Author's Note: This chapter got way too long so I split it up. I'll have the other half of the day up soon. It's all done I just need to do some more editing!

Chapter 23 - Timid Temptress and Tiny Fat Ponies

I hesitated at my door, trying to listen for any sign of activity, but it was completely silent. Did Edward even come? My stomach clenched with dread – however, once I opened the door my dread was proven pointless. Edward sat in the middle of my bed, legs crossed, still as a statue; the perfect likeness of a Greek sculpture.

He smiled and his light amber eyes followed as I stepped in tentatively, closing the door with a soft click.

"Hi," He murmured.

I blushed as I leaned against the door, feeling my nerves flare. Suddenly, the time of night and my clothing making this encounter feel extremely intimate. "Hi," I breathed.

"So," He paused abruptly, his eyes darkening as they slowly left my face and moved greedily down my body.

My blush deepened and my heart began to pound loudly. "So?" I finally choked out.

His eyes returned to my face, "That color looks lovely on you." He smiled crookedly.

I smirked, feeling a sudden spike in confidence at his appreciation, "Oh yeah?" I asked coyly.

"Mhm." He patted the bed beside him. I hesitated before moving forward. Instead of sitting next to him, I climbed into his lap, resting my head on his shoulder. He seemed surprised, tensing before relaxing and tentatively wrapping me in his arms. He held me for a few moments and then kissed my forehead, "So – "

"So?" I giggled, he poked me in the ribs and I flinched, squeaking in protest and glaring up at him.

His lips turned up just a bit, "So, before you distracted me," He narrowed his eyes playfully, "I was going to ask why you asked me to come?"

"A girl can't have a sudden desire to see her boyfriend?" I peeked up at him.

"At nearly midnight? He quirked an eyebrow. "And with her Chief of Police father downstairs – who's already deliberately threatened said boyfriend with his gun?"

"You're a vampire," I pointed out, "so not really threatening."

"Bella..."

"And," I spoke over him, "he'll never even know you were here."

"Oh really?"

"Mhm," I re-positioning myself so that I was straddling him and wrapped my arms around his neck, "And if he does come check, you can hide or I can disillusion you. Not a big deal."

"You've thought this out," He remarked, his hands falling to my waist.

"Yup." I smiled smugly.

"Alright, so what exactly did you have in mind – I may not need it but I'm fairly certain sleep is important for a human. Shouldn't you be using this time for that?"

I sobered up as the nerves returned in full force, "Well, yes. I was hoping you'd... stay the night...?" I pressed my face into his shoulder to hide my ever present blush.

He didn't answer for a moment and I was too much of a coward to look up at his face. He finally broke the silence, "Stay the night in what way?" He asked warily.

I blinked, he makes me sound like a temptress! Ready to snatch his virtue into my grasps – not that I didn't want that, but... "You know, cuddling? I mean, I know you don't sleep – so if you don't want to, that's fine. I just thought – "

"Cuddling?" He interrupted.

"...Yes?"

He chuckled and it rumbled through his chest as I continued to press my face into him, "That sounds perfect." He said finally.

I finally lifted my head and looked at him, "Really?" I quirked an eyebrow. Not being able to sleep sounded horrid – but not being able to sleep while someone else was just passed out next to you? Seemed... not perfect, that's for sure.

"Yes," He smiled, brushing some of my hair out of my face, he stopped for a moment – with his fingers still in my hair. Moving his face closer to my still damp hair and then, surprisingly – he inhaled deeply. "I think you underestimate how interesting I find you – watching you sleep would be fascinating."

"I'm not that interesting..." I mumbled. "And watching someone sleep is far from fascinating! It would be dreadfully dule."

Why was I even fighting him on this? I was the one who asked him to stay!

"Oh, you definitely are interesting." He said confidently, "You forget, we don't really remember what it was like to be human, and we don't spend much time with humans – at least when they do the mundane. Add on that it's you – extremely fascinating."

I didn't really know what to say, I both hated and loved when he spoke of me like this. So I didn't say anything and he seemed to not mind that I didn't. I laid my head back on his shoulder and relaxed into his firm body as he continued to play with my hair. He began to hum a melody I didn't recognize, it sounded like a lullaby.

Eventually, we moved to the head of the bed and I got under the duvet, he hesitated and began to fold the duvet back down – about to lay on top, I guessed. But I stopped him, inviting him under. I didn't want to have anything between us. Was he crazy?

"Wont you get cold?" He asked concerned.

"No," I grinned, wanting to try something. I reached around him and pulled my wand off my bedside table. He watched me curiously as I flourished the wand applying a warming charm onto him, and the bed for good measure. It wouldn't last all night but long enough that the heat generated should keep his temperature steadily tepid until he left the confines of the duvet. "Go on," I waved a hand around his general direction and he tilted his head in question. "Touch your skin."

He did as I asked and then looked back at me with surprise, "What – ?"

"Warming charm." I smiled, "Something I've been wanting to try."

"Huh."

"You just stay under the covers and we'll be nice and cozy."

He smiled, pulling me close and hugging me tightly. His warmed body felt strangely startling but pleasant – and I wouldn't be freezing half way through the night. Which was good, of course – and I could be as close to him as possible. A win-win.

"We're nearly the same temperature." He breathed, seeming as shocked by the difference as I was. He relaxed and kissed the top of my head, "You sleep now."

"I'm not sure if I can, with you here." I smiled.

"Do you want me to leave?" He asked, concerned.

"No!" I said too loudly.

He laughed and began to hum the same tune from before, I wanted to ask what it was but my eyelids became suddenly too heavy. His arms around me like armor, safe and secure. I nuzzled myself into his chest further, the embarrassment of asking him to stay was worth it for this. I sighed contently, my eyelids finally winning and closing. Edward continued to hum and rub my back softly, all my worries from earlier in the night left my mind as I drifted off into the most restful sleep I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing.

I woke to a feeling of complete euphoria, my eyes still droopy and my mind foggy. The blue-gray light that filtered through my sheer curtains casted a dreamy feel upon the room. And for a moment I was unsure of the source for my blissful mood, until I registered the arm slung over my waist and the memories from the night before came to the forefront of my mind. If I wasn't positive Edward didn't sleep, I would have thought he was; as he hadn't moved a muscle since I'd been silently assessing my surroundings.

I tried to pretend I was still asleep, wanting to enjoy this moment for as long as possible but suddenly, I felt his breath on my neck, "Good morning." He murmured, his voice husky, making me shiver and my heart immediately start pounding.

"How did you know I was awake?" I whispered.

He chuckled, "I could tell you were about to wake, the way your body shifts and breathing changes." He was still at my ear, making my skin prickle at the closeness.

"Damn vampire senses." I laughed quietly.

He chuckled again, it vibrated through my back as he leaned in and began placing kisses from below my ear, down my neck and to my shoulder. I felt my stomach tighten in that all too familiar way, I never wanted him to stop. And yet,"You've gotta stop doing that." I breathed out, his trailing stopped instantly as he stilled.

"Did I do something?" He asked, sounding concerned.

"Yeah," I laughed throatily, and turned over to faced him. His face was pinched in concern, as he stared down at me with his incredibly perfect face. His hair was tousled even more than usual, I greatly enjoyed his bedhead, I decided. I hoped I would be able to see it many more times. "You're driving me crazy." I smiled coyly up at him.

"Oh," He swallowed visibly, but then smirked smugly, "I guess I'll stop." And he made to leave the bed but I pulled him back.

"Don't!" I whined, knowing I sounded a bit pathetic, but I really did not want him to leave.

"Guess I'll stay." he chuckled at my urgency.

"You better," I glared up at him and he laughed harder.

"We do have a date today, though, can't miss it."

I hummed, "And you still aren't going to tell me where exactly we're going are you?" I asked still glaring at him.

He tapped my nose with his pointer finger, "Nope." and then leaned down and kissed me deeply, much more deeply than he'd ever done. I felt all logic fall out of my brain as he literally took my breath away; having to pull away after too long of not breathing.

Hazy and gasping a bit for breath, I closed my eyes, "You gotta warn me before you do that again." I moaned, rubbing my hand over my face. "I think I forgot to breath."

He looked slightly alarmed and then his easy smile returned, "What am I going to do with you?" He smirked.

I laughed, closing my eyes again and he pulled me closer to him. I snuggled in and waited for the pace of my heart to go back to normal. "I wouldn't mind waking up to this every morning." I finally mumbled into his chest.

"I could do that,"

I looked at him dubiously, "Really?" I laughed, "Was I that interesting? Don't you have other more important things to do?"

"No and yes, you were – you talked... a lot."

"Oh God." I groaned, hiding myself under the covers. This I already knew, my mother loved to recount the the ludicrous things I would say in my sleep and my dorm mates at Ilvermorny would tease me playfully. I was worried though, knowing Edward was usually the subject of most my dreams nowadays, I cringed at what horrifying things he heard.

He pulled them off, "I'd much prefer to be able to see your face, if you don't mind." He smirked.

I glared at him, "Let me stew in my humiliation in peace!" throwing the covers back over with a huff.

"Are you angry with me?"

"No – I'm just embarrassed! I've heard the odd things I say – Oh God! What did you hear?"

"You talked a lot about your friends from school – you miss them." He stopped but I felt like he was hesitating on adding more.

"What else?" I squeaked.

"You said my name – a lot."

"Oh, no." I moaned.

He slid under the covers this time and pulled me towards him before lifting my chin up to meet his gaze, "Don't be self-conscious," He whispered, "If I could dream at all, it would be of you. And I'm not ashamed of that." His eyes were soft but intense with sincerity. How could I argue with that? I had to force myself to breath deeply as I swooned.

We laid like that for a while until my stomach made a defiant grumble. I blushed and he smiled, "Breakfast." He stated with a nod.

At that, I suddenly remembered Charlies existence, "Oh! Charlie!" I sat up quickly, feeling my head swim a bit again.

"He left a while ago," Edward informed me, sitting up as well and then standing. He grabbed my hand, tugging me lightly out of the bed. "Let's go find you something."

He seemed excited, moving much quicker – less human, than he usually did. I wondered if he was enjoying the same domestic bliss I was. But before he could lead me all the way down the stairs I stopped, "I need a human minute." I mumbled, feeling a tiny bit embarrassed. Thankfully, I had magic. I could give myself the privacy that a regular human couldn't. I don't know how I could do it otherwise – that sounded horribly vulnerable and mortifying. I never felt more grateful for the Muffliato charm.

He dropped my hand at once, "Okay. I'll wait downstairs." He smiled and continued down and out of sight.

He was leaning against the kitchen counter, staring out the window as I entered. I wouldn't mind seeing that view everyday, either. Though, maybe not this exact kitchen. I loved Charlie but it'd be a bit weird to have Edward and him under the same roof for an extended period of time. I let myself imagine – a future apartment? Or house? Did he see a future like that for us? I couldn't lie and say I didn't want him to. Because I did, very much.

"Alright, vamp boy, watch me hunt." I said rubbing my hands together and smirking. He looked towards me and grinned back.

He watched with interest as I worked, though I did cheat a little, using my magic to stir and flip my pancakes. I topped them with some fruit and syrup before plopping down at the kitchen table and digging in. We talked as I ate, his chin resting on his laced hands. He asked about the charms I used and what other household spells there were. Asked if I use them regularly or if I try and do it the 'normal' way most the time. Which got us on the topic of wizarding households and what they are like compared to muggle.

"My friend, Cole – I think I've mentioned him to you?" He nodded so I continued, "He's pureblood so his house is all magic. It was completely mesmerizing the first time I'd visited – unlike Ilvermorny, where it's expected to be all hocus pocus and mind-blowing – I had no idea what to expect from a typical wizard's house. It was really something to see everything alive. Broom sweeping on it's own, knitting needles working perfectly with no aid of any visible force, thing's floating around as they tidy themselves. The Abbotts were my first introduction to what a normal magical family could look like and they welcomed me with open arms – which suited my mom fairly well, as you know, she's not exactly the type to stay in one place so me having a place to go for a few weeks in the summer allowed her to travel even more than she already did. Not that I'm complaining, it was either go to the Abbott's, let my mom drag me around or here – And I love Charlie, but it was dreadfully boring here most the time. I feel bad, always picking the Abbott's over my own family but I guess they understood that it was all new and fresh for me – I wanted to explore all the aspects of the wizarding world."

"Why did you end up coming to Forks?" He asked tilting his head, "You don't seem like you even care about establishing a normal life."

"I don't really, honestly, but my parents started getting restless – I think they started to feel the passing of time more – as I approached adulthood. So when I had the opportunity to graduate early, they begged me to do it – especially my mom. She really wants me to get a regular, non-magical job. She's gotten a lot more needy and clingy, she's probably scared seeing how independent I already am. Although, my independence began as a result of living with her... I don't know... She wanted me to go to school in Florida when her and Phil moved there but I really didn't want to move again. Charlie's been here since before I was born, even though I didn't visit as often as I should have, I know Forks – so I picked here. I knew Mom wouldn't really spend much time with me and just be really overbearing when she was. Charlie was the healthier option." I shrugged and I stood and dispensed my plate and glass into the sink, I'd wash them later.

When I turned back towards Edward he seemed lost in thought, a crease between his brows, I wondered what was bothering him but right before I was going to speak he looked up and smiled widely. "Are you ready for our adventure?" He asked, "Well – you might want to change."

"I'll be right back." I smiled and ran up the stares to change and fix my appearance.

When I got back he was in the living room, like the first time he'd been to my house, looking at the pictures on the mantle. I looked to see which he was staring at, it was one of the oldest; me as an infant, probably about six months old. I was cradled in Renee's arms with Charlie hugging us both and one of my chubby hands clenching his fingers. He smiled wide and happily, Renee looked happy too, at first glance but if you knew her well you could see the sadness in her eyes. I hated that Charlie kept these pictures up. I don't think he'd ever even moved them from where they'd been placed after being developed and framed. They made me sad to look at them – I couldn't imagine how they didn't make him miserable. It was clear he was still hung up on the failed partnership.

"You were a really cute kid," Edward smiled and then chuckled as he pointed at another photo, "You didn't like horses?"

I laughed, looking at the photo in question. It was of me at about three or four and I was sat on one of those ponies that would be dressed up outside of department stores; with some seedy photographer who would try and get your parents to buy a photo of you with it. I actually really liked horses, what little girl didn't? But I hated attention, still do, so when my mom forced me to take the pictures I was not having it. The photo is quite funny now. Little Bella was dressed in a tacky cowboy costume on top of a tiny, fat pony, glaring at the camera as she refused to smile for the man or her disgruntled mother. They finally gave up, taking the photo and letting me leave. There had been a huge crowd that formed and giggled at my stubbornness.

Edward laughed after I told him the story behind the photo, "Look at that glare! You still make that same face."

I demonstrated it for him with my arms crossed before smirking, "Yes, I am still just as stubborn when I want to be."

He chuckled, "We should probably get going. Since we do have a bit of a hike – would you mind if I went to get my car – or would you prefer we drive yours?"

He looked like he didn't want me to say the latter and while I did miss my truck, I knew it didn't move too fast and since I had no idea where we were going yet I figured I'd give in. "Nah, let's drive yours."

"Okay, give me ten minutes and I'll be back." He kissed me on the cheek before flashing out the door, I watched as he disappeared into the woods that surrounded Charlie's house.