Disclaimer: I take no credit in the characters within this story; those are the sole work of Mrs. Stephenie Meyer. I do, however, take credit for the specific, new traits I gave them and am quite proud of them.

Note: REVIEWS REVIEWS REVIEWS!! Not really much else to say… hahahahaha ENJOY!

--BPOV--

Okay, I am NO lightweight; I can hold my liquor. But there was no denying the way my head seemed to float two feet above my shoulders. I lifted the glass back to my lips as I looked around the table. All I could taste now was the espresso, all the alcohol having numbed my taste buds enough to be able to hide from them. I smiled as I set the glass back down. Again, it was almost empty. I leaned to Alice. "Okay, I can feel it now."

She started giggling and leaned back to me. "I can tell! Your eyes are so wide!"

I patted her arm and sat back up in my chair, not realizing quite how much I had been slouching. I looked down at my watch. We had been there for about an hour and had eaten our appetizers, our food, and sat back to knock a few more drinks. I didn't know why we were still here. I looked around, searching for a reason. My eyes landed on Edward who was leaning back with his eyes closed, a frown on his lips. Oh, that was it. Edward was leaving, and we wanted to prolong this as long as we could… but why? Wouldn't the whole band-aid idea work better in this situation? I lifted my glass to my lips and downed the rest, not even worrying about the straw. I shivered, yet again, at the strong taste of coffee. When I sat it back down, I tapped Emmett's arm. He looked at me, not sulking anymore after Rose had taken him outside and apparently told him in full detail what she would be doing to him later. Blah. Well, at least they had left the table to do that. But either way I was going to have to buy new bed linens as soon as they left.

"When are we leaving?" I asked quietly, blinking at the little blur that covered my vision.

He smiled. "Ready to leave, Bells? So soon?"

I blinked again. "So soon? We've been here an hour."

"Ah, so you're not completely out of it. Just checking." Emmett glanced at his watch and shrugged. "You guys have a different car. You can leave whenever you feel ready."

I nodded and turned to my other side, tapping Alice's arm. She turned with a smile, having been whispering with Jasper. I smirked as I asked, "Alice, when are we leaving?"

She held up a finger and leaned to her other side, whispering something to Jasper. After a second, she started giggling and leaned back to me, managing to hold them back long enough to say, "If you're ready, Bella, let's go!"

I smiled and stood, grabbing my purse off the chair and pulling my money out. I looked at Emmett, who had the check in his hand. "What do I owe, Em?"

He smiled and shook his head. "Nothing, Bells. Just go home, and I'll see you tomorrow. Let's hope that medicine the girls got you will help with that hangover."

I laughed as I turned to look at Alice who had just stood up as well, swaying a little. Alice also had three drinks, and with her tiny body it didn't take long for her to get drunk. She smiled as she straightened herself and went right to her brother and hugged him, saying something in his ear that made him nod and attempt a weak smile as she pulled back. After planting a kiss on his cheek she backed up so I could get to him. I swallowed hard, not sure what to say. I wrapped my arms around him, and he returned my hug with a tight squeeze. Before I could say whatever words were about to decide to leave my mouth, he leaned into my ear. "Bella, it will all be okay. With your determination and my…" He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing, not finishing that thought. "It won't be long till everything is back to normal." His arms tightened around me. "I want you to promise me that you will find the man of your dreams."

I nodded shaking as I tightened my hug on him as well, a shiver racing across me as I tried not to cry. "I love you, Edward."

"I love you, too, Bella," he whispered, kissing my cheek. Then he let go, and I was forced to straighten and wipe the tears from my cheek. I gave him a watery smile before turning my back and leaving the restaurant. Alice hooked her arm in mine and skipped between me and Jasper to the car, obviously extremely excited about something as she climbed into the front seat. I got in the back, lying down as soon as I closed the door. I was asleep before the car had started.

--APOV--

It was the sweetest thing I had ever seen. He all but pulled her into his lap as he had said goodbye, and it was obvious that neither of them wanted to let go of each other. There was only one thing that I had heard, and that alone gave me hope that it wouldn't be long before one of them chased the other. I turned in my seat to find that Bella was already asleep in the back. I looked at Jasper who was just getting into the driver's seat, keys in hand. "I think I know why they call it a Goodnight Pearl."

He looked at me, then behind him into the backseat. He laughed to himself. "I can't honestly believe she drank as much as she did. Three of those should have wiped her out while we were still in the restaurant. Does she really have that high a tolerance?"

I shook my head. "No, she doesn't usually. But I think she kept sobering herself up when she looked at Edward, taking it all right away. That's why she wanted to get drunk you know, so she could get through saying goodbye. I remember the last time they really said goodbye. I found her crying in her sleep on Edward's bed. I almost just let her stay, but classes had started the day after next, so I couldn't. That was a hard day for her, not as hard as this, but still. She didn't handle it as well."

"What do you think is going through her head?"

I shook my head, again looking at her with her legs near her chest. "I wish I knew. She's convinced herself of something. That's why she can keep a smile and her humor. Last time it was that she would see him again soon. I don't know what it is now…"

"Why do they want to hurt themselves?" Jasper asked, pulling back onto Main Street.

I smiled, "They think they know what is better for each other. They try to save each other's future, rather than their own. It's just proof of how much they love each other. Now if only they would stop being so damn sweet and find their selfish side. I don't even think Carlisle would have sacrificed so much. I almost think that Edward loves Bella more than Carlisle loves Esme, though. I don't mean my dad doesn't… its just hard to imagine that anything can equal what's going on between those two - what has been for so long now."

"Was it love at first sight for them?"

"Sort of. It was more like love at first conversation, I think. They are both really intellectual people, smart and open to a fault. They fit together so quickly that it was hard for them not to fall for each other."

"Have you ever fallen in love?"

I shook my head slowly as I glanced at him. "Not yet. Have you?"

"I'm not quite sure yet," he said calmly. "I've felt something, though I can't tell you if its love. I have little to compare it to."

I blushed a little as I looked away again, back to the window. "When did you feel that?"

"Recently," he replied with a shrug in his voice. The car filled with quiet again, broken only by Bella's occasional mumbling in her sleep. He was the first to break it. "So, where do you live in Seattle?

"Western Avenue," I said smiling, thinking about my apartment. "What about you?"

He seemed amused as he spoke, "3rd Avenue between Vine and Wall."

"Really? That's so close to where I live!" I said, smiling. "Maybe ten minutes away!"

He smiled as he looked at me. "How about that?"

I continued to smile as I looked at him. What were the chances? Maybe it was a sign. There was hardly distance between us. And I liked him. And Rose said that he obviously liked me… He had gotten mad when he found out I had a date. And then, of course, he had completely ignored the waitress' attempts to get his attention. He was sweet and funny and gorgeous. He was everything that I wanted, and he was so close. There was a chance that I would be able to get him. And Bella had already given her blessing, and it seemed that Rose had done the same. Emmett would be a bear about it, if the short misunderstanding on the phone the day before was any indication, but I was good at wearing my brother down. Edward would just be happy that I found someone worth my attention, if he noticed at all.

He glanced at me and smiled. "What?"

I realized I was still staring at him and probably smiling like an idiot. "Nothing."

"Oh yes, that's convincing," he teased, reaching over and poking my leg.

I just laughed and looked down, taking the hem of my shirt in my hand and rubbing the silk between my fingers. "I'm glad you decided to stay with us for the extra day."

"Why's that?" he asked quietly, switching lanes and speeding up.

I smiled to myself, "I want to get to know you more. And, of course, as the brother of my brother's future wife, you have a duty to spill all of the terrible truths about Rose."

He laughed, "Is that so? I don't think she would agree with that."

I reached out and touched his arm. "So?'

His laughter rang out again as he looked over at my pleading look. "I wasn't saying I wasn't going to. I was just pointing out a fact. Emmett has, after all, spilled all those terrible truths about you."

I took a sharp breath. "He did what?"

He grabbed my hand and squeezed. "No worries. Nothing too bad. He just gave us several examples of your eccentricity. Told us about how hyper you can be. But mostly he just talked about how proud he was of you with your job - how much he loves you, how amazing you are. And then he told us about Bella and Edward and their little romance. He talked about Bella's book a bit."

I laughed a little. "I'm pretty sure it's the only one he's ever read. Have you read it yet?"

He shook his head. "Nope, not yet. I was going to go to a bookstore when I got back home and buy it. It sounds amazing, just like how Emmett described her."

I smiled, "She really is. But you know, you really haven't seen it yet. She was fine on that first night but kind of quiet. I wish you could have met her a few days ago, when she was normal. You will, though. Remember how she was earlier, before we left the house?"

He laughed. "Yes."

"That's the normal Bella. She likes to tease," I said. "Mostly Edward. Poking fun at him is a source of great amusement for her. You'll see in the book—all the banter, all the sarcasm, that is her and Edward. Anyone who has seen them together like they used to be will recognize it immediately. The sharp wit can be… confusing. You can't always tell when she is being sarcastic, but that's the real her as well. She'll say things that will have you up all night with your dictionary, trying to figure out what it means and then whether or not she was serious."

He smiled and nodded, "That doesn't surprise me. But now, I want to hear more about you, Alice. You refused last time, but I insist!"

"You haven't gotten me that drunk yet. Which, by the way, makes you very lucky. I really thought you would see it tonight. You'll have to hold your questions till that happens."

--BPOV--

"Beeellllaaaa," sang a quiet voice near my ear. "It's time to wake up."

I opened my eyes, blinking at the sunlight that instantly blinded me. "What time is it, Alice?"

"Nearly ten! Rose and Emmett are leaving in an hour, and I figured you would want to say goodbye. We just told them about Jasper coming with us."

I smiled to myself. "How did Em take it?"

"He didn't seem to like the idea, but Rose is more than happy to leave him in our care."

I rolled over and blinked at her. "Of course she is, Alice. What would make her happier than you and her brother getting together?"

She laughed as she looked down at me. "Well, we'll see how that works out."

"Oh, I don't think you'll have any problem catching him, Alice," I said, remembering how he didn't look away from Alice once after I'd opened the door and barged in on that… moment. "Just survive tonight's date, and it will all work out."

"Oh, Bella, about that. Do you think, if I need it, you will come and save me? Please?"

I laughed, having expected it since she had mentioned the date the day before. "We'll see Alice. Maybe Jasper and I will join you in the restaurant, keep an eye on you two."

She flushed with excitement. "Would you really?

I smiled, remembering all the times we had done that for each other before. Some called it spying. We called it friendship. It also made it much easier to see if it was a bad date and stop it when needed. Plus, having friends around always made the date more enjoyable, especially if the seating was right, and you could do stuff behind the date's back. That is, of course, only if the date was boring. When it was a good date, friends seemed rather irritating. But that didn't matter at the moment. There was only one guy that Alice actually wanted to take out, and he was in the next room. "Of course I would! We'll have to ask Jasper, of course, but I doubt he'll say no. He seemed rather interested in your date yesterday."

"Come on, I still have eight hours till he gets here. I want to spend at least seven and a half not thinking about it."

--APOV--

As it turns out, eight hours doesn't last very long when you are dreading the end. I did hardly anything but say goodbye to Rose and Emmett with big hugs and sit down to watch a few movies with Jasper. Bella went to her office and wrote, though she did leave her door open so we didn't think she was excluding herself. Every time I peeked in on her or brought her something to drink she was typing with amazing speed on her computer. I was very careful not to look at it or read anything. She would let me read it if she wanted to, and she usually did after a few edits. Her face was neutral most of the time, though I heard her laugh more than once while I was curled on the couch, leaning against Jasper, who seemed quite comfortable with our position.

But now all that had passed, and I was dressed in a pair of jeans and simple shirt, not wanting to dress up for this, but feeling the need to look good simply because I was going out. Bella had me pick out her clothes, though she refused to let me mess with her hair, just wanting to keep it in a clip. At ten minutes to six, Bella was perched on the couch, watching out the window. "Alice! A cop just showed up! Better hide the goods."

Jasper laughed as he went to the window as well and peeked out from where he wouldn't be seen. He smiled after a second and glanced at me. "He brought you daisies."

I laughed, not sure how else to reply. It was a cute gesture on his part, but he didn't know that I couldn't stand daises. They were hardly flowers. Bella hopped off the couch. "Okay, Alice. Here he comes. We'll be in the kitchen. Make sure to text me the name of the restaurant!"

"Okay," I said, giving her a hug and winking at Jasper. "See you guys soon."

I watched as they hurried away into the kitchen moments before there was knock on the door. I took a deep breath before answering the door with a smile. He was dressed in a pair of light khakis and a simple black t-shirt, making me glad I hadn't dressed up any more. He smiled at me. "Hi, Alice."

"Hi," I said, flinching as he shoved the little bouquet of daisies at me. "How lovely."

"I saw them on the way out at a little stand on the road and couldn't help myself. I hope you don't mind." He was bouncing on the balls of his feet, making the tall puppy-like man look even more like a nervous child.

"Not at all. Just wait here while I put them in water," I said, smiling as I took them and hurried to the kitchen where Bella handed me a vase with a smirk. I hurried to the sink, put water in it and dropped the flowers in before giving her one last hug and hurrying out to the cop… I really needed to find out what his name was.

--BPOV--

Fifteen minutes later I got the text. "Okay, Jasper. They are off to Casa Mia. Ready to go eat some fantastic pizza?"

He smiled. "Sounds good to me, Bella." His composure was amazing; I would never have even been able to tell how excited he really was if he'd been able to sit still for more than two seconds. "So, what's the plan?"

I grabbed my purse and keys. "Let's see how bad it goes. Then we can decide how dramatic to make it."

He hurried out the door and hopped into my car, trying, it seemed, to hold himself back but hardly able to do so. Once I was sitting in the driver's seat, keys in the ignition, he turned to me. "We will end up ending the date, right?"

I laughed. "I can't say for sure. But he did bring her daisies. I'll bet you a thousand dollars she'll come home and run them through the garbage disposal before she even gets changed."

"So, she doesn't like daisies. They're a bad idea," he mumbled to himself, looking out the window. It was the cutest thing I had EVER seen. Why had it taken so long for Emmett to introduce them?

I smiled, unable to help myself. "Yes, daisies are bad. Roses, on the other hand, she adores. Particularly pink ones." I kept my tone as light as possible, as if I wasn't advising him on anything but rather just pointing out a fact. "So, when are you going to ask her out?"

"Well I've been thinking about tha-" he started but snapped his mouth shut suddenly, turning to stare at me with wide eyes. He was, of course, snared in the trap already.

I laughed and patted his arm as I pulled onto the main road. "Don't worry, Jasper. I won't say anything to her. It's pretty obvious from both of you. So, you were thinking…"

He smiled. "Encouragement, then?"

I laughed again, nodding. "You? Yes. You got my approval last night when you saved me from sitting next to Edward."

"I can't honestly believe you remember that."

I flinched. "Oh, I remember most of the night. I have a feeling that she might have told the bartender to make them weak, so I didn't pass out on the floor. Anyway, no changing the subject."

"Well, I was thinking about taking her out drinking and dancing the night we get back to Seattle. But I was going to ask you tomorrow morning. I'm sure you don't want to be alone, so I was wondering if you I could possibly match you up with a friend…"

"Ugh. No way. No blind dates for me just yet. But I think you should ask her out! I'm bringing my laptop, so I'll be able to keep busy. Just go for it!"

"You really think that's the best approach?"

I glanced at him, smiling. "Jasper, I've been friends with Alice for too long to not know. If you just go for what you want, just dive on it, you will impress her to no end. That's what irritates her so much about me - I can't. Trust me. Just go after her. Let her know that you like her, and it will all end as well as it possibly can."

He was thinking about this for a second, then turned to me. "Bella, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course, Jasper."

"Why did you let him leave?" The question was so soft I hardly heard it.

But, hardly hearing it is hearing it still. I swallowed hard, glancing at him. "Because it was for the better. I know that he thinks it's better for me, but really, it's better for him. I let him go because I love him enough to do that. He needs to find the girl of his dreams, and I need to let go in order for that to happen. I'm not going to be the one who ruins his chances at finding her."

"And that's why you're so… okay," he concluded. "Because it's for his good."

I nodded as I pulled into the half-empty parking lot. "Yeah. You know, I really thought I was going to be sad, that I was going to cry more, but it's not that hard."

"Well, you let him go before he left. That's why your goodbye was so easy."

I paused as I was pulling out the key. My goodbye? I searched my mind for that part of last night. I remembered getting my food…. a refill…. laughing with Alice about something… Rose and Emmett leaving the table for a minute… Alice flirting with Jasper… Jasper flirting with Alice… continuous glances at Edward… But what else? When did I say goodbye? What did I say?

"Bella?"

I shook myself awake and looked at Jasper. "Sorry, I was just… trying to remember."

His eyebrows pulled together as he held my eyes for a second then he sighed. "I wish I could tell you what you guys said… But I'm sure you'll remember soon. Just don't think about it for a little while, and it will come back."

I gave a fake smile and nodded, pulling the keys and dropping them in my purse before getting out of the car. Jasper met me at the door, holding it open for me. I smiled and stepped through, my eyes automatically flicking from table to table. As a waiter came out from the kitchen with a wide smile, I spotted them, Alice facing away from me. I turned my attention to the man asking me a question. "I'm sorry, what?'

He smiled pleasantly and repeated, "Just two?"

"Yes, its just us. But do you mind if I make a request?"

He shook his head, obviously recognizing me, as did most of the wait staff. I was well known here, not only for my tipping, but for my adoration of the pizza. I had wolfed down half of one by myself once in this restaurant. "Not at all, Miss Swan."

"Bella," I corrected instantly. "And you see that couple over there? The cop and the short, pretty girl?"

He nodded. "Yes. That would be Officer Todd and his date."

I smiled, "Well, I need a table nearby, preferably facing his back, if that's at all possible." It obviously was with their position in the middle of the room, only half of which was filled. "And try not to point us out to either of them. Can you do that for me?"

His smile widened as he nodded and grabbed two menus, ushering us over to a table that was two away from them, with the officer's back to us. I pointed to the chair that would be facing Alice, insisting that Jasper sat there while I took the one to his right, turning to look at my dear friend. She hadn't noticed us yet, too engrossed in the salad in front of her to notice anything else. She looked ready to fall asleep, the poor thing. I smiled and looked up at our waiter again.

"I'm afraid that I need another favor," I said as my eyes flicked to his nametag, "Nick. Will you deliver a cup of coffee with a side glass of milk to his date? Don't tell her who it's from. Just smile and say it was sent with specific instructions that she not know the identity of the sender."

He laughed. "I can do that for you, Miss Bella. But can I get you something to drink, as well?'

"Just lemonade for me. What about you, Jasper?" I glanced over at him to see him watching Alice poking at her salad, a little smile on his lips. I smiled and nudged him with my foot. He looked at me for a second and blushed before looking down at his menu.

"I'll just have a coke."

"Okay, I'll be right back with your drinks," the waiter said, smiling knowingly.

--APOV--

Dear god, save me. First, the awkward, silent car ride. Now, twenty minutes of listening to the correct procedure of arresting a guy? I was bored to tears! How cold he not read my disinterest? I had been staring at my plate for ten minutes, doing nothing but giving the occasional nod so I didn't seem like a complete bitch. I looked up just as the waiter returned to our table, a mug in his hand and a smile on his face.

"This is for you. I was sent with instructions not to make you aware of the sender," he said, setting a glass of milk and a cup of coffee in front of me. He turned to Todd. "Your pizza should be up in five minutes sir. Would you care for anything else in the meantime?"

I glanced up at him to see him watching me, irritation on his face. "No thanks, Nick. I think we're good for now."

I looked back down at my coffee, trying not to smile as I added some milk and took a small sip, nonchalantly glancing over his shoulder. My eyes connected with Jasper's instantly, and he smiled and raised a glass of coke to me. I allowed my eyes to flick to Bella who was smiling proudly as she watched me. Setting my cup back down I again glanced briefly at Jasper before allowing my eyes to go back to Todd. He was quiet now, watching me. I smiled, a real one now that I knew my friends were here and could save me, if needed. "I'm sorry about that. You were saying?"

He smiled, thinking that I really had cared before and continued on his rant, which was apparently about cuffs. I blocked my ears and lifted my coffee again, needing it if I wanted to stay awake. I glanced over his shoulder again, being very discreet as I found Jasper still watching me with a smile. I lifted my cup to my lips to hide my own grin as I made sure Todd wasn't really paying attention to me, which he wasn't, and looked back to Jasper who was answering something Bella had said without taking his eyes off of me. I really wanted to know what he said and wished more than anything that I could read lips.

--BPOV--

Her face lit up when the coffee arrived, a smile barely hidden as she tried the coffee. Then she looked over her date's shoulder, our most likely position in the restaurant, and met Jasper's eyes, her own squinting a little with delight as she kept her smile hidden with the mug. He lifted his glass to her, making a cute chuckle in his throat. She was glowing by the time she looked at me. I smiled at her, loving the exchange I had just witnessed. She looked back at Jasper for a second, then turned her attention to Todd, probably to comfort him about the coffee and get him talking again. It worked because a second later his head was bobbing as he spoke and made odd hand gestures.

She lifted her cup again, looking back at Jasper and smiling. I watched her eyes move back to Todd for a minute, and I leaned toward Jasper. "She is really beautiful, isn't she?"

"Like nothing I've ever seen before. That girl could outshine the sun if she put her mind to it," he replied, not looking away from her as she glanced again at him. I saw a question appear in her eyes as she glanced at me to find out what we were talking about. I just smiled at her.

"You know, Jasper, I might have given my seal of approval too soon, although I hope this isn't the case. Do you mind if I ask you a question just to be sure?"

That pulled his attention away from Alice who was nodding as Todd continued to speak. "Of course not. What is it?"

"Did you fall for her because she was pretty?"

He started laughing, a cross between surprise and humor on his face. "Not at all, Bella. I had fallen for her before I had seen her. Between Emmett's constant stories and Rose's fantastic opinion of her I had a serious interest in meeting her. But I really fell when I heard her voice on the phone. We spoke a few times the day that I came, and she was everything I had imagined. I really didn't know what she looked like until she stepped out of the house, and I was already gone by then."

I beamed at him. "Okay, you are in. And if you don't ask her out in the next two days, BEFORE we get to Seattle, I will do it for you."

He laughed and turned his attention back to the other table where Alice was nibbling on her lip as she watched us, probably wanting to know exactly what we were talking about. Alice has always had a problem with being out of the loop, so not knowing what we were talking about was probably killing her. When she met my eyes, I just pointed at her, and she smiled and looked down at her salad, taking a little bite as she blushed. Yeah, she knew what I meant.

"Well, I'm glad I have your approval, Bella. I just hope I can get hers."

"Oh, I think you've had hers for a little while now," I said quietly. I watched as Nick came out of the kitchen, carrying a pizza. He set it on Alice's table with a quick word and a smile and then came over to us.

"Your usual, Miss Bella?"

I turned to Jasper. "What don't you like on pizza?"

He thought about it. "I haven't found anything but anchovies and artichokes."

I tuned back to Nick, smiling and nodded. "My usual then."

--APOV--

Bella had taken me here before, of course, and I must say that the pizza is quite amazing. However, I must say that her own choice of pizza is ten times better than the plain cheese that Todd ordered. I must also say that eating with her makes it considerably more enjoyable because of the way that she moans every time she takes a bite. It is one obsession that I can agree with her on. I lifted my piece back to my lips and looked at Todd, who was now completely engrossed in a story about robbery, and smiled. He wasn't even looking at me, so I turned my attention over his shoulder again to stare at Jasper. What a gorgeous man. He was smiling to himself as he looked up and caught me staring, the smile spreading quickly.

"So, tell me about you, Alice," Todd said, pulling me out of Jasper's eyes and back into my real date.

I shrugged, "Not much to tell, really. I live alone in Seattle and work at a great clothing store. I have two brothers, both living in Washington. My parents live where I was born, over in Forks."

He smiled and nodded. "What are you brothers like?"

I smiled, seeing an opportunity. "Oh, they are great. Emmett, my older brother, is a big guy." As I spoke, I pulled lifted my purse into my lap. "He's my protector really. Would you like to see him?"

I could tell by the cocky look on his face he didn't believe he was really that big. I lifted the mini photo album Esme had placed in my stocking last year and flicked to the photo where Emmett was holding me to his chest, smiling at the camera. It showed his real size in comparison to mine. I handed over the album, smiling as Todd went a little pale. When I glanced over, Bella was laughing as she looked at me, knowing what I was doing simply because I have so many times. Jasper looked amused as he watched me.

"And then, my other brother, Edward, is going to school to be a doctor like my dad. He's a great guy, really intellectual. He's the one on the next page. He's the opposite of Emmett in most things, except the way he protects me and Bella, my best friend. He's only a little shorter than Emmett but has taken him in more than one wrestling match. When he gets mad or irritated, he's like superhero, I swear. He's only a little younger than me," I said, keeping a pleasant smile. He flipped the page to see Edward in my favorite picture of him and Bella.

-- Flashback - BPOV-- (AN: I know that it really should be APOV, but I think its so much sweeter this way!)

"Sheesh, Alice. Go all out, why don't you?" I said, looking into the mirror and shaking my head. My hair was up in crazy curls. My face was well defined by the blush and eyeliner she had used. She had squeezed me into a pair of shorts she had bought for me at our last shopping trip without telling me. My shirt was a halter that faded from black to a pale blue the higher you got.

She laughed. "I like it."

"Of course you do," I said, shaking my head, "Your greatest joy seems to come from dressing me up after we go shopping. You know, torture of the worst kind."

"That's not true. I get the greatest joy out of watching you squirm when you see how great you look!" she laughed, making me blush. "Now come on, we've been in here way too long. Lets go find Edward and Emmett."

I sighed and followed, knowing better than to waste my time fighting about it. She had won that argument way too many times to count. "You know, Alice, one of these days I'm going to start saying no to you and you will not be able to do anything about it."

"That's not true, Bella," Alice said, stopping by the couch where Edward sat. "I'll send Edward here to come and get you. He could easily carry you anywhere I wish to have you placed."

I sighed and sat down on the couch next to Edward. "Nah, I could easily take Edward. I mean, look at his girlish arms compared to my muscles."

He laughed and lifted my arm at the elbow to look at it. "You know Alice, she might be right. I mean, she does seem to have a little bit of muscle right here," he poked the side of my arm, "I bet she could take me with that."

"Oh, that's one I would love to see," Alice muttered as she lifted a magazine from the coffee table and sat on the floor.

"I second Alice on that," Emmett said, poking his head out of the kitchen. "It would be funnier than hell to watch Bella take on Edward."

"Did I just hear the words 'take on Edward' under my roof? Haven't I made I clear there will be no more fighting between you and your brother in this house Emmett?" Esme asked, walking through the front door with a bag in her hand.

"It wasn't about Emmett and Edward, Mom. It was Bella and Edward," Alice said, smiling at her mother.

Esme turned to look at me and her son sitting on the couch, her eyebrows raised. "That would be… interesting."

I started laughing and leaned a little closer to Edward, "Well, we have our audience. How much should we charge for admission?"

"Oh, I bet we could get at least ten bucks out of each of them. Maybe twenty if we play our cards right."

I smiled and nudged him, "Does it seem worth getting your butt kicked in front of your family."

Esme laughed. "So the money is on Bella beating Edward then?"

"Of course!" I turned to her. "Why? Don't you think I could take him?"

Her laughter was as sweet as Alice's. "Oh, I think you have more of a chance then even you believe Bella. My money would be backing you. But, I don't condone fighting… of course."

We all laughed as she climbed the stairs, waving at us. "Did you hear that, Edward? Your own mother thinks I could win."

He laughed, "I'm not surprised. She always goes for the women. She's a horrible gambler, though. The one she chooses never wins."

"So you don't think I could win? I'm shocked Edward, really."

"You could always prove me wrong," he teased, nudging me.

I laughed, "You would like that, wouldn't you?"

"I would. Take him, Bella!" Alice said, looking over at us with a huge smile.

"See, Alice is for me. What about you, Emmett?"

He poked his head out again, nodding his head. "Oh yeah, Bella. I'll always back you."

He laughed. "My entire family just traded me in for you. I'm not sure how to feel about that."

"We tried to trade you with Bella a long time ago, Edward. But Charlie refused to give her away. He said he'd end up starving to death without her cooking. We'll wear him down eventually, though. I hope you can learn to cook by then."

He started laughing, "I can't blame them, I suppose."

"You know, me kicking your but would be last thing I needed to do to win them over," I mused. "Your strength seems to be the only thing that they are holding on to."

"Then again, if I proved you wrong, I may just win them back over."

"You guys are not seriously thinking about this, are you?" Alice asked, not sure if we were doing our normal teasing thing or actually considering it.

"I don't know, Alice. It may just be worth it." Edward said, a little bit of tease in his voice, but hardly enough to be picked up on. Even I wasn't sure if he was kidding or not with that one.

-- (later)

I walked into the backyard slowly, trying not to make any noise as I approached his back. It seemed to be working as I got closer, a smile on my face. When I was within a foot, I dove, grabbing his hips and taking him down pretty quickly, just like Emmett had showed me multiple times before. He was surprised as he flipped over quickly, but he started laughing when he saw me. "Oh, you're going to take me now?"

I laughed and said, "Oh, please. I couldn't help it after our talk earlier."

He smiled and shook his head slowly, holding my eyes for a second. My cheeks burned as they turned some shade of red. I was about to walk away when he made his move, sweeping my legs out from under me, making me hit the ground right next to him. I glared and he laughed. "Oh, please. I couldn't help it after our talk earlier."

I laughed despite myself. "You know, retaliation is never the right way. It only goes on and on in a constant loop until someone ends up hurt or giving in."

"You have a point…" he said, looking over at me. "So you might as well give in now."

I locked eyes with him before laughing full out. He smiled at that and before I could do anything he had me by the hips and was standing up, lifting me to my feet. "Well, no one can say I didn't give you a chance."

I stared at him for a second, trying to anticipate his next move. He smiled and tossed me over his shoulder, which he did often enough not to freak me out. But, of course, too soon I found a reason to start beating his back, telling him to put me down, begging. He only laughed and kept walking toward the pool. "What's wrong, Bells?"

"Edward, don't you dare! I will never speak to you again!"

He stopped at that. "Really?"

I growled. "Yes, really. Never."

He sighed and turned, heading back toward the lit porch, "Well, we can't have that."

I let out a long sigh of relief and relaxed, no longer beating his back. He went to the kitchen, setting me down on a counter with a smile and a chuckle. "Okay, I didn't do it. Now be nice."

I groaned, "There's no fun in that!"

He laughed and turned to leave the kitchen. I stayed on the counter before I hopped off and chased him with every intention to take him down again. He spun, probably hearing my feet slap that tile, and spread his arms wide, closing me in them so that I fell with him, landing hard on top of his chest. I struggled away quickly, crawling across the floor toward the couch where I now saw Alice sitting, slack jawed, cleaning her camera lens to be ready for out trip to the beach the next day. I smiled at her as I hurried away from Edward, who had gotten to his feet. I stood up as quickly as I could, which happened to be the same time that he got to me, smiling like a wicked lion, his eyes excited. I squealed as he wrapped his arms around me and lifted me off my feet. "Okay, time to go for a swim, Bella."

"No!" I shrieked, managing to wiggle myself free and taking off. He was hot on my heels as I raced around the room. I was nearing the kitchen when one of my feet came in contact with the other, sending me flying. Two milliseconds later Edwards's feet tangled with my legs, making him fall as well. Deciding the only way to win this if I didn't want to lock myself in a room that I would never have time to reach, I quickly crawled onto his chest and grabbed his arms. He laughed and tried to lift them but I put all of my weight on his wrists and leaned so my face was inches from his face. "Surrender."

He laughed and rolled over, laying on me, his nose touching mine. "Never."

I was breathing hard, partly from the run, partly from the position, my legs wrapped around his torso, holding me to him. His smell was everywhere around me, filling my head with screams to kiss him. Sending me into a haze as I struggled to remain in control. I didn't move my face as I took a deep breath of his scent, practically tasting it. Then there was a flash, making us both blink for a send before looking over at Alice who was perched on the back of the couch, her camera still posed as she took another shot. I woke up quickly, realizing that with me pinned I was sure it looked as if he won, and I flipped us again, which was easier than it should have been because of his daze from the flash. I lifted his wrists above his head and smiled as he grunted. Alice took another shot.

"Surrender," I repeated, leaning toward him.

He stared at me for a second, his green eyes boring into mine. "On one condition."

I smiled, pleased. "Anything."

He smiled, "Great. I surrender."

I paused, realizing my mistake. "What was the condition?"

"Tomorrow night at the restaurant Esme and Carlisle are taking us all to for dinner, you're dancing with me."

--(end flashback)--

--APOV--

"Wow. He's… not small," Todd said, staring at a pinned Bella, tiny under Edward, their noses touching. Bella had yet to see my new addition to the album, which was probably best for now.

"No, he's not. Bella had decided to try to wrestle him there. She actually ended up getting him to surrender." I was still pretty proud of that. And, she ended up dancing like an angel the night after, her dress flowing just as beautifully as if it had been in a movie. And it matched Edward's suit perfectly, not that it was exactly surprising because I had dressed both of them that night. "He's a good guy, though, most of the time. I've only seen him in one fight… but that's a different story. The guy didn't stand a chance, anyway."

He glanced at me as he closed the album and handed it back to me. "How did a single couple produce such big guys and then a tiny thing like you?"

"Esme and Carlisle have been asking that same question for years. We have yet to figure it out." I lifted my cup to my lips and turned my eyes back to Jasper. He looked up to meet my eyes, as if he felt me looking at him. After a quick glance at Todd who was occupied with his pizza I winked at him, making him smile. Bella grinned at me for a second, then grabbed her purse, nodding toward the bathrooms. I nodded and looked back to Todd. "I'll be right back."

"Okay." Simple enough reply.

I stood up and walked toward the bathroom, sweeping my arm against Jasper's arm as I passed him. Bella was leaning against the wall when I walked in, a smile on her face. "So, how's it going?"

"It was terrible until you guys showed up. Now it's bearable, though I would much rather be at your table. God, he's so boring and cocky as can be. You know, yesterday I thought he was sweet, at least. Even when he picked me up with flowers. But now… it's like he thinks I should feel lucky to be on a date with him, rather than the other way around. And he JUST asked the first question about me since the night started. He seems to think I care about his job."

She laughed, hugging me. "Do you want us to save you?"

"Very much," I said, sighing. "Oh, and thanks for the coffee. I needed it."

"I could tell. I wondered if you were already asleep when we came in and he just hadn't noticed."

Laughing, I squeezed her hand. "So, what are you and Jasper talking about?"

"Mainly you."

I smiled. "What has he said?"

"I'm sorry to say that I'm not currently at liberty to discuss that…" she said with a little frown. I felt my own lips turn down. "But it's all good. I promise. Oh, and after talking to him for a few minutes, I just want you to know that he is absolutely perfect, and if you don't go after him, you're insane. He is everything that you have ever wanted, Alice."

I blushed. "I know."

She nodded and walked to the mirrors. "So, I'm going to tell the waiter to make my pizza to go, and once it comes over, you'll be saved, okay?"

"Okay. Now I'm going to go back out there. Should I play sick?"

"Of course," she said, smiling at me. "Now go get him. It's almost over. And then you can get back to Jasper."

"Sounds good!" I said as I headed to the door. I let my face fall before I stepped out and headed back to my table. I couldn't hold it, though, as I approached Jasper's back. I bit my lip and paused, looking at my empty seat. In the end I just went to Bella's seat and sat down quietly, smiling at him as he stared out the window across the dining room.

"How's she doing?"

"Well," I whispered. "She's ready to be rescued. That's for sure."

His head spun around, and he met my eyes. "Is she? That's funny. She seemed to be smiling enough."

"Surprisingly, though, that only seems to happen when she looks at a different table. Or watches her date pale because he sees a picture of her brother," I said, trying to keep my smile from growing too wide.

"Why would she possibly look at another table when she's on a date with a successful cop? Something must be distracting her."

"Oh, there is. See, right past her date's shoulder is this really cute guy who keeps smiling at her. It makes it hard to keep a straight face."

He looked around, hardly keeping the smile off his lips, "Where's this cute guy? Here I have been trying to get her attention since I sat down, and she's paying attention to some other guy."

I laughed quietly as I stood, patting his arm. "I don't think you'll be seeing him if you keep turning your head like that. Now, she must get back to her date and hope to be saved by someone interesting soon."

He beamed as I bit my lip and walked away, taking the smile off my face with one last wink at him. By the time I sat down across from Todd again, I had my sick and miserable face on. He looked up and smiled at me, not seeming to notice my face as I stared at my piece of pizza. Glancing over his shoulder I saw Bella was back in her seat with Jasper, who was smiling and saying something to her quietly. She looked at me and laughed a little before nodding and saying something back to him, probably confirming the fact that I thought he was cute. I turned my eyes to the man beside me who was taking a bite of his pizza with what I think was supposed to be sensual movements. I shivered.

"Are you cold?" He asked after swallowing, his arm sweeping across my arm, up my shoulder, pausing at my chest for a second, then moving to my other arm. I shivered again.

"A little. I think I may have a bit of temperature, though. I haven't been feeling very well."

"I'm sorry," he said. Notice the lack of offer to take me home or even if there was any way he could help. Stupid man. I glanced over at the other table. Nick was now standing at the side, nodding as Bella spoke to him. He handed her the book from his apron and walked away, supposedly to tell the kitchen to make her order 'to go'. She better believe I was taking a slice when we got to the car. She met my eyes and held up her palm. Five minutes. I blinked twice to let her know I understood. She opened the book and went for her purse, smiling to herself. Jasper began to say something, standing a little to try to get his wallet out of his back pocket. Bella shook her head, replying as she pulled her money from the wallet in her purse. He said something again, managing to wrestle the leather fold from his back pocket. She punched his arm, still shaking her head. Bella loved treating people to lunch. She never bought things for herself, so she delighted in buying things for others.

I looked down as Jasper looked up, hardly meeting his eyes at all. I lifted the piece of pizza on my plate back to my lips, not looking at Jasper as I took a bite. I chewed for a second, wondering what Bella's plan was. It was funny. My family says that I'm the dramatic and eccentric one, but I could remember once when Bella gave a very convincing performance where she broke her leg to get me out of a date. Even I had been convinced thoroughly, and she had had to walk across the parking lot to prove that she hadn't really broken anything. I could also remember once where she frenched my date so that I could fake shock and disgust, slap him, and leave. I had been so shocked by the end. Of course, she had been drinking non-stop at the other table, putting her past buzzed mode and into drunk. I don't think she actually remembered it. Now that she had a partner in her crime, the possibilities were endless.

"Alice?"

I looked up at the man standing beside the table and smiled, setting my pizza down. "Jasper? What a surprise! What are you doing here?"

He smiled, being careful not to look away as he leaned on the table, putting his back to Todd. "Well, I was coming in to grab a slice of pizza."

"I meant what are you doing in Yakima, silly," I said with a sickeningly flirty giggle.

He laughed. "Actually, I went to see you yesterday at your apartment, but your neighbor said that you came to Bella's… and I really wanted to see you. I haven't stopped thinking about the other night after the bar. I hope you don't mind…"

I looked down with a shy smile, "Not at all. I haven't, either. I had a great time, you know."

He dropped down beside the table so that I was looking right into his face, making my heart skip two beats and my breathing increase a little. "I wasn't sure, but I'm glad. I know that I have never seen anything quite as amazing as you. Even now with a little pizza sauce on your face, you are the most extraordinary creature."

I blushed as I tried to search for a reply. All I could manage was, "Pizza sauce?"

He smiled and wiped at the corner of my lips, revealing a little sauce on his finger which he automatically brought to his lips and licked off. My heart almost stopped, and my heartbeat doubled. I stared at him, holding his beautiful eyes for a long time, never wanting to look away. He never stopped smiling, and I felt his hand take mine and stroke the back. I never wanted to move, never wanted to leave this moment. But, all too soon, there was a loud throat-clearing sound. My head shot up as I looked at Todd who was glaring at Jasper.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Todd… This is… Well, this is Jasper. Jasper, this is Officer Todd."

Jasper turned to him, extending a hand, which Todd did not take. "Nice to meet you, Officer."

I was searching for the right thing to say when there was another interruption. "Alice! I'm so glad that I found you!" Bella cried, stopping near the table. I watched her eyes fall to Jasper and a little smile appear on her lips. "Well, this is quite a surprise Jasper. I was wondering how soon you would follow her."

He laughed and shook his head. "I couldn't wait any longer."

She looked back to me and shook her head, "Alice, your brothers just showed up at my house. They want to know where their sister is. I told them you went out, and they didn't believe you weren't on a date. Unless you want to bring the officer back to the house and introduce them all, I think you need to come with me."

I looked at Todd who had turned an extremely white color. "Umm… no. I think we should go. I think Jasper would stand a better chance. I'm sorry about all this, Todd."

He shook his head. "It's fine Alice. I'll… see you around."

"Yeah. Sure," I said as I stood, my hand still in Jasper's as I gathered my purse and pushed in my chair. "It was… lovely. I have to go."

He nodded, looking at my hand tucked into Jasper's. "Yeah. I've got this. I'll… Bye."

"Bye," I said as I hurried behind Bella till we were out of sight of the table and standing in front of the waiter, all smiling.

"Thank you for everything, Nick! You were wonderful. I'll be seeing you again, I hope."

"Sure, Miss Bella. I work almost everyday."

"I'm glad. Here's the check. It's all set. Thank you for everything you've done! I'll be back soon, and you better believe I'll be requesting you so just be prepared. Hopefully, it will be a little more normal next time," she said as she took the box he was extending to her.

"'Til then, ma'am," he said, smiling as we all left the restaurant and headed back to her car.