Disclaimer- Stephenie still owns the usual suspects.
I own my original characters and original story.
**once again 2 chaps. These parallel Chaps 30 'The Southern Gentleman & Caveward' and 31 'Wild Turkey & JedI Training' from V&V. enjoy.
*****************************************V&V************************************************************
Chapters 30&31 - Karaoke For Cavemen
Marriage. As we were falling asleep last night, I started to understand a lot of things about Bella's attitude, actually the correct term would be aversion to marriage.
It all stemmed from her parents' unhappy marriage, and even unhappier divorce. I gathered that this was probably what was at the root of Bella's self-esteem issues too. I remember reading somewhere that kids of divorce will sometimes blame themselves for their parents' split.
Of course each child processes the information differently, hence the fact that Emmett had no self-esteem issues whatsoever. The man oozed self-confidence wherever he went. Bella seemed to be the polar opposite of her brother in that regard.
Add to that the fact that Bella held herself responsible to some extent for her mother's murder, and you have a young woman who places very little value in her own worth. Someone who feels she doesn't deserve to be happy. It was something that I looked forward to changing, day by day for as long as it took. The rest of our lives if she'd have me.
Bella didn't believe in happy marriages, because she'd never witnessed one up close.
I explained to her that my experience had been the opposite of hers. My parents were only truly happy when they were together. I understood at a fairly early age that my parents' marriage probably wasn't the norm, but it was all I had known. They were always blissfully happy together, with hardly ever a cross word between them.
Even Alice and Jasper's relationship was probably too good to be true. I've watched them as they struggled with demanding careers and schedules, but always seemed to make it work.
Bella admitted that Emmett and Rosalie would have a wonderful marriage, and that maybe her opinion had been skewed by her traumatic past.
I told her that I believed very strongly in marriage, I just never thought for a moment that I would find anyone I wanted to share my life with.
I'm not willing to settle for less than what my parents have.
When I met Bella, it didn't take me long to realize that I'd found my other half. The one I was meant for. I also realized that we both had a lot of personal shit to deal with before we'd be completely happy together. Rather that postpone being together though, I believe helping fix each other would be a hell of a lot better than dealing with it on our own as we both have done for seven years.
Last night, when I realized that she wouldn't be opposed to marrying me, I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
Today seemed to be the beginning of the rest of our lives. Together.
I was incredibly calm and relaxed during the drive back to L.A. Our two-day escape was over, but knowing what I did now, I could face the craziness of the rest of the week.
We stopped by my house first, in order for me to pack a bag. There was no way anyone was keeping me away from Bella until I had to leave for England, so we would be staying at Alice and Jasper's together.
"Bella, I think I should postpone this meeting so I can go to the airport with you." I said worriedly.
We had just arrived at Alice and Jasper's, and I was due to leave again in a few minutes to meet with Jane. Jasper gave me a surprised look.
"Nonsense Edward, I'll be fine." Bella answered. "Remember your promise not to overreact."
"I'm not overreacting Bella, I swear. I just know how aggressive the paps at the airport can be." I could feel my stress returning.
Bella must have seen my worried expression. "Edward, if it means that much to you, I'll wait in the car while Alice and Jasper go inside to get Emmett and Rose."
"You would really do that?" I asked.
"I think you're being silly, but if it would make you feel better, yes, I'd do that." She smiled.
I sighed. "Thank you Bella. I feel a lot better now."
Knowing that Bella wouldn't be anywhere near the paps, I left Alice and Jaspers feeling just as relaxed and happy as I had that morning.
Jane was unusually cheerful also. Thank God she'd dropped the subject of the indie film she'd been trying to shove down my throat for months.
Instead, she wanted to let me know that filming for the period piece I was interested in had been pushed back to begin next February.
Perfect.
Jane also touched briefly on all the news reports about my personal life, letting me know that it had evidently been the catalyst for a slew of new movie roles being offered to me. She assured me that next week she would meet with Jasper so they could wade through them together.
When I left her office, I had a lot to think about. This new movie would start filming in Europe in February. I had every intention of being married, or at the least, engaged to Bella by that time.
After leaving Jane's office, Alec told me there were a lot of stories about Bella circulating the internet. Evidently, every detail of her mother's death was now public knowledge. So far, nothing reported put Bella in a negative light, but we needed to keep our guard up just in case.
He also told me they'd interviewed everyone possible from Bella's past, and were amazed that there were no 'old boyfriends' to be found. Alec even seemed surprised over this.
Yeah, suck it. I'm her one and only.
I sincerely hoped that all of this didn't overwhelm my fragile Bella. It can be a frightening thing for complete strangers to give you a knowing look when you pass them on the street because they have been privy to every detail of your life.
Hopefully she would be strong enough to handle it. I promised to trust her.
-LRM-
"So Andy, you been behaving yourself with my sister?" Emmett asked me with a grin.
How the fuck does one answer that?
We were at dinner. All the girls went to visit the powder room together, which left Jasper, Emmett and myself at the table.
"Of course Emmett." I answered honestly.
He narrowed his eyes at me. After a minute he seemed satisfied and turned to Jasper. "So Franny, where are you taking us tonight?"
Jasper winced at the use of his first name. "I have no idea." He answered. "Alice planned this entire outing."
-LRM-
"A club in Pasadena?" Jasper asked, confused, as the limo took us toward our destination. "What kind of club Alice?"
Alice looked a little guilty. "Chris recommended it, he's actually meeting us there. Emmett wanted to go to a karaoke bar, and it's supposed to have the best karaoke around."
Jasper looked exasperated. "Alice, you know I love you, but if Christopher chose this, it's probably a gay bar."
"He said it's only about 80 percent gay" she defended.
Jasper groaned.
"Francesca, you need to lighten up." Emmett decided to interject "A little karaoke with the queens is not going to kill you."
"I wonder if you'll still feel that way after they start hitting on you Emmett." Jasper answered.
This evening was shaping up to be quite amusing.
"Get over it Jazz. You boys will finally get to experience what we girls have to deal with all the time." Rose laughed. "It will be nice to go to a bar and not have anyone hit on me."
I loved karaoke. Although I would never do it in a public place. I'd done all my karaoke at parties, or with Alice and Jasper. Alice always begged me to, and I'll admit that I have a hard time saying no to her. Always have.
I'd also have to admit that I was very good at karaoke. Most people were stunned to find out that I could sing, much less perfect moves to keep the song entertaining.
What can I say, I'm a perfectionist and very competitive. If there was a competition, even karaoke, I was in it to win.
The bar was starting to fill up when we arrived, thankfully Chris had reserved a couple tables for us, near the stage. It turned out that the gay percentage was a bit higher than Alice had originally predicted.
Good, that mean I won't have to beat the hell out of any motherfuckers that would attempt to bother my girl.
Chris and Alice were both over the top in their exuberance, as usual. I kept one eye on the crowd and another on Isabella as we started our first round of drinks. There was a steady stream of people approaching our table to say hi, but no one was pushy or obnoxious.
I was relaxed and happy, really enjoying the evening when Chris said the words that instantly soured my good mood. "Oh Jasper. I don't know how I almost forgot this. What did that guy do at the airport that made you so angry, the photos are all over the internet?" Chris looked alarmed.
Wow, no one mentioned this. I'm thankful Bella stayed in the car.
We all turned to look at Jasper. "He just said something rude about Bella." He answered quietly.
My blood started to boil.
Bastards. She wasn't even there.
"How did they even realize you have anything to do with Bella? You know, they've really gone too far if they're now harassing my manager." I asked, confused and angry.
I'll find out later what the son of a bitch said.
Bella touched my arm. I turned to look at her. "I went with Jazz and Alice, into the airport." She said quietly.
What the fuck?
"But you said you would wait in the car, you promised." I said, stunned.
"Edward, I said that because you were freaking out for no reason. You were overreacting."
I was angry. "So you lied in order to placate me Bella?" I turned to Jasper. "What exactly happened Jasper?"
Jasper went on to explain the events at the airport. Emmett gave him a fist bump when he was finished. "Thanks for looking out for my sister Jasper. I owe you." Emmett said in a serious tone.
"No one owes me." Jasper responded. "Bella's family. Family looks out for each other."
I was angry at that fucker for what he'd said. I was angry that I wasn't there to defend my girl. But, I was also angry at Bella for telling me what I wanted to hear. If that's how she handles my so-called 'over-protectiveness', then I can't trust her to ever tell me the truth.
I need to make her see that I need to be able to trust her.
"I'm sorry I missed it Jasper." Rose added as she beamed at her brother. "You've always been the more rational one, it takes a lot to make you angry, but I sure as hell wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that anger."
Rose went on to tell a story about Jazz beating the shit out of one of his friends. I was too pissed to listen or care. Instead, I downed my drink.
Isabella downed hers, and then walked over to the bar. I waited a moment, and then followed her.
"Do you even understand why I would be angry about this Bella?" I said, trying to keep my anger in check.
"Because you were being irrational, and I told you something you wanted to hear Edward? I'm sorry that I technically lied but you couldn't have seriously expected me not to go inside to greet Emmett and Rose." She said in a belligerent tone.
"That's exactly what I expected Bella. It would be different if you'd intended to stay in the car, but changed your mind at the last minute, but don't lie to me Bella. I was lied to for years, I thought you were different."
I've dealt with 'yes men' in Hollywood for too long. I have finally gotten to the point where everyone I deal with on a day-to-day basis are all honest with me. Not a 'yes man' in the lot.
Bella looked angry now. She downed her drink in front of me while glaring.
I can't even imagine a reason for her to be angry. She's the one who lied.
"How dare you compare me to a whore." She seethed. "Why don't you say something about my mental instability while you're at it Edward?"
What the hell? She must be referring to Meghan. Does she really think I would compare her to my ex-girlfriend?
I was appalled. "Bella, I never compared you to a whore" I whispered. "Yes, Meghan was one of those that lied to me, but I was also speaking of all the phony people in L.A. that were part of my life before I isolated myself. The ones who told me what I wanted to hear, as opposed to the truth." I paused. "And, I'd never throw your emotional problems up in your face."
"Oh so you're admitting that I have emotional problems?" She narrowed her eyes at me.
There is no correct answer. I am walking through a mine field here. How the fuck did this turn around to be my fault anyway?
I need a drink.
I took a deep breath and let it out. "I don't think I can win this argument. You've obviously had too much to drink, and you are unreasonable. I just wanted to stress the fact that your lie bothered me."
In response, she just glared and stormed back to the table.
I turned to the bartender. "I'll have a shot of Wild Turkey rye." I glanced over at Bella and realized she'd changed places with her brother so she wouldn't have to sit next to me. I turned back to the bartender. "Make that two."
I knew I shouldn't drink it, I'd be sorry in the morning, but tonight I was too angry to think straight.
I downed the shots, and took a bourbon and coke back to my seat where I proceeded to sit sullenly as I drank it.
The emcee took the microphone in hand, welcoming all the guests.
Good evening everyone! I just want to say a word of welcome to any new comers. I guarantee this will be a night you won't soon forget!
We're going to start the karaoke momentarily. I just wanted to make you aware of some special guests joining us tonight.
He pointed over to our tables.
Seated over there is none other that Edward Masen! He said excitedly. Let's see, his latest movie is 'Time Stands Still', a wonderful film. Although I'd have to say that my personal favorite is 'September Ends', and you know why bitches! He said, and then winked at me.
Time to give the fans what they want.
I flashed my Hollywood smile. I noticed Bella scowl as she took a swig of her drink.
I am not dealing with her drunken behavior tonight.
Not for one fucking minute.
Another special guest, and our first karaoke participant is none other that Emmett Swan. You know Emmett well ladies if you're a football fan. After meeting Emmett I'm prepared to switch my allegiance from the Niners to the Seahawks. The emcee announced drawing cheers, and a few boos, from the audience. Come on over here stud so you can perform the first song of the evening.
Emmett walked over to the stage grinning from ear to ear, and took the microphone. "Thank you everyone. In order to perform the song I've chosen, I'll need the assistance of my lovely fiancée. Rose would you mind?" He said as he gestured to Rose. Rose joined him on stage.
"I'm also going to need the assistance of my future brother-in-law, a very talented whistler." Emmett said with a wink. Emmett handed Jasper a microphone to use from where he was seated.
I was mildly curious to see what song they would be performing.
A few seconds later the opening bars of 'Starstrukk' began to come through the sound system.
Nice legs, Daisy dukes, Makes a man go whoo-whoo
That's the way they all come through, Like whoo-whoo whoo-whoo
Low-cut, see-through shirts That make you whoo-whoo
That's the way she come throughLike whoo-whoo whoo-whoo
I tried to enjoy it, I really did. But my thoughts kept drifting back to the fact that Bella had lied to me. What hurt the most was that she acted like it was no big deal, and that my feelings on the matter weren't important.
Jasper got up next, pulling out his old standard of Friends in Low Places.
The crowd, spurred on by Chris, loved Jazz. I would have found it amusing if I hadn't been in a shitty mood.
'Cause I've got friends in low places Where the whiskey drowns and the beer chases my blues away, And I'll be okay
I'm not big on social graces. Think I'll slip on down to the oasis
Oh, I've got friends in low places
I surreptitiously watched Bella as she belly laughed at the cheers and adulation that Jasper received. I couldn't help but smile at her radiant beauty.
Maybe I did overreact. A little.
A couple other people performed after Jasper. Every now and then I would peek at Bella when I thought she wasn't looking.
I watched from the corner of my eye as she left the table and stood at the bar.
What the hell is she doing now?
Next up on stage were Alice and Chris, but I was too distracted by Bella to notice.
After a few minutes she slipped away to, I supposed, the ladies' room.
I probably did overreact, and now I've ruined the entire evening.
I felt remorseful. This was Bella's vacation after all, and I wanted all her memories of it to be happy.
I ordered another drink.
I realized that Alice and Rose had disappeared, no doubt commiserating with Bella in the rest room.
A couple minutes later, I saw them heading back to our tables and did a double-take when I saw the brunette sex kitten walking in with them.
Bella? My Bella?
I was certain that the Wild Turkey had caused me to see things until I noticed the stunned faces of Emmett and Jasper as Bella took the stage. I walked back to the table, not able to take my eyes off of her.
As soon as the opening strains of Like a Virgin began to play, Emmett jumped from his seat. "No fucking way Bells. I forbid you to perform that song in public." He shouted.
Rose managed to calm him down I suppose. I couldn't look at him. I couldn't manage to tear my eyes away from the goddess before me.
I made it through the wilderness
Somehow I made it through
Didn't know how lost I was Until I found you
I was vaguely aware that I probably looked like an idiot standing there, mesmerized. When Bella started to sway with the music, I thought it sweet. When her moves became more provocative, I thought I might lose my mind.
My hard-on was never going away because I would never be able to wipe this image from my memory. I silently prayed that I wasn't drooling.
I was beat incomplete, I'd been had, I was sad and blue
But you made me feel, Yeah, you made me feel
Shiny and new
At this point, Bella started to writhe around the stage. I wanted to punch somebody. Instead I dragged my hands roughly through my hair.
Let one single motherfucker look at her the wrong way and I will end them.
It didn't matter that most of the male patrons were gay, I had convinced myself right there and then that Bella could turn them straight.
I'm a fucking idiot.
When she slithered down to her knees and ran her hand up and down her body seductively, I couldn't take any more. My brain and my dick were about to self destruct.
Like a virgin
Touched for the very first time
Like a virgin
When your heart beats Next to mine
I downed what was left of my drink, hoping it would calm me. Bella's moves became even more seductive.
Gonna give you all my love, boy
My fear is fading fast
Been saving it all for you' Cause only love can last
You're so fine and you're mine
Make me strong, yeah you make me bold
Oh your love thawed out
Yeah, your love thawed out
What was scared and cold
When Bella started to slither across the stage on all fours, I'd had enough.
Bella will never do this dance again, unless she decides to give me a private show.
Fuck this shit.
I slammed down my glass, stormed over to the stage and threw her over my shoulder, ignoring the catcalls and whistles.
They can suck my dick. Unfortunately, a lot of them would probably like to.
I almost chuckled at my stupid joke as I carried Bella outside. I didn't stop moving until I had her pinned against a wall, holding my body against hers.
"Do you have any idea how crazy you make me Miss Swan?" I said in a hoarse voice.
Being as my hard-on was pressed against her heat, I was certain she understood. "I think I have a clue." She whispered.
"First you make me angry because I worry about you so much." I breathed into her mouth, our lips barely touching. "Then you get up there and do that. Bella, I'm only human. My self restraint is fucking crumbling as it is when I'm around you."
I had turned into a caveman. Something in me had snapped. I could blame it on the Wild Turkey, but that wouldn't have been entirely true. This is the result of all my pent-up sexual frustration starting the moment Bella spilled coffee on her white shirt all those months ago.
Fuuuuck.
I couldn't control myself. My lips found hers, it was rough and urgent. I wanted to claim her as mine, show her who was in control.
Damn it why does she drive me so crazy?
I pulled my lips away from hers in order to kiss the bare skin of her neck and shoulder. "I like this" I murmured as I fingered the lace edge at the top of her bustier.
I'd like it even better if I could rip it off.
When she wrapped her leg around me and began to grind against my dick, I lost all control. I held her leg in place and began to suck on her neck. I wanted to bite her, to mark her in some way, but I didn't think Bella was ready for that. It would be a little extreme.
"You can't do that to me Bella. You are mine. You're just lucky that most of the guys here are gay, or I would never let you go back in there, I'd take you home right now." I continued kissing down her shoulder, then across the bare skin above the bustier.
"Hey, you may want to stop that before Emmett comes to investigate." I heard Jasper's amused voice announce from the direction of the door.
Cockblocker. I may have to fucking kill him.
I pulled away abruptly, but kept my his hands on Bella's shoulders, unable to break contact completely. I chuckled "It's probably for the best. As much as I'd like to have my way with you right now Miss Swan, your brother would have every right to end my life if it were to happen against the wall of a karaoke bar." She laughed with me.
She's laughing now. I wonder if she'll be laughing once I've had my revenge.
I kissed her shoulder and up her neck again as I spoke. "Here's what happens next Miss Swan. You are to go straight to the bathroom and put your shirt back on. Then we are going to enjoy the rest of the evening."
I looked into her eyes. "I'm sorry I was an overprotective jerk. Will you forgive me?"
"If you'll forgive me for my little lie." She answered.
"Done. Let's not ever fight again."
"I agree." I kissed her again, but kept my animalistic side in check this time.
As Bella retreated to the rest room, I took another shot of liquid courage, and then approached the stage to select a song. Alice gasped when she saw what I'd chosen. It was one I'd done while playing karaoke at a party about six months ago, and Alice forbade me from ever performing it again.
She claimed it got the ladies 'too worked up'. I didn't quite understand their extreme reaction. I had merely been emulating the performance Prince gave in the music video.
Let's hope Bella has the same reaction as the 'ladies'.
I waited until I saw her returning from the rest room to start the show. I pulled out all the stops, and gave the best performance of my life.
You don't have to be beautiful to turn me on
I just need your body baby, From dusk till dawn
You don't need experience to turn me out
You just leave it all up to me, I'm gonna show you what it's all about
Bella's eyes were fixed on me. It seemed she was reacting to me the same way I had reacted to her little performance.
You don't have to be rich to be my girl
You don't have to be cool to rule my world
Ain't no particular sign I'm more compatible with
I just want your extra time and your
Kiss
When I started to remove my shirt, I saw her mouth drop open in surprise.
You got to not talk dirty, baby
If you wanna impress me
You can't be too flirty, mama
I know how to undress me (Yeah)
I want to be your fantasy, maybe you could be mine
You just leave it all up to me we could have a good time
Bella started to fan herself. Oh this was too good.
You don't have to be rich to be my girl, You don't have to be cool to rule my world
Ain't no particular sign I'm more compatible with
I just want your extra time and your
Kiss
I did my best not to laugh at Bella's expression. She looked like she may pass out at any moment. The crowd was rather intense, but I only had eyes for my girl.
You don't have to be rich to be my girl, You don't have to be cool to rule my world
Ain't no particular sign I'm more compatible with
I just want your extra time and your
Kiss
The roar of the crowd was overwhelming as I made my way over to Bella, who by this time was sitting down.
I leaned down and murmured in her ear, "That was just for you baby. Are you ready to leave? I'm aching to have you all to myself again." I breathed.
The damned Wild Turkey was still in control is seems.
Bella fanned herself with her hand. "Yeah, let's leave, I need some air, I'm so fucking hot."
"That you are." I said as I laughed.
-LRM-
I took a quick shower and dressed for bed. While lying on the bed, waiting for Bella to emerge from the bath, I could feel myself starting to drift.
When I felt her lie down next to me, I wrapped my arm around her waist in order to spoon with her. My eyes shot open when all I could feel was bare skin.
Holy shit. This has to be a dream.
My hands roamed over her body, only to find she didn't have on a stitch of clothing.
It's definitely not my birthday. Or Christmas…
We began kissing and I moaned when Bella rubbed against me. I quickly disposed of my pajama bottoms and moved back over to her, until we were lying against each other. Both naked. I moved until I was lying partially on top of her. I didn't care that my sister and her brother were nearby.
I. Didn't. Fucking. Care.
"Beautiful Bella." I whispered.
She just smiled and didn't say a word. I studied her face. Her beautiful face. She was everything to me, and I was the most fortunate man in the world that she felt the same way.
We kissed again. When we broke apart I proceeded to worship her beautiful body with my mouth. Landing soft kisses over every inch of her bare skin.
Suddenly, I felt someone swat my ass.
What the?
I turned to see some crazy dude wielding a crowbar as he jumped around the bedroom naked.
Wait a minute. That's the dude from 'The Hangover'. I met him at the MTV movie awards. His name is Ken... something? Why the fuck is he trying to hit me?
I looked back down to the bed and Bella had vanished.
The rest of the night I was running for my life trying to escape the dude with the crowbar, until I ran straight into Mike Tyson, who proceeded to pin me to the wall by my throat.
It was my worst nightmare come true.
I begged and pleaded with him. I told him I didn't steal his tiger or piss in his swimming pool.
He wouldn't listen. Instead Mike proceeded to pummel me with body blows. When he landed a solid punch on my face, I woke the hell up.
What. The. Fuck?
I knew it was all a dream. Bella, naked in bed with me was definitely too good to be true.
Damn you Wild Turkey.
I was lying on my side in the bed, just as I'd been as I waited for Bella to finish her shower last night. My head was pounding like a son of a bitch as I did a quick study of my surroundings. There was no Bella beside me. There was no sign of Bella anywhere.
That can't be good.
I was relieved to find that I still had on my pajama bottoms.
Maybe all of that had been a dream. A crazy fucked-up dream.
I wracked my brain trying to distinguish my dream from reality. I could remember the bar. Everyone taking their turns at karaoke. I had been drinking too much.
Big mistake.
I suddenly remembered holding Bella against the wall after her 'performance' and getting my revenge with a performance of my own. I scrubbed my face with my hands.
Oh no. She probably hates me. What did I do when we came back here?
There was a knot in my stomach as I began to worry about my behavior and Bella's reaction to it.
I wonder if she's on her way back to Seattle right now? I wouldn't blame her.
Just then, someone knocked on my door. I looked up in time to see Jasper poke his head into the room. "Get up shit piece. We have to haul our hung-over asses to the happiest place on the motherfucking earth." He growled.
Oh right the photo shoot.
I wanted to laugh at Jasper, but my head hurt too damn much.
"Is Bella with Alice?" I croaked out.
"Of course." He barked.
"Okay, give me a few." I said.
"We're leaving in ten minutes."
As we stood there waiting by King Arthur's Carousel, I couldn't stop watching Bella.
Could it be my imagination, or does she get more beautiful every day?
I was aware that Alice was going to give me a rash of shit for the way I was dressed. Truth was, I felt so terrible both physically and emotionally that I needed to be comfortable and as incognito as possible.
Probably the dark glasses, beanie and hoodie combination was a little much but I honestly didn't care.
The photo shoot was almost finished when Bella glanced in my direction. Her face lit up into with the most breathtaking smile when she saw me.
Maybe I wasn't the asshole I feared after all.
When the girls made their way over to us, Chris made the necessary introductions. I watched Bella intently as she approached, trying to decipher if anything about last night may have been troubling her.
"Hi." She said quietly.
"Hi." I answered.
"Um, is there a reason you're dressed like Ted Kaczynski?" She asked with a grin.
I smiled slightly.
I guess I do look like the Unabomber.
"Partly to remain unrecognized, and partly because I had a rough night." I answered quietly.
"Pfft. It didn't look like you were having a rough night to me." She muttered in a low voice.
Oh Christ. I knew I did something stupid.
"Bella, I'm afraid I owe you an apology for last night." I groaned as I scrubbed my hands over my face.
"Edward, you didn't do anything to apologize for. Where is this coming from?"
"That's just it Bella, I can't remember what happened after we got back to Alice's." I whispered. "I hope I wasn't a jerk or anything. I also feel terrible about man-handling you at the bar…"
"Edward stop right there. Don't you dare apologize for the bar."
She was smiling.
"That was fuckhot, and you will destroy my self-esteem if you tell me you regret it." She whispered.
She's always full of surprises.
I felt relieved, and smiled at her while grabbing her hand. "Well, since you put it that way, I'll have to find a way to forgive myself for that. Just please tell me I didn't do anything I should regret after we left the bar." I leaned down and brushed my lips against hers.
"You were a perfect gentleman Edward, although you're officially banned from drinking Wild Turkey around me ever again."
She knows about the Wild Turkey?
"We'll talk about it later." She whispered before she kissed me.
"Oh for fuck's sake, would you two get your heads in the game." Emmett boomed. "We are planning how to make the best use of our hours in the park."
From that point on, our time was not our own, as Alice tried to manage our day at Disney. I didn't care about the rides, although I found the ones where I could wrap my arm around Bella to be extremely enjoyable.
The part of the day I was most looking forward to would happen this evening. Chris and Alice had planned a little surprise, and I couldn't wait to see Bella's reaction.
-LRM-
After getting soaked on Splash Mountain, I decided the entire trip had been worth the couple of minutes I got to view Bella in her soaking wet shirt. The caveman from last night had evidently gone into hibernation, and my gentlemanly side was in charge again as I immediately whipped off my hoodie and zipped Bella up in it.
"This reminds me of the day we met Miss Swan." I smirked as I zipped her up.
"Afraid I may be ogled by another man Mr. Movie Star?" She teased.
I studied her for a moment before leaning down to her ear. "No one else is allowed to see what's mine. Especially before I've even seen it." I said with a chuckle.
She swatted my arm in response, but I noticed she was smiling.
-LRM-
"So Alice has her birthday here every year?" Bella asked as we ate lunch.
"Yes, she adores Disneyland." I answered.
We were eating in one of the restaurants on Main Street, and Alice had arranged for several Disney characters to visit during our meal. Even though this particular restaurant only had character dining at breakfast, they were making an exception for our group.
Emmett was quite amusing, making sure he got his photo taken with each Disney character as they neared our table. He was as obsessive as my sister.
Bella leaned closer to me. "Have you noticed how excited your sister and my brother have been all day?" She asked conspiratorially.
I smiled and nodded.
"It's almost as if they're related, their behavior is so similar." She grinned.
What a horrible thought.
"I'm certainly glad they're not, because that would mean I've been having incestuous thoughts about you Miss Swan." I whispered back.
Bella sputtered and choked on her iced tea as I laughed.
She's adorable.
-LRM-
That afternoon, I found myself having to 'protect' Bella from imaginary ghosts in the Haunted Mansion. A task I enjoyed immensely, especially whenever Bella would cling to me and bury her face in my neck or chest.
While the rest of our group stood around waiting for the parade to start, Bella and I took the opportunity to slip away for some alone time.
We found a quiet bench and sat together, my arm around Bella. "How are you enjoying Disneyland?" I asked.
She grinned. "It's actually been a lot of fun. I don't know if my opinion is tainted though."
I didn't understand.
"Well you see Edward, I'd probably enjoy anything if you were there holding my hand."
"That was very sweet Miss Swan." I leaned down to kiss her. As usual, it wasn't long before the kiss became passionate. I pulled Bella onto my lap as she ran her fingers through my hair.
We broke the kiss when we heard giggling and the sounds of digital cameras going off.
Oops.
We both sighed at the same time, and started to laugh. "I guess we'd better get back to the group." I whispered.
"I wondered where you disappeared to." Alice stated. "I'll have you know that you missed the parade."
"Yeah, we really don't care." I answered.
Alice rolled her eyes.
We rode a couple more rides. After the Star Tours ride, Emmett spotted something he couldn't resist.
"Oh I've got to do this." He announced as he looked at the Jedi Training Academy.
"Honey, you can't do this. It says ages 4 to 12." Rose said quietly.
Emmett just got a determined look, and approached one of the Jedi trainers and spoke with him in a hushed voice.
It looks as if he just bribed a Disney employee to let him participate in a kiddie show.
Watching Emmett in action with a crowd of children was hilarious. The dude was a born leader. I noticed Bella move closer to the action, but from where I stood, I couldn't hear everything that was being said.
When Darth Vader and Darth Maul appeared, I moved a bit closer to watch. I saw Emmett approach Darth Maul.
Emmett spoke in a low voice. "I'm just warning you ass munch. You'd better not upset any of these little kids or I'll kick you so hard your 'nads will take up permanent residence in your rectum." He threatened.
This is pretty fucking funny.
'Darth Maul' raised his hands in surrender while backing away from Emmett. "Dude, it's only a job. The kids always win, it's in my contract." He answered in a panicked voice.
Emmett seemed satisfied, and after patting Darth Maul on the shoulder, he went back to stand with the group.
Of course the children won the battle causing Darth Vader and Darth Maul to slink away in shame.
Emmett looked pretty damn happy as he exited the training area. I couldn't help but laugh at him.
Alice pulled out her map, preparing to give us instructions on where to go next just as two security guards approached our group.
"Are you Emmett Swan?" One guard asked Emmett.
Emmett, keeping his grin, answered. "That's me."
"Sir, would you mind coming with us?" The guard motioned for Emmett to follow him.
Emmett shrugged. "I guess I'll see you guys later." He said as he turned toward us.
"Oh no Mr. Swan, your friends should come along also." The guard announced.
We followed in silence.
Damn. It looks like Emmett's going to get us kicked out of Disneyland.
"Emmett, I just want you to know that if you get me thrown out of Disneyland, I'm going to hunt you down and kill you in the street like a dog." Alice shouted.
I had no doubt that my sister was dead serious about that.
*****************************************A/N***************************************************************
A/N There you have it. I need to do a little more LRM before returning to V&V. Believe me, there's a reason for this. Sometime in the near future, we will need to read a chapter of LRM before reading the same chap from Bella's perspective in V&V. I really need to get them caught up.
My nightmare wouldn't be The Hangover. My nightmare would be more like Zombieland. *shudder*
Hope you liked it. I'll write fast in order to get back to LRM. Thanks so much!
pssst i like reviews and chocolate milk.