(~Edward's POV~)
It had been going so well.
It started when she had found me on the ground, eyes closed and partially covered with snow. Her thoughts were playful and flirtatious. She knelt on the ground and brushed some snow off my arm. I looked up into her eyes. Warm, glowing, ochre.
"Your eyes are black, Edward."
"Tanya," I sighed as she wrapped her fingers around mine and pulled me up from the snow.
It had been going so well.
I had to do it - move on. It was the only way. I could try. I had to. My only solace was half agony. The thought of her. Smiling. Walking down the aisle to Jacob Black (though I could have been happier with her choice). Round with her first child. Giggling and chasing children around the park. I pictured the small laugh lines that would form across her face.
A hand on my shoulder pulled me from my reverie. Tanya's thoughts came into focus. So sad, dear. Let me help. Come for a run. I offered a watery smile in return and rested my hand on hers. I could try.
It had been going so well.
Our first kiss was in the library. We sat by the glow of a fire, both reading silently across from each other. She called to me with her thoughts, which was our preferred method of communication - she thought, I nodded a reply. Words weren't always necessary. You look happier today, with a smile. I softly picked up one of the curls resting on her shoulder and twisted it around my finger. She had been so sweet; patient. Contrary to all previous experience, she did not push me or assail me with overtly sexual thoughts. This time, I would need to make the first move.
Did I want to? I remind myself, this is part of moving on.
I released the strand of hair, and rested my hand gently on her cheek. Her eyes closed as I leaned in. Kiss me? I closed my eyes and brought my lips to hers. They were not warm, yet not cold. Soft, but unyielding. No sign of sparks that danced across my skin and through my veins. However, the persistent ache in my chest softened.
As her lips broke from mine, the corners of her mouth turned up into a smile.
It had been going so well.
It didn't take long for kissing to progress to a deeper level of intimacy. Sleeping with Tanya was intoxicating. Her soft sighs and moans; the way she moved over (and under) me; the way her eyelids fluttered when she came. It was addicting how the world came to a shuddering stop upon every release, only to restart moments later. Each time, the ache settled down and hid for a short time.
It had been going so well.
I closed my eyes as she sank down onto me. Her breath hitched as I set the rhythm, pulling her down hard. Fuck, god, yes, don't stop. I tried to block out Tanya's mental voice, imagining another instead. Tanya weaved her hand through my hair and pulled it to bring our mouths together. She bit down on my lip. "Oh…Edward." She trailed off and I felt her pulse around me.
As I came, a hazy white light settled over my brain. It faded out into memories; the meadow, a summer breeze, long brown hair and flushed red cheeks. "Bella." The haze lifted and I opened my eyes. Tanya's golden eyes were in front of mine - glossy with venom and searching my face. I broke eye contact first. Shame flooded up through my system, rapidly overtaking every inch of me. Her thoughts were a blur as she slowly stood and slipped into a lavender robe. She walked to the window and rested a hand on the glass.
"Tanya, I'm so sorry - please. Come here." My voice cracked.
"As much as I'd like, I cannot be her." She replied softly. Her thoughts remained out of focus to me. "I'd offer to pretend, but I think we both deserve better than that, don't you?"
I stood and cautiously walked towards her. "I don't know what to say to that."
"I think we both knew this couldn't be a permanent arrangement. I do hope these last few months have been a comfort. I know I'll cherish this time." She turned to face me and stepped closer. I pulled her into my arms, and kissed the top of her head.
"As will I."
It had been going so well
A/N: I thought it would be nice to see what else is going on in our little AU. I hope you enjoy.