Disclaimer: I own not a thing. Just some bling.

A/N Please READ! So at this point there should be one chapter left after this, and then an epilogue. And that's where I want your opinion. What kind of epilogue do you want? Do you want it set not far in the future or would you prefer to skip ahead a few years?

Oh, and…sorry for the delay. I should have gotten this out days ago.

Ménage

Chapter 37 –The Days In Between Chaos and Peace

Sometimes, Bella thought, you have to accept the fact that with the good comes the bad. Not everything is going to be perfect, but you can get pretty damn close. This…none of this had turned out as she anticipated. She never knew exactly what to expect, but she knew what she hoped. She realized early on that she would have to let it go if she wanted to be happy. Life was going to be good from now on.

It was two weeks after Bella had come into the hospital, a knock away from death's door, a bleeding mess at the mercy of doctors and luck itself, that she was able to leave. She was doing remarkably well, Carlisle said. There'd be scarring and she'd need to be careful for a little while, but she'd make a full recovery.

She hadn't really slept the night before, being too excited at the prospect of leaving the hospital. Finally. It had been a hectic few weeks. There was her healing process, there was news about Laurent, and her father…

Bella had a faint urge to wave goodbye to the building as it disappeared behind her. I hope I never have to step foot anywhere near you again!

She couldn't wait to get home. She missed their home and their bed. She even missed the shower. She missed the bad movie nights and midnight meetings in the kitchen. Everything.

Jasper was only too happy to wheel her out, despite her protests.

"I can walk by myself." But they both knew that wasn't true.

He kissed her head. "But I like wheeling you around. And if I don't, Emmett will, and you know how crazy Emmett will get." Oh yes. She could totally picture Emmett racing her through the halls and freaking out the workers and patients.

Emmett grinned at her, hearing Jasper's comment. "I can be good."

"Yeah right." Edward said.

Bella loved this; loved that they were with her and that there was normalcy again.

Edward lifted her into the car, which was completely unnecessary as Bella, despite her current weakness, was not quite so frail as to need that kind of assistance. But she didn't argue. She liked having his arms around her and feeling his body pressed against hers. She liked it too much.

Bella whimpered as Edward buckled her in. "How long has it been since we made love?"

Edward froze, his hands at her waist and his breath hot on her forehead. "Almost three weeks." He answered, his throat going dry.

"And how much longer until I'm allowed to fuck your brains out?"

Edward shuddered, a crooked smile creeping onto his lips. "I'd say as soon as you're ready."

"Carlisle said I'm lucky that the damage wasn't worse." Bella said. "But everything is in tact against all odds."

"You are lucky." Edward cupped her cheek against his palm. "I think you must have an angel, otherwise I'd say it was a miracle. I'm just thankful that you're here, and that you're alright for the most part. And when you've recovered, I'm going to make love to you for hours. Okay?"

Bella nodded. She loved that idea.

Jasper drove them home, Edward and Emmett flanking either side of her in the backseat. All of them were more than ready to leave.

Bella insisted on walking the short distance to the door by herself when they got home. Her legs wobbled and gave out almost as soon as she began, and Emmett caught her.

"It's okay, honey, you're just out of practice, that's all." Emmett assured her, seeing how upset she was.

Maybe, but it still annoyed the heck out of her. She had to face the fact that she was going to be dependent on them more than usual or awhile. Oh well. Let it go.

Jasper unlocked the front door, and they went in. It looked exactly as it had when she left. Bella closed her eyes, taking in the faint smells and the feel of home.

"Oh, it's good to be back."

"It missed you." Edward said. Indeed, the house seemed lonely and forlorn without the presence of the four people who inhabited it. They had come home intermittently to change clothes and shower, and had spent less than an hour there at a time.

"Do you want a look around?" Edward asked.

As goofy as it sounded, Bella needed to have a look at this lovely house again. She'd believed when she fled it all those weeks ago that she would never see it again. But she loved this house and she loved all the things it represented.

Safety.

Her first time making love.

Being loved.

Happiness.

Family.

Home.

Jasper was the one to sweep her up into his arms this time. He walked her into each room. He wasn't really admiring the furniture and the walls like she was. Instead he watched her. She looked content. Jasper felt, perhaps for the first time, that they were finally safe. She was going to stay. He didn't doubt that now. She was here to stay, and they were going to be together. No more wondering if she would run. That was over.

The tour of the house was quickly over, and Bella was hesitant to admit that she was tired. She was paying for it her sleepless night.

"Want to take a nap?" It was as if Jasper read her mind. Bella had yet to get used to that.

"I guess." Bella hoped she didn't sound like a child who needed to be put down for their afternoon nap. "I can't wait until this is all over. I just want to be back to normal."

"And until then," Jasper pushed open the bedroom door, "we get to take care of you. How does that sound?"

"Jolly." Bella replied.

It makes me feel like an invalid. Bella didn't intend to complain too much, though. She was lucky, and she knew it. Her independent spirit had been scarred along with her body, that was all. It was a battle wound, and it would eventually heal. Not everyone could say that.

Edward had gone to the kitchen to make everyone lunch. Emmett was in the shower. It was just Bella and Jasper for a short time. He laid her down on the bed, removing her shoes and socks.

Beneath his calm façade, he was going nuts. She was just laying there, beautiful and perfect, on their bed. And he couldn't do anything about it. Fuck.

Bella's gaze caught him off guard. It burned him. She wanted him. He caught her eye, and his own arousal flared. She was having the same struggle as he was. He longed for her, and seeing that she wanted him just as much weakened his resolve. It wasn't unusual for him to pine for her in more ways than one. He just…needed her. Always. Not just like this, but in every way.

After the chaos was over, they were going to settle down and live quietly. Or whatever their version of "quiet" was. That was what Jasper decided the night Bella had been shot. After they had been told that she was alive, Jasper knew exactly what he wanted their lives together to be. He'd already had the basics down, but now it was a vivid picture in his mind. Since he had almost lost his future, their future, he ached for it even more.

He wanted to make love to Bella every day, to stay in bed all weekend and be lazy. He wanted pancakes in bed and on Sundays he wanted to wear absolutely nothing. He wanted to have dinner with his parents once a week, or every other week, whichever. He wanted to get a dog. Or two. He wanted Bella's belly to swell with his child and his brother's children. He wanted to wake up every day fulfilled, which would be easy as long as Bella was with him. She was the main factor. He wanted to forget all the bad people and all the hurt. He wanted to heal her and himself. He just wanted to be with her the way he had always desired, without the mess and the violence and the worry.

He wanted her to look at him like she was that very moment for the rest of their lives.

He ran his hand along her calf. "Anything I can do for you, darling?"

Bella shivered. "No…I want you."

"No? You think I can't help you with that?"

Bella shook her head.

"Are you in pain?"

"No."

"Are you uncomfortable?"

"No."

"So what makes you think I can't help you?" Jasper knew precisely how he was going to help her. This wasn't too much, was it? No. This was perfect. All Bella could do was lay beneath him, speechless, as he pulled down her sweats, tossing them beside him on the bed. He ogled her for a good moment, his fingers aching to touch her. He disposed of her panties next, and god he mad missed this. He missed seeing her like this, being able to bring her pleasure, touching her.

Bella's heart raced as Jasper brought his hand to her center, running his palm against her curls. He dipped two of his fingers past her lips, in awe of what he discovered.

"Baby, you're wet." He moaned. She was so slick, so ready for him. "Is this for me?" Jasper massaged her clit, reveling in the way Bella reacted.

"Yes, it's all for you. Please Jasper, don't stop. I need you."

Jasper didn't need to be told twice. Reverently, he spread her legs, his fingers grazing her thighs. He brought his lips to her core, running his nose along her slit. Bella squirmed, one of her hands lightly pulling at his hair.

"Please Jasper…"

Jasper complied, flicking his tongue out to taste her.

"Oh god…" Bella threw her head back, ready to cry it felt so good.

Jasper savored her taste, her scent. He really had missed this. Tentatively, he stroked his index finger inside her tight hole, pleased when she reacted so positively. He was still afraid of hurting her, but she showed no sign of pain or discomfort.

"Yes, Jasper, please touch me. Please. I need you." Bella begged.

Jasper sucked on her clit, his hair tickling her thighs, which she had clamped firmly around his head. She chanted his name like a prayer, and Jasper lapped at her hungrily in response.

Bella was so much on edge that she came after only a few minutes. Jasper gave her core one last kiss before raising himself up and stretching across her body. He buried his face in her hair while Bella lazily drew circles on his back, smiling goofily.

"I love you." She whispered, never wanting to let him go. The feel of him on top of her was one of her greatest pleasures.

Jasper's heart was full. "I love you, too. God, I love you." He began sucking on her neck, needing to give her more. Because it was never enough.

"Jasper…" Bella wiggled underneath him. His erection poked her thigh. "Jasper, let me take care of you."

Jasper paused. Looked at her. "Honey, you don't need to do anything for me. This is all for you. I want you to feel good. You can repay the favor when you're better. Remember?" He smiled wickedly. "I'm going to ravage you."

Bella ground her leg against his clothed cock. "I'm looking forward to it. But right now, I want to make you cum."

Jasper moaned, wanting desperately to let her, but he was having a fight with himself. "I don't want you to strain yourself. You don't have to do anything. I can take care of it."

No way. They had been neglected for weeks now, and Bella was not about to let it go on any longer. She wanted to love them this way again, and Bella knew she would get what she wanted this time. She could see Jasper breaking before her, unable to resist.

He swallowed hard, shaking with his desire. "What…how…?" He had no idea how she wanted to do this. Was it too soon to have sex? Wouldn't that be bad for her? He hadn't asked his dad yet. She was healing well, but what if he aggravated her injury?

But Bella had it all planned out. "I want you in my mouth." She simply said.

Jasper inhaled heavily. Why does she have to tempt me all the time? Bella silently told him what she intended, guiding her hands to his hips and motioning for him to move upwards.

He hesitated, unsure. He was a bit stunned by her boldness, despite some of the rampant sex they had engaged in before.

"Jasper, don't be so modest. You're usually jumping on me." Bella said.

"I just don't want to overdo it. Maybe we should wait."

"Jasper," Bella tugged at his fly then, impatient, "these jeans have to go. Okay? Now, I love you, and I want your cock in my mouth. Got that? Since we can't make love just yet, this is the next best thing, and to be honest, I like doing this to you."

"You do?"

"I love it. Now are you going to keep me waiting?"

Jasper's cock twitched. She was so fucking sexy. She made it impossible to resist her.

He positioned himself above her, and with a moan of satisfaction, slid into Bella's mouth. He was careful; didn't go too far. He didn't want to choke her. But Bella was prepared for him. She relaxed her throat, bringing her hands up to grip his erection. Jasper restrained himself, as painful as it was to do so. He only when in a couple of inches at first, testing the waters, as it were. Bella seemed perfectly fine with it, though. She wanted more of him. Bella sucked on him, her tongue playing with his shaft as he slid in and out of her mouth. She lightly squeezed his cock, her lips pulling into a smile when Jasper grunted.

"God Bella, you're so good at this, baby." He screwed his eyes shut, concentrating on the feel of her hot wet mouth and her luscious pink lips wrapped around his cock. He could already sense an impending release.

Bella gently squeezed his balls, and that set him off. He swelled in her mouth, his cry of ecstasy getting caught in his throat. He pulled out of her with the energy that he had left and laid beside her, yanking his clothes back on in an attempt at modesty. He fixed her clothes while he was at it. His face was flushed from his orgasm, and he had the biggest grin on his face. Bella thought he was beautiful.

"Thank you, Bella." He brought her into his chest. "Oh, I love you so much. You make me so happy, darling."

Bella snuggled into him further. "You make me happy. You guys have no idea. You saved me, in more ways than one. My life meant nothing before you came along."

She rested her head on his chest, feeling safe and loved.

Jasper threaded his fingers through her hair. "No, darling, you saved us. We weren't all that much without you, you know. You were the missing piece. You're our miracle. Our fiery little miracle who, may I say, has a fuck-hot body.

Bella giggled. "Whatever you say, lover."

"Lover. I like that."

Edward had finished making lunch by then and went into the bedroom. He strolled over to the bed where Bella and Jasper were. "Lunch is ready."

Jasper nodded, turning to Bella. "You want to eat now or are you too tired?"

Bella stretched her arms above her head, removing herself from Jasper. "Let's eat. If I sleep now I'll be awake all night."

Jasper sat up. "I'm going to go get changed. Is Emmett still in the bathroom?"

"Yes." Edward replied.

Jasper kissed Bella on the cheek. "Do you feel like getting up? We can always eat in bed."

"No, I don't want to be unnecessarily lazy."

"I'll help you." Edward offered. "You can go clean up." He told Jasper. Edward was more than ready to have a few minutes alone with Bella. There hadn't been much opportunity lately. Jasper got the message and left.

Edward took Bella in his arms, startling her. "I'm so happy you're home." He sighed into her hair.

"Me too. This is the only place I wanted to be." Bella said. "I think the bed has forgotten us, though." She pouted, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Oh?" Edward cocked an eyebrow. "How so?"

"I'm afraid we need to break it in again." Bella stated, her expression unflinching.

"Hmm…well it has been awhile. I think the responsible thing to do would be to break it in as soon as possible."

"How soon?" Yes, Bella was still horny as hell. Edward's proximity was not helping. At all.

Edward didn't know how to answer that. He realized earlier just how much they all wanted to tear off their clothes and get to it, but obviously they needed to be careful. He should call his dad.

Yes, that was exactly what he was going to do. The sooner the better.

"I don't know, love, but soon. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I let my love suffer? And, more importantly, my poor, neglected bed? It's in dire need of action."

"We can't let that go on!" Bella said.

"No we can't." Edward leaned in to kiss her on the lips, but Bella stopped him, blushing prettily.

Edward paused, confused. Recognition dawned. "You gave Jasper a blowjob, didn't you?" It wasn't really a question. He knew it was true.

Bella nodded, a little embarrassed.

Edward teased her crotch with his hand, smirking. "Did he do the same for you?"

Bella's blush deepened. "Yes."

"Good." Edward settled for kissing her cheek. He wasn't keen on the idea of getting Jasper's cum on his mouth. But he was glad someone had been satisfied. Bella needed the attention, and Jasper was just as bad. He wished Bella would do the same for him, but he wasn't going to ask.

"I'll go brush my teeth." Bella said.

Edward chuckled. "Alright. I'll get my kiss later. Are you okay to walk?"

Bella frowned. Probably not. But she tested herself, setting her feet firmly on the floor and lifting herself up. She was surprised to find that she didn't wobble or fall.

"I think I'm alright." She said, but Edward helped her anyway, just to be safe. He took her to the bathroom door, making certain she didn't suddenly give out. She slipped into the bathroom, her vision quickly blurred by steam.

Oh yeah. Emmett. She had forgotten he was still in there. He liked taking long, hot showers. Bella was tempted to take a peek through the curtain, but maybe that wasn't such a good idea. She didn't fancy getting wet just then, and knowing Emmett, he'd drag her in there with him.

Actually, that was a brilliant idea…for another time. Bella tried to ignore her frustration. There was always time for that kind of fun later.

And boy was she looking forward to it.

Bella took out her toothbrush, wiping the steam from the mirror with her palm. She immediately regretted it.

How did I get so ugly? Ugh. U-G-L-Y. I look dead.

Her hair was a mess, her face was pale. Well, paler than usual. She had bags under her eyes, and her face looked gaunt. She briefly contemplated the idea that that bullet really had killed her and she was in some weird limbo. An ugly-ass limbo.

Hands wrapped around her hips, making Bella jump. Emmett stood, naked and wet, behind her. "What a nice surprise." He purred. He lifted her long hair away from her neck and began nibbling the skin behind her ear. Bella felt his erection poking her back.

Not again. I can only handle so much temptation!

Bella couldn't help but grind back to meet his throbbing cock. He wasn't wearing a towel. She could see his blurry figure in the steamed-up mirror, and it was enough to get her wet. Again. It seemed just about anything her men did got her aroused. In fact, they didn't even have to be doing anything. She still wanted to fuck them crazy. Feeling Emmett's large cock was making her go insane.

"I came in to brush my teeth." Bella explained weakly. Emmett continued his attentions, completely engrossed. "Maybe I should leave ad let you get dressed." Oh, but she did not want to leave.

"I like being naked." Emmett snuck his hand around to her chest and pinched her nipple. "And I like you being naked. Mm…I want to be inside you." He whined, thrusting into her backside. "I want you."

"We can't." Bella said.

Emmett abruptly stopped what he was doing. "God, Bella, I'm sorry! I wasn't thinking." He turned her around. "Are you feeling alright?"

She was getting seriously tired of everyone asking her that.

"I'm fine. But you know I have to take it easy for awhile. It might be a few more weeks." Those weeks better fly by fast.

"Right." Emmett stepped back, grabbed her toothbrush and squeezed some toothpaste onto it. "Open wide."

"Emmett, what are you doing?"

"I'm taking care of you." Emmett said as if it was obvious.

Bella laughed. "Emmett, I can at least do that much for myself."

"No, I insist. I promise, over the next several weeks, you will have to do almost nothing. Just get better. I'm even going to learn how to wash clothes without shrinking them."

Bella eyed him dubiously. "Don't go overboard."

"Now open your mouth." Emmett instructed, the teacher in him coming out. Bella did so, figuring that arguing was futile. Emmett looked both serious and comical as he brushed her teeth. That was probably how he looked in the classroom, she thought.

Bella felt a pang at that. It wasn't long ago that they were given an ultimatum by the school. It was all due to an unfortunate lack of substitute teachers. Circumstances had worked against the Cullens this time around. Bella had tried to convince them to go back to work, even if just for a short time. They were stubborn, though. They refused to leave her alone on the hospital, even with Esme and Carlisle's assurance that they'd be with her often throughout the day. It wasn't good enough. So they strode into the school the next day and blatantly refused to work. It caused a bit of a stir, actually. Jane and Violet were nearby and were not happy that the men of their dreams were being fired. They protested. Even some of the students who heard the news protested.

An hour after they had left, Jasper, Edward, and Emmett had come back to Bella with wide grins on their faces.

"So I guess that's it." Bella still wasn't happy with their decision. "Don't look too satisfied with yourselves."

They smirked, but didn't say anything.

"So how did it go?" Bella wanted to know. "Was their arguing, fist-fighting, bitch-slaps? You have to give me some details."

Emmett straddled a chair next to the bed. He was a bit too happy, in Bella's opinion. "Oh, there was arguing. I did fist-fight the Principal, but I had to go easy on him. I'm too strong and manly for most people."

Bella rolled her eyes. "What are you guys going to do now? You said you have enough money to live off of for awhile, but you should start thinking about finding your next job soon."

"Don't worry about it." Jasper told her, and Bella didn't fail to notice that he was happier than normal, too. So was Edward for that matter. Jeez. She knew they were looking forward to the time off, but they looked positively giddy, as if they could barely contain a fit of giggles. Now that wasn't right.

"How can I not worry about it?" Bella retorted.

"Trust us. We have everything under control." Edward said.

"What exactly does that mean?" Bella huffed. They were playing with her, and she didn't like it.

"It means that you have nothing to worry about. We've got it covered." Edward coughed into his palm, hiding a smile, but Bella caught it.

"Would you stop! Tell me what the hell is going on." She demanded.

They glanced at the one another, silently agreeing to stop torturing Bella.

"Alright, alright," Jasper held up his hands in surrender. "This is what happened. We went into the school, walked straight into the Principal's office and told him to fire us, because no way in hell were we going to work today."

"And?"

"And we told him that Emmett is still recovering, and that someone we love very dearly is in the hospital and we're not willing to be away from them for long."

"So he fired you." Bella said. "What a prick."

Emmett clapped his hands. "Not quite." He said gleefully.

"What do you mean?"

"He means," Edward said, "we didn't lose our jobs. He was bluffing us. Thought if he pressured us we'd cave, but he didn't expect us to actually call him on it. I thought he was serious."

Bella gaped at him. "You mean you still have your jobs?"

"Yup." Jasper said. "I don't think they can afford to get rid of us, so the Principal retracted what he said and told us we could have as much time off as we need. Unpaid, of course."

Bella looked at him suspiciously. "And you're okay with that? I thought you wanted to quit?"

"We figured we'd better not be hasty." Edward said. "Why quit when we have such a good opportunity? Maybe we'll leave eventually, but right now we're taking advantage. I know finding another job won't be easy, so we'll spare ourselves the trouble for awhile. In the meantime, we get to spend the next few weeks with you."

Bella almost couldn't believe it. She hadn't been expecting that turn of events at all.

"How long were you planning on keeping it from me?" Bella asked.

"Not long." Emmett answered. "Only a month or two."

They still didn't know when they were going back. It wasn't safe, they said. Not safe enough. Laurent was still on the loose. Bella was a bit miffed at that. But it was true. A few days after she met with Chief Swan, he informed them that Laurent had crossed the border into Mexico. That's what the FBI told him. They were involved too, which wasn't surprising considering the types of crimes committed.

Bella's father was being charged with…lord, she couldn't even count how many crimes. But there were a lot. They were getting him on everything they were able to. Their house was searched. They found everything that Bella had described and more. There was no way he was getting away with it. Bella thought her father must be somewhat stupid for leaving all that evidence in the house. He must not have imagined that he'd get caught, or that she'd say anything. He was cocky like that.

And her mom…

Bella had cried the day she found out that Renee's remains were located. She wasn't easy to find, but after two days of searching, the police found her.

Bella's grandparents were another matter. Bella hadn't known them well anyway, but she mourned her loss. Her grandmother had died five years ago, but her grandfather was alive. He was in good health, too. Bella was going to meet him one of these days. He knew she was alive now, knew what had happened to his daughter and what his son-in-law did to them. It was going to be one hell of a reunion.

Needless to say, it had been a tumultuous few weeks. Bella was glad it was over and that she was home. She had to admit that she was a little on edge due to Laurent's freedom. He didn't deserve to be free, but there was nothing she could do about it.

"Spit." Emmett told her. Bella did. He filled a cup of water for her. "Now rinse."

Bella put her hands on her hips. "I'm not a kid, Emmett."

"I know, but I like having authority. Plus, you're cute when you're mad. I'm toying with the idea of bleaching your clothes so that you'll yell at me."

Bella shook her head. "You're a weirdo."

"A sexy weirdo. Now rinse so I can kiss you."

Now there was motivation.

A/N I decided to end it there because I really want to give you guys a new chapter! Lol. The next one will probably be longer. So please tell me what kind of epilogue you'd prefer, and, out of curiosity, does anyone fancy a sequel? I'd just like to get your thoughts on that.

Please review! And feel free to badger me to update faster.