What's this? An update? Yeah, I don't know how... if you knew the HELL I went through to bring it to you... well... you probably wouldn't give a shit. So, I won't bother with the details. As for this chapter... it's what it is. I guess you'll tell me after if you hate it. It's not like anyone's shy around here when they hate something. Or someone. Grrr...

Now, I will mention that one of those someones so many of you love to hate... DID NOT GET EATEN BY HIS SNAKE. It's not why he didn't show yet. You wish. But whether the proposed possibility of that was brought to my attention by someones who love him or hate him, it made me laugh. So, since I am completely fail at replies these days, thanks for that. It really did crack my wicked ass up. And thanks to anyone still here. Or just joining us. I'm glad someone loves them, even if not all of. And now I'll shut up so you can get to them. My babies that I love all of.

Chapter Twenty Six: Closer

Isabella

"Her keys aren't here, Emmett. And I wouldn't let you take her car even if they were, so stop looking for them."

"She took my truck, Bella. It's only fair that I get to take her Porsche for a spin."

"You wouldn't even fit in her Porsche."

"You might be right... " he sighs, but then flexes his pecs and winks at me. "But only because I'm too much man."

"Sam was right," I say, rolling my eyes, "You are Gaston to a tee. But I love you anyway. So... Does the 'too much man' that you are still want a nice girl?"

"Yeah, but you didn't find me one like you said you would, so I don't think you really love me."

"Actually, I did. You just haven't been paying any attention to her."

"You did? Who?"

I nod towards Angela, where she's having a conversation with Emily across the deck, and Emmett's jaw drops. "The skinny girl?"

"Yes, the skinny girl. Who happens to also be very pretty. And very sweet. And whose name is Angela."

"I know her name, Bella."

"So...?"

"So, she's really skinny."

"That's all you have to say?"

"I'd probably break her... then you'd be mad at me for breaking your friend, and you wouldn't love me anymore. It's just not a risk I'm willing to take."

"Nevermind, I should have known you weren't serious."

"I was, Bella, but... "

"But what?"

"She's not really my type."

"That's the whole point, Emmett. She's different. She's a nice girl."

"I know, but... Well, first of all, I think she's a little young for me."

I ignore the look he shoots at Edward, and throw out a gentle reminder of his recent disregard for age. "She's older than Rose."

"She is?" he asks, looking a little less smug than a second ago.

"Yes. By two years. She's 24. And her birthday is just a few months away, so she's practically 25. Not that age matters."

"Said the baby lamb that crawled into the lion's den."

"If you're really just not at all interested, then say so, but I don't see any reason to call me a baby while you make excuses."

"I was just teasing, Bella. I saw you in Barbie's dress, remember? I know you're not a baby. You-"

"Emmett." It's Edward that shoots a look now. A not-another-word-about-her warning.

And to be honest, it, and his sudden rapt interest in our conversation...

And his hand now at my back...

Where his fingers slip beneath the edge of my shirt and graze my skin as he pulls me closer...

Are making my toes tingle.

And maybe something else... Is it getting hot in here?

Yes. Except we're out here. And Emmett would never look at me that way, or in any way that should make Edward jealous. But his mere observation - and apparent memory of it - of me in that dress that night at Eclipse has brought his possessive nature front and center.

And I like it. Possessive Edward is... well... Thank you, Emmett.

But this is not the time for tingling.

I'd like at least one of my plans to go my way today. "So, Angela...?" I try to redirect us back to the matter at hand, and lay mine on Edward's leg, where my fingers mimic his, and graze the skin under the edge of his blue cargo shorts. But that only further derails this plan, because Emmett reaches over and grabs my hand and lays it back on the table.

I'm about to smack him with it, when Emily - who, along with Angela, joins us at the table - beats me to it, whacking him on the back of the head. "Leave them alone."

"Yeah, Emily, cuz that's what Jasper needs to see the second he gets here. Not to mention where his hand is."

She smacks him again as he reaches for Edward's, not that he would have let him move it. "Well, it's up to Bella where either of their hands are, not you, and not Jasper, so knock it off."

"I don't think he's coming anyway," I sigh, and find myself being pulled sweetly into Edward's lap. "So, do we have enough ice left that I can wrap mine around another margarita?"

Because, with the exception of being in Edward's arms, nothing about this day is turning out how I hoped it would.

Nothing at all.

Jasper

I promised Isabella I'd go to her party today.

That I'd try...

And I should have left over an hour ago...

But I haven't been able to move since I came downstairs to feed Aro and watched him devour his helpless and innocent meal.

The one that I gave him.

Dangled right in front of him.

Just like I did with my sister.

I dangled her right in front of Edward for so long...

Trusting that he'd be blind to the changes you'd have to be not to see.

I was careless.

Stupid.

I knew he saw them...

And that she wanted him to...

Was determined to make him...

So, why did I think he'd be able to resist them?

Resist her?

I wouldn't expect Aro to do it.

Resist that dangled treat I offered.

So, why did I expect him to?

When - unlike what I dangled before Aro - she was asking to be taken? Pleading? Squirming... not to get away, but to make herself even more irresistable to him?

When he never resisted anything that appealed to him?

I knew she was better...

So far above all of the rest...

And that he knew it.

So, why did I think he wouldn't someday reach up and grab her?

Surrender to his nature?

Devour the ultimate feast so trustingly offered to him?

It's my fault.

Not his.

And certainly not hers.

I can't blame anyone but myself for the danger she's in now.

Again.

…

I'm still rooted in place in front of the terrarium when I hear the front door slam.

And don't move as I yell "Get out!" to the uninvited guest, because I'm sure it's Emmett.

But then I panic as I hear too-delicate-to-be-Emmett feet running down the stairs.

If it's Isabella and I just told her to...

But then my panic turns to irritation, because it's definitely not my sister.

"What the hell are you doing in my house?"

"I could ask the same of you."

"I live here."

"Alone. Which I thought was a painful existence for you."

"You don't know anything about me."

"I know that you've been acting like a real asshole, even though you're not."

"Oh, now I'm not?"

"I never called you an asshole. Not to your face. I called you an idiot. And a psycho. Because you were acting like both. But now you're just acting like an asshole. With a cool as shit snake."

"Cool as shit?"

"Yeah, cool as shit."

"Isabella hates him."

"But she loves you. So, why are you doing this to her? You know she's waiting for you."

"I doubt she even notices I'm not there."

"Because he is?"

"Yeah, because he is."

"Well, I'm sure she'd be more upset if he wasn't, but even though he is, she's still upset that you aren't."

"I can't."

"You told her you would. Why did you lie to her if you knew you couldn't?"

"I didn't lie to- Why are you in my house, Alice?"

"Because you are. And she wants you there, where you told her you'd be, instead of here, where I'm going to see that you leave."

"And this concerns you because?"

"Because she concerns me. I adore your sister. That shouldn't be hard for you to believe or understand."

"It's not."

"So, why aren't you willing to with him?"

"You have no idea-"

"I know what I've seen. He adores her, Jasper. Pure, sweet, make-your-heart-melt-to-see-it adoration. And she knows it. And knows that you'll know it, too, if you just let yourself look. She wants you to look. Wants you to see it. Wants you to know it. And wants you to be happy for her."

"Happy? I-"

"I get that you didn't want this... but you should want that for her. For her to be so adored. So cherished."

"Edward has never-"

"Maybe not, but he does."

"You don't know him. You have no idea what kind of-"

"I know that we're all human, and that we all make mistakes, and do stupid things sometimes..."

"Sometimes? The man-"

"BUT I also think that we all grow up eventually. People can change, Jasper. And it seems to me - from what I do know, and from what you're obviously thinking and trying to point out, though I won't give you the chance to - that there was really only one change that he needed to make to be a good man for her, or you'd probably have never let him be such a monumental part of her life."

"He's going to destroy her life. He'll destroy her. That's what's monumental. And I won't be a part of it. I can't-"

"I think you're wrong. Dead wrong, actually... but if you really believe that, then why would you stay away? Why would you just leave her to him?

"I know you tried before... and she wouldn't let you get close, but she's not fighting you anymore. Or pushing you away. She's trying now. And she wants you close. Her big brother, who I know enough about to know has always been there for her, until she made a decision without you. One that you don't agree with. One that you think will hurt her. Destroy her, even...

"You're so convinced of that... but you're willing to let it? Let him? While you choose to leave her unprotected? Choose to leave her alone to wait for it to happen without you? The one person she should be able to count on most in the world? I don't get that? I don't get it at all."

"I'd never just leave her alone for someone to hurt. That's not-"

"Not what you're doing?"

"No."

"Hmmm... It sure looks like it to me."

"It's not!"

"No? Well, it seems to me that the only way it wouldn't be... could even be possible not to be... is if... just maybe... or absolutely, though you don't want to admit it... because, deep down in your heart, you know he wouldn't?"

"That is not-"

"Isn't it?"

"Would you let me get a fucking sentence out!?"

"Sure, if you say something that I think is worth listening to."

"You are the most infuriating person I have ever met! And the most forward and intrusive!"

"Honey, if you looked up infuriating in the dictionary, you'd find a five page spread of yourself. As for forward and intrusive... maybe I am, but I just want Bella to be happy. And I hoped that you did, too. So, I came over here. In hopes that someone could get through to you without any bloodshed. Though I did have every intention of coming over here and kicking your ass. Until I saw you with your cool as shit python. Then I softened my approach a little... in hopes that maybe someday you'd let me hold it. Or something."

"You want to hold my python? Or something?"

"The one behind the glass. Pervert. And yes. I do."

"What? I was not implying-"

"Sure you weren't. Now, can we get back to Bella before the other pervert reports his truck stolen?"

"I am not a pervert. You're the one whose mind went there. And what are you talking about? What truck?"

"Because yours led it. And I'm talking about Emmett's truck. He made fun of my car, which I know he just secretly wants to drive, so I took his Jeep. Without asking. And unless Bella's matchmaking scheme is working and distracting him, he's probably getting pretty pissed off that I'm not back with it yet. And I supposedly only left to get ice, which the big oof forgot. Or so I said, so I could come here and get you. So, stop being a stubborn ass and cooperate."

"I'm not going anywhere with you."

"Yes you are."

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are. You're going to Sam and Emily's. Because Bella wants you there. And you told her you'd be there. And you're not. Because you're here being an asshole. Not to mention the asshole you were the half dozen times you didn't answer her calls to ask you why you weren't there."

"I didn't know what to tell her... "

"So you said nothing and made her worry about you. Because she refuses to believe you'd be that much of an asshole... which makes you even more of one, because that's exactly what you did... "

"I get it! I'm an asshole."

"No... just acting like one. But, like Edward, you can change, because she's worth it, and stop acting like one, like he stopped... well... whatever it is he was doing before he wrapped himself around her pretty little finger."

"You expect me to believe that's where he is?"

"Yes. It's where everyone is. And where you were before you were here acting like an ass. And I imagine... for you... that hearing - and seeing, if you move your ass - that he's wrapped around her little finger would be a lot better than standing here worrying that he's wrapped around some other part of her."

"Have you seen him wrapped around some other part of her?"

"What I've seen, is enough of your man cave, and not enough of the sun. Or your beautiful sister's beautiful smile. So, let's go, Hale. Move your ass. Then you can see what part of her he's wrapped around for yourself."

"I'm not-"

"Going to break her heart for another second! Now, go!"

"I'm not trying to-"

"But you are! Do you understand? You. Are. Hurting. Her! You! Not him! You! You, you, you!"

Fuck.

I don't know where the hell this annoying creature came from...

But I know that she's right.

At least about me.

And that's more than I can take.

Because I don't want to hurt Isabella.

I never wanted to.

And it's time I stopped.

"Okay. I'll go." Crazy bitch. Too bad I already fed my cool as shit snake...

Edward

"Where the hell is that crazy woman with my Jeep?"

It's about the twentieth time Emmett has asked this question. And I think Isabella is determined to drink just as many margaritas before the day is over. She just drained one, her fourth, I think, and already holds her next in her other hand. Which I consider taking away from her, because she's now propelling ice cubes across the table - via her mouth, and from her perch in my lap - at Emmett from the one she just finished.

But I don't, because frankly, it's funny as hell. Her aim is impeccable. And so is the way she squeals - and wiggles - with delight every time one bounces off of his head.

Not to mention the way her cheeks hollow every time she...

What can I say... I'm a fucking masochist.

And as long as she's wiggling and squealing, she's not looking heartbroken, so I'll gladly endure my suffering. I just hope she doesn't suffer too much tomorrow morning when she wakes up.

"Bella!"

Emmett's cry is met only with another chunk of ice - which we now have plenty of, thanks to a buddy of Sam's, whose wife had margarita plans of her own. But unfortunately for Emmett, Isabella likes hers on the rocks, rather than frozen, like the rest of the girls - with the exception of Emily - are drinking.

"I swear I never thought I'd say this, but Edward, would you please do something to occupy her mouth so she stops spitting her damn ice at me?"

This suggestion elicits another squeal - and the most vigorous wiggle yet - from her, and then her margarita is all but forgotten as she spins herself around in my lap and grabs my face.

"Do you have something for me, Mr. Masen? That could occupy my mouth? Emmett doesn't appreciate what I can do with it."

God help me...

I've never prayed so much in my life. And it's all I can do now, because her words, and playful pout that follows...

And the wicked giggle that follows that...

That's followed by a wicked kiss...

That...

What was I saying?

I can't say that I remember...

Or that she remembers that we're not alone...

But maybe that's because it's gotten eerily quiet.

And I know why it has when I feel a kick to my chair.

Before I hear Emmett's booming - and moving - voice... "It's about time you got back! If there is one dent... "

And Angela's whisper... "Jasper's with her."

Which, thankfully, Isabella hears, too. And is still clear-headed enough to not ignore.

But determined enough not to let scare her, either.

"You're late!" she scolds, jumping off of my lap. "But you're here, and that's all that matters."

She wraps her arms around him in a hug, and he does the same, dropping the four bags of ice he was holding on the deck with a loud crunch.

I'm already on my feet and moving toward them, gauging the possibilities of his murderous stare at me, and immediate possessive grip on her.

But when she pulls back, he lets her, and smiles at her when she speaks again. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet," he answers, stroking her hair.

Alice reaches down and grabs two of the bags of ice at their feet, and clears her throat loudly. He shoots her an annoyed and exasperated glance, but seems to agree with whatever point she's trying to make. "But I am sorry I'm late. And that I didn't answer my phone... I-"

"It's okay. You came, I don't care about anything else."

He gives her a look like that's the biggest lie she ever told, but she only smiles sweetly at him. "Now, you two gorgeous boys go sit down and guard my drink - I don't trust Emmett not to spit in it - while I go get you a couple of beers. And play nice. I'll be right back."

His eyes follow her as she grabs the last two bags of ice and rushes into the house, but flash to me as soon as she's out of earshot. "Why are you playing this game with her?"

"I'm not playing any game, Jasper," I say, heading back to the table.

"Bullshit," he spits at my back.

"I think I'll go see if Bella needs help with anything." Angela jumps nervously from her chair as soon as we reach the table and rushes past a now-on-full-alert Sam into the house.

"Whatever you think I am-" I start, but don't get very far.

"I know what you are."

"You know what I was."

"She thinks you care about her!"

Isabella is already coming back with our beers, but she stops a few feet away, watching us, her friends in support on either side of her. I lean back in my chair, my eyes never leaving her as I respond. "No, Jasper... you're wrong about that. She knows I care about her. And she knows it so absolutely... trusts it so implicitly... that she wanted to show you. Wanted you close enough to see it for yourself, no matter the risk. And no matter how hard she knew you'd try not to."

He turns to look at her, and I tear my eyes away from her to look at his face. I need to see how deep the anger is. Do or say whatever I can to stop it from bursting out of him. At least here and now. Because I won't risk her, no matter how willing she is to risk herself for me.

But I don't see any anger now. And don't hear a trace of it when he speaks again, still looking at her. "Don't do this to her, Edward. I'm begging you... please don't do this. Don't break her."

I'm shocked by the desperation in his plea. And the surrender of everything but how much he loves her.

But I'm angry, too. Because his desperation is just as unreasonable as his rage was. And just as fucking wrong.

"Don't you know me better than that? Don't you know me well enough to know that I would never do that? That she's the last person on this earth that I would ever hurt?

"You say you know what I am... but is that really all you think I am? Is that all you can remember about me? After twenty five years of friendship? The stupid, meaningless bullshit I've done with stupid, worthless whores? Is that really all?

"What about the rest, Jasper? The lifetime of something else? Her lifetime? Does the twenty two years I spent loving her count for nothing? Do you honestly think all of that time could ever mean nothing to me? Do you honestly believe that she could?

"You stopped being angry long enough to beg me not to break her... Stop long enough to remember! Stop long enough see that you never had to!"

Isabella

I rushed back with the beers as quickly as I could...

Afraid of what would happen if I didn't.

Not that it can't happen anyway...

Or still...

Edward's eyes were on me as soon as I was through the door.

And then Jasper's.

And I watched the anger fall away as he looked at me.

Turn to sadness and fear.

For me.

I know the anger is still there...

That he won't let go of it that easily...

But it's not his greatest emotion.

Not his strongest.

Not his only.

Anymore.

He's afraid for me.

Truly and deeply afraid.

I knew that, I suppose...

But not the depth of it.

And not the vulnerability it made him feel.

The helplessness...

That I see clearly on his face.

The scene in front of me has changed drastically in a matter of seconds.

It's Edward who's fighting now.

I can't hear what he's saying, but Jasper can. And is.

He's listening.

And desperately wanting to believe in it.

For me.

And maybe for himself.

I hope.

Because as much as I believe Edward and I were meant to share our lives...

We're not the only ones that are.

They're meant to, too.

And I never wanted to come between that.

I wanted to be in the middle...

But not in a way that would divide them.

Or break them.

I only wanted to bring them closer.

Tie them stronger.

Tighter.

The three of us.

Forever.

I still haven't moved from this spot.

To the one I want to settle in between them.

And Jasper's eyes still haven't left me.

The ones full of love and fear for me.

But then they do...

Because Edward gets up from his chair and walks towards me.

And Jasper watches him.

Really looks.

And I think maybe sees...

Something, at least...

As he takes the beers from my hand.

And reaches up with his other to free my battered lip from my teeth. "Don't do that."

And kisses the top of my head.

Before taking my hand in his.

And leading me back to my fight.

The one he fought for me.

After Alice did.

And for himself.

That the closer we get to...

I see that we've won.

Well...

This round, anyway.

xx

Ding. Ding.