick.

"Anyway, that was Bella's idea based on the Chief's misconception."

"What misconception would that be?"

"He, uh, thought I was gay. From the day in the hospital, he saw my piercings and… apparently, real men wouldn't have them."

"Ah. So you decided to substitute with bashing yourself open?"

"Jasper," I grinned as explanation for the wounds Carlisle was studying from across the table. "He and I were messing around for Alice and Bella, a contest of sorts. It got a little out of hand… but I won?"

"You're not fighting again, are you?" He had every reason to be concerned, and since the fight with Jacob's people had happened already, it wasn't exactly a lie.

"No," I replied.

"Stop by the hospital later on. I'll x-ray and check to see if there's any serious damage."

"I'm fine, trust me. It's just a few bruises, my face is the worst of it. Alice stopped us, she reamed me out for wrecking my skin before yearbook pictures."

Carlisle smiled, "Rational Alice."

"Yeah, see? No big deal. Want another cup before you've got to go?"

"Um… no. I should get an early start. Talk to Esme, she wants to have Bella over for dinner, officially."

I groaned, "That's really not necessary."

"Change her mind," he put folders into his briefcase. "If not today, tomorrow; see you at the hospital."

"Carlisle-" he was avoiding me on purpose, I knew it.

"Bye, Edward. Make sure Alice is up in time for school," the door closed.

'The door slammed, locking me inside. I choked on the lingering scent of beer and cigar smoke. Should have been more quiet, I hoped he wouldn't forget about me like last time…'

Damnit. Ah, well; I checked my watch. Perfect. There was just enough time to get properly high. Talk about a remedy, in a minute I'd be dancing. Fuck yes, I didn't need to roll another one. I'd have to thank Bella later. If she came over, I'd love to see her reaction to the new shit from Newton. It was really, really good.

When was the last time we had smoked? Two days ago? Three? I had a lot of catching up to do. Bits and pieces of my dream kept filtering through my head. Even I wasn't stupid enough to attend school inebriated… except for the days when I no intention of going to class. The meadow and I had good drinking memories. I wanted today to be one of those days. It would have been, but I honestly didn't feel like making the trip. Besides, I couldn't ask Bella to miss an entire day of school.

The trek to the meadow and back- I took another two hits. Too much fucking effort. I didn't need alcohol, I needed… to hide Bella's nurse costume before Esme saw it. Halloween was too far away for that to be a valid excuse. Jesus fuck, though. I let my head fall back against the bed. Lighting a cigarette, I groaned and exhaled.

Nice; I felt good, light. And I couldn't call Bella a tease because, she had been sexy as fuck, but not in a seductively dirty way. I didn't think it was possible. Any chick in a costume- I'd have them before the damn door shut. Bella? I don't know what the fuck was wrong with me. She said we needed to wait three days. Somehow, while massaging Icy-hot into my arm and lower back, she had negotiated me to a week. Yeah, okay.

I saw the way her eyes followed my tongue-ring whenever I was bored and playing with my lip piercings. Fuck enamel wear and tear, it was fun. She liked them, a lot, and it was incredibly hot to me that she did. I fucking loved using them on her. My cock was hard and it made laugh. It happened so fucking frequently, I'd stopped trying to hide it.

All she had to do was twitch her hips a certain way… how she reacted to songs she loved. When she was pissed and arguing with me, challenging something I said- I needed her, no matter who was around, what we were doing. Then there were the things she did that made me want her. When I said something that she didn't agree with, but was too polite to disagree with- that expression, it got me every fucking time. Or when she tried to convince me to do something I really didn't want to… her mischievous smile… fuck.

What a pansy fucker, I mentally punched myself. I had been fucking seconds away from saying those Three Words. Everything she said- Bella was mine, but I didn't know how to say it. The urge was there, but I hadn't said them. Why the fuck not?

I needed her to know she was safe. Some of the things she said made me want to go into her past and eradicate everyone, with the exception of Rosalie and her dog. Where had her fucking mother been when she was out fighting on the streets? Why hadn't Charlie taken her out of there before she had to learn really hard life lessons? Well, he had. Sort-of. Whatever the fuck. It should have been sooner. She should have gone to school with fancy fucking fences, teachers who spoke Latin; not ones that taught her to fight and deal drugs.

Alice knocked twice before entering, she seemed surprised to see me awake.

"How do I look?"

I stared at her through the smoke and smiled, "Fucking great."

"Not too gray? Its sunny out today, I don't want to look like… blah."

"Never," I rolled my eyes.

She was wearing slate gray jeans, a matching jacket. Her white shirt was lacy, vintage-looking. Her heels were at least four inches high, though she would still only reach Jasper's shoulder.

"Okay, cool," she slipped on a pair of feminine aviator glasses. "I'm catching a ride with Jas, you're okay?"

My phone buzzed, Bella had messaged: 'I'm not coming in there. Contact high would be bad. Ready and waiting, stud.'

Then, two seconds later: 'I take that back. Doesn't do it for me. I'll stick with 'babe' or something else today.' Confusing as fuck, I'd have to save that one to read later when I wasn't so out of it.

"Yeah," I grinned.

"Mmm…" Alice glanced at the nurses outfit hanging in my bathroom. "Good to see she took care of you."

"Bye," I helped her to the door and hid the costume in my lowest drawer. Underneath all of my embarrassing Cause shirts, no one would find it there. Grabbing my book bag, my world exploded. What. The. Fuck.

'I'll show you what happens when ya cry. You ain't no son of mine.'

Note to self- don't swing my bag like that again. That hurt like a motherfucker. …might as well have another hit. That flashback had straightened me out. I grabbed a bottle of Visine and put my sunglasses on. Couldn't get much better than that. I had to backtrack twice; the first time I forgot my coffee. Second trip back, I had forgotten to bring cigarettes.

"Morning," Bella yawned as I finally made it the fuck outside.

"Coffee?"

"Mmm…" she drank, closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, oh yeah, she definitely looked better. More awake, she smiled and handed it back to me.

"Did Charlie say anything about…"

"Nope," she held up her arm. Along with my hoodie and a leather jacket, Bella had black and white skull gloves, without the fingers. She was wearing jeans, which eliminated a few of my plans for today. I could work around that.

"Cool."

"Want me to use some concealer on you, too? We're close in skin-tone, my blend is perfect. Bruises disappear."

Not wanting to think about why she had to create said blend, "No thanks. Maybe before I get back here, Esme hasn't seen me yet. Carlisle wants to do x-rays," I sighed.

"No problem. It takes two seconds." She started the truck. I heard the engine stutter, she petted the steering wheel… something popped.

'You fuckin bitch about fuckin clothes, now you say its too hot? Fuck summer, boy, I'll be right back. Shut the fuck up.'

"Bella?"

"She does this all the time, don't worry."

"Yeah… c'mon," I opened the door and got out.

"Where?"

"My car," I walked around to her side, opened her door, and pocketed her keys.

"That defeats the whole purpose," she raised an eyebrow. "You go at least fifty over the speed limit and everyone gets thrown around…"

"You drive," I handed her the keys to my Volvo.

My stomach knotted; not even Alice had driven my car. Breathe, breathe, I trusted Bella. If I freaked out about giving her control of the Volvo… that wasn't a good sign. She seemed to be rooted in place, her eyes darted from my keys to me.

"Uh-"

"Go below the speed limit, if you must. It'll be a smoother ride, right?"

She didn't argue after that point, I could see the excitement she was trying to conceal. I went over the basics, she didn't seem to be having any problems thus far. Aside from feeling my car's horror at being driven so slowly, I was slowly able to relax. The Volvo compared to her truck? Fuck, I'd be excited, too. I wondered how pissed she'd be if I got someone to relocate it and blow it to pieces. I'd have a back-up vehicle for her to use, of course.

"Edward?"

"Yeah," I glanced over at her.

"You okay?" She wasn't talking about the car.

"Always," I lit cigarettes for us. "I smoked before you picked me up."

"That explains a lot," she rolled her eyes. "Okay, zone out. My Ipod has good music, too."

I hadn't noticed that, her Ipod was plugged in instead of mine. Did I mind? Not really. She really did have good playlists. I had downloaded a good number of new albums thanks to her.

"I wouldn't mess with a good high. No worries, y'know?"

"Thank you so very fucking much." I relaxed with one arm over my eyes and drifted. If she crashed the car, I'd get a new one. Whatever the fuck, I felt too good for it to matter right now. Around her, flashbacks to my dream happened less frequently. They were easier to ignore. I floated, mango permeating my car, my cigarette bringing me higher. Bella was driving… it was fucking fantastic.

Bits and pieces of the dream continued to bombard me until around lunchtime. I couldn't stand to be inside so I sent Bella a quick text to let her know I wouldn't be in the cafeteria. I'd felt claustrophobic all day; time dredged on endlessly and I was at the end of my rope. Hearing Masen's voice in my head wasn't uncommon. Not being able to control it? I was edgy as fuck, and constant pain didn't help matters any.

Bella lit up immediately after stepping foot outside of the building. I wasn't in my usual place, I felt it was too close to school. She sauntered over, I watched her in my rear-view mirror. The car door opened, closed. We finished our cigarettes amidst short conversation. She felt it, I was sure, and there was nothing I could do to contain it. Bella took one look at me and immediately launched us into a make-out session.

She didn't ask, didn't even hesitate. I was motherfucking crazy about this girl. She helped calm me down while starting another type of frenzy. Somehow, she ended sitting on my lap, resting her back against the steering wheel. I had moved the seat back, but not down. She was careful to keep from pressing down on my chest, a fucking ingenious position. I didn't mean for things to get so out of control. She tasted so fucking good, better today than any other day. I couldn't help nipping a trail up her neck. Burying my face in her hair, I inhaled sharply. She had gone light on the perfume today, I fucking loved it.

"Edward…" she circled her hips and whimpered in frustration.

"Sorry, babe." I ran my hand firmly up and down her back. She moaned and ground herself perfectly against my cock. Fuck, that felt good. What had sparked that reaction? She twitched, I stopped moving. Something with her back- where had I…? The middlemost part of her back underneath her shoulder blades. I made a mental note for later. It was a good spot for her.

I knew it was time to wind things down. This was unfair to her, and me. My body was screaming for release, Bella's heavy breathing matched my pulse. At least it felt that way; each breath skittered down my spine, settled in my cock and demanded we have her.

"So this is how you chose to, uh, change my mind?"

"Hmm?"

"We're waiting until you're healed," she emphasized the last word. "Not fair of you to play dirty."

I really hadn't been thinking of anything, not manipulative anyway. We were smoking, she did something I thought was inordinately hot, and then she was moving closer… here we were. Did she need to know that? Would it be cruel of me to- all's fair in love and war, right?

"Why?" I nudged her legs apart so she straddled me harder. "Its so much more fun this way."

All I could think of was naked Bella. How good it would feel be inside of her, watching her cry out in pleasure. I moved my hand down to her thigh. She tensed as I raked my nails across the vertical seam on her jeans. I felt her shift, rubbing against the front of my pants as she tried to get more pressure from my hand.

"We should get to class," I kissed her quickly, close-mouthed. She stared at me, shocked. I wanted to laugh at her frustrated anger… until I saw her eyes flash in challenge.

"Okay," she snaked her arm down between us. I jolted, my eyes closed. Her fingers wrapped around me, she squeezed, my hips bucked toward her. I grabbed her hand and moved it.

"Ready now," she climbed carefully off my lap and exited the car, I numbly followed.

Meeting me on my side, she adjusted my bag so that it rested comfortably on my shoulder. She had originally wanted to meet me outside of every fucking class, carting my stuff from place to place so I wouldn't have to. Fuck that shit.

Taking far more time than necessary, she buttoned my shirt. Torturous, sadistic, Bella tease. Thank fuck for flannel, it was long and loose enough to hide my… problem. Walking, however? I was aroused to a nearly painful stage. It was my own damn fault, Bella gave as good as she got…

Images of her kneeling, in a 69 with me- what the fuck was wrong with me? I couldn't use the punching bag until my knuckles healed. Bella was doing her best to enforce the no-sex mandate, which I really didn't think was going to last beyond tomorrow night.

What outlet was left?

o . o . o

Once school was over, Alice, Jasper, and Bella were waiting for me by the Volvo. Bella had said she would be busy, Alice was inviting Jas over. I needed to catch up on homework, anyway. If he wanted to smoke, that was fine, though I was secretly hoping Bella would find an excuse to stop by.

A cop car pulled into the parking lot, lights blaring. I saw Bella tense, but she kept chatting animatedly with Alice. Jasper had no idea there was reason to worry, he smoked a cigarette and listened in on their conversation. The car was coming straight toward us. No time to run, I didn't know what they wanted. Wait, I could see the driver. Chief Swan? What the fuck?

"Edward?" He rolled down the window, "A word with you, please?"

"Sure…" I really hoped this grand staging was due to shock factor rather than a legitimate reason for his making the trip.

"Dad?"

"Just need two minutes, Bells," he opened the passenger seat door from the inside. "Hop on in, Edward."

I nodded and climbed in. Bella met my eyes, worried, I did my best to smile at her. I wouldn't include her in anything that happened last night. Alice and Bella had been disguised; the parking lot didn't have any security cameras that ran during the night.

Fucking awful memories bombarded me, but I focused on Charlie. They didn't matter, let it stay in the past. I was in the front seat, things would have gone awry had he handcuffed me in the back.

"You've been spending a lot of time with my daughter, as of late."

"Yes, I have, er, Chief Swan." I couldn't call him sir, but using his title wouldn't make things worse.

I saw his lips twitch, but his glare never once faltered. At least I could take comfort in the knowledge that he wouldn't outright shoot me in front of all these people.

"Might as well get comfortable. We could be here awhile," he undid his seatbelt. "Now, your… er, homosexuality aside, I'm curious about the details concerning your relationship with my daughter."

"She's close with Alice, you knew that. The three of us spend time together, Jasper Hale being another of Alice's friends, he joins us now, too."

"I'm not asking about your sister or the Hales," he raised an eyebrow. "What of you?"

"… I'm her friend first, among other things."

"I knew she had feelings for you the moment I walked into that hospital. When you spoke to her about seeing your father… Bells hates doctors. Surgeon, your father's a surgeon, eh? Your mother helps, too?"

"Yes, sometimes."

"Any chance of you taking over the family trade?"

"Its possible." That wasn't a lie, either. I wouldn't have called it 'the family trade,' but it was something I'd been considering. Working in a hospital all day; I'd have to get used to it, of course, and it didn't hurt that they made a lot of money. I had taken a few medical courses over the summer, just in case I chose to pursue that career-line. Better safe than sorry, I had the cash to fulfill any of my educational whims.

"Hmm," he mused for a moment. "Anyway, my point is, Bella didn't fight you on the matter. She came back from the city skittish and jumpier'n hell. Two weeks of it, and then she met you. Has she said anything about Phoenix?"

"Not really; a little about the hobbies she pursued as a child. Nothing major, though."

"Well, that's for her to tell you- not that there's anything to tell," he finished gruffly. "Being around you and Alice has been good for her, she's more of a… girl now, as it should be. I remember my senior year. She should be having fun, clean fun, mind you."

"Of course." The shower was the first thing that came to mind. Twisted fucker that I was, the image was fleeting, but still ingrained into my memory. That was technically being clean, it sure as fuck was fun.

"The reason you wanted to speak with me?"

"Uh…" I saw his fingers twitch. There weren't any guns on the seat between us, but that didn't mean he wasn't carrying. Being a cop, he probably was. Charlie had leverage, witnesses could be bought. There wasn't really anything stopping him. Did I care? Was Bella Swan worth the recovery therapy if he shot me? …fuck me, yes she was. "I've since become more than just her friend."

"What in the hell does that mean?"

I returned his glare, "I was hoping you'd agree to continue letting me see your daughter."

"And who gave you permission in the first place?"

"You," I replied calmly. "The first day you let her drive to school with me, alone."

Charlie snorted. This was the wrong approach. I almost regretted letting that side show, but he had seemed to relax a little bit. I had no idea as to what was going on. This would be so much easier if he'd take a punch at me. We could fight; he had official-training, I had street-moves, the winner decided.

"I figured as much," he nodded. "Listen to me, and listen well."

I struggled to keep from gritting my teeth. That fucking tone. All he needed to do was add 'boy' at the end and my fucking nightmare was complete.

"I want grand-kids and I want them to be of my blood, preferably sometime within the next ten years. Do you understand what that means?"

All of my anger dissipated. Had Charlie just asked me to… have sex with Bella? Frequently, for the next ten years or until a child was born?

"You want us to engage in a sexual relationship?"

"What in- no! No, goddamnit!" He was flustered, I was beyond confused. His face was red, Bella had warned me that was one of his really bad signs. "I want it done the damn proper way!"

"I, uh, I apologize, but I don't think either Bella, or myself, are ready for marriage at this point. I'd like to attend college and get a degree. That, or establish myself in a company of some kind, with substantial pay, before I make any marital commitments ."

"Well," he cleared his throat. "Those are admirable goals.".

"Can't take care of someone else if you can't first take care of yourself."

"You would know about that," Charlie removed his hat and ran a hand through his hair. "I hope you understand why I had a background check done on you?"

"I expected you would," I answered honestly. He was a cop, I didn't blame him for using his contacts. "What you found isn't something I like talking about very much. I can't promise answers, but you have a right to ask about what you've found."

He was good, I gave him credit and respect for that. Ten minutes alone in the car with him and he'd broken through my first few levels of defense. Not with threats or manipulation, there was understanding in his eyes. I knew his honor code to be similar to mine; he also had a twisted sense of humor, which I could appreciate. Pulling up to school, sirens blaring, testing my level of commitment; he was very, very good.

"I wouldn't do that," he stared into the distance for a moment.

I let the silence percolate. For the first time in my life, in the presence of an officer- especially in the fucking cop car- I felt at ease.

"You're a good kid," he said at last. "Don't make me think otherwise."

"Kind of late, don't you think?" He had given his consent. Why had I rocked the boat? Oh, because I can't ever just let things fucking be. Right.

"It's never too late. You struck out in a rigged game. You make your own choices from here. If they're not going to be good choices, don't bring Bella with you. I'm taking a risk on you, Cullen. Make me arrest my own daughter or worse…" his eyes were cold, hard, "don't let that happen."

"I'd give you my real answer, but you can't be a cop for this."

"Alright," he crossed his arms. "Don't piss me off, I'm warning you."

"I would die for her, I'd kill for her, too. I'll do what needs to be done in a situation that warrants those options, but I'd never purposefully endanger her. Wanting to date Bella aside, I feel that way about her as a friend. I'll think the same even if you decide I'm not the right guy for her. Most of all, I know that if she were to hear of this conversation, she'll kill us both. I asked because it matters to me, it really does fucking mean something."

"Edward-"

"I know, it doesn't say a lot about my character. That I think its an improvement when, really, talking to a girl's parents is a time-honored thing… I know. Doesn't change anything."

"Okay, but-"

But? That never led to good things. Think, Edward. Two seconds…

"I respect her. She's an amazing person. I can tell you the psychologist she looks up to most, the bands she listens to when she's upset, happy or just thinking. Her best friends are Rosalie and Alice, she had a dog named Buddy that died when she was younger." Was that enough? Would throwing in another random Bella-fact be overkill? "Don't say but, I'm not going to take advantage of her in any way."

I watched him carefully, but he kept the same expression on his face the entire time. There were other things I could bring up if he needed further proof.

"Jesus," Charlie whistled.

Bella had gotten ponderous face from Charlie. There was no point in saying anything else, he had probably made up his mind by now. Bella would have; if I wasn't wrong, he was trying to find a proper response.

He quirked an eyebrow at me. "You know how to fish?"

"Not well," I glanced over at him. "I assume you saw the cherry-bomb police report?"

"That's how you decided to-? What the hell were you tryin' to do?"

"Eat," I half-grinned at him, hoping he'd understand the dark sarcasm. Trying to attain pity wasn't a method of mine.

"Get the hell outta here," he laughed.

"Thank you," I added, sensing this conversation was nearly over. "I'm probably the last person you'd want Bella to be with. Frankly, I'm surprised you accepted everything you must have found in the background check. You don't know me, have no reason to trust me- but, I don't make promises I can't keep. I can't promise you anything except that she'll be safe with me, in every way."

"Date her if she'll have you. Do whatever you want, with the exception of one major thing. She'll go to the altar pure, understand?"

"Of course," I shook his hand. Bella was pure, all of her, regardless of physical proof. That wasn't a difficult thing to promise. No one would take that away from her.

"And, whomever you like, guys or girls- when you're with Bells, its only her you're with. That's not a question."

"It never was," I replied, looking him dead in the fucking eye so he'd know I wasn't making any jokes this time.

"Edward," he was very serious all of a sudden. "You haven't taken my daughters virginity, have you?"

"Absolutely not."

"Learn to fish, quit it with all the pink, mind your language, and buy her some goddamn flowers," he hid his relief by putting his hat back on.

I shut the door and laughed. That had been fucking intense. Like Bella, Charlie went straight for the core of a problem and held back none of his punches. Verbal though they were, I felt we were able to reach an understanding after our sparring. His kill threshold was higher than mine. If Charlie ever had to arrest Bella, I'd shoot myself. I really fucking respected him for how protective he was of Bella, and for his open-mindedness.

"Well?" Oh yeah. Bella was super-pissed. I might even bump that up a notch to livid. Her face was flushed, her eyes were practically burning a hole through my skull. I wanted to kiss the hell out of her, but Charlie hadn't left yet. The sort of making out I had planned would definitely make him take aim.

I was really glad his questions hadn't been phrased differently. If he had asked, 'did you sleep with her,' instead of, 'have you taken my daughter's virginity,' … consequences could have been fatal.

"Your dad wants me to go fishing with him."

"Son-of-a-bitch," she growled.

I smirked. Two seconds…

"Wait, what? He wants what?"

"Grandchildren within the next ten years and for us to start working on it right away."

"What the fuck?"

"I'm stretching the truth a little," I tried to hide my amusement; she was pissed already, I didn't want Bella to think I was laughing at her.

"Clarify, Edward. Please," she glared.

"He doesn't want me to take your virginity. I told him it would be at least four years, maybe more, until I would really be ready to get married. I'm not honestly thinking of marriage at all, but judgment said it would be bad to tell him that. I did ask his permission to date you."

"And?"

"…and? He's fine with it."

"Dating me? Marriage? Kids? All of that was discussed just now?" Her lip curled into a snarl as she glanced over at the cop car.

"I told him that neither of us are willing to contemplate such life-changing commitments. He agreed that now wasn't an ideal time. Don't worry, I have no intention of dropping to one knee anytime soon. "

"Well… good," she sputtered.

This wasn't over yet. One more burst of anger should do it. She still looked ready to take someone the fuck apart. Seeing it from her point of view, I had to wrap my arm around her. Pain. Pain, fuck. She moved immediately and took my hand instead. This wasn't regular hand-holding, no, she did it in a way that our arms were linked.

"I hate it when you do that," she sighed quietly.

Do what? What had I done that- oh. The hiding pain thing. It's not something I was able to control. I knew she wasn't casting blame or holding it against me. She hadn't known what Charlie's purpose was in having me speak with him. Bella wasn't a patient person. All of her worry had been channeled into anger.

Charlie waved before leaving. Everyone who was left in the parking lot stared in our direction, unbridled curiosity on their faces. Mike Newton looked as though he was going to pass out. He could sit on that terror for awhile, I had no intention of easing his mind.

She sighed. "I can't believe you talked to Charlie about… all of that."

"I'm willing to get a vasectomy to ensure kids won't be an issue right now. I would take responsibility if something happened and if you decided to keep… it. That doesn't mean I want them, you know, children. Do you?"

"No!" Bella said immediately. "No, absolutely not!"

"I didn't lie to him, if you're pissed about that. I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm bi, I didn't compromise your story in any way. There was no need to."

"He's cool that we hang out? I mean, that's not going to stop, right?"

"Fuck no," I moderated my tone. "They haven't had a problem with us thus far, Charlie knew that we've been dating for awhile or he wouldn't have taken so long to find me.

"Okay…"

"Where did Alice and Jasper go?"

"They figured I'd want to head home and talk to Charlie. Jas said I could borrow his truck, if you don't mind giving them a ride home? He'll drop mine off later, we'll swap."

"Or you could drive the Volvo," I heard the words before there was any chance to process them. What the fuck? Overnight? Not in the garage or under its protective car-hood? No trees were dripping sap at this point in the year... Why was this an issue? It was a fucking car. My car.

"He really wouldn't mind," she insisted.

"There's a gun under the front seat." Again, jesus fuck. My nerves were shot to hell, I lit a cigarette. Bella didn't know how to react, she looked confused, worried, and then resigned.

"Any reason why?"

"None that I know of," I shook my head. "Alice is safe, I'm really fucking sure of it."

"Yeah, I was worried for a minute, too. I reached the same conclusion."

"I have one, as well. Its not in the car, I don't carry it around with me. Just in case, keep that in mind."

"You ever stop and think about how fucked up our conversations would sound to normal people?"

"That bothers you?"

"It used to," Bella grinned. "Now, I'm just amused."

"Good," I handed her the keys. "Call me sometime later, alright?"

"To talk or so I can message you pictures of how the Volvo's parked, where she is, and proof that she misses you?"

"That won't be necessary," it really wasn't that hard to let her take them. Alright, it was a little strange. I wasn't the lending type; why exactly this idea seemed so important, I had no fucking clue.

"Maybe one."

She laughed, "I'll call you."

"Good luck with Charlie."

"Thanks," she leaned back against my car. "By the way, when you're in Parental-mode? Really fucking hot, Edward."

"Parental-mode?"

"When you talk to Carlisle and about Charlie, your speech is so much different. Its more… refined, proper. I like it."

"Thanks?" I had no fucking clue what she was talking about, but if it turned her on? She could spare two minutes. Unlike her truck, my car could withstand speeds over fifty miles an hour. I dropped my book bag, marveling at how all pain faded when she was around. There was an entire fucking day until I'd get her alone again. How long had it been? At least twenty-four hours by now, sort-of, maybe? I felt so much better, no need to keep track anymore. Bella smiled resignedly and smiled as I leaned in.

Mmm… fuck yes.

Authors Note:
Probably going to add stuff to this chapter, too. It feels short, not sure if enough was accomplished. Two dad talks, especially the one with Charlie? Edward should get some rest now while whomever decides to speak up takes over. ^_^
Quick note to thank anyone who Twitter'd this story, posted it on their blog, rec'd it somewhere else… thank you all so very much! All of your reviews are fantastic, can't believe I broke the 300 mark!

Sarix Angel-
Old fandoms die hard, haha. I loved the Buffy series, even if Buffy herself annoyed the hell out of me. More of a Faith girl, =P. I love the Pirates Trilogy, too, which is why there are references to Jack Sparrow, etc. Hopefully they're not too annoying. I agree with your statement about hope. Thanks for that! =D!

Ccaajjaa-
Wow, thanks! O.O! You weren't reading too much into it, I thought I threw in a line from Edward saying that he wanted to say them- or maybe from Bella wanting to hear 'I love you,' and then being pissed at herself for wanting it. I'll have to go check that out now, haha. Thanks very much, though, your review was amazing and happy-making!

Astha Cullen-
Haha, fun to write, too. And, soon as possible!

DodgerMcClure-
Yeah, Mary-Sue characters, I think they're called. Not a huge fan of the 'damsel in distress' repetition out there. Glad you like Bella!

Lifesbiss, ac1,AngelofRosesCullen-
Meee tooooo, to all of your statements, =P.

ImwithPatz-
I'm happy on two accounts then; that you enjoy the story, and that you don't know where its going to turn out. Predictability is boring, right? Thank you!

Amelia Bedelia-
Fun name! Really happy to hear you're liking the story! Thanks!
o
Wow. Your third review was crazy-awesome! Ok, let me try to address things one at a time. 'Deep breath, haha. Oh, and I have to check with you first- if I were to adapt some of your ideas into the story, would you be offended? If you want to take them and start your own story, by all means. They're your ideas, =).

Okay, I've read your plot idea. Thank you very much, by the way. Hmm… I do think that Bella and Alice should talk. It'll come up eventually because they are friends, and what use are girl friends if you can't talk to them about everything? I mean that in a nice way, not an assaholic way. I'm hoping Jasper and Edward grow closer as friends and can speak that way with one another; Edward needs a good guy friend.
o
There's so much to focus on what with Edward's abuse and mental conditioning, Bella's experiences… they've just gotten to a point where they're comfortable with being in a relationship. Not to mention the little Alice storyline that popped up, working on developing Jasper's character. Wondering when Rose and Emm are going to appear…
o
I love your ideas, and I really think you should incorporate them into a story of your own. They do sound really fucking fun.
o
For right now, at least, I've no idea where 'Handcuff' is going, but I'm positive no one will be pregnant in this story. It would detract too much from them, separately, at least where they are plot-wise. If I have a pregnancy scare, the entire story would shift so that's the main concern, y'know? Everything would fade to the 'Oh shit' moment and anything after that, I feel, would be somewhat anti-climactic, if that makes sense? I really do thank you for the input, the suggestions; your review was amazing, made me laugh, and I definitely thank you for it. ^_^
o
If you decide to do a story, let me know. I'll come check it out once this one is done! Thanks again!

My4kids-
Definitely agree with you. I sort-of boxed myself in with the whole Bella and Jacob being friends thing. Somehow I have to write them as friends who are close enough to care, yet not best-friends. Not sure how that's going to go yet... complicated and fun. Eff, haha.

AmeliaCullen1-
No worries, that's definitely going to happen. =) Thanks for the review!