Okay, new story…something different. Well, for me. This is about Skateward and Bladella (that's lame…). It's about figure skating and the artistry and beauty of it. Wrapped in a Twilight bow.

As always, I own nothing. Stephenie Meyer does. Lucky wench…

Chapter Twenty-Six: Christmas and Ink

EPOV

This morning was amazing. First, I woke up my love by licking her to oblivion. She always tasted so sweet first thing in the morning. Then, our love making was soft and gentle. Each time we made love, it was more special and perfect. However, the last time, in the shower, was intense. I never felt Bella come so hard in all of our experiences. Her muscles clenched around me so tightly, I thought my cock was going to fall off.

"Edward, you're spacing out, babe," she giggled.

"Just remembering our time in the shower," I winked.

"God, Edward," she groaned. "Don't remind me. You'll make me all…hot and bothered."

"That's the point," I snickered. "But, we better go. We're already late and I have no idea how to get Carlisle's home."

"It's easy," Bella smiled. "I'll drive. I put all of our presents into a bin by the door."

"Including our white elephant gifts?" I asked.

"Yep. Once I wrapped them, I tossed them into the bin. I seriously hope that Emmett gets the manicure set with pink and purple nail polish," Bella laughed. "Payback for bringing a vibrator to the last Christmas party."

"Watch, he gets the Angry Birds Game I found," I chuckled. "Hell, I want that."

"You are such a big kid, Edward," Bella said, rolling her eyes.

"But you love me," I said, fluttering my eyelashes. Bella snorted out a laugh and went to put on her coat. I slipped it over her shoulders. I grabbed my own coat and hefted the bin of presents for our friends and family. We headed down to Bella's car, loading the bin into the trunk and driving toward Carlisle's house on Mercer Island.

The driveway was packed with cars. Bella grumbled as we clambered up the walkway, nearly an hour late to the party. The door whipped open and Alice jumped into Bella's arms. "We've been waiting! What took you so long?"

"We had issues in the shower," Bella giggled. "No hot water."

"It was dreadful," I said, barely containing my smirk.

"Why do I not believe you?" Alice asked cryptically.

"Believe what you want, Wee One," I said as I walked past her with the bin. "Do you want your presents?"

"Yes!"

"Then shut it," Bella finished for me. Jasper took Bella's coat while Emmett swiped the bin of presents from my hands. He started rooting around for his gift. I rolled my eyes as I handed Alice my jacket. Lacing my fingers with Bella, we headed into the kitchen. Jared, Meg and Liam were sitting at the breakfast bar, chatting quietly. Liam's hands were placed on Meg's waist. He already cared for her a great deal. His thumb was tracing circles over her red sweater dress. Jared was excitedly talking about working with Liam after Christmas. Esme and Carlisle were flirting while she made her famous mincemeat pie. I hated it, personally, but my dad loved it. We never had a Christmas without it.

"Edward?" Bella asked. "Are you okay?"

I was struck with an overwhelming sadness. My dad was gone. This was the first Christmas without him. My heart stammered against my ribs. Tears filled my eyes. Bella took my hand and led me into the quiet family room. I let her push me into the white couch. She sat down next to me. "It just hit you, didn't it?" she whispered.

"He's gone," I sniffled, tears falling down my cheeks.

"He may be gone, Edward, but you're dad is still with you," she murmured. Her tiny hand touched my chest, over my heart. "He's here, baby. He'll always be here."

"It doesn't really stop the pain, though," I shrugged. "Today was the first day in a while where I felt empty and it just hit me suddenly in the kitchen."

"You saw your mom with Carlisle. What the hell is she making?"

"Mincemeat pie. It's foul but my dad loved it," I chuckled.

"That's why it's hurting, Edward," she said as she wrapped her arms around my neck. "Seeing her make the pie triggered a memory. You have to know that he loves you."

"I just wish I could see him," I sobbed as I crumbled into her embrace. Bella soothed me and held me while I fell apart. I'd been strong for her with her injury. She was repaying me in kind with her love. Her support.

I felt the couch dip and someone scratching my back. I turned to see my mom with tears in her eyes. She cupped my cheek and wiped the tears from my face. Esme pulled into a tight embrace. Bella kissed my forehead before she let us collect our senses.

"It's okay, my sweet boy," Esme cooed. "I know how you're feeling."

"It was so sudden, Mom," I sniffled, pulling away and wiping my face. "God, I'm such…Bella must think I'm so weak."

"You're not, Edward. It takes a strong man to realize when he's hurting," Esme said sagely. "Let me guess, mincemeat?" I nodded, my gaze falling to her hands. I played with her wedding set. It sparkled in the sunlight that shone through the back windows. "Edward, your dad is gone. It's okay to be sad. I had my crying jag this morning in the hotel and again while I was at the grocery store with Alice to get the ingredients for the mincemeat pie."

"If you knew that it would…why did you get it?" I asked.

"Tradition. I wanted to feel close to him," she smiled sadly. "I may be moving on with my life, but I will always love your father, Edward."

"Moving on?"

"I knew Carlisle when I was a show skater and we were friends," she blushed. "Since Vegas, we've been talking and rebuilding our friendship. We're in the nebulous zone of friends/romantic acquaintances. Each kiss on the cheek is getting longer and closer to my mouth."

"Are you ready for that?" I asked.

"I don't know, my sweet boy," she replied, brushing my hair away from my face. "What do you think?"

"Carlisle's a good man. He's been very supportive and compassionate to me," I answered. "I approve. But if he hurts you, I will kick his ass. Sharpen my toe pick on with his skin. And use a condom."

"Jesus, Edward," Esme laughed. "You sound like my father. I'm a grown woman. Plus it's a little weird to hear that from you. Do you use a condom every time?" I blushed and ducked my head. "I didn't think so. I guess that means I get grandbabies sooner rather than later."

"Mom!"

"What!? I'm not getting any younger, Edward Anthony," she giggled as she leaned her head against my shoulder.

"Bella's on birth control," I replied. "Something about a shot every three months."

"Shit," she grumbled. "No grandbabies?"

"Not yet, Mom. Let me propose first, okay?" I said as I kissed her temple, wrapping my arms around my mom. She nodded. We sat in the family room until Bella came back in to tell us that dinner was ready. Esme got up and kissed my cheek. She turned to Bella and hugged her fiercely. Tears fell down my mom's cheeks as she cupped Bella's face. With one more hug, she gently maneuvered Bella toward the couch.

"You okay?"

"Better," I answered. "Can I just hold you for a bit before we eat dinner?"

"We have some time," she smiled as sat down on the couch. I didn't want that. I scooped her up and placed her on my lap, nuzzling her neck with my lips and nose. "You seem better."

"It's amazing what a hug from mom can do for the soul," I answered.

"Do you think Esme can adopt me?" Bella snorted humorlessly. "I haven't spoken to my mother in ages."

"Do you want to?"

"Not particularly. I'm more like my dad but it's the whole 'I'm going to take your money' thing that is bugging me. Plus the possibility that she and Jacob may be in cahoots with each other is unsettling," she shuddered.

"I have a bad feeling about your mom, Bella," I said darkly. "I don't know what, but she's been off the grid for too long."

"Me too, Edward. But, let's not worry about that now. It's Christmas and Emmett is ready to chew off his own arm if we don't get into the dining room," Bella said sternly.

"We don't want that, do we?" I snickered. Bella wrinkled her nose and shook her head. We padded into the dining room. The walls were exposed brick and beams. The table was set elegantly with white china that contrasted with the dark wood of the table. The only person missing from the table was Bella's dad. Bella asked Carlisle if Charlie was coming. Unfortunately, one of his deputies got the stomach flu and Charlie stepped in for him. Bella was upset by that and was subsequently quiet during our meal.

Dinner ended and the women went to do the dishes. Emmett donned a Santa hat and placed an elf hat on Jared. We were going to do the white elephant gift exchange first and then do our regular gift exchange. Esme made coffee for everyone and soon we all were in Carlisle's living room. Bella was sitting between my legs on the floor. My arms were wrapped around her waist. Again, I was nuzzling her neck, inhaling her sweet scent.

Carlisle sat down on the couch and smiled at all of us. "So many new faces for Christmas this year. Remember when it was just you and me, Alice?"

"God, Dad. Yes. I was so bored," Alice grumbled. "I like this much better."

"Before we do our gift exchange, I'd like to take the time to share a few words. A lot has happened this year. Some of it was good. Some of it was bad. But, the result was a larger, more loving family. First off, congratulations to Emmett and Rosalie for deciding to get married."

"Only five more months," Emmett said, shooting Rose a look. Apparently the sexbargo was still in effect.

"Don't look at me in that tone of voice, Emmett. It'll make our wedding night more special," Rose reasoned as she fluffed her red scarf. Emmett pouted.

"Secondly, I'm so happy that Edward has come to be with our family, as crazy as it is," Carlisle chuckled. "You and Bella are the most perfect couple on the ice as well as off."

"Thank you, Carlisle," Bella murmured as she nestled into my arms. I kissed her cheek and gave everyone a crooked grin.

"Finally, to the newest members of our family, Meg, Jared, Liam and Esme, welcome and we hope that we don't scare you all off," Carlisle chuckled. "I hope this is the first of many Christmases together with our new family."

"Here, here," Liam said as he held up his mug of coffee. He draped his arm over Meg's shoulders. She smiled at him and moved closer to his body. Jared looked up at his mom, giving her an encouraging smile. She ruffled his hair lovingly.

"Okay, now the rules about the gift exchange. Alice is going to pass around hat. You need to pull out a number. That number will determine when you get to choose your present. There are a few options. You can pick from the pile or you can take a present from another person, who must choose from the pile. Any questions?"

"Are all of the presents appropriate?" Jasper snickered.

"Yes," Emmett snapped. "Rosie chose my present for me."

We all got our numbers and Liam was first. The game went by uneventfully. Until it was Bella's turn. She was the last person to go. The final present sitting on the pile was the manicure set. Emmett was looking at his gift, which was all of the Angry Birds in beanie baby form. Bella didn't want it but she wanted Emmett to get the manicure set. She smirked as she plucked the Angry Birds from Emmett's unsuspecting hands. "Bellarina. They were going into my car," Emmett moaned.

"Too bad, so sad," Bella giggled. "You have to grab from the pile."

Emmett swiped the box from the pile and tore into it. "Aw, hell no! Bells, give me back my birds," he cried.

"Nope," Bella laughed. She handed me the birds and told me to put them into my car along the rear window. "You have to use it, Emmy. I think the pink will be perfect with your skin tone."

"Nah, the red," Rose said as she swiped the manicure kit from Emmett's hand. She pulled out the red and started painting Emmett's fingernails.

"Rose! Stop it," Emmett whined.

"Here, Jared," Rose said as she tossed him a bright pink. "Get his toes."

"Sweet," Jared squealed as he removed Emmett's shoes and socks. "Dude, wash your feet. They STANK!"

"I do wash my feet, little man," Emmett grumbled. "They just sweat. A lot."

Jared plugged his nose and swiped the hot pink nail polish over Emmett's toes who scowled at him. Rose continued painting his fingers with a wicked glint in her eyes. Alice whipped out her camera and snapped a ton of pictures of Emmett's mani/pedi.

After our gift exchange, Jared and Meg had to head out. They were going to Meg's mom's house for Christmas Day and had to take off early to get to a suburb outside of Portland. Bella darted to the Christmas tree and handed Jared a wrapped present. She explained that it was from both of us. Jared hugged Bella. He then ran into my arms and cuddled into my embrace. "Thank you, Edward," he said against my chest. "This was the best Christmas, ever! Well, since my dad died."

"I'm glad, Jared," I said as I returned his hug. "Have fun tomorrow at your grandma's."

"I won't. She's old and her house smells like cats," he grumbled as he hopped up. "Merry Christmas, everyone. Thank you for everything."

"You're welcome, Jared," Carlisle smiled.

Liam left with Meg and Jared, walking them out to their car. He returned a few moments later with a look of complete bliss on his face along with lipstick smeared across his mouth. He fell back onto the couch with a wide grin. A beat later, we all broke into hysterics. Liam's grin fell and he tossed a pillow at me. Why? I have no clue. My guess was the fact that I was closest to him in proximity and in relationship, too.

The rest of our evening was spent in distributing our actual presents to each other. Bella told me that she got gift cards from both of us for almost everyone except Carlisle, Esme and me. It seemed impersonal but Bella told me that she spent more time exchanging gifts for them than actually buying them. Gift cards were just easier. That way, our friends could get what they wanted. And Bella was not stingy. Each gift card had $500 on it.

For Esme, Bella got a pearl and diamond necklace while I got her the matching earrings. Esme sputtered that it was too much but it really wasn't. For Carlisle, we got a leather travel case for when he traveled with his skaters. We decided to exchange our personal gifts with each other back at my apartment. We left soon after we exchanged presents, spreading hugs and kisses around.

I drove us back to the apartment. Bella had had a bit too much to drink and didn't want to get pulled over. Parking her car, we headed up to my place. The ride up the elevator was quiet, but not uncomfortable. Bella just leaned her head on my shoulder as she toyed with my gray sweater. "Love you, Brit," she said quietly.

"Love you more, Bell," I said as I kissed her head. The elevator opened on my floor and we walked to my place. Inside, I lit a fire in the fireplace. Bella removed her black boots from her feet and curled on my couch. She held a long box and tiny bag in her lap. "Are those for me?"

"Yep," she smiled. "One is your Christmas present, one is just because."

"Bella, we agreed on only one present each," I chided.

"Hush. You'll love them both," she said as she pushed them into my hands. I placed my present to her on the cocktail table. "Open the big one first."

I arched a brow and tore into the box. Shaking it open, inside was a stethoscope. Inscribed on the head of the stethoscope was To Edward, my personal physician. Love, Bell. "Bella," I murmured.

"I wanted to put 'to Dr. Masen, you can play doctor with me anytime,' but that wouldn't have been appropriate," Bella giggled. "Perhaps I'll get you that one when you graduate from medical school."

I slipped the stethoscope over my shoulders and kissed her neck. Bella squealed as she squirmed against my hold. "My favorite patient," I growled. "Perhaps we'll need to perform an exam later."

"Hmmm," Bella cooed. She leaned forward and kissed my lips. "Dr. Edward Masen. I love the sound of that."

"I have three years of school plus residency, love," I snickered. "I'll be in my mid-thirties before I'm settled in my practice."

"But, you'll be a doctor after school. So, it works," she smirked. "Open the other one."

I smiled crookedly and removed the tissue paper in the tiny bag. Tucked inside was a box. Bella bit her lip as she watched me open the box. Nestled in the black leather box was a gold medallion with a 'B' encrusted with diamonds. She was 'marking' me. Claiming me as hers. "Bella, it's…"

"You hate it," she muttered.

"No, love. I love it. Can you help me put it on?" I asked, smirking. She bit her lip and removed the medallion from the box. Carefully, she clasped the golden chain around my neck. I picked up the medallion and smiled wistfully. "I'm yours. Forever, baby."

"You like it? Really?" she asked, furrowing her brow adorably. I kissed her deeply, crushing my lips against hers. Our tongues tangled in her mouth as I gave her my answer. I fucking loved it. I nibbled on her lip before pulling away, placing my own bag onto her lap. I gathered her in my arms as she tore into the gift. Inside was an identical black leather box to my own. She opened it and snorted out a laugh. "Really?"

"Great minds, baby," I chuckled.

Bella held in her hands the exact same gold medallion except it was an 'E' encrusted with diamonds. I pulled it out and placed it around her neck, kissing her pulse point. "I can't believe we got each other the same thing."

"Not the EXACT same thing," I countered. She shot me a look, toying with her new pendant. "Do you like it?"

"I love it, Edward. I'm so yours," she smiled softly.

"I love you, my Bella," I breathed as I kissed her pouty, pillow-soft lips.

"I love you, too, Edward," she moaned against my mouth. "Now, can we play doctor?"

xx FE xx

"What the hell was I thinking? Getting a tattoo?" Bella squeaked. We stood outside a recommended tattoo parlor by Jasper. We both had appointments with highly skilled and sought-after artists.

"You just want to be cool like me," I snickered. She smacked my chest, glaring at me playfully. "You don't have to get a tattoo, Bell. I'm comfortable just getting my swan."

"No, I'm just being a pansy," she grumbled. "I'm afraid it'll hurt. Plus, I'm debating on its placement. What if I have to have surgery on my hip? My tattoo will be all sorts of jacked up."

"How about your lower back?" I offered.

"I'm not getting a tramp stamp."

"Not there, dork," I said, rolling my eyes. I placed my hand just below her bra, in the center of her lower back. "It'll cover your scars from Lauren's attack. Or you could put it on your left ass cheek."

"Hell. No," Bella said with finality. "I wish I could put it between my shoulder blades but it wouldn't be hidden by my costumes."

"You could wear makeup to cover if that's what you're worried about."

"They have makeup like that?"

"I'm assuming so. You can ask your tattoo artist," I smiled as I dragged her through the doors of the tattoo parlor. We were greeted by a short girl with black and pink pigtails and a ton of piercings in her face. She introduced herself as Angela. Bella and I explained that we were here for tattoos. My appointment was with Cory while Bella was with Zia. Angela smiled widely and bounced on her toes like the Wee One. She thrust some paperwork into our hands before she danced off to find Cory and Zia. Bella and I filled out the paperwork and pulled out our driver's licenses to prove our ages.

Cory and Zia came out and introduced themselves to us. We had met but it was on the phone and through internet. "Hi, guys," Cory said with a wide smile. He was an older gentleman with black hair that was slicked back and a goatee. Zia was a tall blonde with bright hazel eyes. "It's nice to put faces with the voices and tats."

"Nice to meet you as well," I replied, shaking Cory's hand. "Are we good for everything?"

"I just want to check the final placement for yours, Edward," Cory explained. "Right hip, right?"

"Yeah."

"What about you, Bella?" Zia asked.

"I want to change the location of mine. I am having issues with my hips and it may require surgery. I don't want to jack up my tattoo with surgery scars, you know?" she said. "Ideally, I'd like it between my shoulder blades but I'm a figure skater and my costumes doesn't hide my shoulders."

"Why not place the tattoo lower?" Zia suggested.

"I have scars from a previous injury," Bella blushed.

"How long before you perform, Bella?" Cory asked.

"From today, approximately six weeks," she answered.

"You can get a tattoo between your shoulder blades and it will be healed in time to cover it with makeup," Cory said.

"See?" I said as I pulled her to my side. Bella twisted my nipple but giggled. "Let's get this done, baby." We walked into the parlor and lay down on our respective tables. My workout pants were shoved down to show the place on my right hip where I was getting my tattoo. Cory felt to see if he needed to shave me. I'm not a hairy guy, but he did need to clean up my leg before he placed the stencil of my swan. Bella removed her blue hoodie so Zia could place her tattoo between my girl's shoulder blades. Zia explained that it was going to be painful since she was going right over Bella's spine. My girl paled. Cory saw her face and moved my table closer to Bella so I could hold her hand. Soon, stencils were placed on our bodies and the whir of the tattoo guns filled the shop.

Bella's tattoo was going to be black, green and white. She insisted on getting green since it matched the color of my eyes. I chuckled at that. She didn't like the idea of having a black tattoo. She wanted color. Mine was a tribal swan. Black. All black. No grey. No white. Just black, like my piece on my chest. Bella's grip on my hand was tight and continued to be until Zia finished her tattoo.

We both finished up at the same time and checked out our new ink together. Seeing my swan on my hip was almost too much. I was permanently hers. Between my collarbones was the medallion she gave me for Christmas and now I had her signature on my hip. Soon, I was going to get her a ring so we could be legally together. She would be my wife. I had a plan hatched in my head but I needed help to bring that to fruition.

On Bella's back was a green caduceus with white and black swirls around it. She held a symbol that was inherently me. Or will be me. Come next fall, I will be enrolled as a full-time medical student to get my medical degree. In four years, I'd be Dr. Edward Masen. Four years after that, I would be a part of Jasper's orthopedic practice, once I finished my residency.

"They look great, guys," Cory smiled. "They suit both of you."

"Thank you," we both muttered quietly. We were taped up and our aftercare instructions were given to us. I paid for both of our tattoos, plus the lotion and makeup for Bella. With a hug from both of our tattoo artists, we left the shop. However, I felt like we were being watched. I looked around the neighborhood but didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Until we were safely ensconced in my car, did that feeling finally leave. But it was unnerving. I sped away to our apartment, wanting to be in the safety of our secured building and holding my beautiful girl.

Fifteen minutes later, I got my wish and we spent the evening in each other's arms. A perfect night, in my opinion. Minus the disarming feeling of being watched…

A/N: Who's watching them? Any guesses? Also, I'm giving you a heads up…Renee's coming back next chapter. You'll have to read and find out how she plays into this. Pictures of presents, interiors of Carlisle's home and outfits are posted on my blog. If you liked what I wrote, leave me some love. Hugs!